A Rachel On the Run

Running to Nowhere

2011-02-09T10:21:00.000-06:00

Running is probably one of the only things that I can give myself credit for lately. Usually I leave these sort of conversations for my "Ramblings of Rachel" blog but honestly that blog is dead and I need to do some venting.

I should just say that I've been exercising regurarly. Not neccesarily running. Although, I do try to at least get a mile in during every workout. I did start some strength training that really seems to help my running along as well. I've been trying out new classes (zumba, dancing, cycling) and new machines in the gym. I love my gym time.

I don't love the rest of my day. I finished student teaching in December and went back to my old job at the library. Honestly, it is just a bad fit. I want to be teaching. I want to be doing something other than spending 2 hours of my day driving to and from work and $3.75 in parking. I want to be doing something where people aren't calling me to tell me that "this" or "that" isn't working or that "so and so" is doing something that they don't like and can I deal with it? I wake up every morning and wish I could just not go to work.

Then sometimes I feel like I'm constantly waiting. I don't want to talk specifics here because you all might think I'm silly. But leaving a large part of your future in someone else's hands probably lends itself to the silliness.

Anyways, so running is really my outlet right now. I've planned a few trips surrounded around running and visiting my little brother who is in the Army. I will be headed out to Seattle in June to run the Rock N Roll Seattle half marathon and that should be a good time.

Back in the Groove (Tentative Race Schedule 2011)

2011-01-10T13:42:00.000-06:00

Finally starting to get back in the groove with a steady workout schedule. I have been taking a few classes at Lifetime and have enjoyed the exploration! I go to Zumba every week with Andy's sis-in-law and it has been a blast. I'm not very coordinated nor am I a great dancer but it has been fun. I went to a spinning class this weekend that really kicked my butt. I was so exhausted a the end! I think I will attempt to make that one a weekly thing as well.

Everything seems to be falling into place as far as my race schedule goes. I am so excited! I am hopefully running at least one full marathon and quite a few half marathons this year. Tentative race schedule below:

March 19- Get Lucky 7k
May 1 or 7- General Mills Run of the Mills (5k)
June 5- Minneapolis Half Marathon (w/ Andy!!!)
July- Lindstrom Loppet
June 25- Rock N Roll Seattle Half Marathon (little bro stationed nearby w/ Army)
Oct. 23- Rock N Roll St. Louis Full Marathon

I am also debating whether I want to attempt the Twin Cities Marathon on Oct. 2 so close to the St. Louis. I may just try to enter into the 10 mile again or just volunteer. I love that marathon though! Also hoping to make it down to some other races in the midwest. But these are my big races.

I'm a Yuppy

2010-12-14T15:01:00.000-06:00

My boyfriend, Andy, calls everything that doesn't have to do with getting yourself dirty, "yuppy." He even goes as far as calling tent camping "yuppy". Now I'd probably disagree with him on most of the things he calls "yuppy" but I have to agree with him on my latest adventure. I've joined a fancy gym. I left Anytime Fitness (another battle I don't want to cry about) and joined Lifetime Fitness. I call them a fancy gym because they have fancy wood lockers and marble-like counters. They have towels for every member. They have a sauna and a whirlpool in their locker rooms. But let me defend myself here. They have an indoor track. And lots of equipment. And that is the real reason I joined (the other stuff is pretty sweet though!)

If you haven't figure it out, I finally finished student teaching. I have time to run again. Woohoo! I've already run into a few former students at the gym. Kind of nice to see them--although probably not my preferred way to run into them. Anyways, after my running hiatus, it has been interesting trying to get started again. I gained some weight while not running- go figure! So I'm now running with some extra poundage slowing me down. Not cool. Hopefully it will come off fast...

I'm hoping to try to run the Marine Corps Marathon next year. Also thinking about the Rock N Roll in St. Louis. I'll get a more definite list up as the new year rolls around.

Quick Update

2010-10-20T21:19:00.000-05:00

Sorry folks that I haven't updated in forever. Hopefully I still have some followers that aren't spammers. Student teaching has been a little more than I bargained for. I've been up late every night working on lesson plans and grading and then wake up at 5 every morning. As you can see, I have had no time for running. However, I have run two races since I last blogged. I ran the Twin Cities 10 mile earlier this month and then the Kansas City Half Marathon last weekend. Both went well considering the fact that I had absolutely no training under my belt. At least I now know that I can run a half marathon w/o any sort of training. LOL. My time was pretty bad-- 2 hrs 30 min or 2 hrs 40 min. One or the other. I didn't bother to check. Anyways, I've barely remembered to put a shirt on in the morning so you can imagine that I didn't remember to bring a camera to either of these races either. So just pretend that I've posted a not so flattering running picture here. Both races were beautiful. KC ran out of medals at the end. I was pretty upset but loved the race itself so I couldn't hold too many grudges.

Anyways, we have a 4 day weekend so I'll have lots of time to get stuff done. My student teaching isn't up until December so don't expect a lot of updates until then. Hope you all are doing great!

One Run and Lots of Random

2010-08-16T09:52:00.000-05:00

So I'll be honest. I haven't gotten much running done lately. My next race isn't until the Twin Cities 10 mile and I just haven't had the time lately. I was trying to finish up my last class before student teaching and it was monopolozing every minute of my time. Now it's been nothing but worrying about student teaching. Sooo nervous!! I feel so unprepared.

Needless to say, I did get a short run in on Saturday morning. It was a bit cooler when I set out with Duke (our dog). If you've been following my blog for awhile, you know that Duke is hit and miss. He has his good days and his bad days. I kind of gave up on him this summer because it has been so hot that he can barely even make it a mile before he slows way down. Since it was cooler on Saturday morning, I decided to give him a try again. Well, Duke and I made it about a mile and a half before I could really feel the sun heating up. Duke started to show some signs of fatigue and I figured I should turn around to try to avoid having to pull Duke back home. Duke was really starting to put on the brakes when I decided to try something new. I decided to pace with Duke, as in to run Duke's pace and stop trying to get him to run my pace. This seemed to work miracles. Duke was smiling and seemed to enjoy running beside me rather than behind me. We only needed one walk break to get him up a hill....otherwise he ran the whole way back. I kept telling him what a good dog he was and he kept charging ahead.

In other news, I would LOVE to see some of you out at the Team Highlighter's Party in the Park this weekend if you have the time. We are having a lunch and photo scavenger hunt (see past post). The scavenger hunt starts at 10:00 and the rest of the event begins around 10:30-11:00 (Fridley's Spring Brook Nature Center). All proceeds benefit the Children's Tumor Foundation. This event was planned by my cousin and I. We have tons of raffle prizes as well!!! See more info here http://teamhighlightersscavengerhunt.weebly.com/.

Rock N Roll Chicago 2010 Race Report

2010-08-02T15:33:00.000-05:00

Okay I'll add photos to this post later as I don't have access to them now. Bare with me here as this may be a very long race repot.

The Journey to Chicago

I left Friday afternoon via Greyhound bus to Chicago. Long story short, the Greyhound was the best way for me to get there in the evening when my cousin would be getting in. If I flew, I would have to leave early morning as that is when the reasonably priced flights took off and there is no way I wanted to spend the entire day in Chicago all by myself. So I boarded the bus. I had read tons and tons of bad reviews of Greyhound so I was very wary of all of the warnings. Initially, a teenage boy who was very polite sat down next to me so I was doing alright. Then, he went to sit with his mom when another seat opened up and a different lady got on and occupied the seat. She was alright as well but then left at an earlier stop. Somewhere in Wisconsin, I was graced with the smelliest dude ever to sit next to me. It smelled so bad my eyes started to water. I wanted off the bus but I had at least another 2 hours to go (which turned into 4). As we got into Chicago, the traffic was very thick and we ended up spending an additional 2 hours just getting to our destination. I was supposed to arrive at 7:30 but didn't get in until 9:00! The bus dropped us in an area that seemed to be a bit sketchy and I was hassled right away after getting off the bus. I hate traveling in a city that I don't know in the dark. I ended up finding the train where I needed exact change and didn't have it. I ended up finding a pizza place, sitting down and eating a few slices to calm my nerves before heading back out (I was starving by this time!) I headed back to the train station and got yelled at by the attendant because I didn't know that I needed to place my card in before going through the gate. In Minneapolis our train runs on somewhat of a trust policy and if you get caught then you get fined. Anyways, I figured out the whole bus system and finally made it the Congress Hotel where we were staying.

Saturday in Chicago
Saturday, Stephanie (my cousin) and I went to McCormick place to pick up our packets. We had to walk a very long distance from our hotel to get to the packet pickup. We ended up buying some IRunLikeAGirl shirts and browsed around before we left. We then proceeded to walk all over the city. We found a nice place to eat lunch before heading back to the hotel to drop off our packets. Then, we hailed a cab to the Navy Pier but we only had 40 minutes there before we had to head off to the pasta dinner with the NF Endurance Team for this event. We hailed another cab over to the pasta dinner and met up with the team. Everyone was really nice and we had a great meal. We took a quick group photo and then
Steph and I headed off to see the set from Transformers 3. Then, we stopped for ice cream and bought some reduced fat muffins from Dunkin Donuts for in the morning. By the time that we made it back home, it was 9:00 at night and we were completely exhausted. We were both regretting our decision to walk all over the city on the day before our big race.

Race Morning
My alarm went off at 5:15 AM and I got up and threw my outfit on and ate my muffin while Stephanie continued to sleep. Her alarm went off sometime around 5:45. She quickly got ready and we were out the door around 6:15 and headed over to the race just a few blocks up. I lost Stephanie as I had to run back to get my hat and sunglasses in the hotel. I returned to the start line and found carral 20 which is where I needed to start. Steph was in carral 27. The national anthem was being sung as I was trying to get into place and then before I knew it, the horn blasted and the first carral was let loose. I'd never actually been to a race where they let each carral out with a separate start so I was suprised when we weren't moving shortly after. It took about 30 minutes for them to finally get to carral 20 and let us loose. They had announced that Jake from the first Bachelor was a few carrals ahead of me and Al Roker was also up there somewhere. After waiting so long at the start, I needed to use the restroom right away but there were no porto-potties to be found until Mile 2. I was trying hard to take in all of scenery but it was really difficult with a full bladder. When I finally got to a Porto-Potty, there was a decent sized line. The way the race was going so far, I didn't want to risk waiting for another one to show up down the road so I stood in line.

After a quick visit in the John, I was off. The race was looking up from here. I held a steady pace and just took in all of the bands and fans along the course. I enjoyed running through the city and seeing all of the people who came out to watch. They were giving out a product called Cytomax on the course instead of Gatorade or Powerade and I actually seemed to enjoy it at first. Gatorade always leaves a gross taste in my mouth and I have to take lots of water along with it but the Cytomax seemed to be a little lighter. However, I would later find out that my stomach didn't enjoy drinking too much of it.

Around mile 5 or 6, I realized that my face seemed to be beat red. I was burning up hot. I also kept getting stuck behind a bunch of people running really slow or walking. It seemed like I was doing a lot of dodging during this race.

We started to head up to Soldier Field and the specatorship started to dwindle a bit. There was hardly anyone on the stretch out there and back. We went through a few dark tunnels and I was bit afraid that I might step onto a sewer plate that I couldn't see or something. It also seemed to be pretty warm in the tunnels as there wasn't a breeze. The nice thing about this race is they did provide a misters, ice, and cool wet sponges on the course to keep you cool.

Mile 11 was the very last water stop. I was a little shocked when they announced that it would be our last one. The last few miles are always the hardest!! Mile 12, indeed, ended up being my hardest mile of the entire 13.1. I was exhausted and the Cytomax was not sitting too well in my stomach. I started to get the goosebumps and I felt like I was going to puke. I walked for a few minutes and then trying to push through. I started to get frustrated with every spectator who told me that it was "Only a 1/2 mile up" or "Only around the bend" because they all seemed to be telling me that even though they were at least a 1/2 mile apart from one another!! I ended up needing to walk about in the last 1/4 mile of the race as my body felt like it hit a halt. Soon, I could actually see the finish line ahead and I started to run (rather slowly) towards the finish. I made it through, heard my name screamed out from the sidelines and saw Martha and Bill from the NF Endurance Chicago team. I said hello to them briefly and then continued on to get my medal, an ice cold wet towel, and some post race food.

I knew that Stephanie would be a little ways behind me but wasn't sure exactly when she might come through because of the carral starts. I headed back over to where I had gotten my medal and waited for her. So grateful that our jerseys are bright because there were so many people going through. I was worried I wouldn't spot her anywhere. Eventually, Steph came through and said she wasn't doing so hot. Her quad was killing her. We both hobbled over to the beer tent and got our 2 free beers but neither of us could really drink more than a cup. We then headed back to the hotel because we needed to shower and get checked out.

We got all cleaned up and packed up and Steph kept saying she wasn't feeling so great. We both decided we just needed to get something to eat and then she should be better. We headed out of our hotel room and over to the elevators. One elevator came down and it was very full. The people on the elevator kept trying to get us to go in and then Stephanie just took off and bolted back to the hotel room. I wasn't sure what was up. I watched another full elevator go by and then headed back to the room. Stephanie was in the bathroom and had just puked all over the floor. She said she never wanted to drink Cytomax again. She said she felt better and then we headed back down to check out and place our luggage in a holding place until our flights out that evening. We went to eat lunch and Steph still wasn't feeling well so it took her awhile to eat. We both agreed that we didn't feel like adventuring too much further our into the city as we were sore and tired. We went back to the hotel and took a nap in the hotel lobby on the couches. Then, we went to get ice cream and headed off to the airport. I was so happy to be flying out this time instead of taking that bus!!!

Feeling a little sore today...and my face is a bit burnt. Overall, I think this race needs to get a few kinks out before we will ever attempt it again. Mainly being they could have used an extra water stop in the last mile. They also really need to limit down the number of people they let in or work out their carral system a little better. I was constantly getting jammed up in this race.

Chip Time: 2:27:14
Gender Place: 1686 / 2980
Age Grade: 44.7%

Lindstrom Loppet 2010

2010-07-12T08:56:00.000-05:00

This weekend I went "home" to visit my parents in Lindstrom and attend the annual Karl Oscar Days events. Saturday morning, I ran the Lindstrom Loppet. I've been trying to catch up to my PR for this race for years but have yet to do so. I still didn't catch it this year, but had a great time running.

This year, nobody was running with me. Usually at least my dad runs with me. But he said he was out of shape. Andy had wanted to run this race with me but he had class so he couldn't come. Dad dropped me off at the registration area early and then went home as the race runs right by the front of my parent's house.

I registered and then looked around for people I knew. My old boss found me in the crowd and we chatted for a bit. Then, I left her to go line up--realizing that I didn't have any place to put the Tshirt that they gave me at regisration. I had to hold on to it until I got to my parent's house just a little past the 1 mile mark.

It was a bit drizzly for this race which was kind of nice because I didn't have to deal with the heat that hit us later that day. I started out the race pretty good--finishing my first mile in 8:45. There are a few big hills near the halfway point in this race that I charged up as I'm quite used to hills along my regular training route.

As I came around to 2nd mile, I could feel my time slipping a little. I was starting to get a bit tired but pushed through it. I came through the finish in 28:47. This was 83 out of 347 females and 23rd out of 50 people in my age division. A bit slower than last year's loppet but faster than my previous 5k for this year which was the Run of the Mills. It appears that I just keep getting slower and slower. I need to figure out someway to reverse this pattern!

I promise that is mostly rain glistening my skin--although I was pretty sweaty and stinky!

Also ran a 10 miler on Sunday--it went pretty good. 85 degrees at the start of the run but the clouds came out and I started to feel great!

Next Year

2010-07-08T11:52:00.000-05:00

Some may say I'm absolutely crazy. I've already begun to think about next year's races. Honestly, there is good reason to this. I put the limit on myself this year that I would not run a full marathon because I needed to dedicate my time and energy to student teaching and finishing up my classes. So, I'm getting a bit antsy and dreaming a little.

So far my dreaming has led me to the following races :

-Marine Corps Marathon (Would LOVE to do this one next year)
-Grandma's Marathon
-Nike Women's Marathon

In other news...

I smacked my knee yet again and have some bruising and tenderness upon movement. Yes...it should be clear by now that I am clutzy. I ran a 5 miler yesterday that turned out alright. A little bit of pain in the knee in the first mile but good after.

I will be running the Lindstrom Loppet this weekend (5k). I run this race every year but have yet to beat my first year's PR of 26 minutes. I highly doubt I will beat it this year as I am more out of shape than ever. BUT I hope to at least do better than my time for the Run of the Mills this year.

I'm assuming my little bro has made it down to Fort Sill and will be doing plenty of running of his own. Perhaps he will run some races with me next summer if he isn't deployed...

Busy Busy Weekend

2010-07-06T09:41:00.000-05:00

This weekend I said goodbye to my little brother as he left for basic training for the Army yesterday. Kind of wierd to think that I won't see him until Christmas. Kind of makes me sick to my stomach actually.

This weekend was really hot and humid here in Minnesota. I ran a 4 mile on Saturday in the middle of the day and I felt like I was going to faint. Not cool. I had also planned on trying to fit a 10 miler in somewhere but only managed a little over 7 on Monday. The run felt about like I was running in a rainforest but was definetly needed as I am a little behind in training for Chicago.

Speaking of Chicago. We will be running in a little less than a month. I booked my transportation yesterday and am kind of regretting one of my decisions. I decided to take the Greyhound out there and then fly back. Well...I should have read the reviews on Greyhound beforehand. Just reading the reviews makes me extremely nervous. Have any of you road Greyhound? Please someone tell me the horror stories aren't true. I may be just forfitting my 28 bucks and forgoing another method if I don't hear anything better. I guess people are mugged and harrassed on these buses frequently according to reviews all over the internet. I mean I can deal with a little discomfort...but you throw in robbery and craziness and I want out.

So so sleepy

2010-06-28T09:35:00.000-05:00

Sorry I've been slacking lately. I started up a summer class right after I finished the Minneapolis Half and I've really been short on time. I missed two weeks of long runs and finally got a long run in this weekend. I didn't take my Nike + or Garmin but I'm guessing it was somewhere around 9 miles. The first part of the run was great--the last 2 miles were horrid. I ended up with a mean side stitch that was also hurting my clavicle and it wasn't going away. At one point, I thought it might be my fuel belt since I haven't really worn it this season but it continued to hurt after I took it off. I haven't really had side stitches in awhle so I was getting really frustrated.

My energy lately has been zapped. Every morning I've had to try to keep myself awake on the drive in by singing to myself. This might be due to the sudden change in running levels because of the class that is taking up all my time. Thank goodness it is over this week!!

2010 Minneapolis Marathon (Half Marathon) Race Report

2010-06-08T11:34:00.000-05:00

The picture is of my cousin, Stephanie and I before the race started. Steph's longest training run for this half marathon was 5 miles so I was a bit concerned as to whether she would be able to pull through. It was her first half marathon and she had never run a distance longer than 7 miles in her entire life.

