Life on The Run

2012-01-16T12:08:00.002-05:00

2012-01-14T16:55:00.001-05:00

After I ran the 10k last week I did my usual routine, went to the gym and tried to do a relaxing working, such as riding the bike and reading a magazine. I was at it for about 20 minutes bored out of my mind and it was very hot and stuffy in there, so I got it in my head to go out and run again. I was right on route of the mother’s day 10K so I decided to that route I felt wonderful not my usual draggy run after a race but a run with some pep. I was really surprised by this; I did the 10k and came back to the Y and finish with 2 sets of 15 reps on the circuit machines’.

Monday morning I got up and went for a run feeling great again. I am seriously thinking my clouds have lifted, because I was running and feeling great, accept for the scratchiness I felt in my throat I was feeling really good. When I met my friend I said hello in a really high pitched voiced you guessed it the start of a cold!

So I’ve had a really tough week but getting better. I went out day and did a little under 10 miles in about two hours. Some how I believe I have conquered winter running dress because I felt great out there on a very cold and windy day.

Happy running

Boston Buildup Winter Series 10K

2012-01-08T18:19:00.002-05:00

Boston Buildup 10K

Today the first race of the Boston Buildup Winter Series took place, weather was good, better than we have come to expect for early January. Huge turn out, there were well over 400 people in attendance.

My goal today was to run 55-56 minutes, this did not happen. I started out too fast which is something I need to stop doing. I have been telling myself this for years, one day I will listen.

The Boston Buildup courses are not to be taken lightly; the 10k course will be the easiest in the series. The courses are known for their hilly terrains, of course to help people prepare for Boston or their selected spring marathons. I welcome the challenge each year.

I ran a pretty steady 8:30-8:40 pace to about mile 3.5 then it all fell apart after that when the hills came into play, more hill training for me will have two weeks to prepare for the next one.

Wow I almost forgot this: something about me

Happy Running

2012-01-06T00:31:00.000-05:00

28 years ago today.

2012-01-02T12:33:00.003-05:00

Time to get back on track; the holidays are pretty much behind us. I still have my Anniversary and hubby’s birthday this month but I’ll just think healthy and New Year and that will keep me on track. I want to start now not after these.

I am starting off by keeping my running log current but who knows what will happen by the time July comes around, lol, July 30th my last entry for 2011 :(.

I will also get back to my food log; I can’t be distracted, this will keep me on my toes about what I shove into my month.

I will also try to get more sleep although I did not go to bed until about 2:30 this morning. I need to get more sleep. I will make this a priority this year.

Every year I basically follow the same race schedule, I always look for opportunities to run a new race so this year will not be any different than the last 10 or so years.

My New Year started off with a recovery run, 5.02 miles Sunday morning, I felt great, just being out was therapy. Today I had a longer run of 10+ miles another good day to be out and about. I ran with my friend, I feel really guilty though because she is way faster than me and I believe I slow her down all the time. I want her to run her own pace even if it means us running only 5 to 10 minutes together when we first meet up. I guess somehow we will eventually work this out.

Happy running!!

Jan 2- 10.64miles
Jan 1- 5.05 miles

My Last Run of 2011

2011-12-31T14:25:00.004-05:00

Today I did my last run of 2011, a leisurely run that started off with a friend. “What a great morning” we both commented, very mild winter so for, it would be nice if it stays this way the rest of the winter. I am happy I have not been on the treadmill much this year.

I ended the year with a 20 miler, on a great day like today I just could not help myself. Long and slow, (very slow) but I’m glad I did it. Looking at my side bar you will see that I stop logging my miles the end of July,1705 miles I am sure the rest of the year I did just as much or more. I had a great year of running and racing, pretty sure I ended the year with at least 65-67 races, there were a few results that never posted. But I’m ok with this because whatever races I do it is always for a good cause and the cause is more important to me than the results.

Goodbye to you 2011, I had a good year of running and racing, no new PR’s to brag about but you have given me a great start for 2012

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T20:59:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas, I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!! I sure did and now relaxing by the fire thinking about the chaos of the last few weeks and especially the last few days. Was it worth all hassle and bustle, of course it was. I would do it a thousand times over, I love this time of year, being with family and friends.I love reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the new year and what it will bring. Sitting here with my feet up and thinking how truly blessed I am and wishing the same for everyone in this world. God thank you for being a kind, loving and forgiving God, thank you for giving us your only son as sacrificed for our sins. Forgive me for I am a sinner and I pray daily that I am worthy of you.

2011-11-05T23:17:00.006-04:00

Today I decided to visit you, it took me a very long time to get in because I could not remember my pass word. I have not been here in a while not because I don't have thoughts and memories that I want to share but because there is just not enough time in the day. I know I spend time on Facebook when I could be sharing my thoughts, dreams and accomplishments with you. I do miss you a whole lot and I wish I could comeback and be loyal like I use to. I will be back.

I have been busy racing, I am well over 50 races for the year. I feel myself getting stronger and stronger each day.I feel like I'm back on track, still wishing I could pick up the pace of my training runs some, hopefully this will follow.

What a great morning today was, I really enjoyed my run did not want to come in, the longer I was out there the nicer the weather became, what a morning. I raced Friday, Saturday and Sunday and just wanted to get in a few miles today but seeing what a nice morning it was I decided to do double digits and how convenient I had the morning off :). Well the double digits turned into 20 very slow miles which took me 4:00hrs, not good for 20 miles. I felt great out there and was happy to get it done. I really would like to get my training pace back to 9:30 to 10:00 minute pace but can't seem to do it. Not giving up though!!

Life is Good, Happy Running.

Feeling Guilty

2011-05-21T20:10:00.008-04:00

Sorry that I haven't posted as I promised to update at least once a week. Things seems to be going well and I am getting back on track:) Just today I updated my running log by week instead of daily because it would have been too much going back and updating daily. I have been racing allot also and feeling better about them again, below is what I've done so for:

5/21/11 Miles 4 Myles 5k 26:03

5/19/11 Equity Office 5K 26:48

Accelerate Your Life 5k
CT
5/15/11
3/0
14/0
35/61
8:30
26:27C

Mother's Day 10K
CT
5/8/11
15/0
90/0
174/354
8:59
55:50C

Riverside Run 3Mi 2011
CT
5/7/11
2/0
47/0
154/476
8:48
26:25C

Long Island Marathon: Festival of Races 2011 - Run-Marathon
NY
5/1/11
17/0
127/0
517/612
11:48
5:09:26C

Law Day Road Race 2011
CT
4/30/11
1/0
11/0
26/46
8:20
25:55C

The Bunny Boogie 3Mi 2011
CT
4/23/11
1/0
12/0
35/99
8:38
25:54C

Greater Danbury Half Marathon & 5K 2011 - Run-Half-Marathon
CT
4/3/11
21/0
190/0
539/699
9:56
2:10:17C

April Fool's 5K Race for DARE 2011
CT
4/2/11
6/0
40/0
122/299
8:45
27:12C

Boston Blowout 2011
CT
3/27/11
3/0
18/0
79/82
10:44
3:20:17C

Sleepy Hollow Half Marathon 2011
NY
3/26/11
13/0
181/0
429/568
9:58
2:10:36C

3/20/2011 Spring Equinox Race 8K
45:32

Savin Rock Half Marathon & 5K 2011 - Run Half Marathon
CT
3/19/11
7/0
106/0
216/277
9:50
2:08:56C

Warren Street St. Patrick's Day Classic 2011
CT
3/13/11
15/0
112/0
343/762
8:44
34:58C

Boston Buildup 25k 2011
CT
2/27/11
9/0
61/0
204/215
10:18
2:40:02C

Boston Buildup 20k 2011
CT
2/13/11
19/0
97/0
317/324
10:21
2:08:46C

YMCA Sweetheart Run 2011
CT
2/12/11
4/0
51/0
138/236
9:31
38:06C

Boston Buildup 15K 2011
CT
1/30/11
18/0
80/0
257/282
10:05
1:37:20C

Boston Buildup 10K 2011
CT
1/9/11
16/0
97/0
317/362
9:36
59:40C

The only race that I was a little disappointed with was the Marathon after 25 marathons I hit the wall at mile 22 but I was really glad I pushed to the finished.

