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.

Be Positive

Today was one of those days when I looked at my Holiday Shred Workout and thought... yea I'll do that later. I was tired from the weekend. I wasn't feeling like anything was going my way. Then a chat from a coworker who said to me its a short weeks so lets kick this weeks butt. I sometimes forget to remind myself to just think positive and keep going. We often forget how hard it is to just be positive and believe good things are coming.

I decided to just push through the hard day and then hit the gym later on. The day ended up finishing with a pretty good amount of success and so toward the end of the day when my friend Tim asked me to meet him at the gym I thought wow this has been a great day.

I am not sure how excited Tim was to do Holiday Shred 2013 with me. He is a good friend though and I told him it would be a tough circuit and something different so he was on board.
Today was Week 2 Day 1 workout.
5 Rounds
10 Push ups, 10 Jump Squats, 10 tricep dips, 10 mountain climbers, 10 sit ups, 10 Frog Jumps


Tim and I killed it... we hit the treadmill for an easy 5K and called it a day. The run felt easy compared to the circuit but it makes me appreciate the run so much more. It is amazing how hard the strength or cross training can be. The good thing is that it helps you be a better runner. Running using every shred of your body. From your head to your feet and every where in between. So these tough workouts help me prepare for mental and physical toughness that some races put me through.

Another great workout and another day accomplished. Think positive and I promise positive things always happen. 

Training Continues

As the cold weather has come into Northwest Indiana I find there are still some runners who are willing to run. Yesterday as I was working my shift at the Extra Mile a man looked at me pretty funny when I told him I ran outside. Lets face it you are either willing to brave the weather or you aren't.


Today I went out and ran with some pretty awesome peeps! Before we got going everyone was saying why are we out here. During the run I mentioned to fellow runner Doug that we were starting to get some funny looks. For me there are days that I don't brave the run. I'm not willing to go outside when it is dangerously cold. However today was not one of those days. I find it so interesting what some are willing to do when it comes to the weather. My friend Sara and I have had this conversation many times. Sara prefers a really cold day over a really hot day. Jason however prefers the heat. It says he has a harder time breathing in the winter.

Training continues. Sometimes runners will say they aren't training for a particular race but they are still running. I am currently training for the next race up. Yesterday I officially committed to another marathon.

Am I crazy? Well yes, in fact I am Marathon Maniac # 7985. My friends Sue, Tim, Jeromy and I registered for a free entry to the Knoxville marathon while in Indianapolis. I said if one of you guys win I will sign up. Sure enjoy the luck Sue won! We did get a $10 off and so I got a fairly good deal on the race. So the next race is currently on my mind and there will be many many more days like today of me running and braving the run... So let me ask you this do you brave the run?

Rock & Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon Recap

When Jason and I booked our Las Vegas Vacation I did not plan on doing a race. It never even crossed my mind. Then when he suggested we run the half I was thrilled. I so appreciate that he supports my love of running. His idea of running is getting to the beer at the end. He only does the running for his health. Which I totally respect. There are so many different types of runners out there. Jason just isn't crazy like some of us. I told him once he started training and comitted to doing it that I would pace him to the finish. I know how much it has meant to me to have so many runners support me over the years so I was more than happy to help him. 

We arrived in Vegas on Wednesday and were able to enjoy the day. Thursday we also didn't really have much we had to do. Friday was packet pickup at the convention center. We wanted to get there early and get out. It was about a 3 mile walk from our hotel to the convetion center so we stopped about half way and ate breakfast. Then walked in. It was packed We picked up bibs, snaped a photo and even got a free gait analysis from Brooks. It was a relativly small expo. I say this because I have been the one in Chicago and its huge. This one had nothing on Chicago. 

The race was not until Sunday but the race provided some pre-race fun. Some of which we took advantage of somoe of which we did not. Sunday rolled around and we did what we normally do and decided to watch football. We had a great time in the Excalibur Sports bet area being able to watch all the games on all of their TVs. Since the race didn't start until 4:30 Jason and I both felt out of routine with what to eat. We ordered some pizza and ate that early so that we wouldn't be too hungry or too full by the time race rolled around. Around 2:30 we went up to our hotel to change clothes and prepare for the race. I ate a cliff bar and the race provided free pre-race bananas. Jason and I did get one but I think they were short. This always disapoints me. They provided a pre-race band so we listened to that for a bit and then hit the port a potties. They then had us head to our corrals. 

