Tag Archives: sports

Gasparilla Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
13

The start of the race was pretty warm (close to 60 degrees), but the energy and excitement of all the runners made the event even hotter.  Perhaps I’ve been out the half marathon loop for awhile but I don’t remember such enthusiasm in a race outside of Disney.  Maybe it’s because it’s our hometown race and it was truly a magnificent morning for a run.

 

My favorite part of any Gasparilla race is always watching the sunrise over Tampa Bay.  You don’t even have to be runner to appreciate such a sight and watching a sunrise should be on your bucket list (if you have one).  I’m just thankful that I love a hobby that offers an opportunity to bask in such beauty.

 

 

 

 

As for the race, I crossed the start line seven minutes into it.  I paced for the first few miles with @BigBadEd and a lovely young lady, Briana, running her first half marathon.  After our pit stop at a water station, I lost the two of them in the crowd and I was on my own for awhile.

 

 

The hordes of high school track and field teams cheering on the runners kept everyone’s momentum high.  Their smiles and spirit made that long stretch along Bayshore Blvd bearable.  My favorite team was Plant City High School because they had spirit…yes, they did!

 

 

When you’re running for miles and miles, you can’t help but notice other runners’ attire.  This race was no different except that this time, I happened to recognize the running dresses of some fellow Suncoast Striders.  Once I spotted Karen and Regina in their fancy running dresses, I paced with them for a few miles.  It was so great to catch up with them.  I miss running with my Strider friends.  But after the turn on Bayshore Blvd, I lost them too.  You would think their floral outfits would make them easy to find in the crowd, but not for my mama brain! Or should I blame it on the heat?

 

 

Speaking of the heat, there were several sprinklers to cool us off at the water stations along Bayshore Blvd.  I’m sure those sprinklers added time onto my finish time, because I always walked slowly through those sprinklers.  A couple of times I even stopped to soak in the spray a little while longer because it felt so refreshing!

 

 

With Karen and Regina in the race, I knew David (our fearless Strider leader) would be somewhere cheering on the runners, but somehow I missed my cheering section at the bottom of the Davis Island Bridge.  I did happen to spot a funny sign that read, “Your feet hurt because you’re kicking so much booty right now!

 

 

Around mile 11, my knee buckled which incidentally is the SAME SPOT where my knee buckled during the Gasparilla marathon two years ago.  My t-bands started to ache and I walked for a few minutes, but the walk was more of a wobble with a limp.  I needed to stop and stretch my calves and shins, because usually for me a knee issue means my calves/shins are feeling overworked.   Whatever the reason for the pain, I just hoped I could finish the last two miles running.

 

On the way back into Downtown Tampa passing the Davis Island Bridge once again, I realized it’s my friend, Melanie, holding the sign that made me smile and she’s standing next to none other than David, who’s taking photos.  Even though I was focused on my knee and finishing around 2:30, I still managed to smile and wave to the Strider gang.

 

 

Once passing the Striders, I spotted what I thought was the finish line, and I started to run harder.  Much to my dismay, it was the start line.  DOH! But somehow I found the energy to keep running strong for the next quarter mile.

 

I suppose seeing my fellow Striders close to the finish line inspired me to finish strong and ignore my knee.  Or maybe it was the thought that my family would be waiting for me at the finish line.  I wanted to show my girls that no matter what, no matter how you get there or how long it takes you, it feels really great crossing a finish line and achieving your goals.

 

 

My goal was to finish at 2:30.  Close enough.

 

 

Bib # 25004

Clock Time 2:38:20

Chip Time 2:31:18

Overall 3849/4818

Sex 1843/2498

Div 367

Age 45%

 

 

Move Over Venus and Serena

Posted on by Run DMT
5

For about three months now, Allana and Emmalynn have been taking tennis lessons and they are throughly enjoying it.  They’re such naturals at the sport!

 

 

 

Coach Ty makes the class fun by playing games to teach techniques instead of boring drills. Plus, he is so patient with the kids.  The girls just love Coach Ty.

 

 

 

Unfortunately, temperatures and session prices are rising and I don’t think we I can handle either.  I need to stay as cool as possible this summer in more ways than one.  Typically, we have a pretty tight budget to survive the summer months, but with a new baby on the way, the purse strings will be pulled even tighter.

 

So maybe in the fall we’ll start lessons again.  But then there’s always soccer.  We’ll see.

 

 

 

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecilyand Loli

Photobucket

A Peaceful Journey

Posted on by Run DMT
7

One of Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop prompts for this week “Tell us about your trip” inspired me to share some found memories from our canoe trip on the Peace River last April.

 

My friend, Chrissy, had always talked about how much she and her family loved canoeing the Peace River and invited us along for the fun.  Unfortunately, we arrived late to the outpost and missed our friends, so we had to take a later bus to the launch location.  We were left to explore the river without our friends and our shovels and pails.

 

Peace River is best known for its abundance of fossils and shark teeth deposited in the river bed.  The canoe outpost provides shovels and pails, but in our rush to get to the river, we forgot to grab our archeological dig gear.  My girls didn’t seem to mind using their hands to search for treasure.

