Monthly Archives: November 2011

Another windy run…..

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It’s another windy day in the country.   We are having  25+ mph winds with gusts up to 40 mph……or so weatherbug says.  I’m a “big” girl and was blown all over the road today.  It won’t be getting better for a long time so I need to stop being a wuss buckle down a bit as I’m apparently too soft from running the trails all summer with the protection of the trees.  And since I was running my roads today there won’t be lots of beautiful pics but I did stop and take some anyhow. 

The beginning of the run heads south and the wind was coming almost full on from the south so I only made it about three miles before bailing on to my friend Nicki’s road just in case I needed a ride blew away. 

Then I looped around Nicki’s house again in case I changed my mind for safety reasons.

Due to our location which is out in the middle of NOWHERE very rural but also accessible to some major roads, we have a lot of blind bridges, turns and overpasses.  This makes running any amount of distance almost impossible without eventually approaching one of these dangerous intersections.  Of course, I could always run in a circle around a 4 or 6 mile “section” but basically, I can’t run past my house (or my car) more than one time or I  whimp out go inside and cut the run short.

So I manged to get it in today but it wasn’t easy.  I used some time management skills that backfired.  Hate it when a good plan goes bad.  How do you manage to get it all in…..kids, house, life, work, and “hobby”?  Let me know cuz some days I struggle!

10.2 miles – 1:39.49 – Do I get a wind handicap?  Multiple stops for photos, stepped off road 1x for two large pieces of farm equipment that took up entire road, stopped 2x for busy road crossings, and stopped 1x on busy road to get further off edge as I thought I was going to die get hit.

“Run”way Fashion – last year’s Athleta Hopkinton Top, Hot Choc WIND BREAKER, and Skirt Sport tights.

Run Happy…..You never know what kind of shit will hit the fan when you step back into the house reality.

Amanda – TooTallFritz

Quality Time

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I ended up with solo quality time with both kiddos yesterday.  That doesn’t happen often.  Michael and I spent the day cleaning and running errands, which is probably sounds boring but Michael is a busy boy and needs to be DOING something constantly or will be a total terror get into trouble.  Plus, he just likes to be with his mamma.

My lil cool dude…..he has black motorcycle boots too…..must complete the look!

Then Aby and I went to see the much awaited Breaking Dawn movie.  Yes, we are “TWI-Hards”….whatever that means.  I think it means we are in love with Edward fans.  We have been to each of the movies on opening night .  And sometimes we go back to see it a second time.  I do believe the acting is horrible improving, plus I loved the books.  As with all book to movie sequences, the movie falls way short of the book reader’s expectations but we still go to watch even if it is a train wreck has a little to be desired in terms of quality.  We both liked the movie a lot and Aby already wants to go back to see it again, plus has asked me a million questions as to what I think will be in the final movie and when it will be out.   I tried to be a good mommy and lie answer her questions to best of my ability.

What do you do with your kiddos/family when you get quality time?

Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                               amanda@tootallfritz.com

Step Outside the Box

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As the sun sank from the sky last night, I was just arriving at the Grainery in Frankfort to meet up with friends for a run.  Fortunately, I was a few minutes early so was able to run around like an idiot and grab a few photos.  The first was looking west on Old Plank toward the Grainery  thru the power lines.

Then I ran east on the trail to grab a few photos within a short distance of the parking lot as the sunlight was fading. 

The life around the pond seems to be dying with the autumn.  I think winter is heading our way, like it or not.

I was really amazed at how differently everything looked in low light.  I normally run in the dark or as the sun is coming up and this was a nice change.  I look forward to comparing similar photos in the winter, spring and summer.   I must say one of my favorite things so far about blogging is that I am now making a better effort to document my surroundings by photographing some of the beautiful sites that I take for granted on a daily basis.  God is good.

At this point, the light was fading fast and I jogged back to await the arrival of a few Frankfort Running Club ladies.  Note to the earring wearing crowd, don’t wear french wires while running in low 30 degree temps……ears get cold from the inside out. 

Susan D. and Maggie W. soon arrived and I quickly ushered them into the bathroom light for a quick photo.

