Ruff, Tuff and in the Buff 5K... plus a long run

Yesterday I kicked of my running weekend at the Ruff, Tuff and in the Buff 5K. It was wet, snowy, cold and FUN!

I made my way out to the Taltree Arboretum with Jason. Lots of familiar faces were at the race. I had no idea what to expect from the race but wasn't too worried since it was a 5K

Todd one of the race organizers was giving some basic instructions of the course and then we were off to line up. One of the things I really enjoy about trail running is the often relaxed crowed. People were very relaxed and just ready to run. Todd made the horn sound and we were off.

The first stretch ended up being through a good amount of high snow. So I made sure to pick up my feet and try to take long and high strides in order to get through it quicker. The next stretch I could see ahead was basically a small pond. I saw a few try to go around it and fall. I decided well time to dive in. I went straight right on through the water. My feet were soaked. At this point I was still somewhat full of adrenaline I didn't notice right away. Then all of a sudden it hit me... OMG my feet are numb.

I plugged along. Laughing and joking with fellow racers near me. Jason was just ahead of me so I focused on trying to pull harder to keep him in my sights. As we rounded a corner I noticed that a fellow runner Steve had fallen so I checked on him and he said he was fine. The next stretch was fairly snow filled. At this point my fellow running friend Tim had caught up to me and he said run in the middle there is more water but its easier to get over I tried that then I saw a good path on the left so I ran there for a second. Just up ahead I saw some people slip sliding through an area. As I approached I caught up to a couple of young boys. The moved and let me pass so I told them good job guys! Of course they told me the same. Even more reasons to LOVE trail running. Once we made a turn I knew what was up ahead since I have done races at Taltree in the past. As we got up the hill and I saw the gravel area I could see some very slick spots and at the bottom where fellow runner Michelle was out snapping pictures of everyone it was a small pond.

Then as we ran up one more hill I could hear race organizers Jen, Heather, Phil and Bret cheering and directing everyone.

Then I was off for loop 2... The photo above is where they told me one more loop and I said oh can't we do a few extra. Loop 2 was less crowded because the runners were much more spread out. Since I knew exactly how the course was going to go my goal was pick it up a bit. I had a few slip ups but I was able to push hard through bits and pieces. There was a bit more water in spots from all of the runners tromping all over the course. As I came down the gravel area again I decided since I was so close I was going to cruise. As I made my way to the pond at the bottom I could hear a few runners closing on me.

So I pushed straight through the pond and up the hill. Once again race organizers Jen and Heather were waiting. Then I saw Phil and Todd encouraging me to go hard to the finish so I did. I mean hard. I pushed as hard as I could possibly push through the finish 29:33 37th place out of 86 runners and 1st place in my age group!!

Overall a great way to kick off Northwest Indiana's XYZ series. I enjoyed it. The hot chocolate post race tasted like heaven.

Then came Sunday. As a runner in marathon training mode that means every weekend is dedicated to a long run. Between the snow, cold and rain we had this week that made our normal bike trail run impossible. So my friends Tim, Karrie and I met at a school. We decided taking a tour of Schererville would be much easier. We were aiming for 9 miles and then back to the cars for a break. We hit our cars at 9.25. Karrie headed home since she was only there for loop one. The Tim and I decided to just do another shorter loop aim for anything of 15 or more. We hit our cars at 15.13. Today was slightly tough because Karrie and Tim run a faster pace than I do. I decided to try to push myself a little today. They slowed a bit and I tried to hang tough. The cold wind that hit us a few times was not easy but we made it through. Feeling pretty good post run! I am glad it was Sunday Funday so I had plenty of time to relax after my run. Only 11 more weeks until Knoxville!

Snow Day with Shaun T

After nearly a foot of snow and freezing temperatures almost everyone in Northwest Indiana had a snow day today.

The best part for me is that I have the ability to work from home. I love being able to work for such an amazing company. However you can get into a funk on a cold day like today and being home. So I set aside some time before I ate lunch to be as active as possible.

Today he returned into my fitness regime... that's right I pulled out Shaun T!

He is tough. His workouts are not easy. But they are only 25 minutes of your day. I started thinking about how we can so easily waste time. I mean lets admit it we are all so guilty of wasting time in our day. We all do it. We all make excuses. So that is why I love these workouts. I have said so many times my biggest fault at being a runner is not taking care of the rest of me. I love to run. I love the just get up and go. The ease of just going out. It doesn't challenge me the way Shaun T does.
Today I started over with the T25 challenge.
That meant taking on the cardio DVD. I also was able to burn nearly 300 calories in only 25 minutes and didn't have to take a step out of my front door.
Was it easy? No.
Did I expect it to be easy? No.
 Will I do it again tomorrow? Yes!

