{#12} Alabama-Mercedes Marathon

Posted in 50 States, Travel by sneaksandstilettos

After hitting up Target and Starbucks for some rejuvenation after my half marathon in Georgia it was time to head to Alabama. I was surprisingly not tired and feeling great. The drive would take about two and a half hours. I stopped every hour to walk around and stretch my legs. Once I started to see more of these I knew I was close.
Before long I had reached the state line.

I checked into my hotel, took a shower, and got ready to do some exploring. The expo was right near the start of the race in downtown Birmingham at the Auditorium.

Packet pickup at the expo.

I found parking in a ramp and headed into the expo. The expo had some great merchandise, but I was able to bypass it all and head straight for my packet. The shirts we got were great; they also gave free gloves since the start of the race would be cold.

Packet pickup was a breeze. Leaving the parking ramp was not. There was not an attendant and the machine would not take my dollar bill. The only other cash I had was a twenty and some change, but not enough to make one dollar in quarters. As the cars piled up behind me and my stupid dollar bill refused to be accepted, I threw some curse words out in case that might help. I’ve found it rarely improves the situation, but makes me feel like I have some control I suppose. I had no choice but to squeeze myself out a very small opening in the driver car door and ask the car behind me if they had quarters for my dollar. I felt really stupid. Then I remembered, I will NEVER see these people again! Crisis averted.

Next on my list was to head to The Summit which I had heard had great shopping and places to eat. I can tell how to get to most shopping centers in major cities once I’ve been there at least once. Add The Summit to my list. This both annoys and irritates my husband, but I can’t help the skills I possess.

I had wanted to buy a new pair of shorts for some time from Lululemon, but since the nearest one is in Madison (this is good, I
just haven’t made it there yet) and I despise their return policy with internet orders, I thought what better night than tonight. I had decided to wear shorts to the race the following morning, but hadn’t packed any. It would be in the 30’s, but it would be warmer towards the end. So I headed to Lululemon and bought a pair of shorts. I am sort of seeing if my husband reads any of these posts by putting this paragraph in my post. He won’t like to read it, but this is a test. Please don’t throw me under the bus with the shorts. I don’t mind if he doesn’t read it-I’m just checking.

I had seen a Pinkberry a few stores down and knew I had to stop there. I had some amazing frozen yogurt with strawberries and raspberries on top. The cutest little kid kept running over and trying to sit on my lap. It was very entertaining. From there I went to California Pizza Kitchen to place a to go order. The place was absolutely packed; a person could hardly move in there. I wanted pasta though, so it was worth the wait and I had never eaten there before. I tried the Tomato Basil Spaghettini with Grilled Chicken. It was great.

While eating in my hotel room I lucked out and caught the Beyonce documentary-Life is but a Dream. It was part documentary and part video diary. Ever since the Super Bowl, I’ve been intrigued by her and I loved the documentary. It helped motivate me because I run the world-well, my gender does, so close enough.

With the alarm set for 5:45 I was off to dream a little dream. The next morning my legs felt good. They were not stiff or sore. Perhaps my quads a bit. I stuck with my choice to wear shorts even though I felt unsure. I didn’t give myself extra time to decide. Parking was not so great and I ended up making my own parking spot and jogging to the start. I visited the restroom as the starting gun was going off. I was running for fun today so I felt stress free. I was one of the only people in shorts, but then many of these people are not from Wisconsin.

The goal today was to run near a 9:00 minute mile pace (under four hours) so I would be able to easily finish. I had never ran a double and did not train for a double weekend. The first miles were like many races-filled with adrenaline, uncertainty, and excitement. My legs were cold, but excited to be free from pants and capris. I had on a stocking hat over a headband, gloves, and a throw away long sleeve shirt. I also was wearing my life savers, aka, my compression socks. I love these!

Love me some compression socks. They speed recovery and boost blood flow.

By mile 5, I could feel that my legs didn’t feel fresh and I was having trouble keeping my pace even. This made me nervous, but since they didn’t hurt I wasn’t too concerned.

mile 1-9:02

mile 2-7:50

mile 3-10:09

mile 4-8:45

mile 5-9:14

As I turned the corner approaching mile 6, I noticed the church parking lots full of spectators with their own water stations set up. They were so generous. At mile 6 I was actually handed my water by a baptist preacher in full preacher attire. This is how you know you are south. Baptist preachers don’t generally hand out water at their church’s water stop on a Sunday morning race.

