I have to post some information on our friend, Judy. She is a truly inspiring and awesome female runner. She just completed 100k by herself to raise money for the local Boys and Girls Club. This is the third time she's done the 100k and is on her way to raising $100,000 in the process. Here is a news story about her run:
http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S550280.shtml?cat=10151
I have to mention that not only did she do this 100k this Wednesday, beginning at 12:01am...but she ran a marathon the Sunday before and will participate in the Ragnar Relay race this Friday and Saturday on my husband's team. So in one week she will have run almost 100 miles. She is an amazing lady!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Biker Chick
I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful riding my bike has made me feel these last couple of weeks. I get on and my stresses seem to just disappear, at least until I hop back off the bike anyway. Riding a bike makes me feel like a kid again. I find myself jumping curbs and being really excited at super fast downhill rides! I'm so happy I finally bought the bike, but why the heck didn't I do it sooner?!?
I haven't been running much lately because I've used my time to ride my bike instead. My next race is August 24th. It is a 5k and a real doosey. I've run this race before, it was my first race to get me back into running last summer. Lots of hills and the temperature is usually pretty hot and humid. I have 2 1/2 weeks to prepare. I just want to be able to run it without feeling like I am going to die! Ideally, I'd also like to finish in under 42 minutes. Last year I finished at 44:16.
I am registered to run a half marathon on September 21st. I've been going back and forth about whether or not to do the race for a while now. I am no where near as prepared for this one as I was for Green Bay, but I feel as though I could probably pull it off. I just don't know what I want to do. I have plans to visit the Running Room to look at shoes this week and if I can eliminate the shin pain, I think I am going to go for it.
In the meantime, I need to lose some damn weight. I've really let things go for a while now and I need to get back on track. I am back on sparkpeople.com, tracking my meals and exercise, as that always seems to help. I am also looking into a couple of other things that may help me lose some weight. At this point, I just want to lose some so I can run better and not feel so discouraged everytime I am out there!!
I haven't been running much lately because I've used my time to ride my bike instead. My next race is August 24th. It is a 5k and a real doosey. I've run this race before, it was my first race to get me back into running last summer. Lots of hills and the temperature is usually pretty hot and humid. I have 2 1/2 weeks to prepare. I just want to be able to run it without feeling like I am going to die! Ideally, I'd also like to finish in under 42 minutes. Last year I finished at 44:16.
I am registered to run a half marathon on September 21st. I've been going back and forth about whether or not to do the race for a while now. I am no where near as prepared for this one as I was for Green Bay, but I feel as though I could probably pull it off. I just don't know what I want to do. I have plans to visit the Running Room to look at shoes this week and if I can eliminate the shin pain, I think I am going to go for it.
In the meantime, I need to lose some damn weight. I've really let things go for a while now and I need to get back on track. I am back on sparkpeople.com, tracking my meals and exercise, as that always seems to help. I am also looking into a couple of other things that may help me lose some weight. At this point, I just want to lose some so I can run better and not feel so discouraged everytime I am out there!!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay
I am so disappointed in myself. My pace is getting worse, if you can believe that!! Granted, I haven't been doing much running outside of the races I've done, but I am really sucking lately. I did the Lumberjack Days 5k on Saturday and these are my results:
overall place: 1017 out of 1065
division place: 137 out of 144
gender place: 543 out of 582
time: 46:10
pace: 14:52
1 mile: 14:18
chip time : 45:12
That's one of my worst 5k times EVER! Actually, my watch says that my 1 mile time was 13:18 - weird. It was pretty hot, but not too bad, better than at the Women's Race. My main problem lately comes from my shin pain. The first half mile is usually okay, because I'm running, but miles 1.5 - 2.5 SUCK. Pain pain pain. The pain goes away when I'm running at my usual 11 min mile pace, but when I slow down to my walk breaks, the pain begins immediately. Since I can't maintain that 11min/mile running pace, I have to suffer through the pain while walking. It is so bad that I am hobbling and wincing in pain most times. I've had loads of time to reflect on this lately and am wondering if it is my shoes? When I walk, I feel like I am turning my feet outward, which is putting stress on my legs - perhaps different shoes will correct this!? When I first began wearing my shoes when they were new, I didn't have this problem.
Something needs to be done. If this continues, I simply cannot run anymore. I will not tolerate anymore 45 minute 5k races. It is embarassing! My husband complains when he has to do training runs with people who run 9 min miles - HA. I can only dream of that kind of pace!!!
