Thumbs Up Thursday...Elizabeth

This week's spotlight is on Elizabeth of Girls Go Running (here). Once you read her interview, head on over and say hello!!

Jodi: How long have you been running?

Elizabeth: I loved to run as a child. As the baby of the family, I played alone a lot and running was usually a big part of my play. I ran track in high school when I was a senior. It was a new sport that spring at our school, and at the time, there were not many sports for girls. I became serious about running in late 1993 or 1994.

Jodi: Why did you start running?

Elizabeth: My neighbor was a runner, and when I found out she was running, I wanted to try it too. She was a great inspiration. I kept running because it helped me to fight depression, and I discovered that I felt like a completely different person when I was running. I have enjoyed running with my daughters—the other members of girlsgorunning—and I loved running with my son who I recall ran with me the first time I went running in the rain. I will never forget it.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?

Elizabeth: I ran my first post-high school race in 1997. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t really know what to expect. I finished that 10K, but I didn’t enjoy it. For a long time, racing stressed me out. I thought it was about being faster than I actually was and I didn’t have much fun during a race. I did keep running races off and on. When I turned 54, I made a promise to myself to run a marathon before my next birthday. It seemed like I had talked about it my whole life, and I decided at that moment if I didn’t do it soon, I would never do it. So my new year’s resolution in 2010 was to finish a marathon. Megan decided to run it with me. We found Red River Runners Grand Forks to help us train, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?

Elizabeth: I think my favorite distance would be a half marathon. The sneaky part about that is it is a distance I have never run. I have done all kinds of others but never a half. However, I think it is a distance that is short enough and long enough for me. As I get older, I think I would love to run some half marathons to help me keep my fitness.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?

Elizabeth: My favorite race memory is when I saw my family on the marathon course. My husband has been such an unwavering supporter, and over the years, he has documented my runs in photographs. It is a powerful thing to have someone believe in you, and then, be there to cheer you on. The other special memory is my sister running part of the course with Megan and me that day. She has inspired me time and again over the race training and on that day.

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?

Elizabeth: I believe my least favorite memory is the last 5 miles of the marathon. I bonked big time, and I wasn’t really anticipating it. It was a mental struggle of mammoth proportions for me, BUT I managed to keep running, and it was totally worth the struggle.

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?

Elizabeth: My proudest running moment will always be crossing the finish line at the Fargo Marathon in May 2010. I will never forget how it felt to finish the 26.2 miles with my daughter, Megan, right beside me. It was amazing! I enjoyed training together and running the race together. I had officially kept the promise I made to myself, and we ran together for my nephew, Matt, who was battling brain cancer at the time. It gave us so much purpose because I felt like every mile was for him.

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?

Elizabeth: I have to have on a headband. I can’t stand being bothered by my hair so a headband is critical for me. I also love my Garmin GPS, but I could live without it if I had to, but I have to have my headband.

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?

Elizabeth: Honey Stinger waffles are my new favorite.

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?

Elizabeth: Something from Starbucks or Caribou Coffee is a favorite post race or post long-run treat. My choices vary, but I love celebrating around coffee.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?

Elizabeth: I admire a number of runners, but I am filled with admiration for my daughters. Megan has survived a couple of bouts with thyroid cancer, and she has come back strong. I feel so fortunate that I have had an opportunity to train with her. We have a fairly lengthy running history. Carrie has so much drive and she is a great encourager and has been her whole life. She couldn’t run with us last year because she had just given birth to her own little girl, but she came out on the course and ran the final miles with us, and it was great. I also admire my niece’s husband, a great runner in his own right, who came out and helped us through those last agonizing miles. Thanks, Brian!

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?

Elizabeth: Oh, yes, I have a quote that I have loved for years. I think it is often credited to George Eliot, but I am not sure if it belongs to Eliot or not. It has kept me going many times when I thought I might give up. “It is never too late to become what you might have been.” I figure I am living proof; I became a marathoner in my fifth decade of life!

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel _____.

Elizabeth: whole. Running fills me with hope and makes life richer. I believe it has changed my life.

Jodi: What is your current goal?

Elizabeth: My current goal is to finish the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon with Carrie and Megan. I am looking forward to running this big race together. The best advice anyone ever gave me was to have fun with the race. I plan on having the most fun ever.

