Jim did his first Turkey Trot, this Thursday. It was a 5 mile race in Cleveland with +13,000 runners! It was my second Turkey Trot. I had done this same race the year before. Last year, I had gone solo, however. I kept my head down & didn't talk to anyone. THIS year, I wasn't alone. I also "dressed up" as Pocahontas! While some found this concept objectionable, I did it anyways. Even Jim dressed up! I found him an Indian/costume shirt that he wore over his running clothes. It was a fun way to talk to people. 

While the pace was slower this year, I knew it was a "start" to a tradition. As Jim crunched his numbers & his placement in his age group, he said, "I could have done better." -This may eventually be true... but let's look at where he was just a few short weeks ago. He JUST hit the 5 mile mark... He has improved his pace for those 5 miles... Cleveland isn't FLAT like Toledo... We had to DODGE thousands of walkers, dogs, strollers, more walkers, people stopping for water, more walkers, etc. 

Jim is figuring out the logistics of racing. I had him run far left, not mid-pack. As we were moving through a water station, I motioned that we needed to move to the center of the road- especially if we were not participating--> move to the middle of the road or someone will STOP directly in front of you. Jim: "I'm learning." :)

I stopped for many pictures. I wanted Jim to remember this milestone/this race. He was so focused on the distance & inclines he didn't look around much. I felt like a new mom taking pictures of her baby's first steps. I took pictures of Jim crossing the bridge, in front of the Cleveland Indian's Progressive Field, in front of Cleveland landmarks & of course, at the finish with his medal. When we finished, I unwrapped my medal & put it around his neck. He got very emotional, "I couldn't have done it without you." Me: "Yes you could." Jim: "You're right but I wouldn't have..." Me: "THAT is true."

"SARAH!" Out of 13,000 runners, I heard my name & saw a familiar face! WHAT are the chances?! Apparently, better than I thought! I saw a fellow INKnBURN ambassador on the race course! :)

We saw many costumed runners. Most were not in costumes but a fair amount made for a festive time.

My prediction for Jim (& what I told him about his age group "placement"): I reminded him of the above facts. He agreed. "I KNOW, next year you are going to CRUSH this time. I have NO DOUBT. You just started this mileage & you have plans to greatly increase your mileage. Next year is going to be complete obliteration of this time... but you've set the bar & will easily exceed it, next year." --I TRULY believe this. Healthy enough for "participation" was the goal, this year. PR will be the easy goal, next year.  Fun run? It was supposed to be. It was... but it's also part of a bigger plan.

I was able to do another 5 miler, the next day, at a quicker pace. I am grateful for a sport to share or keep to myself. I look forward to Jim gaining confidence, speed, miles, race medals & his own stories... Eventually, we will have our own races. I expect this. For now, it's hard not to "have my own race." In the long run, I know I'm gaining a running partner & he'll speed up or figure out it's okay to run our own pace/race & meet at the finish line. For now, sharing the experience & watching his progress gives me confidence in the human body's abilities. I see my progress... watching his fast gains has been inspirational.

Bring on the 1/2 marathon. :)

I was shooting for 15 miles, today. I was cutting it close- time wise- to get home & get Hannah to college. I got 13 miles then flew like a bat out of Hades to get home, cleaned up & back out the door. As I was running, I felt good. I ran all 13 & it crossed my mind that I never thought I'd be able to do this. My last 13 milers have been consistent running- no walking. This run was "effortless". Effortless?!?! When did I EVER think I would use that adjective to describe a 1/2 marathon!??! I have battled bizarre one of a kind injuries & poor biomechanics. I've gone from complete ignorance in every aspect of gear, weather, pace, shoes, tech, running groups, nutrition & local trails... to, now, having experience as well as a plethora of information at my disposal. --I easily could have hit my 15 miles if it wasn't for the time constraint. So, 15 is this week's run. I'm not concerned about pace, right now. Endurance will translate into speed, eventually. I'm remembering form as I go along. It feels good to be cognizant of how everything's working "together". It makes you appreciative. I ran solo, today; but my mind was with Jim & the girls, Lucy, our past year & how our girls are becoming good people. I had my Tailwind nutrition, Orange Mud hydraquiver, Garmin, Rock My Run music, lightweight Newton shoes, INKnBURN Steampunk tights, my mace & a straight "frame". I reflected on chiropractor appointments & my one appointment with my last physical therapist. Her counsel was kind & to the point. It was uncomfortable implementing her directions at the beginning. My whole body hurt as I was making it move extremely differently than what it has been accustomed to for the past 47 years! BUT-- what GAINS I've made since then! I reflected on how I "found" each piece of my puzzle-- through trial & error. Now, they are all part of my routine. I finally have a personal combination that works for me.

