MN Runner

Not in a Million Years...

2009-10-31T21:03:00.004-05:00

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!

Birthday Awesomeness...

2009-10-30T22:07:00.003-05:00

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!

Thank you EveryMan Tri!!

2009-10-27T07:34:00.002-05:00

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.

MINE!

2009-10-26T19:07:00.007-05:00

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.

Should I?

2009-10-19T19:48:00.002-05:00

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....?!

Weekend Run

2009-10-12T05:46:00.000-05:00

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:

TC Ten Miler and TC Marathon Spectator's Report

2009-10-10T21:44:00.018-05:00

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!

The Bucket List

2009-10-04T21:46:00.004-05:00

First off, thanks for all the nice comments about the bike, I just love it. Haven't decided 100% on a name yet but will let you know once I decide.

A lot of you asked what was on my bucket list. Here it is, in no particular order:

Take A Spanish Class
Take a Computer Programming Class (just one)
Go Rockclimbing
Whitewater Rafting (done x4)
Learn to roll my kayak safely
Get a Masters Degree
Take a photography class
Take Guitar Lessons
Go to the Sea Caves
Go Skydiving (done)
Run half marathon (done)
Run marathon (done)
Do a small triathlon (done)
Take a class on nature writing
Read the entire bible-even if I don't get the entire thing
Take flyfishing lessons (done)
Learn to start a campfire (done)
Visit all the State Parks (close to being done)
Take some history classes
Learn all the MN trees
Learn all the MN birds
Build a piece of furniture
Do a 10k (done)
Learn to snowboard
Hike part of the Appalachian Trail
Run a marathon (done)
Do a half ironman (done)
Go in a hot air balloon
Scuba Dive
Learn to change flat tire on a car
Learn to use jumper cables

My list is constantly changing and being added to. It's on an old piece of paper I've had for about 8 years now and is crumpled, stained and rather gross looking. But it is kind of like a cool piece of history! I also have a travel list of places I want to see and travel to.

Up next: TC Marathon Fan Report

Welcome home...we've been waiting for you

2009-09-30T18:22:00.002-05:00

So, ask anyone who has seen me, talked to me or even talked to someone who knows me. The last six months or so have been torture for those around me in the tri community as well as my close family and friends.

When I volunteered at triathlons this summer,I purposely picked the transition area, body marking or the bike route. Why? So I could inspect all the bikes and then afterwards agonize over all the beautiful pieces of art. And, then, I quoted to all my tri friends (and any other friend even if they didn't do triathlons) the price of each bike that went by, the price of the wheels, etc. and the benefit of each bike based on the specs. I think they all want to kill me now but I was becoming a little obsessed. At IM Wisconsin, some nice gentleman came through the water stop and actually stopped to stretch for a minute. I immediately checked out his bike. I think he thought I was slightly insane because the first thing to come out of my mouth was "I lurrrvvvvve your bike!" He kind of looked at me funny and smiled. I then realized "Oh yeah, hee hee this guy is doing an ironman" and quickly responded back with "You're doing a great job man!" Little did he know I was still checking out his bike from behind my sunglasses. That, is when I knew I had a major problem.

When I did any race this summer, I drooled over the bikes at the races. I've been inspecting them all from the sidelines.

However, when I also saw the price on these hot, sexy bikes, I also drooled. Oh how I would have loved to select a beautiful piece of carbon. So BUFF!

But alas, I couldn't afford carbon and had to save my pennies to afford this baby with the carbon fork and seat post, but oh my how she is pretty. I looked all over the city. I had been watching prices at all the stores for a long time now. Just waiting. And waiting. For the right time. I apparently waited too long as one was bought overnight and I missed it. So today, I decided it was the day.

WELCOME HOME. WE ALREADY LOVE YOU!

Now to the fun part. She needs a name. Any thoughts?

Up next: my Bucket List

Other Activities...

2009-09-21T21:04:00.002-05:00

So, I have a bucket list. Like lots of people. The last three years I have crossed off way more activities than I thought I would. Last Friday, a few other crazies joined me as we went to Skydive Twin Cities....all I can say is, WHAT. A. BLAST!

It Is Time....

2009-09-16T22:41:00.005-05:00

I have secretly known...well kind of known and then changed my mind over and over and over....but I knew, I'd be doing this. I have been planning and plotting all summer. Reading about others experiences, eyeing tri bikes, scoping out nutrition plans. About two months ago, I started weight training and added in some speed work to try and improve my overall running. And, I made a decision. I think my body decided way before my brain was convinced.

It is time. Time for me to attempt to be iron. I'm absolutely terrified. I'm nervous and I am beyond scared but I am ready.

It. Is. Time.