As you can see, Elizabeth is dedicated to her training. The photo below is of Elizabeth and her daughter Megan after a training run in Minnesota!! Now that's dedication!!

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Elizabeth! Best of luck at the Cleveland Marathon and have a fantastic time having the most fun ever!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Elizabeth YOU inpsire ME!!

Twenty Miles And An Ice Show

This weekend was crazy and busy but it was a great time!! Kaelynn has been practicing for her ice show for months on end. Once I had developed my training schedule, I looked at what type of mileage I would have to run the weekend of the show and sure enough it would be our first 20 mile run of the training cycle! Friday night I dropped Kaelynn and her two friends off for Dress Rehearsal and then headed to a friend's house for a Premiere Jewelry/Dove Chocolate/Simply Said party where I enjoyed the company and products. Saturday morning it was back to the ice rink for Kaelynn's final ice skating lesson of the session. After lessons, we headed home and my mom and step dad and one of my best friend's from PA and her family got into town. We had an early dinner, took a quick picture of the kids and then headed off to night one of the ice show. The theme of the show was "Let's Go To The Movies". Kaelynn was in Annie and she did a really good job! Since the show didn't start until 7PM, we didn't get back home until close to 10:30PM. All of the family and friends from PA headed home and we finally got the kids to bed around 11:00PM. I of course knew I needed to get to bed since I would be getting up at 4:30AM to meet Jenn for our long run. I slept pretty good and was thankful for that. I was up and at it by 4:45AM and getting ready for the long run. The 20 miler would be Jenn's farthest run to date. She didn't have her Garmin so I was in charge of distance and pace. When we first started out we had discussed running out 5 miles and back and repeating it but in the end I ran us out 10 miles. Jenn was quite surprised when I told her we were half way done at our turn around. There were a few times when I could really see the fatigue setting in for Jenn. Around mile 15.5 we needed to refuel again. Jenn mentioned that she would need to walk for her fueling this time because she was going to take sports beans. I told her at that point that we were going to stop and stretch while she ate them because I was proving a point to her. I knew for a fact she could run 20 miles without stopping and that is exactly what she did! I was so proud of her! There wasn't much talking on the run but I am sure parts of the marathon are going to be like that so it was good practice. Once we had 1/4 of a mile left I asked Jenn to show me what her legs could do after 19+ miles. We brought in mile 20 at 10:35. Not too shabby...not too shabby at all!! Our final time for the run was 3:34:09 which is an overall pace of 10:42/mile and we were still smiling at the end!! After a few stretches, hugs, and good jobs Jenn and I went our separate ways. I stopped and grabbed ice and then headed home for an ice bath. I knew I definitely had to fit one into my day since yesterday afternoon was day 2 of the ice show and I would be sitting in bleachers for 2 1/2 hours which is not always the best thing after a long run! Kaelynn did a great job again yesterday as well! As crazy busy as this weekend was I wouldn't change it for the world. I managed to successfully get my long run in and got to watch my daughter do something that she truly loves and adores. Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kaelynn your passion for ice skating inspires me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Lisa

This week's spotlight is on Lisa of Journey Cooking and Living (here). Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello! She has a fantastic personality which is quite evident in the photos below!

Lisa at the Napa Marathon on March 6, 2011

Lisa and her daughter at the Mercer Island 1/2 Marathon on 3/20/11

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Lisa: Since high school track, and I graduated in 1979.....so that's 32+ years!!

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Lisa: It just felt good to run, and track was fun in high school! It also gave me the confidence I needed in my 20's and 30's. I struggled for these years with body image issues, and it took a great toll on my self-esteem. Running gave me freedom and straightened things out for me, helping me to appreciate myself. Still now, my weight still goes up and down a bit, but because of running, I am able to keep it in its proper perspective and not let it affect how I feel about myself! Running reminds me to be true to myself, no matter what I weigh! There are so many times in my life where I look back, and realize that it was running that saved me, giving me just what I needed at just at the right time.

I thank God every day that I can run, because I know that it is a blessing. And I am very grateful for it.

