I ran in the National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer today. I ran the half marathon with a goal to better my time of last year, and I did this by 2 1/2 minutes. That's despite the fact that it was 32 degrees when we started and only warmed to 36 by the time I finished, in Florida! We've had weather in the 60's since I came a few days ago and it will go back to the 60's tomorrow. But this morning in the 30's? Seems cruel. Ironically, I stayed in Trinidad an extra three weeks to train so I'd be training in warm weather to be ready for Florida! Instead, my muscles took a long time to warm up and the wind on the bridges and beach was brutal! My run wasn't elegant as my tutor, Marcello, would say, but I finished. My niece walked the half marathon and bettered her time from last year as well. Good for us!
This is us after the race. Notice the red noses, gloves, jackets, and warming blanket, but also, finishing medals. Whereas I usually love to run as I get into it, today I was just glad to finish.
This was the fifth annual marathon so the shirts' stripe and medal ribbons coordinated. I liked it. A long soak in a hot Jacuzzi was terrific way to warm up and soothe tired muscles.
Also, the presence of fives continues for me this year (remember, for two months my Dad was 95, I was 65, my daughter was 35 and my granddaughter was 5?) with a five on the medal and a bib number of 5535. I don't know what it means but it must be auspicious!
I'll stay in Florida a week extra, especially to visit with my sister-in-law since Italy remains in the grip of a deep freeze and serial snow storms that is unprecedented and unwelcome after so long.
Congratulations! You got a nasty surprise from the weather but bettered your time anyway. Enjoy your week of rest and relaxation before going home...to more normal weather, I hope.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The weather is wildly cold and snowy at home but my Honey is there!
DeleteYou are a role model in so many ways! Congratulations on yet another achievement.
ReplyDeleteThanks, it feels good to have it over!
DeleteAha! You must have brought all that cold weather with you... Just kidding, congratulations on bettering your time in spite of the weather. All those fives. Sounds auspicious to me. :-)
ReplyDeleteI Think we share that challenging ourselves and the satisfaction that comes from reaching new goals.
DeleteSo good to read your post and catch up with you. Congratulations on finishing the half marathon. I can only imagine how cold it must have been and hard on the muscles. I would have been like you and headed straight for the warm water for a soak. Enjoy your time in Florida.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the Jacuzzi was fabulous!
DeleteYou are SO fit. Well done you. I seem to remember a comedian's joke (I don't remember which comedian) which went: "If I had known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself." When you stop and think about it - that's not really that funny.
ReplyDeleteSpring is coming. The bicycles sit in the garage, ready to spring into action on the odd warm day. But Spring IS coming.
Spring is coming! Grab every chance to do whatever you can since you felt so good when you were riding.
DeleteIt's good to hear from you again. Well done completing that run -- makes me breathless just thinking about it. It was an amazing sight to see the telecast of football in Rome with lots and lots of snow all around!
ReplyDeleteImagine! Snow in Rome! Crazy weather changes all over.
DeleteCongratulations on besting your record! Good on ya! Consider this a virtual HIGH FIVE—a continuation of your Theme of Five.
ReplyDeleteCheers (as in cheerleader cheers) to you! :)
Thanks for the high five!
DeleteGreat job, Mary. A personal best is the best way to respond to Mother Nature's prank with the weather.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patti.
DeleteI spent several days in Orlando back in 1975. It was January and around 60 degrees during the day, which was comfortable. Too cold to swim, though, as I discovered when I jumped into the hotel pool. Lol.
ReplyDeleteIn the 60's is more the norm.
DeleteCongrats!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, and to you!
Deletelike your post,the pice are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you!
Deletethe fives are amazing.......
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of you wearing your medal, it is wonderful!
I can't believe Italy is having such weather! I'd stay in Florida too/ha
Just returned today- weather much better! I treasure my medal.
DeleteGood for you! I accidentally found your site while Googling for a "13.1 I'm only half crazy sticker." I'm training to do a half on my 60th birthday in April. I got plantaar fasciitis and tendonitis after my first half a few years ago and it took 2 years to get over and I gained 40 pounds! There is nothing worse than wanting to be out there on the road and not being able to. Thanks for being an awesome role mode!
ReplyDeleteI saw that sticker when running the Half Marathon, liked it and adopted it! My first marathon was for my retirement at age 62 so you can do it. I use the method recommended by this marathon and others: Jeff Galloway. Google it and see if that doesn't cut down on the injuries. Noe for me in the 4 years I've been using it. Good luck!
DeleteCongratulations! I did the breast cancer 3-day in 2001. I still remember the pride I had in myself.
ReplyDeleteIt does our hearts good!
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