Review: Running Princess Technical Shirt

I sparked up a conversation with a woman on the bus at Walt Disney World in January, when were there for Jason's first marathon. It was all because of this awesome shirt. It's made by running princess and was just the cutest thing ever!! I missed out on purchasing one at the race expo (because were there the day before).

The front says:

My Glass Slipper

The back says:

The race is my ball.

My running shoes are my glass slippers.

The finish line is my prince charming.

And the accomplishment is my happily ever after.

Of course I HAD to have this. I ordered it earlier this summer and love it. It fits true-to-size and is super comfortable.

I wore this down to pick up my race packet on Friday and received several fun comments, even one from a little girl! I will definitely be rocking this at the Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend in March!!

Madison Mini Marathon

This morning, I ran the Inaugural Madison Mini Marathon, a 13.1 mile course through downtown Madison, Wisconsin. It was a super chilly morning to be walking around in a tank and shorts, but it ended up being a very comfortable run, after I started to break a sweat. I'm not sure my family or the other spectators felt that way though. Everyone looked a bit chilly with jeans, sweatshirts and coats on in AUGUST. It felt more like a late-October morning. A bit crazy, since my back was itchy and peeling from a recent sunburn I got at one of the Wisconsin Dells waterparks just this past Monday! .... Only in Wisconsin!

The crowd support was great and I was able to see my family quite a few times; boosting my energy each time I ran into them! I saw Jason and the kids just past the start line and then about mile 3. I also so my parents and my sister about ten (yes 10!) times. They kept popping up everywhere during the second half of the course; on foot and even in the car!! It was very comical and made me do a lot of laughing throughout the race as they waved their hands and screamed out the mini van doors!!

I hadn't been training much this month and haven't been putting in anywhere close to the mileage this month that I should be. I've skipped so many workouts and my longest runs were 6 and 9 miles.

I've also been battling shin splints still, so I've been trying to take several consecutive days off to let them get better. And, it's worked. I had absolutely no pain or stress in my calves today. And I felt great the entire race.

The cool weather and overcast was a nice change from previously distance races I've competed in. I welcomed the cool breeze and the cloud-coverage.

The course was great, starting at the UW Memorial Union, winding past the State Capitol Square (where the weekly farmer's market was going on), winding through the UW Campus, the zoo, Arboretum and back through the Campus Lake Shore Path. The finish line was back at the Union.

The crowd support and volunteers were great. Each mile marker was marked and they also had the clock available at each station. I believe there were also ten water/Gatorade stations in all. It was phenomenally organized and the post-race refreshments were great, too (water, muffins, cheese crackers, potato chips and trail mix). I will definitely be doing this race again next year.






I did NOT break my PR (personal record) of 1:55:59 . But, I am extremely satisfied with my time, considering the shin problems and my lack of training.

Chip Time: 1:57:52
Overall Place: 1211 / 2430
Gender Place: 445 / 1278
Division Place (age group): 90 / 282
6Mile mark: 52:48
Pace: 9:00/mile

Goals Met and Goals Set

Well, I exceeded my (minimal) goal of running 100 miles last month, but would have like to have run a lot more in July; since I had off 11 consecutive days. I logged 104.6 miles in July; bringing my 2009 total to 738.8 miles to date.

While I was off with the kids last week, I didn't set my alarm to get up early because: a) I was lazy and slept in every minute that I could; and b) Jason has been getting up before work to go to the pool or out for a run so that he can get two workouts in a day some days, for his Ironman Training. No excuses ... I was just NOT ambitious!!

I did manage to do two semi-long runs last week of 9 miles and a 10 mile race.

I was shocked when the alarm went off at 4:15 AM this morning to get up for work. I dragged myself out of bed, put on my running shoes and headed out the door for a 5K, before heading to the office. It's amazing what a difference two weeks will make. Before my vacation, the sun was always coming up over the horizon during the last half of my morning workout. This morning, it was still completely dark when I arrived back home. Dark, or not, I felt great having gotten my workout in before 5AM!!

My last pair of running shoes were purchased back in March I believe and I guess I didn't realize how many miles I logged in on them again. Shin splint started bothering me again (mainly the left) after the Waunafest 10 mile race. Throw in another long run in old running shoes that week and now my shins are in pain. Finally, my new pair of Brooks came in the mail and I'm breaking them in (no time for rest of course!). I'm trying to remember to ice them at night, before bed, too. I'm hoping the pain subsides and that I can focus on increasing my distance again, for the half marathon at the end of August.

