Running a Fine Line at the Longview Half Marathon

On November 15th, I ran my last half marathon of the season.  I live in NE Kansas & this event was held in NW Missouri.  The weather here is a crap shoot in November. The possibility of extreme temperatures is usually enough to keep me away, but this inaugural race offered a 1/4 zip pullover as the race swag (and a big medal, too).  Throw in cheap registration back when the weather was beautiful & I threw caution to the wind and registered, along with my husband and several friends.

Lured by race swag.

As far as training is concerned, I took things easy.  On October 12th, I ran the Army Ten Miler, and that was the only long run of this half marathon training-- I tapered *really* early.  What's funny (not really "ha-ha funny," but interesting to me) is that, in 2013, I ran my first half marathon.  It was the only time I ran that distance that year.  I was nervous, excited, and took my training seriously.  In 2014, I've completed that distance four times.  It's become familiar.  Part of me loves that I'm comfortable with that distance & part of me is sad that I'm no longer amazed by that accomplishment.

Okay, back to unpredictable late fall weather.  The week of the race, weather forecasters started predicting our first snowfall... on race day.  I was ready to change my meteorologist allegiance if I could just find one who would suggest the weather would be a balmy 50 degrees at 8am on Saturday. No such luck.  Overnight lows in the low 20's, snow starting early Saturday morning & continuing all day long, with accumulations of 2-4" was the common prediction.  I felt like this was a test & I had absolutely no idea how to pass.  The voice in my head kept whispering, "There's a fine line between Badass & Dumbass."  Friends who are fast runners & have lots of experience running in the cold offered up lots of great advice (wear a lot of layers!) and also offered up their cold weather running gear (runner friends are wonderful).  The forecast got worse as the race got closer.

Packet pickup started Thursday afternoon (race day on Saturday), and I went with Jane, who was also running this one.  We picked up lots of packets, but started by previewing the course.  In my head, the Longview Half Marathon (that begins and ends at Longview Lake) would be a scenic course on a paved trail through the woods surrounding a gorgeous lake; lots of fall foliage to admire, maybe some ducks floating on the lake, possibly some deer leaping over fallen trees.  In reality, the Start/Finish chute would be set up in the parking lot of a lakeside park, we would run out of the park & turn left on to a 4 lane divided road, run out about 5 miles (with a couple of turns), then run back *past* the entrance to the park, continue another mile before a couple more turns.  At about 10 miles, we would make our final turnaround & head back to the park & Finish chute.  So, at about mile 7.5, we would run past the end point-- more than half-way done (yay!) but still almost a 10k to go (yikes).  I am not dissing the course, just saying that I have a very active imagination.  Creating a 13.1 mile course is not easy and creating the one I envisioned is darn near impossible.

Can you see how my vision of the course may have been influenced by the race logo?

After picking up packets, we be-bopped over to Dick's Sporting Goods.  Maybe throwing some cash at this would make things better.  Jane brought lots of coupons, both current & expired, so we didn't have to throw much money at this problem. (Did you know that Dick's Sporting Goods accepts some expired coupons.  Not all of them can be used, but it never hurts to ask.)  We each bought some Nike thermal pants, and then filled in some of the gaps of basic gear needed for winter running: a neck gaiter for me, some fleecy tights for Jane, and some stick-on, air-activated body warmers for everyone.  We still weren't sure what the answer to this test would be.  I was glad Jane was also wrestling with the question of Badass v Dumbass.

With the possibility of snow falling during the race, I took to the internets to figure out how to winterproof my feet.  My Smartwool socks were a must, but I only have regular, lightweight, breathable running shoes.  I found A marathon runner's top 5 uses for duct tape.  Yahoo!  I duct taped the tops of my shoes to keep my tootsies warm & dry!  I added a 2nd pair of running socks to my wardrobe & felt confident that my feet would not freeze.  The other duct tape trick I used:  creating a handle for a disposable 10oz water bottle.  With water stations about every 2 miles, I wanted to carry additional water.  Both of these tricks worked like a charm!

Duct tape handle + pace strip = Perfection!

