March and April in Review

Somehow I did manage to increase my mileage for March and April but it's nothing to write home about as the miles still ended up being on the low end.  I have done better this month so hopefully the next review will be more exciting!!  Once again I am combining two months as I just seem to be on the go constantly and have a hard time find a period in the day where I can actually blog.

March 2016 Stats
32.40 running miles
1.66 walking miles
 34.06 total miles

April 2016 Stats
 34.04 running miles
 1.49 walking miles
 35.53 total miles

Current 2016 Stats
 122.45 running miles
 20.79 walking miles
 143.24 total miles

I am still hoping the May will be a better month with me running the Cleveland 1/2 Marathon this Sunday and state #17 next Sunday!  There has been serious talk of training for the Columbus Marathon so that should also help kick start my mileage next month and into the summer months.



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

Cleveland Fall Classic 1/2 Marathon Race Report

After my PR race at the Detroit Free Press 1/2 marathon back in October, I scaled back my training. I wasn't feeling up to par for several days after the race and I just couldn't get myself overly motivated to get back into the swing of things. I threw it out on Facebook that I needed a new goal. My friend Jenn's husband replied and said that I should run the Fall Classic 1/2 marathon with Jenn on November 21st. I figured that was the perfect solution. You would think that would motivate me to get out there more but I still continued to scale back my training and take more days off than I did while training for Detroit. At this point Jenn and I decided we would just treat the 1/2 as a training run. We both got in limited mileage the two weeks prior to the race. Jenn was sidelined by the flu last week and then she woke up with a cold Saturday morning. By the time we got to the start line yesterday, Jenn had full blown laryngitis. We decided we would shoot for sub 2:30 and treat it as a training run. We started out great and faster than we had anticipated. The course was unique as you ran two loops around the course. It was nice because you got to see other runners the entire time. It was great to see people we knew heading in the opposite direction and being able to cheer them on. In fact we got to see Connie (here) several times! During the first loop we happened upon fellow dailymiler Angie and we all ran together for quite a while. After we headed back out for the second loop, Jenn and I both decided we needed visit the port-o-potty which was right by a water stop. Angie was kind enough to wait for us to finish and then we all kept running. I am so glad we stopped because I felt so much better and it was much easier to run without a full bladder!

Since we treated this as a training run, I was able to work on my nutrition/hydration. Morgan(here) had suggested I try Power Bar Gels and I have to say I loved them. I had a strawberry banana one before the race and it went down very easily and tasted great. The best part...no stomach issues! I also decided I was going to try the Power Bar Gel Blasts. I was glad I looked at the packaging on Sunday morning and realized that it was going to be too bulky to fit in my amphipod waist belt (that I purchased on Friday at packet pickup) that I love by the way! I took the blasts out of the original packaging and put them in a ziploc sandwich bag. It worked well. Although, I think a snack size bag would have been the perfect size so I will be purchasing some snack bags! The plan was to eat the blasts at mile 5. The blasts were also strawberry banana and they were great. They were nice and soft and very easy to chew and again....no stomach issues! I had originally planned to take another gel at mile 10 but I was feeling good so I opted to just finish my smart water in my handheld during the final 3.1. I think I have found my new fuel! Thanks again for the recommendation Morgan!!

Around mile 10 or so, Jenn was having a hard time breathing. The cold was definitely catching up to her so we just took it nice and slow until we hit the 13 mile marker and then we booked it to the finish in a time of 2:21. Not bad, not bad at all!

Since a race report just isn't a race report without pictures, I give you the finish line in photos!

Jenn, Angie, and I

Connie and I

Jenn and I

Jenn with her hubby (who ran his first 5K yesterday and crushed it) and kiddos.

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

Thumbs Up Thursdsay...Julie Reardon

This weeks Thumbs Up goes to Julie Reardon. When I contacted Julie, via the dailymile to see if she would be willing to allow me to give her a thumbs up, she was hesitant stating: "I'm not sure I'm worthy". My response to her was "Everyone is worthy!!! It's all about that fact that you got out there and started something and have goals! :)" Without further delay, I give you the question and answer portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!


Jodi: How long have you been running?
Julie: I started in high school and have had 24 years of stops and starts along the way but have been running consistently now for just over 3 years.

Jodi: What motivated you to start running?
Julie: My dad, he had been a runner since I was born. I went to Magnificat High School and was just mediocre at most sports and did not want to be sitting on the sidelines watching. So my dad convinced me to go out for cross country. I quit after the first day of practice my freshman year when I couldn't keep up. My dad was a regular in the Cleveland Revco 10k, so I trained with him and we did the race together in May 1986. I went out for cross country again my sophomore year and had a blast running all through high school.

