Under Pressure

I am feeling a bit under pressure since last weekend....

Sorry, but I can't help but think of that song when I feel "under pressure", which I do to write a Fargo race report.

Believe me, dear fans, I have been thinking about it every day, but not in a good way. I find it very hard to give race reports. Due to my race induced tunnel vision, my experience tends to be very narrow. However, during some car contemplation time this morning, I realized that I could just write about the "highlights" few that they were. That is another reason that I struggle to write this race report. The race was not exactly my best and I like to write about happy, fun thoughts, not why the F*** am I doing this thoughts.

First (I have no idea how many highlights there will be) - loved all the race clothing they had at the Expo and it was reasonable! Nothing like a little shopping to start the weekend off right.

Second - I passed Dean Karnazes! And yes, we were both running the same race at the same time! Okay, it was just the 5K, but a thrill none the less. I found it quite humorous that he was telling the guy next to him about a guy who had rigged up his water pack with beer. It sounded like one of those beer hats that are so common at Wisconsin tailgating parties. He thought it was a pretty cool thing.... my kind of guy.

Third - I know some of you were wondering if I would actually wear my beautiful throw away sweatshirt. Rest assured, I got my .25$ worth out of it. It came in quite handy when we were trying to locate the Cousins prior to the race. Christy said she spotted my sweatshirt a mile away. According to her it really set itself apart from the normal running apparel. Huh. I would have never guessed.

Fourth - I did have a moment of panic after the first mile when it was still quite cool and I was STILL wearing my horsey sweatshirt. I realized that if it didn't warm up, I might be wearing the thing the whole race. The good thing was that the sleeves that had shrunk to 3/4 length would work really well for an extended run. The BAD thing was that all my Fargo Marathon photos would feature the beautiful garment. The GOOD thing is that it would make finding my photo in the "lost and found" section of the race photos very easy. Thankfully, it quickly warmed up and I tossed my well spent .25$ to the side.

Fifth - Just before mile 6 I kept on hearing bells, but whenever I looked I couldn't find where they were coming from. I mentioned this to the Cousins and they didn't respond back. I had a moment of panic and asked "Are you guys hearing the bells?". I thought it was a bit early in the race to be hallucinating, but you never know... strange things can happen in a marathon! Plus, I figured it would give me a good excuse to find the next spot to drop out due to a "medical emergency". Thankfully, they cracked up (laughing!) and reassured me that they did hear the bells too. It turned out to be the bell tower at Concordia University which we ran right through the middle of. Very cool.

Sixth - Shortly after mile 17 I noticed a fellow running next to me. To me he suddenly was there, but I learned later he had been running along side of me for about 20 feet before I noticed that it was Bryan! It was time for my first DEW DROP STOP! This is the song I heard in my head at that moment...

I believe I have mentioned to you before that created a Running Induced Addiction to Diet Dew/Sun Drop among my long distance running partners. Oh, they looked down their noses at me, shaking their heads in shame the first time I made them stop at a Kwik Trip about 3/4 of the way through a long run so I could get a nice cold Diet Dew. That is until they took me up on my offer to have a taste. Thus the tradition and addiction to having a ice cold Dew/Drop 3/4 of the way through a run or in this instance, a race, came to be. Thankfully, Bryan on the injury list and not running so he was an enabler to our addition. He racked up many, many "points" from me, but unfortunately for him, I am not his wife so it does him no good. I saw his cheer face cheering me on so many times, I can't count. It was so great! (Thank you, Thank you, Thank you). This is what I will think of Bryan every time I see him (until the next story from Christy - in about a week)

Seven - It is really getting hard to come up with more highlights since by this time I was well into my "bad place" as Christy puts it.

Eight - During the last half mile I was once again walking when a guy in the crowd yelled at me with a lot of gusto, "Come on Allison! You can Do IT!" This caused a fellow runner to veer over to me and say the same thing with the same amount of disgusting enthusiasm. It took every remaining kind bone in my body to not say "Oh, I can DO IT. (lots of heavy sarcasm) It is more a question of whether or not it is running or walking." Thankfully, it would take to much energy to say that and she was well beyond my at that point.

Nine - Three words: PIZZA and CHOCOLATE MILK!

