Hell Run - 9.17.11

Jason seen a flyer for Hell Run in one of my race packets, we decided to do it.  Once again, my ego got the best of me.  Jason was really nervous, he runs for cardio, but never outside and for any distance over 2 1/2 miles.  He kept saying things like "I'll let you pace since you're used to running", "I've never run 3 miles in my life", " my face in my finishing photo will just look defeated".  I felt confident, I mean, I was about to run my 2nd half marathon this year.  Yes, there were hills and obstacles, but they couldn't be that hard.  We weren't running for time, but didn't want anything over an hour.  My plan was to take it easy, the worst thing at this point was to destroy a knee.

We took off, straight up hill.......Jason's idea of letting me pace didn't last long.  I have no idea on pace since I didn't wear my Garmin, but we were passing people left and right.  That being said, this is a fun race so most people entered didn't run on a regular basis.  1/2 mile in and I was stripping my base layer.  Did I mention it was cold that day?  

We got to the first obstacle and I said "What if I can't do it?", Jason nudged me toward the 4' wall.  Since I had been running a lot and fail to stretch {ever}, I'm not flexible.  So while most were jumping over this wall like you do when you get out of a pool, I did the fat girl roll over.  Whatever, I did both of them without falling off or embarrassing myself.  

The rest of the obstacles were ok.  Jason attacked them like it was his fuckin' job.    He waiting for me.  A lot.  The running was almost all hills.....down may be equally as bad and running up for me.  And I'll take pavement over a rocky surface any day.

 The only real challenging obstacle was the rope wall.  It isn't mentioned on the obstacle course, I don't know if the race varies from location to location.  This one scared me.  It was 20'+/- high, plywood wall with a 2x4 every 2 feet or so.  You had to use a rope with knots tied every 24" to climb over.  I got to the top and Jason reached for my hand to help.  My only reply was "fucking go, don't touch me".  So, I don't like heights.  He's an avid hunter that is 20' off the ground all.the.time.  Here I am, 20' from the ground standing on a 2x4 (did you a 2x4 is smaller than 2" x 4") trying to get over.  My legs are tight from running so I can't get my right leg over, I look to the guy next to me and told him "I'm scared".  He didn't say anything.  Dick.  But, I switched legs and figured got down just fine.  The back side resembled a ladder, I can handle that.

Jason was ahead of me at this point, we were almost done.  Enjoy what photos were able to steal:

I take the WORST race photos

So I was afraid of falling or losing a shoe, not afraid of mud. 

I ran into a twin mama that I know, she took this photo {before clean up}:

Speaking of, there was no water pressure, so clean up was a joke.  I changed in the plain view in the parking lot and went home just like this.

The Details

The Course:

The Schwag:

Our bibs: 1494 & 1495

My chip time: 47:52, I can't find the race results anymore online (again, why do I wait so long to blog?) but Jason was about 3 minutes faster than me.

They had a problem with the timing devices and mud, so a lot of finishers didn't get a time, so our rank was irrelevant {not that I can find it anyhow}.

Another Super cute {& comfy} tech shirt to add to my collection!

See ya on the run!

Giant Eagle Multisport 5K - 7.31.11

I was feeling overly confident and *thought* this race started at 8:30 a.m.  Since my LSD (long slow days) weren't going so well, I decided I needed to meet up with some friends at 6:30 a.m. and run 4 miles.  Those 4 went great. I left Sara & Marie, changed, age a protein bar and fueled my belt.


I pull into the parking lot only to find out they are cash only.  Who has cash? Ever?  Not me, so I sprint to the ATM.  I see runners rounding the corner.  I think "Oh God, please tell me that's the family 2 miler or something".  Nope.   The race just started.  I sprinted to back to pay the attendant, then sprinted to the start.  Mind you, I already have 4 miles under my belt for the morning.  I get to the start....it's not there.  The timing device has already been removed.  Perfect.


