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!

Titletown Race Series final results are in!

This summer Titletown Wellness sponsored the 1st annual Titletown race series.  This series was designed to get the community moving as well as introducing people to different events that they normally may not have been aware of.  This race series was complete with incentives and prizes for top finishers.  Titletown Wellness is a partner with Bellin Heath and the Green Bay packers to improve heath and wellness in the region.  This year they decided to create a race challenge as part of their initiative.

There were a total of 6 races that were included with the series and when it was first announced, I was already planning on doing 3 of them, so it was not a touch decision to add a few more.  I was actually able to sign up for all but one of the included events - the date of one of them was during the same weekend that Darrin and I were spending in Munising for out annual trip.  But 5 out of the 6 was good enough for me!

Today the final results were posted and I ended up finishing 3rd in my age group, but technically overall, I ended up in 2nd because the Top Female finisher over all was also in my age group and she was not eligible for age group prizes as well.  I'll take it the recognition!  If I would have been able to do the all 6 of the races, there is a good chance that I would have been able to place higher

This race series got me out to a few more events that I had either never done before or probably would have never even known about!  Of course everyone in the area knows about the Bellin Run, which drew in 20,000 participants this year, but what about the City Stadium Run?  The Baird Creek Trail Run was a 1st annual event and we have already decided that we will do it again next year!

Overall, I am glad that I participated in this race series and look forward to seeing what they do for next year...  another race series?  I can only hope so!!

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!

I have officially committed myself...

Yesterday was the first day of my new fitness adventures at Fitness Renegades, but we will get to more on that in a different post.

Today was the big day.... Registration for the 15th annual Cellcom Green Bay Marathon events opened at 10am.  Last year was the first year that I missed this event in 5 years.  This was the first 5k that I ever did and was one that I always looked forward to each year.  After 3 years of running the 5k, I took the challenge and registered for the Half Marathon.  Deb and I completed the course despite some nasty cold winds.  Due to an injury, I only registered for the 5k in 2012 and was glad that I did, as 2012 was the year of the extreme heat that closed the course early.

Last year we were in Michigan for a wedding, so I had to miss all the events.  I spent the morning, as we were traveling back to Green Bay, getting race updates via text on Matt's progress on his first ever half marathon.  It was during this time that I realized that I really wished that I was out there running with him.  Even though I had just completed the Journey's Half Marathon the weekend before, I wanted to be out there. I wanted to be running.  The realization hit me...  I had somehow, over the last few months truly become a runner.  Which of course, if you have been following my blog over the last 6 months, started a running craze that has covered 3 states now!

After completing 3 half marathons, a few 10K and 5 miles races and countless 5k's, I starting thinking what was next. Where was my next challenge?  Yes, I wanted to continue to improve my 5K and half marathon times, but was there more?  The idea of running a full marathon was a thought that occasionally crossed my mind. I had several friends that started asking me when I was going to run a full marathon.  Could I really handle the distance?  What about all the training time?  Is is more than I can handle? After many long conversations with myself and encouragement from some great friends (and my extremely supportive husband) I decided that I knew what I wanted to do...

and to day I made it official.  I committed myself to my biggest challenge yet...

Shortly after registration opened this morning, I registered for my first FULL MARATHON!  Call me crazy, call my insane, but I am ready for this challenge and know that I have a amazing support team behind me. I decided that if I was going to do a full marathon, the Cellcom marathon was the place to start.  I could train (practically) in my backyard on the course, the amazing company that I work for is the key sponsor and I love running the streets of Green Bay.  Training starts in January and the adventure will begin!

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

Where did the last year go?

This morning was bittersweet...

At 5am this morning, I was at the gym for my weekly training session with BJ.  This marked exactly 1 year since the first time I worked out with him!  Yup, I started my personal training adventure with him on Halloween last year... it also marks the last training session that I will have with him.  :(  I will be forever grateful to him for everything that I have learned from him in the last year, and where I am  as a person today!  I still remember that first workout - I couldn't even make it through the entire workout... between feeling like I was going to pass out and almost puke, we had to cut that workout short.  I couldn't run a 5k without having to walk at least half of it.

Today we pushed through rounds of push-ups, core exercises that I couldn't even do last year and a battle rope workout!  In the last year, I have lost 18 pounds and almost 17 inches, but more importantly I have also lost just over 12% body fat!  I have also improved my 5k time by nearly 10 minutes between March and November, plus have finished 3 Half Marathons (improving my time by over 10 minutes from the first one in May).  I know that I could not have done it without BJ pushing me to do things that I never thought possible.  The last year has helped me to see that there is so much out there that I want to do and that even though the road will be tough, I can do it!  I will guarantee that I will keep in touch with BJ going forward as my health and fitness adventures continue.  I know that I will always have him. as well as my awesome family and friends to continue to push me to the next level!

You are probably asking what's next for me, because by now, you all know that I can't just still.  You are right... and I won't be sitting still.  I start my new fitness adventure on November 11th at Fitness Renegades.  Fitness Renegades is a new gym that opened in Green Bay last May.  It is all small class training sessions (no more than 12 per class, as some as small as 2!) that combines High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Olympic Style Weightlifting, Gymnastic movements and quick cardio.  It's not going to be easy!  I have been at the gym already and saw part of a few workouts - I will be honest, the workouts scare me to death!  I felt like I was going to die just WATCHING!  But in reality, I know that it is going to be fun, as well as the push that I need to take it to the next level!

