My Boys are RUNNERS!

Twinkie Run 5k
April 1, 2014 6:15 pm, Ann Arbor, MI
Temperature: 50 degrees with 30 mph wind gusts
Race #11 in 2014, 7th 5k in 2014
Race #21 all time, 16th 5k all time
Distance: 5k (3.1 Miles)
Time: 30:44, 31:44 before Twinkie  (PR 28:33)
Finish: 10/32 in my age group, 410 runners

Whoot!  The day has finally come that my boys are runners!!!  They ran their first 5k!!  First I will talk about the race, and then about how we ran the race and what happened.  These need to be discussed separately, as I do not not want your opinion of the race to be hindered by our experience personally as a family.  Also, before I break it down, let me start with this...I understand this race is a family run event and is used as a local fundraiser for ALS.  I am very passionate about running races for charity.  With that, and the extremely low cost of this race, it is a given that this race will be run differently than a race (of the same distance) that cost 2 or 3 times as much. So please keep that in mind.  You can't expect everything when you pay so little.  

We signed up for this race a couple weeks ago.  I did it online.  It was the cheapest race I've ever done (aside from the Virtual Run which you paid for medal only).  The cost was $12 each for the boys and $15 for me.  I am not sure why there was a separate price for the youth - not that I am complaining - as they ran the same distance as I did.  The only distance offered was a 5k.  I do think this race may benefit from having a one mile, or one loop, for kids 10 and younger.  For your entry you received twinkies and a medal.  You had the option to purchase shirts online, but I chose not to.  There were no processing fees for this race, BIG bonus :)  I made a mistake while signing up Ian, which was totally my fault because I can't read apparently, and I registered him twice.  I immediately emailed the organization, to which they replied within about 30 minutes and we got everything straightened out.  

There is a website for the Twinkie Run and also a facebook page.  I feel that the website lacked some key information, such as where packet pick up was (exactly), would there be medals, shirt information (it just says info is pending), and the process by which one was to eat the Twinkies.  As far as communication, we received an email at 12:47 am the day of the race.  I know with today's technology most people have instant access to their email via their phones, but for those that don't, they may not have seen that email until after the race was done.  The email contained information on how to locate the course via GPS, parking, weather, medals, and awards.  

I anticipated heavy traffic between my house and Ann Arbor on race day as it was close to rush hour, but there was none (WHAT??).  So we arrived to Gallup Park 90 minutes early.  There was not a soul in sight.  I had no idea where packet pick up was, and there was no evidence of a race being held there.  I put a post into my running group, and someone replied to wait a few minutes, and it would get crazy.  It did.  Within 10 minutes people were coming out of nowhere!  We walked around to find a building where the pick up was happening.  They had the bib numbers taped to the wall and then we told the ladies our numbers.  They gave us our bibs, and that was it.  I had no idea what was going on still with the Twinkie situation, so I had to ask them about it.  The girl helping didn't know, so she asked her Mom who then explained the process.

Ian & Colby getting their bibs

It was explained as such: Before the race starts, you are given the option to take a twinkie.  You cannot eat this twinkie until the announcer starts the race.  You are supposed to eat the twinkie, then start running.  This was optional, you did not have to take/eat a twinkie.  The course was a loop around the pond twice.  After the first loop, you were given the option to take a second twinkie.  You were supposed to stop and eat the twinkie there.  Then continue on with the race.  For each twinkie you ate (if you chose to do so) you would take one minute off your total time for the 5k.  

First we went and got our twinkies, and they marked our bib with a sharpie indicating we had taken one, which would later be used for timing purposes.  We then met some runners from one of my running groups for a group picture and lined up for the start. We had our twinkies in hand awaiting instruction.  We were then shuffled around the start area a few times as there was some confusion as to which way the race would go around the pond.  

The boys having some fun before the start.
Beautiful area to run at!

