Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Last Long Run - Praise Be!


My Azaleas
Spring 2014

Remember last weekend? Remember I bonked? Like everything quit working....legs, arms, brain. I have never felt like that before and hope never to again. When I got back to the car, it took all I had just to open the door. I got in and had to sit there for about 5 minutes or so before I could crank it up and leave. I was worried I might not be able to press the brakes at the stop sign.

I'm serious.

It took me a couple of days to recover from that. And then I had a couple of good runs during the week. On one run, my pace was the best it's been all year.

Saturday, I had another long run.....12 miles. My last before the Divas Half Marathon in 2 weeks. I was so scared I would bonk again that I couldn't sleep Saturday night. By the time 7 a.m. Sunday rolled around, I had myself so worked up that my nerves were acting up. And it was just a training run, not even a race. I'll tell ya, as hard as you fight it, at times your brain communicates with your body in a whole different way.

I was able to get it together enough to grab some gels, water and Gator Aid and head out the door. I carefully planned my route to circle by the ladies room at the Piggly Wiggly, just in case. I also strategically parked my car so that I could swing by for nutrition and hydration. Cliff had a bike ride that morning, but afterwards came over and ran a few miles before settling down near the running path. After last week's bonking incident, I'm sure he was concerned. He bought me a sweet tea and pulled out a lounge chair and sat it by the running path. HaHa! I'm sure I was a spectacle of heaving because when I got close to him, he jumped up out of the chair for me to sit down for a second or two. Don't think I would have finished without him.

Praise Be, my long runs are done. Now, I just need to concentrate on being well after the little flu or virus or cold or whatever I had. Hopefully, by the time the Divas Half rolls around, I will be somewhat back to normal. I have to run this race, regardless. I need another finisher's medal....ok! Have you ever heard of the Divas 5K and Half Marathon Series? OMG, you get all sorts of cool stuff.....a pretty pink tech shirt, a crown, a feather boa, a rose, a medal and for those so inclined....a glass of champagne at the finish line.

Changing gears......

So....Lidia and Sawyer were here for Spring Break.  They rock climbed, biked, swam in the indoor pool and played video games all week. I got a couple of pictures of them on the go.....mostly it was of their backs. That's ok, I'll take what I can get. Just glad they had a good time. It was back to school this week, and I know they are already dreaming of summer break and beach time with LaLa and Papi.

Birthday Bike - Spring Break
April 2014

Still Toothless (since Christmas) - Spring Break
April 2014

Footprints in the Sand....Spring Break
April 2014

Rock Climbing at Lakewood - Spring Break
April 2014


Already looking forward to summer!

Talk soon,
Laurie

15 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you're feeling better! Good luck on the Diva race. Sounds like a lot of fun! Is that a real alligator on that last post? If so...YIKES!...it's huge! Have a great week! :-)

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    1. Yes, that was a real alligator....he was a dead one, though. Don't know what happened to him. But that was pretty much how I felt on my run that day.....splayed out and belly up.

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  2. I am so happy you are feeling better. Good luck on the race, too. Blessings to you- xo Diana

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    1. Thanks for the good luck wishes. I'm already fretting about it. I'll be glad when it's over. I just don't feel as prepared this go around.

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  3. You inspire me!!! Way to rock that long run!!! I get to feeling that way before long runs, too. Can't stand that feeling. And it seems like all the positive thoughts in the world don't stick when I'm gearing up for a long run. sigh. Your husband is pretty cool to sit and wait for you like that !!! How nice!!! Your grandchildren are just beautiful. It sounds like everyone had a great time! And those azaelas (sp?) are spectacular!!!!

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    1. Ahh, thanks Mary! I can say the same for you....you inspire me with your running! No doubt about it.

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  4. You're amazing and I know you'll do great at the race! Love the pics of the grandkiddos...so sweet! I'm ready for summer too...if it ever stops snowing!

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    1. Thanks YaYa! I'm sure I'll do fine. It's a head game sometimes. Hope your snow days are nearly over. It's been epic, huh?

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  5. You are going to do fantastic! I'll be thinking of you! xo Jen

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    1. Thanks Jen! It helps to know you have supporters. And I'll for sure have a race report....look for it. The race is Apr. 27th.

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  6. pretty nice blog, following :)

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  7. All the best with your half! We are planning to do one in June.

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  8. I am so glad you made the long run without having any more episodes. It is understandable that Cliff would have been a little concerned. Now, your body can have a little time to refresh and repair itself and that is definitely in order. The grands are so cute! Lidia looks like she is really enjoying that new bike and Sawyer's toothless grin is priceless. Several of my grands are in different stages of losing their teeth. Stephen just turned 13 and he is still losing the last of his. As I recall, he was very late in getting his first teeth, too.

    I hope you had a good Easter weekend. I was a terrible Mimi and didn't cook the Easter meal at my house as I usually do. Our Sophie was baptized yesterday and our whole family went to the church where her daddy preaches for that, then we all went to Cracker Barrel for our Easter meal. It was a new experience but everyone seemed okay with it because we were all there, even my other son-in-law's 90 y/o grandmother.

    Have a beautiful week ahead!

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  9. Great athletes require great support ;)
    I really enjoy the way you describe your runs. I hope they are as fun to run as they are fun to read!

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