Speaking of preachers, running is often when I feel the most spiritual. Something about pushing yourself to a certain pain level makes things around you seem more clear. I see the best in others as people cheer for complete strangers, volunteer their time, support loved ones, raise money for charity, and offer their bodies in the memory or support for another person or organization. In our busy world with crime-filled headlines on the news each day, running marathons and seeing the kindness and unity of others together is a treasured, and what I call spiritual awakening. Certain amounts of pain are also humbling and make one very aware of their need for their loved ones and people in their lives. I felt this with a great strength on this Sunday morning. Perhaps running a mile for someone who inspired and supported me made the experience all the more magical.

mile 6-8:52

mile 7-9:37

mile 8-8:35

mile 9-9:06

mile 10-8:55

Not only were the preachers out on the race course, but streets are named after them, too.

Tons of police were at every intersection. Many streets were not closed, and hundreds of police helped keep runners safe at intersections. The water stops were especially well run and people were so incredibly helpful and kind. There wasn’t any sweet tea at the waters stops which I’d expected since they were always asking if you wanted it at restaurants.

Birmingham was so friendly that farmer blowing is common practice. I’ve always prided myself on this skill I have, yet feel embarrassed to do it in the company of others. On this Sunday morning there were many people out their clearing their nasal passages-me included. I was so excited to not be alone.

It was around mile 11 that the weather started to warm up. I was grateful to have put on shorts that morning. As we neared mile 13 I knew my legs were getting tired. It was as I came up on mile 12.5 that I got some extra motivation. At the exact moment I passed a police SUV with all of its doors wide open I heard “in the woods of Wisconsin” (Red Hot Chili Peppers-Around the World) blasting from the vehicle. What a motivational boost. I was pumped.

mile 11-8:37

mile 12-9:15

mile 13-10:12

Half way point!

During the second half of the race I began thinking about what it would have been like to run down these streets 50 years earlier. I thought about how the world was so different 50 years ago, especially in Birmingham. The civil rights movement was in swing and Marin Luther King Jr. had been jailed where he wrote “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”. It was in Birmingham that four young girls were killed while at Sunday school and riots erupted as a result. It was strange and surreal to run down the streets of Birmingham and imagine this unimaginable world.

After the race, I saw these signs and realized 2013 is the 50 year celebration of civil rights in Birmingham.

As the miles ticked by I continued to take in my surroundings. Some were sad and hopeful like the thoughts of Birmingham 50 years ago. Others were funny. Many were of people in my lives.

mile 14-9:40

mile 15-8:58

mile 16-8:30

mile 17-9:22

mile 18-10:02

Around mile 18, there was a family cheering on the side of the course. The daughter who appeared to be four was screaming and crying her head off. Her mother stated to runners passing by that her daughter was simply feeling our pain. I laughed out loud at her statement.

mile 19-8:49

mile 20-8:51

mile 21-11:56

mile 22-9:28

mile 23-8:38

As the miles to go went down in number and finally reached single digits, my legs were grateful. They were definitely losing steam with each passing mile. I took hope in the sunny skies as my skin celebrated the vitamin D. I felt overjoyed at the sight of green grass and the sounds of chirping birds. Winter has seemed to be going on forever in Wisconsin. On that Sunday morning I smelled it! I smelled spring again! It filled me with hope and put a smile on my face.

mile 24-9:17

At mile 25, one of my favorite current songs came on-Thrift Shop. This gave me an added boost to get my butt moving. After this song was the final stretch.

mile 25-8:18

The final stretch means it is time to buckle down and just go. Forget the pain. Forget the deadness in your legs. Just move it. As Thrift Shop came to an end, Eminem-‘Till I Collapse came on like clockwork.

‘Cause sometimes you just feel tired,
Feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
And just pull that **** out of you and get that motivation to not give up
And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.

Perfect for the final stretch!

mile 26-7:51

Mile 26.2-3:53:54

I felt so happy to be done. I felt so proud to have completed my double. The weather was in the 50’s, the sun was shining, and I was done.

I accepted my finisher’s medal and then my finisher’s hat (did I mention they spoil runners at this race) and did some stretching in the park at the finish.

Likely the closest I’ll get to owning something with a Mercedes Benz ornament on it.

After stretching, I did some exploring around the park.

