Coming Back after Hiatus

I've been on required rest for the past three weeks since the Cleveland, OH, race and it's been killing me to want to get outside and RUN! The treatment that I was receiving to try and heal my aching foot hasn't really worked so I've decided that I need to just "get over it" and get out there and hope that eventually the pain will either go away or go numb. Yeah, probably not the smartest way to look at it, but you runner types out there that are die-hards should understand this mentality quite well.


As typical of this time of year in Southern Indiana, it's cold, it's wet and it's rainy. It may seem weird, but I'd rather have snow than rain on the streets in my town. The rain just makes the surfaces so slick! The brick is beautiful downtown, but step on it without good tread and you'll find yourself sliding a few inches and hopefully regaining your balance instead of crashing to the ground. 

I've had a rule against puddles since that first half marathon many years ago- never, never, never step into wetness at all costs. As you can see, the streets hold on to puddles quite well.

Stepping into puddles means wet feet and wet feet mean blisters and frozen toes. Not the best if one is headed out to "enjoy" a run. I always laugh during races when the newbies see the fire hoses offered by well meaning firefighters to spray at the runners on a hot race day. All I can think of is "avoid the water."

So, feet nice and toasty dry and the "come hell or high water" attitude, I've stopped the running hiatus and have started to build the miles again. If you've been reading my other posts, you know that the first big race that I'm gearing up for this year is in Lexington, KY, and is going to be a hilly 1/2 marathon the end of March.

I didn't get as far as I would like this time out-- only about 1 mile running and the rest on a run/walk, but it was good to get out and stretch my legs again. I'm kind of surprised though, my sciatic nerves and hamstrings were screaming at me after I finished. I guess I'm not going to rebound as quickly as I'd like this time.

I thought you might like to see a little of what I see when I'm out training in my town. One of my favorite streets to run down has great Victorian homes and I have to admit-- when I can run at night it's fun to see the interior woodwork from the street.

I always wonder, also, do people notice me out running? Are they inspired to do the same or do they look out and think "Oh my god, it's pouring down rain, what is she? Crazy?"

I may be crazy, but as I read once-- runners actually enjoy being called crazy for running in inclement weather. I think it validates our need to rise above the norm. Of course we know it's crazy to run in a downpour or in sub zero weather but we also know that it means that we did something that very few others will do or would be willing to do.

So, I'm back out on the trail and I'm training for race #1 this year. It's never easy to get back where one was before resting, but I have a feeling that I'm going to push through at all costs to make sure that when the race comes around-- I'm ready. Happy New Year to everyone and look for these shoes to make another appearance very, very soon!

See you out on the trail!

Get the Races Lined Up for 2014!

Signing up for races is easy- right? You find a race, pay your entry fee, show up the day of the race (or perhaps the day before if there's a large packet pick-up), run the race and go home. Distances vary-- sometimes it might be a 5K in the middle of the winter to keep focus on your training or maybe you're shooting for your first marathon in the fall so you sign up for some 10K/15K/half marathon races in the months before.

This is how I used to decide which races to run. It was all about the distance, it didn't matter what the amenities were, didn't matter what the course looked like, didn't matter where I ran it. That was many years ago and many miles before...

Since those days I've discovered the Destination Race! I don't really know if this is an official term for this type of event, but I'm using it. What is a Destination Race? It's exactly what it sounds like, you search race calendars, running magazines, blogs, and find a location you haven't visited yet that has a race that's either unusual, or has some sort of draw to it.

I had my first Destination Race this year in a long time with the "A Christmas Story" run in Cleveland, OH, and now I'm finding myself looking for a race that either tops or is equal with the draw that this one had.

I've searched long and hard and have come up with my list of "must do" races in 2014! I'm excited to blog about each one and I hope that you'll enjoy the journey as I discover new routes, meet new people and have a year of running that is unmatched by any before.

Here is what I have for my line-up in 2014!

