On Saturday, I had the greatest time at the Monster Dash running the half marathon. I had teetered back and forth about if I could PR or not. They had pacers so I lined up with the 2:11 group. This should have been very doable for me. However, our poor pacer struggled a lot keeping us at a consistent pace as people were all over the place and it was her first race ever pacing. I felt sorry for her. So, my garmin shows that about three of the miles were clocked at a 9:30-9:34 pace. My legs were not ready for that. Or the Minnehaha Parkway. It was a little hillier than I remembered it. I hung on until mile 10 and couldn't do it anymore.
Here is where it gets interesting. This summer, I also did the Urban Half Marathon and finished at 2:15:20. I had also hoped to PR at that race but missed it (I know, I'm not speedy by any means). Well, just so happens that this race today, I finished with the EXACT SAME TIME. 2:15:20. I mean seriously. Seriously. I know I didn't get the PR but do I have to keep getting the same DANG finish time? What killed me here was the MAJOR lack of long runs. I did 2 runs over 8 miles. Otherwise, it was nothing but speed work. Not too smart but I've never raced real smartly so why start now right?! :) The unique thing is, I couldn't get the exact same time for two races again if I tried!
I am GOING TO BREAK THAT 2:13:25 PR IF IT KILLS ME.
In the meantime, check out Steve and Pharmie's latest accomplishments! They are awesome. Maybe I should just follow them around, they keep getting faster and faster!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Birthday Awesomeness...
So I had a kick-butt birthday today and got this totally AWESOME gift....I CAN'T wait to use it. How cool. I love gadgets.
Once I get a chance to try it out, I'll let you know what I think. DC Rainmaker did a great review of it a while back and you can check that out here.
Some girls want purses and shoes, I prefer gadgets and workout gear!
Once I get a chance to try it out, I'll let you know what I think. DC Rainmaker did a great review of it a while back and you can check that out here.
Some girls want purses and shoes, I prefer gadgets and workout gear!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thank you EveryMan Tri!!
I don't know about the rest of you and growing up in a very pro-woman's rights household maybe makes me overly sensitive to this, but I really hate the term "getting chicked". As this article points out, you got beat. "Getting chicked" seems like a slap in the face to me even though that may not be the intent of the person who said it. It just kind of stings to hear it. So thank you to Everyman Tri, so glad someone is pointing out what needs to be said!
From Everyman Tri:
It seems that in the world of endurance sports the newest and most feared put down to male competitors is "getting chicked".
In other words, being beaten by a female competitor.
In a recent interview 3X Ironman champ Chrissie Wellington was asked if she though about "chicking" Lance Armstrong in 2011 as he intends to race the Kona Ironman World Championships in just under two years from today.
While that maybe an entertaining questions, the premise behind it is completely irrelevant.
For at least the last several of decades (if not centuries) female endurance athletes have had to prove their worth and ability in a way that was completely and utterly irrelevant.
Do you recall the silly arguments that kept women from competitive long distance running? You know the "substantial" fear that some doctors had about female athlete's ovaries falling out at mile 10 on the marathon course.
Much has changed since those days, and yet unfortunately much remains the same.
To this day many female endurance athletes do not compete on the same level (read distance) as their male competitors.
For instance take female Olympic cycling as a prime example. Did you know that the women's road race is much shorter than the men's road race?
Perhaps the Olympic organizers fear that the men's road course might be too tough for female cyclist should they have to ride the same distance as their male counterparts?
Yet the most recent science suggests that (at least when it comes to endurance sports) female athletes have the advantage over male athletes.
They are stronger and they are tougher than their male counterparts at the long distance races.
If you graph the rate of decline of both the women's and men's fastest marathon times, the only possible conclusion you can reach is that women, in the not too distance future if current trends hold, will soon be faster at the marathon distance than their male counterparts.
At this year's Kona Ironman World Championship Chrissie Wellington "chicked" all but 22 men in the entire field.
We applaud Chrissie for her success and her skills at being a phenomenal endurance athlete.
But what makes endurance sports ultimately so fair and compelling to watch is that the clock does not care about DNA, skin color, number of limbs, ethnic heritage, or even age.