Steph, Andy (my bf), and I left the house around 5:25 AM. I told Steph the night before that we needed to leave by 5:15 but that didn't quite happen. Needless to say, we still made it down to the Depot with plenty of time to spare. As soon as we parked the car, I needed to use the restroom pretty bad. We made it over to the Depot and I spotted an enormous line for the porto pottie. Steph and Andy spotted Brian, another NF Endurance Team runner, and chatted with him while I waited in line.

After using the restroom, I joined Steph and the other NF Endurance Team members that were starting to arrive. We chatted for a bit, took a team photo, and then headed over to the start of the race. I had been battling a cold since Friday and decided to start the race with Steph (who runs about 2 minute/mile slower than me) seeing as I didn't think it was going to be my best race with the nasal congestion. We agreed on a middle ground and started just before the 11 min/mile pace group. A few more NF team members showed up in the same pace area and we chatted for a bit before the start of the race. As soon as the race started, Steph put earplugs in her ears for her Ipod. I tried to stay back with her for awhile but I found myself consistently pulling ahead. I finally realized that it wasn't really worth staying back since she was in her own music world anyway. I eventually just charged ahead as I was having a hard time running at her pace anyway...

It was rather inconvenient, but I had to use the restroom really bad again. I don't believe we had even made it to the first mile! There was a row of porto potties with no line and I dived into one of them. I quickly got back on course and found Steph just ahead of me. I came up behind her and patted her on the back and she said, "How'd you get back there?" I told her I stopped for the porto pottie and she waved me on.

The first 5 miles of the race seemed to fly by. I had no idea what pace I was running at because I didn't bring any of my pacing tools (Garmin or Ipod). The course was beautiful and I was just taking in all of the scenery. Right around mile 3, we went over a bridge near Broadway Ave. This is where I saw Andy's parents standing. I gave them some quick hi-fives and thanked them for coming out. Andy's dad said, "Get back out there!"

Somewhere around miles 4-6 the sun decided to come out from behind the clouds. Steph had convinced me to wear a shirt underneath my NF jersey and I was really starting to regret it. I was burning up!! I kept envisioning a maneuver of taking off my shirt while still somehow keeping my jersey on. It never happened.

The sun finally ducked behind some clouds as we crossed over the Stone Arch Bridge. This was also an area where lots of spectators were gathered. I seemed to get renewed energy somewhere around this area.

We went back past the Guthrie and race announcers were shouting "Next time by, you will be finishing". (We crossed the Guthrie 3 times during this course). It seemed like there were a few miles of downhill right after we crossed the Guthrie. Shortly after, we saw the lead motorcycle for the race with the half marathoners coming behind it. My first thought was, "Oh no, someone was hurt." Then everyone kept clapping as the lead runner passed us. I still didn't put two and two together. It wasn't until the 2nd runner passed that I realized that the lead runners of the half marathoner had already made the turn around on the course and were headed back (there was a turn around at mile 9).

Eventually the downhill went away and it seemed like were climbing uphill for miles and miles. I think this really only amounted to about 2 miles of uphill but I thought it seemed like forever. I took a sports bean on one of the uphills to try to keep up my energy. There were water stops at what seemed liked every half mile or mile and I took in as many as I could while still running the entire way. I kept telling myself, just make it to mile 9, you saw the lead guys running downhill--it will be a nice downhill run to the finish. Boy was I wrong on this.

I was so happy when we reached the turn around at mile 9. We had a few uphills and downhills through here but I had a new thing to focus on. I was looking for my cousin Stephanie in the crowd that was still coming out. I saw Brian and high fived him. Still kept looking for Steph. About 10-15 minutes passed after I'd made the turn around and finally I saw Steph. I gave her a quick high five. She looked like she was in the zone but not quite hurting yet.

After passing Stephanie, we had a short distance of downhills. I pushed all of my energy into the downhill to maximize on the advantage. I thought for sure that the entire rest of the race was downhill. (This is what you get for not looking at the race elevation map!) At the end of our glorious gift of downhill which lasted about a mile, we started to head uphill. The hill was steep and windy but I figured it should be short lived. I was wrong here. I pushed through, wanting so badly to walk. A man on the sidelines was shouting "Only half a mile left...you can do it!" I felt weak and started to walk a bit. A woman came up behind me and said, "Don't walk now, you can pull through!" I started slowly running again. I saw the 2 hr 20 min pacer pass me. She was booking it and looking at her watch. I wondered if she might have been a little off on her pace as she seemed to be really speedy all of a sudden....

I continued to try to run up the hill. This was the most brutal hill for the end of a race. People were shouting "Don't let the hill win! Don't give in!" I had had enough of that hill. Eventually I ended up walking for about 10 seconds again before I trudged ahead. The spectators were shouting "Just around the corner, you'll see the flags!"

"Just around the corner" seemed like forever!! Eventually I saw the finish line but I had no energy left to do any sort of sprinting. I passed Andy and my Aunt Ellen cheering me on and waved. I passed Murray, Kari, and the rest of the NF Endurance Team on the right and gave them a wave. Then I heard a shout from the left from a coworker who had come to watch some friends. "Rachel!!!" I quickly gave her a wave and went into the finish. The clock read 2 hrs 26 min but I knew that my chip time would be much better because we didn't start the race til a while after the clock.

The food line was pretty far away from the finish line so I circled back to try to find Andy and my aunt. I never did find them but I did run into my coworker and talked to her briefly. Murray came over and talked to me as well. He asked when I would be expecting Steph to come through the finish line and I said I wasn't entirely sure since she hadn't ever run this distance. She looked okay when I saw her earlier but that was before the massive hill...

Murray returned to the NF Endurance group right across the road and I sat down with Kristia and watched for Steph to come through. Kristia let me use her phone to call Andy and told him where we were located. Before long, I heard Murray shouting, "Rachel, she's coming!!" I looked up and Steph was coming around the bend. I ran up to meet her and high fived her. She came through just before the 3 hour mark. Way to go Steph!

Andy and I tracked Steph down in the finishing chute. We went down to the food line and rested at a picnic table for a short while. Overall....a great race and so glad to have taken a part in this race with my cousin!!!

Chip Time: 2 hrs 22 min (No PR....but still a good time considering the course and the cold I had!)

12 Splendid Miles

2010-06-01T09:33:00.001-05:00

This weekend was jam packed and I still managed to get all of my runs in.

Friday, we went to the races in Montevideo. Andy's dad drives a dirt late model and he won both his heat race and his feature!

Saturday, I had a nice short 3 mile run in the morning. It was hot out but I was doing alright. Duke (the dog) was not doing so great and I had to drag him through the last mile or so of this run.

Sunday was the big 12 miler. It had been cloudy and threatening rain all day. The weather man made it look like it was going to rain around noon so I put off my run until later that evening. Well, it didn't start raining until about 6:15 when I finally set out for my run. It wasn't a bad rain though. I actually kind of enjoyed it. Andy was biking alongside me though and he "dreamed of a nice cozy dry place." Anyways, the weather was just perfect for a long run and I didn't hit that nasty wall that I've been hitting on all of my other long runs lately. YAY!

Next weekend...my little brother graduates from high school!! That and my cousin and I will be running the Minneapolis Half Marathon!

Party in the Park

2010-05-28T08:13:00.003-05:00

To all Minnesotans (and those who don't mind travelling to Minnesota):

My cousin and I, "Team Highlighters", will be hosting a "Party in the Park" on August 21st at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley. There will be a photographic scavenger hunt at the start of the event. We are also gathering raffle items and so far have an autograph from Kevin Williams of the Minnesota Vikings!

Cost for meal tickets (no scavenger hunt): $10 adults, $5 children (12 and under)

Cost for scavenger hunt pre-registration (includes meal): $12 adults, $6 children (12 and under)

Get together a team of 2-6 people for the scavenger hunt! Register on Active.com or by emailing me for a registration form. http://www.active.com/community-services/fridley-mn/team-highlighters-scavenger-hunt-2010

All proceeds will benefit the Children's Tumor Foundation to help find a cure for Neurofibromatosis (NF)!

Email me heim0117@gmail.com if you would like to purchase meal tickets or if you have any questions!

Busy Bee

2010-05-24T13:19:00.002-05:00

First, let's do some backtracking to last weeks smaller runs. They all went fantastic! I finished every single one of them feeling great!

Then came the weekend. I had a 5 mile and 11 mile run scheduled for the weekend. We were in Kansas City for a graduation and I knew it was going to be difficult to get these done but had faith I would be able to. Well, I never did get the runs done while we were in KC. Saturday was the graduation and I was stranded as my mom drove us to the grad party and I didn't know that it was going to take so long. I figured I would just push to get the 11 miler done when we got back to Minneapolis yesterday. However, Andy (the bf), needed to pick me up when we got to Minneapolis to drive me home as my parents live over an hour from our house. Well, it turns out that he had a graduation to go to in Burnsville during the same time that we were driving in to the city. So, he picked me up in Burnsville and took me to the graduation party. It turns out that I didn't end up having time for an 11 mile run by the time that we got back.

I did, however, manage to get 5 miles done on the treadmill. I was hoping to just try to get the 11 miler done today but now I'm starting to even doubt that. It is really really hot and humid here in Minnesota today. Almost 90 degrees and really humid. And I'm already sunburned from this weekend. But...I NEVER miss long runs so this has me worried. I do have a 12 miler scheduled for next weekend before the half marathon the following weekend. It might even be best to skip it to prepare for those big runs. I guess we'll see whether it gets cool enough this afternoon.

Wake Up

2010-05-17T11:40:00.001-05:00

Yesterday my long run consisted of 9 miles. 9 miles that were a little better than last week's 10 miles but still not quite up to par. I was really dragging towards the end again. I felt really light headed once again and like my legs needed to be pulled along. I want my old long runs back--the ones where I didn't feel like passing out at any minute!

This weekend I will be headed down to KC for my cousin's graduation. I have an 11 miler on the schedule. Not sure when I'll be able to get that one done...I may have to rearrange my schedule and do it on Monday.

TC 1 Mile Race Report

2010-05-14T10:10:00.004-05:00

I signed up for this race merely because it gives you better chances at getting into the 10 mile in October but actually had a pretty good time with it.

This was my first completely solo race with no supporters and nobody else running with me. I drove over to the Minneapolis Central Public Library before the race and parked in the ramp to pick up my packet. We got a bright neon colored Tech T and some Fitsocks (totally worth the $25 registration fee!).

I bummed around the library for an hour or so before the race started and then headed down to the starting gate to line up. I was running in the Friends and Family wave because it started earlier and I could get out earlier.

I decided to start a little ahead of the midway pack knowing that there might be some traffic jams to get through in this wave. I probably could have lined up even closer to the start line in this wave...

The start horn when off and I took off. There were many kids and families around me and it was difficult to get going. I found every gap that I could and sped through. I realize that I had a choice to sign up for my age group and avoid some of this traffic jam--so don't think I'm criticizing it. :-) Midway through the race I could hear a dad yell to his kid, "We're halfway through!" This is when I knew I really wanted to pick up the pace if I wanted a decent time. I tried to speed up but many of the people who started out too fast in the beginning were putting on their brakes. Literally. I almost hit a woman because she just stopped right in the middle of the race. For safety's sake...I think this is where an announcement might need to be made about getting over before you just randomly stop. I realize there were a lot of people not accustomed to races in this event, but that can get dangerous! Anyways, onward I flew....There were a few more people to dodge in the last 1/4 mile of the race. I could see the finish line ahead and it seemed to be crammed. I was really worried that I wasn't going to make it through the crowd.

When I got closer I realized that the crowd had some holes in it that I could get through. The clock read "8:06" as I saw it coming into the finish line. I picked up my pace and finished as the clock read "8:30". Not a bad time for all the weaving I had to do. I was really hoping for 8 minutes but I'll settle for this.

There were lot of people at this race cheering runners on. Such a fun atmosphere! I told Andy that I'm going to drag him to this race next year and we'll run in our age division.

Final chip time 8:17. Overall 1284 out of 2340. 437 out of 1226 Females. 138 out of 348 females in my age group.

10 Achy Breaky Miles

2010-05-10T12:40:00.002-05:00

Saturday I had an awesome 5 mile run on the treadmill at the gym (it was cold here!).

Sunday I had a not so great 10 miler outside. I needed to do my 10 miler in the morning so that I could make the trek out to see my mom for mother's day. It was 40 degrees outside when I woke up at 8 am and I wasn't looking forward to braving the cold. I put on a sweatshirt and some athletic pants, attached my Ipod and headed out the door. I neglected to bring water because I didn't think I'd get my fuel belt on over my sweatshirt. That and there is a water fountain on my route that HAD been working a month ago (when we were in the 70's...more on this later).

After the first mile, I could tell this was not going to be a great run. My mind was all there. I was pumped for this run. My body wasn't quite feeling it. I felt completely drained of energy. I had eaten a FiberOne bar before I left...this wasn't anything out of the ordinary for a long run. I didn't quite understand what was going on but I thought it would maybe wear off. I kept running...and actually telling myself to keep running.

Right around mile 3.5 there is a water fountain at the nearby high school. This happened to be a water fountain with no water. Evidently they shut it off because of the cold temps we have had this week. Not good. I had brought a gel along but clearly couldn't take that because I had no water. I continued on my way. Around mile 4-5 I got a little bit of energy on a downhill. I started to really feel great. But that was short lived.

A little bit past my turn around point at mile 5, I started to feel like my energy was slipping away again. My whole body felt like I'd been hit with a 2 x 4 and my legs were barely trudging along. I was getting so frustrated. I kept telling myself just to keep running.

The last 2 miles were brutal. My body was dragging and I found myself walking when I really didn't want to. It was a run/walk situation for the last 2 miles.

When I finally made it back home, I felt like a truck had literally hit me. I heated up a bagel hoping that would get rid of the feeling. I found myself not even wanting to eat anything because I was so exhausted. I ate the bagel, drank lots of water, and then rested for 20 minutes or so before heading out to see my mom. The whole rest of the day I felt like I'd been drained of energy.

This seems to be a common theme lately and I'm not sure why. Normally I can bounce back from a long run pretty easily and I don't usually completely wear out of energy that quickly! So frustrating. I was thinking about heading to a dietician to see if maybe there is something I could/should be eating/not eating to help this. I haven't really changed much in my diet from previous years so I don't know exactly what is going on. Perhaps it just stress and it will go away.

I have a 1 mile race schedule for Thursday evening. The shortest distance I've ever raced! It should be interesting...

9 Miler on the Luce

2010-05-06T09:02:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I finished up with a 9 miler on the Luce Line (See previous post for more info on Luce Line). This time we hopped on the Luce Line near Maple Plain so that we would get to see a little bit more of it. Andy rode his bike alongside me again which is nice because then I don't have to carry a pack of water. I started out pretty slow because my legs were really tight from the previous day's race. It was a tad bit windy and chilly but as long as I was running--I was fine.

Halfway through the run I needed to stop for at a restroom. Just as I was slowing to a walk, a snake jumped right out in front of me and I made some funny noises. I LOVE running out in the middle of nowhere with nature but I hate it when creepy crawly creatures scare me! Haha.

The middle part of my run was probably the best as that is when I finally seemed to get my groove. Towards the end of the run, I started to get really tired and Andy was trying to push me along as best as he could.

This weekend I have a 10 miler planned. 30 Days out until the Minneapolis Half Marathon!!

In other news...Go check out Julie's Running Blog for a giveaway. She is another Twin Cities area blogger!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Run of the Mills 5k 2010

2010-05-03T09:38:00.005-05:00

I ran this race last year with my dad and brother. It is a General Mills sponsored run for employees and their families. This year my dad "adopted" my cousin Stephanie for this run as well.

My dad told us that the race started at 8:00 AM and we planned to meet them in the parking lot at 7:30. Stephanie, Andy and I got to the parking lot at about 7:20 and there was like three cars in the entire lot. The year before the lot had been completely full. I had a feeling dad was wrong on the start time so I gave him a call. He said, "No, I'm sure it was at 8:00.". Dad arrives, we get our race numbers on and go in to the General Mills campus. Dad runs off to talk to some of his coworkers and then returns to say, "I made a mistake. The race starts at 9:00." Turns out we had to stand around for a while before the race actually started. This gave us ample time to get pictures with all of the General Mills cereal characters.

Steph and I wore our NF jerseys to this run. We were actually suprised to see another NF runner in the crowd so we ran over to her and talked to her. She had cycled the MS 100 the year before and her daughter had NF. We took a photo with her and then parted ways as the race director was asking everyone to line up.

As Steph and I lined up for the race, another woman came up to me and said, "I like your shirt!". She then asked me where I'd "run that race"? I told her I ran the Twin Cities Marathon and then she said, "No, where did you run the NF race?" I explained that I was a part of the NF Endurance Team that runs for NF and she said, "Thank you for doing that. I have NF." Truly inspiring.

It wasn't long before the race started and I had lost Steph and my brother Joe. Joe had sped ahead of me but I never realized it and thought he had somehow fallen behind me. I knew Steph was behind me because she wanted to run/walk with my dad. The wind was realllllly strong for this race but I just kept charging through it. I made it to the first mile at 9:15 clock time. I felt amazing and was really hoping for a PR (at least on this course!). The race winds through quite a few trails and you never really know when the winding will end and you will see a new mile marker. I started to slow a bit towards the end as I was battling the wind and some side stitches but kept telling myself to push forward for that PR.

When I saw the finish line, I bolted. I couldn't remember my time from last year but I felt like maybe I was faster? It turns out I was a minute slower! My time was 29:09 and last year I ran it in 28 something. GRRR! Anyways, I don't know what the deal is lately. I've been speed training this year and somehow my race times are coming up soooo slow! Well, at least it is the beginning of the year and I still have some time to improve. My little brother Joe, who doesn't run regurarly, finished in 25 minutes! So proud of him!

My dad and cousin Steph came through the finish somewhere around 37 minutes.

Dad,me, Steph, Joe before the race.

SORE Muscles

2010-04-30T12:33:00.002-05:00

I don't know what it is about last weekend but the pain seems to keep carrying through...

After the race my legs were pretty sore on Saturday. Sunday I helped my parents tear down a shed.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday my legs felt as stiff as a board. I realize I forgot to stretch after the race (which is somewhat unusual for me) but I wasn't expecting this kind of soreness to last for so long!!

Finally last night I did intervals on the treadmill and the soreness in my legs seemed to have finally gone away. Only to realize I had a new sort of soreness. In my arms! I thought I would start adding some Wii Fit on top of my regular training on Wednesday night and I've been paying for it ever since. My arms feel like they can barely stretch out straight.

I was thinking about investing in a Stick or a roller. I don't know how well that might help with these sorts of issues because I've never had stiffness or soreness impede future workouts. Whenever I get sore, it never seems to slow me down too much but this week the legs would barely move!

