Back to where it all began (Pumpkin Run 5K Race Recap)

So I know that I just stated last week that The Columbus Marathon is my new favorite race. Well, I lied. Just a little. The Columbus Marathon is my favorite LARGE race. The OWU/Delaware 5K Pumpkin Run is my absolute favorite race. It is small. It is local. It starts and finishes in the stadium of my alma mater. It is the race that got me hooked on running!

The first time I ran this race was in 2008. I wasn't a runner. Heck, I didn't even think I could finish the race. I did finish that race and I loved the feeling of crossing the finish line. 2009, about six weeks post c-section, I ran it for the second time. WOW! that felt good to "come back". 2010 I ran it even faster. I skipped running it last year, not knowing how I would feel about two weeks post first Marathon, so Jeff ran it.

This year, I had no plans, no goals. I just wanted to get back to where my running career started. I knew what my PR for the 5K distance was, but I didn't even do the math to figure out what pace I would need to run.

 You have got to love small town races. Our timing chip was to be fastened to our shoes with twisty ties. Definitely helps keep the cost down.

Sweating pink with my Fit Approach laces!

Race morning was about 40*, rainy and windy. Not the best weather for a race, but at least it was for a 5k instead of for the Half Marathon of the previous weekend! When I arrived at the stadium, I was able to look at the race map and see they had changed the course again. They added a big hill into the first mile. Ok, good to know. I met-up with some friends prior to the race, they made some announcements, we headed into the street and we were off! The race was a gun start and chip finish, with no "real" starting line. I watched my pace for about the first .25mile to make sure I didn't start out at a speed I couldn't maintain for the whole race and I'm glad I did as I was running about a 7:44 pace.

The first mile was along the river and it was pretty. I had never run on this road before (because I didn't want to run the hill!). I powered up the hill and even passed 4 people on the way up! My hill training is definitely paying off. At this point, I made the decision to just run based on how I was feeling and see what happened. I didn't think I would PR as it had been a few weeks since I had done any speed work and I ran a Half just six days prior.

We came down the hill, through the parking lot and into the stadium. At this point, we had to run about 3/4 of the way around the track to the finish line. I HATE running on tracks, something about going around in circles.... But, I knew I could do it to finish the race. However, I DID enjoy the feeling of running on the track--wow, that's a nice surface. (I may have to rethink my hatred of them?) Anyway, I was nearing the finish line and saw Jeff and the boys about 100 feet ahead of it. They were able to see me, I could see them, it was great! I crossed the finish line with a big smile on my face, then looked down at my watch. HOLY COW! Yep, my smile got bigger. I knew I had PRd as soon as I saw it. It was a wonderful feeling. I met up with my RunDMC friends and everyone had a great race.

Official time: 25:36.6
Overall place: 35/129
Age Group place: 4/23

Definitely the highest I have ever placed in overall or age group. This was perhaps the least stressful race I have ever run and I do believe that I will be utilizing the run how I feel at future races.

And, of course, I will be back again!

(A little history...2008, no idea as to my finish time, but 2009, 31:54. I've come a long way!)

Control Over My World

We all want control in our lives. Whether we are 5 or 55 years old. I am neither of those ages, but I strive for some semblance of control every day. It was obviously easier to control life when it was just Jeff and I. Sure, work (yes, I actually used to work outside the home! some days it feels like a lifetime ago) would give me plenty that I wasn't able to control, but for the most part, I was in control.

Then we decided to add kids to our life. Even before the oldest was born, I realized that I may not be controlling much anymore. (Those of you that are parents understand!) You see, I had my birth plan all written out. I had gone over it with my doctor. I was going to have a natural birth (yep, no drugs!). Many people told me I was crazy, many people applauded my plan. Then, my doctor told me that he recommended a Caesarean Delivery (c-section) based on what they could tell the size on my baby's head and width of "his" shoulders to be. (At this point, we did not know the sex of the baby). Well, there went my plans! And they have been showing me ever since that I can't control everything.

There are days when I have what I think will be really fun days planned, or when I have projects planned, or even cleaning. You guessed it. With the kids, all bets are off. Some days we do what I have planned, some days they want to stay in their pjs all day. That's ok with me. In a world where everyone is looking for control, kids especially, I try to give them control in the ways that I can.

