New Year 2012
This is the beginning of a new year.
New running season, new attitude, new goals!
Great weather!
Hooray!
2011 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 4,100 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 3 trips to carry that many people.
Run in Your Underwear
The Idea – When the organizers of TATUR (Tulsa Area Trail & Ultra Runners) meet and brainstorm, we often try to focus on two goals. One, how can we put the fun back in running (hence our tagline – Puttin the Fun in Run). Two, how we come up with an event that has the possibility to raise a mountain of money to help out a fantastic charity.
The Charity – The Undie Run was born, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association was declared to be our major beneficiary. Please read below to learn more about the MDA. Leon’s is proud to partner up with the Undie Run and believes in our mission.
The Goal – We hope that all of Tulsa will stand behind us in our goal to have 20,000 Undie Runners in 2013. We firmly believe that this event can make a huge difference in many kids’ lives who are living with Muscular Dystrophy as well as bring a wealth of income to the city of Tulsa.
Rt66 Quarter Marathon
2010 ROUTE 66 QUARTER MARATHON * AUGUST 7th, 2010 * TULSA, OK
The 2010 Route 66 “Quarter Marathon” Run was held on August 7th, 2010 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It started at 7:30 am in the Blue Dome District of downtown at 2nd and Elgin.
The two things I liked most about the Route 66 Quarter Marathon 2010 were the rain and the “Theme from Rocky.”
We experienced a light rain to cool us off during the sweltering heat of August. The temperature high for the day was 95 degrees with 75% humidity. At 7 am the temperature was already 80 degrees and 74% humidity, so the drizzle of wet sprinkles was a welcome comfort.
As we were nearing the finish line in the Blue Dome District, we crossed an arched bridge. We ran to the tune of the “Theme from Rocky.” When I arrived at the top of the bridge, I threw up my arms and yelled, “Yo Adrian, I made it.” It was a great feeling and so appropriate.
The event had 1,968 finishers. Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/article.aspx?subjectid=29&articleid=20100808_29_B8_ScottM436807
The top three male runners for the quarter marathon were:
1 Scott MacPherson Fayetteville AR 23 33:01 33:03
2 Jerry Faulkner Edmond OK 28 36:25 36:27
3 Conner Drendel Yukon OK 21 38:09 38:11
The top three female runners were:
1 Amanda Erwin / 38 45:09 45:09 6:54
2 Andreia Huff Chickasha OK 39 47:01 47:10 7:13
3 Addie Patterson Tulsa OK 24 47:44 47:53 7:19
Male winners of the 5K Road Race:
1. Jerry Faulkner (Edmond), 16:02
2. Scott Doward (Norman), 16:57
3. Cole Barnes (Sapulpa), 17:07
Female winners of the 5K Run:
1 Lisa Lake Sapulpa OK 19 20:15 20:19
2 Muge Park Tulsa OK 35 20:43 20:45
3 Mindy Lake Sapulpa OK 19 20:55 20:58
Blue Dome District
Cole Barnes 3rd Place in the 5K Running Event
Lisa Lake first place female in the 5K Run
Mindy Lake 3rd place female winner in the 5K Road Race
Linda is the Pacer and Leader for our team, "Best Pace Scenario." She's one of the California Girls
Gayle is from the Runner's World Training Groups. We were on the same team a couple years ago.
Wet Bette (pronounced Bet). It was raining slightly
Candice and Bette at the finish line of the Quarter
Bette and Gayle
Bette and Jim
I Finally Belong!
Well, I finally found out what training team I belong to–”Best Pace Scenario!”
Linda Jaramillo is our team leader and running pacer.
With four of the women on the team being from California, I thought it would be more appropriate to call us the California Girls. But then again, maybe it’s not so appropriate. We have a couple of guys on our team.
The California cities we’re from are all Southern California cities–Rialto (a small town outside of San Bernardino), Norco, West Covina, and Rancho Mirage. We all lived within an hour of each other. I lived 22 miles from Norco, 36 miles from West Covina, and approximately 65 miles from Rancho Mirage.
