No Excuses!

The end of March has crept up on us way too fast!  It seems like it was just yesterday that we were dealing with sub zero temperatures, snow storms and making final preparations for out Spring Training Vacation.

Now it is the end of March, vacation is over and we are finally having warmer days!  Granted it will probably be July before we see green grass and can head to the beach - but it's a start!!

As I sit here and look back on the last month, it was definitely a roller coaster of a month.  I had some great runs, so not so great runs, shared a fabulous vacation with my
husband and some great friends... and had to face the fact that I needed to slow down and deal with an injury.

The statement above has really helped to keep me focused this month.  There were days that I had serious doubts about what I could do, questioned why I ever decided to sign up for a full marathon and was ready to just give up.  Then a statement like the one above would show up on my Facebook page or on my Twitter feed and remind me why set out on this journey.

For those of you that follow me on Facebook an/or twitter, you have seen me post about having to deal with this injury.  Any runner is prone to injury (and usually all deal with one at some time or another) and we all dread the words, "no running"... and hearing IT band is never a good thing to combine with that statement.  This was not a new injury to me.  I actually had IT band issues after the Fox Cities Half Marathon in 2012. With this race, my IT band issues were probably a direct result of trying to do too much, too fast.  I tried increasing my miles faster than I should have and thought could finish a half marathon without a lot of training - after all, I was planning on just walking most of it!  Wrong answer!  It actually took me over 7 months to feel comfortable running again. 

For those of you that are nor familiar with the IT band, yes you have one too!  In simple terms, it is a band that runs basically from your hip to your knee. It is key to helping stabilize the knee when running, biking, hiking and even weight lifting.  There are many factors that can contribute to IT band syndrome and at some point many runners end up dealing with either pain or injury that is IT band related.  

Icing my knee after my 17k in AZ

Now, 2 1/2 years later I started facing similar pain.  At first it just some minor pain after I would hit after running 8-10 miles.  I didn't think anything of it at first and just contributed it to the slow increase in miles during my marathon training schedule.  However, when the pain would creep up on my at the gym (some days squats got the best of me) I started looking at options.  I have some awesome trainers at the gym that started doing what they could to help me with additional strength training and modifying some things to try and keep me from aggravating it even more.  After doing a few long runs and spending time with ice packs all afternoon following a long run, and having to cut a 12 mile training run short because I started feeling the pain within the first few miles (I still pushed thru and finished 6 miles) I knew I need to do something.  

Thanks to the recommendation from a trusted fellow runner and his connections, I was connected with a fabulous Physical Therapist (who is also a runner!) to help me with a treatment plan and we are starting on the road to a better me, and a future will still see me as a runner.  Over the last few weeks I have learned that my pain this time is a result of not having all of my muscles working together like they should be.  All of my muscles in my legs are strong, except my glutes.  In the words of my Physical Therapist, all of the muscles in my legs are doing all the work and my glutes are just going along for the ride.  We need to wake them up and invite them to the party!  They need to start contributing to the effort!  We have a plan and with some hard work and dedication to this training plan, I know that I can come out on the other side, pain free and a stronger runner than I am today.

In the mean time, I have had to make some modifications to my training.  One of the hardest things that I have had to do in a long time was back out of running the Dick Lytie Half Marathon last weekend out at UWGB and only run the 5k.  Yes, I was bummed that I would not run the "big" miles, but I decided that I was going to go out there and make the best of the day. No Excuses!  It ended up being a mild and sunny day.  After the long cold winter that we dealt with, it was a fabulous day to get out and run. The 5k course was a fairly flat course so the elevation change (or lack thereof) was going to be refreshing!  I knew that I didn't want to push it too hard but still wanted to see what I could do.  I started out at a nice pace and fell into a refreshing rhythm.  When I hit the 1 mile marker I was feeling good.  It turned into a great feeling when I realized I just ran a 9 minute mile.  I kept up with the comfortable pace that I found and just rolled with it!  Before I knew it, the finish line was just ahead and it was on!  I kicked it in for that final push for the finish.

Official time = 28:37

In the end, I missed my 5k PR by only 8 seconds!  I could not believe I just did that!  It was an amazing feeling to know that I just ran one of my best 5k's EVER!  This amazing morning has truly given me the confidence that I can get through this injury and come out stronger in the end!  It will be some hard work, but I can do it!  I have a fabulous support team of my  amazing family,  fabulous trainers at the gym, my new Physical Therapist, plus many awesome friends that continue to help me grow as a runner, keep my in check so that I don't push myself too hard or too far and continue to encourage me to be the best that I can be.