I am still working on getting back to 9:30 to 9:45 pace during training runs but it still isn't happening I am so happy when I brake 11mins. Don't know whats going on there. Body is feeling great though and I have lost more weight. I would like to loose 5 more though :0) we are never happy are we.

Happy running!!

2011-04-24T07:36:00.000-04:00

My Funny Race Day

2011-04-04T20:25:00.003-04:00

How many times have you heard " get you race gear together the night before the race" well of course I never do. I even had guests that did not leave until about midnight. I never have guests so it was a nice change, but why did it have to be the night before a race? Race morning, I was up by 6:30 the race starts at 10:20 and it iss only a 45 minute drive: I could not decide what to wear, I must have changed pants 3 times!! at one point I changed my socks too. When I finally left the house it was 9:10 and I had to get gas!. I got to the race at about 9:45 and I was grateful. Found parking went to get my bib and tee shirt, thought I would have time to get back to the car but I decided I must use the ladies room well that took up the 20 mins I had then some! I did not get back to my car, only had 30 secs to get to the start line. I had to throw on my race shirt over my long sleeve shirt and put my vest back on, these are the things I would have left in the car. I knew the temps were going up and by the end of the race we would be well into 50 ish. By mile 2 and a half I had to strip down. I left my bright pink vest, my Tee and running shirt by a stop sign. I then had to adjust my socks. I am sure I lost about 2 minutes. I did not stop my watch I am in a race the race clock is not stopping. I finished and felt fine the whole race accept for the head winds. Went back to the stop sign to get my stuff and went home. When I got home and remove my shoes , I notice I had too different socks on!! Happy Running

2011-03-26T23:04:00.000-04:00

I did the 1st Annual Sleepy Hollow ½ today, this is the second new race I have done recently, Last weekend I did the Savin Rock ½. Always wonderful to do something I have never done before and I really enjoyed them. The courses were very hilly and I am not the monster I use to be when it comes to hills. I have come to the realization that I must do hill repeats to get me over this stumble because the hills isn’t going away. I am feeling really good with my running of late. My only hope this year is to break 2 hours in the half and PR in the marathon. I am just glad to believe that it’s possible for me to accomplish this, this year. Remember my anguish of all the weight and inches I gained, well after more than a year and a half struggling to loose it again things seems to be falling in place, yes with God’s blessings, I have broken the plateau, something I thought would never happen, I actually thought someone had put a curse on me, LOL any way I should be in bed right now because I am running a 30k in the morning that starts at 7:30. I have made a promise to do my best to update at least once a week.

Happy running!!

Thank you

2011-03-20T09:33:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all that recently commented on my last post it really means allot to me. I am starting to feel like my old self again logging the miles like a mad woman, I can't help myself I love running!! I wish I post more and as you can see from my side bar I am updating my miles weekly. Slow training times but I'm out there most days and loving it. Please feel free to befriend me on face book if you do FB but I will never give up my blog though.

Happy running to all, we'll talk soon.

2011-03-06T19:39:00.001-05:00

I had a great run in the rain this morning. I would never intentionally go out and run in pouring rain though, especially this time of year. When I went out this morning it was 50F and not a drop of rain in sight although the forecast called for it today. By mile two a nice welcomed drizzle came and by then I was warmed up and have already removed my running shirt and tied it around my waist, I felt wonderful. I wanted to be out there today because I really bomb on my long run the day before. I wanted to do 18 but had to cut it short at 16 and walked for about a mile until I got home. Today made up for what didn’t happen yesterday so I am grateful.

2011-01-17T00:28:00.003-05:00

2011-01-17T00:28:00.001-05:00

2011-01-06T19:52:00.000-05:00

27 Years ago Today!!

Today 1/03/2011

2011-01-03T23:36:00.001-05:00

No matter how big they may be, the pressures of today will not be able to touch you -- as long as you focus on the reasons behind your actions. Live your life philosophy every minute you can. Stay consistent, and do not let other people live their lives (or reach their goals) through you. Be careful about divulging your strategies to the crowd too early today, or else you will empower other people to restrict your freedom -- and that is unacceptable.

First Run of 2011: 18.39 miles

2011-01-01T00:31:00.002-05:00

Went out very late today for my first run of 2011. The day was perfect; I wanted to stay out there forever. I kept thinking why can’t we ever have great weather like this on race day. I always try to take advantage when we have great weather and put in the miles, who knows if we will have another day like today again for a while, although they are calling for another great day Sunday, I never take a chance at waiting till tomorrow because tomorrow sometimes does not happen and I speak from experience.

The run went well and I felt great. I am so blessed to have such a powerful gift and today on my first run of 2011 I used my gift as therapy. I thought about and reflected on 2010, mile by mile the things that held me back last year drifted away and I thought about all the good to look forward to for the New Year. 18.39 miles later the mind was cleared of all the clutter and I am looking forward to 2011 and new beginnings.

Happy running to all

2010-12-31T18:13:00.000-05:00

Looking Forward to 2011

2010-12-29T23:25:00.001-05:00

I know that I haven't talked about my running in ages; I have logged a mile in my running log since August. I really did not have any thing positive to say about my running. I am just now starting to feel good about it again. I did not run a single marathon because I thought they were the culprit of my passion but I kept racing every weekend and each race I did came more disappointments but I kept at it. I push through my weight loss plataue and the pounds and inches are starting to come off slowly. I am doing more cross training with Zumba and Spinning once or twice a week, haven't been to either the last two weeks because of holiday obligations. I am pretty sure I did about 45-47 races for the 2010 not only did I cut out the marathons I cut back on the races as well.
My first real winter run this morning was very slow and cautious; I was running much of the time in the street. I am trying to decide if I should run a New Years Day race, he one that I normally do, no longer exist :(. Well I hope to be back to my blogging on a regular basis. I am wishing everyone a Happy Healthy New Year and may all your PR’s dreams come through in 2011 Happy Running to all and to all a great 2011.

Never Judge a Book by its' Cover

2010-12-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

“Irving, you bought me sneakers? Yes, they are cute, “but I don’t buy sneakers because of looks, I buy them for a purpose, running.” Who says you have to run in these, they look better than all the ones you have. I left it at that…they were white and pink, he nailed the size, how could he miss that one, I have a million pairs sitting around the house. Pink and white, so he wants me to be girly, I guess, New Balance not bad, I think this was one I tried on when I was buying the other two a few weeks ago and decided against them because they were $5.00 more than the ones I bought. And I was not sure if they were for a over pronator such as myself. I tried them on they felt good, better than I had remember, room in the front yet hugged my feet. I was thinking about them all night and this morning when I woke up I wanted to run in them. So my day after Christmas run was in my new pink and white New Balance 415, 5 miles turned into 10.37 miles, I had a great run. The shoe was light, plenty of toe room and very comfortable. I think I have learned something today, never judge a book by its cover or maybe, most importantly that I am not an over pronator I am a neutral runner. I settled on the Brooks Adrenaline GTS since about 2006, but the last few weeks I learned that I have options and my go to shoe (GTS) is no longer Brooks Adrenaline!!

2010-12-25T23:11:00.001-05:00

2010-09-24T17:41:00.003-04:00

Stopping in to say hello. This is a very busy time for me and most I'm sure, trying to get the guys back to school. I just finished ordering the books. I will be back, it will be a very busy week and weekend of racing.Happy Healthy Running to all.

Time, Time, Time

2010-08-31T00:15:00.006-04:00

Today Run

2010-08-18T22:34:00.002-04:00

On my run this morning I felt strong. I did not expect it, especially that I did XC last night. I ran this morning edging under 11 min miles have not done that in a while on my training runs. All my best pace within the miles were 7:30s and below, if only I could hold on to that for the whole mile, LOL. I went to bed late again so I was only able to do 7.25 of the 10 miles I had planned. I made up the miles tonight by running another 4.75 miles in Waveny Park after work . I felt good there as well. With that note I need to go to bed now, maybe I will be out the door no later than 5:30 tomorrow.