As a runner I am always challenging myself to take on a new race or running goal but I also need to do all the other things that make me a better runner. So today I also cooked some chicken. I had a full day of clean eating.

As Shaun T would say... "Don't run from the work... FEEL the work."

How did you spend your snow day?

13 weeks and Counting...

As a runner we all have different goals and reasons for running. Although I am the first to say we are all runners no matter how far, how fast or the reason that we go out the door. The thing that tends to seperate us is distance. Some of us just crave those long runs. As a long distance runner myself I have learned that those who run long distance do not all do it the same. For me I have to have a new goal and a plan. I know plenty of runners who don't make plans or even race that often. I am not sure that there really is a right or wrong way. I personally believe in doing what works for you.

Now that we are in the new year its go time. My boss even asked me today... so what happens next. I told him next marathon up. I have just about 14 weeks until the Knoxville Marathon. I have never trained through the winter for a marathon but now its go time. Although I am nervous about the weather I feel confident that I can just push through. The holidays really got the best of me this year and so now is really a time to sit back, reflect and make a new plan. After how extremely difficult 2013 was for me I am not going to let any of that hold me back from getting back on plan. 

So the treck begins... I am excited and nervous about training for such a long distance through our brutal winter weather. The great part is that I am so lucky to have such a great running community to be part of. I have so many great running buddies and great events that I know I can push through. I am considering signning up for a half marathon about two weeks prior as a warm up... 

Out with 2013 and in with 2014

What a year... 2013 certainly has been a roller coaster for me. My running life has gone from amazing to injured. My personal life has had so many highs and lows... Now is the time I reflect on 2013 and look forward to a fresh start and a brand new YEAR!

2013 kicked off with me running the Running With the Irish 5K... a big time favorite in Northwest Indiana. This was part of my training for yet another half marathon. It was a very cold March Day but I finished the Holy Half Marathon!







Then I went from half marathon mode to training for  my first ever 50K! During my training the tragedy of the Boston Marathon occurred so I paid tribute the best way I knew how... Running 26.2 for Boston. Followed by another great race the County Line Orchard 10 Miler!

Followed by my first ever 50K! I still can't believe I completed a 50K! Tryon Farms 50K was a race I won't soon forget!



I followed up by 50K by headed up to the Big City for the Solider Field 10 Miler! What an amazing day that was!

I followed Solider Field with my 2nd Ragnar Relay...200 Miles of running from Wisconsin to Chicago!

A few weeks later I took the streets of Chicago with a big group of WOMEN for the Women's Half Marathon!

Of Course I had to throw in a few local summer races like the Friendship 5K and the Running with the Devils 5K where I set my 5K PR!

I even coached a few runners for the annual the Demotte Rotary Ramble and had a great time watching them finish! After that it was time to prep for Fall Marathon Season... I tackled 3 of them this fall!

I capped off my marathon training with the Ice Scream Half Marathon!

Then my major goal of 2013 was up! The Air Force Marathon where I set a marathon PR and ran with my running bestie!

Indianapolis Marathon in Lawrence Indiana-this is where I became injured and had to take off some time.

In between of course I had to run another local favorite Manda's Race.

Indianapolis Monumental where I set a course PR but not my marathon PR. I  also officially qualified as a marathon maniac!

Then I went on a vacation that included running! I ran with Jason for his first ever half marathon at the Rock & Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon!

I capped off November with the Pumpkin Plod and the Twisted Turkey half marathon.

No year would be complete without one more day of craziness so I ran the Huff 50K relay.










So 2013 is officially over today! What will 2014 bring?

I have my first major goal set in sights at the Knoxville Marathon. I hope to accomplish even more in 2014 if that is even possible but there is one thing I know  I will never stop finding something else to accomplish. If you dream it you can do it.




Watch this and find your dream for 2014!

http://youtu.be/O30oCasSoMc

Huff 50K Relay Recap

Back on a warm summer day I decided to coach through our local running store (Extra Mile) a team for the Huff 50K events. The owner Heather, a fellow running coach Barb and I began making plans. I had no idea so many local runners would be interested. We started training for the events back in October and once again I got to meet even more amazing Northwest Indiana runners. I had a great time learning about them and their running goals. Some of which surpass me in many running catagories. I hope hey enjoyed having me as a coach as much as I enjoyed running with them.

