Running With My Daughter

This past weekend I had the wonderful pleasure of finally doing and event with my daughter, Lyndi. She lives across the state from me and has a busy life with family and work and like so many younger women, no time to train. So when she invited me to do Running With The Cows I jumped at the chance to share the morning with her. That it was scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend was an added bonus. That I would get to see my granddaughters was just icing on the cake.

Because of work and family Lyndi doesn’t have the time to workout that I do. When do you fit a workout in between work and Girl Scouts, commuting and dance lessons, husband and housework? Many women have to put their own goals on hold as their families grow and activities get in the way. She does what she can when she can which is all anyone can do. I certainly don’t mind going slow and walking is just fine with me. Plus, the finishers received a cowbell. How cool is that! Sign me up!

The forecast was for rain but the morning was perfect; a little chilly at the start but just right at the end. The race features a ½ marathon and a 5K and in just 6 short years has grown to a major event. Over 1500 runners did the half and over 500 the 5K. Not bad for a little town. We followed the cow signs out of the starting area and then a simple out and back on a rolling course. We talked and visited and stopped to take a picture or two and spent a wonderful morning out on the road. Best Mother’s Day present she could have given me!

One of the big draws of this run is the amazing feast at the end. They have everything from the standard fruit and power bars to pizza, cinnamon rolls, muffins, protein balls, and bagels. They even had a concoction of homemade noodles, pulled pork, and green grapes. It sounds strange but don’t knock it until you try it. Yummmmm.

We didn’t break any speed records but enjoyed our time together. It’s not how fast you move, but that you move whatever you can, whenever you can. I’m so proud of my daughter for fitting in her workouts between family and work obligations and making a commitment to fitness. I was so happy to get to spend some time with her doing something healthy and active. I hope she calls me up more often and invites me to do a few more events with her. As they said at the race, “Just keep mooooving.”

Half Marathon RUN

Yolanda, Meghan, and I,
Proud 1/2 Marathon Finishers!

I’ve been able to say I’ve completed a half marathon for a while now but I have always added the caveat that I’ve WALKED the 13.1 miles with only a few running bits thrown in. As of this weekend I feel I can say I’ve RUN a half marathon. I ran most of the first 4 miles and quite a bit after that. If I go back through my Garmin data I could get exact figures but I’m confident in saying that I ran at least 5 miles. I don’t know at what point that becomes enough to move from the walk to run category, but by the powers vest in me by, well, me, I declare it a RUN!!

The OKC Memorial Marathon/Half Marathon is an amazing race with unique community support and an atmosphere that begs runners to return year after year. Last year’s run was filled with drama as well as emotion with storms delaying the start by almost 2 hours. I walked 13.1 miles with my good friend Claudia B. and finished with a smile. This year I was to walk with Betsy G. a friend from high school. Several from the area were doing the run as well including Meghan M., Yolanda R., Dan K., and several others from my Running Friends group. It’s a party and we don’t mind making the long drive to OKC to be part of the fun.

Unfortunately Betsy found out the day before we left that her mother needed to be moved to the big city for more medical attention and needed to be with her. I absolutely agreed but realized that I would be walking by myself this time. I adjusted my thinking and decided to take the opportunity to really enjoy the day and make connection with the wonderful people in the neighborhoods that make this such a special event.

Always ready with a glass of wine.

Meghan, Yolanda, and I drove down Saturday morning and aside from forgetting to look at the fuel gage and thankfully finding a gas station quickly the ride was smooth. Saturday evening we shared supper with Kate H. and her sisters (Kate is coming back from an injury but her sisters were running the 1/2) and got to bed by 9:00. 4:30 came around awfully fast! We woke to perfect weather: temps in the mid 50s and overcast with a slight breeze. Not a thunderstorm in sight!

We wished each other luck at the starting line and promised to meet up on the other side with a smile. Since I’ve been feeling better and was full of energy I decided to run the first 3 miles. That part is through mainly business and commercial areas so there aren’t as many spectators along the way. It’s not until we get into the neighborhoods that the fun really begins. So I kept up the pace and amazingly finished the first 4 miles with only a few walk breaks, mainly on uphill portions of the route.