Many of these are all criteria that we add to make the race "fair." for all.
We say to all of the 1800 or so male and female competitor who got beat by Chrissie Wellington at Kona this year that you did not get 'chicked'----you simply got got beat by one of the greatest endurance athletes (male of female) in the short history of the sport of triathlon.
By simply and only pointing to a person's gender as the reason for greater shame at being beaten or greater accomplishment at winning, you are not making that person accomplishments any lessor or greater----all you are doing is continuing decades and centuries of false and irrelevant stereotypes about both male and female athletes.
From Everyman Tri:
It seems that in the world of endurance sports the newest and most feared put down to male competitors is "getting chicked".
In other words, being beaten by a female competitor.
In a recent interview 3X Ironman champ Chrissie Wellington was asked if she though about "chicking" Lance Armstrong in 2011 as he intends to race the Kona Ironman World Championships in just under two years from today.
While that maybe an entertaining questions, the premise behind it is completely irrelevant.
For at least the last several of decades (if not centuries) female endurance athletes have had to prove their worth and ability in a way that was completely and utterly irrelevant.
Do you recall the silly arguments that kept women from competitive long distance running? You know the "substantial" fear that some doctors had about female athlete's ovaries falling out at mile 10 on the marathon course.
Much has changed since those days, and yet unfortunately much remains the same.
To this day many female endurance athletes do not compete on the same level (read distance) as their male competitors.
For instance take female Olympic cycling as a prime example. Did you know that the women's road race is much shorter than the men's road race?
Perhaps the Olympic organizers fear that the men's road course might be too tough for female cyclist should they have to ride the same distance as their male counterparts?
Yet the most recent science suggests that (at least when it comes to endurance sports) female athletes have the advantage over male athletes.
They are stronger and they are tougher than their male counterparts at the long distance races.
If you graph the rate of decline of both the women's and men's fastest marathon times, the only possible conclusion you can reach is that women, in the not too distance future if current trends hold, will soon be faster at the marathon distance than their male counterparts.
At this year's Kona Ironman World Championship Chrissie Wellington "chicked" all but 22 men in the entire field.
We applaud Chrissie for her success and her skills at being a phenomenal endurance athlete.
But what makes endurance sports ultimately so fair and compelling to watch is that the clock does not care about DNA, skin color, number of limbs, ethnic heritage, or even age.
Many of these are all criteria that we add to make the race "fair." for all.
We say to all of the 1800 or so male and female competitor who got beat by Chrissie Wellington at Kona this year that you did not get 'chicked'----you simply got got beat by one of the greatest endurance athletes (male of female) in the short history of the sport of triathlon.
By simply and only pointing to a person's gender as the reason for greater shame at being beaten or greater accomplishment at winning, you are not making that person accomplishments any lessor or greater----all you are doing is continuing decades and centuries of false and irrelevant stereotypes about both male and female athletes.
Monday, October 26, 2009
MINE!
A few years ago, my then two-year-old nephew got me a copy of Finding Nemo. I think mostly, it was so I would stop borrowing his. But, it is one of my favorite movies! I know, I'm a little old for it but, just like the movie Office Space (I do like my job however...), Finding Nemo replicates me and my life in a lot of ways (Office Space is another post for another time but a great movie if you haven't seen it!). This last weekend again reiterated that thought.
I had to part with the beauty:
As you all know, I got a new tri bike and knew I wouldn't be riding my trusty road bike much. I found a girl who was interested. She sounded great, and I thought my old friend was going to good hands. I felt confident my pal would be safe and appreciated. Instead, Darla showed up. I wanted to save you girl but I didn't know how. I'm so sorry. As I saw you pull away in the parking lot, I shed a tear. You're only hope is her boyfriend...he might save you. I hope you find a way out...you know the way home, and the garage code is still the same. Let yourself in. I promise girl, this time, I'll keep you away from her.
I had to part with the beauty:
As you all know, I got a new tri bike and knew I wouldn't be riding my trusty road bike much. I found a girl who was interested. She sounded great, and I thought my old friend was going to good hands. I felt confident my pal would be safe and appreciated. Instead, Darla showed up. I wanted to save you girl but I didn't know how. I'm so sorry. As I saw you pull away in the parking lot, I shed a tear. You're only hope is her boyfriend...he might save you. I hope you find a way out...you know the way home, and the garage code is still the same. Let yourself in. I promise girl, this time, I'll keep you away from her.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Should I?
