Pink Saturday Lost and Found!!!

 

Thursday morning our temps were near 60 degrees in the Kansas City area, making it the perfect day to grab my PINK phone, put the ear buds in....turn on the podcast for the Couch to 5K Running Plan...then head out for my run!!

I haven't been able to run much since last November (injury with a ham string :), but over the last few weeks, thanks to my healing and unusually great winter weather, I have been able to start over with the running program.  I am now ready for Week7 Day 3 on my next run. . . .meaning I will run 25 minutes without walking.  This will be my 4th day to do this amount of running. . . and I'm slowly seeing an improvement in my endurance (I'm not begging the Running Gods to "let it be over soon....pleeeeeeeease" as much), plus my pace is better.  

The program says I should be running 2 1/2 miles in 25 minutes.  Well....I'm not.  Thanks to my Garmin watch (birthday/Christmas gift) I can track my distance, time and pace.  I have seen a little improvement.  Yesterday, I increased my distance from 2.07 miles in 25 minutes to 2.21 miles in the same amount of time.  

Right now, I'm keeping my course pretty much the same each time. . . and it's flat.  When I get up to being able to run  the 5K distance of 3.1 miles, then I'll slowly start adding hills to the run.

That's the approach I took before on the program and it really does help to condition the old body for running, plus is helps to build up speed!! 

 

Anyway, on Tuesday's run I lost one of my coveted running gloves somewhere on my course.  I realized it while I was "cooling down" at the end of my run.  I retraced the last part of the course, but didn't locate it.  However, on Thursday, while running.....I found my sweet glove.....lying in the gutter...just waiting for me to snatch it up!!!

 

The only thing that would make me happier about these gloves would be if they were in PINK!!  Sadly, the only color left, by the time I found them on clearance....marked down from 19.99 to 5.95!!!....was black.

Anyway,what's so great about them, is that the little part that covers the fingers flips back and tucks (sorta) beneath a strap on the top of the hand.

 

This lets you actually work the screen of the phone or iPod (when I use that outside in the cold).  Otherwise, I'm having to remove the entire glove each time I want to do something on the screen. . . like check Facebook, send an e-mail, take a picture (I really do that a lot when I run....it's a challenge to get a picture that's not blurry while jogging up and down!!!) or even take a phone call.  I have answered the phone while running....that kinda shakes up the caller...they thing something is wrong with me because of my gasping sounds!!  :)

I also like to wave with my little fingers exposed. . .looks so much nicer than wiggling a mitten back and forth!!

I was waving at this fellow runner as he was passing in front of our house.  He didn't see me cuz he was concentrating on good running form.  See how he's slightly bent at the waist. . . looking straight ahead. . .shoulders down, arms relaxed with elbows staying at his sides.  And most importantly, his feet land directly beneath his hips...striking the pavement mid foot, not with his leg extended ahead so far that his heel touches the pavement first!!!  That good running form also includes how nice he looks in those running pants!!  :)

Now that you've seen what good running form looks like, I will contrast that with MY running form. 

This picture was taken on Labor Day weekend last fall. . . right before I hurt my ham string.  I was approaching the finish line.  Actually, except for me looking DOWN at the ground just ahead of me, I was doing well for me at that point.  I was still lifting my feet (while not high!!), they were kicking back.  That means I wasn't totally drained of energy.  My elbows were BASICALLY at my side, but I keep wanting to cross my hands in front of my body...that's wrong.  Hey, my shoulders were down...that's good.  

The bulge in my right pocket is my little PINK water bottle.  I don't know why I carry it during a race, cuz they always have water stations.  I'm sure that extra weight must slow me down, plus it isn't flattering in photos.  :(

My time in that 5K was 31 min. and 23 sec...my Personal Best time thus far!  It was a perfect weather day....and the course was FLAT!!  That all helps for making good running times.

 

Here I am, leading the pack (JOKING!!!!!) a month and a half later at the 5K portion of the Kansas City Marathon! This was the end of the race. . . and I was DRAINED!!! 

