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 Duathlon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Duathlon. 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, 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 27, 2014
Minneapolis Duathlon 2014 (Buncha Drunks)
Minneapolis Duathlon
(3.15 miles run, 15 miles bike, 3.15 miles run)
Relay, Run Portions Only: Bad & Worse
Average Pace - Let's Not Even Bother
It's no secret that I'm not a Team Ortho fan.
Why?
Well, there's the time they ran out of food and finisher medals at end the last a half marathon I ran with them. And the time they screwed me out of my free post race beer ticket. And don't forget about how they flat out didn't even start the last race my friends paid to run with them due to "rain" (thank goodness I wasn't at that one, where it didn't even start to rain until well into the afternoon).
Even when I did the Minneapolis Duathlon last year, I thought the way they handled the weather in regards to race cancellation was sub par...
Given all this, it's hard to believe that Team Ortho races are basically the most expensive races you can register for in the Twin Cities. :-( It's true! Team Ortho races will run you at least $60-75 when most other comparable, well run races in the area will come in under $50.
So before I even get into this race recap, I'm going warn you not to waste your money on Team Ortho races. Also, I will repeat what I think is the Team Ortho motto: "Be big or go home".
What does that mean?
It means, as a Team Ortho race, you must:
(1) Be so big that your headcount numbers are astronomical.
(2) Not worry about organization.
(3) Not worry about communication.
(4) Just keep booking and over booking people to race. (No worries if a fueling station, medal station or post race party is under furnished due to overbooking.)
(5) Just keep taking registrant's money.
So, you're likely wondering why I even did this race.
Simply put, I'm nothing but dependable. I promised my race partner from last year that we'd do this again, and so we did!
Yep!
---
4:00 am wake up call.
Plus thunderstorms. And lightening. And temps over 70 degrees - already.
Oh joy, it must be another duathlon race day.
Although I was definitely not having a good morning or feeling very up-n-at-em, just before 5am I found myself wandering across the street to meet up with my relay partner. Oh, and his wife. Because, NBD, he just managed to talk her into doing the race as a relay for 2014. Hooray!
However, it was also kind of ironic. Why? Well, last year my partner - two weeks prior to the event - had a major bike accident and required stitches in his knee (not to mention major bike repairs). This year, my partner's wife - also pretty much two weeks prior to the event - found out she need to put off having a tooth pulled for the race, and then came down with a major case of head/chest congestion.
Boo.
To make matters worse, just when I though last year's weather couldn't be topped, we made it about 10 miles down the road towards the race and ran into rain so heavy we could barely drive down the highway. As we drove, I couldn't help but think how it seemed like a safe day to have an event where people would be focused on transitioning from a run to a bike ride ... on some of the skinniest tires known to man ... ON WET PAVEMENT. Hmmm... well... nothing we can do about this now.
Let's do this!
As we drove into downtown Minneapolis, the rain seemed to be letting up some... although it was still dumping down. It wasn't a huge deal right away, since we needed to park and unload anyway, and we were fortunate to be parked in an area with a roof shelter.
Oh, I should mention. This year, my partner was a little more on the ball than me and had figured out that the Depot just across from transition was offering all day parking for $6. Major score.
Once at the depot, we met up with our last party member - my partner's wife's friend.
Gee, just a few more social connections from there and I should be able to connect myself to Kevin Bacon. HA!
Anyway!
As we unloaded and got bikes situated, the rain began to taper off. Around 6:10 or so, the rain pulled back, and the timing seemed good enough to at least get bikes into transition. With less than a block to walk, we were in transition and ready to go well before the 6:30 cut off.
Entry into transition was an odd situation, to say the least. I don't know what happened to the organization of the event this year, but I noticed it went to pot even from the very beginning. Why? There was a huge area at the front of transition where you were supposed to check in with race volunteers/"security" (to ensure your bike was tagged, you tagged your helmet, had your bib, etc).
We did not see this check in area until we were already inside and racking our bikes.