After the ladies so kindly obliged my abnoxious photo request, we ran off into the dark.  I just recovered from the stomach flu so the plan was to be short and slow.  I must say this was a perfect run.  I really enjoyed the added dynamic which Maggie brought and I hope that she comes back!  Work & life are crazy, the holidays are coming, then the flu and not that you care but it’s total pandemonium which is on Aby’s spelling list this week  at home with a male, second born, toddler/child in the house.  Chaos reigns.  This run was a great stress reliever that was much-needed and I was thankful to have been along for the “ride”.  In all aspects it was easy, fun, brought about a new friendship and was filled with conversation about living life, making goals, accountability, future endeavors and stepping outside the box of your personal comfort zone.  

I challenge you to try something new……join a running group, train for a triathlon, hike the Grand Canyon, learn to snow ski, register for a road race, just pick something different and MAKE IT HAPPEN.  Muster the confidence to attempt something that a younger, more immature you would have never had the guts courage to try.  Time is of the essence.  Where do you plan to go next?  

Nike+ GPS Stats – 3.96 miles – 36:46 (9:18 pace)                                                                 Garmin GPS Stats – 4.00 miles – 36:46 (9:09 pace) 

“Run”way Fashion – I got a super “one day deal” from SkirtSports on this Happy Hour V-Neck long sleeve.  LOVE.  Can I wear this every day?  Go to the SkirtSports page to sign up for their email deals or check them out on Facebook!

Step outside of “your” box……soon,                                                                                Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                                 amanda@tootallfritz.com

Chicago’s Perfect 10 (2011) – GUEST Race Review

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There’s a new race in town and since I don’t have a money tree in my back yard time to run them all, I was thankful that I had an “eye” at the race in a runner named Diane F. (& Company) from the Frankfort Running Club.   This was an inaugural race so there wasn’t much press on it, in fact, I haven’t even heard much about it in the days post-race.  The Perfect 10 did start and finish at one of Chicago’s most family friendly attractions, Navy Pier, so I’m very interested to see how it went just in case I can suck my family into attending one race next year.  Thanks to Diane F. for taking the time to compile this report and send some photos cuz the visual is almost more important than the words.

Race Review by Diane F. – Frankfort Running Club

The Good:      

  • Weather was AWESOME!
  • Start was fast!  I couldn’t even tell you where the start was as we had JUST enough time to get to Navy Pier, potty, and get to the start line (and take a pre-race photo).
  • Ran along Navy Pier (gorgeous) and lakefront (past Grant Park, behind Shedd Aquarium, past Soldier Field and down to about 31st St.)
  • Miles were CLEARLY marked and each mile marker ALSO had a clock!
  • LOTS of water stations (I think there were 4)
  • Music at, I think, 2 water stations
  • Packet pick up was easy
  •  Shirts are cool
  • Medals are AWESOME!
  • Results were posted to the website quickly.
     
     The Bad: 
  • Not enough post race food!  (only water and banana)
  • Not enough camera people!  (only 2 and they were about 10 ft from each other)
  • 10K and 10 milers started at the same time (though they were supposed to start 10K after 10M, but I think because of the time change they had to do all together) So it made for a kinda cramped area along the path (though it was short-lived) 

 It was a PERFECT day and race.  We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would definitely do it again and recommend it to anyone else. 

 

Awesome job, Diane F.!  Thanks for taking the time to articulate your thoughts on the very first Chicago Perfect 10!  If I may be presumptuous read between the lines, it sounds like you had a great race, had fun with your friends, Perfect 10 had a good start and did lots of things right but possibly has a small post-race food budget few kinks to work out for next year. I advise ALL race directors to bring on the food or go to Indiana to see how races feed people post-race.  Runners like to eat, in fact you can ask my hubby most run to eat.

Anyone else run the Perfect 10 this weekend?  Share your thoughts with us in the comments section! 

Happy Running & EATING!                                                                                                      Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                                 amanda@tootallfritz.com

Flu Bug….or maybe not

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As most of you know by now, my family was hit by the flu bug this weekend……or at least that is what we call it.   The “real” flu, influenza is a viral respiratory infection but what we had was the puking and liquid poo stomach flu version.