My control over life comes from running. And from (mostly) healthy eating. I know that nine out of ten times, if I go for a run, I will come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Or better able to deal with a temper tantrum. Or just have more energy to deal with life. I typically know what to expect from running. It's just one foot in front of the other until I reach my house or car again. I control how far I run. I control how fast I run. I control the foods that I eat, and the pounds that I gain or lose.

It's taken me a long time to get to this point with food. I've always had such an unhealthy relationship with it and I'm finally getting to the point that I realize it's nobody's fault but mine when I gain a few pounds. Currently, I am in control of my eating habits and am losing the extra pounds that I added when I decided I didn't care. Yeah, I did care and it upset me; frankly, I got lazy. I was tired of making the right choices. I was tired of picking the healthier option. And once I got out of the habit, it was SO easy to keep going. Until I stepped on the scale and realized it was my own fault. So, I'm working on it and am happy with the results.

When I have a rough day and life feels like it's out of control, I turn to sweating. If I can't get out for a run, I've been searching out short YouTube workouts to give me a little more energy, to get the endorphins flowing. It also keeps me out of the cookie jar. This one is my current favorites:  

It has taken me a long time to learn how to regain control over my life and some days are MUCH easier than others. But, I feel better when I don't give in to the chaos and I do something for myself. And we all know that Happy Mama=Happy Family!

What do you do when you feel like you have no control over your life? Or do you usually feel in control? What's your secret?

Changing Seasons

Living in Ohio my whole life, I am used to the changing seasons. Honestly, I know it wouldn't feel right to not experience four seasons every year. That does not stop me from being sad that winter is well on it's way. This past week, we have been experiencing Indian Summer. For those of you who have never experienced it, here's the Wikipedia definition:

An Indian summer is a heat wave that occurs in the autumn. It refers to a period of considerably above normal temperatures, accompanied by dry and hazy conditions, usually after there has been a killing frost. Depending on latitude and elevation, it can occur in the Northern Hemisphere between late September and mid November.

For as long as I can remember, summer has been my favorite season. Not because it was a vacation from school, but because there were so many fun things we did all summer long. I grew up at a lake (extremely small, but whatever, a lake is a lake!), so we swam, played, took boat rides, occasionally getting to ski from a neighbor's boat and most importantly, went for family vacations. With two parents as teachers, we only went on vacations in the summer, but I didn't think anything of it. 

Now, having my own family, we are keeping some of the traditions from our childhoods and adding new ones. This past summer, we had so much fun that I did not want it to end. We went camping, we went swimming, we spent a lot of time at Zoombezi Bay, we had picnics, we had campfires, we went for walks, we went for bikerides, we played baseball, we played tag....etc, etc. 

Fall hit...and I'm ok with fall. It's beautiful to watch the trees change colors. We take adventure walks to collect leaves and make things with the leaves. We find acorns, walnuts, etc on the ground and have fun with them. And let's not forget fall running....heading down the street or trail, hearing the leaves crunching underfoot, something about that brings pure joy to my runs. 

Making s'mores!

Then Indian Summer hits as it inevitably does every year and I know that this is most likely the last stretch of nice weather until usually March. Some winters are horrible (like 2011, lots of ice & days in the teens for a high temperature), some not as bad (like 2012 with warmer than average weather). Indian Summer makes me plan for the winter. If we have lots of fun activities planned, the winter doesn't make me fall into a funk as bad as winters with no plans. 

For now, I will continue to enjoy this beautiful weather , but am definitely planning ahead for some fun activities for the winter. And looking forward to spring!

If you live in an area with changing seasons, which is your favorite? Do you enjoy the changing of the seasons? Do you ever get into a "funk" like I do when it turns cold and gray?

Nationwide Childrens' Hospital Columbus Half Marathon Race Recap

Wow! I honestly don't even know where to start for this one, so my apologies in advance. I'll keep it as short as I can. This is the first race that I was not either worried about finishing since it was a new distance for me, or stressing out about running a PR (personal record). The 2012 Columbus Marathon was about the children who are fighting for their lives and raising money to fund the research and care, and helping and supporting my friends.

