Let's Talk about Running

Remember that the "let's" in the title is short for "Let US".  Not just me - me AND you.  If you are a runner - slow or fast, 1 mile or 100 miles - I encourage you to share with others.  When I started talking about running it was for one of two reasons - 1.  I was truly proud of my accomplishments (usually a new distance) or 2. For accountability (if I told all of Facebook I would run 6 miles today, I didn't want to report back that I only ran 2).  Running was the subject, almost consistently, of my Facebook status.  Then I started the blog, so I could annoy my Facebook friends less (although I'm not sure I do!).

I yapped and yapped about running, and then something started to change.  One at a time a friend decided to actually shoot for their first half-marathon, another friend wanted to do her first 5k, yet another started adding sections of jogging to her walking,  then another started a couch-to-5k program, and yet another started to jog as part of her weight-loss journey.  I could go on-and-on.  Did they catch the bug from me?  I don't know.  But I think in some small way I played a part in their decision... or at least some of them.

The crazy thing is it is these people that inspire me, not the other way around.  Getting started is the hardest part.  So, get out there... talk about it... and hopefully we'll see some changes in our communities one person at a time.

TMB Endurance Band Winner

Random.org spit out #10. 

*~* *~* Tracy said...

I linked this on my blog

September 27, 2010 5:04 AM

 

 

Congrats Tracy!  See, sometimes it pays to be up at 5:04am!!!  E-mail me your address so I can pop this in the mail.  Everyone else, don't forget to use the code RUN35 in the checkout at TMB Endurance Bands to get a free band with your purchase of $35 or more.  

50-mile Challenge Update

If you missed it, Clyde laid down a challenge, and I took it (although I twisted it a little).  You can see the details of the challenge HERE.  But basically, I committed to doing 50 miles this week between Sunday and Saturday.

There are two problems thus far:
1.  I remembered I have a 5K on Saturday followed by a wedding.  So that means I need 47 of those miles by Friday.  Talk about cutting things short.  Eek!!!
2.  I intended to get in a few walking miles in between things on my treadmill.  Well, on Friday, as you may know, my treadmill died.  Completely gone.  That means all my miles have to be early in the morning before my husband leaves for work at 6:30 am, or they need to be at the gym within my 2 hour time limit.

Status:
Sunday - Half Marathon - 13.45 miles
Monday - Like an idiot, I pushed hard - 8.0 miles (walk 1/run 3/walk 2/run 2)
Tuesday - Only a pitiful 2.55 miles - Ran 1.55, Walked 1.  I was still super sore from Sunday and not resting Monday, and decided I needed to take it easy.  I might be able to squeeze in another mile with the baby while the big kiddos are playing tennis.

Total so far - 24 miles.  Not too bad considering it's only Tuesday.  But that still means I need 23 miles in the next 3 days since I'll only get 3 on Saturday.  Eek!

Heels and Hills Half Marathon Race Review

Heels and Hills is an awesome race that happens twice a year and focuses on getting people of all shapes and sizes active.  Their May event is focused on women, and although men run (and they have an all male pace team that wear skirts), men are not eligible for awards.  Their September race is dubbed Heels and Hills and Him.  This race has all-female pace teams, and there are awards across the board.  All races have a half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and a 1-mile fun run so people of all levels can participate.  And for the record, the course is not hilly.  There are a couple of very slight hills, the largest of which is at the turnaround.  But for the most part, this is a flat and fast course.

The directors, Paula Robertson and Libby Jones, are hugely supportive of the running community in and around Dallas.  You may have heard me mention them before, but not only do they run area races, they often attend just to support their fellow runners.  For example, at the Hottest Half, which was utterly miserable due to the extreme temperatures and lack of water, the silver lining was that Libby was there cheering at mile 2 and handing out gummy bears and ice to runners at mile 11.  Paula was at the finish line with cold, wet towels.  Seriously, these directors back their message up with actions. 

I'm going to give one more shout-out to the directors, and then I'll get down to the nitty gritty.  There were a few things that weren't super smooth at the May race, and I was really pleased to see that the directors not only read the feedback, but apply it.  Instead of waiting in line for your timing chip race morning, they were included in the packet this time.  Parking, which was a little congested last time, was super quick and orderly this time.  (In their defense, half of Irving is under construction, so there's just some things you can't plan around.)  Lastly, there was a small section of the course last time that did a quick out and back that caused a bit of congestion.  The course was slightly modified to remove this section and make everything easier for the runners.

Now, let's get to race day!!!  I got up bright and early at 5am.  I had 3 awesome runners that were meeting at my house, and then I would drive us all to the race site - Jenn, Robin, and Elaine.  We left by 5:30am and got there way quicker than planned despite a couple wrong turns due to detours.  I was in the parking lot by 6am.  The race didn't start until 7:30am.  Oh well, better early than late, right?  We all wandered around a little, checked out the race site, took our first potty break before the line got ridiculous.  Then we attempted to take photos, but, uh, it was rather dark.  We thought it would be fun to get photos in front of the mustangs, but apparently camera phones and 6am darkness do not mix.  Although I'm digging the reflective capability of my Brooks Ghosts (yes, I decided to wear the Brooks for race day... more on that later).