SEMR group picture

The gentleman who was starting the race had a megaphone, and was giving instructions, but we could not hear him, at all.  We have no idea what the instructions were about the twinkies.  We were positioned in the middle of the pack, so when I saw people in front of us eat their twinkies, we ate ours.  The crowd started moving and we passed the start line.  Note that this race was not chip timed, so there were no timing mats.  After we made the first loop of the pond, there were tables set up with more twinkies and volunteers to check your bib again, if you took one.  They had a water station after the twinkies.  Runners then made the second loop around the pond.  The finish line was a little off to the left of the second loop, but there were volunteers telling us where to go.  As you finished you ripped your tag off your bib and they put them on a spindle to determine placement.  We were then handed our medals. 

I walked around the finish area.  They had hot chocolate, and because the finish area was near the second twinkie area, if you wanted a water you just went back to that table.  I met a girl from my other running group and we got in line to get a grilled twinkie.  It was taking forever, and I had to get back to my kids (read about that further down), so I ended up getting out of line and not getting a grilled twinkie.  It was later explained (via their facebook page) that the gas wasn't turned on properly to the grill, therefore not making the twinkies "grillable" and that's what the hold up was.  After dealing with my boys, I went back to the same area, and checked the results to see if any of us placed.   

As far as the race itself is concerned...I would recommend doing this at least one time.  This race is listed in the book  The Runners Bucket List.  It was very cheap for what you got (potentially 3 twinkies, a medal, age group awards, and the race itself).  The course was beautiful, part running path, part trail, several wooden bridges, and around a gorgeous pond.  I think the communication could have been better, and improvements are needed on their website explaining how the twinkie eating affects your time. 

Who doesn't want a Twinkie medal?

On to how WE did at this race.  As I said, this was the first 5k for both Ian (age 8) and Colby (age 7).  They both ran many 1 mile events last year.  They did awesome.  Ian was running 7:20 miles and Colby 8:50.  They have been begging to do 5k's with me.  So I thought this race was perfect to get them started.  It was cheap, it was themed, it sounded fun, it was smaller then most of the races I do, and who doesn't want to eat a Twinkie?  Prior to the race, we discussed race etiquette, water stations, the run/walk method, etc.  They understood to pace themselves...not to take off and run a 7 minute mile to start!  I asked them if they wanted to run together as a family, or on their own.  Ian announced he was going to win the race, and he wanted no part in the twinkie eating (didn't want to be slowed down) and that he would run it on his own.  Colby asked if he could run with me because he was the one afraid of how things worked (the water station, running around people, etc.), and that he would eat as many twinkies as possible to deduct as much time as possible, LOL. I may have fibbed a little and told the kids that only the first "so many" people got medals.  (It's called MOTIVATIONAL TOOLS I use to encourage my kids.)

By the start of the race, they both informed me they would be eating Twinkies, and that neither wanted to run with me now.  They were going to finish first and second in their age group :)  I was cool with whatever they wanted to do.  The three of us ate our starting twinkie and we ran across the start.  The starting area was very congested.  Being a fun novelty race, there were a lot of walkers and everyone was lined up incorrectly.  I had to make my way past a lot of people.  It took over 1/2 mile to do so.  However, with the boys being little kids, they just squeezed inbetween people and they were off!  Not heeding my advice about pacing at all.  I caught up to Colby around the 3/4 mile mark, as he had to walk because he already exhausted himself.  He ran with me for about 1/2 mile and then told me to keep running but he needed to walk more.  I made sure to ask if he was ok being behind me, and he said yes.  

I immediately than saw Ian, and caught him at the 1.5 mile mark.  He was "jogging" and when I caught him told him to pace with me, so he sped up.  We ran together for about 1/2 mile and then he needed to walk.  I asked him if he wanted me to walk with him or if I could keep going.  (I should add that I just ran a half marathon 2 days ago, and was totally expecting to walk this race because of sore legs.  However, I felt fantastic and I was inclined to test myself to see if I could run at my normal 5k pace this soon after the half.)  He said to keep going.  I asked two more times to make sure and he replied to keep going both times.  So with that, I kept running.  I left him at the 2 mile mark. 

