Personal Record!!!

The race is run and I'm happy to report I finished! Secondly, I set a personal record with a time of 5 hours eight minutes! I shaved a half hour off my prior marathon. While I didn't meet my weight or time goals I am so thankful it's over!
I ran with Susan McDonald (see picture) thru about mile 21 then urged her to go on without me. By then I was having pain in the feet and was uncertain about the chemical balance in my body? Too much water? Too little salt, too much salt? I just didn't feel good. I was 2 hours 23 minutes at the half way point but as the body system kept depleting minerals, electrolytes,salt etc., I must not have been refueling properly? The last five miles were a struggle. The coaches were running on the course to encourage us and it really helps to have them give that little extra vote of confidence.
Thanks so much again to those who sponsored me and donated to LLS!
The inaugural Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon is coming June 27th! I've earned my TNT spot through the fund raising and must now decide if I'm going to focus on breaking 5 hours? People ask why? Are you crazy? We'll see?
More to follow!
A special thank you to Deborah Acosta, (my mentor) for her encouragement, patience and perseverance. I don't think I could do it without her support and all the marvelous people who make up North County San Diego Team in Training! GO TEAM!!

5 Days to GO!!!!!!

It's hard to believe months of training, many miles and a 25 pound weight loss have me in shape to go 26.2 miles in five DAYS! I'll have a few light runs this week and then it's rest, hydrate and carbo loading on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday morning starts out about 3 AM with a light breakfast. Then a rendezvous about 4 AM to get my ride into San Diego. We will gather as a team, drop our stuff off at the UPS truck for delivery to the finish line and then head to our corral. At 6:30 the race starts it takes about five or more minutes to get across the start line as 20,000 people try to go through a three or four lane space. It starts out slow and crowded then eases up a bit as distance stretches us out. There are 40 rock bands on the course and lot's of crazies running and on the side lines!
The money is raised (Thanks and I pray for a cure), the weight is down as far as I was able (I will be 209 on race morning) and I'm shooting for a 5 hour or less finish!
I will have Terry Farrell named on my shirt and run in his honor. Terry is my brother-in law who's been fighting a stage 4 diagnosis for about 18 months or more. It's a bitch, he's a fighter and I am amazed at his determination as he battles the disease and the drugs that help him fight it.
I hope to remain healthy the whole way and finish as planned. I will finish one way or the other. When you wake up Sunday I'll be running, thanking the Lord for the opportunity to do so and thinking of all who have supported me in so many ways.
The results will be blogged as soon as I come to my senses afterward!

11 Miles in poor form!

We've started the tapering process and had an 11 mile run on a nice trail out in Escondido. The morning fog stayed long enough to keep us cool. It was a tough run for me due to a serious lapse in judgment the prior evening. After consuming more than my share of Knob Creek Bourbon Friday night I became impervious to the fact that I needed to drag my ass out of bed at 5:30 AM and run 11 miles. Although the bourbon was mixed with a reasonable splash of water the effect was not positive for hydration purposes. To put it in automotive terms I started with a slight ping, progressed to a strong knock and finished humming along, after after having blown all the junk out of my system. Stupid it was!!
Ok, now to re-group and get ready. Resolution # 1-- no more booze until post race. I did hit 208 lbs and still anticipate weight loss. Race day weight should be about 205 lbs.
My running partner for race day is Susan McDonald!! We were slated to run 2007 RNR together until I made one last,pre race, visit to a porta-potie! I never saw her again. She ran a 5 hour race and I walked in 38 minutes later. She is a strong runner and has gone sub 5 hours before. She and I ran the 20 miles together and I enjoyed it immensly. This is huge to me because running solo is difficult. This will keep the pace up and really help me target my 5 hour goal!
While Seattle is still a questtion mark she's running it also so I am reconsidering my options.
My fundraising goal is met and I thank each and every one of you for your contribution and well wishes. It's been an incredible training season and I can't wait for the "VICTORY LAP"

20 Miles Down!! 5/11/09

No injuries!! The run went well and I averaged just over 11 minutes and 30 seconds per mile. If I can pick up about 15 seconds more per mile I should finish the race under 5 hours which is the goal. A bit more weight loss would also help the speed. 20 days to race day. Weight upon completion of the run 209 lbs. Mothers Day food was too good to ignore and I paid a heavy price. We run 10 miles this weekend as we taper down.
I ran all 20 miles with Susan McDonald a team member from my 2007 year also. She was nursing a sore ankle yet pushed my pace which was good. Thank you Susan!
The race will be an additional 6.2 miles longer than the practice run. The body felt like all parts were still functional and will go the distance. Now to just stay healthy until race day. At this age it could be a delicate task!
Thanks for following my progress and sponsoring me. I'm getting anxious for race day!

11 Mile Trail Run 5/2/09

It was a back down week and I needed it. A good run and picnic afterwards with runners and families. This group amazes me with their strength and endurance. The inspirational moments before the runs are touching and remind me our endurance is not nearly as tough as those dealing with the disease. It was really neat to meet the family of so many new friends!
The picture is of teammate Andrea and friend Joe at the wedding of two 2007 teammates! Taken last Sunday at 211 lbs!! 11 to go!
This week is the big 20 mile run, the longest of the training runs. I'll get my body tuned up this week with training, hydration, salt, pasta Friday night, and then we are off Saturday morning on the long run!
Thanks again to followers and supporters. Have a great Mothers Day weekend!