Get in Gear 10k Race Report

2010-04-26T20:02:00.007-05:00

1257

1353

RACHEL HEIMAN

ST MICHAEL MN

253

40:57

1:04:20

10:22

I wouldn't exactly say it was my best race ever. I woke up on Saturday morning to rain and it continued all the way until after I crossed the finish line. I wasn't entirely sure how I wanted to dress for the rain and made my first mistake with this race before I even stepped foot out of my front door. I decided to wear a pair of athletic pants instead of shorts and would later regret it. Mistake #2 was not leaving enough time to drive down to the race. The race was held in Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis and there was parking at the nearby Vet Medical Center and shuttles to take people to the park (1 mile). Unfortunately, there were 8,500 other people trying to get parked and ready for this race. I had no idea that this race was so large. I was supposed to be in the park at 8:30 to meet up with the rest of the NF Endurance Team but we were stuck in traffic on the way to the parking lot. We parked right around 8:30 and I figured if I ran the entire way instead of taking the shuttle (and waiting in the massive line for the shuttle), I might make it to the park by 8:40 when the team took a picture. However, that didn't quite happen. I barely made it before they started announcing to get behind the start line. I lost Andy during my race to the start line as well. The start line shoot was packed and I had to stand to the side of the crowd to let everyone by before I joined the crowd.

The beginning of the race was really packed. I found myself doing a lot of weaving in and out of people just to try to find my own pace. Somehow I think I got carried away and ended up starting out a little fast (yes--again!). I was feeling great up until about the 4 mile mark. It was somewhere around that point that I felt a great loss of energy. I felt like I'd just finished 10 miles instead of 4 and had to keep telling myself to keep moving. I was not
going to let myself stop but my speed was steadily decreasing as everyone zipped past me. I felt like my stomach was going to eat itself and like the bagel I had eaten that morning had somehow quickly burned away during the first 4. I kept on trucking though--knowing that the finish is what mattered and not the way my legs were burning or the way I felt like I could take a nice nap at any moment. Eventually I saw the park up ahead and we ducked through a tunnel where the half marathoners and 10k runners parted ways. I was surprised to see Andy standing in the tunnel to cheer me on. He took my jacket from me and I tol
d him I'd see him at the finish. This is where I should have actually told Andy exactly where to meet him as we ended up playing a nice game of "Where's Waldo" at the finish area.

As I came through the finish, I saw multiple NF Endurance Team members in the shoot and was really happy to see them there! There was so much neon y
ellow walking around--absolutely awesome! Anyways, I made it through the finish and got in line for the food where I ran into our team captain- Murray. Talked to him for a little bit and continued searching for Andy. I was starting to get really cold as I was just wearing my NF singlet with no sleeves (and the sopping wet pants). It wasn't too long before Andy found me and we started the 1 mile walk back to the car. Overall-- a fun race with a beautiful course along the river!

Next weekend my cousin is headed up to run the Run of the Mills 5k with my dad, brother and me.

Here is a water logged Rachel...

Biking, Running, and the love of baseball

2010-04-21T09:15:00.005-05:00

This weekend Andy and I made the decision to go on a 23 mile bike ride on the Luce Line Trail that goes starts in Plymouth and goes 63 miles west. The portion that we rode was crushed limestone. The ride was quite enjoyable on the way out but at about 18 miles we both needed some extra energy. Andy's speed dropped considerably and by the time we got back he was freezing cold (even though it was warm outside). I told him we needed to get some food in him and that really seemed to help. Next time I think we'll be packing a little snack.

Anyways, the next day I had a scheduled 8 mile run. My legs were still pretty sore from Saturday's bike ride and I dreaded the run all day long. Finally it hit about 5:00 and I knew I needed to just get out there. Once I started moving, the 8 miles flew right by. My knees were bugging me on Monday though so I decided to take it easy and not force an extra run in on Monday.

Last night I got out of class early and managed to get my 4 miler done at the gym (as it was dark outside). My speed has improved greatly and that run felt awesome. I guess I haven't really been paying much attention to my speed lately because I've been relying on Andy's bike computer to tell me the distance as he rides along while I run. I may have to get out my Garmin and actually try to figure out how to work it soon.

This weekend is my very first 10k--the Get in Gear 10k. Kind of ironic that I've run practically every other distance but never ran a 10k. I am definetly well prepared for this race so not too concerned. I will be running with the NF Endurance Team--always a good time running w/ my NF teammates!

And tonight....going to see my favorite catcher play in our new ballpark...

Runs are Getting a Little Longer

2010-04-14T09:26:00.002-05:00

I actually started writing this blog on Monday and wiped it all out.

7 mile run completed on Sunday. It was actually a great run--beautiful day outside and overall a lovely run.

4 miles on Monday which was also a wonderful run.

Today I'm feeling pretty blah. I have this sore throat/nasal issue that has been going on since November or before winter started. It seems to have gotten worse lately and comes with instant shooting headaches. I went to the doc back in November or whenever it was and she told me it was the changing of the seasons (at that time it was changing to winter). Now I'm not sure whether I still believe this but I don't want to go back in and make a big deal of nothing. The headaches are the worst of it but I can deal.

On another note--I think I'm going to kick up this whole idea of weight loss again. I feel really out of whack lately because of a little bit of weight gain. Classes are finally winding down and I have time to focus on this issue...hopefully.

On a side note--I had a large chunk of metal fly out from somewhere on the road on Monday. Busted up my windshield and then bounced off the top of my car. Very lucky it didn't actually go through my windshield. Nothing like another stresser to add to my already stress filled life!

Oh and....I have some other news. It looks like our efforts at organizing a race in Kansas City is going to be put on hault until next year as my cousin doesn't have the time to invest in it. We are still going to host some sort of appreciation dinner/benefit dinner in Minnesota.

Registered! (Again!)

2010-04-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like the feeling you get when you hit the "Register" button on a race. I just finished registering for the Kansas City Half Marathon. I can't seem to stay away from the KC Marathon race series! October is going to be packed. The first weekend I have to attend a wedding. The second weekend is the Twin Cities Marathon in which I am hoping to get into the 10 mile. The third weekend then would be this race. My cousin and I had talked about running the Monster Dash on the last weekend but I really think that might be a bit much. Plus we have to fit the 5k race we are planning in Kansas City in either September or October.

The weather here is really getting nice and I've really enjoyed being able to run outside. My crazy class schedule is also taming down so it seems as though I have found more time to fit my runs in!

I know this blog is really short. Sorry! I hope to blog about something more organized soon!

The Return of My Running Partner-Duke

2010-03-29T12:08:00.006-05:00

Some of you who have followed my blog may remember good and bad discussions about my running partner, Duke, aka "Dukas", "Dukey, "Dukas the Mukas".

This year, Andy has been riding his bike alongside me and together we have been training Duke to go the distance. This weekend, Duke broke new ground. He made it through a 6 mile run!! Granted, there was still some cheerleading to get him to the finish point towards the end. He started to lag right around the 4 mile mark and we had to keep telling him to focus.

Hopefully we will be able to get him to run even further this summer. How far do your dogs run with you?

Max Moto and Me

2010-03-22T09:59:00.002-05:00

Let me introduce you to...my new kicks. Nothing really suprising here. They are the new Max Moto +7. I actually liked my old Max Motos and they were starting to really wear down so it was time to invest in some new ones. I had a hard time tracking them down after going to a few stores that were sold out of my size--but finally hunted them down at Sports Authority. I usually buy my shoes from local running stores but they had them on sale and actually had my size!

This weekend's runs went pretty well. I had a 3 miler on Friday and Saturday and then a 5 miler on Sunday. My knee is starting to bug me a bit when I'm not running (the one that I hit when I took the tumble up the stairs). It is a pain I haven't really felt before--more on the interior right side of my knee. I'm hoping it just goes away because it doesn't seem to bug me too much when I'm running--just when I'm walking or getting up and down.

This week is going to be a bit of a challenge with fitting my runs in as I have night class 3 days this week. Tonight it supposed to be a "strength and stretch" night but I was thinking about doing tomm's 3 miler tonight so I don't have to worry about it tomm when I have class. On the other hand, I really want to allow some time for this knee to recoup from the 3 runs this weekend so I don't know what I'm going to do. I may just need to try to squeeze me 3 miler in on my lunch break tomm....

A Wonderful Start

2010-03-18T09:42:00.003-05:00

Tuesday's Workout: 3 miles-30 min, 150 crunches
Wednesday's Workout: 3 miles (5 x 400 intervals) 28 minutes, arm lifts

There is nothing like spring break to kickstart the running season. This week I haven't had class at all because both of the colleges that I attend are on spring break! How lucky am I? It just so happens to be Week 1 of my half marathon training as well.

I've decided to step up the training a little this year to increase speed since I am only doing half marathons. I will be following Hal Higdon's Intermediate training plan for the most part. I will be substituting a few of my slow runs with some cross training on the bike since Hal doesn't really call for cross training in this plan and that is where he suggests it fall if I integrate it.

Both Tuesday and Wednesday's runs felt amazing. I think not having class really has attributed to the great runs this week so I am a little scared about next week's runs when I am for a lack of a better way of saying it, "run down" again. But we'll worry about that day when it comes. For right now--I couldn't feel better. I had a great interval run yesterday and I'm thinking that I might actually meet my goal of getting faster this year.

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here lately--in the 60's. I've gotten a few outdoor runs in and am really excited for the spring/summer where I can actually enjoy running outside!

Hope you all have an amazing weekend!

On Your Left

2010-03-15T13:13:00.003-05:00

Andy and I headed out for a bike ride this weekend. First, we took Duke (the dog) for a short 4 mile ride (he ran) before he got pooped out and we needed to return him to the house. It was in the 60's yesterday in Minnesota and Andy and I really couldn't resist riding just a little more so we decided to load our bikes up and head down to the Southwest LRT Trail going from Hopkins to Lake Calhoun (approx. 16 miles). All in all--it was a good ride. However, it was extremely busy around Lake Calhoun and every 30 seconds I heard "On your left" in my left ear. In fact, one time there was clearly a pack of people on my right when this woman came up behind me shouting, "On your left!" I wanted to scream back, "People on my right!!". I don't mind getting over but clearly when I don't have the option--then why shout at me to do so?

Anyways, this also brought up the point that either I am really slow or my bike is not equipped to go fast. I was pedaling at a consistent speed the entire ride in the highest gear I could (very flat trails). Everyone was passing us. Andy had to frequently coast because I was evidently not fast enough. Granted, I am still riding a mtn bike and most of them were on road bikes. Andy said we averaged about 13 miles per hour (he has a bike computer). I really don't know if that is slow--but it appeared like it was when everyone was shouting "on your left" at us.

I really do enjoy biking because it allows me to do some cross training with Andy. But I think I still tend to fare better in my old running shoes. :-)

Day 1 of half marathon training starts today!

A Busy Season

2010-03-10T10:19:00.002-06:00

This year looks like it will be a very busy running season. I just signed up for another half marathon--the Minneapolis Half-- and will start training next week. I have also signed up for the Get in Gear 10k to run with the NF Endurance Team in April. The rest of the season has at least 2 other half marathons (possibly a third), the Twin Cities 10 mile if I make the lottery, and a few other 5k races. I'll post the full schedule soon.

I did get a run in on Monday but it wasn't the greatest run. My left foot and calf were killing me right away and I tried to run through it but was having some difficulty. I ended up running 2 miles before I hit the eliptical for 15 minutes. I was really frustrated and just wanted to go home but somehow convinced myself to hop back on the treadmill for another mile. I didn't get a run in yesterday because I had class until 10 and still have yet to manage waking up at 5 am. Tonight is Andy's birthday so I will be spending quality time with him and hoping that there is some time somewhere to get a workout in--but not entirely counting on it. If not, I hope to at least attempt the 5 am workout as I have night class tomm and Friday. If you haven't figured it out--this training for the half marathon is going to be a bit like a rubix cube with my time. Hopefully I'll figure it all out.

Organizing a RACE!!!

2010-03-04T08:10:00.005-06:00

Yesterday's Mileage in the Bank: 3 miles
3/12 abductors and adductors, 30 min on the "half-eliptical"

I've come up with some crazy ideas for fundraising for the NF Endurance Team this year. My cousin, Stephanie, has joined the team this year as well and we will be completing a few races together as "Team Highlighters". I'm hoping I find some snazzy bright yellow shoes to go with our highlighter theme...

Anyways, back to the fundraising. I thought up this crazy idea to actually organize a race. I presented it to my cousin and she thought it was a great idea. It turns out though--she doesn't want to do it up here in the TC but down in Kansas City (where she lives) because she has more pull with the city down there (she is a lawyer). With the whole student teaching thing looming over my head these days--I decided that perhaps she was right and we should just start with the KC area for now. This makes planning a little more difficult from a distance but I will figure it out. I don't want to divulge too much but we are really hoping to make this race a unique one. I'd love your input, what do you think makes a good race?

Spring is almost in the air. It has been 40 degrees here this week. I've seen many posts on facebook about outdoor runs lately--love it! I, myself, have not made it outside to run. I'm hoping I get one run in outside tomm. We'll see what happens.

OH! Almost forgot to tell you--I have updated my fundraising link on the left for this year's fundraiser. I am hoping to do raffles again this year for those people who donate and I will announce those as they come in.

5 Mile Ride

2010-03-02T10:20:00.003-06:00

Andy recently bought a new Trek hybrid bike for his upcoming birthday so yesterday we decided to take it out for a spin. I am still riding a cheap-o mountain Schwinn but it all works. It was almost 40 degrees yesterday so I figured it was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the warmer weather.

We must have been going at tortoise speed because somehow we only made it about 5 miles in an hour--this is slower than what I run! Not entirely sure what is to blame for our tortoise speed other than a few occasional breaks and the fact that my bike was a bit rickety. The first break that we took was because my ears were killing me from the cold (I was not smart enough to actually put on a hat). I had to put my hood up over my head which made the task of looking for cars all that more interesting.

I tried to stand on my bike and ride a few times and the pedals were moving pretty stiff so I decided that wasn't working out so well.

Overall it was a good ride. For some reason--I never imagined hills would be difficult on a bike--but even in the lowest gear they were challenging on my bike. Andy came back to the house feeling like he didn't have much of a workout while my legs were tired from all of the hills.

Anyways, hopefully we continue biking as the weather gets nicer so I can actually put reason to buying a better bike.

Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathlon Race Report

2010-02-24T13:47:00.002-06:00

Results: 13.5 Swim Lengths, 13.6 miles on bike, 1.97 miles running

On Sunday, my cousin and I completed the Fridley Lifetime Indoor Triathlon with the NF Endurance Team. I'll break it down by event:

Swim- We had 10 minutes to swim. Neither Steph or I trained in the pool--at all. I used to really suck at swimming in high school and I don't think that has changed. Steph kept swimming ahead of me and then saying, "Come on Rachel...you can do it." It was tough. If I ever do another triathlon, I will need some serious time in the pool. I was exhausted by the time that we got out of the pool and still had 2 more events to go!

Bike- We had 30 minutes to complete the bike portion. Steph spent a little too much time in transition and we were late hitting the bikes. Everyone had already started. I was really thrown off and didn't take the time to adjust my bike. BIG mistake! I had a rather painful ride due to the seat riding up by butt and the awkward leaning that I was doing. Midway through the ride, I got confused and thought the instructors were telling us to get off the bikes. I stopped pedaling and lost some time there. Steph put on her crazy face in this room and was drumming to the songs they were playing and singing. When we only had 5 minutes left, one of the facilitator dudes came over to tell us we had 5 minutes by putting up his hand--Steph thought that he was trying to high five her so he high fived him. He then high fived me as well and then made sure he put his hand on the other people's bikes to tell them they had 5 minutes left. We were also the only ones to get high fives at the end of our bike portion--thanks to my crazy cousin.

Run- We had 20 minutes to run. I wanted to finish this portion strong because all of the other events really did not go so well. I started out running way too fast (around a 9 min mile) as I was trying to make up points and quickly lost my energy. I had to crank my speed way down for a minute to get my breath back before moving it back to 10 min mile.

All in all--it was a fun event. The jury is still out on whether I will actually complete a "real" triathlon someday.

I'm Running, Running, Running!

2010-02-18T12:21:00.003-06:00

Distance: 5.85 miles, Time: 1 hour

Woohoo!!!!

YES!!!

Finally I got a run in! Albeit slow, it was a run!! Nearly 6 miles in an hour. The trick was taking the risk and pushing past the "bone crunching noise" that was inhibiting me before. I was afraid of causing further damage and stopped every other time I tried to run. This time I pushed through and hoped for the best. The crunching noise stopped after about a minute and then I was golden! I kept the pace low and wound up finishing up 5.85 miles.

Sooo excited!

Two Wheels Stuck in Neutral

2010-02-16T09:49:00.003-06:00

Bike Time: 20 min 58 sec, Bike Distance: 5 miles, Eliptical Time: 30 min

Unfortunately, my knee is still in what I like to call "crummy condition". I have an indoor triathlon on Sunday and it is looking more like I will be walking the treadmill portion than anything. How embarrassing! We will see what happens before then though. Right now I can't run. It feels sort of like two bones jamming into one another when I even attempt it. I did make it about 4 strides the other day on the treadmill while I was testing the knee out--it didn't go so well.

Yesterday I figured I would try to build up my bike skills on the stationary bike at the gym. Something about being on a bike sitting in neutral is just not real exciting to me. But somehow I made it more exciting by trying to go as fast as I could maintain speed. I completed 5 miles in under 21 minutes and I'm not entirely sure whether that is good or not. When I hopped off the bike, my knee felt like it was stuck in one large cramp. I figured I must have done a decent job at working the muscles in my knee but this is just me estimating things as I don't know the first thing about how to heal a bruised knee. I didn't even know a bruised knee could affect mobility until I took my stumble up the stairs.

I also have not done any training in a pool. This is the downside of belonging to an Anytime Fitness. So...that portion will be rather intersting. I figure it is only 10 minutes and if I make a fool of myself--then it is only for 10 minutes, right?

Adventures of a Klutz: Falling Up

2010-02-10T13:17:00.004-06:00

So...Sunday night I had a bit of an accident. These things tend to happen when I am super hyper and in the best of moods as was the case on Sunday. I was in search of a missing Diet Coke. I had just gone out to the garage in my socks to see if I could spot it in my car. It had not been in my car so I started up the stairs. Somehow my footing wasn't right. My sock slipped on the step and I came crashing down. It wasn't a small crash either. My knee banged into the step with a great force. The pain was intense and Andy rushed down the steps to rescue me. He helped me up the stairs as I was having a hard time walking. I sat down on the couch and sitting on the floor next to the couch was my darn Diet Coke.

Anyhow...I had a hard time walking on it all night Sunday night. I figured I should go into the doc Monday to make sure all was okay. The doc said my knee was just very badly bruised and sent me on my way. He said it is so swollen that he couldn't really see a lot but if it isn't 90% better in 2 weeks to go back in. Well, today I can walk on it better but going up and down stairs still hurts pretty bad. I haven't attempted a serious run on it (I'll admit that right after it happened I tried to just run in the living room to see if I could). The doc said to stick to the bike for now. I have the triathlon in less than 2 weeks so I'm hoping that it heals quickly.

