A Weekend of Running for Meg

At the end of this week as most runners around the country did I signed up to dedicate a run to #megsmiles. A runner name Meg from the Richmond, Virginia area who was hit and killed by a drunk driver. For me this just meant sticking to my marathon training runs. This is the first winter I have ever trained for a marathon. So far it hasn't been terrible but it certainly has not been as easy as I thought.

Saturday I set out for my shorter of my two weekend runs. I knew with my first marathon of 2014 being in Tennessee I had to get in some harder and more hilly runs. I set out on a route in Chesterton, Indiana with a group of runners who were ready for challenging run dedicated to Meg.

Photo Courtesy of Tom Little and I'm the awkward cold girl...

I mostly ran with my friend Tim. He is great company and a beast of a runner. He is in training for another 50... seriously. He truly inspires me. The hills were not easy and 9.08 miles of running a hilly route was just what I needed. Although running with Tim the miles just flew by. I also kept in the back of my mind that the run was for someone who was no longer out on the roads. The sun felt great and the weather was really not as bad as I anticipated. 

Photo courtesy of Marie! (thanks Marie!)

Sunday another group of running friends and met at a local school since we once again received even more snow yesterday and our bike trail is not an option to run on. The fast boys took off and we told them to have fun. Then we set out for two miles and picked up our friends who wanted to run shorter. The wind running south was brutal. I was so cold. At times my hands hurt I was so cold. We ended up running about another 5.5 miles out through the town of Crown Point. After we made the turn the street was slick and the wind was absolutely brutal until we finally made the turn to head back north. The sun started to peek out and it felt so great to have the sun on my back and the wind at my back. It was like I got a sudden since of relief. Only 7 more miles I can do it. We ran all the way back into the square of town and some people split off who needed to go or wanted to run shorter. Three of us ran another block to McDonalds to try to unfreeze the water bottles. We started doing some circles around town. Then there were two of us. 3 miles to go... The snow was really starting to get to me. My left foot was starting to hurt from running on packed snow. We rounded a corner and popped into a Speedway. Warmth. It felt great to be able to catch my breath. Finally we decided ok back to the car we go. As we were running into the wind my friend Tim and I took turns blocking the wind for each other... block by block by block. As we started to approach where our cars were I started to watch the tenths of miles click by... As were about to the school parking lot I told Tim 17.60... we have to circle the parking lot... so we did. We dove into our cars and turned the heat on. Of course we got back out for a post run photo. 

It was the hardest 17 mile run I have ever run. I never quit. I never thought it wasn't possible. I just kept clicking on and did it. Thankful to Tim for sticking it out with me. 69 days in counting until Knoxville!!

I Love Running

A fellow runner in my local running community named Karen whom I have grown to know a little more recently often will shout who loves running? Karen's enthusiasm for running is so contagious. You cannot help but laugh or smile when you are out running with Karen.

Seriously she can crack you up!

Hi I'm Karen and I LOVE RUNNING

Sometimes though we need a little reminder that really... I do LOVE running. It doesn't matter with who, what, when, where or why we are running. Running is a sport about just going out and doing it. Often you don't need much. All you need is shoes and out the door you can go. I have seen some people recently who seem to have lost sight of what the running sport should be about... RUNNING. The best part is that there are so many places to run, people to run with or even ways you can run. You don't have to be a Ultra Marathoner to be a runner. You have to just go out the door put your feet to the ground and go. It doesn't matter why or how for long. For me I just love what it has done for me. After picking up the sport of running I have a found belief that truly anything in life could be possible.

Just like when I am training for a marathon.
I pick a race.
I set a training schedule.
I follow through with the training schedule to the best of my ability
I set out for the race. Sometimes I hit my goals and sometimes I don't... I always cross the finish line.

So tell me do you LOVE running?

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!