Chapter 2 page 569– Wallaby Waddle 10K Race Recap (TR182)

On Sunday afternoon, I participated in a 10K fundraiser for a group of high school kids who are going to Australia this summer to play in a basketball tournament – Sammy, I thought of you the WHOLE TIME!!!!

Spoiler alert – you’ll want to read to the end . . . very exciting news!

I worked up an outfit for the race featuring a neon green shirt, purple compression sleeves, and an aqua bondi band that said “Find your happy pace.”  It was barely 50* and 15 mph winds so I opted to through on an aqua Adidas jacket for prerace – shed it right before the start.

So what’s a girl to do with such a colorful attire palate?  Braid her hair and paint her nails – do you like my “I’m being arrested pose” – only way to capture all of the colorful magic.

I was a bit apprehensive going into this race a I have (sigh) not run in a month (where does the time go?), but on my way to the race I looked up my 10K PR time (1:22.05) and began to entertain the idea that I might be able to beat that (delusional?  probably). 

I met up with my peeps (“L” and her friend “D” who walked the 5K race, Kimberly from Healthy Strides who accompanied her friend “H” while she ran her very first 5K – ahh, don’t you remember your first race like it was yesterday? – and then my mom came to show support). 

The race started pretty uneventfully –

I started off with a 3:1 (run/walk) interval for the first 2 miles, then 2:1 for the next mile then 1:1 for the rest of the race.  The trade off (in my head) was that if I was going to do 1:1 then my 1 minute of running would have to be using a 180 strides/min cadence which is something I enjoy, but was only able to maintain for 1 minute.  My first 4 mile splits were exactly 12:30 and finished 4 miles in 50:05 (that’s WAY faster than my normal 4 mile time). 

The last 2 miles were hard – in the wind and without either crowd support nor other participants (I was in last place, until mile 4 when I passed the lady in front of me).  It was one of my biggest regrets in all of my running – I passed her without so much as acknowledging her.  I just couldn’t!  I couldn’t expend any more energy to breathe or look over across the street at her.  I just went on and passed her (I really really feel badly for this – it’s definitely NOT my nature – I’m usually very social – there just wasn’t a drop of anything extra in the tank). 

At mile 5.25 or so, she came up behind me and said that she was grateful for keeping her in the race and having me to motivate her (hope it’s not one of those, “I can certainly beat that fat girl up there!” kinda things).  She stayed with me the remainder of the race.  We talked (mostly I gasped for air but it was very nice to have her right there).  Her name was Kelly (she’s in the orange in the photos below) and is a professor at a small university in Northern Indiana.  She is in training for the Geist Half which “C” and I ran last year.  We talked a little about that and she really became my motivation to push it.

At about mile 5.75 “L” and “D” came out of no where and cheered us on. – so.truly.helpful!!!!  Unbelievably right on cue-  I was tired and really wanted to quit, but there they were, and there was my new friend Kelly.  Angels!

I pushed to the end thanks to Kelly and finished in 1:19.05 – a new 10K PR by exactly 3 minutes!!!!!!  Woot Woot!  Maybe dreams do come true!

The post race fare was nice – especially given it was the smallest race I’ve ever participated in and it was a fundraiser.  There were 3 flavors of Australian Style Wallaby Organic Yogurt (Vanilla bean, banana vanilla, and blueberry – I opted for the BB), bananas, and cold bottled water (always sooo appreciated when the water is chilled).  They even had one of the basketball players wearing clothing from Australia (Sammy – is it true?)

I’m sure this was a one-time race, but I would LOVE to do it again – scenic course, NICE participants, and super well organized (including 4 water stations and there were several dozen motivational sayings written in sidewalk chalk along the first mile – really a sweet touch).  Kudos guys for an excellent race!  Oh and the 10K bike marshal was my half mary class teacher who just ran at Boston, Eric.  He gave me a high 5 to help celebrate my new PR!  AWESOME day!

Chapter 2 page 568–Super Saturday

First, holy cow – it’s been a week since I posted . . . WHERE did the time go???????  My goodness!!!  I’m sorry – Did you know May is just around the corner?  Anyone else think that time is FLYING?!?!

