What I Did Before Summer Break (AKA - Gettin' Drunk, Part Five)

Today's post is going to veer very far off the course of healthy lifestyle info.

Be forewarned.

---

To begin: this is a post about tap rooms (mostly) within driving distance of the Twin Cities.  If you didn't read my first , second, third or fourth posts about the tap rooms I have visited, go there to get caught up ... since this is just a continuation of that story line, you'll want to start there. 

Taprooms included in those posts are:

Recap One
Enki - Victoria, MN
Waconia Brewing Company - Waconia, MN
Fulton - Minneapolis, MN
612 - Minneapolis, MN
Urban Growler - St. Paul, MN
Indeed - Minneapolis, MN
Boom Island - Minneapolis, MN
Surly - St. Paul, MN
Badger Hill - Shakopee, MN
Sisyphus - Minneapolis, MN
Tin Whiskers - St. Paul, MN

Recap Two
American Sky - Hudson, WI
Tin Whiskers (revisit) - St. Paul, MN
Burning Brothers - St. Paul, MN
Dangerous Man - Minneapolis, MN
Badger Hill (revisit) - Shakopee, MN
Sociable Cider Werks - Minneapolis, MN
LTD - Hopkins, MN

Recap Three - all in the Duluth area
Bent Paddle
Castle Danger
Lake Superior
Fitger's
Canal Park
Thirsty Pagan

Recap Four - some in Northern MN
Maple Island - Stillwater, MN
Lift Bridge - Stillwater, MN
Steel Toe - St. Louis Park, MN
Bent - Roseville, MN
North Gate - Minneapolis, MN
Gull Dam - Nisswa, MN
Jack Pine - Baxter, MN

And just to make this list above comprehensive, the below blog recaps my last few stops:
Insight - Minneapolis, MN
Town Hall - Minneapolis, MN
Bauhaus Brew Labs - Minneapolis, MN
Lucid - Minnetonka, MN
Hayes' Public House - Buffalo, MN

Oh!  I also did a couple of international stops to Heineken and Brewery I'J (Brouwerij't Ij) in Amsterdam and the Hofbrau House in Munich if you're curious about those (although they're not written in a true brewery recap format like this blog, since they're included in my Euro trip recaps).

Anyway!  This post is essentially me playing sweep-up for the last few places I haven't in in the Twin Cities area yet.  And in fact, this may be my last taproom post ... unless by some chance I end up hitting a handful over the summer that I missed because: by now, if I haven't hit a local taproom, chances are I don't know about it, may eventually make it there some day (but don't see it as a major priority), or simply don't want to go there.  So, after this recap the ball's in your court.  If I missed something, me below where to go next!!

Ok, let's go!


---

 

Insight

Minneapolis, MN

 

 

Visited: Late March

On Tap: 6 beers

Flights: Yes 

 

Food: Nothing while we were there, but it appeared they may host food trucks on occasion

Ambiance: Yep, another taproom in an area of Minneapolis that is industrial warehouse chic.  This location, however, seemed to be of newer construction - I felt like I should be able to still smell sawdust, everything was so spanky new.  Plus, whoever designed this place knew what they were doing, as the space is very open and bright AND HUGE.  Seriously, this place could really accommodate a crowd.  Brewing operations are visible through garage doors on the far side of the taproom.

  

 

 

 

 

Thoughts: This tap room was nice, and the beers reminded me of the kinds of flavors you'd experience over at Badger Hill - approachable, even profiles with nothing too bold or obnoxious.    If I was in the neighborhood, I would stop back.  But, there wasn't anything about the place that would make it memorable to me or would call me back to visit again.  That could be because the place is so new and still needs to develop a character?  Right now it seems a little ... blah.