I finished the race and literally just looped back thru the finish and went to find the boys.  I wanted to run with them into the finish and cheer them on.  I found them, walking together , at about 2.8 miles.  Ian was hysterically crying saying he couldn't feel his legs.  I asked if it was from the cold or wind, did he fall, what happened? While we are talking, we are still walking toward the finish.  He says nothing specific happened, he just couldn't feel his legs.  Colby was upset because his brother was upset.  I then offered to carry Ian or give him a piggy back ride to the finish.  He then asked me, "are we close to the finish line?"  I said it's right around the corner!  Colby then asked "how many people have finished, is there a chance we could still get a medal?"  I told them yes but they had to finish strong.  Before the words were out of my mouth, Colby took off....then Ian's tears magically stopped and he too was off.  I couldn't keep up!!! Thankfully their father was waiting at the finish to snap this picture.

Finishing their first 5k!

The second after this picture was taken, Ian collapsed, very dramatically, and said he couldn't walk, he couldn't feel his legs again.  He pretty much crawled to get his medal and to turn in his tag.  I picked him up, and he whispered in my ear "I have to go poop".  I almost died of laughter.  The only response I could muster was "YOU ARE A RUNNER!"  We were able to take a family picture between crying episodes before we left.

None of us took the second twinkie option. This was my first race I had done in the evening.  I am used to morning races, and before a race I always eat an apple and granola bar, both with peanut butter lathered on them.  Being this race was after dinner time, we of course had 3 meals in our belly, plus a twinkie from the start.  It didn't take but one minute into the race before I determined that eating a twinkie was not the smartest thing I have ever done.  Both the boys told me the same thing after.  In fact, Ian would like to run this race again, but NOT take the twinkies at all.  It was certainly fun to try, and I don't regret it, but personally I wouldn't do it again.  I like the race itself, just not eating a twinkie before I run!  I'll save my twinkies for AFTER the race!

Getting back to Ian, I knew this situation with his legs was "not real".  Both boys play very competitive hockey, they are in way to good of shape to have something like this occur.  As we drove home, the truth started to come out.  Turns out, right after I left Ian at the 2 mile mark, he started to panic because he could no longer see me.  Yes, I do realize he didn't see me when I was behind him as well.  Regardless, he felt he "lost" me and that he was never going to see me again.  He had a full blown panic attack and actually stopped walking.  Colby finally caught up to Ian, and according to Colby, Ian was panicking and crying and saying his stomach hurt.  Colby offered to get help but Ian said he was going to finish and go across the finish line no matter what.  So Colby walked with Ian, up until I found them.  

I asked Ian why he told me to go ahead if he was afraid, and he said he thought when I walked he would catch up to me.  He didn't realize that over the past month my training has finally paid off, and I can actually run the entire 5k distance now. We talked about this in great detail last night.  Ian has decided he wants to do another 5k but the next time he wants me to stay with him the entire time so he can see what it feels like to do the entire thing without panicking.  Colby, on the other hand, wants to sign up for the next 10k and start seriously training "for real".  Their times were identical, at 36:46.  Colby would have easily done 33:00 minutes had he not stopped to walk with Ian.  

As a Mom, I've never been more proud.  Of Colby for hanging with Ian when he really wanted to finish strong....and of Ian for being so determined that he was going to cross that finish line on his own.  

Next race, this Sunday at the Big House 5k.

Race on runners :)

AP Running Mom

Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon

Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon
March 30, 2014 8:15 am, Grosse Ile, MI
Temperature: 29 degrees, windchill 19
Race #10 in 2014, #1 Half in 2014
Race #20 all time, #2 Half all time
Distance: Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Time: 2:24:38, PR
Finish: 44/66 in my age group, 648/855 overall

When I first heard about this race, via one of my running groups, I knew I HAD to do it.  I absolutely love races in which the main point OF the race is to get as much money as possible for a particular charity, in this case, Cystic Fibrosis.  Secondly, this race was very local to me.  This race offered a 5k and a Half Marathon.

I entered this race online a while ago, the entry fee being $55 plus a $2.95 processing fee.  There were no problems with registration.  It is typically my policy not to enter races that do not have a website or a facebook page...so that was the first thing I checked out before I even signed up for this race.  I have to admit, being so local to me, I had never heard of this race prior to someone mentioning it in the SEMR group.  Yes, I just started this running thing last summer, but still, I found it odd I didn't even know this race existed.  Anywho, the website Rock CF  has a lot of information on it.  Their facebook page also did not disappoint (Rock CF).  

