For me, most winter runs are done indoors on a dreadmill treadmill.
I don't love it. But I DO love it more than I love running outdoors in the cold, so my choice is made.
After a decent January, running at a low-heart rate for approximately 4 runs per week, I found myself in an interesting situation. Racing the guy next to me on Friday's treadmill run.
This is something I never EVER do. Most times, I could care less what someone is running next to me. Whether it's my training pals or a stranger, I know that their pace and their distance means absolutely nothing to me. I've been running for long enough to know that each person is at a unique point in their own race schedule. But Friday was different.
Though I set out to run an easy 5k around 10:30 pace, I ended up at a sub 9:00 minute pace all thanks to the guy next to me.
We got onto the mills at about the same time and it took him no less than 30 seconds to start looking at my programing, my speed, my distance, my incline.
Out of the periphrial vision, I could see that he would look at my screen and then adjust his own. It seemed he was trying to run just a bit faster than me.
At first, I thought "Who cares?" but 3 of his neck- strains later, I had enough.
As I finished my first 800 meters, I thought I'd test my theory and see if this guy was really trying to "race" me. I bumped my speed up (err down?) to 9:30 pace and watched him follow immediately.
Another lap and I went to 9:15, so did he. Fast forward 3 laps: as I approached my second mile, I was running 7:30 minute pace and praying to God he would stop or fall or SOMEONE would be paged over the loud speaker so I could pretend it was me and get off the treadmill.
Thankfully, as we hit Mile 2, he hit "STOP".
Woohoo!!!!!!
(Of course, I had to pretend I wasn't racing him, so I kept going at this pace which is way uncomfortable for me right now...and pretty much always).
But I kept going, another FULL quarter mile..long enough for him to wipe down his machine, give me a nod and walk away. As soon as he was gone, I dropped my pace back to super comfortable (10:30), caught my breath and swore I would never do that again.
This fall has been FULL of running for my family. Coming off my knee injury, I've logged next to the least amount of autumnal miles ( I did outrun my 6 year old). Though it was tough to have to take rehabilitation very slowly, what did ease my frustration was cheering from the sidelines for my family.
SuperDaughter E
Through September and October, my darling SuperDaughter ran her first season of Cross Country and LOVED it! As a 4th grader, the kiddos race anywhere from 1.0 - 1.8 miles on the same courses as the "Big Kids" (High Schoolers). It was so fun to watch her learn how to pace herself, test her abilities, and even conquer my old cross country nemesis: Mt. Mother Scratcher - a mountain hill that doesn't seem to look as big as it did 20 years ago. She did well, as did her friends and I was a ball of emotion for them watching them receive their first piece of hardware.
Yesterday proved a special day for me. The first race my entire family of five participated in together (plus a bonus: of my sister, 2 nephews and brother-in-law too!). Rocketman,SuperSon & SuperDaughter E ran the 5k of a hella hilly course in Ann Arbor, MI. SuperDaughter A & Super Daughter E stepped up to run BOTH events, the 800m fun run prior to the 5k.
The Trio
It was my 6-year old's FIRST race ever. After overcoming her initial worries (do I wear my swim suit? do I need my gobbles? ) and understanding this was only a RUN - not a TRIATHLON, she woke up excited to get it done! My 9-year knocked out the 800m in 2:50 (placing 2nd) with her sister & I finishing in a respectable 4:00.
After the fun run, I found my place along the home stretch of the finish line ready to stir up some trouble and cheer on my family - including my SuperSissymaking her 5k debut! I was so proud of all of them. But, I almost cried when my medal-wearing 6-year old starting yelling and clapping for the runners - family & strangers alike- approaching the finish line.
"Where's your kick, pink (shirt)?" "What do you have left, Daddy?" "He's gonna catch you! GO!" "Use your arms!"
I couldn't have been prouder if she would have won that turkey trot herself.