Ten - Jim was kind enough to go get me a beer. I was quite impressed by its size and even posted a photo of it to Facebook. I think that is a 20oz Powerade bottle sitting next to it.

Later when Jim was off getting something else for me - perhaps another beer? Two guys sat down at our table and asked how much it was and I said, with a lot more enthusiasm than I felt the entire race, "Its FREE!". Later, when Jim had returned, another two guys sat down and asked the same question and I responded the same. To which Jim said, "It's NOT free". Oh... does Christy have some explaining to do! She assured me that there would be beer. And there was, true, but it did not meet the Sparta Runner Race Criteria of being FREE beer. That criteria was submitted by Christy herself and the lack thereof of said FREE beer sends her immediately to her bad place.

It seems appropriate to end on that note. Beer. Needless to say it was not my best race - 4:13. I started out too fast and after doing 2 marathons a year for the last 3 years, I am mentally beat. So, that WILL be my last marathon for a long time. I won't say never, but the thrill is gone. Time to start focusing on halfs.

I would recommend Fargo to anyone. It is cheap, but provides the same level of service as much more expensive marathons (excluding the free beer). The people were incredibly friendly every where we went and crowd support was awesome.

Not Happy

My RIOCD (Running Induced Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) specifically checking the weather forecast for Fargo, ND a gazillion times a day, has not helped to relieve any anxiety. Here is how the weather has changed as I have been checking it:

Warm

Warmer

Hot (60 at beginning of race and 78 at end)

Hot and Breezy

Hot and Windy

Hot and Windy with Gusts

Hot and Windy with Gusts and a 30% chance of rain.

So, apparently I need to stop checking the weather because it just keeps on getting worse. Maybe if I stop it will improve. I am sure that the weather revolves around my actions, so it will work. Just like when my husband says he has to sit in a certain spot or wear a certain shirt in order for the Packers to win. The Packers' success depends on HIM!

Donuts and Cars

Today is Christy's B-day. She is not sure if she is 36 or 38, so make sure you ask her how old she age since repeating things tends to either help you remember them or make people think you have dementia. I should be nice to her though, since she brought donuts this morning! Yum!

So here is a Birthday song for her. Based on what Christy said about how Bryan views her birthday, I think he will agree with its overall message:

On another unrelated note. I noticed today that we now have a lot of white cars in our group. Mine, Mike's Christy's and Todd's. NO ONE can get another white car! I bought white car to get away from all the Gray min-vans (mine, Wendy's, Sandy's, Judy's x2) and now I find myself in the predominate color group again! At least they are not all the same type of vehicles!

Have a Happy Birthday Christy!

Getting Ready

The marathon is 6 days away and the running induced obsessive compulsive disorder (RIOCD) has begun!

I have checked the weather forecast 3 times so far (+ 3 more while I was writing this blog). The first time was a high of 80!! Yesterday was 75 with chance of rain, BUT it was from my iPhone app - Weather Central. Today, I once again checked National Weather Service (what could be more accurate than a government run meteorological agency? (no scoffs out there!) They are forecasting 78 and mostly sunny. The local Fargo TV station is forecasting 78 and partly cloudy and Accuweather is predicting 75, windy and plenty of clouds. So, needless to say beyond the fact that it will be in the 70's, the forecast is uncertain, which will put my RIOCD into overdrive.

However, I don't want it to be cold, so I did something to guarantee that it will be warm. (but not TOO warm). When I was hitting the garage sales this weekend, I went hunting for a throw away sweatshirt for race day morning. I am pleased to report that I found the PERFECT throw away sweat shirt for .25$. Take a gander:

Pretty SWEEEET huh? It is soooo ME! Here is the close up of the front, so you can fully appreciate the artistry:

I am not sure how they get the sweatshirt to do that "lace" effect, but you have to hand it to them...I guess. I particularly LOVE the horses. It takes me back to my grade school days when I MAY have liked it, just because it had horses on it.

And yes, the sleeves are short which is a bit of a bummer because it will be hard to pull my hands into them if it indeed is cold. I guess I shouldn't complain for .25$. Now I will probably have to also pack my homemade arm sleeves which I can put my hands into. For those who have not witnessed those beauties, maybe I will share a picture of them next time!