I laugh and say "oh well, here I go anyway".  I paid my entry fee....I'm getting this race.  Every police officer I passed I would yell "guess who was late".   Tri-athletes were passing me about 3 minutes in.  I really didn't know what to do running beside them.  I yelled "great job" a few times....not sure what was proper.  All I know is I wanted to stay out of their way.  I could hear their footsteps and could tell they were all business.  I didn't want to catch the wrath of a shaven (yeah, I noticed) tri guy.  So I kept trucking along.....


I ended up passing 5 runners, mostly walking.  It's funny how fast you can be when you are embarrassed.  I'd much rather be around other people, I don't like to run alone.  And to be honest, I saw a homeless guy, which freaked me out a bit.


The course was difficult due to small but steep inclines.  The sun was beating in your face for the entire route as well.  How's that for a big fat whine-fest?


At the ending stretch, a female tri flew past me wearing just her swimsuit looking fit and cute as ever in her pigtails and said "great job girlie, keep going".  Me?  You're encouraging me?  Sometimes I don't hate people afterall.


I don't have any photos to share but here is the schwag: 

Unlike every other 5K, no one seemed super fast since I was ALONE.  Nonetheless, I feel good about this race.  They had a kickass afterparty and awesome snacks.  Thanks, triathletes, I'm sure those were mainly for you :)

  

The Details

The Course:

Note: if you wait to update your blog 3+ months later, the course map may no longer be online.

My bib: 87

My chip time: 40:02, but complete bogus since the timing device was gone when I started

My Garmin time: 32:42, 10:31 pace, 3.11 miles

86/89 overall, 46/48 female.  bogus.

My splits:

1 - 9:46

2 - 10:42

3 - 10:59

4 - 1:10

Another Super cute tech shirt to add to my collection!  

See ya on the run!

Beerathlon 5K - 7.16.11

I had been looking forward to this race for quite a while and I almost missed it.  Jason had to have a last minute surgery.  While outpatient, I wasn't sure if he'd be able to be left alone the next day.  I guess you can tell, I left him.  

This 5K started at Buffalo Wild Wings on Bethel Road, Columbus, Ohio.  Mid-July, hottest week of the year, 7 o'clock, no shade, street race.  Recipe for disaster.

Here we are before the race:

I ran at what I thought was a comfortable pace. I often watch my Garmin but don't do a whole lot of adjusting, I just like to see where I am, every 2 seconds.  Just 1/2 mile in, it took a major pep talk to keep going.  It was hot, the sun was beating in our face, no sign of shade in site.  

Just like every other 5K, everyone seemed super fast.  Again, I started off too fast.  While I carried Powerarde and used sportbeans prior, this race was the hardest ever, ever, ever.  The only glimmer of hope to finish running was a property owner in the area turned his sprinkler on into the street.  Those drops were 2 seconds of heaven

I crossed the finish line (uphill, thanks Ultra-fit) and was greeted by Sara's Mother in Law and our friend, Marie.  I'm not sure what I said, but I remember "it's too hot" and "I want to cry".   I also wanted to go back and finish with Sara, but I didn't have it in me.  What support would I be if I could barely walk?  I needed something, but I wasn't sure what.  I settled for a granola bar and gatorade.  While choosing my recovery meal, I missed Sara's finish.  Of course I did, I felt terrible.

While I was pressed for time, we managed to get a beer.  I mean, it had "beer" in the title, it only seemed right!

  

The Details

The Course:

View Buffalo Wild Wings 5K in a larger map

My bib: 575

My chip time: No Chip!!!  Gunstart, handed a card at finish.  Totally weird if you ask me.

My Garmin time: 33:10, 10:33, 3.12 miles

108/179 overallThere were more runners, but they didn't turn in their time.  Let's just say I was faster than them...

My splits:

1 - 9:50

2 - 10:56

3 - 11:07

4 - 1:15

Race Packet goodies:

Another Super cute tech shirt to add to my collection!  

See ya on the run!

MoveMMore - 6.19.11

My BFF and new running partner, Sara, just completed the Couch to 5K running program and was ready for her first 5K.  Our other BFF, Marie, was on board too.  Even though it was Father's Day, all of our hubs were in full support.  

Sara chose this as her first due to some personal ties to Myeloma, I loved the idea that the money raised went to the James.  Unlike some bigger fundraisers, money sent to the James stays local.  If you'd like to read more about MMore, visit them here.