Mental Mind Games

2010-02-05T11:55:00.002-06:00

Run Time: 32 minutes, Run Distance: 3 miles

Yesterday I managed to make it to the gym in between work and class and only had enough time to run for half an hour. Which was okay because the gym was packed. It was another struggle of a run but I played some mental mind tricks to keep myself going. You wouldn't even believe some of the thoughts and slogans that were going through my head. Humor me...here are the "tricks" I played to push my mind through--

First I started thinking about all the people walking on the treadmills around me and imagined that I was winning a race. This was especially helpful when the old dude 2 treadmills over decided that if I could run--he could to.

I then envisioned myself as a motivator. I could tell this poor guy running was not a runner and had not intended to run before he saw me running. I only know this because he only lasted about a minute before he decided that he didn't like it too much--that and he kept watching me. Anyways, I envisioned myself as a motivator beyond the moment at which this guy had stopped and was clearly no longer motivated (if he ever was). I thought of the way my dad tells me that I am inspiring and the way that he picked up running as a result of my own running adventures.

Then these thoughts weren't working anymore. I had to think of something else. Somehow I got the "John Jingleheimer Schmidt" song stuck in my head because that appeared to be a similiar rhythym to what everyone was thumping the treadmill at. Don't ask me. Quickly this song wore out and I didn't like the idea of getting it stuck in my head. So what better song to start singing in your head than, "Tearin Up My Heart" by NSync. This one makes more sense because I used to be an insane Nsync fan back in the day. But of course, I could only remember the chorus. So...that got old fast.

Next I started throwing running slogans out there. "Blast those hips" and "Rachel you can do this", or the one I find the most humurous..."I'm so proud of you." Proud...of myself? Where did I get this nonsense?

Somehow I made it to the end of my run. And I'm thinking that I need to charge my Ipod soon. Because my creativity in mental mind games is going to wear thin!!

What are your mental mind games???

Something to Report!

2010-02-04T09:24:00.002-06:00

Run Distance: 3 miles, Run time: 32:00, Eliptical: 20 minutes, Bike: 5 minutes, 3/10 Above Arm

I'm going back to the log at the top of my posts just so I have something that I can look back to. Yes, I finally have something that I can actually report. The run went as well as I could expect for missing almost 2 weeks. I seem to be having a bit of a respiratory issue that kind of effected this run. I've actually had it much of the winter and went into the doctor about it but they kept telling me that it was dry air. It was focused primarily in my nose so I believed them. But it really is starting to make my throat hurt. And not just in the morning--all day. Anyways, nevertheless my throat was burning midway through my run and I was having a hard time ignoring it. I did stop and walk for 2 minutes so thus the slow time.

I was hoping for a little longer of a run but settled with 3 miles and decided that perhaps the eliptical would be better. I was still having the same symptoms. Anyways, spent 20 minutes there and then decided to finish off with 5 on the bike. Despite all of this...I really was happy to just be at the gym.

I am hoping to get a work out in tonight in between work and class. We'll see how that goes.

A Better Run and a Failed Snowboarder

2010-01-19T09:47:00.003-06:00

I had yesterday off (woohoo!) and headed to the gym in the morning. Evidently everyone else got the same great idea and the gym was again packed. I didn't know so many people got MLK day off! Anyways, I managed to get on my favorite treadmill and hammered out 3 miles. I was actually feeling great and wanted to run further but the gym was crowded and I didn't want to get yelled at for being on the treadmill longer than the allowed time. I put in another 15 minutes on the eliptical but again had foot pad pain and decided to jump off. Finished up my hour at home on the Wii Fit.

I am backtracking a bit here...but the day before this wonderful run...we went snowboarding. This was my first trip snowboarding and I'm not entirely sure I can actually claim that I snowboarded since I spent most of my time on my bum. We didn't take any lessons, just had a friend kind of show us what to do before we plunged down the hill. It didn't fair to well with me because I spent most of the time falling and then contemplating getting back up. The runs were packed that day and I spent most of the time waiting for the perfect opportunity to go so that I wouldn't take out a small child while trying to get down the hill (since I still do not have a clue how you stop other than fall down). Anyways, my butt is still pretty sore (didn't help that I slipped on our front step this morning either). Strangely, my arms are sore too--Andy says from catching my fall so many times. I think I'll stick to running.

Losing Mileage

2010-01-14T12:36:00.002-06:00

I really don't know what my deal is lately. A few weeks ago I was running 6 milers and intervals and loving it. The last two weeks have really sucked. I've barely cranked out 3 milers and in fact, Monday I could only muster out 2.5 miles. So, so frustrating.

I don't think I can even tell you the cause of this problem. One day it was the fact that my legs were really really tight and in pain. The next day it seemed to be that I had no energy. The next day it was that my breathing was off. Yea that one was Monday. All of these factors make me feel like I did when I first started running years ago. So frustrating.

I have class tonight so there will be no gym time. However, I am going to take on this problem on Friday and hopefully see some sort of improvement in my endurance. Seriously.

And the Chaos Begins

2010-01-12T10:56:00.002-06:00

I guess everyone was scared of the below zero temps last week and that is why the gym was empty. Just merely making assumptions. Yesterday I went to the gym and it was a madhouse. The parking lot was packed so I knew it was going to be bad before I ever even stepped foot into the door. Every treadmill was taken. There were two elipticals open so I hopped on one. I don't mind the eliptical--I just would much rather be on the treadmill. Elipticals hurt the balls of my feet and I have yet to figure out why after many years of using them. Anyways, I did the eliptical for half an hour and got off because there was an enormous line for both the treadmills and the elipticals. Biked for about 10 minutes before I started to get bored. Hopped off the bike and went home to the Wii Fit where I don't have to compete for machines.

I think I may have to start going to the gym later so I can avoid this madness. At least for the month of January.

Ranting Post

2010-01-05T09:13:00.005-06:00

Yikes. Anyone else get a calendar in the mail from Runner's World? No thanks! They sent me a calendar in the mail and then billed me 21.95 for it and I never asked for one! Then they want me to send this calendar back on my dime! They sent it to me without me requesting it! Grr.

Anyways, I don't have much positive to report about my workout yesterday. I ran 3 miles and it wasn't the best run I've ever had. My legs were really tight and I never really got into the right rhythm. I biked for 20 minutes afterwords and have decided that biking on a stationary bike deems little rewards. According to the machine, I only burned 90 calories in 20 minutes. This just seems crazy. I was going at about 85 rpm, perhaps that is slow? I don't even know as I'm not really much of a cyclist. Anyways, I'm probably going to have to work on that more before the triathlon.

I plan to get a better run in tonight. We'll see how it goes.

Addicted to Events

2010-01-04T09:38:00.002-06:00

Yep...I've signed up for another one already. Get this--my first "kind of" triathlon. I say, "kind of" because it is indoors and not what I would typically envision as a triathlon. I will be participating in the Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathlon on Feb. 21st with the NF Endurance Team and my cousin!

Considering I am not much of a swimmer, this is going to be a bit of a challenge. I actually try to avoid swimming at all costs. I am going to have to actually go out and buy a swimsuit that I can swim in. We will see how this challenge wraps up in February!

Hope that all of you had a wonderful New Year's Day! It has gotten bitter cold here. -10 this morning. We are expected to stay bone chilling cold all the rest of the week. Yuck.

Unbalanced

2009-12-30T09:24:00.002-06:00

I am unbalanced. At least that is what my new Wii Fit keeps telling me. I was pretty skeptical about playing games on a gaming console in an attempt to "get fit" but my wonderful boyfriend bought me this device for Christmas so I figured I'd give it a go. I probably wouldn't feel comfortable soley relying on this device to keep up my fitness so of course I still have made it to the gym to run or do the eliptical.

I won't go into the details of every aspect of this system because there is just too much to talk about. That and some of the details are rather embarrasing. (Like how it adjusts your clothes so that they don't fit!) Every day after doing the Wii Fit, I end up really sore so I figure it must be doing something. Evidently I am really pretty bad at balancing. I haven't even tried the Yoga stuff yet but I'm assuming it will tell me that I suck at that too. It did, however, tell me that I was a "calorie roaster" in most of the aerobic exercises. It also has a few games where you can run (in place of course). It also said that I was strong with the strength exercises but I think it may be lying to me there.

Anyways, that is how I have been spending most of my hours after work this week. The gym has been rather empty and I'm just waiting for it to fill up with "New Year's Resolutioners". AH how I hate January at the gym...

2009 in a Wrap Up and Goals for 2010

2009-12-28T09:40:00.003-06:00

In the Year 2009....

Added some new running partners to the mix--
Started the season with the Run of the Mills 5k with my brother and dad.
Tried to balance running with school and volunteering and didn't always succeed.
But most important--
Finished my goal of running the Twin Cities Marathon.
And then returned to Kansas City to run the marathon relay with my cousin and brother!

For the Year 2010...

I plan to resist the urge to run 26.2 this year. I don't have the time to do so. My goal is merely to run the Chicago Rock N Roll Half Marathon. It is also to finish up my classes and start student teaching in the fall! I may add a few extra races when I see that I have the time to do so. But they will be mostly shorter races. My ultimate running goal this year is to increase my speed.

6 Stupendous Miles

2009-12-23T10:32:00.002-06:00

My runs have felt soo good lately. I think that break really helped. I ran 6 miles in under an hour yesterday and felt awesome afterwards. YAY!

On a funny note. Yesterday when I was at the gym running--there was this dude behind grunting like he was on the toilet. At first I was concerned like perhaps there was something wrong and I was tempted to glance back. But his grunt continued every time I heard his weights lift from their setting, and I figured he was alright. Grunters usually bug me period--but this guy really sounded like he was straining over the lou. And the noise continued for the duration of my gym visit...Odd duckling.

The next few days will be bittersweet here in Minnesota. I'm really looking forward to the holidays but not looking forward to the Mammoth of a snow storm that is headed our way. I've heard estimates as high as 20"!!! And the tires on my car are really bad. Which really sucks because my car is only 2 years old.

Anyways, hope you all have the best of holidays!!

Back and Ready to Rock It

2009-12-18T12:26:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the extremely long delay in posts. It appears that I was hit with a whirlwind of "other stuff" to do and my workouts were really lacking. I have 3 weeks before school starts back up again and I'm going to make the most of it.

Yesterday I managed to turn something that I used to hate into something I now enjoy. Intervals! I really did despise them before and used to actually avoid them as much as I could. But this whole treadmill thing is starting to get boring real fast and I also wanted to try to up my speed before Chicago RNR. So....I rocked the intervals yesterday. I actually came out feeling really strong--ran a little over 3 miles and increased my speed by 2 minutes for the intervals. I'm hoping to get it up a little higher the next time that I do intervals.

Anyways, life has been hectic lately. Next semester is going to be even worse. In an attempt to student teach by next fall--I am cramming more classes than normal in. My work load has also been slightly stressful and I've just increased my commute. That and it is winter in Minnesota--so the snow storms usually leave me with 2-3 hour commutes. Ick.

Anyways, on a positive note--I've found a new love in intervals! Happy holidays to all of you!!!

Slacker

2009-11-03T15:52:00.003-06:00

Just call me...the slacker. I've barely done any running lately. I had so much going on and just really lacked the motivation to hit the dreadmill (if you recall--I don't run when it is cold and we've reached cold temps).

Good news...I moved in with Andy. Bad news...It is an hour drive from my work. Better news...the triangle driving is over.

I did manage to get a run in last night. I swore I would never let myself "lose fitness" again. What a wierd way to phrase it--but I swear that is what they call it in the magazines. Somehow I lost fitness. My run was alright but definetly not what I expected it to be. I ran 3 miles and had to stop a few times. Lame. I just ran 26.2 less than a month ago and now I can't hammer out 3 miles without stopping. Hoping that it improves this week.

Team Starry-Eyed Schlepping Smugglers and 26.2 Miles in Kansas City

2009-10-19T08:24:00.012-05:00

I know I promised more pictures from Twin Cities...but that was BEFORE I remembered that I would still have a race report for the Kansas City Marathon to write....

This weekend I headed down to Kansas City to run the relay with my cousin, brother, and cousins' friends. The race was on Saturday at 7 AM...

We arrived at 6:45 AM in seperate cars. Actually, my brother and I were still in the car at 6:45 AM and had to jump out at an intersection to hunt down the rest of our team. To say that I was a nervous wreck was an understatement. I have NEVER arrived at a race this late. I was the first runner and our team captain ( my cousin) had all of the safety pins. She wasn't answering her phone. They were singing the National Anthem on the loud speaker and the start line was packed. The idea of running around holding my number during the race did not sound like fun to me. I called my mom frantically yelling that I couldn't find Stephanie and I had no safety pins and my little brother was going to have to find his transition point all by himself in a city that he didn't know. My mom was angry that Joe (little bro) had gotten out of the car with me. I hung up and continued to look for Stephanie. I had given up after I saw the start line moving forward. I went to get behind the pack and by some miracle--I ran into Stephanie and the rest of our team. The first thing out of my mouth was "Safety pins!!!"

They quickly threw a number on me as I said "the line is taking off without me--I gotta go". Little did I know--the line wasn't going anywhere. The race actually didn't start until what seemed like 15 minutes after the anthem was sung. Of course, I was literally at the back of the pack so I had no clue what was going on. I kept thinking about how I hadn't even wished my teammates good luck before I disappeared.

Finally, the race took off. Well, kind of. Since I was at the back of the pack, I had a lot of weaving to do. There were actually walkers in this section because not only do they start the marathoners here--but the 5k, half marathon and us relay people. I quickly made it through the walkers but it took some time to get pass the mass amounts of 15 and 16 min/mile runners. After a mile of weaving, I was finally able to catch up to the pacers. First it was a 3 hr 30 min half marathon pacer. Which seemed like a very slow half marathon time to me. But I continued on my way, weaving through people. Now I know what it is like to literally start in the back of the pack. It wasn't all that bad because I was passing everyone rather than them passing me. Eventually I think I made it up to the 4:15 marathon pacer. The end of my run was up to Liberty Memorial--a very very long hill. I probably could have kept running but had to hand off to my brother at this point.

My mom and aunts were there at the transition point. I was extremely grateful because the buses only took you to the finish line. The original plan was that I would wait at the finish for everyone else to come in. And that would have been a very long wait. Anyways, we all waved Joe good bye and hopped into the car to try to get to his next transition point and get some Immodium to my cousin who was having some stomach issues. She was at the 4th transition point and Joe would be at the 3rd. It took us an hour just to get to Joe. He had already finished by the time we got to him and we spotted him in the street aimlessly wandering around looking for buses. We scooped him up and drove on to try to make to Stephanie with the Immodium.

We made it to Steph before she left--passed the Immodium and then waiting for her friend Jim to come in to the transition. Jim had a solid finish-we said bye to Steph and then Joe, Jim, and I hopped on the bus. The buses were quite packed...and sweaty. It took awhile to get us back to the start/finish.

I think I forgot to mention one crucial part in this whole thing. It was freezing cold most of the race. I actually don't know what the temp was--but it appeared chillier than Twin Cities a few weeks ago. Joe and I went to get some hot chocolate and we all sat around and waited for our final two runners.

Stephanie ended up almost vomiting on her portion of the run. She had the longest leg with 6.8 miles and it was tough with her stomach issues. That and I'm not entirely sure Steph has run this distance all that often. It was around the 4 hour mark when I called my mom to see whether we would be finishing anytime soon. She said that Steph had just handed off to Carolyn (our last runner). Her leg was still over 6 miles so I knew it would at least be another hour.

Around the 5 hour time, we headed to the finish line so that we could run in together. At around 5 hrs 15 minutes clock time, Carlyn came into the finish chute and we all joined her to the finish. My mom shot this picture and these two strange people must have thought my mom was taking a picture of them (we have no clue who they are).

Our final stats were a 5 hr 9 min chip time. I finished with a 9:35 min/mile. The rest of the bunch finished in the 11-14 min/mile range. Soo proud of the team for sticking through it despite our late arrival time and puky issues!!

I Just May Be Crazy...

2009-10-14T10:00:00.004-05:00

Well. I finished the Twin Cities Marathon. That nagging "what to do next" feeling was actually getting to me before I even crossed the finish line. And so it didn't suprise me when the very next day I found myself compulsively looking up races for next year. I will have no time to run a marathon as I will be getting ready to student teach for all of the fall marathons and I will have 3 classes during training for the spring marathons. Soooo...If you see me post something about thinking about a marathon--please discourage it. Because it may happen...

But the big news is...I've signed up for the Rock N Roll Chicago Half Marathon for August 2010!! And the best news of all--I will be running with my cousin, Stephanie! Actually it will be her first long distance race...and she is going to join the NF Endurance Team with me. Soooo...if anyone else wants to join in the fun--it would rock to run with you!

My plan for next year is to run a few halfs and maybe the TCM 10 mile if I get in. I'd like to work on my speed a bit and this will be the perfect opportunity to do it. I usually make these plans near the end of the year but I was feeling antsy and so there ya go--I'm already registered for a 2010 race.

Another piece of rockin awesome news--I have a GARMIN! Andy was so sweet and got me the Forerunner 405 for my Birthday yesterday.

Oh and I promise you--next post will include more pics of the Twin Cities Marathon. I just haven't had time!!

Twin Cities Marathon 2009

2009-10-05T14:32:00.003-05:00

According to my cousin, that picture was taken around mile 21. Not sure how I managed to continue to smile that late in the race...but it happened. Oh yea...and I did carry those gloves the entire race because it seems that they weren't too cumbersome in my hands.

According to the media and many other racers, the weather was near "perfect". It actually felt pretty awesome at about 45 degrees, but I think the colder temps may have attributed to some later problems.

My relatives arrived Friday from Kansas City and joined me at the start line along with my parents, brother and beloved bf Andy. They all wore bright NF Tshirts so they were super easy to spot. They were also nice to be able to run into other NF Endurance team members and spectators. We actually met a few team members while standing around in the Metrodome before the race--what a great bunch of people!

The start of this race was a little different than most races I've been to. I lined up behind the 4:45 thinking that would be 5 minutes faster than last year's race and a good spot to start. I stood there chatting with my family when all of a sudden it appeared the crowd was moving but I had not heard a gun or horn or anything. I thought that the race surely had started but shortly after we started moving, I heard claps and cheers from people ahead of us to indicate the start of the race. I was off and feeling pretty good...

Or maybe too good? I started out pretty fast. I was running a 9:17 or so min/mile and I knew it seemed to be too fast. I thought I was still behind the 4:45 pacer so I trusted the pace I was at. It turns out that I had somehow passed the 4:45 pacer and was now approaching the 4:30. I caught up to the 4:30 pacer at about Mile 6 and this is when I realized I was truly going too fast. The wierd thing is--I didn't do anything to slow down because I had some wierd logic going on in my head. I thought if I could pass the 4:30 pacer, I'd have time to go to the bathroom and not be too far behind. I did pass the 4:30 pacer, got off the course at the porto-pottie and then saw that the line wasn't moving anywhere and hopped back on after I saw the 4:30 pacer re-pass me again.

I continued to try to catch up to the 4:30 pacer again but never saw her. I was dropping further and further back. We went through a few "crunches" in the course where it seemed like the streets could not hold all of the runners. People were spilling into the sidewalks and curbs. It was like traffic jam central and I just wanted to keep my pace.