I reflect that I am seven years ahead of Jim on this running journey... & how I can help him avoid many of the pitfalls I've hit in the past. He is already a seasoned athlete & past where I was on his running timeline compared to my own. I look forward to sharing information I've acquired & look forward to having company!

On our last 5 miler, together, Jim stated he wanted to run the East coast, the West coast, Canada & down South. I told him about some of my bucket races. " 'My' bucket races"... they were foreign to my family. It feels really GREAT to share these goals with my new running friend. We may never get to these places but it's cool talking about it. 💕

Jim & I have always been a team; but, it has moved to a true friendship, now. We have time to reconnect while running in a way we never have in the past. It's an amazing feeling sharing your vulnerabilities & strengths with someone during a run.

I'm looking forward to sharing some running memories with him as well as goals. 💕

Seven years of trial & error... seven years without a regular running partner... "Girl! It's about time!"

It was a cold morning. While I KNEW it would be cold, & I KNEW it would make it easier for Lucy to run, it was still bone chilling for me. I knew I wouldn't mind once the race got started... once I started running & the woods would block some of the wind. UNTIL the start, I trotted with Lucy hoping she would "movement" before the race start-- nope. Why go "before" a race when you can go "during" the race --4 times? Yes, we pee'd & poo'ed along the course a few times. We helped a friend that fell & it took us a mile & 1/2 to settle down & get into a rhythm. There were a lot of things to smell & lots of new faces to see. It took 1/2 of the race to calm down & "just run". 

Today was a prediction run. You predicted how long it would take you to run a 5K & then, without a watch, the closest predicted times won a large frozen turkey. Lucy & I were WAY off, 1 1/2 minutes off. Some people were seconds off their time. I was okay with not winning a turkey. The charity was Planned Pethood & what we used each time we rescued an animal & had it neutered. Lucy is the prime example of rescue animal, adopt, spayed all through community programs. Today was also just a run through the park with her. She doesn't know of the larger picture. 

At the finish, we waited near a fire to stay warm. The hosting family had donuts for the humans & dog treats for the dogs. I gave Lucy a treat & she immediately pushed it out of her mouth. As a fellow Toledo Roadrunner finished, he came to say hello & pet Lucy. She is normally reclusive but darted over to see him. The weight of Lucy quickly lurches me to different directions. I DROPPED my donut, much to Lucy's delight, & she chomped it up (covered in rich fiber dried leaves, dirt & small twigs)! I blamed George & we all chuckled. I think they were "in" on it, together. ;) 

We didn't win a turkey but putting that medal around Lucy's neck was a big deal for me. She has logged many miles with me over the years. It isn't an expensive Olympian medal but it proves she is capable. We came in 8th overall. I think she was the second dog to cross the finish line. We didn't have our fastest pace; but, it was good to be out there with her. Considering we stopped a total of FIVE TIMES & slowed to sniff (but I told her no), we finished in 30:28. (??? I THINK that's what the man behind me called out ???) I predicted 29 minutes. We saw friends & Lucy got some socializing. 

A good time by all...

Being a mom is tough, today. I got into a "discussion" about homeschooling, this week. While at one time we considered it as a viable avenue, I am glad we "didn't". For a person to think they are the best  teacher- 100% of the time- is completely unrealistic. I am not just talking social interaction, either. What happens if something happens to the parent? The child has been in a controlled environment & will have a shock at some point in their life. As I tried to reason, a woman says, "Homeschooling is the best!" --End of conversation-- It is the very thing I don't want our girls to be, unreasonable. Our girls have been in public school. I have spent many hours at their school as a presence. The girls grew up knowing they could go to the nurse & call me if their teacher ever made them feel uncomfortable. There is a fine line between being respectful of authority & allowing them to be abusive. The girls knew a teacher's authority was relative not absolute. We attempted to build up our school district by working in & with the school as often as possible. Our girls know what a good place home is. They appreciate this safe place & while they would rather not be in the cattle barn of school, it has helped them appreciate College Credit Plus & an early dismissal with college credit. Working with public school has not been easy but the girls have a good sense of schedule & what battles to pick up & which to leave alone. I don't think homeschooling teaches this.

Now, however, the girls look to further education. They trust me & I feel overwhelmed guiding them,  today. Scholarship applications are overwhelming. I expect the girls to work.  They will & they will earn their grade. I can say I did not slant any grade toward their advantage in a homeschool setting. I have seen this. Our girls can show their work & not "boast" being the top GPA of their class of homeschooled one. It sounds mean. I'm not trying to be mean. I think kids need empathy but realistic views of the world. A parents' job is to protect their kids from harm... if it's there... but a parent needs to prepare their kid for the world. Sheltering your kid doesn't help them survive. Thriving is possible in harsh conditions if a parent is present to guide.

