Well I took my two best friends from MI: Kristen and Jen to meet and stay with my best friend in MN: Winnie. What a great weekend we had. Winnie's husband was out-of-town for the weekend so we had a true girls weekend.
Jen and Kristen came to spend the night on Thurs, Sep 30th so we could leave super early on Friday morning. We realized I should get some gas the night before because of the hour we were leaving in the morning. So at 11pm we ran out and filled the gas tank. Then it was home and off to sleep. We got up at about 3:45am and grabbed our pillows and loaded the car. We were off on the long road trip.
We arrived after lunch on Friday, Oct 1. And unloaded our goods and relaxed for a bit. Winnie set up and appt with her trainer for some relaxing yoga and stretching. WOW! That was the best thing! Thanks so much Winnie! We also took a trip to Kowalski's grocery where we got to wine taste. Well, Kristen didn't because she did not have her i.d. and they did not think she was old enough--since when is 40 not old enough to drink alcohol.
On Saturday, we headed to downtown Saint Paul for the Marathon Expo and packet pickup. Then to lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in St. Paul, Cafe Latte! Everyone had the same idea because it was very crowded. Yummy Spaghetti dinner with yummy turkey meatballs, salad with Diane's lemon garlic dressing, and Great Harvest bread! It was a great pre-race meal.
We were up at 4:30 so that we could head to the Light Rail pickup at the Mall of America. We parked at MOA and then rode the light rail to the start at the HHH Metrodome. We arrived there early so that we could head a block away for a pre-race church service. It was amazing! Then it was back to the starting line for one more bathroom stop.
The starting line was packed. THe guns went off and we shuffled across the stating line. We were at a decent pace and just past mile 1 a group of walkers were taking up the whole road and we can to a stand still. This was very frustrating.
Overall this was a great race. Except for bathroom issues at mile 11 which prolonged by stop more than I wanted. But when nature calls there is not a whole lot you can do about it. The weather was perfect; around 40 at start and 55-60 at finish. The lakes were beautiful! The crowd support was grand! And running beside Jen was of great support and fun.
The down side was Kristen was stopped by the race vehicle. She refused to stop and moved to the sidewalk. She finished her own race. The bad part is the did not give her a medal or race shirt. They are classified as finisher medals/shirts. I think she finished so she should have gotten a shirt. But they did not give her one because she did not finish in the allotted 6 hrs. Poor, poor system!
Now it's transition to being a barefoot runner!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
2010 US Air Force Half Marathon
Well what a great weekend! Kristen and I drove into Dayton to my sister's house, which is where we stayed for the weekend. We first stopped to pick up Jen for dinner and packet pickup. We tried to get some sleep but as always--the excitement and anticipation of the race kept us tossing and turning. My Mom came to Dayton to watch us and we all stayed with my sister and her family. It was a lot of fun! There was free entertainment with my brother-in-law and Kristen. They had us all cracking up!
Last year, I ran the AF half and it took me about 2 hours to travel 20 miles. It was horrible because of almost missing the start of the race. SO this year I told the girls that we would be leaving before the sun even thought of waking up. The gates at the base opened at 5:30 so we left my sister's around 5:05am. So that meant we were up getting dressed and grabbing our breakfast as we flew out the door--alarm sounded at 4:30am. They love me or who would get up that early for any reason??!! We arrived without any trouble at the base and got a GREAT parking spot. We were in the second row. However, we could look out at the road and see the backed up traffic already starting. So we did one of the things we do best--talked. I know those of you that know any of us are probably surprised that we talked for the next 2 hours straight. HAHA! THen off to the Port a Kleens (HAHA! what a funny name) for the last potty stop before the gun went off. We found the photographer (a.k.a Craig Nye) to take our picture since we have failed to get a group picture at any of our races this year.
We were slowly walking towards the start when the cannon went off. Well I guess it's time to start so we kept walking and met the crowd and walked and walked until we were able to actually start moving. The course is very flat with a couple hills. So it makes for an awesome race.
Jen and I have been doing our long runs together so planned to do the entire half together. Our training runs we have not been timing but know they are slow because we stop for fluid re-fills and potty stops (I cannot seem to run more than about 5 miles without a pit stop). I dreamed of running 10 minute miles but my realistic goal was to beat 2:18 which was out fastest half up to this point. Well, God is good! Kristen because of work schedule has not been able to train with us but has been out there training and doing her miles in her hectic schedule. I kept wondering as were running where she was on the course, how she was feeling, and could not wait to see her come acrossed the line! What a great day!
