Today's 6 mile run brought my August training to a close. August also brought my return to work so I am back to running before the sun rises daily. All of thsoe pre-dawn runs helped me set yet another monthly mileage PR---180.21 miles which puts me 7.78 miles away from 1,000 miles for the year.
August
180.21-- running miles
0-- elliptical miles
8-- bike miles
0-- spinning class miles
188.21-- total miles
0 minutes-- rope skipping
157.4-- weight as of August 31, 2011
Current 2011 Stats
992.22-- running miles
17.8-- elliptical miles
15.86-- bike miles
55.8-- spinning class miles
1081.68-- total miles
1 hour and 55 minutes-- rope skipping
August turned out the be a pretty good month overall. I had an outstanding 19 mile run one weekend. I felt strong the entire time and finished with a great pace. One week later I had a pretty unpleasant 20 mile run as the moment I realized I had forgotten my Garmin I pretty much set myself up mentally for a less than stellar run. In the end, I learned a valuable lesson.
Bring it on September!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thumbs Up Thursday...Ginny
This week's spotlight is on Ginny of Neurosis of the Stay at Home Marathoner of 3 (Kids) here. Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Ginny: I started running on April 22, 2008. Seems kinda specific, right? Yeah, I know. I think the fact that I noted the date is probably a testimony to what kind of OCD runner I was going to become.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Ginny: Two reasons. 1 - to lose the baby weight. I mean, the baby was walking, talking in 3 word sentences feeding herself. It really just seemed like the baby weight needed to GO. The 2nd reason is a little stalker-ish sounding on paper. I met this woman who I just really connected with who was a marathoner. She kept insisting that I COULD DO THIS, after all, she'd only been doing it for a short time. I decided that in order to be friends with her, it was a good idea to be a runner too. Of course, that woman is my "running wife", TMB of Racing with Babes.
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Ginny: On April 26, 2008, four whole days after I took up running, I did my first 5K. It was brutal. I thought I would die. I had never run more than 2 miles in a row before, and that with walk breaks. Of course, training would have helped. These are the details that are important.
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Ginny: Tough to say. I really enjoyed the 10 miler I did last December, but it was one of THOSE DAYS. You know, where you wake up and own the race course, and all the other runners out there may as well just not show up because it's YOUR day? So if pressed, I might say that the 10 mile distance is my favorite. I also enjoy the 15K distance. Both of these distances require thought & strategy, but aren't so long that if I screw up I'm screwed.
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Ginny: Two days before the Richmond Marathon I met Bart Yasso for the second time. It was a great evening with the team at the big MTT Pasta Party. Well, the guy I'd grabbed a ride with was chatting with his coach and I was stuck standing between my coach, Q, and Bart Yasso while we all sort of chatted and waited. I held the door ("I carried the water melon") for Bart on his way out of the building.
Flash forward to mile 16 or so of the Marathon. I came off the Lee Bridge running strong, and Bart Yasso was standing on the side of the course in a Red Runner's World shirt, and I yelled at the top of my lungs while pointing with both hands, "IT'S MY BEST FRIEND BART!". And he replied at the top of his lungs, "It's Green Plaid SOCK GIRL! Gotta get me a pair of those socks".
Bart's still one of my Runner's World BFFs.
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Ginny: That's so easy. In May of this year TMB and I raced a Muddy Buddy event. It was not a good day. The worst moment of my life was hearing, "We're taking Bib# xyz in the ambulance"... and I thought to myself, "hey that's my number... that's T...". I almost threw up on the spot. I had no idea what her status was, why they were bussing her out, or anything. I knew she'd wrecked the bike, and I imagined the worst. Thinking back on that moment now makes my stomach sour.
I always wondered, if I ever had to walk off a course, would I be able to do it? And of course, I learned on May 1, that walking off the course and taking the DNF is something I can do when the moment calls for it.
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Ginny: That's tough for me. I am still proud of my Galactically Bada$$ marathon PR, because I totally trusted myself that day. I made a plan and executed it.
However, I am also proud of the first 5K I ran. It was scary, I had no friends doing it, and yet I lined up at the back of the running pack/in front of the walkers... I still wonder WHAT I was thinking.
