Monday: Speed work and Wild Adventures Fun

Happy Monday!!!!! Today, I had the day off........ and, due to the fact that my son is now out of school, I had to hit the track early in order to get speed work out of the way!!! It was a BEAUTIFUL COOL morning here in South Georgia!!! I couldn't ask for better conditions for speed work!

I finished just prior to the sun coming up.... and let me tell you, it will go from being nice & cool to HOT & Humid in a matter of a couple of hours!!!! So, thank goodness I was able to get in before it became HOT!

I am fairly new to speed work....... have only preformed speed work a hand full of times. In the past, I have ran 8 x400s, but today, I had 4 x 800s on schedule. 

***On schedule today: 4 x 800 (first time ever for me)

**1- mile warm up = 10:24 pace

* I am not sure how to write the is data, but it will include 400, 800, pace average

** 1st 800= 1:47, 3:42:87, 7:35 

**2nd 800= 1:54, 3:47:51, 7:45

**3rd 800= 1:56, 3:47:06, 7:43

**4th 800= 1:56, 3:49:94, 7:40

** 1- mile cool down=  9:18 (I know, I know... Bad! Bad! Bad!!! Should have been slower on cool down, but honestly I just let my mind wander & did 4 laps then checked watch. Bad runner! Bad runner! :-/ )

My legs did not have the EXTRA HEAVY feeling they often do after speed work...... perhaps, there were several factors for this that include: cooler temps, early morning run (usually I perform speed work after work, and I am NOT a evening runner-just usually want to go home and chill), and maybe I might be getting a little stronger and better conditioned)...... hopefully, it wasn't because I didn't push enough...... 

I chugged down a protein drink within 3o min of completing speed work and then it was home to shower........ for lunch, it was a Sweet potato and asparagus! YUM! I have videos below so you too can make this too!!!!

FOR THE PERFECT Sweet Potato.... Check out the below youtube video! 

Annnnndddd, for the PERFECT Asparagus, CHECK out my personal video on youtube below

With it being the first week day of summer vacation, my son and I went to Wild Adventures.... It was a bit of a last minute decision.....

Below was a selfie that we took prior to a spin ride..... whoa! At 44 years of age, I don't seem to take on rides like I used too.... talk about DIZZY!!!!!!!!! Note to self: Plan Wild Adventures ahead of time and invite a friend/ riding partner for BEN!!! LOL!!! :D

With season passes and having a theme park practically in our back yard, we then to hang out at Wild Adventures quite a bit..... as you can see below, my son walks around like he knows exactly where he is going!!!!! 

Go Carts are my son's favorite

There is a petting zoo....... such cute little animals.......

When seeing the below, you can't help but say, "awwwwww" :)

Then, in the pic below, my son spotted a rabbit...... he thinks we need one too...... 

Pictured below was a Rooster that let us know he was boss! There was no petting him!!!!

That was our Monday in a nut shell..... pretty good start to summer break...........

Gotta run.... UNTIL LATER! 

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***Has summer break started in your neck of the woods? If yes, what all do you have planned?

***Speed work? Is it part of your plan? 

***Food ideas? Any delicious recipes that are yummy, but so easy to prepare? DO share!!!!!!! I love food and new ideas!!!

Sunday = Long Run day

SUNDAY= LONG run day! 9 miles on the schedule today..... It was good to be able to get out and run, but I tell you, this humid South Georgia weather just may take me out this summer!!! Seriously, my friend Brandy and I were so tempted to run through a person's yard that had the sprinklers running........ if we knew for sure that they were still asleep, I think we just might have!!! But, if we were caught, I am sure we would have seen blue lights coming after us!!!! LOL!

None-the-less, the break down of the run is noted above! During the run, a bathroom break was needed........ there is a local college that has a public bathroom in the parking garage that is watch by the campus security.... so, Brandy and I took advantage (as a runner, don't you find you always know where bathrooms are located?!? LOL).... anyway, there were stairs and this elevator..... I wanted to take the elevator... but, noooooooooo, Brandy insisted on the stairs!!!

I didn't realize stair work was going to be part of the long run today..... below is me saying, "seriously, the stairs?!?" :D

Brandy just bounce right up the stairs, me?!?! Not so much! LOL! :D

It was a fun run although a struggle with the heat...... I really think I may get slower and slower with summer here..... but, we will see! Maybe, I just need to start running even earlier.... hmmmmm...

GARDEN WATCH 2016..... corn still doing well!!! Won't be much longer! The boys weeded out the garden yesterday! Other stuff has broke grown.... will be listing about that later! 

Happy SUNDAY!

UNTIL LATER!!!!

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Long run today? Or a day of rest?

Any fun weekend stuff to tell about? Do tell?

Hot and Humid in your neck of the woods? How do you deal?

13 DAYS MIA........ Sick, Parties, End of School year.........

So yeah, the above picture was me with a 101.1 fever that seemed to almost come out of NO WHERE last Saturday!!!!!!! UGH!!!! Literally, I woke up early Saturday morning at 2am with a sore throat! Felt as if I had swallowed razor blades!!!!! Felt a little warm, but not feverish then. Really thought I had post nasal drip irritating my throat. Took an anti-histamine and tylenol.... then back to bed! Got up later that morning, put on my running clothes, and jumped on the treadmill! I had 5 miles on tap.... however, not long into run.... I started to have a dull headache and just felt so fatigued! It was such a struggle.... I literally started a run/walk ..... after 3 miles, I threw in the towel! I took a shower... my head started to pound! That lead me to taking ibuprofen! My son had a north day party to attend.... well, actually 2 parties that day! I had no time for a headache! 

My son was having a ball at the party.........

There was a water bounce house slide..... it truly was lots of fun for him......

His best buds were there.............. :)

Shortly after this picture was taken, I left my son there with other parents supervising to go some where and get my temperature taken. I was feeling absolutely miserable!! The ibuprofen that I had taken that morning wore off and my head/neck was KILLING me!!! So much so that when I had my temperature taken and realized it was 101.1, I started to cry! I was a mess! A miserable mess! I felt and looked miserable! I took some more ibuprofen and then went back to party to pick up my son! Then, it was home and to bed!!!! Fully dressed and make up on! My son missed the second party.... but, he was so understanding! His daddy could have taken him, but we do live 40 min each way from town, and I really didn't know if I was going to need something. My son said he just wanted me better.... so sweet! And thankfully, the mom of the child that we missed the party for was completely understanding! I felt bad through Tuesday..... and by Wednesday, I could honestly say that I felt "normal."

When I started to feel a little better, I found this selfie that my son took with my phone! Made me laugh! He is a character! 

I didn't run the whole week until Friday.......... Once I was feeling better, my schedule was full with work and end of school activities for my son...... he just wrapped up 1st grade!!!! Woohoo!!!!! Funny how at beginning of the year he wanted to be "daddy's helper" when he grew up to being a Globetrotter by the end the year!!! LOL! :D 

He has always been full of life and I hope he doesn't lose that outlook... below is his K4 Graduation picture...... this is one of my favorite pics! 

Today, I decided to run a local 5K.... I was already signed up! Had miles I needed to run..... so, why not?!? No, I knew that there would be no PR.... might not be my best or even a "good" run, but I would get my miles in and plus get to see some cool people....... seriously, I think I like the social aspect about running more than actually running! LOL! :D

Managed to snag 1st in my age group.......

after 5K, it was home, shower, and then off to a birthday party today!!! My son's  social calendar keeps me on the run!!!!!!!!

