New Year - New Me - New Goals

So it's been a while since I last posted and so many things have happened.

We ran the Disney Goofy - you know, the one that Shannon wanted to run.  I am happy to say that we DID complete it and WE HAVE BLING Baby!  It was a very valuable learning tool running the full marathon.  We learned a lot and had a lot of fun too.  We also made some new friends along the way.

While running on day one - the half we thought let's take it easy since tomorrow we have 26.2 miles to run.  Started out great and had a GREAT race and event.  Finished with a time of 3:14 which I was completely happy with.  Seeing as I wanted to conserve AND the course was extremely congested, I accepted it and went to take an ice bath.  I learned to say bad word rather quickly, quietly and loudly all that the same time.  Some of them I am not sure were even in English.  I do however, recommend that if you take an ice bath, WEAR SOCKS!!!!  The higher up the leg the better!

Day two rolls around and we get ready to run 26.2 miles.  It was a bit cooler than the first day but still wonderful running weather.  At Mile 4 I wanted to take my shirt off - but told myself - LINDA - if you are still hot at 13 then you can.  I listened - LOL

Running the Full was amazing.  We ran through all four of the Disney parks AND we got to run on the Richard Petty Racing Experience Race Track.  Having never run it before and not sure where the Balloon Ladies were - I didn't stop for pictures or anything.  I did stop once on the track so that an ambulance could transport a runner off.  Running through the Castle - I understand it is an amazing experience but when you "RUN" please do so - please don't walk through it!  Many bad thoughts crossed my mind with bad words.  Besides, it makes for a better picture than when you walk through it - LOL DUH no brainer there.

When we arrived into Animal Kingdom I again didn't want to stop but Everest was open and NO WAITING!  Sadly I kept going!  NEXT YEAR I will stop for a ride!  Why,  because I got this!  I got this course now and I am going to ride that ride!  LOL  As I exited Animal Kingdom, I saw that my time was 3:09 for the half - TOOOOO FAST!!!!!  I would burn out before I finished so I slowed my pace and took my shirt off - remember, I told myself I had to wait until at least the 13 mile marker.

About Mile 18 inside ESPN Wide World of Sports (WWOS), I sent a picture to Shannon stating - this sounded like a good idea in April - and THAT is where I hit the wall.  The dreaded wall.  I wanted to quit and give up.  The balls of my feet hurt and I was done.  A loving text from Brandyn who was behind me told me NO Mama Left behind and to wait for them.  I didn't wait - I wanted to be done!  I kept going.  I would get through this one way or another.  When I exited WWOS, I saw the dreaded Balloon Ladies going IN to ESPN WWOS.  I new I was ok then.  YAY!!!!!  I wasn't going to be swept!  Wall was gone - renewed sense of being able to run.  Mile 21 picture sent to Shannon again - "If I don't talk to you for a couple of days it is because I dislike you right now"  Ok so maybe the wall wasn't completely gone but I was still going forward.  Mile 22 - Right Knee said "I'm DONE!!!!"  I stopped at the Medical Tent got the big red X on my hand and took two Tylenol.  I had no choice but to walk for a while - BIG mistake - it messed up my feet.  Oh well - live and learn.  Inside Hollywood Studios, just passed Mile 23 (thank you for the chocolate bars Disney) Brandyn, Okely and Richelle caught me.  They offered to stay with me but why?  Go for your time I am ok.  Besides, Brandyn ALWAYS meets me at the finish line - LOL  I went on and found the renewed energy to try to jog.  I got to Mile 24 and the Incredibles were there on the Mile Marker!  I KNEW I could do it.  Then I took a shot of Coca-Cola and began a ridiculous run again.  I made it through the Boardwalk to where I wished I was staying at the Yacht and Beach Club - but luckily I wasn't so I couldn't just go to the room - LOL I made my way in to Epcot finally and the people - Talk about boosting your spirits!!!  As I crossed in to France, I hollered out "Anyone want to buy me a Margarita?"  There were no takers so I can only assume that they just don't like them in France.  I kept going and asked, "Anyone want to buy me a beer?"  Next thing I know, full beer in hand - going down the hatch!  The lady running next to me said, "I can't believe you did that, and got a beer!"  ME:  "Watch, this!,  Anyone want to buy me another beer?"  Mind you I am still running.  When all was said and done, I had had three beers BEFORE I left the World Showcase.  On the third one, the wife asked me, "Honey, do you want another one?"  I told her, "Thank you but no, I think I'm good now!"  Then I was off running again.  I felt amazing - buzzing - and finished strong.  I finished in 6:50 which wasn't bad for my FIRST ever Full Marathon.  When I got done, who did I find in the finish area?  BRANDYN!!!!  YAY  She asked me "Did you have a Beer in Epcot?"  I responded with "Three"  She laughed and told me she knew I would have a beer - OK REALLY where else can you run and have beer on the course!?!?!?!  Hello - I'm going to have a beer - or three!