The blessings were great this weekend: none of us were injured! safe travels for each of us! I got to be back in my home state and my family was there! being prior military it is fun to be at the Air Force marathon and to be there with my two best running partners and best friends! the pain off of training on the hills and the high humidity--a PR!
So my finish time was: 2:11:53/ 10:05 per mile pace!!!!
I am so thankful that God has kept us all pretty well free of injury and the training plan has worked out. He has showed us when we need to slack back and when to push ahead. He is our strength as we do these races and long runs. I know that is the only way we are able to do what we have been doing.
Now it's Race for the Cure on Saturday which will be the first 5K of the year! I think I am more nervous to see what is in store for me there than I was for the half marathon. Then it is off to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota for the Twin Cities Marathon. We are going without our families but they can track us from home through text to their cellphones I think it is. It will be Jen's very first full marathon! YAHHHHOOOOO--this is all because we all turn 40 this year! You have to do it big!
Last year, I ran the AF half and it took me about 2 hours to travel 20 miles. It was horrible because of almost missing the start of the race. SO this year I told the girls that we would be leaving before the sun even thought of waking up. The gates at the base opened at 5:30 so we left my sister's around 5:05am. So that meant we were up getting dressed and grabbing our breakfast as we flew out the door--alarm sounded at 4:30am. They love me or who would get up that early for any reason??!! We arrived without any trouble at the base and got a GREAT parking spot. We were in the second row. However, we could look out at the road and see the backed up traffic already starting. So we did one of the things we do best--talked. I know those of you that know any of us are probably surprised that we talked for the next 2 hours straight. HAHA! THen off to the Port a Kleens (HAHA! what a funny name) for the last potty stop before the gun went off. We found the photographer (a.k.a Craig Nye) to take our picture since we have failed to get a group picture at any of our races this year.
We were slowly walking towards the start when the cannon went off. Well I guess it's time to start so we kept walking and met the crowd and walked and walked until we were able to actually start moving. The course is very flat with a couple hills. So it makes for an awesome race.
Jen and I have been doing our long runs together so planned to do the entire half together. Our training runs we have not been timing but know they are slow because we stop for fluid re-fills and potty stops (I cannot seem to run more than about 5 miles without a pit stop). I dreamed of running 10 minute miles but my realistic goal was to beat 2:18 which was out fastest half up to this point. Well, God is good! Kristen because of work schedule has not been able to train with us but has been out there training and doing her miles in her hectic schedule. I kept wondering as were running where she was on the course, how she was feeling, and could not wait to see her come acrossed the line! What a great day!
The blessings were great this weekend: none of us were injured! safe travels for each of us! I got to be back in my home state and my family was there! being prior military it is fun to be at the Air Force marathon and to be there with my two best running partners and best friends! the pain off of training on the hills and the high humidity--a PR!
So my finish time was: 2:11:53/ 10:05 per mile pace!!!!
I am so thankful that God has kept us all pretty well free of injury and the training plan has worked out. He has showed us when we need to slack back and when to push ahead. He is our strength as we do these races and long runs. I know that is the only way we are able to do what we have been doing.
Now it's Race for the Cure on Saturday which will be the first 5K of the year! I think I am more nervous to see what is in store for me there than I was for the half marathon. Then it is off to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota for the Twin Cities Marathon. We are going without our families but they can track us from home through text to their cellphones I think it is. It will be Jen's very first full marathon! YAHHHHOOOOO--this is all because we all turn 40 this year! You have to do it big!
Monday, September 13, 2010
14 that Turned 15 mile training run
This run was done from my work and mostly on the Kent Trail system. It was a great trail. I am not going to report much about the run per say but the adventure of this run.
1. We were crossing an intersection within the crosswalk with the light telling us it was our turn to cross--however, a distracted drive decided it was her turn as well and about ran us over. She looked up in the nick of time to slam on her breaks and hopefully piss her pants.
2. Then we were at a light patiently awaiting our turn to cross. When the common running release came from Jen--a burp--then we realized there were two guys in there car at the red light with their windows down. Since we had been running in the high heat everyone was riding with windows up and AC on so we did not have to worry. The guys got a good laugh and talked to us about our run until the light changed.
3. On the trail down by the river we were running and it started to rain and the wind started to blow the trees some. WHen we heard a splitting noise and a big tree limb breaking off and bending towards the trail. Thank goodness it dropped off into the woods and not on us.
4. Then we overshot the Zoo and ended up running an extra mile. Oh well, it was a fun day!
Finished in a downpour! Yahoo--our kind of run!
1. We were crossing an intersection within the crosswalk with the light telling us it was our turn to cross--however, a distracted drive decided it was her turn as well and about ran us over. She looked up in the nick of time to slam on her breaks and hopefully piss her pants.