Thinking I was still behind the 4:30 and in front of 4:45, I stopped at another restroom later on. There was a long line but I couldn't hold on any longer. This was mile 11 or 12. I probably waisted a good 10 minutes at this stop. I got back on course and hoped I was at least behind the 4:45. Somehow, I think that pacer had even passed me.

I continued on the course and my pace continued to slow down. The course was packed with spectators and I was loving it. I saw Andy and his family around mile 8 and was so happy to see all of them.

Around mile 12, it seemed that I was quickly losing energy. I was starting to get really frustrated. My stomach was telling me that I was starving hungry and I was trying to wait to take a gel because I had just taken one at the 7 mile mark when it was doing a similiar thing. Finally around the 12.5, I broke down and took the gel. Instantly I was feeling much better. Normally I don't feel such a drastic change so quickly but I was grateful. I kept on running and saw Andy and my cousin somewhere around there.

I continued on feeling pretty good and enjoying the scenery. I would later see my Aunt and parents around mile 18 and then Andy and my cousin a few more times. They were such troopers to travel around spectating!

I went through the "wall" just fine and seemed to be feeling quite well. It was at about mile 21 that I had something happen that has never happened to me while running. All of a sudden I felt a sharp pain around my right knee. I thought for sure I had pulled a muscle. I limped over to the sidelines and tried to stretch it out while the EMT's were just behind me. Not wanting them to pull me off the course, I tried to continue to walk. It seemed to subside some and then about five minutes later my other knee did the same thing. I quickly realized I was cramping and not pulling muscles because my entire leg seemed to seize up at times. I continued to stretch, run, walk, stretch, run, walk for the remaining 5 miles. It was during this cycle that I saw the 5 hr pacer pass me. This is when I knew that the rest of this race would be just trying to finish and enjoy the marathon.

The last 2 miles were pretty tough. I continued on, seemingly pulling my cramping legs through the course at times. The spectators were telling me that the last mile was easy. However, it was a downhill descent and my legs were not having it. My knees were in pain and I had to walk down the hill. I felt so silly as everyone else was running. Once I got closer to where I could see the Finish line, I began to run. The Finish line was amazing. The best Finish line I have ever crossed. You can see it for a good 1/4 of a mile before you cross it. It is lined with spetators and bleachers. I continued through the finishers shoot and was completely coherent when they placed the medal on my neck (as opposed to last year at KC when I was balling and forgot about the medal entirely). It felt amazing to continue to walk through the finish line out into the crowd. My family followed me on the other side of the gates (they were gated off from me). They made me stop for pictures along the way.

I met up with a few NF team members before emptying out into the family area. We gave each other congrats on the race, took some pictures and then were off to see our families. This is where things got to be a little strange. The finish area at this marathon was huge compared to that at Kansas City. There were people everywhere and I couldn't find my family anywhere. I spotted a series of flags with letters on them and stood by the "H" for my last name. I thought that if my family approached an official looking for me--they would probably point them in this direction. Just as I spotted my family really far away through a crowd, a classmate came up to congradulate me. I was happy to see the classmate, but quickly lost track of where the family went to again. I stayed in the same spot for another 5 minutes or so and then decided to walk back towards the vendors and "party tent" to see if I could find them. I found them waiting near the vendors and was so happy to see them except Andy was missing. They had sent Andy up to the "H" to find me after talking with a police officer who thought we were crazy for not having set up a meeting place.

All in all it was a good marathon. I will post more pictures when I get time. For now, you can see a video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QX0L64CVJo&feature=related I am at the 36 second mark in yellow NF shirt, black hat, and blue skirt.

Countdown to Race Day.

2009-09-28T10:06:00.002-05:00

Here are my hopes and wishes for this week:

--That swine flu stays way, way, far away from me.
--That the rain does its thing earlier in the week and stops by Sunday.
--That work gets less stressful so I can bring this arm twitchy thing to a stop.

Race Day is Sunday. And I'm so ready to run.

Only 2 more weeks...

2009-09-21T12:07:00.002-05:00

12 miler was a success! The weekends have been ultra busy lately now that school started back up again so I didn't get the chance to run until 5:30 pm on Sunday. Andy came to the rescue once again. He took out my girly light blue bike once again and rode alongside me for the entire 12 miles as it just barely started to get dark as we pulled in to his house. Actually having him there helped me keep up my pace and I finished in about 2 hours.

The Twin Cities Marathon is only 2 weeks away. My cousin and aunt are coming in to town to watch me (they live in Kansas City). So excited to have fans--hehe! Two weeks later, I will be travelling to Kansas City for the Kansas City Marathon Relay to team up with my cousin on a leg of that race.

My local hometown paper also printed a story about my fundraising efforts for NF and running the Twin Cities Marathon. Thought that was super cool. I don't know if I ever mentioned it--but Joe Mauer (Twins catcher) donated a signed bobblehead to the cause that will be raffled off to donors who donate $20 or more. If you are one who is a Mauer fan--you can find my donation page in the left margin of my blog.

Prince Charming on a Blue Bicycle

2009-09-16T11:04:00.004-05:00

Monday evening I planned out my 20 mile run. I was a little scared because it was going to be dark by the time I finished up and the trail is wooded and you never know what/who might come out of the woods! I had barely mentioned to Andy while he was half asleep that perhaps he might be able to come down and bike alongside me. I honestly thought he wasn't listening though because he was so tired.

The run started out pretty good. I made it to mile 7 before I really needed to stop to get a drink of water. By then I was just entering Lake Calhoun (a portion of the Twin Cities Marathon route!). I made it almost all the way around the lake when I checked my I-Pod and it told me I had run what I thought I heard as "10.05" miles. Andy called me near this point to ask me whether I still wanted him to come out with my light blue bike so that he could ride next to me in the dark. I was suprised that he had actually heard me that morning and quickly gave him directions on how to find me on the trail.

It was getting dark pretty fast by the time Andy found me. I was sooo relieved and happy to see him. When he got to me, he told me how happy he was that he came out because he didn't like the idea of me running in the dark alone. That and the end of my run is in Hopkins--and there are parts of Hopkins that scare me in the daylight--let alone the dark. Andy got to experience the trail and told me that he now thinks he wants to take up biking--so perhaps next year I'll be biking more.

Anyways, Andy talked to me through the last 5 miles and all went pretty well. I had a few stomach issues in the last 2 miles that caused me to take a few extra breaks. But all in all--it was a good run. No knee pain--thank goodness!!!!

The shocking thing is--when I got back to the apartment--my I-Pod was telling me that I ran 21 miles. Not sure how that happened really. Unless perhaps when I turned around I heard "10.05" when it was really saying "10.50". Not sure. Either way...I'm sure I got the required 20 done which is good.

Taper time!!!!

Sitting on Edge

2009-09-11T13:55:00.002-05:00

Sooo...I had an AWESOME GREAT 10 miler on Wednesday night. I was supposed to do a 5 miler yesterday but by the end of the day I was experiencing something that I thought I would manage to successfully avoid this marathon training season....

KNEE PAIN!!

Yuck, Yuck, Yuck, Yuck.

Anyways, I took the day off of running yesterday, iced the knee, and prayed that my knee would pitter please hold up.

So far none of my home remedies have cured it. Although I will say...I have yet to actually try to run on it since the pain started. Sooo....maybe it will go away with a little run. I don't have time for one tonight...but I'm going to attempt tomm.

Also have a 20 miler scheduled this weekend. I will try to do it on Sunday but if knee pain proves to be detrimental--I will postpone to Monday. Then it will be taper so hopefully if I can just make it past the 20 miler--I can give my knee a little break.

18 and Counting...

2009-09-08T08:27:00.002-05:00

I finally finished the 18 miler on Sunday. I won't say it is the best run I've ever had. In fact, it was probably near the worst.

I started out on the run at about 11:00 AM. Yea, not a good time to start a long run. While the weather man said it was going to be a "pleasant" weekend, I wasn't thinking it was so pleasant. It was 79 degrees which I thought would be alright. But it was sooo hot. I think it was the way the sun was hitting me, in all honesty. I wore a black hat because I couldn't find my sunglasses and that was just trapping heat on my head. I was absolutely miserable through a good majority of my run.

Once I hit the 9 mile mark, I only had one bottle of water left and a bottle of gatorade. I brought the Gatorade to try to help with the lack of electrolyte problem I experienced on other long runs. Well, it turns out that Gatorade makes me more thirsty. I hate that sugary taste it leaves in your mouth so I kept having to follow it with water. Sooo...I think next time I'm going to have to try to mix it with water to make it less potent. Anyways, I very quickly went through my liquids and was starting to panick about how I was going to make it the 9 miles back.

I texted Andy to see when he was going to be back home (he was an hour away). He said he wasn't coming home anytime soon. At that moment, I really was frustrated. I tried to keep running but my mind just wasn't in it. I ended up walking a good distance, running some, walking some. Finally I reached the high school near Andy's house. They had just installed outdoor water fountains this summer and every time I stopped they had no water in them. I hoped that they would have water running through them this time since school is starting tomm. And thank goodness--they had water! Although one of the fountains seemed to have a taste of paint thinner or some kind of chemical--I assumed because they were new. Yuck. Anyways, I filled up my water bottles and went on my way.

The last few miles turned out to be okay--alot of running and then walking. I came back to the house with no chills this time--the Gatorade must have helped that problem. Also had sunburn on the back of my knees, arms, face, and neck. How fun....

I'm hoping the 20 miler this weekend is better than this one. I definetly will either be leaving earlier in the day or later to avoid the sun beating down on me.

One Month to the Big DAY

2009-09-04T10:50:00.006-05:00

One month from today I will be standing at the start line of the Twin Cities Marathon!! I can't say that I'm near as nervous as last year's Kansas City Marathon. So far, my knees have held up quite well through training this year. I've had a few minor knee "warning" pains in my left knee the past few runs but nothing to be too worried about. The only thing I have been worried about is the fact that I have yet to get the 18 miler in. I will be doing it this weekend. I still have some chesty stuff from the cold I had last week but I'm ready to go.

My runs this week have been alright. Somehow I've managed to lose some speed lately which is slightly disappointing. My fastest pace on my 5 miler the other day was like 9:30 which was my normal pace last year. Not that I'm all that concerned with pace in my marathon but I do want to hopefully beat last years time. We'll see what happens.

Oh and I finally got pics back from the Run of Mills 5k that I did with my bro and dad back in May. See below.

Joe (brother) and I before the race.

Start Line

Dad is in the yellow Cheerios hat and Joe and I are to the side of this guy in the hat in the forefront. You can only see my hair but Joe is in front of me.

Crossing the Finish Line

Missed Opportunity

2009-08-31T13:05:00.002-05:00

The weather looked gorgeous for a nice long 18 mile run this weekend. That is the mileage I was supposed to encounter. However, I didn't get anywhere close. In fact, I completed 0 miles this weekend and instead felt like I was going to lose a lung in the coughing spells that took over my days. Needless to say, I didn't leave the house much this weekend. Although I did try to take Duke for a walk later in the day Sunday when I thought I was feeling better--that ended in some icky coughing spells in which I was trying to control Duke (a strong German Shepherd) and my own body at the same time.

Anyways, if there is one lesson that can be learned from all of this, it would be to take the extra rest day early on rather than have to miss an entire weekend due to major coughing. I went to see the doc at MinuteClinic on Sunday and she told me that I should take some Claritin. So far that has made me extremely tired and somewhat stopped the crazy coughs. I'm hoping that I can get a run in tonight. We are only 5 weeks away from the Twin Cities Marathon and I need to get some runs in!

Enountering the SWAT Team

2009-08-28T08:30:00.004-05:00

Well, I have an interesting story for you. But first, I will give you a brief synopsis on the development of sickness. Yesterday I wrote about how I was experiencing a cough and was a bit iffy about going out on a run but felt like I really needed to. Well the cough couldn't keep me in. I kept telling myself that perhaps I was overexaggerating my symptoms and I should be able to make it at least through my 5 miler. Well I made it through (with an interesting story to tell) and also now have a serious much worse cough going on. I thought I was going to cough up a lung this morning. So, word to wise--if your intuition says you shouldn't run--don't!

Now on with my interesting story.

I headed out from my apartment onto a 5 mile mile route that has a "turn around" in front of a private school in Hopkins. Just before I reach this private school, there is a small neighborhood with some fences that divide it from a rather busy road. For ordinary people, this area of the city probably doesn't scare them. But it typically puts me on high alert because I always seem to come across teenagers with baggy pants yelling wise remarks to me as I pass through this area. This time there were no teeenagers. A man in his late 50s emerged from one of the roads going into the neighborhood and followed behind me as I ran. I was slightly on alert just because of the way he suddenly appeared but wasn't too concerned. I had also seen an Edina cop car parked on the sidewalk with no cops in it. I thought it was kind of peculiar that a car from Edina would be here but figured maybe he was visiting someone.

Next thing I knew, I heard a "Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang!!" I nearly jumped out of my own skin and stopped in my tracks. I was standing directly in front of a wooden fence so I couldn't see what the loud noise had been but I was terrified. On the other side of the fence I could see gunsmoke rising and heard officers shouting. I slowly continued walking until I reached the end of the fence (not a very long fence). Police in full camouflage and helmets with large guns started running towards the end of the fence chasing a guy. They were shouting, "Get down, get down". They took the guy down on the edge of the fence just as I passed. I was terrified at this point. I continued to walk just because I didn't want the cops to think I was running away from them (although I was in running clothes...so I'm not sure why I was so afraid). I got past the fence and away from the noise and my heart was pounding so hard. I kept thinking, those cops were shooting towards the fence! I was on the other side of the fence...I could have been shot. This was probably the worst timing to have my turn around. I walked a very short distance over to the school and then realized I needed to turn around. My chest had already been bugging me because of the cold and there was no way I was going to prolong my run but I really didn't want to go back past the gun shots. I told myself that they had caught the guy. I witnessed it. I will be safe. Just walk past and get back to your run. So I turned around.

As I was walking back past the fence, I saw crowds of officers in camouflage all walking into the street that goes into the neighborhood. By the time I reached that latter end of the fence, many of them had hopped on a humvee looking vehicle and were all hanging off of it. I was standing at the end of the sidewalk, needing to cross the road that goes into the neighborhood to continue on my journey. They had large guns and were all decked out in camo. They looked at me like they wanted to say something but none of them did. I couldn't even see the driver because the windshield was tinted really dark so I didn't know if he was going to let me cross the street or not. I just waited for him to go with all of his men hanging off. Then I started to cross the street and looked down through the neighborhood. There sat a sign that I had missed because it wasn't on my path. It read, "Police Officer Training." There was no crazy fugitive on the run and whatever they were shooting was probably blanks. But I had been terrified. Perhaps a simple sign on the sidewalk that read "Police Officer Training on other side of fence" would have been nice. I completely respect the difficult job these guys have to do and it is easy to miss every single angle that someone could be affected by the things you do. At least it did put some excitement in my run.

Here I found an article with the police forces that were training (obviously not the training that took place yesterday--but I believe this is what they were doing). http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/16/2556/how_and_why_to_invite_a_swat_team_into_your_home

Yet Again...Sick

2009-08-27T13:45:00.002-05:00

Somewhere between Missouri and Minnesota, I captured a bug. It seems like I've been sick at least 3 times this year, highly abnormal for me. It isn't even winter!

Anyways, Monday I ran 4 miles despite feeling the sickness coming on.

Tuesday, the sickness got the better of me and I didn't run.

Wednesday was worse than Tuesday. Had a fever. Went to work still...but didn't run.

I have a mild fever now but feel a little better. The runny nose stuff has lightened up but it seems I now have a cough. Really, I have to get out and run. I know..."anything below the neck, don't run." Well...I have to. I have a 9 mile run that needs to get done. I probably won't make it the full 9 but I have to at least try to make it out there.

I have an 18 miler this weekend that I am really hoping I get better for. I missed last weeks 12 miler on vacation and so I NEED this one.

Revenge of the HILLS

2009-08-24T12:46:00.006-05:00

Vacation was...okay. It was SO nice to sleep in a little, to not have to go to work. But it rained and rained and rained in the Ozarks. I'll show you some pics of us squeezing in some activities in between the rains. But how about the running eh?

Well first I should tell you about how I ran the morning we left for the Ozarks. I decided to fit in my last 4 miler for that week in at 5 am before we left. I now know that I am NOT a 5 am runner. I don't know how 5 AM runners do it. First, it was pitch dark outside when I left. I could barely see the road beneath my feet. That is enough to give me the creeps. Second, I couldn't see the bugs flying into my mouth. Yuck. Third, I was terrified someone was going to jump out of the following items: 1) cornfields, 2) scary looking van parked on side of road, 3) woods. Oh and it was hot and humid. Anyways, I was terrified through most of the run and decided that would be my first and only 5 am solo run.

After my run, we hopped into the car and headed down to the land of many hills. I wanted to take a picture of the hills that I was running up and down just to show you the pain I endured, but I never took a camera with me on a run. Anyways, if you've ever driven through the Ozarks, it is like riding on a roller coaster. You know, the whole belly flop feeling as you go up and down hills? Yea, I was running those monsters. I will say that I shaved about a mile off of the 8 miler and did that on a treadmill. That and I never got my long run in...I'm hoping to maybe fit it in today. Although I have an 18 miler later this week so I may decide to save energy for that one. Anyways, all that hill training really did a number on my calves. Every time I go to run they seem to seize up with a bad crampy feeling. I've done so much stretching to try to relieve the pain it is crazy. It actually takes 2 miles or so for the pain to go away. Oh well...as soon as I get a few more flat-moderate hill land runs in my legs should be back to normal. The good news--the weather was super nice outside later in the week so my hilly runs weren't unbearable. I think I was more afraid for my saftey of running on narrow windy, hilly roads as cars come flying down. Other good news--the doc cleared my lungs before we left and said it was probably the heat and lack of electrolytes that caused the funny chest pain.

Anyways, here are a few pics from our trip...enjoy!!

Hiking

Out to eat

Castle Ruins

Aftermath of a 16 Mile Run

2009-08-13T09:56:00.002-05:00

The 16 mile run went better than I expected it to go. It was 87 degrees when I left and I was dreading the heat but knew that it had to at least cool into the 70s near the end of my run. But overall, it was an alright run.

I started out the run pretty slow because I was paranoid of falling victim to the heat. Not entirely sure what I was afraid of--perhaps heat stroke? I got my two extra bottles for my Nathan belt yesterday and they worked great. Although it was a lot more water to carry around my waist than I was used to! I was fairly liberal with my water drinking because I knew there were water fountains on the route that I was taking. It felt pretty good to not have to ration out my water intake.

The run out to the turn-around point was great. Not many problems at all actually. And I would say I probably didn't have a lot of problems until the last 4. The last 4 miles, I started to feel a pain in my lungs while I was breathing. I've never really experienced that before and so I took lots of breaks to let my lungs recover. Anyways, it was alot of running .75 of a mile, walking 1-2 minutes, running another .75 mile. I kept trying to make it to at least a mile between stops but the pain in my breathing was bugging me. Anyways, I've made a doctor's appt to check this out just to be sure. I'm sure it was just the distance contributing to it...but whenever pain moves to my chest--I always worry more than I probably need to.