I iced up, went back to the hotel and soaked my feet in the kids pool only to be told that the heater in the smaller pool wasn't working and the water was COLD!  Thank you baby Jesus and Betty Sue for booking me in that resort!  I went and soaked in the cold pool with a lot of other runners who did the same thing - much much easier than and Ice Bath!

After all was said and done, I had an amazing weekend and learned A LOT about my running.  I also learned that I can NOT wear my Tarsal Inserts in my shoes - it did it's job by lifting my Tarsals and in doing so, I also killed SIX (6) Toenails.  I have since lost four (4) of them and am waiting on the other two (2) to fall off - LOL

After this, I went to Podiatry and he helped me with my feet and told me - "NO RUNNING until the first of the month" WHAT?  That was going to be THREE FULL WEEKS!!!!  Maybe One or Two but THREE?  I followed his orders and then my knees began to act up into the first week.  SO, I called ORTHO and HE extended it for an ADDITIONAL Two weeks - WHAT?!?!?  That is FIVE WEEKS Of NO Running!!!!  You are killing me and I missed the Celebration Half and Full!  I wasn't registered for it but I still went to cheer on my fellow Mama's and friends.  Cheering is HARD work - but Running in flipflops is even harder.

SO my friends held me to the 5 weeks of no running - even wouldn't let me run in 5k's - but I did Walk two of them with Shannon!!!!  Hey when Girl Scout Cookies are involved....................

So here I am now 5 weeks out and am finally cleared to run - what do I do - NOTHING!  I don't run unless it is an errand or a child to the Dr.  Then come Disney Princess Half - ummmm I have now gone SIX 6 weeks of NO running and I am planning on running a half Marathon?!??!!?!?!?!?  I MUST be nuts.

I hit a milestone in my life at this point - I am now 22 YEARS Seizure Free!

Disney Princess comes up and I am now 22 years Seizure Free - Can I get an AMEN SISTA!!!!!  I run the Half and feel REALLY REALLY REALLY Good - I finish it in 3:19 which is totally acceptable by me because Why?  I haven't run for 6 weeks, it is only 5 minutes longer than the one in January and there were MORE People on the course this time!  Well, More Women at least!  I also lost my filter between the corrals and the finish line because when I went through the castle, what I was thinking in January came out!  The lady next to me loved it and hung with me for a bit until we got through the crazy people - again - Pictures come out better on the OTHER side of the Castle - you know where the Photographer is and is taking the pictures FOR YOU!!!!!!!

Now, I am planning and Preparing for SO MANY more races.  I did cancel Paris in April due to Shannon being Pregnant and habit of preterm labor.  However, I DID switch to Alaska!

Here is the current list of remaining races we have SO FAR for this year!

March:  We are thinking of going to DC for the Epilepsy Walk March 22nd

April:  5th, Run or Dye 5k in Kissimmee - we will be walking this one with a very pregnant Shannon.  6th, we are thinking of going to Newark for another Epilepsy 5k

May:  3rd, we have the LL Cool Run - Get your tickets now

June:  21st we will be running in Alaska for the Mayor's Midnight Marathon

July: Most likely local races - maybe

August:  Disneyland for the Half Marathon and we will earn our Coast to Coast Medal - Whoop Whoop - 

September:  13th we will be in Georgia for the Run Like a Diva Half in Peachtree, GA

October: 4th we will be doing the Disney Tower of Terror 10 miler

November:  2nd - we will be running the NYC Marathon.  This one courtesy of the Epilepsy Foundation of America and Athletes vs. Epilepsy (we'll go in to that more), 8th and 9th is Wine and Dine at Disney - still haven't decided if we want to do that one this year or wait, then there is the 14-16 we are hoping to run in Disneyland again for the Inaugural Avengers Half Marathon, 30th we are running the Space Coast Marathon.  

December:  We are debating running the Galloway 13.1 in GA and/or the Biggest Loser Half in Panama City Beach again.

January:  We are hoping to secure a spot for Dopey at Disney

Now - Getting back to Athletes vs. Epilepsy.  I was asked to contact them through the Epilepsy Foundation of America.  I did so being that I have been living with Epilepsy since I was 5.  On the day I hit my 22 year anniversary, I posted on their FB page I was 22 years Seizure Free.  Then I told them I was celebrating by running a half marathon the next day.  Like I said, I was asked to contact them so I did.  I was asked to become a member of their Athletes vs. Epilepsy team.  To get more information, click here.  I will now be running to help raise awareness and to bring hope and encourage others with Epilepsy.  I have always run for Cancer, Heart Disease, Autism etc.... but I have NEVER run for myself or Epilepsy.  NOW I will.  I have the ability and I will do this.  This is also why we changed the name of the blog - I will be (hopefully) doing more blogging about running and running with Epilepsy.  I want to bring this to the forefront.  You don't have to have Epilepsy to help bring about awareness, you just have to have a heart and care.

Well, It is time I must close this for now - Running just became even MORE real than before and just got even more intense.  I need to rest - busy day tomorrow.  

AND if you see me out there running - most likely I will have a sign on my back that says, "I'm Running with Epilepsy and I have been Seizure Free for 22 Years and ___ days now!"

