Yesterday was my last run for July. I ran two miles on treadmill due to time restraints. The two miles was planned as myself and three other friends are heading to Chicago this morning. We will be running the Chicago Rock 'N Roll 1/2 Marathon on Sunday.
July Stats
69--- running miles
2--- elliptical miles
0--- bike miles
71--- total miles
151--- weight as of July 30, 2010 (+2 pounds since June 30, 2010)
Current 2010 Stats
650--- running miles
52.9--- elliptical miles
5.1--- bike miles
708--- total miles
Overall, I was happy with my July training. High temperatures and humidity made many of the workouts challenging but it just made me stronger in the end. As for the two pound weight gain, I am completely fine with it. I am at a weight I am comfortable at. My only goal in relationship to weight is to maintain between 150-155.
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thumbs Up Thursday...Ashley Cavicchi
So, last week I saw that Ashley had commented on Thumbs Up Thursday. She mentioned that she really enjoyed reading them. So, I figured why not ask her permission to spotlight her this week. I sent her a message and she was happy to oblige. With that said, I give you the question and answer portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!!
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Ashley: About 3 years on and off. I've only been consistently running since last May.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Ashley: Originally I started running to get in better shape while I was a figure skater. When I was forced to quit figure skating due to a back injury, running became the only type of exercise that felt like a challenge for me and I learned to love it, now I think I love it more than skating sometimes, which is a big feat considering I grew up as a figure skater.
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Ashley: 1 year seriously, I had done a few 5k's and a four miler previously but I didn't really race them and I didn't know a thing about training until last spring/summer. I've learned so much already.
Ashley before a 5k
Ashley and her boyfriend after 4th of July 10k
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Ashley: Half marathon, it's not so fast I feel as though I'm sprinting the whole time like a 5k but it's not too long for me, it's the easiest race distance for me to pace myself so far.
Ashley finishing her first 1/2 marathon
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Ashley: Finishing my first marathon in May 2010. It was an amazing feeling. I remember coming into the finishing area and just feeling this sense of relief and accomplishment. I don't know that I'll ever forget it.
Ashley at mile 9 of the 2010 Vermont City Marathon
Ashley going through the finish line at the 2010 Vermont City Marathon
Ashley after the 2010 Vermont City Marathon
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Ashley: Having a breakdown on a hill at mile 15 of the marathon. I remember seeing my mom, aunt, and boyfriend on the side of the street and just begging for my gatorade which they didn't have. They just pushed me away and told me to keep going. I was crying at this point. It was definitely a low point in the race.
Ashley's breakdown at mile 15 of the 2010 Vermont City Marathon
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Ashley: Hmmm....either finishing my first marathon this spring or running a sub 7 minute mile recently. Both felt like things I never imagined I'd do and I have done now!
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Ashley: If I had to choose one it would be my Garmin but even that I don't bring with me on all my runs...there's not one specific thing for every run...but for long runs, definitely my handheld water bottle, especially in this heat!
Jodi: What is your favorite cross-training activity?
Ashley: I'm so bad about cross-training and need to do more...biking would win out as my favorite even though it's been awhile since I've been on a bike ride. I really need to start cross-training more!
Jodi: What is your least favorite cross-training activity?
Ashley: Lifting weights. Just not a fan at all.
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Ashley: Ahh...I have so many. Hmm...I'm currently reading Run: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel by Matt Fitzgerald and he has a quote at the start of each chapter, and this one catches my eye every time: "Pain is good because it teaches your body and your soul to improve"- Lance Armstrong. I think I like it because I hold back frequently from pushing myself during harder workouts (i.e. speedwork) and know that I need to push myself and that certain types of pain aren't always bad.
Jodi: Finish this statement, after a training run I feel __________.
Ashley: Accomplished.
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Ashley: To qualify for the Boston Marathon, my qualifying time is 3:40.
Thank you for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Ashley. Best of luck achieving your Boston Marathon goal.
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Ashley YOU inspire ME!!