Then it was time to get some free food at the post race party. They had unlimited free beer, too!

The food was amazing!

It was then time to say good bye to the city of Birmingham.

I headed back to my hotel to shower and pack up before my afternoon flight. As I reflected (literally and figuratively), I was proud and excited to have completed both races and not feel terrible. I know there will be more double weekends in my future.

Mercedes Marathon
Time: 3:53:52
Pace: 8:55
Overall: 333/992
Gender: 87/358
Age: 13/39

2Mar2013

{a love/hate relationship}

Posted in Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

Running is both a hobby and a passion of mine. I love running. Still, it often seems like a love/hate relationship. There are days when I love running and I can’t wait to be outside with my feet hitting the pavement-just me and the outdoors (and maybe some uplifting music).

Then there are days when I make excuses, drag my feet, justify (I can justify almost anything especially if it is about shopping-just ask my husband), and make choices that make running not an option. I’d be lying if I said I always want to run and look forward to runs. Especially on cold, dark winter nights. Especially on February 28th when it has been cold, dark, and winter for months now. Most of those days I still go for a run. The reality is when I’m done I’m so glad I went. There are no excuses or justifications that can make that untrue. In the end I love running more than I hate running.

Today while making up a snow day at tech camp for school, I was introduced to Google Storybuilder. The only story I could think of practicing with was between myself and running. Because I’m sure I’m not the only person with days like these, click the link to “hear” the conversations between me and running on days when I don’t feel like running. On those days you don’t want to run remember this story. It has a happy ending.

http://goo.gl/bjOCN

1Mar2013

{Spring races are coming…}

Posted in Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

Just signed up for the newly named Grandad Half Marathon! Registration prices for the events go up tonight at 12:00 a.m., so register now.

This race is nostalgic for me for two reason. One, this was my first half marathon EVER! I can still remember the beautiful route from Trempealeau to Onalaska along with all the emotions of my first long distance race. Two, the race takes place in a city filled with so many memories. I spent my college years (all five of them, well, I guess you could say eight of them if you count my master’s) falling in love with my husband, building friendships old and new, traveling 3rd street (bars), and running its trails. I suppose I did some studying while there, too.

I’ve done this race every year in some format since 2008. I’ve ran the half marathon numerous times and done the marathon relay with my husband. What can I say, I love running and I love La Crosse! You might say the company in La Crosse isn’t too bad either. Here’s to nostalgia!

Just the beginning…my future husband and I-September 2002

Sadly, I wish I had a few friend photos to post from the early days, but alas those photo albums are put away. I mean there wasn’t Facebook back then folks.

Alabama-State #12 post to come soon!

22Feb2013

{#11} Georgia-Run the Reagan 1/2 Marathon

Posted in 50 States by sneaksandstilettos

In an effort to continue running races in new states and use up a plane ticket voucher that would expire in April, I scheduled a second and third race four weeks after my marathon in Arizona. Since I had never attempted two races in two days, or ran any distance after running a half marathon this would be my first attempt at a double weekend. I was nervous to say the least. Making me even more nervous was the fact that life got busy and winter weather was uncooperative, so the longest run I did in between Arizona and Georgia was 8.5 miles. I know that to accomplish my goal of 50 marathons in 50 states I will likely have several weekends of double races in my future.

My first race of my double weekend was the Run the Reagan Half Marathon on Saturday. This half marathon was in Snellville, Georgia, a town of about 18,000 people outside of Atlanta. I flew from Madison to Birmingham, Alabama late Friday afternoon.

Every time I fly I am reminded of how much I love the feeling of the moment when the wheels lift off the ground. The feeling of going somewhere! To top off the feeling is my love for Delta’s biscoff cookies! They always remind me of eating windmill cookies as a child and the windmills my grandpa used to make in his workshop.

The only thing bringing me out of my biscoff euphoria was the guy sitting next to me on the plane blasting Evil Woman and ordering double Jack and Cokes. His only break from the drinks was during his nap which involved loud, head back, open-mouthed snoring. As soon as he woke up, it was back to the Jack and Cokes. He left his music device filled with woman hater music on his seat as he staggered off the plane. Rest assured, I did the right thing and returned it to him. I guess it could have been worse; he could have slapped a baby.