I know your life can't sit on hold just because you do certain things or are waiting for something to happen. You have to just do activities right? Live life. Grab hold of it and do what you need to do. Do things now and do them when the opportunity presents itself - right?
Uhhh you said yes, didn't you?
Cause I had a friend comment that one of the things on her bucket list was the same as mine. Now, for most folk, this activity I am debating over doing in the blistery cold days of the Minnesota winter is second nature. It's fun. It's entertaining. For me, it will involve some pain, LOTS of falling on the arse, and the scary possibility of a broken wrist or finger or leg I suppose for all you nay-sayers! :)
Now the question I pose to you all in blogland....can I snowboard at least once this winter so I can cross it off my list? Cause you know, just because I'm training for an ironman that has cost me more in the last three months than I've spent in the last year on this sport doesn't mean I have to avoid all dangerous things....does it? You said no right....?!
Uhhh you said yes, didn't you?
Cause I had a friend comment that one of the things on her bucket list was the same as mine. Now, for most folk, this activity I am debating over doing in the blistery cold days of the Minnesota winter is second nature. It's fun. It's entertaining. For me, it will involve some pain, LOTS of falling on the arse, and the scary possibility of a broken wrist or finger or leg I suppose for all you nay-sayers! :)
Now the question I pose to you all in blogland....can I snowboard at least once this winter so I can cross it off my list? Cause you know, just because I'm training for an ironman that has cost me more in the last three months than I've spent in the last year on this sport doesn't mean I have to avoid all dangerous things....does it? You said no right....?!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Weekend Run
Did a nice six-miler with some friends on Sunday. Was very fun running on the trails through Hopkins. Oh, and fun to see this little guy:
My friends are dog-sitting Reuben (the pup) for two weeks so he's been on a few runs with us. Apparently, he's got a thing for stealing socks but isn't he cute?
Here are some more pictures of the rest of the run:
My friends are dog-sitting Reuben (the pup) for two weeks so he's been on a few runs with us. Apparently, he's got a thing for stealing socks but isn't he cute?
Here are some more pictures of the rest of the run:
Saturday, October 10, 2009
TC Ten Miler and TC Marathon Spectator's Report
The day started early. I have forgotten that even if you aren't racing, you still are up early to watch. It was a great morning for the marathon. As many of you know, I was going to do TC Marathon. I decided not to for a lot of reasons. Mostly because I wasn't feeling strong enough. I opted out and instead, have been weight training four days a week and running at least a mile a day and the stairmaster as long as I can tolerate it (god I hate that thing, way worse than any hill workout) and am doing longer runs on the weekend. I knew I needed to build up my strength and speed and that the marathon wouldn't help me focus on either of those. I also knew that I needed some time to get some good "base" workouts in. I was concerned about mentally burning out with IM training on the horizon. So, long story short and lots of excuses later...I was a spectator!
I went with a group of friends and we sat by St. Thomas. Each of us had someone we were watching for. Shortly after getting our seats all set up and our winter gear on (hats, winter coats, mittens), the ever speedy Steve Stenzel came by. So fast, that my camera couldn't even catch him. He smiled and waved and looked like he was out for a Sunday stroll.
We then saw some awesome runner come by in his suit. We of course, gave him the loud cheer (and a few cowbells).
Then, our pals, Gary and Mary came by looking happy as can be.
Then, this lady came by in a kick-butt hot pink cape! No joke. God, I was jealous. She of course, got an encore of cowbell from yours truly. Cripes! A hot pink cape...why the heck didn't I think of that years ago? (Many of you already know, I have an obsession with pink...kind of like my obsession with pens but that's another post for another time...)
We then had a little intermission. It was at this time, I noticed my friend (and co-spectator) Cheryl's handbag. Oh my god. First, the pink cape and now a purse with pink AND red. Oh. Meh. Gawd.
We of course, then discussed the proper etiquette for how to use a cowbell:
Note: Do not give the stink eye like I am here...
