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 Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marathon. 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.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Runners Must Persevere
The Marathon. Twenty six point two miles.
A spectacle of human accomplishment. A feat that is accessible enough that anyone can train for and attempt, yet difficult enough that few ever do.
An event that brings people together of all backgrounds, all income levels, all nationalities. A sport that is often dominated by the minority of the world.
A day where runners, despite their personal goals, will not hesitate to throw those goals out the window to support another runner. Sometimes even to their own, major personal detriment.
An event where, just two years ago in Boston, terrorists showed up and set off bombs. The result of which included three deaths and close to 300 injuries - some so grave that emergency amputation was required. Yet despite those losses, some of those very people who were injured turned around and repeated the marathon yet again.
This weekend is the Twin Cities Marathon. And unfortunately, despite all of the above triumphs, a local group has chosen this event as their platform to protest. Their goal is to shut down all runners. To prevent all of the above from being completed.
While I am not running the Marathon, I am competing in the 10 mile. And regardless of my distance category, for the life of me I just cannot understand why anyone would choose to interrupt an event that encapsulates all of the above.
But knowing the running community, I also question if these protesters will even stand a chance. Because we're talking about people who will run in sub zero temperatures, people who push themselves to true physical failure and actually have to crawl to the finish, people who will literally shit themselves and still keep going. I just can't see people like this letting a few folks standing in the street stop them.
So this weekend, I say - go for it, runners. You've pushed this hard. Don't let a little set back keep you from finishing. Just push a little harder ... and you'll get there. To the finish you deserve.
A spectacle of human accomplishment. A feat that is accessible enough that anyone can train for and attempt, yet difficult enough that few ever do.
An event that brings people together of all backgrounds, all income levels, all nationalities. A sport that is often dominated by the minority of the world.
A day where runners, despite their personal goals, will not hesitate to throw those goals out the window to support another runner. Sometimes even to their own, major personal detriment.
During the 2010 Zheng-Kai marathon Jacqueline Nyetipei Kiplimo
from Kenya saw a Chinese elite disable athlete struggling to drink water.
She ran with him from the 10km to the 38km mark aiding him through all the water stations.
This slowed her time — she came in 2nd in the race — not only costing
her the win but also the $10,000 cash prize.
An event where, just two years ago in Boston, terrorists showed up and set off bombs. The result of which included three deaths and close to 300 injuries - some so grave that emergency amputation was required. Yet despite those losses, some of those very people who were injured turned around and repeated the marathon yet again.
This weekend is the Twin Cities Marathon. And unfortunately, despite all of the above triumphs, a local group has chosen this event as their platform to protest. Their goal is to shut down all runners. To prevent all of the above from being completed.
While I am not running the Marathon, I am competing in the 10 mile. And regardless of my distance category, for the life of me I just cannot understand why anyone would choose to interrupt an event that encapsulates all of the above.
But knowing the running community, I also question if these protesters will even stand a chance. Because we're talking about people who will run in sub zero temperatures, people who push themselves to true physical failure and actually have to crawl to the finish, people who will literally shit themselves and still keep going. I just can't see people like this letting a few folks standing in the street stop them.
So this weekend, I say - go for it, runners. You've pushed this hard. Don't let a little set back keep you from finishing. Just push a little harder ... and you'll get there. To the finish you deserve.
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!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Spectating the 2014 TC 10 Mile / Marathon (NOM Cookies)
You may remember that in 2013 I spectated the TC 10 Mile & Marathon.
Yeah, that happened. And it was fun. So much fun, in fact, that I decided to do it again for 2014.
Let's back up the bus a second here. I chose spectating over racing? Well... sort of. I didn't so much choose spectating as it chose me. Let's just say the folks over at "We Take TC 10 Mile Race Applications Central" made me...
Blerg.
But like my friends said - maybe the organizers valued me more as a spectator?! (Hey, to quote my uncle: "It's my dream, I'll make it as big as I want it to be." Let's just hope in the process that my head doesn't get too big.)
Anyway, in the week leading up to race day, my running buddy from the prior weekend and I were starting to scheme. What should we do this year? What should we wear? What should we hand out?
When I received this photo via text the Thursday night before gun time, I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head.
When the text arrived, I said to my husband: "I think I'm a bad influence on the people at the community center."
He replied, laughing and shaking his head too: "You're a bad influence on everybody."
And just to drive a point home, seconds later I received a text from another friend. Also from the community center. Also dressed to the nines in a ridiculous outfit. The outfit was something she plans to run in for a future race, and she wanted to show off to me.
