Garmin Wickedly Fast 1/2 Marathon Race Recap

After running our Florida 1/2 marathon in February Deb, Nikki, and I did some research to decide what would be next on our list of 50 states.  I mentioned that travel would work well for me this past weekend as I was on Spring Break and I wouldn't have to worry about getting time off.  Deb did some searching and she shared that the Garmin Wickedly Fast 1/2 Marathon was taking place during the time frame we were looking at.  I had seen that Kim was going to be running this race so I messaged her and let her know that we were considering it.  Deb did some more research and was able to find flights at a reasonable cost.  The cool thing was that Nikki and I would leave Cleveland and stop in Chicago and pick up Deb.  This was the first time since Deb moved to Chicago that we would be on the same flight which was really nice.  Once we figured this out we went ahead and registered for the race.  Fast forward to last Monday as I am watching the Boston Marathon.  After I am done screaming at my Ipad screen and watch Meb win I receive a text from Kim letting me know that Meb is the speaker at the pasta dinner and she and Elizabeth would be attending.  She was just checking to see if we would be interested in joining them.  I quickly texted Deb and Nikki and a few minutes later I purchased the tickets.  We flew into Missouri on Friday afternoon and picked up our rental car.  Nikki works for Ford so she decided to spend the afternoon at the Ford plant.  Deb and I opted to go shopping instead.  After shopping and a light snack, Deb and I headed to Kansas to check into our hotel and then headed out for the packet pickup.  The expo was in a hotel which also would be the location for the pasta dinner so that was great.  Kim and Elizabeth had found us seats at the dinner and after we got our packets we went upstairs and sat at the table so they could go downstairs and shop.  The expo was quite tiny so they were only gone for a few minutes.

MEB

When Meb was introduced and walked to the podium, he received a standing ovation.  It was great to hear his story.  I had no idea of his background and the challenges he faced.  It was an inspirational and emotion speech and I am so very thankful to Kim for suggesting that we attend!  After Meb spoke he was taking the time to sign bibs and shirts and pose for photo ops.  Kim and Elizabeth were done before we were so we made a plan to text when we got to the start line the next morning so we could take some pictures.  As we were waiting in line, Deb and I decided we were going to have Meb sign our shirts.  Nikki opted for her bib.

Deb, Nikki, and I with the 2014 Boston Marathon Winner

I shook his hand before he signed my shirt

After we met Meb, we stopped off at Target to get some things for race morning.  I slept well and everything went smoothly in the morning.  Kim was kind enough to text me to let me know that they had parked in the high school parking lot.  Great idea!  Another thank you to Kim!  We got to the high school with no problem and then headed toward the start line to meet up with Kim and Elizabeth.  I had turned on my Garmin right as I got out of the car because it usually takes a long time to find a satellite.  Well not this time, my satellite was there almost instantly.  I am guessing it was because we were at Garmin's Headquarters.  We found Kim and Elizabeth and posed for photos and talked about our plans for the run.  Earlier in the week Deb had asked me if I would be willing to run/walk the race with her as she was going through some things and wanted to have company during the 13.1 mile journey.  So when asked what the plan was, I hugged Deb and said I would be walk/running with her.

Elizabeth (Dorothy), Deb, Kim (Glinda), Me, and Nikki

There was very little fanfare.  The singing of the National Anthem took place and then we were off.  Things were going just fine and Deb and I were walking 10 minutes then running for 1 minute.  In full disclosure, there were a few times when I would get her to run for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.  I think she may have been catching on and counting in her head though as sometimes durnig the run portion she would stop after a minute.  As we passed some police officers they said to get ready for the weather.  I thanked them and said that a little water wouldn't hurt.  Yeah, famous last words....about 20 minutes later the rain started coming.  Then the wind picked up and then wouldn't you know that it started hailing!  Kansas was living up to its "tornado alley" name and even gave us several strikes of lightning.  Eventually the rain went away but we were left to deal with the huge puddles that were on the trail portion of the race.