• March 29, 2014- Run the Bluegrass in Lexington, KY. This race is touted as "America's  Prettiest Half-Marathon" with a 7 miler tossed in for those of us who aren't as keen to run the hills around Thoroughbred Country! The link to their website is here: www.runthebluegrass.org

• April 19, 2014- Derby Festival Marathon and Half Marathon in Louisville, KY. This race features a course that goes through the World Famous Churchill Downs and through some of the great neighborhoods of Louisville! The link to this race is: www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com

• May 3, 2014- Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini Marathon in Indianapolis, IN. This race is one of the largest (if not the largest) half marathons and features a 2.5 mile trek on the course around the World Famous Indianapolis 500 race track! The link to this race is: www.500festival.com/mini-marathon

• August 16, 2014- Elvis Presley 5K in Memphis, TN. What more could you want than to be able to race from the gates of Graceland and end with a totally AWESOME Elvis finisher's medal? It's going to be hot, but in more ways than one! The link to this race is: www.elvispresleyrunandwalk.com

• September 20, 2014- Air Force Full and Half Marathon at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. This race will have civilians, active duty, reserve and retired military participate. Did someone say men in uniform? :-) The link to this race is: www.usafmarathon.com

• September 27, 2014- Mill Race Marathon and Half Marathon in Columbus, IN. The inaugural marathon for this race was last year and the course runs past architectural wonders made by I.M. Pei, Eero and Eliel Saarinen and through the friendly neighborhoods of the city. The link to this race is: www.millracemarathon.com

• December 6, 2014- A Christmas Story 10K/5K in Cleveland, OH. Rounding out my year of great races, I'll celebrate the A Christmas Story run/walk again in 2014. Who knows this next year what I'll dress like?! :-) The link to this race is: www.achristmasstoryhouse.com

These won't probably be the ONLY races I'll do in 2014, but they're the ones that I've found that look the most interesting this year and I can't wait to do them!

Here's to a happy and safe holiday season; Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you out on the trail!

Sidelined! How to make it through needed rest.

So as you saw from my last post, I completed a 10K a weekend or so ago. I did this with a nagging pain in my foot. However, thanks to the crowds and the excitement of the race-- I barely noticed the dull ache that now refuses to let go.

Like most people who are runners, I don't like to be told what I can and can't do and I definitely don't like being told that in order for this foot to heal, I NEED to REST! Several inches of snow have fallen in the last few days around my house and this is the weather that I most enjoy running in. I love the crunch of the snow, the brisk air that hits my face as I run and the sparkle from the ground that both blinds and exhilarates!

However, being sidelined with a foot that burns and aches is not something that any runner looks forward to. There is only one way to get rid of this ailment and that one way is REST. I've found myself going into running withdrawal (yes, it actually exists!) and getting more irritable. I can still do yoga and stretches, but they're not the same. I don't feel the way that I do after a session with yoga the way that I do after completing a three mile run in the chilly air with frost hanging on my hat and vest and sweating like  pig underneath the layers.

I'm tempted to take a "ah to heck with it" and push through and just run, but because I've made an investment this time in healing this foot (yes, I reluctantly am seeing a chiropractor to help realign everything and be smart about it) I feel that I need to at least TRY to listen. I'm not supposed to do any impact exercises and I've also been told to try and modify my stride so I don't hit my forefoot when I run. Ha! Modify a stride that I've had for my whole life?! Are you kidding?!

However, I'll succumb to the advice-- at least, for now. I've become a wiz at stretching, icing, taking it easy. I look out the windows of my house and see the snow beckoning me, calling out "come run on me!" but I'll ignore it for now. The time that I haven't been able to be out running has allowed me to start planning for 2014's line up of new and exciting races.

Watch for reviews on a race in Lexington, KY in March with horses (you'll find that I absolutely have always LOVED horses), half marathon in Louisville in April to celebrate the Kentucky Derby, the nation's largest half marathon in May to promote the Indianapolis 500, a run with The King in August (Elvis Presley rules!), racing with the Air Force in September and finally ending with a race in my hometown- the Mill Race Marathon also in September. It's going to be an exciting year and this injury that I've been graced with is just allowing me to take a step back and re-strategize, renew and recuperate.

I won I won I won! Well, not really, but kind of!

Well kids, here it is! The MAJOR award! I traveled 600 miles and braved crazy cold, icy weather to retrieve a little piece of medal with a red ribbon!

