Oh My Gosh- I did it! I thought I might have to walk or bail early, today. I didn't know what I'd be able to do after my chiropractor appointment, yesterday. I was SO COLD at the start, I could barely move. My toes & hands were freezing & were HURTING. I knew I would feel warmer after we started running & I didn't want to overdress for the run- that's worse than a cold start! -My calves were a giant cramp the first three miles & I just "held on" to the group. I figured I couldn't do sub 10's, today. I was just too tight. I opted to stay with my  original pace group averaging 10-10:30's for the long runs. At a water stop, some stopped. Some kept going. The 1/2 marathoners were running slightly sub 10 minute miles. I ran with them for a bit; but, I had to tell myself to "let them go." They were almost done & only had 10. I was going to have to run another 8 after we dropped them off. We regrouped in the parking lot & 3 of us, plus our coach, left for another 8 miles. We ran on State Route 64 (!!!) & some other busy country roads but our coach kept us safe & against traffic. I had plenty of energy thanks to #tailwindnutrition. No low spots in energy & no bonking or gut bombs. I find if I pack my #orangemud hydraquiver, I can easily take a few sips every mile. Yes- every mile insures I never run out of calories. 3 scoops of Tailwind in my bottle makes sure it has enough calories & is easy to swallow, unlike choking down gels. :p I wanted to surge a few times; but, part of training is using your brain to figure out strategies. I knew if I surged, I may tailspin, early. I ALSO thought about safety. If I left my group (3 guys) I'd be a solo runner on some country roads without my pepper spray or pistol. Stay WITH my "body guards" & I'd  likely have no problems. I stayed tucked in the middle of the pack, unless we were on quiet roads, then I moved next to Coach Eric. I'm so short compared to them, I couldn't see anything but their feet & shirt- not a great view for 8 miles. I didn't need to prove anything today, except to myself-- that I could do the distance, slowly, with no walking. Mission accomplished! Thanks to Jenifer Wiles for a FANTASTIC peanut butter bar waiting for me at  the finish. (Jim wants me to get your recipe.)  I figured out awhile ago that if I "cruise" I can keep going & going. I questioned it today. This cycle of training is making me realize I need to #TrustTheTraining I am training better than ever. I'm feeling strong even during a usually funky week. I can't wait for next week! <3

Late work night + late to bed + early rising for school drop offs = wanting to nap. I have a full schedule before work tonight, so I did my run before getting Jillian & then taking her to UT. It's silly the head games I need to play sometimes; but, they work despite me already knowing my intentions. 😜 I had 7-8 miles. I made a deal to only do 7. I didn't want to do that... so, I made a deal to "start." I didn't want to do that, either... Next deal: "Only do one 3 mile loop. (Making it less intimidating) It's only 'one'." I hoped I'd change my mind. I did. I took a couple of pictures, gave myself permission to go slowly & tried to cheer myself on in my mind. It worked. 7 miles done. ✅

During my run, I was reflecting on biomechanics. Contemplating only being able to go "so far" because of the way your leg bones grew in your hip sockets is demoralizing... & a "I beat the odds this far" story. I was jumbled, emotionally.

I still have a Jillian drop off at UT after lunch, physical therapy, a Jillian pick up then work.

While I'd love to qualify for Boston, someday... while I'd love to do an Ironman... while I'd love to do really long ultras... the ONE thing that matters most to me more than ALL of those is this: to keep running until I'm old... REALLY old... If it means going slowly, today, I will. I did. 👍🏼

I wasn't sure what to expect, going to the new physical therapist, Monday. I've been running crooked for so long, I figured it was the hand I was dealt in life & I'd have to deal with the consequences as my mileage went up-- & I crashed in a fireball after the finish line- always. While I know exercise can sculpt a body to a degree, I have been grasping at straws since I started running. I don't even know what to ask FOR at a running store, or from a coach. I've had some limited success but I figured I'd roll the dice on this therapist (that I met through the training group at track night). I hoped I might get some new information- a silver bullet. I've had two physical therapists in the past. They were both kind & helped me loosen tight muscles (which alleviated pain); but, I was looking for answers to "why" I was breaking down after each race. I wanted preventative measures and strengthening exercises to AVOID the pain. The equipment through Promedica was top notch. It gave information on my cadence. It gave information on which leg was propelling me more than the other! Videos showed my foot strike & my form collapsing with every foot strike. I'm kind of wondering how I made it this far! Mr. Jeff gave me sideway Monster walks (legs crouched in a lunge position) with a band around my ankles- moving one way, then back to the start. I am doing modified clam shells as well as single leg squats on a block- focusing on not collapsing in form. One leg is strong & has horrible functionality. The other leg is weak & has better function. My heel strike jars everything into my hip, shifting stability. Solution: "patty cake" the ground (my words, not his). I attempted to "drop" at my knee "sooner" rather than extend my leg as far. This resulted in a flatter foot strike instead of heel striking. My muscles would be absorbing the impact of foot strikes rather than a shock wave running up my leg into my pelvis. In theory, I understood his clear explanations. BUT-- in real life, could I implement it? I am surprised to report, "I did it." At least I think I did it. Another treadmill trot should help us see.

I missed my Tuesday track night as I stayed with Jillian to work on a paper. She is quite capable & finished it; but, I sat with her & offered a bit of help in sentence structure. I looked up information with her but had no clear understanding to help much. I did my assigned exercises instead of track. I will feel it, tomorrow. I can feel it working where I usually feel SO tight! I am confident it will help on race day.

