RRCA Coaching Class

This weekend I attended a RRCA coaching class.

I really enjoyed everything that was taught in the class. I got to meet some new runners and hang out with some of my favorites. There is just something to be said about constantly learning about the sport of running. The one thing I really took from this class is how many ways there are to accomplish similar goals. I am very excited to start my first program. Now I just need to pass the test.

Today I took some of what I learned from this class... Do more of what you want to do well. If you want to run well you have to well... RUN. However I also learned that you need to be strong. So I took to the hills and some strength today.

Its Official

Yes it is... money paid. Training will continue...

50K here I come.

That's Tammy-local runner and totally awesome. She won the 50K last year

As I started thinking more about it this week and fellow runners were asking me what I expected from this race here are my thoughts.
Finish....
Finish feeling good...
Enjoy it...
Don't give up...
Think Positive...
Challenge myself...

I really have no true goal other than to finish. The best part about running is to just challenge yourself to new heights and I hope to do just that.

Runners for Boston

Tonight I went to a special event at the Fleet Feet Store in Schererville. This run was for Boston. Everyone hurt or effected by the events last Monday. The store planned a 3.10 mile run. I saw a lot of other places were holding 2.62 mile runs which is pretty cool. It seemed as though this same event was being repeated in many places.

This is why I think the running community is so amazing. I always say the running community is like family. Well over 250 of us came out tonight and proved just that. Runners always find that will to stay strong and fight on. Tonight we were Boston Strong. Our run went from the store to the local park and back. It was beautiful night for a run and I really enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces supporting and coming together.

County Line Orchard Race Recap

The County Line Orchard 10 mile race is truly one of the great races in Northwest Indiana. It is the 10 mile RRCA State Championship Race. The race also sponsors the Youth Scholarship fund for the local running club that I belong to; Calumet Region Striders. The race includes 7 miles of road running and 3 miles of running through the County Line Apple Orchard.

When I arrived and starting chatting with many of my favorite runners they were asking me are you really running this today? Many of them knew I ran the 26.2 miles yesterday. I just said yes and I just plan to finish.  So I lined up next to a runner Dawn. She is a good runner and we felt we just needed each other to pull through today. Dawn and I had trouble the first couple miles to dodge the slower runners. At one point I had to fall back from her because I just couldn't get around a couple of runners. Then we finally seemed to break from the traffic and get into a good grove. Around mile 3.50 my friend Brian caught up with us and decided it would be funny to scare me... so then he joined our fun times. Around mile 4.50 there was a Gu/Water/Gatorade stop. Dawn and Brian must have stopped longer than me because I lost them. I knew the next water would be right around mile 6 so I held the Gu I picked up until 5.90 miles so I could have some water. I took about 3/4 of the Gu and grabbed some water a the stop. Just as I was going again Brian passed me. He got a second wind and I could not keep up. At mile 7 we headed into the Apple Orchard. I loved all of the youth cheering us on. I even saw the Youth running director at mile 7.50  or so. These 3 mile were so serene and calming. Even though I knew I was running slower and I would have to stay focused to finish strong. At mile 8 my running pal Carri was there and gave me that boost I really needed to push on to the next mile. She even saw me again as I was passing through the water stop on my way out. It really pushed me through to the next part of the apple orchard. Finally I could see ahead we were heading out onto the street again. I gave myself one last pep talk to just push. I turned the corner then the next corner and I could finally see the finish. I looked down at my watch and I was at 1:28 and change. I knew I could finish in under 1:30 if I just pushed through. I did... barely but I did. 1:29:52

They had donuts and pancakes... YUM. After the race I heard some runners saying how hard they thought it was to run in the Apple Orchard but I really liked it. I enjoy when a race challenges us. I think its fun to venture out of our comfort zone and stride to new heights. I could not be happier with how well today went. I finished. I ran better than I expected. This run just proves nothing can truly stop me if I don't allow it. 

The best part... I am still smiling.

I survived... This was for you Boston.

Well I did it... I survived.
26.20 miles of training
4 hours 30 minutes from start to finish
Actual running time 4 hours 18 minutes
2 bathroom/water refill breaks
1 amazing day of weather
1 amazing runner running with me.