 

 

Along the river, the roots of cypress trees construct a natural wall and their huge canopies offer plenty of shade.

 

 

 

There are several shallow spots to take a quick break from paddling and cool off in the water.  The girls loved swimming and wading through the water searching for sharks’ teeth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed taking our time to explore each new spot, but it seemed we weren’t the only ones who liked roaming the river banks.

 

 

 

We assumed our friends were far ahead of us, but Allana and Allan decided to let them know we were here.

 

 

 

As we drew closer to the end of our trip, we passed under an old railroad bridge being used as a diving platform by some crazy boaters brave souls.

 

 

Although we enjoyed every minute of our two hour expedition, the girls were glad to finally arrive back at the outpost and on dry land.

 

 

In the end, we found quite a few sharks’ teeth, but ironically Allana lost one of her own.

 

 

Like Chrissy, we fell in love with Peace River that day and we are looking forward to warmer days to paddle down the river once again this spring…

 

 

…with my bump and minus the beer, of course.

 

 

Mama's Losin' It

Keeping Up with the Bump

Posted on by Run DMT
21

My paces prior to Saturday’s Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K were up and down, but I felt confident that I could finish under 40 minutes.

 

The night before the race I slept horribly.  I haven’t had a decent night sleep in months, but Friday night seemed even worse than usual.  I don’t know if I was nervous about my prego performance at the race or about the weather.  The forecast predicted 85% chance of rain and 45 degree temperatures at 8:00 a.m.  Have I mentioned how much I hate running in the rain?

 

My running partner, Tiffany, couldn’t make the race, but my friends, Mike, Chrissy and her sister, Angie would all be there.

 

 

 

The rain came down in full force just as the first wave of runners began crossing the start line and bitter memories of last year’s Gasparilla marathon flashed into my mind.  Since I had no intention of running fast, I stayed in the back as the crowd slowly meandered to the start line.  By the time Chrissy and I crossed the start line, we were 7 minutes into the race.

 

 

 

 

Since I forgot to check the water station stops on the race map prior to race day, I carried a water bottle with me.  Even though the rain would keep me cool and hydrated, I wanted to keep fluids in my body.  Hopefully, my bladder would feel the same since I forgot to wear a panty liner.

 

My running plan was to run 1 mile and walk a bit.  Run another mile and walk a bit more and then finish the last mile running.  When I found a water station, it would be a welcomed break.

 

I did really well for my first mile. Too well. I actually caught myself running a 9:30 mm pace and forced myself to slow down (doctor’s orders).  I finished mile 1 in 11:28 even though the clock said otherwise.

 

 

 

For mile 2, some military men moved in and their chants caused the crowd to clear a path for them.  These service men had a decent pace going and I ran with them for the next mile, however, I don’t think they would be happy to know that they were running the speed of a pregnant mama.  LOL  But in all truthfulness, their chants highly motivated me and all the other runners pacing alongside the soldiers.

 

 

After mile 2, I spotted a water station and the soldiers and I parted our ways.  I guzzled three cups of water while enjoying the view of the bay and the home stretch.

 

 

 

The last mile went fast even though my pace was slow.  Isn’t funny how 3 miles seem like a warm-up after you are accustomed to running longer distances? But even at my slower than usual pre-pregnancy pace, I finished under 40 minutes.

 

 

 

Clock Time: 42:58

Chip Time: 36:01

Ave Pace: 11:32.6

Max Pace: 8:36 (according to my Garmin)

Overall Place: 5438 / 9650

Gender Place: 2593 / 5585

Div Place: 354 / 785

Age Grade: 42.1%

Run DMT Grade: 100% KICK A$$!

 


 

Proudly submitted at

 

The Colts Need a Cuddle

Posted on by Run DMT
1

Watching Peyton Manning during the Super Bowl reminded me of an old SNL digital short.  I believe that Peyton Manning appeared quite a few times on the field last Sunday.

 

 

As the Saints go marching in true Mardi Gras style, I can’t help but feel sorry for the Colts this week.  An angry Peyton Manning is probably pelting them in the back of the heads with some fast flying footballs.

 

But it’s nothing a few beignets and some king cake can’t fix.

 

 

Congratulations to the Saints and the city of New Orleans! Who dat creamed the Colts?! :-)

Goodbye, Gasparilla Marathon

Posted on by Run DMT
5

At last my OB appointment, I asked my doctor for her approval to run the very last ever Gasparilla marathon.  After all, I’ve already ran two marathons and four half marathons and felt my body could handle it.  If I took the full 7 hours to alternate between running and walking, I should be fine.  Right?

Wrong. As a runner herself, my OB did not approve.  She felt the strenuous activity would not only deplete my body of the necessary nutrients but deplete the baby’s nutrients as well.  She also told me that such a strenuous physical activity could impact my bladder which would lead to surgery in the near future.

She recommended I slow down and shorten my distances and I picked her brain to find out just how short.

“Could I do a half marathon or a 15 K?”

“You’ll want to really cut back on the miles.”

“Like 6?”