Here are few photos before the race.  

We got our shirts from HERE, a shop set up by the authors of a book that has inspired all three of us run, Run Like a Mother: The Book. 

Close up intended to show the shirts, not just a boob shot.

Here is Marie giving her girls a pep talk before the race.  Yep, she ran with them.  Yep, she's a little crazy.  Yep, I wanna do it with my 2 guys.

I love this shot of Sara finishing her first 5K.  It wasn't easy, the weather was not fun.  The terrain was challenging.  She is flanked by her husband and myself, there is no way she would finish this alone.  Marie and her trio were at the finish line chanting "go Sara go".   Who needs more motivation than that?

Here's Marie finishing.  This wins picture of the day for all I'm concerned.

Had I created this post soon after the race, I would have remembered some of the details.  I do remember some.  The race was hard.  We started in the back, then was forced to weave in and out of walkers to get up to our pace.  We started way to fast, all that green lane passing caught up to us.  I was sucking air at .61 miles and took at least another mile to feel as if I wouldn't die.  I carried powerade in a handheld, which was a lifesaver for me.  In these high temps, I need to remember to do that even on short runs. 

Overall, no complaints.  This wasn't a PR for me, nor did I ever set out for it to be one.  I'm happy with my pace and would have been happy at a slower pace and not nearly killed myself {by accident} due to bad pacing. 

The Details

The Course:

My bib: 213

My chip time: 31:43, 10:14 pace, 3.1 miles 

My Garmin time: 36:27, 10:32 , 3.46 miles

{I circled back to finish with Sara and restarted when I caught her}

13/47 female in my age group

118/151 overall

My splits:

1 - 10:10

2 - 10:37

3 - 10:00

4 - 5:39

Race Packet goodies:

Another Super cute tech shirt to add to my collection!  

Now, the reason I was glad this post wasn't done sooner.  A few weeks after the race, I was wearing my tech shirt running with my boys in their jogger in my neighborhood.  A car passed me and turned around to stop me asking me "did you run?".  I thought, is he kidding, I'm about to die and my face it beet red.  He meant, did I run for MMore.  He is a survivor that lives in my neighborhood.  Still fighting, but surviving.  He was so appreciative that we took the time to participate in this successful race.  More than $40,000 was donated to the James on behalf of MMore and I couldn't be more delighted to have contributed.  It feels good to give, feels better when it's personal.  Before he drove off, he kept saying "that made my day".  No sir, it made mine.

{someone help me with this sign off}

Race for Ellie - 6.12.11

I signed up for this race to run with my MIT peeps.  And--since peer pressure is a bitch, I signed up for RACE CLUB.  You know, I've been running 6 months, so now I think I can "run with the big dogs".  Ok, maybe not, but it came at a good price, with a singlet, and possibly a jacket.  Sold.

Back to the race.  The Race for Ellie is a fundraiser in partnership with The Ohio State University for research toward a cure for Mitochondrial Disease (mito). Ellie Kovalcik is a bright, 9-year old girl who loves her family, many friends and just being a kid. Diagnosed with mito at age two, Ellie has suffered through many medical challenges to the point where she is unable to eat, breathe, walk or talk on her own. Mitochondrial Disease has essentially affected her ability to have a normal childhood, and have a normal life expectancy. The mission is to find a cure is a race against time...a race where Ellie, and all mito sufferers, would be the real winner. 

I felt OK, I didn't have any expectations.  I was a bit anxious, but excited to meet up with some friends I haven't seen in awhile.  

Here's a Race Club group shot.  Trust me, I'm in there.  

Once again--the ages and experience of the runners were all over the place.  And just like before, everyone came out of the gate flying, included me.  I felt really good though, I wanted to see if this was the race where I would finish in under 30 minutes.  I'm not the type of runner that "leaves it all out there" for fear of fainting or puking, or both.  Anything that doesn't draw attention to myself would be nice.  I was still getting passed left and right {it sure felt that way}, but I didn't mind this time.  I was surrounded by real runners....with real experience.  Here's what I've learned, people who run don't judge you.  They are supportive, regardless of your form, body shape, or speed.  I need to learn how not to be my own worst enemy.  I'm getting there.  Speaking of, it was a big step for me to wear shorts.  I haven't wore shorts in years....hopefully it wasn't as scary as I'd imagined.  Baby steps.




