2014 - News, Races, & Goals

News:

2014 is shaping up to be a stellar year already.  A few weeks ago I got an exciting email letting me know that I have been chosen to be a Nuun Ambassador for 2014. WAHOO! I honestly love Nuun, I will say that not only has it helped my training/hydration but it has also helped me kick my soda addiction.  It has a great taste (much better then many of the sports "drinks" out there) and I love the fizz it has right after the tablet dissolves.  I have a tube of Nuun in my purse, car, and Bear II at all times.  Applying to be an ambassador for Nuun was a pretty easy decision, not only to I believe in their product but since discovering it over a year ago I have seen all that they do for the running community. I am really excited to be a part of this extremely hydrated and motivating "family"!

2014 Races:

January 11: PoHo Hot Chocolate 8k

March 1: Pazcki 5K

March 30: Rock CF 1/2 Marathon

May 10th: Weekend Warrior Full Marathon 

August 23: North Country 50 Miler

September 5: Woodstock 100 (need to register when it opens)

There is a possibility for a relay race in July but as of now nothing is set in stone so I am not planning on it. But overall that is the extent of my 2014 "racing".  I will be spending some time on trails for a few Fat Ass 50k's and hopefully a 50 miler, plus almost every holiday our local running group does a Fat Ass Half Marathon so I will be getting in the distance.  Since we will be moving sometime next Spring I am hesitant to pay for/commit to any races and then not be able to make them, plus in all honesty I hate paying for races when I can run for free.

I am perfectly happy with this race schedule and the few races that are on it for now (yes there may be 1 or 2 added throughout the year if the timing works)  I look forward to running the 2 new races and returning to the other 4 for another go at the course.

2014 Goals:

1) Sub 2 hr at Rock CF in March-I do not know that I want to just sub 2, I really want to crush it.  Being only 4 seconds away last year at Bayshore really has been bothering me because I cannot help but think I could have given just a little bit more.

2) Sub 4:20 Full Marathon in May-I have not run a full marathon since 2004 so I am not sure what to expect for the 26.2, I know that I will be racing it much differently then my 50K last September.  I do want to run it in less then 4:20 since that will take an hour off my first (and only) marathon time.

3) Complete both a 50 miler and 100 miler in 2014.  These 2 will be tests of perseverance and sheer determination.  I will be attempting the 100 miler only 2 weeks after my first official 50, so it is going to be tough, but if I train properly and stay safe I can do it.

With the help of my Believe I Am journal and both the online and local running communities I have become a part of I can cross all 4 of these goals off my list by the end of 2014.  

What do you have for 2014? Any exciting news, goals or races?

Run Woodstock Freak 50K Recap

I did it! I completed a 50k (31.06 miles for our non metric loving friends) this past Saturday in Hell, MI.  The race was called the Freak 50K and was put on by Running Fit as part of the Run Woodstock weekend.  Let's see if I can recap this without using the words "awesome" or "amazing" to many times.

Friday Night:

The races all start at Hells Creek Campground and all of the campsites are taken over by runners, volunteers, and their families.  Honestly I am not a fan of camping normally and the night before my first 50k I definitely did not want to risk not getting enough sleep.  Before checking into our hotel room in Brighton we (The Husband, the Oldest kid and I) swung by the campground, picked up my race packet, found a few friends, said hello and watched some 100 milers and 100k racers come through the aid station.  We did not stick around long since I was already getting tired, we stopped at Firehouse Subs on the way to the hotel, and relaxed while watching the Tigers before I called it a night at around 9 pm.

Race Day:

3:40 am - Up bright and early to take a quick shower, get last minute things together and get the Husband and Oldest on the road early enough that we had time for a Tim Hortons stop. (The 20 min drive was much better then the would be hour and a half drive from our home)

5:30 am - We made it to Hells Creek with enough time to park, use the port o johns one last time, snap a picture at the start and get lined up.  I was anxious, ready for it to start and looking around looking for the few other people I knew were running the 50k/50m. (This was a lost cause since it was dark and difficult to see anything)

At the start with the husband & oldest

6:00 am - After race director Randy said a few things we were off, I waved to the husband and oldest as I passed them, took a tour around the campsite before hitting the trail where I saw the friendly face of one of my running buddies from Red Eye and into the woods for 16ish miles I went.  The plan was to run the first loop solo, carry my own food and have enough water in my camelbak to last me between the aid stations. 