Run on my friends - Run on and Disorders - beware!  Whether you are Cancer, Heart Disease or Epilepsy - I will run After you and I will help to run you into the ground!  I will win this battle and YOU WILL LOSE!!!!!

Finally one last thing, I would like to thank Betty Sue Sanders with mouseearvacations.com and cruisingco.com for being the best Travel Agent and Friend.  You always take care of me and my needs - even when you don't know it!  I hope to keep you busy in the next year - even if you can't make it to all of my races.  

Year in Review - 2013

I started this year as a non running person - I moved back to Florida January of this year and was approached by my daughter Shannon with the question -

Shannon:  "Mom want to run a race with me next January?"
Myself:  "Sure - when and where?"
Shannon:  "It's at Disney"
Myself:  "Sure - sounds fun"
Shannon:  "It's called Goofy!  You run a Half Marathon on one day and then a Full Marathon the next!" Myself:  "WHAT?"
Shannon:  "It'll be fun we can run it together and get Derek to run it too!"
Myself:  "Sure - why not"

And no time did I ever think that one simple question would open up my life and my world to so many other avenues.  Nor did I ever think that I would have opened my life and my heart to so many other people in it.  I never would have thought that one simple question from my daughter would have the change and affect it has had on my life.  SO, for those who think I am Bat Shit Crazy, Half Crazy, Totally Crazy, Out of my Mind..... you can blame Shannon, I do!  But I also want to thank her for this.  Without that question - I honestly do not know where I would be or what I would be doing in my life.

Fast forward to April 2013 - Shannon is out in Arizona with Derek and I am here in Florida house sitting their house.  Registration is opening in any moment and I am waiting by the computer - Rumor has it that The Goofy tends to sell out quickly - WAIT!!!!  Let's throw a wrench into the mix - Disney is adding a race and now has a race called the DOPEY!!!!!  It's a 5k, 10k, Half and a Full,  Four days in a row vs. the Half and Full!!!  hmmmmm decisions - decisions - decisions!!!  I have time - Registration is still a couple of hours away.

OH NOOOOO Linda fell asleep!!!!

I woke up the next morning and jumped on the computer - and still didn't know what to register for - YIKES!!!!

I sign on and there is the buttons - Dopey or Goofy - It is staring me in the face - taunting me - teasing - taunting - teasing - I look at the calendar and think - I could do this - I know I could - but do I really want to run a 5k then rush off to work?  Then the next day run a 10k and rush off to work again?  I opted for the Goofy - and it was almost $150 cheaper - SO I signed up for Goofy and decided that next year I will run the Dopey!

Registration is open - Registration is DONE!  Oh shit - this just got real!

Next I make a call to Shannon - "Did you register for Goofy?"  NO She didn't - Now what is a girl to do?  There is still time - it wont sell out yet!  I hope!

April comes, April Goes - May swings in to play and Angie from work wants to run a 5k called a Color Run!  Hey why now - I need to run and train right?!!??!

May - I run a Color Run with Angie - OMG - I could not help but laugh and loved every minute of it!  I do however have one suggestion - do not try to run backwards - it brings in to play a whole different group of muscles - HELLOOOOO

June - that comes in with nothing really fun or exciting - YAY!!!!!  LOL I did something I don't normally do - I took a thing called a Vacation.  I didn't really run much - actually I don't think I ran at all - other than one fun run 5k with Fit2Run on National Running Day!

July - This is where it all gets real!  THIS is where my life changed.  It changed for the better and I wouldn't ask for it any other way.  I ran two races in 8 hours and learned that my life would change for the better in so many ways in less than 24.  I started off July running the Kiwanis Midnight Run in Dunedin with Shannon - I hadn't trained much - if at all but we went and ran the midnight 5k.  We got separated at the beginning but we both ran and went for it.  Somehow I must have been right there with her but I stopped to take care of an elderly man who had fallen, broken his nose and gotten several facial lacerations.  After about a 15-20 minute pause in my run - I was cleared to go by the EMT's and resumed my run - stiff muscles and all.  I made it across the finish line, race to the race director and announced a down runner and advised his family where to meet up with him at which hospital.  We then went to McDonald's where she advised me I might want to wash my hands - I still had blood on me.  LOL  

After we finished here, we hoped in the car - picked up the second car and continued up the Interstate to North of Orlando to where Race #2 was going to be.  I know I know I was in the SAME outfit - but HEY I was in two races in less than 8 hours.  The race is about to start and we are walking around and I see some ladies laughing and taking some pictures - they looked fun.  Oops - Race starting - Headphones in - off we go.  I finish the race and all I heard was Shannon Yelling:  "WAY TO GO MOM!!!  2 RUNS IN LESS THAN 8 HOURS!"  She really made me proud and she really supported me - even if she still didn't sign up for Goofy.  

