I am so looking forward to the 261 Fearless Train the Trainer Certification course in Boston – and you do not have to be a 261 Fearless ambassador to apply! I cannot wait to start a 261 Fearless Club in Western New York! Join me the end of October!
As most of you know, I am a (very) proud 261 Fearless Ambassador. Kathrine Switzer is the ultimate running role model. I urge everyone to read the story of how she became the first woman to register for and run the Boston Marathon. (Her book Marathon Woman is a must read!) She was able to finish even after one of the race directors tried to (very) physically remove her from the race. Fifty years later she is being honored at the 2017 Boston Marathon, and she is going to run the marathon too! As a relative newbie runner who happens to be in excess of 50 years old, I am in awe of this woman. On top of being a fantastic runner and fierce advocate for women’s running, she also is one of the kindest people I ever have met.
Kathrine is sharing her honor at Boston with the women’s running community. Women can apply for a charity bib to run the Boston Marathon without a time qualification. AND you get to start the race WITH Kathrine! If you want to run Boston and be part of the celebration of one of the most significant events in women’s running history, I urge you to look into applying for a bib! The charity is Kathrine’s own 261 Fearless, self-described as:
Pronounced TWO-SIX-ONE Fearless, we are a global supportive community which empowers women to connect and take control of their lives through the freedom gained by running. Through a series of non-competitive running clubs and private communication channels, we provide networking, healthy running support and education, and a sisterhood to women all over the world.
It is the mission of 261® Fearless to bring active women together through a global supportive community – allowing fearless women to pass strength gained from running and walking onto women who are facing challenges and hence sparking a revolution of empowerment. 261® is the symbol that unites us as empowered runners and walkers.
Posted in Health and Fitness, marathon, Running
Tagged 261Fearless, marathon, run, running
I belong to several running communities, and follow them all on Facebook. It is amazing to me how many of us are going down with injuries this summer. From minor issues to major issues, we are being forced to modify our running to adapt to our medical issues.
Personally, this year I have had several DNS races due to continuing problems from a car accident last September, and new issues that have emerged as I have modified to try to accommodate those injuries. The most humbling incident for me was at the Sehgahunda trail marathon, in Letchworth Park, New York, self-described:
“Sehgahunda is the REAL DEAL. It may just be one of the hardest trail marathons in the east. It’s 26.3 miles of single track trails, over 3000 feet of climbing, with more than 100 gullies that need to be traversed”
I was ill-prepared for this marathon, as I live in a very flat area of New York, and was not running regularly due to neck and back pain. On race day I was very excited to give it a whirl; unfortunately, the weather was excruciatingly hot, and there was no air flow on the trail. Getting to and from the checkpoints was so difficult – grass up to my waist and higher, and shoe-sucking mud beneath. I was not prepared for the severe declines and inclines, and each leap over a gully made me wince from pain. I made it to checkpoint 3 before it was decided that I (and many, many others) should not continue. Of the 300 entrants, there were only 206 finishers.
I was out there for 4:19:13 for 16 miles. Should I have pushed through the last 10+ miles? That question haunted me for a while. The way things were deteriorating, I probably would have been on the trail another 2 ½ to 3 hours at least. I may not have even made the 8 hour cut off. When I brought this up with my chiropractor, he affirmed that I made absolutely the correct decision. I was dehydrated, tired and in pain. I know I set myself back medically by doing 16 miles; now, I also have an issue with my hip. Doing the extra 10+ may have been satisfying at the moment I crossed the finish line, but I am sure I would have regretted it in the long run.
Hopefully I am learning from these experiences. Instead of being disappointed in myself, I should be proud that I completed 16 miles of the toughest race I have ever attempted, and while injured. I also learned that I do enjoy trail running, but maybe not to the extreme of this particular race. I became very nervous on the steep downhills when someone would come barreling up behind me. Sometimes there was nowhere to go to allow people to pass (the women start earlier than the men, but then some of the men end up catching up pretty quickly and passing some of the women). This just was not my race.
It has taken me six weeks to write about this. I am such a stubborn person and not finishing something I start is very frustrating for me. Reading all the stories my fellow runners have been posting on Facebook about their setbacks and comebacks has really helped me accept that my DNF is just another part of my growth as a runner. So thanks to all of you!
Posted in Health and Fitness, marathon, Running, Running Injuries, Trail Marathon
Tagged 261Fearless, marathon, running
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Maybe I’m a little late, but I feel like this is an appropriate greeting. A lot has changed for me since my last post – both my physical self and my perspective.