I'd never been to Cleveland, OH, before and I have to say that my first experience with this town has been beyond impressed and happy! I stayed on the main drag in town, Euclid Ave., and was so close to all of the eateries, Theatre District, and neat pop-up art at every turn. I was treated to usual weather for Cleveland at this time of the year and the Friday night that I arrived, it started to snow. I checked into my hotel, the Holiday Inn Express downtown and the rooms were wonderfully large, very cozy with hardwood floors and huge windows that overlooked the city. I felt like a movie star!

I got settled quickly and even managed to get a shower before heading out that evening on the town. I found Fourth Street which had a great selection of eateries and opted for a place that not only had a great turkey sandwich and chips, but also a bowling alley in it! The Fourth Street Bar and Grill definitely had that hometown flair that I was looking for. I have to admit, it was a little intimidating traveling by myself, but the waiter I had that evening was very accommodating and suggested a local beer, a Christmas Ale by Great Lakes Brewing Company, that was delicious!

After dinner, I walked just a few short blocks back in the opposite direction and attended "A Christmas Story" play at the Allen Theatre in the Cleveland Playhouse. Great cast and such a wonderful stage set up! The entrance into the Allen Theatre was also great-- the Festival of Trees lining the large ramp into the theatre, felt like I was entering another world. So beautiful!

The play ended and I walked back to my hotel-- feeling the wind pick up and the snow flying. I shivered a little but I'm not exactly sure if the shivering was only from the cold. This city had a great hum to it and I wish I could have stayed out longer!

I was so entranced by this city that I completely forgot to pick up my race packet the Friday night before and realized (actually right in the middle of the play) that if I didn't get my butt down to packet pick up bright and early the next morning, there was no chance that I was going to be able to own my own "Major Award."

So, arising at 5:30AM Saturday morning, I gathered my stuff, bundled myself up in my best A Christmas Story costume and headed down to Public Square. We had received many pre-race emails from the organizers of the race that if we weren't at packet pick up between 7AM and 8AM on race day, there would be no more packets handed out. I arrived at the Tower Plaza at 6:15 and figured there would be a line. As it turned out, only a few set up volunteers were there and I had two choices; wait for 45 minutes in a place where there wasn't any coffee or make my way back down Euclid Ave. for 10 blocks and retrieve the holy grail of any pre-race ritual, Starbucks.

Let me tell you, arriving at a Starbucks at this hour of the morning in a bunny suit creates quite a spectacle!  I ordered my favorite, grande peppermint mocha and proceeded to walk the 10 blocks back to the Tower Plaza. The sidewalks were laid brick and held on to the ice that had formed overnight, causing me to do less of a bunny hop and more of a bunny shuffle.

One block from my destination, my foot hit a slick spot and I had a spectacular flailing of arms trying to keep myself from landing on the ground and my coffee from achieving orbit. I managed to right myself, but my coffee, all chocolaty and rich, splashed onto the arm of my pink bunny suit and white cotton gloves-- creating a look more like bunny poop than mocha coffee. "Oh Fuuuuuudddddge," I said to myself. I had no choice though, I had to get into Tower Plaza to get that packet so in I went, furiously scanning the lobby for the packet pick up line and trying to hide the stain at the same time.

I was in luck, there wasn't a line and I was able to get my packet very quickly and very easily. The volunteers were so helpful and friendly and as I looked at my phone for the time, I realized that I had plenty of time to run back to the hotel, work on getting the coffee stain out and would even be able to get my luggage to the car and check out of the hotel.

Back out into the cold I went with goody bag and race number. I arrived back in my warm hotel room and began to work with soap and cold water on the coffee stain and within five minutes I was left with a very damp, but clean pink and white spot on suit and glove. Ah, success!

I gathered my luggage and bags, headed back downstairs to check out of the hotel, walked the 2 blocks to my car, loaded everything and then walked back down to Public Square to wait about an hour and half for the 9AM start time. The sun had not risen yet and I didn't notice the cold as I made a trip around the beautifully lit square where the race was going to start in just a few short hours. It was amazing to me that a city that could have been very cold and uninviting could appear so warm and festive.


Within 40 minutes, the square had been bathed in sunlight and grown packed with various runners and walkers donning every type of costume possible from the movie. Several of us "bunny suits" were making our way around, Black Barts, leg lamps, and even a person in a red snow suit with arms out to his sides "I can't put my arms down!" were warming up and getting ready for the inaugural run/walk. There were elves, Santas, Randys, Ralphies, and even the burglars! It was euphoric!

