How did I finally decide to run 13.1 miles? That's half a marathon!!
When I started running in 2012, I didn't think I could go much past a 5K. After doing a few, I finally figured I could do them all day long. I wasn't going to win, but I could easily finish them. The challenge of doing a 5K didn't last long.
Also, I was looking forward to triathlons and completing them. I knew in order to make it to the ultimate goal, Ironman, I would have to be able to run farther. So, I began thinking what races I could start doing that were longer than 5K. I was looking for 10K's, or 15K's. Due to my school schedule, I couldn't find races that were conducive to my schedule.
Reading my Triathlete magazine, I kept seeing advertisements for Rock 'N Roll marathons. Cheer squads every mile or so, plus bands every mile or two. Bands?? At a half marathon race, I'd never heard of such a thing. I figured I'd just be trudging along listening to my music in my headphones. Here was a race offering their own cheerleaders and bands. It was very intriguing and I was still thinking I'd be running by myself and not with a group. If I was going to go that far, this is the kinda race I wanted to do.
I've also been listening to Mickey Miles Podcast. I'd heard Jeff Galloway on there quite often at the time. He was saying that if you put in the proper training and run walk run, then anyone can do it. I was becoming a believer.
Mentally, I finally decided I could do it. I looked at the time limit that most of the Rock 'N Roll half's allow and most of them put a 4 hour time limit on it. Doing some quick calculations, okay, they weren't that quick, I was running about at 13' mile at that point, I could finish no problem. I'd be around 3 hours give or take. I could totally do it!!!
My mentality about how far I could go was changing and it wasn't, "I can't go that far." It was more, "I can go that far, how long will it take?" Finishing is the objective, not how long it will take. The finish line is the goal, nothing else.
So, I began talking to my "partner in crime", Stacie, and told her where I wanted to go and if she wanted to go with me. She'd done the Walt Disney World half and I knew she was going for a full in the same place. I told her I was going to sign up. She said she was going to do the Detroit International half but it was 2 weeks after the race I was planning to do, so that kinda put a damper over it.
She talked to her husband and our other running pal, and somehow they were game. Well, Stacie just told them we were signing up and going. We signed up to do the inaugural Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon in Cleveland. And for good, bad, or indifferent, I signed up for the Detroit International half. I'm such a DUMMY!!!!
Now, the training started, but I had a goal, and that goal was to finish a half marathon!!!!
Keep on Runnin!!!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Lansing Color Run '13
Yes, I'm still behind in my race reports, so I'm gonna catch up with one now.
It was supposed to be my entire family: my wife, all the kids, and I. Well, as it worked out my aunt came in from Memphis, TN, and my daughter's club lacrosse team had a tournament in Kalamazoo. My wife was going to take my daughter to that, so they couldn't go. I had paid for all the bibs in advance. So, I asked my aunt if she wanted to join the boys and I. At first she said yes, but as the week wore on, she was unable to run with us.
I began working Facebook and my friends to see if anyone wanted a free bib. My buddy Jeff and his wife decided to take us up on the offer and they already had other friends doing the "race". You'll see why I call it a "race" later.
My normal running group was coming in from Howell and we were going to try to meet up to do it all together. I snagged waiver forms from everyone in Howell so they didn't have to make the trip to Lansing, which is 30-40 minute drive, just to get their bibs and head back. There were no issues picking up the bibs. The Color Run was out front of packet pick up selling tons of merchandise. Everyone got a Tshirt, head band, color packet, and tattoos in their packet.
For those of you who don't know what a Color Run is, it is a 5K with 4 color stations set up throughout the course. At the color stations, they "throw" color at you. The color is made up of corn starch and some people become a color mess by the end.
There is a Color Run in Ypsilanti, MI that's been going on for years. The one in 2013 sold out in a mere 45 minutes. Lansing was no exception to this. It sold out, but not in 45 minutes. We were given 3 start times, a half hour apart, to choose from when we registered for the race. There were 15,000 people signed up to do this Color Run. Yes, you read that right, 15,000.