Happy running

Promises to Myself

2010-08-17T21:49:00.002-04:00

When will I learn? two promises I made to myself: Get to bed early and wake up early. Two days have pass and I haven't kept one of them. Monday went to bed at 11:00pm not bad, it needs to be earlier, woke at 6:00AM, with the paces I'm running, I need to be out by 5:00AM to get the mileage in. Tuesday got in bed at 2:00AM did not rise until 7:00am no time for running this am. Will tonight be the night I get to bed early? Will tomorrow be the day I rise early? Oh God help me to keep these promises to myself cause no one will be good to me until I am good to myself.

Testing

2010-07-25T21:08:00.004-04:00

Today I saw someone using chopsticks , it came so natural to her. I've learned over the years nothing comes natural to me. I have to work hard at everything and sometimes working hard makes it easier but never natural. I not only want it to be easier I want it to become second nature. Yep that about sums it up for what I want for my running.

Happy running, only you know what is best for you.

2010-07-20T00:04:00.003-04:00

Today I felt the love, one foot in front of the other, I felt the love and didn't want it to end. My only wish ,let my tomorrow be like today but I know each day have its own uniqueness and I do treasure everyday I am able to put one foot in front of the other.

2010-07-18T19:47:00.002-04:00

Things seem to be getting better, still too soon to say but I'm taking it one day at a time. I want desperately to get on track for my marathon training but the harder I try the less I seem to get done. Seriously though I was thinking of not doing one at all this year, would that be such a bad idea? Maybe not to anyone else but to me not running even one marathon is a huge decision. How could I not indulged in my favorite of all distance? My hesitation may be telling me to let go, to help me move forward, I just don't know right now. My journey continues.

Happy running to all

2010-07-13T22:51:00.002-04:00

I finally decided to join face book. I am in a totally new world with very familiar people. Right now my only friends are my running community friends of which I am grateful. I hope that will change soon, for now I am having fun just getting to know the ups and downs. This is a wonderful way to network and keep in touch no matter where you are and sharing of photos, wow, I am amaze.

As for the training, I think I need to start next week because I am not getting the runs in.

Happy running.

No more Hiding

2010-07-05T12:31:00.003-04:00

Today will start my official day of marathon training, things still are not going well, but I'm going to take a deep breath now and let it out in October or November :). This is where I'm at right now(lost). I have not decided if I will do one of the usual or try a new marathon. I will decide in the next 2 months.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful 4th with family and friends. Happy running to all of you and I do miss you!!

2010-06-19T11:17:00.001-04:00

Big changes look easy in the movies -- the frumpy librarian lets down her hair and is a femme fatale, or maybe underneath that boring trench coat lies a superhero's costume. In real life, of course, monumental movements only happen when you commit to making small changes first. If you want to leap tall buildings in a single bound, it may not happen right away -- but with enough persistence, it can happen (metaphorically).

Saturday, June 19, 2010 Provided by Astrology.com

2010_06_08 Waveny XC Series

2010-06-13T00:46:00.001-04:00

Every now an then someone takes
a nice photo!! thanks to Stacey at XC last Tuesday

2010-05-13T06:55:00.003-04:00

I went out yesterday, not this morning, this is how its been for me lately, it is hard to let go. I am fighting to hold on, every day is a struggle. I didn't run a spring marathon, by this time each year I would have done about 3. There is still hope for the fall. I can't give up....I must continue the journey, Life on the Run continues, the good, the bad and the ugly.

2010-05-12T06:48:00.004-04:00

I came on this morning with very little to write, just wanted to say, I truly believe, I have lost my way. I am trying desperately to find my way back because without you I have no passion. I can't loose my passion. God please help me to find my way back: Then I read this Races Like a Girl she helped me to see that I only loose when I give up. I am grateful for your gift God thank you, with you by my side always, this too shall pass.

The Leatherman's Blessing

2010-05-01T22:20:00.002-04:00

LEATHERMAN BLESSING
To help enhance your experience, today to appreciate the beauty all around you here is a simple meditation/mantra adapted from the Navajo and Irish traditions. Say it as you run, it will give strength to your legs and courage to your heart.

Beauty before me as I run
Beauty behind me as I run
Beauty below me as I run
Beauty above me as I run
Beauty beside me as I run
Beauty within me as I run.
I see beauty all around.
In beauty may we walk.
In beauty may we see.
In beauty may we all be.

What a wonderful time to bring this out again: The Leatherman's Blessing

HAVE A OUTSTANDING DAY AT BOSTON

2010-04-18T08:06:00.006-04:00

To all those running Boston on Monday, have a outstanding day!! Wish I were there. Never look back and run like the wind.

Wishing all my Peeps the best of luck.

Photo by rundangerously

2010-04-06T21:13:00.002-04:00

The picture is from February 28th, although I look comfortable and it was one of the best day we had for the 30K in ages; What a precious day today was and I let it slip through my fingers. I know gorgeous days are ahead, but I missed this one.

2010-04-03T15:38:00.006-04:00

HAPPY EASTER

WHAT A WONDERFUL

DAY TO BE ALIVE. I THANK

HIM FOR HIS SACRIFICE TO

MAKE ME WHOLE AND

WORTHY. YES HE LOVES

ME, US THAT MUCH!!

HAVE A VERY BLESSED DAY

2010-03-22T21:58:00.005-04:00

Tonight I ran in the rain.....and it was good. I was determined not to run on the treadmill tonight. I don't know if I will do it again tomorrow but it sure felt good today. Now I am going to bed to use what energized me to soothe me to sleep.

2010-03-04T22:36:00.007-05:00

The day was long, I thought for sure that I would have a lousy workout. The run went well and I was instantly revived. I am glad I DECIDED NOT TO BE A COUCH POTATO TONIGHT. When you least expect it, good things happen.

Happy Running

2010-03-03T22:43:00.003-05:00

I went in feeling really frustrated, what a long day it has been. Demands placed on me today were a little more than I could handle. I wanted to run away and hide but I decided a run would be the best medicine. As I entered the door I was relieve to see that it was free I immediately gravitated towards it, "you my dear will be my friend tonight". I was looking forward to emptying my mind and concentrating on me. I thought about the last 24 hours, please forgive me for I can't be all things to all, I am just one person who find it hard to say no 99% of the time. I hate saying no so I hide. I feel bad that you had to be the 1% I said no to. As I thought about this I drifted of in my run, it felt good. For a short period I had company which was nice. I enjoyed the time we had together. She finish but I had to push on for I knew my mind needed more cleansing, back in the ear the earphones went and again I drifted off, it came to an end too soon, the machine was slowing down, thank you I said, tonight is exactly what I needed.

Another Night of the Mill

2010-03-02T22:56:00.003-05:00

I actually rested on Monday, did nothing. I woke up today wanting to go out and run, I wasted an hour before I got out the door. When I finally got out I went up the road about .25 of a mile and decided no, not this morning I'm not feeling it, I went back inside and did not sulk, my body told me to take it easy and when my body talks I listen, well most of the time :)

I came home from work, cooked dinner, lazy around for an hour or so before I decided it is time to go to the gym and say hello to the dreadmill. I know it will be waiting, I'm never worried about anyone taking my favorite one because there is very few that would run 8 to 9 miles at 8:05pm.

I was surprised I felt fresh on the treadmill and even more surprise that I completed 8.21 miles. Look what time it is and I still have dishes to do.

Life Goes On after the 25K

2010-02-28T17:00:00.015-05:00

Boston Buildup 25K

My mind ran wild struggling to finish. The things I told myself helped me none. I humbled myself to believe I have lost my competitive edge; I no longer have mojo, no urgency, no more butterflies. Today I humbly accepted the fact that I am only a recreational runner and will run for the sheer pleasure of moving forward.

My week went well, I got out one night and did 9 miles, I felt good. I went out on Saturday, yes, yesterday the day before today the day before the 25K with my only intentions of doing 5 miles but it was such a gorgeous day I continued on and almost completed an 11 miler. I know that this would in no way bother my run today as I was moving at a snails pace and I emerged myself in the sheer joy of being out and soaked up all the sunshine and wishing that today was race day.