Second, I had one of the most spectacular Saturday’s ever.  I also want to apologize because at each moment today I said, “We should get our picture taken”, but alas, there are only photos of us at Body Pump.

My day started off with a return to Body Pump.  It’s been nearly a month since I was last there – sigh.  It was beyond AWESOME to get back to it (though, my quads and buns may not be quite as happy – tomorrow is going to suck!).  here are some quick shots – mostly just screwing around between tracks  (shocker!). 

These are my FAV pictures – the bottom left is my hardcore Bestie Bloggy Friend, Kimbelry knocking out military style push ups – look at those shoulder muscles and biceps!  The bottom right photo was taken upside down while Kimberly was doing a side plank – I didn’t rotate it because it just cracks me up!

Bottom left photo is me after doing nearly ALL of those pesky lunges (MAN I HATE LUNGES).  Bottom right is Kimberly next to our teacher, Corey. 

That concludes the photo portion of this post – I’m so sorry because the rest of the day was super fun!  I met up with my mom and we spent the whole day in the Big City just doing fun stuff. 

We went to an little shop that sells Balsamics and Olive Oils.  There are dozens and dozens and dozens of kinds and you can sample them all.  WOW – how much fun and how delicious!  Some of my FAVS were:  Butter Olive Oil, Garlic Olive Oil, Blood Orange Olive Oil, Red Apple Balsamic, Cinnamon Pear Balsamic, Dark Chocolate Balsamic, Vanilla Balsamic, and Maple Balsamic.  Incredible.  I promise to go back so that I can get photos to show you.  Have you ever heard of such a place?  It was awesome. 

We went to Culvers for lunch.  Is there a Culvers where you live?  There are several within an hour’s drive, but I' hadn’t been to one.  I enjoyed a Walleye sandwich – YUM!

We went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond (twice, actually – forgot the 20% off coupon the first time). 

We went to Williams Sonoma.  Usually it’s a wonderful place, but there was a guy doing a cooking demonstration and burned onions – it really made for a foul smell . . . which remained on our clothes and in our hair.

We went to Sam’s Club – now that’s always a good time.  We like to buy things and split them (really, who needs 24 gigantic oranges . . . 12 is plenty).  We shared spinach, strawberries, oranges, and clorox wipes on this trip.

We went to the mall so I could return a defective bed quilt and pick up a necklace I ordered a few weeks ago.

We went to Party City – do you have one of those near you?  Holy cow, I can so totally make upcoming races A LOT OF FUN with stuff from that store!!!!!

That’s about it – but it sure was a lot of fun!!!!  Now I’m resting up for a 10K tomorrow . . . if we’re being honest, I haven’t run a single step in a month (since my last race, the Nutrti-Run).  Eek – I’m sure this will be just the push in the right direction, though, to get back into it more faithfully.  Did I mention the month has FLOWN by?????

How was your Saturday?

Chapter 2 page 567–Boston Bound

No, not me – silly!  My half marathon teacher (from last Summer). . . Eric is on his way to Boston and I just wanted to wish him a world of LUCK!!!!  Best wishes for the race of a lifetime, Eric!!!

Eric is on the left – Good luck!!!!!

Chapter 2 page 566–Attention Local Readers

If you live or work in or near Wells County, this message is for you!

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 10th at 5:30 p.m., is the beginning of another session of Spring Into Training.  A 10 week program to help you walk or run faster and further.  So far there are nearly 25 participants so they’ll be plenty of socialness to make it fun plus the friendly accountability to keep you on track. 

Spring Into Training is a great program for people who:

can walk, but don’t do it regularly

walk regularly but want to have more fun doing it

have thought about trying to jog/run

currently jog/run and want to gain endurance or speed

people who enjoy social fitness activities

The 10 week program costs $20, but includes:

A comprehensive training manual

10 visits to the local YMCA

15% discount at the Big City Running Store

guest speakers

. . . and me

If you are local and want to join us – we’d love to have you.  Please leave me a comment with your email address and I’ll get you on the list!

Chapter 2 page 565–Crossroads, help

I need your help – your advice – your assistance. . . .