Just a "small" river

I believe I texted Kim to see how she had done right after "swimming through" this tunnel.  I was happy to hear that Elizabeth had paced her to a sub 2 hour finish.  Unfortunately we didn't get to see Kim and Elizabeth before they left but I am sure we will run into them in future states.  Shortly after this, Nikki sent me a text to let me know she had finished and she was going to wait in the car.  Deb and I just kept moving towards the finish.  After what seemed like an eternity, we could see the yellow brick road and knew the finish was in sight.  We finished in 3:37 and I'm pretty sure the rain really slowed us down in the second half but I loved spending 13.1 miles with my best friend and I wouldn't change it for the world, well maybe the weather but we can't control that.

Follow the yellow brick road

We collected our medals and headed back to the hotel for showers.

Once everyone was ready we enjoyed some great Kansas bbq.  We all tried burnt ends for the first time.  They were great!  After lunch we headed back to the hotel and took a nap, checked into our flight for Sunday morning and then went out and had a light dinner of drinks, salads, and dessert. 

Sunday morning we headed back to Missouri to catch our flight home.  We landed in Chicago and said our goodbyes to Deb and then Nikki and I grabbed some lunch during our layover before we headed back to Cleveland. 

Although the weather was less than pleasant, we had a great time.  It was also great seeing Kim again and getting to know Elizabeth.  Runners are the nicest people you will ever meet! 

Complete a half in all 50 states status: 14 states and D.C. completed

Completed states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

I am not sure what state will be next but I will keep you posted!  It will probably be sometime this fall.

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


 

A Fun-Filled Weekend (with a side of road rash and sunburn)

Friday
The weekend started out with a stop at the local running store to pick up my race packet for the Girls with Sole (here) Lula 5K that I would be running on Sunday.  I ran into my friend Kim at packet pick up and we did a little shopping and I decided to buy a book written by Liz Ferro, the founder of Girls with Sole.  After I paid for my copy of "Finish Line Feeling" (here) I asked Liz to sign it for me.  She did so and we all talked for a bit.  After leaving the running store, I head to use a Dick's sporting goods gift card I had.  I ended up running into Kim there as well!  I bought a fun skirt and two tanks tops that I really like!  Since I was scheduled to run 14 miles on Sunday I had to switch my workouts around so I could fit in the 5K and cheer on my dear friends Missi and Patty at their first 1/2 IronMan.  I decided I would get my long run in early Saturday morning and just run the 5K with tired legs.  Once I got home Friday evening I got everything ready for my morning run and then sat down and started reading "Finish Line Feeling".  The book was so fantastic and I didn't want to put it down.  After getting to page 100 or so I knew I needed to call it a night since my alarm would be going off early in the morning.
Saturday
I had no problem getting up with my alarm for my run which was great.  It was the perfect temperature outside and I was looking forward to my run.  Since the marathon I am training for is a two loop course I had decided that I would run my 7 mile loop twice.  The added bonus would be that I would go past my house if I needed more water, fuel, or a restroom break.  Awesome!  I start out on my run feeling great and as I approach mile two I am faced with this.

Life is full of detours

Uh oh...the road is closed and the bridge is out.  I won't be doing that 7 mile loop today.  I stopped and took a picture, posted it to Facebook and started runinng an alternate route.  All was going fantastic and I was really enjoying the run and exchanging hellos with the other early morning runners/bikers.  I was making a point not to look at my watch and to run by feel and then it happened.  I was 7.77 miles into my run and the next thing I knew I was on the ground.  I felt myself going down and I remember thinking I needed to fall to my left as the road was to my right and there was a chance of cars coming.  My shoulder took the brunt of the fall after my shoe hit the railroad track just the wrong way.  My elbow knee and hands followed suit.  It took me a few minutes to realize what had happened and collect myself.  Fortunately I wear a water belt so I was able to rinse of the scrapes a bit, assess the damage, and then decide what to do from there.  I was thankful nothing was broken and that I hadn't hit my head.  Just then a motorist did stop to see if I was okay.  She asked me if I needed a ride and I told her I was going to try and run home and that I had my phone so I could call someone if need be.  I thanked her for stopping, took a few pictures of the damage, posted it to Facebook, and continued on my way. 

Elbow rash and yes, I did press stop on my Garmin.  HA!

