Happy New Year! I did it!

One year ago, my resolution was to quit smoking and start running with the goal of running a 5K.  As I end 2013, I have reached my goal and beyond.  As I look back on my posts and remember all of  my successes (and set backs), I can hardly believe it myself.

I have run eight timed races for 30 miles and an additional 5K just for fun.  I have a box of bibs, two medals and several other mementos from the races.  I have wonderful pictures (included in previous posts) and even better memories.  I didn't lose any weight but I increased muscle, strength, endurance and am overall healthier than ever.

As I look to 2014 and complete my running streak (running at least a mile a day from Thanksgiving through New Years), I have decided to run more to train, increase my pace and possibly run some longer races.

Happy New Year!

Putting on my big girl panties

Yesterday was the hardest day so far of my streak.  I thought it would be Fridays when I had plans in the evenings and would have to run at lunch leaving me sweaty for the afternoon and evening event.  But yesterday was the hardest.

All week it has been snowy, icy and cold so I have gone to the gym and run on the treadmill.  I ran two miles Friday in case the weekend proved difficult.  Eventually (in the next week) I will join the rec center, at least for the holidays and perhaps the rest of the winter.  I prefer running outside but whatever it takes.

So yesterday the roads were a little better and it wasn't quite as cold (35°F) but I had a serious hangover.  I woke up late, napped on the couch, and had plans that required leaving the house at 4:30 for a party in Middletown at 5 p.m.  In my mind I made a million excuses why it would be okay to skip one day.  Then Jody called.

She told me I had to do it.  She gave me all the reasons why and I added one of my own (that if I skipped one day it would be easier to skip two and so on).  So I put on my big girl panties (and running gear) and off I went.  It wasn't so bad and I felt great afterward.  And running today felt even better!

My streak continues!

My running streak

I have decided to be a part of the 2013 Holiday Running Streak!  I will be running at least one mile each day between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

Today was day three!

#RWRunStreak

Thanksgiving, and thanks!

A little over a year ago, Jody called me and was going to sign up for the Thanksgiving Day Race in Cincinnati.  She asked me to do it with her and said she would walk.  I wasn't sure I could make it especially since I was recovering from a pretty badly broken toe.  I declined but in the back of my mind I was considering starting running.  A month later I made my declaration to friends and family that my New Year's resolution for 2013 would be to stop smoking and start running.  I wanted to run in a 5K.

Today, the day after Thanksgiving 2013, I am a runner who finished the 104th Annual Thanksgiving Day Race 10K in Cincinnati.  I ran the entire distance and I can't help but say out loud how proud I am of myself.

Throughout this journey I have had tons of support.  I'm going to dedicate this post to a group of people who were especially supportive along the way.

First of all to my kids.  To Jody who gave me the idea by example, encouraged me every step of the way, listened to my endless chatter about running, and ran by my side in most of my races.  To Matt who quit smoking and starting running along with me and ran every race with me.  To Andy who encouraged me from afar, taught me lessons about bone and muscle strength and recovery, and read every post on this blog encouraging me to continue not only my journey but also my journal.

To my mentor Michael, who showed up at my house the day after my declaration with the book "The Courage to Start" giving me all the tools I needed to get started.

To my girls at work, Andrea, Nicki, Vic and Emily, who signed up for my first races with me and let a 50+ year old be part of their group of runners.

To my brother George, who never stopped cheering for me with every social networking post.  I'll save forever the beautiful letter he sent me about how proud he is of me.

To my running nieces and nephews, John, David, Monica and Christina, who were always supportive and encouraging.  I look forward to running races with them.

Love to all!  And on to the next race!

Hello old friend

I really think I prefer cold weather running.  It feels so good to have cool lungs and a running nose.  It reminds me of when I started running and how far I have come.  Don't get me wrong, I don't like the ice and snow on the sidewalks and roads, but cold doesn't really bother me.

Last winter I ran when it was cold, drizzling, flurrying.  With my tissue up my sleeve I ran around the neighborhood.  I remember thinking that I would love running in the summer when I would wear less clothes on a sunshiny path but it wasn't all that.  I never realized how hard running would be in the heat.

Anyway, running now, back in the cold, brings back lots of memories of running last January and February.  When I thought "if I can just make it to the intersection of Melinda and Melissa, it will be time to take a break a walk."  Now that seems like such a easy thing to do but then it was huge to me.

