Ultra running adventures and everything in between

NERC, GRT Training, and I2P Updates, Recipe and More!

2012-01-27T06:25:00.026-05:00

NERC UPDATES

TRI PARK TRAIL RUN AND THE NERC WINTER BANQUET

Saturday there were a couple of NERC events that we attended. Saturday morning was the NERC Tri park trail run hosted by Guy Gadomski. This run was various distances. Before the run fellow friend and runner MAC pulled out an enormously huge camera. He works at WKYC - and wanted to film the runners for a commercial for the station. (Should be released soon, our scene did make the cut!) Our group (of about 20ish) ran back and forth in front of the camera a few times screaming "Go the extra mile!" I have to say, it was a pretty good warm up actually :) After the taping my husband, son and I ran with fellow runner Peg who is training for her first half through team JOA! Peg did great out there on the snowy trails! Later in the evening my son and I attended the NERC winter banquet (husband had to work). I used this as my cheat day, but still did well. I did not have any meat, but did have a piece of cake which I would have to guess included the typical eggs, cream, etc. My son on the other hand got a whopping plate of roast beef. And when I say whopping, I mean it! Anyway the event itself was a success - special thanks to Terese Dennison and Julie Weber for coordinating it all.

GLACIER RIDGE TRAINING UPDATES

This past week in training brought the NERC Tri Parks fun run and another trail run the following day. The trails were still quite snowy on Sunday, and for the first time this year I saw some cross country skiers out there. There were quite a few, I can imagine they were trying to get all the skiing in that they can given the way the weather's been! Overall this week went quite well and I'm pretty pleased. I just wish the snow hadn't melted!

I2P UPDATES

Check out this article in Breathe magazine on the upcoming I2P expedition, Expreso De Los Andes! http://www.breathemag.ca/news/general/expreso-de-los-andes

The Expedition website is now up and running as well, check it out here! http://impossible2possible.com/sa/home

The website is full of great stuff! There's an 8 week challenge that students can sign up for and this time they don't have to sit around and wait for their school to start the I2P program, they can do it at home for free! Finishers will get an I2P bracelet and certificate of completion. There's also a teacher's challenge, Science of the Run page, and when the expedition starts you can go to the website for the live tracker, photos and videos. It's such a great program and one I strongly believe in. Parents check the website out with your kids! You'll be amazed!

VEGGIE UPDATES

So far so good still, things are only improving! My husband was getting a little antsy and craving a bit of meat, so I bought him the fake stuff - but no way am I touching that! I add it to his meals after everything is cooked. My husband is now at his lowest weight since Junior High. Incredible! As for me the weight loss is slower, but am feeling really excellent and that's what counts the most! And I got an added bonus the other day, I walked into a store and the cashier asked if I attended college at Lake Erie. I had no makeup on, and my hair was still wet from running outside in the rain, so I'll take it! It's been almost one month now without any type of caffeine and it's still unbelievable to me that I don't need it. There's a great store by us which helps - we don't have to go all the way out to Whole Foods. It's a small shop and the people are very friendly. It seems I'm always getting free stuff when I go there, too! Last week I got an eco shopping bag, this week they gave me treats for my dogs. Really excellent place and if you live in the area you should check it out:

Heartland Health Foods

1477 Mentor Ave. Unit D
Painesville Twp., OH 44077
Painesville Commons Shopping Center

Hours:

Mon 930am-7pm
Tue 930am-7pm
Wen 930am-7pm
Thur 930am-7pm
Fri 930am-7pm
Sat 930am- 6pm
Sun Closed

RECIPE

On my quest for a healthier Pizza Crust I've decided to just use Ezekiel Tortilla Wraps. It's working out great! I love the Ezekiel bread and wraps and am purchasing them weekly. The bread can be purchased at Giant Eagle or Heartland Health, and the wraps I've purchased at Heartland Health.

Pizza

Bake tortillas in 350 degree oven until crisp.

Take tortilla out of oven and top with the following ingredients:

Eden organic pizza sauce

red pepper

yellow pepper

green pepper

banana pepper

red onion

spinach

olives

grilled eggplant

garlic

Daiya cheese (vegan) and meat substitute if desired.

Place back in oven and bake until cheese is melted (or if cheese less until vegetables are cooked according to your preference)

Enjoy!

LUNA SANDALS

I've been meaning to order some sandals from my Copper Canyon buddy Barefoot Ted since we got back from the event last March. Time slipped away and #1 I'm forgetful, and #2 I'm slow. FINALLY I placed an order for some sandals after getting advice on which ones to get from my friend Patrick Sweeney. I recently received my order and the sandals are incredibly beautiful! I can't wait to use them! If you want to check out some of the sandals (huraches) you can go to Ted's website at http://www.lunasandals.com/ . They also have shirts, extra laces, and bracelets you can order as well. Good stuff! Thanks Ted, Patrick, and Bookis!

Glacier Ridge Training, OSU vs Michigan Hockey Game, and Impossible2Possible Updates!

2012-01-20T17:02:00.011-05:00

GLACIER RIDGE TRAINING:

The first weekend of Glacier Ridge long runs and I woke up to this big bunch of awesome:

Yes, that's my car under there!

Getting ready for the morning trail run I opened the door to discover over 2 feet of new snow that fell overnight! INCREDIBLE!

12 inch ruler didn't cut it!

Granted 10 minutes down the road we heard there wasn't even close to this much snow, the trails would've probably been ok to run on. However, the roads around our house were buried under 2 feet of snow (plows didn't come until somewhere around 4 or 5) and I could not get out of my house. I hung out on the treadmill for awhile, and got hopelessly bored. So my dog and I literally ran around in circles in my yard. 1 acre of pure snowy fun, and believe it or not our track was a lot bigger than the one at the local Y! (and a lot more fun at that) My neighbors watched as we went around in circles, I'm sure they once again were wondering what exactly was wrong with me. The day after snowpocalypse my husband and I went for a trail run at North Chagrin Reservation - nowhere near the amount of snow but the cold was biting. We started early morning when the skies were still dark - all but the beautiful big moon and sparkling stars shining down at us. It was a decent run, and we saw lots of beady eyes staring at us from the woods. It appears the deer like the snow as well!

OSU VS MICHIGAN HOCKEY GAME

My family and I were pretty excited to go to our first outdoor hockey game at Progressive Field Sunday evening. The excitement didn't last long, however. The so called "family" environment had planes flying overhead advertising "gentlemen" clubs. Hot cocoa was more expensive than beer. ($9 to be exact) My husband sat through one period until he conveniently dropped his mitten in the urinal, got cold and went to the car to wait for us. My son, sister, and I sat through another period until they decided it was time to leave. I'm not even sure who won - but one thing I am CERTAIN of is I wouldn't do it again. The whole atmosphere just plain sucked. Not too mention all the Ohio fans throwing snowballs at Michigan fans and pep band members. (Yes there were arrests made). Next year, I'm saving my money.

IMPOSSIBLE2POSSIBLE UPDATES

Awesome updates from I2P!!! In conjunction with Ray Zahab and Kevin Vallely's run across South America (1056 miles to be exact!) there will be a great FREE program for kids to follow. If your kids are interested in getting into running, use this program as a great intro ! It's an 8-week Physical Activity Challenge that they can do from home if their school is not registered for the program! (Which schools and teachers SHOULD register for because it's AWESOME!) For finishing the kids will get a certificate and I2P bracelet. Register your kids using the link below. Kids MUST have approval from a parent/guardian or teacher first!!! Encourage your kids to take the Student Challenge and follow along with their own training! Remember it's all free, I2P receives donations from individual sponsors and companies like Gatorade to keep programs at no cost to you!! Good luck kids!!!!!!

For student registration go to the link below:

http://impossible2possible.com/sa/challenge/student

There's also a teacher's challenge! Teachers click here to register, and while you're at it check out Principal George's story and goals. He'll be rockin it at the Ottawa half marathon in May!!

http://impossible2possible.com/sa/challenge

To check out the main Expreso de Los Andes website!

http://impossible2possible.com/sa/home

There's pretty amazing stuff on this website that you need to check out - these expeditions just keep getting better and better, the programs keep getting better - it's so amazing and...what's our favorite word? FREE!!!! Enjoy every minute of this incredible expedition and your own personal 8 week challenge!

Happy Running all!

Laurie

GLACIER RIDGE TRAINING, MMA, VEGGIE ATTEMPTS, NEW RECIPE, I2P UPDATES AND GEAR REVIEW!

2012-01-13T09:56:00.040-05:00

GLACIER RIDGE 50 MILER TRAINING

Training is now underway for the Glacier Ridge 50 miler in April and I'm completely excited! This week was the first week of quality workouts in awhile and I have come to realize that #1 I LOOOOVE quality runs and #2 I'm out of shape! Time to buckle down and get to work! Looks like I might get lucky and get to run in some snow this weekend, too. All in all it will be a fun weekend of trail running and MMA (more on that later) and we'll also be going an outdoor college hockey game at Progressive Field - Ohio State vs Michigan. Busy but fun!

MMA

With the New Year brings some changes, and one of which is MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)! We started going to Triple Threat MMA in Painesville. It's a pretty fun place and good people as well. The cross training seems to be doing me good as far as running is concerned. My son had his reservations when we first visited the gym, as he has never been a contact sport kind of dude. But the first time he hit me he started really REALLY liking it for some reason.......

VEGGIE ATTEMPTS

Another change we've made is we're making another attempt at going veg. I've read quite a few books on the topic now and am armed with way more knowledge than when we attempted a vegetarian lifestyle over a year ago. And, we are not alone as many of our vegan/vegetarian friends have offered their help along the way. My son wants nothing to do with it - so when he is not at home he eats as he pleases. He's enjoyed the dinners I've made so far, so at home he's not really struggling :) My husband and I said when we first started out that we would have a once a month cheat day. It's been only 2 weeks and I personally have no interest or craving for a cheat day yet, the dinners have been incredibly delish! So we'll see after a month how we feel and where we're at, then make that decision. Also we won't be demanding at special functions, parties, etc. (because we go to soooo many). *note the sarcasm there* We won't stress if we don't know if there will be something there for us to eat or not. If there's not, well hey that's our cheat. So I guess we'll be able to call ourselves vegan for 90% of the time. We're watching this carefully. My main goal this time around is not necesarily weight loss but to FEEL healthy. A woman grows old of diets, trying to look like the airbrushed models in some magazine. If I loose weight, so be it - that would be a mega bonus. But that's not our ultimate goal. It's all about feeling good from the inside out. My body is in a period where it's trying to adjust to the changes right now, and while I haven't lost any weight I'm noticing some positive changes. They may seem small, but they are exciting for me. One example: my nails are long. I mean LONG. Annoying long. And strong. Before this they cracked easy, were brittle - and it's only been 2 weeks. I'm ready to cut them off I can't do ANYTHING with nails! Maybe I'll try and paint em one time first though. :) Other examples: I stopped needing coffee, I have WAY too much energy now (not a bad thing!) and I am sleeping better at night. Great positive things happening and I'm looking forward to many more!

RECIPES THAT WORK

I haven't posted a recipe for awhile so here it goes! This is something I threw together this week not really knowing where I was going with it, but it was a big hit with my men. I don't even know what to call it!

Corn Tortilla Sandwich thing a ma jigs:

Ingredients:

Small corn tortillas, 1 large can black beans, 1 yellow pepper, 1 banana pepper, 1/2 red onion, 1 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 can corn

Mix all ingredients except tortillas in bowl. Cook in microwave 5 minutes.

Toppings: Chop 2 tomatoes, green onion, and cilantro - mix in bowl and set aside.

Chop 1 avocado, sprinkle with sea salt, set aside.

Cook tortillas in oven until crisp. Take out of oven and top with bean mixture, then the tomato mixture and avocado, and your hot sauce of choice. Top with one more tortilla and enjoy!

IMPOSSIBLE 2 POSSIBLE UPDATES

Of course my amazing friend and coach Ray Zahab is at it again! The newest expedition: Expreso De Los Andes! Ray will attempt to run approx 2,000km across South America ocean to ocean, passing over the Andes during the run! In the upcoming expedition there will be a main focus and goal of inspiring and providing the tools for students to start their own running programs. Such a great program, the website for the expedition will be launched soon so check them out at:

http://impossible2possible.com/home

I2P Gear is now on sale again as well, get yours while you can! I have the gear and trust me it's GREAT stuff! See the catalog here.

GEAR REVIEW

Sony Walkman NWZ-W202 MP3 Player

I typically don't wear headphones when I'm running, not even in ultras. They always seem to be a pain in the ass, and when I'm on the trails I like to actually be "in" the trail if you know what I mean. The first sign I get that I'm over trained & need a break is if I have to wear headphones when I'm on the trail. When I'm running solo on the road however I'll typically wear my headphones. ANYWAY - my husband and I bought some new headphones, cord free by SONY. It's a pretty fantastic little device! I thought for sure the headphones would come off while we were running, but so far no problems. All the controls are in the earpieces. If you're into running with music and don't like the cords that come with your normal Ipods or Mp3 players this is definitely a great option. The player weighs35g, you can fold it, twist it, and another bonus for those rainy days: It's waterproof.

Have a great weekend and Happy Running all!

Reindeer 5k Report, Interclub Run Report, 2011 wrap up and Barkley

2011-12-29T09:47:00.018-05:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday and hope no one suffered from any sugar comas :) My family and I traveled to Pittsburgh to see my family and one of my heros - my grams:

Grams is the best! Love her!

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REINDEER RUN WITH JEAN TOTH

Back in November the legendary Jean Toth asked my family and I if we'd like to go to the Reindeer 5k with her. "But we had to dress up!" She stated. We agreed and picked up Jean the day of the race. Our plan was to run the whole thing alongside Jean and have fun with it. We saw lots of great outfits there and plenty of smiles! Jean, my husband and son were no exception:

The race was a blast and time with Jean is always special - Jean's an inspirational runner, still running marathons and every other local race you can think of. Her next marathon is coming up in February in Arizona. WOW!!!!

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INTERCLUB RUN

This month my family and I also ran in the Interclub Run at West Woods Park. Dissapointment ensued as there was BARELY ANY SNOW. PSSHHT. What was this anyway? It doesn't feel like winter and I'm starting to get antsy for a significant amount of the white fluffy stuff. My husband, son, and I made up one team and went there again just to have fun, as none of us were training for anything at the moment. Luckily we weren't racing, as I had my first asthma attack of the winter out there. YAY! While there was no snow the temps were the coldest I had run in since last year. Those first cold weeks of winter are always the hardest to get used to, and I always expect bare minimum 1 asthma attack. You just have to put your head down and keep at it, because things do improve eventually! I had mine and hopefully that's the last one of the season! I kept running to finish my leg of the relay, but it was naturally a slower pace because hey, I need to breathe :) Poor NERC VP Sean ran past me smiling and talking and I pretty much ignored him. SORRY SEAN! I think I may have mustered up a half smile or grunt or wheeze of some sort.Despite that the event was a great one, and it's always great to chat with people from other clubs. NERC had a chili cook off there and I made my "Ass Burner Chili". Fellow NERC Beth and Mike Shaughnessy made a "Steelers Suck" chili to be funny har har har! (For those that don't know, I'm originally from Pittsburgh and yes I LOOOVE the Steelers! Lets just say I lost the chili cook off. Might have to do with the name. Hmpf. (I have to admit I did taste the chili though and it WAS yummy, AND I even voted for it! The name just really stunk) . Beth should be the one to choose the name from now on. After all she is the one that made it! ;-)

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BARKLEY

My goal race. #1 must do. (or try) So far there have been no female finishers of Barkley. Actually, they haven't had many finishers at all. 10 finishers total since the race has begun in 1986. I don't know why it is I want to do Barkley. I hate hills. I get lost easily. This race is notorious for both. If I got in it would be the ultimate challenge. I've submitted my entry and am waiting for word, I'm wondering if I should cross my fingers or not? One thing's for sure I will submit my entry every year until I make it there. I doubt I'll get in this year, but one of my running friends has also submitted his entry,and unlike me he is definitely the most qualified and I'm hoping he's lucky enough to get in.

Some Barkley stats:

Official distance: 100 miles

Unofficial distance, according to “Frozen” Ed Furtaw: 130 miles
Time limit: 60 hours

Fun Run distance: 60 miles

Fun Run time limit: 40 hours

Elevation change for the 2011 course: 118,200 feet

Average gradient for the 2011 course: 22.39 percent

Amount of runnable trail on the 2011 course: 59.6 percent

Number of finishers, out of approximately 700 entrants, since 1986: 10

Number of repeat finishers: 0

Entrants in 2011: 40

Finishers in 2011: 1

Female finishers: 0

Race record: 55 hours, 42 minutes (Brian Robinson, 2008)

Official record for futility: 2.95 miles in 31 hours, 42 minutes (Dan Baglione in 2006)

Number of runners banned from the race by Frozen Head State Park officials: 1 (Baglione)

Notable geographical features: Testicle Spectacle, Rat Jaw, Son of a Bitch Ditch, Meth Lab Hill, Big Hell, the Garden Spot, Prison Mine Road, and the Bad Thing

Typical nicknames of runners: “Raw Dog,” “Cave Dog,” “Frozen Ed,” “Old Gristle,” “Animal

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2011 WRAP UP

It's been quite a year, a year that I'll never forget. There were a few ups and many downs, but you just have to keep on trucking and remember the good that has happened. The Beast of Burden (both summer and winter) were events I'll never forget. Sam Pasceri and all the volunteers are excellent people and I highly recommend this race. The Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon is by far the highlight of my year. Not for the running necessarily, but getting to spend time with the amazing Tarahumara and my friends Caballo and his girlfriend Maria. The people I met during my journey will remain close to my heart for a long time to come. Barefoot Ted, Bookis, Patrick (all of the Patrick's), Ravi, Shawn, Diego, Maria, Leah, and so many more. I would love to go again but could not afford to go back this year, despite Caballo's generous offers - we'll have to wait a year or so to go back.

2011 and family running:

My son's first marathon was a special experience, he worked hard, put in the miles and ran his first marathon! It was a nasty rainy day but still a great experience for all of us. It was amazing crossing the finish line together! He says he plans to do one again, but not until his senior year - right now he's focusing now on speed for cross country.

My husband's first 50 miler and 100 miler were incredible! To quote my husband after his 50 miler "I'm never EVER coming back here again!!" Ha yeah he did BR100 soon after. What was that again?! I realized how much work crewing was during these events. I'm proud of both my guys and looking forward to a lot of family running in 2012 as well!

I hope everyone had a great year and hope you're looking forward to big things in 2012! Happy New Year, and Happy Running!

Turkey Trot 5k Report

2011-12-02T09:58:00.005-05:00

So it's done - our family's first Turkey Trot! We all woke up early on Thanksgiving Day and headed to the Y. I haven't done a 5k since right after the Boston Marathon in 2010. It was strange running a 5k race again. I've been doing lots of work trying to get faster, and wanted a PR for this race. A PR is what I got! 21 mins and 7 seconds. (However I did NOT beat my husband. HMPF.)

I'm torn between being proud of this race and disappointed in myself. Proud because of my PR, but disappointed in myself because despite what the numbers show, despite my PR, I didn't push myself. I ran easy the whole way and feel like I could've broke 21 mins. Breathing was good, muscles felt great, I just got in a comfy spot and didn't budge. I didn't even get sweaty WTH! That's a big indicator I didn't work it, that and the fact that I crossed the finish line and didn't grab anything to drink, because well I just didn't work hard enough to need one :) So I crossed saying both "YAY!" and "DANG IT!" I got first place in my age group and 6th place female overall, and I'm pretty sure this was the largest 5k I've ever run. Over 950 people registered and 750 people showed up to run. This was great news for the Y who didn't expect nearly that many people. (Soon after we got a letter stating membership fees for the year were not increasing for the first time since we've been members - maybe it's thanks to the runners!)

The cutest part of the whole race was a little kid I was running next to for nearly the entire race. I believe final stats have him listed as 10. TEN!! I just kept on watching him, smiling - wishing I had 1/2 of the competitive drive he had. He was trying SO hard, pushing it the whole way. He constantly would look back to see where I was, how close I was to him. I think he probably would have beat me if he didn't waste so much energy turning his head and looking back!! I actually felt bad when I passed him with 1/2 mile left because he was working SO SO hard. This great kid came up to me after the race and told me "Great job!" Competitive but great Sportsmanship - I LOVE IT!

The best age group award ever:

Thankfully I won a pumpkin pie, because the night before my son and I were doing the prep work for our Thanksgiving dinner and he accidentally put black pepper in our pumpkin mousse!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and some Turkey Trot fun of their own.

Happy Running!

JOA MOVING SPIRIT TEAM, NERC TURKEY SOUP RUN, AND I2P UPDATES!

2011-11-22T11:41:00.022-05:00

THE JOA MOVING SPIRIT TEAM

I'm proud to be a part of a newly formed team, team JOA Moving Spirit as a coach and pacer! We are currently looking for both runners and volunteer coaches/pacers to join the team - so read up!

One of my running friends, local runner Joe Vasil goes to church with a young boy (John Owen) and his family. John has a fatal disease, Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Joe and John:

DMD progressively wastes muscle and causes muscle weakness. It begins with microscopic changes in the muscle. As muscles degenerate over time, the boy's muscle strength diminishes. With DMD, ultimately the heart muscle will stop working.

Touched by the family Joe wanted to contribute and has done INCREDIBLE things already! His latest contribution to JOA is creating the "Moving Spirit" team. This team will help derail DMD together at the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. One goal is to have Team Moving Spirit runners in each distance - the 10k, 1/2 marathon, and full marathon. Training starts January 1 2012! There will be plenty of support through the team's expert coaches! If you need some motivation to get into running further distances, or are just unsure of where to start join team Moving Spirit! Click on the link below to register!
http://joainc.org/Runners.aspx

All the training you need to complete this amazing journey will be provided. We ask that you commit to training with the $50 entrance fee, which will cover your race day shirt and other miscellaneous expenses. We encourage you to take part in fundraising efforts where your friends and family sponsor the steps you will take to derail duchenne. Race fees will be covered with $1,000 raised in fundraising efforts. You will be given you all the tools you need to help with your fundraising efforts.

This is a perfect way to jump into a new distance. With so much support and running for a great cause, your experience will be nothing short of phenomenal - I promise you that!

Again coaches and pacers are needed as well - you can click here to sign up to be a volunteer! http://joainc.org/Coaches.aspx

The goal of John Owen's Adventure is to put $150,000 in the hands of Scientists searching for a treatment of DMD. Let's help find a cure for John and the 500,000 other boys suffering from DMD.

NERC TURKEY SOUP RUN

This year's Turkey Soup Run went great! Thanks to Guy Gadomski for all his hard work on this. Guy made loads of bread and turkey soup, while other members brought various yummy foodstuffs. It was a beautiful day (well, for most-I wanted snow!) Many runners showed up - old NERC's and new and we all had a blast. It was great to see new faces -Big thanks to everyone who came out!

IMPOSSIBLE2POSSIBLE UPDATES

The time is here! Youth ambassadors are leaving this week to begin their journey - Expedition India! Previous youth expeditions consist of travels to:

Baffin Island

Tunisia

Bolivia

The Amazon

Click here to be taken to the Expedition India homepage to follow along!
Watch as Ohio youth ambassador Jessica Kenny from Lake Erie College runs India with other youth ambassadors from the United States and Canada!http://impossible2possible.com/india/home

Good luck to all the youth ambassadors, educators, doctors, and adventurers! Safe travels!

NERC Autumn Leaves 5 miler, Forbes House Donations, and Runnin' the streets of C Town

2011-11-13T17:22:00.031-05:00

AUTUMN LEAVES

BIG thanks to all the runners who came out to the Northeast Running Club's Autumn Leaves 5 miler last weekend. The weather was (depending on who you ask...ahem) great and people seemed to really enjoy themselves. This was the last race this year as far as volunteering goes for my family and I. Saturday we helped set up - my husband with outside/course marking duties with the manly men and me inside setting up registration, food, etc. with the womenfolk. My son went outside with the tough guys for awhile but quickly came back inside coughing and sounding horrible. He wasn't looking good at all so as soon as the inside work was done we hit the road and went back home. I gave him some medicine, some homemade soup and kept him inside the rest of the day. That seemed to do the trick as he was back to his old self on race day, well rested and recharged - ready to fulfill his duties of picking on NERC V.P. Sean! Poor Sean....poor Sean! There were a decent army of volunteers on Sunday, and my son, Carole Krus' daughter (such a cutie) and myself were in charge of a water stop. The kiddos handed out the water and I took pics of the race. There's five photo albums which you can find at the links below:

Album 5

Album 4

Album 3

Album 2

Album 1

Thanks Mark Anson for putting on another great race!

Big thanks to all the volunteers who came out as well. The NERC is a great non-profit organization and none of this can be done without your help!

FORBES HOUSE DONATIONS

Big thanks to all my friends and co workers who donated to the Forbes House! The picture shown here is only 1/3 of the donations received!

October was Domestic Violence Awareness month and the Forbes House is a shelter for battered women and children. Their mission:

"To relieve the trauma resulting from domestic violence, to assure access to safe and caring environments for its victims, and to foster an end to domestic violence through education, prevention, and advocacy".

I'm so grateful for all my friends, the donations filled my entire trunk and the entire back of my car. I've got a few more things left to take down there and that's it! Forbes House is an organization close to my family's heart, and we appreciate all your help!

RECIPES THAT WORK

Missing your hot cocoa? As the days get colder I'm finding it harder and harder to avoid the wonderful comfort of hot cocoa. So - this is what I came up with. It tastes great, much like those McDonald's (ewww) McCafe coffee drinks, but it's packed with healthy goodness. Mix it up! Try different flavors of coffee, different flavors of protein powder and see what you like best. Some tips:

#1: When you go to blend it, blend it on the lowest setting.
#2: Don't reheat (or put the mixed drink back into the coffee pot to keep warm)
#3: This does just fine sitting in a thermos for a few hours.

Protein powered hot cocoa:
Ingredients
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I use Iso-sensation)
1 serving of coffee (I've been using chocolate mint ground coffee)

Instructions
Make your coffee as you normally would (leave black - no cream, no sugar), then put into blender. Place 1 scoop of protein powder into blender. Blend on low until mixed.

Enjoy!

CITY RUNNIN'

So my son had so much fun running through Pittsburgh a couple weeks back that I decided why not Cleveland as well? Today we went downtown with our friend Charlie Bolek and ran 10k through the streets of Cleveland.

We had a great time exploring the city and goofing off! We started at the Westside Market and made our way towards Tower City, through 4th Street and past the theater district. It was windy but fun - and made for a good recovery run for Charlie who ran 50k the day before!!!!!

This is definitely an activity that we will continue to do. Right now I'm willing to drive 2-3 hours away to go explore a city in this fashion, so next on our radar will either be Columbus or Detroit. We've never been to either city, so it'll be great to explore a new place in such a fun way :) Afterwards we stopped at Patterson Fruit Farm and Barnes and Noble for some new books. The rest of our day has been spent in our jammies reading. Good weekends like this make Monday mornings so much harder! I'm not so sure I want to go to sleep tonight, because when I wake up it will all be over......

Happy Running,
Laurie

FORBES HOUSE DONATIONS

For those that didn't know, October was Domestic Violence Awareness month. During the month of October I collected items to take to the Forbes House for Women and Children at work. The Forbes house is a safehouse for battered women and children. Their mission: "To relieve the trauma resulting from domestic violence, to assure access to safe and caring environments for its victims, and to foster an end to domestic violence through education, prevention, and advocacy".

I was thrilled to have received so many donations to take to Forbes! This is just a third of what received to take to Forbes:

Everyone was so incredible with their donations of food, clothes and toys! My trunk was full - as well as the entire back seat/floor of my car! Thanks so much for everything guys! Work friends donated, as well as friends outside of work. You guys are all awesome! I've taken the majority of the items to Forbes, with just a few things left to take this week. Wonderful!! This organization means a lot to my family, and we really appreciate it!

I2P UPDATES, NERC UPDATES, BEGINNING BACKPACKING & MORE!

2011-11-02T18:06:00.038-04:00

I2P UPDATES

I received my I2P gear recently and it's the best stuff! compression shorts, jacket, long sleeve/short sleeve running shirts and tank...it was well worth the wait! The stuff couldn't be more comfortable - thanks I2P!

Did you see?
My amazing friend and coach Ray Zahab was on CTV recently speaking about I2P. Check the short video clip out here:

This was really well done and gets to the heart of what I2P is all about...a must watch!
Ray was also featured in Outside magazine - check it out here:
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/athletes/Ultra-Ambassador.html

And one more video - a preview on the upcoming Expedition India! This month 4 incredible youth ambassadors will be running approximately 300 kilometers in the world's seventh largest desert! Once again one of the ambassadors is from right here in Northeast Ohio - Jessica Kenny. Congrats to Jessica and all the youth ambassadors, and GOOD LUCK!

India Youth Expedition 2011 Promo from GOi2P on Vimeo.

Northeast Running Club Updates

The Saturday group runs are still on and with my son's Cross Country over I can finally go back! Except this weekend (lol). This weekend the family and I will be helping set things up for the Autumn Leaves 5 mile race held at the Lake Metroparks Farmpark. This race is an incredible event, and so much fun! Run past cows, through corn mazes, and slide in the mud - make sure to come out, you'll have an incredible time! The race is on Sunday and starts at 9:00 a.m. It looks like the weather will be nice for once (boooo) so come get your fill of corn, hay, and fun!

NERC in the news!!!
Check out this article on Autumn Leaves and our awesome non-profit running club, it really explains what the Northeast Running Club is all about - and what the club's mission is:

http://www.cleveland.com/willoughby-hills/index.ssf/2011/11/northeast_running_club_hosts_a.html

BEGINNING BACKPACKING!

With training miles currently reduced I still need to get my vitamin D! One of my goals (forever it seems) was to get backpacking gear and start backpacking together. Well, we went to REI Pittsburgh, and with the suggestions of my I2P friend Agnes Jung and the recommendations of "B Man" at REI I think we're all set! We got some great stuff and are ready to roll.