The tape stayed on for the whole race, though it flapped a bit on the sides.

Surprise, surprise!  Meteorology is not an exact science & the snow held off!  Temps were right around freezing at the start.  The race was good.  My left knee started aching around mile 4 and my right knee and hip thought about acting up around mile 10, though that ended quickly.  I wasn't as tempted to turn off at that 7.5 mile mark as I thought I would be.  The snow started around mile 11, as I ran over the dam, heading back to the finish line. Knowing how close I was to the finish line made it easy to really enjoy the first snow fall of the season, but I think I was most excited about the mylar blankets they gave out at the finish line-- that's such a runner thing to me!  We all finished the race & went over to Panera Bread for some warm food.  The race provided lots of goodies, including coffee, cocoa, and soup, but we were cold & left for a warmer environment to eat in.

Bundled up at the Start Line.

Happy to have crossed the Finish Line!

When I crossed the Finish line, Jolene & Jane were both waiting in their mylar blankets. I hobbled up to them and said, "Definitely Badass."

Running From Zombies!

A while back ago a few of us Bouncing Buns-DC girls signed up for a zombie race in Lorton VA, which is very local for us! Score! The race was also being held at the now closed Lorton Maximum Security Prison! About a week before the race my daughter Emma asked if she could run it! I of course said, "YES, YES!" I was so excited she wanted to run with me! She even had a costume idea! Her favorite movie is ZombieLand!! So she wanted to make t-shirts that said "Rule #1: Cardio and Rule #2 Double Tap" if you have seen the movie you know what I am talking about!

The race was an afternoon race so we showed up a little too early (Opps I thought it started at 4 but it was 4:30) and so we hung out and took fun pictures while we waited for the rest of our group to arrive! 

The rest of our group arrived about 30 minutes later so we took the opportunity to grab a group shot! 

The race started and we were off! I reminded Emma to keep a steady pace and I thought she was until I looked at my Garmin and we were running an 8:30 mile so I slowed her down and we finished the first mile under 10 minutes! Then we proceeded to walk/run and sprint while the Zombies were chasing us!! It was really fun! I was so proud of Emma! She did great! Her time was not too shabby for deciding a week before that she wanted to run! 

Emma has even told me she wants to run the Turkey Trot next month! I am sooooooooo excited she wants to run with me! I really believe this habit I have created for myself has started to rub off on my daughter! Watching my daughter cross the finish line was the best runners high I have ever had! 

Army Ten Miler Volunteer

On Friday October 10th I had the opportunity to volunteer for the 30th Anniversary of the Army Ten Miler here in DC. My friend Stephanie and I were helping with t-shirts distribution. All I can say is WOW...these people have it figured out! They were getting people in and out of those lines quick! People who were picking up team packets of 20 people were commenting on how easy it was and had planned on being gone from work for hours...but we had them in out in minutes!! I loved volunteering and plan on doing it again next year!

Stephanie and I at the Expo

The day of the race my husband was running so I was taking the kids downtown to watch him! I got the kids up at 6am and we were on the metro by 7am. I had planned on seeing my husband at the 4/5 mile mark. He is always in the first wave of runners so we had to hurry. We rode the metro downtown and started our walk to our spot. We were able to see the Wounded Warriors and the elite athletes run. Then the mass of the first wave. We were lucky enough to see my husband at the 2 mile mark and he threw his jacket to me...we then saw a break in the waves and ran across the road to the 4/5 mile mark. We spotted my husband again! Yay!

My husband in blue with yellow bib. 

We hung around for a bit to cheer and people watch. I am always so amazing at the people who this race! Amazing!

 It's Captain America!

I have seen barefoot runners but never sandal runners!

I hung around a bit longer and was hoping to spot Jackie and her husband Kevin and I was also on the look out for a few other Kansas friends! I spotted Jackie's husband first and yelled for him but he was in the zone! I looked and looked for Jackie and could not find her...right when I was yelling for a gal decked out in Royals gear a runner came up behind me and yelled "I am so glad I found you!" Aahhhhh it was Jackie!!! Yay! I never did see any other runners I knew. There were so many people it was amazing!

