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
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Atacama Extreme, Beast of Burden 100 mile Taper, and the I Believe Run
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!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Run for Regis 50k, Marathon, and 1/2 Marathon Race Report& i2P ATACAMA begins!
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!!
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!!
Monday, January 3, 2011
It's been awhile! Best of Burden 100, Copper Canyon Ultramarathon, I2P updates and more!
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!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Bills Bad Ass 50k, Beast of Burden 100 Mile Training, Giving the Vegetarian life a try
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!
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!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Autumn Leaves 5 miler: From a volunteers perspective
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?
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?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Amish Country Fun Run, Johnson 5-0 Trail Run, Halloween Fun Run, Beast of Burden 100 miler
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
.jpg)
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!
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
.jpg)
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!
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