I’m continuing to work on my back issues since the September car accident. I have added medical massage to the chiropractic and I think I am continuing to improve. While Dr. Steve works at keeping me aligned, the massage is getting at some muscle points that still have not eased up; as she says, “hard as rocks”. I have added a stand up desk at my job and also purchased a stand up table for home. It took a while for my legs to get used to standing so much, but I definitely think it is better. I finished off a few races to the end of the year (I will review them separately), but otherwise really took it easy as far as running is concerned.
As the holidays approached, I was feeling overwhelmed with the traveling for races and holiday preparations. Then our beloved dog Samwise died unexpectedly over Thanksgiving weekend, and everything just felt “off”.
After Christmas, I still wasn’t feeling myself. That’s when I sat down to re-think what I could do to feel better, do better. I wanted to be excited about the future, not just plan it and do it. I decided to get running again, but take it easy. No worries about speed, just get it done. I signed up for the 2,016 miles in 2016 challenge. I am on a three person team for running miles, but I personally am trying to achieve 2,016 all-purpose miles. I signed up for 1,000 running miles in 2016 challenge. I signed up for some virtual runs to benefit some good charities. I signed up for some trail runs – including a marathon that is said to be one of the toughest in the northeast. I signed up for the Pittsburgh Marathon and some other local races. I started a marathon training plan, and I’m trying to stick to it.
What am I not doing? I’m not going crazy scheduling races in states to complete the 50 state challenge. I’m really enjoying the 100 Half Marathon Club – I could do 100 half marathons in my home state and complete the challenge. No travel worries and much less expensive. The club has a gazillion discounts not only for races but for running products, the dues are not high, and the club organizers are wonderful. There is no competition with other clubs. I highly recommend anyone who runs half marathons to join this club – just say I referred you!
Life is changing in other ways too. There is a high likelihood my husband will be retiring. My own job is winding down as well. We want to move. I will have to start over with a new job (in my 50’s!). I want to get some health and fitness certifications.
So this is my NEW year. Reevaluating myself and my goals at 52. Trying to stay happy and healthy for another 52.
Happy New Year indeed.
Posted in Health and Fitness, Running
Tagged 100 Half Marathon Club, 261Fearless, goals, half marathon, marathon, perspective, run, running
It’s been about five weeks since my car accident, and four weeks since I started chiropractic treatment. I have to say after being nervous at first, I have really come around to the chiropractor. Dr. Steve understands where I am coming from and where I would like to be. He says my spine is staying pretty aligned so we just have to see what’s triggering the flare ups. I can tell things start to go south when I’m driving because I’m nervous, and then of course at work because I am terrible at leaving my desk. I really have to work on that as well as how my arms are positioned when typing. Dr. Steve wants my arms fully supported, where I am old (old old) school with my wrists hanging off the keyboard. I am committed to getting better so I am taking all of this to heart and working hard.
One of the toughest things has been the instruction that ice, not heat, should be my best friend. Me, who sleeps with a heating pad on full blast, and visits the steam room, sauna and/or whirlpool as often as possible. Apparently ice is better for inflammation, and heat is better in moderation. I’m not giving up my heat, but I have added a ice packs which I admit certainly are soothing.
I have been completing my races as were scheduled way before the car accident. A couple weeks ago I met my sister in St. Paul, Minnesota for the Twin Cities in Motion Loony Challenge. The schedule was a 10k immediately followed by a 5k on Saturday, and the famous 10 mile run from Minneapolis to St. Paul on Sunday. I was pretty nervous to run that many miles in one weekend but it ended up being a huge success. I wanted to keep going after the 10 miles. The only review I can give is if you have the chance to run one of the races offered that weekend, do it! The neighborhoods are beautiful, crowd support is amazing, the races are overall well run, and the medals, shirts, and post-race food are all great. I will be back since I did not run a half marathon, so I cannot check off Minnesota!
Saturday I drove to Detroit where yesterday I ran the International Half Marathon. I had heard so many great things about this race, which crosses over the Ambassador Bridge into Canada, then back through the Detroit Windsor Tunnel to the USA. Thus you actually are running under water part of this race. Of course going back and forth to Canada could cause custom issues so you provide your passport info at registration and then receive instructions to keep your bib visible, and be prepared to possibly be delayed if the agents can’t see your bib or if you are carrying liquids. Liquids are allowed but it’s just something that could cause a delay. I only saw one person detained, actually being arrested, and I assume he didn’t have a bib. The agents did a great job and were cheering and high fiving us as well. There were bottlenecks at the bridge and tunnel which reflect in my mile splits, but overall I am really pleased with my time. Crowd support was great on both sides of the border. I love the medal and the shirt. Post race food included bananas and hummus (not a fan), apples and chocolate milk. Pure Protein also had a booth with protein bars. I guess there were food trucks at the after party, but I was cold so didn’t stay. I actually thought the food provided was kind of light especially since there also was a marathon.
