Suck it up! Excuses don't get results.

Wow! I have a lot to update since I last wrote my "Bucket List with a Twist" blog post. I have been doing a new exercise regimen which I will go in depth later.  I have the Flying Pig Half-Marathon coming up in about 4 weeks and if I can kick it into gear these next few weeks, I will be ready. If not, well, I guess I got sucked into the "Winter Blues." 


What are the "Winter Blues" you ask? Well, it's a term I made up to describe all of the BS excuses I used to NOT train this winter. Below I have some excuses that I used to justify to myself that it was okay NOT to train. 


"It's really cold outside"
I'm sure we all have used some sort of climate based excuse. Whether it's raining, snowing, too hot, too cold or maybe too windy. I will confess, I used this one a lot this winter. If you live in Michigan and are currently reading this, feel free to call me a wuss or something else. We all know that Michigan was NOT cold this winter. Yes, there were a few cold days. But, overall it was a mild winter. Some would even say it was perfect running weather. To me, it was an excuse to stay in bed and relax. To this I say to myself and to you, "SUCK IT UP!"


"I've been really busy..."
How many people have used this excuse? I will say, my winters were pretty busy. I am a cheerleading coach and winter is our competitive season. I had 3 hour practices every night and  had a competition almost every weekend. By Sunday, I was content with laying in my bed and doing absolutely nothing. I ran on the treadmill a few times. Hated it. Gave up after 15 minutes. I would like to think I tried to work out. But, we all know that wasn't true. Here is a quote that directly relates to my life, "Someone busier than you is running right now." To this I say to myself and to you, "SUCK IT UP!"


"I'm so tired"
I just read a blog post about this excuse. The main point was that everyone is tired. But, you can't let "tired" define you. Yes, I am exhausted at the end of the day. But, during cheerleading season I let my "tiredness" consume me. I was too tired to go out. Too tired to work out. I was just "too tired." Everyone is tired. I recently posted on my Facebook that I was too tired to workout and I needed motivation. My friend Jess said to go to the gym and stay there for 10 minutes. Most of the time you end up doing the whole workout. Genius! So the next time I am tired I say to myself and you, "SUCK IT UP!"


Training for the Flying Pig
Training for this race has been rough. This is the first race I've trained for by myself. No guidance or group leaders. Yes, I am running it with a group of friends from college. But, we are training for it in different places. It is very difficult to go out and run when you have to go out by yourself. I reconnected with a local running group and they have been helping me train. I am SO grateful for Jessica and John. They have been so supportive throughout this whole training process. 


If you have to go running by yourself, I would recommend breaking my cardinal rule. Which is, always run without music. Break it and break it many times. Thank God for Britney Spears, rap/hip-hop and all other sorts of music. If it wasn't for my brother's iPod shuffle and Lola (my dog) it would be a very hard training process. 


So, I have to ask...


What are some things that motivated you to get out and moving? 


and


What do you do if you have to train alone?

My Bucket List with a Twist (Updated: May 7)

As the new year came and went, I still didn't think of a resolution. So I started brainstorming.


Things I could possibly do in 2012:
- Lose Weight: Yes, of course I can shed a few pounds but, everyone wants to "lose weight" in the new year.
- Run a Full:  I ran a half in 2011, why not a full in 2012? 
- Bucket List with a Twist.


I decided on the bucket list with a twist idea. It's my Bucket List for Running. I have done a similar post on my "wishlist" races. But now, I want to expand the wishlist races to actual goals. Here it is: I want to run a race in all 50 states within 5 years! So, I have until 2017 to run 50 races! I should get a sponsor. This is going to be EXPENSIVE!


So far, I have three races planned in different states. The Kona Half-Marathon (Hawaii), the Flying Pig Half-Marathon (Ohio), Detroit Free Press Half-Marathon (Michigan). I plan on going to Las Vegas this year as well as Chicago. I'll have to do some research but, I bet I can find races while I'm there. OR plan my visit around them.



Bucket List with a Twist: Update! Planned Races for 2012-2014

Orange: Goal
Green: Planned for 2012
Blue: Planned for 2013
Red: Completed


Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California: Surf City Half/Marathon - February 13, 2013
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida: Gasparilla Race Half-Marathon - February 2014 OR Disney Race
Georgia: Soldier Marathon (Half) - November 10, 2012
Hawaii: Kona Half-Marathon - June 22, 2012
Idaho
Illinois: Chicago Half-Marathon - September 9, 2012
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky: Run the Bluegrass - March 30, 2013 (Half) OR Kentucky Derby Marathon (Half)
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan: Detroit Free Press Half-Marathon - October 2011
Minnesota
Mississippi: Mississippi Blues Marathon (Half) - January 5, 2013
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada: Las Vegas Half-Marathon
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York: New York Marathon (a girl can dream!)
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio: Flying Pig - May 6, 2012
Oklahoma: The Williams Route 66 Marathon (half) - November 2013
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming 

Total Completed 2012: 2/50
Projected Completion in 2012: 4/50



Let me know if you have ANY recommendations about which races I should run!

