Mike's third triathlon!

We set off at about 5:15a.m. yesterday to get to Crystal River for the first in their annual series of triathlons this year. Mike did one at Crystal River last year and really enjoyed it. Each year they host three triathons - all on Holiday weekends - Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. The distances are: 0.25m swim, 15m bike and 3m run. The swim is in the Gulf of Mexico and they have a 350 athlete maximum which keeps the numbers fairly manageable.

Since the bike distance is longer than for a lot of tris, there are some really serious bikers at this event. Mike is still riding a mountain bike until he decides whether or not he wants to upgrade - it's a significant investment but does give you a massive edge for events like this. There were some very expensive bikes there...

Here's Mike in the transision area with his mountain bike trying not to feel intimidated...:)

Maddy was very proud of her Daddy...

Looking good Mikey boy!

The swim looks very intimidating from the beach. They have to swim all the way around those orange and yellow buoys in the distance...

Mike managed to lose his wedding ring during the swim :(. This is the third ring that he's lost in the Gulf of Mexico now. At what point do you think - you know what, I'm going to take my ring off today since I'm going to the beach, Mike?:) Anyway, at least he had a smile for us when he came out of the water...

After a tricky transition he took off on his bike...

It's a really great venue and well-organized for both athletes and spectators. While Mike was out on the bike, Maddy and I spent some time on the beach hanging out and and waiting on the road to cheer him in...

We were happy to see that he was still smiling as he went out for the run (by now it was over 80 degrees and we were uncomfortable just sitting still and watching)...

And he's back and all done!

Congratulations Mike - we are so proud of you!!!

Jelly Bean Race - Virtual 10K

There are just tons of 'virtual' races on various running blogs to sign up for. Some are designed to raise money for different causes and some, like this one, are just for fun! In general, for these types of races awards are given based on drawings from all participants and some offer some really cool prizes too! This one looked like fun so me and Mike signed up for the Jelly Bean virtual 10K...

Mike did his first and ran an extra mile too - show off...

I did mine in the morning and it was hot, hot hot :)

A new 10K PR for me and I won a prize too! (Winners Announcement). How cool is this? I love it!

My first 15K!

I completed my very first 15K today at the gorgeous JB Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey (JB Starkey Park website) at the Earth Day Relay For Life which benefits the American Cancer Society.  We dedicated this race to Mike's Dad who tragically loss his battle with cancer in 2005.

To prepare for this race, I have been doing my long runs at the same time each week (and the same time that the race was scheduled to start) to get better used to the Florida temperatures. Whenever I see that blood stain on my running shoe I remember how hard I've trained - gross I know but I'm so proud of that stain...

I felt ready but very nervous the night before and couldn't sleep until about 2 a.m. We got ready and hit the road at 6 a.m.

It was a really small and informal race which did wonders to calm me down :).

Great T-Shirts too!

I started out feeling prepared and strong :)

The race itself was really pretty with lots of wildlife to enjoy, but really hot! At the turnaround point they had left a cooler so I loaded up my sports bra with ice which really helped for the next mile or so! I had added some new tunes to my ipod and we chatted with some of the other runners on the course which was also a great distraction. I didn't really struggle too much until about mile 8 to be honest and at that point only a mad person stops running, right? I finished my 9.3 miles at 1:45:27 which I was totally thrilled with!

I love my new race bling and may wear it for the rest of my life...

I never thought I was capable of running a 15K and I may not have been if Mike hadn't been right by my side not only for today's race but for all of the long training runs (thank you Mike - you have no idea how much I love you...) And today...I really felt like PopPop was with us too...we miss you and we love you...

Biking update

I haven't blogged about the bike at all lately so here's the latest and greatest on how it's going :). Overall, I am doing so much better since my difficult triathlon experience in January and have learned some key lessons that make the world of difference. First of all, a Gel Seat Cover is one of the finest inventions known to man (or woman). I got mine on ebay for $15 (with tags of course - I'm not about to sit on anything that's been that intimate with a complete stranger's crotch area)...

Unfortunately not everyone follows the same 'non-crotch-sharing' rule apparently and someone actually stole my wonder seat from my bike while I was having a swim in the gym last week :(. Now I'll have to order a new one...

I have also made some major progress with these sticks on the front of the bike which I am reliably told are the gears....