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Ashley: About 3 years on and off. I've only been consistently running since last May.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Ashley: Originally I started running to get in better shape while I was a figure skater. When I was forced to quit figure skating due to a back injury, running became the only type of exercise that felt like a challenge for me and I learned to love it, now I think I love it more than skating sometimes, which is a big feat considering I grew up as a figure skater.
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Ashley: 1 year seriously, I had done a few 5k's and a four miler previously but I didn't really race them and I didn't know a thing about training until last spring/summer. I've learned so much already.
Ashley before a 5k
Ashley and her boyfriend after 4th of July 10kJodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Ashley: Half marathon, it's not so fast I feel as though I'm sprinting the whole time like a 5k but it's not too long for me, it's the easiest race distance for me to pace myself so far.
Ashley finishing her first 1/2 marathonJodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Ashley: Finishing my first marathon in May 2010. It was an amazing feeling. I remember coming into the finishing area and just feeling this sense of relief and accomplishment. I don't know that I'll ever forget it.
Ashley at mile 9 of the 2010 Vermont City Marathon
Ashley going through the finish line at the 2010 Vermont City Marathon 
Ashley after the 2010 Vermont City MarathonJodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Ashley: Having a breakdown on a hill at mile 15 of the marathon. I remember seeing my mom, aunt, and boyfriend on the side of the street and just begging for my gatorade which they didn't have. They just pushed me away and told me to keep going. I was crying at this point. It was definitely a low point in the race.
Ashley's breakdown at mile 15 of the 2010 Vermont City MarathonJodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Ashley: Hmmm....either finishing my first marathon this spring or running a sub 7 minute mile recently. Both felt like things I never imagined I'd do and I have done now!
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Ashley: If I had to choose one it would be my Garmin but even that I don't bring with me on all my runs...there's not one specific thing for every run...but for long runs, definitely my handheld water bottle, especially in this heat!
Jodi: What is your favorite cross-training activity?
Ashley: I'm so bad about cross-training and need to do more...biking would win out as my favorite even though it's been awhile since I've been on a bike ride. I really need to start cross-training more!
Jodi: What is your least favorite cross-training activity?
Ashley: Lifting weights. Just not a fan at all.
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Ashley: Ahh...I have so many. Hmm...I'm currently reading Run: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel by Matt Fitzgerald and he has a quote at the start of each chapter, and this one catches my eye every time: "Pain is good because it teaches your body and your soul to improve"- Lance Armstrong. I think I like it because I hold back frequently from pushing myself during harder workouts (i.e. speedwork) and know that I need to push myself and that certain types of pain aren't always bad.
Jodi: Finish this statement, after a training run I feel __________.
Ashley: Accomplished.
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Ashley: To qualify for the Boston Marathon, my qualifying time is 3:40.
Thank you for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Ashley. Best of luck achieving your Boston Marathon goal.
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Ashley YOU inspire ME!!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
It's Chicago Rock 'N Roll 1/2 Marathon Week
One week from today I will be running the Chicago RNR 1/2 Marathon with these three lovely ladies and amazing friends. Our registration included tickets to the Uncle Kracker concert on Friday night so we will be making it a girl's "running" weekend of sorts.
Nikki, Marilyn, Deb, and myself
Nikki has graciously agreed to host a pool party for all of us and our families on Thursday night. It will be fun to get together with everyone before we head to Chicago on Friday morning.
Nice inviting pool
Friday we will head out in the morning and stop and pick up our race packets and concert tickets before we head to our hotel for check in. The plan for Friday night is to have dinner at Smith and Wollensky, a well-known Chicago Steakhouse. I'm looking forward to experiencing the view from the restaurant as well as the food and atmosphere of the restaurant itself. The pictures online are amazing!
After we finish dinner, we will head to the Uncle Kracker concert and enjoy the rest of our evening in Chicago.
Uncle Kracker
I do believe that we will do some shopping on Saturday, but definitely not the marathon of shopping that Deb and I did this past week! Of course we will be on the hunt for a nice carb loading dinner on Saturday night. I do believe Deb is looking into an Italian restuarant for us. I'm looking forward to that experience as well.
The pasta dish from my 22.2 mile training run
We will most likely head to bed early Saturday evening so we can be well rested for the 6:30AM start of the race.
