Happy Halloween!

Posted on October 31, 2007 by vmeyer

I ran in a 5k fun run at Fort Myer this afternoon.

I wore a costume. I thought that the light fabric would be cool enough, but apparently old polyester is very warm to run in. Well, the felt hat didn’t help matters either. I carried the hat, hood, and hand covers about half of the race.

I was dying and had to let the woman who was behind me the whole way go by at 2.5 miles. Here is another picture with a buddy and me afterwards.

And the last time I wore this costume was in 1989. That would make Sarah eight years old.

Posted on September 2, 2007 by vmeyer

Sarah and I went for a run this morning. I wouldn’t have done anything today if she hadn’t made the suggestion. I have to get out of this rut of only exercising once per week, if that much. The U.S. Orienteering Championships are in two months. Am I going to get into competitive shape, or not?

Sarah was frustrated because she didn’t feel as fit as she had a few weeks ago. I could really relate.

A run at the lake

Posted on December 16, 2006 by vmeyer

At Boot Camp yesterday, Debbie mentioned that she needed to get a long run in this weekend. I asked if she would consider a change of venue (and surface) and join me at Lake Accotink for two loops (about 8.6 miles with the spur added on). She was game, and also put a message out to the others to see who else wanted to join us.

It was a beautiful morning with temps in the high 30s with a very slight breeze. From left, the takers were Ida, Debbie, Andrea, and me in front. Lisa did one loop and missed the photo op. Ida, Debbie, and Andrea had never been to Lake Accotink, and Andrea had never run on trails, so it was cool to show them something different. It was an excellent outing!

Symphony of Lights 5k – Lap 2

Posted on November 25, 2006 by vmeyer

For the second straight year, I joined Ted and Darcy, in the Symphony of Lights 5k race in Clinton, Iowa. The weather was beautiful for this afternoon race. I was slower than last year, and had to walk some of the uphills. I finished 4th in the F45-49 age group – way behind 3rd. Ted finished 6th overall, and 1st in M40-44. Here he is receiving his medal from Miss Clinton.
It was dark by the time the awards ceremony was over, so we got to view the beautiful light displays on the way to our cars. Darcy’s folks fed us afterwards. I had a great time, well except when I ended up in Camanche after missing the sign for Route 30. I think it was missing in both directions! But I made it back to Davenport safely without having to call for assistance.

Turkey Trottin’

Posted on November 23, 2006 by vmeyer

Bruce got up early and went to the Krispie Kreme for my pre-race meal. Two donuts and a banana later, and I was ready to go run in the Turkey Trot 5 mile race. This year, my goal was 45 minutes.

I got there early, and I helped scan the timinig chips to verify the information on them after they were handed out. I chatted with Jeff, the timing contractor, and we both expressed our interest in having a Dodge Sprinter for a timing vehicle. Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?

Roger and mom came to Van DeVeer park (about 2 miles into the race) to watch me run by. Mom visited the wooden bird first.

I ran by right around the time I predicted, but faded after that, finishing in 45:18. Despite not reaching my time goal, I can’t remember a more perfect day for a run.

VHTRC Fat Butt Run

Posted on December 10, 2005 by vmeyer

Another early morning decision – get up and run in the cold, or stay in bed. Well, happily, the run won out. Today was VHTRC’s annual Fat As, er Butt, Run. It had snowed enough Thursday night, that I was worried that the trails would be hard to run on. Not to worry – conditions were excellent.

About 90 people showed up for this “fat ass” run – no fees, no aid, no wimps, no whining, etc. We started at Hemlock Overlook Park near Clifton, Virginia and headed to Fountainhead Park. The distance was 50K, but I only planned to do about 16 miles or so. But I was moving along so well, that I ended up doing 18.

This tree caught my eye on the way back – it looks like camouflage… Behind the tree is a snow covered foot bridge. There are quite a few new bridges on the blue trail.

I ran with Lucia for most of the time. Good company, not too cold, and decent footing. Thanks VHTRC! It was a great day for a run!!

Fair Hill Take Two

Posted on December 3, 2005 by vmeyer

After orienteering at Fair Hill, Maryland a couple of weeks ago, I came across a trail run being put on by the Trail Dawgs at the same place. I liked the idea of going back and running the trails without the pressure of competing. I asked Sandy if she wanted to join me, and she did. Tom, the Fair Hill Long O course setter, also ventured out on this cold, windy morning.

Driving for two hours to run in the cold didn’t seem like such a great idea when I got up at 4:30 AM. But I ended up having a fun time – Sandy and I stuck together for her first trail run of this distance (advertised as 18K, but closer to 17K). And we got to see new areas of the park – like the dog training area, and the cows – which stood still while having their picture taken with me. Well worth the trip!

Symphony of Lights 5KM

Posted on November 26, 2005 by vmeyer

Ted, Darcy, and I ran in the Symphony of Lights 5KM race in Clinton, Iowa. Darcy grew up in Clinton. It was a lot of fun, and Ted finished 4th – no, 3rd overall!! All three of us finished 2nd in our age groups.

A trip (or 2) around the lake

Posted on September 15, 2005 by vmeyer

I left work early and went to Lake Accotink for a run. I was feeling a bit sluggish, so I grabbed my little camera and took some pictures as I went around the ~4 mile loop. More pictures on Flickr.

Potomac Valley Games 5000 meter run

Posted on September 4, 2005 by vmeyer

The Washington, DC metropolitan area turned into a “small world” yesterday. Because the 5000 meter run was so sparsely attended, I, as second woman, got my name into The Washington Post. It turns out that I also set the meet record in the event for the 45-49 age group. Laughable, but still fun to see my name in the paper.