Busy times for everyone.

Yeah, I missed the run Saturday. I was on the tech crew backstage for Natalie's Nutcracker ballet performances and rehearsals all week in Madison. Gee, what we do for our kids. It was fun, but a lot of work, complete with tearing down the set, loading up the truck and unloading up the truck at the storage place. I met a lot of good people and look forward to working with them again next year. I was just too pooped, and my Mom and sister were here to see Natalie, for me to get up and go run with all of you wonderful people Saturday morning. I did make myself run 10.75 miles from the boat launch to Fannin Landing turnoff (twice) and then on to Fox Bay. It was a good, but rather chilly run. About mile six, I decided to slow down my running pace from an attempted 10min/mile to a 12 min trot. Wow, my running endurance went up. I got in a good groove. I was able to do 5:1's quite regularly for the last four miles. I was amazed. Although, my legs are telling me off tonight. It sure is lonely going towards Fox Bay by yourself. I feel like I'm behind, getting ready for the Disney Marathon. I'm toying with the idea of doing the Blues Half slowly and am wondering how that will affect me physically for the following weekend. Anybody want to offer any words of advice? The next two weeks are filled with playing the following Christmas programs: Parkway Baptist, First Baptist-Jackson, Ms. Sym, Ms Chorus, FBC-Canton, or First Prez. One lady at church ask if I was getting excited about Carols by Candlelight. I told her I look forward to playing it every year. When it stops being fun is when I stop playing the horn. See everyone Saturday.

Where are all the bloggers?

I guess everyone is taking a break from blogging. I always enjoy reading what's going on with everyone. Come on you guys that like reading everyone else's blogs. It only takes a few minutes to give an update on your life and your training.
Disney is only eight weeks away.......or is it seven, no eight. Yikes!!!! It's time for me to kick it in to high gear. I'm gradually trying to catch up with the marathon training schedule, and will probably do Fox Bay and then the boat launch just once instead of twice. I'm going to push it a little more than usual and see how long it takes me.
Tonight, I have a big orchestra concert of movie music.....tiring, but alot of fun to play. My training has been going well. I got to run three times this week. Enjoyed running with Deb F. and Carol K. Not sure when I will train if this UMC job comes through. Anybody know someone that works in HR at UMC? I misunderstood one of the certification questions on the job application, thinking it was asking if I was a specialist. and the one lady that MIGHT be able to fix it is out until after Thanksgiving(!!!!!). My life is still on hold. According to UMC I'm a disqualified applicant for the most perfect lab job for me. I'm panicking thinking what if they can't fix it. Wouldn't you think this has happened someone else before me? Argh! Legally, the supervisor can't tell me if I have the job, but she has said I have a "very good chance" of being hired. I wish she could tell me so I can plan for the holiday season, and for the rest of my
life(!!!!!!) Oh well, that's life.... but why does it have to be so complicated? See y'all tomorrow.

Three times this week. Yea!!!

Well, I hope everyone has had a great week. Tomorrow is Friday again already. Can you believe it's November? I was in Kohl's today and there were two employees putting up Christmas decorations from the ceiling. Hey, at least they waited until Nov. 1st.....Wal-Mart starts getting their Christmas merchandise and decor out not long after July 4th. Haha! I got out and did four miles at the RMC trail. I'm not too crazy about having to go around the same trail four times to get in the mileage, but it's so close to our new pad. Although......it's worth the twenty minute drive to the rez for a good four mile run, once or twice a week.
For those of you that have heard the story about our ordeal with Olshans, it's finally been resolved. Long story, short. Olshans is going to "finish" what they should've done three years ago (the other half of the house) in three weeks. Although, it's going to cost us an additional $6000. I'm so glad we're just going to get it resolved and be able to get the house in selling condition. Know anyone that wants to buy a great four bedroom house, in a nice neighborhood, in the NW Rankin School District? Can't wait to see everyone on Saturday.

Pooped out Saturday.

I had every intention of being at Fleet Feet Saturday morining. Had rehearsal Friday night til 9:30pm, then I had to pick Natalie up at a Halloween party in north Jackson. We were both wound up when we got home around 11pm. Then, Mark got home from his game in Newton, and by the time we all calmed down and went to bed, it was 12:45am. It was then I decided it was better to get some sleep than go run in the morning before I had to play a demanding concert that night. By 7:30pm, I was glad I had gotten the extra sleep. I told myself I would go by the running schedule this week. Yesterday, I ran four miles at the Rez. My avg. pace is getting better with each run. Our van messed me up this morning. Pulled in to the carpool line at Natalie's school and the van started smoking. Uh-oh....not good. Van wasn't running hot, but it had been smelling like antifreeze the past few days. So, I got to spend three hours and $330 at the car shop this morning to replace a thermostat. If I hadn't been near the school I taught at last year, I probably would've run while they were fixing the van. My luck: I would've run in to one of my old band students during their P.E. period. I will definitely be there this Saturday. Ha, watch it pour down rain. I'll still be there. Have a good week.

Make it to Fleet Feet

Well, it looks like I'll make it to Fleet Feet tomorrow morning. Ugh! One side of me wants to sleep in because it's going to be a long day, while the other side wants to run because visions of Disney Marathon are dancing over my head. Tomorrow, is state band contest championships. Some of the best of the best high school marching bands from all over the state will be competing at Hinds-2A and 3A, Pearl-4A, and Clinton-1A and 5A. I'll be at Pearl most of the afternoon, after I pick up my little ballerina from Nutcracker rehearsal in Madison. Tomorrow night, I have to play a nerve racking concert....a lot of exposed parts for the horns. Fun, but a lot like running: why do I do this to myself? But, after a good concert, you feel good. Hey, after training and wogging two marathons, no symphony concert can be more challenging than that. Right?
This week has been a waste as far as running: Monday-had to take the car in to the shop, Tues-had to play childrens concerts all morning, Wed-rain, cold, and tired because of night rehearsals, Thurs-rain, cold, and I'm a bum because I won't brave the weather conditions. Today, I decided to go to the rez to run. I called Hallie so she could tell me to GO RUN!!!. Yea, she was off today, so she met me over there and we walked over six miles. Hadn't seen her in about two months, so it was fun being able to catch up on what's been going on with her. Running friends are the best! Have a great weekend and I'll see some of you in the morning.