I get back home after that race - shower and sit down with Toshi - my computer has a name - and post in the Fit2Run thread about my two races and how I am hoping to still make it up for the Fun Run that night.  I then pop on to the I Run 4 Michael thread/page on Facebook that I had just signed up for to be matched with a buddy to run for!  I got my notification that I was matched with BEN!  I quickly posted a couple of pictures to him and told him about my runs.  THEN it happened.  I see a picture that is posted - The same crazy ladies that were taking a picture at the second race, one of them posted the picture I watched them take.  I mentioned that I saw them take that picture - and Angi Lanciano the Seminole County Moms RUN This Town Leader agreed to let me - a Hillsborough County Resident - join them and their group.  BEN - we have a whole group of new people to run with - we are going to be so excited and happy.  We are going to run our hearts out!

July we didn't run any other races - but we did have a lot of rain!  LOL 

August comes in to play and by now I am talking with the MRTT girls more and have even agreed to share a room with some of them in December at Space Coast - Shannon was freaking out "Mother, you don't know these women!  What happens if they are ....." I cut her off before she could finish when I said "What, they are crazy like me?"  She didn't have much to say after that.  We also found out that Shannon was pregnant and guess what - I'm going to be a GRANDMA!!!!!

August I then ran the MRTT Alice in Wonderland Virtual Summer Run 5k and I met some of the Mama's that I now call friends.  They were soooo funny and they accepted me into the group like we had known each other for some time.  

Sorry to all the Mama's I didn't have one with EVERYONE!!!

Oh and I also ran another Virtual 5k that day too - it was a run to help another Runner raise funds for his Dopey.  So, I ran the Dopey 5k too - WHEW!!!! What am I doing?

Next up was another 5k in August - it was the Flavor Run.  OMG - I laughed while I ran this one too - I ran it by myself but still had fun.  I was also BLUE for a week.  Even after I took 6 showers and washed my hair 4 times before going to work.  LOL 

I was learning to run in Tutu's and was a Flavor Fairy so I was wearing Wings.  Red is Bens favorite Color so I opted for Red and Pink Wings.  

The Following week - That is THREE Weekends in a row - I was convinced by my new friends that I could run a 10k with them.  I stayed with my new friends Brandyn and laughed so much that weekend, had a painting party and PR'd on the 10k - YAY GO ME!!!

September rolls into the picture and guess what - I keep running!  LOL Where did all of this energy come from?  

I start the month off with a 5k to Honor a young man who lost his battle.  He was in a horrific Auto Accident as a child and lived his life to the fullest daily.  When he passed, they did a 5k to honor him.  I ran it!  BOY was it HOT!!!!  I have NEVER run an afternoon 5k and I was sweating bullets and wanted to die - I was so miserable that I didn't even stay around for the free beer!!!  LOL WHAT?!?!?!?  

 I look like I was serious and like I was on a mission!!!














Nope I just wanted to finish - It was soooo
 damn HOT!!!

I vowed I would NEVER run another afternoon race again unless it was cooler!

September turned in to my Month to run in Memory of others - Not only did we run the Ryan Shuck 5k we ran a 5k for the Memory of Sweet Talia who had also earned her wings and now sits among the angels.  I also introduced Shannon in to the mix of Wonderful World of Moms RUN This Town.  Seeing as she is pregnant.  We had a blast at this event - I laughed, talked, learned so much more about my Running Mama's and when I saw this picture - realized I needed to get into shape and lose a few pounds - I wasn't taking my running really serious and wasn't being smart - I needed to get serious.

October brings in Tricks and Treats and Puppy Dog Feet!

I wasn't able to get a bib for the Disney Tower of Terror but I WAS able to BUY a bib from a fellow Mama!  I had an amazing time and a wonderful run.  This was my first 10 miler and I hadn't really trained for it but let me tell you - I learned A LOT!!!  I learned to train for hills and slopes and I learned that I needed new running shoes.  I learned a new way to run - the Galloway Run-Walk Method.  I learned that if I start out feeling too comfortable, I am going too fast.  I also learned that running in the dark is something that we do here in Florida a lot of and when it is warm out - you can run in the early morning hours or in the late evening hours.  I also learned that Complete Strangers are going to be there on some part of the race course even if your family can't be.  Shannon and Derek were back at the finish line and this sweet little lady was just past the half way part and she pushed me on and made me realize that I CAN finish this run.

                           


October continues with a bang and a whirlwind of a weekend.  I being the crazy runner that I have become decided that I was going to run three (3) yes, THREE races in 24 hours!  WHAT was I thinking?  I know I am not Wonder Woman - I am not a Super Hero - I am just a runner.  Hey - There are worse things to be addicted to right!?!?!?!

My whirlwind of a weekend began on Saturday October 19th.  I Ran the Rattlesnake 5 miler - I had always wanted to run this and finally got the chance.  I ran it on my own but didn't care - I had a blast.  It was a hilly course but I didn't mind - I enjoyed it!  I got in my zone that I have become accustomed to and off I went.  I finished - hung out for the first time ever after an event and just continued to enjoy the day.  I then realized that I don't always smell good after a race - I don't mind - I know I am working hard and running my buttocks off.  I was informed by a complete stranger that I did in fact, STINK!  I called Shannon and told her that I would trade her a lunch out at Cracker Barrel for a Shower! SCORE!!!!!

