So I went to Eureka Springs this week to run the most challenging course I have done so far. It was pretty much up hill for about 2.5 miles and then straight down for the last half. And that is no exaggeration whatsoever! The first hill goes straight up - turns left and goes up and to the right some more! Then a very brief hilly section before the straight up incline leading to the historic Crescent Hotel. (can you say "butt-kicker"?) It was very tough...  I had to walk for a few feet on the second incline...and I hate walking during a race! I felt like I was crawling along, barely moving at all. Then after conquering the hill I almost never caught my breath! Sheesh! And just about the time I did, the course shifted and went straight down Benton Rd! It was almost as difficult to hold myself back as going up the hill had been!  I crossed the finish line in just over 35 minutes. That's not too bad actually, for an old lady. My PR is in the 31 minute range so I really fe...

Well I guess we'll see if this week can go off as planned! I'm looking at possibly getting in 20 miles this week. And I am looking at a time crunch because the half marathon is coming in September. I have only run 8 miles for my long run recently. I think I'll be okay though because I can bump that up to 1 pretty easily. The terrain here is kind of hilly and the race is in Chicago which is really flat. So I think that will work to my advantage at least.  I also signed up for a  night race this weekend. I haven't ever done that so it'll be nice. And it will be to commemorate my first 5K ever. It's the same Saturday that I ran my very first race two years ago. Boy I was so happy to run that 3.1 miles! And I was hooked on racing ever since. I never dreamed that about 3 miles would be my easy days! lol!  It's funny sometimes how when we are going through life and we know that our struggles are shaping us somehow, we still cannot always see how far we've ...

Mondays I try to get in a good little chunk of mileage. It kind of lets me stack it up so that it's easier to meet my mileage goals for the week. That way I don't feel like I am playing catch-up the rest of the week and there's less pressure to get it all in. I prefer going at least 5 miles on Mondays - Plus I'm coming off two rest days so it just makes sense! Sometimes I can imagine the hills are issuing me a challenge. I can't wait to tackle them and take 'em down! Yesterday was no different. I headed out and the big hill on my chosen route is about a mile and a half from the house. That gives me plenty of time to get warmed up good before I get there! I love the challenge! What I wasn't ready for was the return trip. (I prefer out and backs because I know my legs need the well rounded workout.) But when I turned around to come back I was facing a stiff head wind! I pushed it so hard! And each time the wind picked up - I picked up my pace in response. ...

On any given day there are tons of things that can be used for an excuse to not run. These excuses can range from very mild to real excuses, like my leg just fell off! And there are legitimate times when runners really do need to take a day, or even a week, off. When there is a serious injury or a family emergency it just isn't always using good judgment to try to get that run in. And of course, if it is actually thundering and lightening it is unsafe to take a run! Actually, so far lightning is the only reason I have seen a race postponed! So this morning after the bulk of the storm passed I headed out in the rain for a good solid run. I figured rain really could be a legit excuse; but as I found out at the half marathon - you never know what you might get on race day so it could be a great training exercise. And boy was it! First, I had trouble with my glasses during the half marathon as the rain kept getting on them and I couldn't see well. So today presented a perfect...

As usual the day before my long runs, more challenging runs, or race day the day before is full of stress and usually very little sleep. I haven't figured out how everything knows to come crashing in 24 hours before a huge day but it does. So in its usual fashion yesterday was full of all kinds of emotional and other crazy stuff. Today is the last chance I get to try for a really long run before the half marathon on May 1. And add to that the uncertainty of new shoes and man, what a crazy combination! But I will put them on here in a  bit and head on out the door...because that's what runners do. We run anyway! We're are geared kinda like the energizer bunny... we just keep going, and going, and going... lo l! I find I need running to alleviate my stress! So with my heart heavy, my mind full and a brand new pair of Brooks I head out the door this morning to hopefully log the most miles I have ever done. Why? All so I can at least feel a little more prepared for the half t...

i don't even remember where I read it and all it said was something like you cannot run fast if you do not strengthen your core and upper body with cross training.   It hit me like crazy! It was the motivation I needed! Today will be a medium run of 5.5 miles and then next week should be back to normal. However, I will be adding more bike riding as cross training PLUS - Jillian Michaels super fat burner- metabolism booster workouts on the days I don't run. I know I am slow - and I am old. But sometimes I feel so heavy when I am running. That one statement kicked me in the butt. I am motivated to make some necessary changes in my diet - starting TODAY! And to start some extra workouts to boost muscle building. I don't have to stay slow. Isn't it funny how some little statement can change your mind even though you've been thinking about it all along? I guess it was like offering me a challenge. And once I see a challenge I am free to compete - even with myself! ...