October Wore me OUT!

Well its been a month since I've  posted and have done several great races to tell about. But I  do believe  that  October  has wore me out. I was NOT prepared  physically  or mentally  at all. I've  almost  let it get the best of me. However  today is a whole  new  day (well tomorrow  actually) and I am a firm believer  in the  only  person  that can help yourself  is YOURSELF!! I am the one who got into this shape and I AM the one who has to believe  in myself  and WANT things for myself! In 2008 I lost 40 pounds all on my own, not following  any certain  diet or program  just making  changes  and going to the gym. In 2009 the weight started creeping back on and I became a runner! 2012 I focused  on really  being  a  decent  runner and made tons of personal  progress that I even  became proud of myself. Things  happen  and now here I am today....needing to  loose tons of weight and focus  again on being  the best runner that  I  KNOW I CAN BE!

Any good thoughts and positive vibes you can send my way are and will be appreciated ! Sweets are my weakness !!
HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE SWEET  TOOTH ??

Hopefully  I'll  be  back  tomorrow  with a race recap.

Run Happy;)

Bourbon Chase Weekend and a 5k Recap

When you are reading this I will hopefully either be done with my first leg or about to begin my first leg of the Bourbon Chase!! Its just like a Ragnar Relay except you go along the Bourbon Trail in the wonder (home) state of Kentucky! And the best part is most of the exchange points are at the various bourbon distilleries and get samples even though it says in the guide book no drinking allowed for the runners :) Nothing like a shot of Jim Beam around 7 am to get you jump started! This will be my 3rd Bourbon Chase experience and I totally can NOT wait!!

Last Saturday I participated in the Sydney's Kidney 5k. It was kind of a last minute decision on my part and looking back I should have just passed on it.

There was only about 25 runners if that and I was pretty shocked about that as we have lots of local runners and usually have at least 50 people at races. There was several races going on in the area though and I don't think this one was advertised too well. Right before taking off my Mom informed me that the directors just contacted someone the night before about a course??!! Hmm this should be interesting! However we went pretty much normal what I am familiar with as a 5k course at our local park. It was very cool that morning and a little breezy but perfect running temperature. Once we took off I was shocked I was 2nd female for a long time and stayed right beside the next lady (one of my friends) we played back and forth for 2nd. But what was even more shocking was how fast I was running and able to keep running! I think I was just determined to not let Sam beat me, we both have been battling injuries. I let her take the lead for almost a half mile towards the end until I jumped started my brain and said "Kick it in and don't let her beat you" I almost threw up at the end but I barely got past her.....Sorry Sam! Then came the awards time oh me I have experienced several different type of age groups, places and such but I don't think I have ever experienced a 15 year age group! They did top 3 overall (didn't matter male or female just overall) then 1st place in these crazy 15 year age groups all 3 of the top females (including me) was in that age group but they announced someone totally different?? I try not to get too upset over these things but I jumped straight up and tried my best to correct them and clearly found out very quickly they had no clue how to have a 5k. It took several explanations GRRRR! I didn't even get an award even though I was 2nd female and was still arguing with them for another friend that really got the award! Although I was happy with my time the course was extremely short 2.90 miles 25:06

In the end there was one great thing about showing up for this race....they has a real live Pig! I LOVE pigs and don't eat pork because of liking them!

Have YOU had a bad race experience before? Why?

Run Happy;)

#TBT- Playing Catch Up- KDF (Ky Derby) miniMarathon

***I had this post typed up and ready to go back in April. The same day I typed it I was registering for the Disney Dopey Challenge and my computer went down!! Do you know how stressful it is to register for well I guess any Disney race?? Geez!***

The KDF miniMarathon is one of my favorite all time half marathons not only cause its flat but I have lots of memories there. This year was my 4th Derby half in the beginning of the year I had planned on it being another 1:59 or less half however the closer race day came I decided its no big deal whatever time it is it will be! And this year I also worked at the expo for a couple of booths Team Beef and Brickhouse Betweenathon so I was on my feet for several hours the day before. I didn't really think it would bother me but my feet and legs were sore & tired by the time I left...no biggie though :)

Sherry & I

The weather forecast leading up to race day was TERRIBLE and scary! They was calling for strong storms with heavy rain, wind, hail, thunder and lightening! The race officials even sent an email the day before saying (my short version of what it said) It is going to be raining but no storms. Since it will be raining you will be wet get over it you only get wet once and once your wet well your wet! Be prepared to be wet! LOL!!Nice thanks for the warning!! That left me feeling unsure of what to wear the temperature was supposed to be around 50 but overcast with rain do I wear shorts or capri's?? Shorts and long sleeves won :)

Sherry, Me, Angela & Jason Pre Race

Because I'm too cheap to get a hotel room I make the 1½ drive up that morning not a terrible drive at all only bad part is getting up and leaving so stinking early! I never arrive anywhere to early but somehow this year I got us there really early but it was nice we had plenty of time to use the bathroom relax in the hotel lobby on the couch chat with friends as you saw them I felt very relaxed at the start of the race. My friends had a corral "B" bibs so we just all jumped in that corral since they were singing the national anthem as we were walking to the start. (Sorry I know that offends some people getting the wrong corrals and such but I am respectful and stay to the side and I DON'T walk with in the first few hundred feet!!)