Here is to a great 2014 and all of the adventures that will continue to come my way!  Be strong my friends!

I almost quit... but glad I didn't!

This morning was the 9th annual Seroogy's Valentines run.  Running outside, in Wisconsin, in February?  Sure why not!    I did this run a few years ago with a friend and that 5k just about killed us!  It was cold and breathing hurt... so why would I do it again?  Because that is what we crazy runners do!  This was going to be a little different tho, as I signed up for the 15k, it was -4 when we started and I was running with a crew of amazing myTeamTriumph Angels.

When I woke up this morning, I started questioning my decision to run this 15k.  It was -6 outside, I was tired and I would have loved to just crawl back into my nice warm bed.  But I didn't.  I started puling on the layers so that I would not freeze today.  I almost felt like Randy in the Christmas story after I got all my layers on.. knee high compression socks, running tights, my crazy color running tights over those, then topped with yoga pants, under armor cold gear long sleeve shirt, Seroogy's run long sleeve shirt and then my running jacket!  to complete the look - my new under armor hood to keep my head, neck and face warm!   Or course I had to add my myTeamTriumph scarf and Black Rockstar flower.  I was going to (hopefully) stay warm!

 As we approached the starting line, I realized that I was dealing with frozen toes already.  This was not going to be fun!  If my feet were this cold already, how am I going to run 9.3 miles? Ouch   By the time I was just past the 2 mile marker, I was second guessing my choice to do the long run.  My toes felt like ice cubes to the point that they hurt!  I was arguing with myself, trying to decide if I was going to make the right turn up ahead and just do the 5k and call it a day, or left turn up ahead, suck it up and do what I came out to do.  The way my toes felt, just doing the 5k was sounding better and better.  As the intersection came into view, I knew it was do or die time....

I sucked it up and turned left.

I ignored the pain in my toes and kept running.   I was keeping my pace and other than my toes, I felt great.  All of a sudden, at about mile 4, I realized that my toes no longer hurt!  They finally decided to warm up and join the party!  I felt like a new person!  I knew I was going to conqueror this mission!

One thing about this course that is nice is that there is a nice long downhill stretch at the end.  By this time, I knew I was close to the end and found a new spring in my step and was ready to finish this thing!  There was chocolate waiting for me at the end!  I pushed that last mile (which ended up being my fasted mile of the morning) and finished strong with a smile on my face

Katie and I warming up after

I ended up finishing in 1:43:13 (just over 11 minute miles) and have zero regrets!  I am so glad that I didn't quit and only run the 5k.  Finishing my first 15k winter race was a great feeling!  Next scheduled run... the Kiss Me I'm Irish run next month in Phoenix!! (yay to running in warmer temps!!!)

Winter Polor Vortex and my new best friend, the Dreadmill

 Anyone who has lived or visited Wisconsin in the winter is aware of the beauty and crispness of a new fallen snow.  They also have knowledge of the bone chilling cold that we are blessed with on more than a few occasions during the winter.

Frozen eggs!

This year is a harsh exception.  They called it a Polar Vortex... I just know it has been really cold! We have had more below zero days in the last 2 months than I can recall in the 15 years I have lived through Wisconsin winters.  Of course, the 25 years before that, I lived in Michigan, so I am no stranger to cold, snowy winters.  The schools in the area have closed more this winter due to frigid temperatures than they normally do for snow days. In fact on one one of these "Cold Days" off from school, my 15 year old decided to freeze an egg outside... took less than 15 minutes!  We have gotten into the habit at work of going out to start our cars a few items during the day just so that we know that we will be able to start our vehicles to get home in the evening!

This year is the first winter that I have attempted to keep my miles up through the winter.  In the last, I did all my running in the summer and by the time the Turkey Trot rolled around, I was ready to hang up my running shoes for the winter.  There were a few years that I did do the Noodleini 5k and the Seroogey's Valentines run, but this was definitely not my desired running environment.   After all of the miles that I logged over the summer, I made a vow to myself that I was going to keep the miles going through the winter... and I was going to try and run outside as much as I could.  I did not want to face the Dreadmill!  However, Mother Nature had other plans!  running outside when temps hit the mid 20's is one thing.  Sub zero temps in an entirely different beast.