Lisa with two of her special running friends, Chris and Tamara, who make running even more meaningful

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Lisa: I think about 20 years, just fun road races mostly. Started doing marathons in 1995.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Lisa: My new favorite, as I am now approaching my 50th birthday, is the 1/2 marathon distance. I just did one three days ago, and I am still flying high. It is enough of a challenge, but not so grueling that I have to work my whole exercise routine and life around training.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Lisa: The Great Wall marathon 2001, running through a poor Chinese village. The little children were so poor, that they had no clothes. But they had smiles big enough for the entire world! They ran after us, and held our hands as we ran, welcoming us in their village, and cheering us on. Unforgettable!

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Lisa: Would have to be the Scranton, Pennsylvania Steamtown marathon 2002. Nothing wrong with the marathon itself, I was just undertrained and very dehydrated. The ride home I was in the back of the car for 3 hours throwing up! Awful memory...

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Lisa: My biggest pride is that I have run 11 full marathons in 4 continents, all after becoming a mom! While my husbands work had us living in different countries for 10 years, I took advantage of the great places we lived and looked for marathons in each new location. I've run them at the Great Wall of China, the Australian Gold Coast, Florence, Italy, Singapore, and others in the U.S. Also did several 1/2 marathons while living in Tokyo. I was able to savor each new place from a wonderful perspective, and it also gave me relief from being in a new town, new country, without friends. Running as an expatriate overseas was a very good thing, in so many ways! Most importantly, my husband and three kids were always supporting me during these marathons, which was the best gift ever! My first marathon ever was in Florence, Italy and my twin boys were toddlers and ran to the finish to hug me! Now they are 16 and they still come when they can, and are proud of me! In two years, my boys will be leaving for college, and I know that I will miss them desperately, but as it always is, running will be there for me to fill the void!!

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Lisa: My cell phone and Advil! With three teenagers, I always want to be reachable. On a recent run, I started an out-and-back long 17 mile run, and exactly at halfway point (8.5 miles from my house), the school nurse called with my son very sick needing to be picked up asap, and my husband was out of town. I gave myself a PR running the remaining 8.5 back to get my son! Glad I had my cell.

I keep Advil with me because once in awhile I will get a migraine. I have to medicate with Advil right away, or I am stuck with a 3 day nasty headache. I always have 3 Advil capsules with me!!

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Lisa: As much as I try, I cannot get myself to like GU, Sports Beans, Gatorade or anything like that when racing. I love raw almonds, peanut brittle, and water with flavorless electrolytes!

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Lisa: Soup!! Something about soup after a race! It hits the spot perfectly!

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Lisa: Definitely my mom and dad. Nobody even comes close. They are my heroes.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Lisa: If your cup is small, a little bit of salt will make the water salty. If your heart is small, then a little bit of pain can make you suffer. Your heart must be large.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
I tell runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart.
~Mike Fanelli, club coach
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
~Eleanor Roosevelt
You have to live in the solution, not the problem.
~my dad
You have to take the bad with the good.
~my mom

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Lisa: Like I've taken some cloudy glasses off, and can see things clearly. At peace!

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Lisa: I want to live with the grace, strength, and faith like my mother (who is on the treadmill faithfully an hour every day, even now as she battles cancer). I want to get more into triathlons. I did one 2 years ago, and it was tough. I want to challenge myself even more as I get older. I want to pass on the gift of exercise to my three beautiful children.

Lisa at the 2010 Portland Marathon whcih she dedicated to her mother and the Cancer Society.

Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Lisa: I've never met anyone whose life didn't change for the better from taking on running!

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Lisa! Best of luck in achieving your current goals!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Lisa YOU inspire ME!!

18 Miles of Sunshine

Earlier in the week Jenn had sent me a message letting me know that we would have to do our 18 mile run separately this weekend because of her babysitting arrangements. After I received Jenn's message I put the following status update on my Facebook page...Jodi Wolfe Higgins
has 18 miles on the schedule Sunday and Jenn isn't able to run it with me. Any takers or will it be a solo mission? Eventually my friend Darlene made the following comment...Hey, Jodi. I can't quite make 18 but maybe I could join you for 14. Send me a message with the details and we can try to get it in. I was thrilled to see her comment and immediately sent her a message and we figured out where and when we would run. Yesterday afternoon Darlene called and we finalized our plans for our long run. We would be meeting at the Rocky River Reservation at 8:30 AM this morning. When I got in my truck at 8:00 AM I was greeted with this lovely first day of spring temperature.