Lastly, CONGRATULATIONS to the Sparta runners who took part in the Cellcom Marathon (Sullivans) and Half Marathon (Knolls) in Green Bay! It looks like you guys did great! Can't wait to hear about it! And yes Tom, we know you are done with your marathon and we are not!

Already?

A week and a half before the marathon and I already had anxiety dream!

It was they typical one. I was getting worried that I wouldn't be ready for the 4:30 p.m. (it was a dream) start time when I checked my bib (again - a dream... for some reason the start time was listed on the bib - maybe that isn't a bad idea!) and realized that it was a 11:30 a.m. start time! I was 5 hours late! I briefly contemplated running anyway since it was chipped timed, but realized my foolishness. Plus it would have made for an even longer dream!

Thank goodness it was a dream!

1st Annual Sparta Half Marathon

Today the First Annual Sparta Half Marathon was held. Unfortunately, the race was delayed 12 hours due to weather which caused a decline in participants. Reports are that the overwhelming pre-registered crowd of 8 decreased in HALF to 4.

Race weather was not ideal, a bit windy and scattered snow showers. However, it was obvious that the route creator is an expert at their job because the course was relatively flat and easy to follow.

It was quite an exciting start. The four runners lined up at the crack in the road. Several got down into their race start position - example provided for your clarity. I know you can't see the face, so just let me be clear that it is not a picture of Jill. I know you were all wondering. On a side note: I got this picture from a poster site. Why someone would want a large poster of some one's rear end? I wonder how big of a seller it is.

Getting back to the start of the race..... like I said it was QUITE exciting. After I said GO! It looked something like this, but with only 4 people. Mike was particularly cut throat.

Once we all got our rhythm and agreed there was no point in killing ourselves, we settled into a friendly and enjoyable run. Oh, of course Jill had to start complaining at the .5 mile mark, but Mike quickly put her in her place with a well place snot rocket (just kidding).

We picked a bandit at about mile 2 (Judy) and calmly continued on. I won't go into all the thrilling details of the next 11 miles. Disappointing, I know, but this is a volunteer job and I have stuff to do!

The finish was just as exciting as the start. Here is a photo of Mike finishing the race. I know it doesn't look like him, but it was such a traumatic finish that it actually changed his appearance!

Okay - enough joking around.... here is the picture of the 13.1 finishers. Judy (who didn't do the full 13.1 miles) took the picture for us.

See how HAPPY we look! Come join the fun next year! We are setting a goal of 20,000 runners, just like Fargo.

I am surprised this hasn't happened to me yet...

I saw the video below on Shut up and Run's blog and immediately thought, "Huh! I am surprised I haven't encountered this women in a hotel fitness center." I say this because it seems like after every one of my vacations, my running partners get to enjoy, once again, a story about some weird thing another person was doing or wearing in the hotel fitness room. I really don't think I am judgmental, just lucky. Or perhaps God is making up to me the fact that when I run outdoor races, my eyes are looking at the ground 10 feet in front of me. As a result, I miss A LOT of funny things my fellow racers enjoyed. He sees the need to provide me a little humor (since running with Tom and Mike is not enough).

Maybe someday I will get to see this women, but I don't think I will have the same willpower of the two people next to her. They don't give her one look. Not ONE! Seriously... I would be constantly looking and although you couldn't see it on the video - big eye rolling too.

Sullivan Curse?

I ran what was supposed to be my 3:30 hour run today with Tom. I had a little anxiety leading up to it due to the weather forecast - little did I know that would be the least of my worries (foreshadowing).

We did get rained on a little at about 5:30, but it ended and the rest of the run the weather was decent. A little windy, but manageable. No worries there.

I was feeling pretty good for most of the first 18 miles. Somewhere around there I experimented with a new energy substance - Gu Chomps. I don't know why. Energy Gel usually if fine for me although after training for 6 marathons, it is a bit of a struggle to get them down. Once down though, I am usually fine. Plus, I KNOW I don't like chewy, gooey things when I run. The sticking to my teeth annoys me. So, I don't know WHAT possessed me.

Shortly after that, my side started hurting. No, not a "side ache" from breathing wrong - a true pain. I have had this before, even when I am not running. Normally ibuprofen helps, but unfortunately I didn't bring any and Tom didn't have any either.