 Miles 0-4: It was dark, so it helped me go out slow because I was so worried about tripping. I was glad I had a head lamp since there were many runners who had nothing.  I chatted with two runners from Baltimore and enjoyed the beauty of the sunrise in the woods.  As we approached the first aid station we started to see 100m/100k runners on a return loop back to the creek.  It was inspiring to watch these men and women who had been up all night running these trails in the dark.  I stopped briefly at the aid station to put away my headlamp and to drink some water to wash down the Picky Bar I had eaten. I opened my Honey Stinger chews so I could easily eat a few between the next aid station.  I was trying really hard to eat early and often.

The sun starting to illuminate the trails

Miles 4-8.5: These were pretty uneventful miles.  I continued to put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the scenery.  Several times throughout the day I would find myself in a group with other runners.  This was nice because I was able to find a rhythm with them.  I ate about 1/2 a package of chews and an Island Boost during these 4.5 miles, then had a 1/4 of a Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich at the aid station.  As much as I was trying to eat, I was not hungry.

Miles 8.5 - 12: On our way back to the aid Station Grace the 50k was given a "short cut" (turns out I am not sure how much shorter this made our course but it is a trail so I figured it would have been a little off).  This stretch was mostly run on Kelly Rd. and the rolling hills of the gravel road.  Met another female runner from Michigan and ran a few miles with her as we had the basic "where ya from, first race, how ya feeling", chat.  I remember thinking "Wow the miles seem to be going by quickly", breaking the race down into aid stations was a good way for me to view it.  It became less overwhelming and broke everything down into 4 mile segments (and I can run 4 miles!).

The 50k "short cut"

Miles 12-16ish: Got a little "rough", I was trying to pace myself enough that I had energy but knew I was on the last stretch before I saw family and friends.  It did not help that at a few points we were sharing the same path with the half marathoners and the full marathoners and sharing the trail got tricky on the single track with many of them actually running while most of the Ultrarunners were walking hills & conserving energy.  About mile 14 I ran out of water/Nuun in my Camelbak, thankfully I had forgotten to eat the other 2 Island Boosts I packed earlier in the loop so I was able to drink those down (unlike most gels you do not need to wash it down with water) and make it to the end of loop 1.  From the time I started I never felt like I would not finish the race but as we got closer and closer to the end of the first loop I knew for sure I would.  I was feeling good, I felt like I had played it safe enough that I had enough energy to get me to the finish.  I did however start to worry about my stomach, I had not eaten everything in my pack (I had packed enough so that if I ate everything I would have taken in a sufficient amount of carbs/calories) and knew I had not eaten any "extras" at the aid stations, however I felt bloated & full.

Just a pretty view during the last 4

One of my favorite parts of Poto (notice the pink flag on the right-well marked course)

When I came through to finish the first loop I saw John right as I came out of the woods, then saw Rachel & Erz.  It took me a minute to realize the Husband and Oldest were with them too (they originally had said they were setting up camp near the registration tent so I was still "looking" for them ahead).  I was a bit overwhelmed, knowing that I was halfway done, that I still felt good, that people were there to cheer me on.  I changed my shirt, used the port o johns, refilled my camelbak bladder, ate a Honeystinger Waffle, chatted, hugged and off I went into the woods again.

Goofy face-but really so happy to be coming into the loop and seeing friends and family (Photo credit to John)

Look it's Erz and Rach! GP Runners who came out to cheer! (Photo credit to John)

Miles 16ish -20: I turned on my Iphone for these miles and listened to some music on speaker.  I was not down, but starting to feel tired and my hip was aching, so I figured I a little music would help.  I also met two other runners during this time, one who had dropped from the 100m to the 100k after a rough night and a police officer from Ohio who was running the 50m.  Meeting people on the trails was nice, especially during these last 4 solo miles.  

Miles 20-28: Picked up my friend/pacer John at the 20 mile aid station.  I exchanged the Camelbak for an Amphipod Hydraform Handheld and grabbed a package of chews out of my drop bag the Husband was carrying. (I used a Victory Sportdesign Bear II and can I just say this bag was AWESOME! Kept everything organized and easy to find at the aid stations)

Victory Sportdesign Bear II drop bag

Because I would see the Husband again at Mile 28, I did not carry much with me and refilled my handheld at the aid stations.  Having a friend with me was nice because there was always someone to talk to when I need to talk and also he brought his little camera so I had a personal photographer.

Why yes it is a photo op! (Selfie credit to John)

The part of this stretch that was on the Potawatomi Trail was rough, mostly due to the mountain bike club that hosted a ride on Saturday.  I am pretty understanding about sharing the trail but 90% off the riders were going extremely fast and refusing to move for runners.  Luckily I still had enough sense and control to move on the side, however this was pretty dangerous for those that had been out there longer, just moving forward was starting to get tough for some of the 100k/100m I was meeting out there.