Go  Team Beef!!

Miles 1-4  9:34, 9:19, 9:15, 9:21

Off we went for this race everyone was on there own as this race is usually every one's personal race where you seek out PR's or just specific goal times. I tried to just keep a steady pace and not over do it in the beginning I know myself and I know how I tank at the end so I have been trying hard to focus on that in training slower start more energy at the end for stronger finish. The weather wasn't terrible it wasn't a complete down pour of rain just a light steady rain. Right before we started I remembered two probably the two most important things 1. I forgot to take ibuprofen 2. I left my music in the car I even made a playlist just for this race!! GRRR!! I felt great the first 3 miles but toward the 4th mile I started feeling a little pain in my knee which I have had during training which is why I take the ibuprofen before I start and it usually helps!! The pain wasn't enough to make me stop just yet but it left me feeling like I had a choice don't risk it or push through it?? I also had a negative experience of seeing someone I thought would've at least said Hello and instead went sailing on past me got right in front of me literally and never said a word....oh no now my emotions was kicking in!

Miles 5- 8  9;36, 9;52, 9;54, 9:41

I decided it wasn't worth it to entirely push through it but just keep doing the best I could. I really think if I had my music I could have ignored it lots and pushed a little more but knowing I had a marathon coming up in 3 weeks I needed to play it safe. My first plan was to keep running until half way point at least I started finding people around me to pace with. I found a man that seemed to have a nice steady pace I finally talked to him a little over mile 7 I told him my knee was bothering me and I was going to start walking any time now. He told me his calf was hurting him but I should wait to walk until Church Hill Downs and enjoy the sights! Hmmm that's a pretty good plan except I walked a little just before entering Church Hill. Church Hill Downs is where the Ky Derby is held the grounds are so beautiful and some of the horses are out practicing those horses are worth way more than I will ever be! There is 2 tunnels that you go down and up and I decided to walk those areas as they are dark and uphill. My knee was really starting to bother me more and more.

Miles 9-12       11:28, 10:44, 11:05, 11:14

After leaving Church Hill its usually the best part because you know then you are so close to being done and by that point you will know if you are going to meet your goal for the day or not! Obviously it was not going to be a 1:59 or less for me and I had a little moment of a break down and teared up over it, beat myself up over it then did my best at talking myself out of it and not sabotage the entire run. But my knee was throbbing or maybe it was in my head?? I came up to a little girl maybe 12-14 years old around mile 11 and she was crying so I asked her if she was ok? She told me her ankle was hurting so I asked if she has someone waiting for her at the finish line to take care of her she said her mom should have already finished. So I told her how my knee was bothering me just trying to talk to her and get her mind off her troubles, I also told her I'd try to carry her if she wanted me to but it wouldn't be pretty and might end up hurting both of us even more! She laughed so I felt better knowing I at least made her smile :)

Almost there!

Miles 13 &.17      9:42, 1:23

I tried keeping a slow and steady pace until the finish and ended up leaving the little girl behind. Some how I managed to pull off another 9:42 mile but I think its because I was just so ready TO BE DONE!!! Once I crossed that finish line I had a first....I went straight into the medic tent and had my knee checked out!! I kinda laughed when the doctor lady told me "You've got Damn runner's knee!" and just told me to take it easy for a couple of days and ice it!

Although I didn't get the finish time I wanted I was still thrilled to finish in 2:12:13 with an Overall Average: 10:02! 

Oh Thank Goodness I made it!

Eric, Sherry, Me, Angela & Jason Post Race

Last Saturday was the inaugural KyHistory Half in lovely Frankfort, Ky. Starting Tuesday of that week it began to rain and get a little cooler each day, at the beginning of the week it said Saturday was going to be sunny and 51°, however when Saturday arrived it was still raining, gloomy, windy and cool! Thankfully we got lucky and it only was a light rain on us for a short time!! SWEET!!

Sherry, Amy & Me

 Sherry, David & I (my BRF's Best Running Friends) all decided we was going to stay together we made a pack! I really wanted to bring my camera because for at least 2 weeks before the race they was telling about all the 'History' stuff we'd be passing along the way but due rain forecast I really didn't want to fool with it, now I regret that decision....GRRR!

The first mile was a little boring nothing too exciting to look at.  Miles 2-3 took us up around the Capital. After that the rest of the race was unknown to me and I had heard that there was a big hill somewhere close to a cemetery. Well they wasn't lying except that it was a HUGE MONSTER of a hill that I bet was every bit of a half mile long ~ Oh My!! I was looking forward to coming down that thing :) Then we turned into a the cemetery where the final resting place of Daniel Boone is along with his wife! Unfortunately I did not see the grave but another reason I wish I had my camera!! After leaving the cemetery we got to go down the HUGE MONSTER hill and I was really surprised it didn't make you go really fast down it, I guess it had just enough of a grade that you could just coast down it easily. 

After the first the rest of the race wasn't too bad hill wise and had lots of neat things too look at. Unfortunately the 'history' places they had told about wasn't marked so I really had no clue when or where I was passing stuff. I think they should have had everything marked with balloons or something??