One of the first characters I came across was a lovely older gentleman sitting at a small bistro table with a bottle of wine smoking a big cigar who was willing to share a glass of bubbly with anyone who wanted to stop. I didn’t share a drink but did stop to take our picture. So many of the neighborhoods play music and post signs and offer water, pretzels, fruit,

Bouncing along with Tigger.

and encouragement. It’s a party all through the middle of the race. I stopped to take a picture with a cute little guy in a Tigger costume who was bouncing all over the place. And of course I had to get a picture of the gorilla waiting for us at Gorilla Hill. This group goes nuts! Music, people in banana costumes, fruit, cheering, and all of this well into the run with as much enthusiasm for us slow people as for the fast people who went by much earlier.

One little guy caught my eye as he held a sign that said “Free Cupcakes” He looked a little sad that not everyone was stopping to take his cupcakes so I HAD to stop. I thanked him and bit into the treat and it tasted so good at mile 9 that I think I groan and he started to chuckle. That made my day!

Gorilla Hill, Party Central!

The last part if the race is back through business areas but the crowd support is still amazing. When I got to the finish line chute the sidelines were packed with cheering crowds who didn’t care if you were fast or slow, running or walking. They were there to thank the participants for supporting their city and the Memorial. To them I say, You’re Welcome!

When I stopped my Garmin I realized that I had set a new PR. I can only imagine how much faster my time would have been if I hadn’t stopped to take pictures and eat cupcakes and dance with a cute little Tigger, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I ran more than I thought I would, stopped to enjoy the sights and sounds, and made a mountain of new memories. Today I’m sore and my hips are not happy but I will be back next year and maybe this time I’ll stop and have that glass of wine and hope for a cupcake or two as I RUN another half marathon.

Finished and smiling!

Take It To The Limit

As I’m participating in an event I try to allow the moment to fill me, to bring me new insight, to take away a new understanding of myself or the world around me. After finishing the Outrun Childhood Obesity (OCO) ½ Marathon on Saturday I can honestly say I was filled with a Peaceful Easy Feeling even though the wind was blowing at 25 mph and my hips were making their displeasure known quite emphatically.

My race started early. The race director Meghan, a good friend of mine, again allowed me to start early so I would finish with the rest of the pack instead staggering in long after everyone else has finished. She allowed me to do this last year and as things turned out, a few others could have benefited from an early start as well. It was a cold 36 degrees with a wind chill of 28 when I hit the road. I showed my Garmin to Meghan’s dad to verify my start and headed south out of town into a 15 mph wind. (This is truly the beauty of small town races!)

Still smiling after the OCO 1/2 Marathon

I have just discovered the joy of listening to music as I walk/run and was loving the 70’s channel on my SiriusXM app on my phone. Up until recently I had only listened to myself gasping for air and talking to myself in my head. Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown kept me company while I caught Boogie Fever and did some Jive Talkin’. As the wind picked up the Eagles kept me soaring. But when the wind kicked up to 25 mph and Dust In The Wind by Kansas came on I almost burst out laughing as tumbleweeds rolled along beside me.

The return leg of the race is special to me. By starting early I get the chance to meet all the runners as they are still heading out to the turn around. Most give me a high five or a thumbs up and those that I know shout encouragement as I give them a big smile and try to boost their spirits. It truly is a special part of the OCO race for me and I’m so glad Meghan let’s me experience this.

As I was running one of the downhill stretches it occurred to me: I had a little more energy and a little less pain than in the past. Don’t get me wrong, my hips still hurt, but not nearly as bad as they would have a few months ago. I haven’t been as totally exhausted lately either, just more tired them most. Progress? I sure hope so. The new biologic treatment might actually be getting the upper hand in this battle with RA. No wonder I felt a sense of peace and calm. For the first time in 18 months I felt like I was taking a step forward instead of treading water or even falling farther behind.