Knee rash

With just under 7 miles left to get home, I was initiallly concerned if I would be able to finish the run.  I was pleasantly surprised that I felt good and aside from the breeze hitting my open sores on my hands, I wasn't in pain.  In fact, I ran the second half of my run faster than the first and finished with a sub 8 final mile.  I was quite happy to be safe at home in my driveway after that crazy two hours.

14 run and done!

I did take the road less traveled...ouch!

After getting home I grabbed a shower which was pretty painful with all of the open wounds on my banged up left side and then elevated and iced my ankle for most of the day as a precautionary measure as it was a little sore after the run.  I also finished reading "Finish Line Feeling" Saturday.  The book was amazing and I highly recommend it to everyone.  It was incredibly inspiring and what Liz does for Girls with Sole is just amazing.

Sunday
I was up early again on Sunday morning to head to the Lula 5K.  I ran a mile warm-up with Kim and then we took a few pictures and headed to the start line.

Kim, me, and Bick

My plan was to run at an uncomfortable pace and see what I could throw down post 14 mile run and road rash.  I started out feeling great and talking with another runner.  The final mile was uphill so my pace did slow a bit.  I ended up running a 23:08 on sore and tired legs.  Not bad at all.  Of course there must have been some speedsters in the 35-39 age group as I placed 5th with that time.  After the race I headed to Kim's to get cleaned up so we could head to Ravenna to support our friends in their first 1/2 IronMan.  We threw our bikes in the back of my truck in case we needed to ride them on the 1/2 marathon course.  As we were driving there, Bick realized that we had forgotten the signs she had made.  We had gone too far to go back so after being sad for a few minutes we adjusted and stopped at Staples to get new supplies to make replacement signs.  Bick and Kim made the signs while I drove us the rest of the way to the race site.

Pretty impressive for replacement signs!

Once we got to the parking lot we realized we wouldn't be needing our bikes as the run course went through the parking lot we were in several times.  We saw Patty going out for her second loop right as we got out of the truck.  She was looking fantastic.  We cheered on all of the runners and then we saw Missi coming in after her first loop.  She was looking fantastic and wearing a smile.  Lots more cheering and fun were had and then we got to see Missi and Patty finish what they started.  It was just amazing and I was truly in awe.

Kim, me, Patty, Missi, and Bick

We had to get a photo of all of us and then we separated ways and headed home.  Of course we were starving by this point so we stopped off and grabbed a late lunch before making it back home.  Once I finally made it back to my house I realized that my face was really hot.  Sure enough, my face is as red as a tomato today.  Overcast skies and no sunscreen are a painful combination.

Although I have battle scars and sunburn to show for it, I wouldn't change this past weekend for the world.  I am so glad that we could be there to see Missi and Patty finish their journey.  Believe me though, I know these ladies well enough to know this isn't the end...they are just getting started!!

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

Cleveland Marathon 2012....Goodbye Demons

As many of you know, I have had some bad karma the past two years at Cleveland Marathon events.  I decided I was going to take on my demons from the past by running the 1/2 at the Cleveland Marathon this year.  I figured this was the perfect event to take on for my May 1/2 marathon. 

Race morning came early as it always does.  When we got to Brown's Stadium around 6:30 or so it was already 71 degrees.  It was nice to use the restrooms inside the stadium instead of port-a-potties for once.  After using the restroom we all headed to the start line where I saw my friends Bill and Kristin and gave them both hugs and wished them luck.  After I said my hellos we took a few pictures.

