A very successful 2013

So many things to be thankful for during my 2013, not only in running but in life as well.  I wanted to take a few moments to share my thoughts on all that happened for me in my running adventure.  I was a little surprised to see just how many events I had taken part of.  Not sure if that is good or bad, but I am grateful for all of the amazing friends I have made along the way.

Some of the numbers: 
54 = total number of events completed
14 = total number for half marathon completed
14=  total number of 10k's
18 = total number of 5k's
378.8 = total number of race miles

First time experiences:
Sub-3 hour half marathon finish
Quarter marathon in Wisconsin
Full marathon at Pathfinder Ranch near Palm Springs (also earned my 1st ever age group award)
Consecutive back to back half maraton (day 1 was actually in 2012 as I completed the New Years Double in Allen, TX)
Back to back half marathons in the same day (6am and 1pm start times for a total day of marathon miles)

States added to my quest for a half in all 50 states:  Texas, Mississippi, Indiana, Michigan, Illionis

Multiple PR's (personal bests):
Jan 19th:  half marathon 3:01:05
Feb. 3rd:  10k 1:20:31
May 4th:  5k  38:44.64
June 16th:  5k  37:36.52
Sept. 28th:  5k  36:56.23
Nov. 3rd:  half marathon  2:59:48 (first ever sub 3 hour finish)
Dec. 14th:  5k  36:34.20

Looking forward to 2014 and seeing what new adventures and new friends I can discover.  As well as meeting up with already friends along the way.  And most importantly, my 1st ever ultra event, a 50k in March!

Mavericks Pony Express 5k run/walk and kids fun run

 I have been happy to find so many new races springing up around the central valley.  When I left Las Vegas to return home to the valley, I was sad to loose so many fun events.  The Mavericks Pony Express is on the top of my list for events I will return to around the valley.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, I took a lot of them on Saturday, September 28th, and as you can see from all the smiles, it was an event I truly enjoyed, benefiting the Happy Trails Ranch in Tulare, CA.  And an added bonus, upon going back and checking results, it appears it was a PR too!!

Official race photo on the home stretch and a new PR!

Smiling faces before the race.

Smiling faces at the finish line sporting our bling.

Smiling faces at the pancake breakfast.

Happy to be done with the race.

Kids race!

Kids race.

Mom and daughter sprinting to the finish together.

Mom, Dad and Daughter finishing the race together.  One of the many families who use the Happy Trails facilities.

Husband and Wife finishing strong together.

Map of the Happy Trails facility and our course for the morning.

Until we meet again next year.....

Run with Realtors 5k and CVC Cavilers 5k

These were both new events for me this year.  I signed up for both to help feed into my quest for a 5k a day.  Only thing I wish I had done was take more pictures of both.  The Realtors event had some booths set up after for everyone to wonder around and pick up some information about various things.  There was plenty of refreshments at the finish too as many of the vendors had snacks and drinks for the runners. 

 Start line with everyone getting ready to go.  This was by far one of the most friendliest groups I have come across.  Seemed everyone knew someone and if you didn't they would still welcome you with a smile!

 After the finish in the parking lot.

 My KT Tape application for the day.  I love this stuff!

 Relaxing with Katie in the backyard after a shower and some lunch/breakfast.  Don't know who was more sleepy.

Since there was no bling, I rewarded myself with another new pair of Gizmo Socks!  My feet are so happy when they are in Gizmo.

CVC 5k:  Another great local run.  I recognized many of the faces, aside from the being all grown up.  I was also able to spend almost the entire race visiting with my friend Vera.  Vera has grandchildren who go to school at Central Valley Christian and at least one on the cross country team who this event was benefiting.  Only regret for this one was not getting a picture of us together.  

This was a very well organized race.  There were cross country students all along the course to make sure you didn't get lost.  And they were out there until the very end.  They also had a slightly modified course for those with strollers so you didn't have to worry about getting stuck or getting a flat tire when we went off road.  