This race offered 3 options for packet pick up.  You could go to Run Detroit during the week to get your packet, to the expo on Saturday (which was held at the school that the race would be starting from), or get your packet the morning of the race.  I opted to pick up at the expo.  I took my kids with me to the expo.  When we first entered the school, there were signs pointing to where the bib numbers were, an information desk, and a Rock CF merchandise table.  In addition to everything being clearly labeled, we were immediately greeted by a volunteer at the door who told me to get my bib number off the wall, then to proceed to the gym to get my packet.  There were plenty of volunteers to handle everyone that was there.  

I was expecting to see a few vendors at the expo.  However, there was really just one, a nice lady who was selling headbands.  Anderson Windows was there, and being I desperately need new windows for my home, I filled out one of their cards for a contest to win $10,000 in new windows. I also checked the box to have someone call me for a quote on my home.  Had I known that they would call me three times a day since then, I wouldn't have entered.  But I digress.  Rock CF had a Plinko board set up, and as you can see, both my boys played the game, and won a Rock CF coffee mug.  I thought that was a nice touch to give a little something away as a "prize".  My kids thought it was a big deal!

Made me feel good about
where my money was going!

Signs welcoming you to the Rock!

Everything was clearly
labeled for race day

Headband Booth

Information Desk

Half Marathon Check In

Rock CF Plinko

 

They both won Rock CF coffee cups!

THE CYMBAL
Bib Numbers
On Site Registration
5k Check In

One of the best things about this race (there were MANY), are the awesome Leslie Jordan tech shirts. Those running the 5k received a short sleeve tech shirt, and those running the Half received a long sleeve shirt.  But the shirts were identical other than that.  Can I point out how cool the colors are in this shirt!! Everyone in my running is still bragging about the shirt! 

Front of shirt

Back of shirt

After the expo, I went home, carbed up with a good homemade spaghetti dinner, and then I was off to dreamworld very early for this race.  I had time earlier in the week to make my specialized playlist, get my outfit ready, and prepare everything I would need for a 5 am wake up call!

The race started at 8:15 am.  I wanted to assure myself a parking spot nearest the start line (at the school) as possible.  Although I live pretty close to the island this race was on, I have to cross numerous railroad tracks and a bridge to get there.  So I left at 6 am.  I was able to drop my kids off with their father and I still made it to the parking lot by 6:45 am.  I sat in my car as it was to cold to walk around just yet.  At 7:30 I headed in the school to use the restroom, there was a short line, but worth waiting for because we were inside!  There were many port-a-potties outside as well.

I then headed to the start line area for a picture with my SEMR peeps.  There were about 90 of us running this race, yet only 6 of us made it for the picture.  I suspect the others were staying inside nice and warm until the last possible minute!  It was pretty windy at race time, and considering we were right on the Detroit River, it was COLD!

SouthEast Michigan Runners group

After the speeches and the National Anthem, the race started late.  That was a little disappointing.  I guess I expect the gun to go off at the designated race start time, and that the pomp and circumstance will start earlier, but for this race, everything started at 8:15, and therefore we didn't cross the line till about 8:25.

  

I cannot say enough how absolutely beautiful this course is.  The course goes completely around the island of Grosse Ile.  With the exception of the area in front of the airport, you were always running on the riverfront. It. Was. Awesome.  With the awesomeness, however, came pretty strong headwinds for the first 3 miles and the last 3 miles :(  36 hours later, and my face is still pretty wind-burned!  I really tried to concentrate on the scenery for this entire race, to get my mind off the fact that this was just my second half marathon I've ever done.  Loved looking over to Canada, watching the sun sparkle over the river, the melting ice patches under the boats pulled above their docks, and the really spectacular homes that lined the streets.  