Sherry and I had taken a little bit of a lead on David and since we all agreed to stick together that is what we did! David had been out of town for a couple of weeks and hadn't ran for a while so he was having a little trouble, no worries though cause Sherry and I had a BLAST!! We chatted, cheered on other runners, talked with the water stop folks, thought about going into the distillery we passed (Buffalo Trace) to get sample shots but of course we didn't and Sherry's silly self was plotting out places she could hide and scare David when he came through, of course she didn't do that either I was afraid we would frighten him too bad and get hurt LOL!! 

Me, David & Sherry Can you tell we was having FUN??!!

Needless to say we absolutely had the best time EVER and made the most of not so desirable weather conditions! For this to be a first time event they did very well on the planning and such and best of all there was indoor bathrooms and you got to go indoors when finished to stay warm!! Without a doubt I will go back next year and maybe be a little more serious and try LOL!!

What's the MOST FUN you've had a race?


Run Happy ;) 

Sherry & Me

Oh my October Already!!!

October has always been a busy running month. Towards the beginning of this year I was looking forward to this year's October I just knew I was going to be in top shape.  Well that still hasn't happened yet and guess what??? October didn't wait on me to get into shape!!

But that is ok I will just keep on winging it pretty much like I have all year long! I have probably already said this but I have figured out 2015 just is my year for running or running well! Oh well that's just how it goes and I've stayed as positive as possible and keep on trying so I haven't given up!

Here's my October line up:

October 3- Ky History Half- Frankfort, Ky
October 11- Iron Horse Half- Midway, Ky
October 16- Bourbon Chase 203 mi Relay- Across Central Ky along the Bourbon Trail
(my part is 17.7 miles!!)
October 25- Brickhouse Betweenathon 19.65 mi, Stanford, Ky

Shew that's 63.55 miles just in races not including all the extra training miles! Makes me tired just typing that, LOL!!

What's Your October look like?

Run Happy;)

Looking for Something New??

Still looking for an awesome Fall distance race?? Well let me help you out......

Brickhouse Betweenathon 19.65 mi race on Sunday, October 25, 2015

This is the 2nd year for the Brickhouse Betweenathon but its the first year that I am on the race committee!! Yay me :) 

What in the heck is a Betweenathon?? Let me tell you! My great friends, who host a VERY successful 5k, was training for a Marathon and thought to themselves "Everyone has 5k's , 10k's, half's etc. what is something different?" And ta-da the Brickhouse Betweenathon was born!

So if your looking for a different race distance, a new race in general, a race to complete your 50 states LOOK NO FARTHER!! If you can't make it this year be sure and put us on your calendar for next year!! And be sure to 'Like' our Facebook Page for current updates and such.

What is your Favorite thing about Finish Lines? Besides the fact you have reached it, What is something you look forward to receiving at the Finish? Food, Beverages etc...

Run Happy ;)

Why is it That???

So the R'n'R VA Beach Half was a total bust for me and totally did not turn out the way I wanted it to. I was almost frightened at the thought of doing another long run for marathon training but I know they have to be done, unless I had some sort of super human powers and didn't have to train for things and could still perform well....yeah that's NOT me! Two weekends ago (9/13) I set out for a 12 miler and ALONE I haven't and don't usually run alone very much at all but I was sorta wanting this just in case I sucked and wanted to quit I could have my own pitty party. Well what do you know?? I had a decent not awesome but a decent 12 miler (2:10)! Minus the 4 bathroom stops I made....stupid stomach!!  And I walked less than a mile overall out of the entire run that is a HUGE accomplishment for me!

This past weekend I did 14 miles(2:38). Let's just say I completed it I probably wouldn't even call it decent just completed. Thankfully I had my Best Friend and running buddy Sherry P with me for 10 miles. I didn't run near as well as the previous week and had lots more times of walking but I didn't give up even when she parted ways with me still have 4 more miles to go and wanted to go home like she was doing I hung in there and finished it out! I really expected my pace to be way off from the previous week but surprisingly overall it was about 15 seconds slower.

Why is it That???

 How in the world can I run 12 and 14 miles in less time that it took for the VA Beach Half?? I will never know other than the fact that I totally didn't feel good the entire time I was there. Slowly but surely I think I can feel progress being made I just gotta hang in there!

Don't you hate the days when you feel so sleepy, drained and just plum worn out and yawn all day long??? That is me today! Is it time for bed yet??


When Marathon training, what is the longest long run you try and get done? 18, 20, 22 or more?
I prefer to get at least one 22 miler if not two but I may not even get one this time around, it kinda has me worried/scared but I already know with my foot issue its not going to be a very good marathon anyway!

Run Happy ;)

My 1st R'nR- Virginia Beach Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon

I have been wanting to do a Rock'n'Roll series race for a long time now so I jumped at the chance to do this one! (The REAL reason I did this race in the next VA Beach post :) And I am in training for another R'n'R the Savannah Marathon so this fell right in place with my training! And who doesn't LOVE a #Roadtrip?? Well this road trip wiped me out and was not good to my sinuses....I was sick the whole time I was there and couldn't enjoy anything at all! I was so disappointed and hated that I kept my mom from enjoying anything as well since I spent the entire time in bed in the hotel. We got stuck in traffic and missed most of the expo and by that time I was really not feeling well so we pretty much got my number a pair of compression sleeves and left!