I was able to have a pretty good week mileage wise and happy to see that I could still do double digits two days in a row. I am looking forward to another week and hoping to get out more.

Oh no, I almost forgot, I can't say that running on the treadmill have completely ruin my running, I don't think it helps me much but I am grateful I have something to keep me going. I did not totally die out there in fact I felt good. Happy running:)

another week done:

2/28/2010Run: 15.75 Mi
2/27/2010Run: 10.44 Mi
2/26/2010Run: 9.4 Mi
2/25/2010Run: 7.02 Mi
2/24/2010Run: 8.27 Mi
2/23/2010Run: 7.37 Mi
2/22/2010Run: 6 Mi

Happy running

Time, Time, Time

2010-02-21T20:46:00.005-05:00

Where does it go, day after day I come to you wanting to say my say, wanting to share my day, the good, the bad and the ugly and day after day I leave you empty. Today all I have is a short update because I'm extremely tired.

The whole week was spent mostly on the treadmill a week that should have logged many miles on the road. I am not the morning person I use to be , so once I loose the morning, I loose my choice and to get it done I end up at the gym in the evenings.

When I am not cheating with grabbing on to you for dear life, I actually do accomplish something, like the other day when I inclined at 2.5 for 4 miles or another day after doing 9 miles I changed machine to one that had a decline up to 2 which I did for almost 2 miles at 7mph. Do I feel any of this will help my runs outside? of course I wouldn't know because I am rarely out there anymore. I know this will end shortly with daylight savings coming in about two weeks, but it seems to be taking forever.

There is more to be said, but I am actually going to bed now, a rarity in my book, but to bed I must. My week was well, ok, I wanted to log more miles lets hope next week will be better.

2/21/2010Run: 4.5 Mi
2/20/2010Run: 5.3 Mi
2/19/2010Run: 12.37 Mi
2/18/2010Run: 8.2 Mi
2/17/2010Run: 11.27 Mi
2/16/2010Run: 6.14 Mi

Seeing is Believing

2010-02-17T23:03:00.003-05:00

After months of searching for my measuring tape I finally remembered to buy one this weekend. Not that I did not know this already my only hope was seeing is believing and be shocked into sticking on some kind of program.

My results were confirmed:

4 inches on the waist

4 inches on the hips

3 inches on the chest

3 inches on the thighs

I was too disgusted to go on!! LIFE STINKS!!

Boston Buildup 20K & Update

2010-02-07T22:04:00.005-05:00

Just finish watching the Superbowl and decided I better post something before heading off to bed: My week went ok. I missed a few days last week because something required my attention. This week ended with the Boston Buildup 20K. The morning was cold and it really did not seem like I started running until about mile 7, I guess this is what happens when you get to a race with not enough time to warm up . We had a great turn out regardless of the frigid weather, said allot of hello's to the regulars . After the race all I could think of was getting in out of the cold. I went to the gym for more than an hour and it took at least 20 minutes on the elliptical for me to warm up. You would think by now I would know to bring a change of cloths but of course I never do. I am really going to put some effort into getting in a minimum of 50 miles this week, I think I should be training for a marathon . I hope also to post again before the week is over. Have a great week.

2/7/2010Run: 12.45 Mi
2/6/2010Run: 3.24 Mi
2/5/2010Run: 5.5 Mi
2/4/2010Run: 7.5 Mi
2/3/2010Run: 5.25 Mi
2/2/2010Run: 2 Mi
2/1/2010Run: 4.37 Mi

Lost Time

2010-01-24T19:18:00.004-05:00

My only regret today: I went out too late to run and being as slow as I am there just was not enough time for me to run more. Totally my fault, I was up before 7:00 but some how I managed to waste two hours before I headed out the door.

I have discovered over the years that you can't base how you are going to run today on your last run. Yesterday I could not wait until I was finish. Today I wanted to run on forever, hence 30 mins late for church.

Happy Running, have a great week

2010-01-23T19:28:00.001-05:00

I changed my alarm clock last Saturday to be up by 7:00 on Sunday morning. All this week except for Monday, I somehow had forgotten I had done this. So all week I kept thinking I was sleeping through my alarm, on Friday I just happen to be up at the time the alarm should have gone off, 5:00, no alarm. I checked the alarm and it was set for 7:00. Why did it never occurred to me to check the damn alarm? So sadly I spent a few more hours on the treadmill than I would have liked this week, Yuk.

I had a good week and I’m glad we had mild weather this week although much of my runs were on the mill I got out a few times. I did get out Friday morning when I discovered my error. And again that night because I got home just before dark, any way here is what my week look like, I still have Sunday.

My latest workouts
1/23/2010Run: 7.47 Mi
1/22/2010Run: 8.47 Mi
1/21/2010Run: 8.45 Mi
1/20/2010Run: 3.45 Mi
1/19/2010Run: 7.2 Mi
1/18/2010Run: 8.02 Mi

Still not sure what I will do on Sunday, this will depend on what time I get out of the bed. I am hoping to get it done before church and if not then after church and if today is any indication of what tomorrow will be weather wise then I am looking forward to getting out.

A New Day

2010-01-18T22:06:00.000-05:00

Today I took advantage of a gorgeous day as I’m sure most did. I did a race yesterday not just any race the very hilly Boston Buildup 15K that took the better of me, but I would not allow yesterday to take away from today; another day to start again.

I went out late afternoon; the morning was spent gathering things my son would need to make his way back to school. We load his car and said our good byes, God it never get easier, a thousand things that could go wrong went through my head. I said a blessing as he drove off, I know He is there with him and always will be. He will guide him in the right direction.

After pondering for bit I finally decided the only way to keep my mind off his drive was to go out for a run and that I did. I did 8 miles and felt it the whole way, although on many of the hills from yesterday I walked, I felt very stiff today. The miles were very slow, slower than usual but one by one they added up to 8. I walked .40 miles to stretch the legs out. Most people would not run the paces I run they would rather walk or not run at all. This is my reality and I so enjoy these slow easy runs and look forward to the next time out.

When I got home I checked the phone; the call came he was at his apartment (thank you God). I called him, we spoke for bit, and I am sure he senses the happiness in my voice. I wished him a good day of classes tomorrow.

Happy Running

Boston Buildup 15K

2010-01-17T13:09:00.010-05:00

Today I did the 2nd race of the Boston Buildup Series like the last race I am very disappointed but I vow not to make excuses and continue on my quest, one day I may get it right and then again maybe I wont but I know I will be back again for more. What can I say, I am a confessed Junkie I can’t quick and the worse it gets the more I want to keep going because this will not be the end.

I thought today was a good day for the race; the weather was a plus compare to two weeks ago. The course is very scenic and enjoyable, running the route by myself I could easily have gotten lost in the moment. Running the course as a race is a totally different story, you have constant reminders that you are running against time and that take a lot of the fun out of it. The first mile or so is a breeze slight down hill the next two to three miles is a constant battle up hill. I remember the days when I battled those hills, today they defeated me. The turn around point of the race is at the 5 mile mark then there is a lot of down hills with bits of climbs in between. I was not in the battling mood so I was defeated once again. Remember I told you the first mile is a breeze, well this first mile is now the last mile of the race which is now hell on earth :), once again I am defeated. In the past I have run the course again after the race, not today I am humbled and gladly got in my car. Life does go on and I most certainly will be back for the 20K in two weeks.

Race Results

2010-01-16T14:45:00.001-05:00

January 16, 2010
Scorpio (10/23-11/21)
It's all about strong feelings coupled with an erratic, unpredictable energy right now. You're usually the very soul of devotion and commitment, and you love your routines more than just about anyone. But now, for some darned reason, you can't even force yourself to do anything the way you did it yesterday -- or for the past ten months. Or even years. Don't be scared. Maybe it's time for a change, and the universe has devised a plan to help you out. Surf this tide.