Today could not have went better. My running friend Dan who was crazy enough to agree to come along for the long run today... set out with me on the bike trail at 91st street. We went all the way past Crown Point high school and down around the near by neighborhoods. By the time I knew it the miles were flying by. We headed  back toward Crown Point and all the way the the Meijer in Merrillville for my planned bathroom/water refill break. Then we set down a few streets in Merillville. We ran tried to run through a neighborhood to get in some distance but it turned out not to be much. We decided to head back towards our cars and if we had to we would just pass them up. As we neared mile 20 I started to smile... I was doing it. I even said to Dan I can't believe we have run 21 miles this has been way too easy. Then we got closer to mile 22 I felt like I needed another bathroom break and the port a potty I planned was missing from the park. So I decided I would wait until we got to Starbucks  They kindly let me use their restroom and I was able to refill with a little more water. I didn't really need to go this was a total mental block. Then we hit the bike trail back to our cars. We were 2.10 miles short. So we went a mile past our cars to complete the full 26.20 miles.

I told Dan that I wanted to dedicate this run to the city of Boston. We did. It was an amazing feeling. Dan and I run with a group of runners who are all headed to the Louisville Marathon next weekend. So this was all of our winter training that we have done. Now I know I think I can truly make it another 5 miles because I did not bend or break today. I feel good. So my goals of doing the Tyron Farm 50K is still in my stires... I only hope I feel this good tomorrow when I run my 10 mile race at the Apple Orchard. The thing that I am really taking away from today's run is that I was able to run. I just keep thinking of all those who were hurt or injured in Boston. This run is for the those who cannot run. Today I didn't run for me... I ran for those who can't.

Cats out of the Bag

Since most people have dragged it out of me...

I am trying for my first Ultra. I am scared, nervous and think I may have lost my mind.

May 18th.. Tyron Farms http://www.tryonfarm.com/events/



Tomorrow will be my final longest distance run of 26 miles. Wish me luck.

Unity For Boston

Tonight I ran for Boston.
6 Miles

Running is much like a family. We go through a lot together as runners. One thing though we always share that common bond. I am always so impressed by these amazing runners who can get there. Dan a fellow runner I know trained all last summer and I was so excited when he qualified for Boston 2014 at the Chicago Marathon in October. As I watched on TV and listened on the radio to all the stories my heart is breaking for everyone who was hurt or knew someone hurt. The Boston Marathon is outside my wildest dreams. It is such a prestigious event and I am so saddened it was ruined by tragedy... So today Boston this one was for you.

Boston

Although even qualifying for Boston seems far fetched to me it is a prestigious and amazing event... As a runner, American and lover of people all I can say is pray for the city, runners and all effected. I had some friends there and I am glad to report they are safe.

Practice...

Once a very famous basketball player based Allen Iverson said this about practice

http://youtu.be/eGDBR2L5kzI

Well if you're a runner then you know this... You must train and "practice" otherwise you'll never make it to the finish.

This weekend I did just that...

Saturday 16 miles
Ran 4 miles before my group started. Then ran 12 with my group. It started out really well. Then I realized how windy it was. Around mile 5.30 of the 12 it was so windy I felt like I was standing still. I thought all I needed to do was make it to the turnaround and it will be much easier. I was very wrong. The wind did not help me after the turnaround. I did pretty good until about 1.6 to go I started to struggle. Just after crossing the last street crossing I turned to make sure my group was not too far behind me. Then I just had to finish. We all finished and once it was done I stretched good and felt good.

Sunday
I had to work my Sunday weight watchers meeting this morning so after that I dropped off my car for some repairs and set out for a 1 hour run. I cannot say enough about this running plan that gives you only your long run distance. The sun felt amazing on my face and I enjoyed every second of the run. An added bonus was that my car was done right as I got back.

Runners must train and practice so yea I'm talking about practice...

Amazing People

So today the pretty girl celebrates her birthday...

She is my best friend and sister. My sisters and I have been very close for a long time. Jenna and I have had so many typical ups and downs but in the end we always see to find solace in the fact that we are always family. The best part about family is the support. Jenna has been one of my biggest fans since day 1. I can still remember calling her and telling her the days I felt so good that I ran for 5 whole minutes straight. I am so honored that my running inspires my family. Especially my sisters. I am so proud to be her older sister, best friend, daughters aunt and support through everything.