Although I hadn't done a long run for 2 weeks prior to race day I was very hopeful on a decent finishing time for this half 

A. 2:10 B. 2:15 C. Finish

All week leading up to the race doing the daily race weather check there was very little chance of rain, woke up that morning to cloudy skies, extremely humid & warm and what do ya know SPRINKLES! While waiting in the coral to start it poured down rain...Oh yay....NOT! I had already used the port a potty twice while waiting but I really had to go again I was just hoping I would sweat it out as I went.  Of course this was a crowded event with close to 10,000 runners and I started in the back so I spent at least a mile weaving through people which used up lots of energy so I tried taking it slower and easy. Finally close to mile 3 the crowd was starting to spread out I had seen a couple of potties already but they had large lines so I keep looking. I thought it was really hard finding them as they were tucked in behind buildings or trees but I found one right at mile 3 with no line!! Came out started running again looked up saw a sign that said 5k split ahead half marathon keep straight and what do I do? Of course I took the turn for the 5k and had to back track about 50 steps!

Have I mentioned I wasn't feeling well the entire time I was there?? Well I couldn't eat the night before either so I had no food energy in me. I held in until about mile 4½ - 5 then I started going down hill from there! I got dizzy and light headed like I wanted to pass out and/or throw up not that I was running fast but I started walking hoping to rebuild some strength. From miles 5 -9 I would run/walk (mostly walk) until I reached the .70 mark and would run the entire .30 to the next mile marker. I had hoped to do that until the end except around mile 7 my good ole' plantar fascitis foot started acting up something terrible! WHY NOW?? It started hurting so bad I didn't really know what I wanted to do more Cry or just quit??!! Well quitting is not an option in my book unless its something major wrong so I just kept on pouting and walking and barley running I just so wanted to be DONE!! I pretty much stayed in the same group of people I think we was all feeling the same way, although oddly enough I didn't talk with anyone! Another sign I wasn't feeling well as I always make a new friend out on the course??!!

I think that look says it all!

Finally I was reaching the last mile, oh my goodness that was the longest mile ever! I had hopes of at least slowly jogging the entire thing but that thought went really quick. There was 2 different blow up things to go under that I kept having wishful thoughts it was the finish then I finally saw my Mom and knew it was finally the end! Except when I saw her I really did want to cry?? After crossing through the finish I hobbled straight to the medic tent to have my foot looked at and get some ice for it. I told the nurse lady "I think my foot may be swollen, to me I think I can see it through my shoe it looks twice as big as my other foot?" The look on her face said it all but she replied with "Oh my goodness! Yes it IS!" So she wrapped it up with ice I sat there for a few minutes several other runners was coming into the tent and it was getting crowded, so I just got up and hobbled off to find my Mom. 

Listening to the Hubs not fussing at me LOL!

By the time I made it back to her she had already called and told all of my friends and husband that I was hurt and didn't look to great coming in! She even told the Hubs not to fuss at me cause I really looked miserable. Thankfully he listened but did fuss a little at me, he's just worried about my foot issue :)

Even after a terrible in my book race I could still Smile a little :)

So needless to say this was by far my worst half marathon finishing time EVER of  2:49:08 but I am thrilled that I was able to finish! And finally complete a R'n'R race!!

What was your worst race and Why??

Run Happy ;)

Pictures belong to The Picture Lady so please don't steal them!!

And Just Like that......A Whole Week Goes By

I have tried getting my Virginia Beach post up for well a week now but as you can see it hasn't happened yet. So hopefully this will be 2 Posts Tuesday!!

Sinuses are AWFUL! If you don't have problems with them or live in an area that they are bad be EXTREMELY HAPPY I have been battling them off and on pretty much all summer long! This has been the worst year in a long time for me!

Anyone have a Dell Laptop and upgrade to the Windows 10 yet? The husband and I both did ours the other day and now we can not connect to the Internet?? Another reason I haven't been able to finish the VA Beach post...GRRR!! Now to just figure out how to take it back off and get the crazy laptop working again!

Ok off to hopefully finish the other post now!

Windows 10 advice anyone??

Run Happy ;)

Pigskin Classic Twilight 5k & 12Miles that wasn't

Ugghh I am so tired of having sinus headaches I think I have had them off and on all summer long we have had a fairly wet summer. Last Friday (Aug 28) I had an awful one at work and so could not wait to get home and lay down for a little while. Well that turned into several hours, I think I was asleep by 6:15pm. Around midnight my husband came in and touched my arm I opened one eye to look at him and he said "I just wanted to make sure you was still breathing" bless his heart he sounded worried about me :) then I rolled over and went back to sleep. I just didn't feel well at all!

Saturday morning I got up feeling a little better but really stiff from laying in bed for so long so I went out and walked 3 miles around my neighborhood. The dreaded headache started coming back and I had the Pigskin Classic Twilight 5k to go to at 8:30pm so I tried to take it easy all day but I didn't really eat very much as I had no appetite.