BostonBuild Up 10K

2010-01-09T12:03:00.006-05:00

My first race of the year was Sunday, January 3rd and let me tell you it is nothing to mention. The last few years or so I’ve been wondering can it get any worst and it looks like it has. I will not throw in the towel yet, I will wait until my second race to decide that.:). Sadly I continue on my quest because something in my heart just doesn’t go away or I am refusing to give up. This is what I am hoping that my determination will get me back to the level I know I can be. Sometimes I do wonder? My mind is playing tricks on me. Maybe I was always slow but never thought I was until everyone else is suddenly faster than me, or maybe I was always fat and never thought I was until everyone else seems skinner than me. The mind plays unbelievable tricks when you are not where you want to be.

With that note: Last Sunday was the first race of the Boston Buildup Series that I have done since 2003. I love this series because it keeps me going through the winter. Sunday was cold and windy this have never stop me in the past. I will not make excuses; this was the worst time I’ve run for this course since 2003 the 10K course is not a course to take lightly. But the most difficult part of the course for me is within the last mile of the race and within the last half mile there is a nice incline. The 10k will be the easiest course of the series so it won’t get any easier :(.

Look what time it is and I am sitting here typing I can’t keep making excuses. With that said I am going out now, God help me.

Happy Running!!

2009-12-31T17:16:00.001-05:00

http://www.glittergraphicsnow.com/happy-new-year.html">Happy New Year Glitter Pictures

missing you

2009-12-26T20:28:00.003-05:00

I went out today...haven't been out for what seems like ages. I really needed it, the rain did not bother me, it was warm and welcoming. The moves was familiar, one foot in front of the other, I didn't brake any records but it felt good out there. I hope to be out there again tomorrow, my body is craving, craving my passion the passion I need to live life the way I want to. Dear God keep me focus, and most of all keep me in awe of my passion.

2009-11-22T17:08:00.007-05:00

To all of you and yours, happy holidays!!
Please take time to be thankful for all of your blessings, enjoy time with your family, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
And a Happy Healthy New Year!!

Happy Running :)

Blogger Break: Back after the New Year!!

NYC

2009-11-01T18:44:00.003-05:00

Not my worst not my best just got home. I am feeling great, had a great day and yes I will be putting in my application tomorrow for next year!! :)

Thank you all for your best wishes, have a great week.

Happy running :)

2009-10-24T23:58:00.003-04:00

I slept in this morning, what a great morning to sleep in. I love it when I’m in bed sleeping and it is raining out, one of my secret pleasures. When I got out of bed, I knew I wanted to get a run in, so I started to dress for want I thought was dreadful weather. I put on tights, long sleeves and was searching desperately for my gloves. The thought behind this was because the rain I got stuck in last night at my son’s football game was cold and windy. I had to go out to my car to get my gloves, to my surprise it was wet out but the air was dry and warm I went back into the house changed into a short sleeve but kept the tights, wished I had change that as well.

All week I ran in Waveny Park on the trails, I really enjoyed running on the trails the whole week. I have never done this before. Waveny Park is usually reserved for when I do make up runs. I decided to extend my recovery for running the marathon by running pavement free the whole week. The week was gorgeous; I saw some familiar faces and accept for the occasional night or two that I got caught in the dark while still in the woods, I had a great week.

When I went for my run today, the air was warm; it was a weird feeling like I had just entered a sauna. I started my run feeling good, but wondered why I was not going faster; I felt I should after not running for a whole week on pavement. Then I thought again and decided my body knows what it wants and went with the flow. I did the first half of the Norwalk Marathon one of my favorite routes. The road was busy which is not unusual for this time of day. The rain came on and off during my whole run and it felt wonderful. I wanted to strip and run in the rain naked, honestly this is how I was feeling and kept thinking this was unusual tropical rain for this time of the year. My run did not feel difficult and I never got any faster but I felt wonderful and enjoyed my run.

2009-10-18T15:59:00.000-04:00

A new week starts for me tomorrow, ending a very quiet and energizing week, I ran but I took it easy. Next weekend I may run two short races that I have not run in a couple of years because of conflict. I wanted to run one today but I decided not to and went to church instead. I am trying to understand, when do you give it your all? I read on someone’s blog the other day “I just have to decide to give it my all” Is it really that simple? I wonder and struggle with the answer. The closer I get the more nervous I am but I have to believe that I’m going out there to do the best I know how.

2009-10-12T20:13:00.004-04:00

I left the office a little later than I had wanted to. I felt this need to do a run, a recovery run from my long run on Saturday that included a marathon. My last long run before NYC. I felt good this morning and all day I thought about this run. I knew it would only be a few miles and if I managed to get five in that would certainly make my day. I went to the park, when I go to the park I like to get at least two to three loops of the park. I was able to get one loop done, as I came up the grassy hill, I stop and ask the woman walking her dog, "do you think I have another twenty minutes before it get too dark to run through the woods? "Well I think we may have ten minutes before it gets dark” With that I knew I had to stay out of the woods. I did the rest of my run on the open fields of the park on the grass. The grass was a welcome cushion for my feet, exactly what I needed. The children were still practicing football and the field was lighted, this made my run even more enjoyable and I was able to get just a little over five miles in. I don’t know if I should feel this good only two days after running 27 miles but I’m glad I do, NYC here I come. I don’t think I’ll be disappointed this year.

2009-10-09T17:32:00.002-04:00

Pamby Ridgefield Half Marathon 10/4

Me at the end!

2009-10-03T22:30:00.008-04:00

Me at the "lightfoot Sam Elpern Half Marathon"

me at the "Westport Summer Series 10 Miler"

2009-09-27T18:04:00.005-04:00

Hi, Dawn here, I haven't been here in a while. I have been busy, back to school, open house, multi trips to Westfield, work, fitness competition, family day, football practice, running, racing, wife, mother, daughter, sister & employee, need I say more. My life is in chaos once again. My house needs cleaning, I need to pay some bills, I need to go to the grocery store, when will this madness ends. Welcome to my life, day in and day out this will never escape me. Some how I still have to fit the runs in, a few here, means a few there, or a few now and a few later that is how I'm fitting them in now.

I am truly grateful for all the wonderful gifts that makes up my life. Would not trade it for the world. I thank God for all his wonderful blessings because I know without him nothing is possible.

My running is going well and I am starting to feel like myself again. I can't explain what I've been going through but I'm finally coming out of whatever it was.

I love the fall, I've been out on so many perfect days its hard to complain about the one night I got caught in the rain.

Happy feet, Happy running :)

Update on Training

2009-09-14T07:48:00.005-04:00

Time for a update, the last few weeks have been very busy, with getting the boys back to school. Now that we are back to school,my mileage have gone down . I should be waking up earlier and getting out the door but its just not happening. I am glad I was able to train diligently June, July and August. My training is going well and now that I've added weight training back in the mix, I am seeing improvements once again in my race times and that is a good thing. I am feeling allot stronger and feeling more and more confident that a BQ is possible :). My training runs are still slower than I would like but I am seeing improvements in my race times. I don't have much time, haven't even showered yet for work and I have to be there @8:30.

Last update:
6/15: 60.02 miles
6/22: 50.5 miles
6/29: 69.9 miles
7/06 : 50.1 miles
7/13: 46.4 miles
7/20: 75:4 miles
7/27: 71.2 miles
8/03: 57.40 mile

Since Last Update:
8/10: 63.2 miles
8/17: 55.3 miles
8/24: 59.0 miles
8/31: 49.9 Miles
9/7 :55.0 miles

Total long runs of 18& more miles = 8

Happy Running

2009-08-23T23:18:00.004-04:00

I had to write about this race because the last time I ran the course was 2003. I remembered how great I felt running this course. 1:13 was one of my best times during the series that year. I never ran it again because I also do the Lightfoot summer series. I do Westport’s only on the Saturdays' Norwalk is not running. Somehow the Saturdays never alternated so I was able to run the course again.

The weather wasn't great to begin with. There was a drizzle in the morning which I welcomed. The humidity was awful.

You know this is a challenging course when within a mile you are on a very challenging hill and just as you think you get a break here comes another hill. Hill after hill, I wondered when will it end. I walked so many times and I kept thinking how the heck did I run it so well before. I do remember a couple of down hills, what really got me was the two hills within a mile to the end, that was the killer. I got a second wind from mile 7 to 8; I do remember sprinting to the finish that may have been my fastest mile the whole race.

