It's a small world after all

On Wednesday, my running partner and I attended an event at Hanson's Running in Sterling Heights sponsored by Detroit Women's Half Marathon & 5K.  It was informative AND fun, my favorite combination!  Brooks Running, Goal Maker, TriCovery Massage and Flexibility, Douglas J Aveda Institute, and of course the Hanson's Running Team!

My favorite part was getting to meet the people behind the scenes.  First, after receiving the book, Hanson's Half-Marathon Method, I got to meet, talk with, and have a book signing by the author, Luke Humphrey! He was so patient with my newbie questions and uncertainty, all the while supporting my efforts...super cool!  We also learned of their Tuesday Speed Workouts and Wednesday Group Runs that I'm sure will prove to improve our performance!

THEN, I got to meet the ladies behind Epic Races and the Detroit Women's Half Marathon & 5K! Not surprisingly; they're super cool, supportive, friendly and genuine gals.  Super surprisingly however, was learning that I used to work with Race Director, Mary, a lifetime ago! It was fantastic to see her after all the years, and I marveled at the synchronicity, both of us turning to this sport (her finding it much earlier!) and her involvement in such a cool effort.  At the risk of getting that song stuck in your head for days, it truly is, "A small world after allll...!"

As if all this weren't enough, we then did a group run, facilitated by Hanson's Running Shop.  I was impressed that they assessed their participants' goals for the run: distance, pace, familiarity with the area.  I will definitely be participating in some of their Wednesday runs again.  I connected with another cool gal who was here for the first time, and may have another running partner this summer as we begin our training for the Half September, 21!

The evening was a timely boost I needed, and again renewed in my efforts.  I recommend attending any of these events of which you become aware.  It's worth your time and you gain so much from it!

What are some worthwhile events you attended lately or would recommend for future dates??  It's been so exciting meeting our community, and I'm looking forward to more!

Paul DeWolf Memorial Hero Run

On Sunday, my girl friend and I ventured to Ann Arbor to participate in the first annual Paul DeWolf Memorial Hero Run.    It was a beautiful day, beautiful scenery, and a gathering of loving, sincere people to celebrate the memory of a son, brother, fiancé, and friend to many that tragically died too soon.  While I didn't know him, I get the sense that this tribute to him was one that would make him proud.  He cherished running and sent us off on a beautiful trail run through Nichols Arboretum.  This was my first trail run ever! It was AWESOME, I can't say enough about the scenery.  People were sharing memories and how they knew Paul.  Like many, I had never met him, but felt like I knew him through the stories of others.  I was proud to be part of such a beautiful memorial effort.

That aside, let me tell you else I learned during this event.  Macomb County has no hills to train on, and it showed! LOL! WOW were there some serious grades that sent my quads a-blazing! I'm humbly admitting I actually stopped and walked during this one...I haven't had to do that during a 5K in 2 years.  I wasn't there for time, though, so it didn't get into my head too much, which was a relief. I could actually just enjoy the run, surroundings, and conversations (which I NEVER do!).  If you get the opportunity to participate in this race next year, I highly recommend it...and try to get in some hill work prior! ;)

I also want to share one last little triumph of progress:  I did my killer FitRanX class Friday morning, actually ran 8 miles Saturday morning, this 5K Sunday morning, and a FitRanX class this morning.  For me, this is HUGE, and I'm ecstatic for having done (survived!) it!  I'm aiming to keep this motivation up.

...I "joke" that I'm working toward "MILF" status (tacky, I know, but it gives you the idea) by my 40th birthday.  I have 13 months, so I better keep this activity up! LOL!

Any races/milestones this weekend?

Cross-training Constitutional & Weekend Workout

You know I've been struggling this Spring with keeping my motivation up and finding ways to keep working toward my fitness goals.  The brutal Winter and monsoon Spring were a big impact.

I was looking for guidance.  Direction.  Accountability.  I always say I wish "research" burned as many calories for as much time I put into it! LOL!  During my research, I came across a runner/coach at Total Health Systems, Laurie Nuyens.    Her explanation of a 30-minute fitness class called FitRanX inspired me to give it a try.  (Did I mention I truly HATE classes and HIIT-related events because I'm so insecure?!)  I've gone twice this week, and when I leave, I'm dizzy and feel like puking...but in a good way! I LOVE IT!  I've done things I didn't know I could do:  box jumps, TRX Suspension, kettle bells! I'm sore but it helps me feel I'm already getting stronger.

So I'm happy to finally report finding my connection with a Cross-Training program that is working for me, and will support my running getting stronger.  They have three locations in Macomb County, and I recommend checking them out!

I'm running a race this weekend in Ann Arbor with a friend:  Paul DeWolf Memorial Run.  "In the early morning of July 24, 2013, Paul DeWolf, a 25-year-old fourth year medical student at the University of Michigan Medical School, was killed in the midst of a home invasion."  Six-degrees of separation makes this race a little close to me:  I work with the mother of Paul's fiancé.  So, I'm running in his memoriam and in support of the organization's effort "to good and be a hero."