Can I just ask - how have I become a costume consultant?
Not that I'm complaining.
---
On to race day.
Despite having 80 degree weather just days prior, race day for the Twin Cities Marathon and 10 Mile was ridiculously cold. Temps overnight had dropped into the 40s ... or maybe even 30s. Luckily, the rain from the previous few days cleared, so the day was fairly dry despite being overcast.
But - simply stated, we were glad to be wearing furry costumes:
Which unfortunately still wasn't enough to keep me warm. Thank goodness I snagged a free pair of socks at the Fitsok spectator station.
Double layer socks FTW.
The gun for the 10 mile race was scheduled to fire at 7am. As such, my goal was to be at mile 8 (marathon mile 24) before 7:30. Why? Well, although I didn't personally know anyone running that elite of a pace, I was hoping to catch this blogger as he smoked by.
Lucky for me, we got there in plenty of time, and I got in a good cheer as he passed ... in the outfit he said he wasn't going to wear. Way to go, Speedo. Good thing I'm a dedicated blog reader and recognized those shorts from a mile away!! ;-)
Since that guy is pretty much an elite runner (don't agree with me? Check out the fact that he won the Loony Challenge this year), there wasn't a whole lot happenin' for me after he went by. As I learned last year, most people running sub 8 minute miles are extremely focused in finishing the race. So, the group of us cheering for racers just shook our cowbells and yelled in support of the runners as they passed.
Eventually the "fun" runners started coming through, so I held up my "Does this unicorn horn make my butt look big?" sign, and Cookie Monster held up "C is for Chafing". We got a lot of smiles, some good reactions, and I got mostly no answers. Mostly. I did have one "a little bit", and one "yes" which was then corrected to "no". HA!
Somewhere in the 10-12 minute/mile runners, we were asked an amazing question: "Hey Cookie Monster, where are your cookies?!" WHAT!! Good thing we came prepared! Cookie Monster opened her first box of cookies, and I pulled out my mini bags of skittles. After that, snacks were flying out of our hands and into runner's bellies as fast as they could go.
The cookies were such a hit, in fact, that the "officials" with microphones just a few feet down the road came walking our way asking "Where the heck are all these cookies coming from?!" HA!
Pretty soon, the stream of runners turned into a trickle. And then barely a dribble. The last few "drops" passed through while we messed around.
Cookie Monster was productive during this time:
I was ... not so much:
The gun time for the Marathon was scheduled to fire a 8am, so this predictable lull was not a surprise. I WAS surprised, however, that the lull was hardly pronounced. In fact, before the last of the 10 milers came through, some of the first wheelers for the marathon were starting to fly by.
Aside from that action, it was still fairly quiet. And I tried to just stay patient, which was hard to do since I knew someone running an elite pace in the marathon. I mean, even when the wheelers cruised through (well ahead of the lead marathon runner), I was immediately on the lookout for this guy, AKA Super Dave.
Not long after the majority of wheelers cruised by, I saw a spectacular sight:
That was it! The lead runner had officially screamed by:
Yep! So fast, I could hardly get a photo in!
And just to prove how fast - his finishing time: 2:13:32. Or roughly a 5:05 per mile pace for 26+ miles. You know, no big deal. LOL!
The party had officially started. Suddenly, the streets started filling with spectators, and the roar of the crowd got louder and louder as each elite runner came through. And got even louder yet as the first women runners came through.
Not long into the excitement, Super Dave was nearing our station.
And then, he was there. And it was awesome! Before we knew it, we heard the good news, too. He finished in 2:48:21. A 4 minute PR over his last race in Boston, and an amazing pace of 6:26/mile. Not to mention, 6th place in his age group. Yes, I said SIXTH! Out of 465 males registered. From a pool that attracts runners world wide. Just awesome.
Back where we were at mile 24, the runners were starting to turn from a trickle into a flood. Which unfortunately also meant the crowd was starting to expand more and more. At first, the energy was kind of fun. But eventually it just got ... a little too crowded for my taste.
I mean, I get that people are excited to see someone they know run. But, a tip for you first time spectators:
(1) Do not step over the line that is supposed to separate runners from spectators.
(2) Do not RUN INTO the runner's area to hug, cheer for, or run with your friend.
(3) See #2 above, don't do that AND BLOCK THE PATH FOR OTHER RUNNERS SURROUNDING THE PERSON YOU ARE CHEERING FOR.