I felt really good when it was over, I was exactly one minute slower per mile than when I did it in 2003 but I felt strong, this mattered the most.

I stunk up my long run today, wanted to do 20 ended with 18 and I walk ran the last two. I think maybe adding 6 miles on the trail got me or maybe it was the humidity again. I just did not have the grit I needed to get through it. Well I have a new week to start and I should be in bed,but here I am in front of the computer.

Have a great week :)

2009-08-21T17:15:00.004-04:00

This is the first time in ages I am home by 5:00pm. I am usually at my desk at this time thinking about getting a quick run in at the park before I get home. Right before 5 it was almost dark, when I left the office the storm started. When I got home it seem like nothing happen, within 10 minutes though it came, hence I have decided to stay put.

I took it very easy this week, hence, my cut back week. I do plan on getting in at least 30 miles this weekend. I am running the 8.4 miler in Westport on Saturday. I have not run this course since 2003 the first time I did it in 1:13. I am looking forward to running it again. I doubt I’ll even come close to 1:13 but I am hoping I do half way decent. Hopefully the storm today will cool things down a bit for tomorrow but I’m not counting on that. On Sunday I want to do my long run.

To every one out there have a great weekend.

Happy running :)

2009-08-17T23:11:00.012-04:00

LightFoot 9 Miler 7/25/2009

Pictures of me from the LightFoot 9 miler July 25th I found them yesterday

Luis Mora took the photos that day.
I think the weight training is starting to payoff :)

How the training is going

2009-08-09T17:36:00.011-04:00

I'm pretty please with my training so far. The training started June 15th and I'm getting in the miles and slowly but surely things seems to getting into place. What I would most like to see though is my training pace drop to 9:50 to about 10:30. I'm going to start using the training assistant on my Garmin the less beep the more I'm staying in range. I sure hope I'm ready for this. Here are my weekly mileage since June 15:
6/15: 60.02 miles
6/22: 50.5 miles
6/29: 69.9 miles
7/06 : 50.1 miles
7/13: 46.4 miles
7/20: 75:4 miles
7/27: 71.2 miles
8/03: 57.40 miles

I've been to the gym quite a bit, I would say 3-4 days per week doing strength training. I started my training thinking that this time around I want to spend more time on the treadmill so I could stick to a 9:54 training run pace. that did not last very long. Before I knew it I found myself totally in love with running outside again and threw the pace idea out the window. I do add a run at least once a week per Magdelena Lewy Boulets treadmill tips . Makes me feel good that I can actually do the pace that I'm suppose to and most time faster.

I'm still racing but have not seen any real improvement in my race times but recently I do see them closer to last years times, which was not great but at least its giving me some indication that I doing better out there and feeling better.

I have been reading and hearing some great inspirational stories regarding training paces from Olympians and pro athlete of how the train at a very slow pace this have been very encouraging. One of the stories was from Running Times Nate Jenkins podcast an Olympian that did not have the typical runners body, he trained hard and never gives up and he taught me a very important lesson "never quit". Another report was from Amby Burfoot regarding watching a Kenyan training at a pace twice his racing pace, sorry could not find the article. Even Kara Goucher talk about her training buddies call her the lawn mower because her feet barely leaves the ground when she trains.

Per my last blog, I need to start speed work and doing more tempo runs my marathon pace goal is a 9:00 min pace I still need to knock about 30 secs off my current race pace of late. I'm doing 9:15 to 9:30 in longer races and closer to 9:00 ins shorter races. I had a break through 5k just yesterday in which I average 8:55 but I'm no where where I want to be so I have to keep at it, determination will get me back.

Happy running to all my peeps, have a great week. :)

2009-08-01T22:51:00.002-04:00

I don't know where to begin. Been very difficult for me to blog these days because I just have so little to talk about and so little time. My training is going well as you can tell from my training log. I am doing better out there but you wouldn't know it from my training times. Some days I feel on top of the world and think I'm having a break through and there are some days when I can barely get going whether its because of not enough sleep or to much weights the night before. But in general I am feeling pretty good.

I have been sweating like a hog because of the humidity but I can't complain too much because we had some glorious days for a while. The rain have been a factor but I decided why complain about something I can't change.

I'm looking a bit slimmer lately but my scale tells me otherwise. I've lost a few more ponds but still struggling.

I like the fact that I'm adding more trail runs during the week it is so nice running in the shade of the trees. There have been times when it was well in the eighties and it felt a whole lot cooler on the trail. I really want to run better on grass, so I try to incorporate grassy areas as well.

I like the way my training is going, lots of miles I've done only one speed session so I want to get started with that again, its hard doing it on your own but I'm just not ready to go back to the group yet. The weekly XC runs and weekend races could count as the speed work. I try hard to get in tempo work but just can't seem to hit it when I'm on my own. These have never been an issue with me in the pass and I'm trying my best not to dwell on it any longer and to look to the future and see how I can help myself now.

I haven't done any race reports of late just don't feel like it but I am racing as usual and believe I'm right on track for at least 50 races this year a little short of what I did last year but I'm ok with that. I've even added a few races that I've never done before and I've made it a priority to race new races whenever I can.

Well that is all I have for now and you may not hear from me for a few days I do read your blogs whenever I can, and feel guilty when I'm not updating.

I hope every one have a great running week. Happy running :)

2009-07-21T22:00:00.004-04:00

This morning I almost decided to run later because it started to rain as I left the house, I decided to run anyway because I might not be able to run tonight. Tonight the 5k age graded XC was cancel because of the rain, I was so looking forward to it and was disappointed when I saw the announcement.

I'm so glad I ran this morning, the drizzle of rain felt good against my skin. I didn't see the beaming sun light through the trees today but I ran anyway. I thought of many things when I ran this morning. My mind races all over the place when I run, I believe this is the only time my mind is free, free to dare think aloud.

Tomorrow is a new day, I can hardly wait to lace up again.

2009-07-20T22:54:00.002-04:00

My body is craving sleep and I like that. As usual I should be in bed but I'm not. I'm sleeping more soundly than ever and I like that. I'm grateful for so many things and I'm thankful for Gods gifts. Today as I ran up a hill the same hill I've ran many times before. The sunlight beamed through the trees and I did not resist going into the light what a glorious feeling that was. I will look for the light again tomorrow and I will gladly go towards the light again.

Happy Running my beautiful Peeps

2009-07-11T15:58:00.003-04:00

You wouldn't believe this but I overslept for a race this morning. I was to do the Norwalk 7 miler this morning and I slept thru my alarm. I've gotten up late and have made it to races at the start, but today was different. I woke up after the race started, the race started at 8:00 and although I am only 5 mins or less from the start there was no way I was going to make over.

Although very disappointed, I went back to sleep and went out later afternoon and did a nice 11 miler that included the 7 mile course from the race this morning. I'm glad because I do feel a little better and man was it a gorgeous day to run the sun was out but the humidity wasn't there. Gosh I'm glad I ran today.

Kelly's First Race

2009-06-28T14:15:00.031-04:00

Kelly and me hydrating before the race

after the race

Kelly & me

Karen helping at race

snap a couple of pics of

Kelly hydrating before race

Kelly & I after we register

me some where along the course

Emmy and her son Ike

A very special thank you to Emmy for

making this even more special with the

pictures she took.

Me and Kelly after the race

me and kelly

before the race

Cooling out

The New Balance store across the street

THE NEW CANAAN MILE 6/27/2008

Something very special happen yesterday, Kelly my 15 year old, whom by the way will be 16 next month chose me over the Transformer Movie. My day could not have been more perfect. "No I'm going to the race with Mom" my heart is still smiling. He came, we register and we ran The New Canaan Mile. This is the second annual. On the way over to the race Kelly ask me a bunch of questions. I told him about the course "just a straight 1 mile flat and easy down South Avenue" Do you get anything if you win? " Well only if you place in your age group. Will I be running against really fast guys? Well, yes some even run 5 and 4 min miles. That's not fair. Kelly I run against fast people all the time there is even people older that me that run faster than me in every race. I do the best I can and that's what I want you to do just do the best you can and have fun, I'm so happy you decided to come with me today. Now hand me the check book I have to write the check. We have to pay to run? yes we have to pay, when I pay for a race I'm supporting a cause I'm glad about that but for the most part I pay for races because I love running.

