First Time Out in 10 Days

Sunday, the 20th was the last time I had been out. While my Mom was in the hospital for over a week, my son and I came down with the flu. I couldn't even visit her. It was a tough time, but she is home, and we are better.
It was pretty chilly this morning, a bit breezy but crisp and clear. I walked in the neighborhood for 30 minutes. It felt good to get out again.

Not the 6 Miles I had Planned

Bob and I met at 8:00am this morning at Oyster Creek Park. I finally got to use one of the hundreds of ice scrapers that Stan and I still have from a promotion that was not well thought out. Needless to say, it was freezing. We intended to do 6 miles, but after doing the double .75 to Dulles and then another .75 into the park, I got an emergency call from my Mom. We rushed back to our cars. Bob, being the nice guy he always is, said his hip had begun to hurt him anyway.
My Mom is doing a bit better, but is in the hospital, so my training schedule will be off this week.

Another 30 Minutes - Even Colder

Not only was it cold this morning, but it started to rain after I had been out for about 5 minutes. I thought about turning back but decided not to. It drizzled for a little bit and then stopped. I ran some to keep warm. I'll wait until Sunday to do 6 miles.
Saturday night is the FBF Post Marathon party. Everyone will be showing off their medals.

Another 30 Minutes

It was windy and cold this morning. By the time I finished my 30 minutes my face felt frozen.It's supposed to be even colder this weekend. But, I guess we have it pretty good considering the rest of the country with below freezing temperatures.

30 Minutes in the Neighborhood

We skipped hills last night.Since this is recovery week, I'm taking it easy. I did discover that my pace is faster after Sunday. I had a wonderful massage on Monday and feel great. I did 30 minutes in the neighborhood, past the lake - no headphones. I really paid attention to the wildlife. There were several Nutrias, that I think look like beavers- I can't believe they are part of the rat family, a fabulous, huge grey crane and a bunch of ducks. The geese seem to have disappeared, which is fine with me.
Andy Stewart, Finish Line Sports, just posted the news about a Sugar Land Women's only Tri. I can't believe it, but I am actually considering doing it. Jacque is interested, too. It's in June, so there is plenty of time to train.
Only time will tell!

Aramco Half Marathon Today

I got up at 3:00am in order to be ready to go by 4:10am. Shelley met me at my house, then we went to the Finish Line Sport's parking lot and picked up Bob, Jannelle and Steve. We made it downtown by 4:40am and got a great parking space (which came in handy after the race).We had our Fort Bend Fit group picture at 5:35am followed by the "Hooyah", our little cheer before every race.

Everyone hung around inside the George Brown Convention Center until race time. We were in the second wave which started at 7:10am. Steve, Bob and I started together. Shelley started with Sherry, Bob's sister and 2 other "Sh's", Sharon, and Shirley.

I wore my Mickey Mouse ear muffs and had lots of fun with it. A half a mile into the race, Steve took off. As we were going over the Elysian Viaduct, Bob tripped and fell. A real trooper, he jumped up and never missed a beat, even though he had cuts on his elbow and knee. Had that been me, I doubt that I would have rebounded so quickly.

The weather was terrific, mid 40's, clear skies and sunshine. Bob and I averaged a 16 minute mile, and only ran for about 2 minutes during the whole race. We kept playing leap frog with Jannelle, until about mile 11.5, when Bob increased his speed. Bob finished about 3 minutes before us. Jannelle and I finished at 3:32:04.

Jannelle and Me Coming Down the Chute

Bob,me and Sherry after the Race

Bob,Sherry and Steve after the Race

Marathon Expo and Packet Pick-up

Shelley,Jacque, Corrine and I went to the George Brown to get our race pckets and attend the Expo. It's always fun to get the goodies that are given out and to see the excitement and fear in the eyes of the first timers. We left and traveled the first 9 miles of the race route. It sure seemed longer driving it than walking it.

Corinne,Jacque,Shelley and Me at the Expo

FBF Pasta Dinner

Tonight was the annual Pasta Dinner at Sweetwater Country Club. Over 300 members and their families showed up. The planning committee did a wonderful job with a theme of "Running with the Stars." The club was beautifully decorated and even had a red carpet entrance to the ballroom. Dick Beardsley, a well recognized marathoner gave an inspirational speech. As always, it was wonderful to see everyone all dressed up and ready to party.

Bob and his wife Joan, and Me at the Pasta Dinner

50 Minutes of Hills

Tonight Bob and I did hills in the garage. We got there about 6:20pm and did 3 laps. The weather was great although it ws a little windy at the top. Just 5 dyas to go.

30 Minutes - 6 Days til Marathon Day

This morning I walked 30 minutes in the neighborhood. I walked without music, a decision I had made yesterday after hearing about a horrific accident in our community and the circumstances surrounding it. Jan Schiff, a neighbor and admired citizen was killed on Saturday as she was out for her daily walk. Although I didn't know Jan well, I have been truly saddened by this tragedy. She and her husband Michael have been stalwarts of the Sugar Land community. A loving couple who exemplified a happy marriage and family.

Saturday, when I was leaving the office, I was “inconvenienced” by the traffic jam due to the accident. I didn't know what had happened other than there had been an accident of some kind. To think how self-absorbed we get by these momentary disruptions that in reality are life altering and catastrophic for those directly impacted. I keep thinking about Jan's last moments, the Schiff family's nightmare and the poor teenager who hit her, who will replay this event over and over for the rest of his life.

I can’t tell you how many times I myself stepped into that intersection while out walking,on occasion crossing against the light because there was no apparent traffic. And how, as she did that day, wore headphones and listened to music while on my walks.

Life is fleeting and can change with the snap of a finger.

If no other lesson is learned from this tragic event, let it be that we need to savor each moment we have and let those who around us know how much we appreciate them.

And now, I've decided to ditch my MP3 player and listen for the chirping birds and the rustling leaves when I am out walking by myself; enjoy conversations with good friends when not alone and be thankful for a blessed life.

Last Long Mileage until the Half Marathon

Today we did 6 miles. Bob, Shelley and I left Velocity at 6:00am and headed to Oyster Creek Park. It was in the 60's and misty. It drizzled on and off as we went through the park. At mile 3 Shelley's knee started to hurt. By mile 4.5, she was in a lot of pain so we slowed down considerably. It started to rain as we approached Dulles. It only lasted for about 10 minutes, but we got pretty wet.Thankfully, it was only 3/4 of a mile to Velocity and my dry jacket was in my car. Had I not just recovered from being sick, I wouldn't have worried about getting wet. I don't want to relapse before this weekend. It's hard to believe that the Houston Marathon and Aramco Half Marathon is just one week away.

30 Minutes in the Cold

I waited until 9:00am to go outside, hoping that it would warm up. It was crisp and clear, but still in the 30's. I was so bundled up, I looked like the Michelin tire guy. I walked briskly for 30 minutes.

Hills for an Hour

I met Bob and Sherry at the parking garage this morning at 8:00am. We did "hills" for an hour. It was really cold, especially at the top of the garage where the wind was blowing. It felt really good to get out early and have our training behind us.