Does your body ever ask why you do this?

Well, yesterday the kids were home from school, so I decided to spend some time with them before setting out for their schools to get their report cards. I can't wait to get back in with the LMM group. I had a fight with myself this morning about whether I would go run or take the day off. With the Disney Marathon (13 weeks and counting!!!) looming over my head....yep, you guess it, I went to the RMC trail, and ran three miles. I find that my self is in a much better mood throughout the day if I start it off with a run. If I could stay away from the Blue Bell Bunny Tracks (with no sugar added) ice cream; then maybe I could lose a little weight off of the hips and backend by running everyday.
My baby girl, Natalie turns nine tomorrow. I can't believe nine years ago today I was at work at Woman's Hospital lab and less than twelve hours later, I was back at work, but in L and D about to have the prettiest little girl I know. Yep, she'll be nine going on 25. She's everything I never was at her age: beautiful vs thick glasses, frizzie hair, and didn't care; girlie vs tomboy; ballet dancer vs softball, football, and basketball player; artist vs couldn't, and still can't even draw a fly. I'm so thankful she's happy, healthy, beautiful, and enjoys life as Natalie. Hope everyone has a great run tomorrow.

The H.P. Turtle has three feet on the log

Boy, ever since the Disneyland Half, it's been difficult to get back on a schedule. Since we've moved, the morning kid schedule doesn't cooperate with the morning run schedule. Blah! Soooo, I haven't been able to meet the ladies at the Rez. Yea! Last week, I only ran Monday. Motivation level has been at an all-time low. This week, I ran Tuesday and yesterday. I needed a change of scenery from the Rankin Med Center trail, so I drove over to the Rez Y and did the old route to Campfire Circle. It was one of the best runs I've ever had. I even ran up holy hill. Yes, you know the one. I think the change of route really helped mentally.
For all of you who have decided not to do Chicago next year: I didn't decide to do LMM the second and third time until after the holidays. Give it some time and wait before you jump to a decision. Don't think I'l be able to go to the first run this Saturday. My son has a marching contest near B'ham. I look forward to seeing everyone on the 27th.

I'm disappointed for you all, and can't wait til the next one.

Before reading this, know that I'm not good at putting my feelings in to words, I know I shouldn't say some things because I wasn't there, and lastly my grammar stinks.
Sunday morning I woke up thinking of all of you LMMers. I was so excited for you all, because I can remember how I felt the last two years on race day in Chicago....excitement, scared, ready to get started. Then later, I was driving home from playing a gig in the afternoon when Hallie called me on my cell and asked if I had heard that they had shut down the race. I thought she was joking at first. After I realized she was serious, I felt so bad for everyone. I know my Mark got tired of me saying all day how disappointed I was for all of you that were diverted back to the starting line and weren't allowed to finish. All of those people from up north need to come train with us in the summer. I know all of you could have made it to the finish line. Don't let something like this be a letdown. Look how far you've come since January. Yeah, spend a few days feeling disappointed and sad about the marathon being called off, but don't let this be the end. You know in your heart that you could have finished. Continue the journey. There are other marathons, half marathons, and 5k's to run/walk; and do them for the people who can't run or walk a marathon. Think about all of the good things that have come from training for the CM; being able to say, "it's a short run, it's only ten miles today", the wonderful friends you've made, and the great times you've had on this nine month journey. Hope to see everyone on the 20th. I'm very proud of all LMMers. Y'all did great!

Marathon friends are the best

When I took the plunge and started Marathon Makeover in Jan. 2005, I had no idea how many special people would become fast friends. I'm telling you, it's the people that make this so special. It's the people that will get you throught 26.2 miles....the other runners, your friends, and the crowd along the route cheering your name. When you cross the finish line, wait for some of the other LMMers to cross. One of the most memorable moments was watching and waiting for others to cross the finish line, seeing the look of exhilaration on their face, and then hugging and celebrating the end of a nine month journey together. I'll never forget it. It's a feeling you will never forget.
Thanks to all of you who sent me good luck and congrats messages. They really mean a lot. I've taken the last week and a half off. Not sure how long of a rest I should take after a half marathon race. Yesterday was the first day I didn't feel down right tired. Does cutting the grass (with a push mower) at the house today count for crosstraining? I plan to start back on Monday. I'm glad I have the Disney Marathon peeking at me in the distance. If I didn't have that looming over my head, I'd probably come up with all kinds of excuses not to run and become a couch potato.
All this week I have Mississippi Symphony rehearsals. This is our first week back. We're doing a classical concert Saturday night: Wagner, Elgar, and a percussion concerto piece by
Schwanter(?). Should be fun. The symphony has already reached it's season ticket goal for the season and we haven't even played the first concert. Yea! Good luck on the twenty-two miler. Run your own race. Don't worry about time, just finish and try to enjoy the last part of this journey.

I was in LA LA land! Get it? L. A.

