runner – My Kind of FIT

The Long Awaited, Most Anticipated… Chattanooga Challenge Race Recap

This year we participated in the Chattanooga Challenge – 5k on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday. This is our 4th challenge weekend of 2018, why not run all the races if your in town??!!

Friday – Road Trip/Expo/Dinner

It was another early Friday morning on the road for yet another challenge weekend! We were heading back to Chattanooga for the weekend and running would be involved. We spent about 6ish hours in the car and were able to meet up with our girl Jessica for the expo. There were a few vendors, but we headed right for the race specific merchandise…ummmm, trucker hat!! We made a few purchases and headed to take our bib photo before meeting Esmeralda, Marina, and Sam for dinner. Our friend Gina wasn’t able to make it due to her grandbaby insisting on making his entrance into this world. As we were making our way out of the expo, Jessica received a phone call asking her to return to packet pickup. It just so happened that the bib makers for the race had made a bib for her baby bump…Abby!! How cool was that!!

We met at Old Chicago Pizza for dinner, talked like we had just seen each other yesterday and laughed a lot!!

Race Ready

Rick, Jessica and Me

Rick, Jessica, Esmeralda, Me, Marina and Sam

Saturday – Classic 150 5k

I think this might be the first race that I dressed for the weather!! I actually wore long sleeves and capris…WHHHHAAAAAT???!!!

We arrived early cuz we wanted to meet all the people!! We found Gina (gbena), Jessica (JessRun6813) and Esmeralda (mrs_incredible) in the parking lot. Then someone, I think Gina??!! had to use the port-a-potty and of all the things, she handed the Hubs her phone…unlocked!! Who does that??? GINA!! And so we took pictures!!

Once we were closer to the start we met David (theleathercigar) who was running his first marathon and Amber (amberella2u).

It was decided that Gina and the Hubs would bust it out and Jessica, Esmeralda and I were going to take it easy. Let me just say that it was great hanging with the girls on this one. Not that it’s not great hanging with the Hubs, but I do that A LOT!! Pretty sure it will happen tomorrow??!! But anyway…

On the run… Classic 150 5k

Once we all made it back to the finish we took it to the backdrop!! It was so much fun trying to get everyone to look the same direction at once, but the candid photos are the best!!

After the Finish

Jessica, Esmeralda, Rick, Me and Gina

A few of us went for caffee at Mean Mugs and it was an IG photo op with the cawfees!! The Hubs and I tried the NorSpring cryotherapy, it was free if you went that day!! Uhhhh, heck yeah. I had been wanting to try this for some time, the Hubs wasn’t so sure. This facility was different than others I had seen posted, it was all in, full body cryotherapy. You start in one area for 15 seconds before entering the big chiller for 2 min 45 sec. The technician asks you to pick a song before entering, they play it in the big chiller to help keep your mind off the cold. It helped me, but the Hubs was about to tap out!! Yes he wanted to hit the exit button!!! I enjoyed it and if we had this available locally I would frequent the establishment. We had lunch with the Hub’s son, Sam that is attending UT and then dinner at Taco Mammacito with Esmeralda, we need our Esme time!!

Esmeralda, Me, Gina and Rick

Sunday – The Chattanooga Half Marathon

We were up to meet Gina at the stadium to catch the bus to the start where we would connect with Esmeralda and Marina. Marina would be running her first marathon and Esmeralda was our cheerleader that we would see everywhere along the course!! We thought we would see Jessica at the finish, but she would surprise us along the course as well. Runner buds are truly family!! Soooo, here is the Half Marathon in pictures!!

Start Line

Rick, Esmeralda, Gina and Me

Esmeralda and Gina

Us and Gina

On the Run…13.1 Miles

Us + Marina

Marina and Me

Esmeralda

Finish Line

After the Finish

Jessica, Me, Rick and Esmeralda

Me and Gina

Lili, Gina, Esmeralda and Jessica

Challenge Complete

We weren’t able to see Marina finish her marathon, but she did!! Way to go Marina!!

This wraps up our string of challenges, our next is the first weekend in May…Flying Pig!! We are out to complete the Skyline Chili 3-Way Challenge w/Extra Cheese – 1 mile/10k/5k/Half Marathon. That’s not to say we haven’t completed several race distances since Chattanooga. Things are settling down at the new house and we are getting back so some type of routine and I hope to be back to updating the blog in a timely manner…fingers crossed.

Let me know…

Have you run Flying Pig?? Have you been to Cincinnati?? If so, what do you recommend doing or places to eat??

