It's been a while since I've done a recap of all the races I've ever ran. And since I did a MASSIVE Goodwill donation run just before having my baby (I'm not kidding, I donated over 50 shirts, most of which were race related) ... I know the number is getting pretty big.
Here goes!
---
2010
Races 1-6, Bibs 1-6
New Prague 5K
Lederhosenlauf 5K
Chaska Rotary Polio 5K
Lifetime Torchlight 5K
Gopher to Badger 5K
MN State Fair Milk Run 5K
2011
Races 7-13, Bibs 7-12
New Prague 5K
Carlyle Sherstad 5K
Rainbow Run 5K
Siren Freedom 5K
Shakopee Derby Days 5K
Crosby Serpent Run 5K, No Bib Provided
Lake Run 5K
2012
Races 14-24, Bibs 13-22
Get Lucky 7K
New Prague 5K
Carlyle Sherstad 5K
Rainbow Run 4K (revised course)
Time to Fly 5K
Color Run 5K
Crosby Serpent Run 5K, No Bib Provided
Lake Run 5K
Steamboat Days 5K
Iron Girl Du (run 2, bike 23, run 2)
Monster Dash Half Marathon
2013
Races 25 - 39, Bibs 23 - 37
Shamwalk 5K
Get Lucky 7K
DogNJog 5K
Minnetonka Half Marathon
Adventure Triathlon
Race Chaska 5K (rained out, no run but kept bib)
Rainbow Run 5K
Freedom 5K
Gandy Dancer Trail Run 5K
Webster Education Foundation 5K
Serpent Run 5K, No Bib Provided
Minneapolis Duathlon
Lake Run 5K
Chicago Half Marathon
Mankato Half Marathon
Monster Half Marathon
2014
Races 40 - 54, Bibs 38 - 52
Little Rock Marathon
Get Lucky 7K
Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Minnetonka Half Relay
Waconia Half Relay
Rainbow Run 5K
Freedom 5K
Chinatown 5K
Bacon Chase 5K
Webster Education 5K
Minneapolis Duathlon Relay
Lake Run 5K
Women Run the Cities 5K
Mankato 10K
Skeleton Run 5K
2015
Races 55 - 71, Bibs 53 - 68
Tri-U-Mah, No Bib Provided
Hot Chocolate 5K
Lake Minnetonka Half Relay
Cinco de Miler 5 miler
Run the Inferno 5K
Carlyle Sherstad 5K
Rainbow Run 5K
Freedom Five 5K
Gandy Fly-In 5K
Chase the Police Tri
Webster Education 5K
Lake Run 5K
Suds Run 5K
Women Run the Cities 10K
TC 10 mile
Patriot Power Run 5K
Mankato 10K
2016
Races 72 - 81, Bibs 69 - 77
Tri-U-Mah, No bib provided
Rainbow Run 5K
Freedom Five 5K
Froyo 5K
Gandy Dancer Fly In 5K
Webster Education 5K w/stroller
Lake Run 5K w/ stroller
Waconia Nickle Dickle 5K
Women Run the Cities 10K
Carreras de los Muertos 5K
---
So, there you have it. So far I have participated in 81 races (which means I have a real chance of clearing 100 races by the end of 2017), and I own 77 bibs. If you want to consider the entire distances ... that would be:
One 4K
Fifty-five 5Ks (two with a stroller in tow)
Three 7Ks
One 8K
One 5 miler
Four 10Ks
One 10 miler
Five Half Marathons
Three Half Marathon Relays (at about 6 miles each)
One Partial Marathon (course was closed at mile 16-17ish)
One Duathalon (4 miles ran)
Two Duathlon relays (2x5K at each race)
Three Triathlons (about 8 miles ran total)
One Triathlon relay (about 8 miles ran)
Or, roughly 360 miles of racing on foot (this number is not including any swim or bike distances). And let's not even talk about the training I did working up to that. Phew!!
---
So, close to seven years of running. Wow. I guess ... that's what it gets you!! All the above, and a real sense of self accomplishment, too.
Showing posts with label 7K. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 7K. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Finally - Documentation
For those of you who missed it last week, I implore you to read the expose a local news company did about Team Ortho. If you're short on time, I've highlighted the most disturbing facts in yellow below.
---
Running for a cause?
Financial questions raised about popular races
Non-profit Team Ortho runs several popular races including the Monster Dash, but where does the money go?
Steve Eckert and A.J. Lagoe, Investigative Reporter
MINNEAPOLIS - A Minnesota-based non-profit organization that claims it is "Helping Research One Race at a Time" actually donates only about a penny-and-a-half for every dollar it raises for medical research, according to financial records obtained by KARE 11 News.
Team Ortho Foundation
Team Ortho Foundation sponsors some of the most popular running events in the Twin Cities. Their races include the just-completed "Monster Dash" on Halloween, the "Polar Dash" in January, the "Get Lucky" race in March, and "Women Rock" in August.
Team Ortho also sponsors similar races in Chicago and Dallas-Ft. Worth.
During public address announcements at its races – and in postings on its website – Team Ortho says it supports orthopedic research with donations to Shriners Hospital and other groups involved in orthopedic research.
"We raise money for Orthopedic research," said Team Ortho founder and executive director John Larson. "We make gifts to places like Shriner's Hospital for Children, which is an orthopedic hospital."
But former employees at the Team Ortho Foundation question how much money is actually going to medical research.
On a rainy Halloween morning, an estimated 18,000 people – many in colorful costumes – turned out for "Monster Dash" in St. Paul.
It's one of the biggest running events of the year.
If the runners think much of their entry fees are going to orthopedic research, former employees say they're wrong, and they blame Larson, the driving force behind Team Ortho.
"He was using it like his own personal checkbook and that to me was wrong," said Kean Corkery. He's one of the former Team Ortho employees who told KARE 11 they quit in disgust.
Megan Johnston and Isaac Milkey also told us they walked away after questioning how much money was really going to research.
"We raise so much money throughout the year, and seeing that little or none goes back to charities is – just doesn't sit right," said Milkey.
So, how much race money is going to research? To find out, KARE 11 checked the IRS forms all non-profit organizations have to file.
The most recent report shows that in 2013 Team Ortho brought in $4,362,877. Of that, what went to charities like Shriners Hospital was just $72,700.
A year earlier, it was a similar story. Of $3,599,851 raised, just $36,550 trickled down to charity.
Do the math. The average amount going to charity is just a penny and a half out of every dollar raised.
"That's pretty horrible," said runner Anne Pavel. "Like not expecting that at all."
It surprised other Monster Dash runners, too. Call it more trick than treat.
"Yah, that's not good," said Allie Henning. "That doesn't make me feel good about running."
Eric Sand said that when he and his wife signed up, "They told us – whether we do it or not – the money goes for a good cause."
"I understand the cost behind the race," added Pavel, "but it just kind of makes you wonder who's getting all that extra money."
Reporter A.J. Lagoe put that question to Team Ortho Executive Director John Larson.
Lagoe: "Why such a low percentage?"
Larson: "Oh, because we put it into the races - and the gear - to get people out."
Larson says encouraging people to be active is Team Ortho's primary goal. Doing that by organizing races is expensive, he explained. And so is the custom gear runners get and the medals waiting for each person at the finish line.
Trips to China
But former employees blame some of that cost on mismanagement. For example, they say fancy running gear was sometimes ordered so late that instead of just shipping it, teams of employees had to fly to China to hand carry it back.
"Your sole purpose of being there was to carry items back?" one former employee asked another.
"Yah, just another body. Pack mule," replied Isaac Milkey.
John Larson admits that's happened. "There's times that the only way to get the gear in time for the race is to send people over in order to bring them back," he told us.
But some trips to China to bring back customized Team Ortho outfits sound more like all expense paid vacations.