 I'd first hurt my ham string some time after the Labor Day Run. . .then really hurt it just before the first of October.  SO.....I wasn't running consistently in preparation for this event.  In fact, I recall, that I had taken the entire week off of running before it.

However, I ended up running the fastest I'd ever run before. . . I finished the race in 31 minutes....and it had inclines and a big hill the first half of the course.

Running form review:  I was the only person in this group that was looking UP!!!  Actually, I was focused on the sign down the road that said FINISH!!!   My shoulders were down. . .good! Elbows were flairing out and fists....were not relaxed.  I look like I was doing the running version of The Chicken Dance!! Heck, on review of that photo. . .we all look like were doing the Chicken Dance!  :)

 While I want to look like the guy who ran in front of our house, I know that will never be.  First, he's lots younger and second, I don't own any of those tight pants. However, in my head, when I've finally hit the point in my run when my breathing and legs and arms are all kinda in "sync" and my form is good. . . then I feel like I look like a running shoe advertisement!  Maybe not for the latest cute running shoes, but more for the ones with lots of cushion in the arches and heels!! :)  You know. . .the ones we "elder runners"  like to wear!  :)

I was sure happy when I returned home from my run on Thursday. . . my glove had been found, my speed had improved. . .but most of all THE STONE RABBIT had an ice cold glass of chocolate milk waiting for me!!  That's a treat my 77 year old running friend told me about.  If she says to do it. . .I do!!  She's been running for over 30 years!! You can read a bit about her HERE.

 

I hope you have a great PINK SATURDAY!!

 

One thing that will make it better would be for you to visit Beverly of HOW SWEET THE SOUND!  She always makes sure that there is a long list of bloggers just waiting to share their PINKS with you each and every week!!

 

THANK YOU, BEVERLY!!!

 

 

 DANA

 

 

Comments

[Nancy following the one word rule.]

I thought that was you in the running pants - then you started using words and phrases in "running language" that go right over my head. Yo no habla rapido zapatas, amigo! Oh gosh, Dana, I can't even imagine doing what you do. If I could lose lbs and get my knee fixed I'd be thrilled to even walk the distance you run. Take it easy on your hamstring. We're all here at the virtual finish line cheering you on. A glass of chocolate milk with you and the SR at home? That I could do! xoxo Nancy

[Black Eyed Susans Kitchen]

Wow Dana...good for you getting out there for a run! How cool was it to find the glove too...it is making me laugh that we are needing altered clothing to work with our technology today. Go easy on the knee and good luck with the running.
♥, Susan

[Pat@Back Porch Musings]

Well, I just left a comment on the post you linked to (Aug)...I'm alright! At least that's what I keep telling myself.

My comment was....you are amazing my dear...and I meant it!!

Happy Pink Saturday!

[Kay Ellen]

Dana you are amazing! Look at you go!!
I woke up early hit the local flea market.... just worked out in the yard for two hours and I am worn out!
You go girl friend!!
I am ready for a nap! haha

xo
Kay

[jeanne]

Hi Dana, I am so interested in reading about your running experiences. I know I will never run but I love to walk fast. I am so proud of you for sticking to the goals you set for running. Look how much you have learned about running. It was kind of nice winter came along to rest your hamstring and let it heal. Really Dana, I know how hard it is to keep running because a long time ago I tried it for a while. I never wanted to run but I tried. Walking is enjoyable and still good exercise so that's what I do. You go girl!!!

Now for the meat of this comment. How do you beat me to link every week except once? HA! I think my computer is slower than yours. That's it...I am sure. I hope you know I am kidding. I love to try though and it always makes me laugh when I see you are ahead of me.

This morning I went to quilting class. I will be a regular because it motivates me to start finishing some quilts. The teacher is fun and very knowledgeable. I'm loving it!!!

