Monday, October 24, 2016

This past week has been a whirlwind! Jim & I ran his first comeback 5K, in Cleveland, last weekend. It started at the Cleveland Browns stadium & we finished on the 50 yard line, inside the stadium. I cried at the start. He cried at the end... then I cried some more before we left. A year ago we were making regular trips to Cleveland Clinic. Only a few months ago has Jim felt well enough to eat, walk, exercise & start running. At WHATEVER the pace, the event was monumental! Jim was no longer in town as a sick patient. He was in town as an athlete. We are planning another visit to Cleveland & discussed the Turkey Trot 5 miler. Jim has it in his head as his next goal distance. I am excited at this. We will run it together at his pace. If he runs, I am content to be with him. I view it as an investment in a running partner. As his miles increase- & I am confident that they will- I know he will be encouraging me on my tough days. I remember when I was unable to do what he is doing... but... if you stick with it, it "happens." I explained to him on our last run that I was reviewing some old videos-- where he jumped from a one mile goal to a two mile goal. Jumping from two miles to three miles was a big deal. The three miles to four miles "jump" was a cushion of endurance to run his first 5K. As he struggled with a 4 mile run, yesterday, I reminded him of how far he's come. I reminded him of those videos-- what it took to get there; &, now, he wouldn't settle for a 2 mile run. "Well, now, you said it. I can't stop at 2... I have to run 4." :) We chuckled. I look forward to running trails with him. I can't imagine perfection being much better than that... unless you add the girls running with us!!! There is hope for that as we set the example.

We are also taking Lucy out on runs, again. The weather is cooler and she enjoys it immensely.

My Mercy Health Glass City Marathon ambassador promotional week is finished. I VERY MUCH enjoy rallying people to running & races! There is a satisfaction promoting a lifestyle that has changed your life- physically, emotionally & socially. To finally see "growth" in my own family, too? That is beyond the moon excitement for me. I can't stop viewing this as the "cash cow" of investments! My own hubby, an organically grown runner from the same Speer soil as myself- the same work schedule, close to home, carpooling to train & race... sharing the same excitement & stories... Woooohoooo!!!

We have another local 5K, coming up, this weekend. I will run at Jim's pace. We will start & finish, together... then hopefully cheer some new runner friends across the finish line. He gets to pass "on" the torch, too! Life is good.

Sunday, October 23, 2016


The winners of week one for a free race registration to the Mercy Health Glass City full marathon, Owens Corning 1/2 marathon or Medical Mutual Glass City 5K are:


Brittany Combs &
Shannon Mandolesi

They will be notified via email.

PLEASE NOTE:
*The free registration does NOT apply to the Yark Subaru 5-Person Relay or the Findley Davies Kids' Marathon
*Winner will be announced & must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize.
*Winner will be notified via email with code for online registration.
*Expiration for code will be January 31, 2017.
*Winners were picked at random by Rafflecopter.
*Only one free registration per person will be honored.**
*If you do NOT win during week one, MORE chances will follow through other Glass City Marathon Ambassadors.

Week one is finished for your chance to win a free race registration of your choice during the Glass City Marathon weekend. 


You didn't win?!?!


There are more opportunities to win! 

Please visit the next ambassador's promotion to try again. 

October 24 -31 Brian Hackenburg 
Facebook: Brian Hackenburg


Today is your last day to enter week one of 9 weeks of raffles. Winner will receive a free race registration to a race of your choice on April 23, 2017:

-Mercy Health Glass City Marathon
-Owens Corning Half Marathon
-Medical Mutual Glass City 5K


You don't want to miss every opportunity open to you! Click on the link below to register for THREE WAYS to enter! Two winners will be announced, tomorrow morning.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 20, 2016

We are 1/2 way through week one of nine weeks of giveaways. Are you entered in the raffle to win a FREE race registration to a race of your choice? The registration is applicable to one of the following races only:

-Mercy Health Glass City Marathon
-Owens Corning Half Marathon
-Medical Mutual Glass City 5K

PLEASE NOTE:
*The free registration does NOT apply to the Yark Subaru 5-Person Relay or the Findley Davies Kids' Marathon

*Winner will be announced & must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize.
*Winner will be notified via email with code for online registration.
*Expiration for code will be January 31, 2017.
*Winners will be picked at random by Rafflecopter.
*You may enter as many times as you wish through the various raffles BUT only one free registration per person will be honored.Don't miss your chance to enter! A name will be drawn on Monday. You don't want to be missing your chance



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Are you watching the time? 


