Aaargh! Run Like A Pirate!

A month or so ago, I saw that U.S. Road Running was offering medals for virtual races to celebrate national Talk Like A Pirate day which is tomorrow, September 19^th.   I got to thinking and it hit me; the Bolingbrook Fun Run Club would probably like a pirate themed event.  I tentatively asked “who would do this if I set it up?” and a bunch of folks showed interest.  The BFRC Run Like A Pirate 5K was launched.

After taking a look at the calendar, I chose to schedule the run on Wednesday, September 17^th because I figured most people would not want to run on Friday night.  And, because we were running, the event became Run Like A Pirate.  If people wanted a medal, they could order one from US Road Runners and use our event to do their virtual race.

This is my race report from the “race director’s” perspective. 

First, this wasn’t really a race.  Sure some people are fast and someone came in first but the idea was to have fun.  BFRC uses Meetup.com to announce our events to our members and as soon as I posted it, people started to RSVP “yes” and before I knew it, there were something like 35 people signed up bringing an additional 8 guests.  Seriously?  I thought five or six people would show up and we would have a nice little jaunt on the trail.  This was turning into an event.

One afternoon, I happened to be out near the mall that has a Gordman’s in it.  I had never been in the store and in fact, thought it was a furniture store.  No, it is kind of a low end department store and had lots of interesting junk.   To my surprise, I found two pirate nightlights and bought them to be costume prizes for Run Like A Pirate.  So, I started advertising that we would have costume prizes.  More people signed up.

Now, I am not a costume person.  In fact, I think the last time I wore a Halloween costume was probably ten years ago.  But, since I was setting this event up, I figured I had to at least make an attempt.  This past Tuesday night, I was heading out to dinner with a friend and stopped at Party City.  Luckily, since Halloween isn’t far off, the store was full of costume stuff.  I didn’t want to spend much so I bought a cheap hat, bad teeth and an eye patch.  My costume was born.  Black tights, a white shirt, a bandana, a sash and an earring and I was set.  I definitely looked like a second rate pirate but it was good enough.

What a glorious day yesterday turned out to be!  The weather has been up and down the last couple of weeks but yesterday was perfect, not too hot, not too cold and beautifully clear.  As I set off in my costume to plant the turn-around sign at the half way point, I couldn’t help but smile at our luck.  And as people started to show up in their pirate costumes, I thought this is going to be fun.  

Linda & Gladys Manning the Ship

Gladys, the club leader and Linda had volunteered to help me out and we quickly set up a table, started handing out bibs, collecting raffle tickets for later and socializing.  The park we started from was pretty busy but we managed to have our little party in a fairly quiet corner.  Adults were wandering around in pirate costumes and running clothes, sometimes both, children were brandishing homemade swords and teenagers were pretending not to have fun.   Another club member, a professional photographer, was there to take pictures and people were hamming it up. 

The funniest thing of the evening was when the Naperville Park District police showed up on a four wheeler and asked “do you have real swords?”  We were like “what?”  In fact, he had to ask a few times before we understood what he was asking.  Uh, no…. we have little kids with sticks.   Seriously?  He didn’t even ask if a group of 42 people had any alcohol.  We did not.  But, that would have seemed more likely than real swords.

One thing I had not taken into account is that it is September and the sun is starting to set earlier and earlier.  I was getting worried as 6:30 approached that the trail might get too dark.  So right at 6:30 we called everyone to the starting line, gave a few words of wisdom like “stay to the right or you’re going to get hit by a bike”, “turn around at the turn around sign” and “have fun” and they were off!  It was great to see the fast runners take off, the middle and the back of the pack continue to socialize as they ran and children running with their parents and grandparents.  Many of us think of BFRC as family and this event felt like a family picnic on steroids.

While they were running, we discussed that since there were so many kids, we wouldn’t choose best costumes but just raffle off the two night lights, a water bottle, a Brooks water bottle, a Brooks toiletry set, Road ID certificates, a session with our photographer and a few other items.  Then we waited for them to come in!

Our two fastest runners came in neck and neck in the 25 minute range.  One of them managed to make that time while taking videos out on the trail, amazing!  It’s always fun to watch the fast people do it.  What they do doesn’t look like what I call running (get it?!)

After everyone was in, we had the raffle and sure enough one of the youngest kids quickly won one of the pirate night lights.  He was excited and adorable carrying it around.  I asked his mom if his sister was upset that she didn’t win anything and she said that his sister was more interested in the Pirate’s Booty.  She was just happy eating that.  Oh, to be little again.  At the end of the night there was about a quarter of a bag left and after asking her mom, gave it to the little one.  She was very pleased!

We also had a few new people attend last night.  I hope we were welcoming.  I know we tried to be.

As the evening ended and we packed up my car and Glady’s car, I think we could say well done.  It’s funny how some events appeal to people and other events don’t.  Who knew everyone wanted to run like a pirate?

50 Miles or Bust!

A few weeks ago, I posted on Facebook that I was tired of all the emphasis on trying to go faster and further.  I said that I just wanted to run and enjoy it.   Although that is still true, I decided I wanted a primary goal for 2015.  Frankly, I was fearful that if I didn’t set a goal, I would just flounder.  For some reason, I like to lay out training plans, track progress and do the work.  I get pleasure in building the spreadsheets.  Just a tad analytical, I’ve been told.