Anyways, I made it the 16 miles loving the fact that I still have no knee pain. LOVING IT! Although, getting to the apartment I realized that I had forgotten about the end of the long run--when you stop running and the pain starts. I felt like puking, my legs kept cramping up, and my lungs were hurting. Oh and I was shivering--but this always happens after my long runs no matter how much water I drink. I've read a ton that says it means you didn't drink enough water but I seriously say that is crazy. Because I drank 6-20 oz bottles of water on that run yesterday. Perhaps I drank too much water. Anyways, the stomach was not feeling well either and I knew I needed to eat something. That and I figured I might be needing salt since it was clearly all over my body. Drank some V8 hoping that would help. Then I tried to eat blueberries and my stomach was not having it. Waited a little bit and forced half a bowl of bran flakes down then gave up and went to bed. Well, tried to go to bed. My legs kept cramping and I swear I was up every 10 minutes trying to get them to stop.

Anyways, the 16 miler is done. Now I am going to have to figure out when I'm going to do the 4 miler and the 8 miler since my schedule is all messed up. I love going on vacation but it really does throw a wrench in your training plan!! Anyways, headed to Missouri Saturday morning...hope you all have a great weekend!

Heat, Humidty, and Trips Ahead

2009-08-11T08:49:00.003-05:00

This weekend's long run went ok. I still have no apparent injuries so I'm pretty happy on that front. Last year at this time in my training I was cringing on the long runs. However, it seems I am dealing with a different dilemma altogether, weather. I don't remember running in the heat last year at all for some reason. I am sure I did, I just don't recall it. Don't get me wrong, we've had a cool summer. But this past week changed things up a bit. I set out for my 15 mile run when it was a bit cooler but still really humid. It was like 100% humidity here during parts of the weekend. I still only have the 2 bottle Nathan hydration belt. I've ordered 2 extra bottles to attach to it but haven't gotten them in the mail yet. The end of my run was pretty tough. I was completely out of water with 3 miles to go, hot and sweat stinging my eyes. That and I had a stomach ache that was causing some cramps. Needless to say, I was walking a good portion of the last 2 miles but still managed to run a bit. I'm just happy that I finished it though.

This weekend's long run is supposed to be 16 miles. I will be leaving for the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri on Saturday early morning and I really don't want to run it down there (very very hilly). So, I'm going to attempt to squeeze it in on Thursday or Friday night. The sad thing is that it is supposed to be 90 degrees both days with more humidity. So frustrating. And I can't run in the morning because I would literally have to wake up at 2:30 to do that. Anyways, as you can see, I am really dreading my long run this week.

Also, next week I am going to have to find spots to run down at the Lake of the Ozarks. Evidently people don't do a lot of running around that area because for the life of me, I could not find a running club or running trails. I tried Map My Run and came across some highway runs but I wanted so badly for there to be a trail around the area. Maybe I'll stumble across something when we go down there. If nothing else, there is an Anytime Fitness so I can go there for the shorter runs.

The Day the Music Died

2009-08-03T08:57:00.002-05:00

It was a blessing in disguise really. I set out for a 10 mile run. Somehow I've misplaced my Ipod headphones so I had grabbed a cheap pair of headphones that I used to use to listen to sound in the digital media lab back in my student reporting days. I was just leaving Andy's neighborhood (.5 mile into my run) when the sound went dead. I looked down and realized that the wires had come out of the plug and the headphones were completely detached from my ipod (with the plug still in). I didn't want to turn around as it was expected to be 80+ degrees that day and I was already headed out late. So, I continued on. For some people, music is a deal breaker, for me it is just an added bonus.

My run was actually going quite well. There was a slight breeze and I estimate it was in the higher 70s. Nothing too bad. The sun started to pound on me about mile 3 but nothing that I couldn't handle. The turn around was also pretty warm as I was running up hill on a black tar road. I trudged on letting my feet guide me and all of a sudden a nice breeze came by. I was pleasantly suprised by the breeze. The breeze continued with me and then all of a sudden I smelt a very familiar smell that I haven't smelled in years. The air smelled like my grandmother (the one who died from NF years ago). Yea, perhaps someone used the same detergent as my grandmother and they were doing laundry. But in all honesty, I was in the middle of farm land and I haven't smelled that smell at all since visiting her house years ago. I had just passed an old farm house but it was clear up a hill. I liked to think that my grandmother was there with me (even if it is a funny thought--it was comforting). I continued on my way thinking about her and wondering whether she really could be there watching out for me. Then I saw a monarch butterfly and asked myself whether she might show me a sign through that butterfly. Well, then the butterfly flew right into me. Perhaps it was another coincidence but it helped me run--thinking that my grandmother was there and she knew that I was running because I was inspired by her. The wind continued to blow whenever I needed it and I finished the run strong. I got back to Andy's house with tons of energy left which rarely happens on my longer runs these days. So grateful those headphones broke--it helped me focus on my surroundings.

13 Smooth Movin Miles

2009-07-27T09:24:00.002-05:00

Saturday I completed a long 13 miler. I will be real honest here and tell ya that I was dreading this run all week. My long runs have been such a struggle lately and I've been trying my best to hammer out whatever factors are creating it and perhaps I've somewhat figured it out.

It was breezy and near 70 degrees when I started out on Saturday. The clouds were looming above and the sunshine was poking through. It was perfect running weather at the start of my run.

The first 5 miles blew right by. Mile 6 I needed a little bit of water but kept on trucking after. I took my GU at about mile 8 when I started to feel the energy slipping and it really seemed to help. It wasn't until about mile 12 that I had any sort of issue. I ran out of water around mile 11 (I need to upgrade my hydration belt to include more bottles!). Around mile 12, my stomach started to hurt. I took out my ear buds to my Ipod so that I could focus on my run a little more. I've found that if I can hear my feet on the ground it really allows me to focus more on my form and the way that my body moves and I usually get a 2nd wind. The 2nd wind lasted for maybe half a mile. The last half mile I was running to various landmarks and then walking, then running to the next landmark. At least I was still running though. It also started to warm up a bit by that last mile and I guess my face was burning (didn't realize til I got back). Anyways, overall it was a really good run.

Oh and another BIG announcement. I'm probably going to be running the Kansas City Marathon Relay just a few weeks after the Twin Cities Marathon. I've somehow convinced my dad and some uncles and cousins to join in the fun. My uncle has run quite a few marathons and now races in triathlons so I think we've got a good team. Not sure what leg I will be taking, but I'm kind of hoping for one of the medium length ones as I will be in recovery from TCM.

Lights Out

2009-07-23T10:17:00.003-05:00

Dark clouds and heavy rain were passing through the Roseville area when I entered the doors of Anytime Fitness. Just like any other day, I got changed and hopped on to a treadmill. My pace has been improving lately and I was so happy to find a groove in my scheduled 6 mile run. The gym was busier than usual, probably due to the droplets falling outside. The gym manager left the door wide open so that every time the atmosphere rumbled outside, many of us nearly jumped off our equipment in fright. I was watching Oprah on the TV, some special about the ranch with the men who have multiple wives. It was intriguing and I was lost in the moment of running and watching these women. Then it happened. BAM! Lightning and thunder outside and the lights went dark inside. My treadmill stopped underneath my feet. I am usually a pre-planner. Someone who thinks about every possible scenario before it happens. It is a part of my job as the "go to" for emergency situations at work. When it leaks you run for the plastic to cover the books. But I had never thought about a treadmill stopping underneath my feet because the lights went out. And I could have a hilarious story for you about how I tumbled forward because the treadmill stopping shocked me. But it didn't. It just stopped. And I stopped with it. And so did all of the other people on cardio equipment. We looked around at each other in the dark with wide eyes. What do we do? Make a mad rush for the weightlifting area? Leave this building and run for cover? That is what the lady next to me thought she should do. She kept turning to me with this concerned look on her face and saying, "Is it safe??" The lights came back on within a few minutes. The runners on the treadmills resumed with no concern. Except for me and the lady next to me. I was halted because my machine was reading "Error 562" and wouldn't restart. The lady next to me just kept looking at me and saying, "Is it safe? I don't think its safe. I am scared." I didn't know what to tell her, honestly. I mean there was the chance that a tornado could come through or perhaps the machines receive some sort of electric jolt from lightning striking but the chances of those things happening were not great. I just smiled and continued to hit the button on my treadmill hoping that "Error" would go away. Well, "Error" didn't go away and I moved down a treadmill. The lady is still asking me if it is safe. I continue to smile and start up the treadmill. I don't know what you say to that. Is it safe? I don't really have any sort of authority to answer that question in an establishment that I am not working at. I could tell you every emergency procedure in my own building but I had no clue for the gym.

I went on to finish the 6 miles. Not great, but at least I was dry and away from the lightening.

12 Miles of Misery

2009-07-16T07:49:00.003-05:00

I was so excited for this run. I had planned it perfectly as it was supposed to be unseasonly cool outside and I was ready to run the 12 miler. However, things never go quite as expected. I'm not really sure what is going on with my long runs lately but half of them have turned out pretty bad. I made it to mile 3 and I was thirsty. I think this is where I lost the groove. I stopped to take a drink of water quick and then kept on running. It felt like it was over 80 degrees when in fact it was only 77. The sun was hitting me just right that I was pouring sweat. Anyways, I trudged on and was doing okay up until about mile 5 when I had to incorporate walk breaks. I never had walk breaks when I was training last year. I felt like my body must be trying to convert me to Galloway and I was trying so hard to resist. I made it up past 6 miles for the turn around and my legs felt like lead weights. It was so hard to keep them moving. On top of that, I've been dealing with a bit of some throat/chest congestion in the past few months that I need to get checked out. I was having a harder time breathing than normal but I think that may be partially because my mind just wasn't in the run for some reason. I kept trying to throw all of these mantras through my head but none of them were sticking. The rest of my run consisted of running a mile, walking for a minute, running a mile, walking a minute. The last mile probably consisted of even more walking.

When I got back to the apartment, I was so exhausted. I just wanted to lay in the middle of the floor but I needed a shower bad because I was coated in salt. On the good news front--I had no knee pain. I do have this strange sore throat thing going on and nearly lost my voice after my long run. I think as a runner, I tend to notice these ailments more than I normally would because I am extra cautious about what might be inhibiting my run. Anyways, I am going to need to work harder so that these runs aren't so difficult!

In other news...I have a few sponsors for a raffle that I will be doing for the Children's Tumor Foundation and the NF Endurance Team. If you are around the area--I will raffling items from the Minnesota Twins and Rick Bronson's House of Comedy (at the Mall of America). All you have to do is sponsor me with a donation of $10 at the fundraising website on the left side of my blog. Each $10 will get you an entry into the drawing. So if you donate $20, you will get 2 entries...etc.

For those of you who are out of town, my cousin Marie will be doing some artwork. She is a beautiful artist and I will post some of her stuff as soon as I get some time. You will go into this raffle. Anyone who has already donated up until this point will be automatically entered.

Lindstrom Loppet 2009

2009-07-13T10:25:00.002-05:00

My goal this year was to beat last year's PR and while I didn't exactly succeed, I still had a great time! Andy had promised me that he would run the Lindstrom Loppet with me and he stuck to his word. I really wanted his first running race experience to be an enjoyable one so I started the first 3/4 of a mile with him. Eventually I just decided that my being there would probably make him push harder than he probably wanted and I wasn't going as fast as I wanted so I took off. I pushed pretty hard through the remainder of the race passing everyone in the back of the field. I ran up hills while everyone else was walking and eventually made it at least to somewhere near the middle of the pack. I finished in 28:13 so about 2 minutes slower than last years time. I was 90/309 women and 27/59 in my division.

I waited around the finish line hoping that Andy would cross it. I was a little worried that he might be running or walking along and thinking "what did she get me into??!" Anyways, Andy did an awesome job and I was so happy to see him go through the finish line. He finished in 36: 31 which is pretty good for his first 5k and not having ran much at all before this race.

I will post some pictures...someday. I still haven't posted pics from the last 5k either but I keep making the mistake of having my parents use their camera and they lost the connector cord to load them. Yikes.

Anyways, I was happy to run this race with Andy. He told me it would be his last one but I think that he really enjoyed it.

The weekend was packed with activity as it was Karl Oscar Days in my hometown (a small Swedish town that celebrates a fictional character named Karl Oscar). We went to the Twins game on Sunday and watched them beat the White Sox (yay!) then I had to go home and prepare for my 7 mile run. I was so exhausted by that point that I really didn't want to run but I pushed myself out the door. I didn't have my Ipod so I had to guesstimate at 7 miles but I'm pretty sure I came close. It was an amazing run because the weather was in the 70s and beautiful for once.

This week I plan to get my 12 mile run done early as I will be going to a friend's cabin on Saturday. We'll see how that goes...

Odd Duckling

2009-07-10T09:17:00.003-05:00

I'm sure we all do a strange thing at the gym here and there. I like to think that whatever strange quirk that I might have is completely unintentional. But sometimes people do things intentionally that just make me turn my head to the side. Yesterday I witnessed a girl on the treadmill doing the strangest thing. She was holding herself up with both of her arms and perhaps flying?? on the treadmill. I'm not entirely sure what her intentions were...perhaps to do some sort of a half pushup/ half swing your legs in the air sort of thing. Yes, her feet were touching the treadmill slightly...but she was clearly not surfaced. Perhaps I'm missing the logic, but I wasn't understanding what she was trying to get out of that workout...Maybe some of you are air runners and can tell me what I'm missing??

Anyways, so Monday I had a wonderful amazing 5 mile run. It was supposed to be 3 miles but turned into 5 because I knew I was going to be crunched for time this week. I ran 3 last night with little problems. This weekend I am all set to run the Lindstrom Loppet 5k and hopefully PR on last year's time. We'll see what happens. And Andy is running it with me!! Yay!

Heat + Rachel= Miserable

2009-07-06T09:14:00.002-05:00

As you can probably see, Sunday's long run didn't go so well. I was scheduled for a 10 miler and had the wise idea to attempt this in the middle of the day. In my defense, our weather has been fluky lately--a mixture of cool temps and rain and spotty sunshine. At the moment that I decided to head out the door--it was full sunshine and a nice 82 degrees. I was not wise enough to bring a hat and only had my huge gigantic Coach sunglasses that kept falling off of my nose (I don't normally wear these running!). Anyways, I made it the first 4.6 miles perfectly fine. And then I don't know what it was, but I just hit a point to where the heat was getting to me. I blame it on my blonde hair and the way the sun goes right through it and penetrates my scalp. Just me making excuses for why my run went downhill fast. Anyways, I stopped at 4.06 miles and drank some water (one wise thing I remembered to bring). I continued on shortly after but my body did not want to move the way it did previously. I kept on running. The last mile before my turn around seemed to take forever. I had to turn off into a neighborhood and was extremely frustrated by running in the heat while everyone else was outside washing their cars and playing in the sprinklers. Anyways, the remainder of my run consisted of alot of running and walking and trying to get my mind back on running. I also got sunburnt. The strange thing is...I was wearing a short sleeve Tshirt but I got burnt like I was wearing a tank top--I think it was around the sports bra straps. See:

Anyways, on the good news front. The 25 before 25 is off to a good start. I've decided to take the weight that I remember being 2 weeks ago because somehow my weight this week was lower than I expected. I don't think it would be wise to try to lose 25 from my weigh in on Friday.

25 Before 25 Friday Weigh In: -3 pounds

25 Before 25

2009-07-01T07:37:00.002-05:00

I've got some exciting news to share! Yesterday I was on the treadmill and having a GREAT run for once when I thought of a new goal. I am entitling it 25 Before 25. What is this goal you ask? I hope to lose 25 pounds before I turn 25. My birthday is Oct.13 so this leaves me very little wiggle room. I would have to lose 2 pounds per week, which is reasonable and healthy yet no room for error. So, at the end of each of my running blogs I will put a tally towards my goal. Since I have no idea what my exact weight is right now...I think I will start implementing this on Friday. This will be a tough one just because I will still be training for a marathon for almost the entire duration and trying to calculate calories while making sure I get enough to run is going to be interesting. But I assure you, I will make sure I still have enough to run. (Andy's concern was that I'd go out for a 20 miler on few calories--I assure you this will not happen). And, yes, I do have 25 lbs to lose...probably exactly the number I'd like to be comfortable with.

On another note, my 3 miler yesterday was awesome. I don't know if it is because my long runs have become longer--but finally the 3 miler wasn't bad. Although it could also be because we had a dip in temperature and it was in the high 60's to low 70's yesterday.

The 9 mile mistake

2009-06-29T08:28:00.002-05:00

This weeks runs went okay. Nothing really notable happened on the short runs--still a little bit of a struggle though some of them but I can't really complain. Started to experience some knee pain but nothing really bad.

The 9 miler started out okay. The wind was blowing pretty hard right at me on the way out but I kind of appreciated the fact that I wasn't drenched in sweat and looked forward to the return when the wind would be blowing behind me. Well, I don't think I was quite so lucky. The wind had died down quite a bit by the time that I was headed back. I also had thought that 9 miles was still short enough that I wouldn't need to bring a hydration belt. I was quite wrong. Around mile 6, I started to feel really weak and I attributed it to being low on water and fuel. I had eaten a Fiber One bar before I left but I don't think it was quite enough. I was completely exhausted around mile 7 and looking for a water fountain anywhere that I could find one. I found a brand new one--that had no water. All I had pushing me forward was the idea that the sooner I got home the faster I would get water. I called Andy while I was about a mile out and asked him to bring some water outside for me because I'd be home within 10 minutes. I've never been so happy to see a jug of water.

Anyways, I have a 10 miler this weekend that I definetly will be bringing my hydration belt for. And some gels. I never brought gels on a 10 miler last year and was fine, but I definetly was out of energy on my 9 miler this weekend so I think it would be a good idea. My legs were also killing me later in the day. Not sure what that was about because I did do tons of stretching.

I live in the land of extremes.

2009-06-23T08:59:00.003-05:00

It's hot here. We are supposed to top 96 degrees today with a heat index around 101. Yesterday I think we topped out at about 93. I know, for some of you--this is average. But it's stinking hot here with this humidity.

Personally, I do enjoy the heat. Probably because my parents are Missourians. Or because I lived everywhere south of here prior to moving here. Or because we have bone-chilling winters that sometimes start early and always end late and I relish every single moment of warmth that I can get. But it is darn hot out today.

Anyways, I am scheduled to run a 3 miler tonight. And I am definetly not doing so outside. So I'm hoping and praying that Roseville-Anytime actually shuts the door instead of letting all the hot air in.

The runs have been going alright lately. I had a decent 5 miler on Sunday. Looking forward to this weekend's 9 miler. Although I think my I-Pod Nike Plus system has gone crazy. It told me I was running at 10:30 when I swear I was running moderately fast on my run this weekend. I even sprinted and it told me that I was running 9:30. I swear...I run much faster than that in a sprint. BLAH! Someday I will upgrade to the Garmin...until then the frustrations continue.