At the triathlon I was terrified of taking my hands off the handlebars to mess with them so I did the whole thing in the same gear:). I'm not quite sure about the one on the left yet but playing with the one on the right makes a massive difference to my riding experience. Baby steps...

Anyway, I'm managing to bike about twice a week at the moment anywhere from 8 to 12 miles and my times are improving steadily (OMG I love Mike's Garmin!). Here I am this morning first thing getting ready to go out for a spin and looking like a rockstar again :)

We ran for Japan!

The massive earthquake, the seventh largest recorded in history, that struck the east coast of Japan on Friday, 11th March, 2011 measured 9.0 on the Richter scale, and triggered a tsunami which hit the east coast of Japan with 7-metre-high waves, leaving a trail of massive destruction. With a death toll in the thousands, an economic cost in the billions, and the threat of nuclear meltdown imminent, the people of Japan face their greatest disaster for decades.

Run for Japan is an international fundraising campaign that is bringing together the worldwide running community to show their solidarity and support through dedicating runs around the World to the people of Japan. The challenge...to cover 24,901 miles (right around the world) in 28 days with at least one run dedicated from every country. To achieve this runners around the globe are being asked to dedicate just one run to the people of Japan and donate at least one unit of their home currency per mile run.

Mike and I ran 9 miles this morning (which is my longest run to date:)) and dedicated our run to the cause by sending in a photo (in red and white), tribute message and making a donation!

So slow...but I did it!!

So, how can YOU Run for Japan?
•Choose which of your runs you will dedicate to the people of Japan
•Take a photo of yourself on that run (optional)
•Upload that photo (with a caption) here
•Donate the relevant amount via here
•Download your 'I ran for Japan' artwork from here
•Spread the word!

Further details about the fundraising challenge and how you can participate can be found at http://www.runforjapan.com/.

"My Run" and my run :)

I went to see My Run, the inspirational story of a man who did 75 marathons in 75 days to raise awareness of the plight of single parents, last night with Mandy and Catherine :).

It's an amazing story if you get the chance to see it and reinforced what I have been thinking about a lot lately - how running is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Like Henry Ford said: "whether you think you can or you can't - then you're right." In the movie Terry Hitchcock's son says that supporting his father throughout the journey was the most important thing he's ever done. It's really made me wonder what the most important thing that I will ever do is...something to think about while I'm running...

Anyway, I was feeling all inspired today and went out for a 4-miler this morning. Just me, Usher, Lil' Wayne, and the Black Eyed Peas. I felt great. Like a rockstar. I said 'hi' to all of the other runners/walkers/bikers who were out on this beautiful Florida morning. Anyway, it wasn't until I got back that I realized that I had forgotton to take off my liquid liner from last night and I looked like a rockstar too...not exactly the one I was hoping for unfortunately...

Which just goes to show...it's not how you look but how you feel that really counts :)

We Ran for Christchurch!!

This weekend was the worldwide, virtual Run for Christchurch. Here we are in our red and black showing the love for the families impacted by the tragic earthquake in New Zealand a couple of weeks ago. It goes without saying that our thoughts and prayers are also with our brothers and sisters in Japan at this time...

Janie, Travis and family ran a 5K in Bootleg Canyon, NV!!

Scott ran the Celebrate Life Half Marathon in NY!!

Sharon ran a 10K in FL!!

Emily ran for Christchurch in Tampa, FL!!

Mike ran his first half marathon in New Port Richey, FL!! Video (Here!)

I ran 3 miles on Saturday night bringing my total miles for the week above 15 for the first time!

And our little Madison did her first ever run :)

Thank you so much for your awesome spirit and participation!!

Mike's First Half Marathon!

Here's my tribute to my Mike to celebrate his big accomplishment. Not only did he finish his first Half but in under 2 hours (1:51:08) and placed third in his category!

CONGRATULATIONS MIKE!

Running Blogs

There are about a trillion running blogs. Whether you're just starting out and planning on breaking into a steady walk soon or training for your next ultra, there are blogs aplentiful just for you and I have a bunch of faves that I read every day! I've added a page at the top of this page, 'Blogs and Stuff I Love,' with a link to a ton of blogs all in one place so that you can check some of them out for yourself. Anyway, I found this article while I was poking around the 'blogosphere' and thought it was pretty hilarious. I should warn you though - if you're grossed out by bodily functions (or have just eaten) you may want to just go about your day. For the rest of us, check out this article published by the Houston Press (Five of the Most Disgusting Marathon Pictures Ever!) and don't say I didn't warn you...