I arrived in Birmingham at 9:15 pm and headed to the rental car lot to pick up my rental vehicle. By 9:45 I was on the road. Apparently, Alabama shares a season with us called road construction. They also change the speed limits on the interstates and highways often. It must be like a game for them. During my two and a half hour drive the speed limit varied between 45, 55, 60, 65, 70 and back and forth and back and forth. Adding to my dismay was the realization that Alabama was not in the Eastern Time Zone rather it was in the central time zone. I would be arriving at my hotel in Georgia not at 12:30 am as I had planned, but 1:30 am. One hour of sleep lost. I arrived at my hotel at 1:30 am and was in bed by 2:15. Five hours later my alarm went off.

As some of you may have heard on the Weather Channel’s locals on the 8’s, (why I like to watch this even when at home I don’t know) most of the eastern part of the nation has been experiencing a cold front. In Georgia this means lows in the 30’s and high’s in the 50’s. I dressed in my lighter winter running gear and headed to Snellville, a 15 minute drive. Upon arriving to the start of the race, I picked up my race packet and headed to the starting line.

The race course was an out and back route with rolling hills the entire route. The race took place on Ronald Reagan Parkway, hence the name Run the Reagan. The race is a smaller race with almost no fans, but good race support. The route was not anything special or interesting to look like. The goal for the day was to take it easy and keep it feeling easy. I wanted to finish the race and not feel overly tired or sore later. I kept my pace comfortable throughout the entire race.

mile 1-8:33

mile 2-8:25

mile 3-8:35

mile 4-8:31

mile 5-9:58 (bathroom stop)

mile 6-8:46

mile 7-8:41

By mile eight I had started to get warm. By mile nine I was hot! The sun had come out in full force and I was dressed too warm. That always seems to happen to me. I fear being cold and overdress. No matter how many runs I do in different weather I seem to always question how to dress.

mile 8-8:46

mile 9-8:47

mile 10-8:37

mile 11-8:50

mile 12-8:50

mile 13-8:46

mile .1-7:35

I came across the finish feeling strong. I did some stretching and headed to the Target and Starbucks nearby. I tried their new Vanilla Spice Latte, which I would recommend. =)…Love!

Vanilla Spice Latte

Then it was time to hit the road for my two and a half hour drive back to Sweet Home Alabama for the Mercedes Marathon.

Race Photo Link http://spotted.gwinnettdailypost.com/photos/index.php?id=278788&size=large

Run the Reagan Half Marathon
Time: 1:54:42
Pace: 8:46
Overall: 133/349
Gender: 34/165
Age: 7/31

17Feb2013

{Motivation}

Posted in Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

As I finish putting my race gear together for my second race this weekend, I decided to pull some extra motivation from an idea I’d read about some time ago. Tomorrow I will run my race and dedicate each mile to someone in my life who has been an inspiration, a support, made an impact, or been there for me throughout the years. These inspirations will help carry me the last 26.2 miles of my double weekend. So…if you feel your ears ringing tomorrow, you know why!

Race reports to come!

30Jan2013

{2013-Goals}

Posted in Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

Perfect day to set some goals!

So, I’m a little behind in setting these. It’s not that I wasn’t thinking about them. In fact, I’ve been thinking about them like crazy. I just haven’t had the chance to put them down until today’s snow day. I don’t believe in resolutions, but I do believe in making goals and working to accomplish them no matter the time of year. Most of these goals involve fitness and running, but not all.

1) Cross train at least one day a week. I finally signed up for that spinning class I’ve wanted to do, but always said I was too busy for. Who’s busy at 5:15 a.m. any way? At least I’ll have somebody to do it with. Nothing motivates like a workout buddy.

2) Beat my yearly half marathon number. Last year I ran 4. This year I’d like to run at least 5.

3) Explore local races I’ve never done before. There are many hidden gems out there. I like using the website Running in the USA to find races from 5k to marathons by state and date.

4) Continue lifting one to two times per week. I don’t like doing it, but I like it after.

5) Do bodyfit five days a week. It is 12 minutes. Everybody has 12 minutes in their day. Stop making excuses!

6) Complete my double weekend (1/2 marathon and full marathon on Sat. and Sun.) in February with minimal setback in training.

7) Start making smoothies with veggies and fruits.

8) Read more.

And the one I’ve been going back and forth about. To be honest, I’m just not sure about #9. Do I have the heart to take on another high milage and intense training cycle? Do I want to put in the time it takes to run fast and long? I guess we will find out.

9) Qualify for Boston.

10) Enjoy the simple things.