Good news is that I've really taken to riding my new bike to/from work. I figured out that it is about 3.5 miles one way and it takes me about 20 minutes. According to mapmyride.com I am burning about 140 calories each way. I'll take that! I figure that anything can help at this point. I just find that I am way more relaxed when I get to work without driving, plus it certainly hasn't hurt the pocketbook either. I used to pay about $10 for parking! Yikes!!
overall place: 1017 out of 1065
division place: 137 out of 144
gender place: 543 out of 582
time: 46:10
pace: 14:52
1 mile: 14:18
chip time : 45:12
That's one of my worst 5k times EVER! Actually, my watch says that my 1 mile time was 13:18 - weird. It was pretty hot, but not too bad, better than at the Women's Race. My main problem lately comes from my shin pain. The first half mile is usually okay, because I'm running, but miles 1.5 - 2.5 SUCK. Pain pain pain. The pain goes away when I'm running at my usual 11 min mile pace, but when I slow down to my walk breaks, the pain begins immediately. Since I can't maintain that 11min/mile running pace, I have to suffer through the pain while walking. It is so bad that I am hobbling and wincing in pain most times. I've had loads of time to reflect on this lately and am wondering if it is my shoes? When I walk, I feel like I am turning my feet outward, which is putting stress on my legs - perhaps different shoes will correct this!? When I first began wearing my shoes when they were new, I didn't have this problem.
Something needs to be done. If this continues, I simply cannot run anymore. I will not tolerate anymore 45 minute 5k races. It is embarassing! My husband complains when he has to do training runs with people who run 9 min miles - HA. I can only dream of that kind of pace!!!
Good news is that I've really taken to riding my new bike to/from work. I figured out that it is about 3.5 miles one way and it takes me about 20 minutes. According to mapmyride.com I am burning about 140 calories each way. I'll take that! I figure that anything can help at this point. I just find that I am way more relaxed when I get to work without driving, plus it certainly hasn't hurt the pocketbook either. I used to pay about $10 for parking! Yikes!!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Near defeat
The Women's Race. Wow.
This was the most challenging race I have run thus far. Even my half marathon was not so challenging. One thing that it did confirm was that I am definitely not a warm weather runner. It was very hot and humid Saturday morning. I really had been dreading this race altogether for some time, but I had registered for it a long time ago, when I was still gung-ho about running. Since I had paid my money and told everyone I was going to run it, I figured I had at least better show my face. I was incredibly nervous, but I went.
Before the start of the race I chatted with a few of the runners I know, which calmed me down a bit. But as we lined up at the starting line, I just did not have a good feeling about things. I always look around to try to identify people "like me." I like to try to find my fellow back of the packers so that I can feel comfortable in not being surrounded by former track stars in their matching sports bras and short shorts. I have been surprised before though when the people I think are going to be as slow as me are actually much faster, so I only put a little bit of stock into my identification. The race director gave the Ready, Set, Go signal and we were all off running. I kept in pace with those at the back for a while, but could feel myself fading back quickly, especially when I began to feel the heat early on. I began to walk at about the 1/2 mile marker for just a minute at a time at first and then that gradually increased to running about 2 min, walking 3 min...running 2 min, walking 5 min...and so on.
By mile one, I was so emotionally beaten down that I seriously considered quitting. It is amazing how powerful the mind can be! At first my brain was trying to convince me that quitting is a perfectly acceptable thing to do; plenty of people quit during races due to heat and pain and I should not feel so bad about it. Then it would turn on me and try to convince me to keep running/walking because if you quit, you cannot wear the cute tanktop (see photo below) from the race and when everyone asks you how you did, you will have to own up to your failure. You will be miserable. I took a minute to stop, pull off to the curb and think about what I should do. The course was running a 2 mile loop around a lake twice to complete the 4 miles. There is a trail that cuts a slightly shorter return route back to the finish line than the race route. I thought about just walking the trail back and giving up. I actually began to walk onto the trail to head back until something in me realized that the walk back on the course would be only slightly longer than on the trail. What if I just stuck it out along the course, completed my first loop and THEN decided if I wanted to continue!? So I got myself back on course (in dead last position) and waddled my way along the route. As I approached the finish line area, the lead runners began to lap me. About 5-7 women finished the whole race before I even completed my first 2 miles.
A friend of mine, and a great runner, was one of the lucky (and speedy) women to finish just before I passed by the finish line. She called out to me with a "Good job, Jessica!" Although this is really just a little thing and only one piece of encouragement I received during the race, it made a huge difference. This same woman struggled through her own self-doubt last April during the Boston Marathon. She nearly gave up during that race many times, but somehow made herself stumble to the finish to complete what was probably her toughest race. I had to finish. So as I was letting all of this sink in, the waterworks began. I was just beyond mile 2, dead last and sobbing like a child. It must have been just what I needed though because I pulled myself together and began a really nice, comfortable pace of running and walking. I was in the groove, I could barely feel my legs and they seemed to be working on their own. It was kind of shocking and amazing, but I let it happen because I was certain that this was the only way I was going to make it through the next 2 miles. Around mile 3 I passed the only 2 girls ahead of me that were even reachable by that point. I thought: Oh my god, if I can keep up this pace, I wouldn't finish in last place!
