The worst part of the whole run was definitely the summer heat. My 9-mile run was a very slow jog with some walk breaks to avoid getting drained by the summer heat.
Overall, I enjoyed my long run. I ran on the scenic rail-trails. For most of the run, I was thinking I love running. Running is therapeutic. Running relieves my stress. Running feels good.
During my run, I just held a water bottle in my hand and took plenty sips of water throughout the run. I wasn’t running that fast, so holding a bottle did not bother me.
I would say this run was a success. Hours later, I did not feel drained by the heat or queasy. Good long run
In the evening, my spouse and I went on a slow walk to the ocean. It was nice to loosen up the body.
#DisneyMarathon #DopeyChallenge 5k 10k 13.1 26.2 January 2022 Disney Races
Today, I ran the Becca Pizzi 5k. This was my first time running this race. The race took place in Belmont Massachusetts. Becca is an amazing runner, and the first American Woman to finish the World Marathon Challenge (7 marathons, in 7 days, on 7 continents). She averaged a 3-hour 55 time over the course of the event and beat all the female competitors. The money from this race goes to athletic seniors from her high school heading to colleges.
I arrived at Belmont High School half hour early to pick up my bib number and stretch. There were over 300 runners from all over Massachusetts there. The weather was very humid and hot. It was a difficult run, but I was able to complete all 3 muggy slow miles. There were lots of runners, including myself taking walking breaks throughout the race. To get through the race, I focused on enjoying the neighborhood scenery and cheering other runners on. Then I was done. Another 5k in the bank.
Despite the heat and humidity, it was a fun morning.
Today, I ran 7 miles. As, I mentioned in a previous blog post I am training for the Dopey Challenge. 3.1 miles + 6.2 miles + 13, .1 miles + 26.2 miles = 48.6 miles of pure Dopey-ness.
I was a bit nervous about this run because I have not run that far in a while. Plus, last week, my running stunk due to headaches. According to my training schedule, I was due to run 7 miles today. So, I had to suck it up.
Anyways, I’ve done lots of 5k runs since June that went well, but this training run, I needed to improve my endurance and run further.
I headed out around noon to Marblehead Rail Trails, turned on some music tunes and just ran. I actually enjoyed myself. And I accomplished, what I wanted to do. I had a good 7-mile run.
That evening, after my long run, I went out to dinner with my spouse. Very nice treat.
Pictures from Marblehead .
I am now on my way to a January 2022 Marathon finish line.
Saturday, I participated in the Miles for Migraines Boston 5k. The event was held at the Mystic River Reservation in Medford.
All funds raised benefited the Harvard/Brigham & Women’s Faulkner Hospital to support local migraine research.
It so happens that I have migraines. They are a challenge. I am taking prescription medicines to help prevent the onset of bad headaches. Medicine helps, but it is not perfect. Sometimes, a headache will breakthrough even with medications.
…..When I arrived, there were sponsors providing education booths about the newest drug developments, and the latest research on migraine prevention. It was very informative.
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Race time…The race went well, even though, it was too hot for my liking. When I needed more energy, I just slowed down and walked a bit. The event had a festive feel to it, because everyone was dressed in purple the color of migraine awareness and were shouting words of encouragement throughout the race. It was the push I needed.
After I finished, I picked up my shirt and shiny medal. I love bling! It was an excellent, organized event and I will definitely participate next year.
Last year, when things were tough, I was shocked how much my life style changed. I am so glad life is returning to normal. Being stuck inside, not being able to freely go places, made me realize never take anything for granted.
I am so blessed to be able to go outside and enjoy the world’s beauty with all my senses. I am glad to have my health, a great family + friends and a safe home. I am enjoying the summer and all the fun it brings us.
One of the things, I love doing in the summer is running both outdoors and indoors.
These past weeks, I have been focusing on gradually building up my running endurance. I have been running 3 miles three times a week. I also been strength training twice a week and I added a meditation style yoga (Surrender) to my training program
Later in the summer, I am planning to run the Cape Ann Yukanrun 5k. I also plan on running some local 5ks, as soon as they are scheduled.
In the fall, my plan is to participate in the Run to Remember 5 miler, and the Boston’s 10k for Women.
As winter approaches, my goal is to accomplish running the Disney Marathon again.
The last three pictures were taken at my nieces Abby Bat Mitzvah. It was a beautiful sunny warm day, with lots of good partying. It was a real pleasure celebrating with extended family again.
Happy 4th of July. Today I got up and ran a 5k on a treadmill. It is pouring here, so I went to the gym early this morning. It was a good start to my day. Next week, I hope to go outside on the running trails. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing around the house with my husband’s college buddy.
Early this week, I received some good news from Run Disney. They announced that all in-person Disney races are back. I am planning on running a few in the near future. I love Disney races. I love them, a lot. The races are filled with so much fanfare and excitement. Running through all the theme parks is just so magical.
Registration for the races will be will opening in a few short weeks!
This week of fitness…
Monday Barbell class
Wednesday Surrender yoga
Friday barbell class + 3-mile run
Saturday Zumba
Sunday 3 miles
Other news,
There are three baby birds nesting in a tree within eye shot from our family.
In the past two weeks, I have been given a front-row seat to the exciting cycle of birds. They are Robins. Today, I saw the baby birds (fledging) climbing on the edge of the nest and hopping to nearby branches. They are about to venture out.
The one thing I noticed was both the mother and father are caring for the babies. They are constantly bringing back worms to the nest.