Kim, Becky, Missi, Me, and Bick

Our running shoes



As we were standing at the start line, talking with Dave who had come downtown to support us during the race, we decided we were going to try and run a sub-2.  During this discussion Jenn was trying to make her way to us as she wanted to run with Kim.  Eventually Jenn caught up with us and shortly after that the race started.  My plan was to run with the girls and run by feel.  The start of the race is straight uphill and we were all feeling it.  I was quite happy with our 9:33 for the first mile.  Once we had the first mile behind us I settled into a good pace and we were all running together.  I would check in with the girls every so often to be sure everyone was doing okay.  The next 8 miles we ran between 8:35 and 9:34.  The sun was beating down on us and I was definitely feeling it.  I had started dumping water on my head and down my back around mile 6 to try and keep my body temperature down.  I was still doing okay until we hit a crazy hill at mile 10.  I knew once we hit that hill I needed to slow it down and run smart due to the heat and lack of breeze not to mention the fact that I had witnessed several people passed out and ambulances on the course at this point.  I made the decision to walk the hill at mile 10 and I am glad I did.  Even with walking the hill my mile split was under a 10 minute mile.  At this point I had no idea if anyone was still running near me.  I had lost all sight of everyone.  During mile 11 I did a 3/1 run/walk and managed to pull of a 10:11 mile.  Mile 12 was my slowest mile all day at 10:57, but I am totally fine with it because I did stop to walk with a girl that looked as if she may go down.  I gave her some of my water and she seemed to be doing better so I continued on.  At the last water stop around mile 12.5 I grabbed two glasses of water as I had been doing since mile 6.  I would dump one on my head and one down my back.  However at this particular water stop they ran out of water and the girl next to me had a full marathon bib on so I told her to go ahead and take both of my cups of water as she had a long way to go.  I figured I could walk to the finish line if I had to.  She was very appreciative and thanked me.  I was more than happy to do it as she needed that water much more than I did at that point.  She went on her way for the full and I continued on towards the finish line.  As I was approaching the stadium I came upon a girl that was walking and told her she could do it because we were almost there.  She started running with me and the next thing I knew she was long gone.  I just ran a steady pace to the finish line.  She had to be running fast because I ran mile 13 in 9:21.  I vividly remember the final tenth of a mile because I realized I hadn't been affected by Cleveland event demons past one single time.  I was in fact finishing the Cleveland 1/2 Marathon with a smile on my face with an official time of 2:06:17.  I say "take THAT Cleveland!"  I noticed Missi in the finisher's chute right in front of me so the two of us waited for everyone else to finish.  I wasn't feeling the greatest so I downed a bottle of water, a chocolate milk, and a banana.  I slowly started feeling better once I had a chance to sit down.  After everyone was done we talked a bit more and had some pictures taken.

Never so happy to be done!!

Congratulations 1/2 marathoners!!

In the end I was actually incredibly happy with my 2:06 finish in Sunday's conditions.  The best part is that I didn't experience any demons of Cleveland past! Oh and my time was actually a PR for the Cleveland 1/2 course so I will take it.

Will I ever run another event at the Cleveland Marathon again?  Well all I can say is never say never....

Oh and for those that read my post prior to the 1/2, I did not meet my secret goal.  In fact based on the temperature at the start line I didn't even try!! 

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Kim

This week's spotlight is on Kim from Life in the Twin Lane (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and introduce yourself!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Kim:  I have been running off and on most of my life, but really starting getting into the crazy running world about four years ago.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Kim:  At first it was a way to help me manage the anxiety that came along with quitting smoking, and then I immediately liked the challenge of going faster and farther.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Kim:  My first race was May of 2007 - the Soleburner 5k in Appleton, WI. I now have a few 5ks and half marathons that I try to do every year, and love trying new races.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kim:  I can't decide! For the past few years, I've said that I like half marathons, but I also love the thrill of the speed and the twenty something minutes of hell that comes with a 5k.

Kim receving a tropy at a Veteran's Day 5K in 2008

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Kim:  Ahh, this a tough one - there are so many great memories. In 2008, I ran the Oshkosh half marathon - my first. It was cold and sleeting, and there weren't many runners or spectators. I remember being about 11 miles on a beautiful trail through the park, grinning ear to ear and being so proud of myself for running that far. I felt on top of the world.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Kim:  Hands down - being at mile nine or ten of the Chicago Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon this summer. Every muscle in my legs burned and my stomach just started heaving. I broke out in a cold sweat and goosebumps, and it was the first time I ever thought about quitting a race. I later found out I was running on a femoral stress fracture, and I think that breakdown was my body's way of telling me to stop and go sit on the couch.