I met up with Darlene and we got ready to run! I knew that I would have 4 miles to finish after Darlene and I completed our run. I was fine with that because I was thrilled to have a running partner for 14 miles. Shortly before mile 7 we made a pit stop in the pro shop to use their restrooms. Once we came back out onto the trail I mentioned to Darlene that we could just turn around at mile 7 so she could call it quits at 14 miles. At this point Darlene mentioned that she was feeling good and would be willing to go out 8 miles! I was thrilled because I instantly realized that I would only have 2 miles to complete once we got back to our trucks! It was a great run with fantastic conversation. Darlene did fantastic. Prior to today her longest run had been 13.5 miles or so. Once we got back to our starting point I used the restroom and then we snapped a quick picture. I would say we are still looking pretty good after 16 miles!

After I dropped off some extra gear that I had taken off during the course of our run, refilled my handheld and thanked Darlene for running with me, I reluctantly went back out for my final 2 miles. I quickly got into a groove and the last two miles were actually enjoyable as well! I arrived back at my truck with 18 miles run and done! I headed to buy ice and came home. Once home I brewed some hot chocolate in the Keurig and then put on layers and got into the very cold 28 lb ice bath.

Once the ice bath was completed, I got cleaned up, uploaded my workout to dailymile, and then headed out to get some lunch.

All in all, it was a fantastic run! We missed you out there today Jenn! Thanks for running with me today Darlene! It means a lot!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inpsire me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Aj

These week's spotlight is on Aj of Queer Vegan Runner (here). Once you have read Aj's interview head on over to her blog and say hello!


Jodi: How long have you been running?
Aj: I've been running on-and-off since high school. In Fall 2008 I started running with my partner in an effort to lose some weight and be more healthy. With the exception of a few injuries and a few bouts of loss of motivation, I've been running regularly since then.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Aj: I started running in high school in a failed attempt to join the cross country team with a friend to get out of gym class. Since then I've kept running because it's a very effective exercise and I love that I can do it nearly anywhere. Recently I've truly begun to love it!

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Aj: Our first race was April 2009 - it was a 5K and we crossed the finish line holding each other's hands. Since then that's become a tradition.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Aj: I really love half marathons, that's a distance I wouldn't normally run (yet) on a regular training run, so it feels like I'm doing something extra special. So much can happen in 13.1 miles, I never know what to expect.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Aj: Crossing the finish line at our first half marathon - OC Half in May 2010. I was nearly in tears at what we had accomplished. I really felt like I was beginning to learn something about myself from pushing myself to these achievements. It was a beautiful course and our only goal had been to run and have fun - both were completely accomplished!

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Aj: There was a big hill at mile 11 in the LA RnR Half in October 2010. It was our third half and I had pushed myself very hard in training for a very specific time goal. I knew I was feeling a little injured going into the race and we went out too hard too soon, ahead of our pace group for the first 8 miles. Then I hit a wall for the first time in racing. And I walked for the first time in racing. Around mile 11 there was a steep hill and we were walking up it and I wondered for the first time if I would DNF. I told my partner to run ahead without me and instantly regretted it. I hated the thought of having to push to the finish without her. Luckily, she knows me well and knew that running ahead would motivate me to push myself and catch up with her. It did! I ran after her, calling her name. I had never experienced that kind of physical and emotional pain. I wish my goals had been more realistic and more about having fun and less about the time.

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Aj: Since running our first 5K in April 2009, we have decided to try to PR a 5K every year. We had a goal set for this year and last night on my first run after a week off (back injury), I beat that goal. I knew I could do it and I was so proud that I was able to push myself! For so long running was something I plodded through just to get the exercise and miles in. Recently, I've turned a corner and I'm just loving running for the sake of running and pushing myself rather than plodding along!

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Aj: Not much! I've done runs without my Garmin, without music, etc just to mix things up. I guess my keys would be something I need to have! I hate carrying things so I wear a belt just to stick my keys in. It's really a glorified fanny pak!

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Aj: Good question - I haven't found a fuel that I love and that I think really works for me. I'm going to have to experiment more with that. I haven't tried Cliff Bloks yet and I think that will be next. I don't like Gus, yuck! The consistency just doesn't sit right with me.