With that said, I am really not interested in doing another road marathon.  Slogging along a paved trail with thousands of other people just doesn’t appeal to me.  I’m also not really excited about the triathlon thing.  Biking and running in wet clothing isn’t my thing either.  Plus, I wonder if I have the mental capacity to remember all the stuff one needs for a tri – bicycle, hat, helmet, shoes, socks, etc.   I wear what I need to runs, that pretty much takes care of it.   So what should I do next year, I know sign up for an Ultra Marathon!  (play the scratching of a needle across a record here and the music stops) Am I crazy?  What the heck?  Didn’t I just say I wasn’t interested in going further?  

Somehow, a new Ultra, the Hennepin Hundred came to my attention.   This will be the first running for a 50 mile and 100 mile trail run along the Hennepin Canal in north central Illinois.  The Hennepin Canal played an important role in the history of the United States, and to commerce and industry, and the entire canal is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hennepin was the first American canal built of concrete without stone cut facings. Although the Hennepin enjoyed limited success as a waterway, engineering innovations used in its construction were a bonus to the construction industry. Some of the innovations pioneered on the Hennepin Canal were probably used on the Panama Canal. Both used concrete lock chambers and both used a feeder canal from a man-made lake to water the canals because both needed water to flow ‘uphill.’ 

Not the Map of the Run but of the Canal

Registration doesn’t open until November but I plan to sign up early and get training.  I have a five month 50 mile training plan set to go but will use the time between Nov. 2014 and June 2015, when the plan starts, to build a really solid foundation including a LOT more core and upper body work.  My overall goal is to run this 15 lbs lighter than I am now and a lot stronger.   I am really excited to do this and figure the added benefit of looking good at my 40^th high school reunion next September is extra motivation.   One of my run club buddies says she is going to sign up too.  I sure hope so because some of the training weekends are pretty grueling – 28 miles on Saturday, 12 on Sunday.  Yikes!

So, while I sit my bum on the sofa waiting for my knee to heal, I’m dreaming up big (long) plans for next year.   What are you tossing around for 2015?

Tripping Over Molecules

This past Monday, September 8^th, I decided I was going to run 3 miles to the gym, run four more miles on the treadmill and then run the 3 miles home for a nice ten miler.  The weather was glorious.  The sun was out, temperatures in the low 70’s with a light breeze.  I was feeling good too.   I walked for five minutes and started my interval timer and began to run.  During my second run interval, I turned my head to look at a house that is being renovated and all of a sudden I realized I was falling.  Falling is always an interesting experience in that it seems like time goes into slow motion.  I recall thinking “oh no, how can I stop this” as I bounced off my left knee and skidded to a stop.   As I lay prone in the street (luckily it is a quiet street) I thought “I hope no cars run over me” and then “I better get up and see if anything is broken”.    I still don’t know whether I tripped over molecules, tangled my feet or ….

I slowly got up and looked down to see that there was a divot in my left knee, blood running down my leg, road rash on the inside of my right arm and on my left palm.  Nothing hurt that bad but walking was not good.  I quickly got out my cellphone and called the Voice of Reason (new name for my husband) who said he would be right there.   I then hobbled over to sit on a fire hydrant, access the damage and wait for the Voice of Reason.

Knee Divot and Bruising Already Starting

I love runners.   As I was waiting, two middle school age boys walked by on the opposite side of the road.  They noticed me but said nothing.  They were young boys; I didn’t expect them to say something.  But within minutes, one of them came out of the house with their father, a man I had seen on a number of my runs.  Turns out he and his wife are both runners too and he offered all sorts of assistance.  The Voice of Reason was already on the way so I thanked him but I was really delighted he had stopped.

In a few minutes, I saw my white Prius heading down the street and the Voice of Reason pulled up, popped the hatch and pulled out bandages, seltzer water and other first aid items.  He quickly cleaned out my wound, took me home, and got me all bandaged up.  Peroxide on wounds stings.

Now, four days later, I’m healing well but likely have a bone bruise on my kneecap or surrounding bones.  This is going to take some time to heal but I will be back.  I’m so thankful for cellphone, other runners and the Voice of Reason.  

Training Would Have Been A Good Idea

Woodridge Mini Triathlon Race Report (August 17^th, 2014)

Three or four months ago, it sounded like a good idea to sign up for the Woodridge Mini Tri (WMT).  Ony 250 yds in the pool, 6 miles on the bike and a 2 mile run.  How hard could that be?  I run all the time.  Notice how I didn’t even consider that I had not been in the pool more than once or twice in about five years, and on my bike about the same number of times.  I signed up.  Did I train?  No.  How hard could it be?

Saturday night I was a wreck.  What the heck had I signed up for?  Why did I think I could swim and bike without training?  What should I wear for all of this?  Where was all my stuff?  Yikes!  After much debate, I decided to wear an old but supportive sports bra under my Speedo and a pair of compression shorts for the swim.  In transition, all I would have to do is put on my shirt with my race number and slip into my shoes and socks.  Of course, I had never swum in the shorts nor run in them wet.

Sunday morning I woke up at 4:45 AM.   My start time wasn’t until 8:02 am but the event started at 7:00 so I thought I should get there by 6:30 to get decent parking and get a sense of how things were going to work.   I had a granola bar and coffee and fed the cats (who are getting used to weird feeding times on race days.)  I had put the bike in the car the night before with all my transition items so I was set to go.  Although it was a little cool, the air was pretty humid.  Not necessarily the best biking and running weather but overall fabulous weather for a mid-August morning.  

