Art Moore Fat Ass 50k (Not quite)

I really wasn't sure what my body can do at this race but I went back and forth trying to decide to go or not go, another thing was that I know I was going to be doing this mainly by myself, most people going so far were faster than me, or do 100 mile runs so that was another issue.

Since part of my goals for this year is to get outside my comfort zone and meet more people, I decided to pull out the big girl panty and go for it, 7:30am start that wasn't happening.

For those of you that do not know what a Fat Ass is here is some history from Trail and Ultra Running or definition here from Cool Running but the general idea is "No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps". Although Joe the organizer for this one is such a great guy, he did put out aid and direction signs, you really can do whatever you want, mileage and time is recorded just to show who showed up and this particular one dates back to 1990, and Art Moore himself was around today for the race but I didn't see him.

Got to the race site about 8:30, it was pouring rain when I left the house but it stopped when I got to the meetup site, the course direction is to go 7 miles to the right turnaround and then 8.5 miles to the left, I needed at least 16miles and knew going to the right was not going to be a great idea since I am not sure if I will want to go any further once I get back to my car and there was also that chance of running it faster than necessary, so I headed off to the left to do 17 miles. This is a beautiful park Rocky River Reservation, not one I come to even thou it is only 40 mins from me, not really sure why since it will be the same distance to the Cuyahoga National Park, running along the Rocky River for most of my run.

After the 17miles, even thou I felt fine my pace was slowing and I decided there was no reason to do a 50k today, I just was not trained for it and even thou I can finish it will be a quantity run not a quality one since I will be switching to a run walk so after some deliberation with myself decided to do 20 miles but then I had this feeling like it will feel like I hit the wall at 20 so decided to make it 21miles, leaving 10 out there.

The weather was beautiful slightly over dress, I felt great, body responded since this was the longest miles since October and with 1 week off during the holidays and holiday weight gain hanging on, I am happy I got out and got it done. Yeah Me.

Detroit Free Press Expo and Marathon - Oct 17/18. 2015

Was planning on doing Detroit last year but got into Chicago so did it instead and resisted the urge to do a back to back marathon since I am not getting any younger and there is no reason to wear out the body at such as early age.

Drove down to Detroit by myself on Saturday after running some errands, it was a nice 3 hours drive, went straight to the expo which was at the Cobo Center, it was easy to get to, lots of parking at the center that was listed outside for $10 but was actually $5 for those attending the expo.

I got flagged to see the immigration officers before I could pickup my bib, so had to show passport and answer some questions, not much at the expo, I thing the biggest selling product was  pouch for your passport since we were advised to have it with us doing the race, just about every vendor had their own version of passport protector. I went swiftly through the expo not much was of interest and no real freebies which for me is the fun part of expos.

On the way out got in some expo pictures and made my way to the hotel, I decided to stay at the Westin in Southfield which was only 15mins away and much cheaper than the hotels downtown.

Check in was a breeze at the hotel, even thou it seem very busy with a wedding, hockey group and  people watching a Michigan game all hoovering around. Went through the google map app to see what kind of restaurant was around me and there was an authentic Chinese restaurant nearby with great review, went over to try it out. You can judge the quality of a Chinese restaurant by how many Chinese patron are actually in there, this one was packed and they had a separate authentic Chinese menu, which is always fun to order from, it normally translate to no sugar and junk. The food was great and I was very tired, so was in bed promptly by 8pm since I had a 4am wake up alarm set. Parking is going to be a pain according to the where to park map we were given.

Had a really good night sleep, love the Westin Heavenly bedding, woke up refresh and relax, now to start the day, got everything done and was out of the hotel by 5:15am after requesting a 3pm checkout which was happily granted. Parking was a pain, getting into the free casino slot wasn't happening so headed off towards the start to look for parking, found one $20 absolutely no way, so drove around and found another about 15mins walk from the start for $5, I don't mind the walk after the race, seem perfect to flush things out.

This was a wave start, well organized with lots of porta potty around just about every corner. For some reason for this race I couldn't stop peeing not sure what the trigger was but by race start I had used the restroom close to 6 times and within minutes of starting I had to use it again, oh brother. WE had some nice snow flurries at the start, the joys of a midwest race never know what to expect nothing was coming off it was just too cold.

 Beautiful course, pretty much flat except for some incline on the bridges and towards the finish, running to Canada was interesting there was some crowd out along the route, the tunnel back was hot despite how cold it was outside so I really can't imagine how nasty this will be on a hot day.

They did a good job showing all the beautiful parts of the city, at no time did I feel unsafe, despite running by myself most of the time especially after the Half Marathoners joined us and before the American HM caught up with us.