With my vacation last week, I ate way too many goodies with the kids (and WITHOUT the kids!). I packed on 4 pounds over 11 days; which I'm sure will come right off, now that I'm back to eating my "daily staples". STILL, I started counting my Weight Watchers POINTS again, as of YESTERDAY. I would love to lose 5-10 lbs by my next half marathon. I think it would make me feel better ... lighter ... faster on my feet. I also need to look great with my very own IRONMAN on September 13th!!! Hopefully counting my points again will get me back on track.

I joined Weight Watchers back in 1998 with a co-worker and have pretty much been on the program ever since. I've always counted POINTS on and off; attended meetings on and off. I reached my goal in 2004 and Lifetime Membership in early-2005. I lost about 30 lbs on my own the first time (1998-1999); gained 36 lbs with Paige (2003); lost 50 lbs after having her (2004-2005); gained 46 lbs with Jackson (2007) and lost about 50 lbs after having him (2008). I've gained about 7 lbs since my weight loss with baby #2 and would like to get that back off by the Madison Mini Marathon on August 29. Wish me luck! GOAL SET!

Waunafest 10 Mile Run

Race Results from this morning's 10 mile race at Waunafest. I PR'd by about 5 1/2 minutes from last year. A hilly course, which I had forgotten about. But it was nice to know where they were this time and plan ahead. I'm pretty happy.


249 out of 424 Overall

division place: 9 out of 28

gender place: 77 out of 190

time: 1:26:30

pace: 8:39

Diva Dash & Paige's First Race

Well, Sunday marked my 29th birthday and I decided to run the Diva Dash 5K again this year. I really enjoyed it last year, as it is primarily women involved and the cause is great. Girls on the run for Dane County: http://www.girlsontherundaneco.org/

Lots of gals dressed up in their diva attire (one even ran with a full martini glass!) and little girls running in tutus. It's a sight to see.

They also had a one mile kids race, which was awesome. I signed Paige up a few months ago. We bought her a pair of "running shoes" (pink of course), got her the ever-so-desired pink running skirt and a matching bondi band (she loves coordination and accessorizing, just like mommy!). We did a few training runs (some with Jackson in the jogging stroller). She did a lot of huffing and puffing, took off too quickly and got tired and did some boughts of walkign, but ended up doing two one-mile runs the week prior to the big day.

The technical shirts they gave out were aweome this year (girl fit, pink and crowns on the front)!

We picked up our bib numbers that morning and her's happened to be pink and mine turquoise blue -- to match each of our running outfits (how appropriate!). The volunteer at the booth thought that was amusing!

I even ended up getting Big #29, which was pretty amazing, considering it was birthday (coincidence?!).

Paige and I pre-race sporting our coordinted bib numbers!

Paige looking so serious right before the race. I have a very similar picture of myself before the Chicago Marathon!

There were only about fifteen kids participating in the one mile race. Paige decided to start out running hand-in-hand. I carried her pink Nike water bottle in my other hand.

It was an out-and-back course. 3/4 of the way to the turnaround, there was a stoplight. Surprised that Paige hadn't asked to stop already to walk and for a sip or water, I told her we'd stop after we crossed the street. She didn't want to, but we did. She took a sip of water and was off again. I did the same thing on our run back to the finish line.

As we approached the finish line, another girl around her age was coming up behind us with her mom. We saw daddy, Jackson and Grandpa Edge waiting there to cheer us on. I told her to put her hands up in the air in relief, and she looks more like she's flying!!

The other mommy and I ran off into the crowd as the two girls raced to the end. Paige actually picked up some speed, which really surprised me!! It took her just under 10 minutes to run the mile race (which I expect was quite a bit shorter).

Paige was soooo excited and proud to receive her first medal. And Jason and I were so proud of her. She said this was my birthday present. I am so happy we did this together.

I was really excited about my 5K race (a standard 3.1 miles), because I had not run any 5k races since I did this exact race last year. I really wanted to see what all of my marathon and half marathon training had done for me and wanted to see my improvements reflected. I was hoping to finish in about 24 minutes. My previous PR (personal record) was about a 26:30.