Yay! Super Cute Jackie! So happy I saw her!

I really enjoyed watching all the runners and supporting my husband and friends but I do admit I was a tad jealous! I wanted to be running! :)

Later that night Chris and I met up with Jackie and Kevin and some of their other friends in town for ATM and we had dinner at Elephant and Castle. It was a fun day and it was so nice to catch up with great friends and meet new friends!

Crawlin Crab Whirlwind Girls Weekend Part 3

After the 5k, Jane, Van, and I headed to Virginia Beach, VA to check out the area and walk along the beach. After a super humid and hot morning surprisingly the humidity went away and temps dropped and it ended up being an absolutely beautiful day.

After a couple of hours we headed back to Hampton to meet up with the rest of our party, The BB-DC girls, Jennifer and Melissa. Yay! We went over to the expo and decided it was time to go get a perfect dinner at Lone Star and I swear that meal was perfect. We then went back to the hotel for Managers Special!! Oh yeah...but being a smart girl, I only had my one beer because 13.1 is a lot longer than 3.1 and I don't think I could have finished a half marathon with 3 rum punches in my belly. Lol! 

We all went back to our rooms and got everything ready to go for the race! It was still really nice to know we could sleep in and then walk out to the start line right before the race starts, so I actually had a very good night's sleep! 

Now, I know this race was supposed to be my Do-Over Race (you can read about that here). However, I ended up hurting my foot about 5 weeks before this race and I took 3 weeks off. So my goal went from trying to beat my last half time of 2:33 to just finishing the race strong and NO PUKING this time (remember I was sick for last years Crawlin' Crab and couldn't drink the beer..).  

Jen, Mel,Me, Jane, and Van before the start

Well, the race went well! I MADE myself run a 13 minute mile for the first 7 miles to where Van was waiting for me to help me through the last 6. 

Van and I at mile 7 on the water. 

So, I finished. While my time was not awesome, I actually enjoyed the whole race and GuEsS WhAT?? I got my beer after the race (actually Mel and I enjoyed a little too much beer)! 

By the way, all the girls ran awesome! Melissa clocked in at 2:18 (pushing that stroller during all that training made her fly)! Jennifer knocked 10 minutes off her Nike time at 2:26! Jane clocked in at 2:26 also, and Van and I hit 2:54 which is the EXACT same time Ginger and I ran last year! 

After the race and the party we got cleaned up and Jen suggested a hamburger joint called MooYa. OMGoodness- best hamburger, hands down! I do believe it is better than In and Out. Yes, I just said that! 

We then continued to enjoy our girls weekend by seeing the movie "Gone Girl." I have read the book and the movie is just as good! I won't go into details but while reading the book and watching the movie I thought to myself, "Crazy"!! 

I am so happy some of the DC ladies got to meet the Kansas ladies and a fun weekend was had by all. I love you, girls! Can't wait 'til next time! 

Crawlin Crab 5k and Whirlwind Race Weekend Part 2

Friday night we arrive in Hampton, Va. We know we have a 5k in the morning so we end up just planning on settling in at the hotel. We are given these "golden" tickets for the manager's special and breakfast for every day of our stay. Manger's special...what? Free drinks and snacks, Yes, please! One great thing about our hotel...it was literally steps to the convention center where the Expo and post race party were and also steps from the start/finish line. Awesome!!! So we headed over to the expo and picked up our packets, along with the other BB girls who would be arriving later Saturday to run the half with us!

The Expo was nice and small. Lots of cool Crabby stuff! :) After the expo, we went to the Manger's Speical! Wow...that Rum Punch was awesome...too amazing!

We then decided to call it a night after 3 rum punches because we still had to get up sorta early to, you know...run a 5k! So I got all my gear ready to go!

Since our hotel was steps from the start/finish, we stepped out of the hotel about 7:40 and strolled to the start line! The race was fun. Jane ran with me and, because it was so stinkin' humid from the rain we had over night, no one was going all out...we were seriously soaking wet by the time we finished, it was so humid! So even though the course was flat and I was recovering from a foot injury (more on that later) I clocked in at 34 minutes, not best and not my worst.