Free registrations to one of the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon races are being raffled, starting on October 17th.  Each Mercy Health Glass City Marathon Ambassador will be raffling off TWO free registrations.


The "fine print":
*The free registration does NOT apply to the Yark Subaru 5-Person Relay or the Findley Davies Kids' Marathon
*Winner will be announced & must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize.
*Winner will be notified via email with code for online registration.
*Expiration for code will be January 31, 2017.
*Winners will be picked at random by Rafflecopter.
*You may enter as many times as you wish through the various raffles BUT only one free registration per person will be honored.**
*If you do NOT win during week one, MORE chances will follow through other Glass City Marathon Ambassadors. Stay tuned.
*Week one giveaway begins October 17th.

Following is the giveaway schedule:

October 17 Sarah Speer 

October 24 Brian Hackenburg 
October 31 Andrea Born 

November 7 Krista Balwinski 

November 14 Lisa Willford 
November 21 Renee Small 

November 28 Dean Whitmire 

December 5 Jen Govender 

December 12 Amanda Schwartz



The time to start watching social media for your chance to win is now. Rafflecopter goes "live" on Monday. Links & promotions will be flooding, soon. May Rafflecopter choose in your favor. :)


Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Second swim lesson: UNBELIEVABLE!!! I was more nervous, today, than last week! "Why?" my teacher asked. "Because last week there were no expectations. Now, I feel like you need me to do everything I did, last week-- very well." (I had no time to drive to the pool & practice.) I had ONE 1/2 hour lesson & I learned more than I ever did at my last class (twice a week for months).

My teacher learned to swim AS an adult so she is respectful, patient & explanatory. She smiled & assuaged my fears. She helped fix my form more, again, today; &, GUESS WHO WAS SWIMMING LAPS?! No floaties, no boards, no fins-- all me!!! To some this may sound remedial. To adults that never learned to swim as kids (like myself), to talk about your inabilities is taboo. I hope, like running, me talking about starting at the basics will motivate others to "just consider trying".

Trying something that mentally terrifies you & succeeding is the best feeling in the world! Running taught me that "you're gonna' suck" at the beginning but there will be advancement- eventually. :)

There was a young life guard. Last week he shouted out: "You gotta get a breath in there!" I ignored him. I told her, "I knew I was close to the wall. I could make it." Today, as I did a 1/2 length of the pool, he yelled out, "I thought you said you couldn't swim!" (I think that was a compliment.) :) As I progressed farther he kept yelling "encouragement" across the pool. Finally, I did one full lap. "THERE IT IS!" he yelled.

TWO 1/2 hour lessons-- TWO! Teacher: "Guess what the expectations will be, next week?" :(  *yikes*

I'm not saying I'm a strong swimmer. I'm definitely not saying I'm a graceful swimmer. I still MUST "think" about my form. "Arms to center- hands: "fins" not "forks"- thumbs "down"- arch back- feet to water level- breathe ..." I am already more relaxed; but kudos to her for starting me in the shallower end of the pool. I wouldn't be as relaxed if I started in the deep end.

We talked about buoyancy. More cellulite, lack of bone density & relaxed muscles make you float. Now, of those three, I could control how much I relaxed. She noticed my "death grip" hand positions going into the water. She noticed the tense, shoulder rotations. My rapid "I don't want to drown" kicking, I imagine, she will address, soon. She corrected my glide. She "noticed", "suggested", demonstrated then directed. She is an amazing teacher! I can't wait to give it another try. I TRULY never thought this old mom could learn a new sport. I'm a happy girl.

