ONE OF THOSE WEEKENDS...

you never want to end. The weather was so perfect, it was unbelievable.

It all started with running a little 10k race Saturday with Jan. Jan had decided after the Toronto half, with the prospect of the GR half coming up, that maybe she would practice more running while wearing her sling, to see how much she could do. She's got about 10 more days with the sling. We did a practice "run" on Tuesday, putting in about 5 miles, using different run/walk ratios starting with 6 min. of running with 4 walking, ending with 8 running, 2 walking. She did pretty well and we decided to see what we could do at the race. I couldn't help notice though that her running intervals were somewhat faster than mine, so it would be a challenge, I knew, keeping up with her, despite her handicap. And then there has been my back problem lately. I thought I would start up with yoga and pilates to get some more intense stretching back in my routine, and wouldn't you know it, I strained it again at Thursday's class! So I was glad we were going to be taking it "easy" at Saturday's race.

Saturday morning turned out to be perfect weather for running--upper 50s, slightly breezy, and sunny. Couldn't beat that. We decided to start in the back, but then realized it wasn't a chip start so we hustled over the start line and started our run/walk. I was more than ready to walk when we hit the first hill, but Jan decided she felt okay to keep running, so we crested the hill and were on the downside before we did our first walk. I realized my mouth was very dry but realized there would be a water stop at the first turnaround. Before I knew it or was ready, we were off for the second run interval. Jan was starting to half joke about being at the back of the pack, but again, I couldn't help but think I'd be there anyway without the walk breaks.

But we did hit the first mile under 12 min., so we were still well within the time frame I had predicted for us. Before we even hit mile two, however, the first place 10k runner was coming through. We were headed over one of the bridges we would cross in the race, and there were a lot of walkers and very slow runners here. We picked our way through and headed to mile 3. Most of this race is along the river, on a route I take frequently, so it all was very familiar to me. But, when we came off the river path and headed out to the street, crossing another bridge over the river, it wasn't as obvious where we were going. We finally saw the chalk lines ahead but realized no one was in front of us any more and only one woman was behind us. Oh well, we never said we'd be fast.

By now my mouth was very dry and I had had only a tiny bit of water at the first water stop, not realizing we wouldn't have another until past 4 miles. And I know Jan picked up the pace between miles 3 and 4, so now I was really trying not to gasp or spit dust I was so dry. If the chalk lines had not been down, I'm not sure I would have known exactly where to go. No matter which street we had gone down though would have been the same distance, but they did keep the streets closed the whole time, which was very nice.

When we got by the fish ladder (the dam), there is another narrower path along the river and here we met up with another walking group,with strollers,dogs, and kids on scooters and tricycles, so here again we had to pick our way through this mess and back across the river again. The route is very circuituous, winding one way, then back, across one bridge, and back across it going the other way. But it was all familiar, so easy enough to know how much farther we had. By the time we got to 5 miles, I was extremely happy to be coming to the end of the race though. At this point, the walk breaks were definitely more for me than Jan. She could have easily finished this thing ahead of me, but stayed with me, pacing me through the running portions.

When we hit 6 miles, we picked up the pace, finishing in 1:11:35. Not bad for taking so many walk breaks. And the funny thing was? We both medaled in our age groups! I got second, Jan got third. So almost our worst 10k times ever and we both get a medal. And checking the results, I could have won my age group if I'd done the 5k!

After the race, I again went to another orchard, meeting up with my son and his girlfriend and her child. This is the orchard where I am not kidding there were probably 5,000 people there. Its almost like a circus, with elephant, camel, and pony rides, a petting zoo of tortoises, llamas, donkeys, rabbits, goats, pot belly pigs, and even a flying squirrel. The goats and pigs had no interest in eating the treats you could buy to feed them. Instead, the goats were chewing and licking on the side of the barn, and the pigs just rooted around in the dirt. They did have a corn maze, pumpkin patch, apple picking, and a huge assortment of other activities, but after about 3 hours of walking through the dusty fields in the very warm temperatures, with bees swarming everywhere, and the baby squawking almost the whole time, I had had enough and we all left to go home, with me vowing to never go there again. Its a nice place, but its not something I feel I need to do again in my lifetime!

Sunday's weather was 85 degrees, and a perfect day to go for a long bike ride. Don and I rode 31 miles, taking in all the changing colors, and listening to the chorus of all the insects in the trees and fields, most likely singing their last songs of the season. Even if we get more nice days, its unlikely we'll have this warm of weather.

After, we again went to the farm market. They still had a huge abundance of tomatoes, corn, peppers, pears, apples, etc. I wish I had found this place earlier in the season! And much more reasonably priced than the grocery store or even our city farm market (where if you didn't know, they jack the prices way up) (I got 6 years of corn, a 1/2 peck of HoneyCrisp apples, a dozen pears, 3 large tomatoes, a cabbage, and a half gallon of cider for $14). A nice color tour to the country, and you've got a great farm market with great quality produce. Then it was back home in time to spend some relaxing time on the sun porch reading.

Hope everyone had great weekends too! Congrats to all who ran marathons this weekend!

TRYING NOT TO WORRY.

Too much, that is. With the stock market tanking out day after day it seems, I'm afraid this will be me one day, working well into old age, to make up for the losses I (and everyone else) is facing. One more reason to keep up with the running, pushups, core work, etc. to (hopefully) live a long and healthy life. I don't want to have to go through old age and be dependent on anyone. I have a feeling I'm going to be working a loooong time.

A YEARLY TRADITION.Going to the apple orchard, that is. Its hard to believe its that time of year again! Apples, pumpkins, donuts, cider--a day out in the country.

This place is about our favorite, although there are dozens of orchards around. This particular one is busy, but not so over crowded that all you do is walk elbow to elbow with hundreds of others, like a few other places we've been. Each place has its own unique activites and specialties, but they all seem to have the best apples, cider, and donuts.

Every year, there is a batch of kittens. I don't know where they go once they are grown, but they are always in abundance.
And of course, each year they have new ducklings. So cute!


And then there were the baby goats this year. Also very cute as they frolicked around, begging for treats.

And then there were the rabbits. The kids actually have a rabbit just like this, a Himalayan. You can always tell when cold weather is coming because its nose and ears turn dark. In the summer months, they are almost white or a very pale gray.

And one of those "fun" kid activities--milking the cardboard cow. You can tell he's thrilled.

And no photo op is complete without the farmer and his wife cardboard cutout pic. (Again, thrilled, you can tell.)
Now this looks like fun! A ride around the orchard in the moo train.


Then it was out in the pumpkin patch to find that perfect pumpkin.

And finally, the best part of the day, donuts and cider!

We were also able to buy fresh produce right down the road from there--sweet corn, peaches, tomatoes, green beans, pears, etc. You could also have picked a peck of peppers if you were so inclined, since they had bushels and bushels of every kind of pepper you could imagine! I've never seen that many or that many varieites at one time.

And the best part of this time of year is baking those pies, cobblers, and muffins with all the delicious fresh picked produce. Last night it was a peach cobbler. Yum. Soon it will be apple pies and anything else I can come up with for apples,pears, and plums.

I'm off now to go look for some good recipes.

WALKING v. RUNNING--Early Morning Walk/Run.