*sigh*
I wouldn't have even minded the crowd if they had just given others with signs and what not space. But my whole group had been crowded out, and we were there to cheer everyone. A little annoying when you want to put a smile on every runner's face, and someone else is blocking you out with a sign that says "Go specific runner xyz."
Frustrated, I put my sign down and took a much needed bathroom break. Did I mention how cold it was? Yeah, each draft of wind made my need to go exponentially worse.
The good news was that eventually after my bathroom break, the most annoying spectators left the field, and we were able to regain some of our purchase on the area we were originally occupying. Plus, the "fun" runners were just starting to come through. So, no harm, no foul.
Unfortunately, at this point in the race, Cooke Monster had to leave. BOO! Feeling alone, up went the FREE FUEL sign, and out came the first line of defense: twinkies.
Just as I saw last year, the range of reactions to the twinkies was pretty amusing. Some yearned for one but declined. Some retched at the mere suggestion. But the best runners on course, at least in my opinion, ALL STOPPED BY AND PARTOOK.
Yes indeedy. I handed out about 20 twinkies to Marathon runners. Most of them running a 4-5 hour pace. Impressive.
Since the weather was better this year, and the annoying spectators became less and less, a handful of us at our cheer spot hung on for dear life.
We yelled.
We cheered.
We celebrated every racer that went by.
But finally, just before 2pm, we decided to thrown in the towel. Having been there since about 7am, we were exhausted and ready for a hot lunch.
So, although I would have loved to stay until the bitter end ... we did not. But my heart was there in spirit for every runner still on course.
On the ride home, while others chatted and relived the fun of the race, I simply relished in the heat of the car. Well, and checked in on my phone. With 20+ notifications and handfuls of texts, I was a little overwhelmed.
One of the many things in my news feed was this photo:
Yes, I'm sad to admit I missed a chance to race with my nephew in order to support TC again this year. But how often can you say you knew someone who was officially racing in the "professional" corral at a marathon? Besides, my nephew didn't mind.
One of the other flags in my feed was a note that people at the finish line / on the train back to the parking area were talking about "the unicorn at mile 8/24". AMAZEBALLS!
I guess the Unicobb has hit celebrity status?!
Only time will tell...
Yeah, that happened. And it was fun. So much fun, in fact, that I decided to do it again for 2014.
Let's back up the bus a second here. I chose spectating over racing? Well... sort of. I didn't so much choose spectating as it chose me. Let's just say the folks over at "We Take TC 10 Mile Race Applications Central" made me...
Blerg.
But like my friends said - maybe the organizers valued me more as a spectator?! (Hey, to quote my uncle: "It's my dream, I'll make it as big as I want it to be." Let's just hope in the process that my head doesn't get too big.)
Anyway, in the week leading up to race day, my running buddy from the prior weekend and I were starting to scheme. What should we do this year? What should we wear? What should we hand out?
When I received this photo via text the Thursday night before gun time, I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head.
When the text arrived, I said to my husband: "I think I'm a bad influence on the people at the community center."
He replied, laughing and shaking his head too: "You're a bad influence on everybody."
And just to drive a point home, seconds later I received a text from another friend. Also from the community center. Also dressed to the nines in a ridiculous outfit. The outfit was something she plans to run in for a future race, and she wanted to show off to me.
Can I just ask - how have I become a costume consultant?
Not that I'm complaining.
---
On to race day.
Despite having 80 degree weather just days prior, race day for the Twin Cities Marathon and 10 Mile was ridiculously cold. Temps overnight had dropped into the 40s ... or maybe even 30s. Luckily, the rain from the previous few days cleared, so the day was fairly dry despite being overcast.
But - simply stated, we were glad to be wearing furry costumes:
Which unfortunately still wasn't enough to keep me warm. Thank goodness I snagged a free pair of socks at the Fitsok spectator station.
Double layer socks FTW.
The gun for the 10 mile race was scheduled to fire at 7am. As such, my goal was to be at mile 8 (marathon mile 24) before 7:30. Why? Well, although I didn't personally know anyone running that elite of a pace, I was hoping to catch this blogger as he smoked by.
Lucky for me, we got there in plenty of time, and I got in a good cheer as he passed ... in the outfit he said he wasn't going to wear. Way to go, Speedo. Good thing I'm a dedicated blog reader and recognized those shorts from a mile away!! ;-)
Since that guy is pretty much an elite runner (don't agree with me? Check out the fact that he won the Loony Challenge this year), there wasn't a whole lot happenin' for me after he went by. As I learned last year, most people running sub 8 minute miles are extremely focused in finishing the race. So, the group of us cheering for racers just shook our cowbells and yelled in support of the runners as they passed.