Run for Christchurch - virtual race!

I'm running for Christchurch - and you can too!

Here are the details on this worldwide, virtual event! Click here!

As you may know, New Zealand’s second largest city, Christchurch, was devastated by a 6.3 earthquake at lunchtime on Tuesday, 22 February 2011. There have been at least 166 fatalities and days later many people are still missing.

New Zealanders from Christchurch and people around the world want to know how they can help, and the answer’s short. With money. But we all want to feel like we’re doing more than just typing our credit card numbers into a box and clicking submit. So we thought we’d go for a run. Wearing red and black, to show the people of Canterbury we love them. And we’d like you to join us for a virtual run. Wherever you are.

If you’d like to participate, just follow these easy steps:

* Donate to the Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Fund for as little as $5 here at our fundraising page

* Follow us on twitter!

* Email us run4chch@gmail.com
* Tell the world you’re in. Share the love on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, whatever.
* On the 12th or 13th of March, put your red and black on, and hit the streets, or the pavements, or the trails, or wherever it is that you run.
* Send us a link to your race report, and we’ll post it on the website.
We’re hoping to get 100 runners, so please share this with everyone you know!
Thanks,
The Run for Christchurch Team

Another she-ro...:)

Wow, another of my friends completed their first half marathon! Here's Loren North's inspirational story!...

What inspired you to do a Half Marathon? My friend has talked me into doing the full marathon with her held in Las Vegas every December, so I figured I would try out a 1/2 first to see if I could make it.
What Training Plan did you choose? There was one available for the half marathon that I was completing so I used their plan which in retrospect was pretty aggressive, but I made it.
What kept you motivated? I am used to working out every day so I knew I had to complete my runs to get my workouts in.
What obstacles/hurdles did you encounter during training? I was overwhelmed by anything more than 5 miles in the beginning. Once you break 5 miles, you can see yourself running 8 then 10 etc. Also, I got sick within 2 weeks of the race and missed about 4 or 5 days of training which I was really worried about but in the end I don't think it mattered.
How was the race itself? The race was actually harder than I thought it would be because it was predominantly uphill. However, I kept at it and because it was in a beautiful part of North Scottsdale, I tried to take the time to look around me and take in the surroundings and sunrise.
How do you feel now? I feel great, my calves are sore but that's it.
What is the single best piece of advice you can give? It helps to have friends who are runners or have been through a marathon/half-marathon before, because sometimes I felt like I had no idea what I was doing, but having people to talk to helps. Also, you can always walk if you have to during the race! That was a constant reminder from one of my friends. Also- FYI- the books I am using to train for the marathon are: Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham and The Non-Runners Marathon Trainer (has a training plan included) by Whitsett et al.

CONGRATULATIONS LOREN!!

Feeling inspired by my she-ros...

Three of my girlfriends just ran their first half marathon at the weekend! I am so completely inspired and proud to know them that I wanted to share their stories with you...

Starting out with the legendary Kathleen Powers!...

"My inspiration for running this was that I had talked some friends into doing other races with me and I guess I owed them this one. I trained by doing my normal running and then adding a couple of extra miles when I had a little extra time. The furthest I ever got was 9.5 miles. When I hit 7 miles during the race I felt great and thought that finishing was going to be easy but then I hit a wall at mile 9 and took a few longer water breaks. My attention span was also about done and I ran out of things to think about and realized how bad my legs and feet were hurting. It was a great feeling when I crossed the finish line and called my husband to let him know that I had beaten my goal time (and that of a friend of ours who was giving me a hard time). I wasn't too sore afterwards. I need to get back out on the road because I had already signed up for a 10k in 2 weeks and a sprint tri in June."

And then there's the adorable Catherine "Tink" Pacifici :)...

"I was inspired to do a 1/2 because it seemed like the perfect goal: achievable but impossible at the same time! I used the "add-a-mile-a-week" plan! I faced sore knees continuously and then general laziness, both of which I conquered. One with massage therapy and exercises and the other with sheer will. The race itself was the most schizophrenic experience of my life. One part of me said, "Quit! You'll never finish!" and the other said, "Come on! just 5 more miles!" The latter won. Funny, it was the mile markers and the sheer emotion that I felt every time I passed one. As I hit double digits (10) it hit that I was going to finish and buy my 13.1 sticker for my car! I got completely choked up at mile 12, like crying. By the time I crossed the finish line, I just hugged the guy handing out waters. One of the most proud, painful moments of my life. Now I am SORE! Proud. Amazed. 16 months ago I had never even run a mile without walking. And now 13.1 are under my belt!!! I want to go for speed and work on my 10K. I will do another 1/2, but for now will just savor the glory of the Princess!"