I was leading the pack in the top 20-30 the entire race. It was really an awesome experience, that I never ever get. I was feeling great. About a mile in, I was thinking that the course seemed a bit different from the year prior. When I got to the two mile course, I realized that my watch read about 10:30, which was WAY short. I felt good, but I knew I couldn't be going that fast!

I approached Jason, near the finish line, and new that the course was short, as my watch read about 19 minutes. Shortly, it was announced that the lead cyclist missed a turn and the course was short and only 2.33 miles (based on someone's Garmin).

Thought I didnt' receive recognition (top 3) in my age group, I did place really well overall:

overall place: 26 out of 155
division place (20-29 females): 7 out of 22
gender place: 16 out of 132
time: 19:31
pace: 8:23

The race director felt terrible and they were really apologetic. In fact, they are running the race again this Saturday. Though, I don't expect a great turnout and it probably won't be chip timed; I will be running it again on Saturday morning!

Miles (or lack of)

One of my running goals for this year was to run at least 100 mi each month (after our WDW trip January) and I fell slightly short of my goal this month. I simply became lazy after my half marathon on Memorial Day weekend. I missed a few "long runs" on Sundays, because of the desire to do other things on holidays or other races and being out of town.

I'm mad at myself, because last year, I would get up at 5AM on the weekends, to get my long runs (which were SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER) out of the way, before my family started their day. I didn't let any schedule obstacle stand in my way .... never! Now, I don't have that same motivation and choose to run while Jackson is taking his nap and hope that he sleeps for an hour or two. I would like to state, however, that I have been getting up between 4:00 - 4:30 AM during my work week on Tues/Wed/Thurs (the days I work), to get my 3.1 miles pounded out on the treadmill, before I get myself ready for work. This has freed up our evenings for playtime outside, walks with Jackson and gives Jason flexibility to workout in the evening whenever he wants. We also get time together in the evening, too, which is nice. The draw-back is that I am down for the count by 10pm. And, then I tend to want to sleep in on my "days off".

Anyhow, I came close, but didn't reach my 100 mile goal for June. I WILL do better in July, as I train for a 10 mile race in July and two more half marathons in the following two months.

I'd like to run at least 1,200 miles this year. Last year was my first 1,000 mile year (which I barely completed).

June: 94.3 Mi

May: 116.1 Mi

April: 131.1 Mi

March: 119.2 Mi

February: 100.0 Mi

January: 66.5 Mi

Proud of you!

I'm so proud of Jason for completing a HALF IRONMAN last weekend. I give him so much credit ... you did it! ROCK ON! 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run

Missing the Marathon

I ran my first (and only to date) full marathon last fall in Chicago. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life! I am not training for a full marathon this season, since Jason is training for Ironman Wisconsin (held in September in Madison) and it is just too hard for both of us to be training so much at once and balance family life with the kids. Although I do enjoy the half marathons I'm doing this year and I do love that distance the best (I'm doing four this summer), I still miss the excitement of training for a 26.2 mile journey.

Chip Time: 4:37:23

Browsing through old race photos, I came across this random video that Jason shot in Chicago. I'm not captured in it, but the stream of miles and miles of runners (hours long in distance), brought me back to the awesome experience of the HUGE crowd support across the entire 26.2 mile course. It was like this almost the entire route ... family members, volunteers and community members cheering on the estimated 45,000 registered runners that day (31,344 finishers).

I am definitely am doing a full marathon next year; just not sure where or when yet.

The official 2008 Chicago Marathon highlight video gives me chills. It is available at:

http://www.chicagomarathon.com/cms400min/Chicago_Marathon/inspiration/video/FeaturedVideo.aspx?id=8301

Hubby's Blog

Here is a link to Jason's blog: http://www.clydesdalerunning.com/



He initial began all of this as a clydesdale triathlete. Well, over the years, he has gotten much more fit and dropped a lot of weight in the process. Not quite sure what he considers himself these days?! :-)

Norski Duathlon

I did it ... and I finished even faster than I planned. http://runningintheusa.com/deforestduathlon/





This was my third duathlon ever. Though the distance covered isn't much and the field isn't usually too competitive, I still get more nervous about these, than the standard road race. The transitions scare me, the fact that I'm still not too comfortable on the bike (or competitive on it) and I only had 50 miles in this year (2 date rides with Jason while the kids were at daycare).