 

 

 

Town Hall

Minneapolis, MN

 

 

Visited: Late March

On Tap: ? beers - the brewery needed emergency repairs, so many were off tap unfortunately

Flights: Not that I saw :-(  I settled for a pint

 

Food: This is a brew pub, so a full menu is available

Ambiance: Right off the U of M campus, this British feeling pub definitely caters to the youth of America.  I think I was at least 10-15 years older than everyone in the building, and that made me feel old (sad clown whistle).  However, the old timey feel of the place made up for it.  I really loved the tin ceiling and woodwork.  I don't recall being able to see brewing operations from the restaurant area.

 

  

 

  

Thoughts: Although we unfortunately decided to stop by right when the brewery was shut down due to flooring issues (emergency repairs), we were lucky enough to catch them with still a few options on tap that were home brewed.  I opted for the mocha java, which was fantastic.  Plus, the staff was quick and friendly.  If I was looking for a meal out when I was out that way, I'd head back ... and of course, enjoy another tap or two while I was there!

 

 

 

 

 

Bauhaus Brew Labs

Minneapolis, MN

 

 

Visited: April

On Tap: Whoops, I waited to long to do this recap.  If I recall, they had 6-8 on tap

Flights: Yes!

 

Food: Yes!  Mmm, Gastro Truck

 

Ambiance: Oh the typical, you know it by now. Brew house tucked into an industrial warehouse area. At least this one offered some variety in that it was near a very active train track, so that was cool. And the furnishings were spectacular – I loved the bright colors and witty signage. Brewing operations are roped off but visible behind the bar area.

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts:  I liked this place a lot. It was open, airy, welcoming … the staff was incredibly friendly, and the beer was good. Their location was good in that there were actually things to see out the windows (not just warehouse wasteland), and that view just added to the stellar patio outside. Truth: I liked this place so much so that I’m bumping Badger Hill off my top three spots overall (sorry guys – I’m still keeping you on the VIP list, just not in my top three). I could definitely see myself going back there in the future.

  

 

 

 

 

Lucid

Minnetonka, MN

 

 

Visited: April

On Tap: 5 beers and one "partner" brew (not Lucid brand)

Flights: Technically, this is a "sample room", so you can't get flights or pints, just free tastes of their current beers for sale in growlers

 

Food: Not while we were there

Ambiance: Quite frankly - there was none.  This place is hidden in the back of an industrial building, and is basically identifiable because they simply roll up their loading dock door and plop a bar with a tap just inside the opening.  Since you’re smack dab in the middle of their production facility, brewing operations are clearly visible everywhere you look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts: This is one of those tap rooms that leaves me feeling kind of … meh. I understand that Lucid started brewing beer well before the taproom craze, and that they are also working on finding a location for a “real” taproom in the near future, but still – I just can’t get excited about a brewery that slaps a bar and tap in the middle of their production area and calls it good. Especially when they just roll open their loading dock garage door to allow in light and offer minimal seating. Unlike anyone else in the area that has a true tap room, this place is just kind of ... a dump.  I hate to say it.  Sorry guys - I do look forward to seeing your tap room if you ever get it worked out!

 

 

 

 

 

Fair State

Minneapolis, MN

 

 

Visited: April

On Tap: Whoops, I waited too long to do this recap.  If I recall, they had 8-10 on tap

Flights: Sort of - you could buy half pints and share, which is what we did

Food: Nothing while we were there, but we did eat at Betty Danger's Counrty Club prior to arriving, so we were full anyway

 

 

 

 

Ambiance: To be 100% honest … coming here scared the shit out of me. We ended up parking a few blocks away from the tap room on a side street, where just as we were circling to find a spot, a load of people filed Chinese-fire drill style out of a car and started beating the crap out of someone right on the sidewalk. Then, as we walked to the taproom, we passed a bus shelter where a bunch of dudes with multiple tear drop tattoos were hanging out. Not gonna lie, I was in a hurry to get in and out of this place. My husband even said to me “where are you taking me?!” Once inside, the quiet and modern interior made the ruff and tumble aura of the area melt into the background as if it didn’t exist. So at least there was that. Brewery operations were not easily visible from the taproom.

