The Old Gray Mare Isn't What She Use To Be.

Yesterday was the first time I had worked out for at least 12 to 15 days.  I haven't been sleeping well and when it was  time to get up, I had just gotten to sleep.   At one point I thought,I  just  might become a couch potato.  " JUST KIDDING".  I just was not feeling like doing much of  anything.  I got threw my daily stuff, but not much  more.   I  know how great a workout would make me feel, but not able to accomplish that even.

When I woke up yesterday I felt like I actually had some energy and  a run would feel pretty good. I got my running clothes on and headed to town. " I all most forgot where I keep my running clothes".   I turned my Garmin on to get a satellite, but it said low battery.  So know Garmin, that's OK I would  only keep looking at it to see if I was keeping on pace.  Not feeling a pace today anyway.  Than I get my Nano on and earphones in my ear turn it on and it has low battery.  WTH is up with all the low battery crap.  Apparently I forgot to recharge them since I haven't ran for so long. I got 6 good miles in and it felt so good getting back in the saddle as they say.  How easy it is to forget, how  great you feel during and after a run. 

This morning was a little different.   I really needed to get some weed eating and weed pulling done before it got to hot here.   So I decided that I would do my workout after I got all the other stuff done.  This is outside my routine, because usually if I don't do it right after I get up it does not get done.  Actually I was feeling like this was doable today.  When I got done with all the other stuff, I was still feeling like I had a good workout in me so headed to the gym. 

I decide to do my workout inside. 
Elliptical 30 minutes
Weight DVD
4 x 400 with a RI x 400
1 @ 2.20
2 @ 2.25
3 @ 2.00
4 @ 2.00
Boy this interval stuff is tough and tiring.

I have  noticed  as the years creep up on me, my body is changing.   The  women thing comes every 3 weeks instead of 28 day.  Which by the way sucks.   From one month to the next I feel like my body is doing things that I'm not use to.   My emotions are off the chart  and physically I'm not feeling as strong. Needless to say I think the OLD GRAY MARE ISN'T WHAT SHE USE TO BE.  I'm approaching 49 in 39 days.   That is way to close to 50 for me.  My two boys and I along with some other siblings moved  my Mom and Dad to a retirement home closer to where we all live.   My Mom has had a slight stroke, but she is  still able to drive. My dad is blind and has had some heart problems.  As we are moving things into my  Mom and Dad apartment, I tell my mom to be careful while she is trying to help move things.    I keep telling her to let us lift the heavy things so she doesn't get hurt or have a fall.  

As I'm telling my Mom this, my boys are saying the same thing to me, when I'm trying to help lift a dresser.   OMG THEY THINK I'M NOT ABLE TO DO ANYTHING BECAUSE I'M GETTING CLOSER TO 50, WTH.  It really did make me feel  a little old.  I know my boys meant well and that they were just making sure I  didn't get hurt moving Mom and Dad. 

  

Actually the 40's have been awesome.  My oldest boy will be in his 3rd  year of college and youngest  boy  will be a senior next year.  I'm  really enjoying  watching my boys turn into young men.   Life just doesn't get any better than this. 

          Have you notice your body changing as you get older?

   Does you parents live close to you?

           Do you have a race this holiday weekend?

Wright Socks Review

Wright Socks HERE sent me  3 different pairs of sock to try out.
 First, let me say all three of these sock were great.

The mesh panels in these socks were awesome.  The mesh panels helped to  keep the sock in place along with a great fit around my feet.  The mesh panels also allowed for my feet to breathe in these sock and stay fresh and dry.

 

 

The first one I tried was the Coolmesh II sock.       

1.  Lightweight 

2.  Mesh panel ensure Maximum breathability

3.  Stabilizer Zone provides stay in place performance fit

4.  Friction Free, Cool, Dry performance= Blister Free

Fiber Content:
Inner Layer:
70% Dri-WRIGHT II™ Polyester
27% Nylon
3% Lycra®

Outer Layer:
71% Dri-WRIGHT II™ Polyester
22% Nylon
7% Lycra®

I ran  several  of my runs with this sock.  I loved it the first time I put it on.   The material was nice and soft  and  fit so nicely around my feet.   Loved how light this sock was.  This sock would be  great for summer running. I was curious to see if my feet would be wet  after my run.  When I took my sock off  my feet didn't even look or feel wet at all.  I noticed the socks felt a little damp, but my feet were dry.  I didn't feel any friction with this sock at all.   