To avoid the dog and pony show and 3-ring circus of one of our presidential "hopefuls" holding a rally that is taking place on the plaza next door to where I work today, I headed to the gym early--5:45 a.m.--to get around the blocked off streets and be sure I got into my parking lot. Before I go on about my day, let me rant first about the necessity of this politician to hold a rally in an open public location--for the masses--so that first, the crowds look huge and second, that it disrupts the whole downtown/financial/business district of this town. People will come after work too so why at 9 am?? Its hard enough getting around all the construction zones in our town from April until November without this added hassle.

Now, to get on with my thoughts on recovery from the half marathon and trying to get my back issue cleared up. And a note on that also: this was a chronic problem from years ago, and I only have occasional (maybe twice a year) flareups. I pretty much felt it coming on with my big numbers month in August and didn't really give myself a chance to recover fully in September, and then with letting the shoes get a little too far gone, I was asking for trouble. I know what I have to do, and it doesn't usually last too long, and its not necessarily a running "injury," just a little overuse.

I got to thinking with Jan being able to walk/run the half marathon and coming out pretty good, why not do a week or two of recovery by walking and running? Yesterday I put that plan to work with very little to no stress on my back, and today was a follow-up.

I had to start very early when it was very dark today, but already due to the rally, the downtown was bustling as early as 6:15 am. Yesterday, I realized while walking I felt more vulnerable in the dark than I do running, and today it was even worse. It was darker longer because I started earlier and there were people everywhere I don't usually see. But I kept to the lighted areas and just had to circle around to get in some mileage. Both days now I have done 3 miles right around 40 minutes, with 8 minutes of walking and 2 of running, and by the time I got to the running, the legs felt good. By the time I got to the 3rd set, the legs felt real good. I was also much colder wearing the same thing as if I were just running.

My only complaint? Waling takes longer than running. Now I know why I started running.

FOOD, FUN, AND FRIENDS: TORONTO SCOTIABANK WATERFRONT HALF MARATHON, SEPT. 28, 2008 Some good dinner pics, for sure. Top: Jan, Anne, Laurel, me, all enjoying our meal and some adult beverages the night before the race. We kept things under control, sticking to just one glass of relaxing wine. Then it was off to bed early and hopefully a good night's sleep.

Below: Jan, race morning, all ready to go. One thing we learned, being outside of our own country, was how metrically challenged we were! Kilometers! Celsius! We had no idea what to wear race day until that morning. Example: it was 15 degrees. Celsius. Fifteen degrees to us means cold and snow. Celsius means about 60 degrees. So we were confused at first (maybe still!).

Post race: Can't tell if you can see the name of the celebratory wine Anne bought. It was called "Girl's Night Out." How appropriate!

And here we were, post race, enjoying more adult beverages (Laurel, Anne, Jan). Danny the Dolphin, at the kiddie pool/hot tub/water slide area. The hotel had made a very bad decision scheduling a cleaning of the adult pool/hot tub the day of the race, so we were forced to hit the kiddie pool. Below: Anne at the hot tub.

Two pics of views from our hotel. We had a balcony room, but the door was jammed, so these were from the inside. Not bad actually.

Its hard to sort out and put into words the wonderful weekend we had! Toronto is a beautiful city. I can see why so many people immigrate here. Not only is it beautiful, but seemed very clean and safe.

Jan and I flew into Toronto, via Grand Rapids and west to Milwaukee, and then back east to Toronto. Not efficiency travel, but that's what you get when you have to look for cheap fares. It was a long day of travel, but we chatted about everything you can imagine, and the time passed fairly quickly. It also proved to be one of the most uneventful air travels I have experienced, so it never seemed exhausting or annoying.

We arrived at the hotel much later than we had anticipated, and I was anxious to call Laurel (Lily on the Road) and have our long awaited meet up. Fortunately, she and Anne, her roommate for the weekend, were still up at 10:30 when we called, and they invited us to their room. We then chatted again until almost midnight! We found we enjoyed each other's company right away, and planned a dinner meet up the next day. I reluctantly decided we needed to say good night so they good get some sleep, and Jan and I headed to the bar for a nightcap.

Jan, with her broken collarbone wearing a sling was an open invitation for conversation and questions everywhere we went. Most people assumed she had a broken arm, so we just went with the flow on that. Basically, we closed the bar down (they closed at 1:30 am) and then went to the room and to sleep, with me waking up at 7:59 am the next day.

I felt like I'd overslept or something! I hardly ever sleep that late. I decided to head to the adult pool for a swim. My back had been bothering me all week, since the 10 mile race the week before, and while it was considerably better, I was still having enough discomfort to be reminded of it constantly. I should have hit the hot tub after but felt like I should get back to the room and get ready for breakfast before we totally missed that. My stomach was growling, and we had not really had a dinner meal the night before, so I didn't want to go too long without food the day before a race.

After showering and dressing, we headed to the Market Square restaurant/buffet in the hotel. Jan wanted pancakes, but we got the impression the chefs didn't know what that was, and it soon became apparent that pancakes are not a continental breakfast food in Toronto. We decided on the "Chelsea Breakfast," which consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast, and juice. All good, except we got enough bacon for 3 breakfasts!

After breakfast, we decided to head to the expo. I stopped at the concierge desk to get a map and we bumped into Laurel and Anne! They were headed out to take Laurel's dad to lunch, so we said our goodbyes and headed to the expo.

Once outside, we found it was drizzling rain. I had my umbrella, so we crammed ourselves under it and started our hike to the convention center. We had a general idea of where to go from Laurel's directions, but we soon forgot where we were supposed to turn and instead started following a couple of guys who "looked like runners," figuring we could find our way from them. However, we lost them when they turned off somewhere. For all we knew, they were headed to a strip club or something! So then we did the smart thing and actually looked at the map. We figured out where we were and where we needed to go and all was good again.

Once we got down to Front Street, which is where the convention center is, we noticed a considerably bigger number of people everywhere, reminding me somewhat of NY City, but not that crowded. By now the drizzle had let up, so we didn't have to fight our way through the throngs of people with that. We finally got to the convention center and made our way to the packet pickup area first, got our shirts, a cool tote bag, and our numbers. Jan needed to get her corral color changed from the speedster corral to the slower moving runner corral. She was now going to be walking most of the race, throwing in a little jogging here and there.

This was a great expo, and I spent way too much money here, something I wasn't going to do! Jan was drooling over all the medals of upcoming races at the booths set up for this. It looked to us like race organizers are finally getting the message that its not the race but the bling that draws more crowds! So many races! So little time.

After hours at the expo, my back was really bothering me, to the point where I knew if I didn't get off my feet soon I was going to have some serious problems later in the day. It had gone from a dull ache to almost numbness and pain, so I was hurting. And we still had, we found out later, 1.5 miles left to get back to the hotel. It was raining again, so we waited for 10 minutes and it cleared up, but it was enough for me to take some pressure off the back.

The plan later in the day had been to meet up back at the expo with Anne and Laurel and three other bloggers, Marlene, Tiggr, and Emily. But once we got back to the hotel, there was no way I was going to be able to walk down there again. That would have been a total of 6 miles of walking for the day. Before a race. So I had to beg off, and I'm sorry I didn't get to meet them, but that's the way things go sometimes. Hopefully they had great races and I'm anxious to read their reports.

We did agree to meet up with Laurel and Anne at a closer restaurant, Little Anthony's, but it still mean another 1.5 mile walk to and from the hotel. So we still probably covered almost 5 miles that day, probably closer to 7 counting the expo. Not smart for me that day.