I start training second week of February! 

Happy running!

Danielle

The Completely Biased Gift Guide for Runners

Every company is putting together a "gift guide" for the holiday season. So, for my blog about running, I put together a completely biased list of things I would love to receive.

Please Note: I do not have a relationship with any of these distributors nor do I receive any sort of payment for putting their merchandise on my personal running blog.

Let me be honest, I have an Etsy addiction. Therefore, my list contains many homemade items. Since my main goal this Christmas is to shop local or from small business owners, this list has been tailored to give back to the community or to support the small man.

Click picture above to browse the Etsy shop

As you may know, I have a medal addiction. So, for my first gift on my gift guide is a "Run Like a Girl" medal display. I'm sure your runner would love this as well!

Click picture above to browse the Etsy shop

If you're a hoarder, like myself. Chances are you have EVERY SINGLE race bib you ever wore. In my case, I have the date and my recorded time written on the back. Mine are currently sitting on my dresser, collecting dust. But, I cannot part with them. So, Etsy comes to the rescue with a Race Bib Display. This would look super cute next to your medal display.

Click picture above to browse non-slip headbands

Long hair don't care...unless I'm running. It took me forever to try and find the right headband to keep hair out of my face. Here are some headbands that I think are amazing. They have velvet-type material on the inside that sticks to your head no matter what. On the outside, your options are endless. You can literally choose from a mass amount of vendors on Etsy to find the perfect color combination. In my case, you can't go wrong with a little sparkle.

Click picture above to browse Runners Feat

If you have a Pandora-type bracelet, this is a gift worth getting. Runners Feat offers a variety of marathon specific beads for the Pandora bracelet. I have the Brooksie Way half-marathon bead and also a 13.1 bead. I really want the above bead. Which is the Detroit Free Press half-marathon bead. He also sells super cheap filler beads. Take a look at his site. It's worth browsing. Let's see how many times I can say bead...

Click picture above to browse local races

Running can get expensive with all the registration fees. I personally would love to have someone pay for my next race. Although my wishlist races aren't local, it would be great to receive registration for a local race. Not only would that person save me money but, they can enjoy cheering me on too!

There's nothing your runner will love more than receiving a gift card to the nearest running store. I'm not talking about Dunhams, Sports Authority or other big box stores. I'm talking about the small, independently owned and operated running specialty store. The closest one to me is Hanson's Running Shop. But, there are plenty out there to choose from. Your runner will love to shop for their own gear. Shop local! Support the small man this holiday season.

Last but not least, a massage appointment. What runner would pass this up? There's nothing I love more than visiting my local spa and getting a good deep tissue massage. Running is hard on the body so it's good to have all of that tension rubbed out. Sounds wonderful right about now!

Other ideas you could do for your runner would be to visit a local craft or art show. They might have ornaments or crafts specific to running. Check your local paper or Patch.com sites for craft shows near you.

If you have any other ideas or comments related to Gift Guide for Runners, feel free to comment!

Happy Running!

Danielle

Racing with Music. Faux Pas?

I can't wait for June 2012. Why you might ask? Because I am vacationing to Hawaii! So, naturally I checked up on races in the Hawaii area and the annual Kona Marathon is going to be taking the place the same week I'm there. So, naturally, I'm going to run it. 

While I was investigating the website, getting a feel for the race, I noticed that they have a strict rule about running with music:

"Our top priority is to ensure for a safe race for all participants. For your safety and other runners safety and in accordance with The Road Runners Club of America and USATF Rule 1.44.3(f) we prohibit the use of electronic devices using headphones on the course at all times. You are subject to disqualification if you wear headphones on the course"

This got me thinking...Is running with music a faux pas in the racing world?

Personally, I do not run with music. I used to but, before my first race, a 5k, my friend John told me to not run with music. He told me, "there's nothing like your first race. Why would you want to block it out?" Touche, John, touche. So, I ran my first race, the Corktown St. Patrick's Day 5k, without my iPod and it wasn't bad at all! I loved being outside, enjoying the sights of downtown Detroit, the drunk people on the sidelines cheering us runners on and of course, runners receiving/giving encouragement to runners. The best thing about the race was seeing/hearing all those things and creating a great first race memory.

But, what about other runners? Contributing in today's blog post is New York Marathoner, John F. Martin,Chicago Marathoner, Jackie Kosakowski and Detroit Free Press Marathoner, Patrick Beirne.