I'll be back...

2009-09-14T21:39:00.002-05:00

I'm coming back. I've missed you all. And I have a secret to share....a BIG secret. Back soon.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

2009-07-07T23:03:00.002-05:00

So, I have been missing in action. It has been on purpose. Mostly because I'm debating over taking a long hiatus from blogging for a while. For a lot of reasons. I still stalk most of your blogs (as I am sure you know thanks to sitemeter)! Gotta love it. I have also been debating over making my blog invite only so I can control who is reading it even though I also know that already too. But, that doesn't seem right either. I haven't decided what I'll do. However, for now, I am on facebook - ALL THE TIME. So, leave me a comment if we haven't connected yet on FB so I can stalk you on your Blog AND Facebook :) Ha! Only kidding...well kind of. :)

But, in the meantime, keep an eye on Amy's blog. She and I are always at a lot of races together and she's having a great year.

Lastly, I am still debating over IM MOO. How do you decide something like this???

Go here...

2009-06-15T16:56:00.000-05:00

To STEVE!

This is what happens when it rains...

2009-06-06T13:03:00.006-05:00

I am so trying not to laugh in this one. Mostly because I was also trying to grunt like hulk too. So glad my parents taught me to be independent. I mean what else would I do when it rains?

New hairdo post highlight and brow wax...I know you are all interested.

Dinner and drinks with friend pre-highlight.

First sunburn of the year. Even though you can't tell...trust me.

I get bored and download pictures from the past week and consider them "blogworthy" even if they aren't, pretend to be the hulk and squeeze into a wetsuit and flex to make myself look oh so buff, and then realize something I wish I had known years ago - putting on jeans that are normally tight after having a wetsuit on makes you feel like you have lost A LOT of weight. Oh and the jeans, no longer feel tight...because as you all know, a wetsuit is way tighter than any jean could ever be. And that, is my beauty tip for the day.

Two Marathons in one day??

2009-06-05T13:54:00.005-05:00

I went from this:

Dear Natalie,

Entry Number:

Congratulations! You have been accepted to run the ING New York City Marathon 2009 on Sunday, November 1. On behalf of New York Road Runners, I welcome you to the 40th running of the world’s greatest marathon. We’re hard at work preparing to give you the experience of a lifetime.

Please visit the ING New York City Marathon Entrant Login at your earliest convenience. From this page you can provide or verify your emergency race-day contact, supply information that will allow us to assign your race-day transportation to the start, cancel your entry if needed, and take advantage of special offers for marathon entrants.

You’ll need your username and password to access the Entrant Login. If you don’t know your username and/or password, please e-mail reghelp@nyrr.org. Include your name and entry number in your e-mail.

Please consider using your marathon experience as an opportunity to raise money for Team for Kids or another worthy cause. Visit our charities page for more information.

We’ll be in touch frequently between now and race day, and we’ll post the latest news on the ING New York City Marathon site. We look forward to seeing you in November!

To This:

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Econfirmation

Dear Natalie:

Congratulations! You are officially registered for the 28th annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on October 4, 2009. We are looking forward to another spectacular day in the Twin Cities. If you haven't already, you should receive email confirmation from Marathonguide.com, our registration partner, with your credit card charges.

We want your experience to be enjoyable and memorable. Please read the following important information:

To This:

New York Road Runners
ING New York City Marathon Update

Dear Natalie,

We have received your cancellation notice for the ING New York City Marathon 2009.

We're sorry to hear that you won’t be participating in this year's event. You are eligible for guaranteed entry into the ING New York City Marathon 2010. Please note that you must still apply for guaranteed entry into the 2010 event and pay the entry fees as well as applicable optional fees by May 1, 2010.

Now that you have cancelled, you cannot be reinstated into the ING New York City Marathon 2009. Your decision was final. If you did not cancel and are receiving this notice in error, please contact us at marathonmailer@nyrr.org.

Please note that your registration fee for the ING New York City Marathon 2009 is non-refundable. Also, you may not give or sell your race number or timing chip to another individual. NYRR will bar you and the person running with your number or chip from all future NYRR events, including the ING New York City Marathon.

Wishing you the best in your running endeavors and hoping to see you in 2010.

Sincerely,

Janet Cupo
Manager, Registration Operations
New York Road Runners
ING New York City Marathon

In less than 24 hours. I think I'm done now. I was signed up for two marathons at one point and now I need a drink.