The start of the 2009 RNR Chicago 1/2 Marathon
It is going to be a really fun weekend with a little bit of running thrown in!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Nikki, Marilyn, Deb, and myselfNikki has graciously agreed to host a pool party for all of us and our families on Thursday night. It will be fun to get together with everyone before we head to Chicago on Friday morning.
Nice inviting poolFriday we will head out in the morning and stop and pick up our race packets and concert tickets before we head to our hotel for check in. The plan for Friday night is to have dinner at Smith and Wollensky, a well-known Chicago Steakhouse. I'm looking forward to experiencing the view from the restaurant as well as the food and atmosphere of the restaurant itself. The pictures online are amazing!
After we finish dinner, we will head to the Uncle Kracker concert and enjoy the rest of our evening in Chicago.
Uncle KrackerI do believe that we will do some shopping on Saturday, but definitely not the marathon of shopping that Deb and I did this past week! Of course we will be on the hunt for a nice carb loading dinner on Saturday night. I do believe Deb is looking into an Italian restuarant for us. I'm looking forward to that experience as well.
The pasta dish from my 22.2 mile training runWe will most likely head to bed early Saturday evening so we can be well rested for the 6:30AM start of the race.
The start of the 2009 RNR Chicago 1/2 MarathonIt is going to be a really fun weekend with a little bit of running thrown in!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thumbs Up Thursday...Connie Spielman
I met Connie back in March at the St. Malachi 5 Miler. She was very kind and we had a lot to talk about while waiting for the race. She was well into her training for the Boston Marathon and I was in the midst of training for the Cleveland Marathon. Fast forward to yesterday when I sent Connie and email and asked her if I could give her a thumbs up today. Her response was: "I would be honored, but I'm not running right now! My foot is still bothering me (sigh). I'm off to see the podiatrist again tomorrow afternoon. But if that's okay, I would love to!" I immediately responded with: "Of course it is okay for you to be spotlighted. Injuries are a part of running." With all of this said, I give you the question and answer portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Connie: I have been running all my life! I ran my first race when I was 8 years old.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Connie: My dad started running in the late 60's, and when we moved to Cleveland he started running races. I guess I wanted to be like him, so I begged and begged to be able to run a race too! My mom and dad finally said okay, and I ran/walked a 3 mile race while he did a ten mile race. I won a medal for being the youngest finisher, and I was hooked!
Jodi: When you are really tired and want to skip a workout what motivates you to do the workout anyway?
Connie: Ohhh, this is hard. I keep my goal in mind - whether it's the next race, weekly mileage, getting faster, or just to keep up with the cross country girls!
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Connie: See above - over 37 years!
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Connie: I think either the 5 mile or the 10k - they are short enough that you still have to go relatively fast, and not super long so I can usually hang on until the end!
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Connie: Oh, this is hard. I have so many! One of my favorites is crewing for my brother when he ran the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run in California! It was just amazing - beautiful scenery, an amazing race, for 28 hours we just drove to different places to see him and check if he needed anything, make sure he was eating, drinking enough, gave him change of clothes, ran with him for awhile, helped him at the aid stations. I had never seen an ultra trail race before, and I completely understood why he loved it so much! It was incredibly difficult, but everyone knew everyone else - which was how it was for our family when my brother and I were younger. There weren't as many runners doing races and we all knew each other!
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Connie: Well, I have a bunch of these too! It would have to be when I was a senior in college, and during our first race of the season something in my hip "popped" half way through a cross country race. It hurt horribly, and I was out for the rest of the season - one which I had trained so hard during the summer for, and had hoped to have a PR season!
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Connie: Qualifying for Boston last year at the Cleveland Marathon, or else Boston this year, when I finished and found out my daughter had finished her first marathon in 3:35!!!
Connie and Katie before Boston
Connie crossing the finish line at Boston
Connie and Katie after Boston
Jodi: How long have you been running?
Connie: I have been running all my life! I ran my first race when I was 8 years old.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Connie: My dad started running in the late 60's, and when we moved to Cleveland he started running races. I guess I wanted to be like him, so I begged and begged to be able to run a race too! My mom and dad finally said okay, and I ran/walked a 3 mile race while he did a ten mile race. I won a medal for being the youngest finisher, and I was hooked!