"We saw the Great Wall, the Forbidden City," Milkey remembers. "We just went around and had a list of things we wanted to see – and we went and did them."
He says he and several other Team Ortho employees spent three days in China doing nothing but sight-seeing before carrying back the merchandise.
"I didn't bring any of my own money at all," he told KARE 11. "So anything we wanted to do was on Team Ortho's dime."
In all, the former employees claim that in recent years, Larson, the executive director, personally took as many as a dozen trips a year overseas in recent years. Some of them are documented with personal photos on his Facebook page.
All of them, former employees say, were paid for with money that could have helped children with orthopedic problems.
When asked about those trips, Larson didn't offer any explanation.
Lagoe: "Going overseas, staying in lavish hotels, all billed to team Ortho. Can you tell us why that's necessary?"
Larson: "I can't comment on that."
Lagoe: "You can't tell us why so many trips?"
Larson: "I can't comment on that."
F rating at BBB
Check with the Better Business Bureau and you'll discover Team Ortho gets an "F" rating because of multiple complaints.
What's more, KARE 11 has learned that Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is looking into Team Ortho after a complaint from former employee Kean Corkery raising concerns about financial irregularities. About Larson Kean wrote, "He seems to be running a 501c3 as if were his own personal checkbook."
Swanson's office recently took action against other non-profits with low donation percentages.
Lagoe: "Have you been contacted by the Attorney General at all recently?"
Larson: "I can't comment."
Lagoe: "You can't say, yes or no, that you've spoken to the Attorney General?
Larson: "I can't comment."
As we began investigating Team Ortho's races and John Larson, the man who runs them, we noticed one other interesting thing.
Larson says he's not handicapped. But KARE 11 watched as he got into and drove away in a Lincoln with a handicapped license plate. It was from Arizona – and it had expired in July, 2014.
Lagoe: "We just got complaints that, you know, here's this guy running a multi-million dollar organization, driving around in a car with handicapped plates that are – have been expired for a year and a half."
Larson: "Yah. Regretfully, I need to change those."
So, if you're just interested in some exercise and some fun, the Team Ortho races are obviously popular.
But if you're concerned about how much of your money is actually going to medical research, check out Team Ortho's financial reports.
And, in this season of giving, the Minnesota Attorney General has recommendations on ways you can check on your favorite charities on their website.
---
Running for a cause?
Financial questions raised about popular races
Non-profit Team Ortho runs several popular races including the Monster Dash, but where does the money go?
Steve Eckert and A.J. Lagoe, Investigative Reporter
MINNEAPOLIS - A Minnesota-based non-profit organization that claims it is "Helping Research One Race at a Time" actually donates only about a penny-and-a-half for every dollar it raises for medical research, according to financial records obtained by KARE 11 News.
Team Ortho Foundation
Team Ortho Foundation sponsors some of the most popular running events in the Twin Cities. Their races include the just-completed "Monster Dash" on Halloween, the "Polar Dash" in January, the "Get Lucky" race in March, and "Women Rock" in August.
Team Ortho also sponsors similar races in Chicago and Dallas-Ft. Worth.
During public address announcements at its races – and in postings on its website – Team Ortho says it supports orthopedic research with donations to Shriners Hospital and other groups involved in orthopedic research.
"We raise money for Orthopedic research," said Team Ortho founder and executive director John Larson. "We make gifts to places like Shriner's Hospital for Children, which is an orthopedic hospital."
But former employees at the Team Ortho Foundation question how much money is actually going to medical research.
On a rainy Halloween morning, an estimated 18,000 people – many in colorful costumes – turned out for "Monster Dash" in St. Paul.
It's one of the biggest running events of the year.
If the runners think much of their entry fees are going to orthopedic research, former employees say they're wrong, and they blame Larson, the driving force behind Team Ortho.
"He was using it like his own personal checkbook and that to me was wrong," said Kean Corkery. He's one of the former Team Ortho employees who told KARE 11 they quit in disgust.
Megan Johnston and Isaac Milkey also told us they walked away after questioning how much money was really going to research.
"We raise so much money throughout the year, and seeing that little or none goes back to charities is – just doesn't sit right," said Milkey.
So, how much race money is going to research? To find out, KARE 11 checked the IRS forms all non-profit organizations have to file.
The most recent report shows that in 2013 Team Ortho brought in $4,362,877. Of that, what went to charities like Shriners Hospital was just $72,700.
A year earlier, it was a similar story. Of $3,599,851 raised, just $36,550 trickled down to charity.
Do the math. The average amount going to charity is just a penny and a half out of every dollar raised.
"That's pretty horrible," said runner Anne Pavel. "Like not expecting that at all."
It surprised other Monster Dash runners, too. Call it more trick than treat.
"Yah, that's not good," said Allie Henning. "That doesn't make me feel good about running."
Eric Sand said that when he and his wife signed up, "They told us – whether we do it or not – the money goes for a good cause."
"I understand the cost behind the race," added Pavel, "but it just kind of makes you wonder who's getting all that extra money."
Reporter A.J. Lagoe put that question to Team Ortho Executive Director John Larson.
Lagoe: "Why such a low percentage?"
Larson: "Oh, because we put it into the races - and the gear - to get people out."
Larson says encouraging people to be active is Team Ortho's primary goal. Doing that by organizing races is expensive, he explained. And so is the custom gear runners get and the medals waiting for each person at the finish line.
Trips to China
But former employees blame some of that cost on mismanagement. For example, they say fancy running gear was sometimes ordered so late that instead of just shipping it, teams of employees had to fly to China to hand carry it back.
"Your sole purpose of being there was to carry items back?" one former employee asked another.
"Yah, just another body. Pack mule," replied Isaac Milkey.
John Larson admits that's happened. "There's times that the only way to get the gear in time for the race is to send people over in order to bring them back," he told us.
But some trips to China to bring back customized Team Ortho outfits sound more like all expense paid vacations.
"We saw the Great Wall, the Forbidden City," Milkey remembers. "We just went around and had a list of things we wanted to see – and we went and did them."
He says he and several other Team Ortho employees spent three days in China doing nothing but sight-seeing before carrying back the merchandise.
"I didn't bring any of my own money at all," he told KARE 11. "So anything we wanted to do was on Team Ortho's dime."
In all, the former employees claim that in recent years, Larson, the executive director, personally took as many as a dozen trips a year overseas in recent years. Some of them are documented with personal photos on his Facebook page.
All of them, former employees say, were paid for with money that could have helped children with orthopedic problems.
When asked about those trips, Larson didn't offer any explanation.
Lagoe: "Going overseas, staying in lavish hotels, all billed to team Ortho. Can you tell us why that's necessary?"
Larson: "I can't comment on that."
Lagoe: "You can't tell us why so many trips?"
Larson: "I can't comment on that."
F rating at BBB
Check with the Better Business Bureau and you'll discover Team Ortho gets an "F" rating because of multiple complaints.
What's more, KARE 11 has learned that Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is looking into Team Ortho after a complaint from former employee Kean Corkery raising concerns about financial irregularities. About Larson Kean wrote, "He seems to be running a 501c3 as if were his own personal checkbook."
Swanson's office recently took action against other non-profits with low donation percentages.
Lagoe: "Have you been contacted by the Attorney General at all recently?"
Larson: "I can't comment."
Lagoe: "You can't say, yes or no, that you've spoken to the Attorney General?
Larson: "I can't comment."
As we began investigating Team Ortho's races and John Larson, the man who runs them, we noticed one other interesting thing.
Larson says he's not handicapped. But KARE 11 watched as he got into and drove away in a Lincoln with a handicapped license plate. It was from Arizona – and it had expired in July, 2014.
Lagoe: "We just got complaints that, you know, here's this guy running a multi-million dollar organization, driving around in a car with handicapped plates that are – have been expired for a year and a half."
Larson: "Yah. Regretfully, I need to change those."
