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 8K. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 8K. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Thursday, October 13, 2016
I WAS Featured! Active.com
A little over a week ago, I mentioned I was going to be featured in an Active.com article.
Well - check it out!
See the full Active.com article here.
And not to pat myself on the back or anything, but we were basically the only runners in the entire feature that weren't either (A) super heros, (B) wearing a tutu, or (C) in some cliché outfit. Well ... except for the pirate. Can't talk smack about that one being it was InkNBurn, heh!
Well - check it out!
See the full Active.com article here.
And not to pat myself on the back or anything, but we were basically the only runners in the entire feature that weren't either (A) super heros, (B) wearing a tutu, or (C) in some cliché outfit. Well ... except for the pirate. Can't talk smack about that one being it was InkNBurn, heh!
Thursday, October 6, 2016
I'm Being Featured - Active.com
Hahaha - I can't believe it.
Well ... technically, I can.
The other day, Active.com's Facebook page posted a request for "spookiest race day costumes". Well, you know me and race day costumes. I mean ...
And let's face it - that's just showcasing a few.
Anyway, the next morning after submitting the above photos, I turned on Facebook to see this message:
Well ... technically, I can.
The other day, Active.com's Facebook page posted a request for "spookiest race day costumes". Well, you know me and race day costumes. I mean ...
And let's face it - that's just showcasing a few.
Anyway, the next morning after submitting the above photos, I turned on Facebook to see this message:
So ... now I wait! Let's see what happens next!
---
Want to re-read the recap that featured that costume? Go ahead - do it!
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!!
Friday, May 29, 2015
2015 Racing - So Far
As I mentioned in my 2014 year end recap, I'm dumb.
Well, technically the exact quote was "Despite running without pushing myself physically, (in 2014) I still found myself being competitive with myself MENTALLY, attempting to maintain or beat my race record of 2013 - 15 bibs on my wall."
So ... you know where this post is going, right? I mean, of course we all need to know how I'm getting to 15 bibs again in 2015!!
That means today's post is a recap of where I am thus far in 2015.
---
Races Completed
Total races - 4
Total bibs - 3
Feb - Tri-U-Mah, AKA my first ever triathlon (although no bib was received)
April - Hot Chocolate
May - Lake Minnetonka Half Relay
May - Cinco de Miler
**I also volunteered at my usual Chaska 5K in May, too, but we won't count that in the official tally since I didn't run or get a bib there.
Races Scheduled
Now comes the tough part. How do I get 12 more bibs squeezed in this year?! Below is a list of races I'm either already registered for or think I may reasonably attend (I've linked the races to their registration pages in case you want to run with me, too!)
If I add the below with the above, my new counts would be:
Total races - 14
Total bibs - 13
May - Run the Inferno
June - Carlyle Sherstad 5K/10K, Rainbow Run
July - Freedom 5, Gandy Dancer Fly In
August - Webster Education Fund 5K
September - Suds Run, Women Run the Cities
October - TC 10 Mile (pending lotto), Mankato 10K/Half
November & December - Weather Pending
This tentative race schedule leaves me with at least 2 more bibs to earn. Plus a whole lotta free weekends in June, July and August. Not to mention I still need to settle on a real, outdoor tri ... though I do have my eye on this one (have you done it - if yes, let's chat).
So now I turn to you ... suggestions?! I need some race ideas for 2015!!
Well, technically the exact quote was "Despite running without pushing myself physically, (in 2014) I still found myself being competitive with myself MENTALLY, attempting to maintain or beat my race record of 2013 - 15 bibs on my wall."
So ... you know where this post is going, right? I mean, of course we all need to know how I'm getting to 15 bibs again in 2015!!
That means today's post is a recap of where I am thus far in 2015.