What are your goals this year? Do you want to finish your first 5k? Set a personal best in a certain distance? Commit to walking four days a week? Whatever they are write them down and go for it. We can all do more than we think we can if we just begin! Putting your goals on paper and sharing them is the first step in reaching them. So go grab a pencil or sign up for that race!

28Jan2013

{#10} Arizona-RnR Arizona Marathon-January 2013

Posted in 50 States, Race Reports by sneaksandstilettos

State #10

So I actually made a sign for #10, and then forgot to have Ryan take a picture of me before he left to get us lunch…hence the mirror photo.

Going into state number ten, I was really looking forward to the warm weather and where this training cycle’s efforts would take me. I had never trained as hard for a race as I had for this race. It was both exciting and scary. What if I worked this hard and I didn’t see results? What if I didn’t accomplish my A, B, or C goals? I felt very confident going into the race, but also very unsure. Training in the winter snow and freezing temperatures tends to slow paces and complicate speed work. The past month my training paces had slowed due to ice and snow on the roads and sidewalks. Even though my effort level felt greater than previous winter runs, my paces just said SLOW. When I ran inside to try to do my weekly speed sessions I was able to maintain the increased paces my training plan called for, but it didn’t feel as easy as I thought it should. I had put in more milage than ever before, around 520 miles, training for this race.

Ryan kept telling me I was in great shapes. He said I had trained harder than ever before and was confident in my ability. I discussed my goals with him and he thought they were all attainable. C goal-beat my old PR (3:47:35), B goal-3:40 or faster, and A goal 3:35 or faster (qualify for Boston). I was prepared that my A goal would take a perfect day…great weather, entertaining course, feeling good. I knew the weather was going to be much warmer than what it had been in Wisconsin, which would make it feel warmer than the temperatures actually were. I was looking forward to the warm temps after the race, but not during.

Race morning came and I had my typical bagel for breakfast. I was nervous, but not as bad as I had expected. Ryan drove me to the start and let me out a few blocks away. As miracle would have it, the Phoenix Convention Center doors were open and the bathrooms were empty! I hate having to wait in line before a race fearing you won’t get to the bathroom before the gun goes off. This time no worries.

I found my corral and had decided a week or two before that I would do something I had never done before a race and had always thought insane before a marathon, warm up! I’ve always thought 26.2 miles was plenty; why would you want to warm up for that. I’d always used the first few miles for that. The problem was I knew if I wanted to get faster, I couldn’t use those first 3-5 miles to warm up. I needed to be on pace from the start, so I took off on a warm up followed by dynamic stretching. Look at me practicing what I preach. The other coach I coach track with and I are always getting on the kids to warm up properly before their track events. Until this day, I’d been quite the hypocrite! Looking at my time, I guess it does make a difference. But that is getting ahead of the race recap.

I lined up with the 3:40 pace group. My race strategy was to run with the 3:40 pace group until mile 13-18 depending on how I felt and then break away. Marathon research says it is best to run a steady pace throughout the entire race. With glycogen depletion and fatigue, the body usually slows by a certain percentage in the second half. I know myself though, I always run the second half faster than the first. I’m a negative split runner. I couldn’t stray completely from what I’ve always done. Today I just had to run the first half faster than normal, and still run the second half faster. Today was a leave it all out on the course day. I didn’t want to have anything left in the tank when I crossed the finish line. I did make a mental note that I felt sort of hungry. Was that bagel enough?

Course map!

During the first miles it was hard to stay with the 3:4o pace group. The temperatures were in the upper 40’s and lower 50’s and my legs felt awesome. I wanted to go faster. Around mile 3 or 4 I decided to go slightly ahead of the 3:40 pace group so that if I was to start to slow down, they would come up behind me and I’d know it was time to get moving! I wanted to run the first half of the race using as little mental energy as possible. I knew the lasts miles would hurt and I would need to use my mental powers to stay focused and keep my pace. My splits from my Garmin.

mile 1-8:02

mile 2-8:09

mile 3-8:20

My new RnR Arizona Marathon playlist was helping the miles tick by in no time. Running towards the mountains and the palm trees were extremely helpful, too. Not running in cold and darkness might have had a positive impact on the mental state and running mindset as well. Early on though I noticed as every four miles came by and I took another GU, I felt like I needed the GU. My muscles were hungry. I decided to start my GU’s at mile 4 instead of my usual mile 5. As soon as I took my GU I would forget about it, for now anyway. I came through the 5k in 25:38 and the 10k in 51:42.

mile 4-8:21 (GU)

mile 5-8:23

mile 6-8:19

mile 7-8:20

mile 8-8:21 (GU)

mile 9-8:12

I’m in pink! Loved the scenic views on this course.