2. Then we were at a light patiently awaiting our turn to cross. When the common running release came from Jen--a burp--then we realized there were two guys in there car at the red light with their windows down. Since we had been running in the high heat everyone was riding with windows up and AC on so we did not have to worry. The guys got a good laugh and talked to us about our run until the light changed.
3. On the trail down by the river we were running and it started to rain and the wind started to blow the trees some. WHen we heard a splitting noise and a big tree limb breaking off and bending towards the trail. Thank goodness it dropped off into the woods and not on us.
4. Then we overshot the Zoo and ended up running an extra mile. Oh well, it was a fun day!
Finished in a downpour! Yahoo--our kind of run!
20 mile Training Run, Sep 11, 2010
Well it was a beautiful day on Saturday for our 20 mile training run. I was so excited to see how it would go. We planned to meet at Jen's about 6am to get started since we knew it was going to take us quite awhile.
So we left Jen's house and headed out on the open road before the sun was up. SO the beginning of the run was beautiful as we watched the sunrise. The sun did not really stay around for very long however. This is a good and a bad thing. The sun warms things up which we were not really wanting. We enjoyed cooler temps at around 56 degrees.
As we were running close to Townsend Park Jen spotted a beauty of nature. In the field acrossed the road was momma dear with he tiny little fawn. We tried to take a picture on my phone but could not zoom in enough to be able to tell what we were photographing. They sat ever so still and then the fawn went into the woods followed seconds later by its Momma.
We enjoyed many rolling hills (not gently rolling either). We also got to experience some new paved paths that we had never ran on before. It was a nice change from the road.
The last 5 miles we got to run in a good rain. It was cooling and relaxing to run in. It made for a chill when we were at our destination. BREAKFAST!!!
We got to enjoy a big breakfast at Perkins. It was a bad day for the restaurant but we were able to eat and drink and refuel. We then awaiting our chauffer of the day, Craig! Thanks to him we were back home quickly and ready to continue our day with our families.
Nutrition of the Run: Sports Beans, Gu, and yummy, yummy! Chocolate covered espresso beans.
So we left Jen's house and headed out on the open road before the sun was up. SO the beginning of the run was beautiful as we watched the sunrise. The sun did not really stay around for very long however. This is a good and a bad thing. The sun warms things up which we were not really wanting. We enjoyed cooler temps at around 56 degrees.
As we were running close to Townsend Park Jen spotted a beauty of nature. In the field acrossed the road was momma dear with he tiny little fawn. We tried to take a picture on my phone but could not zoom in enough to be able to tell what we were photographing. They sat ever so still and then the fawn went into the woods followed seconds later by its Momma.
We enjoyed many rolling hills (not gently rolling either). We also got to experience some new paved paths that we had never ran on before. It was a nice change from the road.
The last 5 miles we got to run in a good rain. It was cooling and relaxing to run in. It made for a chill when we were at our destination. BREAKFAST!!!
We got to enjoy a big breakfast at Perkins. It was a bad day for the restaurant but we were able to eat and drink and refuel. We then awaiting our chauffer of the day, Craig! Thanks to him we were back home quickly and ready to continue our day with our families.
Nutrition of the Run: Sports Beans, Gu, and yummy, yummy! Chocolate covered espresso beans.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
New Adventure-Holland 100
Well, the date was, Saturday, July 17, 2010. . . .
I got up early to be ready for Jen's arrival at 5:15am. We were headed to pick up Denise. We would be headed for my first bike ride over 65 miles. There was excitement, nervousness, and fun ahead of us. Could I finish 100 miles when the farthest I had ever rode before was 65 miles. We had attempted a 50 mile training ride but got sidelined but a flat tube.
. . .the flat tube --we can do this. Off with the flat, on with new tube #1, tire lever punctures, remove tube #1, and try again. We are not going to let a flat ruin our ride. So in with tube #2, tire back on, CO2 cartridge ready, puncture with adaptor thingy (I don't think it punctured; wait this looks like a used catridge), CO2 catridge #2 on put to valve and inflate BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! there goes with a loud pop tube #2. Okay the tire wins and we call for a ride. Thank you Jim for coming to save us. . .
We arrive in Holland at the Greenhouse and go to the bathroom, check-in, and Denise replaces a flat tube. Good we have the flat out of the way before we leave. I sure hope this is the last one for the day. We are off at a little past 7am. We started down the lane in the wrong direction but were re-directed by the volunteer. We are off and headed to the first stop which will be around mile 27 for pancake breakfast. This is also where we will join our other riding buddy, Susan. We are almost to the pancakes when we come upon a crash. We stop to see what help we can provide. One gentleman cut his chin open and looked like he would need stitches. The other guy was worse off. He had road rash on his shoulder which also appeared to be dislocated. This made you a little nervous about riding.