So, plans were made on where to park, where to meet, all sorts of stuff and then the day arrived. The best laid plan was...well, you know the rest. It was a nightmare in downtown Lansing. 15,000 runners, family, friends, and spectators descended upon the city. I was in almost constant contact with my buddy, Jeff, who was driving around trying to find a place to park so we could meet up, and then my running group who had listened to me, unlike Jeff, and had gotten there early to get spot to park.
Do you see him?!?!? No....
Now do you see him? Yeah, me either....
Holy hell this place is crowded.
It was supposed to be my entire family: my wife, all the kids, and I. Well, as it worked out my aunt came in from Memphis, TN, and my daughter's club lacrosse team had a tournament in Kalamazoo. My wife was going to take my daughter to that, so they couldn't go. I had paid for all the bibs in advance. So, I asked my aunt if she wanted to join the boys and I. At first she said yes, but as the week wore on, she was unable to run with us.
I began working Facebook and my friends to see if anyone wanted a free bib. My buddy Jeff and his wife decided to take us up on the offer and they already had other friends doing the "race". You'll see why I call it a "race" later.
My normal running group was coming in from Howell and we were going to try to meet up to do it all together. I snagged waiver forms from everyone in Howell so they didn't have to make the trip to Lansing, which is 30-40 minute drive, just to get their bibs and head back. There were no issues picking up the bibs. The Color Run was out front of packet pick up selling tons of merchandise. Everyone got a Tshirt, head band, color packet, and tattoos in their packet.
For those of you who don't know what a Color Run is, it is a 5K with 4 color stations set up throughout the course. At the color stations, they "throw" color at you. The color is made up of corn starch and some people become a color mess by the end.
There is a Color Run in Ypsilanti, MI that's been going on for years. The one in 2013 sold out in a mere 45 minutes. Lansing was no exception to this. It sold out, but not in 45 minutes. We were given 3 start times, a half hour apart, to choose from when we registered for the race. There were 15,000 people signed up to do this Color Run. Yes, you read that right, 15,000.
So, plans were made on where to park, where to meet, all sorts of stuff and then the day arrived. The best laid plan was...well, you know the rest. It was a nightmare in downtown Lansing. 15,000 runners, family, friends, and spectators descended upon the city. I was in almost constant contact with my buddy, Jeff, who was driving around trying to find a place to park so we could meet up, and then my running group who had listened to me, unlike Jeff, and had gotten there early to get spot to park.
The boys and I were waiting and waiting and waiting. Finally, Jeff found spot somewhere no where near where we were waiting for him, so we ambled over to Michigan Ave and the front of the capitol building to look for him.
Now do you see him? Yeah, me either....
Holy hell this place is crowded.
Found him, finally!!!
Ok, enough with the pictures in front of the capitol with 15,000 of our closest friends. Let's "run!!"
See the caution tape in the above picture. They make their own "corrals" and that's how people started. Just basically get in the crowd and follow the caution tape up to the front and every 5 minutes they would release about 1500 people. There was lots of music, a DJ was pumping people up, and they were throwing Color Run swag to people near the start line. Of which, my tallness came in handy and I was able to get some. I caught yellow knee high socks, gave them to my kids, and a bandanna.
Then we were off!!! Now I call it a "race" because there's not much racing going on. It's more of a walk. We tried running, and we did run, until we got to our first color zone, and then applied the breaks.
Once we got through the first color zone, we "ran" some more until the next color zone. Again, full stop. After that, everyone was more or less walking the course. Whole groups of people were curb to curb and you had to zig zag through them or around them to keep running. My oldest son went on ahead with Jeff and his wife and my youngest and I took our time.
We were able to run towards the end of the course until we got close to the finish, then there was a big bottle neck to get into the park where a big stage was set up to "throw" color.
Here's what we looked like after the race and had hit all the colors. If you can't tell, one of us took the Color Run to heart.