Today, though, this parent is fried. I'm laying in bed, brain dead... but then I listen to the girls talking about Pokémon & laughing. They interact well with each other & us. They are good people. We're all doing our best. I know homeschooled parents think they are doing good deeds. I just don't view it as long lastingly beneficial.  I am fried this Friday- dealing with school & college schedules of two girls that don't drive. I will miss this,someday... but not today.

No school this next week is a welcome break for all of us! Momma's gonna sleep!

I had a great swim lesson, today! It was the first lesson "back" after a few weeks. -I finally have enough upper body mobility to swim. I fell trail running about three weeks ago. I bruised ribs & hurt cartilage & soft tissue when my phone jammed into my rib cage. Life was limited for a few weeks; but, I'm coming back to my old schedule.

I get embarrassed that I'm an old lady learning to swim. I DO share this information, though; because I find relief in not keeping it a "secret" that I suck at swimming. -The life guards, where I take lessons, are young enough to be my children! It's hard to swallow your pride & be vulnerable. My teacher, however, is older than me. She is kind, respectful & supportive. She doesn't expect me to just "know it". I know I'm over analyzing "everything" but I'm being asked to remember many new body alignments- back, knees, ankles, hips, wrists, arms, shoulders, etc-- all at ONCE! :( Today, however, as I figured out my "cupped hands" & KEPT them cupped... my FEET followed!!! It was the strongest I've felt in the water, EVER! -The only thing I can equate it to is running & pumping your arms-- your feet follow your arm speed. I had been frantically kicking to keep from sinking. As I figured my hand & arm entry, I slowed my kick. My arms were HELPING, now! It was an INCREDIBLE feeling pulling myself through the water! --I SOOOO want to get back into the pool, tomorrow. I may head to the water to get more time. Swimming is the missing link in my triathlete endeavors. I don't expect to be a great swimmer, biker or runner... but the challenge to learn is more of a draw than anything. I was never allowed to participate in sports growing up-- so I have a STEEP learning curve. Learning new things related to what I'm participating in, now, is pretty empowering. If you can get past the thought of being embarrassed, the feeling of breaking past your own self-imposed limitations is extremely liberating! 

It makes me want to start cello lessons, again! I LOVE my cello!!! I want to go to the gun range & shoot my pistol & rifle. I LOVE shooting! I want to do a stained glass project!!! I LOVE glass! -BUT triathlon, first-- what a "smack" to where I came from. Not trying to be disrespectful... but a definite defiance of my "can't you just sit quietly & do what you're told" background. 

My MIND struggles with "you don't NEED this"... to "what's wrong with learning this?" I fight guilt- but when I meet a training goal, or learn a new skill, I am STOKED!!! I fight guilt, again, the next day... but I keep DOING IT! :) I'm JUST as worth the time investment as providing "the opportunity" for our daughters. I deserve a chance, too. I know this... but I don't feel I deserve it. The battle is real. Training is a lesson in self respect for me. So... I fight nature... & then I nurture... Tomorrow, I swim... or run... or bike... or pull out my cello... or get the new pattern started for a new stained glass idea... or head to the gun range...

I almost skipped participating in Churchill's because of fear of performance. I knew if I didn't participate I'd REGRET it. Afterwards: I always feel like I should have pushed harder to get a better time. "I know I had a bit more." I did; but, today was about seeing where I was "at". Training needs to get a bit more serious, now; but, overall, I'm not feeling too bad for "a training run."


Race recap: I've been logging miles with Jim, then I've finished running while he rides his bike. My miles have been choppy & at multiple paces. I didn't know WHAT I could do, today. The unknown made me cruise "comfortably." I've never run this particular race. I've always volunteered. This past year had choppy training & many missed races; so I figured I'd see where I was "at"- by myself, while Jim was at work. I knew the course was "hilly". I played it conservatively "just in case". All in all, I felt ok. I felt some twinges here & there during the elapsed time but nothing that made me need to stop. 

Pre race: I saw fellow ambassadors, some moms from a mom's running group & Bonnie Kimpling-Kelly. We all had the same plan: no definite time goal, just finish & see.

At the start line, I got my jacket zipper stuck! I fumbled but it was high near my neck & I couldn't "see" it. I knew I was going to unzip as I warmed up. I NEEDED to get that zipper fixed before the start! I felt foolish but saw familiar faces that helped. Irina Ashton, Martha Shearman, Dawn Dupler Whitakerchuckled & helped a sad runner out. 