I took my son out for a test hike this weekend. We loaded up the packs with EVERYTHING we would take when we are out backpacking:

I wanted to see how he'd hold up first close to home - and this also gives me an idea of how many miles we could put into a day. We hiked a small part of the Buckeye Trail (it turned out to be a ton of road - yeah we got funny looks). Despite the roads we still had a fun time. At first my son had a hard time putting away the phone - but eventually it happened and we had some good conversation. Hints my son was thinking like an ultra runner came out. He schooled me on different toenail removal techniques, info on Badwater, grabbed a stick to carry for the whole hike like ultra-runner dude Ron Ross, and also asked "Hey mom, I wonder....has anyone ever run the whole Buckeye Trail?" Hmmmmmm......

We also got great amusement out of these two signs:

One side of the street with this sign: (Enter Cuyahoga, Leave Lake)

The other side of the street with this sign: (Enter Lake, Leave Geauga)

I imagine it's as simple as this: One side of the road is in one county, the other side in the other county - but it was still hilarious seeing it!

We managed 9.75 miles in 3 hours and 40 minutes. I really have no clue if that's fast, slow, average but I'm glad it went well. I tried to squeeze out an extra .25 miles to make it an even 10 but my son figured me out :) Throughout the whole hike I was testing his sense of direction, having him read the Buckeye trail markings and having him tell me where to go. When we got close to the parking lot I decided to blow right past the trail head in an attempt to sneak in that extra .25 and also to see if he was paying attention both at the beginning of the hike and at the end. He did great at awareness and called me on it right away! Boooo! It still bugs me we didn't get the extra .25! Sheesh.

THE END OF A SEASON

Cross country is over for my mini, and he had a blast running with the team this year. The coaches were great, and the kids were amazing.

Examples of kid greatness:
Early on I was faced with a hard decision to make (a nightmare!) My son called me at work to ask me if a senior, Nick, could drive him to the weekly pasta dinner. My heart fell into my stomach. "Let it begin" I thought. The first time a KID would be driving MY kid. Point blank I was scared as hell. But, this is how it is - he's growing up, so I let him go. Everything worked out fine of course, and the senior that drove him is a pretty amazing person. All the seniors were great role models to the younger kids in fact, and it was so great to see. At one time I wasn't sure if he had a ride to the pasta dinner or not, and I hung out at XC practice to see if my services were needed. He wound up not needing a ride, because once again Nick was taking him-and I watched this amazing kid fill up his vehicle with freshman. So amazing! I never saw that in my school growing up. Seniors wanted nothing to do with lowly freshman. Maybe because I never played sports - so maybe I was lacking in experiencing that kind of camaraderie, but this all was really fascinating and new to me.

The strong character of the kids came through more than once this season. As it so happened I run with the Riverside teacher's running group when I can, and there were a few times we ended up in the same park as the XC runners. One instance when I was running I came up behind some kids who were running and having a discussion on the rights/wrongs of swearing. I slowed down to listen to the conversation again just completely fascinated at their discussion and their feelings on the topic. I ran smiling, hearing how "There was no place for it, etc" Again...AMAZING! These are teenagers???

Excellent work on a great season runners! We're proud of you!

LAKE METROPARKS/FARMPARK VOLUNTEERING

Another Halloween season at the Lake Metroparks has come and gone, and my son has once again volunteered at the Haunted Hayrides. This is by far his favorite volunteer job with the parks. Other volunteering he does with the system: Day camp counselor aide, Wildlife Center Assistant, and he has volunteered at Christmas Lights. He loves all that he's done but definitely has a blast with the Hayrides. When else can you be an astronaut? I mean come on!

I hope everyone had a great Halloween - now get out and run off all that candy!

Happy Running,
Laurie

RECENT RUNNING HAPPENINGS

2011-10-24T08:51:00.031-04:00

WOW!! Life has been busy busy lately! (seriously one of these days I will NOT start a blog this way!) Lots has been happening, will try and keep it short and sweet though :) No novels!

THE NORTHCOAST 24 HOUR ENDURANCE RUN
My husband and many friends ran the NC24 Hour Endurance Run in September, each having different goals as far as mileage goes. My son and I were providing assistance to friends and family, helping out with whatever was needed, trying to keep track of food and water intake for the team, as well as moral support. Many other NERC members helped throughout the day and night - and it was so appreciated! NERC and friends came from places such as Ohio, Canada, New York, and more! It was a great time, and everyone's performance was truly inspirational. Big congrats to all my friends, and to my hubby on a job well done!

OIL CREEK 100 MILE PACING
My husband and I had the chance to pace our friend Scott McGrew at the Oil Creek 100 miler held this month in Pennsylvania. This would be Scott's first 100 mile run and he conquered it! I tricked my husband into taking the shorter pacing section (HA!) and I took the longer distance which was around 30 miles. Yup he was mad when he found that one out! But, he didn't really get the bum end of the stick as me arriving for the later pacing duty meant I got up early to see my son run in his XC meet which was 1 1/2 hours away (I got up at 4 that morning) then drive the 2 1/2 hours to Oil Creek after the meet & wait for pacing to begin! So, hubbers got more sleep. A lot more. Can't argue with that!

On the run Scott looked great the whole time, nailed nutrition, electrolytes, all of it. In fact, he scared the crap out of me to be honest. You see, in the days leading up to Oil Creek I had banged out a 120 mile plus week - my longest mileage week ever. I felt great, no problem, no worries! I was just happy to be running strong again and couldn't stop, feeling like Forest Gump when his braces came off.(I also knew a reduction in mileage was on the way for me as well so I just had to sneak some more miles in this week and went crazy!)SO-as I said before Scott scared the crap out of me. The last few miles of the 100 he really picked up the pace. For the first time I really regretted all the miles I put in that week. Basically I was scared that I wouldn't be able to keep up with him, because he was flying! And then - the last 1/2 mile he said it: "Hey do you think you can run ahead about a 3 minute per 1/2 mile pace and tell everyone I'm coming?" For the first time during my pacing job I think I showed 100% fear while I said...."uuuhhhh yeah if you want?! (inside I was saying awwwww DAMN IT!!)" I don't think I landed a 3 min 1/2 mile pace, but was able to speed up a bit to let everyone know he was on his way! Scott had a great run, and his wife Bri made a great crew chief! Congrats Scott!

THE NORTHEAST RUNNING CLUB HALLOWEEN COSTUME FUN RUN
This weekend I had organized a fun run for my running club, the Northeast Running Club. It was a 5 mile fun run down the busiest street in the area, and most of us were in full costume.

We had an absolute blast acting like kids all over again! For some it was their first group run, and for others it was their longest distance.

A great intro to the club I'd say! We got many curious onlookers, many smiles from drivers in their cars, and many beeps, woo hoos and you name it! We had around 25 people come out including my hero - the legendary Jean Toth, my runnin' mama!

As you can see my son ran with us as well(he was a little excited in the morning, getting into his Halloween costume at 7 a.m. - the run wasn't until 10:30!)

Amy and Sean ran the whole distance in their amazing costumes:

I don't know how they did it, but they did! That's one tough couple!

Friends Mike and Beth came out, and they get the award for cutest couple!

My own husband was a rapper, and certainly played the part!

Afterwards we all went to Quaker Steak and Lube for some seriously refueling. The run was a success and I already have requests to make one for next year, so it looks like this will be an annual thing! I think my son is already planning next year's costume....

Happy Running!

The Beast of Burden 100 race report

2011-09-03T19:43:00.052-04:00

First, a recap of my last 8/9 months. It's been a long journey.

Those of you who know me know I've been dealing with issues that have not been so pleasant.

#1. Swelling - legs, feet, which seemed to come and go randomly. When I ran, when I didn't run - it didn't matter. I did know it was far worse when I ate more sugar and wheat.

#2. Nausea - even when I did not eat/fuel on the run, I was getting nauseated - very uncomfortable.

#3. Insomnia - there were some nights when I just COULD NOT sleep. Oh MAN did I want too though!

#4. Fatigue

#5. Muscle weakness - at times I could barely lift my arms.

#6. Consistent weight gain, due to the edema

#7. Heart palpitations

#8. Bloated feeling constantly

#9. And others, I will not divulge...tmi.

After dealing with this for some time, thinking it would go away, and acquiring my one and only DNF, and a no show at Mohican I thought I could have an intolerance to gluten, since the problems were worse when I ate wheat products. (Looking back now, really didn't explain why it also happened when I ate sugary treats as well). I had thought I found a solution, for a couple weeks the swelling went down, but not completely-I know that know looking at my feet today. My feet had been swollen for so long that I actually forgot what they really looked like on a normal day. If the swelling went down slightly, I thought WOOOO! FIXED!

It went back and forth like this. It started to get ten times worse after my son's first marathon. Each cycle of swelling my legs seemed to get bigger and bigger and BIGGER. I was falling into a very deep depression. The highs and lows - I'm swelling, OH IT'S GONE YAY! Then, swelling - again and again and again. My running was suffering of course, speed dropped significantly. I could barely finish a run, and some I actually didn't - something I never imagined I'd do (not to mention my DNF at Glacier Ridge). After talking with my amazing friend and coach, Ray Zahab, I backed out of the 100 miler I was supposed to do in June - Mohican 100. I was hell bent on figuring out WHAT this was exactly. Except - I couldn't. My doctors were clueless - and they sent me to specialist. (Actually they lined me up with 4, but after the first one costing over $500 I could not go see the others.) The first specialist, I could tell - just thought I was crazy. I was only mildly swollen at the time of his office visit. So, I showed him a picture of what I was talking about. He nearly fell out of his chair when I showed him, telling me "WOW, I didn't expect that!" AWESOME. But he couldn't help me. He didn't even know where to begin. Again, deeper depression. I was at the point now that I was doing everything I could to avoid running with people. My run was a crawl, and I basically felt like a complete fat ass from all the water I was retaining. I couldn't wear my jeans anymore. My feet were constantly blistering. All I really wanted to do was lay in bed and feel sorry for myself. Boo hoo waaa waaa. I was still running though, even if it wasn't pretty. It was damn near uncomfortable. Imagine this. Go grab a 10 pound weight, try to run with it. Imagine that weight getting put on your body in one, two days. Horrid. Sometimes, it was more than that. I was constantly on the net in a "what's wrong with me mode" looking things up, wondering - seeing different things, thinking well maybe it's this, or that, or that....feeling completely crazy. I also was feeling like the people who really didn't know me well, only ran with me a few times - didn't really believe what was happening or maybe thought I was whining because I was slow. I felt like THEY thought I was crazy, too. No matter though. Something was not right, I knew it - and despite what people may have or have not been thinking I had to keep going, keep fighting until I found the answer. I was grateful to have a few friends help me out with some things. Most specifically - Courtney Baker Russell, who was helped me out and sent me some wonderful messages when I thought it was gluten. Agnes Jung, who always showed her concern, Desiree Cowie, Lee Shane, Wendy Collura, Chettina, and most recently Roseann Perchinske-a fantastic woman and athlete. You all don't know what a few kind words can do when you're really low. Really great people who I'm so fortunate to know. Also, my friend and coach Ray Zahab, who continued and continues to help me out through everything, offer his advice and put up with my frustration. And my husband. My husband who got the worst of it, who saw my tears, my anger, and my resentment.

This was not me. Hate was building up inside me more and more as each day passed. Before all this, I was a happy runner. Now I was starting to question why I was even doing it. What was the point? I wasn't having fun, and the more I ran the more I seemed to gain weight. It just didn't make any sense. It didn't make sense and I was pissed. I wasn't feeling good. Things just plain old sucked. Boo hoo. Boo hoo. But still, I kept looking for answers. Because deep down, I really do love running, and couldn't imagine my life without it. I started to do everything I could to avoid group runs. No way did I want to run with people the way I was. I didn't want people to see me the way I was, and I didn't really feel much like laughing anyway. Misery in my case does not love company.

About a week after I was supposed to do Mohican I signed up for the Beast of Burden 100 miler, thinking SURELY I would have things figured out by then. I continued to run, it continued to suck - with a few mediocre days mixed in between. Literally the ONLY good run I had was a 15k run the weekend before Beast of Burden. Ray advised me not to run Beast of Burden - and I admit that would have been the smart thing to do. But mentally I couldn't take it. I couldn't go through the whole winter with Glacier Ridge, Mohican, and BoB too! I would've shut down even more mentally - and that would have been worse than the physical issues I was experiencing. It was something I had to do.

When I first signed up for Beast I wrote down a time, stuck it on my work computer. A fast time. As the weeks went by that hope slowly diminished, and as the race approached I made a decision. I was going to Beast of Burden not to place, not having a time goal, but my only goal was to go there and smile, laugh, and have an all around great time. It was a good goal :)

So here goes. My BoB 100 race report, with a little bit of Eureka mixed in:

One week before Beast of Burden I was poking around on the Livestrong website. (Fantastic resource for anyone - please check it out!) I was mildly curious when I went onto "Myplate" calorie and activity tracker. I thought hmmm, I wonder how many calories a day I wind up with after eating and running? I thought the number would be outrageous, since the weight keeps creeping up, on and on and on....instead I was at a NEGATIVE calorie balance. A pretty big negative at that. I thought "NO WAY." How could that be? I entered in the previous two days. Again, big negatives. Now, I eat exactly the same way every day (breakfast and lunch, and in between snacks). The only difference daily is dinner. So that means that every day for I don't even KNOW how long I was at a negative calorie deficit, excluding my non running days - Monday and Friday. My heart sunk. I was trying to do things right, and trying to eat healthy - trying to lose weight because I kept gaining, etc, etc you know the story. I was downright shocked. I was always wondering, Ray CONSTANTLY would tell me, EAT EAT EAT! But in my mind I was thinking, just look at me though! I weigh so much!!! Even if it was water weight, it messed with my head, all that extra weight. It sounds dumb, me not knowing I was under calories - but honestly I wasn't a calorie counter. Frankly the shit bores me to death. But now, I have to be. I have to make sure I get everything I need. And honestly using the Livestrong site makes it SO easy it's almost fun. The only pain in the butt is when you have to add a recipe, it takes a few minutes (so really not so bad). It's almost exciting seeing how many calories you have left at the end of the day, and HEY...I can go out and by cashews, I have ### calories left!! That day I started using the tracker on Livestrong and have used it every day since. I found things on "starvation mode" which said you actually GAIN weight when you are at a negative calorie balance but I was questioning that. WHY if I was constantly at a negative balance was I not skin and bones? WHY was I gaining weight! WHY was I one of the biggest runners out there? The things I looked up about starvation mode said this would happen, that your body just holds onto everything it can get when it gets it. I really wasn't buying that one, still confused and curious. But I started to eat all the calories I needed and prepared for the upcoming 100 miler. (There is more to this equation later!)

My son and I headed for Lockport, New York the day before the race. We chilled at the hotel, he showed me a pizza place that he went to during the winter BoB and we just ate, swam, and relaxed. My husband came later that night straight from work, and my other pacer - Scott McGrew and his with Bri came down the morning of the race.

Before the race we met lots of amazing people, fun people - and took a few pics

And then, it was go time! I started too fast for what I was used to considering how training went, and that was a mistake - especially in the heat. The course is interesting in the fact that you are completely exposed to the elements. That's what makes this race difficult. Winter version, Summer version - it's all about the weather.

Mile 12.5 I came into the aid station shaking, knowing what I had done. I left out of there still not learning my lesson. At mile 25 I came in, got a few things and left with my husband, who we decided at the last minute he would pace me (he was actually not going to be able to make the race at all at first, but was able to work it out with his job last minute). I left forgetting to take my ecaps along with me. TROUBLE. And that meant trouble FAST and in a BIG way. I crashed completely and walked quite a bit from miles 25-50, even when I eventually got some more ecaps. It took until mile 50 to be able to put forth some effort again. Scott McGrew started to pace me at mile 50 and I tried running some, walking some, etc, etc.

At one point during the run I really gained some ground and picked up some energy. It was dark now and a wicked thunderstorm rolled through, rain - thunder - lightning, you name it. I laughed to myself as I had mentioned to Sam (the race director) that if he wanted it to be sunny during the day he's got to at least give me rain at night. I guess I got what I asked for! Still holding onto my second wind, I kept on. I wonder, at that last aid station I had 1 scoop of peanut butter and a cup of coke! hmmmm I had also taken a fondness to watermelon and pringles :) (I had ditched my hammer concoction early on, just was stubborn and wanted variation) My main goal was to keep my calories under 300 an hour, as studies have shown that's about all a runner can handle in one hour. WELL. I screwed that one up! After the PB aid station, I decided well HA! That worked so well will DOUBLE the PB! NOOOO! I didn't think, doubling the pb and then getting another coke on top of it put me well over 300 calories. It wasn't long before I started dry heaving, nauseous, and just blah. I once again was walking, although I was still excited because soon my son would be pacing me, and I figured my nausea would be gone by then - since it would take me so long to get to him. haha.

Finally I got to the turnaround aid station - it was my last time there. AWESOME!! My son was ready and waiting to pace me for my last 12 1/2 miles. I looked at him and said "You don't have to do this. It's raining, thunder, lightning - seriously if you don't want too it's ok, really." All he did was look at me, and not even blinking said "No. I'm doing it. I'm going with you. I want to" AWESOME!! And away we went. In a way it helped me, because I went into "mom mode". I stopped thinking about myself and started thinking about him - you know typical mom stuff. Is he cold, is he hot, is he tired, is he hungry, blah, blah blah. At the aid station: Make sure you eat, make sure you drink, blah blah blah. Soon we were nearly at the finish!! I did notice though, he was getting tired. He hadn't run so far since his marathon, and he had been busting his butt at XC practice. Still - he didn't say anything. Didn't tell me he was tired, didn't complain, but I did see it. Soon we got to a bridge that he thought was very close to the finish and said "HEY! There's the bridge!!" I had to tell him "No, we've got two more bridges to cross" and I then saw his shoulders slump. But still, my little trooper was such an awesome pacer and didn't say anything. Finally we went across the correct bridge, ran towards the finish line, and it was done! I took third place female, tenth overall. Not meaning to do anything but finish, I'm pleased with the results.

My time was 22 hours and 18 minutes. And this is the race that I'm most proud of by far. I didn't back down, didn't give up - and am going into fall with a positive attitude for next year. First, thank you's - then to tell you my little "Eureka" moment:

Thanks to Scott McGrew and Bri McGrew! Scott was an amazing pacer, and I would definitely ask him to pace me again! He's a great friend and I'm so glad that we met him and his wife this year. Bri is an amazing person, and was excellent crew for me! She's so positive, and it really rubs off. Great people and great friends, we're really lucky people :) THANKS GUYS!!!

My husband, who drove straight from a 12 hour shift to NY so he could help me out, and ran the crap miles with me. Forever grateful :)

My son, pacer extraordinaire, who fought his own battles silently so he could help me through mine:

My friend, my coach - Ray. As busy as he is, as much as he does - he still takes the time to help me, listen to me, and believe in me!

Beast of Burden Race Director Sam Pasceri, Resurrection racing, and all the BoB volunteers. You guys are incredibly awesome, and the event is amazing. A definite must do for every ultra runner, all because of people like you! I can't say enough about this race and the people - runners, you just have to go there for yourself and see. I really hope we can make it to this event every year, even if we're not running it. Running or helping, either way - this event fast became tops on our list. Thank you so SO much for your hospitality, staying up all night, working so hard - you guys are incredible people and we have nothing but respect for you all. Despite everything, this race and it's people made me love running all over again, and made more hell bent on figuring out what was going on. THANK YOU!!!

And now, my little "EUREKA" moment:

A week after BoB and my swelling was not horrible (actually - I thought it was non-existent, but again I had been in that state for so long when it wasn't too bad I thought I was "normal" even when I was not.) Yet, almost one whole week after BoB I damn near exploded. Frustrated, I thought long and hard. "If this does have to do with food somehow, what are the foods that REALLY make me feel good when I eat them? I mean really truly INSTANTLY good?" First thing that came to my mind, melons. Watermelons, cantaloupe, honeydew. I rarely eat them, because lets face it. They're big, bulky, and well - I'm lazy and really don't like to stand there and take the time to cut em up. So I rarely eat them. But out of frustration I went and bought melons so I could eat during the week, and them to my calorie intake (NOT EATING ONLY MELONS). Monday I was feeling absolutely horrible and started, ate a whole melon. Almost immediately, waterworks. Literally I would go to the bathroom, sit back down at my work desk, and have to pee again. I got home from work and had lost 5 pounds since that morning. Monday night, still swollen - I ran. Just a short run down a busy street - Mentor Avenue. During my run I was running across a crosswalk when I heard someone in a car that was stopped say "WOW that's a big girl to be running like that." It was like someone had punched me in the stomach. I just wanted to scream "THIS IS NOT ME!" In tears I kept running, hoping that what happened during the day was a sign of good things to come. I didn't want to get my hopes up too high though. I didn't want to be knocked back down again.

Tuesday, same thing. One melon, 5 pounds gone.

Wednesday, One melon, 4 pounds gone.

Thursday, my husband and I looked at my feet and legs in utter amazement. I don't remember the last time I saw my feet the way they looked. There was no denying there wasn't swelling. Down 14 pounds since Monday. Such a big difference:

Pic #1 - One pic of how my feet got - this is during one of the swelling instances before Beast of Burden:

Pic #2 - CURRENT DAY

Since the melons, for whatever reason were working so well naturally I was curious beyond belief. What is it about melons? WHAT is going on?!

One word: POTASSIUM. Melons are rich with potassium. And LACK of potassium causes every single symptom that I was experiencing. Why the lack of potassium? My negatvie calorie balance. NOW it makes sense, my swelling, my weight gain. Lack of potassium causes it all, and then some.

See below, copied off website:

Symptoms of Lack of Potassium
The most common symptoms of lack of potassium in the body is leg cramps and arm cramps. If a person finds arms and legs cramping a lot without any specific reason, it may mean lack of potassium in the body. Vomiting is another lack of potassium symptom as this mineral is an important part of ones gastrointestinal system. In less severe cases, a person may feel nauseated all the time. If you feel tired at all times and feel that you have no energy left, it may be a sign of lack of vitamins and minerals. Lack of potassium symptoms also include fatigue and weakness. Heart palpitations that crop up on an EEG may be a sign of low potassium levels. Abdominal and stomach cramps are also lack of potassium symptoms. Other signs and symptoms of low potassium may include:
•Abnormally dry skin
•Chills
•Constipation
•Depression
•Diarrhea
•Edema
•Glucose intolerance
•High cholesterol levels
•Impaired growth
•Insatiable thirst
•Insomnia
•Irritability
•Low blood pressure
•Mental confusion
•Nausea and vomiting
•Nervousness
•Headaches
•Salt retention
•Cardiac arrest in extreme cases

So my little accidental miracle in a way. I stumbled upon this and so glad that I did. It's so simple. Seems so small, but it was HUGE for me. Potassium. The human body is so incredibly confusing, and such a great big pain in the ass. I'm thankful for my newfound knowledge though, despite it taking SO incredibly long to get to this point. I'm so pumped, more so than I ever have before. Now I have one goal. Get 100% healthy and regain the speed I lost dealing with these issues. And then annihilate the course at Glacier Ridge, the site of my DNF. CRUSH IT. It's not a huge race, no prize money, no national championship - but to go out there and kill the course will have very special meaning to me. Training has begun.

Happy Running,
Laurie

Burning River 100 miler - a pacer's report

2011-09-03T18:09:00.022-04:00

Yes I've been slacking on the blog! Hopefully I can remember all the details of BR, but life has been busy! I ran recently ran my latest 100 miler, my son started cross country and school - so much to do!

My husband's first 100 miler, the BURNING RIVER 100

It hasn't even been two years since my husband started running. I can remember the day when he said enough is enough, and we went out and bought him his first pair of good running shoes. Since then he has worked his way up from 5k to now an amazing 100 miles! He has, as most of us have - become completely obsessed :) A good obsession I'd say, since what we do really doesn't interfere with family time (early a.m. runs) and, well anyway our son runs with us quite a bit as well. (well, not now during cross season - he has ditched us for his XC buds! sheesh!)

The night before the race my husband, son, and I went to the pasta dinner/packet pickup for the race. The meal was prepared by the most awesome Chef Bill Bailey. There we met our friend from Michigan, Marc "Doc" Ott - who stayed the night at our house. Almost immediately when we got home it was lights out, both guys understandably wanted to hit the sack early. I had no complaints as I would be up all day and night as well :)

The alarm sounded off early EARLY in the morning. 2 or 2:30 a.m., I forgot which. We got ready and hit the road. Squire's Castle was bustling with activity very early in the morning - runners standing around looking scared beyond belief, runners peeing in the woods, and some runners running to warm up! (Uh Valmir yes!) We stood around and chatted for a bit, people attempted night time photos, and soon they were off!

My son and I hit every aid station that we were allowed to be at. Hauling stuff that my husband may or may not need to each one, waiting, cheering on friends that were coming in. Early on my son and I spent a lot of time with Sara Wank, Chris Basich, and Chris's brother. It made the day really enjoyable!

My husband was looking good each time we saw him. He had a good pace, didn't start out to fast - was doing really, really well. I don't remember the mileage, but I believe it was around 30? he came in and said he felt he was getting a blister and was going to get it worked on. I wanted to scream NOOOO! DON'T SIT! But, if the man had a blister that was bothering him, can't knock him for that. He sat down at the podiatrist's tent and that's where he stayed for over 25 minutes. BAD BAD BAD. I almost bent down and popped the damn thing with my fingers so I could get him the hell up and get going. Eventually, the deed was done - he got up and was completely cramping all over. From this point forward in the race, it was a whole different ball game. MISERY.

Now I was worried. All I could think of was Tanya Cady's saying..."Beware the Iron Chair!" So true. So very true. My son and I made our way to the next aid station. We arrived at the aid station and our friend Beth, aid station captain told me a runner was lost, and it was someone who most DEFINITELY should have been there by now. I asked who it was, and she told me "Valmir".

My heart sunk. Valmir is an amazing runner, spectacular beyond belief! And not to mention, he was lost and does NOT know English. Waiting and waiting - finally he came in made a quick circular motion with his hands and took off his bib. I have to say, it really seemed like he took it well. An amazing guy all the way around :) Heck, he had another hundo in a month anyway!! Save it for the next one...

My husband soon came in looking a bit hairy, he walked a ton between the dreaded blister aid station and this one we were at. We gave him his stuff, and off he went.

The next aid station we saw him at was the Boston Store. The Boston Store was a point in the race where quite a few runners dropped out. Unfortunately the heat of the day really got to some, and they called it quits. My husband came in, looking completely spent.

Knowing that he would perk up a bit the next time we saw him (due to our friend Charlie pacing him when he would come back around again) we kept reminding him - only xx miles until you can run with Charlie! Off he went.

It was awhile before he came back again, and friends Scott and Bri McGrew showed up. I also saw a few other friends, JP, Richard Cook, James Viggiano, Greg Murray - to name a few. It was really great to see so many people out there :)

Along comes my husband, and finally Charlie was up and out with my man, and I was really relieved. Charlie is SUCH a great guy, and I knew he could lift his spirits. Which he did indeed do. At the next aid station I was taking him the rest of the way, 37 miles - and my son would be going with Charlie to start his volunteer duties at the Merriman Road aid station.

My plan was to try and get some sleep at the aid station before my pacing duties, but there were just so many people, awesome people, to chat with that it was impossible-but I didn't mind one bit :) Really, I don't think I could've slept anyway, there was just too much excitement! Then, the man arrived! WOOO HOO! Time to go! Off we went through a run in the woods. In a few hours, it would be midnight. And on midnight, our anniversary. Running through the woods, in the dark - we never did get a honeymoon, so this was the next best thing!

I don't recall the aid station name, but it is the location of "No Frills Just Hills". I will just rename that section - BAT CITY. There were so many bats, it was unreal! Also if anyone was running and heard someone scream, sorry my bad - that would be me as a bat flew into my headlamp. Yep. After that I pointed my headlamp straight at the ground in the hopes of no more encounters. My husband's mood perked up considerably on the second loop - and he was moving at a pretty good clip.

Another aid station. We got to the next aid station, and were in and out. (This was the rule of thumb for the day.) No hanging out, no sitting down (except the dreaded blister time), no dawdling at the aid station. Get yer butt in, get out. Just keep on moving, keep on truckin', one foot in front of the other. About 2 miles after we left the aid station we came across a lady who was in such bad shape. She was weaving in and out, had a glazed look over her eyes, and had NO fuel. If I would have been the one racing, I would have stopped, stayed with her until she got to the next aid station - that's how she looked. But I wasn't, I was pacing - and had to take care of the man. Instead, I gave her all of my homemade energy bars. I could survive without them. She had done SO much more and needed them in the worst way. I worried about her the rest of the way. (SO SO happy to report though that she did cross the finish line about 1/2 hour after my husband!! Congrats stranger!!)

And onward...
I was hurting. The horrible blister that I had for weeks, that had not healed - was excruciating. Also, I had started swelling (as my whole summer has gone) and my feet were just getting too big for my shoes. This caused even more blisters. 5 on the bottom of EACH foot. Still though, this was NOT my race and I absolutely did NOT tell my husband. Just bit my lip, kept on going. I WAS seeing him through the end of this no matter want. I did not even make so much as a grunt - I didn't want him to know, and didn't want to ruin his race. NO WAY.

We got to the towpath, and MY GOD. That seemed like the longest stretch ever. The never ending towpath. We were looking forward to seeing my son and our friends at the Merriman Road aid station though, so one foot in front of the other. Soon we got to Merriman and that perked my husband back up. Everyone was great, gave him a boost - and off we went! Again. And back on the towpath! @%^* !!!!

Knowing that the end was in sight really did make the last stretch of the towpath better though. Not too much longer we were in the woods again, making good time. We had heard about a nasty set of stairs, and soon we saw it. After 97, 98 miles you don't really want to see stairs! But there they were, and off he went. When he got to the top of the stairs there he sighed a huge sigh of relief. HOWEVER, a cute old man who was walking through the woods was also at the top and said "Oh your not done yet! Wait till ya see the next set of steps!" While he was indeed a cute old man I didn't think so when he told my husband that!