Then we discovered LIGHT... up near the building.  Of course we didn't realize the water fountain obstacle course we'd have to leap over to get to it.  But eventually we made it up there and then discovered at least a million other creatures thought that it was the place to be as well.  Have I ever mentioned how much I hate crickets???  Hate them.  Ugh.  But we got a couple of fuzzy photos to document the occassion (unfortunately no one was around so we had to do a couple photos)... 

First is me with my blazing fast friends, Robin and Jenn, who humor me weekly on Thursdays by running my pace.  This is Jenn's first half ever... having only signed up a month ago.  She's crazy.  I think I've mentioned that before.  Robin has run 2 marathons before, but it's been awhile, and this was her first half.  She's aiming to Boston Qualify at White Rock Marathon in December (the same one I'm running but plan to finish a solid hour behind her).

And then, here I am with Elaine.  Elaine and I met when I read an article she wrote in Inside Texas Running.  I posted something about it on my facebook status, and it turns out we have mutual friends and live pretty close to one another... we also go to the same gym (where she also teaches the bodyworks class that often kicks my rear on Tuesdays).  This is Elaine's 8th half marathon.  She is the main instigator in my running a full marathon in December.  We promised each other that if one did it, so would the other.  I intend to make good on that promise - whether we run, walk, or crawl over that finish line.

After a quick trip back to the car to drop off the phones and everything else that kept us entertained for the last hour, we hit the potties again - except this time, there was a line.  Ugh.  But it was perfect timing.  We finished and headed to the start.  That's where we split up.  Robin headed up to take her speedy place between the 1:50 and 2:00 pace group.  Elaine moved to the side so that she could race the way she likes - with her music and the road.  And Jenn, who wanted to stick with me at the start, headed with me to find the 2:20 pace team so that I could find and meet Sherry. 

Sherry and I actually met through the blog world.  I couldn't be happier that she contacted me a couple days before the race about possibly meeting.  Then we realized we were about the same pace, so figured we could maybe run together.  We made the decision to meet up and start together and see how it worked. 

I found the pace group and was looking for Sherry, but didn't see her.  Perhaps that's because my line of sight was well above her head.  Finally, I hear a sweet voice calling up to the mountain-tops "Lesley?".  We exchanged the awkward - do we shake hands? do we wave? do we hug? moment.  And then we both fiddled with our Garmins to get ready to start the race.  And we were off...

Me, Jenn, Sherry, and Sherry's friend, Amanda, headed out with the 2:20 pace team.  It seemed steamy and humid at the start, and I was mentally preparing myself for a hard race (and saying thanks that I decided to bring my handheld with me for the first time during a race).  About half a mile in, Sherry's friend broke off to fulfill her need for speed, and we kept at our steady pace.  Both Sherry and I run our long runs closer to 11:15 or 11:30, so pushing a 10:40 pace or below for the whole time is definitely a hard effort... but we kept at it.  Jenn was the engine... she wanted to go faster and kept pulling us along, though occassionally I would ask her to pull back a tad.  She's a lot faster than me, but she has also never gone 13 miles and was worried about running out of steam.  Slowly, though, the three of us pulled away from the pace team.  Just a little at a time.  Sherry and I enjoyed knowing they were slightly behind us and used that as the motivator to keep moving. 

Finally, at mile 7, I could feel Jenn pulling a little harder, and I gave her the nod to go on, and she was ready to pull ahead (at which point she changed her pace from about 10:40 to 8:50 for the remainder of the race).  Sherry looked at me and said she understood if I went with Jenn.  Huh?  Uh, no.  I've been running long enough now to know my body, and that pace would have eaten me alive.  Sherry was the perfect pace partner.  We were both pushing the pace of what we thought we were capable of, without being unrealistic and driving our bodies into shutdown mode before the finish.

Around mile 7.5 or 8, they were handing out cold wet towels.  Ahhhhhhh, it felt so good.  Although I should mention that by this point the temperature actually started to drop.  The headwind picked up.  And the skys were very overcast.  Sherry and I would look forward to each water station where we would take a really brief walk (probably 20 seconds) to get the fluids down.  This very brief walk breaks were our motivator for the next couple miles.

As we hit mile 11, I could feel my gas tank hitting the "E".  And on my heels, I see EW.  He is another one of those really supportive runners that is very active in the race community.  We've only met a few times, but that doesn't stop him from being a great motivator.  I made a small joke about not letting him catch up to me.  He ran next to me from mile 11-12, which was when I was having a really hard time pushing through.  He gave me some great encouragement and then told me to push on. 

As Sherry and I hit mile 12, we could feel the finish, but we were both totally spent.  We saw the 2:20 pace team behind us, and were excited to still be ahead, but were having a tough time pulling through the end.  Sherry pulled back a couple times, but then would catch back up in no time.  As we rounded the final corner, I really wanted to sprint to the finish, but didn't know if I could find it in me.  I pushed harder, I just wanted to finish.  Then Sherry pushed harder and was just a few feet ahead of me.  So I pushed harder again.  We crossed the line within seconds of one another.  (Seriously, what are the chances that someone would contact me through my blog and turn out to be the perfect pace for me AND be a decent person and enjoyable to talk to along the course?)  DONE.

Garmin time - 2:22.  Garmin distance - 13.45.  Pace based on Garmin distance 10:35.  Pace based on race distance - 10:52.  Considering the winding paths, especially under tree cover, I'm not surprised that my Garmin showed a longer distance.  Although typically my Garmin shows 13.2-13.3 at the end of a race. 