By 6:30 the main parking was full so I was asked to move to the first of the secondary lots.  This was just a short walk through a soccer field away from the main event at Bolingbrook’s Cypress Cove.  The field was wet but the grass was lush so I took off my sandals and enjoyed the feeling of cool, wet grass on my feet.  As I entered the transition area, I looked around and determined where the bike and run starts were and put my bicycle on a rack midway between the two starts.  Having never done this before, I took note of a few things others were doing like hanging my shirt on my bike.  One, it would be easier to find the bike and two, it would be ready to slip on after I came out of the swim.  Note for the future, bring things in a milk crate and flip it over to use as a seat to put on your shoes.  Someone had decorated the rack with pretty helium balloons too.  That would also make it easier to find my rack and bike.

After I was all set up in transition, I went in to Cypress Cove to watch the people ahead of me in the pool.  Actually, I first used the restrooms which were really nice.  No need to use the port-a-potties at this event.  My number was 415 and the swimmers were split between two pools with odd numbers in one pool and even numbers in another.  So there were 200 plus people to swim before me with a swimmer starting every 20 seconds.  As I stood there waiting, I chatted with quite a few people.  Ths was almost everyone’s first Tri and my fear (yes, I was anxious about this whole thing) started to subside.  One surprise was the pool I was assigned to was 12’ deep tapering down to 4’ deep.  Not a problem for me but a number of people were panicking about having to swim in deep water.  I think next year the organizers will have an option to let people who are concerned about deep water self-select into the shallower program pool.

Cypress Cove is a beautiful Woodridge, IL Park District facility.  Wow!!!  It is fairly expensive for non-residents but it is absolutely lovely and I really liked getting to use it.

The first swimmers took off and as expected they were fabulous!  Fast! Sleek!!  Just beautiful.  It didn’t take long, however, for people to start having over estimated their swimming abilities and clogging up the lanes.  There was a woman in the first 50 people (when swimmers were doing 5 min or less overall times) who was leisurely back stroking (really?) down the lanes totally clogging up the flow of swimmers.  If you are not a strong swimmer, DO NOT lie about your time.  You won’t get done earlier and it totally irritates everyone else.  I had estimated my time as 7:30 and I finished in 8:19.  I forgot about the time running from the pool to the timing pad AND there were a number of people flailing in the lanes that I just couldn’t pass.  

I was totally winded as I left the pool and made it to the transition area.  I wasn’t using my bicycle clips so I

Biking past Ali 

slid on my socks and running shoes, took a sip of water, put on shirt and my helmet and grabbed my bike and moved on to the bike mounting area.  I was really fast in the transition area as I had thought it all out before hand and didn’t run into any problems.  As I mounted my bike, I realized just how much the swim took out of me.  On brother, this was now going to get difficult!  The first quarter mile of the bike segment was up a good sized hill and I sucked wind all the way to the top.  As the road levelled out, I started to pass a few people, down shifted and got up to as fast as 22 mph.  Every time I hit a hill, I bombed!  Quickly my speed dropped down to 11, 9 and even 7 mph!!  Clearly, training would have been a good idea.  About halfway into the out portion of the bike route, I saw Ali from the run club.  She was a course marshall and as always, seeing someone from the club helped me put a smile on.  Thanks for being out there Ali! 

There was a nice downhill run into the turn-around area.  I should have stopped and taken some water but I didn’t.  As I started up that nice downhill, now a brutal uphill, I decided to get off my bike, walk and drink some water.  That really slowed me down.  Although, a woman was riding beside me who noted that I was walking as fast as she was pedaling.   At the top of the hill, I got back on my bike and rode the rest of the way.  It was only 6 miles for heaven’s sake.  At about mile 4, I started hearing people say things like “this seemed like a good idea a few months ago”, “I’m never doing this again” and “who knew 6 miles could feel so bad”.  I was thinking all of those things but hearing others say them made me laugh.  I was going to survive.  I wasn’t liking it, but I would survive.

A quick shout out to the volunteers!  This event was well staffed and everyone was really nice.  I never once felt like I was out there on my own without support.

As I wheeled down the hill (the big one at the start of the ride) into the transition area, I was so happy to be getting off my bike…. Until, I did.   As I tried to trot my bike over to the rack, I realized just how tired I was and how little my legs felt like my legs.  I quickly racked my bike, took off my helmet, slipped on my running hat and grabbed my water bottle and headed for the running course.  As I walked down the first bit of the course, I saw a number of folks from the run club taking pictures and cheering.  What a difference having friends out there makes!!!  This is a mini tri but it was designed by sadists.  This was only a two mile run but the whole first mile was uphill.  I guess if you’re going to design a mini you might as well make it a hard mini!  I tried running a bit but my body wasn’t having anything of it.  After about 2 minutes, I pulled out my time which was attached to my running hat and reset the intervals from 1 min walk/1 min run to 30 sec/30 sec.  I found that this worked for me and I was able to get a little running in.  I was significantly slower than usual with an overall 12:30 pace but at least I did run some of it.

Running in with Michael

As I turned the corner to the final segment of the run, Michael from the run club (who had already finished) joined me and ran me in.  Then Michael ran in another couple of folks and went all the way back out to run in one of our last runners.  Way to go Michael!  You are a machine! 

After the event, Shanhans, a local pub provided really good hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and beer to the participants.  There were the usual bananas and water but the hamburgers and hot dogs were a really nice treat!  Good job Woodridge Rotary!!!