We then met up with Susan at the pancake breakfast. It was great to all be together! We ate our pancakes and fruit and drank some juice. We then got ready to go after taking a picture of our great group.
So then it was on to the next stop. The next stop provided us with pb&j sandwiches, apple slices, peanut butter, Gatorade refills, and water. Oh yeah and the great port-a-pots. As much as I hate them, sometimes they are a necessity. Then we are on the road again. I believe it was sometime after this stop that we were joined by a new friend whose name we learn is Tim. He became our new riding partner for the rest of the trip.
I got to stop in a cemetary for a break to relieve a hot spot on one of my feet. We shared a few corny jokes before hoping back on the bikes. The next stop was way tooooo far.We ended up running out of fluid and needing to find a stop. It felt like the corner store was forever too. We finally found it and stopped for a large Gatorade bottle and some VERY yummy, salty potato chips. Chips have never tasted so good! Then it is back on the bikes!
The next stop had yummy tortilla sandwiches and watermelon. Jen was so wanting to jump into some water. We were so hot. I am pretty sure at this point my back was already beginning to cook. Our next stop would be in Saugatauk. Yummy Oreos and refill on Gatorade. This was the final stop and we were headed in for the final stretch. It was great to know that we were coming to the end. It had been a long day and a long 100 miles. Which actually ended up being 102.2 miles!
So what a fun day! Would I do it again? You bet I would!
I got up early to be ready for Jen's arrival at 5:15am. We were headed to pick up Denise. We would be headed for my first bike ride over 65 miles. There was excitement, nervousness, and fun ahead of us. Could I finish 100 miles when the farthest I had ever rode before was 65 miles. We had attempted a 50 mile training ride but got sidelined but a flat tube.
. . .the flat tube --we can do this. Off with the flat, on with new tube #1, tire lever punctures, remove tube #1, and try again. We are not going to let a flat ruin our ride. So in with tube #2, tire back on, CO2 cartridge ready, puncture with adaptor thingy (I don't think it punctured; wait this looks like a used catridge), CO2 catridge #2 on put to valve and inflate BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! there goes with a loud pop tube #2. Okay the tire wins and we call for a ride. Thank you Jim for coming to save us. . .
We arrive in Holland at the Greenhouse and go to the bathroom, check-in, and Denise replaces a flat tube. Good we have the flat out of the way before we leave. I sure hope this is the last one for the day. We are off at a little past 7am. We started down the lane in the wrong direction but were re-directed by the volunteer. We are off and headed to the first stop which will be around mile 27 for pancake breakfast. This is also where we will join our other riding buddy, Susan. We are almost to the pancakes when we come upon a crash. We stop to see what help we can provide. One gentleman cut his chin open and looked like he would need stitches. The other guy was worse off. He had road rash on his shoulder which also appeared to be dislocated. This made you a little nervous about riding.
We then met up with Susan at the pancake breakfast. It was great to all be together! We ate our pancakes and fruit and drank some juice. We then got ready to go after taking a picture of our great group.
So then it was on to the next stop. The next stop provided us with pb&j sandwiches, apple slices, peanut butter, Gatorade refills, and water. Oh yeah and the great port-a-pots. As much as I hate them, sometimes they are a necessity. Then we are on the road again. I believe it was sometime after this stop that we were joined by a new friend whose name we learn is Tim. He became our new riding partner for the rest of the trip.
I got to stop in a cemetary for a break to relieve a hot spot on one of my feet. We shared a few corny jokes before hoping back on the bikes. The next stop was way tooooo far.We ended up running out of fluid and needing to find a stop. It felt like the corner store was forever too. We finally found it and stopped for a large Gatorade bottle and some VERY yummy, salty potato chips. Chips have never tasted so good! Then it is back on the bikes!
The next stop had yummy tortilla sandwiches and watermelon. Jen was so wanting to jump into some water. We were so hot. I am pretty sure at this point my back was already beginning to cook. Our next stop would be in Saugatauk. Yummy Oreos and refill on Gatorade. This was the final stop and we were headed in for the final stretch. It was great to know that we were coming to the end. It had been a long day and a long 100 miles. Which actually ended up being 102.2 miles!
