Make Yourself Monday

I love that...You are entirely up to you. So what do you want to become?

Kirkland Half Race Recap

Booking to the finish...

Half #4 is officially on the books. PR by over 5 minutes for an official finish time of 2:05:44. Nice work for a sunny, warm hotashades day running on a pretty hilly course. It really was one of the first really hot days this year. Was in the low 70's by the time we finished, which I realize sounds silly since that is winter weather in some parts of the county. But here in Seattle, we prefer to run with a cloud cover and temps in the 50's. At least I do anyway....it's why I always preferred Cross Country to Track...give me cool and cloudy any day! But I digress....lest the sun gods think I'm ungrateful...I should probably shut it...

This race was held on Mother's Day this year and featured a Half Marathon Run/Walk, a 5K Run/Walk and a Kid's Dash. It was a smallish race (950 finishers) and was really the perfect size for the course. There was a good portion on a main road that wasn't completely blocked off, just the parking and bike lanes were...which was ok for the most part. If there were more people, it might not have been.

Not too shabby on the stats, either.....for this race, the division was bigger. I am usually in the 35-39 group but this one was 30-39. And I was still 89th! And guess what else? Out of the whole race, I came in in the middle of the pack - male and female. I feel pretty proud of that. Wanna know why? I know what it's like to come in dead last....it doesn't feel great, especially when you are on a team that is counting you to not suck. Ok, I am done patting myself on the back. It's just nice to not be last anymore. And to see that the hard work is paying off with progress in every race.

This was a pretty hilly course. But I felt like there were more downhills than uphills. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of uphills. But also lots of long rolling downhills too. I took advantage of them and really booked down most of them; which I definitely felt in my quads afterwards. The race was also well organized, which wasn't surprising since it was a Pro-Motion event.

 One of the many hills....around mile 3-4.

 
Only real let down was the lack of carbs as post race grub. It's a huge pet peeve of mine when food runs out before I'm finished, usually, I suspect, because people who aren't running are helping themselves. Big faux paus if you ask me, which you totally did, right? I really wanted a Jamba Juice sample since it was so hot and I felt pretty dehydrated. All gone. The lady was all, "we've given away 1200 samples!" which is awesome since there were only 950 runners and I finished before half of them did.  I did find a banana but what I really wanted was some carbs! I didn't see bagels or bread...so of course as soon as I got home I made and immediately ate two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Which I think is my new favorite post race food....think I'll have to start bringing them with me! Lesson learned...bring my own post race carbs.

Overall, this was a really fun race on a beautiful course. Small field and great course support. I will definitely be doing this one again. And I was lucky enough to have two of my good friends there as my race pit crew. They got up at the crack of dawn to chauffeur me to the race, held my stuff while I was running and dutifully took pictures of me like a couple of pros. Thanks Erin and Mike! You guys sure know how to make a girl feel loved on Mother's Day!

Finally, this race was run in Blue -- I ran in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Cynthia Taylor, who was a mother and grandmother. Her sacrifice is not forgotten.

Next up, Rock and Roll on June 23rd. Very much looking forward to it for a few reasons. It'll be my first Rock and Roll race, first big race with the Wear Blue: R2R group and several of my Ragnar teammates will be running as well! Might also have to stalk SkinnyRunner, since she'll be there with Refuel with Chocolate Milk...

And with that, Man Up Month is complete and dare I say it, a success!

Light Week

I was tired this week. Like really tired. I took two days off after the half on Sunday and headed out for a little shortie on Wednesday. Thursday I had a migraine and came home from work mid-morning to sleep it off. Friday was too crazy, what with partying with the Ragnar Crew at our first meeting  and all (in a bar, no less!)...so I ended up taking more rest days this week than I had planned to.

So that leaves today...for the short long run. Had planned to run only 5 today but since I didn't get much mileage in this week, I've bumped it up to 8-ish. Gonna do the shorter run down to the Lake and loop back on the I-90 bike trail to get home. Should be a nice easy run...