My run club hung out and waited for everyone to finish then we had our own post party that went on until mid afternoon.  What a great way to do a first tri.  Not sure I will ever do another one.  It just takes too much preparation and thinking but I did enjoy doing this.  I finished 10^th out of 20 in my age group.  I’m really happy about that.  Training really would have been a good idea.

After party!

Photos were all taken by friends in the run club!

Now What Have I Gotten Myself Into?!

I haven’t been on a bike in almost three years and I’ve been in the pool only a couple times more than that.  Why am I signed up for a Triathlon?  A couple months ago, someone in my run club sent around a discount code for a local mini Triathlon.  As I read the information, 250 yard swim, 6 mile bike ride, 2 mile run, I thought “I can do that.”   So I registered.   I’m now wondering if that was such a good idea?!!!!

In 2011, I trained all spring to participate in the Chicago Ride for AIDS.   I spent hours on my bicycle, mastered the art of clipping in (with a few fairly serious falls), and participated in the ride which was two back to back Century rides on a very hot and humid July weekend.   At mile 195, I took a nasty spill on Sheridan Ave. when another rider stopped in front of me mistakenly thinking we had a stop sign (we did not.) I got back on my bike, rode into the finale and that was the last time I got on my bike until last week.  Every time I thought about getting on the bike, I would remember that fall and decide I really didn’t want to end up on the pavement.  I had been spooked!  But last week, I pulled out my bike, put on my helmet and a pair of sneakers (no clips) and took a 6 mile spin through the neighborhood without a mishap.  I wasn’t entirely comfortable but I managed an average 15 mph speed and enjoyed the breeze.

Swimming?!  I have been in the pool for lap swimming probably once in the past 5 years or more.  250 yds, how hard can that be?  Yesterday, I ran five miles and then got into the pool and timed 250 yds.  With 20 sec breaks between laps, I completed it in 7 minutes flat.  Not a speed record but respectable.  Wonder what it will be like to do this cold, no warm up early on a Sunday morning?

My biggest concern, what the heck do I wear?  I’m a double D.  No running without supporting the girls.  After much research and advice from friends, I think I’m going to wear a sports bra under my swimsuit and then throw on a tech shirt and light shorts in the transition area before the bike portion.  I suspect I may get a little chafing but it’s such a short tri that I should be ok.  I might even wear my compression shorts over my swimsuit during the swim.  

Now my big concern is what the heck do I do with my car keys?  I don’t think those electronic fobs are waterproof.

Race Report: Chicago Rock N’ Roll Half – Sunday, July 20th, 2014

As promised a blog post and a race report.  The Chicago Rock N’ Roll Half Marathon was NOT on my radar screen until a couple weeks ago.  I had looked at it but it started at 6:30 AM in Chicago which meant a 3:30 AM wakeup, it was expensive and a lot of it is run on cement which I hate.  I didn’t sign up.  Then about two weeks ago, The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), sent out a request for back of the pack pacers/motivators in exchange for a free race entry.   The magic word “FREE”.   I sent them an email and they picked me and another 10 or so people including two others from the Bolingbrook Fun Run Club (BFRC) to do the job.  I was totally excited!!!!  This meant that I didn’t have to try to get a PR or even push myself, this was going to be a chance to walk a half marathon and give others a little motivation.

The only down side to this whole thing, besides the 6:30 AM start, was that I was required (like everyone else) to drive into the city to attend the expo and pick up my race bib.  I was free midday on Friday so that was the time I scheduled to go downtown.  There’s a great parking website called Parkwhiz which offers discounted and reserved parking at various garages and lots around Chicago.  I chose a lot near McCormick Place, Chicago’s convention center, and got $10 parking for $5 with a discount skipping the $20+ convention center lots.  The drive in was uneventful and picking up my free bib was pretty uneventful.  I wandered around the expo for about an hour picking up freebies and looking at other races.  The ride home was more eventful.  Chicago traffic sucks.  It was only 2 PM and traffic on I-55 was dead stopped.  It took forever to get home.  I really hate that packet pickup for city races is often only available downtown and often not on race day.  Kudos to those races that offer suburban packet pickup and/or a mailing option.

Race morning started EARLY.  By 3:30 am, I was up and getting ready to pick Megan up at 4:35 am.  The cats really do not understand that breakfast isn’t served that early and look totally alarmed as I left without feeding them.  Megan was ready right on time and we were on our way.  The roads were clear of heavy traffic but we saw one seriously drunk driver (weaving all over the place) and got blasted by a motorcyclist going easily 100 mph.  People….it’s 4:30 in the morning; get a grip!   I had used Parkwhiz again and we pulled into our lot and went on our way.

Some of the BFRC Gang at Gear Check

We were meeting other BFRCers at gear check for a group photo at 6:00 am so we headed that way first.  As I had not yet done the obligatory pre-race poop, we stopped at a port-o-let along the way (thanks RNR, there were plenty of port-o-lets) but alas no luck.  I’m glad I didn’t have anything to check!  Gear check was an open, outside area with a little tiny fence around it with race #s on signs.  Staff then took your gear bag and put it near one of these signs saying we are not responsible for gear you leave here.  What the heck?  Isn’t that the point of gear check?  To make sure your gear is there when you get done.  What if it had been a pouring rain like last Saturday???  Rock N’ Roll, you need to do better than that for the prices you charge.