I found every last bit of strength inside of me to just keep running/walking and to keep ahead of those 2 girls. Before the race, I had set myself the goal of finishing in under an hour. I didn't care if I finished at 59:59, as long as it was under an hour, I'd be happy. As I got to the finish line, I realized that the clock was at about 58:00. Holy crap, not only am I finishing an impossible race, but I am NOT finishing last...AND I will beat my goal time!
After collecting myself and taking some fluids I walked to the picnic shelter where the other runners were hanging out. I found that woman whose own struggles and encouragement pulled me through the race and I thanked her for what she unknowingly did for me. We both cried a little bit, it was nice.
Even tough the "cute tanktop" is a little too tight on me, I will still wear it with pride. I earned it.
This was the most challenging race I have run thus far. Even my half marathon was not so challenging. One thing that it did confirm was that I am definitely not a warm weather runner. It was very hot and humid Saturday morning. I really had been dreading this race altogether for some time, but I had registered for it a long time ago, when I was still gung-ho about running. Since I had paid my money and told everyone I was going to run it, I figured I had at least better show my face. I was incredibly nervous, but I went.
Before the start of the race I chatted with a few of the runners I know, which calmed me down a bit. But as we lined up at the starting line, I just did not have a good feeling about things. I always look around to try to identify people "like me." I like to try to find my fellow back of the packers so that I can feel comfortable in not being surrounded by former track stars in their matching sports bras and short shorts. I have been surprised before though when the people I think are going to be as slow as me are actually much faster, so I only put a little bit of stock into my identification. The race director gave the Ready, Set, Go signal and we were all off running. I kept in pace with those at the back for a while, but could feel myself fading back quickly, especially when I began to feel the heat early on. I began to walk at about the 1/2 mile marker for just a minute at a time at first and then that gradually increased to running about 2 min, walking 3 min...running 2 min, walking 5 min...and so on.
By mile one, I was so emotionally beaten down that I seriously considered quitting. It is amazing how powerful the mind can be! At first my brain was trying to convince me that quitting is a perfectly acceptable thing to do; plenty of people quit during races due to heat and pain and I should not feel so bad about it. Then it would turn on me and try to convince me to keep running/walking because if you quit, you cannot wear the cute tanktop (see photo below) from the race and when everyone asks you how you did, you will have to own up to your failure. You will be miserable. I took a minute to stop, pull off to the curb and think about what I should do. The course was running a 2 mile loop around a lake twice to complete the 4 miles. There is a trail that cuts a slightly shorter return route back to the finish line than the race route. I thought about just walking the trail back and giving up. I actually began to walk onto the trail to head back until something in me realized that the walk back on the course would be only slightly longer than on the trail. What if I just stuck it out along the course, completed my first loop and THEN decided if I wanted to continue!? So I got myself back on course (in dead last position) and waddled my way along the route. As I approached the finish line area, the lead runners began to lap me. About 5-7 women finished the whole race before I even completed my first 2 miles.
A friend of mine, and a great runner, was one of the lucky (and speedy) women to finish just before I passed by the finish line. She called out to me with a "Good job, Jessica!" Although this is really just a little thing and only one piece of encouragement I received during the race, it made a huge difference. This same woman struggled through her own self-doubt last April during the Boston Marathon. She nearly gave up during that race many times, but somehow made herself stumble to the finish to complete what was probably her toughest race. I had to finish. So as I was letting all of this sink in, the waterworks began. I was just beyond mile 2, dead last and sobbing like a child. It must have been just what I needed though because I pulled myself together and began a really nice, comfortable pace of running and walking. I was in the groove, I could barely feel my legs and they seemed to be working on their own. It was kind of shocking and amazing, but I let it happen because I was certain that this was the only way I was going to make it through the next 2 miles. Around mile 3 I passed the only 2 girls ahead of me that were even reachable by that point. I thought: Oh my god, if I can keep up this pace, I wouldn't finish in last place!
I found every last bit of strength inside of me to just keep running/walking and to keep ahead of those 2 girls. Before the race, I had set myself the goal of finishing in under an hour. I didn't care if I finished at 59:59, as long as it was under an hour, I'd be happy. As I got to the finish line, I realized that the clock was at about 58:00. Holy crap, not only am I finishing an impossible race, but I am NOT finishing last...AND I will beat my goal time!
After collecting myself and taking some fluids I walked to the picnic shelter where the other runners were hanging out. I found that woman whose own struggles and encouragement pulled me through the race and I thanked her for what she unknowingly did for me. We both cried a little bit, it was nice.
