Running Advent- The Decent

I will start by saying that the second half was tougher than the first half!  My runs were much slower than in the beginning and my legs were tired but I survived enough to blog about it and had a great time along the way.  I am thankful to all my wonderful running buddies that joined me for various days of running advent- the company was very much appreciated.  All the encouragement was fantastic as well- it kept me going through all 144 miles!  Here is the photo recap of days 13-23!

Day 13- Holiday Lights run through downtown, Mt. Adams and Eden Park! Thanks to Tisha for adding on to make it my full 11 miles

                              

Day 14- 10 miles through Hyde Park & Mt. Lookout.  This house was decked out, complete with 4 motorcycle Santas.  My first question, "How much is their electric bill?" and my second, "What do their neighbors think?"

             

Day 15- How cool would it be to have a flying pig in your yard?
9 miles through Hyde Park and found this guy!

Day 16- Sadie napping for the evening after she ran the first 4 of my 8 mile run!

Day 17- Sister run after our sleepover! Nickie in all her coordinated gear made for a fun 7 miles!

                                             

Day 18- Sunday evening run with a beautiful sunset at the end of 6 miles.

Day 19- Ran 5 miles at 5 am so I could enjoy "Awaited" at Crossroads with a fun crew!

Day 20- My feet and legs were very happy to only have to run 4 miles today!

Day 21- Pub Run from Newport up to Mt. Adams- I joined in late for my 3 miles but got the beautiful view from Mt. Adams and fun times with the ladies!

                

Day 22- 2 miles in the rain but these happy kids and smile made for a perfect ending to the day.  Enjoying time with Bella and Milosh!

                   

               

Day 23- Final 1 mile run.....or 6.2 but who is counting?!?!  We did celebrate at mile one though!  I completed a virtual 10k today with Tracey Outlaw.  Check out the Virtual 10k here.  My final run for running advent also had a theme of "Finish Strong" for Parker.  Parker is Tracey's cousin's son who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia.  Tracey completed 52.4 miles in 48 hours for Parker and inspired me to finish strong for Parker today.  Read about Parker and Tracey here.  We even finished the run off with a photo shoot with Santa! Here are a preview of the pics.  I will do another blog post with more pics from the final run and celebration to follow this evening!

                                    

Woohoo 144 miles+ in 23 days- thanks for all the cheers, companionship and support on the journey!

Running Advent- The Climb

So your first question may be...."What exactly is Running Advent?"  Well it is a fun challenge created by Erin and Carter Hamilton.  You start on December 1st and run every day until December 23rd.  You add 1 mile each day until you reach 12 miles on December 12th then work your way back down to 1 mile!  Successful completion of all 23 days and distances earns you a shirt and entry into the Hamilton Pub Crawl.  Now what about that doesn't sound fun?  One mistake I did make was not adding the mileage up until I started....or maybe that was a good thing.  When all is said and done, it works out to 144 miles in 23 days.

Days 1-12 are complete and it has definitely been a challenge.  Now it is time to work back down to 1 mile and I am ready for that!  Here is a picture recap of the first 12 days.

Day 1- A mile with Sadie!

Day 2- Beautiful Friday afternoon for 2 miles.

                                    

 

Day 3- Another fun 3 mile run with Sadie with a couple mud puddles mixed in!

Day 4- 4 miles before the rain blew in!

Day 5- A very very rainy 5 miles looping through the apartment complex over and over and over.

Day 6- 6 miles with the running group through Hyde Park.

Day 7- 7 miles with Paul from work but this little guy was on the porch in the AM before work and I couldn't resist!

Day 8- 2nd annual Norwood Pub Run with add on miles before with Chelsea and Liz!

Day 9- 9 miles from the GOTR office to Mariemont and back.

Day 10- Happy B-day Brad!  10 miles in birthday hats!

Day 11- Sunday afternoon/evening through the neighborhood- 11 miles with some furry friends and beautiful sunset!

         

Day 12- Halfway point- 12 miles done!  The temperature fiinally warmed up a bit and Sadie joined for the first 4 miles!

Let the decent and next 11 days begin!  78 miles down and 66 to go!

My Sister is headed to KONA

A huge congrats to my sister, Nickie, on her awesome accomplishment at IRONMAN Arizona.  She got a new PR by 13 minutes and qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 13, 2012!  Her official time was 10:14:23 and she finished 3rd in her age group.  I am so excited for her and proud of her!!

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon- BOSTON Bound!

The first weekend of November I decided to head to Indy for the Monumental Marathon.  I had a lot of friends going to do the race and my original plan was to go cheer for everyone but that quickly turned into me doing the race as well.  I didn't feel very prepared or in the marathon mindset.  It turns out this might have been just what I needed!  I had been running still since the Hocking Hills 60k that I had done in September but I wasn't really on a training plan.  I was coaching in the Running Group which I LOVED so I was running different mileage and various paces but then again I think it was just what I needed as well.  So, off to Indy I went.  Thankfully, Erin and Carter had space in the Jeep for me and Bethany was willing to let me share a room with her and a friend.  We got in Friday evening, picked up our race packets then headed off to a fun dinner at Buca.  After dinner it was back to the hotel for race prep and a good night of sleep.  We got up in the AM and met in the lobby then it was off to the race start.