Upon check-in, we were greeted by a nice young lady that Paige knew. She works at their daycare. You can't go anywhere, without her knowing someone! Honestly.


The pre-race talk was pretty brief, but informative. We were told that there would be a brief incline on both runs, while several locals snickered. (I heard people talking about the massive hill in the port-o-potty line earlier.) So that worried me.


I ended up getting towards the back of the pack of 100+ athletes, because I said good-bye to the kiddos moments before the race. Jackson was crying as I walked away.


I made my way out on my first run feeling pretty good, about 3/4 mi into it, the HUGE hill was upon me. I fear and love hills. I run a few massive ones in our neighborhood (called Wyndham Hills for a reason!) and tend to pass a lot of people on the hills in races. Sure, enough I did. At this point, I was pretty warm and grateful I didn't decide to wear the long sleeve shirt I debating on earlier. It was humid. Saw Jason and the kids as I made the turn into transition.

Coming in off of the first 5K run (3.1 mi) (My fastest 5k time yet, by about 2 mins (previous was about 26:45). But I fear that the course was short?! Jason agrees.) 24:43

Grabbed the bike and I was off. Started out with two gentleman beside me and passed the guy on the mountain bike. Headed to the out-and-back route in the country. Felt like I was going faster than usual, but still comfortable. Had to basically stop to do the turnaround, since I'm still not too comfortable with my handling skills. At the turnaround, I realized that I was probably in the last 25%, although I started at the back of the pack. I really pushed it and passed about 20 people on my way back into town. I felt great and was cruising!

Coming in off the 15.5 mi bike ride in the country. I was passing the kids, with a smile and a wave. 56:34


My legs were complete jello as I walked through transition. Returned my Trek to the rack and grabbed some G2. Ate some sports beans on my run out and then back up the darn hill. There was an older lady ahead of me and she was having a lot of difficulty getting up the hill. As I approached her, she started walking. I told her not to give up and she laughed. I told her we'd do it together, so she started running again. I ended up having more momentum some I continued on and she stopped again. I told her that in 10 more seconds, it would be over with and she'd feel better. So she started running again. Made me happy. I saw her at the run turnaround and she said "we're almost there!". Felt AWESOME the rest of the run, since most of it was down hill.

Coming back from the final leg of the race, a mere 2.0 mi run. I was waving at Paige, as I crossed the finish line. 17:17

I ended up crossing the finish line in 1:40:18. This was about 15 minutes faster than I expected and had hoped to age-group. However, I came in 4/6 in my age group of 20-29F. I placed 68/125 Overall.

76/125 on Run 1
74/125 on Bike
59/125 on Run 2 (which makes me very happy!)

While we were waiting for the results to be posted and cheer the final runners coming in, the lady I had cheered on earlier, came over to thank me for motivating her up that incline. We hugged eachother for a great joint accomplishment!

Duathlon Goals

So I'm doing this duathlon on Saturday morning. I only have two other duathlons under my belt. Last year I took first in my age group and beat the other gal by a mere 3 seconds!! Honestly, there weren't too many people competing, but this makes me hopeful for a great placement on Saturday.

Norski Duathlon: http://runningintheusa.com/deforestduathlon/

Forecast for rain is 40%, which scares me tremendously!!!

I'm hopeful that I can do both runs in a total of 45 minutes, a total of 3 minutes for transitions and 1 hour and 10 minutes on the bike. I'd love to be across that finish line by 1:55 - 1:58!!! We'll see ....

I've only been on my bike twice this year (afternoon dates with Jason while the kids are at daycare) and have only logged about fifty S-L-O-W (poor Jason!) miles on my bike. Hopefully that's enough?!

Year-to-date Running Mileage

YTD - 565.2 Mi

June (to date): 32.3 Mi

May: 116.1 Mi

April: 131.1 Mi

March: 119.2 Mi

February: 100.0 Mi

January: 66.5 Mi

Running Princess

Ok ... I did it! I just signed up for the DISNEY PRINCESS HALF MARATHON, scheduled for early-March.

http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/events/eventDetail/detail?name=PrincessHalfMarathonDetailPage&bhcp=1

This will mark my 10th (yes 1oth!) trip to WDW in my lifetime (my family's fourth). I am so excited!! I have wanted to run a Disney race since I started running 5Ks a few years ago. Jason ran the WDW Marathon this past January and it was a blast. I can't wait to run a Disney race of my own now. (and I will be able to walk around well the next day, unlike Jason after his full!!)