Race morning started with a 4:00am wake-up. Ouch, that kinda hurt! But, we wanted to be sure to get downtown in plenty of time. With 18,000 runners and walkers expected, it was going to be CRAZY! Jamie, Kate and I drove down together and found our (FREE!) parking spot. Yay for being earlybirds. It was COLD, at around 37*F, so we enjoyed the warmth of the car as long as we could. We found Jen and she came to join us while we waited for the time to head toward the starting line.  6:00 was the planned time to meet everyone from RunDMC (our running group) for a group picture and meet-up prior to the race start. It was fun to see everyone before the race and I even got to (briefly) see my high school friend, Jessica. (Wish we could have chatted more, Jess! Hopefully next race!)

Loved the Children's Champions shirts. So proud to wear mine!
(still can't figure out why they are sideways, but you get the point)

The starting area was very well organized and marked. There were plenty of port-a-potties (extremely important pre-race! I know you other runners understand), the bag check was right there and the corrals were clearly marked. Good start to our race experience. At this point, we had also met up with Erin and Sarah so we could all wait around and start the race together.

Our Saturday morning
running group (most of us)

We got into our corral and watched it fill up. (Thankfully, it was filling up quickly, it was cold after we checked our jackets!) The amount of runners was awesome to see. After the Star Spangled Banner, the cannons went off. (ok, that made us all jump a little, I could do without the several cannon shots again) Then there were fireworks. Yes, fireworks! So fun!!! We watched the first wave of runners go, then FINALLY it was our turn. I think by the clock we were about 14 or so minutes behind the gun at that point. But, no worries as it was chip timed.

We finally crossed the starting line and we were off.  I was running with my friend, Jen, during her first Half Marathon. She wanted to finish the race in 2:15, so our plan was for 10:18/mile. The first mile was slow as was expected, but I had counted on that and it gave us a nice warm-up. We were patient and saved energy by just going with the flow and NOT trying to run around all the slower people. (I'm finally learning!)

The Patient Champions were stationed at each mile and every single one of them brought tears to my eyes; especially the Angel Mile at mile 12. The children gave me such Inspiration! I also thought of all of YOU that sponsored my fundraising efforts; about how thankful I am to have you in my life.

The crowd support was AMAZING! Bands, DJs, large groups cheering, just so much energy. I'm sure it helped that I was running with Jen and Colette (Jen's friend had joined us too as she thought our pace sounded like a good plan for her). At most mile markers, we compared our overall time with where we needed to be to meet our goal and we were ahead of pace. Luckily, Jen had picked up a pace band at the Expo (brilliant idea for those of us that are bad at running the tangents!) Around mile 12 we passed the 4:30 pace group and at that point, we knew we would come in under our goal. We were on the final uphill and I was yelling encouragement to Jen and Colette that we were almost there (not that they needed it, they were both crushing this race!)

We kept speeding up and finally made the turn to the finish. The finish chute was lined with yelling, cheering spectators. The energy was FANTASTIC. Jen kept speeding up (yay, Jen!) and I tried to keep up with her. (Jen is an incredibly strong runner and I cannot wait to see what she does in the future). During that final sprint, my Garmin registered a 5:08 pace. Holy smokes! That's the fastest pace I've EVER clocked and it was after 13 miles! Yay, we finished! By my Garmin, it was 2:10:50, so we knew we had definitely beat our goal! We received our huge medals and I headed to the Children's Champions tent for some food.

Forgot to get a finish line picture
so Jeff took one when I got home. (who forgets that?!)

Pizza, ice cream bars, water, pretzels, bagels. Excellent selections for re-fueling. Do we eat to run or run to eat? Definitely a post for another day.

A few minutes later, Jamie and Kate were across the finish line with Kate's shiny new PR (by 15 minutes!). So proud of them for a great race!  They got some food and water, then we went to cheer for other friends that were finishing both the Half and the Full Marathon. Our good friend, Christa, was coming into the finish for her first half marathon and we must have sounded like lunatics shouting for her! I cried. Of course. And, yes, I've got tears in my eyes right now as I am so incredibly proud of her!!!