To sum up my California trip in three words: It was awesome! The whole trip was so much fun. Friday, we went and saw this comedian named Craig Shoemaker. Funny, funny, funny. Saturday, we went to Beverly Hills and drove down Rodeo Drive, Beverly Dr., and also stopped at a place called Sprinkles that only sells different flavored cupcakes. Hmmm, red velvet and chocolate peanut butter cupcakes....something every LSD runner needs before a race.
Monday was the race. Disney characters were stationed throughtout the two parks. I even high fived Goofy and Mickey at the finish. The worst part about the race was the heat......dry, but HOT! Got back to the hotel an hour after the finish and the temp on the t.v. said 97 degrees. The race had a lot of water/gatorade stops and was well organized. My friend, Jackie is hooked on interval running and was so amazed at how good she felt throughout the race by taking walk breaks. We did mostly 2 1/2 : 1 min. intervals and when we felt really good, ran through a walk break. It was amazing how many people we were passing at the end of the race who were walking and we were still doing run intervals all the way to the finish. One guy (who was walking at the end of the race) even asked me about what we were doing. He said he'd have to try it next time. For some reason, I have this knack for finishing races just before the hour: 5:59:26, 5:56:01, and now 2:59:56. Yea, under three hours, which is what I wanted. Wish I could run faster, but I guess it's not meant to be.
Being a member of one of the Disney holiday orchestras, Jackie gets two free passes to Disneyland every year, so we had over seven hours in the park after the half marathon....no husband, no kids. Weee!!! We rode all of the rides she can't ride with her 3 and 5 year old: Space Mountain, California Screamin, Haunted Mansion, Matterhorn, Splash Mountain. It was a blast. After taking this Saturday off it'll be time for me to set my sites on Orlando.
It's so fun to see all of you getting excited about Chicago. You will have a great time. Stay healthy, rest up, and when you get there....enjoy the ride.

I can breathe!

Well, I got to California yesterday morning. It's a long flight, but well worth it. It's so pretty here. My friend lives about three blocks from the Pacific Ocean, so we feel the nice COOL oean breeze, and the humdity.....what humidity. I can get a deep breath when I run. I don't theink I've experienced that since Chicago....or maybe when it was winter in Jackson. Jackie and I had a great five mile run today at 8am, Jacksontime. She had never done interval running and was so excited half way through the run at how good she felt. We did a 2.30:1 interval. We go the same pace!!!! We ran five miles up and down, what they call, the strand, right next to the beach. I could get in to living here, but it's true what you hear about the expensive housing. I've been staying at her house and then we'll go to Disneyland on Sunday and do the half marathon on Monday. Tomorrow night, we're going to this comedy club where Jay Leno tries out new material every Monday night, tomorrow night. No, we're not going to see him.....I wish. It should be fun. More later. Hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy. Note to my Mom who reads my blogs: I'll call you tonight and tell you all about it.

Yea, it's Friday!!!!

Well, I did five miles yesterday in the heat and took today off. I look forward to seeing all of you crazy people at 5am. Looks like I'll be med teching in the UMC nursery/nicu lab every other weekend soon. I got offered the job after my interview. This will allow me to be a Mom to my spoiled kids during the week. They have gotten used to me being around the house all summer. I'll probably move in to a during the week job eventually. Miss. Symphony schedule is a bear starting the Thursday after Labor Day. We have something everyday for three weeks except for Wednesdays. Boomers at the Ballpark is Sept. 8th (plug, plug) at Smith Wills Stadium. I always enjoy playing the outdoor concerts; they're so fun and imformal.
Look everybody, it's normal to be a little nervous about the mileage, but think of all of the months of training you've done and know that now is the time it all will pay off. Don't think 20 MILES, think route: Fanning Landing, boat launch, Fox Bay, boat launch, then Campfire Circle. Piece of cake! To my running buddies: no, I'm not doing the whole twenty, but I feel your pain and agony of the heat and humidity. I'm doing nine because of the time constraint of tomorrow. Mark is out of town for the day and my son has band rehearsal at Pearl H. S. at 9am and my daughter (and me) have a Ms Metro Ballet Company pool party/meeting just past the Fannin Landing boat launch at 9:30am. So after running my nine, I'll go home, shower and become super chauffuer. If you see a maroon (no, we're not MSU fans) van drive by honking wildly......it's me cheering you on.

You CAN do it!!!!!

Don't know why, but I woke up tired this morning, so I decided to take today off. It may be that the forty-five minutes on the elliptical yesterday wore me out more than I thought. I set out to do thirty minutes, but got involved in a Golden Girls two episode story about Rose having to have bypass surgery. I need to do more crosstraining, but really enjoy pounding the pavement outside.
This afternoon and evening is very busy: take Natalie to ballet and jazz, go to Kurt's open house at the high school, and then go play horn quartets with my fellow symphony horns. You parents with three or more kids, I don't see how you do it. With Mark working forty miles away and having some school events at night, I'm the full-time chauffuer (sp?). Although, I do enjoy spending time with my kids. Enjoy them while they still live at home. Right?

To all first time LMMers:
Try not to worry about the twenty miler. This too, shall pass.
Take it one mile at a time.
Keep puttin' one foot in front of the other.
Find someone in the group to run or walk with; it makes the miles go by quicker when you have someone to talk to.
Run your own race at your own pace.
From here on, it's all mental.
Enjoy the fresh air, the sunrise over the water, the cranes and Canadian geese gliding over the water looking for fish.
Do it for those you know who aren't physically able to.

Here's two quotes that I think are appropriate to remember while doing twenty miles:
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt

and my favorite

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Look at those of us who've done the CM before, and some of us crazy enough to do it more than once. Do we look like world classs athletes? (Sorry running buddies) Ahem, NO! We're just like you. We're just determined, crazy people who set a goal and wanted to reach it bad enough. If we can do it, so can you. Just do it!

Good run and two weeks to go

Hey all,
From our new pad, it was so nice being able to hop on the interstate, drive to Clinton at dark-thirty Saturday morning, and get there in only twenty minutes. The nine miles was a good run. Paula, Bessie, and Bobbie kept me going at a 2:1 interval most of the way. After spending almost two weeks at 2.30 : 1 interval during the week, I really want to switch to a 3:1 interval this week, but I'm worried about doing that in the heat. I've been doing this for 2 1/2 years now, after a twenty-two year running break, you'd think I'd be able to finally go to a 3:1 for most of an hour workout. So much of it is mental with me. Yesterday, I found myself running the last downhill all the way to the Clinton Blvd. intersection with no walk break, just so I could get it over and done with. I really think my endurance is better than I think it is. Maybe the reason I've remained injury free is because I haven't increased my run time. I think the reason I started having IT band problems halfway through the marathon last year was because I got caught up in the excitement of the start and ran the first mile with no walk breaks.
Two weeks from tonight, I'll be getting ready for the Disneyland Half Marathon. It should be a lot of fun with my crazy friend, Jackie. The medal is supposed to be big and pretty. I've never been to California, so this is all new to me. Jackie plays horn in one of the Disney orchestras, so she is considered an employee. As an employee, she gets two one day passes, so we'll get to actually visit Disneyland, not just run through it. Woo hoo! I just hope it's cooler there.
It seems like the overall concensus is that yesterday's run was a good one. It really helps to have a good run before the twenty miler. If you can do eighteen, you can do twenty. I think I had to miss the twenty last year because of work. Hang on, you're almost there.