And it's not too hot yet so that's good. I'm sort of dreading the summer training in the heat. I had such a fierce headache after last week's race. It was definitely in the high 60's and really sunny by the time the race finished. Will have to switch back to early morning runs soon. Especially since I'll be adding some back to backs to my next training cycle for Ragnar.

Weekend agenda doesn't include much...planning to (finally) get my Kirkland race recap up and start plotting out my post Rock and Roll training schedule which will include Ragnar training and starting to build the mileage up past 13.1 as part of the Full training that will commence soon. 

Ready to get out there now....time to get off the couch and get dressed!

Make Yourself Monday

Getting there.....one step at a time.

That's a Wrap...

Man Up Month has concluded. I am proud to say that I celebrated Mother's Day in PR City! 2:05:44 was my official time. A PR of over 5 minutes. Boo Ya! Full recap to come. But first, a nap.

Kirkland Half -- 5/13/12 -- Running in Honor of

Army Staff Sgt. Cynthia Taylor, who was killed in action on April 16, 2011 serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. She died at age 39 of wounds suffered from multiple grenades during at attack by an Afghan National Army soldier. She served multiple deployments, first in Iraq and was killed during her second deployment to Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sgt Cynthia Taylor KIA April 16, 2011-source

Staff Sgt.Taylor was with the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company with the 101st Airborne Division.Taylor won many awards during her service to our country, including a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart Medal and an Army Good Conduct Medal.

 In addition to all of this, Staff Sgt Taylor was a mother and a grandmother. On this mothers day, I am running to honor Staff Sgt. Taylor's bravery and service to this country. Happy Mother's Day Cynthia. I hope you know that your service is appreciated and that it mattered.

Hot Mess - AKA - Life is Too Short

Taper weeks usually are a bit rough for runners. We get moody, antsy, nerve-wracked and in general are just unpleasant to be around. This week feels particularly so. I normally don't go into much personal stuff and keep most of my musings about hitting the pavement. But every now and then, something happens and the need to write about it feels particularly strong.

Earlier this week, I learned that a classmate that I grew up with passed away. While we weren't much more than acquaintances growing up, he had a big personality and everyone who knew him loved him. We reconnected via Facebook a few years ago and exchanged several messages, mostly talking about our kids. See, he left behind an 8 year old daughter, whom he loved fiercely. I was struck by that in our conversations-just how much this big joker loved her and was trying so hard to be the dad he thought he should be. He left this earth way too soon. But he touched a lot of lives while he was here and I wish peace and blessings for those he left behind.

Death of someone you know, close or not, reminds you how quickly the bubble can burst. How easy a life can change in an instant. To honor his memory, and those who'll miss him everyday, I will be running my race Sunday in his honor.

Make Yourself Monday

Week 18 in Review -- 6 Days until Kirkland Half

 For a post-half week, it felt pretty normal. I did nearly 25 miles and actually started doing a little more core work while stretching post run. I've been meaning to start doing some arm/weight work and sit ups for a while now. I've just been too lazy, I guess. But I finally decided to start. My core definitely needs some strengthening if I want to get faster. That is a fact.

This week, I started to get to know my Ragnar teammates over Facebook a little better and the more we plan and talk and share what races we are doing with one another, the more I get excited for the relay. This is going to be so much fun! And these guys are going to be a blast.

Monday 
Rest. Took the day off from work. And joined a Ragnar Relay team. Cannot.Wait.

Tuesday
First time for everything! Only took one rest day after Sunday's half. Hit the pavement for a nice easy recovery run. It actually felt good, but the legs were feeling somewhat sluggish.
4.33 mi; 44:47; 10:21

Wednesday
This run felt easier and I felt a bit faster. Still took it easy for the most part though. Spent time with the foam roller all week and it really helped loosen things up.
5.38 mi; 52:50; 9:50

Thursday
Last run of the week...nice easy loop. Kept up with core and arm exercises all week. A little sore from that, but that good kind of sore.
3.46 mi; 35:11; 10:11

Friday
Rest day. Went to bed really early since I was pretty tired from the week.