I do hope everyone had a great week and are having a great weekend.... this is my week in a nut shell.... hopefully, I won't have to go MIA again....... 

UNTIL LATER! (Excuse typos.... will do better in future.... but gotta run......)

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Race this weekend? DO TELL..... I love to hear!

Graduation events keeping you busy this weekend? I want to hear!!! Such an exciting time!!!!!

Summer fun planned out? Tell me about it!!! Besides a week basketball camp, I haven't got the rest of summer all planned out yet.....

Wrap up from last Sunday to this Sunday!..........

The fact that I am posting about LAST WEEK'S run first should let you know just how busy and crazy things have been lately!!!!! Seriously, the fact that I am keeping up, although flying by the seat of my pants, is a miracle!!!! :D

Brandy and I ran together last week...... we slowed things down quite a bit! She had just done a FULL Duathlon and I was trying to figure out heart rate training........ Will get into that later!!!! First of all, it is so dangerous running....... especially, when you come across a snake!!!!! Ok, the below snake was in fact dead, but none-the-less, it was a FREAKIN snake!!!!!! Annnndddd, a snake that I DID NOT see!!! Brandy spotted it only after I had passed it!!! It still gave me the heebeegeebees! I used the zoom feature on my phone to capture this photo!!!!!! You know, just in case!!! LOL! :D

Oh, and this was not the only thing that was dangerous on our course, we got chased down by 2 pitiful puppies!!! And, let me tell you, they were puppies, yes, but VICOUS puppies!!!! Luckily, splashing them a bit with our water bottles got them off our backs!!!! This was truly not a good day for heart rate training..... seriously, my heart rate hit the roof between the snake and the puppies!!!!!  

Anyway, back to this heart rate training.... I looked up a site in order to figure out how to calculate my ranges........ this is what I came up with........

I had my garmin set to vibrate when my heart rate went above range. It seemed to vibrate every 10 seconds! ANNOYING!!! UGH!! Anyway, I ran with brandy for 8 miles (bottom map)because that was all the she had on her schedule..... Then, I ran an additional 3 miles (top map in below picture)..... and I slowed things quite a bit in hopes that my heart rate monitor would stop screaming at me! Oh my goodness, it was so hard to stay slowed and controlled... but, I did it!!!!

Well, during my weekly check in with the Coach that designed my training plan, I expressed that I tried this heart rate thing and gave him the data......I then asked his thoughts..... In a very polite, but direct manner, the coach told me to throw out the heart rate training for the mean time and then instructed me to collect data for the next 10 days.... basically, my rest heart at first awakening, and then at various other times when running..... he is going to help me at speed work on Monday to get HR from that work out...... come to find out, he is extremely knowledgeable about heart rate training and actually did it in the 80's!!! YAY!!! I was so excited!!! My friend from Belgium sent me a book on heart rate training a few months back..... ever since, I have been intrigued!!! I was going to try to perform this for my marathon training, but honestly, it was too complex at the time and I didn't need the extra stress. However, the coach slowed my runs during my training and this in theory probably worked like heart rate training does....... seriously, strange how my body got conditioned for 26.2 miles in a few months by just running..... and running "steady pace."  So, I am collecting data..... and then, the coach will help me get my correct parameters to train by so that I am not running to slow or too fast!!!! I can not wait!!! So excited!!!!!

Yesterday, we celebrated the NUMBER 1 guy in my life!!! He turned 7!! Here he is in his "basketball" attire! He lives and breathes basketball at the moment!!! He aspires to be a Globetrotter! 

Of course, the cake was a basketball theme :!

We celebrated with family and friends from his class!! Ben was so excited that these people took the time out of their day to celebrate him!!! He had a blast!!!!!! He said it was the best birthday ever..... my heart smiled!!!

OK.... TODAY.... SUNDAY LONG RUN!!!

We had a big group!!!!! It was fun.... I hung out for 5 miles and then branched off since I only had 9 miles on schedule!!! It was BEAUTIFUL weather!!!! Couldn't have asked for a better morning run!! (Brandy turned around and caught me taking picture!! LOL)

9.02 miles at an average 9:34 pace!!! Tried to stay as consistent as I could.....

Probably the best Mother's Day gift!!! A mason jar to store treasures with my son's hand print!! LOVE! 

Gotta run..... have to work walk in clinic 1-4 today...... HAPPY MOTHER's DAY everyone!!!

UNTIL LATER.........

********

Anything special going on for Mother's Day? Or just a low key day?

Run today? Race? Do tell!!!! Love to hear!!!

Do you heart rate train? Ever tried it?

DUATHLON Relay fun........ Garden watch 2016 continues

Saturday, I participated in my VERY FIRST Duathlon as a relay partner!!! It was so much fun!!!!! Very cool experience!!!! I was partnered with my friend Emily pictured above, She biked and I did the running portion. The Duathlon consisted of a 2.3 mile run, 18 mile bike ride, and last another 2.3 mile run. My friend Brandy pictured above was a beast and performed the entire duathlon by herself!!! Took first in her age group! 

The Duathlon was in memory of a young man named Tyler Carter that lost his life way too soon! I don't know the details about his death, but his mother said a prayer before the start and stated that he had been a organ donor!!! So, he has blessed many lives with his organs and continues to give through this Duathlon that takes place in his memory! So glad I was a part of it!

I am not a biker (my friend Brandy thinks she is going to turn me into a biker-- we shall see), but I have to say, there were some pretty cool bikes!!! 

My partner Emily snapped this picture above of me crossing the finish line after the second leg..... It is the first picture, I believe, that I don't look like I was absolutely dying! But, in reality, I felt like I was dying because it was SO HOT AND HUMID!!!! South Georgia summers are brutal. It was in the 70s during the race, and by the time I returned home, it was 84 degrees!!!

Breakdown of my runs:

First leg of 2.3 miles:

Mile 1- 7:45

Mile 2- 8:27

2.3 mile average for the first leg was 8:04

Second leg of the 2.3 miles was soooooooo much slower! Perhaps, I should have been walking around and not just sitting still prior to the second leg. Maybe it was that it was so hot..... I am not sure. Anyway, break down is as follows:

Second leg of 2.3 miles:

Mile 1- 8:43

Mile 2- 9:30

Average for the 2.3 was 9:01

Much slower run day than I had hope, but it didn't take away the fun that I had!!! :)

Now, on to Garden watch 2016

The corn is doing great!!!!! Hopefully, the corn will continue to do well. My husband and son replanted the other part of the garden that had gotten washed away with all the rain a few weeks back, so hopefully, that part of the garden will do well too!

My son is a GREAT helper with the garden!!!! 

Well, gonna wrap this up...... If I find time later, I will write about my long run today. I have been reading a great deal about heart rate training, and I attempted today during my 11 mile run to heart train. All I know, it is VERY HARD to heart rate train!!!!  You have to run slower than what your body wants to go!!!!! But, I will get into that in my next post.....

UNTIL LATER.................

*** Have you participated in a duathlon? Triatholon? Do tell! 

*** Does heat and humidity affect your running tremulous? Tips on beating the humidity? I am so NOT ready for South Georgia summer! UGH

Speed work...... go fast, slow down, and get fast in the end....