How did we get inside without clearing security, you ask? Well, the two back openings of transition were wide open with NO volunteers guarding the entrances and directing you around to the front. Since we saw the opening, and had no idea that we were supposed to go through a security check, we just waltzed right in... along with at least several hundred other people.
This was very concerning to me, given the fact that transition is supposed to be a secure area where you can leave your bike, AKA a very valuable asset that could just walk away due to lack of supervision. Not to mention, when you think about lack of security, and then a situation like the Boston Marathon, well...
Aside from the poor security, nothing else too exciting happened once we racked bikes. In fact, it was still relatively empty as many participants were still just coming into transition due to the rain. So, we just sat back and watched people arrive. Oh, and I took a photo of my partner and his wife, who just so happened to be wearing the jersey we all received for participating this year:
Not to shabby looking, eh? (I mean the jersey, although they are a cute couple as well, AM I RIGHT?!?!)
As we were killing time, we saw this guy:
WTF! Who brings a trainer into transition?! And BTW, I don't think he even actually ever used it. Weirdo.
Eventually it was time, and volunteers who seemed to be missing earlier started appearing and making sweeps of transition. We were being herded to the start line, relatively unsuccessfully... sans megaphones. And sans music. Odd... but apparently, this was being done due to permitting issues. The people who live in the condos near where Team Ortho starts all their races finally got smart and started petitioning about how damn loud these races are at 6am on a weekend ... when they want to be sleeping in. Good for them for pitching a fit!! Sounds like future Ortho races cannot use amplified sound until after 8am anymore. HAHA.
Given the rain delay getting people into transition, and the slow push to get us out of transition without megaphones, by the time we made it up to the start line it was pretty much time for us runners to queue up and get going. I didn't have a problem with that, since I was rearing to go.
My partner's wife's friend, on the other hand, seemed a little more reserved than me in regards to being ready. I suppose that may have been due to the pending doom of running a two 5Ks back to back... yeah, I guess that's not exactly something fun to look forward to on a hot summer day. We both crossed our fingers and hoped the luke warm temps and overcast skies held out through most of our second run as well.
The finger crossing didn't last long, since the wave roll outs were timely. Within minutes of lining up, my "running buddy" and I were out on course. We hadn't really talked about it pre-run, but in the throngs of people, we kind of ended up running together and chatting for awhile.
If you remember my description of the course from last year, you'll recall the first 1/2 mile or so leaves the parking lot near the Depot and crosses the river. As I jetted out across the bridge chatting all the way, my "buddy" changed up the conversation with a "So... what pace are you thinking of keeping for this run?"
Whoops, I know what that means. I'm running too fast.
After reviewing our watches, I learned that although I wasn't exactly Speedy Gonzales, I had shot out the gate with about a 9:00-9:30 pace. Yes, I'll admit that some of that was due to race day adrenaline. But some of that was also due to my increased mileage over the last few weeks. I have been, after all, trying to get back into the swing of things, sort of.
Realizing that I had another 5K to come, plus my recent issues with plantar's fasciitis, I decided to pull back my pace and run with a friend. Besides, what's more fun than running? Running with friends!! (My CCC peeps should appreciate that one.)
As we chatted and ran, the course wound back along the river, on a cobblestone area that I hate, over the Stone Arch Bridge, and out and back along the opposite side of the river prior to heading towards transition. At about the 2+ mile point, there was a water stop offering energy drinks and cold towels as well. We took a short break there due to the heat and minor hills prior to arrival, but aside from that and walking the ramp into transition, we ran the entire first 5K leg.
Thank goodness, BTW, that I was walking into transition because my wet shoe slipped on the timing mat at the entry. Walking, I was able to catch myself. Running... it may have been a... spectacular wipe out, let's just say that.
Also, a note about the 2014 transition... there was a major change that I really did not like. Rather than routing us along the outside of transition and having all relay participants meet their partner in the corral area like we did in 2013 (red lines below), they forced us to run up the center of all the bike racks in 2014 (blue arrows below):
This doesn't sound like a huge deal until you think about this: the back of transition is where the exit was. That was also where the relay partners were. Guess which racers were causing a traffic jam for all participants by hanging out INSIDE transition watching for their partners to arrive? Yeah.