After 6 mile training run

In January when the Cellcom Marathon training runs started I had plans to get out and run with everyone else.  The first Saturday morning training run, Green Bay was covered with a thick blanket of ice from the storm the night before.  I hit the dreadmill for a few miles before heading to the gym for a food cardio circuit.  The following weekend, despite sub zero temps, I headed out for the training run.  It was nice to get out and see many friends on the course but when you finish a run with icicles on your eye lashes, you know it was cold!  But I survived... and then went to the gym to warm up with a good cardio circuit!

My mornings and/or evenings have been spent with short visits to the Dreadmill and I was still struggling to get beyond 3-3.5 miles.  The treadmill has never been my first choice when it comes to running, but I knew this is what I had to do.  Fast forward to the end of January... 7 mile training run at 7am.  When you wake up at 5am and the temp outside is -9, there is no getting out of bed for that! After 45 minutes, it did warm "up" to -4 but with 30mph winds, running outside was out of the question.

I finally came to the harsh realization that this winter there was not going to be as much running outside as I wanted.  I needed to learn to get past my hatred of the treadmill and just suck it up.  I really have no reason to not enjoy these runs just as much as my outside runs.  I have a TV with cable, Netfix and a DVD player right in front of the treadmill so I can watch what I want.  My headphones still work inside, so I can still have my music.  Plus, there is a bathroom less than 10 feel from my treadmill so I can take a quick break when I need to, without having to find the next park or gas station to find a bathroom.

Since we were up in Michigan at the Eben Ice Caves last Saturday, I had no choice but the miss the training run and had to do my 8 miles solo.  These solo miles ended up being on Sunday morning, before the Super Bowl festivities started at our house.  I knew I had to do the miles and needed to get past the negative thoughts I have about the treadmill.

It was tough.  I wanted to quit.  I had to walk part of the time, but I finally broke that 3.5 mile barrier on the treadmill.  I finished my 8 miles inside on the treadmill!  I have no excuses anymore!  Winter may have thrown me a curve ball and changed my running plans, but I'm not going to let that stop me!

Now that I know I can do the miles on my treadmill, time to kick it up a notch and start some more intervals and hills on my treadmill!!  This weekend is the Seroogy's Valentines Run.  Instead of doing the regular training run, I opted for this 15k.  I get chocolate and cookies at the end of this one!  My first official race of 2014 and it promises to be a memorable one - I'm just hoping that the weather forecast changes at least to be a little warmer before 8am Saturday morning rolls around!

Marathon training is officially underway!

Last weekend marked the official start of training for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.

The night before the opening training run, Green Bay was blessed with an ice storm.  Freezing rain started early Friday evening and continued well into the night.  By the time Saturday morning showed up, there was a glaring sheet of ice several inches thick through out the entire city!  I opted to skip the Prevea Saturday Morning run and wait until Sunday to put in my miles.

And I am so glad that I did!  Even though Sunday afternoon was not much warmer, the extra day allowed time for some of the ice to melt on the streets... I however did have to do the "penguin walk" for 4 blocks when I left the house before I found streets that were not covered in sheets of ice.  But once I found that point, I was off.

 The last few weeks were spend on the Dreadmill, putting in some needed miles, hiding in the basement.  UGH.  I would rather run outside in ran, cold or snow than inside, but Mother Nature seems to have come down with a twisted sense of humor and has blessed us with some very extreme weather that has made running outside nearly impossible.  When temps drop to -15 or below, the last thing that I want to do is try and run outside.  So I dealt with what I had to!  But getting outside was awesome!

Overall, it was a great first run outside of the season! As long as I kept to the more well traveled streets and payed attention to which side of the road saw more sunlight, it was fairly smooth running.  Before long, I had my 5 miles in!  and as if on cue, as soon as I hit my 5 miles point, John and Darrin were heading home from errands and passed where I was at... just about to start my 4 block penguin walk home!

Fast forward  to today.  I gave myself a challenge that many people told me was crazy... I was going to head out for the Prevea Training run at 7am and then hit the gym for the 9am circuit class.  It was officially the coldest run of the year (or that I think I have ever done!) so far, a balmy -4 when I started!  Despite the cold, it still felt great do get outside and run.  After a month of treadmill running, the cold was refreshing and actually awakening!

just a little cold out there this morning!

Running with a few hundred people this morning also gave me a sense of renewal... the 2014 running season has officially started and I was surrounded by people who share the same "insanity" as me. We run.  Why?  Everyone has their own reason, but whatever that reason is, it is what keeps us going, keeps us getting up at all hours of the morning, it various (often inconceivable) running conditions.  Most of all, for many of us, no matter what the ultimate why is, we have also grown to love running.