Kim and Rachel (Running in Real Life) after the 2011 Rock 'N Roll Chicago Half Marathon

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kim:  Another tough question! This one's hard because while I have definitely had moments where I feel proud of myself, it's been so long since I've set a PR that I feel good about or run longer than I ever have that it's difficult to remember. I guess I'll say when I crossed the finish line at the Team Hailey 5k in April of 2010 - it was four weeks after I had my twins, and I was proud that I ran the whole thing - even though my newly giant boobs were absolutely killing me the entire time. :)

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kim:  Water. I never run without water, and it's got to be in my Camelbak handheld. When you squeeze it, this things shoots water at about a million miles per hour. It's awesome.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kim:  Black Cherry Shot Bloks! I've been known to snack on them if I'm hungry and I find a half-eaten package in my car. Delightful.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Kim:  Vanilla almond milk with chocolate whey protein. I've Pavloved myself into craving it towards the end of every run.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Kim:  I do. "Face piles of trials with smiles, it riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave. Keep on thinking free." It's from my favorite Moody Blues album, and it's been my favorite since I was a little girl.

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run I feel _________.
Kim:  Strong and accomplished. Driven.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Kim:  My mom. Aside from being super smart and fun to be around, she started the Couch to 5k program at 58 years old, and just completed her second half marathon. She inspires so many people, but she'd never admit it.

Kim with her beautiful mother!!

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Kim:  Ugh. Can you hear my giant sigh through the computer screen? My goal is to be smart and safe as I continue this rehab process so my femur heals stronger than ever. Then I'd like to remain injury free and just be able to run again. And... maybe set some new PRs. And run Ragnar. And maybe a marathon. :)

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Kim:  If you've been injured, you know how difficult it is emotionally and mentally to be taken out of running. Remember that fire that burns when all you want is to run, and get out there and enjoy feeling your heart pumping and the wind on your face. Be thankful for the gift your body is giving you.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Kim!  Bewst of luck achieving your mainly goals and healing well!

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

Thumbs up Thursday.....Kim

This week's spotlight is on Kim of (Just) Trying is for Little Girls (here). After you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello!





















Jodi: How long have you been running?
Kim: I ran track and cross country in high school. However, as a grown up I was a “jogger” off and on for years. I have been running half marathons for almost a year now.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Kim: I turned 40 and went from full time to working part time. In January 2010, I started training for the Eugene Half in May 2010. Since I was “only” working part time, I no longer had an excuse for not training. I also wanted to lose weight and get in shape.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Kim: Except for a few 5ks over the years, almost one year now.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kim: The half marathon, definitely. You need to be in great shape to run one, and very few people can do it without training. It’s long enough to be a huge accomplishment, but I am no longer “crippled” for a week after running one.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Kim: At the You Go Girl Half marathon in Tacoma, WA (September 2010), I got to run with some awesome bloggers/running moms on the Will Run for Ice Cream team. I wanted to run a sub 2 hours. Right before mile 10, I caught up to Tall Mom who was pacing T from Racing with Babes (they were attempting a 1:52). In my running mom, bloggy world, these two were superstars. I didn’t know if I should run behind them and eavesdrop for the last 3 miles or pass them. I also got to watch Tall Mom do a ballerina move around the out and back cone. That was quite funny. I finished with a 1:55:51. It was all around a great race. Here’s the link to my report:
http://23imaginaryfriends.blogspot.com/2010/11/half-marathon-rewind-6-you-go-girl.html

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Kim: There’s something overwhelming about mile 10, I think. At Eugene in May 2010, I passed a girl hurling in the bushes. At the Seattle Half in November 2010, I passed a guy who was down for the count at mile 10. Luckily, aid workers were rushing to help him. We were in the middle of a forest/park, so that was a tough place to be hurt. Yep, something about Mile 10 in the half…

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kim: I ran the Cascade Half in January 2011. I didn’t train very hard for it. The weather was rainy, and windy and just plain yucky. I snuck in a 4 second (Garmin, the race wasn’t chip timed) PR. I still can’t believe it.

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kim: I always carry lip balm in the pocket of my running skirt.

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kim: I have three….gummi bears, Blackberry Gu and Chocolate #9 Gel. I just discovered Chocolate #9, it’s all natural and tastes like chocolate frosting!