  

 

 

Thoughts: This place was technically fine, and I'm sure the things we saw were likely a fluke.  But .. well ... I don't know that I'd be back.  The staff was friendly and the beer was ok.  I'm just gun shy from the rest of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hayes' Public House

Buffalo, MN

 

 

Visited: May

On Tap: 7 beers - including one that was more like a cider than a beer

Flights: Yes!

 

Food: There's a food truck parked out front most days I think, but it wasn't open when we were there

Ambiance: Just across the street from the lake in Buffalo, MN, this place has a beautiful location.  And, the interior is equally as beautiful, with a very tidy appearance and an Irish Pub theme.  Brewery operations are visible through a doorway behind the bar.

 

 

 

 

Thoughts: It seems like there's just something about the whole Irish thing ... either you love it or you don't.  While I like the old pub décor in pretty much any bar, I'm just not into the "hit you over the head" Irish feel of places that really push that look.  Nothing against this place, it's just not my thing.  So when I walk into a place that's playing Irish music and hanging an Irish flag and what not, I'm just kinda meh about the whole thing.  That being said, putting the Irish thing aside, this is a great pub.  Even better than a lot of places closer to the Metro, in fact.  I really liked their beers and the service was extremely friendly.  If you're out on a road trip or passing through that side of the cities - stop in.  Or make a special day trip out to Buffalo, have lunch at Norm's Wayside and a flight of beers here, and call it a day.  You won't regret it.

---


Now that I've been to most of the tap rooms in the Twin Cities, what do I think? 

(Note: I am leaving out any non-Twin Cities metro breweries in this summary due to convenience of commute.)

Top three spots overall
   Tin Whiskers, Bauhaus Brew Labs, Dangerous Man

Best places for sampling many varieties (via flights) in one day
   Boom Island, LTD, Lift Bridge

Places where I could definitely burn an afternoon playing Connect 4 (or Cards Against Humanity)
   Sisyphus, North Gate, Badger Hill

Best beers to buy for at home (and avoid the crowds)
   Fulton, Indeed, Surly

 

Adventures in Wetsuit Shopping

Over the weekend, I posted this photo on Facebook.

With this comment added, of course:

Yes, it's true.  I sweat like a pig putting that damn thing on.  I had to grab a towel at the halfway point, in fact.  Getting into one of these stupid things is no joke.

Ok, ok.  What's even more true, though, is the fact that I've purchased a wetsuit with the intention of beginning open water swim training.  Ever since Ironman last year, I've been thinking about forcing myself forward with swimming despite my fears, and Tri-U-Mah proved that I can do it.  So, I've got my eye on a few potential Tri races later this summer.  But of course that means getting in some open water swimming practice first.

Now, before I get too far, you might be wondering why a newbie like me is even wasting money on a wet suit.  And it's true, I did debate for a long time if it was really worth it or not.  But I finally came to the realization that if I'm going to face my swimming fears, they're not going to just go away after one training swim.  And I'm going to have to start swimming soon if I want to be mentally ready for any race later this summer.  Which means ... getting into the water ASAP, despite the fact that it's in the low to mid 60s in most of MN and WI right now.

Brr!  Wetsuit it is!

So, now that we've got that explanation out of the way, I'd like to get on with why I'm actually writing this blog today - to recap my adventures in wetsuit shopping.  Or, my affectionate alternate title for this blog, which is:

Wetsuit Shopping for Fatties 101

Now, don't get me wrong.  Using the above title, I'm not trying to get down on myself or anyone else, despite the fact that I've openly admitted to everyone that I'm carrying more weight these days than I'd like.  I'm using the above title because, seriously, have you ever tried to shop for tri shit?!  It's ridiculous!!

Here's why I say this. 

No.  Wait. 

Actually, let me recap my shopping experience.  Then it will make more sense.

---

Act One - Natalie discovers local swimwear shop is having a wetsuit sale.  All old rental suits are priced to MOVE. 

