Howdy, howdy y'all!
It's been a while! I really miss being able to connect with everyone on a daily basis.
Let me bring you up to speed on what I've been up to lately. Immediately after I agreed to the schedule changes I mentioned previously, one of my co-workers went on medical leave and has subsequently resigned. With me working only Sunday - Tuesday, that left our department short staffed on weekdays. So, my boss asked if I would stay on I hour shifts through the holidays. She plans to have an additional staff member hired and trained by then. Since I have the luxury of being a little flexible, I agreed. It makes it difficult for me to keep up with daily posts, but I'll try to do my best to post more frequently.
Since my last posting, my Pathways group has compete their goal race, the Tulsa Run 15k. Race day was an unusually warm day for October. The forecasted big temperature was in the high 80's - 90 degrees! I knew that was going to be a challenge. I chose to use my Nathan minimist hydration vest as there were water so issues last year. We met so a group at Fleet Feet Sports Tulsa for photos then made our way to the start line. I planned to try to beat my previous 15 PR time of 1:45. I helped my runners find the appropriate place groups for them, then I went in search of the 1:40 pacer. I found her and decided to start behind her but in front of the 1:45 pacer. As the gun sounded, I immediately regretted not stopping for a Porta potty one last time. We weren't even a mile into the race and is already drenched in sweat. I passed up the McDonald's and a Panera Bread store hoping the urge to use the rest room would pass. It did not. By mile 4, I caught up to the 1:40 pacer. I was keeping pace with them just fine, but I couldn't wait for the rest room any longer. I had to stop at mile 4.5 for the porta let. After about a 3 minute delay, I wood and running again. I lost the 1:40 pacer but was still ahead of the 1:45 pace group. I managed this page until about mile 7 when we were in direct sun. There was no shade or breeze. The heat was wearing me down. I walked most of mile 8. Somewhere around this time, I spotted the 1:45 pacer. I kept thinking that if I could stay just ahead of him, I would still PR. We leap frogged from mile 8 to mile 9. Finally, at mile 9, I decided this just wasn't my day and changed my focus to just finishing. I felt tired and didn't really have anything left in the tank. I finished with an official time of 1:46 but by my Garmin my finish time was 1:43. I was OK with this. There was no water at the finish, which was a big problem as over heating and dehydration were real concerns that day. I probably will not run the Tulsa Run again, but I'm glad that I had this experience.
Now that they've completed their goal race, some have decided to continue training for the Route 66 half marathon, which is now 2 weeks away. We extended the training/coaching for those who wanted to go on. This is the second year that I've coached the "Path to Half" training. Our last long run before the half marathon was this past Saturday. I was nervous as it was the longest run for me in 8 months. The weather was a little bit cool to start with a strong breeze but it turned out to be a beautiful day. And, it was the best run I've had in quite some time!! We did 12.5 miles in about 2:40. They were worried about finishing under 3 hours, but I don't think that will be a problem for them. I think that 2:45 is more realistic and completely doable. We tried to run most of the race route so that they would know what to expect. It's going to be a very hilly course!! I'm excited that we won't be on the flat of Riverside Drive as long as we usually are. I don't know why exactly, but that's always the hardest part for me. I still haven't committed to the race yet. I'm reluctant to sign up and pay $90 because the weather was so bad last year and its looking like a repeat of that again this year. I think that I'll give it 1 more day before I fully commit. ;-)
Hubs and I are still doing the Body Beast program. We're in the bulk phase now. I'm still enjoying it. I think that I'm going to have to start increasing my weights if I want to see more growth.
And, as always, I'm still struggling to clean my diet up. My issue is sweet treats. I wish I could just say no, but I love them too much!! I'm going to try to really back off on the sugar intake this week and if that doesn't work, then I'm going to do a cleanse/sugar detox the week after Thanksgiving. I'll keep you updated.
So, that's what's up lately. I'll try to check in at least 1-2 more times this week. Hopefully, I can get back to regular posts soon.
Until next time--get up, get out, and get moving! Whatever you do today, make it ridiculously amazing!
Your friend,
Theresa
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