Finally we got to the steps, finished - and were again relieved. Soon we would see Charlie and my son and my husband would get to run the last mile with all of us. Going, going...and there they were!! It was off to the finish line, all of us! My husband's team - Charlie, my son, and me - going, going - It was amazing to see and I was completely proud of all my husband had done. And then, there it was. The finish. The BEAUTIFUL finish! Across the line he went, looking great. My husband got his well deserved medal, and sat by the fountain. Not too long after Tanya came over and helped us out - more tips (Tanya is an amazing runner who is always so willing to help with tips, suggestions, etc - and incredible person!). She helped us out with my husband, told him to get his feet in the fountain right away! Which he did. I have to say, I was pretty impressed (and pretty embarrassed) his feet looked WAY better than mine.

I couldn't have been more proud of my husband than at that very moment. There are knee issues that he's had to battle with since high school that he pushes through, silently. But yet, he ran his 100. Not even 2 years after beginning to run. An amazing accomplishment! His finishing time, 28 hours and 32 minutes!!

A special thanks now to an amazing friend, Charlie Bolek - for spending so much time out there with us. Charlie is a wonderful pacer and great guy, and I'm so thankful he was out there with my dude. Also a big thanks to all the volunteers for being SO incredible. Each aid station was amazing beyond belief - an event like this wouldn't be able to take place without all the people who stay up all day and night to help smelly, sweaty, and at times delusional runners. Thanks everyone, for being so amazing!!

BURNING RIVER THIS MORNING!!

2011-07-30T02:11:00.002-04:00

Quick note kids, the Burning River 100 miler is this morning and it's my husband's first. Will have pacer/crew report later - but for now you can track him online via the live webcast, go to http://www.ultralive.net/ !!

Good luck to all the Burning River runners! We'll see you soon!!

Beast of Burden Training, BR100 Update & Pacing Tips, Niagara Falls and I2P updates!

2011-07-10T09:42:00.058-04:00

BEAST OF BURDEN TRAINING

This past weekend my son was out of town and I decided to make my runs in the heat of the day to get some practice running in the open sun. Beast of Burden is on a pretty open course, little shade - so I needed this and took advantage of being able to start running later in the day. Saturday I ran one half of my long run with one of my best running buds, Charlie Bolek, and the other half I ran solo. I decided to try some new energy chews I got for free (almost - just paid shipping). They were FRS energy chews.

The verdict? I liked them. They seemed to work well with me. I also used my always trusty Smartwater. Smartwater is a HUGE favorite of mine. When you can't stomach sugary sports drinks, it's hot and you still need electrolytes, this is it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! (And no I'm not some kind of paid spokesperson for them by any means)I've used it for over a year now and haven't found anything better. I really liked the combination of the FRS chews and Smartwater. My belly liked them and I guess my legs did, too - I had a negative split for my 20 miler Saturday. Charlie and I started at 11:00 a.m., temps were in the 80's and purposely there was no shade. I was pretty pleased with everything.

Sunday was a different story. I was a bit tired from Saturday's long run. I decided I wanted to challenge myself mentally as well as physically. I once again started running later in the day. Temps were hotter than they were on Saturday. I purposely chose a route that even on a good day is pretty difficult for me, not to mention the day of long run #2 for the weekend. All open road running again, in the sun. To make matters worse, I was out of Smartwater. No FRS energy chews either. I relied on regular water and Perpetum chews (which my stomach can handle, but my mind cannot) I had no negative split, my pace was slower than Saturday's pace but I was pretty happy I didn't punk out and take the easy route.

Ice baths were not a problem this weekend :)

One problem I came across this weekend was a nasty blister I acquired Saturday. I bought new "blister proof" socks. The brand - Swiftwick.

(Note the ad stating "blister free!")

One might think it was due to my new shoes, but I wasn't wearing them. (I was running road, my newer shoes are trail shoes) The only thing that I changed wardrobe wise were those socks. I never had a worse blister in my life. The damn thing would NOT go away all week. Right now it's hurting worse than before and the protective skin is now ripped off of it. OUCH. This is the nice looking picture - it's a bit nastier looking now:

Needless to say, I'll be sticking with what worked before: My Wal-Mart socks.

IMPOSSIBLE 2 POSSIBLE UPDATES

The new I2P gear is in and it is HOT!!!

Get yours today! View the catalog and order information HERE. Don't miss out, the order deadline is Monday August 8th!
This gear supports i2P and their free Experiential Learning Programs.

MY HUSBAND'S FIRST 100 MILER - BURNING RIVER TRAINING UPDATE AND PACING TIPS FOR NEWBIE PACERS

This weekend will be my husband's final long runs before Burning River. Then, the dreaded taper. Maybe I can get him to clean my house! YAY! Things are still going well for him, and he'll be bouncing off the walls in a few days. If anyone needs a roommate.....

Burning River Pacing Tips: (or any other ultra really!)

Ask you runner – do you prefer me to run in front of or behind you?

Stay positive – there’s nothing worse for a runner than knowing a pacer thinks that they can’t finish the race/doesn’t have it in them. Be encouraging from the start!! No negative vibes!!

On the run – talk about anything other than running. Kids, family, positive moments in each other’s lives, blah blah blah.

Don’t ask how your runner is feeling. (You’ll be able to see it) They will most likely feel like complete crap at some point. It’s inevitable. Asking will only put their mind there….

There are times when to chat, and times when to just zip it! Feel your runner out, be mindful of how they are feeling and if they want to be involved in conversation.

Carrying extra batteries for your headlamps.

There are times when you may have to lay down the law. Runner not eating? Make them! That being said.....there are times also when you should listen to your runner. If your runner tells you they HAVE eaten or drank something, for example - listen, be patient, ask questions - when, how much, etc... this one's tricky, so you must ask questions and get all the details - if your runner has too much food in them it could cause issues, and if you try to give them more then it will cause even bigger ones! Too little can cause issues as well. Details will help you decide if you should put the smack down on them or if you should back off! Don't always assume you know everything, and don't always assume they do. You are a team, teams work together!

You’ll have chatty moments and moments of complete silence.

You will possibly see your runner through laughing, crying, puking, you name it.

You're runner may be a bit testy after running 50, 75, 80 miles etc. It's nothing personal. Don't worry about it (Kind of like when a woman goes into labor, screams at her husband). Just a product of little sleep, tired body, a little pain - no worries! They don't mean it!

Don’t forget to fuel your body as well. Typically a pacer is out on the course a long time. Bring your fuel and use it!

This one's for new trail people mostly: Don't be surprised if you see your runner pee in the woods. Don't feel bad about peeing in the woods yourself. When ya gotta go, ya gotta go.

If you haven’t run with your runner before, try to get a run in before the race.

Discuss your runners goals prior to the race. Will you be there just to keep them company, for safety, or to make sure they stay on pace?

If you are tired, hungry, a little sore - don't complain, just suck it up because your runner is probably feeling a lot worse! You can tough it out, just stay positive!

POSITIVE POSITIVE POSITIVE!!! That is key!!

NIAGARA FALLS QUICK TRIP

The kiddo's in Myrtle Beach, my husband's running his first 100 miler on our anniversary - so what to do? We decided at the last minute to go to Niagara Falls. Just a short trip, we left Monday and came back on Tuesday-but we got our fill of fun! We checked out the falls of course, did the Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, and all the typical touristy stuff. After all the waterfall related activites we checked out Clifton Hill.

Clifton Hill is a busy area of town, complete with wax museums, haunted houses, Ripley's Believe or Not, Guiness Book of World Records, and many restraunts and shops. We'll definitely be coming back with my son as he would love all of the above. We had some fun hanging out, acting like kids ourselves:

The incredible shrinking man:

Over the Falls!!

What surprised me the most about Niagara Falls? The Buddhist Temple we stumbled upon. Of COURSE I had to check it out! I walked in and felt like I could spend forever there. It was amazing. The monks were friendly, everything was so peaceful. It was the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sarira Stupa on River Road. The construction of the facility began in 1995 and it opened in 2001. It was built to commemorate the numerous Buddhas in the past, present, and future. A beautiful place, one worth going to, and a place I'll definitely be visiting again.

Overall the trip was great and we were surprised at how close Niagara Falls was. We'll be going there many more times, it's really no problem making just a day trip out of it if you leave early enough. I just can't wait to take the kiddo! Perhaps a running tour of the city next time?

Happy Running All!

Beast of Burden 100 Miler Training/Gluten Free Week 3/BR 100/I2P Updates

2011-07-09T23:52:00.041-04:00

BEAST OF BURDEN TRAINING
The miles are starting to pick up and things are looking good! First order of business was a shoe change. My "why not" experiment with the Pearl Izumui's did not pay off. In fact, my husband and I are, even with the discount we got, out a ton of money because of the Izumi's. They were horrible for the both of us. We couldn't take it any more! Friday on our way to Baldwin Wallace to pick our son up from camp we stopped at Vertical Runner. I knew what brand of shoe I wanted - my old and trusty Adidas.

Never again will I put my feet in another brand of shoe. I don't care how much of a discount I get, I don't even care if I get shoes for free - FUGGETABOUDIT. (Although Vince gave us a pretty sweet deal on our shoes!) I tried on one of the shoes and instantly said "I'm gettin it!" Vince looked at me as if to say "Don't you even want to at least walk in them, tie them, something?" Didn't have to. I already know, they work for me and I love them. I'm not saying they would work for everyone, people have their own likes/dislikes, people have their own foot issues, etc, etc. For instance you could wear huraches like my friend Ted:

You can use, well - - any old shoes that you get for free, because the shoe companies love ya, like they love my friend Caballo:

Or heck, you can even go barefoot like my friend Patrick (who recently set the world record for the greatest distance run on sand in 24 Hours - 87.36 miles)

What's my point? Trial and error are ok, ultra running is definitely a learning process - but if you find something that works, really REALLY works for you don't change it up. If it ain't broke don't fix it, right?

My first run in my new shoes was a 25k training run. Little did I know, my Izumi's had completely changed my running form. At the time I didn't realize it was the Izumi's that changed my form, I just assumed my form was totally jacked up from my health issues (again - it's a learning process). I was starting to get ticked, really ticked with every run I was going on. Wondering, why if my health was starting to improve, was my form still so messed up? Enter Adidas and problem solved! I started running in my Adidas and like magic everything was right with my running world. It was then that I realized that my previous shoes were to blame for my craptastic form - for whatever reason. I don't know if I had a placebo effect goin' on, or I was just really excited to have my form back, (or just the simple fact that my better running form was back), but my pace improved by nearly one minute per mile from the previous week. HOOAH! THANK YOU ADIDAS!

WEEK 3 GLUTEN FREE
This is HARD. REALLY hard. I love love love my bread. Last week really hurt. I have a lot to learn about all this. A WHOLE lot to learn. Last week all my food tasted the same. Chicken, steak, fish - it ALL TASTED THE SAME and I was getting tired of it. Then, along came two angels. Angel numero uno: Crystal.

My husband and I attended a runner's picnic organized by none other than super speedy Chuck-O. We all brought a dish, and Crystal (who deals with Gluten issues herself) brought an awesome desert - vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free brownies. I was SO excited I hugged her, and seriously wanted to cry! (but that would be crazy. I'm just crazy at home when no one can see) The brownies were amazing, and I probably could have eaten the whole batch. Yes. Yes I'm certain I could.

Angel #2, Courtney Baker Russell. I was speaking with her at Mohican about my problems, only to find out she has gluten issues as well. Saturday evening she posted a pic up on facebook of pizza she was eating. PIZZA!!! WHA?? WHA?? I commented on the pic, the pizza looked delish, and she told me she had ordered it from Zeppe's, they now make gluten free pizza! The next day I ordered some for lunch (I was so excited I called before they opened!) The pizza was rather pricey, $15 something for an 8 cut, but I had been craving pizza all week and I couldn't take it anymore! They gave me only 3 choices -plain, with sausage, or with pepperoni. I ordered the pepperoni and went to town. It tasted good! Not the same as the regular stuff, but it really did satisfy my craving. My husband approved of the pizza as well - that's always a bonus! I have to say, it feels SO great to not feel pregnant after eating pizza (which is always how I felt before). I was not swollen, bloated - none of it. Even the old man said he felt better after eating the gluten free pizza vs. the regular pizza. Tasty and you feel good after - doesn't get much better than that! The next time we order it I will change things up a bit, I'll put some veggies from the house on the pizza as well. (Don't know why I couldn't get veggies on this one - must be a safety thing) Thanks Courtney for letting me know about Zeppe's!

BURNING RIVER 100
The Burning River 100 mile endurance run is fast approaching. This will be my husband's first 100 miler. I have to say, I'm extremely proud of him right now! He had his first real taste of what it would be like last weekend. He ran 8 hours on Saturday and 6 hours on Sunday. I joined him on Sunday for 25k and was extremely impressed at how well he was running. If he was hurting he wasn't showing it at all. He is 100% ready, and I can't wait to pace him! BR will be on our anniversary, and it will be really special pacing my guy for his first 100 on our big day! Also, he's a real ultra runner now - he made me take a picture of his gnarly feet. You know you're an ultra runner when you get proud of the fact that your feet look so freakin' funky:

IMPOSSIBLE2POSSIBLE UPDATES

Next up for I2P: INDIA!

The next youth expedition will be in October, and the youth who will be chosen for the expedition will be going for free to Rajasthan, the largest state of the Republic of India. The youth will run approximately 300 kilometers in the region of the Thar Desert. (also known as the "Great Indian Desert")

Parents and teachers - if you know someone who would be interested in this - please tell them! Youth between the ages of 17 - 21 can register today for your chance to join the i2P Youth Ambassador team on this once in a lifetime journey - again, at no charge. Send them here: http://i2p.force.com/YouthExpeditionIndia
Good luck to all who are trying for a youth ambassador spot!

Don't forget about my upcoming fundraiser fun run for I2P! To register and/or donate go to the event page on facebook. The page has a link so you can donate via activegiving.com. The mula goes straight to I2P. Donate today!!

Happy Running all!

Mohican 50 miler, I2P Fun Run and Western States

2011-06-26T17:45:00.089-04:00

Ok so it's been awhile. I've been swamped with things to do, volunteering, working, family - needless to say, things have been crazy but thankfully the craziness is now coming to an end. Before getting into my reports, I will take a quick second to update people, but not dwell and whine too much on things. I did this crap to myself really, so sucking it up and looking ahead now. I had to back out of Mohican 100, wasn't able to get good solid training in because my body decided to crap out on me all at once. Most likely culprit: Only getting 4 1/2 hours of sleep each night for the last 2 1/2 years or so. That's one thing, the other is food. I've never felt so horrible for such an extended period of time. Since Glacier Ridge, my body has just not been right. Doc's had no clue, just wanted to keep monitoring all the symptoms. So they were no help. Some things : Dizziness, nausea, lack of concentration, bloated 90% of the day, leg swelling (of course runners feet and legs swell alot, but this was unreal and continual) and more. My legs felt like complete bricks and held anywhere from an extra 4-10 pounds of water.

Doc's couldn't help, in stepped my awesome coach/friend Ray Zahab. #1 He ordered more sleep. "Don't even think about running unless you are getting 7 hours of sleep each night!" Is what he said. He told me a year ago that my sleep habits weren't good, but I thought I was doing ok on very little sleep. (Yes then I was managing it, but it all catches up to you at some point. My point was now.)#2 Since the doc's couldn't figure anything out Ray had me cut out 3 big food items. So far, so good! I'm so thankful for his advice and pretty bummed I let him down, but things are improving and I'm looking to the next race, Beast of Burden 100 miler (summer version). For awhile I was pretty bummed about not running Mohican, but in the end it was all my fault really. Time to start taking care of myself the right way :) Suck it up and move on to the next one. 54 days and counting. I have to say while the course will be boring without a massive amount of snow on the ground I'm pretty excited to see what I can do given the lack of that cold white stuff.

Mohican 50 miler - my husband's first 50!
Friday we left for Mohican, my husband driving me crazy with his taper. I almost ALMOST wanted to tell him to run to Mohican. We arrived and checked into a pretty cozy cabin that we shared with good friend Charlie Bolek and his family.

We were pretty surprised how beautiful the inside was! We weren't exactly roughing it, the man needs his air conditioning!! The outside, now that's a different story. The cabin was right on the main road, and behind it was the river (and another road). Beautiful cabin, not too great setting - but still a good situation so we were pretty happy. We went to the packet pickup/spaghetti dinner, chatted with some friends and headed back to the cabin.

Early to bed, early to rise:

We went to bed as early as we could, and woke up about 3 a.m. I made my guy some oatmeal piled high with fruit. My son had some as well, um - that is he ate two bites and complained. eh what can ya do? Soon Charlie, my son, my husband and I made our way to the starting line. I could tell my husband was nervous.

I could just see it - the expression on his face, the fact that he really wasn't talking much. His stomach was in knots. We hooked up with Kevin Tenkuu and Scott McGrew before the race, saw a few other friends and just hung out at our own little table for awhile.

10 minutes before the start of the race I looked around. No Fred Davis?! I told Charlie and my husband, you know I bet that Freddy is still sleeping! We made our way to the starting line, did all the happy sappy kissy lovey dovey stuff and soon my husband and friends were off! Their adventure had begun! After the dust had settled I saw a bunch of activity in my friend Fred's tent. You could tell that it was him hurrying up, trying to get ready as fast as he could "FRED" I yelled....."Hurry up the race started!!" Fred soon crossed the starting line and was on his way. Can I just say right now he's one of the most awesome men ever??! We cheered for our buddy and then went inside to figure out what aid stations we could be at and when. After all was figured out my son had his little plan - he had noticed the McDonald's in town (gross) and of course NOW was hungry. We headed to the McD's and got his nastified breakfast and saw Scott's wife Bri, who we would be hanging out with from aid station to aid station for most of the day.

And on to the aid stations:
We went to the first aid station we were allowed to hang around at and soon saw SMOKIN fast running buddy Jay Smithberger in the lead. WOOT! This would be the only time we'd get to cheer for Jay as again, the man is SMOKIN fast. More runners trickled in and finally groups of runners started to come. Looking good my hubby was in and out of the aid station pretty fast.

The next location we headed to was the dam. This turned out to be a confusing spot for runners. The runners were coming straight out of the dark woods into open light and basically were trying to get their bearings when they came out. The confusion pretty much fell on how us viewers/fans were standing, all gawking around the exit standing in a circle, it kind of confused some runners when they came out into the light. One poor guy we saw ran right into a sign. Many looked stressed as they were coming out of what was a harder portion of the course. Many had something to say about that part of the course and it sounded incredible! I was so jealous, peering into the darkness wanting to know just what it was everyone was seeing and going through.

Mid way through my husband's run he was looking good. His bum knee was holding up on him, so that was making my day! He complained that I didn't tell him how hilly the course was. BAH! "I told you to do your hill work!" I said. In his defense, while not the hilliest place on earth (far from it) It's the biggest hills he's ever seen not to mention run on. EVER.

The next aid station we hung out at we wound up talking to a couple people. One guy was crewing for a husband/wife running team out there (his brother and sister in law, or vice versa - can't remember which) and we were also chatting with a girl from California, pacing her friend. Really nice people. The girl from California? (Summer) Turns out her runner won the 100 with a sub 24 hr finish. AWESOME!! We were also able to see Terri Lemke come through this aid station, and I was able to tell her that her son was on track to win the marathon portion of the run. He did wind up winning...so congrats Little Lemke! (little? maybe just to Terri still!)

Finally we went back to the finish line and waited for my guy. We had gone to the firetower but had just missed him. Waiting at the finish line was a good chance to talk with some running buds and make some new ones. Stephen, Juan, Kim, and James. It was great to get to talk to everyone and makes me wish even more that we all lived closer together :)

The Finish:
Waiting, watching, hoping everything was o.k. we finally saw him. My husband ran strong through the finish line, got his medal and we hugged there, with him saying NEVER again. HA! Suck it up buttercup - you have your first hundo in a month! Seriously though, I'm so so so proud of my guy, and again so thrilled that his knee held up. Secretly I did worry about his knee the whole time, given the terrain - but he prevailed and completely shined! Such an awesome thing to witness and my son and I both are just SO PROUD!!

Big Congrats to fellow Northeast Running Club Sean Hensley for conquering the 100 miler at Mohican! Sean had a stellar crew in wife Amy and President Mark Anson! Sean had an amazing finish and looked like he could run 100 more miles easy!!

The Impossible2Possible 6 Hour Fun Run Fundraiser!!

Ok people, I've created a fundraiser with a suggested minimum donation of $15. No goody bags here, I'm sorry - but I will have food (a little) and lots of I2P prizes to raffle off. Here's the deal - a great idea thanks to Mike Nicholson. Each loop you do gets you a ticket. The more loops, the more tickets. After all is said and done the tickets go into a hat and names are drawn. They will be drawn until all prizes are gone. We have SUCH awesome things thanks to Bob Cox and Ray Zahab of Impossible2Possible. Hoodies, tech t's, tech tanks, tshirts, stickers, patches - you name it.

We have a few people signed up already, so hurry up! The event will be held at Indian Point in Leroy, Ohio. Anyone who wants to chill at our house the night before can do so. You can crash on our floor our outside in tents, we are 5 minutes from the starting location. All proceeds go directly to I2P via Activegiving.com. 100% to the organization! Sign up today, it's for a great cause and you'll be running and/or walking with some pretty fantastic people. Remember there are no DNF's - it's just all about how many loops you can do in 6 hours. Hope to see you all there!

To sign up/donate:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103905569702911&ref=ts

What's Impossible2Possible you ask? Check them out here!
http://impossible2possible.com/i2p

-
The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run

I can't say how proud of my trail running sisters and brothers I am! Sandi Nypaver, Stephen Zeidner, and Shaun Pope all ran the Western States 100 this weekend and ran it in style! They had a great team of pacers as well - Rachel Nypaver, Star Blackford, and Steve Hawthorne. It was such an exciting thing to watch play out online (as well as frustrating given the online tracking malfunctions). It's such a thrill to see their finish line videos, and completely inspiring and motivating. Congrats to all this weekend on a job well done! Love ya guys!!!

Beast of Burden training

Easing back into a training schedule I had a bigger run that what I had been doing this weekend. 35k and my butt hurts. It's the good kind of hurt though. This weekend brought the first weekend of running in a long time that I actually #1 enjoyed, and #2 didn't feel like total poo. Saturday I dropped off my son off to volunteer at the Metroparks Wildlife Center (right at the start of the trail, conveniently!). I ran the trails until he finished and he joined me for the last 7k. I introduced him to a "new to him" trail at Pen Glen, where tons of mud was sitting there begging to be jumped in and run through.

Good times with my fave trail buddy :) Sunday I woke up sore but was thrilled to have a faster time than Saturday's run. Not as fast as I want to be, but baby steps. I'm just very thankful that I didn't feel bad during the run, that every step wasn't complete misery. Just to enjoy my run again, not getting sick - it means the world to me. Thanks Ray for knocking some sense into me and telling me like it is. (And if I don't listen ever again, feel free to yell at my stubborn ass)

Happy Running All!

My son's first full marathon - race report

2011-05-22T09:57:00.052-04:00

Ok wanted to get this one done earlier, but it's been a busy week of choir concerts and doctor's visits. That will be saved for another time.

It's been a week now since my son's first marathon and I'm glad to say, yes he's survived it unscathed :) No physical damage, no mental damage - just one proud kid. We didn't discuss time goals for his marathon, as everyone's first marathon should really just be about finishing. He did finish in almost the exact time I figured he would though. I had him pegged to finish in 5 hours, he crossed the line in 4 hours, 59 minutes and 29 seconds - chip time. Congrats to my son and all the others who ran last weekend! There were many events going on - so many that it was hard to keep track of who was doing what! Congrats to all on your hard work.

THE PLAIN DEALER
The Monday before race weekend Jodi Valade, reporter for the Plain Dealer newspaper came over to interview my son. She did a great article on him that can be found here:

http://www.cleveland.com/marathon/index.ssf/2011/05/who_needs_video_games_painesvi.html#cmpid=v2mode_be_smoref_face

Wednesday a photographer came over to get "action" shots of us running down the street. That was definitely an experience. We felt kind of goofy running down the street for pics, but the photographer was a fun chick to be around and really put us at ease.

With the media business over, it was time to prepare.

(I think he was thinking pizza all week. But no!)

THE CLEVELAND MARATHON EXPO
Saturday my husband, son, and I headed to the marathon expo to get our shirts, bibs, etc. and check out the vendors. The expo was in a different location this year, and while it was a good spot for us (free parking - woo hoo!) it seemed like it may be a bit of a pain in the butt to get to for out of towners. The marathon is in Cleveland, the expo was in Euclid. We got our shirts and goodie bags, and got a laugh when we saw one of the goodies in our bag:

We then walked around and saw Jean Toth. Jean was about to run what has got to be her gazillionth marathon. She was at the expo shakin it to Zumba, and at 75 years old she was looking like the best Zumba (dancer?) out there. Smiling the whole time and just workin' it. AMAZING! Big congrats to Jean on her marathon performance as well. She finished the marathon in 6 hours and 7 minutes. After watching Jean for a bit we walked around, checked out the Northeast Running Club booth and talked with our awesome Prez Mark Anson for a bit, also checked out the Fleet Feet booth and of COURSE we hit all the freebie stations! We sat and listened to Bill Rodgers speak and then left. We did let my son choose his pre race dinner location - he chose Zappitelli's in Painesville Township, which worked for us because it was 5 minutes from our house. At this point the nerves hadn't kicked in yet. He was being his typical self:

We came home and relaxed, and went to bed early (the one thing about running the marathon that he could NOT stand!)

CLEVELAND MARATHON RACE REPORT
Early a.m. I woke the kiddo up and I think it hit him.

He was nervous and questioned me: "What if when I start running my legs just don't work? What if they hurt right away?" I was surprised it took him this long to start to worry. I tried to tell him he'll be alright if he eats his oatmeal, but he hates oatmeal so I'm not sure I was all the reassuring. (He probably thought it was my way of being sneaky just so he'd eat something that's acutally good for him, vs. lets say....RAMEN NOODLES for breakfast). We got ready and hit the road.

Arriving in Cleveland we were pleansantly surprised to see the Cleveland Brown's stadium open to the runners. I hope that the marathon people continue to do this - as the lines for the toilets were much shorter and it offered a teeny bit of shelter from the great outdoors. Those concrete jungles can be quite nasty. I did have one thing to say about being in the Brown's house however. GO STEELERS.

Nuff said. But thank you for your toilets, they were the best. While I was in the grand toilet facilities my son and husband were approached by Scott McGrew and his wife Brianne. They read my son's article and came to give him well wishes. Scott was running his first marathon as well, and Brianne was running her first 1/2 marathon. Congrats to both of them on their run! (Scott will be joining the ranks of us crazies in June when he runs the Mohican 50 miler. One might say he has already joined us crazies as he joined us yesterday for a trail run, a marathon training distance run a week after his marathon!) Anyway their well wishes gave my son a bit of an ego boost and he walked around with his chest stuck out looking all manly for a bit. We met gal pals Jeannette and Kathleen, as well as man-pal Mark Anson (monsieur President) right before the start. We walked out with Jeannette and it was time to start!

The gun sounds, and so it begins. After 9 minutes. That's how long it took us to get to the start, but no worries - we have a chip time here in Cleveland. I think the sun gods hate Cleveland. However in my son's case it was probably a good thing, since all his longest runs have been run in the rain. It was actually not so bad at first - temps were comfortable and there was just a light mist. The end of his run, well that's another story.

Mile 1 - bathroom break. For everyone. We let my son go first and told him when he gets done just start running, keep to the right and we'll catch up when we have finished. This was how the whole race was spent in terms of bathroom breaks. It worked out pretty good. I did feel a little silly when I would leave the port o johns though - people I think thought I was getting some kind of an energy surge and would cheer me on.

Miles 2-13 my son spent deep in thought. I could see the wheels turning in his nugget....he was worried. I kept watching his expressions knowing what he was thinking. I was worried for him - it was so early and it seemed he was already doubting himself. At the half way point, he started to express his concerns vocally. Wondering why he signed up to do this. I myself was wondering if I made a mistake in allowing him to do it. I then just tried to convince him to keep his thoughts positive (however that's pretty tricky - easier said than done).

Mile 17 - 24
Eventually at around mile 17 he asked for his mp3 player. MP3 player = mental magic. It was nearly an instant transformation. He started smiling, laughing, and running stronger. We could even tell when a favorite song of his came on, because he would get a BIG boost of speed. At some points I told him to slow down and be careful, I didn't want him to burn out. Music magic :) He started to pass TONS of people. It seemed he was pulling it all together at the same exact time that most people were falling apart. We started laughing at all the funky statues we saw, wondering what exactly the story was behind them.

Mile 24
My son was still passing people - including one guy who seemed to take it kind of personal. My son ran by and this poor guy and he raised up his hands, pumped his fists and let out the biggest growl I've heard to date.

Mile 25-finish

The headphones came off so he could soak it all in. We were all thrilled that the end was so close! Turning the corner in front of the Brown's stadium we saw my dad and sis. AND the finish line. My watch showed less than 5 hours. We let him know how proud of him we were.

We continued on and saw most awesome gal ever, Roisin, and her mum - they had come down to cheer him on as well. (They bounced back and forth from location to location throughout the race in the nasty weather. SO COOL!) We chatted for a bit, then found my Dad. At that point we were COLD COLD COLD. It was not so bad when we were running - but stopping was killer. It seemed like our car was incredibly far away. The wind seemed nastier. It took forever to get there. Thankfully we had extra clothes to change into. We changed and took our nasty smelly selves to lunch with my dad, my mum, and my sis. I couldn't drink enough hot chocolate to keep warm. I'm sure our waitress was questioning our sanity as I walked in with skin tight compression shorts on, my son walking in with his medal, and all of us in flip flops. Not to mention smelling like complete butt. No matter anyway. We stayed and enjoyed ourselves for a bit then headed home. Good times :)

IN CONCLUSION
Does he want to do it again? Not sure. Did he have a good time? Eventually. Do I think I made a mistake in letting him run the marathon? Absolutely not. He's incredibly proud of himself as he should be. Everyone who ran should be. It's not an easy thing. I had the opportunity to look around when we were running. Had the chance to really check people out, look at their form - watch their faces, wonder what they were thinking. EVERY single person out their was workin' it. No matter if they finished in 3 hours or 6. You could tell people were pushing it to the very best of their ability no matter what their time. Everyone was giving it their all, and should be equally proud. Congrats all to an amazing job - give yourself a pat on the back for toughing it out and giving it your best out there.