The course itself....again...this race just did everything right.  Water stations at all the even mile markers, restrooms at 4 of the mile markers, Cliff Gel at mile 4, and Nunn at most of the stations as well.  I do not like Nunn, so I paid special attention NOT to get it, but I really didn't need to.  The volunteers were very clear about announcing/telling you what they were giving out.  Something else I thought was a nice touch, were the garbage cans after the stations to put your cups in....It always bugs me to see cups in the street.  I know they are cleaned up after the race, but that's just more work for volunteers who are already out there long enough freezing as it is.  Another BIG kudos to Rock for throwing salt down at the water stations!!!  With the temps below freezing at the start, that could have been a big problem, but they just thought of everything! I was pretty fortunate that my ex-husband brought my kids to the race so they could watch me run.  They met me at mile markers 3, 5, 8, and 12.  I loved having the support, and it was nice for me to take a layer of clothes off at mile marker 5 and give them to my son to put in his father's car.  

High-Fiving my son Colby at the 3 mile mark, while
my other son Ian is video taping

My new thing is to be a goof when I see a camera
Mile 8 - right in front of my 3 boats!  HA!

The most unique feature about this race, running THRU the Naval Station Air Hanger!  What other race does that?  At the ten mile mark, the course went onto airport property so we could run thru the hanger.  Off to the right were airplanes actually parked in the hanger, and a band was set up to play on the left side.  I have heard from my running group that the band was great, but unfortunately they were on break when I ran thru so I didn't get to hear them.  The hanger was also the starting point for the 5k, which started before the half....so we got to run thru their starting point, and from there we knew we had 3.1 miles left.  It was at this time that my lack of good training kicked in.  My knees, my hips, and my back, all just gave out at once.  I struggled to keep my pace of 10:30 per mile.  I slowed to 11:30, but I still couldn't do it.  I ended up walking a tenth of a mile, then running a tenth, walking/running, until I reached the finish line.

Colby running in with me the last mile, I couldn't keep up :(

Mile 12.8, I was spent

My only other half marathon was 2:41:44, that's a 12:20 pace.  My goal for Rock CF was to shave 1 minute per mile off my time.  That would have put me at 2:28:37.  What I did do was 2:24:38 crushing my old PR by 17 minutes and 6 seconds!!!  My only complaint about this race has to do with myself, my lack of training (again), and I'm so bummed my legs gave out the last 3 miles.  I had tears in my eyes when I crossed the finish line and could barely walk to the car.  I got my medal, managed to find the cymbal, CRASH it for setting my PR, and walk into the school for some wonderfully delicious homemade cookies!  I also grabbed a bag of chips, a banana, a water, (but passed on the Panera Bread bagel)....ok, I took TWO cookies!!

I absolutely would recommend this race to anyone and everyone.  It was a flat course, perfect for a PR, and perfect for anyone looking for a first-time half marathon!  The communication from the race organization was great (I received a few emails in the months/weeks/days before the race).  More water stations/port-a-potties then a lot of bigger well-known races.  Gorgeous course.  And I think for the entry fee, we got a lot.  Colorful long sleeve tech shirt, pretty cool bling, and a record amount of money raised for CF!  In addition, what made this race Over-The-Top good, were all the volunteers.  They were nice, they were all hooting and hollering cheering EVERY single runner on, very clear and specific with directions, including what you were grabbing to drink.  And then there were those homemade cookies.  Yummy in my tummy!  

With my son Ian crashing the cymbal for my new PR!

The BLING!

Next race, this Tuesday, for the Twinkie Run....where many Twinkies will be consumed...and both my boys are racing the 5k WITH me!!

Race on runners :)

AP Running Mom

What's Your Song?

Everyone has a song. You instantly know it when you hear it for the first time. My song changes every few months. Just this morning I found this little gem. I admit this one may be around longer then the average. The video is equally inspiring. What's YOUR song?