We were on a good part of the run too... 45 minutes remaining, on the trail (nice soft, flat surface) with the wind (which was becoming strong) at our backs. The best way to end a long run! However, the pain in my side continued to increase and my excuses to stop increased in frequency. Finally, I told Tom to just go ahead. I would run/walk back to his house where we started. He asked if I wanted his phone, was I sure... etc., etc. - asking all the things a good, caring running partner should ask. (This should have made me see what was really going on).

Of course a few minutes later when I could still see Tom, but he was well out of earshot (I tried). I realized that I needed to be picked up ASAP. There was no 'run/walk' in my future. I just needed to curl up some where. So, for those who are not familiar with the area - the area where we were at is secluded - a old railroad track converted to a trail. No cars driving by to hail down and I was in serious trouble (I am not trying to make you feel guilty Tom, really!). I had no choice but to keep walking until I got to a nearby bike shop where I could call my husband. It was about 3/4 of a mile away and up over a bridge.

There was a pit toilet, so I decided to see if was open with the hope that maybe a "deposit" would make me feel better. I did have the sense to drop my fuel belt at the beginning of the path to the toilet just in case I passed out in there. Maybe if hubby or Tom came looking for me it would point them in the right direction. I know it sounds like I am joking, but I am totally serious.

I was happy that the bathroom was indeed open. Unfortunately, my deposit did not make me feel better. However, I told myself it did. There was no choice but to keep walking. I was on the verge of puking and severe pain in my side. The silver lining in this whole story is that I got to practice my marathon mantra. This time I chose - 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3. In time with each step. It was the only way I could figure out to keep going and keep my mind from focusing on the pain.

I did make it to the bike shop without puking or passing out. I slowly walked in and asked the lady to call my husband. She went to hand me the phone and I asked, "Could you call him?" as I laid my head down on the counter. She did and after the confusion of Jim thinking she was calling "for" me (wanting to talk to me) and then that "she needs to be picked up" did NOT mean that I had ordered something that needing picking up, he came and got me.

The lady was very nice. She offered me a chair behind the counter where I promptly laid my head down and breathed.... She must have been a runner in the past because she did not ask me if I need anything, or if I was okay.. or any question which required me to talk. I know it might seem cold and heartless, but actually that is EXACTLY what I needed her to do.

Jim came and got me and after a long hot shower, I was, of course, totally fine even without ibuprofen.

So, which brings me to the Sullivan Curse. I realized, as I was lying on the desk at the bike shop, that my two most horrible runs in my history of marathon training have happened when I was running with one of the Sullivans. They are great to run with. They are excellent at keeping the chatter up with fun and interesting conversation, yet not dominating it. I realized that this is a ruse. They do this so you have no idea that anyone running solo with them is doomed to some horrific running ailment. I think the curse doesn't take affect when they are running with a group of people, because, well, it would just be too obvious. Either that it is a weak curse that is only effective on one person at a time. So, all you Sparta runners - keep this in mind if you ever run alone with one of the Sullivans.

Tuesdays

I noticed a couple of things today. First there were a LOT of runners. 9 - I think.

Second - we stood around and talked for a few minutes afterwards. Not something we normally do. There are a couple of reasons why I think this phenomenon occurred:

1. Jenny and Wendy were running. As soon as they had an opening, they took it and Tom went with them. A few of us nicer people hung back and stopped and waited for Belle had to do her business. (to be fair J, W and T were so far ahead they had no idea) So, we were all spread out through most of the run. As a result there was little opportunity to talk among the whole group, so we had to do it after the run.
2. It was actually daylight so we could see each other when we were talking.
3. It was somewhat warm (as compared to below zero).
4. We ran such a fast pace that we got back well before 6:00, so people didn't need to rush off.
5. Tom wouldn't let us go because he had to tell us about his new camper.

Over the weekend I ran in my home town. It was a windy and wet day, but I enjoyed it anyway. It was a trip down memory rain. Plus the crab apple trees were in mid blossom and their colors were just vibrant. At one point I stopped to take a picture of a crab apple blossom tunnel I was going to run through, but I realized that I didn't have my phone. This isn't the picture, but it shows the beauty of crab apple trees.