Ryan was playing #1 fan and photographer. I saw him near mile 9 and then he was at the half marathon, but I didn’t hear or see him. He has the photos to prove it.

mile 10-8:17

mile 11-8:20

mile 12-8:18 (GU)

mile 13-8:00

Halfway!

I came through the half faster than any race before, and it was my second fastest 13.1 miles ever at 1:48:43. I was encouraged by this time. I was also feeling like it had been a jog in the park so far. I decided I would pick up the pace for now. I was confident, but also nervous. 13 miles is still a ways to go. I could crash and burn, but I had to take the chance.

Mile 13 began an out and back portion of the race. I enjoy out and backs at times because you know exactly where you are and it is fun the see the fast and elite runners. I’m always awed and humbled by the winners and elites of the race. How people can run 5:00 minute miles for 26.2 miles is beyond me. Watching them run by is both entertaining and a distraction from what I’m doing.

mile 14-8:04

mile 15-8:16

mile 16-8:03 (turnaround of out and back and GU)

Around mile 17, I knew it would be a challenge to hold on until the end. I decided to keep my pace up while I was still feeling ok and hope to hold on in the final miles. I saw a Marine running in front of me and kept telling myself to stay with the marine, stay with the marine, stay with the marine. Soon he looked like he was struggling though and I knew I needed to pass him.

mile 17-8:05

mile 18-8:10

mile 19-8:03

The left turn after mile 19 mile marker.

Right after the mile 19 mile marker we made a left turn. Once you hit mile 20 this is when the real race begins. The first 20 are nothing in a marathon. It is all about mile 20 and on. I was getting tired, but told myself to just hold on, just hold on, you are on pace for a BQ (Boston qualifier). I knew I had to keep the pace. If I had a slow mile I would likely not be able to make up the time. Just hold on. As I said this, I noticed the temperatures were warming. I hate hot weather running. Just hold on!

mile 20-7:52 (GU)

mile 21-7:58

mile 22-8:01

Mile 23 was my demise. I fell apart. I just could not hold on. I felt like someone had strapped a 75 pound pack on my back and was making me run through snow up to my knees. I just couldn’t hold on. I felt defeated, but told myself to just keep moving forward. Put one foot in front of the other…It is funny the mantras we repeat to ourselves to keep our bodies moving in a forward motion.

I took my GU at mile 24 and I began to feel more energy. My glycogen was gone. That hunger from the start of the race was kicking my butt.

mile 23-9:07 (ugghhh!!)

mile 24-8:43 (GU)

I knew I wasn’t going to be able to meet my A goal. I decided to hang on and run as fast as I could manage until the end. I was hurting and then there were the only hills in the race. Runners next to me were swearing under their breath asking if we really had to run up that *&%#ing hill. I didn’t say it outloud, but I was thinking it. And yes, we did.

mile 25-8:38

The last two miles were hard. There were small hills, but the only for the flat course. There was no spectator support until the very end. Those were the hardest miles. I just wanted to be done.

mile 26-7:55

I saw the finish and was ~~happy~~ ecstatic with my time even though it was not my A goal.

mile .2-7:38 (Garmin said I ran 26. 31 miles)

Ryan sneaking up on me!

I ran in the 3:30’s-YES!

I knew that I had bonked at mile 23 and mile 24. Had that not happened, then I would have accomplished my A goal. I also knew I left it all on the course. I had nothing left that day. I was 1:36 from my A goal and qualifying, but I had blown away my B and C goals. I was 90% excited and 10% bummed. I had ran a negative split by about a minute (1:48:43-1st half and 1:47:53-2nd half). Next time, I hope to fuel better in the days before my race and the morning of. I hope to not finish in temperatures in the 60’s. I will run the tangents. I will train harder. There will always be another race. And I now have a renewed sense of determination! I will accomplish my A goal!

I loved this course and getting out of the winter weather. I always love the concerts at the finish of Rock n’ Roll races, too. Andy Grammer was great! After all PR’s or failures…you got to keep your head up! (Andy Grammer-Got to Keep Your Head Up). It is amazing what a weekend away can do to rejuvenate the soul!