Oh hey look a Mt Biker going about 30 mph with delusional 100m runner on the course! (Photo credit to John)

I felt like while I was in good spirits and having fun out there, I was struggling.  My left hip and hamstring were bothering me, my stomach was still very full feeling and I knew at this point had not eaten enough solid food, but of course had no desire to eat.  I ran when I could and walked when I needed to at this point.  I was slowly crossing aid stations off my list (not an actual list the one in my head), and I am so glad I broke the race down like that because it really became manageable for me.  I also remember thinking just keep moving forward, you will get there.  During this stretch I had stumbled a few times, never actually falling but that was a sign my legs were getting heavy.  Once getting to the "Grace" aid station for the last time I sat down and the Husband stretched out my hamstring while I forced down another Picky Bar.  My oldest was a trooper still cheering but had found some bugs and ants to keep him busy.  I refilled my handheld with some water and threw in a NUUN tablet and off John and I went for the last 4 miles.

At mile 28-I know beware of the chair but I needed to stretch my hamstring it was killing me! (Photo credit to John)

Miles 28ish - Finish: It was starting to get warm so when the sky opened up somewhere around mile 28/29 it was refreshing and I literally welcomed it with open arms! 

Me celebrating the rain mile 28-29  (Photo credit to John)

Yeah there were some "rolling hills" on the last 4.  Most of the last 4 was walking, I tried to run but it was hard and did not seem much faster then my walking pace.  A few times John ran in front of me so I had someone to "chase" as opposed to me leading and him just making sure I did not sit down.

Well that hill sucked (Photo credit to John)

Elevation Chart from the course

Since the rain had gotten the sticker I was wearing on my Garmin wet, it had fallen off and once I saw the milage read 31 I was getting both antsy and annoyed (because I wanted to be sitting down and enjoying my accomplishment)  There was one small aid station with water and Gatorade and John noticed a sign saying .8 miles to the finish.  Ok .8 miles, I can run that, the closer we got and the louder the music got the faster I would start running when the ground was "flat".  Once I hit the opening in the woods I started an all out sprint (average pace for that .10 of a mile was 7:29), I seriously felt like I was flying.  Tears started well before the finish line, and I was so happy/excited/proud/felt so strong it really was overwhelming.

Crossing the finish line (Photo credit to the Husband)

Hug from the husband (Photo credit to John)

This is me SO happy as I finished and got my medal (Photo credit to John)

I can honestly say that crossing that finish line was one of the best feelings I have ever had.  If you would have asked me a year ago if I had the heart, motivation, strength or even the mental toughness to complete a 50k, I would have laughed and responded with a "Hell No!" Honestly I had no interest up until last April to even run one and Ultra.  John had asked me while we were on the course if I would have ever done this if he had not done it first.  Honestly, no.  Not because I wanted to compete with him or do what he did, but when I joined him for those training runs and then for the Ultra back in April I fell in love with the trails.  I had run Stony Creek trails before but never ventured out much further, I was always intimidated by the trails, fearful of getting lost or getting injured.  However what I found was a place of peace and quiet, a place where I felt empowered and confident.  I fell in love with the beauty of the woods, with going out and running for hours like Katniss in the Hunger Games (except not being chased).  

Overall this was an awesome experience for me.  The race itself was well run, course was marked nicely and the medals are pretty sweet too.  Leading up to the race Running Fit had hosted two training runs at Hells Creek which was a great chance to preview the course and have a feel for it. (This helped me tremendously because I knew what was coming up for the most part, so I was able to run/walk etc). The aid stations seemed to be running out of certain things like coke and coffee by the second loop, but if you were not to picky they had plenty of other options.  My only complaint was the mountain bikers, but that was out of Running Fit's control.  Would I run this again?  Definitely! It was a great course for my first 50k, not sure I could handle the loop anymore though, when the time comes to do a 100 miler I will be looking for a bigger loop.  So that probably answers your next question of will I run another Ultra? Yes! I have the North Country 50 miler next August and will more then likely find a 50k sometime earlier in the year if I cannot make the Trail Marathon/50K Running Fit hosts in April.

2 first time 1/2 Marathoners, 1 full marathoner, 1 bad ass pacer and Me (Photo credit to the husband)

The 50K finish is my greatest running accomplishment to date.  What is one running accomplishment you are most proud of? Have you ever done a trail ultra? Do you want to?