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Aj: Yummy! I run to eat and eat to run! After a race, I love to indulge in Mac n' Cheeze. We use this veganized recipe (here) and call it "Death Row Mac n' Cheeze" because if I were on death row, that's what I would request for my last meal. Oh, and definitely a post-race beer to celebrate and indulge!

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Aj: I really admire my partner. She is always encouraging me to push myself yet set realistic goals (if only I had listened to her about the LA RnR half!) She believe in me, sometimes more than I do. She's very dedicated to her health and training, but focuses more on the process and having fun than on the race, which is something I would like to learn.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Aj: So many! But one that really resonates with me is "Just because you can't do everything, don't do nothing. Do something, do anything." - Colleen Patrick-Goudreau from Compassionate Cooks. She said that quote in reference to being vegan and trying to live a compassionate lifestyle, but I think it applies to so many situations. Just because we can't be perfect it does not mean we shouldn't try to do the best we can.

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Aj: free from everything that has held me back.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Aj: In June I will begin training for my first marathon - the Detroit Free Press Marathon in October 2011. We run into Canada and back! It will be my first time running a full marathon and also my first time really racing alone since my partner will be running the half with her sister.

Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Aj: You will probably hear that running is 90% mental and that is true. I didn't truly enjoy running until the past few months and I've realized that it was mostly me standing in my way, putting up barriers. However, that 10% that's physical is still crucial and sometimes it comes first. Sometimes you need to push yourself past the initial discomfort to see what you are made of and what you are capable of to really begin to think you can do it. Whatever "it" is. It's also important to define that "it" for yourself and to measure it against yourself. There will always be someone who runs further, faster, and more frequently than you. To the extent that's motivating, great. But if it feels like you're not a "real" runner because you're not doing what they're doing, focus back on yourself, your goals and how to measure success in your own terms.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Aj! Best of luck in your first marathon!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Aj YOU inspire ME!!

Rest In Peace Grandma...

At 11:20 this morning my Grandma took her last breath surrounded by all seven of her loving children. While it saddens me to see her go I know she is in a better place. She is no longer suffering and is running with the angels!

Thank you for the memories Grandma! I love you to the moon and back and I will miss you! I am dedicating my long run to you tomorrow and I will be carrying you in my heart!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Grandma your memory inspires me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Jennifer

This week's spotlight is on Jennifer of Endurance Mom: Going the Distance (here). Jennifer just recently started blogging so once you read her interview check out her blog and give her some love!

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Jennifer: Short answer: Approx. 10 months.

Long answer: Well, I was on the track team in jr. high and high school (freshman year only), but I didn’t enjoy it. lol It was one of those “my friends are doing it, so I guess I’ll do it” things. I was painfully shy in my younger years, so I had few friends…and those I did have, I clung to fiercely. After high school, with the exception of a brief stint of trying to lose some weight in college, I hadn’t run at all until I started back up again last May.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Jennifer: Short answer: I wanted to supplement my strength training sessions (3x/wk) with some additional cardio.

Long answer: After years of gaining weight and maybe losing a bit here & there, but then gaining it back (& then some), I decided to try *one more time*. I met with a trainer (Josh Dickey of Sculpt Fitness Training in Akron, OH) in January 2010. And February 1st was the first day of my new life. By May, I was down 30lbs and was feeling pretty good about myself and decided to see if I could start adding in some walk/jogs on my *off* days. I started out only being able to jog half a block before getting completely winded. In 11 months I became a runner and regained my joy for life. I’m a completely different person. I’m a better person…a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, a better employee.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Jennifer: About 9 months…my 1st race was a 5k in Mansfield, in June.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Jennifer: I haven't run them all yet, but I think I tend to prefer between a 10k and a half marathon. It seems to be the most comfortable distance...not too easy, not too hard.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Jennifer: I think my 10k was my favorite...it was down in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, sunny, and it was the largest group that I've ever run with. I felt inspired and so strong being a part of that group and I think it was the first time I actually FELT like an athlete and like I belonged there. The whole race was peaceful and I was just in this zone...I felt great.

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Jennifer: I can't really say I've had any bad races. My hardest was probably my 2nd race (my 5 miler). I was so nervous because I had never actually run more than 3 miles that I worked my breathing into a tizzy and ended up getting a side cramp right around the 2mi mark. I thought for sure I was going to have to walk the rest of the race and was so bummed out. I only ended up walking about a quarter mile and was able to breathe through it and then still ended up finishing under my goal time.