Mixed Bag

2009-06-05T07:48:00.003-05:00

So, a bunch of my friends and I decided we needed to do another marathon this fall. For me, mostly because my pants feel tight and nothing scares me enough to make me get in shape like a marathon does. We all threw our hats in the ring for New York. Sadly, only 2/4 got in. I was luckily one of them. But, I am bummed as I had hoped the entire group got in...because that would be fun! My new plan is to defer to 2010 and do TC Marathon this year with the hopes they would again try to get in next year. Although that would mean three marathons in two years (ironman, TC and NY). Oy. I think after that, I am taking a break and reverting back to the 5k's and sprint tri's as just reading this makes me tired.

Intelligent Design

2009-06-03T05:56:00.001-05:00

I knew I had a logical reason for hating these low-rise, boot-cut, flare and whatever else you want to call them jeans.

For all you music junkies...

2009-05-31T15:17:00.002-05:00

DMB or Dave Matthews Band releases it's new CD this week. So glad they stuck it out and are still together. Would have been a major shame for the musical world if they had decided otherwise.

Check this out. It is worth your time.

Last few weeks in photos

2009-05-31T10:32:00.004-05:00

It's that time of year for these to start showing up...

2009-05-23T21:37:00.004-05:00

I think this just means summer is here. That or I need to use more body glide on my feet. Oh and as you can see, I now have a full toenail. Whoo-Hoo!

Old habits die hard...

2009-05-13T20:10:00.002-05:00

So. Fargo happened last weekend. So did a bad, bad race for me. It's not a bad thing actually. I learned a lot of painful lessons. Well, I already knew the lessons but sometimes I need to learn them the hard way. I hadn't trained really at all for Fargo (again, a bad habit, I had/have good intentions of stopping). However, my biggest rookie mistake for the race was my pre-race nutrition. I remember standing at the start line joking with my running friends telling them how I was hungry already and we hadn't even started to run yet. I had only had time to grab a quick luna bar that I ate around 5:30 that morning because I couldn't sleep.

The race started and I actually felt great - up until mile 9. I started feeling weak and my vision got weird. Things didn't seem right. So, I walked. Took some water and then started up again. Only it didn't get better. My hearing got funny and my stomach was not happy. Soon, I started seeing black spots. I could see fine what was going on but wasn't a clear picture. My run turned into a walk and I eventually crossed the finish line. I immediately needed to sit down. The smell of food and sight of it was awful. Kind of like a hangover but without the fun the night before :) I sat for a while and eventually left with my friends. However, on my way out, I was so sick. Sorry residents of Fargo - I threw up behind the Fargo Dome. And then in some poor store parking lot on the way back to my friends house in Fargo. A few hours later and some bread. I was good to go.

So, the moral of the story? Your nutrition is just as important as your pace, what you wear and how your shoes feel. Oh and the Fargo Half is the flattest course ever. Loved it...well up until mile 9.

Finger Toes

2009-04-25T23:44:00.003-05:00

Okay, in my Journalism independent study class my senior year of high school (yes, that was an independent study class...I know I still can't believe it either) we were nominating each other in the class for our own awards. I was voted as having the ugliest toes/feet. You know some people get "most popular", "most social", "most friendly". I received the special award that I swear they only had one year in that class and one year only (the year I was awarded with it). However, I think I have some new competition.

2009-04-19T10:34:00.003-05:00

Where did the sun go?! Oh well, it was great yesterday while it was here! Did 10 miles with friends yesterday, was sooo sooo awesome out! Needless to say, to go from running 3-4 mile to 10 miles was a big jump. My legs aren't as sore as I thought they would be. So, this is a good sign! I'll be able to hobble through Fargo in a few weeks! YEAH!

In other news, those from the TC area, be careful on your runs. Check out this blog of a fellow TC runner.....I personally can't believe it. At the falls? Really? Sheesh.

Random Updates

2009-04-14T22:39:00.004-05:00

First off, thanks to everyone for the kind words/emails. You guys are so awesome. Things are looking better in ND.

1) I've realized in the last month that Fargo will have to be another "fly by the seat of my pants" race. Life has again gotten in the way. But, just like GMA's half marathon last summer (my first race after gallbladder surgery), I'll make this more of a fun race. A warm-up to the season if you will. Not sure I'll stop for a beer on the race course like last year but you never know.

2) I am becoming more addicted to triathlons. I love them. I love reading about them, watching them, drooling over the pros, you name it, I love it.

3) I did not get in to GMA's. Bummer. I think it is rigged. Only kidding.

4) I am debating if I can do a half marathon the day after a half iron? I really like this race in Richfield, the Urban Wildland and want to do it again this year but it conflicts with another race. Oh what to do, what to do.

5) Next year, I am taking snowboarding lessons. Period. At that point, I'll be 31. Is that too old to fall on your ass on a consistent basis? Nah. I didn't think so either.

6) Last but not least, last week was my mom's birthday. Happy birthday (again) mom!