Ok, let's catch up the week..... MONDAY= Speed work day!!! UGH!!!! Love speed work/ Hate speed work! Either way, it must be done. Monday consisted of  1 mile warm up, followed by 8 x 400, then finally a cool down. My friend Brandy and I survived!!!!! We posed for the picture above that was taken by a fellow runner...... at last minute, the Coach yelled, "thumbs up!" LOL!!! It took all we had to look like speed work didn't kill us!!!! :D

Had to laugh when I came across the above picture on Pinterest!!! My friend Brandy and I have these fancy Fibit Surge watches!!!! It has a lap setting...... but, we can't figure out how to use the setting without reseting the watch! I told Brandy, "hey, we might be able to work our watches like the Elite runners, but we are on point with our gear and look like we know what we are doing!!!" HA! HA!

Tuesday, I had 5 miles..... and with working..... it was the good ole treadmill kind of day!!! At the crack of dawn, I jumped on the treadmill...... and oh boy, my legs were feeling the lasting effects of speed work..... IT WAS A VERY Sloooooowwwwwww 5 miles!!!! But, I got it done! YAY!

Now, let's define HAPPINESS!!!!! Happiness is coming home from a late night on walk in to new kicks waiting on your door step!!!! Ahhhhhhhh..... nothing makes a runners heart smile more than a new set of kicks!!! AM I right, or am I right?!?!

I couldn't wait to try them out!!!!! Today, Wednesday, I have 5 miles on the books.......... So, after dropping my son off at school, I took these new shoes for a run!!!!! They are SUPER cushioning!!!! That is for sure!!!!

It was a great run........ beautiful weather and beautiful views .... like this one which is the local university..... one that I went to ages ago..... but let's not really get in to date details and all!!! 

Now, I love sweaty bands...... the earlier pic in this post show me wearing my sweaty band........ they are the best headbands!!! Even for someone like me with a BIG-O- HEAD!!

I received the above email about the sale they were having... annnnnddd, talk about eye catching advertising.... first thing your eyes see is "WTF"..... now, I KNOW you all thought the same thing I did... I was like, "WHAT? THIS IS CRAZY!!!" Then, when I opened the email, I was relieved that it stood for the last 3 days of the week! :D

WEDNESDAY RUN BREAKDOWN

Legs still felt a bit heavy, but better..... crazy speed work! You go super fast performing speed work, the next day you are moving super slow, and then as the week progresses you get faster than ever before.... or at least that is the plan!!! LOL! 

Gotta run..... the dentist is expecting me..... oh, how I hate going to the dentist. Let's hope for no cavities!!! 

UNTIL LATER.........

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How is your day going? Anything exciting? 

Love speed work? ...........

Does anyone know how to use the LAP setting on the FITBIT surge?!?! If yes, DO TELL!!!!! I need help! 

Catching up................

Sundays are long run days!!! Today, I had 10 miles on the schedule. I woke up a bit late and it was a bit of a rush to make it on time to meet up with a group of runners..... I made it just in time!! WHEW! I felt good. I am about 99.9% back to feeling "normal" post marathon! My legs are FINALLY feeling like my "old" legs pre-marathon!!! Didn't feel like I was "pushing" with every step as I have been in the last several weeks!!!! Consequently, my overall mood is improved as well!!! I tell ya, "the post marathon depression or funk" is a REAL thing!!!

BREAK DOWN OF SUNDAY'S RUN: 10.19 miles at average 9:20 pace

The weather was perfect this morning!!! 61 degrees with a cool breeze... man, I wish this weather would last forever!! However, the humid and hot days of summer in South Georgia are right around the corner!!!!! And with the heat, I know pace times will slow!! UGH!!! But, on the brighter side, once fall hits, pace times should pick up better than where I am at right now...... or so I hope!

Above is a picture that shows just how BEAUTIFUL of a day it was this morning.... I always walk the track that we park next to for about a mile post-run...... 

NOW, what about Saturday?!?

7 miles were on tap for Saturday morning.... I was torn between running the treadmill or running outside in town..... However, Saturday was a busy day due to my son's social calendar.. So, the following is how Saturday went down! 

Woke up, jumped on the treadmill.... walked 0.5miles to wake up, then ran 7 miles with a 0.5 cool down. After running, I stretched for a few minutes and drank a protein drink. Then, I jumped into the shower and got ready for the day. I drove 40 min into town to get to the bank...........

TREADMILL SELFIE!!! LOL!!!!!!

While I was in town, I received a face to face call from my 6 year old telling me to NOT forget to pick up donuts!!! LOL! Therefore, after the bank, I ran by Daylight donuts!!!!! Then it was back up which is another 40 min drive...........

Once home, I picked my son up and we were off to Tallahassee, Florida for a birthday party!!!! Another 55 min of driving.... this is how my vehicle has 420,000+ miles on it!!!! HA! HA! 

Once we arrived in Tallahassee, we ate lunch and had ice cream cake..... YUM!!!!!!!! And below, I can so tell my son does take after me with how he helped take the candles out of the cake and licked the icing off!! :D

After the friend's birthday lunch, it was onto SKYZONE!!!! My son and I had never been to a Skyzone and did not know what to expect..... The best way to describe is that this place is organized chaos!!! Ben had a BLAST as well as all the other kids!!!!! There were trampolines everywhere..... with some sectioned off for dodge ball, basketball, and for just plain jumping. There was a huge foam pit where kids just ran and jumped in!!!!!!! There was even a section for adult dodgeball!!! 

Below, my son was making his best attempt to slam dunk the ball! It was a fun day!!! My son was exhausted!!!! When bedtime came, there was no fuss from him..... he fell asleep almost instantly at bedtime. Oh, and yes, he has already put in a request to go back over summer break..... have a feeling that I will become quit familiar with the Tallahassee area!! :D

GARDEN WATCH 2016

Ok, right after planting the garden this year, our area had a TON of rain!!!! Usually, rain is a good thing when you have a garden, however, it rained non-stop for days and washed away most of our garden!!! All that hard work to waste...... well, except for the corn! Here is a recent picture of the corn! Looking good! My husband replanted most of the rest of the garden Saturday while we were in Tallahassee...... so hopefully, the garden will do well!

Well, gotta get dinner ready...... Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

UNTIL LATER.....................................

**** Ever been to a skyzone?!?! Love it? Or do you feel you need an adult beverage prior to going?!? LOL!

****Plant a garden this year? 

****Run this weekend? Race? or Training?

Life! you have to roll with it!

Life happens...... and you either roll with it........ So, today was scheduled speed work. I got completely dressed out to run. I headed to pick up my son from the after school care...... but as I entered to pick him up, he ran to me with his eyes tearing up. Heart breaking! I could tell by the look of his eyes, he did not feel well! Last Thursday, he was diagnosed with strep throat. Normally, in 2 days with antibiotics, you would expect him to bounce right back. However, he has developed this nasty cough. He said his head was hurting. Therefore, we loaded up in the car and drove straight home. 

He fell asleep on the way home. Just pitiful! I ended up carrying him into the house...... and this 6 year old is quite heavy!!!! UGH!!!  I was able to get some medicine in him and cook him some chicken noodle soup. Hopefully, by tomorrow, he will feel better! Poor fella! 