---
Races Completed
Total races - 4
Total bibs - 3
Feb - Tri-U-Mah, AKA my first ever triathlon (although no bib was received)
April - Hot Chocolate
May - Lake Minnetonka Half Relay
May - Cinco de Miler
Races Scheduled
Now comes the tough part. How do I get 12 more bibs squeezed in this year?! Below is a list of races I'm either already registered for or think I may reasonably attend (I've linked the races to their registration pages in case you want to run with me, too!)
If I add the below with the above, my new counts would be:
Total races - 14
Total bibs - 13
May - Run the Inferno
June - Carlyle Sherstad 5K/10K, Rainbow Run
July - Freedom 5, Gandy Dancer Fly In
August - Webster Education Fund 5K
September - Suds Run, Women Run the Cities
October - TC 10 Mile (pending lotto), Mankato 10K/Half
November & December - Weather Pending
This tentative race schedule leaves me with at least 2 more bibs to earn. Plus a whole lotta free weekends in June, July and August. Not to mention I still need to settle on a real, outdoor tri ... though I do have my eye on this one (have you done it - if yes, let's chat).
So now I turn to you ... suggestions?! I need some race ideas for 2015!!
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Chicago Cinco de Miler 2015 (Amigos in Lace)
Cinco de Miler - 5 mile run
1:00:40
Average Pace 12:08/mile
Have I ever said how jealous I am of Chicago races? I'm not sure if I've ever outright said that. But it's true, I'm super jealous. I mean, why is it they have all the cool races like the Chicago Half, the Chinatown 5K and this ... the Cinco de Miler?! And why don't we have anything quite as cool? Minneapolis is big enough to support some more urbanly located or ethnic races as well, am I right?!
GRR!
Anyway, in a moment of jealous weakness a couple months back, my friend and I decided to register for this race. Because seriously, how can you say no to a sombrero finisher's medal and coordinating tech T?!
Being that we are not from Chicago (duh), when we registered way back then, we also gladly paid the $15+ mailing charge to have our race packets sent to us. We figured this would only make sense, as we would be flying to Chicago at the end of the work day the Friday pre-race and would definitely not make packet pickup.
And so it went. We were registered and ready to go ... pending bib arrival via mail, that is.
---
As race day neared, I had absolutely no regrets that I had registered for Cinco de Miler. Having just run a RAM Racing organized event not even a month previous in Minneapolis, the Hot Chocolate, I fully expected Cinco de Miler to be a blast. And, since RAM seemed so organized, I was also not sorry I had upgraded to the mail service - I was sure it would go off without a hitch.
Then comes the BUT.
As we lead up to race day, I started to get a little nervous that maybe I had made a mistake. On the Monday prior, I was still following up on my packet ...
Yes, you're seeing the above exchange right. RAM planned on delivering race packets by or before Thursday ... on race week ... when many people would likely be departing to Chicago on Friday in order to arrive in time for the race on Saturday.
Hm. Seems like there's no chance for issues there. *sarcasm*
Not to be outdone by my nervous nature, my friend was also concerned and decided to email RAM for more information a day or two after my first Facebook message (above). Unfortunately, their response to her was equally wishy-washy.
Worried, I started to wonder what might become of our mailed bibs ... but also secretly kind of got a kick out of the new potential this race had in store.
At least she was OK with it...
Sure enough, Thursday and Friday came and went, and still no package. *sigh* After quite a bit of prodding, RAM did finally offer to refund the $15+ I paid for shipping. Not that the offer made me feel consoled, but at least that was something.
Regardless of where our bibs might be, though, we were definitely ready - we had an awesome InkNBurn outfit planned. Let's just call it ... Amigos in Lace:
2014 Amigo Tech T, 2015 Lace Capri
---
Ah, race day.
Lucky for me, my race buddy has some fantastic family in a lovely neighborhood of Chicago. So, after a peaceful night's sleep (during which, shockingly, a shooting "event" took place literally a block away - unbeknownst to me), I woke up well rested and ready to go. And despite my new locale, I was still able to follow my usual race day routine, more or less ... with a couple of extra supervisors of course.