Great cold four miles

Ha, just kidding! The themometer said 85 degress when I got back in the van after running. Dropped my (spoiled) kids off at their schools this morning and then did my four mile run at the Rankin trail. The usual walkers/runners were there; a few new faces, but mostly the same ones. While I was running around for my fourth time, I thought about this photo I took of Carol and Melissa a year and a half ago in the freezing cold of February at Fannin Landing. Thought it might make everyone feel cooler. Then, while looking this one up on the computer, I ran across the group photo from 2005. Notice all of the smiling faces. I think I was walking/limping four feet off the ground that day. So thrilled I finished, so happy and sad at the same time that it was over. The feeling of finishing is the best. You can do it. Yea, tomorrow's Friday.

Hot!

Here's a quote I found on marathonrookie.com:
"We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon."
- Emil Zatopek, 1952 Olympic Marathon gold medalist

Yesterday, I was driving up the interstate, taking my little ballerina to class and just happened to look at the thermometer. Big mistake! Granted the van had been in the sun for a while, but it said 110 degrees! My crosstraining yesterday consisted of going to Walley World, Big Lots, Office Depot, and Fred's looking for school supplies for my son. This took an hour and a half, not counting the evening before trip to Wal-Mart for the supplies he just HAD TO HAVE on Monday for one class. Yep, he's a boy; he forgot to tell us he needed them on Monday.
Well, I found a foolproof way of making myself go run: Dress in my running clothes before taking the kids to school and then go straight to the trail. I did three miles this morning. I forgot my cell phone which has my itunes on it, so no tunes, no friends, and lots of heat equals more walking. That was hard. After running three days at Rankin Med Center, I noticed there are quite a few regulars. Two of them walk with canes. I got to thinking about how fortunate I am to be physically able to actually run. It's ironic to me that the trail goes right by the emergency room. A few times, an ambulance has pulled in with a patient. All this makes me count my blessings and realize that life isn't all bad. Usually, when I feel like life is blah, somehow someway, I hear about someone who is so worse off than I am. If you're out there in the heat running, walking, and panting, wondering why you're doing this; think about the friends or relatives you've lost or the people you know fighting a disease or are physically incapable of getting around, and know that you are doing this for your long term health and can do this in honor or memory of them. Like I've said before, my grammar stinks. You can do this. Have a great day! Another interesting quote from marathonrooke.com:

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."
- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

Feeling out of shape because of humidity

Yikes, it's supposed to be over a hundred degrees the next couple of days. It's like living in a furnace. The nine mile run was great, Saturday. Everybody looked great. The end of the run felt better than the beginning. I ran with Bessie, Paula, Rebecca (Ms. Tripp) and Bobbie. To each his own, but I couldn't do long runs without running buddies. Bessie and Paula helped relieve my mind about the Disney Marathon when they told me they would also be training for and running it in January. I had visions of doing my 20 and 22 milers all by myself during the holiday season.
I was telling Rebecca that someone needs to do a feature story/article about some of the LMMers. I have heard about someone beating cancer, people losing a lot of weight, and some who have over come a lot of adversity in life. And what are these people doing? Running/walking a marathon. There are some amazing people in this group! What an inspiring story that would be.
I dropped off the kids for their second day at their new schools. So far, so good. Because of the move, I'm disappointed I'm not able to run with the Tues/Thurs crew at the rez; unless they want to met at 5am. Yuck! (I wish I was a morning person) From where we live now, it's impossible for me to run with them at 5:30am, drive home and help get the kids ready(yep, they're spoiled), and then get them to school on time; especially with Mark having to leave at 6:15am and not able to help me. Plan B is now dropping the kids off and running at 7:45am on the trail at Rankin Med Center. I just think how nice and easy it will seem running in cooler Disneyland in three weeks. I feel so out of shape running in this heat and humidity. Hang in there, it's all worth it, I promise. Hope everyone has a great week.

Hang on, it'll be here before you know it

Yep, it's soapbox time: First of all: Congratulations to all who did eighteen miles or five hours yesterday. One thing only those of us crazy enough to do this know or will find out soon is: when you train for and complete a marathon, it changes you in many ways for the better. This is the one thing you can do for just you. Especially moms know, you go through the day doing and doing for everyone else in your life, but training for a marathon is something you do for just YOU. This afternoon, I was watching part of the coverage of the Kona(?) Ironman Triathalon held in Hawaii. Seeing the participants throughout the race with their grit and determination, and then seeing the look on their faces when they crossed the finish line brought tears to my eyes. That feeling of accomplishment, exhaustion, and wow, I did this after nine months of training can be a very emotional experience. Mark is right: If you can do eighteen in hot and humid Mississippi, you can do 26.2 miles in cool, no humidity, flat, people cheering you on the whole way Chicago. Soapbox time is over.
Well, I didn't do any running since last Saturday, so I was kind of worried about how I would do yesterday. We moved from our four bedroom house at the Rez to a three bedroom apartment in Pearl last Sunday and Monday. Either I was trying to get unpacked and settled in, or too exhausted and lazy to get up and meet the crew at 5:30am to go run. Hubby is now much closer to new job and the kids will be going to Pearl schools. I won't miss having to go down Lakeland everyday for almost everything. We've lived there for ten years, and boy, are we a family of messy pack rats. Junk, junk, junk. I couldn't decide how many miles I wanted to do yesterday. Eight? Ten? I wasn't going to do eighteen since I'm just doing a half marathon in four(!) weeks. Oh yeah.... Paula, Bessie, and Bobbie tried to get me to go the whole eighteen, but no thank you. I ended up doing a little over fourteen. How you all did four more miles after leaving Lakeshore for the second time yesterday in that heat was an amazing feat. Be proud of yourself. Until next time; keep on puttin one foot in front of the other.
One more thing: Thanks Cathy for a great party. It was so much fun having the time to talk with fellow LMMers. Both butts were wonderful, Mark and Clark. And the desserts. Good stuff.