We then set off backward along the course. Several friends were running the Marathon for the first time and we wanted to go help them out. 

Friends helping friends. That's what running is all about!

Jamie, Kate and I cheered for the Marathoners at the "1/2 mile to go" sign. We took turns running with friends to the start of the finish chute and then all came back to wait for our good friend Andrea. It was so much fun seeing friends accomplish their goals, finishing their first Half or Full Marathon, or setting new PRs!

As a reminder of WHY I ran as a Children's Champion, above is a video from the race. You can also see me crossing the finish line around 2:24! Thank you to everyone that donated to my fundraising efforts. I know the children and their families also thank you! The money raised at the raise will help to fund live-saving care and research at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Shortly after the race ended, I received an email with my official race stats. The coolest stat was that I passed 650 runners in the overall race. That makes me feel super speedy! 

I think the Columbus Marathon has replaced the Air Force Marathon as my favorite event. I will definitely be back again...for another Half...or if Jamie gets her way, the Marathon.  

Official results

Time 2:10:45

Overall: 4804/9903

Age Group: 389/942

Women: 2519/6390

Passed 650 runners in the overall category.

Passed by 73 runners in the overall category.

Information Overload

The internet is great. It keeps us easily connected to loved ones. It helps us quickly find information. It helps us waste time. But sometimes the information that is easily accessible, maybe shouldn't be. We get sick or our kids get sick and we immediately google the symptoms and come up with the worst.

Today, I am researching Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). This has been getting a lot of press lately and I have been reading more and more about them. It is SCARY!  Here's the Wikipedia definition:

an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, plants, fish, and mammals. GMOs are the source of genetically modified foods,

Genetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes. When genes are inserted, they usually come from a different species, which is a form of horizontal gene transfer. In nature this can occur when exogenous DNA penetrates the cell membrane for any reason. To do this artificially may require attaching the genes to a virus or just physically inserting the extra DNA into the nucleus of the intended host with a very small syringe, or with very small particles fired from a gene gun.

Ok. I am NOT a scientist, in fact, that was my least favorite subject in school. So, I'll be completely honest and just tell you that statement scares me. "the insertion or deletion of genes". Just doesn't seem right when we're talking about the food we eat. 

Before having children, I didn't think too much about food. When I was hungry, I ate what looked good. If it was a long day at work, we often made packaged dinners. Since my eating over-haul and having kids, we eat mostly "real" foods. (My term for it and my definition). My "real food" is that I don't buy boxed dinners. I don't buy many frozen dinners (every once in a while, you just need something easy, right?) I don't even buy pancake mix anymore (who knew how easy it was to make your own?!) But, I will buy the refrigerated pizza crust instead of making my own (bad, I know, but it's so much quicker!). We do our best to make everything homemade foods. 

I guess what I'm getting at, is HOW are we supposed to know what to eat anymore? Some days I feel like the more I learn, the less I actually know. Did you know there is even an app for the iPhone to help you determine what brands are nonGMO foods? I took a quick look and of course, it doesn't have my kids' favorite cereals (Honey Nut Cheerios and Frosted Mini-Wheats). I've always thought their choices in foods could be worse, but now I am questioning everything. Even bread, flour, etc. UGH.

This site (here) seems helpful, but as with everything on the internet, I'm never quite sure which ones to believe. One of Jeff's favorite sayings that goes through my gullible mind often is "Don't believe everything you read on the internet!" My biggest issue is that they do not have long term studies on health effects and the studies on rats has NOT been good. 

How do you deal with information overload? Do you read everything you can and make an informed decision? Or are you more like me and partially bury your head in the sand until you can't ignore it anymore? What are your thoughts on GMOs? How do we keep our kids healthy?

Wordless Wednesday, Happiness is....

Marathon motivation

It's October, do you know what that means? If you're a runner, you know that means we are right in the middle of the fall marathon season. I believe that the fall season is bigger than the spring with more and perhaps bigger races.  I was reflecting back on last year when I became a marathoner (some days I still can't believe that I did it) and remember all the uncertainty and emotions I experienced during that last week leading up to the marathon. Your brain works so much harder as your in the end of the taper period, you have more energy and your body just wants to run. 

