Race for the Cure 5k

Another annual race that has always been completed with my son, Tyler. Since he was little, we always ran this one together. When he was a passenger in his stroller, he would always yell, "faster, momma!" just when he felt me start to slow down. If it was raining, my motherly instinct was to pull open the awning on the top of his stroller. He insisted on getting wet, too, if it was raining. 

Once too heavy for me to push, we would complete the 1 mile together. One year, we walked it. The next we approached the starting line with the intention of walking. At the sound of the gun, Tyler took off, much to my surprise! At the age of 5, the excitement of road racing was alive within him. Throughout that race, he struggled with steady breathing and maintaining a pace. The whole way, I calmly informed him that it was okay to walk; that he didn't have to win. He kept looking over his shoulder, peering back at those right behind him. A small group of teenage girls, warming up for the 5k, smiled back at him acknowledging that he wanted to "win" so badly. As we inhaled the exhaust fumes from the Ferrario pickup truck that was leading the way, he was the first to cross the finish line. Although unofficial, he did it! The pain in his sides and sweat on his brow made him proud.

This year, we ran the 5k. Although his first time running the 5k course, he was ready. We woke up and ate a pre-race breakfast. Upon arriving to the race, we stretched and waited in the long lines for the porta-potties. It is funny how these things don't really cross your mind when doing them alone or with another runner; but when doing them with your child, making sure they are prepared for what lies ahead, they are so much more.

We were headed to the starting line and I reminded Tyler that I was going to run off ahead of him. He was certain he would be right behind me the whole way! :) At the start, we began to run off together and then I sprinted ahead in order to achieve my pace. I felt comfortable leavign him behind knowing that he would be okay and that I would cheer him across the finish. 

I finished in 28:05, two minutes slower than I had hoped.

I anxiously awaited the finish of Tyler and as I saw him approaching the finish line, I couldn't help but scream his name.

Tyler finished in 33:16, 2nd place for his age group! Each race he runs, his time keeps improving. His form keeps getting better and he is becoming a stronger runner.

Runner's Toe: Is There Such a Thing?!

Just to warn you, this is a pretty gross post! If you continue to read, remember: I warned you! ;o)

When I was in high school, running cross country, I had a freakish thing occur to me. My toe nail fell off!

The first time it happened (my junior year), I thought it might have been my shoe rubbing on it or something. When I had changed out of my sneakers, there was a lovely blister under my toe nail. Eventually the liquid drained from the blister leaving the toe nail loose and not solidly attached, accept at the cuticle. After a few days, the toe nail detached all together and over time a new one grew in to replace it.

Oddly enough, the same thing happened the following year with the same exact toe nail! At that time, I figured it was just caused from me running hard and really driving that toe into the front of my sneaker. Again, the nail grew back.

Now, many years later, I have found this to be a problem that has returned. After recently getting back into running, I found the same blister- like situation under my toe nail... under the SAME nail. Perhaps from running too much... who knows. 

My 9 year old son thinks this is so cool and so gross at the same time but keep asking to see it whenever I make mention of it being sore. Boys are gross sometimes! :)

Unlike before, when I was a teenager, I only ran during cross country season. I am now running regularly and as that toe nail fell off and started to grow back, it is already blistered and ready to go again! I have about had it with this as I want to go get a pedicure in hopes that spring is around the corner. I can't go ask someone to help me with this busted up looking toe nail, now can I? lol

GROSS!

Anyhow, I am going to do some research and see if I can figure out what is going on and hope that if I wrap my little piggie in a band-aid while running, it will not happen again. Better stock up on band-aids, huh?

Valentine's Day Present to Myself

After having had run several road races now, I had the itch. I couldn't wait for the next race and for my next road run! Each time keeps getting better as I feel myself getting stronger.

Looking back, I am so glad I decided to begin running again, several races ago. Not only is running physically great but mentally. After stressful days at work, I love to pound it out on the treadmill or road.

The time came for the Valentine's Day 5k, Sweetheart Race. My sweetheart was going to be Tyler, as he was also anxious to run his next road race. Although the weather was bitter cold, he was prepared. Unfortunately, the day before, Tyler came down with a stomach bug and was unable to run. He cried and it broke my hear to not bring him with me.

After running the previous road race (New Year's Day Hat and Cookie), I was expecting this course to also go off road and over ice that that one did. After all, it was February. Luckily, the course was wonderful- all on the road and in the shape of a heart!