We’re on the move…

The past couple of weeks have been some kind of crazy!! We have stayed in a hotel, closed on ‘our’ place, did not receive the keys to ‘our’ place at closing (4 days later!!), our fridge was delayed for delivery for 2 weeks even though we paid and scheduled 2 weeks prior to closing (we have a dormitory fridge), the dishwasher leaked and had to be replaced, an outlet didn’t work due to the builder sheet rocking over the outlet it was daisy-chained to, I have ate out since last Tuesday, and so far the only things missing are my son’s lamp base and t.v. wall mount!!!

But don’t you fear… I am working on my Chattanooga Challenge and Rock ‘n’ Fly race recaps!!

Let me know…

Have you had any moving adventures, emotionally or physically moving counts??!! What if anything was misplaced or lost during your move, your mind counts too??!! How long did it take for you to settle in to the new place??!!

2018 Gasparilla Ultra Challenge

Gasparilla Ultra Challenge

February 24-25, 2018

We are still packing cupboards and closets in between all the running!! We found ‘Our’ place and have sold ‘My’ place and if all goes well we will close on both places at the end of the month. Fingers crossed!!

Now for that weekend recap…

We were up and out the door early to make the 5 hour drive to Tampa. Of course we stopped for cawfee, which had us stopping at a couple of rest stops. We arrived around 1:30p and parked across from the convention center for the expo. We went straight for bib pickup and then for our race shirts and a jacket (for running the challenge). The four race shirts and jacket are put in a reusable shopping bag.

We then made our way to the banner to find our names.

Then we walked the rows of vendors. I purchased a Blyss Running skirt, a bag of Veronica’s Health Crunch Granola, and don’t you think we left without a couple of 73 Threads shirts!!

Blyss Running is a woman owned small business out of North Carolina, providing runners with flattering running apparel that inspires empowerment and joy. They are committed to supporting the revitalization of the domestic textile industry and our communities by having all of their apparel manufactured in the USA. I have not ran in the skirt yet, but hope to this week and I’ll let you know what I think.

It’s a shame I had to go all the way to Tampa to find Veronica’s Health Crunch that is made in Freeport, FL that is only 20 minutes up the road from me!! But, it probably has saved me some money as I went for the 1.5lb bag!! I’m loving the original flavor and did I mention it is Gluten Free, non-GMO and sweetened with honey… 100% natural.

And y’all know our love of 73Threads…we’re living in them!!

Next we were off to dinner at Bar Taco, we were meeting some friends from Virginia that just happened to be in Tampa. We were so engrossed in conversation that we didn’t take pictures of the food…say what??!! However, the Portabella Taco and the Churros are da bomb!!

It was back to the hotel after dinner to prepare for race morning. I don’t know what got into me but I did a #flatrunner, a picture of all of the things that you are racing in, and I think I could run faster if I didn’t wear all the things!! Not to mention, it is hard fitting everything in a 1×1 square!!

Saturday – 15k / 5k

This year we waited until the last minute to make hotel reservations and ended up staying at The Floridan. The website said it was a historic hotel and we didn’t know what to expect, but it ended up being a great room!! I kept asking if the hotel was haunted and no one could really tell me.

The 15k start was at 7a on Saturday, but that wouldn’t keep us from waking up at 4a!! Enough time for cawfee!! We had a short .5 mile walk to the start chutes and had no problem finding them, literally walked straight into them. We were able to find our run buds Jen and Hannah to exchange hugs before the start.

Our strategy was to take it easy and enjoy the views along Bayshore. This would be our 3rd Gasparilla Ultra Challenge and the HAWTEST on yet. It was humid and expected to be in the upper 70’s/lower 80’s for both days. This turned out to be an uneventful 9.3 miles until we reached the finish and Meb was there to greet us!! I was sure his security team had the Hubs name and number after all their run-ins last year!!

OHHHHH, I almost forgot!! After crossing the start line, THERE, RIGHT THERE in the road was $20 and I took my life in my hands to risk getting trampled to pick it up!! But, I won!! Thank you random stranger for our post race cawfee!!

We collected our medals and hung out with Medal Mom Myrna (Jen’s mom collects and holds our medals during the second race) until 9a and then made our way with Hannah to the Port-O-Potties and then the 5k start. We were in the Blue Wave and was set to start at 915a. We were still waiting to start when we received a text from Jen asking if we had started yet, NO!! I asked where are you, did you make the cutoff (she’s run/walking injured)?? And she did, but jumped in with the elites when their gun went off!! You go Jen!!

We started on time and kept a look out for Jen. She had told us she was walking the 5k, her foot was really bothering her and she didn’t want to chance anything for tomorrow. We ran up on her at mile 1. Hannah stayed to walk the rest of the way with her, the Hubs and I continued to run…if you can call it that during the 5k. This is the largest 5k we run and it is so hard to get a decent pace dodging in and out of people. Of course, we stopped for a donut at the turnaround from the Rough Riders!! And we had to document mile 2!! It had started to warm up nice and after the turnaround we walked through the water stations making sure to stay hydrated.