Eventually the "fun" runners started coming through, so I held up my "Does this unicorn horn make my butt look big?" sign, and Cookie Monster held up "C is for Chafing". We got a lot of smiles, some good reactions, and I got mostly no answers. Mostly. I did have one "a little bit", and one "yes" which was then corrected to "no". HA!
Somewhere in the 10-12 minute/mile runners, we were asked an amazing question: "Hey Cookie Monster, where are your cookies?!" WHAT!! Good thing we came prepared! Cookie Monster opened her first box of cookies, and I pulled out my mini bags of skittles. After that, snacks were flying out of our hands and into runner's bellies as fast as they could go.
The cookies were such a hit, in fact, that the "officials" with microphones just a few feet down the road came walking our way asking "Where the heck are all these cookies coming from?!" HA!
Pretty soon, the stream of runners turned into a trickle. And then barely a dribble. The last few "drops" passed through while we messed around.
Cookie Monster was productive during this time:
I was ... not so much:
The gun time for the Marathon was scheduled to fire a 8am, so this predictable lull was not a surprise. I WAS surprised, however, that the lull was hardly pronounced. In fact, before the last of the 10 milers came through, some of the first wheelers for the marathon were starting to fly by.
*Photo from earlier in the course, not my cheer station
Aside from that action, it was still fairly quiet. And I tried to just stay patient, which was hard to do since I knew someone running an elite pace in the marathon. I mean, even when the wheelers cruised through (well ahead of the lead marathon runner), I was immediately on the lookout for this guy, AKA Super Dave.
Not long after the majority of wheelers cruised by, I saw a spectacular sight:
That was it! The lead runner had officially screamed by:
Yep! So fast, I could hardly get a photo in!
And just to prove how fast - his finishing time: 2:13:32. Or roughly a 5:05 per mile pace for 26+ miles. You know, no big deal. LOL!
The party had officially started. Suddenly, the streets started filling with spectators, and the roar of the crowd got louder and louder as each elite runner came through. And got even louder yet as the first women runners came through.
Not long into the excitement, Super Dave was nearing our station.
*Photo from earlier in the course, not my cheer station
And then, he was there. And it was awesome! Before we knew it, we heard the good news, too. He finished in 2:48:21. A 4 minute PR over his last race in Boston, and an amazing pace of 6:26/mile. Not to mention, 6th place in his age group. Yes, I said SIXTH! Out of 465 males registered. From a pool that attracts runners world wide. Just awesome.
Back where we were at mile 24, the runners were starting to turn from a trickle into a flood. Which unfortunately also meant the crowd was starting to expand more and more. At first, the energy was kind of fun. But eventually it just got ... a little too crowded for my taste.
I mean, I get that people are excited to see someone they know run. But, a tip for you first time spectators:
(1) Do not step over the line that is supposed to separate runners from spectators.
(2) Do not RUN INTO the runner's area to hug, cheer for, or run with your friend.
(3) See #2 above, don't do that AND BLOCK THE PATH FOR OTHER RUNNERS SURROUNDING THE PERSON YOU ARE CHEERING FOR.
*sigh*
I wouldn't have even minded the crowd if they had just given others with signs and what not space. But my whole group had been crowded out, and we were there to cheer everyone. A little annoying when you want to put a smile on every runner's face, and someone else is blocking you out with a sign that says "Go specific runner xyz."
Frustrated, I put my sign down and took a much needed bathroom break. Did I mention how cold it was? Yeah, each draft of wind made my need to go exponentially worse.
The good news was that eventually after my bathroom break, the most annoying spectators left the field, and we were able to regain some of our purchase on the area we were originally occupying. Plus, the "fun" runners were just starting to come through. So, no harm, no foul.
Unfortunately, at this point in the race, Cooke Monster had to leave. BOO! Feeling alone, up went the FREE FUEL sign, and out came the first line of defense: twinkies.
Just as I saw last year, the range of reactions to the twinkies was pretty amusing. Some yearned for one but declined. Some retched at the mere suggestion. But the best runners on course, at least in my opinion, ALL STOPPED BY AND PARTOOK.
Yes indeedy. I handed out about 20 twinkies to Marathon runners. Most of them running a 4-5 hour pace. Impressive.
Since the weather was better this year, and the annoying spectators became less and less, a handful of us at our cheer spot hung on for dear life.
We yelled.