I have been working hard on my garden club stuff. I just finished a huge yearbook project of putting together 60 yearbooks. My Vice-President and her hubs came over to help me collate all the books. I copied over 1000 pages for this project. I think I might post about it. I love the garden club so much. We have over 50 members. Ten of the books are ready for new members who may join. The contents are officers, committee members,Membership roster, projects, by-laws, programs etc. A pretty big deal. Whew. am I glad it is done.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Love, Jeanne

[Aledia]

Hope your knee heals quickly! Good Luck with your running, love your stone bunny!!

Aledia

[Diane]

Love how you strut your Pink, feel better soon! So glad I saw you at Beverly's Pink Saturday. ~Diane (I am #21)

[Jillian]

Dana you crack me up. You are amazing...I am feeling inadequate. I don't even have an exercise program in place. Ugh. It is called keeping up after 3 yr old. Hopefully this will improve over the next few years!

Keep up the good work! Luv that PINK PHONE!

[Mrs. Sarah Coller]

I just love this post! I'm so glad you found your glove and your commentary on the dude in the running pants just cracked me up! :)

I hope you have a wonderful weekend~~

HaPpY pInK sAtUrDaY!
Sarah

[marti]

Awesome for you to keep on running! I really enjoyed your commentary. Happy Pink Saturday. ~Marti

[Sherry]

Happy Pink Saturday Dana Sweetie...
What a beautiful share. Look at you go girl. I am so proud of you.
Run for those of us like me, who have diabetes, and are not able to
run anymore. My neuropathy will not allow it, but I dream through
runners like you.You inspire me to dream.

I love it that Stone Rabbit even greeted you with that ice cold glass
of chocolate milk. Love it. I will pop over and read about your runner
friend as well. Thank you for sharing sweet friend.

Country hugs and much love, Sherry

[envoy-ette]

Oh you are an inspiration! Your rabbit was kind to leave you such a good treat after a long run!

[AnneFannie]

I have to give you credit for running like that. I only run to the bathroom....oops did I say that?? LOL
Happy Pink Saturday!
Hugs, Ann

[jeanie]

I saw this bunny and knew I had to stop here first! I so admire your run -- here in Michigan, we just had snow, and I'm not sure anyone's running today!

--jeanie from Marmelade Gypsy!

[chubskulit]

Your post reminds me to get back to running. Can't do it right now because of stomach flu though.

http://www.meetourclan.com/2012/02/pianist.html

[riverside studios]

Hello to you and SR...cold chocolate milk after a run sounds wonderful...today I'll be enjoying HOT Mexican chocolate since a cold front blew in and temps are in the 40's! Wish your enthusiam for the perfect running form were so contagious that I would catch it, but sadly that cannot be...I used to jog with several friends and I know what you mean about the satisfaction...but I never set goals and monitored performance...Nancy and I have talked about your running with awe in our voices. Your analysis of the finer points of the young man's form was lost on me...all I could see was his perfect butt...oh my stars! My sweet Hubby has lost that part of his anatomy...can't imagine how he can sit for any length of time! Oh, well, back to thoughts of Pink on this fine Saturday. Really enjoyed the post...Have a Pink Week.

[CREATIVE CARMELINA]

Your PINK is very pretty!
thanks for sharing...and HAppy PINk SatURday!

ciao bella.
Creative Carmelina
xo

[Gail]

Stone Rabbit is considerate to have your after-the-run drink ready for your cool down

[The Tablescaper]

Good for you!!! I'd love to have you join Seasonal Sundays and share your enthusiasm.

- The Tablescaper

[jeanne]

Hi Dana, thanks for your comment. I love the dolphin and dog photo. It was sent to me and I wanted to share it today.

We have had beautiful days and cold nights. I was outside on Sunday painting our shed. I think I will post it. It looks so nice. It took me all afternoon to find the darn roller so I was painting til dark. Not done yet but at least it is a start.

I wish I had a place to create. My table is where I create. 'Smash' just came on. Do you watch this show? I really like it a lot. Beverly told me about it and I'm glad.
Don't work too hard.
Love, Jeanne