 

New York Marathoner, John F. Martin.
Photo Credit: John F. Martin Photography

"Never, ever. I'm a purist. I much prefer (and need) to listen to my body. I also don't like being isolated from the environment - music takes away too much. And during a race, there is no reason for it. All the sounds and sights of a big race shouldn't be missed. At both full marathons I've run, there was live music and/or crowds cheering the entire race. It's insulting to all of them to run with headphones, I think. Then there's the safety factor - if you can't hear a car, a bike or other runners, risk of injury (or worse) increases exponentially."

Chicago Marathoner, Jackie Kosakowski
Photo Credit: Race Day Photographer

"I will race more often than not with music. But, my headphones and iPod were broken most of 2011 so I didn't really train with music this year. In the past, I usually did.  It's hard for me to answer that. I used to prefer it but once my shit broke I got used to not running with it. Now i run to my Netflix. But, I mean yeah I guess I do like running with music. Or i dont know - im indifferent I think. Outside I don't care but inside I guess I do prefer to run with music."

Detroit Free Press Marathoner, Patrick Beirne

"I can't run without my iPod. For me it is my breathing. If I can hear my breathing, than psychologically it just makes me feel tired. The music covers up my breathing and I run so much more effectively. I know that races supposedly don't allow you to use music, but truthfully I think that is just for competitive runners. For recreational runners like myself, I really don't think anyone sees a problem with it. I have heard the argument about being aware of your surroundings and all but that's never really been a concern for me."

So there we have it folks, some say they need music, some are indifferent and some, like me, prefer to not run with music. Although, I do have to agree with Jackie. Running on a treadmill sucks and I do prefer some sort of entertainment. 

What do you prefer? Running with or without music?

Anyone running the Turkey Trot tomorrow? I will be running the 10k! =)

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Wicked Halloween Run 10k

6.2 miles?? EASY!

My goal for the race was to be under an hour. It was a relatively flat course. If I ran below a 10 minute pace, I could hit my goal time.

Some of the costumes were hilarious! Some person dressed up as a horse. How that person ran 6.2 miles in that thing is beyond me. I dressed as Harry Potter. My brother's girl friend bought me a Gryffindor shirt for my birthday as a joke and since it was a t-shirt, it was the perfect outfit to run in.

The weather was perfect running weather! I started off running 4 and 1's with a fellow BW3 at a 10.30 pace...This was way too slow for me and I didn't really feel like interval running so after the first mile of intervals we split ways and I ran the rest of the 5.2 miles. I knew I needed to increase my pace by a lot if I were to make my goal time. My Garmin told me I was running between an 8.30-9.20 pace. I never went above 9.20.

I never felt out of breath and I didn't stop for water at all, I didn't need it. It was a great run and I never once thought it was grueling. My knee did tighten up but overall it was fine.

Final Time: 59.58

PR'd by 2.42!

On my way home from the race, I realized my mentality about running has changed. 3.1 is a fun run, 6.2 is a short race, 13.1 is a long run and I'm itching to do 26.2. Who would have thought?


What are some great marathon you've ran?


Upcoming Races:
Sunday, Nov. 13: Bid Bird 10k (hoping for another PR)
Thursday, Nov. 25: Turkey Trot

Detroit Free Press Half Marathon

Two half marathons in ONE month....AM I CRAZY?! 


Yes. Yes, I am.


Pre-Race Day:


Well, let's just say it was homecoming weekend at CMU...Now let me tell you that there was a 5k before the homecoming game....one more update, it was freezing and drizzling. Mind you, I told myself it was going to be a training run because I was running the Freep the next day. Did I listen to myself? NO! I semi-raced it and ended up having really sore thighs. Awesome. 


At least I received a medal. Dumb. I am dumb.


Race Day:


I woke up with a stuffy nose and sore throat. Awesome. Not the best way to wake up on race day.


Mom and I left at the crack of dawn to beat the traffic. We parked in the Joe Louis and met up with Paul and Mary. It was only a short distance from the start line so we walked the difference. 


One word to explain the Detroit Free Press Marathon: Mass Chaos. Okay, that was two words but, that's what it was. There were people everywhere. Shoulder to shoulder. Being bumped into every two steps. Literally insane. 


I left my Mom at the bleachers and Paul, Mary and I headed to our pace times. Since Paul and Mary ran the Chicago Marathon the weekend before, we decided to take the intervals to 3 and 1's. (Do you still think I'm crazy?) 


The start line was amazing. I have never seen anything so extravagant and inspiring. The start line designers should give themselves a pat on the back! 


I hate bridges. I get nervous and start sweating just thinking about crossing one. Good thing I had to run across the Ambassador Bridge and it was the first thing I had to do. yay.


