GratiTuesday - TOEtally Relieved!

Little did I know, when I started running, that it's not uncommon to lose a toenail or two when you run a half or full marathon.  I lost one when I ran The Disneyland Half Marathon in 2007.  I knew, as soon as I crossed the finish line at the Sun Trust Richmond Marathon in November, that I'd lose another one.  Sure enough.  My big toenail finally came off this week, almost 3 months after I injured it.  Is this the ugliest thing you've ever seen?  SOOOOO thankful I don't have to wear a bandaid around my toe anymore!

Thoughtful Thursday - Back in the Saddle

I'm finally running again.  I gave myself a couple of months to recover from running my first marathon.  My left knee is still a little tender, and I'm losing the big toenail on my left foot, but I HAD to get back on the treadmill.  I'm a much happier, more energetic person when I run.  There's definitely something to be said for elevated serotonin and endorphin levels.  Life is good!

Luray Earth Day 5K

Today marks the 6th anniversary of my very first competitive race. I ran the Salt Lake City 5K on April 23, 2005. It was a life changing experience for me. I have been hooked on running ever since. I have run multiple 5K's, a few 10K's, 3 half marathons, and am registered to run my first marathon on November 12, 2011.

Today I participated in the Luray Earth Day 5K. The setting was breathtaking, but I'm afraid it wasn't the beauty of my surroundings that really took my breath away ;-)

There were about 70 participants, and there were no timing chips involved. It was definitely a small town race. It was my kind of race.

I mostly run on a treadmill, so this was my first time running on pavement in a LONG time.

It rained all night long last night, but the weather cooperated and the rain stopped about 30 minutes before the race. The wind, unfortunately, didn't. We were running directly into the wind for most of the race.

Here I am at about the 1.5 mile mark.....before I got lost....
Yes, I got lost. I was left in the dust by the fast runners and was ahead of the slower runners, running solo, and took a wrong turn. I then had to make a course correction. I probably lost at least l minute trying to get back on track. Note to self: go UNDER the bridge next time!

I got winded trying to make up for lost time and had to walk for awhile, so my time was 3 minutes slower than my first 5K. I was really hoping to beat my 2005 time. Bummer.
April 23, 2005 - 30:09
April 23, 2011 - 33:07

I did manage to place 3rd in my age category - Females 45-54.
I won this handy-dandy mug!

My support team ;-)

Love/Hate Relationship

These are the DREADmills in the fitness center at our apartment complex. I know them well. I love them. I hate them. I would MUCH rather be outside running, but it's cold out there! I'm trying to get myself back in shape for a marathon in November. The last time I attempted this, I ended up with a stress fracture in my right leg. I'm opting for a more forgiving surface to run on for a couple of months, then I'll slowly make the transition to outside running in the Spring. That's my plan and I'm sticking to it!

AM I INSANE???

I have officially signed up for my first full Marathon! My goal has always been to run one before I'm 50, so here goes nothing! The race will be held November 14, 2009 and will be along the American River Bike Trail from Folsom to Sacramento. I'll be running with friends from Georgetown and Cameron Park. Wish me luck! I'll need it.

Tomorrow starts a pretty grueling training program - provided by Terry Tuttle who will be running with us.

For more information about the race, click here - Run The River Marathon

My Love of Running

Today marks the 4th anniversary of my 1st competitive run. I ran a 5K (3.1 miles) in Salt Lake City on April 23, 2005. Crossing that finish line was a defining moment for me. I will NEVER forget that day and my new love.

Below are pictures of me running a Half Marathon in Moab, Utah last month. It was my 3rd half marathon. This time I ran with my daughter Angie. What a fun day! I still have a goal of running a full marathon in the next few years. I hope to realize that dream some day.

- GETTING EXCITED - 5 MORE DAYS!!!!!

Only 5 more days until Angie and I run a half-marathon in Moab, Utah. I'll run one more time tomorrow night - 10 miles and then rest until Saturday.

Check out the link below to see where we'll be running.

Canyonland's Half Marathon Video

- 2009 SUSAN G. KOMEN SACRAMENTO RACE FOR THE CURE - MAY 9, 2009

Tonight was the kick-off for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I registered our team "Friends for the Cure". This will be my 4th year participating in this event and our 3rd year as a team. I look forward to having a bigger team than ever this year! Please let me know if you're interested in participating!

Friends for the Cure 2007

Friends for the Cure 2008
Minus quite a few who wandered off or arrived after we took the photo

- LABOR DAY 5K - DAVIS, CA.

This morning I met Alyssa, Alax and his mom Pam in Folsom and we drove to Davis for a Labor Day 5K (3.1 miles). It was a great day for a race. The weather was cool and breezy. We had a really fun time. It was nice to visit with Pam and get to know her a little better too.

Alyssa and Alax right before the race began.

Alyssa, Pam and Alax sprinting to the finish line. (They walked most of the race. I ran so I was able to get this picture as they came in.)

Chillin' after the race.

My finish time for the race was 30 min. 27 seconds. Not my best 5K time, but not bad considering I haven't run a race in 1 year. I averaged a 9:47 mile and came in #10 of 49 runners in my age division.