My only issue in the cold is my hands getting cold.  So yesterday, while picking up our packets for the Thanksgiving Day Race at Bob Roncker's Running Spot, I got a new pair of Brooks Dry-Vapor Running Gloves.  I'm excited to try them out with their fingers for electronics and terry cloth section for nose-wiping.

Training for the race is going fine but I'm still really intimidated about running a 10K.  I still keep thinking how great it would be to finish "The Year of Quitting Smoking and Starting Running" with a race that is double my goal would be a great accomplishment.

No Walk of Shame

Today I went further and longer than ever before however I did have to take a few walk breaks. My pace was good and the wind was fierce at times do I'm not ashamed.  #trainingfor10k

Training for Thanksgiving 10K

ON MY WAY TO 10K!

Feelin' Groovy

I feel so good!  Next week I will register Jody, Matt and myself for the Cincinnati Thanksgiving 10K. Who would have thought a year ago, when I was thinking I might start running, that less than a year later I would be training for a 10K?  Sometimes I have to force myself to believe it.

I have had a ton of support. So many people have encouraged and cheered for me. I certainly haven't lost weight. I feel better than I have felt for years, maybe ever. Yes, I am feelin' groovy!

How far I have come...

My first race...

First 4 mile race...

Next long race - 7K...

This was a piece of cake

This 5K was a piece of cake. (Possibly because I splurged and ate cake the day before?)

Yesterday Matt and I ran in the For Love and Honor 5K. It was for Miami's Homecoming and was the first time they have had it. It was rainy but luckily didn't get bad until after we finished. It was the same course as the Red Brick Run last spring but it was so much easier this time. I feel I'm definitely ready for a 10K next month.

And here is the cool shirt we got!

And this was a highlight too. This 6 year old ran the entire course. It was her third 5K.  Wow!

http://www.runningtime.net/Races/2013/MiamiAlumni/Results/over.htm

78

SUZANNE CLARK

55

F

OXFORD

OH

37:07

11:57

Reggae Run, the party that thinks its a race

With the last race, the Hudy 7K, being the "race that thinks its a party," this was the exact opposite.  The Reggae Run was a great event but the run was from one location to another, mostly up quite a big hill from downtown Cincinnati to Eden Park.

It wasn't timed but I used RunKeeper (although I forgot to turn it off) and it took me a little over 36 minutes. I had to walk part of the course.  I'm just not very successful with evening races.

The party was the big part of the event and it was a blast even though it poured rain most of the night.

The band was really great but there was one really rude girl in the front that was so territorial about her spot that she danced while pushing people out of her way.

While it was a really good cause I'm not sure I would do it again.

Andrea, Matt and me at the start.

 

 

Here we are during a short reprieve from the rain.

 

Another great Sunday morning run

This says it all!

Ready to register

Now that I've tackled a 7K, I'm ready to register for the Thanksgiving Day 10K!  One thing I know for sure, Jody is doing it so my chance for success is really good! 

I also plan to run the Raggae Run IF my friends at work decide to do it.  We need to register by September 30th and the race is at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th.

The Miami Homecoming "Run for Love and Honor 5K" is on Saturday, October 19th.  It is the same course as the Red Brick Run so it will give me a chance to get a better time running it about six months later.

Next year, as I've mentioned before, will be the "year of the beer races" for me.  I definitely want to do the Christian Moerlein Flying Pig Beer Series.





I'm ready to register for them all!  And ready to finish strong in 2013!

Hudy 7K Brewery Run

Today we ran the Hudy 7K Brewery Run.  I have been looking forward to this race because it had a really cool medal and it is my "stepping stone" to the Thanksgiving 10K this year.

I was really proud to have run the entire course and still feel really good at the end.  Here are my stats...

And here we are before and after the race...

And here is the shirt and medal.  The medal is also a key chain but I would never use it for that.  It's just too special!  And the commemorative glass/refillable trophy!

  

Another Sunday Morning Run!

I have been a little down because of knee pain but really needed to run today. We have a race next Saturday so I need to know I can do it (it is a little longer than prior races and my stepping stone to the Thanksgiving 10K).  Jody told me to try to run just a mile, so that was the plan.

