Who's Ready to Leap Into a Challenge?

Considering this year is a leap year I thought it would be fun to create a 30 day challenge for myself and anyone else who would like to join me.

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Now I am fully aware that there are only 29 days in February this year so my plan is to finish the challenge on day 30 even though it will be March 1.

Starting on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 I will start the following 30 day challenges

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I challenge myself to not eat any sweets for 30 days.  Some of my staff has decided to participate in this part of the challenge with me but they have asked for an exemption on Valentine's Day considering there are 29 days in February this year.  I granted them their exemption because they are willing to give it a try and I would say 28 days of no sweets is a good start.  I however will not be granting myself the exemption.

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I challenge myself to not eat any potato chips for 30 days.

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I challenge myself to complete a 30 day fitness program in addition to my February running.  I haven't confirmed which 30 day fitness challenge I am going to go with as of yet.  I am looking into Jillian Michael's 30 day shred and a few other things.  I will make the decision prior to Feburary 1 so that I will have everything I need to complete the challenge.

They say it takes 21 days to create a habit, just imagine what 30 days could do!  I plan to do post on my progress with these challenges so stay tuned!

Okay, so who's with me?  Who wants to leap into a challenge with both feet?

Thumbs Up Thursday...Carrie

This week we meet the final member of the recent Thumbs Up Thursday's Trio because the spotlight is on Carrie of Girls Go Running (here).  If you haven't stopped by their blog yet, you certainly need to do that right after you read Carrie's interview!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Carrie:  I am not really sure how long I’ve been running. I know mom started it all, but it has been a number of years. I started toward the end of high school. I was a swimmer then, and I never ran competitively as a high school sport. Now, I consider myself a runner, who used to swim.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Carrie:  I started running because my mom enjoyed it so much. I also knew that I could not swim for the rest of my life simply because it can be really inconvenient or expensive to swim. So, I also started as a way to take care of myself that was readily available no matter where I was.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Carrie:  If I’m not mistaken, I ran my first race, The Ox Run, when I was 16. So, I guess I have been racing since then, but I don’t race regularly.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Carrie:  I haven’t run a marathon, so my comment excludes a marathon because I really don’t know. I have run four half marathons, several 10k’s, one 5k, and one 12k. I really loved the half marathon. My experience may have been encouraged by a couple things.  I hit a major goal in finishing my first half marathon, which was the Rite Aid Cleveland Half Marathon. I ran a 1:45-something after a friend encouraged me to run 8:00 mile the whole way, which he had no reason to know what pace I ran. We had never once run together.  I ran without a Garmin at that point, and I had no idea how fast or slow I was. So, I figured out what the time needed to be, and I did my best to make it. As luck would have it, I ran 8:01s for the half marathon. I was so impressed with myself that I fell in love with the distance.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Carrie:  My best memory is placing second in my age group and fifth among the women for a local half marathon called the Cleveland Spring Classic. I finished with a time of 1:37:23. I was in complete shock. It was an absolute thrill. I hope to return to that level of fitness. I wasn’t even aware that I was capable of running that fast for that amount of time. I hope to break that time the next time I run a half marathon. I hope that’s soon, but I have a lot of work ahead of me.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Carrie:  My least favorite memory is my second half marathon, which I ran on the hilliest course imaginable. Every time I went around a corner in the woods along this course there was another hill. Each hill seemed bigger than the last. I actually walked during the last mile because I was so tired. I ran more slowly than my first marathon, and it was just plain miserable. (Since it preceded my best race memory by only a month or two, I think it may have been a great training run.)

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Carrie:  My proudest running moment is not my own run at all. It was watching my mom and sister finish their first marathon together. I could not have been more proud. They did an amazing job, and I never doubted they could do it. I knew their ups and downs along the way, and I knew how hard they had worked to get there. I was so excited for them both. They were fantastic.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Carrie:  I live and die by my Garmin, so that’s a given. I love to know pace and time although now that I run pushing my daughter in the stroller, I rarely have the time or energy to look. Next, my iPod Shuffle is a necessity. It contains only a running playlist, and it’s blue. I love my music when I run. And finally, my Asics Gel Kayanos. I cannot run without them. I have had no luck with any other shoe for running. I am a dedicated fan.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Carrie:  Having not run a marathon, I have never used fuel for a race before the upcoming marathon. So, I’m not sure yet.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Carrie:  I usually like to eat a banana after I run. They are convenient, good for recovery, and they have them at every race I have ever run. I do think I would prefer chocolate milk, but I’ll try to find out after the marathon since it’s not a tested theory.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Carrie:  I admire my mom and dad most. She inspired both Megan and I to run. She knows how to celebrate small things. I hope to do that for Elizabeth. I admire my dad because he showed us what it means to support someone’s passion. He is a constant support, and I’m not sure anyone has ever been more proud of my accomplishments no matter what they were. They both helped me make the most of myself in running and everything else.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Carrie:  Well, I will tell you that it’s not “Work hard and it will come easy.” I don’t have a quote that I’m fascinated by regularly, but I have a recent favorite quote. “Being an athlete is a state of mind which is not bound by age, performance or place in the running pack.” Jeff Galloway, Galloway's Book on Running.  I think it is a great reminder that running is personal. Being a runner doesn’t have anything to do with qualifying for Boston or running a personal best time or placing or medaling at a race. Running is about the miles you spend out on the road. It’s knowing you are an athlete. It’s knowing you take care of yourself. Running is time alone to deal with stress or celebrate your life. I most admire the runners who do not look like runners. The people who go out and work hard when it doesn’t come easily to them. Those runners are my favorite runners. They deserve the most praise.

