You can take the girl out of the honky tonk...

I haven't posted in a while because my running has become pretty routine. Our running group meets every Tuesday and Thursday for a couple of laps through the park. We had been running at Bayshore, but there is no shade along the route and Florida runs need shade. There are 6 of us that run together so far. There are some other coworkers who would like to join us, but it doesn't work for their schedules yet.

I only ran one race last month, the St. Pete Beach 5k. It was the first of three. It was a tough run. I didn't know it was in the sand and I had never run in sand before. It was not very fun. I wish I had worn my Vibrams. The silver lining is that it was in a series so I could learn from that race and run better next time, and it worked.  I ran the second race this evening and had a great time.  I wore my Vibrams today and the sand was more firm so it was a much better race.  I took at least 3 minutes off from my first race, which I didn't accurately time.  The post race party was fun too.  I got free beer, 2 gift certificates for RoadId, a new singlet, and a drop off bag.  I said on Daily Mile that I would giveaway my other RoadId gift certificate, but I'm giving it too my RBK because she is awesome. 

My RBK thinks she developed tendinitis in her ankle from running in the sand during the first 5k. And another running club member has an injured back.  Everyone send healing vibes their way.

Heal quickly you two!!

I did get out of my running routine last week when I went back North to visit my mommy and our family.  It was HOT!!  100 degrees hot.  But I was still able to get in some early morning runs.  It made me so home sick to be out there running the hills, in the fresh air, passing farms and fields.  Instead of bus exhaust I smelled dairy farm.  I spent alot of summers growing up on a dairy farm so those smells take me back to a great place.  The first day I didn't see a single car, but I did get passed by a tractor.  I also found an awesome piece of old barn board that I am going to use as my race medal display.  Here are some pictures from my country bumpkin runs.

And just because Max is cute and fluffy.

iPhones and puppies.

I mentioned in my last post that I registered for the St. Pete Beach 5k series. I am starting to have buyers remorse. I have an unofficial goal of running some type of race each month. The series will help me fulfill that goal but 7pm in Florida is wickedly hot. Instead of running in this crazy heat I usually do the smart thing and avoid it by running in he morning or on the treadmill. So, I need some help from the bloggy world. How do you manage a hot run?

In nonrunning news, I am writing this post from my new iPhone. I feel like one of the cool kids, even though I'm a few years late. I am still learning all the cool things it does. So, I'm asking for iPhone tips too. Especially picture or blogging advice.

Come run with us.

After finishing the Stillwater Half Marathon, I've been able to reevaluate my running.  I'm going to spend the summer training to better my 5k time.  I've already registered for the St. Pete Beach 5k Series.  They are evening races along the beach.  I like running shorter distances in the summer when it is crazy hot.  I don't want to be out in the Florida sun any longer than necessary.  By registering for these races, I was able to join St. Pete Road Runners.  I think they will be able to help me explore new routes around my neighborhood.

As a way of making the short runs more fun and to keep me from bailing on my runs, I've started a running group at work.  RBK and I have already been running alot together and we have a few running coworkers who I thought would come run with us.  It would be a great way to help us fit our runs in.  A night shifter's schedule is not a flexible sometimes.  All we want to do after a 12 hour shift is hit the hay and to wait and run before work means running in 90+ degree weather.  No thank you, I am not that hard core. 

The first morning M. and I ran 2.5 miles.  I proved to myself that first day how important this was going to be for me.  If I hadn't made the commitment to this "group" I would have ditched.  Of course 1 minute into the run I was energized.  That is such a great feeling and one of my favorite parts of running. 

RBK was able to come to the second meet up and we ran 4.35 miles along Bayshore.  RBK runs at a faster pace, so it was helpful to have M. there because we run a very similar pace.  We finished this run with a great breakfast at Daily Eats.  Man, I love that place.

Today was the third meet up and 5 people came to run.  RBK had a speedy running partner and I ran with 2 others.  We ran at the park with the 1.25 mile loop and did 2 laps.  It is very close to work and has some shaded parts to help keep cool and bathrooms.  I've invited walkers to join us too.  I like this park because people can run or walk as many laps as they want as fast or slow as they want, but still feel like part of the group.   I'm excited for more and more people to come so that everyone can at least partner up and have a good run.