So what a fun day! Would I do it again? You bet I would!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon
Well, the excitement of this was spending the weekend with my girls-Jen and Kristen. Jen arranged lodging for us at her cousin's which was great. We drove to the Ann Arbor-Dexter area on Saturday afternoon when the weather was still pretty good. We stopped by Ypsilanti High School for packet pick-up which was a let down. There were a couple vendors that really had nothing. The race shirts are army green-YUCK! and the packets had absolutely nothing in them except paper to recycle. We then headed to a great time shopping at REI. No deals there but a lot of fun things to dream about. Then on to the mall for buy 1, get 1 free Aunt Annie's pretzels. Also got to take Jen to H&M store which she has never been to before. They had lots of deals. Then we headed to Jen's cousins to unload and go to dinner. We had an awesome dinner at the Dexter Pub! Great prices and great food! Kristen and I shared a great pasta dish and a piece of Chocolate Bomb (fuel for the race-YES!). After dinner we came out into what was the start of rain.
We then went back to the house and tried out the WiiFit and got ready for bed. We decided we need help with the WiiFit. We were aged at 56 years old because we did not understand the balance concept of the board. So then it was off to sleep so we could be well rested--HAHA! Well we dozed off to be awoken around 12:15 my heavy winds, rain, and wide awake. We checked the weather and saw that there was a Tornado Warning for the area as well as a Tornado Watch. Eventually the rain stopped and we fell back to sleep. What a night!
Race morning was pretty typical! Dressed and head to the kitchen for a great bowl of oatmeal with some new milk for my girls. Today I had them trying Vanilla Rice milk. We enjoyed breakfast and loaded our gear and headed out. It was off and on sprinkles so who knew what the race had in store. We all parked at the finish and took the bus to the start of the half marathon. We started in Dexter and finished in Ann Arbor.
We were all lined up and ready to roll for the start of the half marathon. Then they came over the bull horn to announce that one of the roads had a tree blocking it and there would be a half hour delay. This was no fun because we were ready to go at the 8:30 start. Luckily, I had packed Gu and jelly beans just in case I had the need. With the delay my timing would be off from breakfast to the next food. Well we then heard the gun and we were off. The course was rather pretty. It had lots of turns which I like. I am bored running along a stretch for what seems like forever. There race ran through downtown Dexter with all the little shops. Then we were mostly on roads with a great tree canopy. Beautiful! The race finished in downtown Ann Arbor.
A lot of firsts for this race: First delayed start race, first race that we were in Tornado alley (one actually touched down in Dundee and did some sever damage to Cabela's and the Splash Hotel next to it, first race that I carried my phone and sent Kristen a text to touch base with her (we were on a walking break), then they dipped cups in trash bag lined trash cans to fill for Gatorade and water at the aide stations (??) --it seems like there were more firsts but that is what sticks in my mind.
So the race was a fun time with Jen and Kristen. And some fun shopping after lunch at Tanger Outlet and WalMart. No great deals at either place though.
Now it's back to the full marathon training so we are ready for October 3 Twin Cities Marathon. One last race before that which will be the USAF Half Marathon in mid-September. Another couple of road trips with the girls. Yahoo!
We then went back to the house and tried out the WiiFit and got ready for bed. We decided we need help with the WiiFit. We were aged at 56 years old because we did not understand the balance concept of the board. So then it was off to sleep so we could be well rested--HAHA! Well we dozed off to be awoken around 12:15 my heavy winds, rain, and wide awake. We checked the weather and saw that there was a Tornado Warning for the area as well as a Tornado Watch. Eventually the rain stopped and we fell back to sleep. What a night!
Race morning was pretty typical! Dressed and head to the kitchen for a great bowl of oatmeal with some new milk for my girls. Today I had them trying Vanilla Rice milk. We enjoyed breakfast and loaded our gear and headed out. It was off and on sprinkles so who knew what the race had in store. We all parked at the finish and took the bus to the start of the half marathon. We started in Dexter and finished in Ann Arbor.
We were all lined up and ready to roll for the start of the half marathon. Then they came over the bull horn to announce that one of the roads had a tree blocking it and there would be a half hour delay. This was no fun because we were ready to go at the 8:30 start. Luckily, I had packed Gu and jelly beans just in case I had the need. With the delay my timing would be off from breakfast to the next food. Well we then heard the gun and we were off. The course was rather pretty. It had lots of turns which I like. I am bored running along a stretch for what seems like forever. There race ran through downtown Dexter with all the little shops. Then we were mostly on roads with a great tree canopy. Beautiful! The race finished in downtown Ann Arbor.
A lot of firsts for this race: First delayed start race, first race that we were in Tornado alley (one actually touched down in Dundee and did some sever damage to Cabela's and the Splash Hotel next to it, first race that I carried my phone and sent Kristen a text to touch base with her (we were on a walking break), then they dipped cups in trash bag lined trash cans to fill for Gatorade and water at the aide stations (??) --it seems like there were more firsts but that is what sticks in my mind.