18 Miles and climbing! 4-29-09

The Train Run is done! I made it and felt it. The weather was perfect and there were about 300 of us heading down the Coast. The three San Diego chapters who ran the train run have raised over $500,000 towards the Cure! Again thanks to all my sponsors and followers.
The only damage was one blister to the left middle toe! We back down to 11 miles Saturday on a trail run and then kick it up to 21 miles the following week! This is getting serious. OK - the financial goal is met- again, many thanks, the weight is about 213 and stubborn, the pace is improving but just a bit slow for my 5 hour goal on race day. It's obvious that weight loss will make a difference in speed and durability so I must once again focus on less consumption! About 32 days to go!
Thanks for following!

9 Miles Back down

Well it was a rather uneventful run other than the fact it was mostly on a trail and a poor one at that. Weight remains the primary concern and obstacle. Holding at 215 although I have seen 213 briefly. It is hot hot hot today and I get to run 5 miles on hills so I expect I'll lose a ton of water today plus a few more calories.
6 Friends or team members of TNT finished the Boston Marathon today!! Way to go guys and gals!
Train run this weekend 18 miles along the Coast, Oceanside to Solana Beach.
The body is still holding together other than 1 toenail on that's died!
Thanks for the support once again!

16 Miles before Easter

Well 16 more miles are in the book! Light drizzle occasionally but just gorgeous running up and down the coast! The last mile was tough as muscles and other body parts informed me of their discomfort. Average pace was just over 12 minutes and I want to be below 11:30 per minute to beat the 5 hour mark for the marathon. I burned 2400 calories and flirted with 215 pounds! Easter dinner took care of that loss in a hurry!
This week we back down to 9 miles. I'll be breaking in new shoes this week. I need more focus on weight loss or portion control.
Thanks for following and the support. I hope all had a wonderful Easter. No pictures this week.

Carlsbad 5000 April 5, 2009

Well, it was up Early and down to Carlsbad Village on Sunday morn! I went off with the Masters division at 7:05 AM. About 7,500 runners over the course of the day for the event. The good news is I finished in 32:12, by my watch, which is 10 seconds faster than 2 years ago! Bad news is I'm four pounds heavier than two years ago at this time. Oh, by the way, the Ethiopians beat me again!
It was a grand morning. Lynn dropped me off and went home and then after the race I headed south, down the coast, and ran home for a total of almost 10 miles.
This coming weekend we are up to 16 miles! I hope I can back away from the groceries on Easter Sunday! I'll post a picture of the race if they have one on the race web site?
Thanks for the support!

14 Miles March 28, 2009

This picture was taken at about the 8 mile mark. I ran out of steam about mile 12 but made it in to finish the 14 miles as planned. The feet were sore and the legs but a few minutes in the ocean immediately afterwards really helped the recovery process! The weight after the run was 215 but I blew it on the diet over the weekend.
We run 10 miles Saturday then run the Carlsbad 5000 (3.1 miles) on Sunday morning.
Thanks for the support!

9 Miles Back down

Well this picture was the highlight of the day! Two great ladies and biscuits and gravy! The run was out in horse country in eastern North County and was fun as I'd never been to that area. Always fun to see a new area! The run was not my best but I did it! Weight still hovers about 219. Hopefully I'll get below 215 this week after I pound out 14 miles this Saturday! It's a coastal run around Torrey Pines State Beach area north into Del Mar and back. I'm blessed to have such a beautiful setting to run in and such wonderful friends and sponsors. These two gals are friends & mentors! Thanks to all for your encouragement.

12 MIles!

Well it was the longest this run this year! My toe hurt and swelled nicely after run but I made it the whole way. I felt super until about mile 8 then I was melting. Weight after finishing 215. Weight Monday AM not good. I splurged. Hard diet week to follow with extra training.
Thanks so much to all who are supporting me. It keeps me going back out and trying again and again.
The fund raising goal is in sight now to focus on 200 lbs. and the 5 hours. My average pace was 11:40 !! I need to improve because this pace barely makes it under 5 hours.

10 Miles Plus Hills

A long run but only made 9 of the 10 miles. I think I broke or fractured my toe and it started throbbing at the 4.5 mile mark. It was time to head back! Weight at 219 and working lower. speed over ground increasing with goal of 11:30 minute mile as the goal. Feeling better on the runs!! Thanks for the continued support!!

BackDown 5 Miles

The last easy week as we only did five miles. Next weekend is 10 miles in the hills. Ouch!! Then the backdown weeks are not as short and we start hitting the 10-16 romps! So --- I hit 220 after my Satursday run and then blew it ending back at 225 on Monday. Goal for the week is to be at 219 for my Saturday run! Fund raising is going fine.
Many thanks for those who have contributed and a please,please,please to those who are contemplating a donation. My goals are $2000, 200lbs or less at Marathon start and a sub 5 hour finish time.

8 MILES 2-21-2009

Ouch! The feet did fine as did the legs but I had my new, unwashed, TNT shirt on and inspite of the Glide to prevent chafing I still had raw nipples. Had to take off my shirt to preserve sanity and probably grossed out a few people. Good thing I run at the back of the pack!
Weight went up in spite of burning thru 1300 calories on the run. Lesson learned. Smaller portions and less I earned it mentality. Weight at 225.

Valentines Day Run

Down the coast from Encinitas a distance of three miles and back. An absolutely glorious morning and the lungs were trying to get stronger. No problems this week but it's time to get back on a diet focus on the goal of weight and 5 hours. I can't carry this weight and pull it off. Perhaps protein shakes?? Valentines Day goodies got me. Back to 227lbs. Bad boy!

Week 2

Well it's Winter and we just missed a rain storm by minutes Saturday morning! I got in six miles and hit a low of 221 lbs before heading to Mimi's Cafe to refuel with a few team members. It's still difficult and I don't feel as if I've found my groove yet. The training program will get me there.
Hey here's a picture of me stretching as I wait to cross Carlsbad Blvd. with some fellow runners.
My mentor took this shot. What timing!!