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Ginny: I am very attached to my skirt/sock combo. I love my Runningskirts.com and lululemon skirts. Are they pricey? Yup. Are they worth it? Hellz to the yeah. I'm ~slightly~ obsessed.
Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Ginny: I'll let you know when I nail that down.... I have a super sensitive stomach. Gu, Accel Gel, Clif blocks, Chomps, etc have all made me dry heave at some point. Next on the "list of things to dry heave after ingesting" is Honey Stingers. I'm planning to give them a go this week on a training run. On the above list, Chomps & Blocks are the least offensive to the stomach - but I think they smell like potpourri, then Accel Gel, then GU. Gu and I go way back, to the day I joined the Vom Squad for the first time on a run... ~ sigh~
Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Ginny: CHOCOLATE MILK! Love that I can drink a serving without guilt. But I'm also into PB&J on really high quality whole grain bread.
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Ginny: I have two.
Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try ~ Yoda.
It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. ~Paulo Coelho, (The Alchemist)
Jodi: Finish this statement: When I run a feel _________.
Ginny: empowered, rebellious, free, lifted, amazing, epic, freaktastic, strong, and hot. and sweaty.
Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Ginny: What makes a person the kind of person we should admire? A famous person? I know, and consider myself friendly, with quite a few famous people. An "elite" runner? I don't know any of those, but I know some better than epic sub 3 hour marathoers who are pretty amazing. But do I admire them for that? I don't know.
The people I admire aren't people that would make sense to anyone else. They're not "names", well, one of them is locally recognizable and one of them is fast on her way to being nationally recognizable. I admire people who balance selflessness with self.
For example, the runner I admire most is a person who knocks out 60+ miles a week, volunteers a million hours a year for our Richmond Road Runners Club, helps raise a daughter, and works a demanding "bread winning" full time job, and, yet, he always has time to answer my questions about running.
The mother I admire the most is raising confident daughters while wrangling an enviable training schedule and on her way to RULE THE WORLD....
So I guess it's fair to say, I admire normal people who are doing extraordinary things.
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Ginny: Rock a GBA PR 26.2 at Richmond this November. (GBA = Galactically Bada**)
Jodi: Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Ginny: ~savor the run~.
Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Ginny! Best of luck chasing your goal at Richmond!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Ginny YOU inspire ME!!
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Ginny: I started running on April 22, 2008. Seems kinda specific, right? Yeah, I know. I think the fact that I noted the date is probably a testimony to what kind of OCD runner I was going to become.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Ginny: Two reasons. 1 - to lose the baby weight. I mean, the baby was walking, talking in 3 word sentences feeding herself. It really just seemed like the baby weight needed to GO. The 2nd reason is a little stalker-ish sounding on paper. I met this woman who I just really connected with who was a marathoner. She kept insisting that I COULD DO THIS, after all, she'd only been doing it for a short time. I decided that in order to be friends with her, it was a good idea to be a runner too. Of course, that woman is my "running wife", TMB of Racing with Babes.
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Ginny: On April 26, 2008, four whole days after I took up running, I did my first 5K. It was brutal. I thought I would die. I had never run more than 2 miles in a row before, and that with walk breaks. Of course, training would have helped. These are the details that are important.
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Ginny: Tough to say. I really enjoyed the 10 miler I did last December, but it was one of THOSE DAYS. You know, where you wake up and own the race course, and all the other runners out there may as well just not show up because it's YOUR day? So if pressed, I might say that the 10 mile distance is my favorite. I also enjoy the 15K distance. Both of these distances require thought & strategy, but aren't so long that if I screw up I'm screwed.
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Ginny: Two days before the Richmond Marathon I met Bart Yasso for the second time. It was a great evening with the team at the big MTT Pasta Party. Well, the guy I'd grabbed a ride with was chatting with his coach and I was stuck standing between my coach, Q, and Bart Yasso while we all sort of chatted and waited. I held the door ("I carried the water melon") for Bart on his way out of the building.
Flash forward to mile 16 or so of the Marathon. I came off the Lee Bridge running strong, and Bart Yasso was standing on the side of the course in a Red Runner's World shirt, and I yelled at the top of my lungs while pointing with both hands, "IT'S MY BEST FRIEND BART!". And he replied at the top of his lungs, "It's Green Plaid SOCK GIRL! Gotta get me a pair of those socks".