We took the group photo minus a few because Megan and I needed to get on over to the back of the pack and check-in by 6:15 AM.  We easily found the SAG wagon and were there to get our instructions.  We were told to try to keep everyone in front of us, look for stragglers hiding out in the bushes because unlike Disney no one would be pulled off the course, check the port-o-lets at the beginning of the race to make sure everyone was out and to help motivate people to stay on a 3:30 pace.  Right from the start, it was a great group of people and we set out to have a good time.  The only flaw of the plan was that the keys got locked in the SAG van!  After a moment of panic, the police were called and they quickly opened the car. 

Here I am guarding the port-o-lets

Crisis averted.  I volunteered to check the potties for stragglers as the race got underway.  BIG MISTAKE!!  I’m still gagging from how full they were with poop and the stench.  I guess with an early morning race, no one poops at home.  Yuck!

The Back of the Pack Motivators!

We were absolutely the last people starting the race.  Although the race officially started at 6:30 am, there were 36 corrals and it was nearly 7:30 before we crossed the starting mat. As we got underway, the group we were following was a group of folks doing the 5K who were supporting people with Downs Syndrome.  They were totally awesome and it was so much fun to run and talk with for the first mile before the 5K split off.   

After the split, we were a bit behind the majority of the half marathon pack but still behind the first of the stragglers.   Megan, Danielle and I trotted up past the last few stragglers and got closer to the denser back of the pack.  As we moved forward, Danielle told us how she had lost 120 lbs through exercise and better eating.  I didn’t even need motivation but she gave it to me!!  Rock N’ Roll advertises that there will be good crowd support and lots of music.  Since we were the last ones out there, we didn’t see ANY crowd support until about mile 3.  It was obvious people had been there but they had left when the majority of the pack had gone by.   We were barely into the half and it was already pretty lonely.  The water stations were well staffed and had plenty of supplies throughout the whole race.   I had brought my water belt but really didn’t need it.  Rock N’ Roll gets kudos for good course support.

I think it was around the 2^nd water station when we decided to make a potty stop.  We quickly ran in and peed and the very back of the pack with the SAG wagon caught up with us.  At this early point (approx. mile 4), it was clear that at least one woman was starting to struggle with the pace.  I stepped back and had a discussion with race staff in the SAF wagon and we decided to offer her the opportunity to cut off a mile by taking a short cut through the loop.  Staff also suggested I got with her and keep her motivated.  I trotted up and said hello to Bessie and asked her how she was doing.  She admitted she had not trained for the race and had just signed up on Friday.  Bessie appeared to be close to my age and we immediately bonded.  After a little discussion about how it would not be cheating to take the short cut as it had been race sanctioned, we took the short cut.  Actually we took two of them.  This put us quite a bit further ahead but with people who were mostly walking.  If Bessie had started in an earlier corral she might have been with these people even at the pace she was walking.

I had a ball walking with Bessie.  She was such a delightful and interesting woman.  I felt so flattered as she kept saying “I prayed to God and he sent you to me today.”  This was a good affirmation as I wondered a few times if I was bugging her, chattering away.  I stayed with Bessie right up until mile 11.   We saw most of the loop together, the walk down Michigan Avenue, and the walk down Lake Shore Dr.   There were moments when I wasn’t sure Bessie was going to be able to go on but she kept plugging.  Around mile 10, Bessie stopped to take off her shoe because of blisters and we also stopped at a medical tent or two to ask if they had anything to check blood sugar (they didn’t).  I really started to worry and convinced Bessie to get into the SAG wagon at mile 11.  There really isn’t any reason to kill yourself out there!  More kudos to Rock N’ Roll for having so many medical tents and wandering medical personnel.  It was very much appreciated!!  Suggestion, have some blood sugar test kits.  Not just for diabetics but low blood sugar can hit anyone in these conditions.

Now a course complaint.  The Rock N’ Roll website says:

LIVE. MUSIC. LIVE. ENTERTAINMENT.

That’s right, live rock bands and entertainment groups along the course. And we don’t mean strumming guitarists on the side of roads or in trees– we’re talking professionally staged and equipped uber-talented local groups eager to push those legs of your closer to the finish line. Feast your ears on a variety of sounds from alternative, classic and punk rock to blues, jazz and soul along each mile of the race course. The bands set the tempo for this marathon block party, where runners and spectators alike will be “dancin’ in the streets.”

I believe we saw three bands, lots of stilt walkers and a some loud music pumped in over speakers on the Lake shore trail.  It was totally disappointing from a music perspective! On their Facebook page Rock N’ Roll is blaming Chicago for not giving them music permits for 6:30 am.  Come on guys, you’ve been doing this in Chicago for a number of years.  You should know where and when the city will issue permits and adjust accordingly.  This was not a $90 half marathon.    I’ve had more entertainment in local 10Ks.

Back to the race….the long walk.  After leaving Bessie, I bumped into Missy, one of the other back of the pack motivators, who was helping out a woman that had had to make a longer stop at the medical tent for back problems.  As we walked along, we shared our names and the woman says “what’s your last name?”   I’m thinking, what does that matter?  When I told her, she says “I know you from the Moon Joggers group on Facebook!  You welcomed me to your city last night.”   How cool is that?  Thousands of folks out there and I meet someone I know through social media.  We walked together and talked until we hit the 13 mile marker where we hugged and she went on to finish the race strong!

At that point, I ran back to meet up with the rest of the back of the packers and who was back walking, Bessie!!!  Bessie, Missy, a couple others and I crossed the finish line together. It was a joyous moment. 