15k start

A donut and a Rough Rider

Mile 2

Heading for hydration

Bringing it in for the finish…

As we finished, we spotted Medal Mom Myrna and chatted with her until Jen and Hannah made it to the finish. We collected our medals and found a spot for a group photo. We skipped the food line and went straight to Starbucks in the Embassy Suites (across the street from the expo) and spent that $20 on cawfee!!

Photo Finish… 2 races down, 2 to to go!!

Gasparilla 15k

Gasparilla 5k

We walked the .5 miles back to the hotel where I would take a nap and the Hubs would go down the street to get us Street Tacos from the Taco Truck for lunch. We relaxed in the room until walking to the Tampa Postcard we spotted from our hotel window before dinner with friends at the Cheesecake Factory. We met up with Karin (runnergirl_1210), her husband, and Melissa (mkmeritt). Again, we were talking so much that no one took pictures of the food!!

The conversation was good and the food was good and we got cheesecake to go!!

Sunday – Half Marathon / 8k

There was no #flatrunner last night, that was stressful!! Jen had texted that she was NOT going to participate in the Half Marathon, but was going to run/walk the 8k, her foot was not doing so well. We were to meet Karin on the bridge before the 630a start, so we started walking that way around 550a. Yep, awake at 4a again!!

It’s still dark at the start of the Half and makes the first mile a little difficult, plus this year is was EXTRA humid. You come off the bridge to make a left turn onto a cobblestone street that is not well lit and then on to the onramp to Davis Island. This area as well as the island stayed pretty congested this year, no breakaway for the group we were in?? We stopped for a photo with the Flame Thrower, pretty sure this is a yearly photo. The race photographer captured a good photo of me with the sunrise on the island and then the photo on the bridge taking us back to Bayshore.

We were back on Bayshore at mile 5 and got to see the leader heading to the finish. This can be sooooo defeating. How do they do that?? I still have 8.1 miles to go and someone is finishing…alright already!! Anyway, we made our way along Bayshore chatting and laughing before Meb spotted us at mile 7 and jumped in the road to selfie with us!! Actually, he was already in the road high-fiving runners as they passed, so we had to stop. We hit mile 10 and was headed toward the finish. I spotted a photographer and raised my arms, yeah bay-be…almost there. And then there is the finish chute and I was about to hit a milestone number Half Marathon.

Half Marathon #50…

We dropped our medals with Medal Mom Myrna and picked up Jen and Hannah, making our way to the start line of the 8k. We grabbed some water and a banana, stopped at the port-a-potty and lined up with about 10 minutes til start. Jen and I decided to run the first mile and walk the rest. I was pretty tired and wasn’t going to push myself. I knew I was going to finish whether I ran or walked and I would get my challenge medal. The Hubs, Hannah, and Karin were all going to run and meet us at the finish. Jen and I walked, ran when we spotted a photographer, unless you don’t see them first, chatted a lot and ran it into the finish!!

Photo Finish…Challenge Complete

Half Marathon #50 Finish

8k Finish

Ultra Challenge Medal

It was hugs all around at the finish as we completed another Gasaprilla Challenge weekend. We headed for the food line, picked up bananas and water and headed for cawfee. However, I ended up with a Refresher that tasted extremely good with the heat. We ate and drank on the walk back to the hotel and decided that we will probably be going back for a 4th time in 2019. It shower, pack, and hit the road kinda hustle once we hit the hotel, since we had a 5 hour drive ahead of us and both had to work the next day.

We have 2 challenge weekends left on the calendar…Chattanooga Challenge (5k/Half) and The Flying Pig – Skyline Chili 3-Way with Extra Cheese (Little Kings Mile/5K/10K/Half). There is a month between our last two challenges and I’m welcoming the rest, however there is a move in our near future.

Let me know…

Do you like seeing/reading the same formats on posts?? I tend to write the way I talk and the format seems to flow from that, what works for you?? Does is bother you reading posts that are not grammatically correct?? Or do you chalk it up to that writers style?? As you may have noticed, I love exclamation points and ellipses and I don’t necessarily uses them correctly!!

Oh the chaf…

Not so much!!

Thanks to Pjuractive 2Skin anti-chafing gel for reaching out to me on Instagram last month to ask if I would be interested in trying their product. Heck yeah!!