Saturday
Long run. Was excited to get out there since it was a beautiful day. But I was really tired. I usually take it easy the week after a half. Not this week. Hit it hard again, and despite taking an extra rest day, still hit 25 miles.
11.18 mi; 2:03:33; 11:03

Sunday
Rest. And a nap. Need I say more?

Next week, I'll do a slight taper, but not much. Kirkland half on Sunday! And that will be the conclusion of Man Up Month.

Memorial Day Pledge to Honor the Fallen

I pledged 11 miles for the 11 years since September 11th. There is NO COST. The price has already been paid.

"While Americans may pause to reflect, for many, Memorial Day represents a long
      weekend typically filled with backyard celebrations and sunshine.  For members 

          of wear blue: run to remember, it is a day to remember each life 

sacrificed in a positive, life-affirming way. "

I will be meeting up with some of the ladies on my Ragnar team to head down to Dupont to run our miles with the group. I couldn't be more excited. It will be a great way to do just a little bit extra to remember the ultimate sacrifice of the heroes serving our country.

You can pledge your miles here: http://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/wear-blue-runs-for-the-fallen.html.

Long Run Saturday

12 Miles....Here we go!

Ragnar Plans...Coming Together

I am so excited for this relay and I can't wait to meet the rest of the members of our team. We are officially the Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies. Which, in my opinion, will make for some awesome visuals for our van decorating!

Speaking of vans...one of our first hurdles--crossed off the list. The race is nearly three months away, but already, the pickin's were getting slim. We found an Enterprise location with two passenger vans and locked down that reservation!

We are finalizing our legs, and I am going to be Runner 3. Not too tough but not the easiest one either. First leg will be in Ferndale, north of my hometown of Bellingham. So I'll be able to recruit a decent sized cheering section.

Next up, first team meeting to schedule and then we'll really start nailing down the details. I am so excited for this. I've already totally in love with the ladies on our team. We've got mama's (one of which is an army helicopter pilot-how bada$$ is that?) who are just funny, real and as in love with running as I am. I have a feeling I've just made some lifelong runner friends and I couldn't be happier.

This is gonna be So.Awesome-Sauce. I just know it....

Man Up Month - Halfway Point

Man Up Month check in time....Heroes Half is in the bag and I'm feeling pretty good. But I am tired for sure. This last race, the negative splits were super awesome...but I was more sore than I normally am after a race/run of that length. But nothing a little QT with the foam roller couldn't loosen up. I have a feeling that this is going to become a nightly routine. Since I finally figured out what to do with the thing, I've been pleasantly surprised how much it helps loosen tight muscles up.

Recovery from this one is a little different than what I've done before. I normally take two full rest days and keep it light and easy for the week. I took Monday off but hit the pavement today for a nice shakeout run. It actually felt pretty good, but I could tell my legs were tired. And the rest of the week will be a pretty much normal week. Long run on Saturday like usual and then a slight taper (one extra rest day) on race week. Post race, I plan to take a week of light mileage to give my body a chance to recover and then it's all about the Rock and Roll and tweaking the plan for Ragnar.

Man up Month--second half. Let's do this!

April 2012: In which I join Wear Blue: Run to Remember

This was a big month and a lot of cool stuff happened. I didn't quite hit the miles on tap, about 11 shy of the plan, but I am totally ok with that.

I got all excited about NYC and then was denied. I waited with fingers crossed and breath held but the odds were just not in my favor. I don't think I'll ever be fast enough to qualify on my time alone....so perhaps I'll just have to join a charity to get in.

I was inspired to join Wear Blue: Run to Remember and ran my first race in Blue. It was an honor to run for Air Force Master Sgt. Tara Brown and represent this amazing organization that is dedicated to bridging the gap between the men and women serving our country and the communities from which they come.

