ocrunnergirl

Awesome! Now we need GD's foot to stop hurting.

When I was injured I went into cross training with reckless abandon too. Have to do something with all of those hours. Great family photos.

You run with such joy! Great comeback. Thanks to you and Adam for letting us meet up at your AirBnB after the race.

It's almost like I don't know you. Had your camera/phone out, stopped to get gels? Is this a new side of you?? Lol Great running on a BEAUTIFUL course. I may have to do it one day.

I was cracking up after the race thinking "Carissa said......". Sometimes it's hard to know and trust where I'm at. Next time I'll just shoot you a message.

I think the Jim v Gwen rivalry helps us both. Definitely not one sided benefits.

Thanks! BTW Were you happy with your NYCM race? Are we going to get a race report??

Thanks! I'm actually starting to think my goal that I want to sign up for may be possible.

Thanks! I miss the old Loop and all of the posts. I hope you find a lacing technique to get you back running.

The hamstring is getting there. This race and speed would have been a no go a year ago.

It's a rivalry that is great for both of us. He's pushing me to run faster and figure out my injury. Hopefully I'm motivating him to keep exercising. He doesn't like losing so I imagine he'll work extra hard for our next race!

Your enthusiasm really is fantastic!! Can't wait to read about all your KA training! And as Carissa reminded me -- See you in a month!!

The 3rd Jim V Gwen Race took place this morning. Idyllic fall weather was in place. 60* with full sun and a slight breeze out of the south ~ 10 mph. (Seriously? Can winter just stay like this??) We were racing on the boardwalk in Ocean City (with me also running a bit on the street. The race started at 1.75 mile marker. I was running south for 1.75 miles and then turning around and running back to the boardwalk, the full length of the boardwalk (3.5 miles north) before turning around to head back to the start/finish line at 1.75 mile marker. Jim started at the 1.75 mile marker and walked North to the end of the boardwalk before turning around to head back to the finish line. I did lots of stretching before the race and a little 1/2 mile warm up to loosen my legs up. (Learned my lesson last time.) Jim had brought his pacers- Andrea and Charlie. I had brought my pacer in the form of Iheartradio and the inspiration from NYCM. I had no idea what pace to go for. I had done controlled 200s last week and the best I could manage without losing form and causing pain to my hamstring was 7:55-8:00 pace. It had left me a little bummed but I've been putting in good miles lately so that's a plus. Jim is super competitive and has the race completely figured out where he should see me if he's going to beat me. I on the other hand show up and shrug my shoulders and let my body figure out what I'm going to run. I did the countdown...ready, set, GO! Super fancy. My legs took off and carried me down the boardwalk. After a 1/2 mile I glanced down at my Garmin and saw an 8:15 pace. Oh snap! I slowed it down and came through the 1st mile in 8:15... Oops! I ran down the boardwalk and onto the street and into the wind. I reminded myself that once I got to 1.75 I'd turn and have the wind at my back for 3.5 miles. The pace seemed good. I did manage to slow down some but not too much. On the way back I missed the turn back up onto the boardwalk so I had an extra block on the street. It was getting hot and I was feeling dumb for wearing my shirt that doesn't breathe. I couldn't imagine how hot Jim was in his pants and flannel shirt. As I came down to where Jim and I passed during our last race (where he soundly beat me) I did a virtual fist pump that I hadn't seen him yet. We high fived about 2 blocks later. I knew all I had to do was keep a good pace now and I could claim victory. Jim started muttering to Charlie and Andrea, "Too soon! Too soon." I cruised to the end of the boardwalk and turned to head for home. With the wind in my face I kept my pace under control. I was correcting my stride any time I felt any pain from overstriding. I ended up passing Jim about 4 blocks before the finish. Since I was working I just waved and kept trucking. Jim said he kept his focus on the ground and never saw my wave. We went out for coffee afterwards and Jim kept muttering, "Too soon. I should've seen you at Wonderland. ... is it too soon to plan our next race?" March or April -- Jim 4 miles/ Gwen 8.5 miles

Following you on Strava and your comeback looks promising! SM kind of sucks and sucks up WAY too much of my time. There's good info on there but also so much time can be wasted just scrolling.

What's fun to me may not be fun to others but here's something I might do: If you have access to a track bring a kettlebell or dumbbell -- run a loop of the track and then do kettlebell swings or dumbbell snatches or squats. Repeat 12 times to get you to 3 miles. If you don't have access to a track or don't want to take time to drive to a track every 1/4 mile you can stop and do 15 squats and or lunges. It helps to break up the workout so you can get your cardio back. Works on strengthening your whole body. I'm just not sure if these are viable options with your RA. Nice to see a post from you.