Given the mail fiasco and not having bibs, we ended up leaving "home" on the very early side for this race. That meant packing up and hitting the road around 7am for a race scheduled to start at 9am. (During the process of trying to track our mail, staff instructed us to show up on race day and request an "emergency bib". We did briefly consider skipping the bib and being an unofficial "bandito" to avoid that whole mess, but the flaw in that grand plan was ... no bib = no food/beer tickets. So, we were stuck.)
When we arrived at the pre-race gathering area, we were easily some of the first few to arrive, which was kind of a downer. On the plus side, there was no one in line for emergency bib pickup, so we were able to waltz right up and get things straightened out. As we checked in, we were awarded a new goody bag as apology. It included the 2014 drop bag, shirt and a plastic mug.
This offer of a consolation gift did help soften my irritation of the late mail fiasco, so that was nice. But the down side to getting a goodie bag pre race: we were officially forced into using gear check. Boo. Oh well, at least we had plenty of time to burn, so getting things to gear check wasn't really a set back.
Side note: I discovered later that the shirt was actually from the Dallas 2014 race ... I wasn't a big fan of that. Hey RAM - if you're in Chicago, don't give out Texas swag!! At least the huge logo on the back of the shirt was cool.
After we had our bibs, and our gear checked, things went a little bit south. Unfortunately, it was a cold and misty morning, so both of us were freezing our booties off ... even though we both kept our emergency hoodies (and did not put them in gear check). In addition to the cold, there was also the annoyance of the clouds blocking my GPS watch from picking up a signal.
Speaking of, since I don't have a post race map or split report due to zero satellites for my GPS watch, we can use the official race map as a reference here:
As we shivered, I noticed that more and more people were beginning to arrive. Good - it meant that the corrals would start to fill soon, and we'd start to warm each other via a crowd. To help that process along, we moseyed over to our assigned gate and hoped more would follow suit.
In our corral, we were quickly distracted by some fantastically fun staff that started dancing with us and encouraging us to do old school calisthenics. It was pretty funny. And actually, I think it got a few other people's attention, since our numbers seemed to have tripled in the corral after a few high knees and jump ropes.
To pass the time while we continued to wait for the corrals to fill, my buddy and I eyed up the emergency bib line (which had grown considerably, thank god we came early and didn't end up stuck in that), semi-danced to the music playing on the sound system (Pitbull, Pitbull, Shakira and Pitbull), and we also did some people watching ... which included questioning why anyone would run wearing lacy panties (seriously, they were so lacy that you could see the lumps through her spandex run leggings).
We had a few good snickers and eye rolls, and then finally it was time.
Great, I'm freezing! Let's do this!
---
Since this was a Cinco de Mayo themed run, the race was opened with the Mexican national anthem, followed by the US National Anthem, and then ... bang, time to run.
As you can see in the map above, the race eventually ended up feeding into the lakeshore path. To avoid congestion on the path, the organizers timed each corral to release 3 minutes after the previous corral's start. While that meant that we had to wait 15 minutes after gun time (boo, F corral), it was actually a really great plan - I don't recall ever really struggling with congestion on course when it was finally our chance to cross the mat.
The course itself was a relatively flat out and back along the lake shore, starting in the parking lot off of Solider Field and proceeding through a tunnel along McCormick. Once you cleared the tunnel, you ran along the road, which was partially closed to traffic, and eventually did a 180 turn to join into the lakeshore path. There were a few small inclines (not even worth calling hills), so there was a little bit of variation in elevation, though not much - just enough to make your legs work a little harder on the "up" and allowed for a brief road runner-esque dissent on the "down".
Aside from the mail fiasco, the McCormick tunnel was my only other real gripe about the entire race, including pre and post events. It was full of pot holes, poorly lit, and was also flooded from the previous night's rain. It was especially scary in there because at times you were almost absolutely blind. My run buddy even saw someone fall and twist their ankle in the tunnel. In my mind, it seemed unnecessarily dangerous, and there was no excuse for the event organizers to not have at least 2 or 3 flood lights positioned in there to improve visibility. I hope they reconsider that portion for 2016 and find ways to improve it (as it appears this is a new route over 2014).