"Just keep swimming..."






This raffle is for ONE of two free race registrations to one of the following races only:
-Mercy Health Glass City Marathon
-Owens Corning Half Marathon
-Medical Mutual Glass City 5K


PLEASE NOTE:
*The free registration does NOT apply to the Yark Subaru 5-Person Relay or the Findley Davies Kids' Marathon
*Winner will be announced & must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize.
*Winner will be notified via email with code for online registration.
*Expiration for code will be January 31, 2017.
*Winners will be picked at random by Rafflecopter.
*You may enter as many times as you wish through the various raffles BUT only one free registration per person will be honored.**
*If you do NOT win during week one, MORE chances will follow through other Glass City Marathon Ambassadors. Stay tuned.
*Week one giveaway begins October 17th.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY for one FREE race registration to a Mercy Health Glass City Marathon race


*May the odds be ever in your favor.

Monday, October 10, 2016


Soul searching this weekend: what are my goals for running? I do want to compete. I want to get faster & I want to go farther. Most runners do. Genetics dealt me a short hand & I have to be realistic about how far I can go. But the nature vs nurture debate tells me to keep on trying... to see how far I can go... so I will.

I'm a mom & a wife. Part of me wants to be content "being content" taking care of them. BUT-- this new "thing" is brewing inside of me. I'm seeing advancement- finally- in speed. The progress is much slower than other people... but for the first time... I'm reading consistently faster times. 

This past weekend, I didn't "push" myself as hard as I have in past races.  I woke up with Sciatica from my tailbone, down my left side, on race morning. I thought about not running but after some ibuprofen I thought I'd be okay. I could "feel it" (a stab) just left of my tail bone & into my glute. I ran in the "yellow-orange" zone... compared to my easy "green light" pace of training runs. I didn't PR. I didn't get hurt & I'm beating myself up for not pushing myself. I've run in the "orange-red" zone & PR'ed. Could I have pushed it? SHOULD I have? I ran a pace that I couldn't, last year. So, while I'm happy I'm improving, I'm getting hungry for results. I've had success; but, now I want more. It's getting to be a very strong desire. 

Every runner eventually learns about running legends: past & present. Steve Prefontaine is best known for this quote: 


All I can think about is how I didn't give my best, this weekend. I haven't been training at my best because I've been a solo runner. I'm ready to bump up training. I may have speed because I've cut back miles & am uninjured. I may have speed because I'm finally training my ducky feet to point "straighter". I won't know until I try to up my miles & add speed-work. 

Seeing Jim's success with running reminds me to be happy with my sport. I'm proud of how far I've come but I'm coming off a plateau & peaking, again. I wouldn't be happy not seeing how far I can peak. So, I speak plainly: I want to achieve new PR's. I'm ready to add new cross training. I've been trying to better my form. I think it's working... so now comes "making my best, better..." 

I'm looking forward to some new, personal, successes. 



Thursday, October 6, 2016

To promote good health, your

2017 Mercy Health Glass City Marathon Ambassadors

are each giving away TWO FREE RACE REGISTRATIONS! 

Directions will be following shortly. Below is the upcoming raffle order and list of dates. Promotion will be starting SOON! 


October 17 Sarah Speer 
Facebook: Sarah Speer

October 24 Brian Hackenburg 
Facebook: Brian Hackenburg

October 31 Andrea Born 
Facebook:Andrea Born


November 7 Krista Balwinski 

November 14 Lisa Willford 

November 21 Renee Small 
Facebook: Renee Small

November 28 Dean Whitmire 
Facebook:Dean Whitmire

December 5 Jen Govender 

December 12 Amanda Schwartz
Facebook:Amanda Schwartz

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Had my first swim lesson with my new teacher, today. What a night & day difference from my last experience! The last person I was in the pool with was more of a coach. She presumed I knew what I was doing & yelled when my form was bad. This new woman is more of a teacher. I explained my background & told her what I KNOW I'm doing wrong. In ONE SESSION she talked me through how to change what I was doing-- & it worked!!! I was going through the water with no fins, no floats, no board, no hand stabilizing units... nothing but me! I am over the moon excited!!! 