Natalie (thinking to self): Perfect!  I don't care if I get a crappy suit.  Who knows if I'll like this or not, anyway, so may as well start with a cheapie and then upgrade later if I decide to stick with it.

Shop keeper 1: Hi, can I help you?

Natalie: Yes, I'm interested in your used wetsuits here.  Can you tell me how wetsuit shopping works?  I've never done this before.

Shop keeper 1: Oh.  Yeah.  (Unenthusiastic.)  Look at that sign there and figure out your size based on your height and weight, and then just grab whatever suit fits your size.

Natalie: Uh ... ok.  But I was looking at the sizing sign, and it says that in women's suits I'm well above the largest size by weight.  So that's what I was wanting to ask you - shouldn't I get into a men's suit?

**Actual sizing chart from TYR wetsuits for reference:

Shop keeper 1: No.  See, look, it says 163+ (points at sign).  There's a plus.  You'll be fine.  Here, take this suit and go try it on.  (Grabs a women's XL off shelf, throws it towards Natalie, walks away).

Natalie: (Thinking to self)  Uh ... what?  These sizes are all in ranges of like 5-10 pounds.  Even at 163+, I can't imagine the suit would fit someone more than 173 pounds.  I'm definitely over that.  Whatever, these people are the experts ... right?  I guess I'll give this a shot.

(10 minutes later.  Natalie is profusely sweating in the fitting room and has managed to get the wetsuit to about calf height on each leg.  Much grunting and cursing ensues.  Several times, the rubber exterior rubs against itself and makes strange, farting like noises.  Eventually, Natalie starts to feel tingling in her legs and wonders if the suit is cutting off circulation.  After five more minutes of fighting and still not getting the suit above knee height, frustrated, she peels off the suit and heads back out into the main store area to help herself to a men's suit in her weight size instead.  As Natalie leaves the fitting room, a woman helping her teen in the next room over refuses to make eye contact with Natalie based on her disheveled appearance and the odd sounds that had been coming out of her fitting room.)

Natalie, to Shop keeper 2:  So, uh ... can you tell me something about wetsuits?

Shop keeper 2: Why, you don't want that one?

Natalie:  Well, considering I couldn't even get it on, no.

Shop keeper 2:  (Eyes the sweat dribbling down Natalie's forehead)  Well, they're supposed to be tight.  You're going to get a little sweaty getting these on.  That's normal.

Natalie: (Highly doubts Shop keeper 2 has ever put on a suit, as she is even larger than Natalie is, and she does not seem to appreciate the struggle.)  I know, I get that these go on snug.  But I can't even get that one on.  So, tell me the difference between men's and women's suits, because ... let's be honest, I'm 20-30 pounds+ over the 163+ the women's XL suit allows for, and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to fit a women's XL suit based on that.

Shop keeper 2: Well, the women's ones are cut differently.  So you kind of have to get a women's suit.

Natalie: Can I just try a men's one made for my weight to see how it fits?

Shop keeper 2: Yeah, I guess.  (Sarcastic look).  What size do you think you are in men's?

Natalie:  Based on this size chart (points), I should be a L.

**Actual sizing chart from TYR wetsuits for reference:

May I point out that the men's XXL maxes out at 223 pounds? 

That' is NOT very much!  What the heck do larger men who tri do?!

Shop keeper 2:  Well, we don't have in men's L.  Here, try the next size down, a M/L.

Natalie: (Thinking to self)  Are you freaking kidding me?!  That thing is the same damn size as the women's XL.  Whatever, maybe it's cut different and will fit.  I'll try it and see.

(After realizing the suit fits pretty much the same as the women's one she had on previously, Natalie spends less than 5 minutes struggling with the second suit.  Using common sense, she figures that she should find a store with a suit in stock for her size/weight.  She returns the men's suit to the rack and walks out of the store frustrated, proceeding to sit in her car with the air conditioning blowing directly at her face to help her cool off post wetsuit wrestling match.  Eventually, she pulls out of the parking lot.  The swim shop staff don't even notice she left the building and obviously offered no further assistance.)