Other than the tunnel, though, I thought the course was great. Since I don't live in Chicago, running along the lakeshore is always spectacular, and even more so on a windy day when the waves make it look more like an ocean than a lake. I also really liked the Mariachi band just past the 1 mile mark, and the fact that they cut over and played for us again at the 4ish mile mark on the return.
My recent poor running conditioning and my stupid feet meant that I went for a very conservative pace and 2-3 walk breaks (although I did run fast enough to warm up and want to remove my hoodie after the 1 mile mark, so I tied it around my waist). I had a goal for myself that despite my lack of training, I wanted to run continuously until mile 2, which I easily achieved. And I did pick it up for the last 1/2-3/4 of a mile to ensure I finished as strong as I could. So, despite my slightly slower pace over Minnetonka the week before, on a much less hilly run, I was happy enough with my finish.
FYI, my enthusiasm for my performance may or may not have been influenced by the fact that they shoved a - to quote a volunteer at the finish line - "practically paleo churro" in my hand right as I crossed the finish.
Following the churro, we were also presented with the finishers medal, which ended up being even cooler than I originally anticipated (as I thought it was just a flat medallion, not a mini sombrero with a bottle opener on the back).
In addition to the churro and the medal, when we dumped out into the post race party area, we had the option of cashing in our bib coupons for a free can of beer (Corona or Modello!) and a snack tray that included a small cup of horchata (my favorite!), a single serve bag of tortilla chips, a single serve cup of salsa, and what was probably the most disgusting tamale I've ever eaten in my life. And I say this with love, as I tried to like it, and even after two bites and putting it down, went back for a third bite after finishing my chips ... because I really wanted to like it, so bad. But alas, microwaved tamale in a plastic bag, our love affair was not meant to be.
As we ate, my run buddy and I watched people ride the mechanical bull and try to smash piñatas in the various party areas. We also silently cursed the drone that kept flying overhead with its annoying whirr. Eventually, being cold and done snacking, we decided to give away our beer tickets to some lucky strangers in the crowd and hop the train back towards "home". Along the way, we met a few more from our non-running party for lunch.
Oh, and took one more post race photo.
---
And that's the story of how race bib #55 joined my collection. While there were a few minor snags in the event, overall, I would definitely consider running again in 2016. Despite the mailing fiasco, which I think was probably an anomaly, RAM does a great job of organizing their events and really wants you to enjoy yourself while you're there (unlike other large race organizers - ahem - you know who I'm thinking of).
That being said - here's to another race soon! I'm not officially registered for anything in the near future, but you know how that goes! Now that I've sad that, I'll probably end up running a race in the next 2 weeks. LOL!
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!
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Hosting Donuts
This past weekend, my gym paired up with the run club from Twin Cities Running Company (TCRC) and did the annual season end celebration run - AKA, the Donut Run.
So, you can pretty much guess what I was doing at 8 am Saturday morning.
How the Donut Run works: an organizer asks everyone in the run club(s) who live within reasonable running distance of the community center to host a "donut stop". People volunteer. The organizer then figures out how many "stops" would work along a reasonable running route, a route is announced, and everyone meets at the community center on a designated morning.
Bing-bang-boom, you've got a fun run.
The tough part about this run, though, is that every year you're subject to "stop" volunteers. And, you have outliers like me who want to host and live sort of within running distance of the community center ... if you want to run 10+ miles, or don't mind taking a "shuttle" back to the start point.
So, you can pretty much guess what I was doing at 8 am Saturday morning.
How the Donut Run works: an organizer asks everyone in the run club(s) who live within reasonable running distance of the community center to host a "donut stop". People volunteer. The organizer then figures out how many "stops" would work along a reasonable running route, a route is announced, and everyone meets at the community center on a designated morning.
Bing-bang-boom, you've got a fun run.