Someone recently FB messaged me and asked me about what motivates me to keep running.  It definitely isn't my talent, the ease at which a run, or that I feel I was born to do this.  It is getting messages asking me about running or having someone tell me I inspired her to register for a half marathon.  That is what keeps me going, being part of this running community. 

Are you part of a running club?

What keeps you running?

Half Fanatic #1124

Sorry this is so late, work took over my life for a little while there, but I have a sweet stretch off this weekend.

Ok, maybe it wasn't the greatest race I've run.  It was very painful, I was very slow.  I had to take a bunch of walk breaks.  But it was still a good race. 

We didn't sleep very good the night before and we were up and anxious to go at 5:30.

Ready to Run!

Uh, popping a squat before the race? 

RBK's dad was a great supporter.  He dropped us of near the starting line at about 6:30.  The race started at 7:00, so that was enough time to hit the honey buckets, take some pictures, stretch out a little, and walk to the start line.  Much better than parking far away and taking the shuttle bus to the start line.

I'm glad we didn't have to start at the bottom of that first hill.  There were a lot of hills to come later, no reason to start off that way.  RBK's dad and his girlfriend were waiting at about the 4th mile.  My first goal was just to make it all the way to them without a break.  I knew I was not prepared for this race, so I tried to stay smart.  Taking it easy and taking breaks before I was too exhausted. 

It took a while for my legs to get loosened up and to get my mind right.  Once I got in my zone, I became a little optimistic for second.  Once the hills started, I wasn't as optimistic, this was going to be hard.  I tried to stay focused and before I knew it I saw Papa Clyde cheering us on.  We stopped for a picture.

 We popped our tunes in our ears and we were off.  The course was very beautiful, well, Minnesota is very beautiful.  I tried to stay distracted from how hard this course was by enjoying the town and my music, but it wasn't easy.  RBK wanted to us to do the race together but she is so much faster than me it was hard for her to hold back.  She would run with me, run faster and get ahead of me, then turn around and come back and meet me again.  I started shooting eye daggers at her.  I hated holding her back but she wanted us to stay together and I just couldn't keep up. 

After about the 7th mile I thought the hills were finished.  Nope.  They were shorter hills, but they were still there.  My ankles started popping and I instantly changed my form.  Bad runner.  I couldn't push off with my left foot, I had to keep it completely parallel to prevent it from popping more.  I continued to take walk breaks and RBK kept running her circles around me.  I went to a very bad place.  I felt terrible about myself and my body.  But I made a vow with myself to never run a race so unprepared.  RBK yelled at me for being so negative but it didn't quite pull me out of my funk.

Thank goodness for Coheed and Cambria.  I got a second wind and I relaxed my form as much as I could.  I really felt like I got into a groove.  My pace didn't really get better and I was still taking walk breaks, but my shoulder were relaxed and I came out of my fog.  Just in time for photographer.

After mile 10, RBK was a good bit ahead of me.  I stopped to slip on my ankle brace.  Kristina didn't come back.  I ran/walked and focused on making it to Papa Clyde again, who was waiting at mile 12.  We had driven the course the day before and I knew that right before where he would be waiting was a long downhill.  I couldn't wait to reach it. 

Mile 12.

Thank goodness, only a mile to go.  I walked a good bit of that last mile so I would have the umph to finish the race running.  Before I knew it Stillwater came into view and I saw the finish line.  I wish I could say I finished "strong" but I'm happy enough just saying that I finished.  Uff da!!  I was so glad to be done.

Not long after I finished the first marathoner crossed the line.  I'm glad I beat that guy, just for my ego.  My goal for this race was just to finish with a better time than my first half marathon, and I did just that.  Finishing this race meant even more than usual because it qualified me for HALF FANATICS!!!!!!!  #1124 Right here baby!  That was my third half in 90 days.

After the race, RBK treated me to an awesome surprise.  My very first facial.  Wow, I had no idea what I had been missing.  I will definitely be doing that again.  I've also never had a pedicure, that's next.

We went to dinner with RBK's dad and his girlfriend and we took up the offer for free beers.  I will never turn down a free beer. 

As hard as the race was and as bad as I feel I did, I had a great time.  Minnesota is a beautiful state and Stillwater is just like a postcard.  I would love to live there, if it wasn't for those crazy winters.  I said I would summer in Minnesota and winter in Florida. 

May in Photos.