Above is the training plan for this week. Monday is a wash...... but hopefully, I will make the other runs on schedule. We shall see. 

Did everyone keep up with the Boston Marathon today? Did your every day J-O-B get in the way of watching?!? LOL! :D  I am playing catch up now. We had some local runners represent Valdosta, Ga and a mighty fine job they did! So proud! 

Sorry to cut this short...... gotta run.... UNTIL LATER

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Life...... do you just roll with it? 

Did you run Boston? Know someone that did? 

Low Key Weekend Recap

This weekend was a bit low key with my 6 year old under the weather with strep throat. :( Luckily, he is bouncing back...... 

I slept in Saturday morning, so by the time I was ready to run, I had no other choice but to jump on the treadmill! I was able to get in my 6 miles at an overall average of 9:28 pace. 

For the first time, since my marathon at the beginning of March, my run did not seem "pushed." My legs actually felt like what my legs felt like prior to running the marathon in early March!! I was so happy! Who knew that running a marathon would have such lasting effects on the body?!?!

Since my old legs seemed to be back, I decided to meet with the local running group for my long run! It was a small turn out with only 4 of us running..... we started out slow with the first mile 11:08 for a warm up. Then we steadily picked up the pace and ended with an overall 9:37 pace for a 10.02 mile run! I was thrilled with my run today! My legs felt good the entire time and did not have the weird heavy feeling that I have been experiencing!!! YAY! :D 

Below is the overall break down of run! For most part, each mile was a negative split......

Anyway, it is a new week! Speed work today (Monday).... I know I need speed work, but I so don't look forward to speed work!! LOL! 

UNTIL LATER!!! HAPPY MONDAY FOLKS!!!!!

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How was your weekend?!?!?!

RUN? Training run? Racing? 

Just a post of random stuff......

Yesterday, Wednesday, I had 5 miles on the books. My legs were still a bit tight and heavy feeling from Monday's speed work. Not the fastest pace, but I did have negative splits..... run felt good overall. Speed work is tough and seems to have lasting effects into the week. Maybe it will eventually get easier and perhaps I may just get faster! 

I parked my car at the local YMCA that I am a member of and then literally ran out for 2.5 miles and back.... my map kinda looks like a snake, doesn't it?!?

My son was scheduled to have a short hike with his cub scout troop. The assignment was to come prepared with the 6 essential items needed on a hike. These items included: First aid kit, sunscreen, flash light, trail mix, water bottle, and whistle. WE had it all. But, I believe there should be 7 essentials!!!! I added in insect repellant!! That is a must here in South Georgia!!! I am no expert, but this should be on the list, just sayin' !!!!!

My lil scout and me!!!! Pumped to be going on a hike!!

You can tell from the above picture that he takes scouting seriously! 

Well, kinda serious..... In the above photo, he caught me taking pictures on the hike :) 

Below is a quick video of part of the hike....... :D

And, why does my son have me wrapped around his finger.... because of jesters like he did on the hike..... this yellow flower (ok, I know it is a weed) that he picked for me !!!! And, as he handed to me, he said, "I picked this just for you!"

My poor little scout woke up Thursday with fever, sore throat, headache, and nausea..... went to the doctor and tested positive for strep throat! Poor guy! He is tough though! He bounce right back after a couple doses of antibiotic. Funny how kids seem to get sick on a drop of a dime!

Well, going to get some rest...... UNTIL LATER! 

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**Taken any adventures lately? Like to hike? 

**How is your week going? Everyone staying well? 

Near Death at the hands of Speed work.... or so it felt

Ok, maybe near death at the hands of speed work might be a little bit of a dramatic title....... but let me tell you, speed work was as hard as I had thought it might be!!!!!! I can not say that this is my favorite work out.....but, I now it will help me get faster and that it is something that must be done!!! On the training plan: warm up 1 mile then 8X400s at 1:35 +/-3 seconds followed by a 1 mile cool down. My friend Brandy (not pictured) guided my friend Rhonda and I through our first trip around the track. We did pretty good at goal pace until the 7th and 8th time around... then we ended up around 1:54. The coach said that was ok........ (and on a side note, it was a HOT 70 degree afternoon that we were running in.... not that I am looking for pity or an excuse for today's effort....LOL) 

I wore my fitbit because the screen is large enough for my 40 year old eyes to see...... LOL!!!!! I used the stop watch function which I just restarted after each 400. Coach said, "Why don't you set it to laps, and then you just have to hit after each lap and it will track it." My friend Brandy and I said that we didn't thing that was a feature of the Fitbit.... so wrong were we.... LOL! Yes, there is a lap feature.... and yes, I will use it next time! Then, I will have each too broken down!! 

Rhonda and I were all smiles are completing our first speed track work.... and yes, we are sitting on a bench taking a selfie... our legs were lead!!!! But we mustered up these smiles...... the smile of relief that we survived!!! HA! HA! :D

***ATTN GRAMMAR POLICE.... I am too tired to proof read, no need to point out errors..... ***

I am tired! Off to bed! Easy run tomorrow..... if I can move! UNTIL LATER!!!! 

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**Speed work.... LOVE IT? HATE IT? 

**Any tips for speed work? Do tell! 

5K & getting pulled over by Blue lights (and it wasn't for running too fast)

Ok, so Saturday morning was a jammed packed morning (time wise that is)...... First, I had to get up and get ready for the day. NO..... I do not normally get a shower and do my make up and hair..... Not before a 5k anyway. However, today, the 5k that I was running started at 8am, and I had to be at work by 9am!!!! Yeah, cutting it a little close. But..... there was no way I could miss this 5K. First of all, the 5K is in honor of the son of the beautiful lady pictured in the middle of the photo above. The money raised benefits scholarships in the honor of James. Secondly, a co-worker and friend was going to be running her very first 5K! So, for those 2 great reasons, I made sure I worked this 5K into my schedule. 

I jumped into the car and the song "Work IT" by Missy Elliott was playing...... Oh yeah, I was getting pumped up!!!!! However, my ballon bursted when about a quarter of a mile from the race start, I got pulled over by a policeman!!! Errrrrrrr! I was sitting at a red light and saw the cop across from me in a turn lane too.... he was to be turning the opposite direction of the way I was turning. Anyway, the light turned green and all of a sudden I see this cop turn in the direction of the way I was turning and turned on his lights... while he was cruising at warped speed to get right on my tail!!!! The picture below is my "Are you kidding me?!?!" face...........

Seriously, as I was rolling down my window and getting my license, I was thinking, what could possibly be the cause of this pull over. For one, I KNOW I was NOT speeding because I just had gone from a completely stopped position to turning, so I couldn't even have been going 25mph. Then, I got to thinking, "Oh man, the light did turn green, right? Surely I just didn't go through a red light?! Oh pleeeaassseeee, tell me I did not go through a red light." By the time all these thoughts went through my head, there was the cop at my door..... Asking me how my day was going....... well, I said exactly what I was thinking, I told him, "Good, until I saw you." Ok, not nice,  I know.... but honestly, why today? He went on to ask for my license and told me I had a headlight out! Which, let me say, I had no idea of!!!! errrrrrrr!!! Cars should have a sensor that alerts you to a headlight out..... right? Especially since you can get a ticket for that!!!! On the bright side, he did let me go after running my license. 