To tell you the truth it wasn't that bad. I thought it was going to be way worse than it actually was. But, I did notice that I started gravitating to the edge and that made me a little nervous. Kinda like when you're watching a train and your body moves forward. It was that sort of feeling. 


Once we were in Canada, we had a DJ welcoming us and reminding us of the terrible MSU/UM outcome. (Boo State!) But, it was actually really cool to see the Detroit sky line from Canada. We are always so accustomed to seeing Windsor so it was cool to see it from the other side. 


We were in Canada for a good 3 miles (I think). It started drizzling as we were making our way towards the tunnel. This tunnel was SO much worse than the bridge. Imagine 20 thousand runners going through the same tunnel. It was hot and it was sweaty and I could barely breathe. Worst mile of my life. One of the most memorable moments during this race is when all the runners came out of the tunnel and you could hear everyone take a big gasp of breath. A breath of fresh air. (get it?)


My legs started to really tighten up while we were in Corktown and I think we only had 4-5 miles left. So, I wasn't that worried. At the beginning of the race, I wanted to PR. By mile 11, I wanted finish. I stopped at every water stop because I had the sick throat thing and I really slowed down my pace because of my legs.


With 3 miles left, Paul and Mary told me that we can finish it. So we just ran it in. I saw Kelly and Steve (family friends) on the sideline and my Mom was waiting for me at the finish line.


Overall, it was a great race. I overcame my fears of bridges...kinda and found a new hate for tunnels. Will I run the race again? Yes. Will I still hate the tunnel? Yes. 

Final Time: 2.21"12 

PR'd by 3 minutes!

Upcoming Races:

November 13, Big Bird 10k

November 24, Turkey Trot 10k

Brooksie Way Half Marathon

So more than a month later, I will tell you about my experience with the Brooksie Way.

As I may have mentioned in previous posts, my goal race was to run the Brooksie Way Half-Marathon. I felt as if I needed something to strive for since I am out of college. Plus, it didn't hurt that the race was on the day of birthday! Some people get drunk for their birthday, I run a half-marathon. Ha!

The week before the race, we did a training run on the Brooksie Way course. I was a little nervous especially because I didn't have a lot of time to do training runs on my own. Weekdays were filled by work and cheerleading practice. By the time I got home, I was beat. So, when I did train it was a quick 3 miles. 

The training run definitely put the race into perspective and I'm glad we did it. I knew where the hard parts were and when I needed to slow/increase my pace. For example, the course is flat for a good mile and then right after that flat mile, there's a huge incline. I think that was at mile 7. Not fun.

Needless to say, I'm glad we did the training run.

Race day!

To make it a non-stress morning, I listened to other marathoners advice and prepared all my stuff the night before. I filled up my water bottle, packed sweats for after the race and put all my racing gear together. I tried to go to sleep early but, I was so nervous/excited!

My Mom and I left the house at 5 a.m. to get to Oakland University by 6 a.m. We got there super early so my Mom and I just relaxed in the car for another hour. The race was supposed to start at 8 a.m. but there were a ton of delays because of construction. I think the race ended up starting at 8:30. Anyway, we got there at 6 a.m. to meet up with my Brooksie Way training group. I'm glad we got there as early as we did because we missed the atrocious parking lot traffic. 

Once I met up with my group, we headed over to the tent where the other BW training groups were meeting. This is where I started to get a little nervous. There were a ton of people and the energy was unreal! Everyone was so amped it made me that much more nervous/excited. 

As we lined up in our pace groups we discussed the plan of action for the race. We decided to run 4 and 1's at a 9-10 minute pace. Perfect. The first half was a lot of fun and my body warmed up after the first mile. It was freezing that morning and I was really nervous I was going to be cold the entire time. (I was wearing a short sleeve tech shirt and running capris). 

The second half was tough. Tienkein Hill took a lot out of me. It was definitely a struggle after that hill but, it was moderately easy compared to it. My knee started hurting around mile 9. I never had knee issues during my training run so I have no idea what I ended up doing to it but, it was super tight the rest of the race and the day after. 

I decided to ditch the intervals and run the last 3 miles. I figured, it's a 5k. I can do this. I saw a couple of the BWs on the side cheering on other BWs. It was awesome! I love the fire at the end of the race. 

When I turned the corner to the finish line, it was a little emotional for me. I had a million thoughts going on in my head and it was such a great achievement for me to have fully finished a goal. My Mom cheered me on by the finish line and I sprinted it all the way in. 

Overall, it was a great experience. I love my BW3 group and if it wasn't for them I probably would have never achieved this goal. So thank you for being amazing!! 

You know what they say, you'll always remember your first. 

Final Time: 2.24