Either way, I was happy with my time (and despite our 2:22, we still finished in front of the 2:20 pace team).  It wasn't a PR, but I PR'd in May in much more pleasant weather when I was in great shape.  Also, I just went through a Texas summer of running which was really discouraging.  I didn't know if I could still push the pace I had in the spring.  My PR is 2:19, so I wasn't that far off.  I am glad to know that I finally know my body and what it's capable of.  I know how hard I can push it and still finish.  And Sherry was a rocking pace partner.  Seriously don't think I could've done it without her (despite the fact that I look like an amazon in this photo of us).  AND I still managed to place second in the Athena division.

On a side note, Heels and Hills has a "Lucky 13" run team.  They are supposed to be ambassadors of the Heels and Hills vision - "staying active in a fun and unintimidating atmosphere, with a friendly personality, warmness, and positive attitude!"  Let me tell you, they must have a magic wand when they select these people.  My awesome friend, Elaine, is a new Lucky 13 member.  The girl who helped me struggle through the last 3 miles of the miserable Hottest Half, Trish, happened to be a new Lucky 13 member.  And guess what?  The awesome Sherry who turned out to be an amazing pace partner is a new Lucky 13 member.  I couldn't think of better people.

Afterwards... Mexican food!!!  I think we earned it, don't you???

Curious about my outfit???  Fear not.  That review is coming soon - probably mid-week.

And don't forget my current TMB Endurance Band Giveaway that ends this Wednesday.

You Want Another Giveaway, Don't You?

What?  Has it been a whole day without a giveaway on my blog?  I think it has.  Do not expect this pace to keep up, but I just happen to have some uber-cool items to share, and want to share them with you right away.

Tonia of Racing with Babes (a really awesome blog that you should follow) decided she would take matters into her own hands when she needed headbands for running.  TMB Endurance Bands are Tonia's non-slip atheletic headbands. 

This is my favorite one from her etsy store.  Absolutely LOVE it.

Now before I review this little gem of a headband, there are two things you must know about me.  I have tons and tons of hair, but the texture is fine, so everything slips off.  It usually takes me two of those uber-thick hairbands to hold my hair in a ponytail.  And even those get all mangled and stretched and have to be replaced yearly.  Second, did you ever see the movie Beetlejuice with Michael Keeton?

See the shrunken head dude?  Well that guy has nothing on me.  I have the world's tiniest head.  I don't know why I'm a pinhead, but I am.  So again, everything slips off my head. 
So, I got this awesome pink with black polka dot TMB Endurance Band from Tonia and couldn't wait to try it out.

See it on there?  Yes, I realize it doesn't look like I have an itty bitty head in this photo, but that's because I'm taking a photo of myself which always gives you some strange distortion with a giant head and tiny body.  Trust me, I have a pinhead.  But isn't the band cute?

I have to admit, when I put it on, it wasn't super snug on me, and I had little confidence that it would stay in place.  Not long after I took that photo, I took an 11 mile run.  I did not touch the headband even once.  Nada.  And this is my "after" photo (which you've already seen, but probably didn't realize I was wearing the band)...

Can you tell that it didn't slip at all???  Through 11 miles, it held my heavy, but slick, hair back off of my face and didn't budge.  Really?  What more can you ask for.  These headbands rock, and especially now that I have short hair and can just throw on a headband and head out for a run.
You want one, don't you?  (OK, so my male followers are probably saying "uh, no, no I don't".)  Well, if you want one, just head on over to her etsy store and get yourself one.  They are really affordable.  AND, bonus, Tonia is giving all of my readers a free headband with your purchase of $35 or more (valid through 12/31/10).  All you have to do is enter the code "RUN35" in the notes to seller at checkout.  She also wants to let you know that she's happy to accept custom orders and provide group discounts. 

But, yes, one lucky ready will get to win one!!!  One of you will win this go-with-everything black with gold polka dots TMB Endurance Band, still sealed in its package.

I'm going to make this giveaway simple.  Separate comment for each entry.
1.  Mandatory - be or become a follower of this blog and comment about it - 1 entry
2.  Visit TMB Endurance Bands on etsy and tell me your favorite band (don't forget to add her as a favorite seller, if you have an etsy account) - 1 entry
3.  Share this giveaway and let me know about it - blog, facebook, or twitter - 1 entry

Easy enough?  Giveaway ends Wednesday, September 29th.  Winner will be posted Thursday morning.

Ryder's Sunglasses Winner and the Death of a Treadmill

I know you have all been checking my blog incessantly this morning to see if you won the Ryder's Sunglasses. 

I went to random.org on my phone this morning, and it spit out 51.  I counted through the comments twice... and the winner is...

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

I love the adrenaline slim.

I had to check twice because it made such a smooth segway into my next giveaway which, coincidentally, is sponsored by TMB.  I guess it is true that those who give the most, get the most!  ;-)  Congrats!  Your package will be on its merry way on Monday.  And I can't wait to see what funky socks you pair these red glasses with.

On another more depressing note... maybe I was being punished for feeding my kids kale, potatoes, and ground turkey for dinner last night...

And for the record, yes, they ate every bite.  This is surprisingly delicious. 

See, does Paige look upset?

Definitely not! 