One week and counting!

2011-05-06T11:49:00.059-04:00

ONE MORE WEEK

One more week and my son will be running his first marathon! 14 years old, 26.2 miles.

Back when he told me he wanted to attempt to run his first marathon I had my reservations. I'm not even sure there's an age group category for anyone under 15 running the marathon distance at Cleveland! I wasn't sure what to do - let him run it or make him wait? Would this be good for him or bad? As a parent I was at a crossroads, and ultimately made the decision to let him do it. Training has been going well, his last three long runs have unfortunately been all in the rain. I'm hoping we'll have nice weather on marathon day, but if we don't then he'll be prepared. (Actually with our weather what he won't be prepared for are sunny skies!) My son has just an 8 miler to do this weekend and that's it. Fun news as the Plain Dealer will be doing an article on him running his first marathon. The reporter will be coming to our home on Monday. She contacted the Northeast Running Club looking for a club member to do a story on - someone who's a first time marathoner. Exciting stuff!!! I'm really looking forward to marathon day. I probably sound like a broken record, but it will be so amazing - my son, my husband, myself all running together - crossing the finish line together as a family. Nothing will match it! Good luck to all runners who will be there, we'll be looking forward to seeing you. Give my son a big cheer as you run by! I was thinking of putting his name on the back of his shirt, but I don't think strangers would be able to pronounce it. (Rada - radum - rada what?) And...if I put just our last name on his shirt he'll probably get a million people shouting Colon! (as in intestine. um NO) instead of COLON! (pronounced cologne.) So, we'll just leave his clothing as is :)

It's like this:

Not this:

IMPOSSIBLE2POSSIBLE UPDATES

The Expedition Bolivia site is now up! The I2P team leaves May 12 for Bolivia. Follow along at http://impossible2possible.com/bolivia/home.

The site features a live broadcast schedule,videos, question of the day and more! 5 youth ambassadors were chosen to make the journey to Bolivia and will run across the world's largest salt flats. Total running kilometers equal 250, around a marathon a day for one week! Good luck to the entire team, and have a blast out there!

Don't forget, those who have to stay home can follow along - and schools can register to follow for free and participate in the Experiential Learning program here:
http://impossible2possible.com/bolivia/education

Did I mention it's free? 1 0 0 % F R E E !!! Kids I give you permission to go to your school and bug your teachers until they sign up for this FREE program!!

NORTHEAST RUNNING CLUB/LAKE HEALTH 1/2 MARATHON

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!! We need you! What are you doing on June 5? If you say nada, come help out at the 1/2 marathon in Concord. Shoot me a message and give me your tshirt size, we'll find something for you to do. No experience necessary. If you've ever been interested in what goes on behind the scenes at a race, give it a shot! You'll feel good for helping, and learn lots! (p.s. if your name is K-Ten I'm told you can help but you have to stay away from the Gatorade!)

OUTRUN BI PARK CHALLENGE

Me, Kevin, and Mike

The OUTRUN Bi Park Challenge was held this past weekend and we had a pretty good turnout. Zach Johnson organized the fun run, which was run in two of the area Metroparks, Chapin Forest and Penitentiary Glen. It was great to see so many people come out! The run was 25, 50, or 75 km. I was happy to be able to come. Ray gave me 35k trail to do for the day so I chose the 25km distance and just continued on for 10km after that inside Pen Glen. He told me to try and get a personal best out on the trail, so I was making an attempt at being speedy ;) There was lots of mud which made the run even more fun. (OF COURSE!) Thanks to all who came out, the weather was beautiful!

TEAM OUTRUN

The team is finalized! The clothes and shoes have been ordered from Fleet Feet and we have a new sponsor as well - NUUN. It's getting more exciting as it goes on, and we're all pretty proud of this team. The final roster is:

1 Jon Paul Preston
2&3 Amy & Sean Hensley
4 Jeanette Spada
5 Mark Mlachak
6 Brian Pulling
7 Kevin Tenku
8 Laurie Colon
9 Radames Colon
10 Crystal Basich
11 Chris Basich
12 Zack Johnson
13 Jack Sharpe
14 Carole Moran Krus
15 Chuck-O Stusek
16 Mike Nicholson
17 Charlie Bolek
18 Pam Rickard
19 Jeff Sobieski
20 Brad Phillips
21 Lou Genovese
22 Brian Batke
23 Zach Johnson

Glad to be a part of an amazing team - amazing people, amazing runners! See everyone on the trails soon!

2011-04-26T19:04:00.011-04:00

Getting back to it

It seems every day I’m getting back in the swing of things more and more. I’m feeling better with each day and each run. It’s taken a long time to get back to normal, and I think I’m there. I can’t believe how long it took me to recover from the flu, but I’m thankful that I am. I could feel my muscles just zapped, my glycogen depleted. It seems like it took forever, but my energy is back up thank goodness! I am still down 10 pounds which I’m fine with of course! HA! (I would not have preferred to lose the lbs this way, but it is what it is and it hasn’t come back yet so I’ll take it!) For the first time since the Beast of Burden 100 miler I enjoyed my runs. Really truly enjoyed them. This is such a relief to me ! All running seemed like work, too much like work. I did quality work this week and while it’s always hard and I always try to push it didn’t feel like a job. YES!!! My best run came Saturday on muddy trails. It was extraordinary out there! While I was running I also came to the conclusion that sunny runs are boring. Beautiful, but boring. (Unless it’s 90+, then that makes things a little more interesting!) I seem to thrive on bad weather. It just feels like more of an adventure. When you sit behind a desk for 40 hours each week you need a little adventure in your life. Even if it’s just a run in the rain.

My son’s first marathon: Training

This week my son ran his last 20 mile run before his first marathon, the Cleveland Marathon. Before his run I ran my required distance on the trails and went back home to get him. My husband ran with him and I biked the 20 mile distance.
While I enjoy running in funky weather I was hoping he would have good weather for his run, as his last 20 miler the skies opened up and he got completely dumped on the whole time. Well the weather also stunk for this one. I felt bad for him, but he didn’t complain. My little dude pushed through and finished his run. Welcome to the taper period ! I smiled today when he asked what mileage he had to do this weekend. I told him only 12 and he said “That’s it?!” LOVE! Many people have asked me what he hopes to finish the marathon in. Truth is, I haven’t asked him. I haven’t asked him & won’t ask him – I just want him to enjoy his run and have a blast without worrying about time. Just finish, this is the goal! And what’s more – finish smiling! It will definitely be a cool experience running alongside him while he completes his goal. Crossing the finish line my son, myself, my husband – all together will be an amazing thing.

Team Outrun: Fleet Feet Sponsorship

Excellent! One of the running groups I belong to, OUTRUN (Ohio Ultra Trail Runners) is going to have a team supported/sponsored by Fleet Feet of Pepper Pike. Thanks to Zach Johnson for organizing everything! The team will have a race kit (shirts, shorts, shoes etc) with the OUTRUN and Fleet Feet logo on it. My stuff will be a little different as I will be in I2P gear. However, I’ll have the Outrun and Fleet Feet logos on it as well. I’m nervous but excited to try a new shoe – Pearl Izumi’s - shoes we get a mega disount on. I decided I’ll try a lightweight shoe, something which I’ve never done before. All my shoes have been tanks, but I figure why not? We’ll see what happens as far as that goes. Our group was at Fleet Feet Friday for a meeting to finalize everything and the Pearl Izumi reps were there showing us their gear. Everything they showed us looked pretty amazing. I’m excited to be a part of this team – great people and great fun. A bunch of people who love running and the togetherness that comes with it. Who could ask for more?

Glacier Ridge 50 mile non-race race report

2011-04-10T17:40:00.011-04:00

And it has happened. My first DNF. Never in a million years did I think I'd say that (unless I was talking about my goal race). But, I have it, it happened. Looking back I never should've started it, but I am a stubborn ass. And so it goes...

Friday night we headed down for the pre race dinner. The dinner was held in the park and was so good. Spaghetti, stuffed shells, lasagna, rolls, salad, COOKIES! I got my race packet, chatted with Ray one last time before the race and was starting to get pretty excited. Mild panic did set in for a second when I looked at the back of the awesome race shirt I received and saw this:

(it's really not as bad as it looks!) My husband, son, and I ate and listened to the RD's and Park Rangers at the pre race meeting. Seeing how excited everyone in charge was it was hard to not get pretty pumped. The Rangers were especially enthusiastic about the event, which was so cool to see. My favorite part of the meeting came when the RD explained that at one section of the race the 50 mile runners needed to rip a page out of a book as proof you really did make it to that point. Instantly all you heard was chatter from runners "ooooh..like Barkley!" I sat and smiled :)

Meeting over, we headed out to stay at my mom and dad's house about 40 minutes away from the park. And so it began. My body was starting to give me one big F.U. I tried to ignore it, but this made it even more angry. Inside I was hoping I would go to sleep, wake up and all would be well. But this was not the case. I tossed and turned all night, and at 3 a.m. off goes the alarm. Wake up, upchuck #1. I was completely bummed, but still determined to run. So - I forced myself to eat, thinking I can't run 50 miles and not eat breakfast. Well....ha upchuck 2. and so on and so on. I woke up my hubby up so he could get ready and told him what happened. He didn't even make mention of the fact that maybe I shouldn't race, he knows me all too well. He just said "Oh shit!" yeah. So we headed out and I could feel that I was already dehydrated. At this point, water and food were out of the question though. We arrived at the race start, I dropped of my drop bag and I hung out in the bathroom as long as I could until it was time for the race to start.

THE START
I took a ginger candy thinking it would work like magic and all would be well. Off we went and I found myself in 1st, and running at a pretty good pace. After a little while I started to slow down considerably. My energy was zapped, all my fuel in the toilet, and dehydrated. My muscles felt like jelly, they had no power. I started to not be able to imagine running 50 miles this way. The first female runner to pass me flew by, looking pretty good. I tried to pick up my pace again, but nada. I had completely fizzed out. I slowed down even more, then came to a screeching halt and started to walk. Even the walking seemed to take everything out of me. Soon many people would pass, each one of them asking if I was o.k. I shouldn't have been surprised, I mean, trail runners are known for this - but still it touched my heart in a way they will probably never know. How amazing is it that someone would do that? Not just one person, EVERYONE. You know, I always thought that if I would get a DNF I would be completely crushed beyond belief. Which yes, my husband and Ray got a few of my boo hoos on Saturday. But, the more I think about it the more I am amazed at those people who just simply cared. I am, believe it or not, lucky to have witnessed that. It has me more in love with trail running than ever.

THE FINISH
I saw my husband around the mile 15 aid station and completely broke down knowing I would have to stop. (People were STILL stopping to see if I was ok!!) I was so glad to see my guy there.....I was just all....HOLD ME! drama. ha. I was SO SO cold from starting out fast and then coming to a screeching halt. We went to the aid station where the volunteers were so amazing and caring. I can't thank them enough. And that was that. I took off my bib, signed my name, and peace out. Will I run this one again? You betcha. First day registration opens up for next year, I'm in. The course was beautiful, and people amazing - I wouldn't miss it. And besides, I have a score to settle now.

HEADED HOME
We went back to my mom and dad's house where my dad said something to the effect of "You look like the Grim Reaper's sister". Yahoo. I felt it. I hung around half dead on the couch for awhile and then we made our way back home. I called Ray eventually, after getting enough courage too (don't know why I was nervous really!) and he was his typical encouraging self...I'm lucky to have an awesome friend like him! The rest of the weekend, and yesterday - was spent inside, I made sure not to venture too far from the bathroom. I thought I had success in keeping yesterday's lunch and dinner down, but I was wrong. This morning I woke up, and same old story. BUT I got my lazy but up and took myself to work today. Why? Because #1 I'm BORED and #2 I'm AGGRAVATED. Now I know absolutely nothing about medical issues, I'm completely ignorant when it comes to that - but here's what I do know. Before this year, I never had the flu. Never got the flu shot either. This year the flu shot was offered to me free of charge. I thought "Why not, can't hurt anything!" Got the shot. Got the flu. Twice now. As I said before I don't know too much about medical things, and I do know that the doctor's say the flu shot can't make a person sick, blah blah blah - but you can bet your ass I'm not gettin' another one.

Happy Runnin'

Another month, another race

2011-04-07T12:13:00.037-04:00

Here we go again! Another month, another race. Ultra #4 for the year. So far it's been Run for Regis 50k (er um, 36 miles)-January 16, Beast of Burden 100 miler February 12, Copper Canyon 50 miler March 6, and now it's time for April - The Glacier Ridge 50 miler. I've been trying to get back in the swing of things since running Copper Canyon - and it's going a wee bit better. I've had a couple massages at work (Wendy is a life saver!) and have been trying (TRYING) to be a bit better at stretching. Awesome coach Ray Z has been giving me my schedule and is trying to get me back on track. Slowly but surely I'm seeing improvement in speed and a bit relieved. After CCUM I took one week off from running (the longest time off in I don't know how long) and then got busy. The first week back was extremely rough as I tried to push the speed work too much which killed my long runs that weekend. I was worried though. Worried I would be stuck in some permanent state of slowness. The following weeks after that were much better, thank goodness!

The Glacier Ridge 50 miler:

This upcoming training run/race is more prep for the Mohican 100 miler in June. I'm stoked that I'll be running in my birth-state! Corny? Ah well - what can I say? I love P.A.! We are leaving tomorrow - after I sleep in as loooong as possible. SLEEP! Probably the best thing about races is that I actually get to sleep in for one day before the race. I always make a point to take off the day before - so my body can play catch up from not getting sleep any other time. Don't know if it works, but I sure do like sleeping in :-)

The downside to sleeping in tomorrow:
My son is running his first 20 miler tomorrow morning! This will be his longest distance yet, all in prep for his first full marathon in May, the Cleveland Marathon. He had a good 18 miler a couple weeks ago, and a shorter 13 miler last weekend. I joined him part of his 18 miler since he had to run longer than me. (what?!) We ran by the beach and stopped for pics. It was cold - but too pretty to not stop. We never noticed this little spot before, and you bet we'll be running by here again!

IMPOSSIBLE2POSSIBLE UPDATES:
SO much has been going on with Impossible2Possible! The student ambassadors for the upcoming expedition to Bolivia have been chosen, details on the ambassadors can be found here:
http://impossible2possible.com/bolivia/team

The youth and other I2P team members will be running 250 km across the salt flats of Bolivia in Salar de Uyuni- location of the largest salt flats in the world! Congrats to the newest youth ambassadors!

Keep watching for new I2P gear as well. It will be available for purchase soon - so save your $$ people! Lots of new stuff is coming! Ray is working hard on lots of stuff so keep watching. And when I say work hard I mean EXTREMELY hard. If any of you got a text/email/phone call last week he was pretty sick but working through all of it. I think.....yes I KNOW I was probably nagging him way too much to get some rest but he needs it! It's pretty amazing watching I2P keep on growing and growing though. All the hard work is definitely paying off. This month Ray spoke at Engineers Without Borders - then headed off to Rotterdam where he was the keynote speaker at an event (alongside the Secretary General of NATO and the President of the International Red Cross!) Another I2P mastermind, Bob Cox headed down to the Clinton Global Initiative where i2P was a featured organization! Incredible stuff going on! But Ray still needs to rest. ahem. :)

A LITTLE MAGIC CALLED CHROMIUM PICOLINATE
While not really related to anything running, I need to mention this little wonder of a supplement. Chromium is a naturally-occurring mineral, trace amounts of which are found in everyday foods. "So what?" you may ask. Let me explain:

It all started with curiousity. Curiousity in regards to why I feel I need to down a whole 1/2 gallon of orange juice in one sitting. Orange juice is always one of those things at the grocery store that I just had to avoid. Literally, I would chug my orange juice. Chug it without coming up from air. If you picture yourself getting lost in a desert with no water, then FINALLY finding water, this is how I would drink my o.j. Always. So, I became curious. Goggled a phrase, something to the effect of "why do I crave o.j." I fully expected all the websites to say things like "lacking in vitamin c, blah blah, blah" which I do not. I take Vitamin C on a regular basis and have been since I got pneumonia a couple years back. Magically the first thing I saw someone made reference to a lack of Chromium. "hmmm what is this thing they call Chromium?" I wondered. With a little assistance from good friend Google I found out a little more. Lack of Chromium also will cause chocolate cravings. Now I was even more curious. Every single day I would go out of my way to get chocolate. Often, more than once. I love love LOVED chocolate. I wouldn't leave a store without some kind of chocolate in my hand. And if the whole family got chocolate - my husband was sharing his after I had mine. Choco freak I was. So I figured I'd give Chromium Picolinate a shot. For a couple bucks, why not? I was doubtful, as I usually am about supplements. The ones I do use (ex, vitamin c) I honestly can't tell if they work or not. I don't notice a difference, hell I take Iron AND a multi vitamin and am still anemic - haven't been able to give blood for years. But I decided to try Chromium anyway. I was extremely shocked to find it actually is working! I no longer chug my orange juice, and no longer go out of my way to buy chocolate every day. Don't even buy it once a week! I successfully can look at chocolate in the store and not touch. My husband has come home a couple times with chocolate and I have not had any desire to have it. I'm pretty amazed at this stuff. So, my husband's chocolate is safe - and hopefully the size of my butt is not. Now to just work on my cashew craving...

DO YOU KNOW?
I stumbled upon a podcast a couple of weeks ago and am fascinated with the story of Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills. Billy Mills gold medal victory is thought of as one of the greatest of Olympic upsets of all time. The gold is not what impresses me, but his determination, drive, and belief that he could and would get there. He is currently a motivational speaker and is co founder of the non profit organization Running Strong for American Indian Youth.

Watch the video!

The Copper Canyon Ultramarathon Race Report/Travel Report

2011-03-19T13:25:00.123-04:00

"While they are at war we came together at the bottom of a deep canyon in the middle of no-where; no-where but beauty, to create Peace and Run Free! What more is there?" - Caballo Blanco

Where do I begin? It's virtually impossible to list all my fantastic experiences down in the Canyons, but I'll try my best. The Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon and the days leading up to it were some of the most amazing days of my life. It is everything I thought it would be, and more. The people I met were all so amazing, and I'm missing them so much right now!

We flew out of Cleveland early Saturday morning February 28th. Crystal and I stayed in El Paso for one night before our adventure really began. I placed my last phone calls to my husband, son, and to my coach Ray Z - who made sure his last words to me were: "Remember this is just a training run!" No problemo, as I was really looking forward to seeing all I could see, and just experience as much as I possibly could. Sunday morning we woke up and met some other runners. We would be spending 2 days in a van with our new friends.

Doug "Diego" Rhodes owner of Paraiso del Oso Lodge drove us the whole way acting as tour guide, translator, and most importantly - friend!

Dougs place:
http://www.coppercanyonexplorer.com/Paraiso_del_oso_hotel.htm

Day one in the van took us through Juarez, which we soon found out the media has overblown the situation down there quite a bit. We exchanged money at a changing house down there and stopped at the local Costco and went about our merry way. We made a few stops for food, one to visit a church, and stopped for visa business.

Night was spent in Cuatemoc, at a pretty cute little hotel - and for $40 a night, which came down to $20 each for Crystal and I. You really couldn't beat it! In the morning we headed out for our last day in the van until after the race. Everyone got to know each other in these two days and I really think I made the right decision taking the van down. Just the simple fact that we got to know some really great people made it all worth it. I'll never forget any of them! (I also won't forget Ted and Leah's dark chocolate covered Acai berries, Bookis' fresh pineapple, or Ravi's dark chocolate covered espresso beans!)Finally we arrived at our destination, Paraiso lodge, and met some other runners that had come down for the race. We had welcoming margaritas and great food.

The day after our arrival was a great day. A group of us set out on a hike to the top of the bear:

After the hike many of us visited a local boarding school. We brought bubbles and balls for the kids, and had an absolute blast playing with them all! While most of us couldn't speak their language a smile can speak volumes!

After the school visit we walked around the tiny town for a bit, and found a volleyball net. We pulled out a soccer ball and started a makeshift volleyball game. It didn't take long for some kids to came over, and we invited anyone who came over. Again, it was absolutely incredible and so much fun! I have to say again, while in terms of spoken language we were not communicating, but were communicating through laughter and smiles. Absolutely amazing!

AND ON TO URIQUE:
All runners woke up early to hike as a group down 18 miles down to Urique. We would call Urique home until our departure.

The scenery was beautiful, the temps were warm, and I while I was missing my men I was definitely not missing Ohio's weather!

This was also where reality set in a bit for me. After my 100 miler I didn't rest much. Things hurt, but I was trying to convince myself that I was good. I had tried to pick up the speed before I left for Mexico, but every time I did my knee would ache, my right hamstring would have incredible pain...but I tried to ignore it. After the hike the day before and hiking to Urique my body was even more tired than before, and in more pain. But, I didn't let it get to me , just kept on remembering what Ray had said "just a training run", and kept telling myself why I was really here - to experience the culture of The Tarahumara (Raramuri) people, the uniqueness of the land (coming from Ohio - ya know?), and the beauty of 200 + people coming together as one (Kuria - ba, we are one).

Finally we arrived in Urique at our new home, Keith's place - Entres Amigos. Entres is a hostel, hotel, and camping facility on the edge of town. It ran about $40 a night and is a beautiful place. Keith is one of the friendliest guys you will ever meet.

There was a huge garden at Entres that was available to all people staying there. It was nice to just walk up, pick what you wanted for dinner and there you have it! I did have to make the "must eat" stop: Grandma's Tita's in town:

Tita's served as the meeting place for runners before hikes as well as an informational meetings having to do with the race or hikes. I also made a torta stop, but other than that my food was eaten at Keith's place. Friends Jess and Suman made some awesome dinners that we shared.

There were some optional hikes on the race course that we did before the race. More beautiful scenery, and all worries about my directionally challenged self completely dissapated. There's really only one way you can go. I can't even screw that one up!

Some Mexican nationals and local runners from Urique came with us for one of the hikes - including one who was 14 years old. Taylor is on the right:

We hung out together for most of the hike, and he seemed like a great kid. We raced down the hills, just having a ton of fun. I destroyed my knees even further doing so, but wouldn't change a thing. We did try to communicate a bit as I do know a few words in Spanish, and he knew a few words in English. The discussions actually weren't half bad!

Friday in Urique called for one last hike, which Crystal and I chose not to do. I thought long and hard about this one, but ultimately I was toast. I do regret the decision now, however. (Maybe next time!)

Saturday was a day of rest for all runners. Today was our day for huraches. Americano Ray Molina brought a load of tires down for the Tarahumara to make huraches out of.

We helped make our huraches alongside the Tarahumara, which was an incredible experience.

This Raramuri man helped me make mine, and he was the nicest person!

Later on in the evening the pre race ceremonies were held.

PRE RACE CEREMONY
The little town of Urique went all out for us runners. The night before the race there was a big pre race ceremony right in the center of town. It was incredible being there, it felt like a sort of miniature Olympic games pre race ceremony. All groups there had poster boards with their country's name written on it. There were all kinds of performances. We got our race shirts during the festivites as well. The shirts were white with the race logo on it, as well as our own personal race number. After hanging around and watching the performers for a bit, we went back home to Keith's place to get some sleep. Race day was coming fast!!!

RACE REPORT - THE COPPER CANYON ULTRA MARATHON, AKA MY FAVORITE RACE THAT TOTALLY KICKED MY ASS!

Finally it was here! There were many hugs this morning, and I made a point to try and wish as many Tarahumara women good luck as I could. (My good luck was telling them hello, in their language - and shaking hands Raramuri style).

GO TIME!
The race consisted of three loops. Loop 1 was 18 miles, Loop 2 was 22 miles, and Loop 3was 10 miles. I have never seen hills this big, this rocky ever in my life. It was hot out, the temps got to 99 degrees farenheit - but that really didn't bother me. What killed me were the hills. There were a few people (the ones who've done races such as Leadville) who thought the course wasn't all that hilly. But let me tell ya - coming from flatland Ohio the hills seemed monstrous to me. Laurel Highlands in P.A.? Doesn't even compare. Those have been the biggest "hills" I've seen so far. WOW.

Loop #1
While in a bit of pain already the first 9 miles went pretty well for me. Then the first climb began. It was rough, but not as bad as I thought it would be at that point. This is where the 2nd place female, Japanese runner Hiroko Suzuki really took off. We left the bridge aid station together and I watched her go up the hill like a rocket. Incredible!

Loop #2
DEATH
This is what this loop felt like. The uphill seemed to last forever. On the first loop I was pretty far ahead of Caballo. Then in my slow climb up the hills on this loop I heard someone call his name. I stopped right there in my tracks and thought "No way in hell. NO WAY!" I didn't see anyone coming, so I thought I was hearing things, and kept on. But sure enough, there he comes smiling and bouncing up the hills with Patrick McGee close behind him. All I could think at that point was WTF!! Caballo just smiled as he ran past and shouted "I never said this would be easy!" I was overwhelmed then, thinking about how much I must've slowed down. For the first time ever in a race I started thinking long and hard about quitting. I thought I didn't belong out there, on these hills - what was I thinking?! So many people were there, with tons more experience on hills, an- d I thought I didn't deserve to be there. After awhile I ran into another Americano and we chatted for a while - and that helped a little bit. We both got to the aid station and I threw myself into a chair and did not want to get back up. We both sat there, exhausted, in disbelief. I spent the longest time at this aid station. It was the longest time spent at an aidstation out of all my races. I kept on wondering if I should throw in the towel. But, pride got to me and I got back up. I've said so many times that the only way I'd leave a race course if I got taken off by life flight. I saw Ravi coming into the aid station just then, and yelled "What the hell is this shit!!" And then kept on going. Hills. They are called hills. I saw a mule on the way back and it turned it's butt towards me. I stopped on the trail so it wouldn't kick me, but secretly I was really wishing the thing would take me out so I could have an excuse to stop! lol! It did not, of course - so I had to keep goin'!

DOWNHILLS
My speciality USED to be downhills. Before the race I thought, ok. - so there are uphills, but what goes up must come down, and down fast. ERROR. My legs were so fried that I could barely run the downhills anymore. NOT RUN THE DOWNHILLS?! I definitely couldn't go down them pain free - walking or running. At some point going downhill on the second loop I saw runner friend Jess sitting under a tree. I stopped, sat down as well and we didn't say too much. Just sat there with bewildered looks on our faces, just thinking OHMYGOD. After a couple minutes I got up again and just kept moving. Then hello Death March. And hello mile 40.

I got to the Plaza restraunt, mile 40. Nick and Jamil Coury were there (already finished!!!) And helped me with my stuff, water, fuel, etc. and I was so glad for their help. I headed out for my last 10 miles - the longest 10 miles of my life. I passed over the bridge, and whaddya know! Mr Patrick McGee was coming up from the river after taking a dip in it to cool off. From this point forward we stuck together, and I was so grateful. It seemed to take forever to get to the turnaround point. However when we did, my mood was elevated a bit. Only 5 more miles to go! YES!!!! We continued our death march and kept waiting to see the bridge. And waiting. And waiting. FINALLY we saw it. VICTORY!! Almost. Patrick and I gave each other high fives and were all smiles. Then our next goal: Get to Keith's place. UGH it seemed so far away! (It didn't seem that far away at the beginning of the race!) But finally we made it. And that meant we were almost to town, almost to the finish. We decided to run when the dirt road ended. We picked it up a bit and ran all the way to the finish line, the townspeople cheering us on. The hardest race of my life had just ended, and I was fifth woman, but overall pretty low on the totem pole. What a great feeling it was to be finished though! We stayed in town to celebrate for awhile, my friend Crystal came in at third woman overall so we got to see her get presented with her awards, and also give it away - as is customary for this race. Headed back to Keith's place, we sat around and chatted for awhile then attempted to crash. As after every race, I cannot sleep at night. It seemed everyone was the same way as all night long I heard movement, people waking up, going into the kitchen, using the bathroom, etc. I just laid there - smiling, and sometimes let out a laugh. Runners ;-)

HEADED HOME:
The day following the race all those who were going in Diego's van (and those who were leaving on the bus out) met up at Grandma Tita's. I was anxious as I had come into contact quite a few times with a young female Raramuri runner and wanted to give her my winnings. I didn't know her name, just her face. During the race we crossed paths often, smiling - and she even spoke a few words to me in English. Her smile is what I remember most though. I had thought about her all night, wishing I knew her name so I could tell Caballo who to give my corn to. As luck had it - just before we left there she was, walking down the street. Limping, I am assuming she somehow got hurt in the race. I ran over and stopped her, then grabbed Caballo - who gave her the corn voucher. It was the perfect ending to a perfect experience. I couldn't have asked for anything more, and was so excited I found her! Then, off we went - us in our merry van. We wound up taking some Tarahumara runners with us, so they didn't have to make as big of a hike home as they would have. Nacho was one of them:

Jim, myself, Nacho and his Tarahumara friend all sat in the back seat. They enjoyed my gum, but not the music on my mp3 player! Nacho just listened for a bit and shook his head. I don't recall what music I had on the player, but I just laughed. He really enjoyed checking out the pictures I took of our time down in in the Canyons. We said our goodbyes and dropped them off in Creel.

After two days driving to El Paso in the Doug mobile, another overnight stay in El Paso, and another day of flying we were back home in beautiful Cleveland:

Oh well. At least my men are here!!!

One of the biggest things I got from this experience was during the race, even though we did not speak the same language - we understood each other. We would smile and understand each other. We would roll our eyes, and understand each other. We would look at each other blankly, exhausted - and understand each other. We were all so emotionally connected. We rejoiced together, felt pain together, pushed on together. This I will take with me forever.

Happy Running Friends!

Leaving tomorrow for the Copper Canyons of Mexico!!

2011-02-25T17:11:00.003-05:00

WOW! It took absolutely forever, but it's finally here. Tomorrow Crystal and I leave for the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon. I sit here and look at pictures and cannot even wrap my head around what I am about to see. The beauty of the canyons, the people, the event - all of it! I am not a seasoned traveler. I have been to few places. Always willing, but never can - money is the main culprit. A quick run down of all the places I have been to: Ohio/Pennsylvania - due to living here/there, Myrtle Beach, Lockport-NY, Chicago, and Toronto. You could probably say Chicago, Toronto, and Myrtle Beach do not even count, since I was a youg'un when I went - and basically was just told where to go and when, what to do and how long to do it for. So this, for me, will be an amazing adventure. All the cities listed above, they are all fairly similar. (Except for Myrtle Beach which has palm trees unaturally placed in the area.) The difference of the Copper Canyons - the landscape, the people, will be so vast from anything I've ever seen before. My whole life, I've always wanted to have an adventure like this and now it's finally here! I'm beyond lucky, speechless - and hope I can properly share it with you when I return. I cannot even imagine the beauty I'm about to see. We will arrive back home on March 9th. And FYI there will be no blogging, no facebook, no email responses until my return.