The victim of chafing in the past, Ummm I have scars, I was more than interested! Pjuractive 2Skin is a silicone-based anti-chafing gel that provides a protective film on the skin. According to the company website, the gel penetrates the cells of the skin, eventually strengthening the skin. The gel is water and sweat-resistant, long lasting, like all day long, and invisible. The product can be used EVERYWHERE. With age, my skin has changed and I need an anti-chafing product in several areas like my thighs, under my arms, under sport bra straps and the side ribcage area, but also that area where the thigh connects to THAT area.

My first run with 2skin was in early February, a nice Florida morning dripping with humidity…No chafing!!

I also used the product during the 26.2 with DONNA Booby Trap Challenge. I ran back to back 10 and 5ks…No chafing!! Also, our first 80+ degree Half Marathon the following day…No chafing!!

DONNA 10k

DONNA 5k

DONNA Half Marathon

Took it on a few short training runs…No chafing!!

How about the Gasparilla Ultra Challenge…2 Days + 4 Races = 30.4 miles. Confident to raise my arms at each Finish…No chafing!!

Gasparilla 15k

Gasparilla 5k

Gasparilla Half Marathon

Gasparilla 8k

And this past weekend at the Chattanooga Challenge where the temps were cooler…No chafing!!

Chattanooga 5k

On course of the Chattanooga Half Marathon

Chattanooga Challenge Complete

I’m in love with this gel–it’s colorless and is easy to apply. It holds up during the short and long runs, the hot and humid runs, and the cooler, dryer runs. There is no residue, and it rinses off easily in the shower. I want you to give it a try and find out for yourself use code MYKINDOFFIT10 for 10% Pjuractive 2Skin.

Let me know…

Is chafing a problem for you?? What is your favorite anti-chafing product?? Will you try a new product if you have a discount code vs. not having one??

What’s going down… Food Prepping with the Instant Pot

Wow…I actually was home for a weekend to prep our meals for the week!!

This makes me sooooo HAPPY and using the Instant Pot makes me even HAPPIER!!

Here’s the quick run down…

Shredded Korean Beef with Sweet Potato and Sautéed Peppers from Fit Foodie Finds. I thought my son was going to eat all this beef before I could get it packed up for lunches!! I’m pretty sure I’ll be making this again.

Sweet Potatoes can be tricky, but Sweet Peas and Saffron has a great guide on choosing the right time for the size of your Sweet Potato…lifesaver!!

Chinese Chicken with Broccoli from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen. I’m not sure if I will make the Riced Cauliflower to go along with this, I’m not a fan yet!!

Paleo Tumeric Chicken Meatballs w/Green Tahini Sauce from Ambitious Kitchen. I made the sauce per the directions, but mine didn’t turn out as green??!! We will drizzle before eating.

For breakfast I’m going with a Spinach, Pineapple and Banana smoothie.

Cheers for the new week!!

Let me know…

Do you shy away from recipes with crazy ingredients?? What’s the weirdest ingredient that you have cooked with??

Pensacola Double Bridge Run 15k…When your neck doesn’t make the finish line photo!!!

Pensacola Double Bridge Run 15k… 3 February 2018

Before I get to the recap, the feature photo was in the Pensacola News Journal and the first thing I noticed was that I didn’t have a neck!! Due to the lack of neck in this photo, I intentionally held my chin up during the finish of our next race!!!

Now for the recap…

This was the 6th running of this race for me and the 4th for the Hubs. We love this race and can’t wait to run the NEW bridge next year. If you’re not familiar with this race, you run the 3 mile bridge from Pensacola to Gulf Breeze and the toll bridge that takes you onto Pensacola Beach. You may see construction in some of the pictures, that’s the new bridge being built and we were told that it will be race ready in 2019.

Once again, we had some chilly temps at the start, but the throw away jackets I found while cleaning out my son’s closet helped a lot!!

We were bused from the beach (aka Finish Line) to the Wahoo Stadium downtown for the start. Our bus driver turned left vs. right leaving the parking lot taking us towards Fort Pickens…no, no, no!! Of course, we all told her to turn around and her reply…I haven’t been to the beach in about 5 years!! Ummmm, there is only one way in and one way out, you need to go out the way you came in!! We made it across the bridge and almost made it to the stadium, but first…we must rescue a turtle crossing the road!! But , we did make it in time for a stop at the bathroom and a few meet ups.

Team RWB – Panama City Chapter

Meghan

It’s chilly!!

George

We met up with Team RWB Panama City for the annual group photo. It’s crazy that we see more Team RWB members at this race than any Panama City race!!?? We also ran into our friend Meghan who is about to run a 50k and we’ll see her again at Flying Pig in May. We also were able to meet up with our friend George from Mobile, his wife Erica is running the 5k so you’ll see her later.

Oh hey, it’s go time…let me start my watch!!

