Watermelon Series 5K, 2nd Race, Finish Photo

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Here's me in my purple running shorts, finishing the race. You can see I'm smiling. I truly enjoyed this race.



I don't have the quad and hamstring tightness I had after the last race. I'm not tired today -- already walked 1 3/4 hours this morning. Maybe next time I should push a little more, but it was fun!!

Hey, I found another one of me almost at the finish:



I definitely looked happier at the end of the race than at the beginning. Let's call that look determined, not stressed:



All in all, I'm glad I'm a runner. I don't think I would have ever tried it if it hadn't been for SparkPeople and the older runners I have met here.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LEGALLYBLONDE81 6/28/2011 8:43AM

Hey! Thanks for the blog post. I did see this and I AM SUPER IMPRESSED! Great time. :) I'd be over the moon with a time like that! I do play soccer and it's a lot of fun. We have a number of women in the mid-50's box who are still going strong. A lot of them formed a team with their daughters when the daughters turned 18. I love that we play on a team where we get to have that team bond with women from 19-60. We all go out for a drink after the odd game and it's a fabulous way of staying fit and making friends. Report Inappropriate Comment

MOM23CUTIES357 6/27/2011 8:01AM

You are a true inspiration Marsha. Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 6/26/2011 5:21PM

You are totally awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 6/26/2011 1:53PM

Marsha What a awesome blog and your pictures. You certainly are a inspiration for anyone that reads your blogs. Congratulations and thank you for sharing Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 6/26/2011 1:41PM

!!! So proud of you and what you've done! I wish that I could run! That looks like so much fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 6/26/2011 12:57PM

Keep it fun! WTG! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 6/26/2011 12:35PM

You look great!! So glad you finished with nothing hurting!! You are only getting better!! Well done!! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 6/26/2011 11:43AM

Nice work!! You are a continuing inspiration!! And: thanks for your encouraging comments on my middle number 4 blog!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BEYONDLIMITS 6/26/2011 11:33AM

You did it! Good for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

-PAULA 6/26/2011 11:06AM

Great time! Glad you enjoyed the race. You are doing great! Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 6/26/2011 10:57AM

Look at you go Marsha! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 6/26/2011 10:08AM

So glad you enjoyed yourself - that is what makes it worthwhile! Report Inappropriate Comment

Results Already

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Well, the 2011 Watermelon 5K Series, race two, is in the book. I felt good the entire race; much better than last race. I started out running to Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah just because I wanted to. It reminded me to smile, enjoy it, and not let my heart beat hard due to nerves. My MP3 player was acting weird and did not play what I thought I had on my playlist. For a while I was running to Bolero, which is definitely not running music, but it made me smile, too, just because it was so strange to run to it. Then it played some PodRunner music that was very appropriate. Next time I hope to have control over my music!

I didn't run quite as fast, but I'm happy with my gun time of 29:22. The first race my gun time was around 29:06, and my chip time was 28:46. Don't know my chip time yet; pictures and chip times should be posted later this afternoon. Maybe I'll have one for my blog tomorrow. I am in second place for my age group with 2 more races to go in the series. Next one is July 23rd and the final race is August 20th. I plan to run!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

-PAULA 6/26/2011 11:09AM

Congratulations on a great race and great timing. You are such an inspiration! One day I hope to get sub 30 but first I must get sub 40! Enjoy following you! Report Inappropriate Comment

TBRANCH2 6/26/2011 1:50AM

Marsha--the Polk County Team "mascot"! lol Great job!!! Hugs, Theresa Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 6/25/2011 5:34PM

Congratulations! You are amazing!! Report Inappropriate Comment

GATOR12 6/25/2011 2:44PM

You're an inspiration. Great job and you'll be better prepared on music end but sounds like it ended okay!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEKEIKO 6/25/2011 2:22PM

Congratulations! Time to select that playlist prior to the run. My mp3 saves the last playlist so all I have to do is press play. That's really funny - Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, makes me want to save that one on my mp3. WTG on the run! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIRAGE727 6/25/2011 2:20PM

Happy that you had a great run and still in the hunt! Report Inappropriate Comment

FROSTY99 6/25/2011 2:02PM

You are simply Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 6/25/2011 12:32PM

Marsha, you sure are doing a FANTASTIC job! Way to go! Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 6/25/2011 10:54AM

Marsha! We are so proud of you in the Polk County Team!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 6/25/2011 10:42AM

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MEXGAL1 6/25/2011 10:36AM

Congrats to you! Way to go! I admire you. Have a great week end. Sallie Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 6/25/2011 10:19AM

Congratulations Marsha, You certainly are awesome. Looking forward to the pictures. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 6/25/2011 10:06AM

You are awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHRINKINGSHERI 6/25/2011 9:42AM

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TAICHIDANCER 6/25/2011 9:18AM

Thanks for inspiring me today. Report Inappropriate Comment

Celebrating Fitness

Friday, June 24, 2011

I got an e-mail telling me that the Watermelon Series awards will be based on gun time, not net time (chip time). Evidentally, there was some problem with some of the chips so that not everyone got a time. On the web site only net times are listed for race one, so there may be some changes in position.