Rock N’ Roll had plenty of medals, that was good and water was available but that was about it.  The beer was gone and the entertainment was over.  I now know how the true back of the pack feels. They pay the same amount as the guys who come in early but get little of the fun of the big race.  If a race is going to allow a 3.5 hour finish, things should still be happening when the runners are done.

I’ve got a lot more I could say but this post is getting really long.  To sum it up, I had a great time with the back of the pack and met some really cool people.  But, I don’t think I would ever pay for this race.  It’s expensive, I had to spend most of a day coming into the city for packet pickup, the course is rather boring without much entertainment (if this is your first time in Chicago, the course is probably pretty cool), gear check wasn’t very secure and the start is awfully early.  I’m delighted to have been chosen to motivate the back and would do it again in a heartbeat just to meet all the really cool people!

Back Into the Fire! The Waterfall Xtreme 10

Signing up for the Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10 race on July 13^th sounded like good idea after being beaten by the measly hills at the Morton Arboretum on a cold April morning.  Train for the hills and don’t let them beat you down, I thought.   Perhaps, I was kidding myself.  Those hills have the potential to whip my butt!

Running DOWN Big Bertha

This morning 12 Bolingbrook Fun Run Club members met at Waterfall Glen for a 10 mile training run.  We took the obligatory group picture and set off on a gentle 1 min run/1 min walk regimen.  At the 8:25 AM time of our departure, the temperature was hovering in the mid 60’s and the sun was shining brightly.  As this was our first 10 mile training run this year and we had a few Waterfall Glen newbies we set off in the “easy” direction.  The direction where we run down Big Bertha rather than up her.  In retrospect, this was a really wise choice. 

What a great group we had this morning.  A couple of our faster members took off to run the whole trail while those of us who are slower stuck to run/walk intervals and chatted up a storm.  We talk about all sorts of things on these runs and it is just such a nice experience.  We took a little side trip to actually see the waterfall of Waterfall Glen and stopped a couple times for potty breaks and refueling. 

Checking out the Waterfall

As the morning wore on, the temperature started climbing and we started to drag.  The whole idea of marathon training runs is time on the feet.  We accomplished that this morning!  We were on our feet for a little over two and a half hours.   We walked the entire last two miles and no one was unhappy that we did.  At one point, I found myself feeling a little woozy and as I sit here tonight, I still think I am a little dehydrated although I’ve been drinking water all day.   

Thinking about doing Big Bertha in the “hard” direction on a hot July day a month and a half away, I think I am crazy.  Although, I am also thinking…..get out there a do those hills.   Guess I will be working on some hot, afternoon hill repeats the next month or so for conditioning.  If not, I might just come in last at the Xtreme 10.  Worse things can happen. J

A Little Bit of Everything

BFRC and Others on Memorial Day 2014

I’ve been thinking a lot about why my running club, The Bolingbrook Fun Run Club (“BFRC”), is so important to me.  Certainly there are individuals in the club that have become good friends.  Those people are special and I hope to always stay close to them.  But it is the whole club that I’ve come to value, even the people that I’ve run with but don’t really know.   What is it about this group?

The reason BFRC is so special is it is a little bit of everything.  It is diversity personified.  Nowhere else in my life am I part of such a diverse group that appreciates its similarities (running and running community) above all of its differences.   I’ve described this group to outsiders this way - we have people of all ages, people who have high school degrees through people who hold Ph.D.’s, people who cover all racial groups, an amazing array of ethnic backgrounds, probably all religions and no religion, we likely have representatives of each letter of LGBT and we certainly cover all of the political spectrum.  Yet, we all get along and often say “I love you guys” and mean it.   I do mean it.  I love being a part of this amazing little bit of everything.

Hot or Cold?

2013 HOT July Morning Run

The fickle Midwest weather has flipped from cold to hot in the span of about a week.  Last night’s group run, which started at 6:30 PM, was done at 84 degrees and high humidity.  Just last week, we were complaining that it was too cold and windy.  But what temperature is best for running?  Some of my running friends love the heat and stay inside until the temperature hits 60, others love to run in the depths of winter.  My personal experience says a temperature between 40 and 50 degrees with low humidity is the ideal environment for me.  But what does the research suggest?

Upon Googling “ideal running temperature research” the following Abstract popped up http://runjeffcity.org/optimum-temperature/ 

“Abstract

At the highest level of competitive running, which includes elite road races, the Olympics, and professional track leagues, athletes and coaches seek to capitalize upon every variable affecting race performance. One of these variables is the ambient temperature during a race. This study hypothesizes that the optimum temperature for running performance will be near room temperature for short distances (less than 400m) and will incrementally decrease as race distances significantly lengthen. The method of this research is to match the fastest race times in history with the mean temperature for the date of each race. Since the collection of the quickest races of all time represents the epitome of elite running success, the associated temperature values indicate the conditions for which elite runners are most likely to attain maximum performance. In turn, coaches and athletes can use this information to pursue the best ambient temperatures for optimum running performance. The optimum temperatures for race day range between 72.6ºF and 49.4ºF for the male 100m and marathon, respectively, and 73.4ºF and 51.8ºF for the female 100m and marathon, respectively.

