Sunday, October 27, 2013

Ghostly Gallop 5k

Today I ran my Ghostly Gallop 5k which was a virtual race with Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans - for those that don't know the concept a virtual race means that participants in many different locations run their miles at their own time and in their own place, then share their experiences.  Yes, you run actual miles.  The virtual part is that everybody doesn't gather at the same start line and run the same course.

My result:  3.11 miles (5k) in 36:56 (average pace 11:52).  I consider that to be pretty darn spectacular since my PR (personal record) 5k is 35:20 and is from 2011 when I was running very regularly and had been training for months.  My training has been kind of hit or miss lately, but that is all going to change now.  More on that later.  Anyway, I ran the Wolf River Greenway here in Memphis.  It is a lovely running path, and the scenery can't be beat.  The trees are turning here now, and of course there were lots of runners, bikers, dog walkers, and others on the trail.  I used my Halloween running playlist I blogged previously and just danced my way through it.  Yes, people look at you funny when you do the thriller hands or sing "Werewolves of London" but who cares right?

Here's my race pic.  Yep, that's all you get.  But aren't my compression socks awesome?  Halloween runs rock and I got a lot of smiles and thumbs up during today's run in my black and orange.

Something about running - SMILE.  Not only do all the other runners and walkers and bikers smile back, but it makes YOU feel better too.  Running is supposed to be fun.  90% of the time at least some part of my run is fun, but we all have those runs that really, really honk.

OK, so why is everything about to change?  Because I signed up with an online running coach.  Train With Marc - I am going to buckle down and get serious about this running thing.

Also, our house has been on the market for 6 months.  As dismaying as it is, we made the decision to take it off the market until spring.  We need a break and to get through the holidays.  It is really quite a weight off.  I get to live in my own house again.  And I feel like I can plan more than 2 weeks ahead and schedule myself to do things again without the worry of a sudden house showing.

You may have missed the Ghostly Gallop, but in addition to the Sisterhood there are a ton of virtual runs listed over on Facebook in the Virtually Running group.  Many people use these as fundraising efforts for Team in Training.  And you get a cool medal.  I will post my t-shirt and medal for Ghostly Gallop when they arrive - unfortunately my mail mostly goes to my office so no mail on Saturday.

Keep running and SMILE

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Ghostly Gallop Playlist

No, I'm not dead.  I did pretty much quit running on any regular schedule.  But....I'm back.

This weekend I'll run my Ghostly Gallop for the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. It's a virtual race, which means you run on the same day as everybody else, but everybody runs in their own place.  And of course you get a medal and a t-shirt in the mail for when you finish :)

So, here's the Halloween Fun playlist - I'm open to suggestions!!

Werewolves of London (Warren Zevon)
Superstition (Stevie Wonder)
Sympathy for the Devil (Rolling Stones)
Thriller (Michael Jackson)
This is Halloween (Citizens of Halloween/Nightmare Before Christmas)
The Devil Went Down to Georgia (The Charlie Daniels Band) (DUDE - this is an awesome song to run to!)
I Want Candy (Bow Wow Wow)
Monster Mash (Boris Pickett & The Crypt Kicker 5)
Ghostbusters (Ray Parker Jr)
Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man (Concrete Blonde)
People are Strange (Echo & the Bunnymen)
Who Can It Be Now? (Men at Work)

Twilight Zone (Golden Earring)
Shirt Skirt/Long Jacket (Cake) (this only makes sense because it is a costume consideration!)


Any suggestions?  It is a really fun playlist and I expect I'll listen to it past Halloween anyway :)