I was able to keep up with my friend Vera until about a quarter mile from the finish.  I had to walk in a part of it and she ended up coming in about a minute faster than I did.  Again I found myself just sitting down at the finish line with my water bottle and banana.  Look forward to doing this one again next year.

No bling so another new pair of Gizmo Socks earned for this one!  Earned the matching hat the next day when I celebrated my 4 week completion of a 5k a day outside!

Hell of a Half Marathon 2013

2nd time around:  I was not happy with this race last year.  I was suffering from a hairline fracture on my right baby toe and by the top of the first hill, I was done and suffering.  I knew I had to come back and improve my finish time.  While I did not get in all of the training I was hoping for, I did manage to cut off 18 minutes for a course PR!  I had a few issues with fuel that didn't help much either, but I met some great runners and the volunteers were great as always.

I had recently discovered an allergy to Stevia and didn't realize until after the race that one of the electrolyte tables I took during the race contained it.  I could feel my stomach doing something funny as I climbed the first hill but didn't know the cause of it.  I guessed it may have been the tablet since it was a different brand than I usually use but had grabbed since it was there.  Made a mental note and tried to move on.

The sun was starting to beat down upon me, as was evident in my rosy cheeks.  Dripping would describe how sweaty I was, but that is normal during a half marathon, just usually not as bad as with this one.  By the time I reached the top of the first hill, I knew I was going to struggle to get the rest of it done.  At the same time I knew I was still feeling way better than last year and as long as I got in under that time I was good.  I knew I had to fall back on play B, getting under 3:30 since my 15 minute per mile pace was lost forever by the top of the first hill.  

I was out of gas but the top but knew I would pick up a little strength on the downhill.  The cool breeze felt good but I knew it wouldn't last.  I knew I had to keep moving as fast as I could until the next hill or I wouldn't make my 2nd goal either.  The aide station at the bottle of Rocky Hill (hill #2) offered frozen e-lyte's like Otter Pops.  This was super yummy but didn't help much in regaining my strength.  Just get to the top, I kept telling myself.  I don't remember ever moving so slowly as I did up this 2nd hill.  About half way up, I was beginning to feel a little dizzy and just wanted to sit down.  I knew if I did sit, I would DNF and that was not an option unless vomit was involved.

The volunteers were great.  They were still smiling and cheering all of the runners on.  I wasn't the only one struggling to get up the hill but it seemed that many who I had passed on the flat portion were now passing me on the hill.  I was just done, but knew I wouldn't give up.  As I reached the top, I knew I was home!

The coast down Rocky Hill was just what my body needed.  Many of the people who had passed me on the way up were now struggling with the down hill, something I am usually good at.  I kicked it into the next gear and had a 10 minute mile coming down, something that is good for me at the beginning of a race let along around mile 10 and 2 climbs!  I had refilled my water bottle at the top of the hill so I didn't need to stop until I was done.

There was a fire pit at the bottom of Rocky Hill, a nice touch to the race, just wish I had gotten a photo of it along with the crew working the station. 

I continued to coast past people who left me on the climb.  I finally knew I had turned the next to last corner and was heading to the finish line.  I walked until I saw the final mile marker ahead then kicked in the last ounce of what I had.  I grabbed my water bottle, chocolate milk and banana and just flopped down on the grass.  I was so happy to be done!   While it was not my first goal of 15 minute average per mile, I got my under 3:30!  So I will be back again next year Rocky Hill & Hell of a Half Marathon!  Guess I need to get some hill work in before I do!

  

Sunrise before the start.

Although I will never get an age group award, this is what they looked like.

 Another award I won't be getting anytime soon, the Overall finisher award.

 Logo for the event!

 Pile of bling!  Was super heavy too and with the custom lanyard, who could ask for more.

 Water bottles for all the finishers.  Super heavy and a welcomed treat at the finish.

 Getting ready to climb the first hill just after mile 5.

 Almost to the top of the first hill!

 Feeling good as the first climb is almost done!

 Refueling with Gatorade chews.  Wasn't happy with the texture but the flavor was good.

 Snoopy sporting my medal after I got home!