I ran hard, with determination to break thorugh the wind that was pushing against me. I wanted to see to it that I beat my last time since my previous race was not focused on my time but rather watching my son run his first road race with success.

At the finish, I was so pleased to see that I demolished my previous race time! Finished 3.85 miles in :30 flat with a 7:44 pace~ nice.

Introducing my Son to Road Racing

 

After running the Pie and Glove 5k on Thanksgiving Day, my son was really interested in running with me. As a baby he would join me as I would run 5k road races with him in his baby jogger, even making the front page of the newspaper. He was two in this photo and loved to cheer me on then saying, "faster momma, faster!" :)

The next road race was the New Year's Day Hat and Cookie 5k.  Tyler joined me and we registered him for his first, official road race! He was SO excited. We went through a series of stretches at home before we left and re-stretched a little once we were all registered. 

I was so uncertain as to how Tyler would do. Would he run too hard at the start and not be able to finish? Would he be out of breath the whole way? Would he get hurt while running and be behind me where I wouldn't see him? Rather than worrying, I decided to just run right with him and coach him along. Besides, this wasn't about me beating my last race time but about running this race with my 9 year old son.

Tyler started out aggressively but after running along side of me for the first mile, and listening to me say "find your pace" and "catch your breath" he assured me he was good to go. I stayed close behind him so I could keep my eye on him while letting him run on his own.

Tyler made friends with everyone he passed and kept looking over his shoulder to make sure he was far enough ahead of me. :)

As Tyler approached the finish, he was determined to be as far ahead of me as possible! (The woman in this photo is a friend he made while running the last mile or so.)

I finished (3.73 miles) at :36 and he was just before me! Not bad at all for Tyler's first road race. He was so proud and bragging that he beat his mom! :)  When the winners from each age group were announced, Tyler was called as being the 2nd place winner for age 9 and under!

 

 

Thanksgiving Day 2010

A week prior to Thanksgiving Day 2010, I was toying with the idea of running the Pie and Glove 5k in Corning. I have hosted Thanksgiving dinner in my home for my family and since I was just getting back into running road races, wasn't completely into the idea of it. Plus, the thought of cooking all day after didn't sound thrilling.

My son and fiance' encouraged me to "just do it!" So I did. We all put our layers on for that cold morning and out we went.

I can honestly say that I had never run outside in November, not ever! It was cold and snowing but I was going to give it a try as part of my commitment to get back into running. 

My son was so excited by all of the runners, and dogs, that came out. Some runners were dresses like pilgrims or had turkey hats on so he was really having a fun time checking everyone out! :) 

And, we were off.








 


The vest and gloves seemed like a good idea at the start but man, I got much warmer than I thought I would! Also, the snow kept sticking to my eye lashes and contacts and I was just ready to be done, lol!

At the finish, I was so glad I decided to run this race. Although I was frustrated, due to not knowing what to expect, I felt great! After realizing my time of 29:00, I felt like I had accomplished so much as this was one minute faster than my time at the Veterans Day 5k.

Regaining My Love for Running

After recently joining the gym I recalled how great it felt to run, although the treadmill was not my favorite place to do so. I had certainly put on a few pounds and wanted an aggressive way to lost those pounds so thought, why not get myself a new pair of running sneakers to motivate me. After all, I needed not only that motivation but also the sneakers as mine were old and had seen their days.

While doing a work event at the Texas Roadhouse, I saw a poster on the wall advertising a Veteran's Day 5k at Elmira College. I knew that I was really not in great shape for this but since the fall weather is my favorite for running I figured, why not? Plus, my fiance' and sister are both Air Force Veterans so I would run not only for myself but in honor of them. My fiance' had planned to run with me but had previously hurt his already injured knee so came along to simply cheer me on. Sometimes, that is all that matters! :)

Prior to the race, a wonderful tribute was had to remind us all why we came out to run. 

Then, we were off!

Running this race felt so good but also made me realize how out of shape I was. After the first two miles, I was ready to topple over!

Ryan was there cheering me on as I approached the last mile. All I kept telling myself is "you just need to finish; your time doesn't matter on this one!"

I crossed the finish line at :30 and a 9:31 pace. You know, it could have been much worse! From here, I was determined to get back into shape and drop those run times.