We cheered.
We celebrated every racer that went by.
But finally, just before 2pm, we decided to thrown in the towel. Having been there since about 7am, we were exhausted and ready for a hot lunch.
So, although I would have loved to stay until the bitter end ... we did not. But my heart was there in spirit for every runner still on course.
On the ride home, while others chatted and relived the fun of the race, I simply relished in the heat of the car. Well, and checked in on my phone. With 20+ notifications and handfuls of texts, I was a little overwhelmed.
One of the many things in my news feed was this photo:
Yes, I'm sad to admit I missed a chance to race with my nephew in order to support TC again this year. But how often can you say you knew someone who was officially racing in the "professional" corral at a marathon? Besides, my nephew didn't mind.
One of the other flags in my feed was a note that people at the finish line / on the train back to the parking area were talking about "the unicorn at mile 8/24". AMAZEBALLS!
I guess the Unicobb has hit celebrity status?!
Only time will tell...
Friday, September 12, 2014
Show and Tell - Part 2
Awhile back I posted what my medal rack and bib display looked like. At the time, I only had 14 items laying claim to rack space at home, and a fairly decent area covered on my cube wall at work.
Of course you know that I've ran quite a bit since then, and unfortunately my poor rack was starting to get a bit overwhelmed, not to mention the disaster that was my cubical... which meant time to organize.
Thanks to my brother in law, who is a metal works guy, cleaning up my medal display was a snap. He was the original maker of the upper portion, and in a matter of a few days had whipped up some adder racks to me to use on future medals (only one of which is currently in deployment, but a second will be added shortly).
May I present to you the updated medal display:
Of course you know that I've ran quite a bit since then, and unfortunately my poor rack was starting to get a bit overwhelmed, not to mention the disaster that was my cubical... which meant time to organize.
Thanks to my brother in law, who is a metal works guy, cleaning up my medal display was a snap. He was the original maker of the upper portion, and in a matter of a few days had whipped up some adder racks to me to use on future medals (only one of which is currently in deployment, but a second will be added shortly).
May I present to you the updated medal display:
I RUN THIS TOWN
Medal collection, left to right:
(Click on any blue race title to read the report)
2nd Place/Age Category, Lake Run 2011
Get Lucky 7K 2012
Run 100 2014 Finisher Charm
Iron Girl Du 2012
Monster Dash Half 2012
If you have an eagle eye, you may notice my Little Rock Marathon 2014 beast of a medal is missing from the display. That's because that thing weighs 2.5+ pounds. As such, I'm struggling to figure out what to do with it. I think it may need to be hung on a stud since it's so heavy. More to follow there...
Not to be out done at home, I also cleaned up my bib wall at the office. Actually, that was even more disastrous since I'm close to 50 bibs now. Plus, there was the issue of people knocking off the push pins I was using to keep the bibs hung when they came to visit my cube area.
May I present to you, my new bib wall:
My Bib Collection
Starting with New Prague 5K 2010 in the upper left (my first ever race)
I have to admit, this hanging style isn't as impressive as the previous method was... but it is definitely more functional (since there's hardly any push pins to knock down). Think of it of like high heels versus tennis shoes - a runner has to make hard choices sometimes. Plus, since the bibs are hung from a ribbon with a safety pin in the upper corner, it helps me use up some of my safety pins amassed from all my races... which seriously is getting to be a ridiculous collection.
Anyway! That's all I got for today... so, tell me - how does your display look? Send me a link to your collection in the comments below!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
2014 - Racing Review Thus Far, Part 2
Sorry I missed out on a posting this past Monday. I took a little mini vacation (basically a long weekend), and wasn't free to draft something up. Plus, I didn't want to post any random, dumb crap... so, there's that.
Anyway! Back in June I posted about my racing progress for 2014. Since then, I've ran quite a few more races, so I thought today I'd update the schedule to show how things have shaken out since then. Here goes:
Jan & Feb
Spent my time hiding from -50 degree temps.
March
Tried to marathon, had course closed on me. (Little Rock Marathon 2014)
Made up for it with a 7K instead. Same thing, right? (Get Lucky 7K 2014)
April
Went to Chicago and ran a St. Paddy's day themed race... that took place two weeks too late.