So, if you're just interested in some exercise and some fun, the Team Ortho races are obviously popular.
But if you're concerned about how much of your money is actually going to medical research, check out Team Ortho's financial reports.
And, in this season of giving, the Minnesota Attorney General has recommendations on ways you can check on your favorite charities on their website.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Current Bib Wall & Medal Collection
After going through all my races for Wednesday's post, I thought it might be fun to post a couple of updated photos of my bib wall and medal collection.
Here they are!!
Here they are!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
All My Races ... Ever
After running the Webster Education 5K the other weekend, as I was lounging around at the cabin in my spiffy race T, my father in law started to chuckle at what my collection of shirts must be. Since he recently downsized from his home of 30+ years and moved to the cabin full time (along with my mother in law, duh), he knew the pain of an ever growing wardrobe and purging excess stuff.
On that tangent, I started to wonder ... how many races have I actually ran since I started oh so long ago? Hmmm....
---
2010
Races 1-6, Bibs 1-6
New Prague 5K
Lederhosenlauf 5K
Chaska Rotary Polio 5K
Lifetime Torchlight 5K
Gopher to Badger 5K
MN State Fair Milk Run 5K
2011
Races 7-13, Bibs 7-12
New Prague 5K
Carlyle Sherstad 5K
Rainbow Run 5K
Siren Freedom 5K
Shakopee Derby Days 5K
Crosby Serpent Run 5K, No Bib Provided
Lake Run 5K
2012
Races 14-24, Bibs 13-22
Get Lucky 7K
New Prague 5K
Carlyle Sherstad 5K
Rainbow Run 4K (revised course)
Time to Fly 5K
Color Run 5K
Crosby Serpent Run 5K, No Bib Provided
Lake Run 5K
Steamboat Days 5K
Iron Girl Du (run 2, bike 23, run 2)
Monster Dash Half Marathon
2013
Races 25 - 39, Bibs 23 - 37
Shamwalk 5K
Get Lucky 7K
DogNJog 5K
Minnetonka Half Marathon
Adventure Triathlon
Race Chaska 5K (rained out, no run but kept bib)
Rainbow Run 5K
Freedom 5K
Gandy Dancer Trail Run 5K
Webster Education Foundation 5K
Serpent Run 5K, No Bib Provided
Minneapolis Duathlon
Lake Run 5K
Chicago Half Marathon
Mankato Half Marathon
Monster Half Marathon
2014
Races 40 - 54, Bibs 38 - 52
Little Rock Marathon
Get Lucky 7K
Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Minnetonka Half Relay
Waconia Half Relay
Rainbow Run 5K
Freedom 5K
Chinatown 5K
Bacon Chase 5K
Webster Education 5K
Minneapolis Duathlon Relay
Lake Run 5K
Women Run the Cities 5K
Mankato 10K
Skeleton Run 5K
2015 (so far)
Races 55 - 65, Bibs 53 - 62
Tri-U-Mah, No Bib Provided
Hot Chocolate 5K
Lake Minnetonka Half Relay
Cinco de Miler 5 miler
Run the Inferno 5K
Carlyle Sherstad 5K
Rainbow Run 5K
Freedom Five 5K
Gandy Fly-In 5K
Chase the Police Tri
Webster Education 5K
2015 Pending completion: Races 66 - 70, Bibs 63 - 67
Lake Run, Suds Run, Women Run the Cities, TC 10 Mile, Mankato
---
So, there you have it. So far I have participated in 65 races (with my 70th on the horizon for 2015 assuming all goes well), and I own 62 bibs. If you want to consider the entire distances ... that would be:
One 4K
Forty-three 5Ks
Three 7Ks
One 8K
One 5 miler
One 10K
Five Half Marathons
Three Half Marathon Relays (at about 6 miles each)
One Partial Marathon (course was closed at mile 16-17ish)
One Duathalon (4 miles ran)
Two Duathlon relays (2x5K at each race)
Two Triathlons (about 6 miles ran total)
One Triathlon relay (about 8 miles ran)
Or, roughly 285 miles of racing on foot (this number is not including any swim or bike distances). And let's not even talk about the training I did working up to that. Phew!!
---
So, almost six years of running. Wow. I guess ... that's what it gets you!! All the above, and a real sense of self accomplishment, too.
On that tangent, I started to wonder ... how many races have I actually ran since I started oh so long ago? Hmmm....
---
2010
Races 1-6, Bibs 1-6
New Prague 5K
Lederhosenlauf 5K
Chaska Rotary Polio 5K
Lifetime Torchlight 5K
Gopher to Badger 5K
MN State Fair Milk Run 5K
2011
Races 7-13, Bibs 7-12
New Prague 5K
Carlyle Sherstad 5K
Rainbow Run 5K
Siren Freedom 5K
Shakopee Derby Days 5K
Crosby Serpent Run 5K, No Bib Provided
Lake Run 5K
2012
Races 14-24, Bibs 13-22
Get Lucky 7K
New Prague 5K
Carlyle Sherstad 5K
Rainbow Run 4K (revised course)
Time to Fly 5K
Color Run 5K
Crosby Serpent Run 5K, No Bib Provided
Lake Run 5K
Steamboat Days 5K
Iron Girl Du (run 2, bike 23, run 2)
Monster Dash Half Marathon
2013
Races 25 - 39, Bibs 23 - 37
Shamwalk 5K
Get Lucky 7K
DogNJog 5K
Minnetonka Half Marathon
Adventure Triathlon
Race Chaska 5K (rained out, no run but kept bib)
Rainbow Run 5K
Freedom 5K
Gandy Dancer Trail Run 5K
Webster Education Foundation 5K
Serpent Run 5K, No Bib Provided
Minneapolis Duathlon
Lake Run 5K
Chicago Half Marathon
Mankato Half Marathon
Monster Half Marathon
2014
Races 40 - 54, Bibs 38 - 52
Little Rock Marathon
Get Lucky 7K
Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Minnetonka Half Relay
Waconia Half Relay
Rainbow Run 5K
Freedom 5K
Chinatown 5K
Bacon Chase 5K
Webster Education 5K
Minneapolis Duathlon Relay
Lake Run 5K
Women Run the Cities 5K
Mankato 10K
Skeleton Run 5K
2015 (so far)
Races 55 - 65, Bibs 53 - 62
Tri-U-Mah, No Bib Provided
Hot Chocolate 5K
Lake Minnetonka Half Relay
Cinco de Miler 5 miler
Run the Inferno 5K
Carlyle Sherstad 5K
Rainbow Run 5K
Freedom Five 5K
Gandy Fly-In 5K
Chase the Police Tri
Webster Education 5K
2015 Pending completion: Races 66 - 70, Bibs 63 - 67
Lake Run, Suds Run, Women Run the Cities, TC 10 Mile, Mankato
---
So, there you have it. So far I have participated in 65 races (with my 70th on the horizon for 2015 assuming all goes well), and I own 62 bibs. If you want to consider the entire distances ... that would be:
One 4K
Forty-three 5Ks
Three 7Ks
One 8K
One 5 miler
One 10K
Five Half Marathons
Three Half Marathon Relays (at about 6 miles each)
One Partial Marathon (course was closed at mile 16-17ish)
One Duathalon (4 miles ran)
Two Duathlon relays (2x5K at each race)
Two Triathlons (about 6 miles ran total)
One Triathlon relay (about 8 miles ran)
Or, roughly 285 miles of racing on foot (this number is not including any swim or bike distances). And let's not even talk about the training I did working up to that. Phew!!
---
So, almost six years of running. Wow. I guess ... that's what it gets you!! All the above, and a real sense of self accomplishment, too.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Racing Recap for 2015 Thus Far
Back in May I laid out my 2015 racing plan. In that post, I talked about my 15 bib per year goal, and what my tentative schedule was for the year.
So ... how am I doing?