Today is also the final day of the Biggest Loser at work.  Although I did not do as well this round as I did in the last one, I am proud to say that I pretty much maintained my weight over the last 3 months.  With summer coming to the end, my running as tapered off, and I had to get used to eating differently to make up for the reduced miles that I was running.  That also means that today is also the start of the next BL round at work!  With my new adventures beginning a few weeks at Fitness Renegades, I am determined to make this round another good one and get the scale moving again!

Here's to the start of new things to come!!  Look out 2014!  This year's adventures are almost finished and I am already looking forward to the next adventures to come!!!

Half Marathon #3 for 2013!

Another amazing weekend has come and gone far too quickly.  The awesome times always seem to fly by, but that just makes room for more memories to be created.  The Brewers Half Marathon was one of those memories that will stay with my for years to come.  I was happy to be able to spend it with some great friends.

Elizabeth and I headed south after a half day of work on Friday to meet up with Matt and Molly for some shopping, dinner and relaxing.  The four of us spent the afternoon walking through Miller Park, picking up our race packets (and Matt had to grab a "few" extra magnetic Brewers 2104 schedules - Molly I don't think you will be able to find your refrigerator once he puts them all up!), shopping at Whole Foods and then dinner and fun at Dave & Busters.  After a marathon game on Uno, it was time to get some sleep and get ready for Saturday morning.

Elizabeth and I, at Miller Park by 6am!

Not sure how we managed it, but Elizabeth and I were up BEFORE our alarms went off at 0'dark-thirty!  We were dressed and out the door early and AT Miller Park by 6am!  Even though we knew that we were not going to be running together for this race, it was exciting to know that we were there for each other.  We each had our target finish time and were determined to do our best.

When we arrived at Miller Park, it was the perfect morning for a run through the streets of Milwaukee!  Although the crowds were thin when we first arrived, but before long we were in the midst of all the excitement of this event and the fact that we were back in Miller Park again!  We were about to run through this awesome stadium for the second time this summer!  Combine that we a morning of perfect running weather, what more could we ask for?

Just as the sun was starting to come up, we made out way over to where MyTeam Triumph was getting ready for today's race.  They had several captains and even more angels ready to hit the streets of Milwaukee to make more dreams come true.  It is always a great sight to see all of the excitement on the faces of everyone involved with this amazing organization.  Oh the places they will continue to go!  I am looking forward to next year when I can do more with mTT and run with these inspiring individuals.

Before long it was time to head towards the start line.  Matt and Molly were at the park and Matt was making his way over to the start line too.  Although he was only running the 10k this morning, we had previously decided that we were going to run the first mile together, up to the 10K/Half Marathon split.  It is hard to believe that our summer of running together is coming to a close!  We only have a few more races that we will be running together in 2013.  I am proud of all of the things we accomplished this summer.  We set and surpassed personal goals, never gave up (even tho the thought crossed our minds from time to time) and had fun while we ran hundreds of miles together.  We have pushed each other to achieve things we never thought possible and I look forward to more miles that we will run together in the future!  Thanks Matt keeping me moving this summer!

 Finally it was time to start this adventure through the streets of Milwaukee.  I would spend the next 2+ hours running past many of the area landmarks, including the Harley Museum, The Mitchell Park Domes, Miller Brewing Company, over several of the amazing bridges and of course running around and THROUGH Miller Park.  After the cool morning, the sun came out and the temperatures seemed to settle at a very comfortable point. the first half of the course was behind me before I knew it!  I was feeling great and was on pace to finish well within my 2:30:00 goal.

It was about the half way point that I could really tell that the temperatures had continued to slowly climb and it was getting a bit warmer.  I was thankful that I had my hydration belt with me!  Between that and the well placed water stations, I was able to make it through the back half of the course. Around mile 9, I passed the second of the mTT teams along the course.  Seeing this crew of Angels with their Captain and their amazing smiles on their faces and encouragement they were providing to others on the course gave me the push that I needed to keep moving forward.

I know that I slowed my pace on the second have of the course, but I was determined to give this course my best - even through the nasty hills at mile 10.5 tried to get the best of me!  No matter what Milwaukee was going to throw at me, I was going to make it to the end!

The last mile of the course is what everyone was looking forward to - around and through Milwaukee Park!  It is always a huge boost when you have thousands of people cheering as you make your way through any course, but with you are on that warning track around the stadium it is that much more motivating!  This last mile was my fasted mile for this race - and I have the cheering crowd to thank.  No matter how tired and sore you might feel, the excitement and cheering just gets you moving again!

Once outside the stadium, a few more turns and the finish line was in front of me!  I made it!  Official time = 2:29:10!  So, even though I slowed on the back half of the course, I still was able to hit my target time and I was still smiling at the end!

Next stop - a few free beers while I wait for Elizabeth to finish!  I didn't have all that long to wait - by the time I got through the line at the beer trailer and made a loop through the finish line festivities, she was done - and ahead of her target finish time also!  Another successful day, running in the awesome Wisconsin Summer sun!

Until next year Milwaukee!