The trip will start tomorrow at 7:30 a.m., with a flight to El Paso. From there we will be staying at a motel with other runners. In the morning Sunday we will take a shuttle van, 2 days to the canyons and staying at a hotel down there for another 2 days. Then, we stay where we play! Until we leave we will be near the race's start! The race will take place March 6, and we will start to make our way home on March 7. Another 2 day drive, stay again at the Motel overnight in El Paso on March 8 - and leave to head back home on March 9, early in the morning. HERE WE GO!

Adios and Happy Running,
Laurie

Meet the Northeast Running Club's 24 Hour Team!

2011-02-19T15:55:00.042-05:00

The Northeast Running Club has put together a team for the North Coast 24 Hour Endurance Run that will be held on September 17 (and 18) down at Edgewater Park. If you would like to be a part of this team as either a runner or volunteer please contact me at colonfamily3@sbcglobal.net. There will be regular training runs leading up to the event, and NERC members will have support crew at the event itself. Please join us and see how far you can go! Enjoy the following bios of the runners and volunteers:

RUNNERS

CHARLIE BOLEK/RUNNER

#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )

The running achievement I'm probably the most proud of was the Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic 50K that I ran in the fall of 2010. After falling at about mile #10, I was dealing with a lot of pain from my knee but made up my mind that I was NOT going to bow out of the race. My finishing time may not have been what I was looking for that day but I did not quit, a part of my personality that I'm proud to have inherited from my my father.

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?

This may sound a little strange but a lot of it's curiosity. After running for over ten years now, I'd really like to know how far I can run in 24 hours. Add in the fact that I'm a night owl anyway (so staying up all night is no big deal - especially in the name of running!), this is really the perfect event for me.

#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr? (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain #miles reached by certain time)
My goal is 80 miles but I'd like to press to as close to 100 as I can.

MARK ANSON/RUNNER

#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )
Running for about 10 years, NERC for three. Without really counting, about 20 marathons and 20 ultras. I'm not fast! Best marathon time: 4:04. Best trail 50K: about 6:20. Proudest of: Burning River 100 in 2010, time of 29:17.

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?
I saw the last couple hours of the first NC24 (2009). That visit piqued my interest. Went to the 2010 NC24 after finishing the YUTC 50K that same day. Volunteered most of the night (aid station, road crossing assist, whatever, etc.), slept some in my car, got up and helped out some more. Was fascinated and intrigued by everything I saw.... it captured my imagination! Now mind you, by rights I should HATE the idea of doing this event: tiny, repetitive course on asphalt, surrounded by cityscape, and is subject to what can be nasty weather coming in off the lake. I'm passionate about point-to-point trail ultras in a natural setting. This is the complete opposite! There's a famous artist, M. C. Esher, famous for bizzare sketches that depict impossible scenes. One of them exemplifies the NC24. Copy is attached....

#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr? (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain #miles reached by certain time)
First goal is to be moving at the end. Mile goal is around 80. Ultimate goal is to get what I can out of this experience, something I'll not likely try again!

JEANETTE SPADA/RUNNER

#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )
I started running April 2009. While working out at the West End Y, I noticed a banner for the West End 5k. On a whim, I decided to register, which required me to begin training for the race. Never having really run consistently (I would walk-run-walk-run). I gradually built up the distance that I would run without walking. Race day, I came in 4th for my age group. I thought to myself, “Hu, not too bad, I just may have to continue this running thing”.
My greatest running achievement, to date, is completing Bill’s Bad Ass 50k. I have yet to run a marathon, but have completed an Ultra?!?! (and have already registered for my second, Fools 50k in March)
#2. Why are you running the 24 hr? –
Mark Anson and Laurie Colon’s husband talked me into it!!! Hahaha….
That little voice in your head that keeps telling you “what the hell, what do you got to lose…go and give it your best” Once that little bugger starts talking, I can’t get rid of it…I think it’s a blessing and a curse sometimes!! 
Seriously though – I am running this to see what I am capable of putting out, how far can I push myself, how much can I take
#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain # of miles reached by a certain time)
I don’t want to be unrealistic, and never having trained for anything remotely close to this, I’m not 100% sure. Right now, I’m thinking somewhere around 80 miles

RADAMES COLON/RUNNER

#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )
I went from not running at all to running ultras within one year’s time. My first race was last year – the Run With Your Heart Trail Challenege. Since then I’ve completed a marathon, a 50k, and am training for my first 50 miler and 100 miler. Due to a permanent knee related injury from childhood it’s quite an accomplishment for me. I don’t have to be the fastest, don’t have to win – but I do know each time I go out there I am giving it my all.
#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?
I saw my wife run in last year, helped crew for her and became very interested and wanted to see how far I could go.
#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain # of miles reached by a certain time)
With a 50 miler and 100 miler all in the same summer, I’m going to go out there and have fun, no real mileage goals – the only goal I will have is to have a great time!

PAM RICKARD/RUNNER

#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of!)

I’ve run at some level for about 30 years, but have enjoyed my sweetest, most fulfilling running experiences just since 2006. Some of my favorite moments include:
• The 2007 NYC Marathon, which resulted in my inclusion in Liz Robbin’s book, “A Race Like No Other.”
• The 2008 NYC Marathon , where I was invited, due to the book’s publication, and had the privilege of speaking at the Expo.
• The 2010 NYC Marathon ;), where I was invited by the New York Road Runners.
• I ran Boston in 09 in 3:48, then again in ’10 in 3:28. Very “proud” of that improvement in time on that course, because I ran so well while training and racing with NO watch, (have since 2006) and really enjoying the race and high-fiving every kid I saw.
• Ran my all-time PR, 3:25, at the Rocket City Marathon, 12/09, at 48 years old! Again, proud of that time, but the best part was my husband and I joined 12 of our local runnin’ buds there and it was a blast!
• Have run 19 marathons and countless other running events, but my most recent favorite is Disney. I completed the Disney World Half and Full Marathons this past weekend, officially successfully “doing the Goofy!”
*I have recently run my first ultra, a 24 hour F/A event in which I logged 68.9miles on 1/29 & 30
• I have to add that while the awards and achievements are wonderful, my biggest running gift has been the people I have met and/or become good friends with along the journey!

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?

Because I am nuts and I got crazy excited when I ended up in a facebook “conversation” about Jeannette running it! Plus, it’s wild, it’s in my hometown and I simply love experiencing new running challenges! Oh, AND, because I want to be on the NERC Team!

#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr? (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain #miles reached by certain time)

My goal is to last the entire time with minimal downtime and cover a minimum of 75 miles.

STAN HEMBROUGH/RUNNER

#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )

8 Half Marathons, 4 Marathons and one Ultramarathon

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?
Because Radames Colon is running and I said I'd do it if he did it. Plus I think it will be a great challenge.

#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain # of miles reached by a certain time)
To finish. Hopefully complete between 80 and 100 miles.

KATHLEEN DICKSON/RUNNER

#1. What is your running history/your running achievements (please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of! )
I have run 8 ultras and 8 marathons since 2006. Including finishing BR100 and running in the Loch Ness Marathon in Scotland.

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr?

To try a new running ultra event that I haven't conquered yet.. I helped out at the event last year and was so captivated by what a neat event this is. Being right on the lake, by the skyline, and with such crowd and crew support, I couldn't pass it up:)

#3. What is your goal for the 24 hr? (ex last the whole 24 hrs, certain # of miles, certain #miles reached by certain time)

at least 80mi
go the whole 24hrs
and....to beat MARK ANSON.

CASI GILLIAM/RUNNER

#1. What is your running history/your running achievements:
I have been running since high school. Although I was a cheerleader and couldn't compete during the Track season, I learned how to train for track by indoor and parking lot training with the Track team. I would get in great shape and hang out with an amazing track coach who helped our school set many state records (Riverside High). I have been running ever since! Not fast, but many, many miles over the years, with my longest race being marathons, thank you God.

#2. Why are you running the 24 hr? Because I want to represent NERC in a unique race.

#3.... What is your goal for the 24 hr? Since a marathon is my longest number of miles run at once, maybe I'll shoot for 36 miles?

DEREK MURPHY/RUNNER

#1. What is your running history/your running achievements
I Joined NERC on the suggestion of my Brother-In-Law, Charlie Bolek for the primary purpose of being able to utilize the NERC for support during the NC24. Ive been running for about 5 years, having completed 10 marathons (slowlyThe 24 hour loop format seems an ideal entry into ultra running.
#2. Why are you running the 24 hr? ).
After some time off Im getting back into running and want to see how far I can push myself.

VOLUNTEERS

LAURIE COLON/TEAM CAPTAIN AND OFFICIAL BUTT WHOPPER

What is your running history/your running achievements please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of!

I have been running for about 13 years but recently made the move to ultra distances. The race I’m most proud of is my last race, the Beast of Burden 100 miler in Lockport, NY. Valmir Nunes current Badwater record holder ran the race with me and mentioned it was harder than Badwater! That made me feel pretty good about finishing! And something else I'm proud of actually took me awhile to be proud about. I ran the NC 24 hr with high expectations last year, however due to medical issues had a pretty tough time. I was still able to plug out what I considered my "bare minimum" distance, went 102 miles and was able to push through and last the whole race.

Have you volunteered at any races before, if so which ones? I have volunteered at the Lake Health Distance Classic, the Flag Day 5k, the Autumn Leaves Run, Green Jewel 50k, BT50k, and also the Nypaver “I Believe” run. I also try to promote my coach's amazing non profit organization, Impossible2Possible as much as I can.

I’m excited to help my friends out this year at the 24 hour. So many of them came to cheer me on at last year’s 24 hour and I’m completely pumped to return the favor. I will be whopping butts during training runs though. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! On my to buy list is the loudest whistle I can possibly find….

RADAMES COLON/VOLUNTEER

What is your running history/your running achievements please note that running achievements doesn't necessarily have to be super speed, or a win - but anything you are proud of!

I ran the Cleveland Rite Aid Half Marathon last year – it was my longest distance at that time. Currently I am training for the Full Marathon which I will run this May. I want to convince my mom to let me run my first 50k in November.

Have you volunteered at any races before, if so which ones? I have volunteered at the Lake Health Distance Classic, the Flag Day 5k, the Autumn Leaves Run, and also the Nypaver “I Believe” run where I also logged 16 run/walk miles. Outside of running I volunteer with the Salvation Army and the Lake Metroparks, and traveled to Australia as a student ambassador with the organization People to People.

EDIE NELSON/VOLUNTEER

I Started running 10-11 years ago.

I Have run 5 marathons and feel good about them all.

I am in awe of all Ultra runners and am excited to volunteer at this event

ANDY RATTRAY/VOLUNTEER

I started running in the early 1980s. I just ran on my own for many years.Some of the roads I ran as a beginner are now some of the Better in Mentor 5 mile race course. First race I ran was the Cleveland Revco 10K in the early 1990s. After that I would run many 5K & 5 Mile races.10 K races were getting fewer.Many older runners were asking where did the 10Ks go.First 1/2 marathon was sometime in the mid 1990s in Huron, Ohio in the late winter or early spring.The weather was very cold and windy as the race took place by the lake.I wasn't really planing on running a full marathon until I was running with fellow N.E.R.C. runners who were training for the 2ed annul Cincinnati (Charlie Bolek) Flying Pig marathon. Then I thought since I was running the same miles they were I should do the race to so I registered to run it.That was the start of around a 15 marathon stretch.My Mom & Dad (just Mom now) live in Myrtle Beach S. Carolina and the M.B. marathon was getting popular so I had a 6 year run going there.Some of the big marathons were Honolulu,Chicago,Marine Corp,Paris and the historic Boston.

As for volunteering marathons most of it was expo help. Cleveland expo in some early years. Honolulu expo 2 times.Most other volunteer duties were N.E.R.C. races through the years. And then 10 years or so ago I became co coordinator of the Ohio Teamsters/Medical Mutual flag day race with Carl.That led to getting the phone call around November 2010 from Carl indicating the he was ready to step back on his participation from the race and now I'M in charge.Much of that is since the Teamsters are main sponsors of the race I am a active Teamster member. Also I have been helping Guy out at the annual Fall Running series at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in October.

NICK ZEMAN/VOLUNTEER

My bio of running is I've been running for 15 years. I started running to lose weight and have run countless races including 3 marathons. I will be volunteering at the North Coast 24 this year

KATTYA ROMERO MORA/VOLUNTEER

Kattya has volunteered at NERC events and will be lending a hand to all her new and old NERC friends during the 24 hour event.

And the huraches go to.........

2011-02-15T18:52:00.003-05:00

Beast of Burden 100 miler race report

2011-02-14T15:29:00.043-05:00

Beast of Burden 100 miler
Feb 12 (and 13!)
Final results - 23 hrs, 44 minutes
1st female
5th overall

Friday evening after my son got out of school my husband, son, and I all hopped into our little car and headed out to Lockport, New York for the Beast of Burden 100 mile run. Before heading to our hotel we headed to Taboo bar and grill to pick up my race bib/packet and meet the race director, Sam Pasceri. I was pleasantly surprised as usually I get goodie bags filled with things I have no use for. In our goodie bags were full sized treats - not the typical wimpy little samples of things you usually find in goodie bags. Iron Man Muscle Rub gel, Hot hands (lots!), Hammer Gel, Rohto eye drops, an LED light, Forze bar, a box of Deep Heating Well Patch (which came in good use during the race), Trail Runner magazine, and of course, the all important shirt. After picking everything up we headed back to the hotel for some dinner and hopefully a dip in the pool (the reason why we stayed at this particular hotel). The hotel was nice, but the food was miserable and when we went to use the indoor pool we walked into the pool area and walked right back out. No heat! Or at least, that's how it seemed. We were bummed, but would be freezing our butts of the rest of the weekend and didn't feel like going down that road the night before! We went back to our room and watched the news - which made me pretty nervous. They were calling for 30 mph winds on Saturday :( YIKES!

Race Day
We woke up at 6:30, I pulled back the curtains and there was the snow.

This was the view outside our hotel room window:

"I guess this is what I signed up for!" is all I could think. The snow I don't mind, but the wind kills me. What can you do though? Just suck it up, quit whining and deal with it! We all got ready, I got dressed in all the gear I bought from Vertical Runner (the most awesome running store EVER!) A few months before the race I walked in, told them what I was doing and they told me exactly what to get. GREAT store. I'm kind of glad I'm an hour away from that store - because if I were any closer, I'd go broke.

Race start
We arrived at Wide Waters Marina and I finally met some friends I've only communicated with on facebook. Great people! Valmir Nunes was introduced to us - an amazing ultrarunner who came in for the race. I actually don't really know what he looks like in person, as he was covered 100% from head to toe for the race! This was the first time he had ever seen snow, let alone run in it! Nunes was a pretty cool guy - despite not knowing any english he did cheer me on, each time we came across each other during the race (His method of cheering me on was clapping and fist pumps!)

Finally, it was go time. We all started, and once we ran across the bridge and made the turn onto the towpath we quickly found that conditions on the path weren't all that spectacular. I was kind of glad about that, as this was the kind of stuff I trained on all winter. Cleveland winters are similar to Lockport winters - so I was thinking I might have a bit of an advantage. There's just nothing like Lake Effect snow!

The first loop turn around is when I started thinking I might have another advantage. We were running into the wind and while I HATE running into the wind I've done it quit a bit in training. All I was thinking was despite the wind, if I just kept running, kept a steady pace I could probably gain a good lead on the other females in the race. The first three loops (There were four total) this is what I kept telling myself each time I reached the turn around. I got a bit of motivation on the first loop when I saw a guy in front of me running, getting frustrated and he kept on stopping. I knew that feeling, I've been there, but thanks to some training runs learned to deal with it. I just put my head down and kept on going. Thank goodness for crappy weather training days! The first loop also gave me a bit of motivation when running alongside a male 24 hour runner. He asked me what I was doing, the 24 hour or the 100 mile. I told him the 100 mile, and he said "Well I'm doing the 24 hr and I'll be cheering you on at the finish!" I just thought..."Huh". There's always one dude at EVERY race!!! I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it, just making small talk and what not, but ya know! Grateful though that his comment gave me a bit of motivation to push harder to finish in less than 24 hours.

Pacer time!

Pacers and crew are the unsung heroes of any ultra. They put up with crap, there is no glory in it for them, they are just there because they are completely amazing people. My crew consisted of My husband, my son, Daniel Bellinger, and Agnes Jung. Thanks so much for helping me during my cold, snowy race!

My husband and Daniel Bellinger paced me, each taking 25 miles. It's pretty fantastic that people like Daniel would drive 3 plus hours to help me out, and that my husband would deal with running in nasty weather just to satisfy my curiousity about a race. Another great person - Agnes Jung made her way from Canada to help me out as well. This is pretty extraordinary to me, and just amazes me and makes me realize there are really great people out there! Last but not least my son - who came along with us and helped out when he could, too.

The third loop I was feeling strong my husband paced me. I was tired - but still able to go at a good pace and was glad he was with me. The start of the fourth loop Daniel started pacing me and I was still feeling strong, but wound up not bringing any water (unintentionally!) from the marina (start) aid station to the middle aid station (about 7 miles distance). That killed me, and it all started to go downhill from there for me at that point. I felt bad because I was too confused/exhausted to talk to poor Daniel who made the long drive out to help me. I slowed considerably (hopefully he was not cold from slow me!) and everything and anything started cramping. I'm sure it was partially the fact that I had just ran 75 miles by then, but no water/liquids just made it much worse. I thought frequently about stopping and grabbing a handful of snow, but #1 probably wouldn't be able to get back up (ha!), and #2 drinking regular water from a bottle was killing my lungs, let alone eating cold snow - so I waited until I got to the aid station. I got to the middle aid station feeling very dizzy, disoriented, and with absolutely zero energy in me. I reached into my pockets and realized that I didn't have my electrolytes and my Hammer anti-fatigue caps or perpetum tabs! I could have sworn I grabbed them at the marina aid station, so I wasn't really understanding what the heck I did! Another fail! At that point I just felt like breaking down and crying. I was having a hard time dealing with little things like taking my mittens off to get some water, but super Fred Davis came to my rescue! I was so out of it that I didn't even see my good friend sitting there in his chair. But he jumped up when he saw I was having problems and started to help me out. I was so happy to see his friendly face! He helped me with my mittens, my clothes - pretty much everything.

I drank as much as I could and took some chicken broth with me to have until I got to the next aid station where my bottles and my husband would be waiting. I never fully recovered from that, feeling completely disoriented the rest of the race, feeling completely confused, not able to understand much when people talked to me, too tired to even talk, but was still able to keep a good fast walking pace at least and maintain the lead over the females and a good chunk of the men When I finally saw the finish line, 2 miles out I was so relieved! Then I saw Agnes, my son, my husband all cheering me on - and heard the RD Sam over the bull horn saying I would get a sub 24 if I finished those 2 miles in under 45 minutes. It was slow going, but I made it! 23 hours and 44/45 minutes. Final race results should be posted by Wednesday. Running through the finish line I was so relieved. I just ran into my husbands arms. I got my belt buckle from Sam, took a few pictures and went inside. My husband helped change me, because I had nothing left. During that time, I got sick. (True love at its finest!) He held me as I ummmm, well - vomitted. Him and my son put up with me vomitting for the whole 3 + hour drive home. Ahhh family! The fact that I felt so miserable after the race really bothered me (and still does), as if I'm able to time-wise I like to stay until the very end of races to cheer everyone on - and we were planning on doing that for this race. The fact that I couldn't do that this weekend is pretty upsetting to me.

Realizations:

#1. I have an amazing support group, so many great friends. Throughout the week I got tons of well wishes from people, and spent an hour on Friday morning before leaving answering emails, fbook posts, and text messages of people wishing me good luck. Also to have people drive down for the race, people like Agnes Jung who came from Canada and Daniel Bellinger, fellow runner from Ohio just amazes me. Not too mention my husband and son, who are always there for me every step of the way.

Also while all the way in Chile - my coach kept me going. Just knowing that he (Ray Zahab) was at the end of his journey - running 20 days 712 miles across the Atacama desert in Chile kept me motivated - thinking if he could do that, I can run a 100 miler! He even called me while in the airport on the way home when he found out what happened to congratulate me. Congratulate me! He needs congratulated for just doing what he did!!

Thanks so much to everyone as it completely motivated me throughout the whole race. I really never knew how lucky I was until now. I'm completely floored and so grateful.

#2. I'm pretty certain I ate far too much food during the race. While I ate too little at the North Coast 24 hour, I ate tons at this one. Yes I came in first female, but felt pretty uncomfortable each time I left the aid station. Who the hell can actually GAIN 5 pounds running 100 miles? AFTER spending over 3 hours puking? This gal. Sheesh. The only thing that saved me from not upchucking during the race was a box of ginger candies that my friend Crystal Basich gave me during the North Coast race. Luckily I grabbed those and put them in my suitcase at the last minute before we left. It really did wonders for me, and quickly, too.

#3. Training in like conditions made all the difference. I couldn't have done as well running on the treadmill every day. No way.

#4. I would definitely do this race again. Absolutely!

#5. I think I got frostbite on my toes!

I really didn't think anything of it - I thought it was just gnarly looking feet from running 100 miles, but fellow I2P person commented on the picture of my feet and mentioned frostbite. I thought....nah - just blisters. Now blisters, for me - how can I say this - I'm strange. They don't bother me one bit, and I've had some pretty nasty ones. It's kind of like shinsplints, I like the pain of shinsplints (I'm strange, yes I know). Not to say I like blisters, but they just don't bother me when I get them. But after reading Jaime's comment and waking up in the middle of the night to excruciating pain in my toes I thought maybe he's right! I Jumped on the net, looked up pics of frostbite and I was a bit nervous to see pics that looked exactly like my toesies. The pain is not constant, but a brief pain that feels like someone is taking a knife and just jabbing me in my toes with it. I had the sweats and a fever all night. I'm going to try and make a dr. appt tomorrow. Not sure what they will do about this, as I've never experienced this before, just mild frostnip - so we'll see.

#6. The cold can do strange things to your lungs. While my body wasn't cold, I could feel it in my lungs. I was SO extremely grateful for Sam Pasceri's constant reminders of facemask, facemask, facemask. Even though I had my facemask it was almost as if I could feel my lungs filling up with fluid, and it felt like they were literally freezing! It was the strangest thing. I can't even imagine if I didn't have it. I have asthma, but never have I experienced a sensation like that before. It made it difficult to drink cold water and I took a liking to warm chicken broth whenever I cold take it. So strange!

#7. Overall this was a great experience, a great race - and one that I would do again. The race director is an awesome, fun guy and he put on a great race. The volunteers were amazing as well and while I sometimes could not say anything (ahem, towards the end of the race) I truly appreciated everything they did. THANKS ALL for a great time!

Beast of Burden 100 miler weekend is here!

2011-02-11T12:17:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday all! Just a quick note before we head out for the Beast of Burden 100 miler in Lockport, New York this weekend:

I am overwhelmed. In a good way. My email in box is loaded, my facebook is loaded. I received so many well wishes for my upcoming 100 that it's just floored me. I am truly thankful to know such amazing people, and grateful for all your well wishes. You all have no idea how much this means to me, and it's so hard to put into words. But know that you have given me such a high motivation for this race that I've never felt before. You've lifted me up incredibly, and I cannot thank you enough! I'll be going to Beast with a happy heart, and thinking of all of you. Whatever the outcome is, is fine - for whatever happens I will be the one wearing the biggest smile :D

Atacama Extreme, Beast of Burden 100 mile Taper, and the I Believe Run

2011-02-03T11:26:00.015-05:00

ATACAMA EXTREME
I can't seem to find the right words to say about my amazing friend and coach Ray Zahab, who is currently running across the Atacama desert in Chile! Things started out mentally tough in the beginning. His friend and partner for the expedition had to back out after his father became ill. Ray decided to continue with the expedition as schools were signed on to follow the adventure. So on he pushes, alone for a good deal of time - but not completely alone thank goodness. He's got a great team down there helping him out which includes Impossible2Possible's Bob Cox (who is also running with Ray at various points). The team is posting really incredible videos of the journey at www.atacamaextreme.com - check them out! One of Ray's wishes during this expedition is to bring awareness to the NEXT expedition, Expedition Jordan. 4 youth ambassadors will be selected to go along on the journey at no charge, all the while communicating with schools all around the globe via video conferencing and an interactive website. All schools who participate do so at no cost, so if you're reading this and are an educator I would encourage you to sign up now! Such a fun way to learn, and I continue to wish I had something like this available to me when I was in school! (long long ago in a city far far away).

To apply for the youth ambassador position go to the following:
http://impossible2possible.com/docs_pub/Jordan%20Youth%20Expedition_Application%20Instructions_v6.pdf#zoom=100

Schools/teachers if you'd like to follow along at no charge (includes video conferencing, interactive website, blogs, education modules, class exercises, and videos) go to:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JordanSchool

BEAST OF BURDEN 100 MILER - IT'S TAPER TIME!
I can't believe it's almost here. So many times throughout training I wondered if I should quit, back out - be done. I'm glad I didn't back out. I had so much support along the way, my amazing runner partner Crystal Basich - so experienced, supportive, and patient with my slow self! My husband, for waking up to come on early runs with me and sometimes running longer than he really wanted to himself. Excellent friend Charlie Bolek, who braved some long runs with me - always with a smile on his face and never a complaint. My son - for waking up each weekend to his "list" (haha) of studying and chores to do until I got back. Tanya Cady and Daniel Bellinger - tons of experience between them and always ready and willing to give tons of advice. Sandi Nypaver, Rachel Nypaver, Steve Hawthorne - for their kind words, support and one last good running weekend! And certainly a big thanks goes out to my coach Ray, who despite a tough couple of months of his own - dealing with the death of a close friend and dealing with his own crazy schedule - has supported me through training. (Especially on my completely awesome "I QUIT" breakdown day. OH YEAH - CLASSIC!) I couldn't do this stuff without all of my awesome friends and family! THANK YOU!

List of registered B.O.B runners can be found here:
http://ultrasignup.com/entrants_event.aspx?did=11484

I don't know how Beast will turn out, but I know one thing. I'll be trying my best and giving 100%. Trying my best at running, and trying my best to have tons of fun. Thanks so much to everyone who's sent me well wishes already, your support means alot to me and I'll be thinking about all of you as I run! xoxo! (I think by the time Beast is over I'll finally be over the snow and ready for the warm Canyons of Mexico!)

THE "I BELIEVE RUN" - FINAL MILES
A great group came out for the Nypaver's I BELIEVE run this past weekend. Driving to the starting location I was getting a little nervous because it was cold and rainy, but luckily the rain stopped. Even though I was wearing my smartwool socks it took a few miles for my feet to warm up, but eventually they felt cozy and all was good. Our group laughed and ran the whole way, and I'm grateful to have been able to participate in the last few miles of their run. Sandi and Rachel raised an incredible amount of moeny for the United Way. The twins are amazing role models for not only our youth, but really society as a whole. Excellent job you two! The grand finale was at Edgewater Park, where champagne and homemade cookies were waiting for everyone. After that we took a trip to Johnny Mangoes, where the twin's mother paid for every one's meal. Congrats Rachel and Sandi on an excellent run, and for raising so much money for a great cause!

Run for Regis 50k, Marathon, and 1/2 Marathon Race Report& i2P ATACAMA begins!

2011-01-18T11:48:00.027-05:00

I2P: ATACAMA!
So, coach Ray Z is off on another adventure! Follow along on the website: http://impossible2possible.com/atacama/home

Ray will begin his adventure to run the length of the Atacama desert beginning on January 22nd. Best wishes Ray!

I2P: JORDAN!
Ages 17-21? LISTEN UP! I2P will be choosing 4 of you to go on an expedition, expenses paid - to Jordan! Get more details (as well as the application) at: http://impossible2possible.com/docs_pub/Jordan_Youth_Expedition_Application%20Instructions_v5.pdf

Youth Ambassadors will run an average of a marathon per day for up to 10 days, a total of 200+ miles!

RUN FOR REGIS RACE REPORT
First of let me start out by saying Run For Regis was an incredible event. Tanya Cady, Race Director did an amazing job - and the volunteers were nothing short of spectacular! To stand there, helping us snot faced runners in freezing temps...KUDOS to all involved and this is one run I will most DEFINITELY return to.

This past Tuesday I spoke with Ray who gave me my running schedule for the next couple week's worth of Beast of Burden training. That included a 30 miler for this past weekend. Conveniently I got a message from fellow NERC board member Tanya Cady that evening offering me a spot in the sold out Run for Regis trail event. 50k? PERFECT timing! I jumped at the chance to run with my trail buds!

"Race" day
Before I left home I made the decision to not wear my Garmin for the run. This was just a training run for me, and I didn't want to be bummed with my pace running in all the snow, so I left it. This decision was both good and bad. Good - for the reason I just mentioned, bad because I wanted to work on fueling every xx mins. Also bad because while the final results show me running for 36 miles, I don't really know with 100% certainty how far I went (ha, more on that later!)

I arrived at the race location early to get my bib number and talk with my buds, problem is everyone was so bundled up I barely recognized anyone! I got my stuff and was freezing my butt off standing around so I went back to my car until it was time to start.

Start
The race started after Tanya gave a moving speech on the reason behind the race. Many crazy runners ran off into the woods, hoping to warm up fast! It didn't take long, so I was pretty happy about that. For a quick second I was in first (a very quick second!) and then our local speedy runner Terri Lemke took the lead and that's how it stayed. Terri's a crazy fast, strong runner! Congrats to Terri on her 1st place for the 50k distance!