Quick Poll

2009-06-19T08:25:00.003-05:00

So let's say it is 80+ degrees outside and oh-so-very humid. The air is so thick and wet it feels like you are in a sauna. You want to work out on a treadmill or other equipment. You have an air conditioning system that is on. Do you...

A) Keep all doors shut. And maybe the blinds too.
B)Keep one door propped all the way open.

I hope you all answered A. What the freak is Anytime-Roseville thinking?!! Yes, this is like complaint number 550 but seriously! Shut the door!! I'm not entirely sure what the reasoning is behind having the door open. Most people who go to the gym in the summer are trying to escape some sort of weather- albeit rain, extreme heat, humidity. Why in the world do you have the door open! Not to mention, it is a GYM! People are working out. Getting sweaty. Maybe I'm just envisioning that they have an air conditioner. I'm pretty sure they do because it feels like it when the door is shut, which is rarely these days (usually only when it is raining or the manager is actually not there). But if they don't have air, then that is an entirely different concern--no air in a gym would be ridiculous.

So now you can probably guess how my workout went yesterday. The running itself was awesome. However, I was drenched in sweat. Gross, I know. But it dripping in my eyes, dripping everywhere. My face looked like I had dunked my head into a faucet. Yuck!! So needless to say I was highly irritated.

I wish I could complain to the manager. Unfortunately, "I'm not a member of their gym" or so the lady says and won't listen to me. If you are thoroughly confused, I am now a member of Anytime-Rogers and therefore only a "guest" at Anytime-Roseville. But whatever, shut the door!!!

Lovin the Long Runs

2009-06-15T11:56:00.002-05:00

Tuesday: Crappy 3 miler
Thursday: Another crappy 3 miler
Saturday: Yet another crappy 3 miler
Sunday: AWESOME 7 miler

I don't quite understand it. the 3 milers this week were sub par. Saturday I made the mistake of taking Duke because I thought that he would be able to at least handle 3 miles. He handled it alright but he wanted to stop a million times to relieve himself. This starting and stopping method was not working so well for me. I nearly fainted as I rounded the corner to Andy's house on my way in. Not entirely sure what was going on there but it scared me enough to make me really dread my 7 miler the next day.

I procrastinated my 7 miler until the very end of the day because it was in the 80s and quite warm and I was terrified of fainting. Fortunately, the 7 miler started out awesome. And it ended awesome. I had to change my sensor out for my Nike+ system and was a little worried about that. It said that I was running an 8:30 min/mile in the beginning of my run and I thought that there was no way I was running that fast. But the distance was right on with what it should be. So I don't know what to think there. I need to recalibrate to be sure. Anyways, I overran my 7 miler by about .25 of a mile just to make sure that I indeed ran 7 miles. Towards the end of my run it said I was running about a 9:15 min/mile which is still a little fast for me but alot closer to what I usually run. I've been running about 9:30 on the treadmill and I know I run faster outside that I do on the TM so it could be possible that my Ipod was correct. Ah... the doubt! Anyways, the run went really well and I didn't have any problems. Hopefully the shorter runs start to get as good as my long runs have been.

More Like a Runner

2009-06-11T08:27:00.002-05:00

I'm starting to feel like my old self again--like a real runner. I went to the gym with Andy on Tuesday and cranked out the 3 miler that was on my schedule. I felt great during the entire run and probably could have run another 3 but I was considerate to both my schedule and Andy's desire to not spend so long in the gym.

The weather here has been abnormal--really kind of chilly and gloomy. I am excited to see the sun poking through the clouds today so that I can actually try to get a run in this afternoon.

I am starting to get really excited about my fundraising for Neurofibromatosis. The owner of Plastic Products Company, a corporate plastic company that I interned with in high school, has made a nice donation. My cousin who is an amazing artist has also agreed to create some artwork for a raffle. I have also been seeking out some other organizations for raffle items. It really is a motivator to think about the impact that my donators make even in the smallest amount. Yay!

Not much else to update you on right now....Happy Running!!

Rockin the Run

2009-06-08T08:54:00.003-05:00

This week's training had its ups and downs. I had 3-3 milers and then a 6 miler. Nothing that I can't handle but I will say at least one of those 3 milers had its tough moments. My 6 miler went pretty smooth. I didn't really ever feel like stopping and my legs felt strong. It was probably one of the best runs I have had in awhile, despite the fact that it had to be on the treadmill because it was rainy and cold outside. Although, I will say that the end of the run was a little tough. When I finished, I was a bit dizzy and felt kind of weak. I think it might be the fact that I had not eaten anything yet that morning.

Anyways, looking forward to more training this week. I have a really busy schedule with school and work this week but I'll try to update a bit more so that I actually remember what happened on my earlier runs.

Week 1 of Training!!

2009-06-01T08:55:00.004-05:00

It is now officially week 1 of training for the Twin Cities Marathon!! While very exciting, it is also rather nerve-wrecking. I am trying hard to balance like 10,000 plates on my pinky finger and hoping that they don't come crashing down. We'll see what happens. I will be following Hal Higdon's Novice 1 training plan, because I simply don't have the time or energy to put into anything more advanced. I feel kind of silly using it, kind of like when I had to have my parents put training wheels back on my bike when I was younger because I had forgotten how to ride it. But you do what you have to. I would have felt better had Hal described in his description of the Novice 1 plan, "This plan also includes someone who has run a marathon and wants a relaxed training plan ". Instead, I think his description clearly says "Rachel, you should be at least at Novice 2."

Anyways, this weekend I had two decent runs. I still don't know the distances because my Nike+ system has died on me and I have yet to invest in a new one. I have been looking at Garmins as well but I think I'll have to put that one off for a little bit. What Garmin do you all run with?

Back to the runs this weekend...They went swell. I found a new trail by Andy's house on Sunday and ended up taking him and Duke on a walk that way later in the day. I still have a little bit of yucky stuff in my chest from the cold almost 3 weeks ago. Hoping that goes away soon though...

Firing the Running Partner

2009-05-29T07:57:00.003-05:00

Run Time: 1 hour...Distance: Unknown

Unfortunately, I am afraid I had to make a difficult decision yesterday. I think I have to fire my running partner, Duke (the dog). You see, he has been slagging lately. I thought that perhaps a few pep talks and some additional conditioning might get him in the mood, but nothing seems to be working. Every run that we head out on seems to be getting worse. At first we could make it more than halfway without him pooping out. Then it was barely halfway. Yesterday, we had made it 1/4 of the way before I started to see the signs. I thought surely I was just imagining things, that he was just distracted by the summer smells and wanting to slow down a bit. But I was wrong. We didn't even make it as far as we usually do before I had to turn around and head back because he just didn't want to run. The entire way back, we had to take a bazillion rest breaks. The mosquitoes and nats were out in full force though so I hated to walk. If you didn't know, the mosquitoes here are horrendous. I had not seen such evil mosquitoes until I moved to Minnesota. Anyways, back on topic. Duke got to the point to where he didn't even want to walk. He just kept pulling off into the grass and staring at it. I hate to tug on him too much because I can't imagine what I would do if I were exhausted during a run and someone was pulling my neck. But the bugs were bugging the crap out of me and Duke just kept staring at the grass. I tugged him a little bit and he at least did a sluggish run for awhile. Unfortunately, that run would have been amazing had I not had Duke. It was feeling great up until the point at which Duke got tired. It was in the 70s and the flowers were smelling beautiful. I just wanted to run.

Anyways, poor Dukie. I may still take him out on short runs around the block. Maybe some warm ups. But he definetly is not a fan of running long distances.

Duke, Andy, and I back in December.

New Shoes-- Great Ride!

2009-05-27T10:29:00.007-05:00

I couldn't tell you what day it was--but I finally tried out my new shoes sometime near the end of last week. The weekend was packed with events and this week hasn't really lightened up at all so I haven't gotten any runs in since trying my shoes out.

They actually seemed to work really well and I believe I had an awesome run at the gym. It is hard for me to remember last week so I'm sorry for the lack of detail. However, I do remember it was like 90 some degrees outside and the gym had the freaking door open. I was drenched in sweat and not too happy about that whole ordeal.

This weekend, Andy and I went camping at Great River Bluffs State Park in Southern Minnesota. It was absolutely gorgeous! We ended up hiking 10+ miles on Saturday clear up into the bluffs and were exhausted at the end of the day. Sunday we hiked up to the top of another bluff at nearby John Latsch State Park. Our new goal is to hit every MN State Park together.

I'm starting to think that training for the Twin Cities Marathon is really going to suck this year. I've had little time to do any pretraining and I am way out of shape. I can barely make it through 5 miles without totally wimping out these days. Anyways, I formally start training next week and I'm already dreading it. I have added in another class to my hectic schedule and so I won't be able to run on Mondays or Wednesdays because class goes until 9 pm after work. That and I still have Saturday class until the end of June. So, I guess I'm going to have to get creative with my runs and try to avoid getting burnt out.

On the GOOD news front, my roommate Amanda, (some of you may remember her as the blogger who never blogged) has decided to join the NF Endurance Team as well and has signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon as well. Sooo, hopefully we can keep each other in check there.

Summer is Here

2009-05-20T07:58:00.005-05:00

I have so many announcements to make, I don't know where to start! I think I'll start with the weather. For those of you not in Minnesota, we are dealing with a bit of a heat spell. It was 97 degrees in the Twin Cities yesterday. According to Belinda and Jonathon Yuhas over at KARE11, that was the highest temp we've had since July 7, 2007 when it was 98 degrees. Anyways, I didn't get a chance to run in the heat yesterday for a number of reasons.

Somehow, I must be a magnet for getting sick these days. I acquired some sort of a cold near the tail end of last week. It doesn't appear to be too horrible of a cold because I haven't had a fever or anything. I've had a runny nose through the duration, but not even a bad runny nose. Yesterday, however, it decided to enter my throat and chest. Being that I do a decent amount of reading about running, I've seen a lot of advice that says you should rest if it is below the neck. So, I decided to take the day off running. It was extremely hard because I kept seeing runners out everywhere!!

Instead of running, I went to another running store, TC Running Company. I explained my situation with the Running Room and how they had thought I needed a low stability shoe. The guy looked at my shoes and quickly assessed that I should stay in a neutral shoe. I tried on the Vomero 3 and the Moto. As much as I really wanted to like the Vomero, it just seemed a little too soft for me. It was basically like I was running on a bed or something and it didn't feel quite right.

So I then tried on the Max Moto and it seemed to feel a lot better. Less cushion but not to the point where there is not enough. It fit to my foot well and I'm hoping it works out. It is not exactly the prettiest shoe in my opinion. I'm sure there are other colors available that would pop more but I didn't take the time to scope it all out. I don't really buy shoes on looks though so I can't really complain.

I'll hopefully be testing my new shoes out on the treadmill at the gym tonight. I still have an icky cough, but I figure I can at least get some running done inside. That and the treadmill would be a good place to try out my shoes and make sure they work right. Probably better since it is supposed to reach 90 degrees yet again today.

Update on Runs: I did manage to get a run in on Monday. It really wasn't pleasant. I'm not sure what my deal was. I had to walk like 2-3 times in a 4 mile run. My breathing was off and that could be because of my cold. My legs didn't seem to want to move at all either but I attribute that to having so many days off lately. I'm hoping I get some solid runs in next week because I am supposed to start training for the marathon on June 1.

"I've Never Seen That"

2009-05-18T10:33:00.002-05:00

Sunday, I coerced Andy into stopping by the Running Room on our way to run some errands. I was hoping to scope out the new Nike Vomero +4 shoes as my shoes have been actually hurting my feet lately. Out of sheer curiosity, I asked the guy helping me if perhaps I might not be a neutral shoe like I was previously assessed. He had me take a few walks around the store and watched me bend at the knees. His face looked puzzled. He signaled to another coworker, "Come watch this. Tell me what you think." So I walked around the store again, this time 2 employees watching my gait. "Well, I haven't seen that before." "Me neither." I still have no clue what they are talking about. They decided that maybe I needed a low stability shoe. While looking for a low stability shoe, they signaled to a third, more experienced employee to help out with the analysis. I walked around the store, yet again. As I was turning back towards him, his head was turned to the side. "That's different. I haven't seen that before." He, then, said that I was somewhere between a neutral and a low stability shoe and threw a bunch of shoes at me to run around the store in. He watched me run in each pair of shoes and continued to hear, "That is definetly different." and then, "Those shoes aren't working." Meanwhile, I'm still clueless as to what is so strange about me. I eventually asked if it was something I could just fix instead of trying to find a shoe to fit my quirkiness. He said, no, probably not. He told me that I am evidently on the early stages of pronation. I'm not entirely sure what that means because I didn't know pronation could develop, I thought you either had it or you didn't. He didn't really specify whether I overpronate or underpronate either. Then, he said something like, "You pronate slightly and then turn back in at the last second of your pushoff." So I was thorougly confused. Anyways, they were attempting to correct this problem without overcorrecting the problem. He ended up telling me that out of all of their shoes, the Brooks Infiniti was the only shoe that would somewhat work for me. It just so happened that this shoe was also on clearance and not returnable. So, I put it on hold because I wasn't sure I wanted to purchase a $100 shoe without being able to return it, especially if it didn't even seem like a "perfect fit".

Now, I am going to have to visit another running store later to determine whether someone else sees this quirkiness that those 3 people saw.

I also went for a run on Sunday afternoon with Duke. It was probably my worst run with Duke ever. I had to pull him 3/4 of the way through our 4 mile run. He has run this route before with little pulling. I actually had to pull him up like 5 hills as well. And he isn't a light dog by any means. I actually enjoy hills these days, but pulling a heavy dog up the hill just made it so unenjoyable.

Rainy and Gloomy

2009-05-13T08:13:00.003-05:00

Run Time: 30 min, 3 miles, Eliptical: 30 minutes, 150 crunches

Yesterday I was totally and completely dreading the Dreadmill. It was raining outside and ever since last year's incident with the hail and the storm, I've strayed away from the dark clouds on rainy days. I actually switched things up and ate before working out this time as well. Despite the fact that I was extremely motivated and mentally doing awesome on the Dreadmill, the meal I had eaten previously wasn't sitting so hot. I had pasta with marinara sauce and the marinara was stinging my chest. Anyways, I didn't want to let that stop me so I continued through until I at least finished 3 miles and then hopped on the eliptical which always seems to be a little easier on the stomach and other pains than running on the Dreadmill. I think I've decided that the whole eating prior to running thing isn't for me. It has to be at least 3 hours after a meal before I can even think about setting foot into my running shoes.

Anyways, today looks pretty gloomy as well. I know we need the rain, but I'm itching to actually get a nice outdoor run in. Every time it has been nice out, I've had other priorities calling me in other directions. I think I'm going to have to make out a "Rachel Doesn't Ever Stop" calendar just to be able to fit my marathon training in when it starts in June! But hey, I asked for it...and I'm at least starting to really enjoy my runs!

Oh and odd thing keeps occuring with MyPlate. It tells me that I need to eat like 1,000 more calories every day. I think the thing is a little off. Because I certainly don't feel like I'm starving. Maybe a little hungry every now and then but I eat a few carrots or some fruit and I'm good. At least it is a good way to track calories...not sure I believe their "calorie needs" computage though.

It's a Small World

2009-05-08T20:55:00.003-05:00

Run Distance: 3 miles. Eliptical 30 min. Abductors 3/15 @ 70 lbs, Adductors 3/15 @ 70 lbs

So, this morning I was in a hurry and didn't get the time to put any foundation on. I wasn't looking my best when I headed to the gym this afternoon and I certainly didn't look any better when I left after my workout. I was wearing the gigantic tech T that my dad picked out for me from last weeks race and a pair of running shorts. Anyways, even though I would have much rather avoided making a public appearance, I really needed to go to to Target. On the way, I discovered I needed gas. And this is where the small world starts.

Sighting #1: I pull up behind a white car at the gas pump and realize that the guy pumping his gas is a coworker so I say hello and hope that he doesn't notice that my shirt nearly covers my short running shorts so I look like I'm just wearing a gigantic shirt.

I'm off to Target after the strange sighting at the gas pump. I rarely ever see coworkers out and about so it throws me a little off.

Sighting #2:

I enter Target and scan the food section for something to eat for dinner. I see a familiar face in the food section, but not someone I've formally met. I believe that I saw Steve in a Speedo at Target with his wife. However, I did not feel like attracting attention to myself in an awkward situation post workout in the Enormous Tech T. So I moved on with my search for wrapping paper and food. I always figured I'd run in to Steve and his wife at some point because he does do quite a bit of racing around the area. However, I always thought it would be at a race, not Target.

Sighting #3

Anyways, as I'm contemplating whether or not this was really the pair I spoke about, another coworker from my department at the Libraries is standing in the front of a seafood cooler in a meat hat and greeting customers. He spots me and strikes up a conversation with me about work. He says he is working this part time job at Target. I take off once he has a new customer...

Sighting #4

So I'm walking around the clothing department in Target. I look over a few racks from where I am standing and I see a third coworker in the clothing department. This time I run away before she sees me because I figured this one might not even recognize me because we usually just talk on the phone.

Anyways, I thought it was kind of odd that I ran into that many people in the matter of an hour. Must have been a popular time to be out and about.

New Tool

2009-05-06T12:06:00.004-05:00

Workout Synopsis

Sunday I had a pretty good run with Duke. He wanted to stop and smell the flowers a bit more than I wanted to, but we covered a good 3 or 4 miles. I didn't bring my Nike plus to figure out the exact distance because Duke is kind of a hazard to run with and I wanted to be able to focus on him.

Yesterday I ended up going to the gym on a relatively full stomach due to some scheduling contsraints. This didn't go so well for running. I hopped on the eliptical first knowing that would be the better option. Made it half an hour and then hopped on the treadmill for about 10 minutes. Running on a full stomach was definetly not a good idea. My chest started burning and I got off after about a mile. Then headed for the bike and did another 15 min. I suppose this was a decent workout considering the full stomach situation.

New Tool!

Anyway, on to the more exciting stuff!! I recently signed up for Livestrong.com and I am loving the Daily Plate . I have decided to start logging my meals in an attempt to cut down some calories and shed some extra pounds. The format is much easier than any other food logs I've used so I think I may actually stick with this one. The Diary actually remembers previous foods you've eaten so you can just click those rather than searching every time. It also has some awesome charts laying out your calories and food types. The LiveStrong website also has running groups too. If any of you are on the website, you should let me know so I can add you as a buddy!! Anyways, I think in order to say accountable with my meals, I am going to start taking screen shots of my Food Diary on Fridays and posting them at the bottom of my blog.

Have a great Wed run today!! The weather is beautiful here in Minnesota!

Run of the Mills 5k Race Report

2009-05-04T07:57:00.004-05:00

Saturday was my first race of this running season. I wasn't really expecting alot because my runs lately have been pretty whimpy. BUT, deep down I really hoped that I could run this 5k faster than my last 5k.