---
Completed Races
Total races - 9
Total bibs - 8
Feb - Tri-U-Mah, AKA my first ever triathlon (although no bib was received)
April - Hot Chocolate
May - Lake Minnetonka Half Relay, Cinco de Miler
June - Run the Inferno, Carlyle Sherstad, Rainbow Run
July - Freedom Five, Gandy Fly-In (recap pending - stay tuned!)
Not too shabby of a start to the racing season, eh?! Of my 15 goal bibs, I'm over half way there with 8 on my wall. But ... maybe that's not enough given we are over half way through summer, and thus over half way through the ideal racing season in Minnesota. Hopefully being just ahead of the curve in all three will prove sufficient.
Races ScheduledTotal races - 15
Total bibs - 13
July - Chase the Cops Tri (not likely to include a bib)
August - Webster Education
September - Suds Run, Women Run the Cities
October - TC 10 Mile (pending lotto), Mankato
November & Beyond - TBD based on weather
OK, so this is where I start to falter. I'm for sure 2 bibs short of my goal, despite the fact that I'm on par for total races completed (damn triathlons and their body marking). I guess I need to get on it and find a few more races to run yet this summer. Suggestions?
Oh ... and let's not talk about my training for the Women Run the Cities and TC 10 milers. Because ... well, there hasn't been any. I suppose I should hop on that.
---
Motivate me with your race suggestions below!!
So ... how am I doing?
---
Completed Races
Total races - 9
Total bibs - 8
Feb - Tri-U-Mah, AKA my first ever triathlon (although no bib was received)
April - Hot Chocolate
May - Lake Minnetonka Half Relay, Cinco de Miler
June - Run the Inferno, Carlyle Sherstad, Rainbow Run
July - Freedom Five, Gandy Fly-In (recap pending - stay tuned!)
Not too shabby of a start to the racing season, eh?! Of my 15 goal bibs, I'm over half way there with 8 on my wall. But ... maybe that's not enough given we are over half way through summer, and thus over half way through the ideal racing season in Minnesota. Hopefully being just ahead of the curve in all three will prove sufficient.
Races ScheduledTotal races - 15
Total bibs - 13
July - Chase the Cops Tri (not likely to include a bib)
August - Webster Education
September - Suds Run, Women Run the Cities
October - TC 10 Mile (pending lotto), Mankato
November & Beyond - TBD based on weather
OK, so this is where I start to falter. I'm for sure 2 bibs short of my goal, despite the fact that I'm on par for total races completed (damn triathlons and their body marking). I guess I need to get on it and find a few more races to run yet this summer. Suggestions?
Oh ... and let's not talk about my training for the Women Run the Cities and TC 10 milers. Because ... well, there hasn't been any. I suppose I should hop on that.
---
Motivate me with your race suggestions below!!
Monday, January 5, 2015
2014 Year in Review
Happy 2015!! (Insert horn blowing noise and confetti explosion.) Did you miss me while I took a break?!
Ok, ok - maybe not. But I'm glad you're back to read either way.
Anyway, with 2014 officially on the books, I want to take a moment to reflect on where I was in 2014 before I start blogging anew. (Not to mention, what's better than enjoying your past achievements before pushing too hard on future goals?)
So, without further adieu...
Races
This was a year of have-nots and pulling back. With a course closure on my first ever marathon attempt and a bout of plantars fasciitis, I resigned myself to the fact that not EVERY year can include a PR or mileage record. And that's ok. Instead, 2014 was focused on running races with friends and trying to find joy in being out there - period.
Despite running without pushing myself physically, I still found myself being competitive with myself MENTALLY, attempting to maintain or beat my race record of 2013 - 15 bibs on my wall. With 8-5Ks, 1-7K, 1-8K, my first ever 10K, two 5K segments of a duathlon, two half marathon relays and an attempt at a marathon ... well, I achieved that bib goal. And, I even threw in a few fun runs and continued the tradition of spectating a few races as well. Not to mention that one race I became director of...
March - Little Rock Marathon, Get Lucky 7K, Shamrock Shuffle 8K
May - Minnetonka Half Relay, Chaska 5K/10K (spectator only), Run100 Challenge One / Two
June - Waconia Half Relay, Rainbow Run 5K
July - Freedom 5K, Chinatown 5K, Bacon Chase 5K
August - Webster Education 5K, Minneapolis Duathlon Relay
September - Lake Run 5K, Madison Ironman (spectator only)
October - Women Run the Cities 5K, Twin Cities 10 Mile / Marathon (spectator only), Mankato 10K, Skeleton Run 5K
December - 24 Hour Relay for Aaron
Total miles raced - about 78 miles
(Not too shabby considering I didn't run any half marathons on my own to really bank miles...)
Costumes
Ah yes, the never ending stream of wacky outfits. After all, it isn't a workout with me if there isn't something colorful involved. And lord help me if I show up to a bacon themed race without a costume (I'm still getting backlash from that one).
From sriracha tights to banana shirts to lady liberty, my costume wardrobe continued to grow in 2014. And of course, I pulled out a few classics like wonder woman, unicorns and skeletons, too.
Keeping Healthy
With sore feet and other physical/mental setbacks, plus the great summer flood washing out all my local trails, 2014 wasn't my best year in regards to keeping active and healthy.
Ok, let's be realistic. I'm very likely still much more active than the average joe. But for me, dropping down to maybe 3-4 workouts a week that were about an hour each was quite a change.
The downside to this is that I've packed on a few pounds. But the good thing is, I'm aware of that and I'm working on it. And ... it's not so much that my clothes don't fit, so there's that. (Let's just say my clothes just don't look as good as they once did.)
The upside to this change was that I started up swimming. And although I'm not really a HUGE fan of lap swim, I've gotten a lot better at it. I've got a long way to go (yes, I only breathe on the right side right now ... the left takes a bit more work for me), but I'm working on it.
Changes
Unlike 2013, I didn't have any major changes - I kept my bangs, I kept working out, I kept doing my thing.
The elephant in the room for 2014 was that I got pregnant, but it didn't work out. Although that loss may never be easy for me on an emotional level, I made it through with the help of some friends. And while that loss will always be a part of my life story, each day my heart becomes a little less pained and a little more healed.
Finally
So, what did I think of 2014?
Well, it wasn't as grand as 2013. I had a lot of up and downs. But I think finding my happy in the last few years really helped me deal with all the emotions I experienced in 2014. Had I not grown into the healthy person I was in 2013, I think 2014 would have been a hell of a trip. Instead, despite the emotional pain and frustration, I made it through and still kept a smile on my face.
But, on the other hand, I'm somewhat happy to have the closure that a year end brings. There were a lot of bad things that happened in 2014, and I think that finality of a year end might bring me the closure I need to try to let go and move on.
Which means, I am looking forward to starting fresh in 2015.
Well, that, and keeping my bib record at a minimum of 15 for the year. LOL!
Ok, ok - maybe not. But I'm glad you're back to read either way.
Anyway, with 2014 officially on the books, I want to take a moment to reflect on where I was in 2014 before I start blogging anew. (Not to mention, what's better than enjoying your past achievements before pushing too hard on future goals?)
So, without further adieu...
2014, a year in review!
Races
This was a year of have-nots and pulling back. With a course closure on my first ever marathon attempt and a bout of plantars fasciitis, I resigned myself to the fact that not EVERY year can include a PR or mileage record. And that's ok. Instead, 2014 was focused on running races with friends and trying to find joy in being out there - period.
Despite running without pushing myself physically, I still found myself being competitive with myself MENTALLY, attempting to maintain or beat my race record of 2013 - 15 bibs on my wall. With 8-5Ks, 1-7K, 1-8K, my first ever 10K, two 5K segments of a duathlon, two half marathon relays and an attempt at a marathon ... well, I achieved that bib goal. And, I even threw in a few fun runs and continued the tradition of spectating a few races as well. Not to mention that one race I became director of...