We leave the stadium for a short loop around downtown before making our way to the 3 mile bridge. We stopped at the top of the bridge for a photo and again at the 6 mile mark right after exiting the bridge. Right before the 5k start line is a Chik-Fil-A and the cow and calf are always out…photo op. I hope next year they bring chicken nuggets!!

Top of the hill on the 3 mile bridge

just off of the 3 mile bridge

And of course, a cow photo

We had several friends running the 5k and they were standing out along the course to cheer us on before their start…photo op!! Kari. Dan-el

Then it was onward and upward to conquer the second bridge!! Mile 8 is right in the middle of the climb up…who does that??? This year I ran all the way up that sucker, I usually start walking at the mile 8 marker…but not this year!! After reaching the top, it’s all downhill (well pretty much) to the finish!!

The second bridge

Top of the second bridge

To the finish we run!

And there it is…that photo finish!! With a little elbow sweat, anything is possible!! Does anyone else just sweat at the elbows??!!

We hung out and waited to see everyone finish…

Megan, John, me, the Hubs, Jen and Dan-el

The Hubs, me, Jen, Dan-el and Kari

Me, the Hubs, Erica and George

Then we headed to the beach for those medal shots!!

Photo bombing George and Erica!!

Pensacola Beach

We finished the morning off with breakfast at Polonza’s, I had a mimosa and the Toad in a Hole…delicious. Two slices of sour dough bread, two eggs over medium, arugula, tomato, bacon, avocado, parmesan cheese and a lite vinaigrette dressing. The Hubs didn’t have anything too exciting, eggs with cheese and a coke.

I forgot to mention, The 15k finishers received either a trucker hat or visor at the finish, your choice!!

Next up…26.2 with Donna – Booby Trap Challenge

Let me know…

When is your racing season?? Fall into Winter, Winter into Spring or Summer into Fall?? Do you have a race bucket list?? Are you checking any bucket list races off during your racing season this year??

A New Year… A New Plan

Starting the year off right…

I plan to add yoga and strength training BACK into the running rotation for 2018. I have been having little twinges of injuries past and have been on TOTAL neglect mode with any type of cross training.

So here it goes… First week of January

Monday – I said I was re-introducing strength training into the rotation and it’s happening the first day of the year!! I don’t know if many of you follow the Beachbody social media accounts, but there is a new workout coming later this month by Autumn Calabrese, 21 Day Fix, they put a teaser out on BOD called A Little Obsessed (ALO)…well here I go!!

Day 1 of ALO – Cardio Core… no weights, no bands, no sliders!! I opted for bodyweight in order not to sacrifice form with a new program. Pretty sure I’ll feel this tomorrow.

Tuesday – Another running rest day, but I’m in for AOL

Day 2 of ALO – Booty Burn… not gonna lie, the exercises are meant to TARGET the booty!!

Wednesday – Today was the day that I would see if this cross training and running routine was going to pan out. Let’s just say that the legs were slowing down in mile 2 and I began to wonder why I let the cross training fall by the wayside??!!

Day 3 of ALO – AAA (Arms, Abs and A$$)… I used 8 lb weights for the upper body exercises

Thursday – Resolution 5k on base this afternoon!! I’m skipping Day 4 of ALO – Cardio since I was running the 5k. I also added 10 minutes of abs and an 8 minute stretch video once I got to the house.

Friday – REST

Saturday – 10.04 miles. Long run before next weekend’s Louisiana Marathon’s Half and Quarter Note!! Look at us all bundled up it was 34 degrees in Florida!! Brrrrrrrrrrr!!

Sunday – Yoga. I finally broke the plastic on the Yoga for Runners video that I purchased 2 months ago. I did Yoga for Recovery and it was just what my lower body needed after those AOL workouts. This video includes exercises for the ankles and feet and focuses on the lower body.

So here it goes…Second week of January

Monday – REST

Tuesday – 3.11 miles and Day 5 of ALO – Legs. I finally found the day to add Day 5 of ALO and let me just say that my knees were pretty cranky with all the lunges…ALL.THE.LUNGES!! This preview is only 5 days, so I’m closing it out due to our races this coming weekend. The mama to this baby, 80 Day Obsession, starts 15 January. I will not be doing the 80 days straight, but I will do ALL 80 days. I just have to figure out what days each workout will work best for. Fingers crossed!!

Wednesday – Yoga. Yoga for Recovery…again!! I’m loving this stretch for the feet.

Thursday – 2.26 miles. This run wraps up the week…Ready to Rendezvous in Baton Rouge!!

And guess what…

I’m part of the 2018 Fitletic Brand Ambassador Team!! This was the third year I put in for it and they finally selected ME!! You rarely see me without one of their belts while running…it holds all the stuff. Once I get my discount code, I’ll be sure to share in case you want to try one for your self!!