After my run, a quick stop in the Distillery to warm up a bit was in order.  I can officially say this is the first time that I can remember going out for a run and actually coming back covered in frost!  Someone actually told me I looked very Eskimo-ish!  Not my preferred look, but it's days like this that we will remember when we are complaining about running in the summer heat!

Then it was off to the gym for a dose of insanity from Ty.  Insanity was it!  It was a full cardio core circuit!   After 6 miles, it was going to be tough, but I was determined to make it through.  A few of the stations were a challenge, but I was not going to let this workout get the best of me.  I pushed through and came out smiling on the other end.  After we finished our workout, I told Ty that although I may make faces at him and look like I am scowling, I will never complain about a tough workout!  Today, I proved to myself that after that 6 mile training run, getting through his circuit workout proved that I still had more left after the run!

What challenges us, only makes us stronger!  Here is to continually finding things to keep challenging me!

Next weekend... 7 miles plus a visit to the gym after for more from Ty!

Final Run of 2013!

The end of 2013 is quickly approaching and the Jingle Bell Run out at UWGB is the official close of my 2013 running year!

This ended up being the coldest Jingle Bell Run in history as the temperatures loomed in the single digits when I woke up in the morning and didn't warm up much before race time!  We originally had a total of 12 signed up as part of Team Bumble Chasers, but in the end we had a smaller group that actually braved the cold, bundled up and got our jingle on!

This was the first time that I was actually running the trails out at UWGB so I was excited to see what the trails had to offer.  4 years ago, Darrin and I did sign up to run the Jingle Bell run, but it was so cold that morning, we actually got up, drove to UWGB, picked up out t-shirts and drove home!  That was the one, and only, time that I signed up for a run and then didn't do it. Sad thing... it was colder this year for the run than the year Darrin and I skipped out at the last minute!

 It was not until just moments before the official start time that everyone left the warm gym to head out to the start line - no one wanted to spend any more time in the cold than they had to!This was true cold weather running at it's finest.  This was going to be a true test to see what changes that I need to make in my cold weather running gear.  Training for the Cellcom Marathon starts in January and I know that there will be some cold mornings!  My current gear does offer some warmth, but I know there is room for improvement!

Cold was definitely but biggest obstacle today.  The first stretch of the course was in the open fields near the Kress Center before we actually hit the trails through the woods.  The light snow that had recently fallen gave the areas around the trail almost a magical look. Everything was so peaceful and serene.  By the time I hit mile two, the cold was getting to my feet.  My beloved Sauconey's were not the warmest shoes with their mesh top.  Also playing into the cold toes is the fact that I am not able to wear multiple layers on my feet because my current shoes are actually about a half size too small. Note to self - be sure to get feet measured again before buying next pair of shoes!

Regardless of how cold I felt, I pushed on.  It was a decided factor that the last mile of the course was the toughest.  It brought us back out into the field and around the baseball diamond near the Kress, with the sharp freezing wind hitting me right in the face.  But all I could think about was the end that was just around a few more corners. Since this was not a times event, all I have to go on is my unofficial time of 31:24.  Considering the conditions this brisk morning, I cannot complain on bit!

I headed straight inside to warm up and wait for the rest of the crew that was out there walking.  John and Elizabeth were not too for behind and John actually was the first official male walker to finish the course!  WTG John!!!  Very proud of you!

Once everyone made it back and warmed up sufficiently,we took some more fun pictures and got some warm soup in our stomachs,  it was time to head for home to warm up by the fire. The remained of the afternoon was spent at our house laughing with my aunts and uncles that were in town for the day, creating more lasting memories that will never be replaced!

What did I learn today from my freezing cold run?  I need better shoes that will make these cold weather runs a little more bearable, a mask or scarf to cover my face and better mittens/gloves and something to cover my neck better.  My jacket and pants seemed to keep me warm enough, it was just my hands and feet that felt the true affects of the cold.  A few adjustment and I will be ready to tackle the cold weather training runs that will be here before I know it!

Turkey Trot 2013 is in the books!

...and it was cold!

The Turkey Trot is always one of those events that you never know what kind weather you are going to have to deal with.  You could have cold and rain or snow, if you a lucky it's just cooler with a breeze or on that rare occasion, you have seasonably warm temperatures.  Matt and I were off to run the 5 mile course, while John and Molly were meeting up with a friend of Molly's and her family to walk to 2 mile course.