Only 5 for me

Well, since my last blog, I ran 5 lonely miles on Thursday. I was very pleased with my time. I tried 2.30:1 intervals for the first time and felt good; other than just dealing with the heat and humidity. Now, I'm not a big people person, and at times claim to be shy, but I am definitely a groupie runner and run so much better with people than by myself. I've been a B'ham bum since Thursday. My kids and I were supposed to come home on Saturday. Well, we took our Sheltie dog to a long time family vet to see why she was so stiff, at times, in her back end and legs. Dr. Claytor found out our dog, Katie has an abcessed molar and the infection might have spread to her back end; or she may be getting arthritis. Either way, the tooth has to come out. She gave me three different kinds of pills to give twice a day (peanut butter is a wonderful thing) and said, "See you Monday morning." We'll be coming home tomorrow after Katie's oral surgery. Looking forward to running Tuesday morning.
Most of my family are night owls, so we've been staying up late and sleeping late. By the time I get up, it's too hot to run. I am such a bum at times. Although, I feel like since I did twelve miles (thanks Christa, Fran, and Jody) last month and nine last week, I feel like missing a ten mile run won't jeopardize 13.1 miles in September. It's so much fun reading how everyone (those who have kept up with their blogs) feels about completing their long runs. It brings back good and ugh memories from the last two summers. Chicago is so awesome; you will love it. I hope to be at the next long run. You guys are doing great.

Ten miles for me

Well, the summer is flying by as usual and the kids will be back in school before we know it. The fourth of July seems like it was just yesterday. Football games will be in full swing soon. I've been meeting Hallie the past few Tues. and Thursdays at 6am or 5:45am and running 4.2 miles. It's amazing how hard I sleep when I'm on a consistent running schedule. I just love being able to see my running buds during the week and at the long runs. I think we need another meeting where we all try to get to know each other.....at least each other's names. I hate it that I had to miss the half marathon party.
One reason I'm posting this blog, other than just to blab is I need accountability. On my half marathon training schedule, it says to go ten miles this weekend. The kids and I are in B'ham at my Mom's house for the Harry Potter party at the McWane Center. It's so hard to be disciplined when you're out of town visiting family. I mapped out a ten mile route around Homewood and am trying to convince myself to go out tomorrow morning. Ugh! I don't want to do it on Friday because of the late night H.P. party, and I don't want to do it Saturday before I drive back to Jackson. I can always come up with excuses when I don't have people to be accountable to. Keep me accountable. I've got to get in some long mileage this weekend. Disneyland Half is almost six(!!!) weeks away! I guess that's enough whining for this blog.
Soapbox time-For those of you getting frustrated by the heat and long mileage: Running in Chicago with 30 something thousand other people, being cheered by a million people, no humdity, cool/cold air, and new things to see is totally different and so much easier than running in hot, humid, quiet Mississippi. The marathon is so awesome. You look at those of us that have done it last couple of years (some of us more than once) and realize; if we can do it, so can you. Just do it! You've come this far. You've got to finish what you've started or you'll always wonder what if. Have a great run this weekend. You can do it.

Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head

We picked the kids up from the N.O. airport yesterday. They had a great time in the Florida Keys with Miami Beach sister, but were ready to get home. The next few weeks are going to be interesting and busy for the Davis family. Since hubby is taking a job at Lake H.S., we're moving to Pearl to be closer to his job. I'm presently looking for a part-time med tech job. Anyone know somebody who needs an experienced hospital lab rat? If I had stayed at Richland H.S., three (mine, husband's, and son's) band schedules wouldn't have lined up. We're going to rent an apartment for the first year and then start house hunting. I keep thinking about the gist of the book "Who Moved My Cheese" with all of this change happening. I won't miss having to go down Lakeland for practically eveything; it's getting so busy. At the moment I have paint on my arms and legs from painting the guest (my older sister's when she comes to visit) room. I'll be glad when the house is sold and we're settled in our three bedroom apartment. I think it's going to take longer than we think.
Since I'm not doing Chicago this year, I didn't want to fall into the trap of temptation and peer pressure (like at the 12 mile run, Christa. HAHA I'm glad I did it though.) and do fifteen by going with the group on the long run. So, I met Hallie, Annamaria, and Susan, an old LMMer and we did five down around Campfire Circle and back. The monsoon hit us around Arrowhead Point and didn't quit until we got back to the Chevron. It was a nice change to be soaking wet because of rain and not sweat and humidity. I stayed around after our run and watched a lot of you come in after completing fifteen miles. It was great to see the happy expressions of accomplishment coming in to the parking lot. What a feeling, huh? The confidence you gain by completing these long runs and the marathon will carry over in to other things in life. It's amazing. This morning I did four miles up and down Spillway Rd, mostly 2:1. It got hot towards the end. Have you ever stuck your face in the freezer after a run? Oh, that feels good. I'm meeting Hallie tomorrow morning at 6am to do 5 miles. I wish I wasn't such a wuss about getting up to meet the 5:30am bunch. See you all Saturday.

Back in the saddle........again.