We then headed to the post race party...beer and soup! The soup was so good and because it was cool in the convention center and we were still wet from the humidity, it was actually a nice thing!

I am so happy these girls came to VA to run this race with me! It was a really fun day!

Crawlin Crab and a Whirlwind Girls Weekend! Part 1

Wow, what an amazing weekend it was here in Virginia! Two of the ladies from Kansas Bouncing Buns flew in this weekend for a girls weekend to run the Crawlin Crab Shell Yeah Challenge in Hampton, VA with me!

Van and Jane arrived early Thursday morning so we decided to head into DC to do a little sight seeing. We hopped on the metro and headed to the The National Mall. We were able to score tickets to go up into the Washington Monument at 1:30, so we had a few hours to burn before our tour. We went over to the US Treasury department but missed the tour and hit the gift shop and then headed to the Holocaust Museum. It was a great exhibit, but very sad. Unfortunately, we had to cut our tour short (I plan to go again) so we wouldn't miss our Washington Monument tour. The Washington Monument Tour was great...except one madly in love couple who we ran into at every turn...let's just say they must have thought they were kissing cats..they were constantly meowing at each other! Really!!??!! I can't make this stuff up!! After that we were very hungry, so we headed to the Food Truck stop but before we got there we came upon this amazing garden right next to the Hirshhorn Museum! The plants were so beautiful!

We then got a Food Truck Lunch...sadly most of the trucks were already packing it up for the day. I, however, really enjoyed my Greek Chicken Pita sandwich...I don't know if it was really good or I was really hungry! :)

Friday morning we got up and headed into Old Town Alexandria. Van was able to meet up with a friend, so we all sat on the pier drinking a coffee and enjoying each other's company. We then headed to Hampton, Va to get ready for our Shell Yeah! Challenge!! 

Stay Tuned in for Part 2 tomorrow!!

An Obsession and a Giveaway!

Ok, some people know me well enough to know that once I LOVE something I can never have too many of that particular thing. Examples are scrapbooking paper. Yes, I have tons of it and, funny thing... I don't scrapbook! In my defense, I do make cards. Same goes for my Walmart Danskin workout shirts..I have an endless supply of tank tops, short-sleeves, jackets, and long-sleeve Danskin workout wear. So it should come as no surprise that I have found a new obsession!

So, at first I was hooked on Sweaty Bands...and I do love them but the price is high and, come on, you know I need one for EVERY workout outfit and everyday outfit!

 To say I am obsessed is an understatement! :)

But then I complimented my neighbor on her super cute band and she told me it was made by Fleurty Bands! I contacted Fleurty Bands through Facebook and asked if she could make me a custom band for my upcoming Crawlin' Crab Race and YES, she could! The crab band is so cute, you can see it there on right end.

My Fleury Band collection is growing! 

I haven't worn the Crab one yet (I am saving it for the race) but I  received a band from a little party I hosted and I have been wearing it ever since! These bands don't move and I am OBSESSED! So now I have a MIZZOU colored one, which I ordered an extra for my sister, too, a crab one, a beautiful blue and green one, and I ordered this super cute red and blue one for my niece! I see many more in my future! 

The Fleurty Bands are so cute, I wear 

them while in street clothes and sometimes

on date night! 

Now you can see one in your future, too! Go to the  Bouncing Buns Facebook :  Like it and Share it with your friends on Facebook! Comment on the An Obsession and a Giveaway post with your favorite color. Once the page hits 100 Likes, I'll pick a person at random to win her very own Fleurty Band!

While you wait to see who wins, you can order you own Fleurty Band here on the Etsy shop or email for custom bands! Also, Jasmine, the owner of the company, is a pleasure to do business! 

Great Playlists & Low Expectations

I do not love to run.  There is no "runner's high" for me, but it is an efficient way to burn calories, I have made some great running friends (who do love to run), and I enjoy the lowered resting heart rate & cholesterol levels.  I have a couple of tricks to get me out on the pavement:  I sign up for races and I listen to music.  The faster the music tempo, the faster I go.  Are you like that, too?  Maybe you're the type who just loves getting out and enjoying the world around you. If so, I want to be you when I grow up (my race age group tells me I already am a grown up).  In the meantime, I listen to music when I run.