This year was not one that we would call ourselves lucky... unless you count the fact that it was not snowing when we were running!  The first mile was a little slick and slower than I hoped as we spent the time running around people and running on snow covered streets.  Once we got a mile or so in and we were able to get past most of the slower moving crowds it was a little easier to keep that pace that I wanted.  Unfortunately, I didn't realize until we past the 2 mile marker that I accidentally started the free version of my Runtastic app, instead of the pro version.  Oops.  The free version only gives you mile updates up to 2 miles and that is it.  Although it was still tracking my route, pace and distance, it was not actually giving me updates along the way.  I was on my own to keep up my pace.  I was not going to get any additional updates for this race.  I was on my own!

Overall, even though it was a very cold morning, the cold was not a factor after the first few miles.  Granted, I never felt like actually stripping off a layer, but I definitely was not cold anymore!  Before we knew it, we were rounding the corner with the finish line in sight!  I was still feeling great (and yes I could still see my breath while I was running) and picked up the pace for last quarter mile.

In the end, I finished in 49:31 - under my 50 minute goal!

We caught up with the rest of the crew, collected our pumpkin pies and headed to find warmth!  Thanks Festival Foods and all the other sponsors for this awesome family event!  After enjoying the brisk cold morning, it was off to spend the rest of the day relaxing at home with a warm fire, fabulous food, great friends, board games and football!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Running Chicago!

This weekend was partially filled with a whirlwind tour of Chicago.  I left from Green Bay before lunch, drove to Kenosha and hopped on the train.  We love taking the train into Chicago for so many reasons, but mainly because I have no desire to actually drive in downtown Chicago, plus I don't want to pay $50/day for parking!  The ride in on the train was the perfect way to relax after a crazy week at work, giving me a chance to catch up on some reading and mentally prepare for the race on Saturday.  The one thing that is nice about getting on the train in Kenosha is that is the "end of the line" - you have your pick of seats for the 2 hour ride ahead of you, which means I was able to get a seat up top to enjoy the views as we approached the city.  I also didn't have to worry about everyone walking back and forth as we approached each station along the way.

This was my first solo adventure into the city.  Elizabeth and her family were meeting my in Chicago later, as they both had to work later into the afternoon.  Just as I got off the train, she sent me a text that they were on the road but it was still going to be at least 2-3 hours before they would make it to out hotel.  I was not about to waste any of my time in this amazing city so I was off on my own adventures!

Next stop... Willis Tower!  On the previous trips that we made to Chicago, we never had the chance to check out the observation deck here, and now I had the opportunity to discover the sights of Chicago from 103 stories about the street!  The sun was just setting as I arrived at the entrance to the building and by the time I made my way through security and to the elevators, the lights of the city were lighting the horizon as far as the eye could see.

Looking through the floor on  "The Edge"

As I was making my way back down from the observation deck, I got a text from Matt's brother Mitch (who lives just west of the city) since he saw that I made it into town.  The next thing I knew, he was hopping a train and heading into the city to meet me for dinner and a few beers.  It was exciting to finally get to meet Matt's brother, so I headed back towards Union Station to wait for him.  Then we were off to find a few beverages and some food!  We were laughing and having a great time and the next thing I knew, it was 9pm... 5:15am was going to come very early so it was time to head to the hotel and get some sleep!  Elizabeth and her family had just returned to the hotel from their evening adventures around the city so it was time to wind down from a busy but fun day... with a nice long walk to get back to the hotel! Thanks Mitch for joining me for the evening and making sure I didn't get lost!

Apparently when Elizabeth and I travel together for races, we have this crazy habit of actually begin awake BEFORE the alarm goes off, no matter what time it is set for!  This time was no exception.  The alarm was set for 5:15 and we were both awake before that.  Granted we were still in bed when it actually went off, but we were awake.  After getting ready to go and grabbing everything that we needed, we were out the door of the hotel by 5:45am for the 1.2 mile walk to Navy Pier.  No better way to warm up for a 6.2 mile run, than a 1.2 mile walk (and yes it was a bit chilly!).

Once again it was a perfect morning for a run!  I honestly would rather run when in chilly weather instead of heat, so these fall runs are some of my favorites.  I knew that we were going to be dealing with some winds, so the long pants were a must for today's run, since we were going to be along the lake the entire route.  So glad that I did too!  There were a few times that I thought to myself that I could have just worn the capri's but just as quickly, the winds started up again and I was glad for the full coverage on my legs.