I finished my ½ marathon in just over 3 hours and shaved 17 minutes off my previous PR. Yet another reason to smile after the race. Now, a few days later, I’m a little sore and my hips still ache but for the first time I’m optimistic about controlling my disease. I’ll keep listening to my 70’s hits as I plod along and the Eagles and I will Take It To The Limit one more time.

Racing For A Cure

Dan, me, Kate, Patricia (Kate's Sister)

Yesterday was the TLC Groundhog Run in Kansas City. It's the only completely underground 10K in the
USA and benefits the local organization that supports children with disabilities. It's also the race I choose to use as my fund raiser for Racing For A Cure, an organization that raises money for research to fight all forms of arthritis. Helping two groups at one time is pretty special. That's why I drive 7 hours to KC and ignore my claustrophobia to run in the tunnels of a limestone mine. That, and the really cool finisher medal!

I have been trying to rebuild my stamina but it seems life gets in the way sometimes. Between the holidays and all the distractions that brings I didn't get as much training in as I really should have but I only have so much energy and when it's gone it's gone. My game plan was to work hard for the first 5K and relax and enjoy the ride for the second half. The 10K is not my race anyway and PRs are a thing of the past. Finishing upright with a smile and a thumbs up is winning in my books.

Thank you Sponsors!

My friends and family really came through for me this year. I was so happy to see the donations roll in for my fund raiser. Even more important was the information I was able to pass along about the struggles those with RA face every day. If in some small way I can help others understand RA and how important it is to find better treatment and someday, God willing, a cure, then my struggles will be worth the pain. It's never too late to donate so if you feel the urge to help log onto my donation page: http://racingforacure.org/team/patty-knoll.

This year I was going to have to drive by myself since another girl from the area had to pull out of the run. My hubby really didn't want me to drive home tired and sore all alone so he gave up his planned activity on Sunday (his men's group cooks and serves a Groundhog Supper) to spend the weekend with me. He's not a big fan of going to the races because, honestly, it's pretty boring for those left behind at the start/finish line. There usually isn't much to do to keep them entertained and I take a long time to finish. He's such a good sport and didn't complain too much but I know it wasn't a fun time for him. He takes such good care of me and his support means the world to me. I know I would have been fine driving home but it really was nice to just relax and rest. Thanks Hubby!

The starting area.

I met up with Kate H. and Dan K. and we headed back into the tunnel to the starting line. I waited until the
slower wave passed by then started my run/walk with almost 1400 other runners. It was cold and drizzly outside and I had worn a long sleeve shirt under my jersey. Big Mistake! It actually gets quite warm and stuffy deep in the tunnels and I was overheating big time. By mile 1 I was looking for a pillar I could hide behind and strip my shirts off. With a quick change of clothes I was back on the road and feeling much better. I kept to my intervals for the first 5K and when I looked at my watch was pleased with my time. Not fast, but in my range of normal.

Then I pulled out my camera and started taking pictures. Now this is how to enjoy a race. I talked to the volunteers, shouted encouragement to the fast people as they passed me, and talked to others along the way. I think I like this concept!

Running through a long long tunnel.

Somewhere around mile 5.5 my hips really started hurting. Amazingly, running felt a little better then walking so I probably ran a lot more then I had planned. I was limping pretty bad by the time I finished but I made it to the end. So the car ride home was not pleasant. We stopped several times so I could get out to walk but it was pretty painful. I moved like a zombie and about as fast. It's better today but I'm getting up and moving every chance I get.

Finished, smiling, thumbs up!

I did have a goal time in mind and I beat it by almost 3 minutes. My Hubby and friends were at the finish line cheering me on. Kate and Dan had run really well and were kind enough to wait around for this slow poke. We caught the shuttle back to the hotel for a quick shower and then hit the road for the long drive home. Another Groundhog Run in the books. 

I don't know if I'll do this run again but if you have the chance you should give it a try. It is the most unique place to run and it's for a worthy cause. And the 10K finisher medal is really neat!

New Year, New Focus

With a new year starting I'm going to focus on having fun. I'm not going to try of a new PR in anything and not going to worry about finishing last. In fact, I fully expect to finish last a few times this year. But I'm going to have fun doing it.