(Shamrock Shuffle 8K Chicago 2014)
May
Relived the hilly hell. (Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon - Relay 2014)
Acted like a nurse. (Chaska 5K/10K 2014)
June
Tried out another relay. (Lake Waconia Half Marathon - Relay 2014)
Ran for bananas and got nothin'. (Rainbow Run 5K 2014)
July
Lived it up as Lady Liberty. (Siren Freedom 5K 2014)
Kept it spicy in Chicago, again. (Chicago Chinatown 5K 2014)
Chased the bacon, and then ate it. (Bacon Chase 5K Minneapolis 2014)
If you followed me on the above, you should have caught that in 2014 I have run:
Four 5Ks
One 7K and one 8K
Two half relays
AND made a Marathon attempt
That's nine races, or just over 50 miles. Not too shabby! Especially given my new race strategy for 2014, and my lack of training overall this year. (Yes, none of these races have been PRs. Or even "good" times. But all of them have been fun. And that's what matters most to me.)
Not to mention the fact that in addition to the above, I've done two Lazyman Ironmans, one Run100, kept up with some basic running - once or twice a week, continued teaching twice or more per week, and tried to start bike commuting (which unfortunately has become a fail due to trail closures).
So, what about the future? What do I have left for 2014?
August
This coming weekend I'm running the Webster Education 5K. Last year I managed to take 1st in my age category. Without training, I'm hoping I might be able to at least still hang in the top three. But I think that's a pretty big thing to hope for. Wish me luck.
I'm also planning on sharing the Minneapolis Duathlon again with my neighbor. Last year it was a fun but hot race. Let's hope it's a little cooler this year.
And then there's the Lake Run 5K ... which I'm wavering on. I've run it for a few years now, so I'm not sure if I want to repeat it or not. You'll know my decision on that soon enough, I'm sure.
September/October
If I'm wavering on the Lake Run, then I'm definitely wobbling even more on what my plans are for fall. Depending on how quickly I can start getting my mileage back up, I am considering the Women Run the Cities 10 miler in late September, which is totally new to me, and the Mankato Half in October, which I ran last year and absolutely loved.
I'm a little nervous about longer runs right now given my total lack of base miles, so that may impact my race goals for the fall. Well, that and the fact that I'm dealing with some mild plantars fasciitis right now. Let's hope I can work that out quickly with some basic stretches and various other healthy choices.
November/December
Let's face it, I have NO idea what will happen this late in the year (if anything). Let's not even go there for now.
In summary, what's my ultimate goal for 2014 racing? Aside from having fun, like I said last time:
"If you recall, I ran 15 races last year. And I'm competitive with myself. So, I'm trying to stay as close to 15 as possible for 2014 as well. It's totally an arbitrary goal that means pretty much nothing to anyone except myself."
Yep, I'm still holding myself to that dumb gold standard. But I'm already 9 of 15. And with for sure 2 more on the schedule already this month, you may as well call that 11 of 15. Not to mention, if I go for the Lake Run, the women's race and Mankato, that would put me 14 of 15.
That means, only one more random add and I hit my goal.
What race should it be?! Hmmm....
Anyway! Back in June I posted about my racing progress for 2014. Since then, I've ran quite a few more races, so I thought today I'd update the schedule to show how things have shaken out since then. Here goes:
Jan & Feb
Spent my time hiding from -50 degree temps.
March
Tried to marathon, had course closed on me. (Little Rock Marathon 2014)
Made up for it with a 7K instead. Same thing, right? (Get Lucky 7K 2014)
April
Went to Chicago and ran a St. Paddy's day themed race... that took place two weeks too late.
(Shamrock Shuffle 8K Chicago 2014)
May
Relived the hilly hell. (Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon - Relay 2014)
Acted like a nurse. (Chaska 5K/10K 2014)
June
Tried out another relay. (Lake Waconia Half Marathon - Relay 2014)
Ran for bananas and got nothin'. (Rainbow Run 5K 2014)
July
Lived it up as Lady Liberty. (Siren Freedom 5K 2014)
Kept it spicy in Chicago, again. (Chicago Chinatown 5K 2014)
Chased the bacon, and then ate it. (Bacon Chase 5K Minneapolis 2014)
If you followed me on the above, you should have caught that in 2014 I have run:
Four 5Ks
One 7K and one 8K
Two half relays
AND made a Marathon attempt
That's nine races, or just over 50 miles. Not too shabby! Especially given my new race strategy for 2014, and my lack of training overall this year. (Yes, none of these races have been PRs. Or even "good" times. But all of them have been fun. And that's what matters most to me.)
Not to mention the fact that in addition to the above, I've done two Lazyman Ironmans, one Run100, kept up with some basic running - once or twice a week, continued teaching twice or more per week, and tried to start bike commuting (which unfortunately has become a fail due to trail closures).