The weather was beautiful, temperature in the mid-60's.  I ended up running a lot longer and further than I planned but everything was going well so I just kept running!  I tried to stay mostly on the asphalt because I know it is easier on my knees.  I ran along some of my old route where I originally started running.  It was really fun to remember how at one time going up some of the streets took everything in me and now they are easy.

So here are my stats:

And I'm thinking I'll be just fine next Saturday and will be ready to the Thanksgiving Day Race in November.  I just need to figure out who is going to cook the turkey!

Some Good Reads

Running has been going great. I need to be more diligent with my cross training because I'm having some knee pain.  I have been going to workout after work to avoid being hot and sweaty the rest of the workday. I still go to yoga faithfully and started water fitness this week.

We are registered for the Hudy 7K next weekend and I'm considering running in the Ragae Run the first Saturday in October  

Meanwhile I have come across some great articles to share (and to use for future reference!):

101 Kicks in the Butt
You have 100 reasons for losing motivation to run. But we can top 'em with tips, inspiring quotes, and more. Pick your fix. Repeat as necessary.



You Know You're a Runner When…
How do you know? Never mind the miles and shoes, look at the laundry!

Monday motivation from The Penguin

Suzanne Nenni Clark

Something to remember for sure!

John "The Penguin" Bingham

Monday motivation: Never compare your race times. You can't run the same race twice. You can't possibly recreate the exact circumstances on race day. You can't have the same weather, the same people around you, the same amount of sleep, food, or sports drink. You just can't.

New clothes, new record!

Sunday morning runs are the best!  And this morning was my most successful run yet (although another tinkling accident in my new LuLu pants!).

New LuLuLemon pants and Athleta top
(A gift from Jody)

All running, no walk breaks!

Some impressive elevations!

Speaks for itself!

Still on my way to 10K

I'm back to running regularly and registered for my next race - Hudepohl 7K which is part of Hudepohl 14K Brewery Run in Cincinnati on September 21st!

Today I exercised 62min total, with a 40min long distance run, and got the 10K Finalist badge.
used the 10K Runner app 

Running with my girl again!

Great, long, run with Jody!  Over four miles!!

One well-earned magnet... gone!

Today I ordered a new magnet.  I can't believe it meant so much to me but I bought a magnet at MoJo Running right after finishing the Red Legs Run.  It was on the back of my car and someone stole it Sunday while we were at the ball game.

So today I found one on Amazon and bought it.  It is a little different and I like it but the first one was my first one!  And I'm sad that someone took it.  If I could tell them one thing it would be "Do you realize that you stole the hard-earned magnet from a 55-year old woman who quit smoking and started running almost eight months ago?"  It meant a lot to me!

My first magnet looked like this:

This is my new magnet:

Moving right along

"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." 
-Joshua J. Marine

After a trip to Kansas City and the disappointment of not being able to run outside, I'm back in the saddle today!  I completed the next 10K app run successfully.

I had all my running gear and was up to run Monday morning with my friend Tim but the rain forced us inside on the treadmills instead. On Tuesday we wimped out and decided to visit the bar instead.  Wednesday morning wasn't an option.

Anyway, I feel great to be able to pick up where I left off.

RunKeeper Stats:

Luau 5K

This was a great race!  It was a benefit for the Bethany House in Cincinnati with the race at Sharon Woods with a pig roast afterward.  Stacey and Drew ran with Matt and me and we had a great time!  I definitely want to do this one again.

We went through the park on the bike path, through some tunnels, under the highway and up and down hills.

Ready to get started!  Moms and sons!

 

We made it!

Matt won a medal for first in his age bracket!

Luau website

Results

New Ghosts!

So my shoes were wearing through the fabric on the right inside, near my toe.  They aren't worn out on the bottoms so I wasn't really ready to buy a new pair but I did tweet Brooks (and email them) to see what they thought.  Here are the pictures I sent:

They replied and said it was possible that they were too narrow however they would replace them for me.  Yeah!

The next day they emailed me to let me know they no longer had the Brooks Ghost 5 so they would need to send the Brooks Ghost 6 and what color did I prefer.  Yeah again!!

So I chose the blue and neon green and here they are:

I ran with them this morning and they are wonderful!  I love them!!

And here I am after my run. (Do my legs look horrible?  Remember I'm 55 years old!)