Friday – Travel Day.

Saturday and Sunday – Race Weekend…stay tuned for that recap!!

Let me know…

How did you start the New Year?? Anything NEW for 2018??

All the Stats… 2017 the Year in Review

With all that happened towards the end of the year 2017 brought many highlights, a Vegas Wedding and a surprise surgery to mention a couple.

Let’s start with races ran…

30 races

5k – 9

6k – 1

8k – 1

10k – 4

12k – 1

15k – 2

Half – 10

and the two that I didn’t get to start…

DNS – 2 Chicago Marathon and 30A Half Marathon (due to surgery and recovery)

AG placements

1st in AG at Running the Highlands Half Marathon

2nd in AG at Fit 2 Fight 10k

2nd in AG at Semper Fi 5k

Running Highland Oaks Finishers!!

Semper Fi 5k

Fit2Fight 10k

Timing

Fastest Half – The Half at the Louisiana Marathon 2:20:51

Fastest 15k – Pensacola Double Bridge Run 1:33:31

Fastest 10k – 30A 10k 1:03:37

Fastest 5k – Semper Fi 5k 30:36

The Half @ The Louisiana Marathon

Crossing the line @ DBR

30A 10k

Semper Fi 5k

Monthly Miles

August and September yielded the most/same miles this year, of course it was during marathon training.

Yearly Miles

I am counting running and walking miles this year since the month of October and first week of November I was limited to walking.

Running 950.3

Walking 103.0

Total = 1053.3

Favorite Races

Louisiana Marathon – Hands down has the best Finish Line Festival that we’ve seen!

Gasparilla – Our favorite challenge weekend…SO.MANY.RUNNERS!!! And great medals!!

Chattanooga – We were able to meet up and run with a few long time runner buds and watch our dear friend finish her first marathon!!

Hotlanta – Even though this race is in June and HAWT, we plan to go back. It was such a great weekend and I hope the lady with the cooler of icee pops will be along the greenway!!

Graffiti Bridge 5k – This was the best fun leaving our mark on the Graffiti Bridge in Pensacola!!

Chicago Int’l 5k – Since I was sidelined from the Chicago Marathon due to a medical issue, being able to walk the 5k was a welcomed gift!

Battleship 12k – This was hands down the most patriotic race we have ever attended/ran…this community truly supports it’s military members/families.

*Sadly the first five listed were all recapped in the same post earlier in the year… then I got my act together!!

The Half @ The Louisiana Marathon

Day2…13.1/8k Finished

Chattanooga Half

Hotlanta Half

Graffiti Bridge 5k

Chicago Int’l 5k

Battleship 12k – Heather, Jennifer, Me, Dan-el, Katie and Kari

Instagram Best Nine

1 – Gasparilla Ultra Challenge

2 – Ho Ho Hustle 10k

3 – Sports Bra Squad

4 – The Hubs’ Chicago Marathon finish

5 – Las Vegas training run

6 – Christmas Prop at the Park

7 – Vegas Wedding

8 – Chicago Int’l 5k finish

9 – Panama City Beach Half finish

Most Special Day in 2017

Mr. & Mrs. Delahaya

July 26, 2017

Most Viewed Blog Post

My Post Hysterectomy (non) Running Life

Let me know…

Any goals or special plans for 2018?? I’m trying to figure mine out!!

Happy New Year!!

Battleship 12k – Race Recap

Other than participating in the Old Glory Relay the past two years, this has to have been the most patriotic race/run I have done.

We started the weekend off with a run and breakfast (posted here) on Saturday before heading to Spanish Fort, AL to pick up our race packets for the Battleship 12k. We usually take a picture with our bibs and today would be no different, other than I wouldn’t behave and the Hubs had to take like 20 pictures to get one that was ‘postable’!!

As we were heading out the RD asked if we had found our names on the back of the shirt?? What?? You know us?? You put OUR names on the back of the race shirt?? So of course we stopped in the lobby to see what he was talking about. Each runners name was listed on the back of the shirt in a flag formation…AND we found our names!!

It was early to bed and early to rise, we had a 45 minute drive to the start line.

We arrived in our (mine, really) hour before start time manner, parked, stayed in the car with the heater on for a few minutes before heading up the hill for a Team RWB photo (which I cannot find!). Once we were near the start we were approached by Wear Blue to Remember asking if we would participate in the Circle of Remembrance…ummmm, we’re not going to say no!!

She handed us each a strip of paper with a name on it. As she handed me my strip of paper, she said ‘this is a very dear friend of mine.’ As everyone drew into a circle, she stated that we were reading the names of the 67 men that were KIA during the second battle of Fallujah. Each name was read aloud, it was soon my turn and I could not read the name with out crying… 2nd Lieutenant James P. “JP” Blecksmith ❤️🇺🇸💙 and the Hubs read…Sergeant Adrian E. Hike ❤️🇺🇸💙. The lady in charge made her way to me, gave me a hug and told me thank you. I tucked the names in my belt to carry with me to the finish.