So, what about the future? What do I have left for 2014?
August
This coming weekend I'm running the Webster Education 5K. Last year I managed to take 1st in my age category. Without training, I'm hoping I might be able to at least still hang in the top three. But I think that's a pretty big thing to hope for. Wish me luck.
I'm also planning on sharing the Minneapolis Duathlon again with my neighbor. Last year it was a fun but hot race. Let's hope it's a little cooler this year.
And then there's the Lake Run 5K ... which I'm wavering on. I've run it for a few years now, so I'm not sure if I want to repeat it or not. You'll know my decision on that soon enough, I'm sure.
September/October
If I'm wavering on the Lake Run, then I'm definitely wobbling even more on what my plans are for fall. Depending on how quickly I can start getting my mileage back up, I am considering the Women Run the Cities 10 miler in late September, which is totally new to me, and the Mankato Half in October, which I ran last year and absolutely loved.
I'm a little nervous about longer runs right now given my total lack of base miles, so that may impact my race goals for the fall. Well, that and the fact that I'm dealing with some mild plantars fasciitis right now. Let's hope I can work that out quickly with some basic stretches and various other healthy choices.
November/December
Let's face it, I have NO idea what will happen this late in the year (if anything). Let's not even go there for now.
In summary, what's my ultimate goal for 2014 racing? Aside from having fun, like I said last time:
"If you recall, I ran 15 races last year. And I'm competitive with myself. So, I'm trying to stay as close to 15 as possible for 2014 as well. It's totally an arbitrary goal that means pretty much nothing to anyone except myself."
Yep, I'm still holding myself to that dumb gold standard. But I'm already 9 of 15. And with for sure 2 more on the schedule already this month, you may as well call that 11 of 15. Not to mention, if I go for the Lake Run, the women's race and Mankato, that would put me 14 of 15.
That means, only one more random add and I hit my goal.
What race should it be?! Hmmm....
Monday, June 16, 2014
2014 - Racing Review Thus Far
I can't believe it's June already.
It seems like just last week my husband was traveling for business and we had a massive snow storm. THAT was a fun time... (also known as, "The One Where I Learned How to Snow Blow For the First Time, Cellphone Aided Edition".)
I guess, technically, it kind of was still winter a few weeks ago. For those of you who don't live in Minnesota, or for those of you that DO live in Minnesota and are having stress induced memory blocks, sad fact: we had an extremely late ice out again this year, with lots of late season snow to boot.
Ugh.
Why do I live in Minnesota again?
Moving on.
Being that we're half way through the year, I thought I would recap my races thus far and talk about my plans for the future. Here goes!
January & February
For these months, nothing, thank god. Racing in -50 weather would not be a good time.
March
I actually ran my earliest race ever in a year, racing the first weekend in March rather than waiting for St. Patty's day. I also made my first (failed due to mid race cancellation) marathon attempt. I guess I can accept the failure given I got a ride home from the cops, with a drunk Wolverine in the front seat.
Also, I ran Get Lucky. *Choke, cough, cough* At least it was with a good group of friends.
April
In celebration of my birthday, I drug my sister down to Chicago for their semi-official season opener race, the Shamrock Shuffle. I got an ugly race shirt, and wore an awesome costume.
May
I re-ran the Lake Minnetonka Half as a relay and broke the "Cool Runner's Creed" by wearing my race shirt on race day. Whatever, it matched my socks.
I also volunteered as a Course Aid at the Chaska 5K/10K. This is when my true fabulousness was finally acknowledged, since I was taken for someone of real celebrity. AND, everyone finally admitted I was kind of a big deal.
June
I nearly peed myself several times over at the Lola's Lake Waconia Half Marathon, running as relay team "Rainbows & Sunshine". Disappointingly, despite the rain, I did not turn into a mermaid like the race shirt suggested I would. To make myself feel better about that, I bought a new pair of shoes.
As For Future Races...
At this point, I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants and registering whenever I feel like doing a race rather than booking up my schedule for months/a year in advance. I decided awhile ago that for 2014 I wasn't going to over-tax myself with races, which I have to admit has resulted in a mixed bag. I do miss looking forward to races and having a reason to train more, but it's also nice to have more freedom in my schedule, not to mention being able to pocket a little extra cash.