And finally my precious niece-to-be Kayz Harold!...

"I decided 2 do it as my friend at the running club wanted support to do it as she is doing the London marathon!! At first I said no way I never thought I could do it....but then I thought yes I can do this!! Training was going well and consisted of 6ish miles twice a week which I was going 2 increase until the 1/2!! Then beautiful England gave us a bad winter with lots if snow and I got flu!! I was then unfit and told myself 2 give up trying!! I went back to the club and was very disappointed in my lack of fitness...but the 2 partners would not let me give in....so I pushed hard and in roughly 6 weeks got most of my fitness back! The furthest I ran before was about 10.5 miles. During the race I felt great...atmosphere was amazing...good weather...but then after 6 miles of running head on into the wind I was getting tired....then 8 miles hit n I was mentally and physically struggling!! I was given a Carbs gel which I felt helped but not sure if was just a mental push!! At 10 miles I wanted to stop, my legs were seizing up..but I was not giving in now...3.2 more miles left!!! And I did it...., I did walk bits but I ran over the line and the emotions ran wild!! I cried!! Then I was handed my medal and I was over the moon!!! The first thing I said was never again...but after 30 mins recovery I was left feeling sad that it was all over and wondering when I can do it again!!! Crazy!!!! 2 days later and my legs are still killing me!! I also raised 110 pounds for the charity go 4 it...they help provide specialist equipment to get disabled people up to the age of 26 into sports...some even go to those in the Paralympics London 2012!! When the sponsor pack came in the post that gave me a good push x"

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!!!!!!

For the love of Gasparilla?:)

We got up at 5 a.m. on Saturday, February 26th for our second Gasparilla, the big, annual classic race weekend event in Tampa. I was signed up for the 5K and Mike for his first 15K. We were both really tired! Mike's goal was to finish in under an hour and a half and mine was to just re-engage with the whole 'love of running' thing which hasn't been there lately for some reason :(. I really loved Gasparilla last year - it was only my third 5K and among 11 thousand runners I felt part of something so much bigger than myself. It's hard to get a good time at this race with that many people which takes off the pressure too:).

The Expo at the Convention was fantastic as usual and we 'kitted out' with tons of new running clothes...:)

Here's Mike on the right going over the line at 7 a.m. for his 9.3 mile race!!! I felt so stinking proud of my hubby :).

 

And he's in - in under an hour and 15 mins!!!

If I ever get a medal for completing a 15K I will sleep in it for the rest of my life...

The 5K lined up for a 9:30 start and it had started to get really hot which I always struggle with. It was high 70s with the sun just beating down on Bayshore and no shade. I had to dig deep...

And then I remembered the 15K wheelchair race. The winner completed 9.3 miles in only 31 minutes. At one point apparently he actually broke the speed limit on Bayshore ;)

And then I saw 23-year-old Iraqi war hero, Joel Tavera, running with a prosthetic limb. How can you not feel totally inspired?

The winner of the 5K broke the course record at under 15 minutes...OMG!!

During my race I have never seen as many people fainting and throwing up. One guy who looked like he was in his 70s fell and had blood pouring all down his face. Several runners had already stopped to help so I kept running but it was hard to relax with so many people who looked like they were dying. One guy nearly did according to the news story they published later. Apparently the girl who gave him CPR was actually in a Wonder Woman costume...how ironic :).

Runner's Life Saved at Gasparilla Classic

I have to admit, I was grateful for all of the walkers who were in the way since I was so hot I don't think I could have ran any faster anyhow :). I was very happy when I was done! (Bib 8332 in the picture below...)

Mike had a great experience and I found out later that my chip time was 31:10 which I was actually really proud of! I didn't exactly 'feel the running love' however - I'm going to have to do some work to get used to the heat since that probably isn't going to change and I do live in Florida :).

So that's 5 events done so far for 2011 before the end of February and my goal was only 6 for the year. I think I'm going to take a little break. I think I deserve it :)