Dinner (pics above) was great. The restaurant had linens on the tables and real silverware. Its nice to treat yourself whenever you can! We had more good conversation and then headed back to the hotel calling it a fairly early night. I took pain medication, used ice and a heating pad on the back, and fell asleep and slept good.

Morning came early, 5:15. As soon as I got up, I could feel the back was mainly tight, tight enough where it was hard to get in any type of decent stretching, which I desperately needed. And of course we faced the weather dilemma. After getting the correct temperature and going outside briefly, I totally changed what I was going to wear. It was about 60 degrees with 94% humidity, like a Florida morning just like Laurel said.

Our hotel was only about 1/2 mile from the race site, so we headed down around 6:45 and got right in the corrals, since they were no where near full yet. I'm sure everyone was in the porta john lines, but having come straight from the hotel, we didn't have to deal with that. I did feel like I could go, but didn't want the hassle of the long lines.

Standing around waiting for the race, my back was tightening up, so I sat on the curb for a while and stretched until the corrals started filling up and it was getting close to time to start running. I'm not exactly sure of the participant numbers, but I never felt jammed or crowded waiting in the corrals for the race to start. I was concerned about Jan getting knocked around, but she even said it was very civilized, and she never had a moment of panic of getting jostled.

Once the race started, Jan dropped back and to the side. Laurel took off like a canon, and Anne and I hung back. I wasn't feeling 100% with my back, but it didn't really bother me to run. I had hoped to run 2:40 or better and feel I have that in me, so when I came upon the 2:30 pace group, I stuck with them for a while, almost thinking it was too slow. But after 30 minutes, I started slowly dropping back, without being able to do anything about it. We just separated, and I never saw them again.

Here too is where I felt unable to do the math, being used to miles and not kilometers. I know the usuals, 5k, 8k, 10k, but the ones in between were what had me confused so I decided to focus on only the ones I knew and figure my time when I arrived as to maybe what I could do overall. By 10k, however, I was really tight and starting to actually get a pain going up my hip flexor area into the side, almost like a side stitch but not really. So I shortened my stride more than I already had, and that helped ease it. This though meant I started slowing down more and more, and by the time I got to 12k, I knew I was losing time badly. I saw Laurel on the return portion (it was almost an out and back for the half marathoners) and determined she was at least 15 min. ahead of me then. When I got to the same place later, I saw Jan, and realized she was only about 15-20 minute behind me! Way to go Jan!

We had our names on our bibs, so it was encouraging to hear your name called out as you would go through the aid stations. A very nice touch! It surprised me the first time someone called out my name though because I was thinking "Who do I know handing out water??"

But that too meant I was really slowing down. Still, I could only do what I could do and decided to just keep up my 8.5 minute run/1.5 min. walk pacing. The weather was fairly nice, with sun and clouds and wind, and by the time we were at 13k, we were running close to the water, so even though the breezes coming off Lake Ontario helped keep things cool, I was sweating pretty good, and my hair was almost soaked. It was obviously the humidity.

I wasn't having a great race anymore, less so than when I started. When I started, at least I was still positive it would be a good enough day. Now, I wasn't so sure. Those stupid little doubts start creeping in and now I knew I was going to have to go kilometer by kilometer to keep myself focused. I also was able to do the math, figuring once I hit 16k I only had a 5k to go and I knew I could do that regardless of how things were going.

About 14k, I suddenly came up behind the 2:45 pace team, and here is when I really got disappointed. I knew I was behind, so decided to just stick with them, even though my watch really didn't indicate a 2:45 finish, but faster for me. But here again, by the time we got to the 15k mark, I was starting to lose them and drop back some, not intentionally, just because I couldn't hold their 10/1 run/walk ratio.

Between 15 and 16k, mentally I was losing control. I was disappointed I wasn't going to make my goal, my back was extremely tight and sore, and I was again having trouble doing the math. This went on until about 18k, when I regrouped and pulled myself somewhat together. I never stopped moving, just had started taking more walk breaks and trying to stretch out the back. But by 19k, I was almost beside myself again, and decided once I got to 20k I was not stopping again no matter what. And that's how I finished the race, taking shorter steps, going slower to avoid needing to stop.

Once we turned back onto Bay Street, where the race was to finish, they had divided the street into two sections, one for the half marathoners, and one for the marathoners, and they also had big signs indicating you were 500 meters, 400 meters, 300 meters, etc. right up to the finish. And running up Bay Street, you had the old clock tower ahead of you to guide you to the finish. It was a great finish area, and I heard my name called at the finish line for once, and not because I was last either! Finish time: 2:47:47. A PW so far this year but a great race otherwise.

I had planned to meet up with Jan, Laurel and Anne after the race, but not knowing what anyone had done, and only guesstimating what Jan would do, I finally left the finish area, got rid of my chip, sat down to recover my back, and the next thing I knew here comes Jan! She had done 2:55! That was almost 30 minutes faster than she thought possible. I might have done better walking/running with her!

We met up with the other ladies then, got some food, and attempted to work our way back from the race to the hotel. We all decided a bottle of wine and the hot tub were necessary to recover from the race, so Anne and Jan walked to a liquor store, with their race gear and mylar blankets, and bought us some wine. We went to their room, tipped a few, headed to the hot tubs, and then back to the rooms to shower and change for dinner. We all decided a good steak dinner was in order, so made a reservation at Hys, a very elegant restaurant (and very expensive, but what the heck, you only live once!). We had a wonderful dinner, and my back was feeling much better that evening after that hot tub soak.

After dinner, we ended up back in the bar, chatting with marathoners, and all too soon it was time to part company again, with promises of another meet up in the future. Great weekend!

TORONTO SCOTIABANK WATERFRONT MARATHON/HALF MARATHON.

That's where I'm headed this weekend. Jan and I will be leaving on a jet plane later this afternoon. The race is Sunday. Looks like the good weather we are enjoying here in Michigan right now will mostly follow us, with a low on race day of 52 and a high of 71. That means probably mid 60s finish time, similar to last weekend.

Its so hard to plan what to wear when you are going to be away from home. I tend to always bring too much, but I'd rather have a choice than have to scramble and buy something I probably don't need otherwise.

I'll be meeting up with Lily on the Road at some point tonight or tomorrow. It should be a great time! There are several others, so it will be a fun blogger meet up. Not bringing my laptop. I'll be acting as "valet" for Jan and hauling her stuff as well as mine, so that's one less thing I will have to drag around. I hate being cutoff like that though!

We'll be staying at the Delta Chelsea Inn, which is fairly close to the race start/finish. Internet here is not free either, running about $10.95 a day, so I'll be skipping the internet access.

Wish me luck, and I'll be back on Monday with details!

EVERYDAY FITNESS

Every day fitness is important to me, and I'm sure others like minded who read the triathlon and running blogs. To me, that means doing something every day. And by doing something, I don't mean running a marathon or doing a triathlon. I just mean something every day, for 10 minutes if that's all you want, walking around the block, walking up the steps instead of taking the elevator. Something.

Today we had another in a series of wellness seminars put on by my employer. I've attended all of them, not only out of interest but also because there is always an incentive for us to attend these functions. The majority of the people who go, do so only for the incentive. Today's topic was "Move it to Lose it." Some of the information learned (and which you may already know):

The Art of Weight Loss--Goal: Achieve a negative energy balance. To do so, you have to eat less and exercise more.