12 Degree Run

If you are interested in the whole paper and/or want to see the graphical analysis accompanying the Abstract, use the link above.   Interestingly, the ideal temperatures for females are quite a bit higher than what I experience.  I suspect this has a lot to do with my weight (no skinny mini here) and age (my own personal summer follows me around)    Oh, another factor would be that this study was done only on Elite runners.  Perhaps I need to tell you that I am NOT an elite runner? ;-)

Another bit of interesting research specific to the Chicago Marathon was done by Joel Martin http://www.rx-movement.com/temperaturehumidityonChicagoMarathon.pdf

Abstract

There are many factors that affect how well and individual performs a marathon. One of these

factors is weather, and more specifically temperature and humidity. Previous research has

demonstrated that warmer temperatures hinder performance in endurance sports. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of temperature and humidity on finishing times of the

Chicago marathon over the last ten years. The finishing times of the top three men and women

as well as the average finishing time of all competitors was collected for the last ten years. The

temperature and humidity levels, on the morning of the race, were also gathered. The affect of

temperature and humidity on finishing time was analyzed using regression analysis. It was

found that temperature, had a greater affect than humidity on finishing times for all three groups. The optimal temperatures were approximately 45, 42, and 40 F for men, women, and average runners, respectively. The regression models containing temperature, humidity, and interaction of temperature and humidity predictors best estimated the finishing time of all three groups of runners, based on R2 values. Perhaps the most interesting result was that elite men were less affected by temperature and humidity than elite women or average runners

Now that’s more like it.  Average runners did best in 40 degree temps!    

  

Both of the studies done above were exclusively looking at temperatures and/or humidity.  I wonder if race surface, shade or cloud cover and other factors were considered if the results would be significantly different.  For example, the Chicago Marathon is run in October on mostly asphalt with very little shade.  On a clear, still day, 40 degrees can feel easily like 60 degrees.  While on an overcast, windy day, that same 40 degrees can feel exceedingly cold. 

Post Run Fall Fun

The Chicago research suggests that I’m right, in Chicago.  Guess that makes sense since that is where I live.  For the next few months, I will grumble and sweat out my runs and look forward to the cool, refreshing days of fall.  What’s your favorite running temperature?

Race Report - Wisconsin Half Marathon 5-03-14

The Wisconsin Marathon and Half Marathon is billed as the Cheesiest Marathon.  I love cheese.  I had to run it.

Three of us from my running club had signed up, me, Anne and Lisa.  Unfortunately, Lisa had gotten a stress fracture in her foot and was unable to do the marathon but she is a sweetheart and a trooper so she offered to drive me and Anne to Wisconsin and cheered us on.  Anne and I had originally registered for the full marathon but after a horrible winter and not enough training we both opted for the half marathon.  I wasn’t even trained all that well for the half, but had done a ten mile run two weeks earlier so figured I could gut it out. 

The night before I stayed at Anne’s house and she made a perfect spaghetti dinner sharing the last of her homemade tomato sauce from last season.  By 8:30 we were on our way to bed for Lisa’s 4:15 AM pickup.  I slept quite well considering it was a different bed at an unfamiliar house but still woke up about 3:15, rather than my desired 3:45 AM (OK, I didn’t really desire 3:45 AM but that’s what I set the alarm for.)  Anne got up early too and made us a pot of coffee and pulled out the travel mugs.   Right on time, a text came in that Lisa was waiting for us in the driveway. 

I had brought my own granola bar and banana as I didn’t want to risk trying anything new and I ate them in the car.  The ride from Yorkville, IL to Kenosha , WI is easy and quick so early on a Saturday morning,  about an hour and a half.  Yet, I was still pretty amazed how many cars were on the road.  Maybe they were ALL going to the Wisconsin Marathon!  They certainly were when we hit Route 50 in Kenosha.   Having eaten my normal breakfast and pasta the night before, I was sure I would be able to poop at the Lake Forest Oasis but no such luck.  No problem, there would still be time before the race.

When we got to Kenosha, we found a nearby parking garage.  What a nice change from Chicago.  Parking for 16 hours was $3!!!!  In Chicago, it would have been more like $30!  We parked the car and walked down to the start of the race.  This was around 6:20 and the race was scheduled to start at 7:00 AM.   In the information that was sent out, we were told to be in our starting spots by 6:40 but really no one lined up until

Chilly Waiting at the Start

about 6:50.  The wind was really gusting, the sky was overcast and it was lightly misting.  I don’t mind that weather but I was thinking how glad I was to have worn my long sleeve shirt and glad I had a garbage bag to share with Anne who was quite cold.  Since we still had time, I went to the port-a-potty but still did not poop.  This worried me a little bit as I have never done such a long run without having taken care of that first.  But, it was what it was. 

The Wisconsin Marathon offers an all cheese corral for those wearing cheesy products. You start right up there with the 5 and 6 minute milers.  I had brought my cheese earrings but after discussing it with Anne decided not to take advantage of it.  We were both imagining that we would be trampled by the fast runners as they zipped past us.  No, we would just start in the back.  I’m thinking that was a good decision.   After a lovely Star Spangled Banner, we were off.  Seriously, whoever sang the national anthem did a fabulous job.   Although I did the half marathon using short run/walk intervals, I ran the first five minutes to stick with the crowd and not cause and problems when stopping to walk.  Shortly after we took the first turn and headed south, I started using my 50 second run/ 40 second walk intervals and I was making good time.   I tuck my Gymboss timer inside my bra strap and set it on vibrate, it works like a charm and I don’t have to bother others with all that beeping.