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Kim: Gummi bears. Okay, seriously, a chocolate and strawberry protein shake.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Kim: I admire and am inspired by running moms. When my daughter (she is 14 now) was in preschool, I could have never, ever run half marathons like so many of them do. My husband calls these mommy bloggers my “imaginary friends”. I love reading and learning from their blogs.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Kim: Lately, I keep telling myself, “it’s not IF you are going to workout, it’s WHEN!”

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel ________.
Kim: strong and powerful.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Kim: I want to PR (run a sub 1:55) at the Eugene Half in May 2011. It will also be my 12th half marathon in 365 days. I’m a Half Fanatic, and that is one of the goal levels I wanted to achieve.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Kim! Best of luck achieving your goal of a sub 1:55 at Eugene!

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Kim

These week's spotlight is on Kim of Book Worm Runs (here). Stop on over to her blog and say hello after you read her interview! I love that Kim and I have a goal in common...you will have to read her answers to see what I mean! :)

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Kim: I started running in January 2009 using the couch to 5k program. When I started I could barely run for 1 minute at a time!! I definitely credit that program for getting me hooked on running. There is nothing like seeing progress week after week to keep me motivated!

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Kim: In 2008 my husband and I decided to start trying to have children. Unfortunately I went on to suffer 3 miscarriages and was subsequently diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality. I was told that the likelihood of me carrying a healthy pregnancy to term was slim to none. Needless to say my husband and I were devastated. The miscarriages really took a toll on us mentally and I slipped into a deep depression. When the New Year (2009) came I decided I wanted to reclaim control over my body and my life. I decided to start running not only for my mental health but also because I wanted to prove that my body wasn't a complete failure. That I could still achieve goals that I set my mind to and that my body was still capable of doing amazing things even if carrying a baby was not one of them. Running has been my saving grace and really was instrumental in pulling me out of my depression.


Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Kim: My first race was a 5k in May 2009, just 4 months after I started running. My Mom is a breast cancer survivor so I decided my first race would benefit breast cancer research. I raised over $300 and ran my first race dedicated to her! I have since gone on to run 6 more 5k's, 3 10k's and a Half Marathon :o)


Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kim: Honestly, anything other than a 5k!! I am really short and run really slow so I am just not built for the speed that the 5k requires! I definitely prefer the longer races because I don't have to run at full speed and I really feel like I earned that medal! LOL!


Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Kim: It would have to be running my very first 5k and coming around the corner with 1/2 mile to go and seeing all my family and friends there cheering for me! It was amazing to know I was going to finish my first race and that all the people I loved were there to see me do it! :o)


Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Kim: I don't really have any bad race memories!! I honestly have had awesome experiences at every race I go to! I always go and have fun no matter what. I feel truly blessed to even be able to run and be active so even if I am having an "off" day and am not running the best I am still having fun!


Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kim: For sure it is crossing the finish line at my first Half Marathon :o) I trained really hard all summer to run that race and every moment was amazing. I will never forget rounding the corner and seeing the finish line and just bursting into tears! :o) So many emotions were rushing through me it was overwhelming. I was so extremely proud of myself that day!


Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kim: My Garmin!! I am addicted to that thing! LOL! Also, I love my Camelbak. It got me through those 90 degree long runs this summer! :o)


Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kim: I have always just used Gatorade! I find it works the best at giving me that extra push and also quenches my thirst. As I start to train for my Marathon, though, I will have to experiment with other fuel like Gu.


Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Kim: Chocolate milk!! I also love eggs...either scrambled or an egg sandwich :o)


Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Kim: I really really admire and am in awe of people like Matt Long who have suffered a horrible tragedy and who have emerged from that tragedy and done something amazing. I only hope I have the spirit and the will to do the same thing if ever I am in their position.


Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Kim: I have a few but my absolute favorite is from John Bingham: "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start".


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

Kim: Alive!!!!

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Kim: To run the Cleveland Marathon in May 2011!!! People have asked me why I want to run a Marathon and I always tell them that once I run a Marathon I know there is nothing I can't conquer! :o)

Because you can never have enough race pictures, here are a few more of Kim!!

1st 10K- August 2009

2nd 10K- June 2010

2nd 10K- June 2010

5k- March 2010

5k- March 2010

5K- May 2010

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Kim! Best of luck in accomplishing your current goal (which happens to be one of my goals as well)! See you in Cleveland!!

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