Jodi: What motivates you to continue running?
Julie: That's a tough one and it has changed many times over the years. But at this time it is my brother Bill. He started running about 10 years ago and started doing many half marathons. I enjoyed hearing his stories so much that I wanted to join him and I did, completing my first, the Akron Half in September of 2007 (still my PR in a half). This year I did the Cleveland Half Marathon while Bill and my little brother Brad did the full marathon. It was so fun to share the experience with them.

Bill, Julie, and Brad after the 2010 Cleveland Marathon

Jodi: How long have you been racing?

Julie: Well with the Revco 10k being my first it has been 24 years. I love racing! It keeps me motivated!

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

Julie: I'm not sure I have a favorite distance. I probably do the most 5k's as there are so many offered but I think I would prefer a 5 miler or 10k. I think it takes me some time to find my best pace and usually that is when a 5k is ending. I know it is not ideal but I usually end up starting out too fast and then I catch my breath by mile 2.5 or 3. In a longer race I can pick up my pace for the next 2-3 miles and finish stronger.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?

Julie: In the spring I participated in the Flying Pig Marathon Relay with my husband, Dennis, brother-in-law Breen, and sister-in-law, Mary Lou. It was Dennis' second race experience and Breen's first. It was so fun listening to their take on it and their will to do it again next year. Also, watching Dennis cross the finish line with all the full marathoners was just priceless.

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?

Julie: Running the Flying Pig Half Marathon in 2009 for my friend Jen's son , John Owen and raising over $3,000 to help end Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Julie with John Owen after the 2009 Flying Pig Half Marathon

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Julie: The race is not always to the swift but to those that keep on running. ~Author Unknown

Jodi: Do your kids like to run with you?
Julie: No, not really. My daughter has run with me a couple times but mostly she will ride her bike while I run. My youngest son is 5 and he is going to be a distance runner. When I say I'll race you to the end of the street, he'll pace himself so he can run the entire way unlike my other two that will sprint and walk and sprint some more.

Jodi: What is your favorite time of day to run?
Julie: The morning, I am not a morning person but if I don't get up and do it right away chances are I won't get to it.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Julie: A marathon - probably Columbus this fall. My brother is doing it and I'd like to get one on my racing resume before I turn 40 next spring. Also, to complete a 5k in under 25 minutes.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Julie! Best of luck achieving your current goals. It is evident that you have the desire and determination to get it done!


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

Cleveland 10 Miler Race Report

The weather has been a bit odd here lately. It figures that they were calling for rain, clouds, and wind this morning. Fortunately it was around 55* so it was comfortable to run the race in shorts and a long-sleeve shirt. I headed over to Marilyn's around 7:15 , her husband took a quick before picture and we headed to Edgewater Park for our 10 mile race.

Going into the race I was hoping to break 1:25 which would put me right around 8:30/mile. We got to the park and headed to the pavilion so I could check my bag and we could use the restrooms. Shortly after 8:30 we were off. I had to do quite a bit of weaving to get out of the pack that had formed at the start line. I hit the first mile marker in 8:23 and I thought okay perfect I have a few seconds to play with based on my goal pace. Then something happened in a race that has never happened to me...I hit mile 2 and my split is 8:23. Wow, I found it a little odd but was happy with it since I was still on pace to reach my goal. Right after mile 2 there were a lot of spectators and I guess that motivated me because I hit mile 3 with a split of 8:16. After mile 3, I would take a quick look at my splits but didn't memorize them and since I have no idea how to retrieve that information from my Garmin FR60 I can't tell you what the rest of my splits were. What I can tell you is I had several more 8:23 splits because I remember thinking it was a little strange but hey it was working. I did run a few splits slower than 8:23 and a couple more faster than 8:23 over the course of 10 miles. From approximatley mile 7 on, I was playing leap frog with another woman. Around mile 8 she looked at me and said good job. I responded with a you too. We rounded the corner and hit mile 9 and then it was long steady strides for the final mile. One of my co-workers/friends was at the finish line and she was yelling at me to finish strong and telling me I was looking good! That gave me the boost I needed and I crossed the line in 1:21:34 (chip time). Definitely under 1:25 and a new 10 mile PR. The last time I ran a 10 mile race I was 16 and I finished in 1:23:28. After I received my finisher's medal I headed to the tent to retrieve my bag and grab some post-race fuel and I then found Kerry and Danielle (coworkers of mine) and of course took advantage of another photo-op!

Kerry (on the left) had to leave to go to a bridal shower so Danielle (on the right) and I stood at the finish line to wait for Marilyn and Kristin (a friend of Danielle's) to finish the race. Right around 1:44 I saw Marilyn approaching the finish line and snapped her picture. As you can see she was very focused on finishing! She wanted to break 1:50 and she finished in 1:45! Way to go Marilyn!!