The race was open to all General Mills employees and their friends/family. I was running it with my dad (who works for General Mills) and my little brother Joe. Joe very recently took up running and did a fantastic job at it. The race was at the General Mills corporate campus and was very well organized. They had lots of yogurt, bread, oatmeal bars, etc. before the race even started. They also had a huge inflatable jumping thing (what do you call those?!) for little kids to play in.

Anyways, Joe, Dad, and I lined up at the start line and took off when it was time. Joe, sped ahead of all of us. I thought for sure he was going to tucker himself out early. I quickly left Dad behind as well so none of us really ran together. The course was a little bit hilly mixed with a few narrow trails. I went out kind of fast because we had started near the front half of the pack. I was trying to keep up with the fastest of the bunch and it wasn't happening. I got side stitches pretty quick from going out so fast. I started to slow down before we even hit the first mile. I hit the first mile in 9 minutes. This was slower than my first 5k, but at this point I really didn't care. I was having a hard time with the fact that I wasn't actually passing anyone and I was being passed instead. I thought that we had clearly started way too far up in the pack.

Anyways, somewhere around midpoint, the side stitches started to go away and I started to actually enjoy the run a little more. We ended up on a small trail that was nice for scenery but kind of bad for running. The people behind me were still passing me, and I kept trying to get over as far as I could to the right but some people still didn't get it. One girl was right behind my left shoulder breathing super loud. I've never heard someone breath so loud while running. But she just kept breathing on my shoulder and would not pass me. I was starting to get a little bothered and kept moving further over to the right to the point to where I was literally running almost off the trail. She still wouldn't pass me. Finally after a good 5 minutes of listening to her heavy breathing, she finally passed me. I ended up passing her again later because she ended up walking. I hoped she wouldn't start running again--luckily she didn't get close to me if she did.

Anyways, I finished the race in 29:09. I finished 250 out of nearly 500 runners. My little brother Joe finished in 26 minutes!! Dad came in somewhere around 35 minutes. I definetly didn't PR on this course, but it was a fun race to start the season with. I even got to see the Trix bunny and Cuckoo from Cocoa Puffs.

We got a really nice Tech shirt from this run...which I am going to love training in this season. I will have more pics of the race up soon as soon as my brother sends them to me.

Oh!! And you have to take a look at the saftey pins they gave us!! I ended up poking 3 giant holes in the pink shirt I ran because of these dudes. They were HUGE!!

A Dose of Sunshine and a Lack of Treadmill

2009-04-29T07:59:00.002-05:00

Run Time: 45 min
Run Distance: 4.88 miles

Finally!! This run was so much better than my last. I decided at the last minute to take a run around Lake Como in St.Paul after work. It turned out to be a wise decision. The weather was gorgeous in the 60's. A little bit breezy but not too bad. I did still have to deal with dodging lots of people on the path, but not too bad. I was enjoying the run in somewhat different territory. I've actually ran Lake Como many times and usually it results in a little bit of knee pain because of the uneven paths. This time I had no pain and actually felt great. Amazing!

I think I'm going to make it a goal to find new places to run this summer. It should really help with the boredem I started to experience.

We've got gloomy skies today so I'll probably be cooped up in the gym again. Yick.

The Running Rut

2009-04-28T07:47:00.004-05:00

Friday's Run : 3 miles
Monday's Run: 2.5 miles, Eliptical: 2 miles, 150 crunches

It seems that lately I rarely have a magnificent run to report. I think I'm in some sort of a running rut or something. Anyways, yesterday I went to the gym to work out because it was in the 40's outside and my skin doesn't do well with those chilly temps.

Of course, the gym this time of year is always a freaking sauna. I think that maybe they just lack good circulation but it wasn't pleasant. BUT...by no means as bad as when I went to Florida last year. So that is what I envision whenever I start to think about how warm it is in the gym. I just think about how much worse it could be!

Anyways, I probably started my run out a little hard. I was thinking about the fact that I missed 2 days in a row this weekend and that I needed to get caught up and pushed my speed up a little too hard at the start. My legs started to get this strange weak feeling at about mile 2. I've never really experienced the same feeling. My legs felt weak at the tail end of my marathon but never quite like this. It was like they were going to give out at the hip or something. I made it to 2.5 and jumped off. My hip was a little sore but I figured I just pushed a little too hard at the start and hopped on the half eliptical thing. I did alright on there but was incredibly bored. That and my toes started to hurt pretty bad. (The nails are still growing back in.) I'm not entirely sure whether they are supposed to hurt at this stage or not, but if they continue I may be back in the doc's office again and I'd like to avoid that.

I was actually just at the doctor not long ago. She diagnosed me with eczema. Which would explain the horrible burning sensation that occurs when my skin gets all sweaty. It is starting to get a little better now that we have seen some warmer temps, but those windy days really kick it back up. It has been rainy and in the high 40s-low 50s this week and that has caused a rehash of the ouchy skin syndrome. The doctor prescribed me some ointment to help out but it really doesn't seem to do alot other than make me feel like I'm doing something to help the situation.

Anyways, on a positive note....I am running a 5k this week with General Mills. Should be an exciting time because my lil bro and dad will be running it with me! Although, my dad got me a large TShirt...which I'm guessing is going to be a little big. And it is supposed to be a Technical T...so it would have been nice to be able to wear it in training but I figure it is probably going to become a sleep T. Oh wells. It's the race that really matters...because my little bro will be running!!

Hope you all had some good runs this weekend!!

One Foot in front of the other

2009-04-22T20:22:00.002-05:00

Tuesday's Workout: 2 miles treadmill, 3 miles eliptical, 3/15 abductors and adductors @70 lbs

Wednesday's Run: 6 miles, Run Time: 1 Hour

Tuesday was brutal. I got on the treadmill at the gym because we had a great deal of wind outside. It was burning up inside of my gym so I was drenched in sweat right off the bat. I've also had a migraine for approximately 4 days now and it seemed to show itself even worse when I was attempting my run yesterday. I hopped on the eliptical to finish up some sort of cardio and then ended up doing a teeny bit of weightlifting.

Tonight's run went a little better. I think I need to find a different running route or something. I'm starting to get tired of seeing the same scenery. It was like I was pushing myself just to finish my mileage. I think a part of this might also be that I am running an hour later getting out of work this week because I have to volunteer at a local middle school (for my Master's program). By the time I get home, I'm starving but I have no time to eat and digest food so I just end up burnt out on my run. Ah, I so can't wait to be done with volunteering. Don't get me wrong, I love working with the kids...but it is so draining to work full time, run, do homework, volunteer, and go to class.

Anyways, tomm it is supposed to storm so we'll see whether I get a run done outside or not. Probably end up back at the steamy gym.

Running for NF!

2009-04-21T15:15:00.004-05:00

I made the announcement a few posts back that I would be running with the NF Endurance Team for the Twin Cities Marathon. Well, I officially have my fundraising page up and running. Take the time to check it out at
http://www.active.com/donate/nftwincities2009/arachelontherun.

The NF Endurance team raises money for Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves in the body. Here is a bit about my story but you can read further on my fundraising website.

Why am I raising funds for NF?

For my namesake and my uncle and all the others who are struggling with the disorder. My grandmother, Rachel Sterne, was a very sweet woman. David was her youngest of seven children. They were in a car accident right around the time that I was born. My grandmother was thrown from the vehicle and severely injured. She was in a coma for months. The doctors said that she would not survive, they wanted to pull the plug on her. But my family would not let them and my grandmother regained her ability to walk, talk, and become a great grandmother for her many, many grandchildren. David came out alright, minus one small thing.

It was believed that the stress of the accident had flared up a disorder in his body --Neurofibromatosis. My grandmother had it as well. I was just a toddler when it occured--but I've seen the pictures of my cousins and I going to the hospital to visit David. Tumors flared up in his body. He was put on Chemotherapy. He had always been the jokester, the youngest sibling. His struggle with the disorder took his life before I got to know him in his life. But I do still know him--I know about the grin he had on his face as a kid by looking at the pictures. I know about the tears that my mother sheds when she talks about her little brother. I know about the sobs that come from my aunt's throats when they talk about their memories with him. I know about the love that his mother and father had for him. My grandmother, Rachel, loved her grandchildren dearly. While I lived many miles away, she was always excited to see me when I visited. She would tell me about how my name had been passed down through many generations. She fixed zucchini bread on special occasions and spent hours in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day fixing her famous casseroles. However, she also had NF. She, too, had tumors inside her body. I was in the 5th grade when she went to the hospital one last time. It was right before Christmas. My mother had sent my brother, Jeremy, and I back home after a week long visit with her. She had come home shortly after. She got a phone call from her sisters that night. My grandmother had acquired pnuemonia in the hospital. She didn't want to be treated anymore. She told my mother on the phone that night, "David is in the parking lot waiting for me." A few hours later, she passed away. My grandmother had gone to be with her youngest son. My family members had bad cases of NF, but any case can change a person's life.

What is Neurofibromatosis?
It is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on the nerves. NF is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States and affects all races and ethnic groups and both sexes. You can read more about it at http://www.ctf.org/ and find out where donations go.

My Running Pal

2009-04-19T20:43:00.003-05:00

Let me introduce you to my lastest running buddy:

His name is Duke, he is Andy's dog. Actually this is a puppy picture of him and he is much larger now.

While his pace is a bit slower than mine, I was a kind runner trying to introduce the new guy to the sport so I slowed my run down for him. We probably made it 4-5 miles this weekend. He definetly needed a cheerleader towards the end of the run. I was pulling him up the hill and the only way that he would continue is if I pep talked him up. I kept saying, "Almost home, Duke. Don't you want to get Daddy?" He would pick up the pace for a half a minute then and start to lag again. Had to tell him he was a good boy to get him back up to speed.

I think with a little bit more training, he could run the distance.

Also bought a brand new MacBook Pro this weekend. Should see some improvements to my blog with this new gadget.

Registered!

2009-04-17T08:19:00.002-05:00

I have officially registered! Yay!

Oh and some big news! They are going to allow I-Pods this year. I'm not sure if I'll run with one or not, but cool to have the option.

Update on Runs:

Wednesday I got a short 4 miler done outside. The knee started to bug me a bit so I took yesterday as a rest day. Plan to get another run in tonight.

Breathing the Great Outdoors

2009-04-14T20:20:00.004-05:00

Run Distance: 6.25 miles, Run Time: 1 Hour

Oh how I love a good outdoor run. It was in the 60s here today and I couldn't resist it. It was absolutely gorgeous outside and I got in another 6 miles. It was another awesome run...no real complaints. My knee bugged me a teeny bit at the end of my run but nothing real bad. I think I'll probably just shorten my run a bit tomm and do some intervals. Hopefully that will keep any knee problems at bay.

6 Miles Down

2009-04-13T20:47:00.002-05:00

Run Distance: 6 miles, Run Time: 1 Hour

Tonight's run went really really well. It felt absolutely wonderful. I made it 6 miles and actually felt like a runner again.

I only experienced one small problem while running today: sensitive skin. I think I'm allergic to Minnesota weather. I never had such bad skin problems until I moved here. Everytime Andy hugged me or barely touched my back this weekend, I yelped. It looks like I have a rash all over my legs, back, butt, and arms. I think it is due to the brutal winter we had. Sweating during my run today didn't exactly make it feel better. It stung pretty bad but I was on Cloud 9 with the rest of my body so I just ignored it. My legs were feeling amazing and my breathing was right on.

Strange development: I haven't had any knee pain while running lately. BUT it seems that I have a decent amount if I don't run for a couple of days. They start to hurt just sitting or on walks. I went for a walk with Andy this weekend and my right knee was acting up. But when I get to run, it eases up alot. I don't really understand it. Oh well, I guess it will keep me running!

Sorry it seems I always have some sort of ailment to write about. But that was an amazing run tonight! Hoping to get a nice one done outside tomm!

Getting There

2009-04-09T08:22:00.002-05:00

Tuesday's Run: 3 Miles, 30 min. Eliptical 30 min
Wednesdays Workout: 4.25 miles, 45 min. 15 min eliptical. 3/15 Abductors and Adductors, 150 crunches

Tuesday's workout was a bit tough. It was a struggle just to hammer out those 3 miles. Yesterday's run ended up being so much better. I started to envision sunshine, summer warmth, and summer clothes and it was just what I needed to find my rhythm.

We are supposed to get into the 50's today so I'm hoping to see some more outdoor runs. I think it really helps when I can run outdoors rather than on the treadmill. Yesterday there was a nippy wind that I didn't wish to deal with when I was running.

Last Year's Mistakes

2009-04-07T12:01:00.003-05:00

I am so excited for today's run. I just finished ordering a brand new Road ID. I got done reading this brief story and decided that I really needed to make the purchase. I contemplated it all last season but finally reasoned the need today.

Luckily the mistake of not carrying an ID on me last year had no consequences. And for the latest "newbies", I am now including a list of my favorite mistakes that I made last year (also to remind myself to not do them again!):

My Top Five Running Mistakes

1) Only doing Up-Hill training.
It was so easy to hit the hills on the treadmill or to run up the hill on my route and take my breather going down it. Little did I know that the down hills are where I needed the training. My knees suffered after the completion of a very down-hilly half marathon and now I am making it a goal to do more down hill training this season.

2) Buying a hydration belt with only 2 bottles.
This one is self explanatory. I frequently ran out of water and was like lost woman in the desert looking for water on my long runs.

3) Over-Indulging in Races.
It's so easy to click and register for races. I found myself going from 5k to Marathon in one season. While I'm happy I accomplished this feat, it would have been a little less painful to ease in.

4) Taking a long rest break post-marathon.
Oh boy! I know I didn't have a lot of time on my hands, but had I ran more after my marathon, I wouldn't be struggling so much now!

5) Running my marathon in shoes that were too narrow.
I had a pair of old Pegasus and bought the newer edition a couple of months before my marathon. The shoes hurt my feet and I kept telling myself that I had broken them in by the time it was race time. I was wrong and my toenails suffered.

This season will be dedicated to trying to avoid those mistakes!!!

Yearning to Run

2009-04-06T14:51:00.002-05:00

I have officially not run in a week. And it is driving me bananas. Really. Tonight I will be unable to run because we are going to the Twins home opener (the very last one in the Metrodome) for my littlest brother's 18th birthday. I'm a very sweet sister, you see, and bought him lower level tickets to this game. And my favorite player, Joe Mauer, won't even be playing (he's on the injured list). So my brother better give me some big hugs for this one.

I have officially signed up to run with the Children's Tumor Foundation for NF when I run my Twin Cities Marathon. I ran into a few issues with Run4NF last year and decided that a more well known agency might actually help my cause. Run4NF was good to do what it needed to do, I just needed a change.

Anyways, hopefully tomm I will get a run in. Finally feeling better and the snow has melted from the ground so there should be no excuses!

Rachel's Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day

2009-04-01T14:29:00.002-05:00

First of all, I'm sick. Again. I thought I was escaping this season without a cold. But I was very very wrong.

I blame it on the kid who's office is right next to mine. He was hacking up a lung last week.

I had a fever on Monday and stayed in bed all day. Tuesday wasn't much better. I woke up determined to go to work and then almost fainted in shower...spent the rest of the day in bed.

This morning I got up and got to work only to wish I really hadn't. I had a coworker actually scream and yell at me. Almost burst into tears. Then I guess there were tables delivered that I wasn't ready for yet...so I had to help move out the old tables. This didn't make me feel all that great.

On top of it all...it is snowing. Yes, snowing in April.

I have not run since the weekend. I got some nice intervals done though right before the bug knocked me out. I don't plan on running today. I can only hope I'll be running tomm.

I rest my case.

Cheering for 6

2009-03-26T08:32:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's Run: 6 miles- 1 hour

Another 6 miler down! Honestly, I never imagined I would be thrilled about getting 6 miles down but it seems like that is the trend lately. It was a little struggle. I walked for 3 minutes of that 6 miler but I finished it.

On that note, I was contemplating a half marathon on May 31st (Minneapolis Half Marathon) but I just don't know if I'm quite ready. If only I had thought of this earlier, I would have amped up my training. It turns out I can't do the 12k in Stillwater the week before because I am hoping to get Andy camping that weekend.

BUT, I think I might at least have one race scheduled soon. My dad wants to run the Run of the Mills 5k sponsored by General Mills during the first weekend of May. It is exclusive to General Mills employees and their families. My little brother has also shown some interest as well which is really exciting. I'd love to have a new racing buddy. My friend Amy has also taken some interest in running lately so I may actually have more people to race with soon!

Setting the Schedule

2009-03-24T08:30:00.005-05:00

Yesterday's Run: 3 miles Bike: 2 miles. Crunches: 150

Blah. Yesterday's run was a bummer. I had to walk during a few stetches because I had a little bit of side stitches. I was so excited going into the gym. I really wanted a 6 miler. We'll see what happens tonight.

I've been attempting to try to set some races up for this spring and summer. I want to get a good amount of running in before training for the marathon so that I can make sure my knees are ready. This way I know if I should spend the $95 to run it or not! Although registration begins on the 17th of April so I'm guessing I'll end up spending it anyhow.

I am currently contemplating doing the Stillwater 12K. It is a newer race but the same city that I completed my half marathon in last year. I would really like to do the half marathon but I don't think I have enough time to train for it as it is only 9 weeks away. I could easily pick up in a training schedule right now but I think that my body isn't quite ready to start training for a half.

I've also been looking at doing these races:

Running of the Pigs 5k April 19 (You get a Saints game ticket with this one!)
Get in Gear 10K April 25 (Only problem with this one is I remember the horrendous weather these runners had to deal with last year!)
St. Michael River Run August 16: This one takes place in Andy's territory and it sounds like fun little race.

I will for sure be doing the Lindstrom Loppet in July again this year. Andy and my dad are both supposed to run it alongside me.

Anyways, if you have any experience with the above races, give me your input! These are still temporary in case I find races I like better during the same weeks.

NOTE: Also now contemplating adding in some biking and completing the Minneapolis Duathlon. Only problems with that it is midway through my marathon training and I will probably already have some long runs scheduled then. Also, my bike is a mountain bike and I haven't really been on it all that much. Thinking I will need to invest in a new bike so I don't look quite so much like a duck on the course. I'll have to think long and hard about this event.

Rain, Rain Go Away

2009-03-23T12:18:00.002-05:00

I had Friday off of work because it was a "Floating Holiday" so I headed to the gym. Got in a good 1/2 hour on the eliptical and then hopped on the treadmill for another half.

Andy and I headed to the gym late on Sunday night and got a small workout in.

Lately my knees have been bugging me at odd times. I could be just sitting around or I could be on one of the machines at the gym. I'm hoping that this just has to do with my lack of amped up activity lately. I've gotten a lot of workouts in but I've had more "off days" then I would like.

The weather was beautiful this weekend--in the 60s. Today it is not so nice. Super windy--my car door kept slamming on me this morning as I tried to get out. It is also wet and dreary. I plan on going to the gym tonight. Hopefully next week is better (it is supposed to rain and snow all this week).

Oh! New revelations on my left missing toe nail. It has decided to grow into the toe so I think I'll be headed to the doc sometime soon. I'll also be looking for some new running shoes soon because I've been running the "suspects" to the crime of taking away my toe nail.