The little man brought this nasty bug home on Friday night and proceeded to infect the whole house within the span of 48 hours.  I can’t even tell you how disgusting stressful it was to have Aby, Mick and I all down with the flu at the same time.  Horrid.  

With so much puke and poo nastiness flying thru the house, many asked “did you get the flu shot”.  Well, what we had, the flu shot can’t fix.  See the flu shot only works on the influenza version and doesn’t help its black sheep cousin gastroenteritis at all.  So I have added in a few flu facts below.

Flu shot: Will it prevent the stomach flu?

I got the flu shot last year, but I still got the stomach flu. Why should I bother getting it again this year if it doesn’t work?

Answer

from James M. Steckelberg, M.D.

The flu shot protects against influenza, which isn’t the same thing as the stomach flu (gastroenteritis). Gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses, including rotaviruses and noroviruses. Although it is often called the stomach flu, it is not caused by influenza viruses.

Real flu (influenza) attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs — causing fever, muscle aches, coughing and congestion. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

No vaccine is available for gastroenteritis with the exception of a newly released rotavirus vaccine called RotaTeq, an oral vaccine for infants. However, you can reduce your risk of gastroenteritis by frequent and thorough hand washing.

The flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce your risk of getting influenza.

 

I always use the Mayo Clinic for most of my health questions/concerns.  They seem to have the most comprehensive online system and their reputation kicks ass is impeccable. 

Good luck fighting all the various illnesses and “bugs” this season.  I wish each and every one of you an abundance of health.

Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                            amanda@tootallfritz.com

13.1 Valpo (2011) Race Review……and Wind Gust alert

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The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.               John Bingham

Yesterday was one of those days that if you hauled your ass out of bed got out to run, you are a winner in my book.  The wind had been howling out here in NoWheresVille since Saturday and by Sunday morning we were under a wind advisory aka….hope you have a big ass ate a lot of Halloween Candy so you didn’t blow away.  I specifically registered for 13.1 Valpo to chase the elusive 1:50 dream goal.  I ran a 1:53 in September in a very injured state and knew was pretty sure I had this in the bag.  However, I shouldn’t have been so cocky a person can never predict performance since each race, and the conditions, is distinctly different…… even if you think you know what to expect. 

The Valparaiso wind factor was approximately 26 mph with gusts up to 36 mph. (Update:  I was told below in the comments that the wind was even stronger and hitting 45-50mph and gusting to 55mph at times.)  Had we been running a city race, this wouldn’t have been as much of an issue because the large skyscrapers provide a great wind break.  However, if you have been to Valpo, you already know there really isn’t a “city”, but lots of corn fields and we run past all of them, on tar & chipped, sloped country roads.  You might ask why I would choose this event for a PR and that is because I have run enough races to know that the fewer people there are to dodge on course and at water stops the faster the finish.  I have also ran a lot of miles on my own tar & chipped, sloped country roads so am somewhat of an expert in country running.  I was familiar with this race, knew the course, and was happy with last year’s set up or lack there of.  This may be a small country race but the Fleet Feet Schererville Team sponsors it so there is adequate water, port-o-pots, and on course support without it being overwhelming.  You won’t find support at every mile here but more spread out to every 2 or 3 miles. They don’t have fancy clocks at every mile but instead exuberant volunteers calling out the time.  David M. (aka:  Frogger) was calling splits and encouragement at mile 9!And nothing beats the post race spread at a Hoosier ran event.  So happy to be Hoosier born on days like this……

I really came for the chili!  LOVE!