It would have been easy to excuse myself with the blustery and wet weather and although it wasn't a fast run, I felt really good having done it. Plus it was fun to run somewhere different.

The most hated done!

The training run I hate most is the last pace run... 16 miles. I hate it more than the long run of 3:30. However, the good thing about having a horrible, horrible, quite literally puking 3:15 mile long run last week is that the 16 mile pace run seemed like a breeze in comparison!

Mike gets the award for trying to keep conversation going when it was lagging during the last few miles. However, his tactics need to improve. Just saying, "We aren't talking again!" doesn't do much to spur conversation. He didn't get too annoying.

Christy, however, went to her "bad place". Nuf' said.

Jill did great.. cheerfully plugging along. Of course, she is off today and going to a Brewer game. How could life not be good for her?

So, good video below. Yes, the guy is inebriated, but this so easily could be any runner after running a marathon - and BEFORE hitting the post race beer tent. I love the fact that no matter how intoxicated he is, he still has the presence of mind to flirt with the cute girl who talks to him. I am sure this probably took place at some beer tent in Wisconsin.

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

3:15 done

I ran my 3:15 hour long run yesterday. Thankfully I had Rhonda to run with me. She was a life saver and very good at chatting! It was NOT a good run.

The first 11 miles Kristi B joined us. We had a fight the 25-30 mph wind on the first leg and the last, but beyond that the wind didn't bother us too much. K did great - her longest run so far!!!!

I started having stomach issues shortly into that first hour and the first Gu did not help. When we looped back to R's to drop off K, I had a granola bar hoping it would help. It didn't. It really sucked. I have never had stomach issues like that and I am guessing it is because of the medicine I am on in combination of not eating the right thing during the day. The bummer was that my legs felt pretty good. Of course, at the pace I was going at the end - how could they not feel good!

I made it home, paid the babysitter and crashed on the couch - afraid to move. I logically thought I should get something in my stomach but really didn't want to take the chance. I made myself get up and take a hot shower, which I had a hard time making myself leave. Can't I stay in here forever? And that did make me feel better - enough so that I was willing to chance something in my stomach. A plain bagel and strawberry jam. Once I got that in, I was willing to chance some ibuprofen to mask the muscle pain so I could sleep. And I actually did sleep fairly well. Glad it is done and just hope the next run goes better!

One more thing -

Usually I try to be a positive person when it comes to running. Oh, I say the occasional, "Let's get this over with!" or "I am struggling." Or just plain, "Ugh". But overall I think my running friends would not say I am a negative Nelly. However, lately there seems to be a plethora of stories about things you need to worry about if you are out on a run. If it isn't getting hit by a plane, it is this:

Once again, thanks to Runny is Funny.

Holy Crap!

Holy Crap! For two reasons this morning.

First Holy Crap and starting on a happy note - a TON of people came and ran this morning. It looked like a big sale was happening at Walgreens. NINE! Jenny and Wendy made their repeat seasonal return (I missed them last time since due to not hearing my alarm clock). And Dan (Wendy's husband) joined us too!

Second HOLY CRAP and not so happy note - Jenny and Wendy have turned into speed demons over the winter and the overall slower momentum of the rest of the runners did not slow them down. Instead the group increased their pace to try to keep up. However, the wise ones (over 40) and thus able to resist foolishness behavior, decided to actually enjoy the morning run and settled into a much more reasonable, but still faster than normal, pace. Thanks goodness Elyse and Dan were there or it would have been either a lonely or miserable run for me.

On an even funnier note: Last night I had a dream, and I am not joking about this, that we were at a marathon expo and as we were leaving we said "We will see you at the post race celebration with beers in our hands!" To which the race organizer responded, "Sorry, no beer this year." Which elicited the reply, "WHAT???" And he explained that it was a new law which prohibited them from serving alcohol after races. To which I responded, "That's it - now I am definitely NOT doing marathons anymore!".

So, I interpret this dream a couple of ways...

1. It was a NIGHTMARE, not a dream.
2. Apparently, I do need a break from marathons.
3. It is an obvious indication of my opinion of the laws politicians feel compelled to enact for the "good" of the people. (sarcasm)
4. Maybe I am running marathons for the wrong reasons - all of which come in 12 oz containers and contain a yellowish brown beverage with a lovely white foam on top.