Time to go to the race and what do ya know my headache is back. I knew it wasn't going to be a good race for me at all and tried to just go ahead and accept that fact. Standing at the starting line I was chatting away telling everyone how I didn't feel well and such, they shoot the gun say go and what??? I completely forgot to turn on my Garmin I never thought about it ~ yep I didn't feel well. My first mile was a struggle to me although somehow I pulled it off in 9:00 but after that I was just DONE! It was very humid, my head hurt, my side started to hurt and I felt like I was going to vomit I just wanted to be done. The last 2 miles I did a lot of run/walk and even walked with 200 yards of the finish line the nice gentleman behind asked me if I was ok. .After I finished I went to the side away from everyone because I just knew for sure I was going to be sick (thankfully I wasn't) then I went and sat in my car for a while until I thought it was time for awards. One of my running friends asked what my time was (30:23) she said "dang that's slow for you" ummm gee thanks but yeah have I told you a billion times yet how I don't feel well??!! Again somehow I was lucky enough to be 2nd in my age group!

The next morning I was suppose to do 12 miles. I was also suppose to do it last weekend and didn't make it. I was determined to get it done but once I started running I felt awful I was walking less than a mile in. I told myself to get to 3 miles and see how I felt then, I actually was feeling a little better but by 3½ I was ready to give it up again but I forced myself to get to at least 6 miles even though the last 1½ was walking!  The longer I have been running I have learned to take each day as it comes and if it is too much of a struggle just don't do it there will be another day :)

This afternoon I am heading to Virginia Beach for the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon!!! This is my first ever R'n'R race and I am super excited!!

What are YOU running this weekend? Just training? Or a Race??
Tell me all about it :)

Run Happy ;)

Another Great thing about Blogging- BuluBox Review

Another thing I really love about blogging is getting opportunities to try out and review products before you buy them!

Loving the Inspiration on the Box! Gives me ideas to use in my scrap book!!

Thanks to the awesome ladies at fit approach I was chosen to review the BuluBox. I have always wanted to tryout a 'box' of some sort and I am in NEED and TRYING to lose some weight so I was thrilled to get the BuluBox!

First here's what BuluBox is about straight from BuluBox:

Bulu Box is the first health, nutrition and weight loss discovery box designed to help you feel your best. Each month, you’ll get a custom box filled with a new mix of 4 to 5 premium samples from top brands to try. Every sample is sufficient enough to decide if the product is right for you.

I mean who doesn't like receiving gifts when I opened the mail box and saw that orange box I felt like it was my birthday or something, I rushed into the house to rip it open. Here is what my box contained

The thing I was most excited to try out is the Quest Peanut Butter Protein Powder, I pretty much love all things peanut butter but then again who doesn't! YUMMY YUMMY!! I mixed mine with some almond milk and a frozen banana as a breakfast smoothie. Although it really filled me up I probably could've drank another because it was so delicious!

I wasn't too fond of the Mediterra Bar Sundried Tomato & Basil. Honestly I despise ketchup it makes me gag at the thoughts of it and that's all I could think of while trying this bar. Maybe a different flavor but this one just didn't work for me. 

                                             
I have to be very careful what kind of fuel I use while running as I have an extremely sensitive stomach, I stop for potty breaks on just about every single training run or just run in general somehow I usually make it through on race day. Anyway I decide to try the Movit Energy Gummies at home doing some housework first just in case. These too had a yummy taste and didn't seem to bother my stomach, in fact I wish I had some this morning in my attempt at a long run!

                                                

I still haven't tried out the Earth's Care Anti Itch Cream or the Yerba Prima Daily Fiber Formula. Hopefully I will get a slight sunburn at my half this upcoming weekend and I can try out the cream!

• 
• 

Probably the greatest thing about the BuluBox is the price. You can get either a monthly or up to a 6 month subscription for only $10 a month! If you get a full 12 month subscription then it drops down to $9.17 per box. There is also a choice of two boxes Bulu Box Original or Bulu Box Weight Loss. Even better yet.....if your looking for  a gift or someone is asking you what you want for a gift you can try out a BuluBox! You can also write reviews on your samples and earn points towards purchasing full-size products straight from BuluBox. Each box contains about 50 reward points ($5)!!

Are you ready to try out BuluBox NOW?? I've got a discount code for ya! 

• SWEATPINK for 50% off a 3-month subscription 

Do you subscribe to any kind of monthly 'boxes'? What do you think about them?

I'm thinking I will probably order one of these boxes each month I have extra money for it!

Plantar Fascitis is NO JOKE!!!!