Slightly disappointed in the lack of food at the end, no beer either. We had banana, chocolate milk, hummus(did not sure what I was suppose to eat this with) and protein bar, I guess my annoyance was further fuel by watching the volunteers eat sub sandwiches.

I walked over to what I thought was the after party but there wasn't much going on and I wasn't interested in buying over priced food and I also was cold if there was another party somewhere I didn't see it and wasn't going to walk around looking for it when I still had a 15mins walk back to my car.

I wasn't shooting for any finish time since I just did Akron 3 weeks ago but I always aim for under 5 hours when I do this multiple races, could have done much better if I wasn't constantly looking for a porta potty



Got back to the hotel after picking up another Chinese meal, shower took a quick nap then left the hotel about 3pm, this makes it easy for me to go straight to church instead of home since I may not make it back out.

All in all a great time in Detroit and we can cross off the great state of Michigan in our quest for 50 states.#runDetroit

Akron Marathon #4

This race just never disappoint, I love everything about it, from the expo to the volunteers and all the beautiful people of Akron that set up aid stations in the front yard.

Met Shelby and Sheila at the Expo on Friday, this was a quite one since I really do not need anything but did buy a Honey Waffle since am out and got my left heel taped by Dr. Leo's office, it felt so much better and no issue during the race.

After work went to wine tasting at The Market place, then pizza and fried chicken it was early to bed, I slept like a log and woke up even before the alarm at 4:20, some butterflies in my stomach since I have really never paced anyone through 26.2 miles but just always did my own thing and let race day determine what happens but looking forward to pacing Shelby.

Perfect racing day, weather and crowd,

 

Lets do this, I love the new course I know people thing it's hilly but then that is the beautiful of Akron, but I love that the second half is in the city and not in the middle of nowhere so we got crowd support when we needed it.

Things didn't go according to plan, Shelby started having knee issue about mile 2, we was a trooper and got to mile 16 but I was concern about doing too much damage so we switch to a run/walk this gives her time to stretch out the ITB and move the pain out of her hip. Most people make the mistake of running harder and faster to get it done but unfortunately by mile 22-23, you may come to a complete stand still with the knee locking up, I really wanted to prevent that I know we can finish if we do a fast run then a slow walk, been there done that. 

For the run walk I love doing a 0.8mile/0.2mile ratio but the trick is to run till 0.6 then walk to 0.8 so that when you get back running you are clicking off a mile so it shows forward progress. We started out with the 4:40 pace group and Pacer Brett was great and with the run/walk we finish at 4:41:53 so we did pretty good. Had a great time with Shelby, I know it wasn't the race she was expecting but getting the bad one out of the way well it can only get better from now on. We both finish feeling great some stiffness but not walking backwards or funny, so on to Detroit.

So this complete the series, I really had  a good time doing all 3 races, love that the courses were different and experience unique.

#runakron #burnrubber

Kathleen Nietert Race for Hope 7.5 miles

This wasn't on the schedule to do but once I thought about it yesterday to do I didn't see any reason not to do it, yes I did just run a trial 10k but my body felt good and nothing hurts, moreover am suppose to run 8 miles on Monday so doing it one day early and going 0.5 mile short since I will be running harder.

I think this is my 4th time doing this race, it's quite humbling since the first 4 miles is nothing but rolling hills and just when you are happy to be done, you kind of still have 1.5miles to do around the lake. I love this race since it is a family affair, all the aunts, uncles, in-laws, nephews, nieces are out bright and early manning water stop, calling out time at the mile marker or controlling traffic.

This race supports the American Cancer Society through Team Nietert , a mom, aunt, mother-in-law, sister lost her battle and the race is use to race money, awesome family.

Even thou I have done this race 4 previous time and this was my slowest time, I actually placed 2nd in my age group, go figure but I was very happy and this was a great ego buster.

Life is good

Boots on the Ground 5 Miler

Woke up to pouring rain, there was really no question of whether I was going to do the race or not, if it wasn't cancelled I was there, I mean this is to support out veterans, how can I not be able to tolerate a little rain discomfort. Rain did stop before race start but the humidity was a whole different issue.