“Like no more than 3 and even that is pushing it given your history of vaginal births and prolapse surgery in your family history.”

Ironically, in the past few weeks, my body seemed to agree with my doctor.  These days, it’s becoming increasing difficult to run 3 miles.  And as much as I really wanted to run in the last Gasparilla marathon, it seems I will have to set my sights on another marathon goal after I deliver this baby.

But having a running goal keeps me focused and now I am trying to decide if I should run in the Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K.  I have several  friends registered in the 5K and races are so much more fun with friends, but I worry about the crowds and my adrenaline.  Will my adrenaline kick in and I’ll want to run faster than I should?

To avoid late fees, today is the last day to pre-register for Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K, but  I can’t decide if I want to run/walk the 5K with my friends or stay in bed with my bladder.

Totally Tubular

Posted on by Run DMT
16

We love to plan winter trips to North Carolina to offer our girls a chance to play in the snow.  The weather during this year’s trip to Boone, North Carolina called for snow showers, but to this Florida girl it felt like blizzard conditions.  Unfortunately, the heavy snow and wind made it difficult to do anything outdoors.  As much as we wanted to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit Grandfather Mountain or climb Chimney Rock, all those activities were simply out of the question due to the weather.

 

Snow tubing at Hawksnest Resort in Seven Devils was also on the top of our tourist “To Do List”, however, that didn’t seem to not be in the cards the first few days of our trip.  Each day, we visited Hawksnest’s website for updates on their activities, but the weather conditions made driving to the top of the mountain and snow tubing far too dangerous.

 

Of course, when we finally made it to Hawksnest, the girls had a fabulous time!  Emmalynn and I rode together the first few times until she decided she was brave to tackle snow tubing alone.

 

 

Feeling a little less adventurous, Allana rode with Dad a few more times.  Once she noticed Emmalynn’s lack of fear, Allana attempted once alone and then her fear slipped away down the slope as well.

 

 

 

Since I lacked the specifics on how to snow tube, the friendly Hawksnest staff gave me a few pointers along with a big push down the slope.  Of course, when one staff member heard I was from Florida, he teased me relentlessly.  Hey, I know water sports not winter sports!

 

 

The trick to snow tubing is to use your heel as a break.  Given my height, I discovered I lacked the ability to break.  I heard a rumor that if you ride on your belly, then you could use your toe as a break, but I wasn’t willing to try belly tubing with a bun in the oven.

 

I quickly learned the importance of lifting my rear when approaching blocks of ice on the slope…the hard way.  (No pun intended.)  The bruise on my backside would become a lovely North Carolina souvenir.  I went snow tubing and all I got was this lousy bruise.

 

I also tried my butt hand on the tallest slope (~1000 feet), but preferred the smaller slopes. The height didn’t bother me, but the constant spinning at full speed down the slope reminded me of the Mad Tea Party Ride at the Magic Kingdom. Since I felt as though I would produce chunks on the slope other than piles of ice, I stopped myself about 3/4 of the way down and walked the remainder of the way.

 

After riding solo, the girls wanted to try tubing together, but only one ride down the slope proved that to be a bad idea.  When the girls hit an ice wall, Allana lost control and Emmalynn was propelled out of the tube.  She landed face first on the slope.  Thankfully, the staff ran to Emmalynn’s rescue and carried her to the bottom.  Poor thing scratched her face, bruised her forehead and was terrified to go alone again.  She rode with Dad for the remainder of our session.

 

Two hours later at the slopes, we were all happy that we finally hit the slopes in more ways than one and ready for more snow tubing hot cocoa and delicious cookies as big as our head at the snack bar.

 

And I Ran

Posted on by Run DMT
6

It had been two weeks since I last ran at the Holiday Halfathon.  I’ve read on-line that exercise helps combat the tiredness and morning sickness associated with pregnancy.  But for me, taking that first step towards anything aerobic has been quite a challenge.  It’s a vicious cycle.

 

I don’t feel well, but if I run I’ll feel better.

But I can’t get motivated to run because I don’t feel well.

But If I run, I’ll feel better.

 

Then yesterday, Tiffany dragged my butt out of bed for some long overdue running.  As much as we would have loved to run with the Striders, I couldn’t face getting up before the crack of dawn to join them for our Saturday run.  So, we comprised for a later morning run around 8:00 a.m.

 

With my lack of running, I wanted to take it easy at a slower pace and a shorter distance.  I set out to run 3 miles and did pretty well.  I had to stop to walk occasionally, but I was still pretty impressed with myself.

 

3.1 miles
Time 34:21
Ave Pace 11:04

 

And remarkably, I felt better for the rest of the day.  My energy levels improved, but most importantly, I felt well.  There were no signs of icky morning sickness (or all day sickness in my case).

 

For the past few weeks, I’ve been wearing motion sickness Sea-Bands every day to ward off the nausea, however, yesterday I removed them before my run and forgot to put them back on my wrists.  That’s how great I felt.

 

So, if I run, I will feel better.  Amazing!  Who would’ve thunk it?!

 

It feels good to be back and I’m looking forward to another run today!  :-)