Even tough the "cute tanktop" is a little too tight on me, I will still wear it with pride. I earned it.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I am still waiting to hear from the cycling store about the bicycle that I ordered. Of the two options in my previous post, I ordered the orange Electra Townie 7D, I am SO excited!! They told me it would take a week and I ordered it last Wednesday - so they better call soon!
I am getting increasingly nervous about my 4 mile Women's Race this Saturday. My running has suffered due to our busy summer schedule and the recent heat/humidity we've been having. I know I can do the 4 miles, but what I am nervous about is the fact that - once again - I will be coming in last. It isn't that I am embarassed about my slow speed, it is just hard to know that everyone is waiting on you. Luckily, what makes me feel better is that the women runners in this town (and most of the males as well) are UBER supportive!
My husband is a member of the local running club and is even a member of their board. So he knows just about everyone that runs locally and through him I've met a lot of runners myself. I feel so priviledged to know these women - who are older, faster, smarter, nicer runners than me! They're my heros and mentors and they serve to encourage me through every single step of my running. So it is difficult when I know that I am going to be SO slow, I don't want to disappoint them. Yes, yes - I know - they're probably just happy to see me out there running, no matter the speed. I know that. It is just hard to believe - which is why these women are SO amazing to me.
I am getting increasingly nervous about my 4 mile Women's Race this Saturday. My running has suffered due to our busy summer schedule and the recent heat/humidity we've been having. I know I can do the 4 miles, but what I am nervous about is the fact that - once again - I will be coming in last. It isn't that I am embarassed about my slow speed, it is just hard to know that everyone is waiting on you. Luckily, what makes me feel better is that the women runners in this town (and most of the males as well) are UBER supportive!
My husband is a member of the local running club and is even a member of their board. So he knows just about everyone that runs locally and through him I've met a lot of runners myself. I feel so priviledged to know these women - who are older, faster, smarter, nicer runners than me! They're my heros and mentors and they serve to encourage me through every single step of my running. So it is difficult when I know that I am going to be SO slow, I don't want to disappoint them. Yes, yes - I know - they're probably just happy to see me out there running, no matter the speed. I know that. It is just hard to believe - which is why these women are SO amazing to me.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Speaking of running apparel...
While traveling for work in Chicago this week, I picked up His 'n Hers versions of this shirt for the hubby and I:
It is a shirt for the Human Race 10k, which is a "race" put on by Nike in like 25 cities around the world. You can either race in one of the official events or run in your own city with the Nike Plus technology (iPod with special attachment). I don't really plan on participating, though I think it is a neat event. I just really like the shirt! The design is a woman running figure that is made up of the names of all of the cities putting on the race - very cool. It is Dri-Fit, which doesn't mean a whole lot in that it is 60/40 cotton to poly...so not bad for running, but not great.
We are participating in the Running Room's 20 min Challenge tonight and plan to wear our shirts like the big dorks we are! HA!
While traveling for work in Chicago this week, I picked up His 'n Hers versions of this shirt for the hubby and I:
It is a shirt for the Human Race 10k, which is a "race" put on by Nike in like 25 cities around the world. You can either race in one of the official events or run in your own city with the Nike Plus technology (iPod with special attachment). I don't really plan on participating, though I think it is a neat event. I just really like the shirt! The design is a woman running figure that is made up of the names of all of the cities putting on the race - very cool. It is Dri-Fit, which doesn't mean a whole lot in that it is 60/40 cotton to poly...so not bad for running, but not great.
We are participating in the Running Room's 20 min Challenge tonight and plan to wear our shirts like the big dorks we are! HA!
What is all this about skirts!?
This month's issue of Runners World provides a large feature on my best running friend: running skirts. My husband forwarded the story to me because he knows how much I love them. I frequently read the oft hillarious and usually true to real life musings on Jezebel, but was disturbed today to find a posting about the RW article that pounced on the idea of the skirt.
The most disappointing thing about Jezebel's response to the running skirt was the comments that followed. The majority of the women commenting clearly have not tried a skirt. Many of them think of wearing a skirt is comparable to wearing makeup for a run. They comment that they try hard to not be noticed while exercising and that a skirt would only draw attention to them.
I am not cool enough to be a commenter on the site, but if I were I'd have a lot to report back to these naysayers. Most importantly I'd say this:
What would be worse? Me running in a pair of shorts with the legs riding up into my crotch or me running in a skirt that delicately falls over my thunder thighs!?
Don't knock 'em till you try 'em!
The most disappointing thing about Jezebel's response to the running skirt was the comments that followed. The majority of the women commenting clearly have not tried a skirt. Many of them think of wearing a skirt is comparable to wearing makeup for a run. They comment that they try hard to not be noticed while exercising and that a skirt would only draw attention to them.