My love for mantra bracelets...Endorphin Warrior Review...

Last year before Bayshore I discovered a mantra bracelet at Gone For A Run that said "It's all about the journey".  It was perfect at the time because I needed to remember that even though I was going in with high expectations and a huge time goal, it was about getting there, getting across the finish line.  The 9 months between giving birth and toeing that line were tough.  Emotionally I was struggling to adjust to becoming a mom of 3 so quickly after becoming a mom to 2.  I was struggling with the postpartum emotions and hormones that make the first few months after the births tough ones for me.  Every step I took during training helped me become stronger as a person and as a mother.  Running really helped me conquer those tough months.  Physically 2 back to back pregnancies had taken it's toll, running was hard and the extra weight that I never lost with pregnancy #2 and the new weight added with pregnancy #3 didn't make running again easier since I was hovering around 200 lbs when I started running again in October 2011.   I needed the reminder around my wrist that running and finishing Bayshore was not about the time goal or the medal, it was about the journey I had been on over the last 6 years.  The journey to becoming a wife, the journey to becoming a mother to 1, 2 and then 3 boys, the journey to finding myself again and redefining who I was instead of getting lost in the new roles I had in life, the journey to becoming a runner.

My mantra bracelet I wore to Bayshore 2012

 About a week before the Boston Marathon, when I was having serious Boston fever and dreaming of one day qualifying for the Holy Grail of races, I decided it was time for a new mantra bracelet.  This time I chose an Endorphin Warrior bracelet with just one word on it "BELIEVE".  I wanted that reminder that I need to believe in myself, that it is possible for me to achieve the goals I set for myself.

My original mantra bracelet a year later, with new cords in Boston colors and my BELIEVE warrior bracelet. 

However, by the time my BELIEVE bracelet arrived the day after the Boston Marathon Tragedy the word took on a whole new meaning. I now see it as a reminder to believe there is still good in the world; believe that goodness with always triumph over evil; believe that the evil in the world will not turn the hearts of the good, cold and hard; believe that as a country we will come together and not just in times of tragedy; believe that as human beings we will respect one another and embrace our differences that make us unique; believe that we as a nation can stop pointing fingers and trying to blame someone and instead work towards a common goal of a better America....I am choosing every day to believe in something, including myself.

Review of the bracelet itself: I LOVE it! It is a simple leather bracelet with the nickel plated metal tag.  I used the sizing help on their website and the bracelet fits perfect.  I would definitely order another one or recommend them to a friend.  If you follow them on Twitter and Facebook they always post codes for a percentage off too which is pretty nice.

**Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Endorphin Warrior (unless they want to make me part of their team ;) )  I ordered the bracelet after seeing it on the web somewhere and it was purchased with my own money...

No chip, no medal, just 13.1 & a PR

Today I was originally planning to run this morning with the group but the cold, the wind and 3 kids up coughing throughout the night meant I skipped and slept in. So this afternoon I set out with my HoneyStinger Gel, Nuun Cherry Limeaide in my Amphipod, and my iPod shuffle loaded with some Great Big Sea Music for 12 miles. I decided today I was going to run with my virtual trainer on my Garmin and set the pace for 9:25 and laps every mile. Off I went...When the 1st mile was sub 8 I knew I needed to slow down even though I felt good...the rest of the miles were pretty steady paces. I got lost in the words of the music, the rhythm of my steps, words spoken by a running friend last week, reflection on the events of last week, for awhile I got sidetracked trying to figure out my route. I walked a for .1 at 6.4-6.5 miles to take a picture, eat my gel and drink. I knew I was slowing but was still ahead of my little virtual trainer so I wasn't even concerned about pace or time. About mile 11.5 I noticed I was 4 minutes ahead of my little virtual trainer, oh no way was I stopping at 12. With some quick math and a quick change of the Garmin screen I figured if I went the full 13.1 I would break 2 hours. So without a crowd, or a chip/bib or even a medal I ran. I ran for myself, I ran for those that can no longer run, I ran for Boston, I just ran...So many thoughts went through my mind that last 1.2. So after over a year and a half of training I crossed an imaginary finish line breaking 2 hours for a 13.1 distance! Even without the medals, crowds and chip times like doing it for the first time in a race, it was still an amazing experience for me! An awesome run and awesome feeling!

With all this talk about Boston...