Mid race
I merrily went about my way, and from what I could tell was keeping a steady pace. I was pleased with that as keeping a constant, steady pace was my main objective for the day. For hydration I had brought my handheld for the race because I knew it would be way too cold for my hydration pack - that the water in the tube would just freeze rendering it useless. Well - my handheld didn't do any better. At first the nozzle froze, so that left me fumbling around, unscrewing the cap when I needed a drink. Then, that froze. I couldn't unscrew it anymore - so no liquids. Not to mention carrying that thing with huge mittens on was a royal pain in the ass. I wound up ditching my water bottle at an aid station. "No problem" I thought, the aid stations really aren't that far about, it will be fine. SURE fine if you don't get off track! Which, I did. IMAGINE! ME?! NOOOO! I was on Salt Fork loop and still in second, but very thirsty. Happily trotting along the trail I saw someone coming onto the path (the entrance to the trail, right after you run past the lake). Things didn't click, I wasn't paying attention, and just thought "what the heck was that guy doing? Going pee?!) For a nano second I thought maybe I should check and see if that's where I should leave the trail and head to the aid station, but it didn't look familiar (wouldn't as I was running with my head down the whole time!)I told myself that was not the exit point. It was in fact the entrance/exit point. NICE ONE. **NOTE TO SELF** Go with my instincts from now on. After running for a bit the ground started to look familiar, logs started to look familiar, and I knew what I did. I was SO thirsty at that point, as I was thirsty the first go around that loop but of course, due to my blunder, missed the aid station. Now I was REALLY dying. This is the only point in the race where I feel like I slowed down. I almost ALMOST grabbed some snow and enjoyed. Saw my friend Mark Anson, and hardly said two words to him. Felt bad, but I just wanted to get to that aid station that I was supposed to be at a LONG time ago and chug water! I pushed on, making damn sure to look where I was going now, so I didn't miss the "Home" sign again. One point I need to make - the trails were well marked, I just plain and simple wasn't paying attention. I don't think there's more anyone could have done to mark the trails any better than they had been. It was all me baby! UGH! Something I most definitely need to work on. I have one goal race, one big one that this kind of stuff WILL NOT go well for. So anyhoo....some portion of Salt Fork loop x2 - don't really know what's considered the whole loop as I'm still not too familiar with the CVNP. Since, as I said before my I left my Garmin at home I do not know the exact mileage, and I have not looked at any maps, but someone from Run for Regis decided it was 36 miles according to the race results. Whatever the exact was distance it was a great training run for me and I'm pumped I got more miles in. If I would've gone into this one racing I would've been bummed and mad at myself, but right now I'm glad I got to run more!

And on the race results....So the results are posted already! So fast! You can check them out here at: http://www.wrtr.org/docs/2011RunForRegisResults.pdf

Much to my amusement instead of placing me with the 50k peeps Tanya and crew made me my own category, 36 miles! I had to laugh when I saw that - pretty much made my day yesterday! Another thing I noticed about the results: EVERYONE was accounted for, whether they ran the distance they wanted to that day or not. It doesn't matter if you ran 3 miles or 30, your name was there. If you had the cojones to drag your butt out of bed early in the morning Sunday and toe the line your name was there. That speaks volumes about Tanya, and the Run for Regis. Congrats to all the runners, volunteers, and most importantly - Tanya!

CONGRATS Terri Lemke!! Woman's 50k winner!!

It's been awhile! Best of Burden 100, Copper Canyon Ultramarathon, I2P updates and more!

2011-01-03T16:36:00.009-05:00

WOW! I Haven't been here in awhile! For a couple months I was doing the WRTR newsletter, but had to give it up. I enjoyed it to a point, but just had too much on my plate to handle. So, hopefully with giving that up and the holidays over I can update here with a little more regularity. Today, I have TONS to say! Great stuff is on the way for 2011! Of course there is the Beast of Burden 100 miler on February 12 (and 13, lol!). Shortly after that I will have a truly amazing cultural experience, running with the Tarahumara (Raramuri) in the Copper Canyons of Mexico. I could not be more thrilled to go on this adventure, and with my good friend Cyrstal Basich! I did have to give up running the Vermont 100 to run Copper Canyon, but I feel it will definitely be worth it. I have neither the vacation days or money to do both, but as long as I get to do Copper Canyon that's SO fine by me! I will be setting up a fundraiser soon for the organization Norawas de Raramuri via Active.com. From the Norawas website: Norawas de Raramuri is a nonprofit organization working on behalf of the indigenous Running-People of Mexico’s Copper Canyon region. Based in the USA, Norawas de Rarámuri works to support and reinvigorate an ancient and unique running culture that has endured, and under increasing stress, from long before the arrival of Europeans in Central America. Norawas works to provide maize, seed corn, and cash awards for participating Rarámuri runners, men and women alike. In this way we offer both nutrition during economic and environmental stress and support for a tradition of small farms necessary to both physical and cultural survival.
Now I know tons of you have read Born to Run...and LOVE it! And I would love it if you donated when the time was right! Thanks so much! xoxo

IMPOSSIBLE 2 POSSIBLE UPDATES: ATACAMA!
Atacama is approaching fast! Here's an excerpt from my amazing coach, Ray Zahab's site: In January of 2011, myself and adventure journalist and i2P team member Kevin Vallely will attempt to run the length of Chile's "rainless" Atacama Desert! Following the paths and trails of the legendary ultra-running messengers of the ancient Incan empire, we will explore the world of a mysterious lost civilization as we navigate one of the driest landscapes on the planet... Kevin and I will run close to 80km a day in an attempt to cross the full length of the vast Atacama Desert in a 15-16 day push. Relying on minimal re-supply, this expedition is as risky as it is exciting. Follow along on the journey at: http://rayzahab.com/rz and don't forgot to donate to I2P when you do! These guys are training hard to make good things happen - and the I2P youth expeditions and educational modules are world class - take a minute to check it out! http://impossible2possible.com/home

TWO AMAZING WOMEN
I'm so proud of my friends Rachel and Sandi Nypaver. They worked so hard for the "I Believe" run across Ohio. They both had extraordinary running accomplishments in 2010 and I'm sure it will continue into 2011. These women raised over $1500 for the United Way and that figure completely blows my mind! I'm so extremely proud of my friends, and was able to meet some incredible people when we tagged along on Saturday. Of course there was Shaun and Steve, who we already knew were amazing! But then there were Mr. and Mrs. Pope. Unbelievably nice people! And there were the people of the Medina area - who frequently stopped to ask if we needed help (upon seeing our flashers on sitting at the side of the road). The first guy to do it made me nervous, because I JUST wasn't use to people being nice like that! Someone pulled up, and I just put my head down - didn't look at them, hoping they would go away and not yell at me for being on the road. They sat there. And sat there. Finally I rolled my window down and the man said "Hey you all right? Need help?" I heard myself gasp and could barely say "No thanks!" Someone was really asking that? WOW!! INCREDIBLE!!! After that it was continual - and at one point someone drove by, asked again if we needed help and I shouted - Naw! She's just running across the State of Ohio! MUHAHAHA! (This time I got the dumbfounded look!) I heard my son laughing as the man just stared at me and said uhhh...uhhhh..ummmm.... o.k. HA! That was my favorite part of the day! Congrats to both Sandi and Rachel for pushing so hard and raising a ton of bucks for the United Way! Keep on inspiring, and believing anything is possible.

BEAST OF BURDEN TRAINING
Training is in full swing now - with last weekend being a bigger weekend. We have had tons of snow recently, so that's great - although it melted all this weekend. BOOO! Hopefully it will come back soon. My son was literally outside on New Year's Eve with no coat on, skating on his new half pipe. My husband ran in shorts on Saturday (I was not brave enough to wear shorts)! I ran with my friend Crystal for 25 miles, got home and literally had puddles in my GORE TEX shoes!! WHAT! I had to laugh when I took my shoes off. That hasn't even happened when I've dpne water crossings - that's how hard it was raining ;-) I have to say I was glad for Crystal's company. I don't think I've been a good running partner the last few runs, always complaining - so I'm going to have to work on thinking positive for the rest of my training. I surely don't want to bring anyone down on their run, and don't want to bring myself down either! I'm thinking a bunch about why that's been - and it seems that every run it's happened on has been a road run. Hmmm....interesting! Trails I'm all smiles, but road - hmpf! I still need it though!

COPPER CANYON ULTRAMARATHON
I literally cannot believe I'm sitting here typing this right now. I will be running in the Copper Canyon Ultramarathon! This is an incredible dream to me, and I'm so thankful for every minute of it. Micah True (aka Caballo Blanco) ran Mohican this past summer (where I ran my first 50 miler) My family and I went to see bim speak at the local library, and I became hooked at the thought of running with the Tarahumara. This is a race where there's more to it than WINNING. It's so much deeper than that. Soon after the race, Caballo promised to hold a spot for me if I could afford to come down. I would find out in December I had told him, and the waiting was enough to make me sick! December rolled around, and I looked at flights into Mexico (not El Paso, like I should have) and they were much too expensive. I continued to receive all the "Mas Loco" emails and got broken hearted every new one, thinking I could not, would not be able to go. I had just about written it off, when Caballo sent me a message, Korima for you! Talk to Maria and she'll tell you about it! Maria is Caballo's girlfriend, an amazing poet, writer, and person. Let me tell you-she's incredible and I can't wait to meet her in person. (Side note, check out this month's issue of Ultrarunning magazine on the Javelina "Jundred". Congrats Maria!) Maria then told me of the offer of free entry to CCUM. (Entry is suggested donation, but would be waived) Amazed, I started REALLY thinking about it again. Trying to figure out, learn everything I could, work things out. That's when Maria told me to fly into El Paso using Southwest Airlines. WOW! It was so much cheaper than any other airline that I was in. I had to work out a few details with work so it took a bit, but everything is falling into place. I also paid my race donation anyway, as I could not accept it with good conscience. I sent Caballo a message, stating thank you so much, but I would not feel right accepting the entry while sipping on a Starbuck's coffee and "swishing" down a ski slope with my son. I'm so fortunate to have received the offer though, "Korima" and will never forget it. My friend Crystal Basich is going with me to CCUM. I'm so excited to have a great person like Crystal to experience CCUM with! Our plane tickets are purchased, our shuttle from El Paso is booked - just a few little details to work out and all we have to do is wait for March to roll around. I wish my family could come, but my husband's vacation days would not work out. He is doing the Mohican 50 miler (his first 50) and the North Coast 24 Hour so he needs to save some vacation time for what else...sleep! I will miss them so much, but am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and most assuredly will be bringing them back some huraches ;-) My only issue now is how will I feel at Copper Canyon just a few short weeks after running Beast of Burden? Only time will tell, but again - it's not about winning, but the intense cultural experience and the wonderful Raramuri people. Mexcio can't come soon enough!

OVEREXTENDED? GLACIER RIDGE 50 MILE ULTRAMARATHON
Ok so it may be a bit much, but I'm also signed up for the Glacier Ridge Ultramarathon in April (April 9). I signed up for this before CCUM, and have decided to stick with it. It's close to my mom and dad's, not too far from our house - so why not? After this I'll get a bit of a chance to rest. (I'm pretty sure I'll mean that this time) Since I had to drop Vermont I REALLY wanted to do the Viaduct Trail 200 miler, but I waited too long and there's now a waiting list. I would love to do it, but won't train for a 200 miler if I'm on a waiting list. It has to be a sure thing! So, after Glacier Ridge I will rest for a bit. I think by then I won't be complaining too much. Rest and then start training for the North Coast 24 hour in September, and hope to improve on my craptastic performance there in 2010.

THE CLEVELAND MARATHON
As I said before, my son told me he wanted to run this year's Cleveland Marathon. Earlier in the year he told me he was contemplating it, so I had time to think about whether or not I'd let him do it. I wasn't too sure, didn't really know what to do. I think what sealed the deal for me was watching young Luke Landis complete his first 50k at Bills' Bad Ass. It really got me thinking - hey this is O.K. I mean, we sit and say nothing as our children sit for hours on end watching t.v. and playing video games - so why is it not alright for them to run a marathon? During Sandi and Rachel's I Believe Run my son finally said it. (I think he made sure to tell me when both Rachel and Steve were standing there) My son just simply said "Oh yeah - I forgot to tell you, I decided I wanted to run the full marathon!" WHOA! Who is this child of mine? So I made sure again and again, then changed his registration from the 1/2 marathon to the full. Shortly after that, he said his next goal was to run Bills' Bad Ass 50k. (No he did not say ASS thank you!) I just simply threw up my hands and said..."Let's concentrate on getting the marathon done first!" This will be an amazing and intersting journey, one which all three of us will embark on together. It will be pretty amazing to cross the finish line together as a family. (and of course I will be the overprotective mum again this year, carrying a pack of supplies for my son as I did for his first 1/2 last year. Did I say mum? Oh no...I mean mule!)

Happy Running!

Bills Bad Ass 50k, Beast of Burden 100 Mile Training, Giving the Vegetarian life a try

2010-12-01T17:41:00.031-05:00

BILLS' BAD ASS 50K

My husband is an official ultra marathon runner! One year after he started running he ran his first 50k. Last year at this time he had only be running for one week! What more can I say other than WHOA!! Not only did he complete his first 50k but he had a great time as well! He finished BBA in 5 hours and 42 minutes.

During the race I teeter tottered between taking pictures of all the awesome runners and helping out all my friends, old and new. My son jumped in and volunteered as well!

At first I thought he was just doing it for the cookies, but he really enjoyed it!

Bills' Bad Ass is an amazing F/A run. It was a free race, but you still got some swag. You got a t-shirt courtesy of Bill Wagner and the Wild Bill T-shirt Company.(the shirt I received last year remains my favorite running shirt) There was an aid station as well, which had tons of food. A few runners contributed to the aid station, so we brought gallons of water, Fig Newton’s, and chocolate chip cookies - along with Scaps and Ecaps. Almost all of my ultra runner friends were at the run - Bill Bailey of Playing With Knives and Fire and Bill Wagner know how to make a great event! This was like one big running party. At first I was bummed I was not running (due to a reduction in my mileage for the week) but I wound up really enjoying taking care of my husband and friends and snapping pics as well. And I thoroughly enjoyed introducing my son to the big nasty hill! HA! We kept busy and time went by fast. Soon the winners were coming through. And who were they? None other than running friends Dave Wank, 1st male and Crystal Basich, first female! They were both so strong looking!

Crystal was amazing the whole race - I have never in my lifetime seen anyone more focused than she was at BBA.
It was incredible and inspiring! Even before the race started she was looking extremely focused so I knew then that she was coming out on top. Great job Dave and Crystal! Another running friend, Jeannette, had an accomplishment of her own during Bills'. This was her first 50k. She gave her all, got a great pep talk from Chris Basich
and finished that sucker! (To put it this way - Jeannette had not done a marathon distance yet! She just jumped straight to an ultra!) Great job Jeanette!

Right before the top runners were about to finish I walked up the big nasty hill to the basket of Smarties candies that were sitting there, waiting for the runners. The runner's trophy, of sorts.

I snapped pictures of the runners snatching up their Smarties, bending over and wincing in pain - glad to almost be finished. Soon I saw my husband and son running down the trail! He was almost done! I could tell from the look on his face that he gave all he had and then some. There was a bit of flucuation in his voice as he repeated over and over again "That hill was messing with me, I think I lost my mind! I lost my mind!" He grabbed his Smarties and we all ran down the hill together.
I told him "Now you know what it's really truly like to push yourself, to keep going when you have nothing left to give." The mind is an amazing thing - this is what it's all about. It was written all over his face, in his voice, in his running form. For his marathon that didn't really happen. He flew through it with no real pain, not too many issues - but at Bills' Bad Ass 50k it did. I could not have been more proud of him at that moment, or for my son for being such a big help to all the runners! Congrats to all who tackled BBA - hopefully next year there will be tons of mud!

**All pictures can be purchased at-cost at Walmart.com - if you see a picture of yourself just purchase the print for whatever Walmart charges. Enjoy!**

http://photos2.walmart.com/walmart/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1584745007/a=1959098007_1959098007/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=walmart/

BEAST OF BURDEN 100 MILE TRAINING:

Training is in full swing for the Beast of Burden! The mileage is picking up again and I'm stoked! Saturday called for a long run which I spent on the road - running into the wind for much of the run. I've had a bit of a hatred for the wind ever since an extremely windy NC24 training run I did, so I was not happy. This was probably good training for the Beast though - as the weather will most likely not be all that pretty there.

Since the weather has gotten cooler my asthma/lungs have been trying to adjust. The week prior I suffered the worst asthma attack I have had since the fourth grade - and it was during a trail run. It was towards the end of the run and luckily my husband, Crystal, and Kattya were there with me. (And the stayed with me!!! This is why I love trail runners!) I muttered "What the hell was I thinking, signing up for a Winter 100? How the hell am I going to finish this one?" Anyway - the pouting is over and I've sucked it up, I think now my lungs are adjusting nicely and are getting used to the temperature change. All I can say now is bring on the cold, snow, ice, and wind. Mother Nature: Give me all you got!

GIVING IT A TRY: VEGETARIAN LIFESTYLE WEEK 1
This week begins the start at our attempt at a vegetarian lifestyle. I have to say so far so good! Every dinner this week has been a grand slam, and if all the new recipes I will be trying are like these ones then we will not have any problems! So far this week we ate: Eggplant Parmesan, Indian Samosa Casserole, and Black Bean Chili. The recipes for all three can be found at http://www.vegetariantimes.com/

I'm really hoping this lasts and am looking forward to trying many new recipes!

Autumn Leaves 5 miler: From a volunteers perspective

2010-11-08T12:45:00.058-05:00

This past weekend was the Northeast Running Club's Autumn Leaves 5 mile run. One of the best runs of the Grand Prix series, it's usually held the first Sunday of November. My husband and I attended this year not as runners but as volunteers, my son however did do the run. (Last year at Autumn Leaves was he was conquering his longest distance yet!)

The day before the run my son and I went to the Farmpark to help set things up. We wound up helping set things up inside - and the manly men went off to mark the trail. ;-)
Two awesome ladies were there to help out also, Edie and Carole.

Edie got to run, too!

I swear Carole's vounteered at every NERC race I've ever been to!

We got done in a fairly decent amount of time and just chatted away the rest of the time. Take that manly men! HA! Acutally, the men did have to be pretty manly out there marking the trail. The Northeast Ohio snow machine switch got flipped to "on" and it stayed like that the whole time they were out on the course.
They were met with mud, snow, cowpies - all of it. From time to time some of the guys would come in looking completely frazzled. They would warm up for a minute, then go right back outside. Thanks men!

Race day came and over 215 people had already registered. What happened next was quite unexpected. There were TONS of people who came in to register same day. The total number of people who finished on race day came out to be 281. WOW!
Our fearless race director Mark Anson took it pretty well! My husband and I helped inside for a bit and chatted with a few friends. Right before the race was set to begin we went outside for our outdoor volunteer duties.

Lining up at the start:

I hung out at the mile #2 calling out times as people ran by, and my husband was a flagger. It was neat being able to see my son in the middle of the race, and all of my friends as well! In between calling out the times I took pics of the runners. Then, when the last of the runners came through my spot I headed towards the finish line to take more pics. Soon I saw my son speed through - he ended with a strong finish. He improved so much from last year's time, I'm proud of him! Last year he ran Autumn Leaves with a time of 54 minutes and 53 seconds. This year his final time was 42 minutes and 45 seconds. WOW! I shouldn't be surprised because his improvement is equivalent to this year's improved cross country times - but it's always amazing to see such big gaps in time like that.
(Yes he's overdressed, and yes I knew better (from a runner's perspective) but hey - I'm a mom! He's lucky I didn't have him go out looking like that kid off the Christmas Story!)

The awards ceremony came off without a hitch, I helped Mark pass out a few awards towards the end, and what awesome awards they were!

I want one!
I'm a big fan of useful awards at races - because you can only have so many medals, and what are they good for really? They just hang there, collecting dust.

Guy Gadomski provided the hot cocoa for the mugs. Thanks Guy!

One last thing, the pictures I took are available free of charge (almost)at WalMart.com. You just have to pay for whatever Wal Mart charges to print the pictures out. Go to the following link to view and purchase:
http://photos2.walmart.com/walmart/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4300487002/a=15094613_15094613/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=walmart/
Prints start out at 10 cents each.

Thanks to all the runners who came out, and to all of the volunteers as well. It was a great time, hopefully everyone got EXTREMELY muddy, and we'll see you again next year!

Jean Toth - The only 70 & over female runner!

Lone runner headed into the corn field.

Future Autumn Leaves runner perhaps?

Amish Country Fun Run, Johnson 5-0 Trail Run, Halloween Fun Run, Beast of Burden 100 miler

2010-11-01T16:30:00.037-04:00

I know I know, lots to report on - and still busy. I'll try to make all this short and sweet, but I have to give huge kudos to my friends Jeannette, Zach, And Eric who have accomplished their furthest running distances ever! I'm proud of all of them! (Eric did the Run With Scissors double marathon, Jeannette the Amish Country Fun Run, and Zach did the Johnson 5-0 Trail Run)

Amish Country Fun Run: 10/23/10
some photos taken by Eric Ford - thanks Eric!

I wasn't sure how this one would turn out, how many people would show up - but we had a nice group!
I offered sleeping space in my house the night before, and friends Frederick Davis III and Charlie Bolek took me up on the offer. (Cue the nerves - as Fred is vegan! I have never cooked for someone who is vegan before!) I wound up not cooking, so I still have never cooked for anyone who is vegan ;-) I ordered pasta and picked up bread from the Great Harvest Bread Co. Simple! Having Fred was good, as my husband starting to think about a vegetarin lifestyle. (Crystal and Chris Basich then made him think even more about that the following Sunday - but we'll save that for another blog!) Everyone seemed to enjoy the food and we sat around talking until our eyes were puffy and we couldn't stand to be up anymore. It was neat watching Frederick get ready the night before - being able to see how an experienced vet prepares for a long run. The next day, arriving well before dawn were friends Jeannette, Crystal and Eric. Eric took some awesome photos of our run! Thanks Eric! (And big congrats on your first Ultra!) Away we went!

The reason for the run: I just HAD to run to this sign when I saw it!

I spent my time running back and forth between people and wound up with about 25 miles. I have to say, my energy level was zero. I was exhausted as I have not caught up with my sleep in the last couple weeks. That didn't stop the hills though! They were there whether we liked it or not. Jeannette was trucking along - giving it her all and Crystal was absolutely killing it up the hills. Charlie was being Charlie, running with a smile on his face as usual. Frederick had an incredibly steady pace throughout the run which was just amazing. Me, I'm all over the place in terms of pacing, but Frederick was running strong with his steady pace. It was very impressive!

We had an aid station along the route courtesy of most awesome NERC Mary! Thanks Mary! Closer to the Middlefield area we were met by Guy Gadomski, Emily Terlop, and Janet Edwards. Guy and Emily both were doing shorter runs due to the marathons they did this past weekend. (which they killed by the way!) Our run ended at Mary Yoder's Amish Restraunt, and we all chowed down on some good food. I was proud of Jeannette as she had just accomplished her farthest distance ever!
And it wasn't an easy run with all those hills, she did great! I definitely see a repeat of this run in the future. Congrats everyone and thanks for coming!

Johnson 5-0 Trail Run: 10/24/10
some photos taken by Zach Johsnon - thanks Zach!

The day after the Amish Run me, my husband, Kevin, "Buttercup", Crystal and Chris Basich met Zach Johnson for his first 50 mile run. (after we left some others joined in the fun)

The story goes like this: Every ultra running parent's dilema - find a race that fits with your families schedule. It can be quite difficult, and this was Zach's current dilema. He was itching to run 50 miles - but no ultras worked out for him date-wise. So what did he do? Made his own run up! I commend him for putting his family first and was so glad that we could run with him for part of his run!

Crystal, my husband, and I joined Zach for 19 miles - Chris stayed on for 5 hours of the run. Zach took us on "new to us" trails and they were amazing! Thanks Zach and congrats on your first 50 miler!

Halloween Fun Run: 10/31/10
some photos taken by Kattya Romero Mora - thanks Kattya!

So we all typically have to do long runs on Sunday, right? Well - with Sunday being Halloween I thought why not dress up? I wasn't sure if people would go for it, but a few did so it was on! Seriously, I haven't worn a Halloween costume since High School!

After searching for awhile (and almost having a heart attack over the price of costumes) I found one - a skirt and some wings. My husband was dressed as a nerd, Jeannette as a cat, Charlie as a martian, and running friend Kattya was in orange & black. Chris, Dave, and Kevin dressed up as runners.
HA! We had a great time on the trails Zach had introduced us to. There were a few people on the trails hiking, taking pictures, etc., etc. I can't even begin to imagine what they were thinking! One older man lectured me (jokingly) and said I should have been leading the pack since I had wings. It was tons of fun that may have to become an annual tradition!

Beast of Burden 100 Miler

So I've done it. This morning registration opened for the Beast of Burden 100 miler that will be held in Lockport, N.Y. on February 12 of 2011. February? New York? Snow Belt? LAKE EFFECT!!! I'm excited! The first thing I did when I woke up is registered myself for the race. Training has begun and I'm hoping the snow will start to fly soon. I have my winter gear ready and it's just sitting and waiting for snow! BRING IT!!!!

Have a great week everyone, and Happy Running!

Towpath Marathon Race Report/Oil Creek Race Report

2010-10-12T19:35:00.041-04:00

Ok yes, I'm backed up a bit on the blogging. Funny how a little thing like life can get in the way! Things have been busier than expected this month and will get even busier since I'll now be doing the WRTR newsletter - so I'm writing this fast to get it done and will try and remember all the details!

TOWPATH MARATHON: My husband's first marathon!

Can I just say how extremely proud of my husband I am? He has battled through some very personal issues and has completed his first marathon. Yep that's right. 26.2 miles. With a bum knee. He refused to let things stand in his way, he refused to give up, he did not back down from a good fight. What's more - he completed his first marathon in 3 hours and 37 minutes. What can I even say about that? INCREDIBLE! He's my biggest inspiration! I do feel for him though. He did this incredible thing and not one family member on his side asked how it went. This is his life. He says he is used to it. Bullshit. Not one phone call. Not one congratulations. It's a shame really, but I truly thank my dad for calling to see how everything went. It's little things like that - just one phone call that can let someone know that you really care.

Wake up!
Race day came and my husband was looking a little nervous. He had me wake him up super early so he could spend even MORE time being nervous! Our friend Stan was up here from Vancouver, Canada - he woke up, we all got ready and off we went to pick up the INCREDIBLE Jean Toth. 74 years old, running marathon #51 - what more can I say?

DOH!
We arrived at Boston Mills Ski Resort an hour ahead of time, took the obligatory pics and went about our merry way. My plan was to run with my hubby for the full marathon, carry all his gel, endurolytes, etc. and then turn around and run back for Jean Toth after my guy finished. To make a long story short, and to not talk about me so much - that did not go as planned. I tried to register for the marathon the day before. However - as I was filling out the registration form - the two ladies working that table looked at me and walked away without a word. I turned around and saw one of my runner friends who told me the full marathon was sold out. Hmpf. Well, it's a public trail - so I shouldn't have a problem - that was my manner of thinking. I started with my guy without a problem. Mile 13 - a race official pulled me out. I did not see any "trail closed" signs, but I guess others did. I really wasn't looking for them, honestly. I was just trying to keep up with my super fast husband. The race official then took me to a police officer who checked me out. I tried to explain I was carrying my own fuel, pacing my husband and then a 74 year old woman. Didn't matter. When my info checked out and she saw I was not giving her problems she said she was not going to arrest me. YAY. If I got on back on the trail though - different story. Oh - and getting back to the finish line: I was on my own. How to get back to the finish line: I was on my own. Awesome. I actually did see 3 guys after me get into a squad car. I then considered myself lucky, but really thought people at the Towpath Marathon went too far overboard. I called my son and had him look up all the NERC members names and phone #'s so I could try to call the people who I knew were down at the race. He had looked up a couple people but no cells! I waited for a couple hours for Jean Toth to come by to let her know I was not able to meet her. I then wandered around in tears, wanting to get to the finish to see my husband finish his first marathon. Finally I saw a friend who was on his bike, Stephe - who explained how to get back. Seriously it was only 2/3 miles at most! I ran as fast as I could, but missed my husband's finish by maybe five minutes - something I'll never forgive myself for.

My husband's race

After my incident my husband was left with no fuel. I was carrying all his stuff, so now he had to rely on the aid stations. Hammer gel - something that does not agree with him. He stopped one time to vomit in a port-a-potty. (Just the thought makes me want to vomit!) He saw some friends, one the most awesome Charlie Bolek, whose plan was to run the last 6 miles with him. (Charlie was denied with a big fat D!) My husband saw good friend Mark Anson - and was wondering where the hell I was. In the end he told me he was confused and totally ticked off - he didn't understand what was going on, was having issues and told Mark if he saw me that he really needed me. (Truly he didn't. He was doing awesome all on his own) Mile 24 is when he hit the wall - but he still kept running! My man is unbelievable! Minutes after he crossed the finish line I saw him - and like huge babies we both hugged each other and completely broke out in tears. Not the wimpy tears, but mega tears. People were looking, but neither one of us cared. What an incredible experience for him (and of course now he has the running bug more than ever, with talk of "When's the next....!")

Jean Toth

Jean Toth was running a great race! She had 6 hours to finish Towpath, and completed her 51st marathon in a time of 6 hours and 49 seconds. She just made it!! It's truly inspiring to see her cross that finish line. My husband, Stan, and myself were standing near the finish line just staring off into the path - waiting. I was nervous beyond belief, and was really hoping she would finish in time. Eventually - we saw the little pink fireball called Jean come through the woods and into the light! AMAZING! WOOOO! We all screamed, me as much as I could through tears. (yes again) After she crossed we realized that the Towpath people ran out of medals. My husband gave his medal, his very first marathon medal to Jean! He should be getting his in the mail, although he has not received it yet. I made sure she got her first place age group award, since the people she came with last year were in a rush to leave and she never received her award. (I also made sure the Towpath people were going to send her that award from last year too, she deserves it!)

In closing the Towpath Marathon was a pretty good little marathon. Lots of friends gave my husband a tremendous amount of support and it is much appreciated! Thanks to Crystal, Mark, Charlie, Daniel and many others! Thanks all!