In those few minutes, I saw a love of running growing in my young daughter. An understanding of the sport and the quiet confidence boost running bestows upon us all. I saw a torch being lit, a baton being passed. For that alone, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Hope YOU enjoyed one too!
High Five, Steph
PS- Thanks to the Ann Arbor Turkey Trot for a great event including a FREE pumpkin pie drawn to bib #3019 - her very first race.
Okay folks, if you've been following along this year, you'll know that
1) the Chicago Triathlon was a BIG race for me this year and 2) That race was 3 6 weeks ago and I still have not written about it...due to my injury, I'm not training as usual, thus I'm not posting nearly as much as I have been earlier in the season.
Drats.
Hopefully, my physical therapy will prove a good use of my time and I'll be back in the saddle soon. Until then, here's the scoop on what was (supposed to be), the Grand Finale of my fantastic year of training.
Chicago Triathlon was August 27-28 on a beautiful weekend in the Windy City, my former residence and still home-at-heart. It didn't shake out as planned, but we made the best of it. Thank God I married a FANTASTIC man and am BLESSED with the best pals EVER. Together, they saved this weekend for me. (thanks y'all!)
Friday: Arrive in Chicago, hit packet pickup, plead to the race officials for an event swap (RocketMan to take my Olympic Distance and I to take his SuperSprint distance), check into hotel and get down to bidness visiting Uncle Julio. Side note: Spinach Quesadillas are now a permenant part of the menu. I am certain this is because of a certain girl-visiting-AGAIN-from Michigan whines about their Monday only availability every time she is in town.
Little peeps wait
Saturday: The Kids Triathlon has a full field including 4 representing from my 'hood.
Each of them absolutely ROCKED their event. 100 m swim, 4k bike, 1 k run.
Even though my bum knee (and persnickety sports med doc) prohibited me from competing in my originally planned event -the International Distance- the good people organizing the event showed their mercy on me and allowed RocketMan and I to switch, thereby landing me at the start of the SuperSprint on Saturday morning.
The swim was a BIG problem. Mainly because we were using the same course the kiddos were using, which meant we were in super shallow water, able to stand at any time. In fact, it was so shallow, the first 25 meters was a "water run" out to the first buoy. This followed by 300 meters of water so shallow you couldn't fully rotate your stroke without grazing the bottom of Lake Michigan...thereby causing many ADULTS to stand up and continue the "water run". Oy.
Sandy hill to transition
I managed the swim in decent time, followed by a loooong run to transition up the beach.
The bike was great. A looped course covering 6 miles. I averaged 17.2 mph and even had a quick transition. But then came the run. (GIANT SIGH). My knees were killing me the entire time. It was only 1.5 miles and I had run a sub 8:00 minute, 1 mile earlier in the week, so I didn't think it would be too tough. I was wrong. I had to walk most of it at the pace of 12:18 per mile. No fun. I did find a kick at the end, but only the last 25 meters and then I desperately wanted ice for my knee.
Saturday night ended with 2 of 3 of The Girls joining my family & Tri Crew at our favorite local pizza place. It was special since they no longer live in Chicago - however we all happened to be in the city on the same day. Saweet.
McNewton rocking the run
At said pizza place, RocketMan enjoyed a "liquid carbo-load". Special thanks to Mr. Mac for sponsoring his pre-race binger on 312 beer.
Sunday: RocketMan, Mrs Mac & McNewton rocked their events. Rocketman even scored 2nd in his division, doubling up on the hardware! woo-hoo! Not bad for a guy who was registered for the itty bitty race, not the beast!
Look how happy they are!
Rocketman & Mrs Mac suit up for the swim!
Overall, it was a wonderful weekend. The race was well-organized and the spectating was easy too.
I didn't have the race I wanted, so it looks like I'll be headed back next year.
