The NAME: Track Star Momma

How did I become a Track Star Momma. I realized after all these Blogs that I have not explained how my buddy Kim and I became Track Star Mommas. Early one morning, Kim and I were doing drills in the cul-de-sac, running, lifting, etc and a guy came out of nowwhere. My first thought was that we were going to have to defend ourselves, and so I mentally prepared. He stopped and asked us if we were Track Stars and then walked away..or disappeared into the morning. He did not laugh but, we did, after he left. So, the name has stayed with us, and we even got workout bags embroidered with the name. I am far from a track star.

Flat No More

I think I will no longer do my long runs (over 13 miles) on the greenways. As I mentioned before, by body does not like to run for a long period on flat terrain. I know that most people look for flat when doing long runs, but I need to re-think this for sure. When I run flat, I cramp more and am more fatigued throughout the rest of day. Today, I did a 16 mile run using my hilly 5 mile route and my neighborhood. It was awesome. Since I am supposed to slow my pace for the long runs, this course helps me do that and also the mix of terrain keeps my legs alive. I felt at the end that I could have raced to the finish line. SO, next weeks Half, I am going to keep my planned pace for 9 miles and kick it up a notch in the last 4 miles. WOW!

FUEL for TODAY: Banana before the run, 2 sample L'arabars (I'm out of gels..whoops), and 2 S-Caps. Worked great!

Recovery: Chocolate Milk! Worked great!

A Perfect Run

Thank you Lord for not allowing me to control my life. If we only listened all of the time. This morning I did not run and was feeling bad about it because I do not like to run at night and knew that that is what had to happen. Mentally, I like to run at night, but physically I am just slow and not fresh. Thank you Lord for proving me wrong. I had the best run of my "career." It was a balmy 63 degrees (never really understood the word balmy until tonight), and I did a 7 mile tempo run. It was awesome.....whoah. A tempo run is supposed to be comfortably hard, but for this one I was working hard and really enjoying it, barely sweating because of the nice breeze and felt light and free. I have not always been so up beat about the tempo runs (ha), but today was a new day. I am thankful that God exceeded my expectations and that he has control. I love running.

Bring On HALLOWEEN--VOTE

I am thrilled that it is FALL in Georgia. Well, ok, this week it has seemed like winter running in the morning with a low of 30 something. I bypassed the short-sleeve wear altogether and went straight to long sleeves, jacket, and gloves. This is perfect training for how cold it will be on Thanksgiving for the Marathon. I am very excited about my upcoming race on Halloween, the Silver Comet Half-Marathon! I know that I am going to do well and will PR (personal record) for sure. So, are you ready to Vote again? For Garlic Rolls....YUM. Here is some info that you need to know to make and educated decision.

Last Years Race Info: Time 2:28:50

• I was two weeks out from my first Marathon (completely overtrained and worn out)
• I ran conservatively last year, more like a long run because of the upcoming marathon
• I am 30lbs lighter (they say, 2 seconds per lb faster per mile??)
• The course is FLAT. Flat is not easier for me, so my plan is to do bursts of speed to mix it up a little
• Legs are feeling great, and I plan to push it hard (supposed to do a 20 miler that day, so a fast 13.1 should do the trick)
• VOTE ON! Thanks for the encouragement

Wowee

Rain Damage:

WOW, today I did an 18 miler at the greenway. Today, I was determined not to retrace my steps. I like out and back and that is what the greenway provides....but out and back and out and back again was not appealing to me today, so I just ventured around the sidewalks near the greenway for 6 miles and then headed on the trail. Near the end of the trail is another small greenway into another city, but there was caution tape and a sign that said "closed" due to structural damage. The floods happened only 2 days after I had a muddy birthday run on the greenway. I noticed that the railings (about 15 feet off the ground) were covered in leaves and mud. WOW, it was incredible. The rest of the greenway was well cared for, so I know some people worked very hard to clean it up. My goal was to make it to 15 without consulting with myself on how I was feeling. I have to say that I was disappointed with how crampy my legs felt at 15. I was hoping for a strong finish. It just reminds me to respect the run, every time I run. I started my run at 8:30 after my metabolism had already awoken, and I think that might be the cause. I was very hungry through the run but took two gels. Next one is 20 miles. I'm tired today. Whew.