OK, now on to better things..... the above picture is my of me on the left, Wendy in the middle who was running her very first 5K, and Brandy who not only PR'd the 5K but smoked it!!!!! I did ok, I ended up finishing with a time of 25: 24 (average 8:10 pace).... not the day I hoped for, but it was ok. 

Got to work, washed off & freshened up, changed clothes, and put on my happy face........... the day had to get better!!!! And, I have to say, not too bad of a work day........ 

Now, today.... Sunday...... long run day! I had 8 miles on the books. I decided to run solo.... so, I left my house later than I normally do, so that I wouldn't be running in the dark!! I am one BIG chicken!!!! LOL! Lately, I have kinda dreaded my long runs. The pace was feeling pushed, and I would find myself doing this go fast for a little while, and then slow dow.... the back and forth was exhausting. I am not sure if it is coming off running a marathon March 5th or what. But lately, the long run has been a bit of a "stress" to me...... I was being left feeling tight in my legs and tired. During the week, I have been skipping at least 1 run and some weeks 2 runs because I simply just loss the desire to even get up and go on those days. I started to think, maybe I am just pushing to much on the long run and need to stay "controlled" at a steady pace..... and an "easy" pace where my breathing is not labored. So, this is what I did today...... 

I felt good afterwards too! Not tired! And, my legs did not feel tired either!!!!! 

The first mile was my warm up which was at a 10:08 pace.... Then, my focus was to stay between a 9:15- 9:30 pace. The run was so relaxed and felt good!!! There were a couple of times that I started to notice my breathing starting to be a bit labored and looked at my watch... yep, going too fast! I found out that there is a threshold between 8:55-9:00 where I instantly go from enjoying the run with easy breathing, to not having so much fun with labored breathing. I could feel when I was going to fast for me! Let me tell you, staying controlled with pace during the long run can be a bit challenging to do.... seems easy in theory, but sometimes the body gets going faster without you realizing ....... but you quickly know when things turn from unlabored to labor breathing............  I am not the fastest runner, but not the slowest either. But, if there is one thing that marathon training did teach me, it was that you can honestly become faster by running slow on the long run. I can't explain why, but it is amazing how much I benefitted from a slower long run than a faster pushing pace. For now, I am planning on keeping things controlled and hopefully, this lack of motivation for running on week days will go away and I will once again love running as I did before. 

After the run, I walked the for about 30 minutes and then I was off to the grocery store...... it was a beautiful day and the weather could not be more perfect! 

I love spring! Cute little bunnies like the one picture above are being spotted in our yard daily!!!! This one let me get extra close for this picture the other day!!!! LOVE!!

Gotta run, lots of things that I need to get accomplish today..... UNTIL LATER!!!!!!!!! Thanks again for everyone supporting this blog! 

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**Ever lost your running mojo? Why? How did you gain it back? (I honestly think I was getting burned out with pushing too much)

**Run any cool races lately? Or just have an AWESOME run? Do tell! 

FOOD, RUNNING, learning something new..... random day

Today was a day of errands for me........ get up, get ready, get son ready, get son to school, household shopping, GYN doctor appt, pick up taxes from CPA, grocery shopping, home to unload car, wash some laundry, run treadmill, back to town to mail package to Europe, pick up son.... and there was a bunch of other little things that occurred in between all that.... LOL! And, just recounting today's events makes my mind tired! :D

As you see by my training plan above, I missed Tuesday's run... such a slacker!!!! But, I am getting my motivation back!!!! Looking forward! Missed miles are in the past! 

I am notorious about packing a cooler!!! Whether it is going to work or running errands....... Above is the snack I had packed with me to eat in between errands. It may look too complicated or messy, but honestly it is easy to tote around. In a ziplock bag I place a napkin and spoon. Then, I have my plain greek yogurt and a container of blackberries. 

Throw the Blackberries in the yogurt..... gobble it down, and then put all the trash in the ziplock bag that held the napkin and spoon. Then, on your next stop, simply throw the ziplock bag in a nearby trash can (see below)! Easy on the go snack without a lot of fuss!!!!!

OK...... I am SOOOOOOOOooooooooo excited about this next thing.... I learned something new!!!!!!!!  A few weeks back, I learned how to put a series of pictures into a video.....but, that isn't the exciting thing.... TODAY, I learned how to post to You Tube!!! My VERY own video!!!!. I am about as excited as I was when I first threw this blog out into cyberspace about a year ago! After a year, I am getting the hang of this blog thing..... well, sort of....... with working full time, I don't have a lot of time to put into the blog.... so, I do the best that I am able. Sure, I know, my blog is generic when compared to many others, but hey, I am ok with that... maybe one day, I will have one of those cool looking blogs... work in progress! :D

So, here it is, my VERY FIRST YOU TUBE VIDEO!!!!!!! EEeeeekkk!!! I am so stinkin' excited..... sure it isn't fancy and you get a big view of my thumb, but I am still excited!!!! (Pls, if you view, no thumbs down-- I am an amateur at this)

A friend of mine posted this to her Facebook feed... HILARIOUS!!!!! My friend Brandy who I work directly next to made a comment that she needed to have my phone to clean out my email box..... drives her bananas to have any unread emails or undeleted emails...... LOL !

Below is a screen shot of my phone today........I will be working on my email box this Sunday when I am off of work.... For now, I scroll and only reply to the Priority emails.  

Corn in the garden is coming up..... the rest of the garden hasn't made much of a show..... hoping to see more thing poke through soon..... Garden Watch 2016 continues! 

My friend, Jenny, surprised me with 3 of my favorite things!!! Gift certificate to a local running store, gift card to small cakes (the best cupcakes in town), and a gift card to Olive garden.... Clearly, this was way too much for what I did.... honestly, she really didn't need to get me a thing..... but, let me tell you, I am so glad she did!!! LOL! She is awesome!

Below is a picture of Jenny and I when we first started to run..... 

This evening, my son and I saw this bunny right in our yard!!!! This is the closest I have been able to get to one!!!!!!!

Gotta run!!!!! Rest day tomorrow and then 5K on Saturday!!!! Worried about my speed.... not sure I am even able to get close to my PR, but my friend Brandy says we are!!! 

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**Do you blog? Any tips after reading mine? Something I could do different? 

**Do you have videos on Youtube?

**Any neat nature sightings in your neck of the woods?

**Top 3 gifts you like to receive?

MONDAY...... Want to win a SPI belt?!?!

YES! You read that right!!! I am going to be giving away a SPI belt at the end of the month!!!!! Will get into the details later in the post! 

Ok, next week the coach has on my plan to start speed work on the track! Can I tell you that I am sooooooooooo very nervous about this!!! For those who have followed this blog, you know that I have only been running for about 4 years.... I am not a seasoned runner!!!! Yes, I have met my goals of completing a full marathon earlier this month, but by no means, am I a super experienced runner!!! I have no idea how to properly do speed work on a track! The coach has a Facebook site and he posted the following "Track Etiquette."

I have already started to study all of these rules!!! I so DON'T want to be that person who runs in the wrong lane of the track, or messes up another runner who most likely knows what they are doing, and I don't want to "stand" out for the wrong reasons (if you know what I mean!!!!!) 

For instance, the following video that I found on You tube shows what I DON'T want to happen!!!!!!