Got back from N.C. on Friday and then we took the kids to New Orleans on Monday to fly to Miami to see the Miami Beach sister. Mark and I got to spend a day and a half in New Orleans eating and eating and eating at all of our favorite restaurants: Cajun Cabin, Acme Oyster Bar, and of course, Cafe du Monde. Fun, fun, fun. Going back to N.O. Sunday to pick them up. Finally got a new pair of shoes yesterday and ran in them this morning. Lesley(?) was very helpful and patient. The old Garmin said I did 4.5 miles. Felt pretty good. Last week, I found a Southwest special fare flight to Los Angeles for the Disneyland Half. I don't know who's more excited, me or my friend Jackie. I haven't seen her in 13 (?) years, and have never met her husband and two boys. It's going to be a blast running with her; she is so funny. If anyone has any suggestions about which attractions, other then Disneyland, she needs to take me to, let me know. Now it's time to tighten down the screws on the workout schedule. I'm going to meet an old LMMer and Hallie at 7am tomorrow and do 5-6 miles. Good luck to all doing the fifteen. I look forward to cheering some of you in tomorrow. If you've come this far, you can do fifteen.

Cool breeze vacation

Ahhh, feel the cool breeze of the mountains. Well, I guess it can't last forever, especially in the middle of summer. I'm back in B'ham visiting my Mom, after spending a few days with N.C. sister and brother-in-law. Will be back in Jackson tonight. I've got back to play patriotic music all weekend at my church and at another. Thanks to the influence and encouragement of dance studio owner sister, I did do something that resembled exercise a couple of days, while I was up there. Remember, she lives in the mountains outside of Boone. If you want to train on hills, Boone is the place to go. They say Lance Armstrong trained on the mountains around Boone for the Tour de France. I can believe it. Tuesday, we walked (mostly uphill) two miles. Breathing wasn't too bad, considering the elevation is around 3000 ft higher than Jackson. Wednesday, I walked/ran three miles up the same hills. Glad I did it. I won't be there for another long run. My Mark and son are still in Canada with other Boy Scout troop members canoeing fifty miles and won't fly back until Sunday afternoon. Eight year old, Natalie wouldn't appreciate getting up and going on a long run with me. Sounds like the half marathon, and party was a huge success. It's great getting to read all about them through you faithful bloggers blogs.
just to clarify my "tired of being of a turtle" post on the forum: Being my third year of M.M., I wanted to see if expert runners like Randy had any advice on how I can work on improving my marathon time at Disney in January, compared to my 5:59:26 and 5:56:01 in Chicago. I'm not out to set any speed records, but it would be nice to improve my running pace. Check out Randy's great answer on the forum. Thanks Randy. And to Bonnie's comment: No, I'm not a pro; I'm just a crazy person that's doing this a third year. Thanks for the compliment, though. And to namesake Lisa (the other one) Davis, we'll have to do lunch or coffee sometime to see who else we both know. Hope everyone has a great short, long run tomorrow.

Summer Bum

Been off the wagon ever since the 12 mile run. Things got busy with the B'ham trip and wind symphony rehearsals and concerts. Plus, I couldn't make myself get out of bed to run with the 5:30am bunch. I'm such a bum, at times. The angel and devil on the shoulders really hit me this morning.

Angel: "Go run. ".
Devil: "No, go back to sleep."
Angel: "No, come on, you know you'll feel better if you'll just get the running clothes on and get out there."
Devil: "Nah, go back to sleep. All you've got is the half marathon in a little over two months, then nothing until January. You've got plenty of time."

Well, the angel won this morning. Got out around 7am and wogged 3 1/2 miles. I felt like: Those who snooze, lose. I've lost some endurance, but it still felt good doing the 2:1 interval. Hope all of you have a good half-marathon. Natalie and I leave Friday night for B'ham and then we head for the mountains of North Carolina on Saturday. Keep puttin one foot in front of the other.

The Dog Days of Summer

Yep, it's hot, hot, hot!!!!!! I wish I was a morning person, it sure would help with my training. I just can't bring myself to set the alarm before 5am and meet the Tues/Thurs crew. I am a bum.
It's difficult fall in to the trap of the marathon training schedule when I'm only doing the half in September. Good example....................
Saturday, I set out to do seven, yes seven. Well, peer pressure set in. Besides, the heat setting in, I was having a good time running with with Jody and Fran. Between Jody, Fran, and (I'm so bad at names) I'm not sure who it was at the Fannin Landing turnoff saying, "Do 12, do 12!!!!" And then Fran saying, "You're already out here, what's another 5 miles". Ha! I gave in and thought, what the heck. Whew! The last three were especially rough. But the feeling of accomplishment after the run was nice.
Here's a good reason to hydrate all week: Saturday afternoon around 4pm, I started to feel nauseus and got a headache. Couldn't have been anything I ate, cause all I had for lunch was a pbj sandwich. Could this be a delayed dehydration reaction from the run? Hmmm. After downing two bottles of Propel, I started to feel better. Wish that hadn't happened, because we had a friend and his wife over for dinner. They cooked steaks and burgers on the grill, brought baked beans, southwestern dip, and homemade pie. None of it smelled good to me, because of my stomach. Didn't feel like eating anything until late that night. Bummer. Well, I'm off to B'ham this weekend, so I'll miss the only six mile run. Congrats to everyone for surviving 12 miles. It's a big accomplishment, especially in this heat.

Blah not as much today.

Woo Hoo!!!! My old college friend, who I inspired after my first marathon to start running again, just found out that she's in for the Disneyland Half. She had been put on a waiting list. Jackie lives in the five county area of Disney and they only had a certain number of spots for those residents in order to leave spots open for out of towners. Well, those spots got taken very quickly; so today was first come, first serve for those people on the waiting list. What a relief. Now we get to do the marathon together. Haven't seen her in over twelve years. Labor Day weekend will be so much fun. Went to the Y with swimming hubby, Mark this morning. I'm concerned about my IT band near right knee, so I thought it would be better to do thirty minutes on the elliptical instead of pounding the pavement with the gals this morning.

Blah, blah, blah!