Anyway, this week has been taper for my half-marathon on Sunday.  I intended to take it easy, but not to become a total slacker.  But I did become a total slacker.  I only ran on Tuesday and Thursday this week.  I woke up this morning nervous about my race, and I generally don't get nervous about races.  I just take them as they come.  I know I can run that far, and I'm not trying to win anything, so the stress is low.  But I automatically start the lazy alarm when I take two days off in a row.  So I wanted to get in just 2-3 miles today in the morning and then maybe some abs - just to keep my energy up.  Got all ready to hit the treadmill and this...

Really?  Today???  This is an old treadmill, so I'm considering getting a new one but don't even know where to start... does anyone have a treadmill they absolutely love?  What kind?  Spill it all!  Off to research.

For the kale and potatoes...

Just put a couple tbsp of oil in the pan, add in a couple of diced potatoes for about 5 minutes, then add some chopped onion and garlic - I like to add ground turkey or sausage - cook another 5 minutes or so, then add a cup or two of chicken broth, some salt, some pepper, and a hoard of coarsely chopped kale - about 6 cups.  Bring back to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 or so.



50 miles - WHAT?!?

Did you hear me?  I said 50 miles.  Now, don't think I'm completely insane.  I didn't make an overnight decision to become an ultrarunner before I've even completed my first marathon or anything like that.  Besides, all my friends would tell you that I never do anything loco. (Can you hear the chuckles and giggles and see the finger pointing?)

A fellow blogger, Clyde, has recently lost 50 lbs.  Then he noticed he was spending time celebrating and not spending time making the good choices that got him the weight loss.  He wanted a kick to get back on track and one of his readers suggested a 50 mile challenge over the weekend.  Note that Clyde runs and bikes, so while 50 miles in a weekend (Friday-Sunday) seems insane, I completely think he can do it with the right combo of bike rides, runs, and walks.  So, in turn, he challenged his readers to pick a ridiculous number of miles and challenge ourselves.

As most of you know, I don't bike... I just run (and occassionally walk after my legs can no longer run).  Plus, I have a half marathon Sunday.  So I didn't think giving myself a weekend challenge would work since I'd then be exhausted for my race (which I'm running with 2 others).  And besides, I liked the nice round number of 50, and knew there was no way I could do that in 3 days.  Just the time commitment alone wouldn't happen.

So, I decided I would keep the challenge at 50 miles, but I'd give myself one week starting Sunday (and including my half marathon).  This is still an insane challenge for me.  I have never run more than 41 miles in a week, and that was recently.  Also, I am really on edge about injuring myself prior to my December marathon, so I do not want to push myself to injury.  But I think it's totally achievable.  I'm just going to have to accept that some of these miles will have to be walking.

Now it's out there... I have publicly announced my challenge... and now I'm accountable.  That's what blogging is all about, right?

So... anyone out there up for challenging themselves as well?

And don't forget, today is the last day to enter my Ryder's Sunglasses Giveaway.

Fitness or Social???

I was not athletic as a kid.  In fact, I was quite a clutz.  I didn't play on any sports teams.  So I would never have imagined my life so fitness-focused now.  But what I'm wondering is when my life turned the corner from lunch dates to running dates, from sleeping in to early rising, from meeting people at a park to meeting people at races.  When did I start having relationships based on meetings at the gym and at runs and races?  And I'm not talking about just surface-y casual meetings.  I meet up with some of my favorite people while exercising.  It may have started when Amie, Sarah, and I would meet on the treadmills at least once a week, or when I started attending my friend, Elaine's, bodyworks class and then driving to races with her.  And now, my Thursday running dates with Jenn and Robin along with my Tuesday running dates with Pat.  And then my whole friendship with Emily developed on the treadmill at LA Fitness (our kindergarteners are in class together)... and now we have it on the plan to meet up there three times next week. 

Not only am I developing relationships, but I am creating accountability.  When people know I am supposed to be there, I better get up and get there.  I had to cancel on Emily twice this week (once because I thought Paige might be sick - turned into nothing, and once because another friend really needed my help with something), and I felt awful about it... like I was letting someone else down.  And this weekend I'll be meeting a new friend.  We connected through this blog (and coincidentally have a couple of mutual friends as well).  We'll be running together with my friend, Jenn.  Should be a blast.

I've had people comment before on the blog wishing he/she had someone to go on a run with or to the gym.  I spent a lot, a lot of time going alone, running alone.  And even when you meet another runner - are they the same pace?  do they even like to run with other people?  do they prefer music or conversation?  (Of course, I've talked a few people into converting from music to conversation.  ;-)  )  Not to mention if they are even free or willing to run at the same times as you.  My outdoor runs on Tuesdays and Thursday are at 5am so we can all get home before our husbands have to head to work.  Not just anyone will get up at 4:30 so they can meet-up at 5am.  My runs with Emily are at 8am, right after we both drop our kids at school, and they are at the gym, where I can have care for Paige.  Long runs, I'm more often alone, although occassionally someone will come with me.  I have to play those by ear though and plan around my race schedule, and Peter's tennis schedule.

Anyhow, all this babbling to say that I thank God everyday that He has put people in my life that keep me going, keep me motivated, keep me accountable, and keep running enjoyable.  Some of my running dates are therapeutic (even this morning when I wimped out at mile 6 and had to walk the last mile).

(Shirt to the left is from One More Mile, and can be found HERE.)