Every 15 minutes they "throw" color. Everyone had done it but Carter and I. So, we go up close to the stage and wait. We got relatively close, not too crowded. There was a little space between us and the people in front of us. We both had our packets of color. With about 1 minute to go a group of 20 somethings walk between us and then promptly stand in front of us. At first, I'm thinking, "really? of all the places to go and stand, you couldn't stand behind us, but you had to occupy the 18 inches in front of us!??!" Carter couldn't see the stage anymore and I had to go and get him because I didn't want him to get lost in the crowd. Now, he is directly behind one of the guys who cut in front of us.
I decide to keep my mouth shut, which turned out to be a good thing in the end as you'll see. Let's have some fun and throw our color and hopefully, Carter won't be all that unhappy. If he sees me having fun maybe he'll get the message.
The count down begins and we throw our color. Carter dumps his color down the back, like down his collar so its going inside the shirt of the guy in front of us. I couldn't help but start laughing hysterically. I basically high fived him right then and there. He didn't do it intentionally, he's only 10. He just couldn't throw it like everyone else. Priceless. Just rewards.
Here's what it looks like when they throw the color.
And when you come out, you look like this.
After that, we were a bit hungry, thirsty, and very colorful. We headed out of the park. Here's an issue I had. We had to go out away from our car. There was an "in" where the runners entered the park from the street and an "out". We couldn't go out the "in". We had to cross a bridge, then walk back to the street and then back to our car. I didn't mind so much and neither did Erich, but Carter was sort of having an issue with it because we had to walk another half mile after the 5K. Little guy was a bit on the tired side. But we made it, and headed home for showers and trying unsuccessfully to get the color off of us. About 99% of it came off, but there were still some residual color for about a week.
All in all it was just OK. I doubt I'm going to do it again this year. It was just fun though. If you plan on doing one, unless you get there early enough and are one of the first "corrals" released, forget get about time. It's just impossible to do for time and even then, you'll miss all the color on the course.
That's that for now.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Online Stalking....er Watching
My friend and race buddy went down to Walt Disney World to run in runDisney marathon. I can't believe that she was able to complete the entire 26.2 mile distance. I think it's an amazing achievement. At this point in my running journey, mentally, I cannot imagine going that far. I also never expected to run 13.1 a few times either a couple of years ago and I have. My mentality of going that far is not quite there yet.......yet.
Anyway, back to the topic at hand. So, my friend was up bright, well....dark and early to make it to the running corrals and be ready to go when the race started on Sunday morning. Me? I was still in bed, staying warm in the frigid climate of Michigan.
I finally got up and immediately logged onto my computer. She uses the Runtastic app and I can view her as she moves along the course. Runtastic is one of several apps that allows friends and family a "live" view of someone's race or run. The movement is almost in "real time" depending on the delay between the GPS and getting it back to the server and your computer.
You can also "cheer" on your friend or family member by pressing designated buttons on the Runtastic website. You have to become a member in order to "cheer" someone on. There's clapping and chants, "GO GO GO" and even an air horn that will go off in their earphones as they run along. It can be very motivational to know someone is cheering you on to the finish line.
After logging onto Runtastic, I logged onto Facebook. And of course, there was my other running buddy and my friend's husband on there. He was down there with her, but was able to keep tabs on where she was around the Disney property. We would comment and send updates to each other as to where she was. I brought up the actual race course and told everyone what mile marker she was near or coming to.
I thought it was great fun that we were all able to communicate with each other and "watch" her do this amazing thing. We could cheer her one and my friend was a gold member on Runtastic could send her individualized messages which we did quite often. Just made it more personal and hopefully we helped her finish.
I just find it amazing that we can do this now. You can cheer on your friends from afar. You don't have to use Runtastic, there are several apps that will allow you to cheer someone on. You do have to know which app they are using before hand. I just remember, and I'm not stealing from Jeff Foxworthy either, when I was growing up in my house we only got 4 TV stations, the 3 major networks and PBS. I hated when the presidential nomination conventions were on. That was 3 - 4 days of watching bug documentaries on PBS. Not my idea of fun.