SAR Wild Run

This is by far one of my favorite local events!  It is also one of the most challenging for me.  Last year I was suffering from a hairline fracture on my right baby toe.  I was happy to be injury free for this years race, but still struggled up the hill on the final mile. 

One of the things I like the most about this event is the variety of events offered.  There is a 10k and 5k as well as 2 mile option and a 16 mile bike loop.  If you are so inclined, you can make it a double and do both a 10k/5k and then the bike loop.  The timing is set up so people who want to both run and ride can, something I love although I have yet to utilize. 

I have been told the 10k path is easier than the 5k path, but I have yet to find this out for myself.  I was able to have a course PR this year and cut 2 1/2 minutes off my time.  Was also proud of myself for making it all the way up the sandy/dirt hill before having to take a break.  Also know I lost a few minutes when I stopped around mile 1 to help a youngster who was frustrated with herself for tripping (she was bleeding from her palm and elbow).  She was struggling to make it after the EMT bandaged her up, but was determined to not walk.  Happy to say she plowed through the uphill and I soon lost sight of her.

I had tried different fuel for this race, something I know is not smart.  While I know it was not the whole cause of my sluggishness the last mile, I know I will be back next year with even more determination to "KILL" the sandy mountain climb.

 At the start line before the race.  Didn't realize my glasses were dorked up until just now. 

 

 The bling awaiting all finishers, something new from last year.

 With my new friend, Roger Sebert, who is a former Western States 100 finisher.  This was one of his first 5k's since having surgery (wish I could remember who it was for).

 

 One the down hill portion of the first mile of the race.  Feeling good and glad I brought along my sleeve holders and was able to work on my farmer tan.

 View of the lake around mile 2 just after the aide station and before heading up the sandy hillside to make our way towards the finish line.

 At the beginning of the climb.  We had to scramble over fallen trees in multiple locations!

 This was one of the best marked races of all time.  They had plenty of these signs leading up to the race to make sure you didn't get lost on the way to the start line.

 My swag!  Loved the addition of a shirt (got a bandana last year) and medal.  They also gave us face masks, which I thought a little odd at first, but quickly remembered why as the race started and we were pounding down the hillside knocking up much dust!

Remembered to put on my www.dirtygirlgators.com for this race!  Felt like I was getting some strange looks from others, especially with my www.kttape.com sticking out.  Only part of my feet that were dirty were the toes, which I am sure came from the uphill climb.  I remember my feet were filthy last year after this one, and there was a small sandbox in my shoes! 

Look forward to returning next year, thinking already about my plan to cut even more time of my course record!!  Happy running!

Coromega

Coromega: the Big Squeeze!

 

I like the idea of things I can add to my daily diet to become healthier when they are not actual pills.  I had taken omega-3 tables before and eventually end up letting them go once the bottle is empty.  At first, I received the single does packets and didn't really think much about it.  Set it aside with some of the other random products I had to sample and didn't think much about it.  Then the Big Squeeze came along.



 

This big fella looked promising.  I could get into the product and have multiple weeks to see the true effects.  So like any good consumer, I turned it over to see what I was supposed to do to take it.  This is a very versatile product.  You can add it to your favorite smoothie or yogurt or even just put it on a spoon and guzzle it!  Unless you really like the flavor listed, I wouldn't really recommend the spoon approach.  While the texture is good, the taste for me was way to lemony. 

I tried adding it next to some vanilla Greek yogurt, and tossed in some chia seed for good measure.  While it helped make the taste more manageable for me, it was still not quite what my taste buds wanted.  While I would try it again in another flavor, the lemon was just about too much for me.  For more information please check out their website @ www.coromega.com

There is also a tropical and mango flavor option, which I look forward to trying someday. 

Goldbaums Pop Potato Original Chips

I had an email offer to try a month of Klutch box so I decided to give it a try.  Grabbed the Goldbaums Pop Potato Original Chips today and must say, I was happily surprised.  I didn't really know what to expect but I am always looking for something to snack on that is actually healthy for me.  I was also surprised by how many were in the single serve bag, move than enough to keep this snacker happy. 