Pre-race in the hotel lobby
Jen-Megan-Bethany-Erin-Jessica

The race was small so the start wasn't too crowded.  I even ran into quite a few of the running spot crew which was great.  So now the big decision- do I have a race plan and if so what is it?  I know a little late to decide on a race plan!  I had a lot of support and encouragement from family and friends telling me I could have a great race.  I decided to line up with the 3:45 pace group and hopefully that would work since that was close to what I had done at the Pig in May.  As soon as I started running I felt comfortable and at ease- this was a great feeling that I don't think I have ever had as soon as I started the race.  I stayed with 3:45 for a few miles then decided I felt good so I would pick it up a little and see how I felt.  I found Mary and Jill at different points on the course and it was so great to see familiar faces- this is why I love smaller races!  Jill also told me to stay positive and go for it which was very helpful!!!  I was feeling good so I just went with it.  I should also mention that I had the BEST cheering squad ever!  Carter (with the giant cowbell), Steve, Marissa and Jeff were at 5 different points on the course - Greg, Amit and Ted were at 2 spots - Tisha, Andrea, Greg, Cole (I know I am forgetting some people here) were at another 2 spots.  So needless to say I say smiling and cheering friends at 9 different spots on the course......AWESOME!!!!  This definitely helped me get through.  

At some point in the race courtesy of Jeff!

I think I caught up to the 3:35 pace group around mile 10.  At that point I thought well this is it- I am either going to have a great day or crash and burn.  Thankfully it turned out to be a great day!  I just kept pushing myself further than I ever thought possible while telling myself I could do it and replaying in my mind the words of encouragement George had given me earlier in the week when he said I could run a 3:35.  When he said that I definitely had my doubts but it slowly became a reality.  I just kept looking forward to the next group of people I would see on the course and that honestly kept me going, that and the pace group.  Before I knew it I was at mile 26 and knew Boston was a reality.  I came in the finishers shoot and heard Mary, Brad, Katie and Johnathon cheering!  I crossed the finish line with a huge smile on my face and a finishing time of 3:34:16!!!  I couldn't believe it had actually happened.  Mary came running down the side of the chute and I will never forget looking at her and saying, "Mary, I just qualified!"  I am pretty sure I still had a look of shock on my face.  I guess going in without a race plan and just listening to my body was a good plan.  That and the awesome friends and family I have supporting me all the way.

At the finish- celebrating a great day for everyone!

It was a great day with PR's all around! Thanks to all the support at the race and after from family and friends- I couldn't have done it without all of you.  BOSTON 2013 here I come, watch out the tiara is coming too!!!!  

Hocking Hills Indian Run 60k

This past weekend was the Hocking Hills Indian Run 60k. It was a great weekend with perfect weather and a beautiful course.  I was very lucky to have a great group to go with and support me! A huge thank you to Erin, Carter, Mary Pat, Bethany, and Marissa for cheering me on, being so supportive/encouraging and running with me.  Also, my parents for making the drive and surprising me!

We rented a cabin for the weekend which was very nice and relaxing.  Cooked our pre-race meal at the cabin and of course had my pre-race beer with dinner.  I got everything ready the night before- since I was planning on being out there for 7 hours that was a lot of water and nutrition.  Up at 5:15am and out the door at 5:45am.  A little GPS mishap on the way but we made it! Arrived at the lodge and they were setting up and the other 60k runners were arriving.  Checked in and got my race number, shirt and chip.  Set everything outside so I could change out items in between loops.  A park ranger detailed the course and we headed out on loop one.  Through the parking lot, passed some cabins, onto a grassy path and then onto the road.  I will say there was more road than I thought but it wasn't bad- still nice scenery.  Around mile 3 there was a steep and long downhill and all I could think was how bad that was going to hurt on the third loop.  I started chatting with a couple of women- one was an ER doc from Dayton and she had done the course before so offered her wisdom.  The other was a ~21 year old college girl from Indiana who was having stomach issues because they stopped and ate skyline for dinner the night before....what was she thinking????  After the downhill there was of course a very long and steep up-hill.  I only saw two people run up it during the entire race.  My HR was just as high walking up it as it was running the rest of the course.  To the top and back onto the road for a little bit before heading back into the woods.  The scenery was beautiful. The first 6 miles went by quickly then some of the trails got more technical towards the end of the loop with single track, lots of tree roots and rocks.  We then headed through the campgrounds and there were a few people awake cooking breakfast, a few cheers and some weird looks.  Back to the trail, passed old mans cave up a set of stairs and onto the road for the final hill climb of the loop back to the lodge.  When you got to the top there were signs for continuing runners and finished runners- couldn't wait to be going to the side for finished runners after 2 more loops!