There are a certain few ladies that I run with regularly that will be earning the title in just over a week at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon and I know they are starting to go through all the questions and emotions that I did last year. Erin & Sarah, you will be GREAT! Andrea, you've got this!!! I cannot wait to cheer you into the finish line! Jen and Christa who are tackling 13.1 for the first time. I am so excited to run with Jen for her first Half Marathon and Christa; we'll be the crazy ones screaming for you as you enter the finish chute! So many friends running their first full and first half. Whether you are running or walking 26.2 or 13.1 for the first time, it is a really big freaking deal! Heck, running your 1st or your 10th, it's still a big deal!

I am seriously getting excited for next Sunday (10/21). It's my first time running the Columbus Half Marathon and I can't wait to experience it. I've heard such great reviews of it. So many friends from RunDMC will be there, friends from high school (Miranda running your first half!), friends I've made from running, and of course, my bestest running friends; Jamie & Kate. It's going to be a HUGE party! Yep, I've got goosebumps! 

Whenever your mind starts going to the places that it shouldn't in this next week, refer back to these:

Don Kardong:

"The key to running a good marathon is to not listen to anyone's advice the last week before the race. That's when people tend to do stupid things that disrupt all the input and training of the previous months."

Emil Zatopek, Czech runner; winner of four Olympic gold medals:

"We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon."

Gordon Bakoulis Bloch:

"You can't cram for the final. By that, I mean you're not going to get any fitter during the last couple of weeks before the race. So don't try cramming any last minute long runs or extra training. The best thing you can do for your body is rest."

Steve Jobs:

"There are times when you run a marathon and you wonder, Why am I doing this? But you take a drink of water, and around the next bend, you get your wind back, remember the finish line, and keep going."

Unknown: "The person who starts the race is not the same person who finishes the race."

And one of my personal favorites, one I think of often:

John Hanc, running writer

"I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible."

Stop thinking. Trust your training! You have done all the hard work and the race is the celebration of all of that hard work. 

I can't wait to celebrate with all of you next week at the end of the Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon! If you're not running Columbus, I will celebrate in spirit with you at the end of your race.

Good luck to all! Happy Running!!!

Wordless Wednesday--the BEST running partner

After entertaining me for over 5 miles,
the little one wanted to push the stroller. Not being able to see
over the handle did not stop him!

In the beginning....

A few months ago, I wrote Gotta Start Somewhere, but I wanted to expand on the points I made and add a little more. For every week, month, year that I run, I learn more. I gain perspective. I gain insight into myself. Keep in mind, I am NOT an expert. I am NOT a coach. I am *just* a mom who likes to run and has learned many things along the way. Some of which I wish I had known when I started running!

So, you've got your support system. You've taken your first steps toward the C25K program. Heck, maybe you're even halfway through. Did you pick a goal race yet? I hope so. That goal race is a HUGE motivator to keep you going! My suggestion is to pick a race that might be a couple weeks after you're supposed to finish the C25K program. That way, if you need to repeat a week or two (life gets in the way!), you won't feel rushed or stressed about your race.

Hopefully, you have been properly fitted for running shoes. This is a MUST! The wrong shoes can cause injuries and more discomfort than beginning running will. Locally, we have several options; with Fleet Feet Sports and  Roadrunner Sports the two that I head to most often. Both offer a gait analysis where they have you run on a treadmill barefoot to see what your foot strike looks like to properly advise you on a pair of shoes. The big box sporting goods stores have a great selection and often run good sales, but (in my experience) do not have the knowledge needed for a first time running shoe purchase.

(Originally pinned this several months ago, but when I searched
for the source, it's missing. )

Just like the picture says....you're not trying to beat other runners. You should not be worried about pace when you are just beginning. Do not compare yourself to other runners. The first time I started running (between children), I had no idea how far I was running (I drove my usual route in the car for an estimate) and I had no idea on pace. Honestly, I think this was the best way to start running! I wasn't worried about going too fast, too slow, too far or not far enough. I ran as long as child #1 would tolerate being in the jogging stroller and considered it a good workout. September 2009 (what I consider my TRUE start to running), I had my Garmin Forerunner. I started to worry about pace. I started to worry about distance. Of course, the Garmin data did make it easier to celebrate new milestones! And I love being able to look back and remind myself of how far I've come.