 The next one I tried was the Running II sock. 

1.   Friction and foot shear are eliminated by the interaction of the inner and outer layers.

2.  Moisture wicks away from the foot by our skin friendly Dri- WRIGHT II fiber.

3.  The air space between the layers acts as a insulator from cold and heat resulting in a friction free, cool, dry environment.

4.  Stabilizer Zone promotes stay in place comfort.

Fiber Content:
Inner Layer:70% Dri-WRIGHT II™ Polyester
26% Nylon
4% Lycra®
Outer Layer:68% Dri-WRIGHT II™ Polyester
24% Nylon
8% Lycra®

 I really  liked that this sock had some cushion to it but not enough to make it bulky.   I wore it on several of  my long runs. My feet didn't feel sweaty wet when I got done with my run.  The sock was wet but not my feet. "NO  SHRIVELED UP PRUNE FEET HERE".  I didn't notice  any friction between my  sock and shoes that might cause a blister..  This sock fit so nicely around my feet.  " AS SNUG AS A BUG IN A RUG" 

The 3rd sock is the  Cushioned DLX. 

1.  Cushioned Dri-WRIGHT II foot bed protects against shock. Stabilizer Zone mesh panel enhances fit and comfort.

2.  Mesh panel and enhanced Dri- WRIGHT II fiber allows for fast moisture evaporation away from the foot.

3.  Friction and foot shear are eliminated by the interaction of the inner and outer layers.

4. 2 layers trap air for effective insulation from heat and cold

Fiber Content:
Inner Layer:
66% Dri-WRIGHT II™ Polyester
30% Nylon
4% Lycra®
Outer Layer:
68% Dri-WRIGHT II™ Polyester
24% Nylon
8% Lycra®

 This sock had a little more  cushion than the Running II sock  in the foot bed of the sock which,  made for a nice soft  landing.  It is a great sock. I think this sock would be great for running in cold weather.   The Stabilizer  Zone  mesh panels made for a great fit and comfort while running. 


A little about the Anti-Blister System:

  

 WRIGHTSOCK™ patented Double Layer® construction coupled with the most technically advanced fibers, delivers the blister protection that you need. WRIGHTSOCK™ Double Layer® provides year round comfort and performance with no blisters - guaranteed. Double Layer® delivers the no blister promise through a three part system:

1. Moisture Management
2. Temperature Regulation
3. Friction Reduction

Outer Layer:

Outer Layer is constructed of performance fibers specific to each activity. Interaction between layers absorbs friction- prevents blisters. Two layers trap air for effective insulation from heat and cold.

Inner Layer:
Smooth, undyed, hydrophobic Dri-Wright™ wicks moisture away for cool, dry feet.
Patented 3rd attachment keeps socks properly aligned.

And about the WrightOnes:

• Seam Free technology ensures smooth comfortable toes area.
• Y-heel promotes anatomically correct fit.
• Stabilizer Zone™ in the arch enhances performance fit.
• Dri-WRIGHT II™ polyester keeps your feet cooler and drier in all rigorous activities.
• Lightweight to Cushioned - WRIGHTONES™ meet your needs.

Go checkout Wright SocksHERE  their a great sock and affordable. You won't be disappointed. 

OH Baby Treadmill

When the alarm went off at 4.15 this morning I really didn't want to get  out of bed.  I actually stayed in bed for 5 more minutes.  I decided I  better get my butt out of bed or I wouldn' have enough time for my workout before work. 

 When I got to the gym I  decide I would  do my weight training first, hoping that it would get me pumped up or give me some energy, that I just wasn't have at that moment. 

I love doing this DVD by Jackie Warner. " Could I please have those abs. Heck, why not  the  whole body".



I love feeling the burn with this lady.

Now time to get my treadmill work out in.  After that 40 minute weight workout, I'm feeling a lot more energy.  YES.   I  did 3 x 1600, OH BABY that was hard.  My splits were 8.42,8.15,8.13 with 5 minute RI.  I  can't believe that I was able to push it to the 8's.     