That probably won't change the way I run the race. Last time I started out right in the middle and I finished 396 out of about 840 finishers - so I'm starting in about the right place. I'll be glad, though, when they get the chip system working flawlessly because I think it is a better gauge of athletic accomplishment.

I just read on the Lakeland Runner's Club web site that this is the 16th year of the Watermelon Series. It was specifically designed to "celebrate fitness" and encourage running during the hot part of the year when it can be a challenge to keep fit.

If anyone asks why I am running this race I'm going to tell them that I am running to celebrate fitness!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FROSTY99 6/24/2011 6:23PM

You rock!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 6/24/2011 5:37PM

Hi Marsha You are awesome, and we should be celebrating your fitness, You are a awesome example of what a person can do. It is to bad that they can't use the clips, but you will know that you finished and that your time is somewhat less then the registered time. Enjoy the race and I look forward to seeing your results. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 6/24/2011 5:22PM

You're #1 in MY (official Watermellen) books no matter what method of measurement the race officials use!! Yeah!! Celebrating fitness, celebrating an awesomely fit YOU!! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 6/24/2011 4:32PM

Its a great concept! Good for them for putting it out there and you for embracing it!! I just about melt trying to work out in hot humid, conditions, and I am sure the heat we get is next to nothing compared to yours.. It is really unfair not to have an accurate race measuring method, but I guess chips are like all other electronics and can fail :(( We are getting an electronic scoring system for our bridge club. Not sure yet if I should be dreading it, I am no technician dealing with computer glitches.. All the best with your run, I am sure you will smoke it, especially when you make sure you are well hydrated before, during and after the race! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 6/24/2011 2:20PM

Worthy thing to celebrate! You couldn't be a better ambassador for fitness! WTG! Report Inappropriate Comment

MNNICE 6/24/2011 1:48PM

It is something to celebrate that our "Senior Citizen" bodies are indeed fit enough to run! Congratulations and continued success in your accomplishments! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 6/24/2011 12:56PM

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RAYLINSTEPHENS 6/24/2011 12:00PM

Awesome. Celebrate You too! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIRAGE727 6/24/2011 11:58AM

Unless I'm wrong and my data mining is off, you humbly failed to state that you were #1 in your age class!! You Stud Muffin! What an inspiration! Good luck in your run. I know you'll do well in celebrating fitness! Report Inappropriate Comment

Getting Ready and Unexpected Challenge

Thursday, June 23, 2011

I am getting ready for my 5K on Saturday. I've chosen my clothes, washed my running socks, trimmed my toe nails, checked my glasses, etc. I ran Tuesday and took a long walk today. Plan a short elliptical session tomorrow. I still have just a touch of lower back discomfort and a foot with an occasional muscle spasm. I'm not afraid to run the 5K, though. My training runs have gone well and if I have discomfort, I'll just go slower. It's great to place in a race, but more important to be healthy. Don't want to put too much pressure on myself. So, I was feeling pretty prepared when suddenly an unanticipated challenge occurred.

I usually run with my MP3 player playing workout tunes. I was wanting to create a playlist with a really, really joyfilled first song because I'm trying to start out thinking more positively. Unfortunately something happened to my MP3 player and all my content disappeared. Maybe it was my magnetic name tag that I inadvertantly put near the MP3 player in my purse. I re-synced my player, but wow did I get a mess. Pictures came in where the music should be so I have hundreds of "unknown" listings in the music. Some of the albums are now split up with the songs in different locations. A lot of the music no longer has titles listed, so I'm having trouble finding my music. I'm sure I can find something to run to. I'll keep trying to create what I want. We'll see.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MISTYRIVER64 6/24/2011 1:35PM

Good luck with the run and with the MP3 player - mine did almost the same thing and I gave up and bought a new one! Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYANNSCH 6/24/2011 10:54AM

Good Luck Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 6/24/2011 8:57AM

Sounds like all is in order except for tunes - I bet those get resolved too! Report Inappropriate Comment

1BEACHWALKER 6/24/2011 5:08AM

You are an inpiration! Keep up the good work! Good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

OPHELIA105 6/24/2011 4:19AM

Oh that would really annoy me. I have just had my laptop updated and it has made a mess of my itunes and I daren't re sync my ipod now as I know it will mess it up. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 6/23/2011 11:52PM