Circle of Rememberance

I couldn’t hold it together

With a few minutes before the start we found our friends, selfie’d, hugged and headed to line up with plans to see each other at the finish.

Dan-el, Rick, Me and Kari

Battleship 12k – Heather, Jennifer, Me, Dan-el, Katie and Kari

The race was a point to point run with shuttles that would bring us back to the parking area at the start. the weather was a little on the chilly side with a slight drizzle and some FAWG (I’m typing this with Katie’s southern accent!). My plan was to run my 4:1 run/walk intervals. The Hubs was going to do his thing while carrying the flag.

USAF Retired – Veteran – Patriot – Warrior

We were off and I stuck to my intervals. I stopped at miles 4 and 6 for photos and sent them to the Hubs so he would know that I was on my way, hopefully just not too far behind him…RIGHT!!! I need work on the selfie game at mile 4, what happened to the 4?? I used to be good at this??!! And can you see the Battleship in the background at mile 6?? It looks soooo far away!!

Mile 4

Mile 6

The last 1.5 miles made this run worth it!! At mile 6 you can see the USS Alabama across the bay as you approach the bridge, as you make your way to the top of the bridge you can see the flag lined entrance to the Battleship Memorial Park, you make your way around the park you find yourself alongside the battleship for a picturesque finish!! The Hubs was there to greet me and handed me the flag to carry across the finish line.

We got to visit with Jenny and Eric, Katie, Heather, Kari, Dan-el and Holly!! Everyone got their medal shot with the battleship in the background and we headed for the shuttle line…can you say LAST bus, but the fun bus!!!

Jennifer, Katie, Heather and myself

Selfie game strong with Katie and Rick

Rick, Holly, me and Katie

That Finish Line Photo

Heather, Jennifer, Eric, Katie, Me and Rick

Thank you Jennifer for capturing our Selfie!!

I stuck to my planned interval and managed what I thought was a decent time 5 weeks post op.

And the boys deserved a finisher’s photo…

2017 was the third running of the Battleship 12k and the medal represented the Navy. They plan to recognize the rest of the services and first responders in the next few years, with the Air Force being the medal in 2018.

**Race Date: 12 November 2017**

Post Hysterectomy – Weeks 4 and 5

Week 4 Check Points

Encouraging words for the week – It may be hard to believe, but you are in the home stretch of recovery! Weeks of preparing and recovery are behind you, and the future holds healthy days ahead.

I left a lot of the info in for the HysterSister checkpoints this week just so you could see what information is passed.

SPOTTING AND ODOR
Any vaginal bleeding that you experienced in the first couple weeks should be slowing down or perhaps completely gone by now, though you may still notice some spotting. You may also notice some unpleasant vaginal odor, but remember that douching is not allowed, regardless of the discharge and smell.

An increase in spotting or bleeding can be a sign that you are doing too much too soon. Also, an odor that lasts for more than a couple days, or that is accompanied by fever and/or colored discharge, could indicate an infection.

MINI PERIODS

If you had a partial hysterectomy and kept at least one ovary, bleeding at this point could indicate you are having a mini period. If you have concerns, you can check with your surgeon about the possibility of continued periods post-hysterectomy.

INTIMACY

You and your partner may have a lot questions about resuming intimacy after your hysterectomy. “Is my vagina shorter?” “How do I deal with a hesitant husband?” These are normal concerns, and your surgeon and HysterSisters can help you with these questions.

PREPARING FOR YOUR POST-OP APPOINTMENT

If you keep a notebook and pen close by, you can write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your surgeon at your upcoming post-op appointment. You might ask about returning to work, starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT), resuming bathing, and handling menopause symptoms.

GETTING FIT

Right now, you may also be thinking about how to make better choices for better health in the future. You can begin by slowly lengthening the distance and speed you are walking, learning Kegel exercises, and learning to eat well. You may also want to consider adding vitamins and supplements as recommended by your doctor.

STAYING OPTIMISTIC

If you find yourself crying and even throwing a few temper tantrums, don’t be discouraged. You have been through a lot and your body simply needs time to heal and adjust to all the changes. When you check in with your HysterSisters on your Progress Recovery thread, you’ll likely find they have shed some tears and stomped their feet a time or two as well!

Luckily, I really haven’t had any issues during recovery!! I have started HRT and have been prescribed a compounded cream that I apply to my forearms or inner thighs every night before bed. I’m pretty sure that I have the Getting Fit down!! Next week, Week 5, I am scheduled for my post op exam…fingers crossed everything is as it should be!!!