Use your breathing as a guide. If you cannot form a sentence or carry on a conversation, you're pushing too hard. Slow down. Build up  your endurance. Speed will come later. In fact, I've read some places that you should not work on increasing speed until you've been running for at least a year.

Walking---when I first started running, I thought walking was taboo. If I walked during a run, then I wasn't a real runner. NOT TRUE! In fact, Jeff Galloway teaches the run/walk method of running and I know many people that successfully utilize the Galloway Method. Walking during a run is perfectly acceptable! You will still be a runner even if you take walking breaks. Ignore anyone that says otherwise!

Patience!!! You will not be able to go out and run five miles. Just take it one day, one mile, one STEP at a time. Stick with it and eventually you will be running farther than you ever thought possible.

Schedule your runs. Whatever plan you are following, write the workouts/runs on the calendar as an appointment. If you just try to fit it in whenever you can, chances are, life will get in the way. Make it part of your life and pretty soon, it will just become a habit. Figure out what time of day you are more likely to enjoy exercising...is it getting up an hour earlier? During the baby's nap time? After work? After the kids go to bed? Try them all and figure out what makes the most sense for you and makes you most likely to stick with it.

Source

I hope this helps you at least a little bit on your journey. Remember that everyone starts in the same place and we've all been there!

I would love to hear about your progress if you have started recently. Or tell me what you wish you would have known when you first started running. What advice would you give to new runners?

Which Disney Princess are you?

"All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney

That Walt, such a smart man! Until I started running, I don't know that I believed the above statement. Since I started running, I find that not only does it apply to my life as a runner, but to the rest of my life. This sits above my kitchen sink and I look at it a million several times a day. I think it's a good reminder that if you want something, go after it!

With the registration selling out quickly for the Disney World Princess Half Marathon and seeing so many people register for it, I keep thinking of how much fun it would be. Then we started talking on facebook and twitter about what princess we identify with and how we would dress if we ever had the opportunity to run this race. Seriously, click the link and check out the pictures of the race...does that not look like the most fun race?!

Running the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon would be a dream come true for me. Disney World is my favorite place on Earth. The magic. The "Whole New World". The word Disney, conjures up so many thoughts, songs, and images that all lead to a happy place. runDisney...to run through Epcot, past Cinderella's Castle, down Wold Drive and past Spaceship Earth. Plus seeing all my favorite characters along the way?! So, we are pursing our dream, hoping to get the opportunity to run this fantastic race!

I am an extremely lucky person. I have been to Disney World twice (so far) in my life. We went as a family when I was in Jr. High and again as an adult with Jeff and my parents. The two trips were completely different experiences and the most magical vacations. I cannot wait to take my boys to Disney World. Although we won't spend much (if any) time with the princesses, I know it will be the most fun trip yet! I have even started my vacation fund so we can go (hopefully 2014!). I CAN'T WAIT! They are pretty excited, too, and ask us all the time if we can go on a Disney vacation.

The Princess 1/2 Marathon would be all for ME! Part of me feels selfish saying that.....I am a mom first. However, even moms need time to themselves. Running has given me that. Running has helped me figure out who Anne is. Running has helped me form some FANTASTIC friendships. Running has helped improve my health. Running has helped keep me sane in the crazy world of a stay-at-home mom. In a house that is full of cars, trucks, trains, action figures, and dirt, dressing up and pretending to be a princess for a day would be AWESOME! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE playing Legos with the boys, making train tracks, building race tracks, BUT, sometimes a woman just needs to put on a tiara and feel like a princess. The last (and only) time I wore a tiara was my wedding day and I truly felt like a princess that day. Even better, I would run it with my girlfriends and we could all be princesses together!

I am 99% sure that I would dress as Belle for the race. I fell in love with Beauty and the Beast the first time I saw it many years ago. I see a lot of myself in Belle; whether it's having her nose buried in a book, taking care of people, or showing courage by doing what she believes. Plus, she wears some pretty awesome dresses!

What princess would you be? Have you ever runDisney? Did you dress up?