Jodi: When you are really tired and want to skip a workout what motivates you to do the workout anyway?
Connie: Ohhh, this is hard. I keep my goal in mind - whether it's the next race, weekly mileage, getting faster, or just to keep up with the cross country girls!
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Connie: See above - over 37 years!
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Connie: I think either the 5 mile or the 10k - they are short enough that you still have to go relatively fast, and not super long so I can usually hang on until the end!
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Connie: Oh, this is hard. I have so many! One of my favorites is crewing for my brother when he ran the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run in California! It was just amazing - beautiful scenery, an amazing race, for 28 hours we just drove to different places to see him and check if he needed anything, make sure he was eating, drinking enough, gave him change of clothes, ran with him for awhile, helped him at the aid stations. I had never seen an ultra trail race before, and I completely understood why he loved it so much! It was incredibly difficult, but everyone knew everyone else - which was how it was for our family when my brother and I were younger. There weren't as many runners doing races and we all knew each other!
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Connie: Well, I have a bunch of these too! It would have to be when I was a senior in college, and during our first race of the season something in my hip "popped" half way through a cross country race. It hurt horribly, and I was out for the rest of the season - one which I had trained so hard during the summer for, and had hoped to have a PR season!
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Connie: Qualifying for Boston last year at the Cleveland Marathon, or else Boston this year, when I finished and found out my daughter had finished her first marathon in 3:35!!!
Connie and Katie before Boston
Connie crossing the finish line at Boston
Connie and Katie after BostonJodi: What is your favorite running related purchase to date?
Connie: I love my Garmin 405!!
Jodi: What is your favorite non-running related purchase to date?
Connie: Food? Our house? Chocolate!!!
Jodi: Finish this statement, running makes me _________.
Connie: Feel alive!
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Connie: Since I have been an assistant coach for the high school girls cross country team, I've discovered so many great ones! We like to put them on the back of the team tshirts, and look for a different one each year. Right now, I love "The gun goes off and everything changes...the World changes...and nothing else really matters" by PattiSue Plummer.
Jodi: What is your biggest frustration at the moment?
Connie: Not being able to run! I have plantar fasciitis right now, everything feels great and ready to go except for my foot. Grrrr!!
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Connie: Still working on having a great marathon - and I would love to get under 21 minutes in the 5k again. :)
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Connie. Best of luck achieving your marathon and 5k goals. First and foremost, heal well!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Connie YOU inspire ME!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Shopping Can Be A Workout Too
So my kids headed to Pop Pop and Grammy's for the week on Sunday and my dear friend Deb and I headed to Columbus for a mini girl's trip. We got into Columbus Sunday afternoon and headed over to Easton where we spent a good four hours shopping (most of that time being spent in the container store. I could use up my life savings in that store. So many cool things!) Sunday evening we enjoyed dinner at the Melting Pot. We had A LOT of food and I was glad that I had run 10 miles Sunday morning. We headed back to our hotel after dinner and decided we would head to the outlet mall in Jeffersonville in the morning. Before I go on, I should mention that Deb and I are not big shoppers. Now imagine our surprise when we realized we shopped for 7 hours straight on Monday! Shopping is a lot like work! We had an amazing time shopping, people watching, and laughing until we cried at the outlets. We also found awesome deals ($98.00 jeans for $14.24 is just one example) as you can see in the photo below. When Deb emailed my husband this picture, he sent me a text message which said: "Ok that's her stuff so no room for yours. Glad I didn't buy you a Suburban." Deb and I laughed when I read the text message and I replied with: "actually mine was more than half".