• You must exercise in order to lose body fat.
• Exercising all the time at a really high intensity does not guarantee you will lose weight.
• Its a myth that the more you exercise the more fat you will lose. Why? Because it does not factor in what you eat to make up for the calories and energy burned.
• Every year after age 25 you lose muscle mass due to a decrease in resting metabolism, up to 15* pounds by age 55. Loss of muscle equals gain in fat.

These are just a few of the topics discussed. The bottom line of course is that exercise is the key to long term weight management. So then I did the math (and correct me if I'm wrong) on that 15* pounds of muscle loss, multiplying 3500 x 15 = 52,500 calories. At this rate, I figure it would take 53 weeks to lose 15 pounds by eliminating 500 extra calories a week, by both diet and exercise. I might just want to take up that challenge!

"YOU INSPIRED ME."

Today was the day for that dreaded yearly physical. You know the feelings you get: is my weight good? Is my blood pressure satisfactory? How about the cholesterol thing? I worried all weekend about this. Not that I really was all that worried, but you know how you get. I can't get out of the car and go have my blood pressure checked without it being a little high. And the weight thing is always a work in progress--up and down and up and down. Not a lot, just enough for me to feel like I can do better, you know those 5 or 10 pounds you'd like to be done with forever. Definitely there had been an improvement in overall physical strength over the past year, and from what I can tell, my determination to always strive to be better and keep on going is probably as strong. But what I didn't expect to hear from the doctor?

"Because of you, I became a runner. You inspired me." Wow! At least I know I'm doing a little something good in this world.

10 MILE BRIDGE RUN, Sept. 20, 2008---OR...10 MILES RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX.

While I wouldn't recommend anyone else doing this, the best thing for me to do was wear the new shoes I bought Friday night for the 10 mile race on Saturday morning. You'd think I would know better, having run now for more than 20 years, that when it feels like I am running with boards strapped to my feet and my hip aches with every step that I don't just need new shoes, I am way past due for them. Some things you just never learn.

So after last week's 3 runs, all of which resulted in a bone jarring hip pain during and after each run, I knew I had to get the shoes. I planned to get them on Saturday AFTER the race, but after the misery I went through on my Thursday night run, I knew it was the shoes and not just something else going on. I had iced, stretched, and used the tennis ball all week, with some relief, but the hip pain was nagging and lingering, so I knew. Instead, I bought the shoes Friday after work Friday night, at the same store where they had Friday night packet pickup, brought them home, and wore them around the house for a while. At that point, I still did not really plan to wear them the next day, but after an uncomfortable night because of my low back/hip pain, even after ibuprofen, icing, and heat, I figured I would decide whether I would wear them in the morning.

Once I picked up my old shoes this morning, I knew I was wearing the new shoes, no matter the consequences. They felt stiff and looked really beat up. I figured the worst I would go through would be toe cramping, but that would beat 10 miles of my hip aching, and maybe having something get screwed up and lingering into next weekend's half marathon. I was going to take my chances.

It was a perfect almost fall day--upper 50s at the start, mid 60s at the finish. The only complaint about the weather was the high humidity, around 80%. I soon felt this in the first mile, where it was a little difficult getting the breathing under control. I purposely hung back at the start to keep from getting that out-of-breath feeling, but it was happening somewhat anyway because of the humidity. Soon, the pack ran away from me, as usual. The walkers had started 15 minutes ahead of the runners, so my first goal was to pass them. I stuck to a 8 1/2 run, 1 1/2 walk, because that seems to get me through runs of that distance or longer without much training and without totally losing pace sooner than I wanted to. I had really hoped to be running a little stronger by now, but it has only been less than 3 weeks since my virtual race run/bike/swim extravaganza, with two back-to-back 120+ miles on the bike and close to 20 mile weeks running. My long run last weekend did not go well because of the hip pain, so I was just going to have to back off a little and do what I could do.

The route is a very familiar route for me, because it encompasses most of my training run routes and winds through an older part of town that was my stomping grounds as a kid. The only complaint about the course is that about 50% of it is on rough, uneven pavement, making it feel more like a trail run on pavement than a road run. I am so prone to turning an ankle or tripping over cracks in the road that I was constantly zig-zagging around the worst parts. Only a couple of small hills, otherwise almost flat.

At the first mile marker, I was under 11:30 pace, and that of course included one walk break, so I was happy with that. Then I did something I NEVER do: hit the split button on my watch. Or at least I thought I did, and maybe I did, but the next time I looked at my watch, it still had the same time as the first mile split, so I must have stopped it. Dang! Don asked me recently what my splits were at Steelhead on the run. Splits? I never do that. I don't even know how to do that. He couldn't believe it. I am split challenged, and today proved my point.

I quickly checked the actual time on my watch and decided I had probably missed timing about 3 minutes or more, so then had to reconfigure my run/walk plan. I can tell you right now, I'm not doing that again. The biggest nuisance for me was to constantly see a "2" for split when I was trying to check the actual time in seconds. My watch switches back and forth, but still, it was just too annoying for me. Just give me the chrono time and that's all I need.

Just after the third mile, I saw Don being course marshall at one of the corners. This was also close to where we would enter Riverside Park, and run on the bike path along the river. I had managed to pass a lot of the walkers before 3 miles, so I was happy with that, but the first male runner was on his way back just after I passed 3 miles. Oh well, I never said I would be fast.

In fact, after this, you could see returning runners for the next mile and a half since the route through the park was out and back. Eventually I started seeing the women in my age group, all on their way back. This was my first race in a new age group, but I still didn't fare any better. These women are like hens--the older they get, the tougher they are. So I figured unless they went through at least 10th place with medals, I would be going home with nothing today except the pleasure of getting to run in such wonderful weather.

Shortly after entering the park, I could hear footsteps right behind me again. I had passed quite a few people before 3 miles, but now I could hear someone close behind. And the way the shadows were playing tricks with me, I kept thinking I saw two people coming up behind me. I finally turned and saw one woman, who apparently was running from one side of the path to the other. She said she was just pacing off me--and she was walking! Talk about feeling like a snail! But I still stuck with my run/walk plan. I was feeling fairly good but was hungry. I could feel my stomach growling. I had one Gu with me, figuring they would have more at the aid station in the park, but no such luck this year. I was glad I saved it then, and decided I would have to wait until I hit the 5 mile mark to use it.

As we ran through the park, you could still see evidence of flooding from last week's heavy rainfall. Most of the path itself is high enough to not get any flood waters on it, once the spring thaw and rains subside, but the playgrounds were like islands, with river water coming right up to the cork like material they use under the equipment. But they also rerouted us away from the river and up nearer the soccer fields, where again the road was rough, bumpy, and filled with holes. That made it more difficult for me too because again I had to run around all this stuff. And at this point, the only woman who passed me since mile one came by, and I realized there was no way I would catch her so put it out of my mind.

As we were finally nearing the turnaround, I could see that part of the parking lot, near one of the boat ramps, was completely under water still, so I think there was a course change and we had an out and back on the bike path instead. Here I finally passed some more runners, and at the 5 mile mark passed some more. Then I took my Gu and more water, but knew it probably wouldn't really kick in for another 20 minutes. I really wish I had had one more before this and one for after but this would have to do.

As I continued on through the park, even with my run/walk ratio, I managed to pass everyone in front of me on the bike path. As I headed off the path and back to the street, I was really starting to feel the whole race. Maybe if I had had a better run last weekend, I might feel better today. But who ever knows? I was doing what I could do. I passed Don again and said "You'll probably be out here longer than I will!" I know he was enjoying seeing all the people he knew--all in front of me, including the 80 year old guy from here who has run probably about 100 or more marathons.