There was even a man with a pole in front of his face to replicate the scene in the movie where Schwartz freezes his tongue to the school yard's flagpole.

We lined up at 8:55AM, bouncing, jumping, moving any way we could to keep warm in the chilly morning air and at 9AM, Jingle Bell Rock started to play and we were off!Not only were there mile marker signs along the route which displayed funny quotes from the movie, Mile 1 read "Oh Fudddge", but also interesting facts about the movie itself. The first bridge we came to gave a great view of the skyline of Cleveland and for the most part, we didn't have to run much into the wind!

The route went over another bridge and then began the long trip out to the A Christmas Story house. I wish I had changed my registration that morning from 10K to 5K. When we arrived at the 5K mark, several people veered to the left in front of the house to finish and then were bused back to the celebratory party at Public Square.

Those of us who were looking for a greater challenge (or maybe we were just nuts) veered to the right at the house and headed back the way we had just come for a 10K distance. Arriving back at Public Square, we were treated to hot Ovaltine (just like what Ralphie advertised in the movie), the usual bananas, some kind of Dannon drink (not my favorite, but it was carbs and free!), chocolate milk and bagels!

This was the first year for this race and I think that the organizers and volunteers did a wonderful job making sure that everyone was taken care of, lead in the right direction, and made to feel very special while in their city. I'm looking forward to A Christmas Story 5K/10K in 2014 and hope to see even more people at the starting line next year!

The Weather is Getting COLDER!

I've noticed a few things on my runs around town lately. Santa Clauses and snowflakes, little pine trees and hints of Christmas lights. I've also noticed the temperature dropping more and more rapidly and the darkness creeping in a little earlier each evening.

It makes for an interesting run!

In my town, not all of the sidewalks are smooth and even. Since fall came late this year, the leaves have taken their time falling from the trees and not everyone has taken the time to sweep these little crunchy pieces of color from the front of their houses, hiding the hidden 1 inch raised piece of concrete that threatens to take my stride and cause me to do a head dive towards the cold concrete. Even if I don't experience a meeting of flesh and mortar, it still messes up the rest of my run. A stumble for me causes my confidence to falter and wane, I'm more cautious with every foot plant and find myself struggling to get back into a breathing rhythm. It's just not a fun place for me to be.

This said, I know that regardless of the hidden pitfalls that await and the chillier temperatures-- there's really no other way around it-- I still have to run! I've gotten really adept at layering over the years of running-- long sleeve tech shirt, cotton t-shirt, 3/4 zip wind jacket and fleece vest with a pair of tights usually handles most temperatures from 30-40 degrees. A little more for chillier and a little less for warmer. The biggest thing for me is keeping my ears covered in temps. that fall below 50 degrees. I always feel a little silly when I'm wearing tights, a short sleeved t-shirt and vest and yes-- having a fleece headband on. Without that band though, once the wind hits my ears it sends shooting pain to my head and once again-- not a fun place to be.

I've been watching the weather recently with the big "A Christmas Story" run coming up and I have to admit that though I've dressed for temperatures in the tens and twenties and been happy as a lark-- the threat of lake effect snow and blowing winds is a little daunting. I've got my ever faithful Yak Trakkers that will help me keep my footing in ice or snow, my layers that should protect me against the wind that will be blowing across the lake and I'm guessing that a hat will also be thrown into the items to pack just in case the weather decides to take a turn for sub-zero temperatures. I'm ready for this race, it's just getting to that first step.

Recently I was asked how I stay motivated to run in these kind of crazy cold temperatures. My answer is very simple, "I just do it." Oh, I complain and moan about the wind and the rain and the sleet and the... well, I could go on forever, but as I'm complaining-- I'm putting on tights, the layers, lacing up my shoes and getting myself out that door as quickly as I can. Sometimes when it's cold I don't make the entire route without walking a bit but I will say that when it is cold-- it's sometimes more motivating to run. Why? You want to get the heck finished so you can get back in where it's warm!

That's all I have to say for today in the perils and pitfalls of late fall running. I want to wish all of my fellow runners out there a very Happy Thanksgiving and see you on the trail!

If it rains, I run!