About half way through the race, a fellow twin MoM caught up to me.  I knew her from CMOTC (Columbus Mothers of Twins Club).  I hadn't seen her in awhile, but I knew she ran. It was a pleasant surprise.  Although she was fairly new to running, the girl has some major speed.


We ran and chatted.  I skipped water and knew right away that I would regret it.  Seriously, did I think seconds were going to matter?  I was faster than normal and didn't want to give up any momentum.  I remember having 1/2 mile remaining and was feeling the pain.  She asked if I wanted to walk, I replied "no way--you can do anything for 5 minutes, right?"


As soon as the finish line was in sight, we picked up the pace even more.  At one point she turned to me and said something {I wish I could remember what} that pushed me to sprint.  Sprint the last of a race? I've never done that before.    

Ellie was waiting at the finish line passing out high fives.  Regretfully, I smiled and walked by.  I thought I was going to lose it.  I need to just walk, get some water, and breathe.  Within seconds I felt fine.  I went back to watch all the Lucky 13s (MIT 13 Minute Pace Group) complete their race.  


The Details

My bib: 209

My chip time: 29:47, 9:36 pace, 3.1 miles  SCORE 

My Garmin time: 29:47, 9:34, 3.11 miles

26/53 female in my age group

165/292 overall

My splits:

1 - 9:23

2 - 9:45

3 - 9:49

4 - 8:12

 {now I know why I wanted to puke}

Race Packet goodies:

Super cute tech shirt to add to my collection!  

And a NEW PR !!! 

{insert cool sign off here}

2nd Annual Shamrock Run & Walk - 5.21.11

3 weeks post half marathon and I decide I need to do something, like, now.  I didn't sign up for MIT this go around, but convinced Vicky we needed to do a race a month {at least}.  I have the need for speed {if you consider a 10 minute mile speed, if not, we may not be able to be friends}

This race was close to home for me, located in Newark, Ohio.  The weather was warm, but not too hot.  Conditions were good to be a great race.  Here's the course map:

We knew right away the race was going to be small.  Not bad, just small.  I wasn't nervous or even anxious like usual.  I wanted to be faster, but wasn't planning on killing myself.  I was just going to run and see how it went.  Plus, I had a big day planned to go to the zoo later.  If you read my family blog, you know we go to the zoo a lot.

The ages and experience of the runners were all over the place.  Everyone came out of the gate flying.  I looked over to Vicky right away and said "we're going too fast".  I was intimated.  Everyone seemed to be so fast.  I was getting passed left and right and felt so defeated.  I decided right then and there that this was my race to win.  I couldn't worry about anyone else. 

Vicky and I split up right away.  That's runner code, if you feel great...go ahead.  We'll see you at the end.  I was neck and neck with a man all of 80 years old and he was kicking my ass.  Talk about a blow to the ego.  Then the reminder "he's been running forever, you'll get there".

True to form, half mile into the race and some people starting walking, then they continued with their annoying pace of sprint-walk-sprint.  I don't know if it's annoying to anyone else, but I'd rather look at your butt one time {likewise I'm sure}.  

The course was all road, through a residential section, and mostly flat.  I kept a consistent pace and felt fine.  I remember thinking that I would love a sip of water, but they were handing out whole bottles.  Well, a girl was standing by a cooler full of water, but I was not about to wait for her to open the cooler, get a bottle, open it, hand it to me.  I could suffer.  I decided then that my fuel belt was necessary, even on shorty races.

The Details

My bib: 18

My chip time: 32:27, 10:28 pace, 3.1 miles

My Garmin time: 31:54, 10:38, 3 miles {had to re-boot}

5/6 female in my age group

17/25 female 

44/57 overall

My splits:

1 - 10:14

2 - 10:38

3 - 10:59

4 - 10:18

No photos to share, but here's the t-shirt:

Although it's not a tech shirt, I do love that it proves I'm not a couch potato {anymore}.  All in all--not bad.  