 Source

I started Man Up Month, in which I run two half marathons. Half way there after the weekend. HM numero uno is in the bag....next up is the Kirkland Half on 5/13. I was also lucky enough to have My Running Story profiled on the Healing Feet Blog.

The month ended with a bang. A new PR at the Heroes Half, negative splits, and I met a new running friend! Who then invited me to join her Ragnar Relay NW Passages team! Boo ya! So excited to do this relay. It's going to be such an adventure!

Alright May, let's do this.

Ragnar Relay: NW Passages....It's ON!

I just joined a team and I am beyond excited. I love it when things just come together....I've had my eye on this one for a while and thought it would be a really great way to meet some other runners.  Got a little more inspired reading all about So Much Cooler Online's Ultra Ragnar Relay experience. Well......in the post race high I'm still riding, I joined a team today. Woot woot!

NW Passages  is "190 miles of stunning Washington scenery" and 12 people in two (probably) smelly vans running like a bunch of crazy people. What could be more fun?

It's going to rock....Thanks to the super cool girl I met at yesterdays' race for inviting me! I even got to recruit a member to make the team complete! More details to come after I find out which leg I'll be doing...there is one that is pretty scary looking...a little over 24 miles in all. But it could be done. Possibly by me. I volunteered so I just might end up doing it if no one else wants to!

Bring it. 

The Ugly Shirt Pile (AKA Dear Race Director)

No, this is not a bowl of orange and lime sherbert.

The Races depicted on these shirts have been obscured to protect the guilty. Psssttt.....Race Directors. Over here. Can we please all agree to not make ugly race shirts? Pretty please? Speaking for myself, I love the tech shirts and medals that come with half marathons. Aside from, you know, running more miles, it's part of what distinguishes them from shorter races. And runners like to wear them. They are usually really lightweight, comfy and good for running. And I don't know about the rest of the country, but runners here in the NW, wear the sh*t out of their race shirts, especially IN races. (And, as evidenced by any scroll through a set of race pics, they also wear them during the actual race they received them for...bad race juju in my opinion, but that is a pet peeve for another post.)

That's the goal, right? To have your race shirt be proudly worn by a finisher in a subsequent race--that's good marketing right there. So please tell me why these shirts have to be so ugly? Really. They are putrid. I can't even bring myself to wear them around the house. So can we find some other colors? Pretty please with a cherry on top?

Heroes Half Race Recap

This is the face of an 8:10 pace.

 You have my permission to laugh at this picture all you want. I look like I am about to die...

The Heroes Half was HM number 3, fitting because this was the 3rd annual race, benefiting St. Jude's. The race, a 10K and Half Marathon, started and ended at the Port of Everett and ran along the Yellow Ribbon Highway up to Marysville and back. Very flat course, which was refreshing after MI last month.

This race partnered with Athletepath for a technology marriage made in heaven. Instant result, people! That's what I am talking about. You could register in advance for a text/email with your results, the race people had instant access so they could call out names of finishers as they crossed the line and they had this:

Instant results checker!

Granted, I just started my illustrious racing career,  but I've never seen this before! It was so cool....in the 'Registration Room' where they were announcing the winners, there were about a dozen of these little stations set up. You just typed in your Bib # in the little keypad and boom--results!

Happy to report two awesome things: another PR- an itty bitty one, but PR nonetheless -- finished in 2:11:33. The other was a huge first: negative splits! This was totally not on purpose at all, it just ended up happening that way.

See I met this other cool running chic-- and we talked up a storm until I had to stop for a brief Honeybucket visit and we split up, around mile 4. It made the first miles go by so quick! And I was so excited to meet another awesome superwoman running mama! We ended up having a lot in common and have done/are doing some of the same races! Hi Jess! I'll see you at Rock-n-Roll in June! 