The tough part about this run, though, is that every year you're subject to "stop" volunteers. And, you have outliers like me who want to host and live sort of within running distance of the community center ... if you want to run 10+ miles, or don't mind taking a "shuttle" back to the start point.
Yeah, its a little tricky to set up this kind of run, but not impossible.
Anyway! How did it all work out?
Well, this year we ended up with the following map, which was essentially a lollipop course.
As you can see with the blue stars, there was one "stop" at the top of the sick (before you run the loop), and one "stop" at the top of the loop. Basically, it shook out to be a 5 mile run with donut stops at roughly mile 1, 2.5 and 4. Not too shabby!
If you have an eagle eye for the above, you can also see that this route is nowhere near where I live. As such, you might be wondering, why was I out shopping for this?
Knowing the potential this opportunity provided (music, donuts... booze?!), I couldn't wait to host.
Unfortunately, though, once the route was announced, we realized we weren't exactly in a park. Which meant we had to tone it down. A lot.
Oh well, no worries. We still had this:
Yes, that's right. Full sized donuts, donut holes, chocolate covered mini donuts, mini cinnamon rolls, mini lemon poppy seed scones, cookies, tiny water bottles and "shots" of hot coffee, hot chocolate, or ... well just call that last thing "something else".
Since the run was set for 8:00 am, we expected to see our first few runners around 8:10 or 8:15, and of course - they were right on time. (What would you expect from a run club that included the pacer I mentioned at the bottom of my Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon report?) But they didn't hang around too long for the first stop, since they still had another 4 miles to go.
That meant that by 8:20 or so, my partner and I were stuck freezing our asses off in a random parking lot with a tray of donuts in front of us.
Akward. ;-)
No worries, we just passed the time by chatting ... and perhaps "sampling" some of the offerings at our own table.
Eventually, around 8:45 or so, the group made the loop back to us for the second go around. This time, they had "warmed up" and were a little more ready to eat. Case in point: one runner even braved a full sized donut!!
And of course, now that we were more jolly, we spent some time taking pictures.
Eventually the runners took off again. But, I have to say, I was a tad disappointed. As you can see in the photo above, our donut tray was still VERY full. SHAME RUNNERS! (Just kidding).
On the flip side, our "something else" bottle was pretty much empty. So, good job on that, folks.
And that was about it.
As we watched the runners scamper off, my friend and I packed up what was left of our "stop", said our goodbyes, and both headed for home. Not even 9 am, and we had already had a full morning!!
---
Before I go, I should say how appropriate it is that I was able to be with my run club both this past weekend at the Donut Run, and the other weekend at the Skeleton Run.
Why? Because those two events basically sandwiched the window of when I would have given birth. (Based on when I got pregnant, I should have been due some time around Halloween or early November. Me with a Halloween baby. The costumes!! Can you imagine a better match made in heaven?)
Although I try not to make this a miscarriage blog, I want mention that I finally passed that major milestone. And it feels like a huge weight has lifted off my chest.
I am also extremely glad I could do something FOR the run club this past weekend and host this donut station.
Why? Because even though I tired to live a normal life in May/June/July while I dealt with my loss (and tried to make sure my body had physically healed), I was actually surfing the edge of what could have been a massive depression spiral. And the entire time, people in my run club were carrying me through with beer miles and half marathon relays and bacon chases ... most of them not even realizing the sanity they were embuing on me just by letting me feel normal.
That sanity was my life line when others in my social network who knew about my loss were bitching about leaking windows or how I wasn't contributing enough to their personal lives. And even more so my life line as the medical bills started rolling in and I thought I would lose it. (Fun fact: if you get an ultrasound and find out you are going to miscarry, it no longer falls under pre-natal 100% coverage and you have to pay for it and all other resulting medical treatments out of pocket. The ultrasound alone will set you back $600+.)
So it seemed only fitting that at the Donut Run, I got to pay back that social support in my own wacky way. Even if it was only with refined carbs, fat, caffeine, sugar and booze.
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