This morning, I ran the Plaza 10K in Kansas City.  I haven't run many 10Ks, but I think it is becoming my favorite distance.  That could be the runner's high talking, except I don't get those runner's highs. A 10K doesn't require a lot of time to train, but it does require some training.  The time it takes to run the race will likely be longer than the time it took to drive to the race.  The distance is substantial.  So, back to the Plaza 10K.  The course is pretty darned flat, with just enough little rolling inclines (and declines) to keep it interesting.  The weather was perfect:  temps in the mid 50's, no wind, and not too much sunshine.  I very carefully threw together a perfect playlist the night before that should keep me on track for 10 minute miles.  Okay, those are the positives.  There were negatives, too.  I was dehydrated.  I was achy.  I was tired.  Is my right knee bothering me?  My sock and/or shoe (neither is new) is rubbing my left Achilles tendon.  In other words, Jackie-the-Sandbagger created all these scenarios that would prevent a good finish under perfect conditions. I was not anticipating a great race. Are you like that, too?  Maybe it's just me.

Me & Kevin (my speedy husband) after the race.

As the race started, I queued up my playlist & started my running app.  I've tried keeping track of time in my head by looking at my watch, but I always lose track, so I use "Map My Run" and let the voice tell me time, distance, and pace as I listen to music.  I am happy to report that the perfect conditions won out over the voice in my head.  I finished right at my goal pace. And that's my primary goal pace, not the secondary, slower pace I usually hit instead.  I was happy!  Along the way, I saw a woman with Tri Tats on & spent a couple minutes chatting with her.  She had completed the Olathe Women's Triathlon the day before.  I told her I'd done that one the previous 2 years & congratulated her on 2 races in 2 days.  I also told her not to listen to her daughter about washing those tats off!  Let those suckers wear off over time.  I ran on ahead of her and then, a couple miles later, she gave me a little pat on the back as she zipped past me.  I gave her a big thumbs up and then finished right behind her.

Jackie's Awesome 10 Minute Mile Spotify Playlist

All day long, I was filled with happy feelings about the race (Hmmm... could this possibly be a runner's high?  Nah....) and I got to thinking about my playlist.  Music really does make it easier for me.  I will run at whatever pace the music is, and it feels harder to run slower than the music tempo, too, so the right playlist forces me to push myself a little bit.  My biggest mental block at Ironman Kansas was having to run without music.  I spent a lot of time training without it & my times got slower.  It was a relief to see that adding the music back to my runs brought my speed back up, too.  I decided to write this post & add my playlist to it, because I'm curious to know what makes a great race or run for other people.  I used to prefer running on the treadmill and I now prefer the great outdoors, but I'm not quite ready to give up my tunes.  The triathlete I met on the course did not have earbuds in when I approached her, but I noticed she was listening to music when she passed me.  What about you?

49.1 Miles on the W&OD Trail

Awhile back ago, July to be exact I decided I was going to ride 50 miles on my bike.

Chris and I got up on an early Sunday morning in July and headed out to the W&OD Trail in Herndon, VA with a goal to ride 25 miles to Percerville, VA then back 25 miles to Herndon. The W&OD Trail is absolutely beautiful. So here are my thoughts on my 49.1 (I had to add the .1 you know) my longest ride to date:

Mile

0-10: This is awesome...I can ride forever!

12: Look that guy has his helmet on backwards..ha see I am not the only one who has done that!

15: Ugh..Chris is whistling like he is out for a stroll..so annoying!

20: Doododo...wonder if Chris is enjoying riding behind me..drafting me...still whistling...

22: Cops ticketing bikers! Eekkkk...Stop at the stop sign bikers! 

25: Yeah! Turn around point!! Got to pee! Eat a bar...