Isn't it amazing how much pull people in administrative postions can have on our lives and they probably don't even realize it? Oh yeah, I'm sure some do and love having that kind of power. ARGH! I've been waiting for a call from a certain college in the area to set up an interview for a new teaching job for over three weeks now and haven't gotten a call yet. I know it's down to me and one other person, but I guess we're waiting on the higher ups to schedule an interview for both of us. I just wish I knew something; good or bad. I really want this job and will be crushed if I don't get it, but I know life will go on and it won't be the end of the world. There, I think I feel better now that I've whined to you blog reader marathoners.
I wanted to make the trek to Clinton for the long run Saturday, but there was much to be done at home that morning, so I met some old LMM alumni at Lakeshore Park and did the nine miles to Fox Bay and back. Last Thursday, I rekindled a love/hate relationship with an old friend at the Y........the elliptical. Ah yes, it didn't take long for my thighs to remember how much they love thirty minutes on the elliptical. What a great workout without the pounding of the feet. I hadn't been on the elliptical since before the marathon last October.
(Please don't take any recommendations I have like I know a whole lot. What little I know, is from trial and error, and have found they work for me as far as LSD running/walking is concerned) Since the group is starting to get in to some major long distances, I'd like to share something (whether it is a mental thing or not) that helps me not feel so blah after a long run: Endurox recovery drink. I've found I feel less drained after the run and the next day, if I drink it within an hour after I run. The cheapest place I've found to buy it is GNC. If you want to try it out Fleet Feet has it in single serving packets. Fruit punch is the best tasting to me. Hope to see everyone this Saturday. Hang in there, it's worth it.

Marathon friends are the best

I got to Fleet Feet Saturday morning ready to run more this week than I did last week. Fran and Bobbie kept me going. Here comes the mushy part: If you don't have someone you're running with on these long runs, get to know someone and run with them. I couldn't have done any of the long runs, short runs, or two marathons by myself. I think about all of the wonderful friends I've made in just the last two years who would do anything for me. Well, almost anything. Last year, when I got the teaching job at Richland, Carol, Sally, and Hallie didn't hesitate meeting me at 5am instead of six on Tues/Thurs. so I could run before school. Last Saturday's run was really enjoyable; not because of the running, not because of the scenery or the hills, but because I got to run with Bobbie and Fran. Fran and her husband, Andy ran most of Chicago with me last year. What a fun time we had; from singing Happy Birthday to my Mom in B'ham via cell phone to seeing all of the old people in the windows of a retirement home waving and cheering us on. These are things the three of us will never forget. Find someone that goes your speed and strike up a conversation. You'll probably find out you know some of the same people or have some of the same interests. Heck, the whole group has one thing in common; we're all crazy for training and running a marathon. Yeah, there are times I like running, just my itunes Slvr phone and me, but most of the time it's the people you run with that make this experience so enjoyable.
The ten miles was good, but the hills toward the end were hard. I was ready for it to be over by the time we got back to Fleet Feet. It's a nice route. I met Sally and Carol yesterday for four plus miles. I can tell the running is getting easier, but I have a ways to go. Hope everyone has a great run this Saturday. Remember, run your own race and don't over do.

Those that blog, jog

I made myself get out of the bed and go run with Sally, Carol, and Jody yesterday. The hardest part is getting out of bed and getting the running clothes on. I knew if I was going to get back on the wagon and stay on, this was the day I needed to go run. It felt great to be out there with them again. You see, before I started teaching and was part-time at the hospital, I met them religiously at 6am on Tues/Thurs. I have run very sporadically since January 22nd and my breathing let me know it. My body felt pretty good, but this was the first time I got really out of breath since probably two years ago. I plan on doing the ten miles tomorrow, but will do them really slowly. Now that my Saturdays look fairly free, I look forward to getting to know more of the group. Wish I could take Clark and Jana up on their message board offer of Macaroni Grill tonight, but I have a date with my son and his church youth group to go see Pirates tonight. I don't know whose more excited, me or Kurt. See everyone tomorrow at Fleet Feet.

School's Out for Summer!!!!!!!!! Yipeeeee!!!!!!!!

To quote Alice Cooper, "School's Out for Summer!" It's nice to be on a school schedule like the rest of my family. My last symphony concert is on the square in Canton tomorrow night. Then I will be free, free, free. Now I will have no excuse not too run and XT on a regular basis. It's been a very busy school year. With rehearsals and concerts at night, and teaching all day, it's been very difficult to make the time to workout.
My half-marathon at Disneyland is almost fourteen weeks away. My old college friend is on the waiting list for the five county area near Disney and will find out if she can get in June 1st. I kind of wish I was doing Chicago, but I think it will be good to do Disney World this year and maybe do Chicago again next year.
I'm meeting Sally and Carol tomorrow morning at 6am. That's about all I'll do is meet them, because they will be so far ahead of me, I won't see them until they pass me on their way back to Lakeshore Park. Part of me wants to sleep late, but I know it's time to get at it and start back training regularly. Hope to see eveyone this Saturday. I won't feel as much like a weekend warrior as I did last weekend. With some of you having bad days this week, that means Saturday's ten miler will be great

It's Friday. Yea!

I'm slowing climbing back in to the saddle. School is winding down, and so is my orchestra schedule. I tried to run on Wednesday afternoon when the rain was on its way. Got the running clothes on (that's half the battle) and started walking down the street to warm up. Well, it starts to rain as I'm making my way towards Spillway Rd. I thought it was the wall of rain that I saw on the weather radar between Jackson and Vicksburg before leaving the house; so I start back towards home not wanting to get drenched by the time I reach Campfire Circle. I get back to the house and the rain stops. It's only a spot shower and the wall of rain didn't hit until an hour later. I was so mad at myself.
It's hard for me to realize that I have 17 weeks till my half marathon in California, and a little over eight months until Disney World, so I guess shouldn't beat myself up too much. I did get out yesterday and do 3.2 miles. The weather was great. There was a lot of people out walking their dogs. The honeysuckle smelled wonderful. It was nice to get out and clear my head of school junk.
Two things I can't do without when I wog: I love my Garmin 201. It has everything I need except a heart monitor. I'm not that in to keeping up with my heart rate anyway. And I love my slvr phone with my tunes on it. It was great having a cell phone and mp3 player in one during the marathon last year. Well, it's late and I'm planning on finally running with the group tomorrow. See you all tomorrow.