Feeling Quiet?!?!

I know, those of you who know me are thinking, HUH?  Yeah, I'm never quiet.  Just ask anyone who has ever run within 100 yards of me.  Even if you're leaving me in the dust, I will probably still try to talk to  you.  But I'm feeling a bit wordless today...

Got in a nice 4.5 this morning with my Tuesday running group.  It felt good, and though I had intended to make today a double run and meet Emily at the gym... Paige developed a concerning cough - which I'm now fairly certain is nothing, but I hate taking her to Kid's Club and potentially exposing other kiddos.  Pretty sure she just has some allergy crud.  She is, after all, a miniature version of her momma.

I also ran for the first time today in my new Brooks Ghost 3s.  They felt light and speedy compared to my Asics, which feel more cushioned (yes, that's as technical as I'm capable of being).  So I looked up the weights.  My tried and true Asic Gel-Nimbus weighs 9.8oz, and the Brooks Ghost 3 weighs 9.2oz.  Now, knowing how in-tune I am with my body, of course I could tell the difference in 0.6oz!  Seriously, though... why do they feel so different?  Is it how the weight is distributed?  Has anyone else used both of these shoes and have a comparison?  I like them both for different reasons, but I intend to keep the rotation going for the next 6 months or so until both pairs die, and then I'll decide which I really prefer (or maybe I won't???).

This week is light since I have half marathon #5 this weekend.  When I signed up for my first half, I figured it was a one time thing... MAYBE I could've fathomed doing it once a year.  I never figured that I'd sign up for them casually on a whim and just get out there and do it.

(See, told you I am never wordless... even when I think I'm wordless...)

Don't forget my Ryder's Sunglasses Giveaway.  It ends this Friday, the 24th.

Jailbreak Race Review

First of all, don't forget to enter my Ryder's Sunglasses giveaway.  I mean, seriously, who couldn't use a free pair of shades???

Yesterday, I did the Jailbreak.  It was a 3.8 mile "mud" run and obstacle course.  I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but I was mortified leading up to it about getting injured.  And for the record, I cannot stand dirt.  I don't even like for the kids to eat Doritos because it makes your fingers all icky.  I don't like Play Doh or finger paint either.  Yes, I know I'm a terrible mom, and I need to loosen up, but so be it.

Our wave started at 4pm, which working backwards meant I wanted to leave the house by 1pm-ish (considering the hour drive over, plus parking and shuttling to the race location, plus packet pick-up, etc).  I have never done a race anytime other than first thing in the morning, and I didn't realize how much I appreciated just getting up and getting things together and going!  I didn't realize it until yesterday.  I hated the all day anticipation.  I felt like I couldn't do anything for fear of not getting home in time, or in tiring myself out, or not eating the right things (which you will realize was utterly ridiculous in a few minutes). 

So my friend, Denya, arrives at my house around 1pm, and while she changes, I load up the car to go.  We're out the door by 1:15pm.  Then we discovered, 2 miles down the road, that she forgot her phone, so we whip around and head back to grab it.  I call up the hubster and have him stand at the street ready to pitch it into the car.  All goes smoothly, and we're back on the road.  DING!  What?  Ding?  Oh no, seriously?  Yep, I failed to fill the gas tank.  Idiot alert.  So now we have 2 more stops (because we're both starving for lunch and figure we have a solid 2-3 hours to let it settle).  Despite driving through Dallas, we find very little and end up grabbing some chicken strips from Popeye's and then grabbing some gas before getting back on the highway with an ETA to the race of 2:30pm.  And yes, you read that right... I ate greasy chicken strips, fatty fries, and a biscuit that I'm certain is straight lard laced with some sort of highly addictive substance.  Their biscuits are divine, but I can actually feel my heart struggling to pump as I eat one.  Not my recommended pre-race meal.  Seriously folks, don't try this.  I knew I'd be taking it easy for this race, so I wasn't as worried about my bad decision!

Parking was a breeze, and we hopped onto the shuttle with no issues.  Parking was $5 but every cent of it got donated to the charity.  The bus ride was short and sweet.  We were dropped off right at the registration tables.  It was confusing for a second, but everything was right there.  Table 1, get your number.  Table 2, get your t-shirt and goodies.  Then a quick "before" pic of me and Denya with my friend Alisha that was running with her husband in the wave after us.  Then table 3, check your bag (which as it turns out was not the most brilliant idea since we still had 90 minutes until race time). 

We mostly spent the next 90 minutes wandering around aimlessly.  We watched a few muddy people cross the finish, listened to a tune or two from the band, checked out what was around, people-watched some extremely unique" individuals in some, um, "costumes" that I haven't the right words for - suffice it to say hot pink full body (down to the fingertips) suits (mostly men and one woman) accompanying a bride.  Finally it was time to rally up to the starting point.  It was hot (around 96 degrees), but I was ready to go.  (Side note:  I chose to wear the cheapest workout gear I had... some stuff from Target that I picked up before I got uber-serious about running.)