I really wasn't sure what was going to happen at this race, I had planned on pushing it if my legs felt fine still sore from the half marathon last week and a full week of training. Well, the legs were fine but the humidity was too much. The heavy over night and in the morning cooled things down a bit but the woods held on to the humidity, on the first half since we are in an enclosed trail (crushed limestone) thick vegetation on both sides breathing was unbearable and I was pouring sweat. I could not control my heart rate, I was in the 200s for the first 2 miles, my HR didn't come down to the 160s until we got to the other side with the creek on our right, pushing it on the first half wasn't happening every time I tried it, it  felt like I was having a heart attack, so I covered the Garmin up and ran by feel, finish in 46:50, was actually surprised I ran that fast, too many speedy women in my age group I think I was 7/8. Garmin is not accurate, lost signal in one section of the woods and I also started it before the start, a duh moment. Max HR 210bpm Avg 172bpm

The race was very well organized and started promptly, for a first year race they did an amazing job.

After the race, Shelby came over and we hook up with Daniel( he ran the race also) and got in 6 milers before Daniel had to leave to take care of his dogs. Heart rate and legs felt fine, different section of trail. Max HR 158bpm, Average  151bpm



After we dropped Daniel off, Shelby and I went back on the race course starting at the finish for 4 more miles, max HR 157bpm Avg 148bpm



So ended up with 15 miles for the day. Got back home in time to shower, change and get ready for a graduation party

 

Did very good at the party, avoiding all my trigger foods and alcohol . Life is good

Much better sleep last night even thou it is still not perfect but was able to go back to sleep using breathe and counting backwards. No nap needed today and I felt good and focus through, got lots of work done.

This morning 28 mins HITT using a program from Global Cycling Network that I found on You tube it was really good and music was great, can't wait to try out more.

A short yin yoga for runners with Kassandra also from You tube, love it. The focus on legs and hips was prefect.

Did I mention am doing a 5 miler on Saturday (Boots on the Ground), I had this on my calendar but never commit due to the distance 1 hr away but it is in support of our veterans so I figure that is the least I can do to give back, Shelby will meet me there afterwards only 30 mins from her place for us to get in 6 additional miles.

48th Birthday coming up, can't believe I am so close to 50, don't feel it

Biggest Loser Half Marathon - Erie, PA

Not quite sure why I decided to do this race except for maybe it was reasonably priced and a short distance from home because I already have a Half Marathon in Pennsylvanian and do not have to run another. Any way...

Drove down Saturday around 1pm, this is an easy drive, under 2 hours, arrived at the Expo, after driving around to find location, I think sometimes assumption is made that everybody knows where they are going, when  an address is giving, especially when address has nothing to do with location and GPS says you are here but where. Expo was small not much going on  there, can't believe the price for some of the skirts and headband, guarantee cheaper that most know brands but doesn't seem to be as good a quality or heavier fabric. Got package and headed off to the hotel to rest before going for dinner, after some driving around with Sheila and Shelby decided on Ruby Tuesday, we all wanted meat not pasta and the unlimited salad was the absolute draw. Had a great steak. Bed by 9pm.

Race morning, up by 4:45am, race start is 7am but this is on an Isle so only 1 was in, decided to get their early to avoid traffic, park, use restroom and get ready, basically to have a stress free morning, Shelby was nice enough to drive. Not sure how many runners or walkers, or those doing 5K and Half Marathon but I know lots of first timers and I think this is what makes this race great, plenty of time to finish the 5k and HM, and their is a strictly walkers division, so no excuse not to challenge yourself and get it done.

Lots of cotton fluff in the air, almost looked like it was snowing, I didn't have a full blown allergy symptoms just some weird reactions along the course, throat closing miles 1-3, itchy face 5-7, watery eyes and running nose 8-12. This is a beautiful location.

Really flat course, except for the white fluffy stuff nothing to complain about, great race, volunteers and aid stations, limited spectator but that was expected since we are in the middle of a park that is on a Isle. Every time I go to this races the goal is to break 2 hrs, whether I am train for it or not it's irrelevant then I just wait and see what the body decide to do, today was no exception.

Shelby basically set the pace, the last time we did a HM together I felt bad that I pushed to pace too early and she wasn't able to meet her goal of breaking 2 hrs even thou she was strong. We were running 9:47 pace which was comfortable and we seem to settle, I took over briefly at mile 7, just to get us out of that comfort pace and told Shelby to get moving, she is a very strong runner but am not sure she believe it yet. Even thou we ran a strong race from miles 7 to the finish, there was no way we could make up the pace for first 6 miles without pulling something, I pulled back a bit but felt quite strong with no noticeably aches or pain, this I was quite happy about since I was just back with the speed work, let's be honest am a lazy runner, I do enough to get by and finish but I guess am going to have to step up my game. Bring it. Official finish time 2:05:00 for a 9:33 average pace I had Garmin programmed differently so had to restart losing some miles, 9/49 in age group.