Oil Creek 100 Mile - From a Pacer's Point of View

My friend Rachel ran her first 100 miler this weekend (and killed the course by the way!) I paced her for the last 25 miles of her run. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to participate in her incredible run. She was phenomenal every step of the way!

The Drive:

So of course driving out there my directionally challenged self got a little lost. Once I got on the right track and came close to the Oil Creek area I forgot about getting lost and started having mini heart attacks. HILLS! Look at the hills! I was a little nervous about my pacing duties then. (I was already nervous that I would not be able to keep up just because I had run 20 miles on Friday - but now seeing the hills really made me scared!)

I eventually arrived and saw Kathleen Dickson (Mark Anson's pacer)and chatted for a bit. I hung out watching other runners, saw Sandi - Rachel's sister and eventually Chris Wagner came running through the aid station (AS 4 - the middle school). Soon after Rachel appeared and was looking good! I had lots of time to kill before my pacing duties, so I hung out at the 50k finish line hoping to see my friend Daniel Bellinger cross. I sat, and sat, and sat forever!!! And missed him. I don't know how! The only thing I figure is I missed him when I ran to go tell a 50k finsiher she was going the wrong way. He HAD to have slipped by then! I realized he had come through already when I walked into the Middle School to use the bathroom, and there sits Daniel! SHUCKS! My friend produced an excellent time however, and I'm so glad for him! (Still wish I could've seen him cross that line though!)

Again with more time to kill I hung out, talking with Frederick Davis, III who unfortunately had to drop from the race. We chatted for the longest time with an amazing adventure racer - Andrea (didn't catch her last name) who gave me some great tips on cold weather racing. Then - it was go time for Sandi! (Sandi paced Rachel for around 14 miles before me) Rachel came through still looking great and then they were off! I talked with Frederick a few more minutes and then left - I headed straight to Aid Station #2 where I was to meet Rachel for my pacing duties. My plan was to just sit tight until she came through.

Aid Station 2

I soon realized that you get pretty cold when you're not running! I picked up a spot by the fire after a little while and that's where I stayed until Chris Wagner ran through. I started to help him out, gave him batteries - started to get fuel and then heard "Runners PLEASE get out of the pavilion!" I could feel my face getting red - all I could think was this man just ran 75 miles! He needs fuel!! I was about to say something when I looked up and realized we were the only two people in the pavilion. I then heard two words. Fire and petroleum tank. NUFF SAID.

We hurried out of the pavilion - and then BAM!!! A grill sized petroleum tank exploded right by where I had been sitting. I still don't know what happened really - but it was interesting to say the least. Chris then finished getting himself organized and was off to finish his race. I ho-hummed around for a minute, figuring that it would take Rachel a bit longer to get to the Aid Station - but there she was! 5 minutes behind Chris! She ran up and all I said was "WHOA!!!" I grabbed my gear, Rachel got situated and Sandi helped her get all the fuel she needed and we were off. It was a pretty smooth transition. I told her how incredibly close she was to Chris - and that we may be able to catch up with him. We eventually did, I'm not sure what aid station it was but we got him! For a minute :D

Aid Station # ??

We arrived at the next aid station and while Rachel was getting everything she needed I went to the bathroom. Before I went I told her to start without me, that I would catch up if I wasn't out before she was done. She left and I came out - it wasn't that long at all - and I went to the aid station to make sure Rachel really did leave. She did, and I ran as fast as I could to catch her. She got so far in such a tiny amount of time that I thought I lost her!! Eventually I started calling her name and saw her going up a pretty nasty hill. I caught her, but was so out of breath. I'm still amazed she went so far so stinking fast! Chris wound up catching us as well. What was at that aid station anyway?!

Pacing duties
Before the race I researched as much as I could about pacing. (Really there's not much out there, you just run - you know!) Anyway I did find some tips - carrying extra batteries for you runner (headlamp), ask if they would like you to run in front of or behind them, etc., etc. So I did all of the above. I also stuffed some energy bars and gels in my pack for the both of us. I seriously felt like an overprotective mother as my pack was stuffed! (Think Christmas Story!) Throughout the run I just tried to be 100% positive. I've heard of pacers being tough with their runners, trying to lay the smack down on them so they'd finish - but I don't really agree with that method. I mean, personally - if I had just ran 75 miles I really wouldn't want someone talking down to me, telling me to suck it up. So - positivity was the name of the game for the rest of the run. I almost blew it when I saw what appeared to be a large pool of blood on the trail, however I caught myself before I opened my mouth thank goodness! I really wasn't sure how seeing something like that would go so I just put my head down and kept quiet.

An amazing runner
I think I really had an easy pacing job. I mean, Rachel was amazing! She didn't complain - I could tell things were hurting (well obviously!) because when she would run she made the same noises I was making at North Coast (lol!) But she never said a word. I kept wondering - when she was going to say how much she was in pain, how horrible it was - but she never did. It was so impressive - I can't even say enough. The only thing that we really talked negatively about was the sound of that STUPID well. Earlier on Rachel had mentioned it was pretty annoying, and she wasn't lying. By the end of the race I wanted to take a bulldozer to that well.

Rachel's Finish
We were on the home stretch and Rachel was still in first place. We got turned around unfortunately. There was someone stationed there but we didn't get stopped and told we were going the wrong way. We wound up doing an extra loop around the well and within that time frame a runner (female) wound up going the correct direction and came across the finish line first. Rachel crossed the finish line and we celebrated with her sister and Chris. We then walked into the school and my heart sank. There was this incredible woman sitting there, celebrating her finish. She had chased Rachel all day. In the end - she turned out to be even more incredible than anyone could have ever imagined. She heard what happened, and gave the win to Rachel. Neither one of them wanted to accept first - but this is how it went. Both women are fantastic runners who fought hard all day and night. (Rachel fought so hard it even earned her a trip to the ER, which wound up being an overnight stay at the hospital!) In my opinion both ladies should have been allowed to tie for first, but the RD said NO DICE. I'm not sure why really, but that's how it went. He did admit that he'll have to work on marking the course for next year. The end of the course was not the only problem spot on the course, but hopefully next year will be better. (If only they could use Mohican's excellent course markings for an example!)

Other notable Oil Creek happenings:

Chris Wagner passed out after his race - and I almost dropped him on his head!!

Shaun Pope dropped a little ways into his race - he had been sick the last couple weeks and not feeling well. After a bit he decided to give it another go, picked up where he left off earlier. HOW INCREDIBLE! Unfortunately the sickness was too much - but this was definitely an inspiring act!

Mark Anson finished his 100k in 15 hours and 49 minutes

Daniel Bellinger finished the 50k in 5 hours and 59 minutes

Lloyd Thomas finished the 50k in 5 hours and 3 minutes

Lee Conner, third overall female finished the 50k in 5 hours and 43 minutes

Gale Conner finished the 50k in 10 hours and 27 minutes

Kimberly Boner finished 1st female for the 100k, 13 hours and 02 minutes

Terri Lemke finished the 100 miler in 29 hours and 16 minutes

Brian Musick finished the 100 miler in 31 hours and 35 minutes

Bob Baldwin finished the 100k in 15 hours and 48 minutes

Roy Heger finished the 100k in 15 hours and 20 minutes

Congratulations to Rachel and all Oil Creek runners who ran an excellent race - the weather was good and Oil Creek is a beautiful area. Rest up, heal well - and get ready to run it again next year!

XC invitational- Jeannette's first 30k - Boston marathon Cancels deferment policy-Sandi places 1st/female at Grindstone!

2010-10-03T14:32:00.005-04:00

This week ended my easy running! I had to do a few 5k tempos during the week and now it's back on! Back to back long runs were the story for this weekend and this coming week speed work starts back up. My tempo runs were good, and one was on trail (LOVE) with the RHS teacher's runnning group. I was a bit bummed as they were doing 8 miles and I only had the 5k on my schedule! Super fast running friend Crystal Basich was there as well - and I pretty much just spent my whole time trying to stick with her! Such a fast smart runner, Crystal knows her stuff! By the end of my run I was in near vomit mode. Probably a combo of running with Crystal and eating that Falafel right before the run! (Smooth move!) Not too bright. I'm now ready to get back to my pre race food plan. I'm pretty much just sick of food. YES I SAID IT!! Ask me again in 2 weeks if I feel that same way though - I'm sure I'll feel differently by then!

Saturday's 30k - Jeannette's longest distance!
Saturday's run was spent on trails (LOVE) with Jeannette Spada and Charlie Bolek. Jeannette was coming out for her longest run to date, and she rocked it! Girdled Road Reservation is not an easy place to run at for a lot of people - and to see Jeannette tackle a new distance there was amazing! We started running at 6 a.m. and it was pitch black outside. Raining. Cold. BRING IT! Not too long into our run I was shining my light into the woods and there they were. Two sets of glowing eyes staring straight back at us! It wound up to be some deer, but it was the most interesting thing seeing these beady little eyes staring at you! Later we saw another deer hanging out in the creek. Beautiful! I introduced my friends to the hill I do my hill work on. (I have named it, but will not divulge that info. Just think....bleep! bleep! bleep!) Charlie left after 12-ish miles and Jeannette and I continued on, with her kicking butt every step! We both were wearing new shoes so of course we had to christen them - we went down the single track and met some mud. BOOYAH! Congrats to Jeannette on her amazing run! And thanks Charlie & Jeannette for running with my chatterbox self!

Great Lakes Brewery
Charlie and I thought up a plan a while back during a trail run. We both had an ultra the same day, me with NC and Charlie with YUTC. So we thought - we'll celebrate! It was really supposed to be last week, but my husband's work plans changed (as our entire summer has gone). Once again my husband's work plans changed as his company shipped him off to Chicago for a few days and tacked on an extra day (Saturday). He made it just in time for Great Lakes, and my sis followed right behind him. Jeannette came as well, with us spending time at the West Side Market before heading to Great Lakes. While waiting for a table we headed outside. Our kids ran over to a small park right across the street while we watched. The kids were treated to something really incredible. There were some homeless people being helped out by a few people. Whoever these people they are incredible! They had tons of food for the homeless, set up shop in the bus shelter and feed everyone. A couple of people even asked the kids if they wanted something to eat as well. I'm hoping my son realized what happened. I tried to get him to think about it for a minute, so hopefully it sunk in. On one side you have these people with absolutely nothing, no home, no food, no clothes. On the other side there's us - waiting to get into an expensive restraunt, able to get out of the cold, out of the rain. Yet these people still offered whatever they had to the kids. It was SO incredible. How can you put something like that into words? I wish I knew where the people who were helping were from - a company? A nonprofit? I'm kicking myself now for not asking, and I'm sitting here wishing I would've done something, too. The helpers loaded up their unmarked white van after everyone had their fill and drove away. AMAZING is the best word I can come up with, and it's really not good enough.

Sunday's run
Sunday's run was a bit shorter than Saturday's and my husband ran it with me. He's in taper mode, and he's fighting the urge to run long. He'll have his chance soon enough! Again, the run was on trails. Again - it was cold! It rained a little, but we still saw tons of people out on the trails. We ran into an ultra runner who was hiking at the time - a very nice guy who I'm sure we'll see again. He actually wound up running with us for a bit so we could chat for some more. Great guy! We discovered some new to us trails at North Chagrin (and that meant new to us hills as well!) Now it's time for my husband to spend the week going crazy due to tapering! I'm completely pumped and ready to see him cross that finish line next week!

Boston Marathon cancels deferement policy
Running friend Kattya looked into deferring her registration for the 2011 until 2012which is what I had planned. This is the bad news she came up with!

Email from the BAA:
The BAA does not defer times for runners who qualified, but cannot participate during the year which they are qualified.
Also, our policy regarding deferments for runners entered in our marathon has changed. The BAA will not offer deferments of qualifying times to participants of the 2011 Boston Marathon or future races.

In past years, runners who knew that they would not be able to participate in the upcoming race registered to "save a spot" through our deferment policy, thus preventing fully qualified runners from registering. With the high demand for participation and early closings of registration, the BAA decided to eliminate deferments for the Boston Marathon.

If a runner registers for the 2011 Boston Marathon and then becomes unable to participate, they will need to re-qualify to enter the 2012 Boston Marathon. The qualifying window for the 2012 Boston Marathon will begin on September 25, 2010.

Please keep in mind that entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to future races.

Good luck with your running endeavors and thank you for your interest in the Boston Marathon.

Sincerely,

Boston Athletic Association
The Starting Line
One Ash Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-435-6905

Sandi Nypaver - 1st female overall at Grindstone!!
The course was 101.85 miles. Eleveation gain and loss of 23,200 feet. The time limit? 38 hours. Sandi finished her race in 23 hours and 05 minutes to place first overall/females! (Not only that, but she finished in the top ten OVERALL!) I don't think the people down at Grindstone knew what was coming: A tornado! Big congrats to Sandi on her awesome finish at Grindstone - she is truly an elite athlete! HUGS SANDI!!!!!!

XC invitational at Mentor
This past week my son went to a cross country invitational at Garfield Park in Mentor. The temps were good, the air was good - perfect running weather! Considering the circumstances I knew my mini would do well and most likely PR. He did just that! Yes the weather was good and he made good food choices that day, but the thing that REALLY fueled his fire was a couple of coaches from Mentor-Memorial Junior High School (unfortunately, my old school.) During his run he was running alongside a couple of Memorial boys. The coaches started yelling - (in regards to my son) "This kid's NOTHING! He's WEAK! He's NOBODY!" Well a younger Radames would've been really hurt by this. But, that has changed. He said he passed those kids up and felt amazing when he saw the look on both coaches faces! He refused to let those ADULTS talk down to him - refused to let them hurt him. BRAVO mini! I'm not really feelin' the love for my old alma mater right now. I'm pretty disgusted actually. They fail to realize what running really is about. They have NO CLUE. I hope it doesn't rub off on the kids, hope that the kids will realize for themselves what running is all about.

What exactly is running about?

RUNNING is about not giving up.
RUNNING is about thinking "No way can I POSSIBLY do that." Then DOING it.
RUNNING is about conquering those demons inside - the ones that tell you "STOP. You're not good enough. You'll never be able to do it."
RUNNING is about friendship.
RUNNING is about solitude.
RUNNING is about pushing yourself to your limits and then pushing some more.
RUNNING is about not backing down from a good fight.
RUNNING is about your own personal goals. Not coming in first, second, or third place - but it's simply about beating yourself. Getting that P.R., finally being able to run up that hill instead of walking, and going further than you've ever gone before.
RUNNING is realizing that despite the fact that you may not be as fast as before, you are STILL out there doing it.
RUNNING is about not meeting your goal, but still being proud of yourself. Knowing that you did everything in your power, used every bit of energy to try and get to where you wanted, but sometimes, just sometimes - shit happens.
RUNNING is about getting a DNF, then waking your ass up the next morning looking for a new race.
RUNNING is about getting first place and hanging out at the finish line to congratulations those that came after you.
RUNNING is about not winning a medal, but still hanging out at the awards ceremony to cheer on those who did.
RUNNING is about determination.
RUNNING is about realizing there are no limits, no boundaries, no borders.

Happy running everyone!

Reverse taper, my husband's first marathon, and the Amish Country Fun Run

2010-09-28T18:51:00.008-04:00

Last week was spent in reverse taper mode. I wasn't sure how I would feel after the North Coast 24 hour race, but I'm glad to say I was pleasantly surprised! I started running again on Wednesday. I ran with the RHS teachers running group (one awesome group!) We ran from Headlands Beach to the Zimmerman trail and back again, a little over 4 miles. It was a good pace and I was completely pumped to be back on trails again! The rest of the week I ran 10k's - good recovery runs. Saturday's run called for a shorter NERC run for me (again 10k). Again I was pumped because it was kept under an 8 minute pace.

Gain some weight L!

I spoke with Ray and he told me to pack on a few lbs. Not tons mind you, but still - OH GOD! (I do this quite well, so I always cringe a little when I hear him say this!) That being said I followed orders! We headed out to the West Side Market in search for some good eats (translation-the gyro stand). We had over a 30 minute wait at the gyro place - but it's always SO worth it! Afterwards we hit up the Ingenuity Fest for some music and art. It was something different to do - and was a pretty interesting event.

This week holds just a few 5k's for me, and then it's back to business starting Saturday! Back to back trail runs for the weekend, some hard speed work on the schedule for next week as well as a fast trail run Saturday and running with my husband at Towpath Sunday! I can't wait to see him accomplish this amazing task - and I couldn't be more proud of him! He has struggles that only a small few know about, and to see him cross that finish line will be nothing short of phenomenal! LOVE! Good luck to all those running their hearts out at Towpath!

Amish Country Fun Run
10-23-10

Ok so I've planned it. The Amish Country Fun Run will be around 23 miles. It will start at my house and end at Mary Yoder's Amish Restraunt in Middlefield. There will be hills. There will not be trails :-( HOWEVER - there will be plenty of road apples to enjoy. The manager at Mary Yoder's is allowing us to park our cars there overnight Friday. Car pooling is suggested. All you need to do is figure out how to get your car to the restraunt Friday night. We will open our house (and yard if you want to camp out) to anyone who wants to spend the night Friday before the run. The run is completely self supported - I will post info on gas stations that will be available from point a to point b. This is not a competitive event by any means, just a super fun run. Hope to see everyone there! Sign up at:
http://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=10b1774593a4d640b53163dc60620362&eu=ZXxAy2l2C351nwQ1BHwQOw#!/event.php?eid=157293300957165&ref=mf

North Coast 24 Hour Endurance Run Race Report

2010-09-20T06:17:00.041-04:00

How much is there really to say about a race that goes around in a .9 mile loop for 24 hours? Well as it turns out - LOTS. It was a day filled with so much raw emotion. The race was well organized, and while I didn't stop at the aid station too many times it was well stocked. (I crammed our car full of everything I could possibly imagine!) The volunteers were the greatest, and many of them my good friends which was a bonus! Even though I didn't make it to the aid station all that often they did call out to me as I was running by, just making sure I was ok. They knew what was up (more on that later). Chaney Events, well they were amazing as always (official results are already posted on http://www.chaneyevents.com/nc24.html) My family and friends were absolutely incredible - I mean, who in the world would want to come watch someone run in circles? Turns out lots of people showed up. Some I knew were coming and some friends shocked me by coming out; I had no idea they were coming and it really lifted my spirits!

First things first

Thanks to all those who donated to Impossible2Possible! I met my fundraising goal of $500. The Amazon expedition is coming up fast and I'm sure they can use that money! It takes alot to run an organization such as I2P! The education resources that are provided to schools that follow along are all free to schools/teachers and tons of kids will be benefiting from this. THANK YOU!

Setting up/the race start
We had good luck as we happened to set our tent up near Shelley and James Viggiano! This time it was Shelley's turn to run, and James turn to crew. I'm glad to run with Shelley and she did great! James was a busy guy as well, and very helpful. He made it clear that he'd help in any way he could. They are really an amazing couple and both very inspiring! Soon after we got everything set up there was a quick meeting. I have to say I really didn't pay attention to the meeting - I was just kind of numb, thinking about what was about to take place. This was really about to begin. All this training I've done, all the work, waking up at 2 a.m., starting long runs at 3 a.m. - it was all for this. 24 hours and it will all be over. I was trying to absorb it all and it was too much!

Finally - the start! I don't think there were too many people in a hurry, except the top dawgs maybe - and I don't know if that was the case even then! We had plenty of time to run and meet our goal! The first person I chatted with at the beginning was Frederick Davis - a running legend and simply put: One great guy. His top goal was the same as mine. Neither of us had the outcome we desired, but in the end we were both happy with what we achieved. More on Fred later!

Right from the get go I was feeling nauseated. Still running, but feeling nauseated. That was horrible, I was just ticked.

Mistake #1 - I used an energy drink that I had not used during training for NC. Yes I've used it for other training/races but I haven't used it for NC training. Needless to say I'll never use it again. It's been a few months since I've used it last. I didn't really need it, I know this - I KNEW this. So why did I take it? I figured it wouldn't hurt. Well it did. All I could think of was Ray saying -"Don't ruin your race because of food L!" Dang. I have to say it didn't really slow me down much, I can deal with being nauseated. But I really wanted to puke. Seriously, I thought it would be the best thing ever. But nada. Relief came later, then a much bigger problem.

Mistake #2 - Or I should say, a much more uncomfortable problem. My old friend UTI. (Or so I was thinking.) It happened the same as before. Feeling the need to pee every second, and nothing. It bothered me more when I ran, so I walked as fast as I could. Every time I thought maybe I should just suck it up I started running. Every time I did the problem just seemed to get worse however. I cannot describe how uncomfortable it is. I can deal with pain. No problemo. But this is so different. I wasn't worried like I was when this happened before. Wasn't scared either. Just pissed. Of all days. SERIOUSLY! At one point I went to the bathroom - and yeppers. Blood in my urine. FANTASTIC. I came out of the bathroom and my husband was waiting for me. I was frustrated and burst into tears. Joe Jurzyck was there too, and all I could do was just cry like a big sissy. I started back up again and that was that. I wasn't about to stop - no way. I hoped for big mileage but that was pretty much out of the question now. I was stopping every loop to try and go to the bathroom. At night I avoided the port a potties because quite a few of them had been, um - "blown up" if you know what I mean. Just stuck with the public bathroom. I wasted a huge amount of time using the bathroom and now it was just about lasting the whole 24 hours and getting at least 100 miles. That was my bare minimum goal for this race. (Max goal was far greater)

Eventually my husband informed the medical staff what was going on. At first they had me downing cranberry juice. Then they had me take cranberry pills, which I had already been taking since my first UTI episode. None of that worked. I thought there was a doctor in the medical area, but apparently he was running the race - so a man on the medical staff tried to help me out (I'm not sure what all the qualifications are.) I spent a good deal of time on the table as he said sometimes nerves are pinched around that area. He tried as best he could but nothing worked. Finally he said there's nothing he could do for me, and I went on my unmerry way. Swell. I ran the rest of the 24 hours feeling this way. One day later I may have found a simple solution thanks to Shelley V though. While I was reading her blog she had the exact same issue. She actually talked to the doctor who was running the race and headed the medical team. Chronic cystitis is what he told her, and per Shelley's blog: "basically, i was dehydrated, my bladder was empty and the empty bladder walls were rubbing against one another, causing irritation and bleeding". WOW!!!!! So this would not be UTI? Even though I had this UTI just a couple weeks ago this is something I'm going to have to look into - this has GOT to be it. I mean, what are the chances that this happened to both of us? Here's this knowledgeable ultra runner doctor - he HAS to know his stuff. I'm so relieved for Shelley's blog and FINALLY a solution to my problems. A simple solution. I THOUGHT I was drinking enough but I guess that just wasn't the case. I wish I was smart and did what she did, ask the doc but I did not. I'm just thankful that I know now. Lessons learned. There are always lessons learned. I'm such a newbie!

Making new friends, loving the old friends, and my wonderful family:

Ray Zahab
I continue to get a great deal of knowledge from Ray, and am constantly grateful! Such a busy guy (seriously, I can't possibly complain about being busy after knowing how busy he is) he's always there to help and is so encouraging. A wee bit bummed about my mileage he had very encouraging words for me - I'm lucky to have his help. He's GREAT friend and coach!

Jaameelah Mujaahid
I ran with an amazing woman for a good portion of the run. Jaameelah came all the way from Atlanta, Georgia to participate in the NC24. This was her first. What's amazing about her is not only the fact that she was out there doing the run, but she was doing so and has SIX kids. AND she has a job. HOW THE HECK! She's amazing! Turns out she starts her runs early in the a.m. like I do, because hey - that's just what needs to happen if we want to do these things. Running is her me time. What a fantastic, inspiring mother. I'm sure her kids are incredibly proud of her!

Frederick Davis, III
I latched onto Fred and I would not let him go! I'm not sure when it was exactly, but at some point we started running together for great lengths of time. We had both ditched our top goals but were still hell bent on making our bare minimum. His being 90, mine 100. We talked SO much, I'm sure the other runners had to be irritated late at night when they were hurting. I'm sorry y'all, but it was great. We were talking, laughing, telling each other our history - family, jobs, etc. Talking about running - all of that! Sometimes though, we ran in silence. We ran just trying to put one foot in front of the other, not needing to say anything. Just knowing. In the end, we crossed the finish line together. Once we crossed Fred said, "Lets make it to the next marking before times up!" We gave the last little bit of energy we had trying to make it to that line, and made it! It wasn't pretty looking, I'm sure - but we were laughing, running (or maybe limping) and feeling so glad it was all over! Jameelah was right behind us, and it was the best ending I could've imagined, the three of us finishing like that. VICTORY!

Debra Horn
Debra is amazing! She has encouraged me and supported me through my training, giving me advice here and there. And what an incredible runner. A SMART runner. She knows her stuff. She was also very encouraging throughout the race, and her crew was no different. Thanks Debra for all your help! Not only a great runner, but a great person!

Leo Lightner
Leo is 82 years old, and was incredibly inspiring. He broke the record for his age group in terms of 12 hour runs. I'm not positive of the exact stats right now, but even without the stats it's completely awe inspiring that he was out there. Leo seemed to be loving every single minute of his run, and you couldn't help but smile when you came across him. WAY TO GO LEO!

Crystal Basich
What can I say about Crystal? I've only known one other person like her my whole life. Doris Johnson. Now I know none of you have no clue who I'm even talking about - but this is Crystal. A great friend. After her morning run she came down to the race and helped my husband crew. The WHOLE time. She stayed all night, all the way through to the end of her race. She's an experienced ultra runner who knows her stuff. I'm really lucky she came, because it's pretty easy to cop an attitude with my husband and not listen to him. My run would've been more disastrous than it was had she not been there. She gave me ginger when my stomach was upset (yeppers, it helped!), made me drink water, eat - everything. Good friends are hard to come by, and she's a great one.

Family

My sis came to the run for a few hours Saturday, and my mom and dad came to witness the last few hours of my run on Sunday. I don't think they knew quite what they were getting into as they've never seen the ending of anything over a 50k before. I'm pretty sure it freaked them out just a little! My dad asked me if I got that out of my system. Ha no - I'm just getting started!

My husband and son were there crewing the entire time. My husband cared me, held me and put up with my b.s. and stubborn ways. He went to the race coming straight off third shift without a complaint, and only slept for a little while during the race. He went on less sleep than I did. How many husbands or wives would do that for their spouse? I'm incredibly lucky. And what's more, is my husband said that being involved completely changed him. He can't describe it, but it did. Somehow, some way, it changed him. He's even considering running the NC24 hr himself next year! I'm excited to repay the "favor" at his first marathon in October and his first Ultra in November. My husband was so exhausted he slept all day when we got home, woke up at 8:00 to eat some dinner and went back to bed and stayed there at 8:30! He deserved that rest!

My son was a trooper and was very encouraging. His constant "Great job mom" and his hugs when I was feeling down were the best thing to me. At one point he hugged me, I did not want to let him go! I did still make him study during the race. Tee hee!!!

I'm incredibly grateful to have wonderful support as far as my family goes and I'll never forget this. Ever.

Northeast Running Club & many other friendsSo I knew a long list of people were coming out to cheer me on for a bit, but some came that I did not expect as well! I'm so grateful for everyone that came out, and wish I could've run better for them. All the support I got from my NERC friends and all my other friends that came out is the greatest thing ever. I saw Andy, Mark, Daniel, Mark G. Ron, Joe, Bill & Bill, Jim Chaney, Glenn (Mark/Daniel/Joe/Mark G/Ron R. volunteered - Jim C. and the two Bills' were working)Eric, Sarah, Rachel, Sandi, Shaun, Tanya, Charlie, Nick, Edie, Mike, Kevin, Beth, Guy and his wife, Jeanette and her boys, Emily (she gave me an awesome gift!). There was also a guy in a blue shirt who was yelling my name from afar, I'm not sure who it was because I couldn't see his face, but thanks!

My god - if I forgot anyone I'm so so sorry. There was just so much happening, and so many people - but please know I appreciate each and every one of you coming out and supporting me. Your friendship means a great deal to me, and you really touched me by showing up at NC! I mean, who the heck wants to see someone run in circles? How boring is that to see! But you were there, and I appreciate every minute of it. THANK YOU EVERYONE!

The run. Minus the issues:
Oranges
For some reason, at one point during the run I loved them. I couldn't get enough of them, and I do not eat oranges EVER! Maybe it was the fact that I WAS dehydrated? But they tasted SO good. The first time I ran by, I grabbed only one. The next two times I ran by, HANDFULS! Then everything changed, and I got sick of them. Who knows!

Kites
Well Edgewater appears to be the kite flying destination! There were many people flying kites during the race. At one point it could've been nasty, but a thoughtful runner turned around to let me know someone crashed their kite, and the string laid stretched out over the sidewalk we were running on. The kite flyer was not concerned about the fact that a runner could trip with potentially nasty results.

At one point I thought that one of the kites was a skydiver. I suppose I wasn't quite with it! I did have skydiving on my mind though, as it was the one year anniversary of one of my skydiving instructors death. Danger Dan will not be forgotten. We miss you Dan...

Running with cell phones?
I saw quite a few runners running and talking on their cell phones! I was floored by this! After awhile I noticed that some of them were using them to relay messages to their crew. At times I admit I wished I would've had mine on me too, but if I do this again I still won't use one.

Music
I didn't use my music all that much, and when I did it really didn't help. At one point my husband gave me my mp3 to lighten my mood. I was thankful for his help, but as I was running, my music was so loud I felt bad as I passed other runners. What if they were talking to me and I couldn't hear them? I hope I didn't pass anyone who tried to talk to me and I gave them no response, if so I'm really sorry. After a few laps, I took one of my headphones out, left one in so I could hear. Problem solved!

Nightfall
I was glad when nightfall came. I've gotten used to running early in the morning, in the dark and it's quite peaceful. Even though I was having issues I loved running in the dark. The midges were not a problem and the temperature was comfortable. The moon was beautiful, the city lights were beautiful, as well as the lights from the boats on the lake.

The aftermath:
Of course I'm sore and my feet are swollen. That being said it's not as bad as I thought it would be. My son lovingly told me he thought my feet looked like they were going to explode, but really they aren't that bad. I feel like I felt after Mohican, and I was fine 2 days later. I'm going to take a couple days of and then start some easy running. ON TRAIL!!! Running and training for NC really made me realize how much I LOVE trail running. I'm pumped to get back on the trails, I was actually quite jumpy today wanting to just get back out there! I miss them! Other than resting the day was spent with my husband, celebrating at PF Chang's in Beachwood.