It took all of 10 seconds after the start before we were up and down little hills and into a giant mud-puddle.  So immediately the feet are soaked and heavy with mud.  It made for a very odd sensation while running.  We did a very light jog between obstacles.  Denya was awesome!  She's not a runner and had a recent injury, but she kept pushing every step of the way.  Not far from the start someone made a wrong turn where the barrier tape had fallen, and like lemmings, we all followed.  When we reached the barrier tape for the other portion of the course, we realized we had gone the wrong way and turned back.  That does not make for a good race start.  Anyhow, we kept pushing on.  I was disappointed that most of the "obstacles" were mud pits or getting through a pond or river of chest deep (and I'm 5'11") super muddy, murky water.  Have I ever mentioned that I'm not a fan of water except when it's in a pool?  The thought of creepy crawlies in the water and all those weird amoebas just gives me the heebie jeebies (yes, that's a technical term).  There were a few more interesting obstacles like a large hay pile that I had trouble getting over despite owning a pair of amazon legs.  And then the best obstacle, in my opinion, which was a water slide down a muddy cliff and into a small river.  Which would have been more awesome if my shorts hadn't caught on part of the slide, and I sat hanging from it until I pulled myself back up and freed my shorts.  Down that, then through the river... and back up the cliff was the hardest obstacle.  There were tires attached to the side of the cliff that you had to use to climb your way back up (I'm really not sure how more petite folks handled that... I had to throw my  excessively long limbs to their full extension in order to get up).  I have to call out one particularly lame section where there was "smoke" and you weaved through some stuff and a man was supposed to pretend to shoot at you.  The man looked like he was 2 minutes away from dreaming about unicorns and rainbows.  The course ended with a section of running that was out in the blazing sun, then through a final couple of deep deep mudpits with some holes that tried to get a few ankle victims, and then finally, the low crawl under the barbed wire.

All in all, it was a lot of fun, but I was a little disappointed in the variety of the obstacles.  Too many were just mudpits and about 5 sections of wading in water up to my chest.  And every time we'd get muddy, which for this race was a badge of honor, we'd then have to go through water which would wash it all off.  Almost all the mud on me at the end is from the final low crawl under the wire in the mudpit.

Would I do it again?  Maybe... It would have to be with a group, though, to add to the fun factor.  I know I've seen mud runs with more exciting obstacles...  I was uber-cautious on the course though, I really did not want to injure myself, so we went pretty slow.  I really wish they would do a race like this in the spring where I could go all out.  It's just too hard to risk it before the busy fall race season.

And for the record, I did donate my beloved, but dead, Asic Gel-Nimbus 12s at the end up the race and went home in flip-flops.

Denya and I after the race.  Yes, I realize we posed with porta-potties behind us... it's there to distract you from our ridiculous height difference.

My friend Alisha and her hubby, Jon, at the finish.  (Alisha is currently training for the Susan G. Komen 3-day walk.  See her donation page HERE.)

And some random people that just looked like they had a lot of fun!!!

Gettin' Ready to Get Muddy

Yesterday, I managed 11 whole miles on the dreadmill.  Thankfully, I had a friend next to me for the majority of it.  She was completing her first 7 mile run.  Congrats Emily!  I think my first 7-miler was sort of an epiphany moment... it's the first run longer than a 10k (6.2miles).  I think it kind of crosses the line into "endurance" runner.  Love it.  And on another note, man could I tell the difference in my fresh new shoes.  I went ahead and wore the Asics for this 11 miles because I know them, and I know my feet like them, and I knew I was going far.  I'll be trying the Brooks out on a shorter run first.  (Paige and I took a little photo of ourselves post-run, outside of the gym.)

Just so there are no delusions about endurance running... every single run 7+ for me is a small victory.  Despite having run 4 half-marathons, I don't think the long runs ever get easy for me.  It's more about the confidence going up to the point where I know I am capable of finishing.  But every step is still hard.  Completing it is still a challenge.  (I think the lady in this photo understands what I mean.)  There are good days where I get through it easier and bad days where I fight the mental battle the whole way.  The first 4 miles yesterday were a mental battle.  So thankful I had Emily next to me.  My desire for her to complete that 7-miler kept me moving... and the last couple miles were easy.  I had actually only planned 10, but when I noticed I still had time left in my 2 hour time limit for the Kid's Club, I went ahead and pushed another.

Today is the Jailbreak.  3.8 miles of super muddy obstacles.  Should be fun.  I'm going with a friend, and we plan to take it easy.  I want to laugh, I do NOT want to get injured.  I am not worried about time today.  I'm getting antsy, though... it's so much easier to just get up early and GO.  My wave doesn't start until 4pm.

Ryder's Sunglasses Review...

... oh yeah, AND a giveaway... so keep reading.

In case you didn't notice in my race photos from last weekend, I was sporting a new pair of shades. Yes, I had on black Swerve Pro sunglasses from Ryders.  I am picky about sunglasses.  Most sunglasses slip (I have a small noggin' - go ahead make your jokes!).  If they don't slip, they give me a headache after wearing them awhile.  These sunglasses held up to the test.  The fit was nice.  The grippy nose piece and sides kept the glasses firmly, but comfortably seated in place.  It was pretty humid outside, and I didn't experience any fogging.  I wasn't left with a headache afterwards.  And you want the kicker?  All of their sunglasses are extremely affordable.  The prices range from $29-$69, with the large majority of pairs pricing at $39.  I don't know if you've priced sports sunglasses, but my last pair cost closer to $130.  With the affordability of the Ryders, you could easily have a few pairs ready to switch out.  I live in Texas and sunglasses are a must except on my 5am runs (I even wear sunglasses when it's not sunny because my eyes are extremely sensitive, and I find blocking the wind and other elements is just as important). 