By the time I hit 7 miles, I was seriously wanting this to be over. I was worried I would fall apart too soon, and my goal was 2 hours or less. Because my chrono time was messed up, I really wasn't sure where I was timewise, but could only guesstimate. I held on through the next water stop and around the corner from that, but that's where mentally and physically I just had to walk off my break time. I could see two people far ahead on the street, one walking, the other shuffling, and I wanted to at least pass them. However, that didn't happen until almost mile 8, so I held on for another block or so and then had to walk again. I really wasn't feeling that great but knew I had to keep going or I wouldn't make my goal time. So on I trudged, finally passing another guy who was at a walk, and continued until after one of the last bridges on the route. Here, I took in some gatorade to see if that would help, but I think it was too late for that. I held together until I got around the corner, almost missing the turn, and then walked out of my interval time again. I was calculating my time and started figuring I wouldn't make it but would be close. So then I allowed myself to just relax and forget about it.

I was getting a little crazed here though and wanted to see that 9 mile mark in the worst way. Then it was run/walk, run/walk through the last mile. I was pretty spent, even though I knew I did not finish in 2 hours. Actual time: 2:02:27. Even if I had run 2:27 faster, it wouldn't have changed my place (last in AG) and the next closest was 1:40, so there would have been no catching her anyway.

So hopefully this will be a good training run for the Scotiabank Toronto half marathon on Sept. 28. That's all I wanted from this anyway. And the good news was not one minute of hip pain and no toe cramping either until after the race!

FEELING THE PAIN

How do you know when its time for new running shoes? For me, its hip pain. Not the kind I've had with ITB, but pain during and after a run. It eases with stretching and icing, but its there, nagging at me day in and day out, a sure sign its time for new shoes. I've been to the chiro recently but haven't had a massage in a while. Still, I'm sure new shoes are needed.

Got that birthday gift card just in time, and this weekend will be scouting around for my favorite pair of shoes, Brooks Adrenaline.

I've been wearing these now for a few years and they seem to be a good choice for me. And the good news is they haven't changed much year to year. How much longer they'll make this shoe is anyone's guess. Hopefully I can find my size at the running store! It would be great if they were actually on sale too!

I doubt I will be able to wear them for my race this weekend or the Toronto half next weekend, but they certainly will make the runs in between more comfortable. It almost amazing how once I get a new pair of shoes, something that's bothering me goes away almost from the first run.

I'll be reporting on my success in finding the shoes and having pain free runs again!

A BIG FAT ZERO!

Nothing much going on, nada, zero. Nothing much to say, nada, zero. Been busy at work, blah blah blah. Too much birthday partying last week. You all know the story. Trying to keep up with blogs here and there but neglecting my own.

I have been training: running, doing pushups, swimming, biking, etc. This weekend I do have this race coming up, which is a 10 mile race, and then next weekend, I have this race, which is a half marathon in Toronto with blogger Lily as well as a couple of her friends and my friend Jan, who as you remember is recovering from her bike accident. She still won't know until next Tuesday whether she will be needing surgery, but she figures with a 3 hour 40 minute cutoff for the half that she can walk the whole thing. Either way, she says she's still going, whether she can walk/jog or not.

I'll be updating on how the 10 mile run goes. I can't say my long runs have felt that good, so there's no way to know how this will turn out. I almost can't believe it might be easier to do a 25 mile or longer bike ride first! Its been since June that I've done stand alone long runs, meaning without a bike ride first. I might just have to ride before the race to get the legs primed!

I'M A SCREAMER!




When I get startled, I scream. Doesn't matter what causes it, I scream. Always have. And yep, that happened at about 6:15 this morning when this jumped out at me! This ginormous moth has been hiding out in the house for days. This morning I looked around the windows and curtains to see if it was still there, didn't see it and breathed a sigh of relief. Not only has it been in the house, but it has been totally elusive when trying to catch it and put it outside again. I'm not afraid of these things, just don't want them flying around in my face scaring me to death!

So there I am, packing my lunch, getting ready to leave, putting the lid on a food container when all of a sudden that creature flies up in my face! Apparently, it was under the food container lid when I picked it up and decided to escape just before I put the lid on him.

OMG did I scream bloody murder! I honestly can't believe someone didn't call the police thinking someone was getting murdered! I think I actually scared the crap out of the moth too! Knocked a cup of coffee over and everything.

So that pretty much was my cardio workout for the day before my swim! (3/4 mile in 31 min.)

Hope everyone stays dry this weekend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Must be the birthday fairy was listening. I got a gift card to the local running store which I will be using for new shoes! Just in time.

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN.

Someone else posted on a similar subject of being somewhat lighter in the wallet from buying shoes recently. However, hers referred to running shoes, not work shoes.

With the cooler weather bearing down on us a little too fast, it was time to put away the toeless shoes and sandals from the summer and begin that exhausting chore of finding work shoes for fall. I would be perfectly happy wearing shorts/jeans and sandals all year long if I could get away with it. But walking through the snow and cold isn't that much fun when your toes and legs are freezing off. Even in the office, it sometimes gets so cold my feet are freezing, and I had resorted some days to wearing pantyhose just to keep my toes warm in my sandals.

But office protocal requires regular "shoes" as well as proper dress, so yesterday was spent trying to hunt down the perfect pair. The perfect pair isn't necessarily anything in fashion at any given time, but it does require some work on my part to not end up with something orthopedic looking while at the same time being comfortable enough for my finicky feet. My feet have gotten better the last couple of years, just from finally getting my running stride corrected and finding a decent pair of insoles.

And how often does this happen, when you actually are forced to go shopping for "regular" clothes, all you want to look at is workout stuff?? In reality, there isn't anything I need for running, biking, or swimming right now, no matter the weather, other than new shoes soon. But of course, after spending over $100 on required clothing and shoes, the running shoes will have to wait another few weeks. They really should give us a clothing allowance!

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JAN?

That was my question as the local triathlon yesterday. I had opted out of the race because its one of those local races that gets bigger every year, and with 1500 people entered, you can imagine the chaos. Last year I decided would be my last. Too much of a mess. And I was tired, tired, tired from my long and busy month of August. But I had said I would do my run over to the race that morning and watch her finish. The race venue is almost in my back yard.

When I got there, I realized I had miscalculated the starting time by one-half hour, so it was likely she could already be out on the run. I pretty much figured she would be in one of the last waves, based on age, but when I ran into a friend in the 45-49 age group, she said her wave was second! So then I really did not know.

But I dutifully watched and waited, looking around for her husband at the finish, but unable to pick him out of the crowd. And so I watched and waited longer, until it was clear she had either finished or dropped out or maybe hadn't come at all. I headed back home and throughout the day checked for results (I could have called her but duh, I just didn't think of it!). The website said they would be up by 4 that day.

So I went for a bike ride with Chiarunner. We had a nice 28+ mile ride. Got home, checked for results again, still nothing. By now, it was after 5 pm. Did some more laundry, made dinner, was just about done eating and the phone rang. It was Jan. "Hey did you do the race today? I didn't see you." "Yes, but..."

But she had a bike crash and was calling from the hospital! I pretty much freaked out when I found out. Her injuries include a broken clavical, two breaks, concussion, road rash with gravel still embedded in her palm, and other numerous bumps, scrapes, etc. And here's what's so freaky about it. Her crash was almost in the exact spot where I was hit two years ago almost to the day! (Another reason I don't like that race!)