I’m glad I finally have a training team to run with.
Photos of the day:
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- Linda
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- Mike
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- Todd
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- Brian
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- Linda and Friend
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- Bette at the center of the earth
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- Matt and friend
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- Beautiful Scenery
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- Aint She Sweet?
Aint She Sweet?
Beautiful Scenery
I Arrived!
Well I finally made it to training for the Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa on Saturday July 3, 2010. Yes, I arrived on time.
That was the same day of the “Moonlight Madness” 50 miler so Kathy, Brian, and others were there instead of at training.
Therefore, I didn’t find out what group I’m to be running with.
I received an email that led me to believe I’m on the G-Force team, but someone at training told me that Wilma is my team leader. When I asked Wilma what team she’s with she’s with, someone said, “the turtles.” When I went to the Runner’s World Tulsa Blog, I noticed there are two “Turtles” teams. So, which one is it? Am I on the “Blazing Turtles” or the “Herd of Turtles?” And who is Amanda?
Then on Saturday July 10, 2010, the Poker Run was going on, and again, I didn’t find out what team I belong to.
Hopefully, the third try will be the charm.
Anyway, here are some photos from the day.
Route 66 Marathon Training
I had planned on beginning to train to run the Route 66 Marathon last Saturday, June 19, 2010, but when I finally emerged from under the covers, it was 9 am. I have no idea why I slept so late. I didn’t stay up late and I felt okay. My mother would have said, “You probably needed the rest.”
Anyway, I have run 7 half-marathons and it’s time I attempt to run a full marathon. The longest distance I ever ran was 15 miles. Training to run 26.1 miles is going to take a lot of diligence and perseverance.
Previous half-marathons include:
- Kunitake Farms, Kona, Hawaii Half-Marathon – June 22, 2003
- P. F. Chang’s Rock ‘N Roll Phoenix Half-Marathon – January 11, 2004
- Inaugural Route 66 Half-Marathon, Tulsa, OK – November 19, 2006
- Tulsa World Route 66 Half-Marathon, Tulsa, Ok – November 18, 2007
- Oklahoma City Memorial Half-Marathon, OKC, Ok – April 27, 2008
- Route 66 Half-Marathon, Tulsa, Oklahoma – November 16, 2008
- Williams Route 66 Half-Marathon, Tulsa, OK – November 22, 2009
I was really excited about getting started with the new season and training for the marathon. I let myself down by missing the whole thing. We were slated to run 5 miles. I decided to run on my own and only ran 2 miles.
I hope Coach Kathy will let me start training this upcoming Saturday. We are supposed to run 6 miles and I will certainly give it my best.
Guess I’ll go out for a run right now–heat and all. It’s 8:30 pm and 92 degrees.
Pam Sneed Photo
In memory of runner, Pam Sneed, I post this photo taken at the 2006 Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa Oklahoma.
Remembering Pam Sneed
Left to Right: Laurie, Katie, Pam
Cancer – Sneed, Wing, and Me
In January 2010, I was diagnosed with Multi Nodular Goiter and Thyroid Cancer. By February 9, 2010, I was wheeled into the operating room so a surgeon at St. John’s Medical Center could perform a Total Thyroidectomy.
I hadn’t felt very well for several months and my running times suffered. From running track at the National Senior Olympics to the Zoo Run, Tulsa Run, and the Route 66 Half Marathon I knew something was wrong. I felt sick after each run and I literally thought I was dying after running the Tulsa Run. But the thing about it was the fact that I had no idea what was wrong with me.
Many well-meaning runners told me it was dehydration and to drink more water. If they knew how much water I drink, they wouldn’t have told me that. My doctor told me I drank too much water and to drink things such as apple juice and sports drinks, but to quit drinking plain water.
Anyway, by January 2010, I was told that I have cancer of the Thyroid Gland with three cancerous nodules and one non-cancerous nodule. I was told that the cancerous nodules had several cancer markers including calcification, shadows, and halos.