---


Having had such a terrible experience wetsuit shopping, after I left the above swim shop, my enthusiasm for getting into tri racing started to wane a bit.   Not wanting to give up hope, after I got home to my own computer, I started googling things like "how do larger women find wetsuits" and "can women wear men's wetsuits", etc.

After perusing a few websites, I realized ... I am not alone!

As it turns out, there are dozens of blogs about there where people, both men and women, bemoan wetsuit shopping for the exact same reasons as me - that they are impossible to fit if you aren't a super fit and trim triathlete.

In the process of reading numerous blogs, including a few written by larger build women like myself, I ended up finding myself shopping at a website that people recommended as a rental service.  Imagine my surprise when I saw they offered BlueSeventy suits, and the women's sizes actually accommodated me!

Imagine my even further surprise when I realized they were having a super massive sale on last year's inventory, and I could buy a new suit for close to the same price as the used TYR suits I had tried on at the swim shop.  Score!!

Immediately, I put a BlueSeventy suit in my basket, and started looking for a men's suit for my husband (since he agreed he would swim with me, and wanted one as well). 

Uh-oh, another setback.  My husband is 6'2", and like myself, he is too heavy to "fit" according to the TYR chart.  I keep looking at all the options and size charts.  Eventually I stumble across a brand that I've never heard of, Synergy (ok, yes, I'm not exactly a wetsuit pro, so this doesn't mean much).  Hm ... their size chart looks promising:

And ... what?!  Their 2014 version Adrenaline suit, normally $399, is on clearance for $220?!  SOLD!!

I throw a second suit in my cart in my husbands size.  Then, on a whim, throw this same men's suit in my size in the cart as well.  I've decided I may want to compare the BlueSeventy to this suit. 

As I'm doing the comparison, I realize a hitch.  For some reason the BlueSeventy in my cart is displaying as a women's large ... and XL ... and large. 

Oh, technology!  I have ordered one wetsuit.  How are you telling me I'm getting it in three sizes?

Since I'm a little leery of this wetsuit seller's website anyway, being that I've never heard of them, I decide to call customer service.  I figure that they'll (1) be able to tell me what the heck is going on with this weird sizing issue on the BlueSeventy suit and (2) I can gauge whether or not I trust them enough to spend my money there prior to checking out.

Within seconds of calling them, I am immediately impressed.  Even with the few simple questions I'm asking, I can tell - this guy knows what he's talking about.  And based on what he's saying, he's very obviously worn a few of these wetsuits himself.  Not to mention, when he finds out my size and weight and realizes I'm shopping for a women's suit, he apologizes for the fact that women get the short end of the stick in the tri world when it comes to sizing.

He gets it.  He understands my struggle.  Compared to the swim shop, this level of service is absolutely awesome!

After a few more questions to him about the BlueSeventy versus the Synergy suit, and some general sizing questions, I decide to ditch the BlueSeventy and instead purchase the matching his and hers wetsuits.

Aw, won't that be cute?! 

I thank the customer service person for his time, hang up, and make my purchase online.

The next day, a small stock and size problem arises that requires me to switch the Adrenaline suit for Synergy's step down suit, the Endorphin.  While I'm disappointed to downgrade, in the end I figure a newbie like myself won't know the difference anyway, so I concede to the switch (with a price adjustment to match the cost of the lower end suit, of course).  To make up for my troubles, the shop includes some free swim caps and goggles for the two of us, and waives shipping.

Dang!  While this is a nice concession gift, I just purchased goggles and ear plugs literally minutes earlier.  I had realized my husband would probably need a jammer to wear under his wetsuit, and since I hate paying shipping, I filled up my shopping cart with a few other swim accessories as well.  Oh well, now we'll have a few spares.  I guess that won't hurt.