I have already trained for one marathon this year (recap coming :) and towards the end of the training I began having some pain in my right foot. About a month after the marathon I did a half (another recap coming :) when it was over I felt like I was done for good like FOREVER my foot was hurting so bad. This is my first running injury.  One of my running friends is having the same problem and told me she thought I had Plantar Fascitis. GRRRR! Three days after the half I did a little local 10k race, I made it about 2½ miles in before I had to start run/walking after the turn around it was all I could do to just keep moving my foot hurt so bad I couldn't put any weight on it. Another runner friend at that race who is also a physical therapist looked at my foot for me, he pushed in on my heel and I could've punched him it hurt so bad! His reply 'Yep sister you've got PF!" He told me a few things I could do for it and of course I tried everything everyone told me to try. I continued to "try" and run but anything past 2 miles was torture. I backed down from 3 days a week to 2 and some weeks just once a week I knew I had to get this foot under control as it was almost time to begin marathon training again!. On June 27th I ran a 5k then I was on vacation for a week I decided that I would not run at all during that time. Although we did do some hiking and lots of walking, I ended up taking 10 whole days off from running. The pain wasn't as bad when I began running again but it wasn't much better either. Finally after about 5 weeks of battling the pain I decided I better have it checked out just in case it was something worse.

Thankfully it was only Plantar Fascitis! The doctor showed me how to stretch it and massage the Plantar Cord in my foot, roll it on an ice bottle and take ibuprofen. And he said I could continue to run just still scaled back until it was better. Two weeks later it finally started feeling better, its still not 100% and still hurts worse at times but much better and not while I run! Since I have had this I have learned how common of a thing it is, almost 8 out of 10 runners around me have had some form of it.

Have YOU ever had Plantar Fascitis??
What's your best Fix for it??

Run Happy;)

Surprise Its Me Again

Oh my goodness....Geez I know everyone including myself is so tired of the same ole' song & dance. Where have I been, Why can't I blog, Why can't I find time for it ALL???? Aren't those loaded questions LOL!! Anyway for the past several months now I haven't been very happy with myself  just not happy with my running, my work life etc... most people around me probably wouldn't know or realize I was feeling this way as I try keeping everything to myself, then I noticed I was beginning to feel bitter towards just about everything and everyone. So I have been thinking 'What can I do to help myself?' which lead to thinking back to when I started running. Running helped me in so many ways that I didn't even know it, I was doing something 'healthy' for myself, I was creating some 'ME' time, I was making new friends and meeting new people. I had something to strive for as running was completely NEW to me at that time. I also became an active blogger shortly after I began running. It excited me to have a place to put my thoughts/feelings  into words and in a place I could look back and see how I was feeling when and where or I could just rant a little as well as keep up with my training and feelings while training good bad or otherwise. Blogging has brought me so many opportunities that I am ready to get back to. Somehow so many different things have happened over the past 6 years and here I am at today.

I am ready to get my head back into the game and quit feeling like a loser all of the time. I have never stopped running just gotten slower and a little heavier and honestly I have gotten to a point where I just didn't really care anymore. I AM READY TO PUT THOSE DAYS BEHIND ME AND MOVE ON!! 

I have a BUSY fall ahead of me and am training for the Savannah Rock 'n' Roll Marathon along with several half's and other races in between there so I will have lots to blog about as well as catch up on some other things!

I know I have lost my followers so I hope to get them back and several more! I have a few posts wrote on paper so I am ready to get back into this game again and hopefully stay on board!

What are YOU currently training for??
Anyone going to be at Savannah as well?? I'd LOVE to meet ya :)
When do you Blog? Early mornings? Before you go to bed? Or while at work?

Hooray today is FRIDAY!!!

Run Happy ;)

My Mom(a.k.a the Picture Lady) and I. My biggest fan and supporter EVER!!!

Oh my how Time Flies by....

Geez will I ever get my schedule together to fit everything in running, blogging, work and life in general! I need to just quit being lazy about everything and just do it, I think winter gets to me more than I realize ever since its been staying daylight longer I have become more productive.

So I looked back on my posts for this year and realized I have never told my "big" races for this year you know the reasons I'm training! Well here's my rundown thus far:

March 21- RJ Corman 10miler
March 28- Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon
April 25- Ky Derby miniMarathon
May 16- Horse Capital Marathon
June 13- Bourbon Derby Half Marathon
October 3- Ky History Half Marathon
October 11- Iron Horse Half Marathon
October 16-17- Bourbon Chase 200mi Relay
October 25- Brickhouse Betweenathon
November 7- Savannah Ga Rock'n'Roll Marathon
November 14- Renfro Rock'n'Run Half Marathon

2016
January 7-10- Disney Dopey Challenge!!!!!!

Shew that makes me tired just typing it all out! But I'd really like to find a half for the months of July, August and September :)

As you can see I've already ran 3 of the above races along with a couple of 5k's. I was going to include a couple race recaps in this post but to keep it from being too long I'll post them separate.

I need some help!!!??!! I haven't booked a hotel room for Savannah yet and hope to within the next couple of days. Any suggestions?? I'll be staying around the airport area and catching the bus to the start line as I can't afford the closer hotels!

I'm off work for the next couple of days so I'm going to catch up on all race recaps and long runs! But first mom's taxi is on duty and taking a kid to work!

Savannah Hotels???

Run Happy ;)

Did You Win?

I promise to have a real post soon. But for now did you check to see if you are the

WINNER?!?!?!