When the old instructor told me my legs were sinking & "get them up". I presumed I had to kick more. Today, the teacher told me to arch my back. Arch my back? That's it?! My legs instantly went to water line & everything else took care of itself. I was shocked!!!

She added arms, eventually. (We were just gliding, then kicking, at first.) I explained that my last coach told me I was "wind-milling". She took a kick board & pushed it down at a full arm's length away. Then she held it closer to her body, with bent arm, & pushed it under water. It was an illustration of the ease of moving water at the correct positioning. When your elbow is bent, directly in front of you & closer to your body, you propel easier. So simple! So easily explained! I was stunned! No one had ever explained how to hold my arms in the water. 

I asked about my hands, knowing I was told that my wrists were "breaking" upon entry into the water. She watched & explained that I was going in pinky first. I should be going in thumb first. In essence I was scooping water to myself- not propelling through the water. As she explained, I adjusted & was BEYOND ecstatic that my arms automatically made the "S" shape, that I had read about, as I "sliced" the water instead of scooping it. 

I am SO happy I took a chance. Many adults, like I was, are afraid to admit that they can't swim. People usually laugh when they find out. This is why I'm sharing this "happy ending" story. -This teacher was respectful- not demeaning. She was obviously instructive. I learned more in one lesson with her than I did with 3 complete sessions in another class. 

Start with the foundation & THEN you can build. I'm finally getting that foundation by learning proper swimming form, in a one-on-one setting, from a "specialist". Sometimes you just need to pay someone to teach you. Most of the time, family isn't the best match for patient teacher, either. 

As I happily tell the girls what I learned, they smirk. Jillian tried to interrupt, explain, etc. I ask her to please let me finish & use an illustration to help her understand that something that seems obvious to one person isn't so obvious to another, i.e. a deaf person. If a person, from birth, is deaf and suddenly regains his hearing, you can't fault them for not knowing the difference of sound between a motorcycle & a cat. It's "all new" & it's "sound" that they haven't processed what it correlates to... It's the same with swimming. Because they have know from an early age, to swim, doesn't mean everyone has the same advantage. I was insistent that the girls take swim lessons when they were very young-- because I didn't know how. It is evident that it worked. They are both good swimmers & can't comprehend not knowing "how".

As I've gotten older, I find myself thinking: "Why am I just making their lives better? I deserve to know how to swim (or learn an instrument), too!" I've enjoyed learning these new skills & I can not wait for my next lesson. I have to make more pool time to practice what I just learned! That triathlon doesn't seem so far fetched, anymore. 

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Today was a race for Sierrah Joughin. This race hit home on too many levels. I had to support it & be part of it. She was a local, young woman riding her bike on a country road... almost home... when she was purposely hit by a man on a motorcycle & knocked off of her bicycle. She was murdered & buried in a shallow grave in a cornfield. Her bike & other items were found where she was hit. There were signs of a struggle. I can't play the last few moments of her life in my mind without getting very upset. I imagine her fear & asking for help or mercy-- & I get emotional.  I wish I could have helped...
As a woman who runs solo, as a person who grew up in the country, as a neighbor, as a parent, as a fellow UT student... I HAD to be part of this. Jim came with me & we brought Lucy. The course was flat but extremely congested. I felt surprisingly good & ran by comfort level. I had a personally good race; but, as any runner knows, your best becomes a reason to work harder. I wasn't first, by any means; but my pace was an 8:06 average. A few years ago, I would have been super happy with this. Now, I'm looking to break 8 minute miles for a 5K. It's not out of reach. Am I happy with my performance, today? Yes and no... Without confirming all the official records, I believe this race may be equivalent to other current PR's. But records are meant to be broken... I'm ready to focus on speed now that cool weather is here.