A search of the Internet came up with this appropriate picture:

And also helped me discover a great new blog: Beerrunner

Product Reviews

I have done three runs since my last post. A normal morning run. A 14 mile pace run. A Sunday evening sucky run.

The pace run was good. Well, it was very hard, especially the last 3 miles, but the pace as a tiny bit faster than I hoped. So, the suckiness (Is that a word? It is now!) was worth it. Plus I got to run with the very humorous Sullivans. They were very kind and delayed their run so I would have someone to run with since No Show Gal bailed on me for better running partners (the Cousins). It was very kind of them, but I am still going to give Tom grief for being a NPP (Non Poll Person).

I just got back from a Sunday evening run with as I alluded to before - SUCKED. It was a beautiful evening too! Perfect temperature, no wind. One of those evenings that EVERYONE is out taking walks. However, it was the evening and my body just is not used to running at the that time. It was one where one I looked at my pace I had to remind myself that it was just a good thing I was out running.

So - on to PRODUCT REVIEWS.

MUSCLE MILK LIGHT

After my pace run I got a request on my cell phone to bring home some marshmallows to roast over our new fire pit. (One of those times I did NOT enjoy the easy access of technology). However, I was feeling like my usual recovery drink of Diet Mtn Dew was not going to be good enough nor was it going to make my night of sleep any easier to come by. Plus, the one I had in my cooler was not icy cold. So, since I could also benefit by stopping by the grocery store in my nice and stinky state, I decided to go and get the marshmallows and some CHOCOLATE milk. I have read in many places that it is indeed the best recovery drink. It didn't take much convincing. However, in the long and large cooler space at the front of the store I could not find a chocolate milk! There was every energy drink you could imagine, but no chocolate milk! I tapped my heels three time and said "I want go home, I want to go home". But since I was already in Wisconsin (the DAIRY state) I stayed right where I was. Still no chocolate milk and after running 14 miles, there was no way in H - E double hockey sticks that I was going to walk to the very back of the store to see if they had single serving sizes back by the gallons.

Then my eye happened upon:

Hmmmm (in a skeptical tone). If you look carefully, you will see below the words 'Nutritional Shake", the words "Contains No Milk". I was very, very skeptical. Did I really want to spend the money (over $2.00) to take a chance on something that might gag me? I decided it would give me some good blog material, so what the heck. But I also bought some flavored water so I could wash it down if it was indeed nasty. Nothing like driving around in your car looking like cat trying to hack up a hairball.

So, I got in my car and started slamming it it. As I was slamming it I thought, 'Not too bad!" Then I stopped for a brief second. Apparently, your taste buds aren't able to take in the full taste of a liquid when it is passing over its taste buds at high velocity. Now, the taste wasn't that bad, but it wasn't like chocolate milk. More like a cheap malt ball, which I don't like.

I have no idea if the drink helped me recover faster, but I do know that next time I will opt for the much cheaper, better tasting and scientifically proven good ole chocolate milk!

PRODUCT REVIEW NUBMER 2 -

Sennheiser MX75 Twist-To-Fit In-Ear Stereo Sport Headphones

Normally I don't wear headphones runnings I prefer people over my iPod. However today I was running by myself, so I took my husbands Sennheiser headphones with me. I got these for him for Christmas after he said he was happy it was cold out because now the ear band or hat will help to keep his earbuds in his ears. He unlike me, NEVER runs without his iPod - even when he is running with me (note to self - future blog material). He mentioned that at a recent race he saw a women who had taped her earbuds into her ear. Although he sympathized with her, he didn't think he would ever do that. Any Whooo... on my Christmas list it went and of course, Internet Search Goddess that I am, I was able to find a pair of earphone that was specifically built to address his dilemma AND all the reviews agreed that they worked. After wearing them twice, I have to agree that they work swell. I never have to adjust them and they never pop out. My husband has worn them on long runs and they did not hurt his ears. So they get two thumbs up from us. Of course, I had to wipe the girl sweat off them before I returned them to him. Here is a picture of them in some dude's ear (not mine or my husband's).