(Oh, side note - I also have issues with the idea of "stuff" touching my feet when I swim in the lake, so I purchased these swim socks off Amazon.)

Anyway, a few days later ... as you saw at the beginning of this blog ... the suit arrived.  If you're curious to see what it looks like, here are a couple full body views:

*For the privacy of my husband, I am not including photos of him in his wetsuit.  Sorry.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the fit of the suit.  Yes, I sweat getting it on, but ... I could actually get it on!  And dare I say ... it may be a tad on the large size.  Or, I could just be so traumatized by the ill fitting suit at the swim shop that I don't realize how a real wetsuit should fit.  I am technically on the top end of the weight spectrum for the suit I purchased, so I'm willing to bet it's the right one for me.

Anyway, so now ... we wait.  Hopefully, the weather will warm the lake water into the mid 60s soon, and I can take this baby for a swim.  Once that happens, I'll let you know what I think.

Wish me luck!

Run the Inferno 5K 2015 (Commander Bob)

 

Run the Inferno 5K (3.15 miles)

33:22

Average Pace 10:46/mile

I'm a planner at heart.  This means that normally, I register for races months in advance.  Or, if not months in advance, at least a few weeks ahead of time.  (Ever since my feet have been a little iffy, I've been more touch and go with early race registrations). 

Given the above, the fact that I decided to register for this race at the latest possible second of online registration - Thursday before gun time - was quite unusual for me.  So of course, it's just my luck that I register for a race less than 48 hours away, and the perfectly warm and comfortable weather immediately changes into a blustery ice bath the next day.

A temperature drop of almost 30 degrees in less than 48 hours?!  *Sigh.*  At least, as you can see above, it stopped raining before gun time.  I guess there's that.  Moving on ...

As I've mentioned a handful of times on this blog, my in-laws own a cabin near Siren, Wisconsin.  And as I've also mentioned, I really like small town races - not only because they're more affordable (for runners), but also because the field of runners is smaller, so my chances of actually placing in my age group are much higher.  Add to the mix that this is a fire themed race, and I already own a fire workout dress for teaching my post Thanksgiving Turkey Burner class, and you can see that running this race was really a no brainer for me.

Well, it was a no brainer until I saw the $35 late registration price tag ... for the 5K distance. 

Ooof. 

That was a little higher than I would have expected for a small town race.  I suppose that higher entry fee was because you could walk away with this post race:

Yep, that's a long sleeve performance T. 

Which reminds me.  You'll notice I titled this blog "Run the Inferno", but my shirt above says "Run the Spark".  Online, this race series is called "Run the Inferno", despite the fact that it offers three different races with three different names: a 19 miler (the Inferno), a half marathon (the Blaze), and a 5K (the Spark).  Since the entire series is called "Run the Inferno" online, and I want people to be able to Google this blog and find the recap easier, I decided to title this blog per the series name rather than the distance I participated in.

Also, a little commentary regarding this whole naming concept: while I think it's cute to name each distance something like they did, it would make more sense from a shirt purchasing perspective to do what most big races do - combine their print run all into one shirt design.  Not only would it save race organizers money on printing and allow them to get a higher quality printed shirt (as this year's shirt was a little grainy), combining the print run would also allow them to advertise all three races on their shirts and attract a wider audience in the future. 

What I'm suggesting is that the design look something like this in the future:

 

I don't think making this change would be a big deal from a participant perspective, either, as I doubt anyone would care if their shirt listed all three races.  The distances runners would be the only ones who might care, and they couldn't really complain since they got additional swag anyway.  So, it's not like they aren't getting their own little something-something to set them apart. 

Well, wait.  I take that back.  Now that I think of it, I overheard a girl in the 5K race talking about how she said screw it to the higher registration fee for the half marathon when she found out they didn't even get a finisher's medal.  So it must be that only the 19 milers were guaranteed a finishers medal.  That, and a chance at winning a top finishers prize - $300 to 1st, $200 to 2nd and $100 to 3rd. 