While the texture was a little dry the best way I can think of to describe these "chips" is a cross between a tortilla chip and a mini rice cake.  I tried sharing them with my pup Katie, but she wanted nothing to do with them, a sure sign they are healthy. 

Here is a little of what they had to say about their products on their website (www.goldbaums.com):    Goldbaums Natural Food Co. is a premier manufacturer of natural gluten-free products. Our foods are healthy, delicious, and a good choice for diabetics. Whether it is a staple, such as natural brown rice, pasta, or a quick snack, such as our wonder meals, each item gets the distinctive Goldbaums treatment; rigorous testing and tasting by researchers and staff to determine that the product is of the most superior caliber.

My Mom is diabetic, and I was happy to see so many of their products that she could eat and I am happy to report she enjoyed the Pop Potato Original Chips.  She said she could see replacing tortilla chips with them for her salsa dipping and with her lunchtime sandwich.  I am excited to explore some of the other products in the future.  One thing I liked the most was Mom could enjoy the whole bag if she wanted to for a snack, as it was well under the allowed carb count she keeps such a close eye on.  I look forward to learning more about this product once I am able to locate more of it, as it doesn't appear to be offered near my home. 

Sunburst 30th Annual Full & Half Marathon

Sunburst 30th Annual Full & Half Marathon
June 1st, 2013
 www.sunburstraces.org 

This was the first of our races during our summer vacation 2013 running road trip!  South Bend, In and the 30th Annual Sunburst Full and Half Marathon.  Finding the expo was super easy.  It was outside and a bit humid but we were still able to get in get our stuff and get out.  Race morning found us with rain, but we were grateful it didn't last past gun time.  The course was fun and the finish line was the 50 yard line of Duke University.  Getting to run through the tunnel was a definite high for many of the runners race morning.   We are usually afraid of anything having to do with a bus during a race but were pleasantly surprised at the speed of the return drive to the start line to retrieve our car.  If you are looking for a reason to run the state of Indiana, this may be your race.  While it wasn't super exciting, it was well organized and enjoyable.

 Self-portrait at the start line before the race.

 We spent a little time walking around down town after picking up our packets.  If you ever need help for your shoes, we now know just the place!

 Our shirt, bibs, and medals.  Shane was supposed to run the full but decided to just do the half for this one.  We were glad we did as it would have proven difficult to get to our next expo had he done the full.

Another shot from down town.  I thought it was nice that my brother decided to be closed for race day. 

While this was not a super exciting destination race, Shane did say he could see himself coming back for the full another year since he still needs Indiana for his full 50 state challenge.  It was just a well organized event from start to finish.

www.sunburstraces.org 

Deadwood Mickelson Trail full and half marathon

This has been one of my favorite destination races so far.  We had been watching the HBO series and were looking forward to being able to see where some of the famous historical figures were buried and where some of the shoot-outs had occurred. 

While the expo was small, it had everything you needed.  There were plenty of gear from both the current race and discounted previous events.  They had all of the basics covered with vendors as well as having a couple of local massage people there.

Right across the street from the host hotel and packet pick-up was the Tatanka museum.  This is a must see when visiting Deadwood.  The Tatanka, story of the bison was built because of the generisoty of Kevin Coster.  While was not a fan of Dancing with Wolves, I found a new respect for the movie after visiting Tatanka.  Please visit  http://www.storyofthebison.com/ for more information.

Please visit  http://www.cityofdeadwood.com for a complete list of all the places to see when visiting Deadwood, SD.  A must see for us was the Mt. Moriah Cemetery.  Here we were able to see where Wild Bill Hickok, Seth Bullock, Calamity Jane, and all of the other famous (and not so famous) Deadwood residents rest for eternity. 

I would highly recommend spending some time on the Mickelson trail when you are in the area, either for a race or for fun.  Please visit http://www.deadwoodmickelsontrailmarathon.com/ for event information.  It is held the first weekend in June.  Or for general trail information please visit http://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/ for more information about the trail itself.