March - Little Rock Marathon, Get Lucky 7K, Shamrock Shuffle 8K
May - Minnetonka Half Relay, Chaska 5K/10K (spectator only), Run100 Challenge One / Two
June - Waconia Half Relay, Rainbow Run 5K
July - Freedom 5K, Chinatown 5K, Bacon Chase 5K
August - Webster Education 5K, Minneapolis Duathlon Relay
September - Lake Run 5K, Madison Ironman (spectator only)
October - Women Run the Cities 5K, Twin Cities 10 Mile / Marathon (spectator only), Mankato 10K, Skeleton Run 5K
December - 24 Hour Relay for Aaron
Total miles raced - about 78 miles
(Not too shabby considering I didn't run any half marathons on my own to really bank miles...)
Costumes
Ah yes, the never ending stream of wacky outfits. After all, it isn't a workout with me if there isn't something colorful involved. And lord help me if I show up to a bacon themed race without a costume (I'm still getting backlash from that one).
From sriracha tights to banana shirts to lady liberty, my costume wardrobe continued to grow in 2014. And of course, I pulled out a few classics like wonder woman, unicorns and skeletons, too.
With sore feet and other physical/mental setbacks, plus the great summer flood washing out all my local trails, 2014 wasn't my best year in regards to keeping active and healthy.
Ok, let's be realistic. I'm very likely still much more active than the average joe. But for me, dropping down to maybe 3-4 workouts a week that were about an hour each was quite a change.
The downside to this is that I've packed on a few pounds. But the good thing is, I'm aware of that and I'm working on it. And ... it's not so much that my clothes don't fit, so there's that. (Let's just say my clothes just don't look as good as they once did.)
The upside to this change was that I started up swimming. And although I'm not really a HUGE fan of lap swim, I've gotten a lot better at it. I've got a long way to go (yes, I only breathe on the right side right now ... the left takes a bit more work for me), but I'm working on it.
Changes
Unlike 2013, I didn't have any major changes - I kept my bangs, I kept working out, I kept doing my thing.
The elephant in the room for 2014 was that I got pregnant, but it didn't work out. Although that loss may never be easy for me on an emotional level, I made it through with the help of some friends. And while that loss will always be a part of my life story, each day my heart becomes a little less pained and a little more healed.
Finally
So, what did I think of 2014?
Well, it wasn't as grand as 2013. I had a lot of up and downs. But I think finding my happy in the last few years really helped me deal with all the emotions I experienced in 2014. Had I not grown into the healthy person I was in 2013, I think 2014 would have been a hell of a trip. Instead, despite the emotional pain and frustration, I made it through and still kept a smile on my face.
But, on the other hand, I'm somewhat happy to have the closure that a year end brings. There were a lot of bad things that happened in 2014, and I think that finality of a year end might bring me the closure I need to try to let go and move on.
Which means, I am looking forward to starting fresh in 2015.
Well, that, and keeping my bib record at a minimum of 15 for the year. LOL!
Friday, September 12, 2014
Show and Tell - Part 2
Awhile back I posted what my medal rack and bib display looked like. At the time, I only had 14 items laying claim to rack space at home, and a fairly decent area covered on my cube wall at work.
Of course you know that I've ran quite a bit since then, and unfortunately my poor rack was starting to get a bit overwhelmed, not to mention the disaster that was my cubical... which meant time to organize.
Thanks to my brother in law, who is a metal works guy, cleaning up my medal display was a snap. He was the original maker of the upper portion, and in a matter of a few days had whipped up some adder racks to me to use on future medals (only one of which is currently in deployment, but a second will be added shortly).
May I present to you the updated medal display:
Of course you know that I've ran quite a bit since then, and unfortunately my poor rack was starting to get a bit overwhelmed, not to mention the disaster that was my cubical... which meant time to organize.
Thanks to my brother in law, who is a metal works guy, cleaning up my medal display was a snap. He was the original maker of the upper portion, and in a matter of a few days had whipped up some adder racks to me to use on future medals (only one of which is currently in deployment, but a second will be added shortly).
May I present to you the updated medal display:
I RUN THIS TOWN
Medal collection, left to right:
(Click on any blue race title to read the report)
2nd Place/Age Category, Lake Run 2011
Get Lucky 7K 2012
Run 100 2014 Finisher Charm
Iron Girl Du 2012
Monster Dash Half 2012
If you have an eagle eye, you may notice my Little Rock Marathon 2014 beast of a medal is missing from the display. That's because that thing weighs 2.5+ pounds. As such, I'm struggling to figure out what to do with it. I think it may need to be hung on a stud since it's so heavy. More to follow there...
Not to be out done at home, I also cleaned up my bib wall at the office. Actually, that was even more disastrous since I'm close to 50 bibs now. Plus, there was the issue of people knocking off the push pins I was using to keep the bibs hung when they came to visit my cube area.
May I present to you, my new bib wall:
My Bib Collection
Starting with New Prague 5K 2010 in the upper left (my first ever race)
I have to admit, this hanging style isn't as impressive as the previous method was... but it is definitely more functional (since there's hardly any push pins to knock down). Think of it of like high heels versus tennis shoes - a runner has to make hard choices sometimes. Plus, since the bibs are hung from a ribbon with a safety pin in the upper corner, it helps me use up some of my safety pins amassed from all my races... which seriously is getting to be a ridiculous collection.
Anyway! That's all I got for today... so, tell me - how does your display look? Send me a link to your collection in the comments below!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
2014 - Racing Review Thus Far, Part 2
Sorry I missed out on a posting this past Monday. I took a little mini vacation (basically a long weekend), and wasn't free to draft something up. Plus, I didn't want to post any random, dumb crap... so, there's that.
Anyway! Back in June I posted about my racing progress for 2014. Since then, I've ran quite a few more races, so I thought today I'd update the schedule to show how things have shaken out since then. Here goes:
Jan & Feb
Spent my time hiding from -50 degree temps.
March
Tried to marathon, had course closed on me. (Little Rock Marathon 2014)
Made up for it with a 7K instead. Same thing, right? (Get Lucky 7K 2014)
April
Went to Chicago and ran a St. Paddy's day themed race... that took place two weeks too late.
(Shamrock Shuffle 8K Chicago 2014)
May
Relived the hilly hell. (Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon - Relay 2014)
Acted like a nurse. (Chaska 5K/10K 2014)
June
Tried out another relay. (Lake Waconia Half Marathon - Relay 2014)
Ran for bananas and got nothin'. (Rainbow Run 5K 2014)
July
Lived it up as Lady Liberty. (Siren Freedom 5K 2014)
Kept it spicy in Chicago, again. (Chicago Chinatown 5K 2014)
Chased the bacon, and then ate it. (Bacon Chase 5K Minneapolis 2014)
If you followed me on the above, you should have caught that in 2014 I have run:
Four 5Ks
One 7K and one 8K
Two half relays
AND made a Marathon attempt
That's nine races, or just over 50 miles. Not too shabby! Especially given my new race strategy for 2014, and my lack of training overall this year. (Yes, none of these races have been PRs. Or even "good" times. But all of them have been fun. And that's what matters most to me.)
Not to mention the fact that in addition to the above, I've done two Lazyman Ironmans, one Run100, kept up with some basic running - once or twice a week, continued teaching twice or more per week, and tried to start bike commuting (which unfortunately has become a fail due to trail closures).
So, what about the future? What do I have left for 2014?
August
This coming weekend I'm running the Webster Education 5K. Last year I managed to take 1st in my age category. Without training, I'm hoping I might be able to at least still hang in the top three. But I think that's a pretty big thing to hope for. Wish me luck.
I'm also planning on sharing the Minneapolis Duathlon again with my neighbor. Last year it was a fun but hot race. Let's hope it's a little cooler this year.