Jason and I were in the 19th corral and it was a delayed start per corral so it seemed to take forever to get up there. The corrals were very crowded. The photos above I took as we were waiting to get going. Once we hit the start line it was go time and SLOOOOOOOOW. The race starts by going south on Las Vegas Blvd. The streets are wide but it was really tough to get around the slower runners. I was so frustrated by the walkers and slow runners we were unable to dodge. All I tried to do was keep Jason focused on going. I missed the mile 1 marker but somwhere between 1 and 2 we turned around to head back north on Las Vegas Blvd. Around mile 2 I looked a my pace bracelet and we were exactly on track for the pace we wanted. After 2 miles I started to think maybe the crowd would thin out a bit... Boy was I wrong. As we were running north there was amazing crowd support and since it took about 30 minutes for our corral to get started it was already dark and all the lights of the city were on. Just around the 5K marker the path was smaller and so the crowd quickly picked back up. I was still trying to make it as much fun as possible. I would smile at Jason every time we met eyes and I made sure to talk to as many runners as possible and high five as many people on the streets. The next couple miles went by quickly but it slowed our pace because there were just so many runners to dodge. We passed by where the finish line was on the other side of Las Vegas Blvd and we caught a glimps of the half marthon winner coming in. 

Around mile 6 Jason said he was getting worried. That he had never made it past 7 miles without a break. I told him I was there with him no matter what but to just keep focused on staying with me as long as he could. At this point we were started to head into downtown Las Vegas. Around mile 8 he was really started to get worried. This is also when we started to make the detour through the residental streets and Jason had warned me that the race reviews said it would get dark. I had no idea how dark. I started to actually worry about not being able to see. If I ever run this again I would bring a light with me. This section does get very dark. Then we hit Fremont Street and it was much more well lit again. Around mile 9 Jason was started to really struggle so we slowed down. At mile 10 he needed a walk break so we walked. I just kept trying to tell him how great he was doing. I had  never paced anyone before but was really happy to be pacing him. Again at mile 11 we took a quick break. At one point Jason accidently drank gatorade instead of water and it really messed him up. So then we hit mile 12 and there was one more water stop. I thought I lost him but finally saw him behind me walkiing with his water. So I picked it up and pulled him into the finish. I grabbed his hand and pulled him into that finish. 2:04:26 he finished. 

When I say there are not enough words to say how proud of Jason I am there really aren't. Running is not his thing but he has always supported me and been there to see me finish. It was a very crowded race and I could tell all the dodging and weaving we had to do really wore on him late in the race. There was never a moment where we were not really dodging slower runners and walkers. I honestly feel so proud of Jason though. Running is not something that is easy or exactly fun for him but he does it. I have always had pride for myself as a runner but nothing beats being proud of someone you love so much. Overall my opinion of this race? The Good is that its a fun exprience you cannot get in small town Indiana, exciting, flat, easy course, great crowd support and a glow in the dark medal! The bad is that you need to try to get an early corral unless you plan to do what Jason and I had to do and dodge slow runners the entire time, its not cheap by any means, and the water stops seemed unorganized. There are many runners who read my blog and some of you know some of the top runners here in Northwest Indiana where I live. They would love this race most likely. Get a front or elite corral and go PR. Its a super easy and flat course. Overall I am so glad I was able to do this race and really truly enjoy it!

So Now What...

Since completing my 2013 goals I have been asked a lot over the last several days... So now what?

 For the first time in 2013 I feel relaxed to say... "Just a few races." This of course is laughable to my non runner friends. How can you cap off another amazing year? A year in which you set your mind to accomplish even higher heights and things you felt unimaginable...

50K-

Air Force Marathon with PR-

Indianapolis Marathon-

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon with better time than 2011-

Marathon Maniac-  

Maniac #7895

Inspire others Giving myself a check feels right because I hope it is true. Then I start to think about how my boss always talks about setting the bar even higher. I honestly never want this not to be my goal. I can only hope even if just one person makes the decision to go after their goals I've done something but really I know there is always more and I can keep going to get more and more!

In reality my next short term goal is the Rock N Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon. This will be the first time I ever run a race this distance to help someone else achieve a goal. I have run many half marathons since my running journey began. This will be the first time though I help someone else from start to finish. Of course lately I am starting to wonder weather I can keep up... So my goal is totally enjoy this race. I may even take my friend Tim theory of counting how many high-fives I can get in one race. I know there are runners whom I fully respect shaking their head at this theory... why because they are extremely awesome and competitive runners. I'm just not one of those. So I plan to fully enjoy this race and take in every single moment of it.

When I return from Las Vegas I will continue to prep myself for my spot on my Huff relay team. I am coaching some of those are totally awesome an want to tackle the entire 50K. As much as that sounds like an amazing experience this girl's body just needs a break.


Its almost the end of the year so I am also setting goals for 2013. Although my running circle tends to feel bigger and bigger every day I am still very loyal to a small group. I love them and enjoy the small circle I have with them inside my huge circle of running friends. I am thinking Michigan in the spring will be my next major goal. I have been telling myself since the end of 2012 that I want to attempt or try something new every year so I guess I better start figuring out what 2014 is really going to bring to me. In the mean time I am pretty happy that all of my 2013 goals have been accomplished.... at least so far.