This is about half way for the half marathon.  Please be aware of the 1000+ feet in elevation gain for the full marathon trail.  While gators are not required, if you tend to get things in your shoes while running on trails, this one does have loose gravel that may cause problems. 

Rocket Racing double weekend

Spring Blast & Mother's Day run's with Rocket Racing.....

Saturday didn't start off the best for me.  I didn't see a GPS address on the website so I went by my sense of direction when I couldn't get my computer to log on the morning of the race.  After showing up 20 minutes late to the Huntington Beach location and finally locating the RD, I knew I was not going to get in my half marathon I was registered for. 

When I mentioned this to the RD he said just to keep track on my Garmin and keep track on when to turn around.  Decided on the 10k since I was just not feeling it and the humidity seemed to be more than I was ready for.  Felt good, despite the dripping by the one mile marker. 

This was a very low key event with registration open to only 25 people.  There was bling involved!  Not sure what I am trying to say in this picture but love my leg muscles!

Sunday took my to Santa Monica, a location I am a little more familiar with and there was a GPS location, so I was more than on time and ready to go.  Had made the mistake of watching the news the night before, confirming my suspicions of high humidity.  I knew before leaving the gate I would not be doing the 15K I was supposed to, opting for another 10k instead. 

Met a lot of great people and look forward to taking part in another Rocket Racing Productions event.  This new friend was finishing her 1st 5k and I like to think I helped make her miles a little more enjoyable for the final mile in.  Please visit www.rocketracingproductions.com for a complete list of their events. 

Go Nola Granola, wild blueberry wave

I have never been a big granola fan.  Doesn't matter if its a granola bar or if its loose or a cereal, just don't care for it.  I recently received a package of Go Nola from Nature's Hand and I must admit, I liked it.  The product can be found at GoNola | Freaky Good GraNola!

There are only 2 flavors in this ready to go, 140 cal. package.  If you are willing to bag up your own servings, try Nature's Hand | Healthy, low fat and low sugar granola from ... 

You can either order it online or they give you a list of stores who carry it.  While I can't explain why I enjoyed Go Nola, I know that I have already ordered more.  I am always looking for healthy snacks, and this one fits perfectly.  I did email and ask if they were Gluten free, and they are not at this time.  The blueberry one I tried had sunflower seeds in it so I am thinking they are not an allergen free facility if you have to worry about nut allergies.  Drop them an email if you have any questions, their response time was super quick.

Shinzen 10 mile, 5 mile, 2 mile run/walk

Woodward Park is one of my favorite places to run an event.  Since coming back home to the Central Valley, I have been trying to make a point of signing up for all local events, no matter how big or small.  When I saw this one, I knew I had to take part.  I had originally signed up for t 5 miler, but knew with my left foot still recovering from my Texas size blister, there was just still no way without re-injuring it.  My left quad was also feeling a little discomfort, so I decided to play it safe and do the 2-miler.

I emailed the contact listed about a week before the event, asking permission to drop down.  The reply was to just let them know when I picked up my stuff.  The volunteer handing out bibs/shirts on race morning just looked at me blankly when I tried to tell him this, but I smiled and thanked him anyway. 

I looked around the finish for someone to tell but didn't see anyone so I headed out to the start line, but took some pictures of the awards before heading over.

While I didn't win any of these, I love that such a small event had so many beautiful awards.



At the start of the race in front of their sign.

While I didn't win any of the awards for fastest runner, I did do well for myself.  I have learned it is always about racing myself and having fun.  I met a new friend in the last 1/2 mile.  We helped to keep each other running strong to the finish, just wish I had gotten a picture with my new friend.  My finish time (according to my watch) was 24:35.  That means a 12:18ish for a per mile pace.  My pervious was 12:38 during a 5k so I was super happy!  Don't think it will be official, but I did let the timing guy at the finish line know, and he made note of my number. 

Well organized event.  Course was easily marked and there were plenty of cheerful volunteers and spectators.  I would highly recommend this one and would gladly do it again!