However, I am very surprised that the adult birds never squeaked or squawked at me, when I got close to the nest. I was never dived bombed either.
Last week I took my first Zumba class I had a lot of fun, even though I have no rhythm, and danced like a stiff. My youngest daughter and husband joined me. I also took a barbell class last week.
I have 3 races that I have signed up for this fall.
Run to Remember
Run to Home Base
10k for Women
This past week was a bit hectic. We had a lot of projects happening around the home.
One job was preparing for my daughter’s college graduation party; it worked out well. Everyone had a great time.
. We also just wrapped up a big landscaping project in our back yard. Our yard was looking like a mud pit from the dogs, so we added astroturf to beautify our yard.
And finally, we had a new faucet put in the upstairs bathroom.
My Father’s Day morning started off with the Smuttynose Will Run for Beer 5k. This was my first time running this race. I enjoyed it. It was a flat, scenic and shaded course. The course travelled through rural woodsy quiet neighborhoods, so it was a very peaceful run.
It was nice to see so many runners there. I loved seeing everyone’s smiling faces again. Racing is back!
After the race, we all celebrated at the finish line with beer, food and live music.
The weather was absolutely perfect 70 degrees.
I am definitely going to run this race next year. The race management team did an excellent job.
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In addition to running, I have been participating in some Strength training classes at my local Gym. My favorites are Barbell and Total Strictly Strength Classes. Both classes work the major muscle groups. I believe Strength training has helped me develop more muscular power to improve my running efficiency.
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Besides Strength Classes, this week I was introduced to the “World of Yoga”.
Yes, Yoga is very Foreign to me….
I have never participated in any sort of yoga class before. Taking a Yoga class was out of my comfort zone. At my gym, there is a beginner Yoga class called Yin Surrender. The class is described as holding passive yoga poses for a period of time to strengthen flexibility and mobility while practicing self-acceptance. I enjoyed the class, but I obviously lack flexibility, balance and coordination. I am certainly starting at zero, but I and looking forward to perfecting the practice.
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Back to Father’s Day
After the Smutty Nose 5k, I headed back home to shower and relax.
That evening, I celebrate Father’s Day with my kids, son-in-law, granddaughter and spouse.
There were no specific plans that evening, just a quiet relaxed barbeque in our back yard. That is fine with me. We do not need a big day to celebrate my spouse and telling him how great he is 50 million times. Our family does a good job celebrating “Dad” on a daily basis and my husband knows he is well loved. He recognizes our affection daily, so on Father’s Day, I prefer to keep it low key. As the day comes to an end, and the sun sets, I think about how lucky my spouse and I are to be able to raise two respectful successful children in all aspects of life.
I also want to express appreciation and thanks to all the father-figures in our lives. The Dads, Grandpa’s, Uncles and Brother/ brother-in law who all make our lives more special. Happy Father’s Day.
Howdy, I am getting back to blogging more. I am so glad Covid is basically over. I love not wearing a mask.
Races are now starting to be live! Yeah!
This past month, I have been participating in many group classes at Life Time Fitness and doing a little bit of running to maintain my fitness level.
I am very pleased to report, my favorite races are coming back.
On September 25th, I will be participating in a race called Run to Home Base. This will be my second year running it.
On November 14th, I will be running the race Run to Remember. This will be my third year running it.
Both races, honor the service and sacrifice of our arm forces.
Here is what I have been up to with my fitness in the past month.
…Barbell classes
.. A Kettle Bell Kombine class…I hated it. Spouse dragged me to the class. I like working with dumbbells not a Kettle Bell!
…Strictly Strength Classes
…And a little bit of running …about five miles a week.
Besides fitness……………….
We are enjoying family fun times. Our family has celebrated our granddaughter first birthday, oldest daughter birthday, Mother’s Day, College Graduation, my 52nd birthday, 27th wedding anniversary and so much more fun stuff.
We also will be cleaning up our backyard in the next few days. As of now, it looks like a mud pit caused by our 4 wonderful ……4-legged big dog creatures. We also have some areas in our yard where our grass will not grow.
We are getting some Astro turf for our yard to clean it up. I am looking forward to a nice yard.
Spring is almost here and I couldn’t be happier. I have been running a lot more lately. I am very excited that LIVE (not virtual races) are making a comeback. I have scheduled some LIVE races this spring. I really MISS the comradery of running with my friends. My first live race will be the
that will be held Saturday March 20 in Durham NH. I can’t wait!
I am also going to do the Dopey Running Challenge again in 2022. The runs include: 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.3 miles), Half-Marathon (13.1 miles) and a Marathon (26.2 miles). I am also planning on participating in other Run Disney events. I really love Disney events because you don’t need to be a speedster to enjoy them. My strength is long distance running, speed not so much.
During the past cold winter weeks, I have participated in some home virtual charity 5k events to keep me motivated.
The Donate Life Run/Walk 5k
Run Disney 5k
Mad Moose 5k
Black Goose 5k
I am also keeping up with my weight training classes. In our class, we cover every major muscle group. We work the chest, back, biceps, triceps, legs, abdomen and shoulders. Strength training is not easy for me. My activity has mostly been running not weight lifting, so huffing up weights has been challenging. I often joke with my husband that I am a bit self-conscious in class because I lift the lightest of everyone in the class.
The worse is leg workouts especially lunges. Forget weights during lunges …I use my own body weight.
I still struggle with coordination and balance. Squats …oy vey .. hard .
Middle Age Slow Runner Robin's Running Stories 