So the race was a fun time with Jen and Kristen. And some fun shopping after lunch at Tanger Outlet and WalMart. No great deals at either place though.
Now it's back to the full marathon training so we are ready for October 3 Twin Cities Marathon. One last race before that which will be the USAF Half Marathon in mid-September. Another couple of road trips with the girls. Yahoo!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Heat is On
Well I was just thinking about my adventure running outside this winter. I loved it! I hate the cold but running in the snow and cold was great! I discovered Yak Trax which made running on the slippery roads so much easier. This past winter was the first that I have even attempted to run outside. I was hoping to keep up with running through the winter and just hate being inside on the treadmill.
Well fast forward and now we are in late May. What a difference running is. I ran outside with the Grand Rapids Trail Runners at Seidman Park this past Sunday. It was mid-80s and VERY humid. WOW! This was a workout with much effort exerted. I thought I might die in the humidity. It makes breathing so much more difficult. I also ran outside on Monday. I am happy for the warmer temps but it is making running much more of an effort than it had been this winter.
So I am wondering what these summer races will have in store. I want to continue to improve on times but am not sure I will be able to in the the heat. I will definitely trudge forward with my friends at my side BUT. . . I am not sure how much I will like it.
Well fast forward and now we are in late May. What a difference running is. I ran outside with the Grand Rapids Trail Runners at Seidman Park this past Sunday. It was mid-80s and VERY humid. WOW! This was a workout with much effort exerted. I thought I might die in the humidity. It makes breathing so much more difficult. I also ran outside on Monday. I am happy for the warmer temps but it is making running much more of an effort than it had been this winter.
So I am wondering what these summer races will have in store. I want to continue to improve on times but am not sure I will be able to in the the heat. I will definitely trudge forward with my friends at my side BUT. . . I am not sure how much I will like it.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Fifth Third Riverbank Run-25K
A little background first-my husband, Jim just started running a couple months back with Kristen's husband, Robert. He does not really love running but it is something different. He would rather lift weights and ride a stationary bike. Yuck! in my opinion. Then my son, Malachi, just started running track 6 weeks ago and runs sprints but decided to run with Dad since it was on the track schedule. HAHA!
Malachi finished the 5K with a time of: 33:18 which he mentioned was faster than my time in the 5K two years ago when I ran it. I think though my chip time was 1 minute under that. I love that he is so excited though so I am leaving it alone. He is so proud of himself. He ran with Jim until mile 2 and then ran ahead and waited for him at the end. Jim ran great until mile 2 and then he mistakenly got Gatorade (he never does Gatorade or Powerade--he just has water) which gave him a stomach cramp. He then was running slower when he passed a spectator that was smoking a chimney which so irritates him. He still had a good race and finished at 35:09.
Now Jen and I ran together for the 25K. It was VERY cold at the start but I am so glad once we got going. The first laugh of the race was a port-a-john right before Mile1. Who really stops that early in a race to use it. HAHA! We did! The cold had the bladders ready to go again already. Well it was also so we could run into this guy and his two friends. The younger guy was carry a LOADED pack. One of the other guys was adjusting it for him. Well it was not camo or anything so we decided to ask their story. Well, the middle guy said we are doing this as part of a ministry project. We are all called to help share each others load. Then he added he was in prison and God worked it out for him to be released early. He only has one lung, his was shattered, and shot in the ?leg. He was not suppose to be able to walk. Well he was jogging right along. Now how do you complain after that encounter. Well this race was a mental thing for us for sure. At mile 6 they were completely out of GU we just got to see the used wrappers on the ground. Luckily, we carried Sports Beans. After such an awesome race in Kalamazoo 2 weeks ago, this was a different race. Then we had a second potty break. We saw Cory from Village Bike and his Triumph Team as well as a few others. The race was great until mile ?12 when Jen and I are checking in with each other and both stated that we had outer knee pain on the R knee. Sometime ladies it is alright not to share everything with your friends. It was a struggle with knee pain the rest of the race. The rain came at about mile 14 and we welcomed it. The sun then came out brightly as we turned the corner to head to the finish - how do you not smile and run it in. Our goal was to complete this race smiling--attained. Afterwards, is a different story. My knee is killing me. I have about 3 weeks to play around before I start the Marathon training schedule. I am happy with our finish time of 2:55:37! It was a PR!!!!!! YEAH for PR (wait this was our first 25K--HAHA!).