That last mile I was dying.


 I really think running  longer at a  slower pace is my cup of tea.  

But the reason I am trying to run a little faster is because, we have a big celebration in the little town that  I live in,  along with a 5k race.  I ran the 5k  last year  in 24.57.  I would really like to beat that time. 


                            How do you get faster?

                 Do you like short or long runs better?

Dam to Dam recap

I will start off by saying  since I haven't been able to train right for this race I'm not feeling very confident about running it.

I got all my clothes laid out the night before so I wouldn't have to worry about it the morning of the race.  I decided on a white tank with my name in pink duck tape on the front and purple and pink Nike shorts with my name in duct tape on my butt.    



Ok I think I'm ready. OH, I forgot to take a picture of my butt.


I set my alarm for 4 but ended up getting up at 3:30.  Since I was up early I was able to  to get all my stretching exercises done before I had to meet  Tree at the school.  



Alan, Tree, Me, Phil waiting to get on the bus

 We made it   downtown Des Moines and got on the buses that are busing us all out to Saylorville Dam to the starting line.  When we got to the Dam, we than had to walk one mile across the dam to the start line.   By this time my bladder is so full I think I'm going to pop. Walking across the dam and seeing all that water didn't  help my bladder problem at all. Once  we got to the other side I  looked at Tree and said the heck with the porta potty I'm hitting the bushes.

 Before we started the temps were  already up there  along with the humidity.  One blessing was the sun wasn't out yet anyway.  The race started at 7.00.  Tree and I started off running with Steph, who is also from Earlham.   

I would  have to say I  don't remember the first 6 miles.  I was talking  so much,  which was a  blessing it kept my mind off  how  dam hot and humid it was.    I felt like I couldn't get enough water to satisfy my body.  I finally told Tree to go on with out me I had to stop and take a break.  We decided we would meet at the Kybos by the overpass. Of course they didn't have the Kybos there this year.  We never did find each other till the end of the race. 

At mile 8 I ran into another friend and I ran with her for a little bit.  Than we came to a hill I told her to  go ahead I was to darn tired and hot to run up that hill.  By this point I  was ok with running  by myself ,so I could just go at my own pace, which  was going to be a walk , run pace.  I was so thirsty, I  couldn't  get enough water.  When I stopped at the water stops the cups were only  1/3 full, hell I need more water than that. 

At mile 11, I stopped to stretch my hamstring  and I see Steph.  She stops to make sure I was OK and we  end up running to the finish line  together.  I was never so glad that this  race was over.  Now, let the good times roll.  FOOD AND DRINKS, HELL YA!




HELL YA! It's over now. Time to celebrate



I just felt this year I wasn't  prepared mentally or physically, due to  some hamstring and ankle issues that I had been having for the last 3 to 4 weeks before this race.   Last year seemed like a  piece of cake compared to this year. It also was raining  and alot cooler last year.  I thought to myself I don't want it to be cold and rainy like last year.  OH Boy!  After running in that heat and humidity, I would take last years weather any day.  It's funny how we forget how much heat and humidity  effect our bodies.

                                                                    10k          20k       chip time    pace

Penny Frey, 48*, Earlham, IA   1:05:17     2:21:10    2:22:41   11:21  



Got're done

Peanut Butter Protein Bars/ tomorrow Dam to Dam 20k race

 Jess at  Blonde Ponytail had posted a recipe for Peanut Butter Protein Bars. What I liked was that the recipe only had 4 ingredients and I had all of them in my house,  so I didn't have to go buy anything.   Every morning I think I will make a protein shake, but I'm just not a breakfast eater and  I'm just to lazy to get the blender out.  I would rather just have something I can grab and go with.   



I couldn't resist




The recipe called for 2-C- peanut butter, 1 3/4 -C- honey, 1-C- oats and 2 1/4 vanilla protein powder.
I didn't have vanilla protein, but I did have chocolate flavored protein powder.  So, that is just  what I used.  I thought maybe by using chocolate flavor It might  taste like a peanut butter cup. Couldn't wait to see how it came out. 