And then there's the Lake Run 5K ... which I'm wavering on. I've run it for a few years now, so I'm not sure if I want to repeat it or not. You'll know my decision on that soon enough, I'm sure.
September/October
If I'm wavering on the Lake Run, then I'm definitely wobbling even more on what my plans are for fall. Depending on how quickly I can start getting my mileage back up, I am considering the Women Run the Cities 10 miler in late September, which is totally new to me, and the Mankato Half in October, which I ran last year and absolutely loved.
I'm a little nervous about longer runs right now given my total lack of base miles, so that may impact my race goals for the fall. Well, that and the fact that I'm dealing with some mild plantars fasciitis right now. Let's hope I can work that out quickly with some basic stretches and various other healthy choices.
November/December
Let's face it, I have NO idea what will happen this late in the year (if anything). Let's not even go there for now.
In summary, what's my ultimate goal for 2014 racing? Aside from having fun, like I said last time:
"If you recall, I ran 15 races last year. And I'm competitive with myself. So, I'm trying to stay as close to 15 as possible for 2014 as well. It's totally an arbitrary goal that means pretty much nothing to anyone except myself."
Yep, I'm still holding myself to that dumb gold standard. But I'm already 9 of 15. And with for sure 2 more on the schedule already this month, you may as well call that 11 of 15. Not to mention, if I go for the Lake Run, the women's race and Mankato, that would put me 14 of 15.
That means, only one more random add and I hit my goal.
What race should it be?! Hmmm....
Anyway! Back in June I posted about my racing progress for 2014. Since then, I've ran quite a few more races, so I thought today I'd update the schedule to show how things have shaken out since then. Here goes:
Jan & Feb
Spent my time hiding from -50 degree temps.
March
Tried to marathon, had course closed on me. (Little Rock Marathon 2014)
Made up for it with a 7K instead. Same thing, right? (Get Lucky 7K 2014)
April
Went to Chicago and ran a St. Paddy's day themed race... that took place two weeks too late.
(Shamrock Shuffle 8K Chicago 2014)
May
Relived the hilly hell. (Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon - Relay 2014)
Acted like a nurse. (Chaska 5K/10K 2014)
June
Tried out another relay. (Lake Waconia Half Marathon - Relay 2014)
Ran for bananas and got nothin'. (Rainbow Run 5K 2014)
July
Lived it up as Lady Liberty. (Siren Freedom 5K 2014)
Kept it spicy in Chicago, again. (Chicago Chinatown 5K 2014)
Chased the bacon, and then ate it. (Bacon Chase 5K Minneapolis 2014)
If you followed me on the above, you should have caught that in 2014 I have run:
Four 5Ks
One 7K and one 8K
Two half relays
AND made a Marathon attempt
That's nine races, or just over 50 miles. Not too shabby! Especially given my new race strategy for 2014, and my lack of training overall this year. (Yes, none of these races have been PRs. Or even "good" times. But all of them have been fun. And that's what matters most to me.)
Not to mention the fact that in addition to the above, I've done two Lazyman Ironmans, one Run100, kept up with some basic running - once or twice a week, continued teaching twice or more per week, and tried to start bike commuting (which unfortunately has become a fail due to trail closures).
So, what about the future? What do I have left for 2014?
August
This coming weekend I'm running the Webster Education 5K. Last year I managed to take 1st in my age category. Without training, I'm hoping I might be able to at least still hang in the top three. But I think that's a pretty big thing to hope for. Wish me luck.
I'm also planning on sharing the Minneapolis Duathlon again with my neighbor. Last year it was a fun but hot race. Let's hope it's a little cooler this year.
And then there's the Lake Run 5K ... which I'm wavering on. I've run it for a few years now, so I'm not sure if I want to repeat it or not. You'll know my decision on that soon enough, I'm sure.
September/October
If I'm wavering on the Lake Run, then I'm definitely wobbling even more on what my plans are for fall. Depending on how quickly I can start getting my mileage back up, I am considering the Women Run the Cities 10 miler in late September, which is totally new to me, and the Mankato Half in October, which I ran last year and absolutely loved.
I'm a little nervous about longer runs right now given my total lack of base miles, so that may impact my race goals for the fall. Well, that and the fact that I'm dealing with some mild plantars fasciitis right now. Let's hope I can work that out quickly with some basic stretches and various other healthy choices.
November/December
Let's face it, I have NO idea what will happen this late in the year (if anything). Let's not even go there for now.
In summary, what's my ultimate goal for 2014 racing? Aside from having fun, like I said last time:
"If you recall, I ran 15 races last year. And I'm competitive with myself. So, I'm trying to stay as close to 15 as possible for 2014 as well. It's totally an arbitrary goal that means pretty much nothing to anyone except myself."
Yep, I'm still holding myself to that dumb gold standard. But I'm already 9 of 15. And with for sure 2 more on the schedule already this month, you may as well call that 11 of 15. Not to mention, if I go for the Lake Run, the women's race and Mankato, that would put me 14 of 15.
That means, only one more random add and I hit my goal.
What race should it be?! Hmmm....
Monday, June 16, 2014
2014 - Racing Review Thus Far
I can't believe it's June already.
It seems like just last week my husband was traveling for business and we had a massive snow storm. THAT was a fun time... (also known as, "The One Where I Learned How to Snow Blow For the First Time, Cellphone Aided Edition".)
I guess, technically, it kind of was still winter a few weeks ago. For those of you who don't live in Minnesota, or for those of you that DO live in Minnesota and are having stress induced memory blocks, sad fact: we had an extremely late ice out again this year, with lots of late season snow to boot.
Ugh.
Why do I live in Minnesota again?
Moving on.
Being that we're half way through the year, I thought I would recap my races thus far and talk about my plans for the future. Here goes!
January & February
For these months, nothing, thank god. Racing in -50 weather would not be a good time.
March
I actually ran my earliest race ever in a year, racing the first weekend in March rather than waiting for St. Patty's day. I also made my first (failed due to mid race cancellation) marathon attempt. I guess I can accept the failure given I got a ride home from the cops, with a drunk Wolverine in the front seat.
Also, I ran Get Lucky. *Choke, cough, cough* At least it was with a good group of friends.
April
In celebration of my birthday, I drug my sister down to Chicago for their semi-official season opener race, the Shamrock Shuffle. I got an ugly race shirt, and wore an awesome costume.
May
I re-ran the Lake Minnetonka Half as a relay and broke the "Cool Runner's Creed" by wearing my race shirt on race day. Whatever, it matched my socks.
I also volunteered as a Course Aid at the Chaska 5K/10K. This is when my true fabulousness was finally acknowledged, since I was taken for someone of real celebrity. AND, everyone finally admitted I was kind of a big deal.
June
I nearly peed myself several times over at the Lola's Lake Waconia Half Marathon, running as relay team "Rainbows & Sunshine". Disappointingly, despite the rain, I did not turn into a mermaid like the race shirt suggested I would. To make myself feel better about that, I bought a new pair of shoes.
As For Future Races...
At this point, I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants and registering whenever I feel like doing a race rather than booking up my schedule for months/a year in advance. I decided awhile ago that for 2014 I wasn't going to over-tax myself with races, which I have to admit has resulted in a mixed bag. I do miss looking forward to races and having a reason to train more, but it's also nice to have more freedom in my schedule, not to mention being able to pocket a little extra cash.
Regardless of my pseudo "non-scheduled race" calendar, being that I've already been involved in 6 races this year, I'm hoping to at least race 6-9 more events before I call it quits for the winter. Why? If you recall, I ran 15 races last year. And I'm competitive with myself. So, I'm trying to stay as close to 15 as possible for 2014 as well. It's totally an arbitrary goal that means pretty much nothing to anyone except myself. But, I don't think getting in 9 more races is unrealistic given my jump start to racing in 2014, and the fact that I have the following 5 races for sure on the schedule:
June - TC Pride 5K
July - Siren Freedom Five
August - Minneapolis Duathalon, Webster Education Foundation 5K, Lake Run 5K Shell Lake (this one is pending registration - the organizers are typically really late in releasing registration forms)
Also, I'm a total caver to peer pressure when it comes to racing with friends, so I'm sure I'll be suckered into a few additional races in the near future.