My support “coach”!

Enjoying the beautiful ASU campus and the glory of a new PR!

Fun medal!

RnR Arizona Marathon
Time: 3:36:36 (Garmin said 3:36:38/26.31 miles)
Pace: 8:16 (Garmin 8:14)
Overall: 444/3226
Gender: 94/1374
AG: 22/226

28Jan2013

Arizona Non-Running Post

Posted in Travel by sneaksandstilettos

Sun and fun!

I was nervous all week going into the race. I started hydrating at the start of the week, tried to keep my distance from the sick kids at school, and unsuccessfully tried to get to bed early. If you live in our house that is a joke! Every morning we talk about going to bed earlier and every night it doesn’t happen. Oh, well! The week went by and Friday came. I ran my last run before Sundays big day Friday after school. It didn’t give me any extra confidence as I felt my shin hurting, but running next to Ryan did. He reassured me many times.

After our run I got packing and we left around 9:30 p.m. for our hotel in the cities. Of course it was going to be late when we arrived. We never seem to get anywhere early when a race in coming. We checked in our 11:45 p.m. and were in bed around 1:00 a.m. with alarms set for 6:15 a.m . to head to the airport. Our flight left at 9:00 a.m. Not the full night of restful sleep I was looking for, but I am rather accustomed to lack of sleep when it comes to running races. Thank goodness for adrenaline and caffeine.

Our flight was overbooked, but luckily we did not get bumped. We arrived in sunny Phoenix at 11:30 a.m. and headed to pick up our rental car. From there we went to the expo to pick up my packet and switch corrals. When I originally signed up for this race I wasn’t sure how seriously I would take winter training and predicted my time to be under 4:00 hours. Now that I had trained hard, I wanted to move up my predicted time, so I wouldn’t have to weave and fight through as many runners at the start. I moved to the 3:40 corral. At the expo I bought a new shirt, tried some yummy frozen yogurt, and then we headed outdoors to walk around the Cityscape area of Phoenix to soak up the sun.

RnR Arizona Marathon Expo

After a walk around downtown, it was time to head to our hot air balloon ride!

Cityscape Phoenix

We were both excited, and Ryan scared. It was gorgeous and entertaining. We got to watch the balloons be inflated, take off, and then it was our turn! We were in the air for around an hour. We went up and got to enjoy scenic views of the mountains and desert landscape. We dipped down to see more desert terrain and then headed up again. The heat from the gas was hot! The weather was perfect though.

The only scary part to me was the landing. I had imagined that the balloons would just gently land the bottom of the basket on the ground. So not the case! We came in sideways and hit several small trees to slow us down. The balloon captain told us he thought we would probably tip over and some of us might fall out of the basket . We were told to get down and put our hands inside the basket. I was freaking out with thoughts of being ejected from the basket. Mid-freak out, the edge of our basket hit the ground, and we were bounced back in the air, hit the ground again, and bounced back up. We then proceeded to skid along the ground with the basket at a 45 degree angle. We stopped on the edge of our basket and then used our body weight to keep the basket from tipping over.

Our landing streak!

I was relieved to not have left the basket during the landing. We then enjoyed a champagne toast and a snack while the sun began to set over the desert. I was happy to check this item off from my bucket list!

The next morning was race morning, which I will discuss in the next post.

After the race I was shockingly not tired. I didn’t even nap or rest. We grabbed Subway for lunch, I took a shower, and we were headed out to hike Camelback Mountain. My legs were tired, but I really wanted to hike this 3000 foot mountain. The views I’d seen online looked amazing. I will say I was not expecting the steepness and lack of an actual trail. I didn’t know we would be climbing up rocks, but it was beautiful and so worth it. I knew my legs would pay for it the next day, and I was so right.

Camelback Mountain

Hiking up 3000 ft!

Worth the work!

That night we had dinner at a mexican restaurant a high school friend who lives in Phoenix recommended. It was amazing. The blue corn enchiladas and spicy, spicy salsa were perfect after a hard days work!

Blue corn enchiladas-YUM!

The next day we visited the Desert Botanical Gardens. Having spent almost no part of my life in desert environment, I was both intrigued and awed by its uniqueness. I had a grand time learning about the desert flora and fauna, and photographing its unsuspecting beauty. The 77 degree temperatures were the icing on the cake.