It's hard to take a picture of myself eating the Protein Bar.  It was so YUMMY

OMG! It was better than a peanut butter cup.  Talk about good they are so yummy.  They literally tasted like a No Bake Cookie to me, which happens to be one of my faves.  I don't eat a lot of No Bake Cookies anymore, because I can't just stop at one.  When I took my first bite, I  thought I was in heaven.  Do you know how long it has been since I have had a No Bake Cookie?  One heck of a long time.   I ate one and that was enough  to satisfy me.  They are YUMMY.  
Here is the link to Jess at Blonde Ponytail for the Peanut Butter Protein Bars recipe.HERE



Tomorrow is the DAM TO DAM 20k.  I went to the Dam to Dam expo.  I was surprised that their were not more vendors there.  They did serve food though. They had sub sandwiches, assortment of chips, assortment of cookies, peanuts, m&m's. I have never been to a expo were they served food. It was great.

The shirts this year are tye  dye cotton shirts.  Check them out.


Of course I got the pink.  I was lucky and they  still had my size, but  some of the other colors were running out of different sizes.  Ya, baby I got my PINK.



                                      Are you running a race this weekend?

                         Have you made Protein Bars before?

Great short run/Bondi Band winner

 
I finally was able to get my butt out of bed and get a 3 mile run in this morning.  It felt  so good to be outside running.  I'm sure glad I got it in early this morning, because it is windier than the Dickens outside.  

 Today at the Cemetery their was an  Memorial Day Service.  Our church always puts on a skit and the Boy Scouts do the raising of the flag and the wreath.     THANKS TO  ALL THE VETERANS who have served  for our freedom and our country.





Random.org generated # 2 as  the winner. On my post it shows the #2 but, when I previewed my post the #2 didn't show.   Not sure what going on with random.org.

 The winner of the Bondi Band headband  is Karen at  Welcome to the Jungle.  Go check out Karen's blog.  She is a teacher, but choose to stay home with her 3 fabulous boy under 6. 

Karen email me  your address and I will get it mailed out to you. 

Thanks everyone for participating.

Couch Potato and my race is in 5 days/ 10 Day Sugar Free Challenge

.  

My 20k is in 5 days and I feel like a couch potato. 

 I have not ran in 3 days. I had to take sometime off  from running due to  a Peroneal Tendinitis.   It's feeling better, but I haven't really  tried running on it yet. I'm hoping  I'll be able to get out in the next couple of days for a couple of runs before my race.  The weather has been so gloomy.  I've been having a hard time getting motivated to workout.  I'm such a routine girl.  If I don't workout for a couple of days, that literally can throw me into a  not working out at all phase.   I hate to admit this but these last few days I have been sleeping in and am loving it.  I am very thankful that I can workout, but at times I wish I didn't have to work at it so hard. As I get older it is getting hard to keep the weight off. 

I literally have  lost and gained  the same 10 to 20 lbs for the last 10 years.  Every time I've  lost those pounds I think to myself, I got it figured out this time on how not to gain it back.  Low and Be hold, if  I don't gain back those same pounds  "I must be kidding myself to think that  I can handle keeping weight off".  I get so  tired of  working at it and  just want to call it quits and  give into the  food.  I really just want to be able to eat normal and not think about food 24/7.  

My race is in 5 days I'm really feeling like I'm going to suck this year.   When the weather is gloomy I real have a hard time staying motivated to run.   

Anybody watch the  Biggest Loser on TV?   I loved the finale.  Olivia and Hannah looked awesome. I know that for me when you have something like a finale to motivate you into losing the weight it seems to be a little easier.  I feel that their biggest challenge will be when the show is done and they are on their own each and everyday.  Because everyday  their will not be a challenge or a finale to  motivate them..  As I'm watching the finale I often wonder will they be able to keep it off.  I know for me the  easy part is losing the weight and  the hard part is keeping it off.   That has always been my down fall for most of my life. 

 Ok, Enough feeling sorry for myself.  Moving on to a positive thing. 

Amanda over at  RuntotheFinish is doing a 10 Day Sugar Free Challenge. It starts June 1 to  June 10. Go check it out. Amanda has alot of recipes and meal plans to get you started. I 'm really wanting  to  do this, but am  so nervous about giving  up my French Vanilla Cappucino.     Stay Tuned. 


             Have you thought about going Sugar Free?

     Are you having a hard time staying motivated to workout?

            How many more days till your big race?