It's raining today and cold, and windy and not very hospitable outside.
I'm not what you would call an "elite runner." I've never had a warm towel prepared for me after a particularly grueling race, never had a police escort to the finish line, never felt the tape at the finish line signifying that I was the first one through the chute. I am thinking of these things as I prepare to run in December in unfamiliar territory.
I don't know that I will ever know the feeling of those running luxury things, but I do know one thing for certain-- my first big race that I ran over 15 years ago was one that taught me all that I now know about running in adverse conditions. If it rains, I run.
This first big race was a half marathon with the cutesy little title of "Mini" in front of the race name. I showed up at the start wearing spandex capri tights, a cotton t-shirt that was a size too large and a cotton sweatshirt that was two sizes too large. It was chilly and overcast and I thought the bulk would be welcoming during the 13.1 miles of the race. I had my neon shoe laces tight and my cotton socks perfectly folded over my ankles. Do you see a common material here? Cotton? You know how there used to be a commercial entitled the "fabric of our lives?" Uh, yeah, not so much when it comes time to moving one's body in the rain.
The race started dry, but the overcast clouds quickly became darker 2 miles into the race and soon were dropping very large, very cold raindrops onto the runners. The weight of my t-shirt and sweatshirt pulled at my arms and dripped small waterfalls into my socks. To say I was soaked was an understatement. I recall thinking for a brief moment that I could chuck the sweatshirt but then the wind started to blow and I figured it was better to deal with the extra weight than to be chilled and completely miserable.
I also thought, for a very brief moment, I could just jump on the bus that was following behind the pack and have a nice leisurely ride back to the finish area-- but, that wouldn't do; I wouldn't get my finishers' medal. I learned something that would carry me through to this day in the midst of terrible races, not enough training, and even ideal conditions-- never, never, never quit!

I didn't quit during that first half marathon and have continued to persevere in future races-- noting that, at least not yet, I've never dropped out of a race. I've learned to slather Vaseline on my feet before going out on a super wet or super hot run and I've learned that moisture-wicking materials are best.
It is raining today, but as people scurry home to dry environments-- I'll be pulling on my tights, squeezing Vaseline between my toes and donning a baseball cap to keep the rain directly out of my eyes-- because, even if it rains-- I RUN!

The Trip to Get the "Major Award!"

Look at this! It's a thing of beauty! Why, 'it's a major award!' These words continue to swim through my head as I physically and mental prepare for the race that I will have traveled the farthest to do, thus far. Cleveland, OH, the city on Lake Erie, home of the Cleveland Browns, home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and yes, home to that famous house where one small boy's mother proclaimed, upon his announcement of all he wanted for Christmas was a Red Ryder BB gun (with a compass in the stock and a thing which tells time), "You'll shoot your eye out!" Yes, that's correct folks-- I'm traveling 5.5 hours to run in a 6.2 mile race (a little further than this according to the information on the AChristmasStory.com website). I'm beyond stoked! I, like so many of us who are children of baby boomers, grew up with this movie and can recite whole scenes from the film. I can tell you that it was Aunt Clara who made Ralphie's pink bunny suit, what the secret message is from the Ovaltine Little Orphan Annie secret decoder ring, and what Ralphie's little brother eats at the dinner table one evening. The film is like a snugly blanket, warm and inviting and familiar. When TBS plays the movie in a loop starting on Christmas Eve and running through Christmas Day, I turn it on-- not even caring that I've seen it at least 100 times. It never gets old-- it's nostalgic and comfortable. I never wanted a Red Ryder BB gun as a child, but I get it-- that one item that was all I wanted for Christmas and I would do anything to get it.
This race has become my "Red Ryder BB gun" this year. Originally thinking that the race was too far and that I would never be able to spring for the cost to go, I've managed to register for the race, get a hotel room and am currently trying to bribe people to come with me. It is a little crazy to travel so far just to run, but it's something that is totally unique. On top of all of this, check out the finisher's medal above! The t-shirt is pretty rad too! A leg lamp adorns one of the sleeves and leg lamps grace the front like Rockettes standing in formation. I'm ignorant when it comes time to knowing the history of this race, but if it hasn't taken off like wildfire yet-- just wait until the news starts to spread that there is this amazing running race where you get to run from the town public square, out to the famous house where "A Christmas Story" was filmed, past the department store where Santa said to Ralphie that he'd "shoot his eye out, kid" and back downtown.