Bart's still one of my Runner's World BFFs.
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Ginny: That's so easy. In May of this year TMB and I raced a Muddy Buddy event. It was not a good day. The worst moment of my life was hearing, "We're taking Bib# xyz in the ambulance"... and I thought to myself, "hey that's my number... that's T...". I almost threw up on the spot. I had no idea what her status was, why they were bussing her out, or anything. I knew she'd wrecked the bike, and I imagined the worst. Thinking back on that moment now makes my stomach sour.
I always wondered, if I ever had to walk off a course, would I be able to do it? And of course, I learned on May 1, that walking off the course and taking the DNF is something I can do when the moment calls for it.
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Ginny: That's tough for me. I am still proud of my Galactically Bada$$ marathon PR, because I totally trusted myself that day. I made a plan and executed it.
However, I am also proud of the first 5K I ran. It was scary, I had no friends doing it, and yet I lined up at the back of the running pack/in front of the walkers... I still wonder WHAT I was thinking.
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Ginny: I am very attached to my skirt/sock combo. I love my Runningskirts.com and lululemon skirts. Are they pricey? Yup. Are they worth it? Hellz to the yeah. I'm ~slightly~ obsessed.
Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Ginny: I'll let you know when I nail that down.... I have a super sensitive stomach. Gu, Accel Gel, Clif blocks, Chomps, etc have all made me dry heave at some point. Next on the "list of things to dry heave after ingesting" is Honey Stingers. I'm planning to give them a go this week on a training run. On the above list, Chomps & Blocks are the least offensive to the stomach - but I think they smell like potpourri, then Accel Gel, then GU. Gu and I go way back, to the day I joined the Vom Squad for the first time on a run... ~ sigh~
Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Ginny: CHOCOLATE MILK! Love that I can drink a serving without guilt. But I'm also into PB&J on really high quality whole grain bread.
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Ginny: I have two.
Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try ~ Yoda.
It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. ~Paulo Coelho, (The Alchemist)
Jodi: Finish this statement: When I run a feel _________.
Ginny: empowered, rebellious, free, lifted, amazing, epic, freaktastic, strong, and hot. and sweaty.
Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Ginny: What makes a person the kind of person we should admire? A famous person? I know, and consider myself friendly, with quite a few famous people. An "elite" runner? I don't know any of those, but I know some better than epic sub 3 hour marathoers who are pretty amazing. But do I admire them for that? I don't know.
The people I admire aren't people that would make sense to anyone else. They're not "names", well, one of them is locally recognizable and one of them is fast on her way to being nationally recognizable. I admire people who balance selflessness with self.
For example, the runner I admire most is a person who knocks out 60+ miles a week, volunteers a million hours a year for our Richmond Road Runners Club, helps raise a daughter, and works a demanding "bread winning" full time job, and, yet, he always has time to answer my questions about running.
The mother I admire the most is raising confident daughters while wrangling an enviable training schedule and on her way to RULE THE WORLD....
So I guess it's fair to say, I admire normal people who are doing extraordinary things.
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Ginny: Rock a GBA PR 26.2 at Richmond this November. (GBA = Galactically Bada**)
Jodi: Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Ginny: ~savor the run~.
Ginny: When my coach asked me "How're you doing?" at mile 23 of the 2010 Richmond Marathon, my response was, "Galactically Bada**." I nailed that PR because I made a race plan, and then trusted myself to race the plan to completion.
Ginny: My Posse - Post Race at the Autism 5K. We were epic that day, bringing home several first place AG finishes, a few 3rd place AG finishes, and oh yeah, most importantly, supporting my Autistic daughter, who raced in honor of herself that day.
Ginny: Tonia (TMB) & I at San Francisco Lululemon/Runners World shake out run, the day before my Half Marathon PR on the hilliest course I could ever imagine.
(Oh, and yeah, that's Bart Yasso in the background)
Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Ginny! Best of luck chasing your goal at Richmond!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Ginny YOU inspire ME!!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thumbs Up Thursday...Zoe
This week's spotlight is on Zoe of Run, Zoe, Run (here). Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello!