So, today is Monday (but this post will post Tuesday morning).... anyway, I am back on track with my training schedule.... although the weekend runs were a struggle. I ran my 3 miles this morning, and I felt good. Tomorrow, I have 5 miles. I work until 7pm tonight, so hopefully  I can roll out of bed in time to get in the 5 miles! 

OK, the give away........

I have this SPI Belt up for grabs!!!! How do you get a chance to win this fabulous and necessary runner accessory?!?! It is easy..... simply do the following (and you must at least do #1  #3 just gives an extra entry)

1- email subscribe to this blog at www.mytimerunner.com ( you will need to go to actual website to email subscribe)

2- "like" my Facebook page "My Time Runner Girl" and share the post with the SPI BELT pictured(you will need to like the post with the picture of the SPI BELT and comment that you liked and share the post with the picture of the SPI BELT). Oh and if you have already been so gracious to have already liked my FB page, simply comment in the FB post with picture of SPI Belt and share that post... so, you too can be included in drawing!)

3- and for one additional entry, follow my Instagram page at "MYTIMERUNNER" 

My SPIBELT came in handy during my marathon!!! And, a friend of my suggested safety pinning GU to the belt which worked like a champ!!!!! I will forever do this!!! And, there is no bounce to the belt!!! I LOVE MINE! 

Gotta run..... UNTIL LATER!!!!!!!!! 

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Do you perform formal speed work at a track? 

Ever had a nervous track experience?

Any tips for track speed work--- any DOs and Don'ts will be much appreciated! 

Zoom Florida!!! Mark your Calendars ladies!!!

HEY LADIES!!! Don't miss out on this year's Zooma Florida event!!! There is a 5K, 12K, and a Half Marathon!!!!! And, the best part, since I am a Zooma Ambassador for 2016, you can receive 10% off with PROMO CODE: POLLYANNA16

Don't delay! Race is capped!!!! Come run with me and meet from inspiring ladies!!!!

Running + Beach + Hanging out with fellow Inspirational women= Fun Girl's Weekend!

Who doesn't like the sunshine, sand between their toes, massages, shopping, wine, relaxation, running, yoga, and hanging out with inspirational women from all over!!!!! Seriously, grab your girlfriends and wait NO LONGER!!!! Race caps out at 1,500!!! And, YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT!!!!!!! Check out Zooma Florida website for more information

ALSO, DON'T FORGET TO USE THE CODE POLLYANNA16 if you register now!!!!! This code will take 10% off your race registration!!!!! The code will not be good forever..... so, early registration is recommended!!! Plus, prices will increase as race day approaches........

Seriously, with looking at the pictures above, wouldn't you love a weekend with your girlfriends in paradise!!! Leave reality for a weekend and enjoy a "Girl's Weekend Away!" Just think of the memories?!?  Life is to be ENJOYED and SHARED!!!!! :D

Ok, if you are not convince by those beautiful pictures,  let me list more reasons why YOU want to sign up for Zooma Florida Oct 2016!!!!!

**Zooma Florida is a scenic, professionally-managed, and timed half marathon, 12K, or 5K race (choose which distance you like- the code POLLYANNA 16 works for ALL races)

**Access to full fit girls weekend schedule- a fitness Expo and an After-Party Expo featuring wine from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, post race massages, shopping, and music!

**Water and Sports electrolyte drink stationed along the course and at the finish line

** FOOD at the finish line

**ZOOMA medals for all finishers (the 2016 medal has not been release yet, but I will be sure to share as soon as it has!!)

**Access to special room rates at the official race hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island!!

So, DON'T DELAY! SIGN UP NOW AT THE ZOOMA FLORIDA WEBPAGE!!!

Don't forget Promo code POLLYANNA16 to save 10%!!!!

COME RUN ZOOMA WITH ME!!! IT IS GOING TO BE AN AMAZING WEEKEND!!!!!!!

Gotta run! UNTIL LATER!!!!!

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**Are you running Zooma with me?!?! Let me know! 

**Ever ran a Zooma race? Want to run the Florida race! Sign up today! 

Sunday.....Not a run to brag about & re-thinking goals

Sunday, long run day...... Well, this wasn't the best feeling run. My pace was good, but the run seemed to be a bit "pushed." Strange how in marathon training, you work up the mileage, and a 15 or 17 mile run seems to be somewhat "easy"..... but then you take a bit of hiatus to recover from the marathon and 8-10 miles seems labor intensive! I have been told this, but honestly, you don't know what other runners mean by this until you experience it for yourself. The feeling I have at the moment is making me "re-think" my goals. 

I met up with some fellow runners who were on their game. Me? Not so much! But, it was nice to chat and run about 4-4.5 miles with them before cutting off. The chatting always makes the run not seem so challenging..... especially when you felt the way I did today! 

BREAK DOWN OF TODAY'S RUN! 8.06 miles @ 9:12 average pace

MILE 1- 9:50 (was feeling ok, thought to myself, I think I got this today!)

MILE 2- 9:21 (still ok, felt a bit better.... really thought I had this run in the bag! Can't ever tell a run by mile 1, but by mile 2, usually you have an idea of how run will be that day!)

MILE 3- 9:09 (Slight incline occurs around this time of the run... I started to feel this weird right hamstring tightness that I have been experiencing lately)

MILE 4- 9:00 (Ok, this is when I said "enough".... going too fast... I felt my breathing becoming a bit more labored. This is when I knew that I would bail from the group at a street that I know takes me back to where we park, and if I was a bit short on miles, there is a park to circle if needed)

*****NOTE: It is strange how just the amount of "seconds" with pace can break a runners threshold. Or, at least, this is the case with me... honestly, I can usually run a 9:05-9:15 pace, and I am just pushing a little, but then anything under that, quickly it seems that I am pushing & breathing becomes labored. This is when things that I have read about  long runs circle around in my head stating that long runs should be about a minute to minute and half slower than race pace...... I also hear the coach saying, "No huffing or puffing!!!" 

MILE 5- 9:24 (Oh, I felt better.... instantly better. My breathing was controlled, and I did not feel that pushing sensation I was experiencing. 

MILE 6- 9:03 (Ok, better pace..... still felt "good,"  no huffing and puffing...... mile 6 was good!)

MILE 7- 9:14 (still felt better..... still had breathing under control. I knew that I was good to get in the last mile..... this is when another runner joined me as well since I had bumped into him when I got back to area where our cars are parked. He ran the last mile with me... I was feeling good....we chatted and the mile went quick! 

MILE 8- 8:42 (Maybe I was just getting into the groove, or I was just so stinkin' happy to be running the last mile of my long run today... either way, Mile 8 flew--- literally!!!!

*** Then, I hopped on the track that is nearby to where our cars are parked and I walked a mile, stretched, and jumped into my car.... Although the run did not feel the greatest for the first half of it, I have to say, I was so GLAD to have ran today! Felt good, although I wasn't feeling the greatest about the run!!! :D

Found the below quote on Pinterest at ilovetorun.org .... this is so very true!!!!! As long as you get out there and run, that is all that matters! No matter how crappy the run feels!!!!! Trust me, you never regret choosing to run! 