Friday we all made our way to Columbia City, Indiana where Extra Mile had a pasta dinner waiting for us. I am so glad we made the drive over Friday night. An early wake up call and drive over to the Chain O'Lakes State Park was where the race took place. We all made our way to the tent to begin prepping for our runs. Oh and of course taking some photos.

I decided from the beginning that I was not going to be in shape for the 50K so I decided to run he relay and watch the other runners. The relay started 10 minutes prior to the 50K. Since I was the third leg of my teams relay I had plenty of time to watch other runners and prep for my run. 

My relay teams first runner was Sue. After she took off we went to get warm for a bit. After about an hour 20 we went out to watch as so of relay people were coming across. Jason was on another relay team with friends Tim and Doug so Tim came across and I was able to see Jason  off on his run. 

Once Sue came across our 2nd runner Tammy was off on her way! 

Once Tammy took off we knew we had around 2 hours before it would be my turn. The best part about my team is none of us had run this race and all three of us just wanted to enjoy and have fun! Tammy used an app on her phone so we could track her. I went to the finish area wait for Jason to finish. Even though he got lost he did great. Then Jason was nice enough to wait with me so I could and be ready for Tammy. Once she came off I went. Since I was the third runner I heard plenty about the course from other runners. The course was getting more slick as the day went from mud. The weather was perfect this year so I was ready. Since many of the other runners warned me of certain hills I was ready. 

I took off as soon as Tammy crossed. Up the big hill and to the right I went. I look down at my watch once the initial burst war off. I was just over half a mile in and running at 8:30 pace. WOAH I though. I knew I needed to conserve. I finished mile one at 8:55 pace. Toward the end of mile one was when we entered into the woods and I knew I needed to conserve energy. I saw a few 50K runners and I said good job to them. Mile two was much more conservative at 9:58. During the third and forth miles there must have been some easier stretches because I finished at 9:34 and 9:34 paces.  I still was feeling good but trying not to push too hard. I was still trying to make sure I was giving kind words to every 50K runner I passed since there were so many. Somewhere around 4 there was water and so I took a quick sip and was back at it. Mile 5 I felt great and knew I was doing well since I was half way but still didn't want to push too hard and ended with a 9:37 pace. I knew from other runners this is where it could get hilly. They were right it did. The scenery was beautiful and I was loving every second of it. I ended mile 6 with a 9:51 pace. I pushed harder the next mile trying to make up some of what I lost the previous mile and I ended up with a 9:46 pace. I don't remember when th aid station was but mile 8 with a 9:45. When I hit the aid station between 8 or 9 I saw one of our 50k runners sitting. I had to make sure he as ok so as I was opening my gel I checked on Ron. He was hurting but sis he would see me at the finish. In the misted of talking to Ron I got turned around a ran the wrong way from the aid station and fortunately I only got about 100 feet and a volunteer yelled tow to turn around. I quickly recovered and said good lucks and great jobs to all the 50K runners who were leaving the aid station. Mile 9 was hard and trying. I thought I could handle the hills but they were tough. Between the aid station and the hills I finished mile 9 in 10:39. I tried to push really hard to kill mile 10 because I knew I was close. I was starting to feel the hills and the race. I could see and start to hear the finish line. Mile 10 came in at 10:04 the I really stated to push. The cheers from the crowd could be heard from a distance so I was kicking as hard as I could. .32 and I was done and my sprint was calculated to an 8:34 pace. My official finish time was 1:40:37 which I am really happy about!

This race was challenging but awesome! I had a blast watching others run and our team was so encouraging! We even placed 5th in the all women's division! Although I do know we got really lucky with the weather it was an awesome event no matter what. I am so proud of all of our teams who ran the relay and the full 50K! They all worked hard and it was such an amazing day! If you are ever looking to cap off your year of running with a bang then get out to the Huff 50K single loop, relay or 50K! Although the weather plays a major factor I don't think you could go wrong at the Huff! 

Get over the Hump and go again

Soooo I've kind of gotten blog lazzzzy again! Life has even great but busy!! However today I got thinking about my running and how winter running is not always easy. Some runners in fact one who is a frequent reader of my blog is passionate about just running no matter what. Me? Not so much... I don't always brave the run. Sometimes I hold back and sometimes give into a treadmill. I don't think either way is wrong or right. I just know running gives me a release and      restablishes me believing in me.

This afternoon I had a catch up meeting with my boss. Working at the Life networks has soooo many highs but my position also has lows. Today in our meeting we talked about only allowing the low very minimal time and diving right back in. Today I pulled this right into my run. My piriformis pain seems to have finally lightened to the point I have little pain. So I set out for 40 minutes which was all I had time for. I set it in my mind this was going to be a good run. 