So!  Maybe what I'm ACTUALLY saying is that race organizers should change the shirt to the above revised design, give anyone doing the half or greater a guaranteed finishers medal to encourage folks to step up from the 5K, and then do the grand prizes as mentioned above to entice people to step up from the half to the 19 miler. 

Yeah, that seems to make sense to me.  If I were king, anyway.

Regardless, I'm WAY off topic here.  Ugh.  Well, why not take it a step further.  Because shinny things.  And we are raccoons.  Or something.

Yes, that's the swag table.  There  were crystal trophies for the top three men and women in the half, crystal trophies for 2nd and 3rd place men and women in the 19 miler, and in case you didn't notice those things in the center, check this out:

Bronze firemen for top male and female finisher in the 19 miler. 

That has seriously got to be the coolest winner's trophy I've ever seen!!  And I should know - I've run close to 75 races now.

When you consider all the above swag, and the fact that this is perfectly timed as a practice race for anyone training for Grandma's Marathon in June ... well, let's just say I hope they can grow this race in 2016!

OK, enough sidebar.  Let's get back on topic.  Race day.

Since it was a pretty cold and breezy day, I was in no hurry to get to the race early - it would just mean standing around in the wind and freezing my tail off.  As such, I decided to budget just enough time to stroll up to race start at 7:25, pick up my packet before the 7:30 cut off, and then huddle with the crowd until gun time.  (Although the 5K wasn't scheduled to start until 8:15, the 19 miler had a gun time of 7:30.  I guess they decided to close packet pickup at 7:30 to encourage everyone to watch the 19 milers start their run ... ?)

Knowing all this, my 7:25 arrival time seems logical, no?

Well, here's the flaw.

Notice how it doesn't specify on the race website where packet pickup is? 

Yeah.  I figured out the hard way, at 7:27 no less, that packet pickup was about 6 blocks away at the local hockey arena.  And my husband had driven off to go get a coffee.

Damn! 

With three minutes left until packet pickup closed, I was wishing HARD that I would have remembered that part.  (Later, my husband oh so politely pointed out that I should have known this because when he fished around the website, he did find reference to the hockey rink packet pickup ... which you could only find if you left the official race website and clicked on the registration link that took you to Midwest Events to register for the event.  I oh so politely responded to his information by saying that no one clicks on a registration link for a race they are already registered for when there is a tab on the official website titled "Race Information".  Ah, fun times.)

As you can tell, there was a wee bit of drama and angst rolled up to this entire snafu, which included a combination of me doing a full on sprint towards the hockey arena for about a quarter of a mile and my husband finding me in the car and rushing me to packet pickup. 

Yes, I was the last one to show up for my bib.  And yes, I also had some other emotions balled into that entire situation that made me melt down once I got back into the car.  No, I'm not ashamed to admit that.  Let's just say that the last year has been really challenging for me, and with some other major family stuff also going on right now, I'm just emotionally worn out.

Needless to say, when the 8:15 5K gun time finally came up, I was already exhausted.  But out of sheer spite, I refused to cave.  So despite my less than stellar mood at the start line, I found myself talking to ... well, myself.  And quite tartly, in fact:

"Fuck this shit.  I don't give a damn if I haven't been training to run for the last 6+ months, and maybe I do have some plantars fasciitis issues, and emotional issues, and it's fucking cold and I don't want to be here.  At all.  But FUCK EVERYBODY!!!  I am going to run this whole stupid race."

And so, I walked up to the start line with an extremely small group:

  

 

Checked out the fire trucks that flanked the start:

 

And when the trucks blasted their sirens to signal the start of the race, I took off running.  And I never stopped.

Honestly, in close to a year, I have not been pace training at all.  I have no idea how I managed to run this race at a sub 11 minute pace over a 3+ mile distance. 

Maybe it was my angry energy. 

Maybe it was the fact that I brought tunes along to distract me. 