This weekend I will be running my fourth half marathon.  It will be the second state I can cross of my list.  I'm going to Stillwater, Minnesota to run the Stillwater Half Marathon with my RBK.  Although I don't feel adequately prepared, I am super stoked to be working on my 50 states marathon.  I can't wait!

Confession:  I haven't been running very much.  I've done a few runs this month, but not enough real training for a half marathon.  I really don't know where my motivation has gone.  I've been reading running books, blogs, magazines, and websites and itching to run, but when I actually have time to go, I am exhausted.  I have been working alot lately, but that is no excuse. 

Instead of running, I've been going to beer festivals.

Eating sushi.

Playing with high school friends and their babies. 

And getting gifts from my RBK.

Yesterday was also my 4th wedding anniversary.  I am so blessed to have spent this time with Smooth.  He is such and amazing guy and he got me the greatest anniversary gift.  He bought be a frickin awesome new running outfit.  I can't wait to show you guys.

There is more I want to share with you guys, but it is my first day off in a while and I don't want to spend all day on the computer.  I just wanted to let you know that I am still here.

How to you stay motivated?

Run.

I buy all the state of the line equipment, the latest greatest shoes, a dri-fit shirt in every color, spandex pants that make me feel fast and don't give me chub rub.  I download running apps to log and track every step I take.  I have a fancy headband, a handy shuffle, an awesome gym bag.  I have a  fanny pack, inhaler hider, totally hip, SpiBelt, I drink and eat chia seeds like they are magic pellets. 

But my closet is still not getting any fitter. 

Nothing can make me harder, better, faster, stronger except me.  My body, my heart, and my mind.

Wednesday and Thursday morning I went running.  It was hard, I was slow, but I ran. 

Wednesday morning RBK and I went to Bayshore to do the usual 4 miler followed by breakfast.  It was the first time I ran since the half marathon and it had been 2 weeks before that since my horrible scrub run.  Yeah, I ran in my scrubs.  WTF?!  Anyways, I was a little anxious to see how my ankles would feel during the run.  I wore my Sauconys to help avoid any extra stress on my tendons.  It felt really good.  I tried not to focus on them, instead just recognizing that they were "uncomfortable" then focusing on my breathing.  It was a beautiful day along the water and there was just enough breeze to keep us cool.  I was pretty proud of myself, I must say.  Oh, and a big high five to Dr. Wheeze.  I didn't even think about using my inhaler. 

After the run and our Daily Eats breakfast, I came home and promptly soaked my feet and ankles in a cooler full of ice water.  It seemed to relieve the uncomfortable feeling quickly.  It felt good and according to Patchouli, it tasted pretty good too.  Silly dog.

Thursday morning after work we headed to a different park to change up the routine.  It is a nice park with a 1.25 mile loop.  We didn't have much time, so we did 2 laps and called it a day.  2.5>0  It was fun checking out the park during the run, going out on bridges and playing on the playground equipment.  We will definitely be going there again.

Cool fishing deck.

I love playgrounds!

Climbing the wall.

Starting Over.

It's ok, I'm still here.  Sorry I haven't been posting.  This is a "running" blog, not an "I can't stop eating long enough to get my running shorts on" blog.  I guess I am not handling the bad ankles very well. 

Do it, do it now.

That's all going to change at 7:30 tomorrow morning.  RBK and I are going running after work 3 days this week.  Man, I really need her motivation to get me started back up.  The half marathon in Minnesota is coming up quickly, less than 5 weeks.  In the past 4 weeks, I've only run the Iron Girl half marathon.  No me gusta.  I've refreshed my running schedule and I am putting my game face on.

No more.

We are going on Bayshore in the morning, but I am going to suggest a couple other places to run for Thursday and Friday morning.  I am looking for some hills to get us ready for Minnesota.  I guess I just need to run the Iron Girl course a few more times.

So look for more blog posts this week.  And if I am not posting, I am not running, so yell at me and help me keep my butt going and my fridge closed.

I need more of this.

This weekend is the St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg.  I am volunteering Friday, Saturday, and Sunday-race day.  I've never seen a triathlon so I have no idea if it is something I would be interested in doing. 

This Saturday is the March of Dimes walk on Bayshore in Tampa.  You can support the March of Dimes by visiting my page here.

...all images, except the picture of me, are from google...