I am not cool enough to be a commenter on the site, but if I were I'd have a lot to report back to these naysayers. Most importantly I'd say this:
What would be worse? Me running in a pair of shorts with the legs riding up into my crotch or me running in a skirt that delicately falls over my thunder thighs!?
Don't knock 'em till you try 'em!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
What?!? Fans??
Woah. I've been absent for a while, I know. But somehow I stumbled back onto my blog today, I'm not sure why. Lo and behold, I see that I've racked up a few comments from people during my absence! Woah. It looks like I have some fans, haha. Who knew?! Well, after seeing that discovery, I've been inspired to write again and dare I say it...maybe even RUN again! Oh the shock!
So thank you to megan hall, wendy, pamela ann and runmomma - thank you for kicking me in the ass today!! :-)
Oookay, down to business. I have 2 races coming up and I have not run (not even one mile) in weeks! EEEK!!! I am signed up to do a 4 mile women's race on July 19th, so that's in um, 10 days. Then I am also registered to do a 10 mile race the following weekend on July 26th. What the hell was I thinking when I mailed in those registration forms?! Oh, I know...I was thinking that I better sign up for races this summer so that I wouldn't lose my motivation to run! HA! So much for that plan. Well, now it is dangerously close to these dates and I really need to get my neglected butt out the door.
After dark (and after the humidity subsides) tonight I am going to do a 2 mile run. No excuses. I know that I am going to come in last in both of these races and I'd atleast like to do it with some dignity, haha.
In other news, I am on a new kick lately: buying a bicycle. I haven't had a working bike for about 6 years and I really miss the freedom of hopping on one to just go short distances. Also, I feel a little (okay, A LOT) guilty about driving my fat ass to work everyday for 2.5 miles and then paying $10 for parking. I know, I know. If you want to blame someone for gas prices or global warming or whatever - I'll take it. Totally deserve it.
So anyway, these are the bikes I've been looking at:
Trek Pure Lowstep
Electra Women's Townie 7D
Aren't they so adorable!? I am headed over to the bike shop tonight to give them a spin. I figure that the extra exercise of riding to work 3 days a week couldn't hurt my sorry state. I am very excited!! Hey who knows - maybe next I'll try swimming and before you know it, I will be doing an Ironman!!! AHHHH HAHAHAHAAA.
So thank you to megan hall, wendy, pamela ann and runmomma - thank you for kicking me in the ass today!! :-)
Oookay, down to business. I have 2 races coming up and I have not run (not even one mile) in weeks! EEEK!!! I am signed up to do a 4 mile women's race on July 19th, so that's in um, 10 days. Then I am also registered to do a 10 mile race the following weekend on July 26th. What the hell was I thinking when I mailed in those registration forms?! Oh, I know...I was thinking that I better sign up for races this summer so that I wouldn't lose my motivation to run! HA! So much for that plan. Well, now it is dangerously close to these dates and I really need to get my neglected butt out the door.
After dark (and after the humidity subsides) tonight I am going to do a 2 mile run. No excuses. I know that I am going to come in last in both of these races and I'd atleast like to do it with some dignity, haha.
In other news, I am on a new kick lately: buying a bicycle. I haven't had a working bike for about 6 years and I really miss the freedom of hopping on one to just go short distances. Also, I feel a little (okay, A LOT) guilty about driving my fat ass to work everyday for 2.5 miles and then paying $10 for parking. I know, I know. If you want to blame someone for gas prices or global warming or whatever - I'll take it. Totally deserve it.
So anyway, these are the bikes I've been looking at:
Trek Pure Lowstep
Electra Women's Townie 7D
Aren't they so adorable!? I am headed over to the bike shop tonight to give them a spin. I figure that the extra exercise of riding to work 3 days a week couldn't hurt my sorry state. I am very excited!! Hey who knows - maybe next I'll try swimming and before you know it, I will be doing an Ironman!!! AHHHH HAHAHAHAAA.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
For those of you with spouses who run who are better runners than you, have you ever experienced the "you're not a real runner ignore" from anyone? I get this A LOT! My hubby and I will talk to other runners or the race director at a race or run and they will talk up a storm to him about all of his racing and his speed, but won't even turn an eye in my direction! My husband is so good about it though, he always tries to get me into the conversation, so it definitely isn't his fault! I have gotten used to it and now it just makes me laugh to see it happening. The person will literally look me up and down, just once, and when they see how "unfit" I am, they just turn off. Eh, screw 'em!