 After Showering and Lunch with Shannon - I continued off to Brandyn's house where I would meet her and Dawn Marie and we would head off to what would be Race #2 for me.  Remember, I have done that before - 2 in a day right!!!!  So, OFF We Go!  I meet up at Brandyn's and we head off to the Neon Run 5k.  They (race directors) told me that there weren't any strobes - guess what - there was!  I still had fun and laughed but decided that this was one that I will NOT do again.  No Water!!!!!   After that - we left and if you ever see anyone driving down the road with a crazy lady in the passenger seat with glow light glasses on - it might be me!  I also guarantee I will make you laugh!  LOL   THAT is what memories are made of.

Home - Shower and Off to bed I go.  Brandyn and I wake up the next morning for what is my third and final race.  We are running the Pink Feet 10k for Breast Cancer Awareness.  We also ran this for Mama T's Birthday!  By the time I was done with this, I was having two really sore knees but I made it through.  I learned that Ice really IS my friend!  

But lest we forget that my 2nd Vacation of the year comes around and my kids freak out because Mom just doesn't do that!!!!  LOL But I did - went on a Cruise with my Bestie and had an amazing time.  I also spent a week living a Disney life.  3 Days on the Magic and 4 days at the Parks - HEAVEN!!!!  Food and Wine Later - enter a VERY tipsy Linda - I had to get in a virtual 5k that the time was running out - OH NOOOO - I did it - and realized that I run better and make better times when I run with at least one drink.  LOL SO, I completed my 5k and didn't even hurl - even though twice I felt like I was going to!  

Enter November - One of the biggest days of my life - November 6th I signed up for Team in Training and signed up for the Marathon in Paris France.  This I did it for the memory of my Father, Glen Proffitt!  I had lost my father to Cancer on November 7th 30 years earlier I figured if I was going to run - I was going to help in the research of cancers.  SO Enter Linda into the world of Team in Training.  Wanna talk about Shit getting real!?!?!?!?  

Can you say Back to Back AGAIN?????  This particular weekend I decided that I was going to do another back to back double.  This would be my THIRD back to back since I began running - WHAT?!?!  Crazy, Nope!  Addicted!!!

I started this weekend back up at Brandyn's and we ran Saturday doing the Peace Love Cure 5k.  I wasn't feeling it but did it anyway and so I did this with Angi.  I pushed her when she didn't want to go and encouraged her.  SO many people have encouraged me along the way that it was time to give back.  I ended up pushing Angi and guess what - she PR'd!  I did a lot of laughing in this one too.

I then Ran the Orlando Runners Classic 5 miler!  WHAT ?!?!?!  I must be crazy.  Nope - I'm not - just living my life in the world I have begun to enjoy.  I really had fun running this one and hope to run it again in the future - It was fun and let me tell you - they have the BEST Post Race Expo!  OMG the Meatballs!!!!!!

                        

Enter December - Remember - Shannon had gotten pregs and couldn't run her Space Coast Half Marathon.  I had missed out on getting registered so, I ran under her bib, even marked it as Shannon's Mom!  LOL I loved it.  Got in to the wrong pace group and zoned out and off I went.  I LOVED this run and WILL be doing this again.  This was my first half this year and guess what - I knocked off 40 minutes from my previous Half.  PR!!!!!    I can't wait to run this one again - there aren't many I say I will run again but THIS is one.  

  Finisher of the Space Coast Half

Look, Shannon's Mom Ran a Half Marathon.

  I told you ICE is my best friend!  

 Two weeks after the Half, I ran the Masters of All Terrain 10 miler.  Note to self - I have to remember to charge my iPod when I run!  I ran this one with some other Mama's and felt sooo bad not running with Brandyn and driving by the exit to my other home and not stopping!  LOL  I guess you can say these running Mama's are like family.

This was fun and I met some other GREAT runners - I can't believe the world of running and the people I meet!  I realized in this one - it doesn't matter if I brush my hair - I'm still going to stink when I get done running!!!  LOL

Then just two weeks later - what do I do?!!?!?  I finish out my year with another Half Marathon!  Shawn and I went up to Panama City Beach and I ran the Biggest Loser Half Marathon.  This was such a fun run too.  I found another run that I will do again!  My girlfriends from 7 years ago - this was for them.  I have been with these girls from FTTAT for that long and I owed them this race.  These 13.1 miles were for them.  I did meet some additional fun runners and learned that Mind over Matter I can do what I put my mind to.  I also learned that the previous contestants on The Biggest Loser - they are real people!!  

SO, there you have it - I began to run again JUST this year - and began running seriously in JULY!!!!!  Six months later did you count what we ran?!!?  In the past six months, I completed 11-5k's, 2-10k's, 2-5 milers, 2-10 milers, and 2- Half Marathons.  19 races in six months and only able to run every other weekend!  WOW!  I am addicted and I LOVE IT!!!!