I can’t possibly lie since TH Timing already published my finish, this race was rough for me.  I never really felt bad but also never got into a grove either, then we can add in the wind which literally pushed me from side to side multiples times.  I felt like I was crawling in spots and several times a foot in the upswing would kick the opposite ankle cuz the wind was so strong it would push my foot in mid air/stride.  I also made a stupid rookie mistake early on and started with my jacket knowing the temps were good but the wind had me scared nervous and shaking with  fear cold.  So I was busy repinning my bib to my shirt and  taking off my jacket in the second mile.  The early splits which I usually see are in the late 7, early 8 range and well, there just weren’t any many of those.  The first half was okay, if there was any tail wind it was here but I hit the 7 mile at 1 hr and knew I was screwed not going to be make 1:50 or anything close.  I typically take a dive in the later miles, plus I knew we were preparing to run directly into the wind.  The good part about being slow letting so many people pass me was that I met some new runners.  People talk to you when you wear your heart on your sleeve have your name on your shirt.   Thanks Bob H. at RaceExpressions for another great shirt!

I ran with Mitzi T. around the 5th mile.  She is coach to the Speedy Cat J. who was 2nd overall female with a 1:35.  Here is an “after” photo with Cat, Hubby Eric, & Coach Mitzi.  Ms. Mitzi has both a brother and son named Fritz so my shirt caught her eye!  Thanks for talking with me for a bit before flying by to your phenomenal finish!  Great job Cat & Mitzi!

I also had the pleasure to meet another crazy blogger, Nick Q. from quirken.com.  Nick was kind enough to chat me up for a bit in the 7th mile and offer me a wind break once we dove into the wind in the 8th mile but alas I couldn’t hang.  Great race, Nick and thanks for slowing the pace  hanging with me for a bit!

All in all, it was a great race.  I would definitely run again and am happy with the race and overall support and post-race event.  We certainly can’t control the weather but I would certainly like to try just have to deal with what Mother Nature gives us with a positive attitude and a few prayers for a swift finish.  Today that finish just took a bit longer……2:02:25…….but I still got one of these…….

Today I was thankful this race was a 13.1 and not a 26.2…….that was my main focus in the last half.  Some days you just need to keep moving toward the finish and focus on the fact that you are doing something that most would never even think to attempt. 

Happy Running,                                                                                                            Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                                  amanda@tootallfritz.com

Breaking the Rules….or So I Thought

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I have a few unwritten rules that I use for running and specifically racing.  As I get older more mature, my body is less forgiving of the required daily demands; therefore, rest days are a welcome relief must.  My biggest, unwritten rule is that I don’t run the day before race day.  Or at least, I haven’t EVER planned to run pre-race day until today.  You might ask what prompted me to consider breaking tradition?

It was Mel D. from Running for Kicks in Palos.             

Although there are a couple local running stores, I only use two.  Running for Kicks in Palos or if I’m heading to Indiana, Fleet Feet Schererville.  The majority of time I go to Running for Kicks for the same reason as 95% of their other customs……..Mel, Gail and a whole crew of RUNNERS who are waiting to help you and make your next run better than the last.  You walk into the store and I promise, it’s a family affair.   I can say this because I rarely go unless I am dragging 3/4 of my little family, which includes a little shit man who is trying to climb the walls.  The Running For Kicks staff never bats an eye regardless of how they really feel his antics.

Today Running for Kicks partnered with Saucony to host a trail run where you could try out the new Saucony trail shoes and then for 1 hour after the run, you could    1) win one of three pair of Saucony Trail  Shoes being raffled off and   2) get a 20% discount on any Saucony shoes/merchandise.  This is huge for me because I run in Saucony exclusively, except for 5K racing, and each pair of my shoes start at $100.  So by attending this event, I would have automatically been guaranteed a $20 shoe savings…..which for my cheap ass me was reason enough to secure a sitter, and “break the rules”. 

This fun run and shoes savings never happened for me today because my little man got the flu last night and we all know what that does to the house and the family.   For most of us, running is a hobby and that means it will always take a backseat to the family.  There was no way I was going to leave him with somebody else while he was sick regardless of my own plans/desires.  He seems fine now so back to running talk with lots of laundry, carpet shampooing, and bed changing  fun in between.

Did you attend the Running For Kicks/Saucony Trail Run?  Did you win the FREE shoes?  Have you ever participated in a similar event?  If you attended, or were lucky enough to win the shoes, let me know!  I’ll see you at the next event or maybe 13.1 Valpo if I’m not puking tomorrow. 