So for the next two weeks, its a watch and wait on the collar bone to see if she will need surgery. No running for now and not much else either for at least the two weeks. She's still talking about going to Toronto, however, and walking the half if she has to. I guess time will tell.

Oh, and as for race results? Not up yet!

VIRTUAL RACE UPDATE.

Ahhh. Its over. Its a new month, the numbers are tallied, and the winners are. . . .

Jan, 1st place

Vickie, 2nd place.

I knew this was how it would come out. Jan was ahead of me from the first week, since it was right after Steelhead and I was out of town for 12 days. My only exercise options during that time were running, walking, or swimming, and I didn't do much of anything due to recovery from Steelhead and being on vacation. And naturally, the "race" started on Aug. 4, and Steelhead was on Aug. 2, so those miles couldn't count for the virtual race.

They did count, however, for my monthly totals which are:

Swim 4400 yards

Bike 365.5 miles

Run 57.9

Walk 13 miles

Canoe 8 miles

Total: 446.9 miles.

In reality, I totalled more miles than she did over the 4 week race, but she did reach the goal of 370 miles first. I was a biking/running fool the last week to get caught up and go over the top. And then there was that 8 mile canoe trip we took on Sunday, which was more like canoeing in a gravel pit since the river was so low most of the way we were pushing the canoe more than paddling. That was an ordeal in itself! I was counting that though no matter what!

Now, on to a new month and new adventures!

STEELHEAD PICS.

1. On bike somewhere. 2. Transition (probably going out). 3. On the bike again, no clue where. 4. Near the finish on the dunes. The guy behind me passed me because I couldn't get any footing (and was pretty tired out).

PEDALLING THROUGH SAND

Not in reality, but virtually. That's how this virtual race is starting to feel. Like I can't go any farther or faster or at all! Like I am bogged down in sand. I can hardly stand to pedal one more mile on the trainer, so hopefully tonight the weather will cooperate and I can get outside. This morning I actually looked forward to running, just for something different.

I know Jan has already won, simply for the fact that she did not do a 70.3 race this month or go on an extended family vacation. So there! But I would rather she won with her "for real" "actual" miles than some jacked up version of steps equalling miles.

Both of us are frustrated with the way this program converts your exercise. Basically, you are rewarded for doing less by getting more "steps" that you then convert over to miles. While its pretty close to actual miles, there are some things like mopping your floor or cutting wood that give you a higher proportion of steps per minute that then are converted into miles. Confusing? To us too. Needless to say, we both have worked very hard to complete the almost unrealistic goal (for us anyway) of reaching 370 miles in 4 weeks or less. I really want to do another triathlon next weekend, but right now I'm so tired I'm not sure I even care! I am getting very close to the goal and am desperately trying to come up with a way to get this done without having to bike all weekend, so its been every morning and every night, pedal, pedal, pedal. Last night I just closed my eyes and pedaled!

From the conversion chart, I might be better off just cleaning my house or cutting some logs for the fireplace this winter!

120 MILES OF DEER POOP

Yep, that's what I saw--mile after mile, I saw a pile.

I actually road 120 bike miles this week because I decided I would go for the gold and try to win the 3rd annual virtual race put on at work. I really don't know if anyone else is in contention but Jan, and since she is doing races for the next 3 weekends, I don't think she is going to make the cutoff, which is 370 miles by August 31. After this weekend, I'm at 235 miles, leaving 135 to go.

And when you're out there for 50 miles at a time, you have plenty of time to think of silly rhymes and stupid questions, like what are Bambi and his pals doing out there on the path to make that kind of mess? Or where is the lady who drives the poop scooper truck I see every Sunday? Clearly, she has neglected her duties this week. Even the heavy rain we had last night didn't wash it away, so I was dodging piles like an obstacle course for the 50 miles today and the 31 yesterday. No way do I want that all over my bike!

I struggled with both rides this weekend. I'm tired and sore and have more to do than just ride my bike, although it would't appear to be that way. And of course this week my bike computer decided to crap out, so I made an impulsive purchase of a new one. The 31 miles Saturday seemed like an eternity since I couldn't actually see how fast I was riding, but fortunately know the distances well enough that I didn't have to guess. It just bugs me to not have all that data when riding.

So I took it to the bike shop to see if it was fixable and wouldn't you know it, they don't carry that brand any more! Having decided I would try to win the race, I really needed that computer to verify in my mind what I am doing, how fast, how far, how long. So I bought a new one rather than keep messing with the old. I ended up getting a wireless computer this time, foregong the cadence I had on my other one to save $20. Only to realize at the turnaround at 25 miles today that now the magnet is on the front wheel, meaning when I put it on the trainer (wheel comes off with this trainer) I still won't have a reading! Aaagh! Now I have to figure something else out or get another one or something. Not sure if the magnet can be moved to the back wheel and still register on the computer in the front. Dang! Another problem to solve. And the LBS guy mounted the computer itself down on the stem (easier to reach there, according to him), except? I have to keep tilting my head down to see it instead of just glancing down, so that won't work either. And when I'm aero, I can't see it at all. But what can I expect from a guy who rides his bike with flip flops and no helmet??

Well I hope everyone had a good weekend, got some good races or training miles in and now I'm off to relax and try to rest up for my next big week ahead!

A SURE SIGN IT WILL RAIN.

Last night while out on a bike ride on the river path, I noticed a couple of things that were unusual: there were hardly any other riders out except a couple of kids and the occasional bums on bikes that wander through there frequently, shirtless, long stragly hair, and cigarettes hanging out of their mouths, and ANT HILLS. Dozens and dozens of ant hills. All over the path, all over the cracks in the road, everywhere.

Just like my reliable wind chime, which only tinkles when it will rain sometime within 24 hours, ant hills are another reliable indicator of imminent rain. And guess what we had this morning? A huge thunder shower.

Makes you wonder what those meteorologists actually look at when predicting the weather?

RETURN TO DARKNESS

I was pretty surprised to see how dark out it was still this morning at 6 am before my run. Its only the middle of August, and already mornings are staying darker longer. I don't want to think of all the darkness facing us in the months ahead. And while there was a full moon, it was obscured by all the clouds, so it seemed darker than usual.

There was a pretty stiff wind blowing out of the northeast, making it feel cooler than it was as well. And while I can't say I've been slacking these last couple of weeks, my workout numbers have been down because of my vacation and other crazy schedule. I've been gone 3 weekends in a row and had to make the hard decision to not do another race this coming weekend and being gone again.

This past weekend was a trip to the Allen County Fair in Lima, Ohio to see Lynrd Skynrd. It was a great venue for an outdoor concert, but it also meant 3 hours of driving one way. I'm guessing I've driven about 2500 miles or more in the last 2 weeks!

So I've been tired, dragging in fact. Today was only a 3 mile run, but I'll be riding my bike tonight as well. I will be making a decision this week about whether and which half IM I will do next. I feel like I have been cheated out of the opportunity to do an actual half IM triathlon, but at the same time my race plans had purposely included a vacation immediately following Steelhead, with the plan to not have to do any training for at least a couple of weeks. Instead? I felt obligated to keep up some semblance of training while gone, not only to keep up on the training if I wanted to do another race, but also because the first day of my vacation was the start of our annual work Virtual Race, where to win the race I would have to complete 370 miles in 4 weeks.