After we split up, I was feeling pretty good and loving the pancake course so I went for it. Decided to see if I could best my MI time so towards the end, I just kicked it into gear....I kept myself going by picking off the ladies in front of me- one by one. About 6 people later, I was rounding the final loop into the finish, for a nice little PR and some killer negative splits.Thanks Speedwork! You are a bitch, but you make the kick at the end on tired legs so much easier.

This was also my first race in Blue. I was proud to honor Air Force Master Sgt. Tara Brown . I can't wait until the RnR when there is going to be a huge sea of Blue!

 Please excuse the I'm-already-home-race-pic. This was my first race with no pit crew and I haven't perfected the self timer/portrait thing quite yet.......

Overall this was an excellent, well run race. The course support was great and everything was very well organized. Favorites were the use of technology for instant results, PB & J sandwiches at the finish, and a group warm-up led by a very attractive runner dude. I don't know what it is exactly about the PB & J that just hit the spot, but it was the perfect post-race grub....I probably ate the equivalent of a sandwich and a half!

There were a few things that could have been a tiny bit better: there were a few loops at turnaround point where runners coming and going crossed paths and it got a little confusing which direction you were supposed to go. And there was very little water at the finish. Great fuel support on the course (h2o, Gatorade & Gels every 2 miles) but this is the first race I've been to where they didn't hand out bottles of water at the end. They just had the same coolers set up for self service...But aside from those two minor things, it was a great race that I'd definitely do again.

Splits:

Mile 1 - 10:54
Mile 2 - 11:24
Mile 3 - 10:48
Mile 4 - 10:24
Mile 5 - 9:03
Mile 6 - 9:31
Mile 7 - 9:29
*Avg Pace - 1st half: 10:01
Mile 8 - 9:20
Mile 9 - 9:25
Mile 10 - 10:06
Mile 11 - 9:45
Mile 12 - 9:18
Mile 13 - 9:05
Last bit - 8:10
*Avg Pace - 2nd Half 9:19

Overall 2:11:33; 10:02

Make Yourself Monday

Watch out! Here I come!

Heroes Half -- 4.29.12 -- Running in Honor of

Air Force Master Sgt Tara R. Brown, who died April 27, 2011 serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. She was 33 years old and on her second deployment to Afghanistan when she died after an Afghan air force officer stormed a training meeting in Kabul and opened fire, killing nine Americans. It was the deadliest attack on U.S. forces in Afghanistan since 2005. She was awarded several medals, including a Purple Heart and Bronz Star, as well as being promoted to the rank of Master Sgt posthumously.

 

Source

One of the things that is an important part of the weekly Wear Blue group runs is when they spend time calling out the names of the fallen soldiers who died during that week. They post this list online, so if you aren't able to make it to the Saturday run, you can choose someone from the list to honor during your own run. Tara was chosen from this list, for the week of April 27-28, 2001--2011. I chose to honor her, the only female soldier on this particular list.

I have never met this brave woman. But in reading about her, I was struck by how proud her father was of her and her service. She had two brothers who loved her very much. I am grateful for the opportunity to run in her honor and Wear Blue to remember her.

Rest Day--Nerves nerves go away.....

The pre-race nerves always get me, every time, no matter the length of the race. So I like to stay busy the day before so I'm not stewing in my own nerve soup by sitting around "resting"....

So busy day planned....errands! Goodwill load drop off (did a little spring cleaning), grocery store and then I'm coming home to make a few pans of brownies, AwesomeMomStyle, before heading out for my afternoon engagement. My kid is part of this amazing academic organization outside of school and for the first time in my life, I signed up to be on the Parent Advisory Group, basically their version of the PTA. We are hosting an event this afternoon, thus the mad brownie making that will be going on in my kitchen later today. Good times....

And tonight, I'll eat a good carby dinner, spend a little quality time with my foam roller and hit the sack early! Will be up and at em bright and early so I can leave by about 6am tomorrow morning for the race.....

More to come on that. It'll be my first race proudly wearing my Wear Blue shirt....and I think I've found the soldier to whom I'll be dedicating my run to. Stay tuned....