Update:  Gail R. let me steal a few of her photos!!  Here are the three winners, Joe W., Kelly W.  and George B.  congrats to all three of you!

Happy Running!                                                                                                                     Amanda – TooTallFritz

The Skinny on $tarBuck$

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Once the weather turns remotely cold, it is super hard for me to skip past $tarBuck$ when they are on every corner downtown in the morning.  I am always cold anyhow so a hot drink makes me happy, period.  However, once I add up the cost of $tarBuck$, plus the liquid calories, it really just isn’t smart a good idea for my body or my wallet.  Ironically, I am NOT a coffee drinker.  I don’t like the stuff, don’t like how it tastes going down or the after taste so I didn’t immediately jump on the $tarBuck$ train like a lot of people but instead it was a long slow progression to……

Unfortunately, I eventually realized that most $tarBuck$ products taste more like dessert than coffee and they hooked and reeled me in won me over.  I’m embarrassed not proud.  On the days that I am weak and stupid want a treat, I stop in for something in the “SKINNY” line.  The Starbucks Skinny products are much lower in calories and fat than the regular drinks.  My favorite is the Skinny Peppermint Mocha.

Espresso Beverages – Grande 16oz – Non-Fat Milk – No Whipped Cream

                                                                                               cals*fat*carb*fiber*proein  
Skinny Caramel Macchiato 140 1 21 0 11
Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte 120 0 19 0 12
Skinny Flavored Latte 120 0 19 0 12
Skinny Peppermint Mocha 130 1.5 17 4 13

This is a treat for me and I really try to limit myself.  In my opinion, the best non-$tarBuck$ option is WATER.  I’m normally a water drinker, because I like it.  The added health benefits are just a bonus.  However, if I want a hot drink and am home or feeling cheap or broke  want to make a better choice, then I choose one of the following AdvoCare options.  I really like AdvoCare’s Spark both cold and warm.  It has several nice fruit flavors and actually taste good warm, plus I get some added nutrients and vitamins.  It’s convenient and comes in packets which I can carry in my purse or easily keep in my desk drawer at work.  I just add the contents to a water bottle and have a tasty, portable, nutrient rich beverage which is easy, low cal and affordable.

AdvoCare Spark® Energy Drink

My go to product for a hot mocha coffee type drink or a great additive to smoothies and protein shakes is the Coffeccino.

Coffeccino®

Then they developed a Mocha Mint Coffeccino for the holiday season.Mocha Mint Coffeccino® - Holiday Product

So if you are cheap like me watching your budget or just want a good product that won’t contribute to a big ass gives you some nutrition+warm+comfort, you might want to try one of these.  If you need the $tarBuck$, try to stay SKINNY and then you won’t have to skip a meal because of the extra calories. 

Stay Warm & Smart,                                                                                                        Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                              amanda@tootallfritz.com

Wind, Rain, & Snow…..Oh, My!

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The big story today has to be that Susan D. and I actually drug our asses out the door last night the weather.  The conditions here in the Midwest this fall have been surprisingly mild and even though we are 1/3 of the way thru November we haven’t had much, if any, cold weather.  Yesterday started out in the low 50’s with wind and rain but the temperature dropped in the early afternoon to approximately 37 degrees, with moderate winds, light rain, and a few possibly imagined snow flurries. 

We had planned to meet up with the Frankfort TNT runners at 5pm but I was a few minutes early.  As I was waiting for “everyone” to show, I tried to figure out how to steady my shivering hand to grab a photo.  Didn’t work out so well.

Yes, that is correct, it is now PITCH BLACK at 5pm.  Lucky us.  Love the time change. 

A blurry photo of myself and Susan D. as we shiver and await the TNT runners……um, where are YOU guys cuz we are freezing our asses off?  We decided to just get moving around 5:15 because we realized that apparently everyone else whimped out was smart and stayed home.  Of course, we had to light up the trail in order to even attempt a run.  Susan D. brought a headlamp and I had my KnuckleLights.