That doesn't mean I'm not going to work hard. I know that being in some kind of shape makes you feel a lot better at the end of an event. I will still try my best but if I can't enjoy the day then it's not worth doing. Not at this point in my life. So I'm looking for events that give unusual swag or neat finisher medals. Unique locations and fun themes are what I'm looking for. Challenging but not excruciating, that's for me.

That's why I'm gearing up to do the TLC Groundhog Run 10K again this year. It's a totally underground run under Kansas City that benefits children with disabilities. As if that's not reason enough to do the race, I'll also be using that race to do some fund raising for the Arthritis National Research Foundation. Check out my donation page at: http://racingforacure.org/team/patty-knoll
Not nearly enough money is available for research into RA and finding a cure, or even new medications that control this chronic disease. We need better drugs that fight RA without the major side-affects caused by present treatments. It is my small way of fighting against RA. Please consider making a donation to this cause.

With only a few weeks until the run I will need to get on the treadmill and put in a few more miles. My event calendar is filling up for the year and I can't wait to get started. Happy New Year everyone, and let the fun begin!

Legacy Run

It's been exactly one year since I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. And one year ago I participated in the local cancer support race, the Legacy 10K and Spirit 5K. I was a little shell shocked and scared to death because I had just been handed a chemotherapy for life sentence. I didn't know what the future would hold for me and the internet can be scary as hell if you let it show you the dark side of life. Amber M. ran most of the 5K with me and helped me keep moving and Claudia B. was running to honor her mother who's cancer was making a comeback. These ladies were wonderful supporters and friends. Without them I would have just stopped in the middle of the street and cried.

My dad and brother lost the battle with cancer.

A year later and I'm happy to report that I'm feeling much better. Not 100% and some days are a struggle but I'm managing this disease and trying not to let it manage me. I'm still active but slow. But I was never fast anyway and turtle power gets me to the finish line. I've learned how to give myself injections and have joined the Racing For A Cure team to raise money for the Arthritis National Research Foundation. Doing something pro-active makes me feel like I can make a difference, even if it's a small contribution.

While I know there is no cure and this will be with me for life, at least I have a life ahead of me. That fact was hammered home as I looked at the signs along the run, each one with the name of someone who battled cancer in some form. Some won, but many others lost the battle. I found the sign I dedicated to my dad and brother and realized how small my problems are in the grand scheme of things. I used to get mad when people would say "at least it's not cancer" even though I take weekly chemotherapy drugs and will for life. But as I read the names, so many names of the old and the young, I said to myself, "at least I don't have cancer". I'll keep running and biking and swimming and moving anyway I can for as long as I can. If there is a legacy for me to leave behind it is to never give up and never give in. My friend Gina G. gave me a quote from Roger Crawford - "Being challenged in life is inevitable. Being defeated is optional." I try to live that philosophy every day and to turn my eyes to the sky and say, thank you God. At least it's not cancer.

Bling!

Call me a material girl but I do love the bling we get at the races. This past weekend was filled with bling and a satisfying close to my triathlon season. The Tiara Tri at El Dorado Lake turned out to be just what I needed to end on a high note, complete with sparkly crown.

Love the Bling

The Tiara Tri is in it's second year and is one of the few women's only events around. I was not prepared last year but did the race anyway with mixed results. It was my first ever swim in open water and that was freaking me out. The run was unimportant to me and finishing without drowning was the main goal. This year I was much better trained, or so I thought, and was in the next higher age division. I would be competing in the 55-59 AG and was really hoping that there wouldn't be too many old ladies signed up.

We left for the race Friday afternoon with three bikes strapped to the back of Susan E.'s SUV. We were a little paranoid about the safety of our bikes and with good reason after the Wichita Waterfront Tri. Susan had a big chain and locking bolts and every other kind of security item you can think of. When we arrived in Wichita to stay at Kate H.'s house the first thing we did was unload the bikes and lock them in the garage. Meghan M. Kate, Susan and I enjoyed Italian pasta and hit the sack early. 4:30 was going to come around awfully early.