It was. In fact one of the best runs I have had in weeks. So when you hit a bump in the road, have a bad run, or feel like something is bringing you down... Get up, dust yourself off and do it again. 

Besides what other sport do you sometimes get this view? 

Twisted Turkey Half Marathon Race Recap

Saturday I set out for the Twisted Turkey Trail Half Marathon. I got up had some breakfast and made my way to Imagination Glenn Park in Portage, Indiana. When I signed up for this race I kept telling myself my goal was to finish, not hurt myself and use it as prep for the Huff Relay on December 28th. I was excited to be able to cheer on my friends who were tackling the full marathon.

Tim and I going through the volleyball court

When we arrived at the park it was windy and chilly. I did not want to get out of the car. So I sat in the car until there was about 8 minutes to go. As we gathered at the start line many of us huddle together to stay warm. I said my good lucks to those running the full marathon. I met up with my friend Tim at the start line and was planning to run with him. Even though I knew he was going for the full distance I knew he would be
about my pace for me to run the half. They announced a few changes to the course because a tree had fallen and then we were off. We made our way around and back by the start line and they asked us to go through the sand volleyball court. (Photo courtesy of Derrick T) Then we quickly hit the near by iron-horse trail. This is where I spotted my boyfriend Jason was not far back. Tim said to me they are taking us to the dark side of the park first. So once we hit the trail Jason was right behind us. We twisted, turned, up and down. We hit the first aid station. All of us stopped for water. I took off first because I didn't want to drink too much.

Courtesy of Rosie!

Jason ended up right behind me as we headed back into the dark side of the trail. I tripped not long after this but my hands quickly caught me and Jason was right behind me to make sure I wasn't hurt. I was fine. It was just a small trip. This is when Chris one of the members of my team who is training for the Huff was behind us. I made sure to check how he was feeling and it was early so he was doing fine. I let Chris know to just say if he wanted to pass and I would let him. Chris, Jason and I stayed as a pack for a couple of miles. Up, down, around and around we went. My friend Sue heard my voice at one point and so I was able to say hey to her and another friend Tim. After the water stop I had lost Tim. I had really wanted to stay with him just for the company but I knew he had a plan because he was going for the full marathon. We hit a few more challenging parts of the trail and so Chris and then Jason ended up passing me. I was still feeling fine but I did not want to push myself too hard. I was focused on not hurting myself. A few more runners passed me and I was fine with that because I really just wanted to focus on my plan. I looked at my watch I was just before mile 6 and felt great.

My friend Aaron and a view of the last mile

We twisted and turned a few more time and then we were headed back out to the iron horse trail again. Since I knew there was water upcoming I went ahead and took my gel I had brought with me. I was also grabbed a sip of water from the volunteers. (Thank you Chrys, Jim and Steve!!) Then we headed back into the trails and this is where I caught up with a few of my running "peeps." They were setting a great pace for me to kick it up a notch toward the end. We hit the part near the parking lot and Todd from T&H timing saw me and asked if I was doing the half and I said yes... he told me about another mile. We followed along the tree line and back into the woods. I was still behind Marisol and Angelica. I was trying to push my pace since I knew we were almost done but it was hard to since you had to be careful to watch we were going the right way. When we came out of the woods and headed toward the finish Marisol and Angelica were able to kick it up a slight notch faster than me and I finished a few seconds after them.

2 hours 15 minutes and 31 seconds. Jason had finished about a minute and a half before me so he was awaiting me at the finish. I was actually pretty happy with this time. Although slightly disappointed when my watch only read 12.03 miles. Several runners who were already finished said they got something very similar. Although there could be many reasons for this my guess is that the course was at least slightly short.

Overall I highly recommend this race. Even though this was the first year and there were a few hiccups for race director Tom I think he did a great job. I do think there should have been a bit more water for the marathon runners who all seemed like they didn't get enough. The race is not easy or flat. However it is beautiful course. The trails are nice. I sometimes feel like you have to challenge yourself and this race will certainly do that. I told a few runners this race will make you appreciate all those "flat" and "easy" races. It certainly does that. I am also extremely proud of all of my friends and fellow runners who ran the full marathon. I cannot even imagine how hard that must have been. In the words of my friend Sue "I think I would rather have given birth again..." I think you could basically sum this event up with the quote... "If you doesn't challenge you it doesn't change you." We all need a good challenge & change and this is one I recommend.