We called it a day around 6:30 PM and started on the 45 minute drive back to our hotel. There was dead silence for awhile. It was really quite comical when we realized it. Neither one of us has ever been quite so sore from shopping! When we got back to our hotel Deb even commented that she may have felt better after running 13.1 miles at the Cleveland Marathon. Me, not so much, seeing how I felt like I had been hit by a Mac truck after 25 miles at the Cleveland Marathon. We headed up to our room and sat there for awhile commenting on how sore we were. In fact, we both updated our Facebook status to reflect just how tiring shopping had been. I truly think I was in less pain after my 10 mile run on Sunday than I was at the end of our shopping trip on Monday. We eventually decided we should find something for dinner. We headed back to Easton and had Bon Vie. It was very good, but of course I ate too much again. Yesterday was our last day in Columbus and Deb had ordered a shelving system for her daughter's bedroom from the Container Store so we headed back to Easton where we spent another two hours shopping. We went into a few stores we hadn't gone to on Sunday and then we headed to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. Deb convinced me to be adventurous and try something new so we shared a chop salad and fish tacos. I was pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed the meal and would definitely order it again. Now, if they would just put this restaurant in on the West side of Cleveland we could go there more often! Our final stop was the container store. After all was said and done, my Trailblazer was filled to the rim (both the back seat and the back hatch area). Take a look at the picture.
We didn't do one ounce of running on our trip but we certainly walked A LOT! How could we not walk a lot when we shopped a total of 13 hours in three days!?! It was a great trip and I can't wait to do it again!
And no worries on the running front, I got out there this morning for a nice 5 miler!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
We called it a day around 6:30 PM and started on the 45 minute drive back to our hotel. There was dead silence for awhile. It was really quite comical when we realized it. Neither one of us has ever been quite so sore from shopping! When we got back to our hotel Deb even commented that she may have felt better after running 13.1 miles at the Cleveland Marathon. Me, not so much, seeing how I felt like I had been hit by a Mac truck after 25 miles at the Cleveland Marathon. We headed up to our room and sat there for awhile commenting on how sore we were. In fact, we both updated our Facebook status to reflect just how tiring shopping had been. I truly think I was in less pain after my 10 mile run on Sunday than I was at the end of our shopping trip on Monday. We eventually decided we should find something for dinner. We headed back to Easton and had Bon Vie. It was very good, but of course I ate too much again. Yesterday was our last day in Columbus and Deb had ordered a shelving system for her daughter's bedroom from the Container Store so we headed back to Easton where we spent another two hours shopping. We went into a few stores we hadn't gone to on Sunday and then we headed to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. Deb convinced me to be adventurous and try something new so we shared a chop salad and fish tacos. I was pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed the meal and would definitely order it again. Now, if they would just put this restaurant in on the West side of Cleveland we could go there more often! Our final stop was the container store. After all was said and done, my Trailblazer was filled to the rim (both the back seat and the back hatch area). Take a look at the picture.
We didn't do one ounce of running on our trip but we certainly walked A LOT! How could we not walk a lot when we shopped a total of 13 hours in three days!?! It was a great trip and I can't wait to do it again!
And no worries on the running front, I got out there this morning for a nice 5 miler!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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.
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!!
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!!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
James Kerstetter Memorial 5k Race Report
Headed out to run a 5k this morning to honor the memory of Elyria Police Officer James Kerstetter, shot and killed in the line of duty in March 2010. I got to the packet pickup nice and early. I found it a little odd that we didn't have numbers for the race. When I asked another runner he told me that we would be handed a numbered index card as we finished the race. The number on the card would be our place overall. Once we received the card, we would write our name and city on it and then drop it into our respective age group buckets and then volunteers would tabulate the results prior to the award ceremony. After I found out this information, I headed back to my truck to drop off my "goodie" bag. When I came back to the starting area, I ran into Darlene and we had a quick picture taken. We then walked back to the parking lot to drop off my camera.