There may as well have been no relay corral, it was so congested.
Terrible organization and planning, if you ask me. And why they made the change versus 2013 is beyond me. Regardless, given the change, there should have been some volunteers there getting people into the relay corral and out of the way.
Oh well.
Moving on from the traffic jam, this was where the fun came in - the rip and switch. Ah, sweaty timing chip ankle straps. Delicious.
In less than 2 minutes our chips were swapped and our partners were off!
And now - queue Jeopardy music. We wait and wait and wait for our bike partners to come back... in the open sun. This year there was no tent to hang out under while we waited. Ugh. Extreme sun exposure. At least it was a mixed day of sun and shade. I was extra glad for the clouds given I had forgotten to put on sunscreen. Shout out to no post-race sunburns - HOLLA!!
While we waited, I realized I made a fatal error versus 2013 - I did not bring fuel and had to go into run two on empty. Yikes. I knew immediately that run #2 would not be fun.
And then, as if that wasn't enough, my left heel started to hurt. FML. There aren't chairs in transition, so I limped around to try to stay loose and drank as much water as I could while I waited...
Finally, my partner made it back ... without his wife. Ooops. Turns out she was a little delayed on a few hills of the course and was about 10-15 minutes behind him. Not wanting to delay the inevitable (as my plantars pain was starting to wear on me), I decided to take off.
In the first few steps, my heel definitely didn't like me. So, I did what any normal woman would do. I gave myself a pep talk by telling myself to not be a pussy and pushed myself to run to at least the 1.5 mile mark before taking my first walk break.
BTW, I can proudly say I am not a pussy. But I did start my walk break as soon as my watch cleared 1.50.
And then, the death march began.
You know how it is when you're alone, running, and things aren't going well? Your mind can really start to work against you. Not only was I pissed off that I was doing so poorly as compared to last year, I was hurting. Really hurting. My heel hurt like a bitch, I was starting to chafe from my phone arm band, I was running out of energy, and... it was hot. I was turning into a royal diva.
To get myself out of a hate spiral, I decide to play a game between 1.50 and 2.25 miles. I told myself that I could run the downhills, walk the uphills, and take a luxuriously long water stop break. And I convinced myself that the energy drink will improve my non-fueled, hangry attitude.
The game worked, because before long, I was sucking down a glass of something red and turning out of the water stop. Mmmm, red. My favorite flavor.
Knowing that the race is almost over, I decided to push myself to run out as much of the distance as I could, and just get it over with. To distract myself, I started people watching and realized... I was racing with a bunch of drunks!!
Bike jerseys included various beer and alcohol brands, mixed drinks all over them, and three of my favorites:
P.O.S Cycle Club (featuring a rack of tap handles on the back)
Liver Strong (featuring a liver floating over a beer on the back & a bottle of Jag on the front)
Belch - Oh hey, I know this company... my coworker makes them!!
I snickered about what fuels people to do this race - the need to burn of a night of binge drinking, perhaps - and bumble along. Before I know it, the 3 mile marker was blazing orange in the distance. My mantra changes to "I'm almost there!!"
Sure enough, just after that, the finish line was in my sites. Just a hop, skip and jump...
*Yes, I wore the same outfit as last year. Why not?!
And... I made it! Another race complete!!
I sling the medal around my neck:
And meet up with my friends, the husband/wife duo. Not far behind me, my "runner buddy" from 5K #1 comes through the finish line and we cheer our heads off for her.
Then, without delay, we ALL hop on bikes and head off to Brits. Gotta get that free beer, and some food... I didn't do all this running for nothing, you know!!
+ 
= a whole lotta calories to spare!Once we arrive at Brits, we enjoy another great meal, some cold drinks, and some war stories. Then we pack up for home, a little more tired, but a lot more happy than we were 4 hours earlier...
And that's the story of how race bib # 48 joined my collection. Here's to another race soon... actually, next weekend again! I'm on a mission!
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.
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