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HQUjviIH9PU

Paczki Run 5k

Paczki Run 5k
March 1, 2014 10:00 am, Hamtramck, MI
Temperature: 24 degrees, windchill 24
Race #6 in 2014
Race #16 all time
Distance: 5k (3.1 miles)
Time: 31:14, (PR is 30:31)
Finish: 42/183 in my age group, 506/1436 overall

LOVED this race!  Let me just cut to the good stuff....I RAN THE ENTIRE DISTANCE!!!  This is a first for me.  I thought for sure I had my Personal Record, but no such luck.  I will say, my PR is from a race in which I ran/walked, and when I finished that race I didn't believe my time even then.  That was one of my first races, so I didn't use any mapping apps at the time.  Either the course was not truly 3.1, or when I was running I was RUNNING.  It was a trail race too, which makes me think my time would be even slower than previous races...but I digress...Unofficially, I will say I PR'd this race!  THIS will be the number to beat every week!

Now the nitty gritty.  The boys had a hockey game at the exact same time as the race, so they were unable to run today. I signed up for this race on February 21, just making the 2nd early bird price of $25 plus a processing fee of $3.25.  I did the registration online via their website.  I had no problems with this process at all.  I thought it was AWESOME that the race offered runners their choice in color for the shirts we were to receive.  In keeping with the Paczki theme, the colors were named after Paczki. Raspberry, plum, lemon, or custard.  Because I was rather late in registering, the only color left in my size was lemon (I wanted raspberry).

The race organization had a facebook page dedicated to the run, which they updated regularly.  I was concerned about the streets being filled with residents parking their cars on race day, so I posted on their facebook page my concerns, and they immediately responded to tell me the entire route would be a no parking zone during the race.  

This race offered 2 days for early packet pick up (LOVE this).  I went the first day, Thursday, right at 4 when they opened.  Email communications, the race website, and their fb page were very clear with packet pick up instructions.  I was concerned with parking in Detroit, but I was able to find a spot right in front of the building!  I took my kids with me to explain this process, as they will officially be doing 5k's this year.  Bib numbers were on the walls when you went in to the room.  After I gave the volunteer my number, she retrieved my bib and shirt.  She verified with me that everything on the bib was correct. I kind of jokingly told the volunteer that yes, my info was correct, but I really wanted a raspberry shirt. She said "but you indicated during sign up lemon".  I told her how that was the only choice because I did it late.  She said, "I will be happy to switch it for you, we actually now are out of lemon, and people want lemon, and we ended up with extra raspberry."  YAY for me!!  So I ended up with raspberry after all!  
    

After picking up the packet we drove to Hamtramck to check out the course.  I was a little upset with the amount of potholes on the streets, the parking of so many cars on such narrow streets, and the ice mounds on some of the roads.  As stated, I posted about the parking and was relieved to hear about the no parking zone.  

On race day, I arrived to the area pretty early, at 8:55 am.  I was able to nab a great parking spot, right next to the polish music tent!  I stayed in the car for a while listening to the music.  Then I got out, warmed up, and met the runners from one of my running groups for a group picture. We then proceeded to the start line.  The only negative thing I can say about this race is that it did not start on time.  According to my phone it started 11 minutes late.  I know that's not a big deal, but when you are standing still waiting for a race to start, it gets very cold!  They did the national anthem, and one of the race organizers then explained that they had the potholes filled in as best they could!  I was so happy to hear this!!  

The race went thru residential areas of Hamtramck, a very big Polish community in SouthEast Michigan.  While there were cars on the route, there were not nearly as many as when I drove it on Thursday.  Most of the ice was cleared, and the potholes WERE filled!  There was some congestion with runners, especially for the first half mile.  Then on top of that, a runner who had her big dog with her had to stop in front of everyone while her dog did his business (BIG business if you know what I'm saying).  This is the first time I have seen this in a race.  Personally I am not a fan of dogs or strollers in races, and this is why.  Especially when it's so crowded.  There were many runners actually yelling at this lady, because it caused the inconvenience of the crowd parting ways.  

The race itself was pretty uneventful for me...I just kept running and running and never stopped to walk.  VERY proud of myself for this accomplishment.  After crossing the finish line, we were handed a bottled water and a paczek (for you non Polish readers, that's singular of paczki).  We were also given free beer, however I chose not to get one.  I stayed and listened to some Polish music for a while and cheered on the other SEMR runners still coming in.  

