I gave up caffeine about three months ago. I still hate myself for doing that. I did it because I had to. Sleep was getting more difficult to enjoy in periods longer than two hours at a time. Caffeine is the only legal drug that most athletes can still enjoy and not have to worryContinue reading “Caffeine-Free (And Not Loving It)”
Tag Archives: Competition
Seven Miles I Didn’t Mean To Run
I meant to run about four or five miles this morning. I wound up with seven miles. It was not my fault, really. I run on Sundays for two main reasons: to get my better half a newspaper, and it’s the one day when I can get a long run into my weekly schedule. SoContinue reading “Seven Miles I Didn’t Mean To Run”
Had To Have It; The Hydration Vest Arrived
I live in Florida, so you’ve already figured this out. It’s hot here. And it’s oppressively humid. It’s boil-the-brain-cells-then-squash-them-flat-them-flat kind of weather. I was carrying a 16-ounce handheld bottle of ice and water on my runs, and figured out that after a four-mile run, that’s nowhere near enough of either. So I broke down, didContinue reading “Had To Have It; The Hydration Vest Arrived”
Racing Season Over; The Next One Starts Fast!
The final race is done before the oppressive heat of the summer sets in. It had hills (OK, not hills to most of you, but for us flatlanders, they hurt). I’m glad the season is over and happy to take a break, though I keep peeking at the summer calendar to see if there’s anythingContinue reading “Racing Season Over; The Next One Starts Fast!”
I Am Doing This Half-Marathon Thing…Right?
I’ve been reading the nutrition guides (originally to lower my A1C, but that’s an additional benefit), training plans, and I’m now listening to running podcasts. I just bought a new pair of running shoes (half-size larger to help with the “runner’s toes” syndrome, also called “tree frog toes” in a hilarious Women’s Running podcast) andContinue reading “I Am Doing This Half-Marathon Thing…Right?”
10K Tough Enough? Surprise, Yes!
Last Sunday was my first 10K since knee rehabilitation ended. I finished with a first-place age group win. The weather was perfect, and fortunately, the start was early enough to get it done before the heat caught up. I also had the opportunity to visit a Hispanic grocery store and enjoy and buy the differentContinue reading “10K Tough Enough? Surprise, Yes!”
This Race Is For You, Miss Junie
It’s been a busy race season so far, with some good finishes, and even a first-place age group win. But that first place came after a bad day. Miss Junie died. She was a lovely lady, a proper grande dame, and she was my “running buddy,” not in the sense that she literally followed meContinue reading “This Race Is For You, Miss Junie”
Rules Change; Story Moves Forward
After rehabilitation on both knees and one foot, I have learned that the rules of workouts and competitions have come due for a reckoning. The good news is that swimming and cycling are unaffected, as neither is hard on the joints. Kickboxing and running, however, need a little adaptation. It’s time for orthopedic shoe inserts.Continue reading “Rules Change; Story Moves Forward”
I Was Dirty, Oh So Dirty (And It Was Fun!)
I did one of my longer races yesterday. An eight-kilometer trail race. Not an easy trail; it had grass, sand, roots, ruts, elevation changes, and mud. A lot of mud. Six water hazards. Not on-purpose water hazards. We’ve had a lot of rain, and you know trails. The water does not drain the way itContinue reading “I Was Dirty, Oh So Dirty (And It Was Fun!)”
Note To Self: Take Those Trail Signs Seriously Next Time
Two races into the season thus far (a fourth and a first in age group), both road races. The first big trail race is under two weeks away. I recently visited a big local state park with wild scenic trails, to get practice on trails similar to what I will race in a few weeks.Continue reading “Note To Self: Take Those Trail Signs Seriously Next Time”
Old Is Serious...Aging Is Hilarious 