SO, I go back to the original statement from the beginning of my year in review.  SO, for those who think I am Bat Shit Crazy, Half Crazy, Totally Crazy, Out of my Mind..... you can blame Shannon, I do!  But I also want to thank her for this.  Without that question - I honestly do not know where I would be or what I would be doing in my life.    I am now CRAZY Awesome and Runner Babe!  That is what I go by with my friends and I wouldn't trade it for any other name.  I know I am crazy and I know this why - because there are worse things to be addicted to.

SO, with 2013 in the books - what will 2014 bring?!!??!  Well - we know it will be taking us to Disney for Goofy - Thanks Shannon, It will take us to Paris, it will take us to Texas, Georgia, California and Connecticut all for runs.  

May your life be a blessed one and may 2014 be an amazing CRAZY AWESOME Running year!  

I am a TEN!!!!! Ten Miler Finisher that is!

I like it when I am a Ten.... Ten Miler Finisher that is!!!!!!  

When you are a finisher of anything, you are a Ten.  We have Ten more miles in the books now!  YAY!!!!

This past Sunday we ran the Masters of All Terrain 10 miler and we actually had a good time.  This was the first time I have ever run a Trail Run and was actually impressed with the time I finished in.  '

The last time I did a 10 miler was the Disney Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror 10 Miler.  I did that without any training and practice and finished it in 2:23.  I was happy and impressed with that.  Who wouldn't be really - you know - no practice etc.  So Sunday I ran the Masters of All Terrain 10 Miler at the Seminole State Forrest.  This was the first Off Road Race I have done.  I enjoyed it and at the same time - hated it - LOL

I realized a few things while I ran however:

* I can not run without music - My iPod died at Mile Marker 4,  That left me with 6 music less miles to run.

* I was sweating and contemplating taking off my shirt to run in just skirt and sports bra - Then I realized that 95% of the US was freezing.

* The guy in front of me - really nice butt - He was also soooo funny.  

* I do NOT like Muscle Milk

* Gatorade is my friend

* If I don't brush my hair - It is ok - because it is a hot mess when I finish so hey - who cares?!?!!?  LOL

* I have never run with a camel back and now I know why.  UGH!  That is one of the reasons I didn't take my shirt off, I was afraid it would chafe my back.  

I finished my run in 2:24 and seeing as that was only 1 minute longer than Disney - That is AMAZING.  See Disney was road race - Masters was NOT!  

Masters started out on a dirt road for about 3 miles - Then we turned on to another dirt road - If it hadn't of rained that morning - it would have been a Sugar Sand road - NOT fun!  We then came to MM4 - this is where it got interesting.  After a brief Gatorade stop and the realization of CRAP - My music died - we went on to a single track hiking trail of hills and roots.  This was the most beautiful part of the run.  I realized I would like to take my bike up there and ride one day.  The rest of the race was single track but it was still really nice.  I really did enjoy this race and can't wait until the 3rd and the 4th in the Hog Wild Run in the Wild Series Off Road Series.  

What is really good is that I placed 3rd in my age group.  I was really excited about that and hope to better it at the 3rd and or 4th race - wooo hoooo yay go me!  LOL

If you are interested in running an off road race THIS is the one for you.  Nick puts on an amazing and beautiful course.  The atmosphere is amazing - the Runners all make it an enjoyable event and we all run it having a fun and enjoyable time.  There are amazing medals and everyone gets one, as long as you finish it.  They also have really nice and comfy shirts as well.  

Here are the Mama's that I ran with - we all finished and we all got our medals.  

Cancer - we have been given Clearance to Run!!!!!

Ahhh - when you don't have a bathtub - do the next best thing!!!!

We are good to go to start running again and we will get in about 4 miles tomorrow - if not, then Tuesday.  Tomorrow is a work day - so depending on how we feel at the end of the day - will determine if we run on Monday Night or Tuesday sometime!!!!!  

From here on out - well at least until January 12th - we are running twofold!!!!  We are running training runs for the Goofy Challenge as well as our training runs for the Marathon de Paris.  WE WILL ROCK AND MAKE THIS!!!!! 

I have come to a conclusion as well - I have realized that alllll of my running is my daughter Shannon's fault.  LOL See, if she hadn't of asked me in January of this year to run Goofy with her - then I wouldn't be where I am and doing all of the crazy things I do running wise - two and three runs in 24 hours or less.  Going to another Country and trying for all these different runs and races - GOOFY, DOPEY, DUMBO!!!!  (Dopey will be in 2016 however) oh and let's not forget applying for the Lotto for NYC Marathon!  Dare I also mention that I have finally found the time I need to Qualify for Boston!?!?!?  

So I would like to say - THANKS SHANNON!!!!!!  Oh and You ARE running Tower of Terror with me in 2014 as well as Space Coast!!!!!  NO If's And's or But's about it!  LOL <3 you!!!!!

So, I am just going to say Good Night and let you all go - because tomorrow we are running AGAIN!!!! (or Tuesday)

Good Night all - May your Running Shoes be ever pleasant and smell like roses!  

To The Moon and Back

Almost a week ago - I went on a fabulous journey.  Space Shuttle Columbia carried me to The Moon and Back.  I really enjoyed this trip and realized that this is a trip that I will take again.  