3TT-My latest Tragedy

1. I  two indoor cats. One 17½ (Jazz) and one almost 5 (Garcia) years old.

2. Ever since we got the second cat my older cat was never happy about it. She was always a loner type and stayed to herself most of the time and really became a loner after that.In the last couple of months Jazz physically looks fine but kinda lost like in her eyes then she stopped using the liter box. I don't think it was an arthritis issue as she was jumping on top of the hot water heater to lay. It became a daily struggle constantly cleaning up messes (which I was perfectly fine doing) and it was making my husband very unhappy. I know longer knew what to do

3. Yesterday I had to make the decision to put her to sleep. That took more courage than I knew I ever had. I feel like I have failed Jazz and completely let her down. She loved me more than any cat ever has and would come to my rescue at a simple 'Jazz Help ME!' Life is Hard. Life SUCKS at times but I guess it still moves on.

Time to Get Serious- Hopefully this Will Help (Giveaway)

I said in January that I don't make New Year's resolutions but I would like to lose some weight. I did pretty good in January with my food choices and such but then started falling off the wagon in February. There are several excuses I have for falling off like, my tooth ache/removal, being snowed in for a week and well just plain ole Lazy!

Then I was given an excellent opportunity through Sweat Pink to review MealEnders! This couldn't have came at any better time for me!

What is MealEnders you ask? Well let me share some facts with you:

 MealEnders are a low-calorie, drug & stimulant-free Signaling Lozenges that is designed to help people learn to avoid overeating and master portion control by clearing the desire to consume more than needed from the mouth and mind. MealEnders work with the body's natural hunger rhythms using a combination of psychology and sensory science.

How does MealEnders work?
 MealEnders consist of two components: a sweet outer reward layer and a cooling/tingling inner core. The outer layer provides a measured dose of "dessert" while the inner core layer engages the trigeminal nerve (the nerve that senses "taste" sensations in the mouth) with long-lasting cooling/tingling sensations to cure the end of eating and clear the palate.

MealEnders are a tool, NOT A MAGIC ELIXIR, and work in the following ways:

Behavioral-
  *Establish an important chronological marker for meal & snack end
  *Fill the 20 min gap until normal satiety signals reach the brain

Sensory-
   *Provide a measured sweet cue for dessert replacement followed by a palate cleansing to REDUCE cravings
    *Alter anticipated taste of additional food
    *Engage taste receptors to transition you away from foods being consumed

Psychological-
    *Train the mind to recognize healthy portion sizes
    *Create habitual cueing of meal completion
    *Heighten mindfulness of natural digestive rhythms
    *Empower a sense of control

My biggest weakness is at night after eating dinner I am one of those that thinks (well actually I just know lol) that I HAVE TO HAVE something sweet. I'm usually good throughout the day just at night I'm thinking I suffer more from the psychological issues. So instead of eating cookies, brownies or ice cream  I would pop in a MealEnders!

Right now my most favorite thing (that I should NOT be having at ALL) is the Andes Mint Chocolate shake from Arbys so the flavor I like the best and was most anxious to try was the chocolate mint.....YUMMY!!

 It looks like a huge chocolate covered raisin but the outside layer taste like a soft mint chocolate then you get into the harder cooling layer and that is exactly what it is cooling and somewhat tingly I had a weird sensation on my tongue so I assumed that was the tingling effect.  One of the MealEnders kept me satisfied all night long and most nights I didn't wake up in the middle of the night with the sweet craving! As far as if I have lost any weight or not I really can't say my current weight loss mission I am on I am only weighing myself once a month and time hasn't come yet. I can say that they have helped with my sweet tooth cravings though!  Now I have to say the chocolate mint is the only one I have tried I had my tooth issue going on and didn't hardly eat any food for a week. Just this week I am starting to get back on track with everything running/exercises and better food choices.

Now here's the best part for YOU....MealEnders has agreed to GIVEAWAY a 4 pack (one of each flavor) but its only for US residents.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Tooth is Gone and So is a Piece of my Lip!

Hooray! I am so glad that is over. Yesterday I finally had my tooth surgically removed for this big baby that was a huge feat! Here's what went down....

I wasn't really sure how I was going to get there I figured Gerard would go to work since he missed so much last week due to the awful weather. Monday is his day off. When the alarm clock went off and he replied I don't know if I'm going I said I could sure use your help today. For whatever reason I am the type of girl that will ask everyone else before I ask my husband to do most things, why I really don't know other than I just don't want to bother him. Anyway he took me dropped me off I was nervous so nervous. I did great through the x-ray that was a cool machine as I've never had the stand up one before then we went back to the room I was a little more nervous. Thankfully the nurse was extremely nice and easy to talk to. I told her I was a big baby about everything but I'm sure I wasn't the first. One of my best friend works there also but she's the business manager however she was available to hold my hand if needed....I sucked it up and put my big girl panties on :) The IV was the worst part but that nurse was great it was only a quick stick and over! I am also friends with the oral surgeon although I haven't seen her for a while she's a running buddy as well. She came in we caught up with each other then down to business. She asked if I wanted to save the tooth like with a root canal but I said no its in the back I don't need it. Then she asked about the HUGE freckle that popped up on my bottom lip a few years ago, she asked me if I wanted it removed??? Huh I never thought about that & I didn't know she could do that for me?!?!?! Sure why not?!