The reason why I mention this is because it happened to me this weekend at the race we did. The Lederhosenlauf 5k in St. Paul was pretty good. As I said in my previous post, this was the inaugural year for the race, so obviously there were some issues. It was a pretty warm day, though it was very beautiful outside. The race began on a slow decline to the St. Paul Cathedral and quickly went uphill on a steep slope up to Selby Ave where we ran for about a mile before the out and back turn around. There was no waterstop, which I have found is much more common in races I have run in the Twin Cities. I completely understand that there are many runners who do not need water to run 3 miles and I could usually go without it, but I think too often race directors forget about the walkers and back of the pack runners who really do need it. It didn't help that it was a hot day and there were quite a few walkers who looked like they really needed the liquid. We brought this up to the race director and at first he was totally against including one until I told him that the walkers probably could have used some water. He finally conceded to include one next time. After the race, runners were treated to one free Bier, one bratwurst (Weiswurst) and one salt bagel. Prizes were awarded to the first man and women to cross the finish line in German attire. The guy who won that prize even had on wool socks - ouch!!
For me the run was nothing special. I always go to a race thinking that there might be a possibility that this will be the race that I will put out my real running and finish with 10-11 minute miles! HA! I actually used to think that same way in school when I didn't study for a test - maybe I will just ace it without doing the work! I rarely did, so I don't know why I still think that way! I think I finished in like 41 minutes though, so that is about 13 1/2 minute miles. Not where I want to be at all. I really really want to improve my 5k time to 11-12 min miles. I know what I need to do (lose weight), I just haven't felt ready to do it yet! I also need to have a more consistent training pattern. My time to run is at night and that is so hard for me right now. It is so much easier to open up a cold one when I get home and enjoy the summer day! I would really like to try to get up early to run, but something about that makes me nervous. Oh someday I'll have all of this figured out!!
The reason why I mention this is because it happened to me this weekend at the race we did. The Lederhosenlauf 5k in St. Paul was pretty good. As I said in my previous post, this was the inaugural year for the race, so obviously there were some issues. It was a pretty warm day, though it was very beautiful outside. The race began on a slow decline to the St. Paul Cathedral and quickly went uphill on a steep slope up to Selby Ave where we ran for about a mile before the out and back turn around. There was no waterstop, which I have found is much more common in races I have run in the Twin Cities. I completely understand that there are many runners who do not need water to run 3 miles and I could usually go without it, but I think too often race directors forget about the walkers and back of the pack runners who really do need it. It didn't help that it was a hot day and there were quite a few walkers who looked like they really needed the liquid. We brought this up to the race director and at first he was totally against including one until I told him that the walkers probably could have used some water. He finally conceded to include one next time. After the race, runners were treated to one free Bier, one bratwurst (Weiswurst) and one salt bagel. Prizes were awarded to the first man and women to cross the finish line in German attire. The guy who won that prize even had on wool socks - ouch!!
For me the run was nothing special. I always go to a race thinking that there might be a possibility that this will be the race that I will put out my real running and finish with 10-11 minute miles! HA! I actually used to think that same way in school when I didn't study for a test - maybe I will just ace it without doing the work! I rarely did, so I don't know why I still think that way! I think I finished in like 41 minutes though, so that is about 13 1/2 minute miles. Not where I want to be at all. I really really want to improve my 5k time to 11-12 min miles. I know what I need to do (lose weight), I just haven't felt ready to do it yet! I also need to have a more consistent training pattern. My time to run is at night and that is so hard for me right now. It is so much easier to open up a cold one when I get home and enjoy the summer day! I would really like to try to get up early to run, but something about that makes me nervous. Oh someday I'll have all of this figured out!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Will run for beer
I've just got to get back out there and start running again. What is my problem? Who knows. I get all gung-ho about running and then somehow it always fades away. I am running in a 5k race this Saturday morning and I really need to get at least one short run in before then. However, the weather has been horrible lately - lots of storms. I just can't do a treadmill run, ick. Maybe I can get one in tomorrow. The race is an inaugural 5k, so that will be interesting. It is always fun to see a race go through all of the kinks that many encounter. This can be especially interesting for those of us in the back of the pack. I should probably bring along my own water - you never know what kind of resources are going to be left when you're coming in at 40 minutes. Luckily, my husband - a much faster runner - usually stuffs his pockets for me so I am guaranteed to have something when I finish. I suppose though that it is people like HIM who cause the food and beverages to run out long before us slow pokes come through. Haha.
The race is called "Lederhosenlauf 5k." You can dress up in Lederhosen or traditional German dress for the run and be eligible for extra prizes. I think I'll stick with my running skirt. Maybe I'll wear my "Happiness is drinking German beer" shirt, who knows! They are serving breakfast and BEER after the race. Race begins at 8am. Awesome. Beer in hand by 8:45am. Could there be a better way to begin a morning!?