Runners on the course: I saw a woman running bare foot. I got passed by a woman pushing her baby in a jogging stroller. I played leap frog with a few ladies during the last 3 miles. I passed jogging stroller mom on the inclines & gave her a "Good job". I saw a woman vomiting at the top of a LONG hill. I sent help her way but couldn't watch as she "repeated." 

I saw supportive people on the course: some strangers, some familiar- Rachel Hsu Foreman & Traci Lynne Branch gave big smiles & a high-5 each. It made me SO happy & gave me a recharge right before those hills. I'm sure that's why I passed jogger mom. :)

At the end, I saw smiling  Joan Mathews, Aaron Z. Haydu, Tom Silva, Dianna Ashton, Jessica Knapp & others. I talked with some TRRC people to see if they could correct my name on the list. I was listed as "Sarah Speck". 😆 I'm not THAT short! 😁 -I saw a woman crying. I thought it was her first 1/2 & she was overcome with good feelings. "Mary" shared that her father-in-law had just died that morning. I hugged her. All of this past year's feelings of needing to cry came flooding back. I told her she needed to let her family know she finished & that this race was dedicated to him. We talked about his illness & him passing at home. I let her know "home" is a good place & the only place to be when you're sick. I explained Jim's desire to be home even though he shouldn't have been. Her father-in-law had people around him that cared & a quiet place he could rest- outside of the hospital. I also suggested we get some food. After 13 miles & crying, food would help! 

This race was a "check" of where I am. I wasn't first. I wasn't last. I'm happy I participated & eager to improve. It was a good event. I came solo; but I definitely wasn't alone.

(Photo by Dawn after she fixed my jacket zipper & POPPED me in the chin!) ;) 

My first day back at the gym! I tried a push up, last night to see if I had any strength- or discomfort.  I would gauge it to see if I could try swimming, today. I felt a "rip" across my right pectoral. I stopped. It shocked me but it wasn't "terribly" painful. I tried, again. I got four. They were full push ups- not knee push ups... but they were slow... & only four! It was NOT comfortable & a test to decided to try the gym- swimming or weights. I did a light workout. One station of a lot of different things. Then, I saw my old swim coach! I was embarrassed. She didn't say hello. Should I? It was like seeing an old boyfriend. Do you say: "Hello- I'm in a new relationship"? Do you have to say anything at all? I approached her & said hello. She definitely remembered me. I explained I was taking swim lessons, again. I told her I needed to "back up to basics a bit farther. You told me I was 'wind milling'." I explained some corrected techniques I've learned & how I'm having success with kick & arm entry. "Well, we'll see you back when you're ready." I was thinking: "I'll stay where I'm at..." -I just nodded & wished her a good workout. -I worked out a bit more-- floundered at what came easily a few weeks ago. I still can't do chest or back exercises. Any arm exercises are still surprisingly difficult. The doctor said he will "go to town on that rib" at my next visit. I thought he did, already! He did not. It would explain a lot. 😕 All in all, things are getting back to normal in many ways. This is just a hiccup that is not uncommon in my clumsy life. 😁

Jim is most definitely "out of the woods". Life is different but settling back to a "normal" routine. For the first time in a LONG time, I am planning races a year in advance, again. I'm dreaming of marathons in other states & thinking it "may be possible." Life isn't just about running-- but it's given me a strength I never knew I had. It has given me soul searching moments, peace & enough stubbornness to think outside the box to figure out how to tackle insurmountable obstacles. I've been elevated & humbled by Running. My journey isn't anything that many haven't already experienced... It is a unique experience to me, however. Running helps any honest person understand their limits... right before they declare goals just beyond those limits. 😁 I am no elite but... sometimes... it sure feels like I can reach the clouds. 💕

Hero Hustle race, today: a race to raise money & awareness for organ & tissue donation. The past 2 years I have placed in my age group--BUT-- I came alone. This year, I ran it with Jim & Lucy. They rerouted the course & included the hill/overpass to Fallen Timbers monument. Jim struggled on the incline. Lucy was good-- for a dog... but she's still the unknown variable during every run.

Part of me wanted to race, as I've done the past 2 years, at this event. I wanted to compare this year's training to previous years... but I've left Jim ONCE during a fun run & it didn't sit well in our relationship. I'm sure Jim will eventually get faster than me. If I'm not here from the beginning of his journey I'll regret it, later. So I stayed with him, today. It was frustrating for him. I slowed as much as I could & would head to the side until he caught up. He's had better races... but he also worked from from 5PM to 1AM then came home, tried to sleep & was up at 7-ish for the race. -This is all investment time & investment mileage. I know my running partner will help me when I'm struggling a year from now. 💕 In reflection, I realize I wasn't nervous about, today. Being with someone, even in a costume, with no inhaler-- I wasn't nervous. It truly was a "cause" & fun run (for me, anyways).