I ran 2 halfs in 2010 and 6 halfs in 2011.  My goal for 2012 was to focus on shorter distances and increase speed.  One of the biggest reasons for my focus on shorter distance was to allow more time to do things that I have neglected over the last 2 years because I haven’t had time (6 miler = 90 minutes of running + stretching and travel; 12 miler = a total of 4 hours).  Since January, I’ve REALLY REALLY REALLY enjoyed returning my attention to things like group fitness classes, having date night with my husband, weeding the flower beds (let’s face it –that’s an endless job!).  I have also REALLY enjoyed NOT being in pain following the long runs (those who know me or have seen me following a long run know my gimpy walk that lasts for a couple of days).  I have made some big running accomplishments (endurance – I ran for 70 straight minutes), but in the big running scheme, I’m not sure that’s really going to help me out . . . especially since it was crazy slow.

So what’s the problem? 

1.  To run faster you have to run more

2.  If I don’t run further I doubt that I’ll get much faster.

3.  If I do run further than I might as well do halfs and get medals, right?

4.  I kind of miss the whole planning a race and being a part of the whole running/blogging half marathoners community – though I do like paying off some of my other bills and saving money (and planning a dream race schedule for 2013). 

What do you think? 

A.)  Continue participating and thoroughly enjoying the group fitness classes/cross training, and doing other things that I have neglected because of the time it takes to do long runs (weeding, date night, etc).

B.)  Return to running 3-4 days a week which will make my life look a lot like it did last year; aim for some summer/fall halfs (ex:  Chicago RnR, Indy Women’s Half, Fort 4 Fitness, Columbus Half, STL RnR, Women’s Half in St.Pete).

I welcome any advice you are willing to offer – thanks!

Chapter 2 page 564 –Garden Day 14

Full view of the garden

The green lettuce sprouted last week, but finally the red also pokes it’s head out.  That’s a penny for size comparison.  They’re teeny tiny leaves right now. 

The radishes are growing.  The leaves are about the size of a penny and they stand about thumb nail high. 

That’s the super teeny tiny carrots that just began poking through the soil in the last couple of days.  Again, a penny for comparison.

These are the onions, and one carrot to the right, that we planted last year, but died over the winter only to “pick up where they left off” in the growing process.  I put my hand there to compare the size.  They’re nearly 2’ tall.  Nuts!

Chapter 2 page 563–5 (yeah, it’s 2 more than usual, deal with it) Things Thursday

I never have 3 things on a Thursday to say, but today I do 5 things!!!!!

1.  I was a victim of that dang credit processing center hacking that happened earlier this week in GA!  A$$holes charged nearly $300 out of my checking account.  Thankfully it wasn’t like THIS experience, but still – I had to go to the bank, stop that bank card and then file a police report.   Apparently it’s happened to like 20,000 people so check all of your credit card accounts to make sure there are no fraudulent charges. 

2.  I discovered a new martini at a Big City eatery last week – I have discovered the exact perfect recipe for a S’more Martini – enjoy!

3 shots of Pinnacle Whipped Vodka

1/2 shot of Hazelnut Liqueur

3/4 shot of Crème de Cocoa (clear)

Shake and serve with a graham cracker rim; totally amazing – but will leave you well lit!  Enjoy!

3.  Local gem – have you ever found (or been shown) a local (or near you) treasure?  One that seemingly everyone knew about except you?  Today, my mom showed me 2 such establishments in a small town about 20 minutes from my house.  The first was a local cheese shop where they make cheese under the Swiss Land brand.  I have eaten the cheese many times and known it was made in a nearby community but never been to the retails shop.  The cheese is sold at a significant discount and is amazing!!!!  If you get a chance to try Swiss Land cheese – you should (and think of me).  The 2nd local treasure is a tiny grocery store with uber cheap prices – I mean uber cheap!  UBER CHEAP!  You could get fresh produce for such a low price.  They had meat (mostly I was interested in a HUGE ham for $27.00 that was made at another nearby smokehouse).  They had spices for NOTHING – crazy – like those small deli containers (1/2 pound I think) of any spice was like $1.79 – what?!? A small sprinkler container of pumpkin pie spice at Krogers is like $6.  Such an amazing place.  I’ve passed near it a million times and never known it was there.  Ever had such an experience?!?