Marsha I know that you will be ready and will have a successful race. Hope you can get some music figured out. Have fun Saturday Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 6/23/2011 11:10PM

So very sorry about your music player :(( I last used something like that when it was called a walkman and used cassettes only..I miss having music walking, I know how motivating it is working out to it. I can go really fast on the elliptical when the digital station plays an upbeat song, but if it throws a slow one in, its like I am falling asleep lol. I can't wear those ear things as they make me deaf even on the lowest setting :(( Do you have all your songs stored on your computer? I don't know much about those mp3, but if you can wipe it clean like a hard drive, and then put them back?? Doesn't sound like its even functioning correctly and needs to be reset..You can always ask the company you bought it from for advice.. Good luck.. Report Inappropriate Comment

JANEWATKINS 6/23/2011 9:25PM

Boogers! Where is a young adult when you need one? Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 6/23/2011 7:33PM

Yup, have to say this is when I'd holler for my son to help . . . love the PODRUNNER downloads gateway to 8 km series . . . electronic dance music, all geared to running and very motivating for me . . . . Report Inappropriate Comment

PARKERB2 6/23/2011 2:37PM

Didn't grow up with all this technology and I've just learned what I must have to get along so I can't help either. I would call someone who is better equipped to handle this. Have a good day. And good luck on the run, hope all goes very good for you. Comment edited on: 6/23/2011 2:37:35 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 6/23/2011 2:27PM

I'm not savvy enough to help you - but I bet you could find someone to look at it and help you resort things. Think young - only the young know all these things. Good Luck! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 6/23/2011 1:45PM

OH, I am so sorry! That would really throw me! I hope you can get things figured out for your run! Maybe you have a computer geek friend who can fix things? I'd be calling my 20 year old son! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 6/23/2011 1:36PM

Good luck! I'd be lost! Report Inappropriate Comment

Overreacting and Undereating

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

This morning I was down 3.8 pounds from my weigh in yesterday. After overeating a little bit 2 days in a row, I really cut back. It worked. Only, it would have been healthier to have eaten at least 1200 calories (29 Weight Watcher pointsplus) yesterday and not undereat. Fluctuations and water weight are frustrating. I need to remember not to overreact.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MONTY68 6/22/2011 10:15PM

Hi Marsha I guess you did overreact, but I think a lot of us do. There are a number of articles about the body and how it reacts with weight. It would seem that 3.8 pounds would have met a 14,000 calorie deficit. I took one of the quizzes today that was titled "When Does Food Becomes Fat. A lot of good questions and answers. in fact there was a question on really cutting back after a day or 2 of overeating. I Know by what you have said that you did overreact and I bet you will remember not to in the future. You have done a amazing amount of work on yourself, and your results have shown that. As I told you a long time ago, that you inspire me with each of your blogs and I am sure there are many that read them, have been motivated to become more successful. Thank you for sharing Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 6/22/2011 9:08PM

I tend to do the same thing. Panic does strange things to us! Report Inappropriate Comment

FROSTY99 6/22/2011 3:31PM

I have learned not to get too upset over one or 2 days of variance on the scale but if it goes on longer then I get crazy. I just try to up my water and work out a bit more. I think you have a bit of the mentality that all of us retain, if we see the scale go up we fear we are on that downward spiral again, but I know you have a handle on this and you will stay in control. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYANNSCH 6/22/2011 3:11PM

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MEXGAL1 6/22/2011 2:51PM

yes, we all have to remember how weird the scale can be with the water differences our bodies have from day to day. You can go crazy with the different readings...I know I can! Overall the goal of eatting healthy for good health is what works for me to focus on. Best of everything. Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 6/22/2011 12:36PM

If you over react every time the scale moves...you will drive yourself crazy Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 6/22/2011 12:28PM

Here's to moderation - congrats on your upcoming retirement! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIRAGE727 6/22/2011 10:59AM

Overreacting, I tend to do that. A good thought to remember, Marsha. Thanks for sharing, you're doing fantastic! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 6/22/2011 10:24AM

You're doing great - and retiring in 5 days so add stress to your program. It is difficult not to under-eat but just keep trying - you have come so far in such a short period of time! You're my hero!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 6/22/2011 10:07AM

You are doing a fantastic job! I overreact, too... so afraid of gaining what I worked so hard to lose! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 6/22/2011 8:56AM

I just can't weigh myself that often - too frustrating for me! I left the scale in Florida so it will be 2 weeks weigh ins and I hope to see good results! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 6/22/2011 8:32AM

Yes, but it was just one day and you are back on track. You're right, must have been water weight. Hang in there. Report Inappropriate Comment