If you've ever trained for something - anything- and been sidetracked/benched you know it can be emotionally tough. Being in week 3 of said benching I know what I'm talking about. Seems the R.I.C.E. method hasn't done much good for this gal's knee injury and my patience is running low. Especially considering I am but 5 days away from a Top 3 "bucket list" race. Possibly the longest-standing member of my race bucket list. It's the Chicago Triathlon, an event I registered for back in January and have been thinking about for over 15 years. Back in the 90's, when I was newly graduated from college and living the sweet life in Chicago, I'd meander down to the lakefront on any given weekend (May-November) and check out the racing scene. One summer morning, my run was interrupted by a spectacle I'd never encountered. Being nothing more than a runner at the time, I slowed my run to watch and eventually stopped all together. I stood to watch the amazing athletes managing the mammoth 3 event beast. Emerging from Lake Michigan, pulling off their wet suits and hopping on their bikes, I was in awe. Cheering them on as they came in on bikes and out on foot was beyond inspiring. It was then known as the "Mrs. T's Triathlon" and I clearly recall thinking two (disjointed) thoughts: 1.) "I like pierogis " 2.) "I'll do this one day."
TriPals- MrsMac, Me, McNewton
Fast forward 15 years and I am registered. Woo-hoo!!! Even better? So is my husband, Rocketman, my elder Super Daughterand 2 of my best friends, MrsMac and McNewton. The bad news: Remember? I'm injured. Hmph. My physician suggested I try to heal and "not be such an active lady". So I suggested seeing a sports medicine doctor. Which I did today and am delighted with his assessment. "Get the Triathlon done this weekend, but not at the International distance..then 6 weeks of physical therapy and we'll go from there". No International distance for me. Boo. (1 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 10k run)
2011 Swim Start
However, I do have a lovely "Rx" here that I will be handing to the very nice people at packet pick-up on Friday requesting, by doctors orders, that I do a smaller distance. It isn't what I wanted, but it's what I've got so I'll take it. Now I'll just need to plead my case to the very nice and incredibly good-looking people running the packet pick-up area. I'm hoping those smart folks will understand my plight, show me some mercy...and switch me over. If not, I may need to drag out this blog entry and walk them through exactly how much this event means to me. Did I mention how incredibly attractive those people are? Until then......knee elevated and fingers crossed. High five, Steph
With just over a week left until my next triathlon, I received some not-so-great news from my primary physician yesterday.
Seems the little knee "tweak" I brought home as a souvenir from the Wish-A-Mile 300 Bike Tour, is in fact, more than a tweak.
Though I am still awaiting my MRI appointment, my physician believes I've managed to tear both sides of my manisucs. Which is apparently an important part of the knee area.
I've hobbled around for a few days, iced my knee, popped pain pills and swelling reducers, yet my knee is still a throbbing mess. Guess it wasn't just "wear and tear" from 300 miles of cycling in 3 days. *Hmph.
When I informed my physician that I have a triathlon next Wednesday and another (more important) one at the end of the month, she shook her head.
"No way on next week. End of the month? I think you will get yourself to the starting line if you have to, but I don't think you will finish."
Great.
Of course, that was just her opinion.
Bring on the MRI. With any luck I'll be at the start, middle AND finish of the Chicago Triathlon. I've had this bad boy on my list of events since 1997 when I first spectated, as an awe-struck 20-something impressed and inspired with these crazy athletes.
I registered for it over 6 months ago and have been training for it ever since.
I am ready to go, let's see if my knee can get on board too!
We all know that leading an active lifestyle has many benefits. You
don’t have to be training for an IronMan® to find that fitness will
improve your quality of life, lighten your mood and strengthen both your
mind and body.
I’m always inspired by people working to “reclaim” their health and
fitness. It’s such a gift they are giving themselves. What inspires me
further, to the point of tears, is when I meet people training for a
cause. Some start out with the notion “As long as I’m training, why not help someone else along the way,”
others want to aid the cause and dig deep to channel their inner
athlete. As a former Tour Director for the largest cycling event
benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I’ve had the privilege of meeting
people who fall into both categories.
I am in awe of all of them.