I have been lately thinking about some running goals...... I think goals are important to have because goals give you motivation to work toward something...... Goals make it easier to be disciplined to stick with something like running. Anyway, I really considered running a full marathon in Jan 2017. I picked this Jan 2017 race because it is flat and the time of year shouldn't be too hot. I would LOVE to run the marathon I ran this year again, but it looks like my weekend walk in call will fall on that very weekend. BUT..... I am starting to re-think the full marathon. I so wanted to plan another full marathon because I know what it feels like to meet miles 20-26.2.... I know, I know..... every race is different because so many things can affect a person's running like illness, injury, weather, life getting in the way of training, hydration, eating right, etc...... But, I really wanted to take on a full marathon without the fear of the unknown in reference to the last miles! Plus, I would like to see if I could train to improve and maybe run smarter! 

Don't get me wrong, I am very proud of my first marathon time of 4:30:39..... but I would like to run a marathon with the knowledge I have now. Anyway, that may be a couple years out. For now, I am thinking I need to focus on getting faster. Maybe get faster with 5K and half marathon times! Not sure..... decisions, decisions, decisions.....

Gotta get dinner going.... UNTIL LATER! Thank you to those that support my blog... whether you email subscribe, liked my Facebook page "My Time Runner Girl", follow on twitter @mytimerunnergir, or on instagram at My Time Runner. I really appreciate your support. I love reading emails that I receive and post to the social media site. I appreciate those who have shared my FB page as well. I went from barely 50 follower to 139... couldn't do it without you guys! Thank you!!! :D

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**Do you have running goals? If yes, please share!!! 

**Do running goals motivate you? Or do you simply just run with no goal in mind?

**If you have ran a marathon, did it seem like a struggle running miles under 10 miles? Would make me feel better if this just didn't apply to me!

Saturday...... Longest run in 3 weeks, and kinda a blah day

Well, today was my longest run since running my first marathon at the beginning of the month. 10 miles was on the books..... actually, today was to be 8, and tomorrow 10; however, my friend Brandy was still out of town..... and she has 8 on Sunday. Therefore, I met up with another runner who had 18 on the books! I was a bit nervous, because the girl I was meeting is quite speedy.... She BQ'd and is, in fact, running Boston this month. But with 18 to run, I was counting on her running a bit on the slower side...... and she did!! WHEW!!! I wasn't feeling the greatest.... scratchy sore throat and ton of sinus drainage! BLAH!!! Weather, as you can see in the above picture, was BLAH too!! But, I needed to run,  and so did not want to run the treadmill! And, things worked out!!! I ran with Ali for about 7.75 miles, and then another runner showed up to start to run with her... I broke off and headed back to my Tahoe..... I made it back to my tahoe, grabbed some water, and then headed out to finish another 1.5 miles to equal 10.  

I hear running with faster runners from time to time does help you get faster........ but, I tell you, it can help you in many other ways too!!! For instance, I was telling Ali about this weird tightness that I have been having in my right hamstring, and she explained some stretches that I can do! And, probably the biggest help was Ali's advice on how to face a hill...... the course we ran today was a bit hilly. Any how, I like to run hills, but I am not good at running hills. It never fails, I keep up with the group, and then a hill or incline comes, and I have to shorten my stride.... then I tend to slow..... only to catch up with other runners after getting up the hill. Well, Ali gave me the BEST tip ever!! Ali said, that when she is going up a hill, she uses her arms as if she is skiing... kinda like you are pushing down on the ski poles.... this helped!! So, I will keep on tackling hills and hopefully get faster go up...... we shall see! 

BREAK DOWN OF RUN: 10.01 miles at 9:28 pace

MILE 1- 9:34

MILE 2- 9:15

MILE 3- 9:24

MILE 4- 9:07

MILE 5- 9:13

MILE 6- 9:28

MILE 7- 9:22

MILE 8- 9:23

MILE 9- 10:00

MILE 10 - 9:44

As you can see below, weather was in deed BLAH! I left my house and it was pouring rani!!! Just like the weather forecast says below, but luckily, it did not rain the entire time we were running. Little sprinkle here and there, but overall no rain. BUT.... OH MY GOODNESS, the humidity was AWLFUL!!! 

When I got home, I was feeling a bit run down. My throat was feeling a bit more scratchy, and my ears were popping....... I took a shower, took some ibuprofen and allergy medication, laid  down.... ended up sleeping more than I attended! UGH! I had big plans to start spring cleaning and going through closets....... didn't happen! Oh well!! My house has been a mess since marathon training, one more day isn't going to make much of a difference, right?!!?!!!

GARDEN WATCH - the corn is coming up!!!!! So exciting!!

Well, hope everyone had a great Saturday!!! Gotta run, hopefully will get a couple loads of laundry completed tonight..... I so need a cleaning fairy!!!

UNTIL LATER...............................

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** Run today? Race? Training? 

**Tend to run with faster runners? Helpful? 

Wednesday....... run, WILD fun at Wild Adventures.... and let's talk ZOOMA

Today, I had the day off...... my son and I had big plans to go to a local theme park, therefore, I had to get up bright and early to get my run in!! 5 miles on the training plan at an overall average pace of around 9:28. It was a dreadmill day........ 

I think I was in a bit of a goofy mood.... took a treadmill selfie... LOL! Let me insert a disclaimer right here...... I DO NOT recommend trying this at home, this could be dangerous and could cause bodily injury if you should fall! Now, that I got all the legal stuff out of the way, sometimes, you have to entertain yourself running in one spot for almost 50 minutes! LOL!!! Kinda how I did during the marathon a few weeks back at around mile 17..... HA! HA! If you missed my Marathon selfies ..... click HERE!!!!!

After getting my run in and showering, my son and I picked up his friend and headed to WILD ADVENTURES theme park! We are so fortunate to have a theme park right here in Valdosta!!! Season passes are pretty reasonable and good for the entire year! Above, my son was being a goof!!! The lady taking the picture for his season pass said "smile" and my son did this!!! LOL! She asked if I would like a re-take, but this is what my son wanted!!! HA! HA! As he would say, "It is an EPIC picture!"

My son was brave enough to hold a alligator! He was super excited! 

Then we found a BIG Gator..... we didn't pet or hold this one! :D

There were really neat animals at the park..... this bird literally said "Hello" to me, but when I put my phone on video to record, he wouldn't talk at all........... Was hoping to share the video, but he wouldn't perform.... Oh well! 

And LADIES...... don't forget!!! Zoom Florida is Oct 22nd!!!! A girl's weekend that is sure to be FUN!!!!!!!! There is a 5k, 12k, and half marathon!!!! Save 10% with PROMO CODE: POLLYANNA16

Don't wait..... race is capped!!!! Don't miss out on an amazing weekend with a bunch of FABULOUS inspiring women!!!!!!!!!! For more information, click here for the Zooma webpage! 

GOTTA GET TO BED! IT was a GREAT day!!! UNTIL LATER.....

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*** Are your kids on Spring break? What are you up to? 

***How is your running going? Training for anything particular? Do tell..........

***Running Zooma with me? Let me know if you signed up!!!

Monday...... FITBIT vs Treadmill................