But now, we can watch our friends run/race across the country. You can cheer them on almost better than if you were there. You are able to watch them complete the entire course. If you were there then you might be able to see them once or twice depending on how the course is set up. Otherwise, you see them take off, maybe, and the hope to catch them crossing the finish line. I just think of the movie Ocean's Eleven where the casino boss says, "someone is always watching." Now, it seems more truer than ever, but in a good way.
I had a blast watching my friend do something I can only dream of doing right now, with other friends and her family talking like we were there. Something to consider if you can't cheer on a friend or family member and want to see how they're doing. You don't have to always wait for the timing updates that the race may provide. This future stuff is awesome!!!
Anyway, back to the topic at hand. So, my friend was up bright, well....dark and early to make it to the running corrals and be ready to go when the race started on Sunday morning. Me? I was still in bed, staying warm in the frigid climate of Michigan.
I finally got up and immediately logged onto my computer. She uses the Runtastic app and I can view her as she moves along the course. Runtastic is one of several apps that allows friends and family a "live" view of someone's race or run. The movement is almost in "real time" depending on the delay between the GPS and getting it back to the server and your computer.
You can also "cheer" on your friend or family member by pressing designated buttons on the Runtastic website. You have to become a member in order to "cheer" someone on. There's clapping and chants, "GO GO GO" and even an air horn that will go off in their earphones as they run along. It can be very motivational to know someone is cheering you on to the finish line.
After logging onto Runtastic, I logged onto Facebook. And of course, there was my other running buddy and my friend's husband on there. He was down there with her, but was able to keep tabs on where she was around the Disney property. We would comment and send updates to each other as to where she was. I brought up the actual race course and told everyone what mile marker she was near or coming to.
I thought it was great fun that we were all able to communicate with each other and "watch" her do this amazing thing. We could cheer her one and my friend was a gold member on Runtastic could send her individualized messages which we did quite often. Just made it more personal and hopefully we helped her finish.
I just find it amazing that we can do this now. You can cheer on your friends from afar. You don't have to use Runtastic, there are several apps that will allow you to cheer someone on. You do have to know which app they are using before hand. I just remember, and I'm not stealing from Jeff Foxworthy either, when I was growing up in my house we only got 4 TV stations, the 3 major networks and PBS. I hated when the presidential nomination conventions were on. That was 3 - 4 days of watching bug documentaries on PBS. Not my idea of fun.
But now, we can watch our friends run/race across the country. You can cheer them on almost better than if you were there. You are able to watch them complete the entire course. If you were there then you might be able to see them once or twice depending on how the course is set up. Otherwise, you see them take off, maybe, and the hope to catch them crossing the finish line. I just think of the movie Ocean's Eleven where the casino boss says, "someone is always watching." Now, it seems more truer than ever, but in a good way.
I had a blast watching my friend do something I can only dream of doing right now, with other friends and her family talking like we were there. Something to consider if you can't cheer on a friend or family member and want to see how they're doing. You don't have to always wait for the timing updates that the race may provide. This future stuff is awesome!!!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
RESOLUTIONS!!!
{SIGH} I can't believe I have not posted anything on here in months. I looked after one of my running friends asked me when my next posting was going to be. I said it would be soon deflecting with the excuses of holidays and finals that I had been busy and couldn't concern myself with this blog right now.
I logged on here this morning and was completely MORTIFIED that I had last made an entry in September!!! I looked.....looked again. That can't be right. I surely made some type of entry in October. The later part of October, definitely. NOPE. Not one since September. I hang my head in shame.
So, now starts a new year....a new beginning, and resolutions. While last year was an AMAZING running year for me. With several races, my first and second 1/2 marathons, and most importantly my running companions going along with me.....and dragging me kicking and screaming with them. I was truly blessed to have such great people to encourage, support, and inspire me to do what I did. I could not have done it without you.