Every year the "race" organizers have upped the distance because apparently some think either those of us who have won have cheated or because its "too easy" for those of us who actually do exercise on a regular basis. The first year, it was 175 miles, which I pulled off in one week. Last year it was 250 miles, which I managed in 2.5 weeks and came in second, mainly because I was not as motivated to win again and because of my ankle sprain. This year, because of complainers, the organizers felt it was appropriate to divide the "race" into two categories: one for low impact and one for high. Low impact included things like housework, walking, swimming, etc. High impact included things like running, biking, soccer, tennis, etc. The low impact people only have 175 miles to cover; the high impact people have 370.

So what do you think of this? The person with the highest totals for low impact is already at 120 after 2 weeks. The person with the highest totals for high impact is at 208. Jan is in the lead of the high impact, and rightly so. But the person with the 120 miles? She's a walker. How do you walk that much in two weeks?? Even if you add up every single step you take in a day (and most of them do just to get their totals up), that would mean walking at least 8.5 miles per day. Jan and I are busting our butts to get the totals we have (I currently have 111 miles since Aug. 4). Each week they also have a winner for each category with the highest weekly total. At least 3 of the 4 winners leave me wondering whether they even walked around the block, let alone had the highest totals. It doesn't add up to either of us.

Regardless of how I do this year, I will push hard until the end of the month and see what happens. Either way, I can use the training for any upcoming events I end up doing.

And then there's the matter of spiders. I have noticed quite a few more signs of spiders trying to get a foothold in and around the house before winter, and today, even without my contacts in, there was no mistaking the quarter-sized brown fuzzy blob on the floor I saw in the dimness of the hallway:

Eeek! I'm just glad I had shoes on! My kitchen window has also become encased in the gauzy webbing of another huge spider. It comes and goes each time I am washing dishes or making meals. Creepy! I'm sure these creatures have a place in nature, but if they find their way into my home, a war will start to protect my territory!

HOME AGAIN.



Vacation is over all too quickly. Here's a recap of the last day and drive from hell home:


OBX Sandbar 5k. Like its name suggests, it is run on the sand on the beach in Kitty Hawk, NC. To be exact, it starts at "MP 4.5." I found out the first day that MP stands for mile post, which is the general way you get directions to somewhere down there. I arrived early to sign up and get a parking spot and was able to park right near a bathhouse and right across from where the race started. It was actually cool standing around waiting at the early hour of 6:30 am, with a steady breeze blowing off the ocean. Waves were a little rough again that day, and I could see that they had actually come through with some sort of equipment to flatten out the sand some that had not already been flattened from the tides.



The race numbers were something different. I didn't know what to expect for timing in a small race--bibs? chips? popsicle sticks? But this was something new. It was an electronic device that fit into a pouch on the back of the race bib that registered at the finish line and then they scanned it as well. And it wasn't disposable, as I had been led to expect from the timing people in Michigan. The electronic device was attached to another piece of paper or something so it was removable and was returned after the race like a regular chip.


It was a long wait to 8 am, and I was actually very sleepy yet, having stayed up later than planned to get the condo cleaned and ready to leave later that day, so I went back to the car and put the seat back and dozed for a while. I had fortunately used the bathroom just before the long lines formed, but also made the mistake of not going one last time before the race started.


I headed back to the beach at 7:45 and saw that people were still arriving and signing up to run. And I thought the cutoff was 7:30?? Standing around gave me a chance to size up the other participants. I figured it was likely more than half were people vacationing in the area. And it also looked like the women were equally divided age wise: half under the age of 25, the other over 50. Quite a few boys/men were not wearing shoes, but it looked like the majority expected to wear what they usually wore to run: shoes and socks. The problem with this though was just walking around in the sand before, my shoes were filling up with sand, so that was going to be uncomfortable running. But I wasn't going to risk going barefoot for that long.


A couple of final instructions--watch out for big holes that people like to dig and leave and fishing lines--and we were off. It had started heating up once the sun came up, and I could feel it immediately when we started running. It was going to be HOT! I started thinking it had been a long time since I had run a beach run, what like 10 years? How about a week since Steelhead? Yeah, that was more like it.


Within less than 3 minutes, someone's number fell off and was blowing along the beach. Nice. Within less than 5 minutes, people were already walking, giving me a chance to pass people right away. I just kept up a steady pace and didn't push it at all. I didn't want to end up being a walker at some point.


Along with maneuvering through the sand, I also was dodging the waves. Wet shoes filled with sand was not an appealing thought. But some people just ran on through. It wasn't that hard to run on the sand, but it wasn't fast either. I decided not to worry about my time since everyone would face the same handicap. Still, I did have a goal, but wasn't sure where the turnaround was so it was hard to judge what kind of time to expect. The turnaround finally came, I guess anyway. There wasn't any cone or anyone standing there that I could see, just a barrel filled with water bottles if you wanted something to drink and it looked like people were turning back then. I had my own so just turned and headed back. I had noticed that returning runners didn't start passing us until after 9 minutes, so even the winning times would be slow. My time at the turnaround was also slower than I had hoped, over 18 minutes.


The return seemed longer and harder and hotter. I just kept plugging along, passing people occasionally, mainly those who were walking. And as usually happens in these smaller races, a cheater. A guy I had passed way back at the start (I remembered his shirt) was now somehow ahead of me?? Not likely. Well I didn't care that much. It was his conscience. But it did make me wonder how many others were doing the same thing.


One woman I came upon walking would walk a bit and then sprint ahead and end up walking again. I just plugged along, wanting to walk too but not letting myself stop. I really had to go to the bathroom badly and knew that walking would only prolong the opportunity to go sooner. I could not see the finish line but started counting down the minutes on my watch: Only 8 more minutes; only 5 more minutes; only 4...I couldn't wait to get done! And then I could finally see the finish line up ahead and made a tactical error and ran up the sand away from the flat beach sand and then it was a struggle the last 200 yards or so, just like running through quicksand or in slow motion. People I had passed earlier were smart and stayed at the beach level until right at the finish and were able to sprint ahead of me. Oh well, too late to change course now, so I just waded through the sand and finally I heard my chip beep. I was SO glad to be done with that! I heard my name called, but there was no one there who knew me so it didn't really matter. They scanned my chip and then removed it from the pouch and then I was finally able to get to the bathroom, only to have to stand around and wait for people to finish changing clothes or whatever. Hurry up people!


Then I headed to my car to take off my shoes and socks, which were full of sand and did get wet once when I miscalculated on a wave. Some guy parked near me asked if I knew how many people were still running. I looked at him like are you kidding me? Instead, I just said, I wasn't counting. Jeez, some people!


I made my way back to the beach, waded out to cool off, then went to get something to eat and drink. My stomach was growling! I remembered then that I had to pick up my race packet, which they gave out after the race. We got quite a bit of schwag for a 5k: a nice t-shirt of course; an OBX sunglasses case (I thought it was a cell phone holder but the kids convinced me it was for sunglasses based on the size!); an OBX keychain; an OBX sticker,magnet, and cup (and to think I had actually bought these as souveniers) and a frisbee type thing in a little pouch that unfolded (I do not know how else to explain this). In addition, they had a beach party going with a beer tent that seemed pretty popular even at 8:45 am. While I'm one who likes a post-race beer party, not that early in the morning and maybe if I wasn't driving home in a few hours!

A radio station that was there also were throwing out t-shirts and other goodies and I actually managed to catch one shirt. After that, I just waited around for the results. I wished I had something to sit on and totally forgot I had a beach chair in the car. It was getting very hot also, but I could see dark clouds off to the west and hoped we wouldn't be driving home in that later.