Tomorrow is my long run. Jim will run some miles with me & bike the rest. I welcome the company. It's been a bit lonely at times. If slowing down & having company is the deal-- I'm in it for the long run. 💕

It's been almost 2 weeks since I fell trail running. I can get into bed without screaming, now. Yes, I was literally crying out in pain when I had to lay down, move in bed or get up. Coughing or sneezing were horribly painful... & even breathing was uncomfortable.

This week I tried weight lifting, again. I knew I wouldn't be able to do any chest or back exercises. I figured I would work arms & legs. I started with light bicep work & was dumbfounded that my chest was hurting during these exercises-- even at the light weight! I didn't realize how much you used your core even for bicep and arm work. I tried tricep pulley work. The same strain was felt at the right side of my torso. I think I made matters worse because I am sore, again, just standing.

I told Jim & he joked, "Did you say 'boom' when you went boom?" I laughed then whined. "Too soon?" he asked. I explained that when I fell, I just turned to my side... "Then took a picture," Jim added, "Like Justin Beiber" (in the Ben Stiller movie before he dies). We started laughing. I know it looks vain on the surface; but, I document almost all of highs & lows of training. Falling is inevitable when trail running. I didn't think I hurt myself as much as I did. -I've had my fair share of scrapes but this one is the longest lasting trail injury I've sustained (bruised ribs). My "Lucy injury" (dislocated SI joint & hip out of socket) is an ongoing strengthening cause; but, that wasn't running related. It has affected my ability to run-- but it wasn't caused by Running.

For now, I can gingerly run & try to keep working secularly & around the house. I'm not swimming as the "pulling" motion is straining. I'm better this week & look forward to being stronger next week. As I'm less sore, I plan on popping the rib back into alignment at a chiropractor's visit. Until then I do what I can, as I can. I'm sticking to miles on pavement & gravel trails to avoid tree roots and another face plant. Missing my trail miles but enjoying Jim's company on the pavement for my longer runs.

There is a great weight removed when you admit your limitations. I find this makes you more approachable. I enjoy expressing my good and bad moments in running & training. Some say I share too much... but, I find it appeals to other "late bloomers" like I was. I didn't try running until I was 40. I thought people "just KNEW" what they were good at-- from a young age. Nature vs nurture? I believed nature was the deciding factor. THEN... something happened. I got a pep talk (repeatedly) & I tried. I tried running: secretly, solo, privately. It wasn't pretty, at the start... but after I started trail running-- I just wanted to keep going. I wanted others- especially women- to have this weight removed of what a woman needed to "look" like. I wanted women to feel strong, confident & capable. So I started "preaching the gospel". I was asked to be an ambassador for the Glass City Marathon. I started a blog to promote the race... & found great joy in keeping this running diary! I would write the good, the bad & the ugly of running. I would share the beauty of the woods through photos as well as the silly, crude stories of runny noses & tired legs. If people could see the "journey", I hoped they would see a "regular mom" could have success, too. 

Eventually, a mom from our 4-H group started texting me. She explained running to her barn... then running there & back... -Eventually she accepted a challenge to do a 5K from a workmate.  She & her husband started a Couch to 5K program. We spoke often and I gave her information on running apps, shoes, clothes, pace, etc. I planned on showing up to cheer at their race. Then Jim started running, again-- farther... faster... He wanted to run this event, too. So we did. (Photo by Running with Larry Photography)

Our 4-H family finished their race. Jim said the look on Dawn's face was: "YEAH! I can do this! What ELSE can I do?" Does it matter what their pace was? -NO- Imagine how good I felt when I was told: "Sarah, this is 'XXXX'. She challenged me to run. You inspired me to run." --WOW!-- I've been told some pretty amazing stuff. People have thanked me in many different ways for encouragement... but this is a compliment I won't forget! Someone paid it forward to me. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE seeing the look on new runners' faces! It's an ego boost; an a-ha moment; a realization that there is physically & mentally more in us than we know. "The SKY is the limit" realization is a force for good!

 So where are WE, now? Jim is, steadily, increasing his mileage. He cut his hair. He has gained muscle & we spend time, together, with the girls. Running is not the most important thing in our life; but we ENJOY it... & we enjoy time, together. Time together IS important... & we're loving every mile...