We got there I believe people saw me beaming a mile away I introduce Kelly to whomever said hello. Emmy and Karen took some pictures of me and Kelly together unfortunately I hadn't use my camera in a very long time the batteries were almost gone and we did not have any in the house. so I was only able to take a couple of pictures.

I discover the course was not the same as last year. We were doing 3 loops that started and ended in front of the New Balance store. This tiny little loop included a hill. The women ran first. After I did the first loop I said oh no Kelly is going to hate me. I was a little worried that this may be too much for him. And of course I did not let it show after I finish. I went over to him and told him just do the best you can.

He started out well he came around the first loop pretty good timing. I had to catch up with him for the second loop I ran on the sidewalk and encouraged him along the way. The third loop was tough for him. I had grab a bottle of water at the start of the third loop and caught up to him again down the hill. When we got to the uphill that was the toughest part. I had to really encourage him have him drink water some how I manage to get him going again and he ran to the finish. There you have it. We hang around for a little bit after the race and ate some pizza, it did take him awhile to decide to eat anything after the race. Then we went home. The results are posted and I show Kelly, he smile when he saw his name on the results page.

I tried my best to arrage the pictures, took me a couple of hours to get to this I think I have alot to learn about posting pictures.

I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE GONE

2009-06-25T22:39:00.004-04:00

GOD BLESS YOU MICHAEL JACKSON: YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

GIRL YOU FOUGHT TO THE END

2009-06-25T22:32:00.006-04:00

GOD BLESS YOU FARRAH FAWCETT:

2009-06-10T20:58:00.003-04:00

Since I received the news about NYC I've been on cloud nine. This is like the perfect gift to get me out of this rut. I can't tell you how busy its' been. Still out there most days. Runs are still not long enough. I only have a week or so before I have to start the training. I've been racing as usual, well not as usual worst than ever. Just going through the motions. My races are totally starting to feel like my training runs but I'm slogging on. I've started to visit the gym a bit more now that I finally settled on Worlds Gym, the nice thing is they are open until 10:00pm most nights.

My son is out of college for the summer. He had a great semester and I'm very proud of him. He is trying to get back his summer job from last year no luck.

My younger one has finally decided to play football ball again. School is not over yet for him he still have a few more weeks to to but in his mind he think its June he is home free. I have to keep reminding him to stay on track.

Thank you all for you well wishes for NYC. I just hope not to blow it this time around.

Happy running.

I GET ANOTHER CHANCE

2009-06-04T17:56:00.001-04:00

June 4, 2009

Countdown to the start November 1, 2009:
149 Days
Dear
Entry Number:
Congratulations! You have been accepted to run the ING New York City Marathon 2009 on Sunday, November 1. On behalf of New York Road Runners, I welcome you to the 40th running of the world’s greatest marathon. We’re hard at work preparing to give you the experience of a lifetime.

JUNE

2009-05-31T23:01:00.003-04:00

I welcome a new month, I can start all over again and make it better than last month and if its not better than last month, I will have a whole new month to start again in July.

Here's to a wonderful new month of new beginnings.

Welcome June I'm looking forward to the challenge.

My wish for all of you "great running in June" and if not "lets look forward to July together"

Bestest

2009-05-25T07:18:00.000-04:00

"How Bad Can it Get!!

2009-05-21T20:38:00.002-04:00

Thats' the title of my new book, because I'm sure building a nice history. "How Bad Can it get!" before you throw in the towel and take a step back and say enough is enough. Am I to believe that I'm not at that point yet. Because I plan on running 3 race this weekend. This is nothing new, this is my race weekend frenzy, when I know damn well I should not be out there, each race will be worst, worst than I've ever done in the past, do I really need to put myself through this agony!!. My Name is Dawn and I am an addict......

Happy running every one. Have a wonderful Memorial day weekend.

2009-05-12T21:34:00.002-04:00

Monday I was so lazy , I came home and did nothing. I did put on my running cloths but I decided to rest for 30mins. 30 minutes turned into all night. So what is this telling me? I needed the rest. This morning I wanted to do the same thing, I had to drag myself out the door. I'm getting up earlier these days but I'm not getting out the door any sooner, but today I shock myself by getting out the door before 5:45 I was out of the bed by 5:05, need I say more. I did come home cook dinner and managed to get out the door for another run. When the day is gorgeous and I have the opportunity I grab it.

2009-05-10T22:10:00.012-04:00

32nd Norwalk Mothers Day 10K race We had record turn out for todays' race. I volunteered pre-race and helped with registration. We had a huge turn out way more than anticipated. I felt like I had already ran the race after registration ended.

My first Mothers' Day 10k was in 2002 and I haven't missed one since. My 10k pr was on this course in 2003. This is one of the fastest 10k course you would want to run. I love this race because we start early and I finish with time to dash home (5 mins) and get ready for church. I wish they were all like that then I wouldn't feel so guilty all the time for missing church.

Although very windy the race itself went well. I did not have my watch because I forgot it. Today I ran without my watch and My IPod and you know something I was ok.

from the map you can see we start at the beautiful water front of Calf Pasture Beach and headed downtown Norwalk through historic South Norwalk and back uptown Norwalk. Mile 3.5 to 4 is where we hit the slightest of hill the only one in the race. Once you're over that you are home free it was back to the beach , very flat.

This will probably will be the only race that I do better in this year than last . Last year I was making up for lost time because the race started before I got out of the bath room. I didn't do much better. My time have ranged from 51:30 to 58: today official time 57:43

The main thing is that I felt good out there and the race was better than the last 10k I did only two weeks ago.

2009-05-10T19:54:00.002-04:00

Looking forward to new week. My recovery went well this week. I took it very easy only a few miles every other day. I'm feeling really good going into this week.

She is not with me this year I can't remember the last time I didn't spend this special day with her.I miss her she has been gone a few months now, she had promised to be back in six, but she is happy and if she is happy I'm happy too. She'll be back and I will cherish her even more.

Happy Mothers day.

2009-05-03T19:55:00.014-04:00

Last year this time I'd ran three Marathons I normally run 2 spring marathon More and Long Island. Last year I added the New Jersey Shore relay Marathon Last year was the first year they let individual runners run the the whole distance.

Not so this year. I was planning on sticking with my usual two More and Long Island. I still was not sure I would even do a Spring marathon I was undecided until yesterday. I was also considering doing something totally different, Race of Champions Marathon in West. Springfield, MA only a few miles from where my Son attends college in Westfield. I was having a tough time deciding to do one at all as last year the four marathons I did was without any real training. I guess I was lucky to have miss the start of Hartford last year because I think that is what save me from totally bombing out at NYC . I did not want to start the year off again doing marathons that I haven't really put in any training for. I knew well, that I should have put off Long Island, More was not my option not to run as registration closed, but there was no way I wasn't going to do at least one spring marathon, just had to get it out of my system. I went and register for Long Island on late Saturday and Ran it today. I decided to stick with what was familiar, it was tough out there but I got it done like I usually do ,not totally disappointed because I thought I would do worst just like I thought with NYC.

I going to listen to Miranda who qualify for Boston this year. She focus more on longer runs to build aerobic capacity she knew she already had the speed. I 'm going to focus on getting my times back to where it was or better. I do see myself doing a(3:59 may be), 4:00 hour marathon as that is what I need to BQ. My best time for the marathon was a 4:12, I've done 4:15 to 4:18 over the years and most recently in 2007. So I need to focus on shorter faster runs as I already know I can do the distance. Will I be able to do that every ones knows how I like to pack the miles :)

Unofficial time of 4:38:34

Happy running

2009-04-28T20:07:00.003-04:00

I did a short 4.5 miler this morning in hopes of getting out tonight, it did not happen not sure when I became such a wimp I just did not feel like running in 90F tonight. There are so many things that never use to bother me that bothers me now. some how I've lost my mojo, the passion is still there but the mojo is gone.