Back in the Saddle Again

I'm back on the wagon after almost a month of no running. I haven't felt as much pressure to be on the schedule yet, since I'm not going to Chicago this year. My Disneyland Half marathon is a little over nineteen weeks away and Disney World is in January. Pulled up a half marathon training schedule on jeffgalloway.com and it starts on week seventeen. It's very different working five days a week while trying to train, compared to my part-time hospital job the last two years. You people doing this while working full-time, I salute you.
I made myself go out this afternoon. I did three miles at a 2 : 1.30 interval. Looked at my Garmin 201 and it listed my last run as March 19th. Yikes! Right after spring break my horn playing schedule got busy. Well, it's starting to wind down. The run was great: the music on my phone, the smell of honeysuckle, the fresh air, the birds and squirrels.
If you think you don't have it in you to do the training and the marathon, think about this: If you quit now, you'll always wonder what if. You can do this. The rewards go further than just completing the marathon. Personally, what kept me in, besides determination, was I didn't want to throw away the money I had already invested in this crazy undertaking.
Can't make it this Saturday. I got a call asking if I could sub for the regular third horn player in Meridian Symphony. Hey, a chance to play and make some money, too. Hope to see everyone next Saturday. Hang in there.

Is basketball game XTing????

I haven't done a thing all week......except, I did play a female faculty vs jr. high girls basketball game on Thursday. It was a fundraiser for Relay for Life. And hey, it gave the band kids someone to laugh at, and cheer for. I couldn't shoot the basketball worth a flip, but I sure could run up and down the court without getting winded. I am a little sore though. The teachers won with a last second three pointer. Yea! It was a lot of fun.
Wanted to go to the meeting today, but I took some students to a jr high band clinic at Pearl all day and also had to take my son to his Taekwondo class at 10:30. It kind of irked me because they didn't have the usual 10:30am TKD class and I probably could have made it to at least the run part of MM today. Oh well, I've got plenty of time before my next race......I think. I might decide to do another half marathon before September. I really wanted to go to the meeting and get to know some of you. It is so nice that everyone is blogging a lot. It really helps the closeness of the group. I had to play a orchestra concert tonight. It was really cool hearing the wind blowing around the outside of the auditorium during the concert. I hope everyone is having a good time training. Just remember: It's a slow, easy journey. But, oh what a fun journey it is!!!! Just keep puttin one foot in front of the other. Hang in there.

Argh!! Life keeps on getting in the way

Hello Fellow Marathoners,

I finally made it to a meeting last Saturday. Wow, what an awesome crowd. It was great to see so many people. What would be even more awesome is if everybody who intends to go to Chicago, goes to Chicago and finishes the marathon. Yes, it is possible. You can do this. For those of you that feel like you cater to everyone else except you, be selfish, do this for you.
Saturday's run was a lot of fun. I always enjoy running on the levee. It was nice to talk to a few new marathoners and some old ones. I've temporarily fallen off the wagon since Saturday. I feel like I won't really get cranked up with my training till school lets out in May. Between my symphony schedule, teaching band, and my family's activities; life is getting in the way of my training. It's so different from when I was a part-time lab tech and could run before work at 10am. I'm taking a few students to a junior high band clinic at Pearl all day Saturday. I'm going to try to break away during their rehearsal and come to the meeting. Keep on putting one foot in front of the other.

Lisa D.
Chicago Marathon x 2

Don't start out too fast

I did a 3.5 mile run/walk yesterday. Both Chicago Marathons, I ran at least half of them at a 2:1 interval. I'm trying to increase my run time and speed by doing a 3 min run and a 1.5 min walk interval. So far, so good. Although, I have to remind myself that my body did take three months off. Sometimes, I expect myself to be able to do all of what I could do on Oct. 22nd, but that's not possible. Did I say in the last blog that a run helps clear my head after a long day of teaching band? Well, I guess I just said it again. I feel so much better after running. Kids' schedules, my schedule, and my Mark's schedule sometimes get in the way of doing it every day. I just signed up for Disneyland Half-Marathon which is on Sept. 3rd. It's already reached 60% capacity. I've never been to California. Well, it's time to get ready for tomorrow's school day. Hope everyone's training is going well. Remember, take your time, it's a long. slow, but fun journey to the finish line in Chicago. You can do it!

Here we go, once again

Yes, this will be you at the Cheesecake Factory after finishing the marathon this year. Oops, I hope my Chicago Hilton roomies don't mind me posting this great photo. Tough! Y'all are the best!


(Let me first say, I'm not an English teacher, and my grammar is horrible.)


I wish I could make it to a meeting, but life keeps getting in the way. Blah! Last weekend, we had to go visit the in-laws in N. Miss. Today, I had a rehearsal for a concert tonight. About mile 14 of last year's marathon, I started to have a pain on the right side of my right knee; which I found out later was my IT band. It didn't stop me from walking and running the rest of the marathon, but I did take three months off. My first run was on the three month anniversary of the marathon. It was great to get back out there on the road. Since then, I've been averaging three times a week in the afternoons; two miles up Spillway Rd and two miles back to my house. If there is anyone that lives near Spillway Rd who can run in the afternoon, you're welcome to run/walk with me. I like my itunes, but it's always nice to have someone to run with and help keep you going. I have enjoyed running in the afternoon. It helps clear my head of the junk that happened at school that day. One thing you will find out: life will get in the way of your running schedule. Don't sweat it. Remember this is a marathon journey, not a short trip down the street. You miss a day, jump back in as soon as you can. Yep, everyone will think you're crazy, but it makes you more determined to train for, start, and finish the Chicago Marathon. They won't think you're crazy when you show them your medal.
I decided to do the Disneyland half marathon with an old college friend who I inspired to start running again after a twenty year layoff. She did her first half marathon last October. Yes, you will inspire other people to do what you're doing, and that will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling all over. I look forward to meeting everyone at the next meeting......I hope. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.