Monday – 2.4 miles

WALK only this evening!! Those Run/Walk intervals (7.45 miles) on Sunday had my legs all sore and stuff!!

Today was my first day back to work in a month, all my stuff was where I left it!!

I have been trying to remember to use the Charity Miles app this month for Team RWB, how is that working out…not so much!! I have to remember to turn it on!!!

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📸 taken during Leg 12/Day 54 of the #oldgloryrelay on @teamtyndall ❤️🇺🇸💙

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Tuesday – 5.03 run miles / .38 walk miles

It’s all about balance…LIFE!! The Hubs worked from Panama City today which meant were were able to put in a little road work together this evening!!

Friday – 3.10 run/walk miles

Last night was the Hubs’ birthday so I traveled to Pensacola for dinner and the weekend!! On Friday morning his company hosted a Veteran’s Day 5k in which the proceeds went to the USO of Northwest Florida… so of course we participated!!

Saturday – 5.38 run miles / .42 walk miles

We ran the streets before breakfast at Polonza Bistro in Downtown Pensacola this morning. Of course we had cawfee, macchiatos to be exact and I enjoyed the Toad in the Hole! My plate consisted of two fried eggs in homemade sourdough toast topped with arugula, bacon, parmesan, and red wine vinaigrette… I added avocado!! Delicious if I must say!!

After Breakfast we headed to Spanish Fort, Alabama for packet pickup for the Battleship 12k. I have wanted to run this race the last 2 years and it’s finally happening, mind you this is only the third year for it and we are forgoing the Pensacola Half Marathon to do so. I wanted to run a NO KIDDING military related race for Veteran’s Day this year. The Pensacola Half Marathon does recognize current and retired military members by placing a service badge on your bib, but it is NO WHERE NEAR as patriotic as the Battleship 12k.

Sunday – 7.45 run/walk interval miles

There is so much to say about this race that it will have its own post up next!!

We participated in the Circle of Remembrance with Wear Blue to Remember, met up with some runner buds, some old, some new and we posed at the finish line.

Thank you Jennifer for capturing our Selfie!!

Heather, Jennifer, Eric, Katie, Me and Rick

Week 5 Check Points

You should be on your way to feeling well again! Here are some things that may be good to add to your to-do list as your energy starts to return.

SHOWING THANKS

WALKING

RETURNING TO WORK

GETTING BACK INTO YOUR CLOTHES

BABY STEPS – Continue to be patient with yourself and your recovery. Take each day one at a time and don’t expect too much too soon.

I cannot begin to say how THANKFUL I am for everyone that has checked in on me, texted, called, sent a card and commented on my posts. I say THANK YOU to all of you!!

You know that I have been walking and somewhat running and that it has been going well. I also have been back at work for a week now and everyone has been wonderful. I have been living in stretchy pants and dresses, unless I’m walking, for the most part at home!! I has been nice to actually get dressed and go to work, I’ll admit that I didn’t wash my hair much the month that I was off!!!

Monday – Post Op Exam Appointment

That’s a big ‘ol thumbs up… 5 weeks post-op and the doctor just cleared me for ALL the things!!! I am so excited that I can finally do all the twisty stretches, add back all the miles, and lift the heavy things!!

Tuesday – 2.01 run miles / .50 walk miles

Is reverse negative splits a thing?? Would that make them positive splits if read backwards or are they still negative, just in reverse??!! I managed 2 miles straight, no intervals at 10:21 then a 10:48…what, whoa🐎?! Added a .5 mile walk for a total of 2.5 miles.

Thursday – Turkey Trot 5k (3.06 miles)

I trotted for my turkey!!! Turkey Trot 5k this afternoon was a little short, but I ran those 3.06 miles straight!! This race was put on by the Tyndall AFB Fitness Center, no medals but when you cross the finish line they give you a number, if they draw your number you get a turkey!!

Saturday – 27th Annual Draggin’ Tail 18 Mile Challenge

Draggin’ Tail bay-be!! Let’s get this straight…I am NOT running 18 miles!! I am going for 5-6 run miles, kissing the Hubs off for his remaining 12 miles, and turning around for 5-6 run/walk intervals back to the start where I will sit and wait for Ricky G!!

In the end… I walked away with 12.22 miles in 2:22 and the Hubs pulled off 3d in AG for the 18 miler in 3:22.

Let me know…

Have you heard or do you use this invite-only blogger Tailwind group?? It is being used by bloggers to boost Pinterest and Blog traffic?? Does anyone still use Pinterest?? I did not know Pinterest could be used to boost blog traffic?? I’m still unsure!!