Desert Botanical Gardens

and the kick is good!

Ryan and I had a great time! The gorgeous weather and finally feeling the sun on our shoulders certainly helped, too! Oh, how I’ve missed the vitamin D!

15Jan2013

What is GU?

Posted in Products I love! by sneaksandstilettos

One of my new favorite flavors of GU that got through my December long runs with holiday cheer!

One of my new favorite flavors of GU that got me through my December long runs with holiday cheer!

Over the weekend I had a couple people who read about “GU” in my blog ask me what it is. Basically it is simple carbohydrates in a goo-like format that are delivered to muscles within minutes of ingesting the material. GU is my favorite fueling method while running a marathon because it is easy to digest, fast to supply the body with energy, and comes in a wide variety flavors. Some of my favorite GU flavors include strawberry banana, mandarin orange, lemon lime, chocolate, vanilla bean, expresso, peanut butter, and peppermint stick.

There is a ton of science behind running nutrition and ratios of carbs, protein, and fats to eat, however carbs remain runners’ favorites for a couple of reasons. First of all, runners burn a mixture of mostly carbohydrates and only some fats while running. Participating in endurance events usually requires runners to take in additional carbohydrates as they run to prevent the dreaded depletion of glycogen stored in muscles. Glycogen is stored in muscles and when converted to glucose provides energy to muscle cells. When glycogen runs out so does a runner’s ability to maintain paces and mental focus (i.e. energy!).

Secondly, the quicker your pace when running the more carbs you burn because carbs are a more efficient energy source for the human body. Eventually if glycogen is depleted the body will try to run itself off of fat, which is not its preferred source of energy. This results in what runners and cyclists call “hitting the wall” or “bonking”. This can lead to extreme muscle fatigue and horror stories of people collapsing while running, being carried off the course, or having their uterus fall out.

Just kidding on the last one although women were not allowed to run marathons until the 1970’s for this last reason. The first women’s Olympic marathon event wasn’t even allowed until 1984 (men started running this event in 1896)!

Hope the little lesson helps!

8Jan2013

Tyranena Half Marathon-November 2012

Posted in Race Reports by sneaksandstilettos

Tyranena Half Barrel Race (13.1 miles)

When I saw this race on http://www.runningintheusa.com, I knew it was perfect for us. It combines two things I love-running and beer! Ryan and I both love trying new beers! Race day turned out to be a cool and refreshing fall day, and one of the last half marathons of the year in Wisconsin. The start was at 11:00, which was different than I’m used to, but it gave the temps time to rise a bit. Packet pickup was a breeze, and we had free beer tickets waiting for us when we were done. I was super excited to try the Painted Lady Pumpkin Spice Ale because I love all things pumpkin. If only they made pumpkin GU!

The race was a smaller race in Lake Mills, which was perfect for the weekend. We lined up near the back and were off. The course was unique, challenging, and scenic. The first mile starts in town and then the course took us around Rock Lake in miles 2-8. This part of the course had rolling hills with views of the lake. Around mile 4 the asphalt turned to gravel and continued for most of the next 6 miles. The trails were scenic and a nice change of pace, but after a while the gravel became quite challenging to run in. By mile 10 my hips were tired and getting soar. Ryan was doing great, but agreed the gravel was an added challenge.

Mile ten gave our muscles a break and we headed back into town. With a few hills to go we were nearing the finish. Both of us felt good about the race, but agreed it was not a flat course. We could feel the hills, but they were worth the unique course, scenic trails, and free local beer at the finish. I would highly recommend this race! Both of us enjoyed the scenic course, organization, and free beer. I envision us doing this race again! It does sell out, so we will have to continue to register early (http://www.tyranena.com/beerrun/).

After the finish, we grabbed our free meal and beer tickets and headed to the heated tent. We had planned to meet one of my high school friends and her husband who also ran that day. We spent the next couple hours eating, trying new beers, and catching up with them. Six packs were on sale if you bought them from the race, but by the time we headed over to the tent, there was only an IPA left. We stopped at the local Kwik Trip before heading out of town and found they carried several of their brews. We bought a few that we had liked including my two favorites Painted Lady Pumpkin Spice Ale and Three Beaches Honey Blonde. Ryan loved the Headless Man Amber Ale, so we purchased some of this too. For more flavors, visit http://www.tyranena.com/.