Plus, a PR to boot!!! 

{insert cool sign off here}

Capital City Half Marathon 2011

First blog post for my new running blog.  A month after race day to boot.  Let's see how much I can remember.

Back story

I had trained 20 weeks with MIT.  My friend, Vicky, talked me into MIT.  I thought 13 miles was too much, it was going to be too cold.  I wanted to sign up for the 5K program.  There I said it, my only running goal was to be able to run 3.1 miles.  Part 2, I wanted to do it in 30 minutes {eventually}

My first run was in mid-December, 14 degrees in ice and snow.  I couldn't complete the entire 2 miles without walking.  Major blow to the ego.  I was so upset at myself, I came home the next day, ran 2 on my tread without stopping.

Race Day - May 7, 2011

I was dying of anticipation, but not nervous.  I got up, ate a bagel and banana, drank some powerade.  I had everything ready, so it was easy.  I headed downtown to meet up with MIT.  Still--not nervous, just ready to get it over with.

My husband was going to be there, that made me happy.  He was bringing my kids (3 year old twin boys), that made me nervous.  As much as I wanted them there, they can be a handful.  They hate the stroller most of the time and think that they are independent enough to make their own decisions.  Crowds make me break a sweat.  I was afraid that he would lose one, literally.  Just because we have 2 that look alike, doesn't mean that one is a spare. :)

Here are Louden & Keegan before I seen them.  Jason ordered them some special shirts as a surprise to me.  

Here's the link:  Cafe Press. 

I'm not sure about this photo, it's pretty strange.  I'm not fast, so I can't explain this stance.  I was trying to slow down to hug them, but without really slowing down until I got to them.  This was right at mile 8.  Jason told me where he'd be, so I was sure to take out my earbuds so I wouldn't miss him.  

Speaking of missing them, my friend Sara, was there to cheer me on at Mile 4.5.  I almost missed her because I was jamming too loud.  The funny part, I was half embarrassed that I *thought* I had just seen her and the spectators were screaming and waving at someone else.  I ducked my head and got back into my angry music.  Fortunately, a runner in front of me got my attention.  Sara was screaming and running aside, I gave her a sweaty hug and smiled from ear to ear.

Here I am at Mile 13, rounding the corner to the finish.  I felt great.  2 mile hill and I was passing people.  I remember thinking "I did this" and "I could do more" and "I wonder if Marie will want to do a full".    

Here's Marie, one of my very BFFs.  Over drinks in late December, she said "maybe I'll train with you".  I sent her my plan, she followed to a T, alone.  This girl has major balls {figuratively}.  

This is one of my favorite pictures.  It's not flattering, there is nothing special about it, but this is what happy looks like.  It was here that we started discussing our game plan for the next race. I was hooked.

Here I am with my boys.  It took me 3 tries to get to my knees.  ha!  I finally got a look at their shirts.  LOVE them and LOVE that Jason did that all on his own.  He also surprised me with a 13.1 sticker for my ride.  I had the ah-ha moment when I realized *THIS* is why he insisted bringing the boys here.  In retrospect, I'm glad he did.   

The Details

The course: shown HERE 

I have zero sense of direction, most of the time I wasn't really sure where in Columbus I was

My bib: 5874

My chip time: 2:40, 12:15 pace, 13.1 miles

My Garmin time: 2:40:26, 12:08, 13.22 miles

515/627 in my age group

2782/3502 overall

My splits:

1 - 11:59

2 - 11:41

3 - 12:02

4 - 12:22

5 - 11:56

6 - 12:34

7 - 12:36

8 - 12:41

9 - 12:07

10 - 11:48

11 - 12:12

12 - 12:03

13 - 12:07

What I learned:

2 GU Roctanes, 3 miles apart are a bit much

Overall--I couldn't be happier.  I did something that I never imagined I could.  I fulfilled a dream I didn't know I had.  who knew?  I'm a runner.  Me--the girl that took 13 minutes to run 1 mile in high school including time to sit down in the middle.  I did this and I WILL DO IT AGAIN!