Cherry Blossom Update

Yesterday I had wonderful news when I logged on to my e-mail - I was billed for my lottery registration for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in April!  I got in and so did my best running buddies.  Yea.  I didn't think I would get in since several of my long time running buddies said that they had not gotten in in past years.  I was really surprised which made for a good Monday.  It was even better news when I found out my friends also got in too.

I did run on Sunday - and was just glad I finished.  It was a small race so when they are small, under 400, I don't do to well.  Plus - I still had the remnants of the cold / flu or whatever virus I had last week.  The course was very hilly but the good news was:  I finished, I didn't finish last (almost though), and I ran an 8K.  Actually - my time wasn't that bad considering. I think all the experienced runners run this so being a newbie, I was fine with my time.  I hope this year, with longer runs, my times will improve. I've only been running since March or so.

On Saturday, I watched what was left of an Ironman event on TV.  I caught the tail end.  Watching these folks inspired me so much - I think I'm going to watch one of these every time I go out for a race.  One woman was diagnosed with cancer and didn't let it stop her.  Lot's of older men, like in their 70's - just did an event that took over 20 hours.  I thought to myself, I'm not going to let a little cold stop me.  Not after watching these wonderful athletes, cold or no cold, I was going to give it a try.  Toward the end of my run, I kept thinking of these athletes and what they accomplished and it kept me going. They inspired me and will continue to. 


PS - I wore my "new" One More Mile fleece pants on Sunday.  I purchased them this summer and it hadn't been cold enough to wear them until then.  Very nice - just love them.

Runs Planned For Next Year

We've been blessed with wonderful running weather this fall - all my races, the Rockville 10K, Run Under the Lights and the Turkey Burn off were rain free!  Continuing to have so much fun with my running buddies and looking forward to next year.  We've all made the leap and registered for the Winter Half Marathon Program (starts next month), registered for the Frederick Half Marathon in May and the Cherry Blossom lottery for the 10 mile run in April.  

Bad thing is, I've been dealing with anemia which has really slowed my running down and now have been struggling with the flu this past week.  I haven't run all week and have plans to run a Jingle Bell Jog run on Sunday morning, an 8K.  I'm pretty worried, I hope I can make it.  Not running at all this week has really been a bummer.

I may just give it a try anyway, and treat it like a long slow run.  

Saturday, whether I'm feeling it or not,  I need to attend my youngest son's swim meet.  So standing (I'm signed up as a swim timer) for two + hours in a 90 degree, 100 percent humidity facility may help me shed a pound or two but probably won't do much to help me get over this virus.  Then - when I get home, I have to decorate my house for Christmas.  Last weekend I was busy every minute working on the football team's senior gifts.  So decorating outside got pushed to this weekend.  I'm not sure if we'll go to the Christmas tree farm this weekend or next.  But still should have plenty of time to get things ready in time for the holidays.

Some photos from my recent runs with the girls:

 Pre Race Photo - 5 Mile Turkey Burn Off
(I'm 2nd from the left)

 10K Celebration Dinner
(Back Left - the one with all the grey hair!)

Pre-Photo 10K

(Second from the left)