I headed back into the pavilion to find Marilyn and we of course had to get our post-race picture taken!

The one interesting thing about the race was the fact that there was also a relay option (each person would run 5 miles). I think it is a great idea and would be a lot of fun to do sometime. Fresh runners tagging in at mile 5 made me feel like I was really slowing down. Before I psyched myself out, I quickly reminded myself that I had been running for 5 miles and they were just starting.

I feel like I ran a very consistent race. In fact, the race results seem to verify my consistency.

First 5 miles

40:49:76 (8: 10/mile)

Second 5 miles

40:44:27 (8:09/mile)

Official chip time

1:21:34 (8:09/mile)

One week from tomorrow Cuz Michele and I will be running the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon and I am hoping I will be able to maintain a relatively similar pace. Only time will tell since today's race was pretty flat and there will be some hills in Pittsburgh.

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

Looking Ahead to the Mill Creek 1/2 Marathon Distance Classic

I am very excited to be participating in the Mill Creek 1/2 two weeks from tomorrow. Although, I think I am even more excited to be running it with a long time friend, running buddy, and "cuz". I was checking out the Cleveland Marathon's website last month and found a link to let you check registrations. I decided to put in Pittsburgh, PA since it is one of the bigger cities close to where I grew up. As I was scrolling down I saw a very familiar name..Michele. Of course Michele is a very common name. Now the Michele "Cuz" I know is 33 so I checked and sure enough the one registered is 33. I headed to facebook to see if any of my high school friends kept in touch with her (did I mention that we went to high school together and ran on the track and cross country teams?). As luck would have it, one of my friends was friends with her on myspace. I found Michele through myspace and sent her a message. I found out through her return message that she is in fact running the Cleveland Marathon. It is her first marathon (mine too) and she doesn't want to walk at all (me either) and ideally she would like to finish in 4 hours (me too)! So we had been emailing back and forth and I mentioned that I wanted to run the Mill Creek 1/2 but I really wanted someone to run it with. Without hesitation she said, "I'm free that weekend, I will run it with you". By the next morning we were both registered! Michele and I will both be getting into Youngstown early in the afternoon the day before the race. We plan to pick up our race packets, carb load (of course), and just catch up on say I don't know....the last 15 years or so. I honestly don't believe we have seen each other since she graduated from high school. I graduated in 1992 but would go back when I was free from college obligations and help coach/train the teams. It's funny how things work out, isn't it? Needless to say, I will be in Youngstown in two weeks, camera in hand, catching up with a great friend, runner, and "cuz" and of course enjoying 13.1!

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

Goals

Hello and welcome to my newly created blog! I have decided to document my training for my newest goal for 2010 which is to run the Cleveland Marathon 0n May 16, 2010. Blogging will keep me honest and on task.

This is from my fundraising page for the Cleveland 1/2 Marathon in May 2009. This is the reason I started running again and continue to run each and every day.

My life was truly blessed to have known Stephanie Lufkin. She was the sweetest little girl with an amazing smile that could light up any room. Hearing her say good morning at Glenview (my children's daycare) always made my day. Stephanie passed away unexpectedly on May 8, 2008 due to complications of ITP. On May 17, 2009, I will be running in the Cleveland 1/2 Marathon for Stephanie, for her family, and for ITP.

I am grateful to Stephanie and her family each and every day for helping me find my love for running again.

I have accomplished many goals since the 1/2 Marathon.

My statistics since May 2009:

Cleveland 1/2 Marathon (May 17, 2009): 2:07.53
Webswat 5k (June 14, 2009): 26:37
Cardinal Twilight 5k (June 27, 2009): 27:02
Smiles for Sophie 5k (July 4, 2009): 26:26
OROC 5k (August 29, 2009): 25:09
Race for the Cure 5k (September 12, 2009): 24:46.1
Peace Race 10k (October 4, 2009): 52:35
Columbus 1/2 Marathon (October 18, 2009): 1:54.14

Running has been great stress relief and a great way to drop A LOT of weight!!

This blog will document my training for the 2010 Cleveland Marathon which I will be running in honor of my friend, Deb. On May 15, 2010 it will be 10 years since she had a brain tumor removed. We are running to raise money and awareness in her name. Deb is truly amazing. She ran the Columbus 1/2 Marathon this past Sunday as well! I am so proud of her and am truly honored to run for her and her health!!

Tomorrow (one week post 1/2 marathon) I am running the Skeleton 5k with my neighbor Brenda. My goal for tomorrow is to have an enjoyable Sunday run with a great friend. No time goals for me tomorrow.

I hope you enjoy my blog and comments are always welcome.