All in all I’m feeling pretty hopeful. I know I can’t erase arthritis but I’ll do whatever I can to manage it.
Posted in Half Marathon, Health and Fitness, Running
Tagged 261Fearless, 50 State Runner, Arthritis, sweatpink
August was a tough month. Like most, we suffered from unrelenting heat and humidity that made every day living, not to mention running and exercise, pretty much unbearable. I tried to keep up with my training but some days it was just hard to breathe, the air was so hot and humid!
There were a few bright moments, starting with the Drake Well Half Marathon in Titusville Pennsylvania. This would be state number 9 for me in my quest for a half marathon in each of the 50 states, plus D.C. The Drake Well Half is a small race at a beautiful park at the Drake Well Museum. It was a very hot day but luckily the latter part of the race was on a paved, shaded path which was heaven! For much of the path it seemed like I was running by myself but for the chipmunks and deer that ran across my path, and whatever other critters were lurking nearby. Since my headphones were not working, I was very aware of the many sounds coming from the woods! I ended up 2nd in my age group (thank you small races), and I was glad I chose this for my Pennsylvania race.
one lane bridge leading to the Drake Well Museum
seen on my run
The following Friday evening after work I ran a 7.7k along the Buffalo waterfront called the Soaker to raise awareness of the importance of hydration. We were squirted by hoses and fire trucks all along the route, and it felt good! My husband, still recovering from surgery, was a real trouper and came along to be my cheering section.
I’m a little soaked from the Soaker!
The best of course was traveling to New York City to visit my daughter and see Jorge Posada Day at Yankee Stadium. My favorite Yankee! Unfortunately it was so hot that we just could not stay for the entire game. My daughter was sunburned after the 2nd inning!
Hip Hip Jorge!
Also that weekend I got in 2 fabulous runs in lower Manhattan. If I could only train in New York!
Run with a view
the inspiring Statue of Liberty
I love NYC
In my run around the South Street Seaport, I came across this yoga party!
My first virtual run of the month was a 5k to benefit an organization I learned of in one of my Facebook running groups. I really enjoy virtual runs, it’s like training with a purpose.
The month closed out with two more races; one road and one virtual. The road race was a 10k to benefit the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. I was on a team with some of my in-laws, as my late father-in-law had been a patient at Roswell. I also ran in memory of my own sister. The event was good except for the race itself; two loops on newly paved (i.e. smelly) roads with no scenery whatsoever. It is fun to run as part of a team, though.
The virtual race was organized by Gone For a Run, the 7 mile Sole Sisters race. I ran this the day after the 10k, and decided to use it for speed training. I ran 1 minute slow, 1 minute fast intervals, and the miles went by very quickly. My sisters from Virginia and Oklahoma also ran this virtual, so we kind of ran it together.
So that’s my month in review. I’m very glad the weather is changing. I have a ton of fall races and now know that I really need a more structured schedule to stay healthy and run well. Stay tuned for a more disciplined me!
Posted in Health and Fitness, Running
Tagged 261Fearless, half marathon, runner, running, sweatpink, virtual run
Maybe I’m an old soul, but I love riding the Amtrak by myself. It’s a chance to daydream, read, nap — really anything I don’t get to do at home because I’m distracted by all my responsibilities. It just seemed a perfect way to travel to my racecation in Fairfield, Connecticut.
perfect way to pass the time
This is my hero. I read her entire book cover to cover. What an incredible life Katherine Switzer led and continues to lead. One of my favorite excerpts reads:
… it was an exciting world, where I could be both feminine and strong, determined and dreaming, methodical and daring, and at the same time live up to my family’s expectation of my improving a situation for the next generation.
She was truly all that, and more. She had her hand in so many of the advances of women’s running, and I admire her determination and thank her for not giving up. She is so much more than “the first woman to register and run the Boston Marathon”. But she is that too!
Back in Fairfield, I met my sister at the Fairfield station and we were off to our hotel, the Fairfield Inn at the Circle. You can find my review of the Inn on Tripadvisor.
too bad it was unseasonably cool!
setting up the post race party on Jennings Beach
start line for the 5k
after the half marathon
finisher medal
this guy was real and we scared each other!
most of the fire hydrants are painted like this
a little confusing when both are lit, so we ran
I hope I can go back to Fairfield someday. The only negative was the taxi drivers although I think they were from Bridgeport. They were nasty! They made it seem like we were really putting them out!
So half marathon 10/100, state 8/50 is in the books. Thank you Fairfield! And now the return ride home.
see the country
Posted in Half Marathon, Health and Fitness, Running
Tagged 261Fearless, Amtrak, Fairfield
SeeLindaRun 