Neither of us had been there, but were completely excited to go. Maria Walton, girlfriend of Caballo Blanco (Micah True) had sent us many coupons for free meals and appetizers at Chang's awhile back for our anniversary. We couldn't use them at the time since I was on a special diet, but made it a point to get there the day after the race was over! Not only did she give us the coupons, but knowing that we were going there today she did something even more amazing. She called ahead to the Chang's Beachwood owner letting the know we were on our way. After our meal the owner came up to us, and the ENTIRE meal was on the house - drinks included. I am constantly floored by Maria's generosity. The meal was wonderful, and we'll definitely be back! Gracias, La Mariposa!

North Coast 24 Hour Endurance Run - counting down the days!

2010-09-13T06:08:00.029-04:00

North Coast 24 Hour Endurance Run for Impossible 2 Possible
My goal is almost met! I have only $52 left to raise! I'm nervous I won't meet my goal in time though. If anyone can help, please do! Impossible 2 Possible is an amazing organization. The team is busy preparing for their adventure to the Amazon now, only one month away! Thanks to all the new donors that have stepped up - I love you guys! I know some of the donors on this list have fallen into hard times, and I really appreciate everything. You all amaze me every day!

I2P Donors to date:
Agnes Jung
Charlie Bolek
Cyrus Taylor
Daniel DeRosha
Gregory Murray
Jeannette Spada
Kelly Matter
Meggie Feran
Nick Zeman
Ronald Kageyama
Stan Hembrough
Tamara Musick
Todd Shannon
Pamela Rickard
Tom Turturice

Donations can be made at:
http://www.active.com/donate/laurieI2P
THANK YOU!

Reflections on 24 Hour Training and My First Year of Ultras

I can't believe there's only a few more days until my first 24 Hour run. With Ray Zahab's help training has been phenonmenal. I've pushed myself harder than I ever have and learned a lot about myself. There were easy training days, and HARD training days. When I look back now I can't believe I ran my first 50k nearly one year ago - Exactly one year from the start date of the upcoming NC 24 hour. Fast forward to present day and now it's been at times well over 50k's, back to back - week after week for training and it's just craziness! Craziness and I love it! I've learned so much during this time, it's completely different from my 50 mile training. Incredible is all I can think of. That being said, I am ready to relax a little bit after this. I'll still be running, but taking it down a notch for a bit and just having loads of fun. Long runs will be 2 hours here, 4 hours there, as I feel and as time permits while continuing my weekly routine of hill work and speed work. My next big race won't be until July, the Vermont 100 miler, so I have some time to chill and have fun! (Won't be slacking TOO much though!)

Upcoming fun events are:

#1. Towpath Marathon with my hubby (pacer for his first!), Stan Hembrough from Canada, and the great Jean Toth.

#2. Bills' Bad Ass will be in November, and I'll most likely be running alongside/pacing my husband for his first 50k! If he runs this it will be a great milestone for him. November of last year he started running, so to complete a 50k in just a year - amazing!

#3. Possible pacer for Oil Creek :D !!!!!!!!

#4. Fun Run to Mary Yoder's (info below)

During my rest time I'm excited that I'll have a little more time to do some other things I like. I'll be starting a new photo project, going to the West Side Market a TON (one of my son's favorite places - and mine as well!), cooking up some new recipes, and hiking and kayaking more with the family (especially now that the leaves are going to start to change). Since 24 hr training I've slacked off on the meditating, so I'll be starting that up again, too. I think I fell off the band wagon as far as that's concerned because I just figured, well - when you're doing 6 hour and 8 hour training runs you kind of go into a meditative state after awhile!

Fun Run
For some unknown reason I really want to do is a group fun run from my home to Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen in Middlefield. It's 22 miles if you take 608, a little more if you take the bike path. At first I wanted to make it an out and back but I'm not really sure how many people would be up for that distance (and I want to eat at Mary Yoder's anyway - don't know how pancakes would work out mid-run!) The only drawback to making it a point to point is the fact that people would have to figure out how to get their car to Mary Yoder's so they can get home. My husband and I will drive out there the night before and drop a car off in the parking lot so we can get home. If anyone would want to stay at our home the night before they may. We have one extra room in the house. I'd like to make the run sometime in October after my husband's first marathon. Two weeks after may be a safe bet - we'll keep everyone posted!_

Final training weeks in review

Labor Day weekend was a wild one. One of my hardest weekends of running - and all because of the stinkin' wind! The weekend started out kind of hairy, as I wasn't sure what to do as Saturday would be the only day that could potentially interfere with my son's XC invitational. Miss that? NO WAY! As luck would have it, my husband was on second shift. So that meant he could drive my son to XC, and I could simply run there. I started out early in the morning Saturday, and it was pouring. The rain wasn't so bad actually, it was the WIND. It was horrible. And I was running into it for 90% of my run. There was nothing I could do about that, that was the direction my family was headed later in the morning! A couple times the wind actually pushed me backwards. I was clenching my body and cursing the wind with every step. I had just purchased an mp3 player since we will be allowed to use it during the 24 hr. I wanted to get used to running with headphones again, but it was pouring so I didn't take it out right away. An hour passed and I couldn't stand the sound of the wind anymore. It was still raining, but I took out my mp3 anyway. Only one hour in and I didn't really give damn if the thing broke. I just didn't want to hear that wind anymore! (the mp3 is safe, no damage!) 30 mph winds, Gale warnings on Lake Erie - what a crazy run! My son's XC team gave me a lift though - and it was the most simple, amazing thing. They actually passed me on the bus as I was running to their meet and started waving and smiling to me. That gave me a little surge of energy the last hour of my run. They're the greatest! I thought I would embarrass my son coming to the meet with my reflecto gear on, my spi belt (aka fanny pack, as he calls it), hydration pack, and headlamp - but I guess I didn't do too much damage! I was so relieved when I got to the meet and reached my time goal. I stopped, then had to do it all over again the next day. The winds were reduced by half, but I was feeling the effect of all that muscle clenching the day before. It was slower, and I still hated the wind. My husband joined me for 20 miles of the run and we ran to Fairport Beach.

This past weekend:

I had no more back to backs, just a long run that I took relatively easy. I wanted to enjoy my last training run, and for the first time througout the whole training did not set a mileage goal within my main goal of time. I ran, took pictures, stopped to look at flowers - all that girly stuff.

With all the stopping I was surprised at where my half-way point was-in Geneva! I saw really interesting things. I ran through Unionville (always heard of it, never saw it).

I ran past a strange house that I've named the Conspiracy Theory house. I couldn't really make out what point these people are trying to get across exactly - there are so many complaints thrown up there -all with a peace sign on the front door! I don't get it. Throw in a couple wineries and nurseries, and it was a pretty amazing run. An ice bath marked the end of my North Coast 24 Hour Training. One amazing, worthwhile, fun ride. I'll never forget all the support I received from so many people. You all have been so amazing, and I'll be thinking of everyone during my run. THANK YOU! I'm so excited and nervous, but am ready to give it my all!

North Coast 24 hour training, Riverside XC, Lactic Acid, and The Greatest People!

2010-09-01T17:26:00.015-04:00

I can't believe it's almost here. My biggest event so far, the North Coast 24 Hour Endurance Run! I'm feeling many similar emotions that I felt in regards to my first marathon. Fear, excitement, wonder, doubt. There is a big difference from my first marathon though. All my amazing friends who are supporting me! I've met some excellent people since I've started running this ultra-running business and continue to do so! I keep thinking last year I trained for YUTC all on my own. Solo. Lonely. What a big difference a year makes! It's such an amazing community. A family really. A great big wonderful family that I'm so glad to be a part of!

Many of you have asked what you can do, how you can help, and have told me you'll be there for the North Coast 24! I love you guys! I really am so so lucky! And, not to mention my amazing family! My husband and son, who put up with me making tons of noise and heading out the door at 2, 3 a.m. for long runs. My husband, who has joined me for a 3 a.m. run, and for being my personal mausuesse after mega long runs! Also - they'll be spending the whole entire race with me at Edgewater, sitting, camping out, watching, crewing and supporting. I will certainly be returning the favor when my husband runs his first marathon in October, the Towpath Marathon! I am hoping to be recovered enough from NC that I can run alongside him, supporting him in his first marathon. Stan Hembrough from our great neighbor up north will once again be joining us, a month after his running his first ultra! And - last but not least - JEAN TOTH. She will be coming with us to Towpath and I hope (again if I am recovered from NC)I can run her through to the end after I run with my husband. Seriously, Jean is my idol. How can I describe her? The Energizer Bunny. Wonder Woman. 74 years old and still running marathons. INCREDIBLE! I've never met anyone like her, and just know I'm a better person because I know her! I never get tired of hearing her stories, and grin like a goof every time I'm listening to them. I love Jean!

I wanted to thank everyone who has donated to Impossible2Possible so far! You are all so amazing! It's a wonderful organization that really creates a domino effect of giving to everyone who is involved. I like to think of it as a real life Pay-it-Forward. Thank you! I got many new donations this week and have now reached the half-way point of my goal. My supporters:

Agnes Jung
Cyrus Taylor
Gregory Murray
Kelly Matter
Ronald Kageyama
Stan Hembrough
Tamara Musick
Todd Shannon
Pamela Rickard

Please join my amazing friends and my way cool sister in donating to this great organization!

It's easy, safe, and secure. Just go to the following link-your money goes straight to I2P!

http://www.active.com/donate/laurieI2P

Thank you all! Every dollar helps! Whether you give $1 or $100 it's going to an excellent organization, one that has benefitted and is benfitting people from Ohio!

ON TRAINING
Guy Gadomski always seems to come around when I need a good kick in the you-know-what. He had heard about my UTI episode the weekend before and called me that night. Sent me an email later in the week, asking to join me on my Saturday run. I definitely needed that! I had been running slow all week. I don't really know why, the weather was good, the meds were working, so I was frustrated. I admit I was pretty scared when I got his email. The last run we did together, 13 miles and clocked a 7:13/mile pace. I almost vomitted just thinking about it, but knew I needed this. While we didn't go out as fast as our last run we did keep it under an 8:00/mile pace (around 7:50-ish), which I was completely thrilled with considering my week. It felt amazing, and I'm glad Guy was there to help me get out of my rut! Charlie Bolek ran with us for a good chunk of time as well, and let me say he is getting SUPER fast! YUTC will be no problemo for my man Charlie! I can't wait to hear about his experience there! Charlie - you better call me at NC with an update!!!!

LACTIC ACID
I knew about lactic acid, but I didn't really KNOW about it, if you get my drift. I don't think I've ever experienced lactic acid build up, as odd as it may sound. But yesterday it happened. I've heard so much about it that instantly I knew what was happening. I ran fast, again, considering last week - kept it at a 7:10/mile average. I was completely fine during the run, but when I stopped it hit like a thunderbolt. I actually said out loud "What the #&^@!!!" It was this immediate surge of pain. Not a nasty pain though (as sick as this may sound). You see I'm an odd bird. I think shin splints feel somewhat good. This was the same way. I'm still feeling the burn today, but managed a quick run with a new running group, teachers from Riverside High School - which I KNOW my son is just thrilled about (tee hee!) Haven't looked at the stats yet but I managed a 7:30/mile something pace. I felt a bit incomplete ending the run though, as I didn't have to run as long as everyone else. It was great to meet a new group of people though, and I'm looking forward to many more runs with this group. They were really friendly, and I'm a bit bummed I had to turn around so soon!

Riverside XC
My son has begun his second cross country season. I'm so proud of him, he's really taking on a lot this year. Drama Club, XC, Honors Classes - SHEESH! He's managing really well so far, but this IS just the start of the school year. Later on will also call for Ski Club and trying out for track. Busy Busy!

Cross Country is going good and he has improved significantly! It's amazing to see! Last year he was more a back of the pack runner.

I'm wondering if his training and running the Cleveland 1/2 marathon had anything to do with his improvement. I'm certain it has. And he did continue his running through summer, so he's pretty good at running in this heat and humidity. Not to mention he's also been skateboarding so much, as I logged endless miles in our local park. My mini me is looking good and feeling strong, and I'm one proud mama! I can't wait to see all the upcoming meets and cheer on the whole XC team. GO RIVERSIDE!

NORTH COAST 24 HOUR ENDURANCE RUN, AND MY WONDERFUL FRIENDS
I mentioned above about the great number of friends that told me they were coming down to support me for the North Coast 24. I can't say how much this means to me. To see you all there will be so incredible - how could I possibly do anything but my best! I have goals within goals for this race. Time goals, mileage goals, best case goals, worst case goals - maybe I should just RUN and forget about it! My best races come when I'm having a blast anyway! We'll see what happens. It's a long time to be running, and anything can happen. All I know is that I'll try my best. I've had an excellent friend and coach in Ray Zahab, and completely trust in everything he has told me! I am stronger and wiser because of his training (but still just as stubborn, and still totally type A when it comes to training!). I'm so appreciative of everything, and damn lucky! The next big one has already been decided. July. 2011. VERMONT 100!

Thanks to everyone for all your amazing support. Family, friends - I couldn't do any of this without you guys by my side. Who could ask for more!

North Coast 24 Hour training weekend = FAIL! and the I2P fundraiser kicks off!

2010-08-23T13:04:00.012-04:00

Impossible2Possible

My Impossible2Possible fundraiser has now begun! My goal is $500 and I have reached $150 of that goal so far. Please help by going to the following link to donate:

http://www.active.com/donate/laurieI2P

Special thanks goes to those that have donated so far! The following have been so generous in helping out, thank you!

Ron Kageyama - California
Cyrus Taylor - Ohio
Pam Rickard - Virginia
Kelly Matter - Ohio

Impossible2Possible is an incredible organization that reaches out to inspire youth everywhere. Please join us in donating to this wonderful organization!

North Coast 24 Training weekend = FAIL

This week started like all others have been. Running. Running. Running some more. This past weekend called for a big long run, and I was pumped. I've put in the hours I was scheduled to run before during this training period, and it was fast becoming my new favorite training distance/time. I had all my gear set out by Thursday, my potatoes boiled and I was ready for Saturday's run!

***DISCLOSURE!!***
Possible TMI for some people, but I feel I need to share it. One day it could be helpful to someone out there.

Saturday started out like any other. I woke up very early to get my long run in. Scarfed down my oatmeal and coffee and headed out the door. It was extremely humid and pretty warm out. I got to my starting location and off I went. By a mile I was drenched. Other than that I felt fine, except for this horrible feeling that I needed to go to the bathroom REALLY bad. And I did. Again. And again. And again. There are port a potty's and a gas station along my early a.m. route - the route I run before the rest of the group trickles in. They became my new home on Saturday. I was frustrated. Mostly because when I would go - I would STILL feel like I needed to go. I couldn't figure out why I felt this way. It was uncomfortable, but I could still run. Not fast, but I was doing it. It was more like - well it just pissed me off, basically. A couple hours into my run is when I started to feel somewhat concerned. It was still dark, but I could tell what little I was going was very very dark. And getting darker each time. All I could think of is the news clip on CNN that flashed up images of Badwater: urine cups all in a row, doctors checking them over and over. I started questioning myself. "Am I drinking too much? Am I drinking too little? Did I over do it with the electrolytes? WHAT THE HELL!" I met up with some NERC runners (thankfully) around 6:00. By then it was even worse. I told a couple of the runners that I didn't know what was going on - that something just wasn't right. I just had to watch, and if it got worse I (1/4 jokingly, 3/4 seriously) said at least I was close to the hospital. All this time in my head I'm still trying to figure out what the heck I was doing wrong. Well the run with the group didn't last long! We reached a turning point but I was close to the bathroom (about .20 miles away) I ran to the bathroom and most everyone ran on. I got to the bathroom on the path and there it was. Blood in the urine. Freakin awesome. It wasn't too bad yet, but that has never happened to me so I was pretty worried. I came out of the bathroom and told a couple running buds that had waited at the turning point to just run ahead, I had my cell. And that was it. I was pretty scared at that point. I can't even say how many times I called my son - waking him up telling him to check the internet for some sort of clues to what was going on. NADA. Husband was at work, where it's almost impossible to get ahold of him. I wanted in every way to call Ray, but didn't want to wake up him or his family, so I held off.

It seemed like it took forever to get down that bike path, uncomfortable and just worrying, not understanding, and just being plain pissed off. I had a time goal to fulfill - but I also had a goal within a goal - was really gunning for a certain mileage within my first goal (being time). Funny I was still thinking about running after what was happening. I'm such a stubborn ass (yes husband, I admit). I can never stop on my own. I always need someone to tell me to stop, or tell me I can't run. Hell last year I had pneumonia and still got my miles in! (Stupidly, yes I admit.) Pneumonia had me down for 2 days and I tacked the extra miles that I missed onto the first few days that I started running again. Also ran one day until my treadmill caught fire. NO JOKE. The poor thing started smoking, stinking, and here's me like an idiot: "I'm only on mile 5 I am not stopping!" Broke out the fire extinguisher soon after. All this being said I just shake my head and wonder what in the world's wrong with me. Still I can't stop on my own. Even if I have to walk, crawl, limp my way through - I'm NOT stopping. Sometimes it's not something I'm all that proud of, because it winds up being completely irresponsible.

Ok back to the run. Finally! The path ends and I'm on the road, and get to the gas station I had visited many times earlier in the morning. It was 7 o'clock ish. I ran into the bathroom and that was it. I cannot even begin to describe the amount of blood. I almost started crying right there. Headed out the door, I dialed Ray's number. Hung up though, because I decided it was still too early. I walked to my car faced with an important decision. Should I give up for the first time ever? Telling myself not too be so stupid - I still couldn't help contemplating continuing my run. I knew I could not tell myself to stop. So again I called Ray. I wasn't sure if he'd answer because #1 - it was freakin early. #2 He was out of town with his family. Thankfully he answered! I could tell it was at breakfast time too and felt really bad about that. Like a smart runner though (not me!) He told me "Obviously you have to stop running, go to the doctor - and if you can't go to the doctor go to the E.R." By that time I was in tears (trying to hold it back) but I think he could tell, because he said it was most likely no big deal and not to worry - but was something that cannot be ignored. Feeling a little better, a little more calm (but STILL bummed about my run - seriously?) I left for home and called the doctor.

Fast forward to the doctor: Even the receptionist knew what was wrong! Oh it sounds like UTI to me. What? Never had that before. Nurse - same thing. Sounds like UTI. Really? I started to tell the nurse everything fell apart during my run and got the typical "How far were you going" question. I told her and she whipped around and said "WHAT?" So I lied and said a couple hours. (Did tell the doctor the truth though, since he pretty much knows how I am) Took tests and for sure: UTI. The doctor called it by a different name, hemorrhage something or the other but said: "It's not worse than regular UTI, just more dramatic looking." Dramatic is right! Sheesh! Freaked me out just a little! He gave me some meds and made me tell him I would not run Sunday. He just said "I know it's hard for you, and you run all this crazy amount of mileage, but please take off tomorrow. Can you just give me that?" Again - bummed. He also said if things don't get better, if what happened Saturday happened again to come in, and they'd check out my kidneys just because I run so much. That being said I'm feeling so much better now, the meds are working fast and I'm ready to go!

This is why, sometimes, I'm STUPID

I told my good friend Daniel what happened since I couldn't make it to the North Coast training run. Daniel knows tons, and he's heard of this happening before with worse consequences. I did a little research, too, and here's what I found:

#1 UTI's) are of particular concern to women runners, UTI's can involve the lower urinary tract or, in more severe cases, the kidneys. Antibiotics generally resolve the problem in short order, keeping after-effects at bay can be summed up in a word: hydrate.

#2 Untreated UTI's can lead to acute or chronic kidney infections (pyelonephritis), which could permanently damage your kidneys.

All I can say is thank goodness Ray answered his phone at a time when really, he should have just ignored my call. He continues to amaze me every day. I know damn well I would've kept running if I would have not gotten ahold of him (again, not something I'm really proud to admit). Sometimes I sit back and wonder how he does all that he does. HUGE Kudos to Ray for being there, and to his family for putting up with my early a.m. phone call! I am SO appreciative!

Check Ray out on CTV - good piece on hydration!
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/news/top-picks/drink-up/#clip337843

North Coast 24 Hour Training and the NERC XC Series - Race I

2010-08-15T18:00:00.008-04:00

North Coast 24 Hour Training

Well how about this? I'm officially going along with everyone else and saying that I'm ready for fall. We haven't had a summer quite like this in a long time, and it's getting a little old really. Easy runs have turned into "I think I'm going to puke and pass out" runs.

NC training is going really well and I'm having so much fun doing it! I'm really liking this training! (Minus the puke and pass out stuff) This weekend was a blast as I ran with my husband and Eric Ford (Saturday) and Charlie Bolek and my husband (Sunday). Klutz me has fallen 2 weeks in a row now. This a.m. I got a mouthful of dirt and it was well, crunchy. Good stuff. I wonder if there's protein in dirt? Tops on the list for the weekend: seeing the biggest, most beautiful owl I have ever seen. This is the joy you get when you run early in the morning! After the rain subsided this morning we finished up back to school shopping for my son (hehe) and then it was off to the beach for some skimboarding action. The waves were great for it today! Back to reality though - blah - MONDAY!

NERC XC Series: #1

So I know I said no more races until NC - but this one was only $3 and my son had not run yet for the day, so we went. Going into it I knew I wasn't about to run like Speedy Gonzalez after an amazing training weekend, but it's always fun to run at Pen Glen. (My favorite time to run there, stupid as it may sound, is during wicked thunderstorms. The thunder just echoes off the old Halle remnants and is incredible!) In the end I wound up with 2nd place in my age group. This Tuesday brings race #2 with a potluck dinner at Guy Gadomski's house for NERC members. Last year he had 30 + people, so be prepared to eat if you're coming! I'm not sure if we'll be able to make it this week, it will most likely depend on what my son does during his XC practice for the day - but for everyone else interested: 3 bucks how could you go wrong? NERC does sell tshirts before and after the race if you'd like to purchase one. (Technical shirts! WOOT!)

Endurance Junkies

Check it out! Endurance Junkies has taken me on as a Guest Blogger. The first stories they are putting up are my race report from Mohican and a recipe of mine. The recipe appears to be going up first:

http://endurancejunkies.com/blog/2010/08/15/frappuccino-style-recovery-drink/

Everyone have a great week! Looks like temps will not be in the 90's, so that's always a plus! Happy Running All!

Northcoast 24 training and the NERC Cross Country Series

2010-08-09T12:00:00.004-04:00

North Coast 24 Hour Training

So I've been busy. Running. And running. And running. Running in itty bitty circles, and running in big ones. My son is thrilled about this whole running in circles thing. He's been going skateboarding a lot! It works out nice as he can be at the skatepark while I am running and get to do his favorite activity - and I can see him every minute he's doing it.

I have come to a couple realizations this past week.

#1: Bats like my headlamp. And I do not like bats.

#2: Yes I actually have butt muscles, not just fat! And they hurt.

I was a bit bothered while running this weekend. The end of a run took me through a neighborhood in Concord. I was hurting. I was tired. I wanted to stop. Bottom line: IT WAS HARD. Many people were out doing things. Walking their dogs, landscaping, riding bikes. Now here I am - hurting, struggling, you name it - but every single person that I passed I made sure to say "Hi" to. I mean, that's what you do right? Be friendly? Dissapointment struck as not a single person said "Hi" back. Or even just threw out a smile. I'm used to the occasional person just looking at me like I'm a freak if I say hello to them, but everyone I pass? SHEESH! Maybe I looked like a crazy person, running along through their neighborhood - half dead haha! But this half dead person was still saying HI.

NERC Cross Country Series

The NERC XC Series begins this week! The series is a set of 3 5k's - cheap - $3 each! The runs are held at Pen Glen in Kirtland. They will held the next three Tuesday's and many XC kids attend as it's a great way to start to get back into racing for the XC season! Come down and have some fun, bring your family and have a picnic afterwards. Pen Glen is a beautiful park - come check it out!

BURNING RIVER 100 Mile Endurance Run and the upcoming I2P pizza party/fun run for kids!

2010-08-02T07:05:00.000-04:00

BURNING RIVER 100 MILE ENDURANCE RUN

Never before have I witnessed such an amazing event. I witnessed the end of a 100 mile race for the first time this weekend and I'm still trying to find the words to explain it. I witnessed tremendous acts of courage, bravery, and determination. I witnessed people who pushed themselves past their breaking point and keep on going. I saw both laughter and tears. I saw pride and a strong sense of accomplishment on the runner's faces as they crossed the finish line. Runners, you are incredible. You are INSPIRING. Congratulations to all the runners, and thanks to all the volunteers who made their day special. This race was well organized from top to bottom. I witnessed the RD, Joe Jurzyck, personally shake the hand of every runner that crossed that finish line. Incredible! Job well done - everyone!

I took many photos of the finish line Sunday a.m. (Beginning at first light - I didn't want to blind the poor runners with my flash!) I have uploaded them all to the WalMart photo center, please feel free to purchase your photos for whatever the price walmart charges for them (I think 20 cents is the cheapest). You can also find the same photos on my facebook page.

http://photos2.walmart.com/walmart/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3814369002/a=15094613_15094613/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=walmart/

Just a few of my favorite moments from the finish line:

I2P Pizza Party and One Mile Fun Run

Saturday is the big I2P pizza party and fun run at our house! Bring your kids - this is an event created to inspire kids and educate them on I2P. Need more details, send me a message! We will have a one mile fun run, volleyball, human foosball, a bonfire, and the bigun: FOOD!!!! Please come, you are all welcome!

My I2P speech/flyer for Saturday, will be directed towards the kids:

Q: What is Impossible2Possible?

A: Impossible 2 Possible is an organization that was created by Ray Zahab, an ultra runner who lives in Canada. I2P’s goal is to encourage all of you to reach beyond your limits. They want you to realize that nothing is impossible. If you put your mind to it, hard work into your goals, there is nothing that you CAN’T do!

The impossible will become POSSIBLE. There are no limits. YOU have the power to change the world. I2P uses adventure to educate and inspire to make positive changes in the world.

I2P uses adventure to cultivate a generation of leaders. YOU. Kids who are old enough, usually 17 years old and up can apply to go on youth expeditions, at no charge. If you aren’t old enough – you can do the next best thing. You can ask your teacher, principal, school to follow along in school. All I2P expeditions will make use of t.v., film, and the internet to broadcast these expeditions and spread messages on human and environmental issues. Previous students have followed I2P’s expeditions to Baffin Island, Tunisia, and Siberia. You are considered part of the expedition team, and as you follow along you get to ask questions and do experiments based on what is happening during the expedition. Sound better than just reading some boring textbook? It is! And the best thing about it is it’s all free! There is NO cost to the teacher, NO cost to the school, and NO cost to you. I2P’s goal is to simply to reach 1 million young people that will become agents of change. That basically means I2P wants you to take action! Is there something wrong in your community? Think of ways to change it! Some examples of students changing the world are:

Trailblazer elementary: They are selling “Otter Pops” at lunch to raise money for GivingWater, an organization that helps people get clean drinking water. You know – we have it easy here in the U.S. We just go into the next room, straight to the faucet, and BAM! Magic – we have clean drinking water. We’re USED to it. What you may not realize though, is in many places it’s not that easy to get clean water. One billion people don’t have access to clean drinking water. 3.900 children die every day due to the lack of clean water. Some students at Trailblazer Elementary heard this, didn’t like it –and thought “What can we do to change that?” They took action and started selling their “Otter Pops” to help raise money to build wells for these communities. This is what being an “Agent of Change” is.
Riceville School decided to have a hat day to raise money for their well project. Students paid $1 to wear a hat to school.

D’arcy McGee School held an all night ball hockey tournament to raise money, and Southside Elementary school held a Candy Gram sale around Valentine’s Day.

All these students are making big changes in the world – and you can, too!

About the founder of I2P:

Finally, a word about the founder of I2P, Ray Zahab. Ray made history when he ran across the Sahara desert with 2 other runners, Charlie Engle and Kevin Lin. There’s a documentary movie about the run on Cinemax, or you can rent or buy the movie – but it’s very very good. It follows their entire run across one of the harshest climates on the entire planet. They ran for 111 days - nearly 40 miles every day through 6 countries. He also ran across Lake Baikal in Siberia and traveled 1100 km’s in the South Pole – he was the first person to do so without skis. He was just wearing his snowshoes.

Now, you can follow along on these same adventures, just convince your teachers! The next expedition will be to the Amazon. 4 youth ambassadors will be picked to actually go on the trip (they’ve already submitted their applications. The I2P team is in the process now of choosing the 4 kids who will go with them). You can still be a part of the team though by following along in your classroom. It’s free, just let your teacher know about it! Give them this flyer, or led them to the Impossible2Possible website. Many many schools have signed on so far – you guys are all missing out on all the fun! Your teachers will have questions, though. Lots of them – I’m sure. Just point them in the direction of the website - http://impossible2possible.com/education and they should find all the answers they need. They can also email or call any of the following people:
Ray Zahab - i2P Founder
• email: rzahab@impossible2possible.com
• phone: +1 613.868.2888
• web: rayzahab.com
Bob Cox - i2P Executive Director
• email: bcox@impossible2possible.com
• phone: +1 614.296.2736
Dr. Ewan Affleck - Education Director
• email: eaffleck@impossible2possible.com
Mark Dohn - Education Program Coordinator
• email: mdohn@impossible2possible.com
• 8.2460 +1 818.448.2460

For a list of schools that have participated in the program so far go to http://impossible2possible.com/education/schools

i2P adventures:
What could be better? It’s free, it’s adventure, and teachers love it because it’s educational!
• Are challenging: physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually
• Push the limits of what seems possible to the adventurer
• Provide young people with a two way street of communication through a live website
• Young people are active team members whether through web communication and learning or active participation in an adventure
• Include a service component relevant to the adventure setting
• Challenge and improve the adventurer's knowledge, understanding, and ability
• Increase awareness of the environment's impact on humans, and humans' impact on the environment
• Expand the adventurer's personal definition of what is possible
• Involve risk (not to be confused with danger) including a risk of failure
• Require extensive intellectual, physical, and logistical preparation
• Require assistance from others
Push the adventurer beyond herself physically, geographically, socially