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Jennifer: Every new race challenge I meet & complete is my proudest running moment because it means I’m still improving and still surpassing goals that I never would have placed for myself a mere 12 months ago.

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Jennifer: I’d be hard pressed to run without music. I LOVE music…finding the right tunes really helps keep my legs moving when I get to that point where I don’t think I can go any faster or any farther.

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Jennifer: I kind of started a tradition with my first race without realizing it at the time…I always (if it’s local) get a Robek’s smoothie and drink that about 1-2 hours before a race. It’s never treated me wrong and usually I can get by without any *fuel* during a race…unless it’s over 8-9 miles. Otherwise, I’ve only ever tried GU before. Not sure if it actually helped me or not, but I’ll probably try it again for my upcoming half (& then the full in Cleveland, in May).

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Jennifer: Really anything. Lol. I’m usually so hungry afterwards that I’ll eat just about anything! I usually go for something that I normally wouldn’t eat during the week, though, because it’s my opportunity to *splurge*.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Jennifer: Anyone who has surpassed some limitation that they have had (either perceived or actual) and gone on to surprise themselves with what they are truly capable of. Those are the people that keep me motivated. For instance…a friend just tweeted this video which I found truly inspiring: http://vimeo.com/9358866
I also found the biography of Matt Long (The Long Run) incredibly motivating.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Jennifer: I have several, but I come back to this one a lot: What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jodi: Finish this statement: When I run I feel __________

Jennifer: like I can do anything.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Jennifer: My biggest upcoming goal is to run my 1st marathon (the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon) in May.

Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Jennifer: First off, NEVER GIVE UP! If you're still breathing, you have a chance to improve your life in some way. You never really fail unless you quit trying. Every missed goal is just another opportunity to learn and to try again. Even if it's hard when you first try it, don't give up...it really does get easier! When I started running, I couldn't run more than 100 feet without getting winded and spiking my heart rate to 190. 8 months later I ran a half marathon at a 10:40 pace and didn't collapse when I finished! ;) And just yesterday, I ran a sub-8:30 mile (for 2 miles) for the 1st time! The only other advice I have is to BE KIND TO YOURSELF! I still struggle every day with giving myself credit for what I HAVE accomplished rather than what I haven’t. Negative self-talk is, I think, THE biggest obstacle to anyone’s success. Here’s one more quote to leave you with: “We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies” – Roderick Thorp, Rainbow Drive.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Jennifer! Best of luck completing your first marathon! I will see you there!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Jennifer YOU inspire ME!!

Catch a Leprechaun 30K

Monday afternoon Jenn and I were text messaging and it went something like this:

Jenn: I am crazy looking at more races lol
Me: Just read your facebook message! A 30K is 18.4 miles crazy girl! Where is it?
Jenn: I knew that. Elyria. They have a 30K, 15K, and a 5K. It is a flat course. :) I am crazy
Me: So you wanna run 18 Sunday? No not crazy just a distance runner

The text messages continued into the evening and before 8 PM on Monday night we were signed up to run our first 30K.

I had offered my guest room to Jenn on Saturday night since the race took place close to my house and she took me up on the offer. Once Jenn got here we headed to dinner and had pizza and beer. She was a cheap date! LOL. Once we got back from dinner we looked at some running things online and then headed to bed. We woke up to this lovely sight this morning...

Yep, sure enough the weather forecast had been accurate and we would be running 18.4 miles in the snow! We got ready, had some breakfast and headed out. We stayed inside the college where it was nice and warm until it was time for the race to start!