I'm thinking I could start myself a small farm of these babies... they have some really fun colors, but I'd love to start with these hot pink ones:

Cute, huh?

So, I know what you're waiting for... you want a pair, don't you?  Your very own pair to take home, so that you, too, can look uber-cool at all the races, right?  Well, do I have a fun surprise for you.  I have a pair of Red Ryders.  And I know you're thinking exactly what I'm thinking...

Yep, I giggle everytime I think about these sunglasses.  But yes, I have a pair of awesome RED Ryders sunglasses for one very lucky reader.  Wanna see 'em?

The style is the Zephyr.  And yes, I plan to be a bit jealous of the winner.  I love these, and red is my favorite color.  But alas, I do plan to share the goodies.  So, I bet you are itching to know how to win.

Mandatory - Be or become a follower - Leave a comment

Other ways to get bonus entries:

-Visit the Ryders website and tell me what you like - Leave a separate comment

-Go *like* Ryders Eyewear on Facebook - Leave a separate comment.

-Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter - Leave a separate comment.

-Share this giveaway on your blog - Leave a separate comment.

-If you're a fellow blogger, add me to your blogroll!  - Leave another comment!

Contest ends at midnight on September 24th.  I will announce the winner Saturday morning, September 25th!

Sleeve Scrunchie Giveaway Winner!

Everyone should own a pair of pink leopard sleeve scrunchies!  If you missed the review of these little gals, check out the original post HERE.  And if you look below and are just absolutely heartbroken because you didn't win, just remember that you can go buy a pair!!!  They are extremely affordable at $5 per pair.  Go visit Callie's etsy shop - Vanna Down By the River.  And don't forget that she's totally open to some custom prints... contact her, tell her what you want to see... and tell her you found out about her here. 

Without further ado, the winner according to Random.org is... drum roll...

Comment # 11 - irunyourun

Congrats Carla!!!  (Check out her blog HERE, it rocks.)

E-mail me with your shipping info, and I'll get it popped into the mail!

Stink, Shoes, and Surprises!

Stink -- This morning I got in 7 hard miles with my friends, Jenn and Robin.  My legs were still achy from the death of my poor shoes.  It was a little cooler than it's been, but still humid.  I finished it, and raced home to get the kids ready for school.  I had time to get lunches packed, but no time for a shower.  It was picture day, so as I brushed Lily's hair, she pinched her nose and said "Mommy, you stink."  Now, I'm under no delusions that I smell like flowers post-run, but I must stay, I'm just a smidge proud of my stench because it means I worked hard, right??????

Shoes -- I know you've all been checking my blog every 5 minutes hoping to see photos of new shoes from me.  It's ok, you can admit it.  OK, so maybe not, but I know a few of you are holding me accountable for getting new shoes.  My other shoes are dead.  Not only has the mileage on them told me so (yes, I track every mile in my shoes), but things that don't normally ache and hurt were starting to.  I could actually feel the reduction in cushioning.  Ugh.  Time to hit Run-On.  And today I did.  Yes, you heard me... I went and bought new shoes.  But not just one pair (my Asics Gel-Nimbus 12s), but I went for TWO pairs.  I've heard about swapping out shoes, and thought I'd give it a try.  As the awesome Libby explained to me - "I definitely recommend training in two different types of shoes. Keeps your feet muscles from degrading in the same places run after run - whereever the weak part of that shoe is. Think of it as working out little muscles in the feet by keeping them guessing about which pair of shoes is next!"  So I hit the store and tried on 3 shoes - Asics Gel-Nimbus 12s, Nike Zoom-Vomero 5, and the Brooks Ghost 3.  The Asics felt like home, the Nikes felt super cushiony but a bit wide.the Brooks felt light and speedy.  I went home with the Asics and the Brooks.

Yes, this also means I'm going to have to come up with some anal-retentive way to track which mileage is on which shoe.  On that note, I have officially decided that my recently retired pair of Asics will have their final hoo-rah at the Jailbreak obstacle course mud-run this Saturday.  I will donate them afterwards.  They have provided me lots of good miles, but alas, they have been replaced (don't worry, I still have a spare set of shoes just in case - I still have my Asics Gel-Nimbus 10s which I actually liked better and actually have slightly less mileage on them).

Surprises -- Don't forget today is the last day to enter my sleeve scrunchie giveaway.  I'll also be opening a new giveaway tomorrow... woo-hoo... for some awesome sunglasses.  And I have 3 more awesome giveaways lined up after that waiting in the wings.  Keep checking back... don't miss out!

Taking It Easy

I am still feeling a little achy in my adductor and calves.  I need to go get those shoes.  I hate driving into the city, though, for no other reason.  I need to suck it up and get out there or my body is going to pay the price.  Likely, I will be getting the exact same shoes since the same version is still available (I *heart* the Asics Gel-Nimbus.  I have tried on other shoes, and they just don't feel like home.) 

While we're on the topic of shoes, I am debating what shoes to wear for my race Saturday.  I am doing one of those crazy mud-slinging obstacle courses. 

Run the Jailbreak! from The Jailbreak on Vimeo.