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Zoe: I started running when I was in middle school at the age of 10. My first race was with my Uncle Doug at 11 in Cape Cod, MA, and it was so much fun. I remember feeling like a rockstar having people cheer me on at the finish line, and I was hooked. I've had a love/hate relationship with running since I started.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Zoe: I started running because my Uncle was a runner and I admired him so much. My middle school had a x-country team and I enjoyed the longer distances and running around neighborhoods instead of just the track.
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Zoe: I was on the x-country team in middle school and high school, took a break from racing/running in college and then restarted racing back in 2008 when I realized I really missed it!
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Zoe: The 5K is a distance I enjoy because it's quick, but I'm a fan of the half marathon because I feel invincible afterward. It's the perfect distance!
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Zoe: The last x-country meet my Mum attended, two days before my 16th birthday. It was a Friday night and she was yelling "Run, Zoe, run!" and "Long strides, Zoe!" from a picnic blanket with my sister and her friend. I PR'd the course that night, and was "kidnapped" by my friends for a surprise birthday dinner and football game. It was a great race day, and it holds a very special place in my heart as my Mum's last race with me.
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Zoe: Oh boy, the Torchlight 8K back in 2009. ARGH! I over-hydrated for the race because it was in the 80s and humid, and I ended up pretty much needing to pee and maybeevenpeeingmypantsalittle during the race. So mad! I need to get back at that race and kick its butt next year.
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Zoe: Besides running while pregnant with my daughter, Goober, I would have to say completing my first marathon 7 months post-partum. Crap, it was TOUGH! It was a complete mental battle at the end, and I was in pain, but finishing it was the best feeling ever...and then seeing my husband and daughter at the finish line made it absolutely perfect.
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Zoe: Oh boy, it's both my Garmin Forerunner "Gus" and my iPhone for music. Can't run without either.
Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Zoe: I'm a huge fan of Clif Shot Bloks in Tropical Punch and Strawberry. So delicious! But GU Watermelon Chomps are pretty tasty too.
Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Zoe: After a race I love a big, cold glass of chocolate milk. Mmmm.
Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Zoe: All the women/men I've met in the running blog world that balance careers, parenthood, training, family, etc. I think it's amazing. Oh, and I admire Ryan Reynolds' abs.
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Zoe: "Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers
Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Zoe: ...like the world is my oyster...except then I remember that I don't like seafood...so it makes me feel like a million bucks (the monetary kind, not the male deer).
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Zoe: I would love to shatter some of my current PRs in the 5K, 8K and 10K races...maybe even a sub 1:55 half soon.
Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Zoe! Best of luck shattering those current PRs!!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Zoe YOU inspire ME!!
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Zoe: I started running when I was in middle school at the age of 10. My first race was with my Uncle Doug at 11 in Cape Cod, MA, and it was so much fun. I remember feeling like a rockstar having people cheer me on at the finish line, and I was hooked. I've had a love/hate relationship with running since I started.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Zoe: I started running because my Uncle was a runner and I admired him so much. My middle school had a x-country team and I enjoyed the longer distances and running around neighborhoods instead of just the track.
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Zoe: I was on the x-country team in middle school and high school, took a break from racing/running in college and then restarted racing back in 2008 when I realized I really missed it!
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Zoe: The 5K is a distance I enjoy because it's quick, but I'm a fan of the half marathon because I feel invincible afterward. It's the perfect distance!
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Zoe: The last x-country meet my Mum attended, two days before my 16th birthday. It was a Friday night and she was yelling "Run, Zoe, run!" and "Long strides, Zoe!" from a picnic blanket with my sister and her friend. I PR'd the course that night, and was "kidnapped" by my friends for a surprise birthday dinner and football game. It was a great race day, and it holds a very special place in my heart as my Mum's last race with me.
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Zoe: Oh boy, the Torchlight 8K back in 2009. ARGH! I over-hydrated for the race because it was in the 80s and humid, and I ended up pretty much needing to pee and maybeevenpeeingmypantsalittle during the race. So mad! I need to get back at that race and kick its butt next year.
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Zoe: Besides running while pregnant with my daughter, Goober, I would have to say completing my first marathon 7 months post-partum. Crap, it was TOUGH! It was a complete mental battle at the end, and I was in pain, but finishing it was the best feeling ever...and then seeing my husband and daughter at the finish line made it absolutely perfect.
 |
| Zoe, 8 months pregnant, at the Iron Girl 5K September 2010 |
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| Zoe and her family after the Rock N Roll Seattle Marathon June 2011 |
Zoe: Oh boy, it's both my Garmin Forerunner "Gus" and my iPhone for music. Can't run without either.
Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Zoe: I'm a huge fan of Clif Shot Bloks in Tropical Punch and Strawberry. So delicious! But GU Watermelon Chomps are pretty tasty too.
Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Zoe: After a race I love a big, cold glass of chocolate milk. Mmmm.
Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Zoe: All the women/men I've met in the running blog world that balance careers, parenthood, training, family, etc. I think it's amazing. Oh, and I admire Ryan Reynolds' abs.
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Zoe: "Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers
Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Zoe: ...like the world is my oyster...except then I remember that I don't like seafood...so it makes me feel like a million bucks (the monetary kind, not the male deer).
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Zoe: I would love to shatter some of my current PRs in the 5K, 8K and 10K races...maybe even a sub 1:55 half soon.
Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Zoe! Best of luck shattering those current PRs!!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Zoe YOU inspire ME!!
Monday, August 15, 2011
In Honor of Kaelynn's 9th Birthday...
Yesterday was Kaelynn's 9th birthday and it also marked the 1/2 way point in my 18 weeks of training for the Columbus Marathon. One of the many reasons I run is to set an example for my children. I run to beam with pride when my daughter asks me to run a 5K with her. I run to laugh when Kaelynn tells people it took me almost six hours to run the Cleveland Marathon and she had to wait in the cold at the finish line! Rain or shine, slow or fast, she is my number one fan!
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| Kaelynn before her first 5K |
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| Kaelynn finishing her first 5K |
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| After Kaelynn's first 5K |
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| Kaelynn's second 5K |
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| Kaelynn after her second 5K |
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| Kaelynn's third 5K |
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| Kaelynn after her third 5K |
So in honor of your birthday I ran all 12 of those miles for you yesterday! I hope you enjoyed your day! Happy birthday again sweet girl! I love you to the moon and back!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kaelynn YOU inspire ME to run for FUN!!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thumbs Up Thursday...Jess
This week's spotlight is on Jess of Run with Jess (here). Once you read her interview, head on over to her blog and say hello!
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Jess: I've run on and off for 10 years. About 2 years ago I started up serious running to lose weight & haven't stopped since!
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Jess: Weight Loss! My second baby was 6mths old and I was at my highest weight ever! I started a walk/run program after watching a friend melt off the weight with running.
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Jess: About 2 years
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Jess: I love 13.1. It's the perfect distance for me... long enough that I need to train appropriately, but not completely consuming of my free time.
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Jess: Finish Line of my second half marathon (Fox Cities Marathon). I trained hard and ran a great race. PR'ed by 28 minutes and was so shocked/proud of myself in the moment. Now my favorite moments are watching beginners cross that finish line for the first time. The sense of accomplishment just beams from their faces!
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Jess: Oshkosh Half Marathon this past spring. Started in rain, ended in freezing rain. I was freezing cold and wanted to quit the whole time... but somehow I managed to PR by a couple seconds!
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Jess: Watching my daughters become runners! It's so important for me to be a good role model for them. So when I see them embracing the sport of running, it makes me super proud of the example I'm setting for them.
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Jess: Gum! I'm a simple gal... no Garmin here, but I do have a stopwatch and love my ipod shuffle.
Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Jess: I like variety... GU gels are my go-to for long runs, but I also mix it up with jelly beans. And lately nuun in my water has made a big difference for me too.
Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Jess: Bananas are a staple. Quick & easy is the name of my game.
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Jess: "I can better take care of my family when I first take care of myself." This one got me threw the early times running with a baby at home. I felt so guilty taking time out for me and being away from the kids to workout in the gym or go for a run. Even now, it reminds me that after a quick run, I'm a better mother, wife and person.
Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel _________.
Jess: REFRESHED!!
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Jess: Finish my first marathon in September and race a sub-2 half-marathon before 2011 is over.
Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Jess: Every year from January through May, I bake my little booty off with my Cupcakes4Cure fundraising program to fight breast cancer. Last year I raised almost $1100. I run the Komen Race for the Cure every year in Peoria, IL, hometown of Susan G. Komen. My grandmother died at an early age from breast cancer and my aunt is a survivor. So it's a cause near and dear to our family.
Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Jess! Best of luck finishing your first marathon and chasing your sub-2 half- marathon!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Jess YOU inspire ME!!
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Jess: I've run on and off for 10 years. About 2 years ago I started up serious running to lose weight & haven't stopped since!
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Jess: Weight Loss! My second baby was 6mths old and I was at my highest weight ever! I started a walk/run program after watching a friend melt off the weight with running.
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Jess: About 2 years
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Jess: I love 13.1. It's the perfect distance for me... long enough that I need to train appropriately, but not completely consuming of my free time.
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Jess: Finish Line of my second half marathon (Fox Cities Marathon). I trained hard and ran a great race. PR'ed by 28 minutes and was so shocked/proud of myself in the moment. Now my favorite moments are watching beginners cross that finish line for the first time. The sense of accomplishment just beams from their faces!
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Jess: Oshkosh Half Marathon this past spring. Started in rain, ended in freezing rain. I was freezing cold and wanted to quit the whole time... but somehow I managed to PR by a couple seconds!
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Jess: Watching my daughters become runners! It's so important for me to be a good role model for them. So when I see them embracing the sport of running, it makes me super proud of the example I'm setting for them.
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Jess: Gum! I'm a simple gal... no Garmin here, but I do have a stopwatch and love my ipod shuffle.
Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Jess: I like variety... GU gels are my go-to for long runs, but I also mix it up with jelly beans. And lately nuun in my water has made a big difference for me too.
Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Jess: Bananas are a staple. Quick & easy is the name of my game.
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Jess: "I can better take care of my family when I first take care of myself." This one got me threw the early times running with a baby at home. I felt so guilty taking time out for me and being away from the kids to workout in the gym or go for a run. Even now, it reminds me that after a quick run, I'm a better mother, wife and person.
Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel _________.
Jess: REFRESHED!!
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Jess: Finish my first marathon in September and race a sub-2 half-marathon before 2011 is over.
Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Jess: Every year from January through May, I bake my little booty off with my Cupcakes4Cure fundraising program to fight breast cancer. Last year I raised almost $1100. I run the Komen Race for the Cure every year in Peoria, IL, hometown of Susan G. Komen. My grandmother died at an early age from breast cancer and my aunt is a survivor. So it's a cause near and dear to our family.
Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Jess! Best of luck finishing your first marathon and chasing your sub-2 half- marathon!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Jess YOU inspire ME!!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thumbs Up Thursday...Kerrie
This week's spotlight is on Kerrie of MOM VS MARATHON: HOW TO RUN A MARATHON AND A HOUSEHOLD WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND (here). Once you read her interview stop on over to her blog and say hello!
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Kerrie: I raced in high school on the track (the mile, which I sucked at – it’s a sprint!) and the cross country team (which was much more my thing). If I remember correctly, our girls varsity cross country team, which I was on during my junior year, placed first in state that year. I wasn’t a top runner, but I was number 5 or something. I think my best 3-mile time was 21-something. My first race of my present-day running life was a 10K in October 2009. I signed up because a friend who inspires me was running it. My first half marathon, also inspired by her, was the following month.
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kerrie: I really like the half marathon because it’s a challenge mentally and physically, but training doesn’t take away much time from family like a full marathon.
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Kerrie: My favorite race memory is from my full marathon: My husband called me around Mile 19 to tell me that he and my son, who is 3, were there. My son wanted to talk to me. He said, “Hi, Mommy. Are you running the race?” in his little munchkin voice and my heart nearly exploded. I also loved rounding the south end of Qwest Field and seeing my son and my husband at Mile 26.
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Kerrie: Crossing the finish line of my first half marathon (Nov. 2009). I had told my husband to stay home with our son – he was about 30 months at the time. I’d thought it would be too stressful on them and me to fight the crowds to be there, but I really wish I’d had someone there. I was very sad when I crossed the finish line and was all alone, and I really had to pee!
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kerrie: Finishing my first full marathon with a friend, a huge smile on my face and energy left in the tank. It was a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to do it again!
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kerrie: My phone – it’s my blankie. I feel safer with it, plus it has my music on it.
Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kerrie: I ate a full peanut butter and jelly sandwich about 30 minutes before my last two races (full marathon and half marathon) and it was a success! During the full, I only needed to fuel with gels 5 times (I took one every hour and then one around Mile 24). I like Hammer Gels the best, then Power Bar Gels. GU is a little thick for my taste, but I can manage with it. During the half, I did not need to refuel at all. I experimented during my long runs recently: one full PB&J before a 10-miler and there were no gels needed; one half of a PB&J before an 11-miler and I need a gel BADLY around Mile 7. I also drink Nuun during my races and long runs – no plain water for me.
Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Kerrie: After the North Olympic Discovery Half Marathon in 2010, they had croissants and Nutella. It was awesome. They also had Top Ramen, which scored high with me. But, the best thing I’ve found post-race is chocolate milk – thanks to it, I did not pass out after my first half.
Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Kerrie: I really admire people who have had to overcome some sort of physiologica barrier to running, be it weight, injuries, illnesses or body mechanics. So…pretty much every runner!
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Kerrie: Not really. I like quotes and find them inspirational, but I don’t really have a famous go-to quote. I do, however, say to myself often, “Don’t think about it, just do it.” This, obviously, should not be applied in all situations in life, but it works for me when it comes to something I’ve been putting off, whether it’s exercise or writing. I tend to overthink things and get weighed down by the thought of doing it before I’ve done anything at all. It can be paralyzing. I need to not think about it and just do it.
Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel…
Kerrie: Free. I’m not a wife, a mom, a writer. I’m just a runner.
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Kerrie: Sub-2-hour half in September, baby! It’s mine! Also running the Hood to Coast Relay this month on a team sponsored by Nuun with a ton of other bloggers. :)
Jodi: Feel free to add anything else that you think will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run.
Kerrie: I just want to add that having friends that are runners really helps me stay motivated and makes running so fun! So, my advice to new runners would be to find a local running club or a store that has a running group and join!
Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Kerrie! Best of luck achieving your current goals!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kerrie YOU inspire ME!!
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Kerrie: This is hard for me to answer. You can break my running life up in two parts: high school and present day. In high school, and even before, I ran a lot. I ran to train for sports, like soccer and basketball, but I was also on the track and cross country teams. After high school, I occasionally ran around the campus or on the track at Washington State University, or I ran during intramural soccer games. After that, though, I didn’t run much at all (except for a few months before my wedding when I was losing weight). Typically, I would get the urge to run, it would last a few days, and then I’d get “too busy” to go anymore.
Kerrie: This is hard for me to answer. You can break my running life up in two parts: high school and present day. In high school, and even before, I ran a lot. I ran to train for sports, like soccer and basketball, but I was also on the track and cross country teams. After high school, I occasionally ran around the campus or on the track at Washington State University, or I ran during intramural soccer games. After that, though, I didn’t run much at all (except for a few months before my wedding when I was losing weight). Typically, I would get the urge to run, it would last a few days, and then I’d get “too busy” to go anymore.
 |
| Kerrie in her sweet cross country uniform in high school |
I didn’t know what busy meant. Now, I am way too busy, but I still fit running into my life. I started running “for real” on July 18, 2009, to get back into shape. So, if we are talking about present-day running, then
it’s been just over two years.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Kerrie: I began running again in 2009 because I was overweight and out of shape – I gained about 60 pounds during my pregnancy and lost what little muscle I’d had. In my lower back, a bulging disc was causing me to be in pain 24x7, making everything difficult. I was also depressed. There was talk of
surgery, but it wasn’t a guarantee that the disc would not rupture again, so I opted to get healthy instead (the disc can usually heal itself if you give it time). A cortisone shot around my sciatic nerve – where the disc
was pushing up against – helped me get some relief in the short-term, then I began walking. During my walks, I would dream about running like I used to when I was younger. One day, I tentatively tried a few strides in my flip flops and it didn’t hurt. I went home, decided to train for a marathon (a dream I’d had when I was younger), and started a blog to keep myself motivated.