4.  Today, I was at a health fair at a retirement community as part of my job.  The massage therapist at the booth next to me was not only someone I graduated with (which happens somewhat regularly) but was actually one of my high school friends (that almost never happens).  We had such a great time for 4 hours at this event – catching up, chatting, laughing, and remembering old times.  I was thrilled to see her and hear about her incredible life!  So fun – and completely unexpected!  What to hear something even crazier – we were both at this same event last year but didn’t see one another.  Hmmm – small world!

5.  This one is a joke, but it is NOT meant to upset or offend anyone.  It’s perfect for today since it’s Maundy Thursday. 

You all know in the picture of The Last Supper how Jesus has his hands out to his sides just over the shoulders of His disciples?

Do you know what he was saying while holding his hands out?

If you want to be in the picture you have to scootch in – come closer.

What were your 3 (or 2 or 5 ) things for Thursday?

Chapter 2 page 562–N2U Cross Training Challenge–April edition

I’m sure you are all hip to the New 2 You Cross Training Challenge hosted by Kim at (Just) Trying is for Little Girls and I’m sure you know how much I love this whole concept – try 12 new cross training activities in 2012.  Yeah – it’s just such a cool way to keep me motivated to move! 

April’s cross training activity . . . Piloxing.  

Of course, I jumped in with both feet . . .with my safety net along side, Kimberly from Healthy Strides (check her out with that cute hair and make up). 

Here is how the gym’s website describes Piloxing:

PILOXING is an exciting, new inter-disciplinary program that is attracting die-hard followers including Hollywood celebrities and international stars.

PILOXING uniquely mixes Pilates and boxing moves into a fat torching, muscle sculpting, core-centric interval workout, guaranteed to whip you into shape, using a class format that's both fun and challenging.

PILOXING is the brainchild of Swedish dancer and celebrity trainer, Viveca Jensen, and the culmination of her mission to physically and mentally empower women through fitness.  At the core of PILOXING is the principle that feminine is powerful and it aims for women to attain a sleek, sexy, and powerful self-image.

PILOXING blends the power, speed and agility of boxing with the beautiful sculpting and flexibility of Pilates.  Add to that the fun and sexy dance moves that reflect Viveca's personality.

In addition to Pilates and boxing movements, the exercise incorporates the use of weighted gloves which add to the workout by toning the arms and maximizing cardiovascular health.

The class was held at a Big City dance studio and is 45 minutes from my house.  Unfortunately the late class start (7:05 p.m.) meant that I wouldn’t get home until about 9:00 p.m. - pretty late . . . for a “school night”. 

Check out some of the more common Piloxing moves!

So how do I feel about Piloxing?

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

OMG - this is the GREATEST group “aerobics” class I’ve ever done!!!!!!

Piloxing combines all the elements of fitness: 
Muscular strength (hold in that core and lift that leg)

Muscular endurance (my booty was screaming with all the pliés)

Cardiovascular endurance (wish I would have had a heart rate on – pretty sure I got very close to maxing it several times)

Flexibility (there’s a lot of long reaching)

Balance (a huge part of this class focuses on balance activities . . . who knew). 

This is one great workout that the internet says burns 400-900 calories per hour!!!  Oh yeah – it does most definitely!!!!  It’s much like Zumba in that it alternates high intensity sections with lower intensity sections (thank goodness – I needed a brief breather).  It’s a solid 45 minutes of constant go-go-go followed by 10-15 minutes of floor work focusing on butt and abs. 

Our teacher, Jill, is a gifted instructor – seriously amazing!  She was ALL over the room and yelling over the motivating music.  She was so inspiring and excellent at cuing.  She definitely made the class go by quickly and made it a BLAST!

If you have an opportunity to attend a Piloxing class – DO IT!!!!  I drove nearly an hour – IT.WAS.TOTALLY.WORTH.IT!!!  I’m going again and again and again!  Dang – kids, this is my new FAV (don’t worry, Pump will still be in my life). 

Have you tried Piloxing?  If not, do you have Piloxing near you?

Chapter 2 page 561–Garden update #2

Day 7 (as if you’re marking your calendar - ha):

Stay tuned . . .