Maybe it was the cold, gusty air that kept the bugs down and me from overheating, or even the fact that the wind kept shifting and forcing my exhaled air up to my sunglasses to unevenly fog a single sunglass lens each time ... like a pirate with an eye patch ... which kept my focus away from other things like paying attention to how my run was going. 

It could have even been the out and back course design, which I typically hate but sort of secretly love because it means I know what the last half of the course is going to feel like and how to pace myself accordingly.

Whatever it was, I started out at my goal pace of about 11+ minutes per mile, and somehow each time I glanced at my GPS watch after the half way point, the pace per mile number kept getting smaller.

And somewhere in that last half mile, I just felt my running mojo come home.  My stride opened up, and for the first time in almost a year, running actually felt ... good.  Maybe even great.

So imagine my surprise when I pulled around the final corner of the course and saw a 32 on the clock in the distance.  Knowing my secret goal was to finish sub 34 (essentially an 11 minute mile pace with a little wiggle room), I was thrilled. 

I even briefly debated the final distance, how quickly I could sprint it, and weather or not I could get a 32 something as a final time.  But I realized that would just be dumb.  That, and it would very likely induce vomiting.  So I kept a steady pace, smiled for the cameras, and stomped on the mat as the fire engines tooted and the announcer called out my name.

Boom.  Another race on the books.

 

Needing a little cool down time, and frankly wanting to be alone for a bit, I wandered off into Veteran's Park.  There I decided to take a fun selfie, despite profusely sweating:

I also quite enjoyed the name on the tank:

Oh, and I found someone else who was dressed equally as festive:

And yes, I did stay around long enough to take in the 5K awards ceremony.  Unfortunately, though, I was one person too slow in my age category and did not walk away with an award:

Oh well.  I was just as happy to come home to this instead:

Sheesh!  You'd think he was the one who just raced, not me.

Speaking of sleeping, I don't know if it's because my feet are slowly getting better (which I'm hesitant to admit because last time I did I regressed) or what ... but the next morning, I woke up with absolutely no foot pain.  I got right out of bed and walked without any issue.

Let's hope that this is a good sign for my return to running some time this summer.


---


And that's the story of how race bib #56 joined my collection - here's to another race soon!  Did you know ... it's set for next weekend already?! 

Current Workouts & Moving Into Summer

Wow, it's already June and summer is on it's way!  I suppose it's about time to check in with my current workout accomplishments. 

Feel free to check in with your schedule below in the comments, too - let's keep each other honest with how much (or how little, as my case may be) we've been working out!

PS - I'm only counting dedicated cardio time to this report, or activities that prevented me from getting to the gym (ahem - Chicago - ahem).  If I spend a bunch of time outside, walking around or whatever, but I didn't use that as my workout for the day ... then it's not on here. 

---

May 4th - 10th
Monday - Show up to teach cycle but have class cancelled - Boo!
Tuesday - Teach TBC
Wednesday - Be a Bum (no excuses, I was flat out lazy)
Thursday - Teach TBC
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Cinco de Miler 5 mile run
Sunday - Walk Chicago

May 11th - 17th
Monday - Aggressive elliptical intervals - 8 miles in 45 minutes!
Tuesday - Teach TBC
Wednesday - Swim
Thursday - Teach TBC
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Volunteer at the Chaska 5K/10K/Kids Run
Sunday - Be a bum on a rainy day (no excuses, I was flat out lazy)

May 18th - 24th
Monday - Aggressive elliptical intervals - 12 miles in just over 65 minutes!
Tuesday - Teach TBC
Wednesday - More elliptical intervals - 10 miles in about an hour
Thursday - Teach TBC
Friday - Teach Cycle
Saturday & Sunday - enjoy the Memorial holiday

May 25th- 31st
Monday - enjoy the Memorial holiday
Tuesday - Teach TBC
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - Teach TBC
Friday - Planned to teach cycle, class was cancelled
Saturday - Ran the Inferno!  Recap coming ...
Sunday - Rest