Which brings me to late fall... come on folks... here's your chance to have huge influence.
September - Hmmm... empty month, tempting... suggestions???
October - Mankato Half Marathon???
And as for winter, well...
November/December - Leaving this open for now. I don't want to plan too far in advance with Minnesota winters the way they are.
Floor's open. Entice me to run your race below.
It seems like just last week my husband was traveling for business and we had a massive snow storm. THAT was a fun time... (also known as, "The One Where I Learned How to Snow Blow For the First Time, Cellphone Aided Edition".)
I guess, technically, it kind of was still winter a few weeks ago. For those of you who don't live in Minnesota, or for those of you that DO live in Minnesota and are having stress induced memory blocks, sad fact: we had an extremely late ice out again this year, with lots of late season snow to boot.
Ugh.
Why do I live in Minnesota again?
Moving on.
Being that we're half way through the year, I thought I would recap my races thus far and talk about my plans for the future. Here goes!
January & February
For these months, nothing, thank god. Racing in -50 weather would not be a good time.
March
I actually ran my earliest race ever in a year, racing the first weekend in March rather than waiting for St. Patty's day. I also made my first (failed due to mid race cancellation) marathon attempt. I guess I can accept the failure given I got a ride home from the cops, with a drunk Wolverine in the front seat.
Also, I ran Get Lucky. *Choke, cough, cough* At least it was with a good group of friends.
April
In celebration of my birthday, I drug my sister down to Chicago for their semi-official season opener race, the Shamrock Shuffle. I got an ugly race shirt, and wore an awesome costume.
May
I re-ran the Lake Minnetonka Half as a relay and broke the "Cool Runner's Creed" by wearing my race shirt on race day. Whatever, it matched my socks.
I also volunteered as a Course Aid at the Chaska 5K/10K. This is when my true fabulousness was finally acknowledged, since I was taken for someone of real celebrity. AND, everyone finally admitted I was kind of a big deal.
June
I nearly peed myself several times over at the Lola's Lake Waconia Half Marathon, running as relay team "Rainbows & Sunshine". Disappointingly, despite the rain, I did not turn into a mermaid like the race shirt suggested I would. To make myself feel better about that, I bought a new pair of shoes.
As For Future Races...
At this point, I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants and registering whenever I feel like doing a race rather than booking up my schedule for months/a year in advance. I decided awhile ago that for 2014 I wasn't going to over-tax myself with races, which I have to admit has resulted in a mixed bag. I do miss looking forward to races and having a reason to train more, but it's also nice to have more freedom in my schedule, not to mention being able to pocket a little extra cash.
Regardless of my pseudo "non-scheduled race" calendar, being that I've already been involved in 6 races this year, I'm hoping to at least race 6-9 more events before I call it quits for the winter. Why? If you recall, I ran 15 races last year. And I'm competitive with myself. So, I'm trying to stay as close to 15 as possible for 2014 as well. It's totally an arbitrary goal that means pretty much nothing to anyone except myself. But, I don't think getting in 9 more races is unrealistic given my jump start to racing in 2014, and the fact that I have the following 5 races for sure on the schedule:
June - TC Pride 5K
July - Siren Freedom Five
August - Minneapolis Duathalon, Webster Education Foundation 5K, Lake Run 5K Shell Lake (this one is pending registration - the organizers are typically really late in releasing registration forms)
Also, I'm a total caver to peer pressure when it comes to racing with friends, so I'm sure I'll be suckered into a few additional races in the near future.
Which brings me to late fall... come on folks... here's your chance to have huge influence.
September - Hmmm... empty month, tempting... suggestions???
October - Mankato Half Marathon???
And as for winter, well...
November/December - Leaving this open for now. I don't want to plan too far in advance with Minnesota winters the way they are.
Floor's open. Entice me to run your race below.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Get Lucky 7K 2014 (Dude Where's My Beer)
Get Lucky Twin Cities 7K (4.25 miles)
54:16
Average Pace 12:29/mile
Ah, St. Paddy's Day. Green Beer. Corned Beef. Getting up at 6 am to run a 7K race.
Wait, what?
Yeah, yeah. You got that right. Race season has officially started again for this girl, and despite my less than ideal first race of the year at Little Rock, I didn't let that stop me. Besides, my sister and I had to outdo our performance from last year. Or at least outdo our costumes, if nothing else.
What do you think - did we achieve our goal?
My dress, by the way, if you love it, came from my favorite Etsy seller Micksmakings. My sister's outfit was made by her, but I'm sure she could hook you up with a version of it if you contact her via her own Etsy shop.
Anyway, back to the race recap!
Before I get too deep into the story, I want to say that this is the third time now that I've run Get Lucky Twin Cities (7K distance), and the second time I've run it with my sister. And, the best part about running this race, not to mention the reason I've done it three years in a row, is the fact that it's supported by my gym. Which means... PARTY BUS!!!!!
So, when my alarm went off at 6am, it wasn't because I so excited to race that wanted to get going ASAP to enjoy the pre-race festivities (for a run that's gun time was 9am). It was because our chariot awaited us:
Yep. We travel in style.
By 7:30am, our group had piled onto the bus and we were off! Overall, the drive down was fairly uneventful, aside from a minor parking snafu - apparently the place where we've parked for the last two years wouldn't let us park there this year...??? WTF. Fortunately, our bus driver managed to "Get Lucky" and found enough metered parking spots in a row to accommodate the bus. With credit card in hand, our organizer spent some of her hard earned "blarney" on a few hours worth of parking meters, and we were "golden".
OK, I'll stop.
Once the bus was parked, most of us unloaded and headed over to the pre-race holding area. Thankfully, Team Ortho learned a lesson or two from last year's frozen-ass run, and came up with a warming house option for 2014. This worked out great! And while I wanted to enjoy people watching in the Depot building for longer, I simply couldn't... Team Ortho pulled a switcheroo for anyone who did early packet pickup/delivery, and my sister and I were both impacted by that. Which meant, we didn't have a valid post-race beer ticket.
GRR! That's the most important swag from the race!
Unfortunately, we spent the first 30 minutes roaming around the Depot looking for the info booth, then waiting in line for the info booth, and finally getting our free beer ticket from the info booth. What a pain. But also, kind of fun, since we got to march around in our costume and get lots of responses. (FYI - It's amazing how many people immediately look at your costume when you're wearing a rainbow dress in a sea of green. More on this in a bit).
With the eventual success of getting a beer ticket in hand, it was finally time to party! Back into the crowds of the warming area we went...
There, we met up with a group of girls from our bus, and started enjoying the festivities. Of course there was plenty of people watching, and just before 9am, they had someone sing the national anthem. From what I can tell, the race was very prompt, as my the race results reported a gun time of 9:00.12. Props to the race organizers for improving on race error number two of 2013 (an extremely delayed start).
By 9:05, us ladies were anxious to line up, and decided: cold weather be damned, it was time to go outside.
Except... we couldn't get out of the Depot.
People were preforming my ultimate pet peeve: standing around like cattle blocking the walkways and exits because THEY'RE not ready to go anywhere yet.
Ugh, seriously. If we had an emergency and NEEDED to get out:
In scenarios like this, it becomes blatantly apparent that Minnesota nice is a HUGE problem. Most people are too polite to say/do anything when the crowd that was moving in front of you suddenly stops.