When we got out to Cocoa Beach, we signed in to the hotel that was "ONLY 1 MILE FROM THE START LINE!"  LOL It's a really good thing that they didn't measure the race course by the guy who measured the distance from the hotel to Cocoa Village.  The girls and I went in to the Village and learned that having an afternoon snack was good and that we really enjoyed the village.  SIP AND SHOP!!!!!  LOL Team Vino was born and I had one of the most enjoyable days with some of my best friends.  After a while of playing in the village, shopping and laughing - while totally being photo bombed.  We headed on back to the Hotel to get ready for dinner where we would join roughly 100+ other runners at the local Olive Garden.  Need Cheese - just ask - I will raise my hand and I will only ask for one bread stick in return!  LOL Oh the things you and your girlfriends can laugh about on what was not just a Race Weekend but an amazing Girls Weekend.  

As we all settled in for the night - we realized that sleep is an important thing and getting more than 3-4 hours is really rather important!

Race Morning, we all woke up and can you believe that we all made the 4:15 a.m. bus?!?!  LOL Neither can we!  BUT we made it and we were off on that remember - ONE MILE RIDE - I think it was actually like 5-6 miles!  We made it and then began the wait prior to race.  This is when we found that we too could be astronauts, we could visit, we could meet up with some new Mama's and have an amazing pre-race time.  

RACE TIME!!!!!  Well - let me tell you - When I run after work - it is one thing to run in the dark - but running at 0600 and it's still dark - at least I knew the sun would be coming up and hoped that it would be a pretty sunrise.  I had forgotten two very important things when I got ready to go.  1.)  My Sunglasses - That's ok - it was really foggy and dark.  2.)  My Hat - it has a Lamp that I love to use when it is dark - makes seeing the road really easy!

The girls and I got into the Corrals - guess what - we got into the wrong corral.  That's ok though because we made it work - oh and THANKS ROB!  We really appreciate your bringing down the Advil prior to race start.  

12 - 11- 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 BLAST OFF!!!!!

The race was on and we were off - YAY!!!!!

The girls and I headed out with the agreement that if we fell behind - it was ok - so we went.  Guess what - the Corral was crowded.  We quickly got separated - or so I thought.  I thought the girls I was running with, Brandyn, Trisha and Richelle had gotten in front of me in the 2:15 pace group so I was just pacing and trying to keep up - didn't realize that I was ahead of them - Oops - my bad.  I didn't realize this until Richelle tapped me on the shoulder and I asked her where they came from!  LOL I had no idea I was ahead of them, I was just trying to keep up.  

The course itself was really nice and wonderful.  I really enjoyed running through the course and seeing all of the locals along the course who had come out at the early hours of the morning and were there to cheer us on.  They were there for the full 13.1 miles cheering us on, yelling encouraging words and offering drinks - NOT Just WATER either!  I honestly thought that the Vodka was for them for being out there to watch us - LOL.  Trisha - you rock!  I did make sure that I stopped and EVERY water table that was manned by a child that was NOT associated with the actual race.  If those kids were going to get up that early in the morning to come cheer us on - I was going to make sure that I High Fived them and took the water that they offered.  

I enjoyed everything of this course.  The meeting and running with the new people.  The Mile markers and the BEAUTIFUL Course.  I had gotten into my zone, enjoyed my music and kept going.  Then, it was just before mile marker 10 I began to talk to myself.  The topic of the race, at least with myself at that moment, was well, I could just pee on myself - I wouldn't be the first, nor the last.  I could just pee over by the waterway - but my luck I would fall in and there aren't any bushes to hide behind - oh what's a runner to do?  Praise God - there's a Port a let!  Mile Ten was the bathroom break!  

I was really enjoying this race and then when I got to mile marker 13 I was in the homestretch.  I turned right on to the cobble path and the throngs of people there to cheer me on.  Yes, ME!!!!!  I was one of the thousands of people there that they were cheering on!  I was finishing my Half Marathon.  I was doing this.  Then I realized WHERE I was.  Kick it in to over drive!  Where does this extra energy come from?  The picture from above was me sprinting through to the finish.  I have never had to weave in and out of so many people before in my life but guess what - They were in my way!!!!!  I was off and on a mission.  I was aiming for the 2:45 or better mark and when I saw that clock, I was NOT going to go OVER the 2:45 mark.  Total finish time, 2:44!  SCORE!!!!  Not only did I make it under the 2:45 (Even though I was aiming for 2:30) I knocked off 40 (Forty) minutes from my previous half marathon.  It's gotta be the Sparkle Skirts!  