I even signed Paige up for their 200m kids race the day before my race. She is going to love it!

Let the planning begin!!

Marathon Mom

I also purchased this awesome (and comfy!) Marathon Mom shirt at the expo.



Check them out at : http://www.runmomrun.net/index.html

Bondi Band Obsessed!

I am now officially Bondi Band obsessed!!

Sporting my medal and polka dot Bondi Band on Sunday!

I purchased three of these adorable headbands at the Chicago Marathon expo last October and have always wished that I purchased more. They have so many bright colors and fun patterns available, including several fun sayings. I love matching my running gear, just like any other crazed runner and these are perfect for accessorizing my running outfit!! They also are an awesome break from a baseball cap.

I purchased three more for myself and a "babes" band for Paige (who is training for her first one mile race this summer!). Looking forward to using my coupon for buy 3, get 1 free online.

Rebecca has also agreed to sponsor our team of endurance athletes. I can't wait to work with them. I unfortunately didn't have the chance to meet Rebecca at the Madison Marathon expo this past weekend.

Check them out at: http://www.bondiband.com/

Shout out to my racing peeps!

A huge congratulations to my other racing peeps that competed in Madison Marathon events last weekend:

Dwight Meyer (full) -- 3:15:16
Casey Zimmerman (half) -- 1:54:18
Kelly Addink (walk/quarter) -- 1:42:58

Madison Half Marathon

I didn't really have any goals in mind on Sunday, except to go sub-2:00. I did this race, my first half marathon, back in 2006 and got a 2:20, which I was really happy with at the time; though now embarrassed about it. But, hey, I finished it, right?!

2006 Madison Half Marathon (2:20:00)

This year, I knew several others running the various distances at this race. I was really excited, and nervous, to be competing because of others participating. You all know that we ALL check out your finishing times!!

The half marathon started at 7:00 AM and we left our home just after 6:00 with the kids in tow. I always get pre-race jitters and an upset stomach, so 30 mins before the race, I knew that I would need to use the restroom. I was already dreading the line for the port-a-potties (or as we call them around here, "Buckys"). Just before 6:30, we were stuck in a loooong line of vehicles on the beltline. There seemed to be a huge backup for the race and were still a long way from the parking lot. We waiting about fifteen minutes (of me panicking!). People started getting out of their vehicles and running down the Beltline to John Nolen Dr. After some debating, Jason decided to take us off-roading and let me off after we exited. I ended up running about a half mile to a row of vacant "Buckys". While inside, I heard a worker say "Hey, these aren't ready" to me and the other runners. No wonder they were so disgusting and there was no line!

I ran to the startline just in time to hear the national anthem. And heard, "two minutes to start". YEAH! We're off ....

This year, the course started and ended at Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center. The course also went in reverse direction. I wasn't sure what to expect, but was happy that it avoided the climb up Basom Hill. I felt great the entire race and absolutely loved the route. A lot of Madison landmarks, lakes, nice paths and great crowd support.

At one point, I passed our friend Jason at a house handing out free beer to the runners. I told him I don't drink beer and didn't think it was wise to start now!

The sun came out around mile 7 or 8 and I was starting to feel it. I loved my rockin' Bondi Band, but wasn't sure how it was going to work out on race day, since it doesn't shield the sun from my eyes. But it was awesome and I loved the break from the baseball cap!

My friend from high school, Casey, passed me around mile 11 and I was trying to use that as motivation to speed up. I tried not fall too far behind, but never did catch back up to her.

I shocked myself, when I crossed the finish line and saw my family just past the end of the race. (Paige stood out in the crowd with her pigtails, cheering for me!) The bigger shocker was that when I stopped my watch, it read 1:56:04!! I was so thrilled!

2008 Madison Half Marathon (1:55:59)

I later told Jason that it would be awesome if my time was actually in the 1:55+, since I didn't stop my watch right away. Sure enough, later that morning, I logged online to look at the race results and it said my chip time was 1:55:59! ROCK ON!