Conclusion:  LOVED LOVED LOVED this race.  I really enjoyed the theme of it (as you can see by my shirt I AM Polish)!  The race organization was really on top of things with communication and also responding to those potholes.  The only negative was starting late.  For $25, I thought it was an excellent chip timed race, and I really enjoy having a shirt that's a different color then most races offer.  And the best part of all, was enjoying my paczek after :)

Race on runners :)
AP Running Mom

Start Your Engines Virtual Race

Start Your Engines Virtual Race 5k/10k/Half-Marathon
February 22, 2014 9:30 am, Trenton, MI
Temperature: 34 degrees, windchill 22, wind gusts 40 mph
Race #5 in 2014
Race #15 all time
Distance: 5k (3.1 miles)
Time: 33:45, PR is 30:31
Finish: The race was with ourselves, not others (of course, aren't they all?)

Blinged out Photo Credit:  Missy Smith

This was my first virtual race.  I had no idea what to expect, but I was very pleased with everything about it!  I belong to a running group (for ladies only), called Moms Run This Town - Downriver, MI chapter, as this is a national organization.  Our group leader, Janie, organized this event.  Everything from date, location, measuring the course, to balloons on her car to signal the meeting spot!  Fantastic job Janie!

While this race was for the Moms in the group, it would have been perfect, given the dry pavement, to have my boys run along with me...however, they had a grueling hockey practice, scheduled at the same time, to prep for the state tournament coming up.

I joined this running group after the race was already planned out.  The medals had already been ordered. At some point, at least one person dropped out, so I was able to get a medal after all!  I would have still run the race just to do it, but we all know that bling makes a happy runner!  Janie had created an event tab on the group facebook page, so signing up was as simple as stating you were "going" on the facebook page.  Easy peasy!!  Communication was done through that page as well, including telling us about the course lay out.

Another Mom from the group, Nicole, took a shirt order for anyone who wanted shirts.  I personally have too many race shirts to begin with (and it's growing every weekend), so I did not order one.  However, many of the moms did.  They were $12, a white cotton t-shirt, and had the Start Your Engine logo on the front.  Very nice job with the shirts Nicole!

There were 15 of us from the group that ran today (not including husbands and children that ran as well). We met at Elizabeth Park at 9:15 am.  Janie had printed us bibs to wear, so we received those and pinned them on.  Amanda, from our group, was so kind to bring everyone water and bananas for after the race.  So we set the stuff out by our cars so as we each finished, we could hydrate and snack while waiting for the others.  It was CRAZY windy, with wind gusts to 40 mph. It sure felt a lot colder than what it really was.

There is a one way road that makes a loop within the park.  The road was dry!  It's the first time I have seen dry pavement in 2 months, I kid you not!  Janie used chalk to mark areas where we needed to turn around so our exact distance would be 3.1 miles.  For this virtual race you had the option to do a 5k, 10k, or half-marathon.  14 of us did the 5k, and 1 did the 10k.  For the 5k, we looped the course twice, then went out a distance and turned around, per the chalk marks, to come back to finish at exactly 3.10.  Again, excellent job by Janie!!

  

As we all finished, we stayed to cheer each other on to the finish line.  We received our medals, shirts, and took a group picture.

Conclusion:  This was a very fun, relaxing race. It cost me $9 for the medal (optional), and the shirts were $12 (also optional).  I LOVE the medal!  There was no pressure in this race to do well or beat anyone...although Nicole and I have some friendly competition between us :)  Through our group, we all know that each of us is on a separate journey, we respect that, and applaud each other for a job well done today!  I can't wait to do the next virtual race with this group of amazing ladies!

Race on runners
AP Running Mom :)

Riverview Winterfest

Riverview Winterfest 
February 9, 2014 10:00 am, Riverview, MI
Temperature: 20 degrees, windchill 11
Race #4 in 2014
Race #14 all time
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 48:21, this is an automatic PR, my first time at 4 miles
Finish: 12/19 in my age group, 198/272 overall

I signed up for this race on February 5th.  It was very easy.  I went to the Total Runner store, filled out the entry form there, paid $25 via check, received my shirt and bib, and was out in less then 5 minutes.  They had the size shirt I wanted even though I was signing up for this race rather late, so I was happy about that.  