Finished Space Coast Half Marathon with a time of 2:44

After I had finished my race, I was looking for my friends - well, they told me that they were over by the Medical Tent so, I went to look for them.  Then I saw one of the most amazing sights in the world that any runner who just ran a long distance both love and hate to see.  ICE!!!!!!!  I was half jokingly asking the medical staff if that was my ice bath!  They asked me if I needed an ice pack and I told them "Nope, I want to sit in the ice!"  They didn't think I was serious but for those of you who know me - know me well!  (insert evil giggle here)  They didn't think I'd do it and said they wanted to take a picture so guess what - I gave them my phone too.  I only wish that I would have sat in it longer - it really felt good.  I told them that it wasn't a big deal because I was riding the bus back and that it didn't matter if my butt was wet.  LOL  

All in all - it was an amazing race and I really had a blast.  I had a great time with some friends and made some new friends.  I am already waiting, very impatiently I might add, to sign up for next years.  Next year, I will be running with my same friends, my new friends and my daughter Shannon.  Not as "SHANNON's Mom"

And As Always - I RUN 4 BEN!

#tntParis

4 + 3 = I LOVE Running

Today was National Go Hug a Runner Day - aka Go HARD!!!!!  SO, I did.

Last night I went out for a 4 mile training run with fellow Team In Training members and even got to meet a fellow Marathon de Paris runner - we ran 4 miles and we pushed each other which felt great.  I realized how much I love training and running with other and not just by myself.  I still don't like to run on a Treadmill aka Dreadmill next to someone but will run training runs and races with people on either side - LOL tooo funny.  I haven't run with training partners since High School and have done all of my current training for the past 10 months by myself.  WOW what a difference it makes when you train with someone.

The 4 mile run was followed by a Kick Off Conference Call and I learned a lot of things I needed to know and will learn many more - Note to self - renew my passport!!!!

Tonight I went out with some fellow Mama's from my Moms RUN This Town Running Group and we met up and ran a 3 mile fun run for G.O. H.A.R.D.  Globally Organized Hug A Runner Day!  I gave and took hugs from fellow runners and loved every one of them!  I love sharing my passion with others that love it as much as I do.

Tonight my CRAZY Awesome Friend Trisha pushed me and she didn't even realize it at first.  When we started out - she was a bit ahead of me and I kept her in my sights and kept the pace with her.  It was what I needed again tonight.  I love running with her and to be able to keep pace with her makes me realize that I am improving.  I am by no means a Kenyan nor will I ever be one but to run with my friends that push me and will support me - that is better than winning a prize purse.  Like I have said before - my prize is my health.  YAY!

Tomorrow will be another training run - how far?  I don't know but I do know I will enjoy it.  It is going to be a Fun Run with Fit2Run at the Orlando Florida Mall.  Saucony will be there and we will get to run in THEIR Shoes.  I currently DO run in Saucony Kinvara's and really do like them.  I am interested to see what they are bringing for us to run in tomorrow.  When Nike did this - I really liked their Lunar's but my toes don't - LOL Another good thing about running in their shoes - if it rains again like it did tonight - I don't have to get MY shoes wet or dirty!!!

And with that - I am out!  To quote Trisha - I hope you all have a Crazy Awesome day and with that, Runner Babe is out!

Tomorrow we will see what we run - and what shoes we run in.  It is like Christmas or your birthday -

I hope that you are enjoying my posts, and I hope that you will follow me at the following as well:

pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/paris14/lsouthard

Happy Running!
Linda

Back to Back - AGAIN!

Finished the back to back weekend and had a BLAST!!!!  I was able to spend time with my fellow Mama's, my daughter Shannon and get in some amazing runs.

Like mentioned before - I ran the Peace Love Cure 5k on Saturday with my Moms RUN This Town Mama's.  I had a great time and won my prize - HEALTH!!!!!

Saturday I spent it with Shannon and Derek and then took Shannon with me to the Sunday Orlando Runner's Classic.  I couldn't justify spending $8.00 for just myself to park so I brought Shannon along because she was off from work - SO she thought - LOL

We get to the race and Shannon is showing me the Bear from Build A Bear and she ends up getting to work a few hours with her co-workers because they ended up needing her!  Go Linda, Go Linda!  LOL

The race started and I had an amazing time.  I ended up cutting off 6 minutes from my personal best to make a new PR at 59:30.  I went in with the hopes of getting in at an hour and when I saw the clock, I KICKED IT IN!  I ran it like I owned it and wasn't going to share it!

I then grabbed me some chocolate milk which is amazing after a race and went for a hug - Bearmey didn't mind that I stunk even! 

Then - off to the Expo!  

For a race that was benefiting a food bank - let me tell you, they really know how to feed you and take care of you.  I really did enjoy all of this and the weekend as well.  

I was telling Shannon that when I do these back to back races within a 24 hour period, I use them as training runs.  I have the Goofy Challenge coming up in January so doing this is GREAT practice and training. 

I'm thinking that today I may just have been the most fashion fauxpau runner of the day!  LOL I love my loud shoes and my skirt - thank god I washed clothes at Shannon's and my bright colors.  

Well - tomorrow will be a rest day - because I have a 12 hour shift to work and didn't get my Ibuprofen in before 7 p.m.

Tuesday we are back to running and will be trying to talk Angi in to the weekday runs as well.

Till then - Night all and as Mama T would say - Have a Crazy Awesome Day!

Crazy Awesome Running everyone!