This particular event is The Wish-A-Mile (WAM) Bicycle Tour. A 3-day
300-mile or a 1-day 50-mile bike tour through the great state of
Michigan. This July will celebrate the 25th riding of WAM, an event that
began with a challenge among friends. I’ve been part of this ride in
some way or another since 1999; as a staff member, volunteer, donor or
just plain ‘ole cheerleader at the finish line. Early on, my husband and
brother-in-law rode while I served as a staff member on the tour. Last
year, I Co-Directed the event once more and watched with envy as my
husband and over 20 of my Tri-Team training buds saddled up to ride. I
watched with pride (and did I mention envy?) as my pals came across mile
300, complete with a finish-line escort and medal ceremony from their 6
year-old Wish Hero. The Rider and the Wish Recipient form a unique
relationship, each a hero to the other. You can understand why
participating in this event as an athlete has been on my list of dream
events for 13 years. It is top of my bucket list.
Some of Team TDW with Cole, Wish Kid & Chief Inspiration Officer
Finally, THIS is my year. I am saddling up to ride 300 miles, by far
the most I will have ever traversed on my own effort. My physical goal
is to finish. My heart’s goal is raise enough money to grant 2 wishes, a
total of $15,000.
To date, my longest ride in 64 uncomfortable miles and I’ve raised
$6,550, so there’s a lot of work ahead of me. But I am up to the task.
It’s a good thing that I love to ride!
Cycling is the 2nd of 3 disciplines in Triathlon and I’ve come to
love it. In fact, it is my favorite of the 3 disciplines as it offers a)
no fear of drowning and b) doesn’t immediately induce a throbbing pain
in my feet. For me, hitting the road for a long ride is one of life’s
great joys. Knowing that I’ll be training and participating in an event
that will make an impactful difference in the lives of children and
their families is beyond joyful.
It brings purpose to my hobby. It brings meaning to my effort.
But most importantly, it brings a wish to a child and bringing hope,
strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions is
pretty amazing.
I get to be a Wish Granter. What’s better than that?
How can you leverage your training for the greater good?
Here are 5 tips:
1) Identify your favorite charitable organization and reach out to them.
Chances are their website will list their upcoming fundraising
events. If your charity of choice has a national affiliate, be sure to
check their website as well as with your local chapter. If you cannot
find a “good fit” between your activity and your charity, ask them to
consider approving your own personal fundraising effort.
2) Raise awareness.
Educate yourself on your charity’s mission, the population they serve
and the services they deliver. Think of yourself as an ambassador to
the organization. Ask for a free T-shirt or a window cling/bumper
sticker. Being able to speak confidently about their mission spreads
awareness and expands their reach.
3) Set a goal.
Once you’ve established your event, set a fundraising goal. Don’t be
intimidated by the minimum amount the event is requesting, stretch
yourself beyond that. Then, tell everyone you know about your goal, ask
for their help and provide them with instructions on how they can
donate. Then, be sure to THANK every single donation that comes to you.
4) Form a team.
Invite your training friends, members of your local gym, family,
neighbors, who ever, to join you in an effort to raise funds and
awareness for your cause. Make it fun, with a team name and even team
swag to show your team unity!
5) Share your journey.
Leverage the power of social media and make frequent posts on your
favorite on-line platforms. Post pictures of your training efforts and
keep your readers updated on your progress, both physically and
financially. The biggest gift you can give a non-organization is more
participants raising awareness and fund on their behalf. If your journey
inspires just one more person to join the effort, you’ve done a GREAT
job!
My Team! "Tour de Wishes" complete with Wish Hero, Cole
For more information on the Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour, to join
Stephanie’s team “Tour de Wishes” or donate to the effort, please visit www.wishamile.org or view the video:
Posted originally for www.fitfluential.com
Post-ride re-cap to follow.
But I kept going, another FULL quarter mile..long enough for him to wipe down his machine, give me a nod and walk away. As soon as he was gone, I dropped my pace back to super comfortable (10:30), caught my breath and swore I would never do that again.
