Pine Belt Pacers Forum

This week has been full of surprises. Was supposed to go swim last night and it would have been my last swimming lesson, but I got locked out of the house. By the time I went to pick up a key from my mom and got back home, it was too late. So, I opted to do some things at home - like push-ups.

Plan to go for a bike ride this afternoon. Was going to go to the trace, but my daughters took the rental car to the Coast along with the bike rack! You know me, though. I will not be deterred! I'm not comfortable riding on the roads, but I'm gonna do it today.

Leave tomorrow morning for TX where my daughters and I will do the Lone Star Triathlon on Saturday. I'm excited about all of us being together and doing something fun. We even had t-shirts made. I'll let you know how it goes.

Ms. Susan ...

Good Luck in Texas ... and watch out for crazed animals, okay. Just remember to have fun and enjoy the triathlon!!!

Be safe and take care ...

Joe (Tinker)

Good luck with the racing this weekend. I know that you will have a wonderful time with the family. Have Fun!

Had a wonderful time in Galveston! It was so cool to do this race with my three daughters! I never dreamed it would happen. My oldest daughter is now hooked on Triathlons. She and I signed up for a Super Sprint Women's Tri in Houston on Mother's Day. Last year on Mother's Day was my very first Triathlon with my middle daughter, Jennifer. Whoda thunk it woulda turned into such a big part of my life. I'm thankful because that's the only reason I joined the Pacers. Funny how things work out like that. My life is all the more rich because of it. I love all 'o ya'll!

Ran in the Crescent City Classic this morning. My time ws 1:21:06. That's 1:26 faster than my time in the Azalea Trail Run two weeks ago. Yay! Avg HR 163 with a max of 170 during mile 2. Avg. pace was 12:44. First mile was 11:17. Mile 2 was 12:03, mile 3 was 12:40, and it went downhill from there. The slowest mile was the last one at 13:28. I hear there were 20,000 runners. I was in a pack the entire race.

I didn't realize I was supposed to pick up my number at the Expo on either Thursday or Friday. Consequently, I ran without a number. I walked about 2 1/2 miles before the race from the opposite end of the French Quarter, down to the Hilton Riverside, and back to the starting point of the race. I'll know better next year. The weather was perfect with the temp in the mid to high 60's. I only walked twice for a total of about 1/2 mile. I saw Jen Torres but slowed for water and lost her.

You go girl! You are the poster child for making significant improvement in your times. Which do you prefer---5K, 10K or Tri?

Gosh, I don't know which I like best. Today I like the 10K because I improved my time and I feel like I did good. If I had to pick, probly 5K. I like the challenge of the triathlons with the cross-training, plus it just sounds cool to say I'm a triathlete.

Congrats Ms. Susan ...

And you aren't just a triathlete ... you are an IRONWOMAN!!!

Keep it up ... and see you at the next event ...


Joe (Tinker)

Took a rest day on Sunday and eased back into activity today with a two-mile walk with my dog. She was a happy girl! My quads are still a little sore from the 10K on Saturday. Met with Becky this afternoon and got my marching orders for the next three weeks which will take me to my next triathlon. Weather permitting, I plan to run 2-3 miles in the morning since I have a speaking engagement tomorrow evening.

Tonight I swam for 1/2 mile including 100m pull bouy and 100m kickboard. The rest was freestyle. I felt very awkward in the water tonight. It seemed very difficult to keep my body horizontal and up close to the top of the water. I'm also trying to learn to breath differently where I don't lift my head so high out of the water. Very awkward!

After swimming I rode the stationary bike for 1 hour for 15.25 miles keeping my heart rate at an average of 134 which is right where I wanted it.

Believe it or not, I ran for the first time from my house. I headed west on Tatum Camp Road for 1 3/4 miles, then turned around to come back. Hills! Hills! And more hills! Considering the course, I was satisfied with my time. Mile 1 - 11:58, mile 2 - 13.25 (worst section mostly uphill), mile 3 - 11:40 (got to come back down the hills I ran up in mile 2). Total 3 miles @ 37:03. As much as I hated it, I felt good when I finished. Every day that I run up a hill and survive it is good day.

There is something very liberating about running from your home. It's the realization that if you had to rely on your body to get you places, you could. Although the Trace is so much safer than roads or streets, I think we would all benefit if we would do more of our training away from the flatness of the Trace. Here in Timberton I have some very nice changes in elevation which I attempt to run at least once a week.

If anyone is looking for a place to do a long hilly run, you should consider Bonhome. If you park at the Y you can cut through Tatum Park and through PCS to get to Bonhome. Or, you can run up Hiway 11 and take a left at the Shell station. There is a nice circular loop that is very hilly or you can go all the way to Bonhome and really get some hills. You could also park at the Shell and go across Hiway 11 and do the billboard run.

A major problem with these runs is that there is no water available and there are sometimes dogs which can be pretty scary.

Ran continuously for one hour this afternoon at Lake Serene. I covered 4.5 miles averaging 13:26/mile, avg. HR 154. Walked a 1/4 mile warm-up and 1/4 mile cool-down for a total of 5 miles. Didn't like not having water available to drink every mile or two like in the races. Felt good about being able to run for an hour without stopping. Gotta remember to re-charge my iPod Shuffle. I lost my music after 15 min. All in all, it was a good run.

Hello Susan - I would recommend driving out or biking before your run and dropping waters along your route. I don't always drop waters for a short run, but if I am running 1 hour or more, I definitely put some waters out. Of course, as it gets warmer it will be even more important to stay hydrated on the run. Most of what I have read recommends drinking every 15-20 minutes, which of course, is even more important in South MS. Enjoying reading your posts.

Bummer about the tunes. I hate when that happens!

Went on my long bike ride today. Rode from Jackson Station to Sumrall and back for a total of 22 miles, time 1:35, avg. HR 140. I saw four bunnies along the way. As usual, it felt good to complete the workout.