Since neither Jenn or I had ever run a 30K we knew we would have guaranteed PR's today!! The course took us on two 9.2 loops around town. We were having a great time talking during the first loop and managed to hold between 10:15-10:30 mile pace (I'm pretty sure Jenn had no idea this was the case). As we were approaching the end of the first loop, Jenn mentioned she had to pee. At the exact moment she said that, I said damn it. It was hilarious because Jenn thought I was annoyed that she had to pee. So much so that she told me I could keep running but she had to stop and pee. I couldn't stop laughing when I told her I had to pee too and the damn it was because I had just stepped in a puddle and now my shoes were wet! It was too funny! When we headed back out for our second loop I could tell Jenn was starting to feel it. Right around mile 11 she slowed to a walk and told me she felt like she was going to pass out (what is it with me and people almost passing out. Dave last weekend and Jenn today). She took in a gel and seemed to be feeling a little better and then it happened again a little further down the road. At this point she told me she felt like she may puke. I told her to go ahead and puke and we would move on. LOL. In the end she didn't puke, but I did have to send Negative Nancy packing a few times during the course of the final 7 miles! During the final two miles there was another runner not far ahead of us and Jenn told me to go try and catch her. I told Jenn no. There was no possible way I would be leaving Jenn on the course. We were in this together until the finish which we reached in 3 hours and 18 minutes (time includes potty break). For the first time ever I finished last in a race but ended up getting first in my age group. I guess it pays to be old since I was the only one in my age group today! After we left the race we stopped to grab hot chocolate to drink while we took our "ice" bath.

Once we got back to my house we headed outside to use the lovely white stuff to ice our legs. As we sat down Jenn asked me what I had this for.

I told her I would be using it to scoop snow on my legs. As you can see it worked perfectly!!

The hot chocolate really helped to make the "ice" bath tolerable!

All in all we had a great run with lots of laughs and we were both still smiling when we crossed the finish line and in the end that is what matters!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Anna

This week's spotlight is on Anna of Random Thoughts Of A Wanna Be Runner (here). Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello!


Jodi: How long have you been running?
Anna: I have been running since last July.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Anna: I LOVE being outside, and I need to workout, so I thought I would try running as a form of exercise and I fell for it. Hard. =) I have 5 small children, so I need to be in shape to keep up!


Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Anna: I have only run 3 'official' races, all 5Ks...August (32:19), early October (29:00), late October (27:30), my goal is to get to sub27 this Spring!

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Anna: Have only raced a 5K but am planning on my first 1/2 marathon this May and hope to run my first 10K as well!

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Anna: I have 2 (I can do that right?) =) 1st: early October at Race for the Cure, being surrounded by THAT many runners, and then coming in on the last 50 yards, I turned on the rocket boosters and powered past a good twenty people. SO excited to see that clock too, NEVER expected to get sub30 so soon! 2nd favorite, running the late Oct 5K with my hubby (who does NOT like running, but wanted to do it with me and looked like he was BARELY jogging. Poor guy probably could have run a sub25 with NO problem, but wanted to stick with me...he's a keeper) =)

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Anna: After the 2nd and 3rd 5Ks, waiting for that 'I am going to hurl at ANY time' moment to pass =)

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Anna: I think powering thru (mentally) and doing 5 miles on the treadmill. Treadmill runs are so mental for me. It was tough at first to even get to THREE miles, so being able to go 5 is HUGE for me. I felt like a rockstar!

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Anna: Music! I LOVE running to music. An electic mix too...some Aguilera, Blackstreet, Alan Jackson, Jason Mraz, oh and Suade =) 2nd would probably be tissue. I go thru tissue like no tomorrow on my runs!

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Anna: So far I have never had to 'fuel' during a race. I think I will save that for if I ever EVER train for a marathon (we'll see if I survive the 1/2, first!).

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Anna: Dinner type foods, oddly enough. I can eat a plate of nachos or a whole plate of pizza like nobody's business after a long or hard run.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Anna: My AWESOME hubby. He is truly the most amazing hubby and father ever ever ever!!!

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Anna: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' Phil 4:13... this verse has gotten me thru a lot!

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Anna: Strong and powerful. Confident. Happy.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Anna: Running goals: to hit a sub25 5K SOMETIME in this calendar year. To run an 8 minute mile (just one!), to run a sub55 10K and to run my first 1/2 in under 2:25.

Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Anna: Anyone can do this. ANYONE. I was once the girl that loathed exercise. And then I discovered running and now I look FORWARD to my workouts. Every workout I do, I do to become a better (and hopefully faster!) runner. I will probably never win a race, but I like competing against myself and seeing what I am made of when it comes down to the wire. Its funny that NOW when I have a rest day, I am edgy and antsy and cant wait to 'get back to it'. I am exercising, usually, 6 days a week. Prior to running it was 3-4 at best. Lace up them shoes and see what you're made of!

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Anna! Best of luck achieving your current goals!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Anna YOU inspire ME!!