27: Oh he talks..."you are slowing down" I actually talk at this point and say, "I am riding for distance, I am not in a race" Then I think...I don't want to be THAT couple in a race that argue about support...yada...yada...so anytime he makes a comment from here on out I keep my mouth shut and just keep pedaling! 

30: Still doing great Amazed by how many people are on the trail for an early Sunday morning. Some without helmets riding super fast! Idiots! 

35: Unclipping for stop si.....ahhhhhhh...falling...damn it! Ouch! Well, that really sucked!

36: Ouch...booohoooo

37: Chris tells me it hurts to ride so slow so he jumps and ahead and ride ahead then comes back and gets me...

45: This really is hard to do while hurt...I have no choice...I have to go on...pedal...Ugh...still whistling

48: I want to cry! 

49: Thank you Baby Jesus there is the car...wait what...49 miles...I wanted 50...I am done...I am hungry!

When we got in the car Chris mentioned there was a Mellow Mushroom in Herndon and I love MM we had not eaten at one since we were stationed in Georgia! So we loaded up and headed over there and had Thai pizza and a beer!

I will attempt 50 miles again someday. I think I need to be in better bike shape next time. I had only been on my bike about 3 short times before I went out for this ride.

Destination Ride: A Secret Sunflower Field in Kansas (which isn't a secret anymore)

This time last year, I started seeing pictures all over my FB newsfeed of friends with their families in fields of sunflowers. We live in Kansas, the Sunflower State; how cool is that!?! Asking around led me to the jackpot - or sunflower heaven - Grinter Farms in Tonganoxie, Kansas. After doing a bit of research I found the farm. It's located just off a highway that I traveled twice a week the year prior to take my daughter to swim practice.

Last year, I couldn't convince my family that it would be FUN to drive out

to the farm to take pictures, so I asked if any Bouncing Buns ladies would be interested in cycling out to the fields in west Tonganoxie and back.  It would be approximately 20 miles to and 20 miles back. Okay, I was a little over ambitious of the ride distance since 40 miles was a little too much for our group of mostly runners, not cyclists. After talking with Jackie, we made a more doable plan. We would drive to east Tonganoxie, park and hop on our bikes and ride to west Tonganoxie. This would cut our total cycling distance to just over 16 miles. 

Here are some pictures from last year's ride:

For a donation, the farmer and his wife allow
visitors to take home a sunflower. I rode home with
this gigantic sunflower in my backpack.

At the time, I was just hoping that my sunflower would survive the Kansas winds of cycling back to our cars. It never occurred to me that the wind was also spreading the pollen from the sunflower directly to Jane, who was cycling behind me the entire way back to our cars. That night, Jane ended up at the ER with an allergic reaction--oops, so SORRY Jane!

Fast forward to this year, Grinter Farms started posting daily reports of the growth of the sunflowers to their FB site. I gave a heads up to the BB ladies that we would plan another ride to the fields again (Jane was having no part of this year's ride since I almost killed her last year).

Jolene, another BB member, offered to map a different route for us this year that would eliminate having to cycle on the busy 5 lane highway from last year's route. The new route was perfect and much safer (Thanks, Jolene)!

Yay, we are almost there!

Oh NO--where are the sunflowers?! They were in the field to our right last year.

Whew! The sunflowers were in another field.

A few folks taking pictures (one person was using a drone camera) when we arrived asked me where we were cycling to. I happily responded that this was our destination.  And we were not disappointed one bit! The sunflowers were amazing and we enjoyed taking in the beauty!

A nice lady, who was also enjoying the sunflowers, saw our bikes and we started chatting about biking and trail running. When I asked her if she wouldn't mind snapping a group photo of us with my camera phone (at the time, I didn't know that she was a professional photographer),  she gladly said yes and then started taking pictures of us with her own camera. Thank you, Nadine Redd, of Nadine Redd Photography, for capturing some fun memories for us! And THANK YOU Farmer Ted and his wife for allowing visitors to your fields--the Bouncing Buns will be back next year!

Groupie picture with my camera phone

I LOVE this photo of Nadine's view of our Groupie picture

BTW, what a difference a year makes. I was finally able to convince my family this year to drive out to the fields and we were not disappointed :D