After removal of the thyroid gland (Total Thyroidectomy), the report came back from pathology that it was not cancer. I’m Cancer Free!
Hallelujah! I jumped for joy. I was relieved and overwhelmed with emotion. The report made me happy.
But today I cry. Not for myself, but for Pam Sneed and Jack Wing. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I’ve been spared from the throws of cancer and here are two others from the running community who weren’t so blessed. I’m blessed beyond measure and I remember to count my blessings daily.
I did not know that Pam passed away until today. And I didn’t know that Jack Wing was battling cancer until today.
My health is bouncing back and I feel like I’m ready to run a small 5K race. I went online to register for the Wish Lemons 5K. That is when I ran across an article about Pam passing from this life to the next from gall bladder cancer on Wednesday, February 17, 2010.
I have a photo that I took of Pam at the Route 66 Marathon in 2006. I’ll hunt for it and post it as soon as I locate it.
I noticed Jack wasn’t announcing at a couple races at the end of 2009 and he was missed. I wondered at that time if anything was wrong. I had no idea that he has multiple myeloma. I’ve never heard anyone speak of it. And, at the time I noticed he wasn’t there, I was battling my own health problems.
I knew Pam was battling cancer, but I had no clue about Jack.
I was looking for more info about Pam and that’s when I came across the Tulsa World Articles about Jack undergoing Chemo-Therapy and Radiation. Those articles were in the newspaper on January 20th and 21st, 2010.
It was right about the time that Jack was in the hospital and Pam passed away in Jan 2010 that I was told that I have cancer.
My heart and prayers go out for Jack Wing. Hey Jack, take lots of Vitamin D, but mention it to your doctor first. It will help strengthen those bones. I’ll be praying that you’ll actually be strong enough to compete at the wheel chair races as is your goal. Know that you are loved by everyone from the running circuit.
Pam was 54 years old and Jack is age 66.
The Way It Went Down
Here’s The Way it Went Down
New Year’s Eve
I had been planning for over a month to run in the “Race into the New Year.”
I remembered how much fun it had been previously. Running along the river while it reflects the moonlight is a great feeling.
I remembered the comreaderie of fellow runners and seeing “Father Time” and the “Jester.”
I remembered sipping hot chocolate as we shivered in freezing temperatures, and eating black eyed peas and corn bread for good luck.
For days, I pondered what to wear to keep warm enough in 19 degree weather, yet not be over-dressed. Early in the day on New Year’s day, I set out my clothes–workout pants instead of running shorts and three shirts (1 sleevless, 1 short sleeved and one long sleeved), a jacket, gloves, and a neck scarf to cover my face.
That night I got all bundled up and headed out early toward the river. I was due to arrive at the race site right around 11:00 pm. When I arrived, there wasn’t a car in sight. It was an eerie feeling. I felt as though I had entered the “Twilight Zone.”
There I was, ready to run. I had the right mindset, I had on the right clothing, I was feeling strong, and I was ready to run in the cool, crisp air and race into the New Year.
I guess I didn’t look to see where the race was actually going to be held. I wasn’t going to give up that easily. So I decided to drive up and down Riverside and look for the crowd. I drove from 11th Street south all the way to 81st Street, to no avail.
Then I started thinking…
“Is it really New Year’s Eve? Do I have my dates right? Where can they be? I know it’s New Year’s Eve. It has to be New Year’s Eve. Maybe they’re running from the Runner’s World Store.”
Time was running out. I just had to find them. But where could they be? I headed over to Runner’s World and nobody was there either.
Then I heard all the noise from the Brookside New Year’s Eve Celebration. The thought came to me that “maybe, just maybe the race was being held in conjunction with the dropping of the New Year’s Eve ball.
But that wasn’t the case either. There wasn’t a runner in site.
Well…
I didn’t get to race into the New Year, but I did run into the New Year.