Several people have contacted me to let me know that KnuckleLights are on backorder so I emailed them this week to see if I could get you guys a bigger discount what was up.  Dan H. from KnuckleLights said that the lights will be available again on Nov 18th.   If you place an order prior to that day, then use the coupon code:  KL050 and you will receive $5.00 off, plus receive 2 free gifts (a clip-on blinking light and a reflective arm band) with your order.  So try not to give up on them, this is a  great product; they have just really taken off in popularity as of late.  If you are interested, you might want to order now and be on the list for when they get their shipment.  It’s not like we will be seeing the light of day ever again anytime soon.

Susan D. once again drug me down the trail at a lightning fast pace.Thanks Susan, I’d hoped for a speedy run tonight and you didn’t disappoint!  I think the TNT runners were scared of our speed will regret not coming because it really wasn’t bad once we got moving.  I always say that the hardest part is showing up, or getting out the door, and I really believe that.  Susan and I had a great conversation about personal accountability and what justified wussing out skipping a workout.  For me, I have a tight schedule so if I don’t do it now, then it probably won’t happen.  I’m all about being flexible, just don’t have a lot of wiggle room in my life as of now. So if I say I’m in, then I’ll be there short of being unable to pry Mr. Michael’s fingers off me an emergency.

6.48 miles (slightly suspect about distance, I was thinking we would be right on 6) – 57:04, 1 stop to remove a rather large tree from the trail, 1 stop to remove a few layers.

“Run”way Fashion:  Old Navy Active top ($19.94 – cheap and nice, thumb holes and 1 zip pocket, but “in stores only” as of now), Old Navy Active Sports Bra ($10 – on sale now & has a reflective strip on the back if you like to run in your underwear “bra top”), CW-X compression 3/4 tights (I know you’re shocked, and no I never take them off), and the Athleta Drynamic Track Pant (currently on sale if you are a child XXS).  I also wore gloves (my favorites are Manzella Sprint Glove liners which have a reflective palm), the freebie windbreaker from the Hot Chocolate 15K, spi-belt and knucklelights.

I encourage you to get out the door, each and every time that you can.  It isn’t going to get any warmer, or less windy, and the sun isn’t coming back for a long time.  You can either sit in the house and pout til spring or come out and join us for some great conversation and fun running!  Hope to see YOU soon!

What do you do once the good weather heads south……..  Do you skip your workouts, hit the gym, or keep on trucking outside?  

Stay Warm & Be Safe,                                                                                                    Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                                 amanda@toottallfritz.com

Toenails are for Sissies

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I’m sure most of you have heard the phrase “Toenails are for Sissies“.  If you have been to a large expo, you have possibly even come across the One More Mile Running Company booth which sells shirts/hats/stickers which make us giggle, nod in agreement and ultimately purchase the merchandise because it is better to laugh at the situation than cry.

Unfortunately I can relate.  I have always had toenail “problems”, even before I was stupid crazy enough to try the marathon distance.  I can lose a toenail after a 10 miler for a million numerous reasons unless I have some of these…….

Those little buddies are gel toe protectors.   I buy mine at Walgreens because there is one on every corner in the city it’s convenient.  They are currently on sale, buy 1, get one 50% off.  Smoking deal if you go thru them like me.  They are normally $6.99 each and worth EVERY penny!

I encourage you to try some before your feet get all jacked up gnarled like mine.

Or you will pay some lady A LOT of $$ each year to paint your skin make them look somewhat respectable.

I currently only have 2 nails on this poor foot.  The Chicago Marathon really took its toll this year.  Normally, I only have issues with the big and second toe but since I am now running funny due to the Plantar Fasciitis, this year didn’t go as well.  So for the next 6 months I’ll be wearing protectors on all but my baby toe.  Yikes. 

Sorry, this is such a disgusting graphic post.  Sorry to my hubby for the first and last view of how gross my feet really look.  Allow this to be a warning, or point of encouragement, for all of you who may have this problem or plan to run a marathon in the near future.   And for goodness sake, if you have this problem do everyone yourself a favor and go get a pedicure!

For those of you bitches who don’t have this problem like my bitch ass sister, the rest of us real toenail-less runners hate congratulate you. 

Good luck & Happy Running,                                                                                             Amanda – TooTallFritz