Malachi finished the 5K with a time of: 33:18 which he mentioned was faster than my time in the 5K two years ago when I ran it. I think though my chip time was 1 minute under that. I love that he is so excited though so I am leaving it alone. He is so proud of himself. He ran with Jim until mile 2 and then ran ahead and waited for him at the end. Jim ran great until mile 2 and then he mistakenly got Gatorade (he never does Gatorade or Powerade--he just has water) which gave him a stomach cramp. He then was running slower when he passed a spectator that was smoking a chimney which so irritates him. He still had a good race and finished at 35:09.
Now Jen and I ran together for the 25K. It was VERY cold at the start but I am so glad once we got going. The first laugh of the race was a port-a-john right before Mile1. Who really stops that early in a race to use it. HAHA! We did! The cold had the bladders ready to go again already. Well it was also so we could run into this guy and his two friends. The younger guy was carry a LOADED pack. One of the other guys was adjusting it for him. Well it was not camo or anything so we decided to ask their story. Well, the middle guy said we are doing this as part of a ministry project. We are all called to help share each others load. Then he added he was in prison and God worked it out for him to be released early. He only has one lung, his was shattered, and shot in the ?leg. He was not suppose to be able to walk. Well he was jogging right along. Now how do you complain after that encounter. Well this race was a mental thing for us for sure. At mile 6 they were completely out of GU we just got to see the used wrappers on the ground. Luckily, we carried Sports Beans. After such an awesome race in Kalamazoo 2 weeks ago, this was a different race. Then we had a second potty break. We saw Cory from Village Bike and his Triumph Team as well as a few others. The race was great until mile ?12 when Jen and I are checking in with each other and both stated that we had outer knee pain on the R knee. Sometime ladies it is alright not to share everything with your friends. It was a struggle with knee pain the rest of the race. The rain came at about mile 14 and we welcomed it. The sun then came out brightly as we turned the corner to head to the finish - how do you not smile and run it in. Our goal was to complete this race smiling--attained. Afterwards, is a different story. My knee is killing me. I have about 3 weeks to play around before I start the Marathon training schedule. I am happy with our finish time of 2:55:37! It was a PR!!!!!! YEAH for PR (wait this was our first 25K--HAHA!).
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Borgess Run For the Health of It
Borgess Half Marathon (Kalamazoo, MI) 4/24/2010
Well I got to start the weekend off getting Kali ready for Junior Prom and then Kristen & Jen spent the night. What fun to have a girls sleepover. Then it was off to Kalamazoo at 5:30am for race packet pickup and preparing to run.
We were kinda of hoping for a light mist of rain part of the way into the race. The morning started with sprinkles off and on all the way from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. However, that was the last of rain we saw. Luckily the temps stayed down and after shedding long-sleeve shirts the temp was comfortable for the race. The first 5 miles flew by and made me nervous. We ran anywhere from 9:05 to 9:52 per mile. It was very flat! We usually average about 10:00 miles. So it was scary to think what might happen later since we were faster than expected. Well we found out about mile 7 when there was a HUGE uphill. We passed people on the hill which felt good but it took a lot out of us. The the next few miles were work. It was nice to be able to run around a lake though at this point. If it weren't for scenery this part would have been even harder. We did have a few spots that we walked throughout the last miles.
It always amazes me what God allows us to do with our wonderfully created bodies. I did see a great t-shirt slogan: PAIN: the feeling that God allows us to have to realize we are still alive. HAHA! is all I could think.
Well I got to start the weekend off getting Kali ready for Junior Prom and then Kristen & Jen spent the night. What fun to have a girls sleepover. Then it was off to Kalamazoo at 5:30am for race packet pickup and preparing to run.
We were kinda of hoping for a light mist of rain part of the way into the race. The morning started with sprinkles off and on all the way from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. However, that was the last of rain we saw. Luckily the temps stayed down and after shedding long-sleeve shirts the temp was comfortable for the race. The first 5 miles flew by and made me nervous. We ran anywhere from 9:05 to 9:52 per mile. It was very flat! We usually average about 10:00 miles. So it was scary to think what might happen later since we were faster than expected. Well we found out about mile 7 when there was a HUGE uphill. We passed people on the hill which felt good but it took a lot out of us. The the next few miles were work. It was nice to be able to run around a lake though at this point. If it weren't for scenery this part would have been even harder. We did have a few spots that we walked throughout the last miles.
It always amazes me what God allows us to do with our wonderfully created bodies. I did see a great t-shirt slogan: PAIN: the feeling that God allows us to have to realize we are still alive. HAHA! is all I could think.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
New -- Trail Running is Fun!