Eventually, they posted results, in finish order, and after a check of women in my age group, I could see there were more than 3 ahead of me so decided to leave. I still needed to shower and pack, since we would be leaving around noon.

The Drive From Hell, Chapter 10.

I had planned to leave for home on Monday, when I knew traffic would be lighter, but didn't realize Ed and Renee would be leaving Sunday and of all things that his aunt would want her condo back Sunday. I mean, what's with that?? LOL! So we planned to leave around noon. I was dripping with sweat packing the car, since packing the car is my job only, and the temperature was mid-80s. And as usual, we had more stuff going back than we came with, making for a tighter fit overall. Everyone would have more stuff around them for sure.

The plan was to follow Ed and Renee until they split for their route to NJ and we would continue northward to home. I should have gotten a clue of what the drive would be like as soon as we got in the long line of cars departing the Outer Banks, looking like an evacuation route or something. According to Ed, Saturday would have been much worse with traffic, but considering we were in it on Sunday, that was worse to me. I should have gotten a hotel right then and there, stayed on the beach for the day, and then left on Monday as planned, considering we spent THE ENTIRE DAY in traffic. And didn't even get home.

Before we even got out of NC, it started raining on and off, and was so windy it was unbelievable. And not even a hurricane or tropical storm. So this slowed the drive some. And since there is only one road in and out of the area, everyone coming or going had to take this route.

But the real "fun" started once we got to the Virginia Beach area. As soon as Ed and Renee turned off on their route, we immediately hit a traffic jam. Our lane did not move one inch for 20 minutes, yet the other lane never even slowed much. How does that happen?? I do not do traffic jams, if you remember this from any time before, so I immediately start trying to figure a way out of the mess. I could see an exit ahead but could not get over, so I just waited for someone to not be on the ball and when they didn't move ahead, I quickly cut over and made my way to the exit. Once we got off, I could actually see we were on a road parallel with the highway and I could see traffic was moving, so we continued on for about a mile and as luck would have it, another ramp to get back on, so we were able to bypass whatever was holding things up behind us (an accident we found out).

And then the fun continued because we probably didn't go even 2 miles when we again hit another backup! And we found out soon enough that no one was moving now. We would move ahead one car length and then sit and sit and sit. We eventually called the number they post for traffic info and got a recording that said there was a 7 mile backup and to "expect delays." Ya think?? Frustratingly, this took 45 minutes to get across a bridge (Chessapeake Bay?) and then the tunnel, where I still don't know how we managed to either not rear end someone or get rear ended. As soon as people got in that tunnel and could see traffic was moving, they thought it was necessary to immediately drive 75 mph and change lanes as it suited them. It was crazy!

By now it was around 3:30 and I hadn't had anything to eat but orange slices and a banana all day, so we planned to stop somewhere to eat, but that plan went out the window when we spent the next 3 hours in another mess. 64 north is 2 lanes, and we crept along that forever it seemed. And then once you get off 64 north and go to 95 its like 8 lanes of traffic that have to narrow down to 3 so you can imagine what happened then. It was pretty obvious every person in the state of Virginia was coming home from somewhere. It took us 3 hours to go 100 miles. And the most irritating part? We didn't even need to go that way! We could have continued on 64 north until we got to 81, but I was using the directions we took to go south and meet up with Renee and Ed on the way to NC and didn't know we didn't need to go through DC to get home!

Eventually, I was getting so frustrated with this and we were all hungry so I had my daughter start looking at the map and trying to find a different way to go. I just couldn't face another 100 miles of this, and that's what it would be to get us through DC and onto the PA turnpike. We finally figured out a different route and got out of that mess and were on our way. Oddly enough, I realized the route we were now on was exactly where we stayed overnight the week before, so what should have been 4 hours to that spot had turned out to be 6.

I hadn't made a hotel reservation ahead of time for that night and it was just as well. At least we didn't have the added pressure of having to get to a predetermined destination that night because we never would have made it. I had hoped to get almost to Pittsburgh that day and here it was 7 pm and we weren't even out of Virgnia yet!

We finally stopped at Winchester, VA that night and got a hotel, with a pool for the kids, and right by the highway for the next day. I found out talking to Don that night that we could take 81 to 70 to the turnpike, and a check of the mileage was only going to be about 45 miles. That was a relief!

We didn't necessarily hurry to leave the next day, but were on the road by about 10 am, after breakfast and gassing up the car. Highway 81 was right there where we stayed, but Mapquest and Google both said to take another route first and bypass 81. So we decided to try that since I knew the rest of the day would be turnpike driving, and I wanted to avoid the semis as long as possible.

This other route, however, took us through the entire town with stop and go traffic, through the seedier parts of the town, out to the industrial area, and then the signs disappeared and we ended up back at 81 anyway. So there was a half hour wasted!

Once we got on 81, I didn't realize we would soon be in WV, then MD, and then PA, all within about an hour! And then? Another error. I missed the turnoff to 70 which would have taken us directly to the turnpike (why can't they put that on the sign??) and instead continued on 81, oblivious of what I was getting myself into. Something started nagging at me though and I decided to stop in Carlisle and check the map again. Looking at the map, I could see Carlisle was actually the opposite direction we needed to be going! But it also looked like one of the roads in Carlisle would lead us to the turnpike, so we decided to follow that instead of turning back. Our other option was to continue to Harrisburg, about 100 miles out of our way!

Soon we were on a wild goose chase, looking for the turnpike route and instead getting a close up and personal tour of central Pennsylvania. Lovely scenery to be sure, but roads that were taking us nowhere fast. First we were going north, then northeast, eventually I figured we were going too far east and went west only to end up having to decide where to go from there. Eventually I decided to go back to where we started in Carlisle and get back on 81 and just go the distance to Harrisburg, since we now had been driving around for over an hour. And oddly enough, once we got back on 81, the next exit up would have taken us to the turnpike exit! The map indicated we should have been able to get to this exit from Carlisle, but with 3 exits to choose from, I chose the wrong one of course! So more time wasted, and still about 100 miles farther east than we needed to be!

We finally got on the PA turnpike around 2:30 that afternoon and thankfully we had a smooth ride through there. Where we were and the end of the pike was about 3 more hours of driving, and then on the Ohio turnpike for another 2.5 hours, and then home another 2.5 hours. If you've been adding this up, that meant another 8 hours of driving, when our whole trip from the hotel that morning shouldn't have been more than 10!

If I thought the drive to NC on the PA turnpike was bad, I soon found out that riding through Virginia on a Sunday afternoon, likely the last weekend before school started, was to be one of the worst road trips that would burn itself in my memory forever!

Needless to say, we finally arrived home about 10:45 that night, and after unpacking my car with all of the kids' stuff and heading home, it was about midnight when I got there. It had been a very, very long day! Do you know how many times in all those hours we heard Kid Rock sing "All Summer Long"?? We lost track after about a dozen. I think that song is burned into my brain too. I had done most of the driving because I had more room in the driver's seat than anywhere else in the car. The couple of hours riding in the front passenger seat left me wondering whether I would need braces on my feet to straighten them out after being angled and wedged between bags and coolers we had crammed into the front seat! I could barely walk when I got out of the car!

So soon, it will be back to the old grind at work and training resumes again!

OBX SANDBAR 5K PICS

Sunrise at the beach pre-race

Surfs up today again
Getting set up
Volunteers
Race report to follow.