it’s been just over two years.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Kerrie: I began running again in 2009 because I was overweight and out of shape – I gained about 60 pounds during my pregnancy and lost what little muscle I’d had. In my lower back, a bulging disc was causing me to be in pain 24x7, making everything difficult. I was also depressed. There was talk of
surgery, but it wasn’t a guarantee that the disc would not rupture again, so I opted to get healthy instead (the disc can usually heal itself if you give it time). A cortisone shot around my sciatic nerve – where the disc
was pushing up against – helped me get some relief in the short-term, then I began walking. During my walks, I would dream about running like I used to when I was younger. One day, I tentatively tried a few strides in my flip flops and it didn’t hurt. I went home, decided to train for a marathon (a dream I’d had when I was younger), and started a blog to keep myself motivated.
 |
| Kerrie a couple of weeks before she began running in 2009 |
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Kerrie: I raced in high school on the track (the mile, which I sucked at – it’s a sprint!) and the cross country team (which was much more my thing). If I remember correctly, our girls varsity cross country team, which I was on during my junior year, placed first in state that year. I wasn’t a top runner, but I was number 5 or something. I think my best 3-mile time was 21-something. My first race of my present-day running life was a 10K in October 2009. I signed up because a friend who inspires me was running it. My first half marathon, also inspired by her, was the following month.
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kerrie: I really like the half marathon because it’s a challenge mentally and physically, but training doesn’t take away much time from family like a full marathon.
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Kerrie: My favorite race memory is from my full marathon: My husband called me around Mile 19 to tell me that he and my son, who is 3, were there. My son wanted to talk to me. He said, “Hi, Mommy. Are you running the race?” in his little munchkin voice and my heart nearly exploded. I also loved rounding the south end of Qwest Field and seeing my son and my husband at Mile 26.
 |
| Kerrie, her hubs, and her son after the marathon |
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Kerrie: Crossing the finish line of my first half marathon (Nov. 2009). I had told my husband to stay home with our son – he was about 30 months at the time. I’d thought it would be too stressful on them and me to fight the crowds to be there, but I really wish I’d had someone there. I was very sad when I crossed the finish line and was all alone, and I really had to pee!
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kerrie: Finishing my first full marathon with a friend, a huge smile on my face and energy left in the tank. It was a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to do it again!
 |
| Kerrie in the shorts running her first marathon with the first runner she met through blogging (Zoe of Run, Zoe, Run) |
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kerrie: My phone – it’s my blankie. I feel safer with it, plus it has my music on it.
Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kerrie: I ate a full peanut butter and jelly sandwich about 30 minutes before my last two races (full marathon and half marathon) and it was a success! During the full, I only needed to fuel with gels 5 times (I took one every hour and then one around Mile 24). I like Hammer Gels the best, then Power Bar Gels. GU is a little thick for my taste, but I can manage with it. During the half, I did not need to refuel at all. I experimented during my long runs recently: one full PB&J before a 10-miler and there were no gels needed; one half of a PB&J before an 11-miler and I need a gel BADLY around Mile 7. I also drink Nuun during my races and long runs – no plain water for me.
Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Kerrie: After the North Olympic Discovery Half Marathon in 2010, they had croissants and Nutella. It was awesome. They also had Top Ramen, which scored high with me. But, the best thing I’ve found post-race is chocolate milk – thanks to it, I did not pass out after my first half.
Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Kerrie: I really admire people who have had to overcome some sort of physiologica barrier to running, be it weight, injuries, illnesses or body mechanics. So…pretty much every runner!
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Kerrie: Not really. I like quotes and find them inspirational, but I don’t really have a famous go-to quote. I do, however, say to myself often, “Don’t think about it, just do it.” This, obviously, should not be applied in all situations in life, but it works for me when it comes to something I’ve been putting off, whether it’s exercise or writing. I tend to overthink things and get weighed down by the thought of doing it before I’ve done anything at all. It can be paralyzing. I need to not think about it and just do it.
Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel…
Kerrie: Free. I’m not a wife, a mom, a writer. I’m just a runner.
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Kerrie: Sub-2-hour half in September, baby! It’s mine! Also running the Hood to Coast Relay this month on a team sponsored by Nuun with a ton of other bloggers. :)
Jodi: Feel free to add anything else that you think will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run.
Kerrie: I just want to add that having friends that are runners really helps me stay motivated and makes running so fun! So, my advice to new runners would be to find a local running club or a store that has a running group and join!
 |
| All friends Kerrie has met through blogging! |
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kerrie YOU inspire ME!!
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