I cannot wait, but I'm stuck on what shoes to wear.  I don't want my feet to fall apart (if I wore my really old Nikes), but I'm not sure I'm up for ruining a pair of my Asics either.  The good thing is there is a shoe collection afterwards from Green Sneakers - and the best news, they take muddy sneakers!!!  So I plan to share whatever I run in.  ;-)

Anyhow, I got in my group run yesterday of 4.5 miles at a slightly quicker pace than normal.  Since I was still feeling the ache, I skipped my normal bodyworks class.  Bad, bad, bad.  I'm supposed to be cross-training.  Shame on me.  And this week I'm being good and taking Wednesday and Sunday off like I'm supposed to.  I didn't last week, and I could feel the difference - not in a good way.

Did you see my sleeve scrunchie giveaway?  Come on... they are super cute, perfect for any outdoor activity, they are fun, and they are FREE to one lucky reader.  Go check it out!

Run, Courtney, Run!

My bloggie blog-tastic friend, Courtney, is preparing to run the Nike Women's Half Marathon for Team in Training - raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  She's having an awesome fundraiser/raffle on her blog.  Head over... support Courtney.  Tell her I sent ya. 

Courtney - Best of luck!  Look forward to meeting you in February.

Hair and Shoes

But not together... don't worry... I'm not here to report on hairy toes or anything like that!  They just happen to be two things I'm sick off...

My hair is long and super thick.  After a run, it's at least 30 minutes to wash and a solid 45 to dry (likely, I just put it in a ponytail or clip and allow it to mildew until I take it down at bedtime and realize it's still sopping wet). 

(Yes, I just allowed you to see me with no make-up at 6:30am, fresh out of bed.)

With the ramping up towards my first marathon, the runs are getting more frequent, and I am getting lazier and lazier with taking care of this mop, so I set an appointment with my hair magician - Trisha - and headed in today.  I originally told her I wanted something like this:

But she warned me that if I go too short, I will *have* to do my hair all the time... there is no allowance for lazy days.  She wanted to keep it a smidge longer, and knowing that I run, she suggested leaving the layers around the face long so that I could still pull them back.  And this is where I ended up:

Yes, I'm uber-cool and took this photo of myself in the parking lot of the salon.  All the trendy bloggers are doing it.  I wasn't quite as rad as TMB, but I'm pretty happy with the cut!  And it does still have some versatility, which I like.

On another topic, my shoes are dead.  They have lived a short, but happy life, and are now destined for the graveyard.  I need a new pair STAT.  Ugh.  Must. Get. To. Running. Store. Now.  I keep procrastinating, and now I'm over my "retire" mileage... and to make it even more jolly, now my adductor muscle on my right leg is acting up, and my feet are starting to ache post-workout.  Red lights are flashing... must get shoes.  If you don't see photos of new shoes on this blog by the end of the week, I expect verbal lashings from you all!

Rib, Run, and Run 5k Race Report

Let's start this race report with a little confession... on Friday night, I went to a Dove Chocolate party.  I ate a lot of chocolate.  No, not that much... more.  So much that I was giddy all night and couldn't sleep.  Way too much sugar and caffeine.  I was afraid that I would end up seeing that chocolate a second time at the 5k finish, but would I really let that stop me? 

For once it was nice to be going to a small, local race.  I didn't even have to get up until 6:30am... score!  I picked up my friend, Jenn, at 7:15am.  We were still super early to the race and ended up meandering around for quite some time.  It started to become harder to focus on the race because we kept seeing things like this:

Seriously, this guy was taking a special care in the way he rubbed down those ribs.  Smoker after smoker, the smells filled the air.  If only the rib cook-off would be complete by the end of the race (but no such luck... the judging wasn't until 2pm).  It was hard to walk past all those smells and get to the start line, but we did...

And then at the starting line, Jenn and I had are ultimate dorky blogger moment by taking our own photo... CHEESE. 

I didn't expect to come even close to my PR, but I did want to push it.  And we did... hard... and the course was way hillier than I expected.  Sheesh.  I was seriously sucking air.  I needed a spare set of lungs.  That last mile was harsh... and I pulled back a smidge, but not much.  In the final stretch, crazy Jenn, who is a natural runner despite this being her first 5k, left me in the dust and sprinted it in.  She finished in 29:06, and I came in shortly after at 29:21.  We placed 63rd and 65th out of 210.  Not too bad.  If I'd have just stuck with Jenn, though, despite the hills, I would've PR'd by 1 second.  Oh well.  I have another 5k in a couple weeks...  I'll have to kick it in then.

The race was small and fun.  The crowd was supportive.  The course was reasonably challenging.  And I rather enjoyed my first experience running a race that wasn't thousands of people.  AND it was awesome to run a whole race next to a buddy for the first time... thanks Jenn!  It made it that much more bearable.

Here I am pushing through the finish (I felt awful!!!).

And here I am coming to the finish again after I ran back to run in with my sister-in-law on her first 5k (go Ang!).  Also running in with us is my father and my oldest kiddo, Patrick.

Did you notice my awesome sleeve scrunchies???  Don't forget to enter my giveaway!!!

Since I gave up my long run day to do this 5k, I asked Coach Barrett of Rockwall Running Center (who was in charge of Saturday's race) if I could run with his training teams on Sunday to make up for it.  He happily agreed, and I got in 8 hard miles early Sunday morning before rushing home to get ready for church.  It was hilly (again) and challenging, but a nice change of pace.