We walked back to the starting area and got lined up. There was a decent sized group of officers that ran together in formation each wearing a 1 or a 7, running 3 abreast. The fallen officer's badge number was 177. They let the officers have a "head start" and then we were off! It was somewhat of an out and back course with a few hills. I managed to run the first mile in 7:20. The next mile included some hills and my pace slowed a little and my two mile split was 8:00. Once again, I had to hold back tears in a race. As I was heading back on the course towards the finish line, the pack of officers passed me going the opposite direction doing a candence to the fallen officer. At this point in the race I started playing "leap frog" with another runner. I would pull away from her on the uphill and she would come back on the downhill. Once we approached the three mile mark, I managed to outsprint her to the finish and she walked up to me at the end and said "Wow, great job, I will run with you anytime". I crossed the line in an unofficial time of 23:23 and knew immediately that I had placed 1st in my age group because I was the first one to drop an index card in my respective age group bucket. Number two in my age group..."leap frog girl" of course! Thank goodness I found that final kick at the end! I got to see the pack of officers a second time when I was walking back to my truck to grab my camera and they were still in perfect formation, doing a cadence to the finish line. Right after I passed them, I saw my friend Heather. Today was her first 5K and she finished it in 32:15. She was very proud, as she should be! The best part is that she finished 177th overall which as I mentioned earlier was the fallen officer's badge number. What a great coincidence at her first race. I congratulated her on her success and we had our picture taken. Of course we were still sweaty, and red faced from the run!
After our picture we just talked with some people and waited for the awards ceremony. It was really great to hear them announce my name for 1st place female in the 35-39 age division. As I was walking back after receiving my award, one of the dispatchers I know was shouting way to go. As you can see in the photo, I looked her way instead of looking at the camera. At least I am still smiling!
Following this, my friend Darlene was called up. She placed 2nd in her age division. Darlene and I know each other because she owns Hershey's Ice Cream & More in Elyria, Ohio and I pretty much had ice cream from her store every single day of my pregnancy with my daughter. We still try and get to the store once in awhile to say hello and enjoy some ice cream. I think we both could have gone for some ice cream after this picture, it was getting HOT!!
I was very pleased with my time today even though it was only 23 seconds shy of a PR. I ran faster today than I did last Sunday on a flat course. Perhaps I actually know how to use the hills to my advantage. A side effect from growing up in PA maybe? I have no idea, but I will take it!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
We walked back to the starting area and got lined up. There was a decent sized group of officers that ran together in formation each wearing a 1 or a 7, running 3 abreast. The fallen officer's badge number was 177. They let the officers have a "head start" and then we were off! It was somewhat of an out and back course with a few hills. I managed to run the first mile in 7:20. The next mile included some hills and my pace slowed a little and my two mile split was 8:00. Once again, I had to hold back tears in a race. As I was heading back on the course towards the finish line, the pack of officers passed me going the opposite direction doing a candence to the fallen officer. At this point in the race I started playing "leap frog" with another runner. I would pull away from her on the uphill and she would come back on the downhill. Once we approached the three mile mark, I managed to outsprint her to the finish and she walked up to me at the end and said "Wow, great job, I will run with you anytime". I crossed the line in an unofficial time of 23:23 and knew immediately that I had placed 1st in my age group because I was the first one to drop an index card in my respective age group bucket. Number two in my age group..."leap frog girl" of course! Thank goodness I found that final kick at the end! I got to see the pack of officers a second time when I was walking back to my truck to grab my camera and they were still in perfect formation, doing a cadence to the finish line. Right after I passed them, I saw my friend Heather. Today was her first 5K and she finished it in 32:15. She was very proud, as she should be! The best part is that she finished 177th overall which as I mentioned earlier was the fallen officer's badge number. What a great coincidence at her first race. I congratulated her on her success and we had our picture taken. Of course we were still sweaty, and red faced from the run!
After our picture we just talked with some people and waited for the awards ceremony. It was really great to hear them announce my name for 1st place female in the 35-39 age division. As I was walking back after receiving my award, one of the dispatchers I know was shouting way to go. As you can see in the photo, I looked her way instead of looking at the camera. At least I am still smiling!
Following this, my friend Darlene was called up. She placed 2nd in her age division. Darlene and I know each other because she owns Hershey's Ice Cream & More in Elyria, Ohio and I pretty much had ice cream from her store every single day of my pregnancy with my daughter. We still try and get to the store once in awhile to say hello and enjoy some ice cream. I think we both could have gone for some ice cream after this picture, it was getting HOT!!
I was very pleased with my time today even though it was only 23 seconds shy of a PR. I ran faster today than I did last Sunday on a flat course. Perhaps I actually know how to use the hills to my advantage. A side effect from growing up in PA maybe? I have no idea, but I will take it!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
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