I cannot wait for this year to get moving and see where it takes us. And with that come resolutions.
My ultimate goal is triathlon. My weakest discipline is running. So, there will be more running this year.
Resolution #1 - 4 of 5 1/2 marathons. Spread out over the year, and not 3 in 5 weeks. The last one will actually be in 2015 in Walt Disney World. Maybe a cruise after to celebrate!!! Who knows.
Resolution #2 - My friends and I are going to do a triathlon. Yep, its true. A relay most likely but a triathlon nonetheless.
Resolution #3 - Find myself a bicycle. I'm tall, I'm heavy, and I can't find one. I will find an affordable bicycle if it's the last resolution I do.
That's it. Only 3, but there's a lot in there.....OH WAIT!!!!! 1 more.
Resolution #4 - and maybe this one should be higher on the list...oh well. Continue with this blog. I've got run reports to catch up on, training runs I've got to catch up on....law school??? ppsssshhhhaawww
Anyway, a few last thoughts for the 2014 start for Slogging To Tri. I want to wish Stacie the best and good luck tomorrow, yes, tomorrow as she runs her first ever FULL MARATHON in the Happiest Place on Earth!!! Walt Disney World!!! Enjoy the moments. It may get tough, but look around you, where else would you rather be. Time is not important. Yes, I realize who I am talking to. And with the victors' comes the spoils. Enjoy the cruise and you will not be treated any better anywhere else than you will there. I will be cheering you on tomorrow.
Stacie has her husband and Sherpa, Jeff there to manage her race....I'm sure that's what he's doing. And he cheering section Max and Kaylin to get her to the finish line.
Lastly, here is what I accumulated last year and I want more this year.
I logged on here this morning and was completely MORTIFIED that I had last made an entry in September!!! I looked.....looked again. That can't be right. I surely made some type of entry in October. The later part of October, definitely. NOPE. Not one since September. I hang my head in shame.
So, now starts a new year....a new beginning, and resolutions. While last year was an AMAZING running year for me. With several races, my first and second 1/2 marathons, and most importantly my running companions going along with me.....and dragging me kicking and screaming with them. I was truly blessed to have such great people to encourage, support, and inspire me to do what I did. I could not have done it without you.
I cannot wait for this year to get moving and see where it takes us. And with that come resolutions.
My ultimate goal is triathlon. My weakest discipline is running. So, there will be more running this year.
Resolution #1 - 4 of 5 1/2 marathons. Spread out over the year, and not 3 in 5 weeks. The last one will actually be in 2015 in Walt Disney World. Maybe a cruise after to celebrate!!! Who knows.
Resolution #2 - My friends and I are going to do a triathlon. Yep, its true. A relay most likely but a triathlon nonetheless.
Resolution #3 - Find myself a bicycle. I'm tall, I'm heavy, and I can't find one. I will find an affordable bicycle if it's the last resolution I do.
That's it. Only 3, but there's a lot in there.....OH WAIT!!!!! 1 more.
Resolution #4 - and maybe this one should be higher on the list...oh well. Continue with this blog. I've got run reports to catch up on, training runs I've got to catch up on....law school??? ppsssshhhhaawww
Anyway, a few last thoughts for the 2014 start for Slogging To Tri. I want to wish Stacie the best and good luck tomorrow, yes, tomorrow as she runs her first ever FULL MARATHON in the Happiest Place on Earth!!! Walt Disney World!!! Enjoy the moments. It may get tough, but look around you, where else would you rather be. Time is not important. Yes, I realize who I am talking to. And with the victors' comes the spoils. Enjoy the cruise and you will not be treated any better anywhere else than you will there. I will be cheering you on tomorrow.
Stacie has her husband and Sherpa, Jeff there to manage her race....I'm sure that's what he's doing. And he cheering section Max and Kaylin to get her to the finish line.
Lastly, here is what I accumulated last year and I want more this year.
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