I could see and hear the awesome GOTR crew I was with cheering.  I re-filled my water and grabbed more fuel while they checked in for their 20k.  Heard my name again and realized it was a college friend!  Headed out for loop two knowing the GOTR crew would catch up to me soon. I heard cheers from behind and was happy to have the running company of my friends!  A little further down the road and more cheers from a SUV this time- realize it's my parents which gives more encouragement.  Running this loop with friends was so great- nice to have the company!  We celebrated mile 20 for me and Erin took lots of pics along the journey.  They finished their 20k and I finished loop 2 feeling good.  Re-fueled said hi to my parents then headed out for my final loop!

I was right....the long steep downhill was painful! I couldn't wait for the uphill!  As with the other 2 loops the first 6 miles was pretty quick and I soon realized I was at 31 so everything beyond this would be my longest run ever!  The further I got the more I realized 7 hours was possible....then at mile 33 the Garmin died.  Is it a sign if your Garmin can't last the length of the race?  I just pushed ahead and kept thinking of 7 hours.  I passed two people around this time so I knew I wasn't last!  It was weird to not have any clue who is out there and where people are or if people have dropped.  Into the campground for the last time, through the last stretch of woods and to the stairs.  I hear and see Erin cheering so I know I am close.  She runs the last mile up the hill into the parking lot with me and is so encouraging!  At the top and I finally go to the left with the sign for finishing runners!  Into the finish and there is lots of encouragement from others and especially from my family and friends! Such a great feeling to cross the finish.  They handed you a "medal"- a handmade arrowhead from the HS arts and crafts class- something unique and different.  Lots of hugs and high fives from everyone then celebrated with an Ale8 and some food.  I thought I was under 7 but really didn't know.  We hung out and chatted about the race- I couldn't believe I really ran a 60k and felt as good as I did.  The finish line timer came over and told us we could come see our times if we wanted.  I was excited when I saw 6 hours 45 minutes- beat my goal by 15 minutes!  We headed back to the cabin, showered, ate some more, had chocolate then headed to dinner.  I was sore but I have definitely been much worse after some of my marathons so I was happy.  Had a beer in the hot tub after dinner and found out I was 1st in my age group (out of 3)!  Headed to bed then home on Sunday.  

I will say I had a great support crew and cheering section both at the race and at home.  I couldn't have asked for a better group to go with and to run part of the race with me!  Everyone in the running group along with my family was so encouraging and supportive that I couldn't have done it without the cheers from Cincy and Dayton as well!  Overall great weekend- and fun race.  

My awesome support crew made me a sign!

Climbing up the big hill.

Mile 20 and still smiling!

Woohoo!!!! 60k Finished!

Handmade "medal"

Time to celebrate.

Awesome running buddies for the weekend.

My parents surprised me!

Summer of Running

I know I haven't posted in a while but I am ready to get back at it and keep chronicling my running life and adventures!  Here are a couple things from the summer!

The Flying Pig was May 1st and that was marathon #6 for me and a great one for me!  I decided it was time for a new challenge in my running life.  Last summer I had talked about doing a 50k but never got around to it so I decided this was the perfect challenge for me.  5 short weeks after the Pig there was a race in Englewood, OH- "Another Dam 50k".  I decided on this one and did a couple more long runs on the trails and before I had time to think about it the race was here!  Thankfully I have an awesome husband, sister and parents that support me on my crazy adventures!  My sister and I headed to the race that morning with lots of supplies.  She was going to be at the middle point of the figure 8 loop so I would get to see her quite a few times and she could hand me new water and fuel.  This was great!  I really didn't know what I was in for except that 31 miles was a long way to run and further than I had ever run before.  Everyone was very encouraging and friendly and before I knew it we were off!  The day quickly heated up so I was thankful to have my sister out there to help with the re-fueling.  The loop was 7.8 miles and we ran it 4 times.  It was such a great feeling to finish the 50k and I had a blast!

 Before the race!

Out on the course

Finished and feeling good!

3 weeks later Matt and I were headed to Philly for a work conference for him so I started searching for races to keep me busy.  I found a random marathon called the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut in Pennypack Park just outside of downtown Philly.  I thought about and decided to go for it.  The half was on the same course so I could always do the half but I figured it would give me something to do while Matt was learning all day.  It was a small race on a path through a park but it was fun.  There were people dressed up in traditional German clothing- thankfully my running in costumes was over but I would have fit in pretty well!  We headed out on a bike path through the park, did a loop in the woods on a trail then headed back.  For the full you turned around and did it again.  I decided to go for it!  I ended up finishing in 3:54.  The post race party was complete with beer, food and of course an accordion player! I ended up 2nd in my age group and got this crazy award that is a German Weather House from the Black Forest of Germany.  Overall it was a fun race and made marathon #7 for me.

German Weather Station and my medal

Celebrating with Rocky!

A week later I decided to do the Americana 5k since we were in Dayton for the 4th of July weekend.  I hadn't done a 5k in a while so it was a nice change of distance.  It turned out to be a great day and I got a PR of 21:20!  I definitely didn't expect that but was very happy!!!  After this race I decided I would take a racing break for a while!

Finished with the race! 

Hanging out with my sis post race.