Race for Heros

Sunday is supposed to be the nicest day of the weekend; come on out and join us!

Frosty Cinco de Mayo Morn

The 5th of May, and we wake up to a Frost Warning!  The good news is, that didn't stop me from getting some miles in this morning!  FIVE miles - woohoo!  It felt so good! So, on my quest for 100 miles in May...95 to go.  =P

I read on Run Like a Mother about your definition of "race."  When I put myself at the starting line, I know I will not win this race.  I'm not saying that to be defeatist, however at this point, it's to be realistic.  On the bigger track of life, of course I did win, because I got out there and did it in the first place; but for this purpose, that fact is beside the point.  When I picture myself in the corrals and running the course, what I realized a race has become to me is, is an opportunity to not be intimidated by others (they're so much faster than I, why aren't they breathing as hard as I, who am I kidding?!), and be genuinely happy for the success of their efforts.  The laws of the universe suggest the feeling will be mutual, and the camaraderie of running is born.  I've written before about the struggles of my mental game.  Turns out, for me anyway, it's something you have to keep consciously working on; you don't conquer it once and move on.  I use mantras.  I try visualization.  I think next I'm doing a vision board with my sister!  Whatever it takes, right??  =D   We'll see if/when I finish it, and I'll put a pic of it here.  Maybe it will inspire some of YOU to make your own vision boards to keep you on track, feeling positive and confident in yourself as you should!

100 Miles in May

Ok, so @DetWomensHalf is following Run U Mother in a "100 Miles for May" challenge.  I've officially accepted that challenge and making myself accountable for it here!  Now, I've probably never even reached 75 miles in a month, even when I as training for my Half Marathon last fall, but I'm hopeful that with this challenge, I'll at least get closer to it.  Do I have a plan, you ask?  No.  Should I? Absolutely.  My problem is usually over-thinking things so much that I miss the run entirely, so I'm going to avoid pouring over a calendar, figuring out miles, routes, and times, and Just Do It!

You can, too!  Join through the Facebook event here and keep us posted on your progress!

A race in review...a bit late

I had a goal of getting at least 15 miles in this week...a bit aggressive for me at this time of year, buuuut... I DID IT!  It has felt so good to really get back into the regularity of "training," especially when we finally have some color on our run!

I'm working this year, for the same reason as last year:  The Detroit Women's Half Marathon & 5K!  Apparently, I was on such a high last year after finishing, I never came back to tell anyone about it! LOL! I absolutely endorse, and will promote this race again, and here's just a few reasons why:

• Race organizers provided a seamless event; participants and supporters knew exactly where to go and when, minimizing confusion and race-day jitters
• Plenty of porta-johns!
• Friendly bag check
• Smiling volunteers at every turn and straight-a-way
• Undeniably beautiful course on Belle Isle...this year a Michigan State Park
• Water and Hammer Nutrition at every mile (I only trained with Hammer Nutrition gels and HEED sports drink because the race said that's what they would provide.  However, I was very pleasantly surprised to learn this product was way easier in my digestive tract than GU, and offered more sustained energy than Honey Stinger (even though I like them, too!).  It's become my go-to source for fuel and supplements!)
• The "Chocolate Mile" sponsored by Sanders Fine Chocolates...OMG.  Dark chocolate salted caramels right when you needed it...need I say more??

There were plenty of more goodies, which were totally awesome, including the expo on packet-pick-up day the day before.  I just can't say enough about the feeling of empowerment and "can-do" that Epic Races and Women Run the D portrayed that day.  I completed my very first Half Marathon that day, in large part, I believe, because of the support all along the course, and participants really felt cared for by the race presenters.

So far, I've recruited at least two more Half Marathoners, and am working on 5Kers.  If you're even considering this for one SECOND, sign up and do it.  You will not be disappointed!

"Don't call it a come back!"

A li'l LL Cool J to celebrate a two-day streak! :D

So last night I decided to get my "can't do it" attitude behind me and get out to do at least one lap around my sub (1.25 miles) to prove I was still in the game.  I did 3 miles instead!  Not fast at all, but I felt like I was pushing to get through it (11:52 average pace).  THEN I was still able to get myself to the gym at 5:30 this morning (a small miracle!) for cross-training!  I'm tired and appropriately sore today and am feeling motivated again to stay on track.

I've decided for the present time to follow the www.walkjogrun.com program for the 20-week beginner full marathon (I can barely type that without laughing out loud!).  It's a very slow progression in building mileage, and I just want to see how far I can get...for now.  Finally coming into warmer weather and spring, it's time I really commit to my goals this season!

Do you have any yet??  Do you just freestyle the whole season?