I, on the other hand, am much too obnoxious for that. You can blame it on me being bossy or impatient if you want, I don't care. But thanks to my years of business traveling in Hong Kong, I'm a master at navigating crowds.
What little distance we traveled in the first 5 minutes of trying to exit was put to shame in less than 30 seconds when I shimmied to the front of our group. With some very loud "excuse me" and my hands extended in front of me in a dive position, I got the 6 of us right to the doors.
My sister claims I was being embarrassing. And supposedly we got a few dirty looks.
Whatever, I say we got out of there in 1 minute, tops. Soooo, worth it!!
Once we were out the door, getting in line to race wasn't too hard to do. We just jumped in the nearest corral and started slowly heading towards the start.
Look at that sea of green!
Before the cool breeze could even catch up with us, we were off and running. Whoop!
As we passed the start line, I noticed I had already lost all my friends in the group, but no matter. I was running with my sister again, and had no idea what they were planning pace wise, so I didn't worry about it. Sooner or later we'll all end up back on the bus, anyway.
And so the fun began.
The first mile was mostly flat or downhill, and headed towards the iconic Stone Arch bridge. Just as we rounded the corner to start across the bridge, there was an Irish folk band. Since we had both opted to forgo headphone music this year, we actually really enjoyed the entertainment.
The second mile goes down a cobblestone road - not my favorite. Since the roads were far less icy this year (almost ice free, actually), this portion was more tolerable, but still not good. There are several cobblestones missing, and it seems like a guaranteed death trap for some poor runner. Since we were both focused on not killing ourselves in this stretch, nothing else really stands out in my memory of what happened in this area.
By the third mile, we started hitting some hills, and people were starting to shake out in their pace. This is where we either passed more people, or were passed by people ourselves. The passing made the race become fun, because fellow racers finally started to appreciate our costumes. We got lots of cheers and "nice costumes", and even a few "where's your leprechaun" comments. It was good fun.
Also, huge props to my sister, who at this point, was able to keep a slow and steady pace up every hill. That was something she struggled with last year, so I'm proud of her growth as a runner.
Towards the end of mile three and into mile four, you climb the last hill (another bridge crossing the river) and head back towards the start line. This stretch is always the least enjoyable for me during the Team Ortho runs. The area is kind of boring, and you don't get a great view of the river or downtown due to the positioning (hills, trees, cement walls, etc). Instead, I started up some conversations with my sister about random crap to pass the time, pointed out some weird dead frozen critter that was in the bushes (we saw stiff dead legs sticking out - possibly a fox? So gross!!) and kept an eagle eye out for on course race photographers.
Speaking of, was it just me, or were there almost no on course photographers this year? I guess we'll see when they post the photos in another week or so.
Finally, just after 4 miles, we were within sight of the finish line. I decided to push my sister to the finish, and started to pick up the pace. All along I had tried to pace her for a more aggressive finish time, without being too exhausting, but this was it. I told her to leave nothing in the tank, and we went for it.
As we crossed the finish line, though, it was very strange. There was just streams and streams of runners moving forward, moving forward, moving forward...
After what felt like forever, but was actually maybe only 1-2 blocks of walking, we came up to the medal station. Finally it dawned on me as to why. Props to Team Ortho for fixing issue #3 from 2013 (runners forced to walk the last 1/2 mile of the run due to congestion at the finish line). By moving out the medal station, people were encouraged to keep walking for a much further distance, and that really seemed to help with congestion.
BTW, I forgot to mention swag, so I'll throw that in here.
I have to say, I wasn't a huge fan of the sweatshirt we got this year. I mean, it's cute that the Celtic knot pattern that is printed on the medal (in white) is repeated inside the hood's liner, but other than that... I dunno. I'm just not a fan of the forest green, I think.
Back on topic RE: the race.
After finishing, getting our medal, and coming into the post race area, I was a little ... meh. There was what seemed to be ample food at least (improvement #4 over 2013), but I'm really annoyed with Team Ortho using jugs of water and Dixie cups at the finish line for all their events lately. On course, this is technically fine, but I'm sorry... after I finish a run, I need to hydrate. A three ounce splash of water isn't going to cut it. And I find the empty plastic cups blowing all over the place to be a little disgusting. I hope they change this moving forward, since it really irks me.
Regardless, after a great run and a much improved race experience (over 2013), we happily skedaddled back onto the bus for a post-race beer at Cooper Pub.
Plus a post race photo bomb, and a run club group photo.
After a few last sips of beer, we all boarded back on the bus a bit more exhausted and drunk than we were previously, and headed for home. During which, of course, I won the costume contest for the third year in a row... but WITH my sister this year, which was a first!!
And that's the story of how race bib # 39 joined my collection. Here's to another race soon!
Oh, and BTW, sorry I didn't do a map this time - I forgot my watch!! :-(
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Regarding Team Ortho... I touched on some of my concerns about Team Ortho my Monster Dash post, but I'll touch on some of my thoughts here again.
First of all, don't register for Team Ortho if you have your heart set on getting a PR, getting every bit of swag they promise you in your promotions, or even having a "great" race experience.
You have to go into a Team Ortho event understanding it to be a fun run, and nothing more.
Why do I say this? Because, quite honestly, their way of "running an event" is an easy formula: get a ton of people to pay an exorbitant race fee, over promise on what you can deliver, and then way under deliver on race day.
Yes, it does seem that they tried to improve on many of the issues they had in 2013, but I still saw many of the same recurrent themes that have been present in all their races that I've done since 2012.
For example, this year, AFTER I did early packet pickup in January, they changed their beer rule (I touched on this briefly in my recap above). Their only way of communicating this change was via a very non-chalant note on their website, which thankfully I saw a few days pre-race... but many did not:
Why they couldn't communicate this change in one of their 5 billion social media blasts, I don't know. But basically, anyone who picked up their packet at early events, or had it mailed to them, got screwed out of a beer.
I know many people are likely reading this thinking BFD, so a few people got shorted a beer. After all, it's a $3.00 +/- beer. But that's not the point.
When a runner pays $60-80+ for a race that's not even a half marathon, and they're promised a free beer at a local pub post race, they're going to expect to get some pretty decent race swag ... AND A FREE BEER AT A LOCAL PUB.
But the missing beer, for me, is not the problem, really. The true problem is that every race I've done with Team Ortho since 2012 has been like this.
I've done Get Lucky three times, Monster Dash twice, and the Minneapolis Du. Every time, without fail, something has gone wrong due to poor management on Team Ortho's end. Problems run the gamut from extremely late starts, to lack of goodies at the finish line, to bait and switch offerings (like this promise for a free beer, and then not having it organized so that early packet pickup folks can actually get their beer coupon)... I can't think of a single Team Ortho race I did where there weren't a handful of issues during or post race.
And when I compare that to the fact that I did 15 races in 2013 alone, and none of the other races have any similar pitfalls or execution problems, it begins to make me wonder what the issue is.
Yes, I will admit that Team Ortho has a lot of great volunteers, and they can't be blamed. But think about it for a minute... Just using simple math, assuming the average Get Lucky racer paid $70 for registration, and there is an estimated 11,500 people running:
$70 * 11,500 = $784,000
Yes, you're reading that correctly. THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION DOLLARS.
I don't care how much it costs for swag, permits and post-race snacks. There is no way Team Ortho isn't making enough money to cover the cost of hiring a handful of GOOD, PERMANENT, PAID people to organize and execute their races ...
I mean, if my 300 person $15 race in small town Wisconsin is run better than Team Ortho, and they're only making like $4,500... what does that say about Team Ortho's miss-management?
To answer my own question: not a lot.
So where does this leave me?
While I am likely doing the Minneapolis Du again in August (since I told some people I'd be on their team), I don't forsee myself doing any other Team Ortho events for awhile... if ever again. With races like Mankato and TC, I'd far prefer to spend my money on events ran by people who know how to organize a good race... not a sub par one.
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