So I was in Gazelles one day while Jim was trying on some running shoes. It was just before Christmas. I overheard one of the employees talking to a customer about a trail running group that they did. I got the information and came home and checked out their facebook page. I sent a request to join the group. I had never did any trail running so I was both scared and excited about trying something new. So after joining the FB group I emailed the DuTri group to let them know about it and see if there were others that were possibly interested.
They meet on Sundays at local trails. They are very kind to allow slower runners to show up and run with the group. They are also good about making sure that we all get out off the trails safely. The first trail run I did with Andrea and Susan. We were hooked! It was an awesome workout! I felt like it was much harder on the cardio side than any run I had done. The first trail run I did was a Seidman Park.
I have since joined the group for runs at Robinette's Apple Haus and Cannonsburg Ski Area. At Cannonsburg they finish with a few hill repeats up the ski hill. It has been a great experience. I wonder if I would like a trail race?!
They meet on Sundays at local trails. They are very kind to allow slower runners to show up and run with the group. They are also good about making sure that we all get out off the trails safely. The first trail run I did with Andrea and Susan. We were hooked! It was an awesome workout! I felt like it was much harder on the cardio side than any run I had done. The first trail run I did was a Seidman Park.
I have since joined the group for runs at Robinette's Apple Haus and Cannonsburg Ski Area. At Cannonsburg they finish with a few hill repeats up the ski hill. It has been a great experience. I wonder if I would like a trail race?!
Kent City Ridge Run 15K
Race: Mar 27, 2010 at 9:30am at Kent City High School
I am so glad that I did not look at the course description before running this race. It was up hill, up hill, and more uphill for all 9.3 miles! Jen and I had been running Egypt Valley and were so glad! It made the run doable for us. The weather was perfect! Since neither of us had run this distance in a race before it was very easy to just run. SO many times we do a repeat race and want to beat the previous time. Today we could just enjoy the hills, conversation, and the runners we met along the route. The water stations were not set up the best but they have already reported that will be fixed for next year.
I am walking, smiling, and feeling fairly good! So I will call this a great success! I am also thrilled with my time since we ran hills the whole way--1:34:11 is the Pam's watch official time. :)
**Things we did different: we did a warm up jog and some stretching. After race food was baked potatoes with butter, sour cream, and cheese. I did mine with just the margarine. It tasted and felt so good.
I am so glad that I did not look at the course description before running this race. It was up hill, up hill, and more uphill for all 9.3 miles! Jen and I had been running Egypt Valley and were so glad! It made the run doable for us. The weather was perfect! Since neither of us had run this distance in a race before it was very easy to just run. SO many times we do a repeat race and want to beat the previous time. Today we could just enjoy the hills, conversation, and the runners we met along the route. The water stations were not set up the best but they have already reported that will be fixed for next year.
I am walking, smiling, and feeling fairly good! So I will call this a great success! I am also thrilled with my time since we ran hills the whole way--1:34:11 is the Pam's watch official time. :)
**Things we did different: we did a warm up jog and some stretching. After race food was baked potatoes with butter, sour cream, and cheese. I did mine with just the margarine. It tasted and felt so good.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Winter Running
Well, in previous winters I decide to take time off from running and exercise. I am sure that it not the right plan but that is what has happened. For one, I am not very good friends with my treadmill. The scenery is boring and the road is the same. YUCK!
So this year, I decided the winter and cold were not going to stop me. I wanted to continue to keep working on running being a part of my life. It makes me feel so good when I get out there and do it. It is a great time to clear your head and remember the wonders of God's beautiful creation.
I have decided although I am not a fan of the cold I do really well running in the cold. I can breathe well and everything feels good. I do not know if the cold keeps everything from being inflamed and achy or what. It is just a plain good thing. Most days I feel like I could run forever. I like how the road can be deep in snow one second and clear the next. Yes, it makes for a little difficulty in footing at times but that is part of the winter adventure.
I hope that others will not always resort to running indoors but give the outdoors a try. There is nothing that gets rid of stress more than clearing your head on a good run through the snow!
So this year, I decided the winter and cold were not going to stop me. I wanted to continue to keep working on running being a part of my life. It makes me feel so good when I get out there and do it. It is a great time to clear your head and remember the wonders of God's beautiful creation.
I have decided although I am not a fan of the cold I do really well running in the cold. I can breathe well and everything feels good. I do not know if the cold keeps everything from being inflamed and achy or what. It is just a plain good thing. Most days I feel like I could run forever. I like how the road can be deep in snow one second and clear the next. Yes, it makes for a little difficulty in footing at times but that is part of the winter adventure.
I hope that others will not always resort to running indoors but give the outdoors a try. There is nothing that gets rid of stress more than clearing your head on a good run through the snow!
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