How not to use the rooters:
(Too close to the face, AND, the rooters are striking each other in the wrong place, not making the correct sound! Thanks for the demo Marty!)
Then, the biggest treat on a bicycle ever showed up (and no, it unfortunately wasn't Big Sexy)
How great is this? We asked if they had any hot dogs or ice cream. The girl looked at us like we were slightly crazy (I can't imagine why we got that look), and opened up the treasure chest on wheels to reveal this:
We graciously helped ourselves and stocked up on cowbells. Apparently, Target responds when people say they want more cowbell!
As the dynamic duo pedaled away, I had visions of what would happen if the bike tipped over? Now that, would be some serious cowbell action!
We then some the wheelers come by:
And then, THIS....it was kind of weird. Right in the midst of runners, a trolly. Huh. Still don't get it.
We then saw the first runners coming through right after the escort from Ponch and Baker:
Somewhere, in all the confusion, we missed EVERYONE. Didn't see one person we were looking for! Pharmie, Borsch, Beth...missed all of you and our other non-blogger peeps! Sheesh. Apparently, I was concentrating on other things?
Either way, we had a great time and are proud of everyone. Also great job to AmyB who ran a seven miler that day! Congrats to Adam who did a huge chunk of the training only to find out, he had a fracture and couldn't race....but, he did one heck of a job spectating!
ADDENDUM: I realize this post is a little bit all over the place. Mostly because we missed 80 percent of the runners we were looking for. Apparently, I should stick to racing as I am not very good at this spectating thing! Either way, great job guys!
I went with a group of friends and we sat by St. Thomas. Each of us had someone we were watching for. Shortly after getting our seats all set up and our winter gear on (hats, winter coats, mittens), the ever speedy Steve Stenzel came by. So fast, that my camera couldn't even catch him. He smiled and waved and looked like he was out for a Sunday stroll.
We then saw some awesome runner come by in his suit. We of course, gave him the loud cheer (and a few cowbells).
Then, our pals, Gary and Mary came by looking happy as can be.
Then, this lady came by in a kick-butt hot pink cape! No joke. God, I was jealous. She of course, got an encore of cowbell from yours truly. Cripes! A hot pink cape...why the heck didn't I think of that years ago? (Many of you already know, I have an obsession with pink...kind of like my obsession with pens but that's another post for another time...)
We then had a little intermission. It was at this time, I noticed my friend (and co-spectator) Cheryl's handbag. Oh my god. First, the pink cape and now a purse with pink AND red. Oh. Meh. Gawd.
We of course, then discussed the proper etiquette for how to use a cowbell:
Note: Do not give the stink eye like I am here...
How not to use the rooters:
(Too close to the face, AND, the rooters are striking each other in the wrong place, not making the correct sound! Thanks for the demo Marty!)
Then, the biggest treat on a bicycle ever showed up (and no, it unfortunately wasn't Big Sexy)
How great is this? We asked if they had any hot dogs or ice cream. The girl looked at us like we were slightly crazy (I can't imagine why we got that look), and opened up the treasure chest on wheels to reveal this:
We graciously helped ourselves and stocked up on cowbells. Apparently, Target responds when people say they want more cowbell!
As the dynamic duo pedaled away, I had visions of what would happen if the bike tipped over? Now that, would be some serious cowbell action!
We then some the wheelers come by:
And then, THIS....it was kind of weird. Right in the midst of runners, a trolly. Huh. Still don't get it.
We then saw the first runners coming through right after the escort from Ponch and Baker:
Somewhere, in all the confusion, we missed EVERYONE. Didn't see one person we were looking for! Pharmie, Borsch, Beth...missed all of you and our other non-blogger peeps! Sheesh. Apparently, I was concentrating on other things?
Either way, we had a great time and are proud of everyone. Also great job to AmyB who ran a seven miler that day! Congrats to Adam who did a huge chunk of the training only to find out, he had a fracture and couldn't race....but, he did one heck of a job spectating!
ADDENDUM: I realize this post is a little bit all over the place. Mostly because we missed 80 percent of the runners we were looking for. Apparently, I should stick to racing as I am not very good at this spectating thing! Either way, great job guys!
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