At zero dark 30 we headed to El Dorado Lake. Meghan, Kate, and I did the race last year and knew the layout but Susan was eager to see the swimming area. She is training for a 1/2 Iron tri in October and is putting in some major miles in and out of the water. We were not the first ones there but were still early enough to grab the coveted spots on the rack. With our body marking on and our transition areas set we relaxed and headed to the water. It was almost perfect temperature and much less murky then last year. That doesn't mean clear, but you could see ahead and to the side for a few feet. They had configured the swim area a little different and it looked much longer then last year but maybe it was an optical illusion. At least that's what I was hoping. 

As we gathered at the waters edge I started my usual scouting of the competition. They put your age on

We sparkle! Me, Susan, Meghan, and Kate.

your calf and I was surreptitiously looking for my age group. Dang. I saw some really fit looking ladies in my group. I was going to have to push if I wanted a medal this year. I finished 4th in my group last year, just off the podium.

Here is my philosophy on medals and small age groups. It's not so much the medal, but having your name called and getting to stand up and wave. It's about bragging rights back home and pictures to post on Facebook. When there are only a few ladies in my group I start thinking that I just might stand a chance. I might be able to push a little harder and maybe, just maybe, hear my name called. When there are lots of women in my group I know there isn't a chance in Hell of me placing so I start slacking off and competing just to have fun. There is nothing wrong with having fun, but it's a bling thing and I just can't explain it.  I look at these medals as a badge of honor for still kicking at my age when most are home complaining about aching joints and tired bodies.

3rd place in our age divisions!

Waves of swimmers entered the water and I'm always amazed at the wide range of abilities and body types. I'm so proud of those who are less then thin for taking up such a daunting challenge. Sometimes just putting a swimming suit on is a huge victory, physically and mentally. I tried to maintain control of my breathing and keep my stroke even. My goggles didn't leak much and I felt really good. I never had to break stroke but I thought I would never get to the end. I think I started walking too soon at the finish and should have stayed swimming for another 30 yards. The water was above my waist so there was no high stepping out of it at that point. I might have gained a few seconds and saved some energy if I had kept stroking. But the run up to transition was long and slow and seemed like a mile even though it was only about 200 meters. 

Out on the bike I felt strong. I started passing some of the women from the earlier heats and was pretty pleased until I got to the first of 2 big hills. The first was long and fairly steep, the second was shorter but steeper. They kicked my tush. I really lost a lot of time there and will have to work on hill climbing much more next year. Then it was back to the transition area and out on the run. 

I'm not a good runner. I know that. But I still get disappointed each time. I would set my sights on someone and try to keep up with them, only to fall back. I watched people pass me and kept looking at their legs to see where I was in the mix. First one, then another in my age group passed me by. Well crud. If I was going to have a chance at a medal I had to hold off any more old ladies. So I pushed a little more and listened for footsteps behind me. I don't have a kick and there is no such thing as sprinting to the finish for me. 

Before I knew it I was crossing the bridge and hearing my name called as I headed to the finish line. They put a finisher medal around my neck and a tiara on my head and I felt like a queen. A really sweaty queen.

Kate had an awesome run and pulled out a strong finish to place 3rd. She was so proud of that since she just missed placing last year. Meghan finished faster then last year but didn't place this year. That's the way it goes sometimes. It depends who and how many enter and it's different each year. Susan did great in a really competitive division and was just out of medal contention. But she has bigger things she is aiming for, like becoming an Iron Woman. Me, I placed 3rd in my age group! I was so pleased to hear my name called and collect another medal. I finished a little slower then last year but after looking at the data it was almost all in the swim. Susan's Garmin had it measured at 458 meters, a little longer then last year. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

It turns out there were only 4 in my age group but what the heck. I enjoyed the event and will do it again next year. A girl can't have too many tiaras! The bonus to the weekend was getting to know Susan better and learning we have much in common, including farmer husbands. The best part of being a triathlete and a member of the running community is all the wonderful people I've met and now count as good friends. There is not a more positive group of people with which to be associated. Almost every woman on the run either heading out or coming back offered words of encouragement and high fives to those who needed a helping hand. It doesn't get much better then that. Unless it's winning a bigger crown!