The start of the run goes through downtown Kenosha and starts with a lot of spectators.   It’s always fun to start off a long run with cheers, smiles and signs.  The first mileage sign I saw said mile 12.  I was pretty sure I had not run 12 miles in about 12 minutes.  It finally occurred to me that after the marathon and half split off, the marathoners would see this section of the course again.  Right around mile 1 the course ran past beautiful lakeshore houses.  I honestly didn’t take them all in as the sun had started to shine, the sky had turned blue and the morning just started to feel good! 

Mile 2 and 3 turned away from the lake and then ran parallel to, but not next to the shore, through a Kenosha neighborhood.  There were not a lot of spectators but some people were out in their driveways ringing bells and or cheering us on.  As well as a few people, who for whatever reason needed to get into or out of their driveways and were having a difficult time with all the runners.   Mile 4 was back in downtown

Kenosha and as  I ran through I saw Lisa cheering me on.  It is always such a boost to see someone you know!

Lisa Cheering Us on

At about mile 4.5 there was a really good band playing.  I would love to have stopped and listened but at least for these first 5 miles, I was on a good pace.  Shortly after the band, the course turned onto the lakefront and headed north through a park and then on the road.   This is where I have my only complaints.  First, the asphalt through the park was really pitted.  In some places there were big open holes, in others just chopped up pavement and even where it was patched it was really uneven.  It wasn’t impossible to run on but it was tricky, particularly if you were passing or being passed.  My second complaint was that miles 6, 7, 8 and 9 (an out and back section) were all on cement pavement which is very hard on the body.  Some of the south section of the course was also on pavement and my hips and feet took a beating.  I train on asphalt and the pavement is so much harder.   But in the scheme of things, these both were relatively minor

complaints.  This section of the course was beautiful as the lake was in view all the way.  Oh, one more complaint that couldn’t be controlled.  It was VERY windy and this section was exposed and the wind was really tough at points.  Finishing this one would be an accomplishment.

One of the really nice things about this race was the myTEAM TRIUMPH groups.   From their website “myTEAM TRIUMPH is 501(c)(3) non-profit athletic ride-along program created for children, teens, adults and veterans with disabilities who would normally not be able to experience endurance events such as triathlons or road races. Through each event, we strive toward bringing the community together with the equipment necessary to allow them to experience the energy of packet pick-up and the thrill of crossing the finish line.”  I saw both Team Seth and Team Adam many times and other runners were calling to them and the people being pushed looked like they were having a great time.  Way to go myTEAM TRIUMPH.

A little while after the turn around at mile 7.5, I finally saw Anne.  She was so focused and determined that although I was jumping up and down and calling out her name she never noticed me. 

Right before mile 11, I saw Lisa again sitting somewhat near the band.  Double bonus, I got to see Lisa and the band before the hardest section of the course – the last couple miles.  As we passed through Kenosha again and the finish line was in sight, we still had a couple miles to go.  It was soooooooooo hard to slog on knowing that the finish line was right there!!  But the course turned south again for about a mile and then doubled back.  At mile 11.5 the marathoners split off, boy was I glad that I had decided to do the half.  Of course, I had not completed training for a marathon and if I had, I might have felt differently but I was glad to be getting this over.  The last two miles are always interesting.  This is where the training pays off and where people who didn’t train, or aren’t taking in proper nutrition really struggle.   I saw people limping, staggering and one woman’s legs just buckled out from underneath her.  Got to love runners though as two people ran over and caught her and helped her to the side of the road.  I had my own struggles starting about mile 12.  My calves started to cramp up and I had to be very careful how I walked or ran.  My 12 was my slowest mile overall.

Finally, the finish line was less than two tenths of a mile away and I started to feel the excitement of all the folks at the finish line.  As I passed 2:38, I knew I wasn’t going to PR but I wasn’t doing too bad.  I crossed the finish line at 2:40:30.   My pace per mile can be seen below.  No negative splits for me, no not at all.

SPLITS

MILE	TIME	CHANGE	AVG PACE
1 *Fastest	11:08	--	11'08"/mi
2	22:56	+ 0:40 (-6%)	11'48"/mi
3	34:32	- 0:12 (1%)	11'36"/mi
4	46:15	+ 0:07 (-2%)	11'43"/mi
5	57:56	- 0:02 (0%)	11'41"/mi
6	1:10:01	+ 0:24 (-4%)	12'05"/mi
7	1:22:13	+ 0:07 (-1%)	12'12"/mi
8	1:34:19	- 0:06 (0%)	12'06"/mi
9	1:46:23	- 0:02 (0%)	12'04"/mi
10	1:58:57	+ 0:30 (-5%)	12'34"/mi
11	2:11:29	- 0:02 (0%)	12'32"/mi
12	2:23:40	- 0:21 (2%)	12'11"/mi
13	2:36:40	+ 0:49 (-7%)	13'00"/mi

Lisa was taking pictures at the finish line and got a good one of me crossing.  We then waited for Anne to come in.  Anne accomplished the time she set out to get.   Yeah Anne!

My Finish

The after party looked like a lot of fun with a good band, beer and brats.  But after running 13.1 miles, we weren’t interested in the food or beer and although it was sunny, it was still very windy.   So we hobbled back to the car and drove back to Illinois.   As we were driving back, I rubbed my hand across my forehead and wondered about why I was so gritty.  Anne pointed out that it was salt.  Guess that would explain my leg cramps.  Next time, I plan to eat something salty half way in.

I had a great time.   I didn’t poop on the course, it was a great race.