My crazy self may just go and sign up for another marathon one day. Last year at this time my Dad was preparing to run the Boston Marathon. As I live tracked him that hot and humid day, I found myself inspired, ready to run and conquer 26.2. I was ready to go out train hard and qualify. Then I remembered 1) I really did not enjoy my first and only marathon in fact I vowed to never do that again and 2) to qualify for Boston I would need to run the 26.2 in 3:40, that is almost 2 hours faster then I completed my first. Oh man...those were some pretty big obstacles.
Here it is almost a full year later and I still have not finished another 26.2 and I have not broken 2 for a half marathon. Yet, I am still inspired by all of the athletes (male and female) who are preparing to run Boston on Monday. I am inspired by the women in the GP Runners group who are racing to qualify in a few weeks. I am inspired by anyone that puts one foot in front of the other and completes any marathon in any amount of time, it is not an easy task.
I dream of being fast enough for Boston. I dream of completing the training to run that fast. I think it will happen someday down the line if my training continues to go well and I continue to improve. Until then I will focus on how far I have come instead of how far I want to go....

Training Road Block

My main goal this year is to run a sub 2 hour half marathon.  I attempted last year, fell a little short but knew that my body was still recovering from a pregnancy, adjusting to running again, and then later dealing with a hip injury, and most of all I was dealing mentally with being a runner again and pushing myself to the limits when there was no one else around.  After being introduced to the GP Runners (an awesome and supportive group) I had no doubt I could break 2 in 2013 (I would mean shaving almost 8 minutes off my half marathon time from October 2012).  I planned to use the Furman FIRST training, while modifying it a bit (switching weeks and runs) to be able to run with the group and still get in Tempo, Speed work and Long Runs.  What I did not plan for was strep throat, not once but TWICE! I had not had strep in years, and cannot remember the last time I was on antibiotics.  However a few weeks ago my "sore" throat had become so painful and swollen I headed into the doctor for treatment.  A round of antibiotics and a couple easy runs and a couple decent runs I managed to keep up with my training and only missed a speed work and a long run.  With the antibiotics finished I thought I was well on my way to being back on track and on my training schedule.  Once again less then 2 weeks after the first diagnosis I was back at the doctors for another round of antibiotics. (I had run 12.5 miles that morning, felt just ok but thought it had to do with recent diet changes, then that night the sore throat reappeared)  UGH, seriously, not only do antibiotics do a number on my stomach but that also meant more "rest" days.  I miss running when I am "resting", I miss the sweating, I miss the hard work, I miss the feeling of accomplishment I get when I am done, I miss running with my new friends and the adult conversation, I miss crossing workouts off my schedule, and I miss the good mood that running helps out with.  It was tough yesterday to rest instead of head out for an easy run since it was 40 and sunny here is the gloomy Mitten State.

I have not decided how I am going to tackle the missed workouts.  Whether I am going to add them in during "easier" weeks throughout the remaining weeks or just write them off and hope the based I built keeps me in shape enough that I can get back into it and still meet my goal.  The biggest challenge, like many I deal with lately as a runner, is the mental challenge...the disappointment from not following the schedule I had planned, the disappointment that my body was not doing it's job and staying healthy, the daily grumpy mood from sitting inside staring at my running shoes, and the antsy feeling from not exercising.

This weeks entries into my running journal and the most likely "not gonna happen" runs on the schedule

How do you handle road blocks in your training plan when life stops you from completing a workout?  How do you handle not running when you know your body needs rest?

Behind the name...and the blog

First the name...

Small steps:

The first part of the title not only represents my the small steps of my young boys (3 "high energy" boys all under 5), but also the small steps we all take in life.  It is very rare that any goal is set and reached with one giant leap, it is a series of small steps that gets us to that final destination.  There are also many times in life that those small steps and that journey become more inspirational, influential and overall more important than our final destination.

Serious chaffing:

This represents the stuff no one seems to talk about or just happen to leave out when they are telling you "what to expect".  When I started running I pictured myself in a cute outfit just jogging down the street...UM NO! I'm a hot mess with chaffing and runner's trots.   Motherhood as well...everyone talked about the wonderful hugs, kisses, story times and memories yet they left out the constant battles over the color of a breakfast dish, the fact that until all children in the house are over the age of 5 you will not use the bathroom alone or with the door closed because the children can get into trouble faster then MacGyver can get out of a sticky situation and they are just as crafty, or the fact that some days survival (till bedtime or the return home of a spouse from work) becomes the main objective.

The blog...

It is just a way to share a little bit of my reality with the world.  Expect some humor, stories about my life as a mother and of my kids and the crazy stuff they do.  I also plan to document my journey to a Boston Qualifying time and to complete an Ironman...I promise I won't sugar coat the journeys so everything is rainbows and unicorns.