So now I am one tooth less and missing a chunk of my bottom lip! 

Recovery at home yesterday I pretty much slept off and on all day then had the bright idea to ride to town with Gerard. That was a big mistake. I am one of those people that can't take pain medicine very well. As long as I was at home I was fine but as soon as I got in the car and a little ways down the road I knew I was in trouble. I instantly felt like I was going to throw up but I hadn't had anything to eat all day so there wasn't anything to throw up. I came straight home and back to bed for the rest of the night!After the tooth was taken out the Dr. said there wasn't any way to save it, it was really bad and should've been done something a long time ago and she will send my lip off to be tested and I'll hear from that. Today I stayed home from work #1 because I still needed pain medicine and I for sure can't work while on it #2 my lip is still very scary looking!

Now I have to give a HUGE shout out to my wonderful husband Gerard. Although I feel like he can be very difficult and believes in "tough love" he has taken the best care of me and I am not the easiest patient ever. On the way home yesterday I really wanted a milkshake he said No you can't drink out of a straw, he had to tell me at least 3 times, then I said ok I want a cherry coke from Sonic (so my enemy!!) he agreed to that but as they handed it out the window he hid the straw from me! He's made sure I've ate a little something before taking my pills. Then tonight as I was typing this and he was out picking up our daughter from work he came in with this.....

JUST FOR ME!! Another great reason I love that man of mine ;)

How's your week going so far? What are You training for RIGHT NOW?? I'm hoping I feel good enough in the morning to go run!!

Run Happy ;)

This Post is Being Brought to You by the word LAZY!!

How has my week gone? LAZY and SNOWED IN! Last Sunday they was predicting 10-15 inches of snow for my 'neck of the woods' I really and truly didn't think we would get it as it is very rare for us to get anything like that at all! Monday was a holiday for me from work so I wasn't worried about it either way. Well guess what??

My road is under there somewhere!

We woke up to this Monday morning!! I was shocked and HAPPY I love the snow! (And I was happy knowing I had a good couple days of groceries :) Not only did we get a little over 10 inches of snow it was sub below freezing we even beat record temps going back to 1896! My area is not prepared or equipped to handle such events like these in a timely manor. I was suppose to have my tooth removed Tuesday the first text I received was from my friend saying the office wasn't going to open due to the weather so I text my boss we was closed also! Gerard (my hubs) is off on Mondays although he usually does work so it didn't bother him either as soon as he got up he said "I'm getting on the 4wheeler!" Our crazy selves rode the 4wheeler in sub below zero temps while it was still snowing and the wind was brutal let's just say it was a short ride!

This was on the 4wheeler

Tuesday morning the sun came out it warmed up to about 16° and there was little wind I couldn't stand it any longer I was going out to run in this awesome white fluffy stuff :) And since the road still wasn't cleaned off it gave me an excellent excuse to be slower! Being extra careful keeping my balance/watching my step, treading on about 3 inches of snow and wearing old shoes (why I'll never know) left my legs and feet sore & tired! That was a great workout! Gerard couldn't get out for work Tuesday morning either he spent a couple of hours shoveling the drive by late evening we was able to get out to get a few groceries but the roads was still awful! I got the message that I didn't have to work Wednesday either and guess what?? It snowed another 3 inches Tuesday night and Gerard was snowed in again! Then I got a message that we was closed the rest of the week! Looks like I got a free vacation off work it was just too frigid to enjoy it! Gerard finally made it to work on Thursday, thank goodness as he was getting grumpy being trapped in the house, and I finally ventured out on my own taking our daughter to work the roads was still to bad for me I didn't like driving on it at all. Well then came Saturday........

and we awoke to freezing rain! Gerard tried going to work but couldn't make it up our hill after a couple of hours it was off and on freezing rain to rain and he eventually got out. It warmed up to 36° and melted lots of the snow away. This morning when I got up it was 33° and going to get colder and more wind all day so I bundled up & laced up drove to town and went for a run!

I needed a 10 mi long run but with only running once all week and being extremely LAZY all week I was just going to play it by ear and see what happened. Main street was absolutely awful hardly any of the sidewalks was clear. The gates to our local park was even closed  so no one could get in I've never seen the gates shut before. I had to stay in the bike lane on the road and didn't feel to safe with the patches of black ice out so I went to the loop around our local college I knew their roads and sidewalks would be clear. I was determined to get in the entire 10 miles and I did I just got really slow in the last few miles partly from snow & ice, partly because I had to do about 3 loops of the same thing to get the miles in and partly from me being tired & out of shape! But I DID IT!!

So other than the two days of running I have been VERY LAZY this week watching lots of TV with Gerard and just trying to stay warm! Oh how I dread the electric bill out of all this~Yikes!!

What's the Longest you've been snowed in? Or just unable to leave for weather problems? We had a terrible ice storm in 2009 no power for almost 2 full weeks THAT was terrible and the hardest thing I've lived through that almost pushed me over the edge!!

Here's hoping this week will be better!! My tooth is coming out tomorrow (Monday)!!! Check to see if you are the SPARTAN RACE ENTRY WINNER!

Run Happy;)