I parked my truck on Peoria in the Brookside area and started walking toward the sound of the voice on the speakers. I heard them say they were about to drop the ball and the entire crowd began the countdown, “10-9-8-7…” At that point I broke into a sprint. When they reached “1,” I turned around and continued to sprint back to my truck.
And so…
Of course, I missed the race. I was disappointed. Really Disappointed!
I have actually signed up for the “Race into the New Year” four times, but ran it only twice.
New Year’s Eve 2008, I fell asleep and didn’t wake up until it was too late.
New Year’s Eve 2009, I went to the wrong place.
How did that happen?
Well, the two times that I ran it, the “Race into the New Year” was held at 41st Street and Riverside. It didn’t even dawn on me to double check the location. I thought it would be held in the same place as where I ran it before.
And so…
I went to 41st Street and Riverside.
Ran on Katy Trail – Photos
I wanted to run with Runner’s World Saturday morning.
The usual Saturday morning routine here at our abode is for my daughter to get home from work at around 6:30 am, give or take a few minutes. I had planned on asking her to run with me and we would join up with the Runner’s World training group.
I waited around for my daughter and I waited and waited. She finally arrived home around 8 am. (And didn’t call) It was too late to run with Runner’s World, but I asked her if she wanted to run with me at the river.
She was too tired. After all, she had worked all night and worked an extra hour and a half.
Okay…by that time I missed Runner’s World and my daughter wasn’t going to run with me. Hmm..what to do.
I decided to look up Katy Running Trail on MapMyRun and Run on the trail. After all, I had promised all you blog readers that I would include photos of various running trails in Tulsa over a year ago and so far, the only trail I’ve included is the Midland Valley Trail.
I took my pomeranian (Latte) with me, and parked at the river on Riverside near Southwest Blvd. Latte is nine years old and he’s been my running buddy since he was a pup. What a beautiful morning for a run. The weather was definitely favorable even though the sun was playing peek-a-boo.
We headed out toward Newblock Park and stopped to pose my pom to take a few photos. From Newblock Park, we headed north on Newblock Drive and veered to the left toward the west. I had actually wanted to head north on Union from Newblock Drive to get to Katy Trail.
Needless to say, we got lost. We headed north on Gilcrease Museum Road and continued to jog beyond the freeway. At first I didn’t realize that we had already passed the trail. I didn’t want to turn back, so we turned left on Cameron Street. I had hoped to cross back to the other side of the freeway on 33rd West Avenue. However, 33rd West Avenue doesn’t go through.
Unbelievably, we ended up hiking on the freeway from 33rd West Avenue until we reached 41st West Avenue. I know, I know, it’s dangerous. But at least it was a new experience. I’ve never walked on a freeway before. It went quickly and we finally arrived at Katy Trail.
Out of the 6 mile run/jog/hike, we were only on the West Katy Jogging Trail for 1 1/2 miles.
For the first mile on the trail, there wasn’t another person in sight. Finally, during the last half mile, I saw 6 cyclers, one walker, and no runners.
I like Katy trail. I’ll be going back there again to add some distance on the trail. It is nice and paved. It’s like a little bit of country within the city.
Even though we’re into the middle of November, there are still some leaves left on the trees and there’s a hint of the fall colors of yellow and gold. Not as colorful as usual though–no red or orange. The grass is still green–unusual for an Oklahoma November.
All-in-all, I enjoyed the morning with my pom. Even one of the cyclers commented as he passed by, “You look like you’re having fun.”
He was right.
On our way to Newblock Park
Pomeranian posing at Newblock Park
Walking and Jogging on the freeway on our way to Katy Trail
On the freeway headed for Katy Trail in Tulsa
To view my new running trails photo page click here.
Tulsa Run Costume Photos
Tulsa Run 2009 Costume Photos
With the Tulsa Run being so close to halloween, many runners dress in costume. This year, the Tulsa Run was actually on halloween. The costumes make the run even more fun.
Coach Kathy and Sloan Hammin’ it up.
Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, and White Rabbit???
The Tutu Girls
The Banana and Miss Sunshine
Roger and Jessica Rabbit
Bunny