The boys did not run in this race as it was a longer distance, they had hockey practice, and of course, this polar vortex weather we are having!  For the day of the race, I had planned to meet my friend Nicole (from my running group Moms Run This Town) around 9:20 in the school.  I was able to leave my house at 9 am, being I just live 2 cities over. We met up and talked for a bit.  Then I had the traditional picture done with my other running group, SEMR.  I actually met all of these runners (pictured) today for the first time. It's always nice to put a person with their facebook info!

The race organizers did some introductions inside the school gym, told us about the course, to watch our footing in a few places, and reminded us about the free pancake breakfast after!  We were then sent outside to the start line.  The course for this race was all residential and very flat.  The week up to this race and the night prior we received a lot of snow and a lot of ice.  The roads were plowed really well (especially compared to the race the week before).  However, there was a lot of ice on the ground, so I opted to wear spikes on my shoes.  I had literally just purchased the spikes the night before the race, so it was my first time wearing them.  Walking to the start line I thought "uh oh, I'm not gonna like wearing these"...but Nicole assured me as soon as my feet hit the snow I wouldn't notice them.  And she was right.  I totally forgot I even had them on!  

The race itself was pretty uneventful.  There were no water stations for this race.  This is my first four mile race, so I am not sure what the norm is here, but I really thought a 4 miler would have one water stop (half way through).  There were volunteers at every street intersection, which I thought was nice.  There were a lot of streets but we were in a sub-division so there was not any real traffic to deal with.  I only came across one person pulling out of their driveway, but they were very patient, and once they backed out drove really slow passing runners until they were able to turn out of the sub.  

The highlight of this race, for me, was very personal.  The course wasn't exactly out and back on the same roads, but at one point you literally had to run around a cone to make the turn to head back.  At some point, I came up on the last place person.  I was running toward her.  The truck sweeping the race was literally ON the backs of her shoes.  I felt so sorry for her.  I could tell this woman was on a journey, perhaps her first race.  I saw THAT look in her eyes.  I ran up to her, I high fived her, squeezed her shoulders and said I was proud of her, and that she COULD and WOULD finish this race.  I saw the tears in her eyes as she said thank you and we parted ways.  

As I approached the finish line I looked up to see a few SEMR runners who had already finished.  They were cheering me on to finish strong.  I wanted to cry myself...that's the first time I had someone cheering for me (besides my boys of course) at a race.  It is so encouraging to have someone call your name and tell you that you can do it!  They even took this photo of me right before the finish!

I desperately needed something to drink after the race, so I went back in the school, where they had water waiting in cups set up on tables right at the entrance.  I wanted to go back out and cheer for more SEMR runners, but my calf muscles were really tightening up, so I needed to sit.  This has never happened to me before.  On a side note, later that day I purchased a foam roller and a foot roller, have been using it ever since, and the pain has not come back.

I then found my way to the cafeteria and Nicole, who finished ahead of me, and we ate our pancakes, sausage, and orange juice.  I love when races do something a little different.  Breakfast that morning really hit the spot!  After eating, we then went to the auditorium and waited for the rest of the runners to finish, eat, and file in.  First there was a guest speaker, Dot McMahan, who won the USA 25k National Championship last year.  She talked about her training, the importance of proper eating, sticking with a plan, and getting a good coach.  There was then a Q & A with Dot.  After that, the race organizers handed out the awards, which were 3 deep every 5 years.  In between sets, they were also giving out raffle prizes to random bib numbers.  Neither Nicole or I won anything :(  Some of the prizes included entries to other races this year.

Conclusion:  I paid $25 (I missed the early bird sign up for $20) for a chip timed 4 mile race. Runners received a long sleeve cotton shirt and a pancake breakfast after the race.  There were also many raffle prizes given away.  The roads were plowed the best they could.  I would like to have seen a water station along the way.  And I would like to tell the race organizers to back off the last place person a bit.  But overall, I was pretty happy with this race, and look forward to doing it again next year.

Race on runners

AP Running Mom :)