The course was beautiful, running through and around Grant Park, past Shedd Aquarium, Buckingham Fountain and more.  I was able to keep a fairly consistent pace and the weather was actually very favorable.  It was very refreshing running in another new city, taking in the sights and sounds of what Chicago's lakefront had to offer.  I have found that any time I run in a new city for the first time, spending time taking in the sights is just enough of a distraction that I don't necessarily focus on the actual distance that I have run.  Before I knew it, I was coming back out out Grant Park and heading past Shedd's, halfway through the course and was heading back towards Navy Pier!

The crowds at Navy Pier were awesome!  It was really refreshing to see all the spectators out cheering for everyone despite the cold weather.

I ended up finishing in 1:03:49, just a few minutes short of my 1 hour goal, but I have zero complaints! The weather was great, I felt amazing and I set a new 10k PR!  Once Elizabth finished (faster than her anticipated time, I might add!!) we started on our hike back to the hotel for our next mission - BREAKFAST!

Elizabeth and I - post race

After attacking the free breakfast at the hotel (Thank you Holiday Inn Express for breakfast and providing must needed nourishment after our crazy 9 mile morning!) it was time for me to check out and head back to reality.  I opted to walk back to the train station to enjoy just a bit more of the city before I had to head home.  Over all it was a very successful weekend!  I made it too and from Chicago by myself, got to visit some of the landmarks of Chicago, didn't get lost, spent some amazing time with new and old friends and ran a personal best in a new city!  Part of me is contemplating coming back in January for the Polar Dash...

but running in Chicago in January?  Yes I probably would be crazy enough.  I guess we will have to see...

The Edge - atop the Willis Tower

Running like a fool

The 3rd Annual April Fools 5k... on Friday the 5th of April.  I am thinking that the joke is that is was NOT run on April 1st!  

After a busy week of work, playing catch up on projects that piled up from taking the previous week off for spring break, the run was a welcome challenge.  

With  shoes laced up and bib numbers pinned Elizabeth and I headed to Appleton after work.  We laughed about the last race we did together. It was the Scheel's Run for Home 2 years ago.  In the process of completing that 5k, we experienced rain, sleet, snow and various combinations of the all three.  After the first half mile, it was not even worth trying to avoid puddles, It was just easier to run right through and keep going.  The freezing temperatures were the whipped cream on top of the hot cocoa that we should have got when we finished.  When I reached the finish line, I got my medal (this is one of the few local 5k's that actually gives medals!)  and waited for Elizabeth to finish a few minutes behind me.  Once we both had our medals, we made a beeline for the car, in search of our extra sweatshirts to warm up.  Forget waiting around for the awards ceremony, we just wanted to warm up!

Fast forward to today, mild temperatures in the 40's, the sun is shining and the is no sign of rain or snow for hundreds of miles.  Also helps that this race is run in the evening, instead of just after sunrise!  We arrived at Players Choice (location of the finish line) and hopped on the bus to head to OSI, where the run was starting.  Matt met us with us there - my pacer!  Due to some technical difficulties with buses and getting everyone to the starting location, the race ended up starting a little late, nut nothing worth complaining about - it was a gorgeous night for a run (yes a little chilly once you were outside but that would be short lived once we started moving!

After mile 1, I was feeling good.  Pace was at an acceptable 11:something minute minute mile.  Off to a good start!  Mile 2 was just a good, I was still feeling pretty good.  Shortly after we passed that 2 mile marker, Matt told me that we were at 21 minutes (and some odd seconds)!  That was a 10:something mile!  WooHoo!!  Shortly after 2 miles, I felt the wall coming, but was determined to run through it.  I could see the building off in the distance that represented the finish line.  I was not stopping to walk, I wanted to finish it the way that I started.  When I came around the last corner and could see the timer at the finish line, I was shocked to see it was only at 34 minutes... Did I really just finish this in less that 36 minutes?  Unbelievable!

Once across the finish line and catching my breath, Matt informed me that we just pulled a time of approximately 33:11!!!  I think this pulls out as one of the best (If not the best) 5k time that I have ever done!

What's next?  Scheel's Run for Home in 1 month!  Let's just hope that the weather is better than 2 years ago when I ran it!  Not sure which is worse - running in sleet, slush and freezing rain or sweltering heat (which was the Packers Training Camp 5k 2 years ago) Thoughts?  What is the worst conditions you have run in during an organized race?  I think I have run through it all... not sure which is worse!