The race is called "Lederhosenlauf 5k." You can dress up in Lederhosen or traditional German dress for the run and be eligible for extra prizes. I think I'll stick with my running skirt. Maybe I'll wear my "Happiness is drinking German beer" shirt, who knows! They are serving breakfast and BEER after the race. Race begins at 8am. Awesome. Beer in hand by 8:45am. Could there be a better way to begin a morning!?
Thursday, June 5, 2008
I've got big thighs. Always have, even at my skinniest. Shorts + running = lots of riding up and pulling down, riding up and pulling down, and so on. Therefore, even before I knew that running skorts/skirts existed, I was looking for an alternative. When I searched for that alternative, I found the running skirt community. But I was still amazed when I looked through the skirts available and found that it seemed like only skinny girls were wearing them. I bought the running skirt at The Running Room in an XL and it fit, but just didn't feel right when I ran in it. The shorts were riding up and the skirt would as well. It didn't seem like an alternative to the shorts, in fact I found that I was pulling them down even more. Friends of mine were planning to order team skirts for a relay race from RunningSkirts.com and offered to throw one in for me to get the discount. I looked through the whole site and at the time I could again only find skinny girls. They said that their skirts went up to a size 16/18, but I couldn't be sure that it was a TRUE 16/18 or the same as the Running Room XL I already had. I emailed the company to ask and they assured me that it was true to size. I still just couldn't seem to invest the money without being sure. Soon after that I found running skirts at Shopko (a Target-like store in MN and WI). They were comfortable and had a bit of the coverage I was looking for, but again something just wasn't right. When I decided to run the Green Bay Half Marathon, I knew I had to find something that was better to wear for that distance. So I went back to RunningSkirts.com and looked through their photos one more time - and low and behold there were FAT GIRLS like me! They were wearing the athletic-style skirt with the shorts underneath and a little more length in the skirt. Hallelujah! I quickly ordered one in the size 16/18 and anxiously awaited its arrival. My inaugural use of the skirt was for the 15k that I mentioned yesterday. I was completely amazed that it did not ride up on me and I actually felt comfortable walking/running around in it with my thunder thighs. I wore the same skirt for the half marathon and felt the very same way about it. I was so happy that I took the leap and bought one. Without sounding like a commercial for the company - seriously, fellow full-figured runner girls - buy one of these skirts!! I couldn't run without mine!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Dead Last
I just read an older post on one of the Athena-themed blogs that I stumbled upon recently. RunAthena wrote about her feelings on a 15k that she had just finished. It was a local race and she was at the back of the pack the entire time. While running she thought back to her very first 5k when she ran with an injured knee and was greeted just short of the finish line by her sons who yelled "All right Mom! You're not last!" There were just a few elderly walkers behind her, but it was true - she was not the last one to cross the line. So while finishing the 15k and knowing she was the last person she thought back to that comment from her sons. She was literally the last person, but really she did have people behind her and always will. The runner that she once was will always be behind her. I truly could not have expressed these feelings better myself and it seems as though she lifted this scene right from my very own life.
In early May I ran the longest race that I had attemped up until that point. The local running club's spring classic 15k was going to be the practice race for my upcoming first half marathon. I had an excellent experience running the race, but I finished DEAD LAST. This happens pretty much any time I run a local race that isn't a 5k with walkers. I have literally been pushed through the course by the sweep car in my first 8k race (though I did get a PR!). Most other runners, spectators and volunteers have gone home and little or no food/drink is left at the finish line when I'm done. While at the time it does feel incredibly demoralizing, I can now certainly see that those experiences aren't all I've cracked them up to be. Because no matter when I finish, my former, non-running-self will always be the one coming in last.
In early May I ran the longest race that I had attemped up until that point. The local running club's spring classic 15k was going to be the practice race for my upcoming first half marathon. I had an excellent experience running the race, but I finished DEAD LAST. This happens pretty much any time I run a local race that isn't a 5k with walkers. I have literally been pushed through the course by the sweep car in my first 8k race (though I did get a PR!). Most other runners, spectators and volunteers have gone home and little or no food/drink is left at the finish line when I'm done. While at the time it does feel incredibly demoralizing, I can now certainly see that those experiences aren't all I've cracked them up to be. Because no matter when I finish, my former, non-running-self will always be the one coming in last.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The first
I ran my very first half marathon last month and let me tell ya, it was cool. So cool that I have already signed up for my second half marathon.
Here is a recap of my experiences:
Although I felt like I was ready to complete the 13.1 miles about a week or so before the race, I began getting very nervous. My biggest fear with running/racing has always resulted from the fact that I am so slow. I picked Green Bay for my inaugural race because it seemed very first-timer friendly and the results from 2007 showed many people finishing in well over 3 hours. However, I was still very afraid of being dead last and having the waterstops or finish line pack up before I was finished. It is this fear that literally keeps me running, I feel as though I am being chased by the possibility of not actually being able to finish the race. Therefore, I was nearly immobilized by this fear up until the gun went off! The bus ride from the hotel to the starting area was nearly vomit inducing. I couldn't even talk to the family members also running the race with me. It was bad. I actually am not sure I ever relaxed that day.