Got back to the hotel, shower, changed, quick stop at Five guys for some protein and then the drive back home, feeling great and time to get back at it.

   Thanks to PTH for this finish line pciture

Got some great pictures from the Biggest Loser picture downloads, can't believe they are really free, Thanks #BLRWErie, really wish I could sneak in the Rockford one next week before graduation ceremony begins, not sure my in-laws or hubby will go for it, oh well

Canton Ohio Hall of Fame Half Marathon

I think this was a peer pressure race, I wasn't planning on doing this because of the driving distance but my BGR group picked this has a group race and I miss seeing them so decided to sign up for the half to hang with them, glad I did. I think the part of my body that hurts the most is my head from all the screaming.

The alarm went off at 4:30am I was actually already awake waiting for the alarm to go off, I got a really good night sleep since I was fast asleep by 9:30pm after reading a couple of pages of the Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson.

Got up and for some reason the first thing that came to me was that I want a egg sandwich for breakfast, oh well. shower and got ready, it really was cold so instead of the capri I was planning to wear switch to a long pant. Yes I did make the egg sandwich using some low carb tortilla wrap that I had.

According to the race organizers, we were to park at Belden Village Mall then take the shuttle from there to the race start due to limited parking at the start. Got to the Mall about 6:15am and waited in line till about 6:45am can't really fault the organizers, there were lots of buses but typical runners we all came about the same time since the last bus was suppose to be at 6:30am , this of cause delayed the race start for about 15mins to make sure every runner made it to the start line.

Got to the stadium, went to gear check and then used the Porta Potty, there were lots of them didn't have to wait in line, before I knew it, it was time to get this party started. The goal for this race was to push and wait for the wheels to come off then hold on for dear life and not walk, this is a rolling hill course. Paris was 2 weeks ago, still jet lagged, trained hard last week but I need to push the body a bit to prepare for The Flying Pig 4 way.

I felt pretty good during the run, was running under 10min/mile except for when I walk thru the water stop which were place every 2.5miles. Felt strong and good, ran without music since I forgot to change battery in my player, listed music on the course only 2 bands and then in some areas spectators had their players blasting. Wasn't really expecting a large crowd support, one it is Sunday morning and then new race but the spectators out were awesome.

The wheels came off at bout mile 11, but I was able to hold on with out walking to finish in 2:10:59 which I am really happy with, was targeting 2:15 - 2:30.

Race was well organized, even thou the start was cold, it warmed up pretty fast, lots of aid on the course and food at the finish.

Buzzard Day 25K

This race kicked my butt, was expecting the trails to be muddy from melting snow and rain from the last couple of days, well no such luck the snow never melted and seeing mud was a welcome site.

Lets start from the beginning, met up with Shelby at the Walmart parking lot in Macedonia at 8am, she agreed to drive and we were on our way, I think with all we had you will think we were running the 100k but better to be prepared.

We got there early and parking wasn't an issue like it was stated in the email, we could have gotten an extra couple of minutes of sleep. It was suppose to rain but luckily it stopped raining before we started, we stayed in the car for a while catching up then we went in and got our bib and instead of a tshirt we got a chili/soup bowl, which is too cute.

The 50k and 100k runners, started before us, the ones we saw coming in weren't too much, upon further investigation we were told ice and slushy snow was a problem not mud, was expecting mud due to the thaw and rain of the last couple of days, well this trail looked like it just got fresh snow and the more we ran, the icy and slippery it got.

Initial we were suppose to do a single 25k loop but due to rising water on the creek and some other flooded location this became 3 loops of 5.2miles, hard to complaint since the 100k runners had to do 12 loops, this was also a  Run to Share Event with all the money going to a local family going through a difficult time, after all expenses paid with the running club taking no profit.

After a quick funny briefing by the race director Roy, we were on our merry way, sending us off was the husband of the family we were supporting.

We look so happy before the start, it didn't take us long to know this was going to be a hard race, there were section we could barely run or walk since we kept on sliding to the edge due to the flow of the water off the trail and it being very icy.

Picture By Tonya

It was really hard going, slushy snow was fast turning to packed ice and we were sliding all over the place, we actually were able to keep a pretty good pace, running all the hills and only walking the hard to run slippery sections.






I have never been so glad to finish a race, even thou this was a 5.2 mile loop, to conquer this one I just hard to break it down into section despite the fact that this was a short loop.
Start to bridge, bridge tor road, road to turn around, weather was perfect even the course was better but that didn't really stop the 25k who finished in 1:46

Grateful to have another one under my belt, and always nice to catch up with trail friends I haven't seen in a while.