Yeah, soooooooo, remember me bragging that I didn't bruise or lose a toenail during marathon training or during actual marathon race? Well, 2 1/2 weeks out, I noticed my toenail was bruised!!! Weird that it took so long! I kept meaning to take a picture, but kept forgetting. Finally, I did remember, but you can see it is resolving with the yellow discoloration setting in......  which is a sign that the bruise is about to be gone. I know it wasn't related to my runs after the marathon, because I really have only been running about 3 times a week since early March, and I have only been running short distances........... but, on a positive note, I didn't lose a toenail!!! Right?!?!! There is always a positive look at things.... LOL :D

********Treadmill vs Fitbit

So, this morning, I decided to see just how well my fitbit would correlate with the treadmill..... I have to say, It was a FITBIT FAIL!!!!!!

Treadmill showed 3.005 miles at 28:37 which is a 9:31 pace. The fitbit??! Well, it showed that I ran 2.52 miles instead!! Which would mean I was 0.5 miles less than my scheduled run this morning. If I had solely went by my fitbit, I would still be running!!! Oh well!!! I still love the Fitbit for all other things it has to offer...... but as for treadmill running, I won't even bother put it on.... unless I need to monitor heart rate..... which maybe I should..... hammy

Saturday morning, I decided to sleep in..... I didn't set alarm because my alarm would be my 6 year old son! HA! HA! Anyway, about 8am, my son woke me up. We decided to go out and check out the garden!! Starting to see some ground breaking!!! So exciting!!! The garden seems slow growing at first, but in the next couple weeks, things will grow like crazy! 

Yeah, I just rolled out of bed.... pinned my hair up, got dressed, and headed out the door...... hence why my hair looks like a hot mess! LOL! :D 

My son and I found this HUGE ant hill!!! Amazing that such a tiny little creature could build a gigantic hill..... this thing was monstrous!! Seriously, the pictures don't do it justice!! And, you don't dare step on this... here in South Georgia we have FIRE ANTS!!!!!! They will crawl on you, and then they send a signal, and they all sting you at once!!!! This is a creature to fear!!! A fire ant may be small, but they are to be feared!!!! No joke! 

Sunday morning, my son went on an Easter egg hunt..... at 6 years old, he is quite speedy now and most of my pictures look like the one below! LOL! :D 

I did managed to get one full picture that I posted to my Instagram My Time Runner, but all others look like this one!!! It was fun.... all that matters! 

Well, gotta run...... Monday routine is on..... well, my son is on spring break which means I didn't have to pack his lunch, but I still need to get myself ready and out the door!!! HAPPY MONDAY!!

UNTIL LATER!!!!

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***********Found any gps/running watch that correlated with treadmill?

***********Fun weekend? Do tell.....

***********Running goals? Still working on mine......... hummmmmmm

Turning 44 & getting back on track

I decided to sleep in this morning...... therefore, it was a treadmill or should I say "dreadmill" run for me today! I debated meeting the running group in town, but sleeping in won! 6 miles on a treadmill seems sooooooooo much further than when I run outside!!!! I dislike the treadmill, but I love the treadmill for convenience!!!! 

Today marks the day that I MUST get back on my training ..... I have been skipping runs lately on my training plan...... But, it is now officially 3 weeks since I ran the Albany marathon earlier this month!!! YAY!!! I have been on a 21 day recovery with limitations on not running fast or far. For some reason, this totally took my motivation away to run!!! Not sure why..... It has been harder for me to deal with this recovery than when I was injured! Weird, right?!? I mean, when I was injured, I couldn't run at all..... but with recovery from the marathon, I had runs scheduled, but still had no desire! This week, I have literally ran twice and skipped two runs! NO MORE!!! I have to get my crap together and start checking off the runs on my training plan!!!! I am also thinking about my future goals for the next 6-12 months. The coach says that I need to work on speed....but honestly, I thought I had gotten fast for me.... LOL! :D 

Soooooo, with my running mojo back, I jumped on the treadmill and knocked out 6 miles in a time of 58:32 with an average pace of 9:44. I listen to my playlist (only time I seem to listen to music is when running on treadmill). It wasn't that easy today..... seemed to take FOREVER! No, my legs weren't tired..... No, my breathing wasn't bad... but yes, running in one place for 58+ min seems to go on, and on, and on, and on...... Seriously, I am such a social runner now! I love to run with people no matter the pace! 

Friday, March 25th was my Birthday!!! And, pictured above was my motivation from my runner's world calendar..... must say, it is the truth!!! Seriously, you are the only one that get make yourself better. You must have your own mind right to succeed at your goals!!! 

Wowzers!!! I turned 44 yesterday!!!! How is it that I am 44?!?! In my mind, I don't feel 44!!! It really is true... the older you get, the faster time seems to fly!!!!!

It was a GREAT day..... I even received well wishes from my dentist!! LOL! Ok, I know it is an automatic emailing set up thing.... but hey, I did receive the birthday well wishes.....LOL! 

Ok, seriously, I had a pretty great birthday although working..... my friend Brandy hooked me up with these FABULOUS shorts from Athleta!!! Can't wait to try them! They are loaded with pocket space!!! And, on long runs, pockets come in handy!!! Check them out HERE at the Athlete website 

Brandy also hooked me up with some delicious Smallcake Cupcakes!!!! Delicious..... wish I had a picture prior to them all disappearing.... :()

Below, my friend Arlene hooked my up with Jif to go peanut butter cups and Hershey fun size milk chocolate bars!!!! I always have these in my desk drawer at work along with pretzels!! My favorite snack is dipping a pretzel in the peanut butter and then placing a block of the hershey bar on top!!! YUM!!!!!! And now, I am able to refill my stash thanks to Arlene!!!! Annnnndddd, she gave me lotto tickets!!! my son and husband had a BLAST scratching them off!!! I did win..... 4 dollars that is...... so, no early retiring for me.... LOL!!! It was still fun to watch my son and husband scratch them off with high hopes!!! :D

My friend Lina dropped off a gift for me at work.... literally, I walked out of a patient's exam room and found this bag on my desk!!! Of course, there was chocolate in my gift bag!!!! As all my friend's know, I LOVE chocolate!!!! Not a day goes by that I don't eat a little chocolate!!! LOL! She also hooked me up with these cool compression socks!!! :D 

Can you say CARB LOAD?!!! The physician that I work for hooked me up with a $50 Olive Garden gift card, and then my friend La Trice gave me a $25 Olive Garden gift card......... Totally awesome.....  I eat there at least once a week!!! What better place to carb load, right?!?!! 

Funny thing was that I received the exact same card from my friend Lina and Arlene!!!! LOL!!!!!! :D

Arlene made a special note that I may lie about being 44 whenever I wanted except when dropping my finishing card in the age group baskets at the local 5Ks....... she reminded me that I have one more year until I get in her age group!!!! LOL!! :D 

Yes, It blows my mind to really accept that I am 44....... like I said before, time seems to fly the older you get! How fast time goes is really put into perspective when your 6 year old almost 7 year old son places his foot next to one of his first ever running shoes!!! WOW!!! Seems like yesterday that I was awaiting his arrival ........... time really needs to slow down!!!! But, I do feel blessed to see 44 and hope to see many years more.........

Well, gotta run.....................UNTIL LATER!

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Ever lost your running mojo? If yes, why? Does taking it easy during a recovery from a big race make you lose your desire to run? Or do you enjoy the time to take it easy?

Anyone else have a birthday on MARCH 25th? Just curious........

Big running plans this weekend? Do tell.....