My favorite part of the entire experience was lining up at the start line. Well, I say line...but we all know that I was nowhere near the actual line until about 5 minutes after the gun went off. I was firmly stationed at the back of the pack until that point. The feeling around me was electric as Black Eyed Peas "Let's Get It Started" played loudly over the speakers. It made me want to dance and sing outloud, but I restrained myself so that I didn't lose any of the important energy that I would need later at mile 11. Sometime after crossing the start line, some woman came up behind me and asked me "Where is the rest of your team??" I had forgotten that I was wearing a shirt made just for the day with pictures of myself and my fellow family runners that said Team Schmitt. I explained to her that we all run different paces, so we aren't literally running this race together. She asked me what my goal finish time is and when I told her three hours she quickly got lost in the crowd again. I should have remembered her bib number to see where she finished. She obviously had some problem with slow runners like me. Haha!
I am torn about how I feel toward finishing the race. I am proud of what I did, but I have a hard time feeling like it is anything extraordinary. It is a big deal to do the 1/2 marathon, but what if you took longer than most walkers to finish it?
Here is a recap of my experiences:
Although I felt like I was ready to complete the 13.1 miles about a week or so before the race, I began getting very nervous. My biggest fear with running/racing has always resulted from the fact that I am so slow. I picked Green Bay for my inaugural race because it seemed very first-timer friendly and the results from 2007 showed many people finishing in well over 3 hours. However, I was still very afraid of being dead last and having the waterstops or finish line pack up before I was finished. It is this fear that literally keeps me running, I feel as though I am being chased by the possibility of not actually being able to finish the race. Therefore, I was nearly immobilized by this fear up until the gun went off! The bus ride from the hotel to the starting area was nearly vomit inducing. I couldn't even talk to the family members also running the race with me. It was bad. I actually am not sure I ever relaxed that day.
My favorite part of the entire experience was lining up at the start line. Well, I say line...but we all know that I was nowhere near the actual line until about 5 minutes after the gun went off. I was firmly stationed at the back of the pack until that point. The feeling around me was electric as Black Eyed Peas "Let's Get It Started" played loudly over the speakers. It made me want to dance and sing outloud, but I restrained myself so that I didn't lose any of the important energy that I would need later at mile 11. Sometime after crossing the start line, some woman came up behind me and asked me "Where is the rest of your team??" I had forgotten that I was wearing a shirt made just for the day with pictures of myself and my fellow family runners that said Team Schmitt. I explained to her that we all run different paces, so we aren't literally running this race together. She asked me what my goal finish time is and when I told her three hours she quickly got lost in the crowd again. I should have remembered her bib number to see where she finished. She obviously had some problem with slow runners like me. Haha!
I am torn about how I feel toward finishing the race. I am proud of what I did, but I have a hard time feeling like it is anything extraordinary. It is a big deal to do the 1/2 marathon, but what if you took longer than most walkers to finish it?
Thursday, May 29, 2008
I know I'm not alone
When looking through websites and blogs devoted to running, I always keep an eye out for people like me. People who are not naturally good at running. People who have weight to lose. People who run slowly...VERY slowly. People who try and try to improve, but still find themselves running 14 minute or slower miles. I know they're out there, but I hardly ever see them. Even people who claim to be "back of the packers" or part of the "Penguin Brigade" still seem to always run faster than me. So here I am, trying in some small way to bring a voice to us speed-challenged people out there.
I accomplished a major goal just 2 weekends ago: I completed my very first half marathon. I have been getting a lot of questions from people about why I ran and how I came to decide to make the half marathon my goal. Most people probably just look at me and wonder - she's a runner!? I guess the answer to the first question is that I ran the race for many reasons. 1. I wanted to know if I could do it, 2. I get so jealous watching my husband run marathons that I wanted to have some piece of that satisfaction and fun, 3. I was hoping to lose some weight, 4. I really doubt that I will ever be able to pull off 26.2 miles, so why not do half?
I accomplished a major goal just 2 weekends ago: I completed my very first half marathon. I have been getting a lot of questions from people about why I ran and how I came to decide to make the half marathon my goal. Most people probably just look at me and wonder - she's a runner!? I guess the answer to the first question is that I ran the race for many reasons. 1. I wanted to know if I could do it, 2. I get so jealous watching my husband run marathons that I wanted to have some piece of that satisfaction and fun, 3. I was hoping to lose some weight, 4. I really doubt that I will ever be able to pull off 26.2 miles, so why not do half?
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