I am pleased. Two visits with Jeff, the ultra runner, triathlete & physical therapist. He "gets it" when I say those are my same eventual goals, as well. He is professional & knowledgeable. I am SO optimistic, I can barely stand me! 😆

Do you have Spring Fever, yet? This weather has me cleaning out closets & planning on power washing my house & cleaning out the garage! We've been out to the Metroparks & enjoying the great weather. Spring is "unofficially" here!

Wait! Spring is here? Race time is around the corner as well! No doubt your schedule has been busy with long runs, tempo runs, speed work & hill repeats as you've been juggling work, family life & other fun stuff.

That said, what ELSE do you have to look forward to in April? Oooooooo- there will be MUCH to do on race weekend! Are you coming from out of town? Do you need a place to stay & rest your pre-race jitters? Recommended Lodging List- CLICK HERE

Where do you want to eat?  YUMMY places to eat, locally

Coming with the family & making a weekend of it? Places to go-- Things to see on race weekend

If you are racing, you will, no doubt be stopping at the expo. Where should you go & at what time? HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO — RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP & REGISTRATION

Other events happening Saturday during packet pick up:
** Races for the KIDS :) --FINDLEY DAVIES KID’S MARATHON
** WATCH THE AGILITY ANGELS DOG SHOW

The Mercy Health Glass City Marathon homepage has a WEALTH of information. Check out course maps, road closures and other information, listed above, all in one place.
MERCY HEALTH GLASS CITY MARATHON HOMEPAGE

We'll see you at the start line, soon! --Happy miles!

As I've said MANY times, this year is different than any training year, prior. I'm running more days a week & adding speed work, now. At one of our track nights, a physical therapist spoke  to our group. I chatted with him about dysfunctional SI joints & my history. I got his number, checked with insurance & got my chiropractor to write me a referral. I "rolled the dice." -I am happy to say I went to see him, today. He checked my leg strength, mobility, range of motion, etc. Leg strength: he graded me an "A". Leg function? Well... that was a different story. 🙁 My form collapsed. -The assessment: (he was careful how he worded it- so I share my summation) my hips have the mobility like a guy's not a girl's. I am still heel striking not midfoot or forefoot striking. (That I knew.) My foot is supposed to fall "at my knee" or behind my knee (if you draw a straight line "down to the ground). "I've never seen anyone's foot that far behind their knee..." 😕 He applauded my cadence then we talked about my lack of even foot propulsion. 🙁 He was nice the whole time & extremely professional. I could physically see data to explain the tightness here... & here... & here... Long story, short: I have a winner. When a person can quantify your form & aches in front of your eyes, you know you have a keeper. 👍🏼 I felt life & training was going well when I stepped into his office. I was a bit overwhelmed at the data. At the end, I explained what my goals are. I asked if they were realistic. "Oh, absolutely!" Then he said some other stuff... but I heard the affirmation & can't remember the exact points that came later. He gave a list of "positives" & "slight adjuststments."

I am quite pleased to get ahead of injury & hopefully strengthen weak links. I can't believe what a difference this year is compared to where we were last year. I am not just joyful... I'm happy. 💕

Yes- I've been gone a long time. I've been gone because life has been good! Training is going well- for both Jim & myself. I am taking a glass class at the Toledo Museum of Art, weekly. I am the head coach for Team Ohio's 4-H air pistol kids. Our girls are doing both high school & college- & neither drive- so we've been driving them back & forth between the schools. Work is steady & house work is never caught up... but busy is good.

Glass City Marathon weekend is coming in April. I am running the 1/2 with Jim; so, my full marathon plans will be the following weekend in Canton. I have never run this race. It looks much hillier than Toledo! I am going to do my best, thinking through the strategy & not freaking out too much about pace.

I have NEVER ran this many days a week when training in the past. Even if I don't meet my time goal, I'm confident my performance will be better. I can FEEL the improvement, now, with every training run. I don't take walk breaks, anymore. My pace is much slower when I run with Jim... but, I suspect that it's keeping me from getting injured.

My mom had a stroke a few weeks ago. I've been quiet about it. My relationship with my mom is a strained one. I have visited her & we have talked about her comeback. She is already showing signs of improvement. I told her she has never shied away hard work. She agreed. "This is your new job. It will be work; but, I have no doubt in your ability to work hard." She smiled. She is months ahead of where Jim was... I remind her of this & his comeback. She is hopeful. --And Jim has had some procedures & tests, as well. It appears he is QUITE healthy- other than his diabetes. No signs of fluid in his abdomen. There were signs of a slight lung collapse/lung damage (probably due to being on a vent tube longer than he should have been allowed to be) but he seems to have dealt with it. I'm sure running is good exercise for that. He still needs naps as he does his own "physical therapy." Most pro athletes schedule naps as part of their training. Building his body from emaciation to athlete is tiring. I am just happy to see Jim resting, breathing easily, with color in his face.  The gray/blue hue is gone & his rosy/pink cheeks are back. I know it's ridiculous to say- AGAIN- but I am so grateful...

I know it's all a delicate balance & I worry that it will be disrupted, daily... but for now... busy keeps my mind on tasks & off of worrying. Life is pretty good, right now.

Your sweetie is going to be happy with that race registration you got them. 💕 Registration prices go up, again, on February 15th. Sign up, before the increase.

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