Regardless of my pseudo "non-scheduled race" calendar, being that I've already been involved in 6 races this year, I'm hoping to at least race 6-9 more events before I call it quits for the winter. Why? If you recall, I ran 15 races last year. And I'm competitive with myself. So, I'm trying to stay as close to 15 as possible for 2014 as well. It's totally an arbitrary goal that means pretty much nothing to anyone except myself. But, I don't think getting in 9 more races is unrealistic given my jump start to racing in 2014, and the fact that I have the following 5 races for sure on the schedule:
June - TC Pride 5K
July - Siren Freedom Five
August - Minneapolis Duathalon, Webster Education Foundation 5K, Lake Run 5K Shell Lake (this one is pending registration - the organizers are typically really late in releasing registration forms)
Also, I'm a total caver to peer pressure when it comes to racing with friends, so I'm sure I'll be suckered into a few additional races in the near future.
Which brings me to late fall... come on folks... here's your chance to have huge influence.
September - Hmmm... empty month, tempting... suggestions???
October - Mankato Half Marathon???
And as for winter, well...
November/December - Leaving this open for now. I don't want to plan too far in advance with Minnesota winters the way they are.
Floor's open. Entice me to run your race below.
It seems like just last week my husband was traveling for business and we had a massive snow storm. THAT was a fun time... (also known as, "The One Where I Learned How to Snow Blow For the First Time, Cellphone Aided Edition".)
I guess, technically, it kind of was still winter a few weeks ago. For those of you who don't live in Minnesota, or for those of you that DO live in Minnesota and are having stress induced memory blocks, sad fact: we had an extremely late ice out again this year, with lots of late season snow to boot.
Ugh.
Why do I live in Minnesota again?
Moving on.
Being that we're half way through the year, I thought I would recap my races thus far and talk about my plans for the future. Here goes!
January & February
For these months, nothing, thank god. Racing in -50 weather would not be a good time.
March
I actually ran my earliest race ever in a year, racing the first weekend in March rather than waiting for St. Patty's day. I also made my first (failed due to mid race cancellation) marathon attempt. I guess I can accept the failure given I got a ride home from the cops, with a drunk Wolverine in the front seat.
Also, I ran Get Lucky. *Choke, cough, cough* At least it was with a good group of friends.
April
In celebration of my birthday, I drug my sister down to Chicago for their semi-official season opener race, the Shamrock Shuffle. I got an ugly race shirt, and wore an awesome costume.
May
I re-ran the Lake Minnetonka Half as a relay and broke the "Cool Runner's Creed" by wearing my race shirt on race day. Whatever, it matched my socks.
I also volunteered as a Course Aid at the Chaska 5K/10K. This is when my true fabulousness was finally acknowledged, since I was taken for someone of real celebrity. AND, everyone finally admitted I was kind of a big deal.
June
I nearly peed myself several times over at the Lola's Lake Waconia Half Marathon, running as relay team "Rainbows & Sunshine". Disappointingly, despite the rain, I did not turn into a mermaid like the race shirt suggested I would. To make myself feel better about that, I bought a new pair of shoes.
As For Future Races...
At this point, I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants and registering whenever I feel like doing a race rather than booking up my schedule for months/a year in advance. I decided awhile ago that for 2014 I wasn't going to over-tax myself with races, which I have to admit has resulted in a mixed bag. I do miss looking forward to races and having a reason to train more, but it's also nice to have more freedom in my schedule, not to mention being able to pocket a little extra cash.
Regardless of my pseudo "non-scheduled race" calendar, being that I've already been involved in 6 races this year, I'm hoping to at least race 6-9 more events before I call it quits for the winter. Why? If you recall, I ran 15 races last year. And I'm competitive with myself. So, I'm trying to stay as close to 15 as possible for 2014 as well. It's totally an arbitrary goal that means pretty much nothing to anyone except myself. But, I don't think getting in 9 more races is unrealistic given my jump start to racing in 2014, and the fact that I have the following 5 races for sure on the schedule:
June - TC Pride 5K
July - Siren Freedom Five
August - Minneapolis Duathalon, Webster Education Foundation 5K, Lake Run 5K Shell Lake (this one is pending registration - the organizers are typically really late in releasing registration forms)
Also, I'm a total caver to peer pressure when it comes to racing with friends, so I'm sure I'll be suckered into a few additional races in the near future.
Which brings me to late fall... come on folks... here's your chance to have huge influence.
September - Hmmm... empty month, tempting... suggestions???
October - Mankato Half Marathon???
And as for winter, well...
November/December - Leaving this open for now. I don't want to plan too far in advance with Minnesota winters the way they are.
Floor's open. Entice me to run your race below.
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