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Carrie:  Confident. I feel good about myself.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Carrie:  My current goal is to finish the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon and to break my best time in the half marathon sometime this year.

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

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Megan

This week's spotlight is on Megan of Girls Go Running (here). You may remember seeing the same blog last week. The reason for this is because Megan is Elizabeth's daughter and Elizabeth and her two daughters all share their story on their group blog. After you read Megan's interview head on over and say hello!

Jodi: How long have you been running?

Megan: I started running 16 years ago. My mom started running, and I joined in.

Jodi: Why did you start running?

Megan: As the youngest of three, when my older brother and sister were gone working at summer camp, I needed something to do when they were gone.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?

Megan: If I'm recalling accurately, I ran my first race when I was 14 or 15. I had never run more than maybe 4 miles, and signed up for a local 10K. I've had many years that I haven't raced at all.

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

Megan: I don't know that I have a favorite distance yet. I've done a 5K, a couple of 10Ks, a 12K, and a marathon. I love that I can say I've done the marathon, but I guess the 10K is currently my favorite. I would like to do at least one half marathon though because they seem like the perfect balance of a challenge with less hours of training than the marathon. I'm hoping to get some on my schedule after the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon in May.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?

Megan: My favorite race memory is my aunt, who is 19 year older than my mom, running along with us for about a block of the marathon my mom and I were running to raise money for her son who was battling cancer. She was cheering us on, and it is a powerful memory from a great day! She was our biggest fan and support during training, and she continues to be a tremendous cheerleader for us as we train for the second marathon. I also found my dad's support of both my mom and I, but particularly my mom, a great memory! I'm not sure who gets more of a runners high...my mom from actually running or my dad because he loves that my mom runs!

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?

Megan: Mile 18 of last year's marathon. It was around mile 18 that I bonked. My sister and my cousin's husband (a previous Boston qualifier) ran several miles with us. When my sister joined us, she gave my mom a good boost of energy, and I had nothing left. I remember thinking that eight miles was a lot, and I didn't know how I was going to keep moving forward. Thankfully, my energy picked back up a bit, and although tired, I felt much better about mile 22 or 24.

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?

Megan: Crossing the finish line at the Fargo Marathon with my mom last May. I wanted to complete a marathon before I turned 30, and I did it! My mom and I had such great support! Our running group, my dad, my sister, my aunt, etc.. My boyfriend was also a huge part of accomplishing this goal. Seeing him, my dad, my aunt, my sister, and other friends and family along the route made the race and the finish incredible!

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

Megan: Probably my Garmin Forerunner and my Asics Gel Nimbus shoes. I've trained in other shoes, and the Gel Nimbus is the best! If it's a long run, I'd say good company, which for me means my mom's running with me.

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?

Megan: For my first marathon, I used Luna Moons, but the thought of them now makes me almost sick. I'm trying different types of fuel for marathon number two, and so far, my favorite is the Honey Stinger waffle. I also find that the sports drink on the course is crucial for me. So, whatever flavor they have for a race is my other favorite.

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?

Megan: My favorite thing after a race is chocolate milk, preferably Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk. I thought it was strange that people liked milk, chocolate or not, after a run, but it's great! Pizza is a close second.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?

Megan: I most admire my maternal grandparents, Ted and Marie. Both overcame a lot of challenging circumstances in their lifetimes, and they worked hard and were successful. They were also strong advocates of education, and as a college instructor, I see the value in their beliefs. They both had grit and determination, and they always worked hard to reach their goals and never gave up.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?

Megan: 1. "This too shall pass." and 2. "Work hard and it will come easy." The first was one my grandma liked. It's so true of running. A great run may be fleeting, but a tough run or a"bonk" in a marathon are too. You just have to keep pushing forward. The second quote was one my grandpa told me often when we'd leave from visiting him. And again, it fits well with running. Often on a run, the harder I work the faster the miles go and the easier it seems.

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.

Megan: relieved to be finishing another run on the training plan.

Jodi: What is your current goal?

Megan: My current goal is the run a marathon with both my mom and sister. My sister couldn't run with us during our first marathon because she had a beautiful little girl just weeks before the event. We chose a training plan with more miles. I was happy just to finish my first marathon, and I'll be happy to finish a second as well. But, I'd like to see a better time that confirms all the training paid off.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Megan!

Enjoy every minute of your marathon with your mom and sister! Looking forward to the possibility of meeting you at Cleveland!

Of course no Thumbs Up Thursday is complete without pictures!  Enjoy!! 

Megan with her mom and sister at a Mother's Day 5K

Megan at the Fargo Marathon Expo

Megan and her boyfriend after the Fargo Marathon





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

The Spotlight Is On Me...

Last Thursday I spotlighted Elizabeth of Girls Go Running (here). Imagine my surprise when she asked me if I would be willing to answer the same questions I asked her so she could feature me on her blog. I was more than happy to oblige! Head on over and check out my interview (here). Thanks for making me feel like a celebrity for the day Elizabeth!! Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Elizabeth

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

Jodi: How long have you been running?

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

Jodi: Why did you start running?

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

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?

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

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

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

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?

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

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?

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

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?

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

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

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

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?

Elizabeth: Honey Stinger waffles are my new favorite.

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?

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

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?

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

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?

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

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

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

Jodi: What is your current goal?

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

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

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

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