2009-04-27T22:47:00.004-04:00

Today I ran 3 miles in the morning. I was really tempted this evening but I had to rest. I did some really crazy things last week and into the weekend. Like doing a twenty miler on Saturday in the dead of mid morning the last few miles was too shameful to talk about .

Then I ran a 10k on Sunday, I've been asking God's forgiveness for this one. I should have made it to church after, that was the plan. The race should have started at 8:40 right, even if it took me 1 hr to run, I only live about 10 mins from the race start. I would have been home in plenty of time for a quick shower and out the door. I sat in my car for an almost an hour trying to get out of the parking lot. God knew this would happen that is why temps reached 85F and the race is nothing to speak of. Sorry I caught myself making excuses. I really should not have attempted this one.

Today I learn this: My streak with the MORE MARATHON will continue guess what

"Talk about a hot flash: Unseasonable hot weather prompted officials to cancel the marathon (26.2 miles) and conduct the half-marathon(13.1 miles) as an unscored non competitive event"

so next year I will be sure to register early. Hopefully we won't have one of these hot spells again.

Happy running

2009-04-22T21:25:00.002-04:00

I think I've been hiding from blogging the last week or so. I wish I was a more creative person and have tons of stuff to talk about. All I have to talk about is my running or my not running. I ran when I got home from work today. I did 10.3 miles started out strong and faded the last few miles. Today I did something unusual. I went down streets I usually just pass by. I've been running the same routes for years and have never gone down any of the streets to explore the neighborhood. I did this because I wanted to do nothing less than 10 miles tonight and I did not want to have to do another huge loop and this way I was closer to home. Well that's all for tonight I hope your week is going well.

2009-04-20T22:44:00.002-04:00

The younger one help with bringing in the groceries from the car and also helped me put it away. ( I did not have to ask)
The older one bought me a gift set for my nails out of the blue. I was thrilled but I ask why. His reply because I wanted to....

I'm still on cloud 9

2009-04-16T22:08:00.004-04:00

GOOD LUCK TO ALL MY BOSTON PEEPS!!

HAVE THE RACE OF YOUR LIFE!!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

2009-04-12T07:43:00.000-04:00

2009-04-11T13:51:00.017-04:00

I did the Bunny Boogie today one of my favorites.

When will I learn to lay things out for the next day. When the race is nearest to me is when I have the most trouble. I had trouble deciding what to wear. Then I left the house, quarter mile out the door I decided to wear something more than the shirt I had on because I remember the race started near the beach and its usually cold by the water. I'm glad I did because it started to rain shortly after I arrived at the race. I had to turn around a second time because I forgot my watch this time I was more than half a mile away from the house. Yes I turned around again.

When I got there finally, I saw Emmy completing her entry form. She is an amazing woman as she just completed the Umstead 100 miler less than a week ago. Today she won her age group. I was pre-registrered so I got my bib and went and got my shirt from Jim, I love the Tshirt design pictured left. I also saw Frank, who is just getting over pneumonia, he did quite well today , he have some great pictures up. I was hoping to say hello to Katie, Franks' daughter but no Katie. I believe at the end of the race I heard Kate cheering me in, I did not see her at all during the race.

This is a fun race as the women get to start before the men by over 2 mins and the winners get chocolate bunnies for a prize. I've never had one of these bunnies of course. The course is not bad except for about a mile an half in you have to climb this short hill payback for the the first mile being down hill, I must tell you the down hill just don't feel the same the 2nd time you do it :) . This is the first year that I chose not to actually force myself to run the hill I took a walk break so my second mile was a 9:14 not bad with the walk.

My times have ranged between 24:00 flat to today's 26:22, I think this is the 7th time I've done the boogie. I felt good during the race and by the time we finished it was a down pour. I couldn't jump in my car and leave as usual because when I parked I parked too close to where the runners were coming in to finish. So I waited and watch a few people come in.

Some pictures I stole from Frank's blog Well I really was trying to add some of the photos from Franks blog but they keep poping up at the top of the page. I gues I better research how to add photos at the end of a report. For now just go to Frank's blog.

2009-04-09T22:27:00.002-04:00

Today, I wish I had more to say, other than what a gorgeous day today was. Man was it gorgeous... you all know this but I just couldn't help myself. The run was ok, I felt a little more rested today. I got just a tad bit more sleep last night. What will my life be with a full 8 hours I can't even imagine. Today I take for what it is, I got in just over 11 miles it was slow but there was no way I would let such a gorgeous day go by, I wanted to be out there for as long as I could. did I say gorgeous again. I think its time for me to go to bed. Man was it a gorgeous day today....

2009-04-07T21:59:00.003-04:00

I was a real sap in my last post, thanks for all your words of encouragement. My life on the Run continues with 8.01 miles today. Very tired because I did get enough sleep. So with that note I'm a really going to get to bed right now.

Happy running

2009-04-05T14:19:00.002-04:00

I did the Stratton Faxon Greator Danbury Half today. I've done it 2 times before. Very hilly. Today was a great day for the race. Started at 50 ended about 62. I got to to race just in time to get my bib and get to the start line. I thought the half started at 10:30 but it was schedule to start at 10:20 the 5k started at 10:30 I'm not sure how I got it mixed up. When I g0t my bid and chip I had 6 minutes to to get to the start line. There was no time for me to even pick up my T shirt because I wouldn't have had time to get to my car. I was park somewhere else other than the parking lot as it close to parking at 9:45. I had a rough time out there. My race times started declining in 2007 I thought that was my worst race year then 2008 proved me wrong. Now 2009 is even worst. I'm worst than ever, I'm not even doing times I did when I first started racing. I can't even explain what is going on. Determination will get me through this, I will never let my passion go, I'm a lifer. This too shall pass.

oh I forgot: 2:06, 2:08 and today 2:18 somthihg? lordy lordy something is happening to me.

2009-04-04T11:03:00.004-04:00

Went to the Race for D.A.R.E 5k in Easton today. This is one of the only race that I've ever placed in my age group. Last year I was second in my age group. This year, I left the race in a very somber mood and still feel that way. I'm thinking a thousand things all negative (28:46). I will put this behind me and move on. I saw Kate at the race we were pretty much lined up at the start together but that was about it. Look like she had a great race, she also will be running The Danbury Half tomorrow. I also saw Richard haven't seen him in a while and Donna of course was there. Last year this time I remember leaving the race and going directly to central park to pick up my bib for the More marathon. Have a great day everybody, life goes on.

2009-04-01T20:21:00.002-04:00

nothing to report today. I did not run this morning because I got up too late. I got home late and its raining. Could have went to the gym but I didn't. I'm being very lazy today.

2009-03-29T17:08:00.004-04:00

I got in a well needed twenty miler today 20:03 miles by the way of BOSTON BLOWOUT 30k wasn't a pretty day, rainy and windy. I was out there for allot longer than anticipated. I finished the 30K in about 3:22 not my best. I really felt good out there that was the main thing . I'm not sure if I can call this a true training run because if I had left my house this morning and did the training on my own it would have taken me at least 4:oohrs. But I did not feel like I was racing I was comfortable the whole time. I wasn't drop dead tired and yes today I did feel like I could have finish a marathon.

Today I am very thankful for all the volunteers out there helping out and 3 that I know very well Paul, Andrea and Julie!! Julie thank you for giving me that last push I needed I really was trying to procrastinate. I also want to thank Jim for keeping the clock on even after his published cut off time of 3:06. Special Kudos to Don and Kate and for tackling back to back 30K's.

2009-03-28T13:59:00.002-04:00

Wow I can't believe it the second race this year I went to register for and registration is close the More Marathon is close? I can't believe it the marathon have never had over 200 and I have ran it since 2004. Was always the the half marathon that took over the race. I'm not sure why they hadn't already made it into the Half Marathon only. I was hoping to have a streak with this one.

2009-03-25T22:25:00.003-04:00

Today I'm grateful I got a chance to run, it was dark when it ended...4.37 miles 10:20 per mile....better than I thought...looking forward to tomorrow.