Cat & Mouse…..

Posted on October 11, 2012 by tootallfritz

The time is here. The time is now. It is officially the time which Abby S. and I used to talk of and wonder about years ago when my baby girl wanted to start running “K-5s” with us. Back then, my little Aby was probably 4 or 5 and I told her that she couldn’t run a 5K until she could actually say it correctly. Big Abby and I laughed and wondered how long it would take before little Aby would be faster than her mom. I’m pretty sure we won’t need to be wondering for much longer.

While I was off rehabbing my foot this summer, my baby girl, who just turned 11 came into her own in the running realm. She keeps asking, “Mom, am I faster than you now?” I keep saying, “Yes”. She says, “Because your hurt?” I say, “Yes, because I’m hurt but you would be faster even if I were healthy”.

Aby and I’s running journey started “together” in April 2011 at the Ringing In Spring 5K when she ran her first 5K. She took 1st in her age group with a time of 33.03. She was 9.

We’ve ran a lot of races since that day but one thing always holds true. I always finish before her. I don’t wait for her. I have never ran a race “with” her and we don’t train together. I run my race, she runs hers. Some people think this is cruel but I think its real. I can’t hold her hand when she races in school, so I don’t do it on the 5K course. I always tell her to follow the crowd and she won’t get lost. I finish, then go back for her.

Fast forward to this year. She has gotten much stronger and faster. I let her race the 5Ks that I pre-registered us for even though I had to sit them out due to injury. She ran the Courthouse Classic (with Adella & her Hubby) with a good but not necessarily impressive time of 30:37, then the Short Run Long Day 5K (with the F’N Running Club) in 29:46. Decent times but still in the “fun” zone.

Courthouse Classic Aby_Adella_Austin_2012 Aby & Michael_Frankfort 5K

Then Cross Country season started and she decided that she was no longer running “for fun”. She turned on the jets and became a 7:00 min/mile runner overnight. JUST.LIKE.THAT.

She now floats when she runs. Her best time for the 2 mile this year was a 13:54. That’s a 6:57 pace. Yep, sub 7. Yep, she just turned 11. Yep, faster than mom.

So this weekend we will run our first 5K together (Fallen Firefighters 5K Run in Bourbonnais, IL) under Aby’s new reign as the fastest runner in the house. She asked me if she was going to beat me. I said, yes. Then I said, “but know that if you are in front of me, you better not slow down because I will be RUNNING.YOU.DOWN. every step of the way. And I expect the same from you. If I’m ahead, I will be running my ass off trying to keep you from catching me.” I mean, that’s how everyone treats their 11 year old, right?

Now who’s the cat and who’s the mouse? I’m not even sure at this point but it sure is a game and it’s officially starting this weekend. Let the fun begin!

What I do know is that Aby will most definitely beat me on Sunday. I know that I am still recovering so not up to a realistic speed as of yet. I know that my speed has a cap, even in a healthy state and hers does not. I probably need to get used to looking at her back but I will always keep pressing and letting her know that I’ll be there if she waivers. I can’t wait to see how this fall racing season shapes up. Yesterday, a lady on the trail ran a PR for her 5K ~~because we were trying to keep Aby in sight~~. She was super excited. Aby asks me on the way home, “What’s my 5K PR?”. I said, “I’ll tell you on Sunday”.

Feel free to come out and watch the showdown between Aby and I. Or come run so that I have a shoulder to cry on when she totally kicks my ass. Better yet, bring the cooler. I like Corona Light.

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Dress For Success….. Or For Fun?

Posted on October 10, 2012 by tootallfritz

My thought processes about running have changed over the last couple years. While I am still “serious” about my running, I don’t mind having a little fun with the process and wearing a crazy funky outfit or costume. I have found that a fun outfit not only makes me run faster happy but it also makes other people smile. So bring on those sparkle skirts! Team Sparkle has one of my favorite accessories. At $25 with free shipping, I can dress up almost any outfit for any occasion.

I’ve also come to realize that the more friends I peer pressure encourage to dress up, the more jaw dropping the reaction of other runners fun I have at the race.

Recently, I’ve even branched out to add funky socks. Every holiday, Target has festive socks for $5. That’s where I normally go for the socks to complete my outfit.

This week things got really crazy when I decide to run in a tutu for the Monster Dash. Come on, all the cool kids are doing it, right? Maybe not, but I am, and so are 16 of my closest friends. 🙂 So we recently had a Tutu Making Party to create these fabulous tutus. Ordering the tulle and elastic by bulk, we managed to keep the cost to $5. Wow, that’s a cheap costume and we certainly won’t talk about what a HUGE PITA it was to cut all that tulle from its 100 yard rolls.

Now, the tutu making process was SUPER easy. I followed the very scientific approach previously used by Kelly to make these babies:

Tutu Making:

Elastic – Fit it around your waist, stitch or double knot ends together
Tulle – Two 25 yard rolls needed for 1 tutu
Cut in strips of desired length
Tie tulle around elastic using double knots
For ease of assembly, put the elastic band around a chair
So easy that anyone a child could handle the task!

This was easy & super fun! Trust me. If we can knock these things out while drinking corona having fun, you can do it too. Try it and then send me photos! Look for 17 black & white tutus on the Monster Dash Chicago course!

If you would like a more “technical” outfit, try RunningSkirts.com or SkirtSports for amazing skirts that are cute and work well for running long or short distances.

Have you tried dressing up for a race?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Weekend in Review….

Posted on October 9, 2012 by tootallfritz

This was a great weekend but certainly one that has been in the planning for many months. It’s was Chicago Marathon weekend but alas, I wasn’t going to be able to have much marathon “fun” so I was ecstatic when Maggie’s PR contact at Brooks Running hooked us up with an opportunity to meet Desi Davila at the expo on Friday night.

Me, Sara, Jeni, Desi, Maggie & Kelly

After our initial intro, Brooks performed a gait analysis for each of us and recommended shoes. I’m currently in a light stability shoe (guidance shoe in Brooks terminology) and apparently that was right on target. They recommended I choose between the Brooks Ravenna or Pure Cadence ~~which I already own x2~~.

While we were taking turns for gait analysis Desi hung out and chatted with us. She was very ~~tiny~~ shy, cool, down to earth and didn’t seem to mind hanging out. She too is on the injured list so that was our main topic of conversation when I was personally talking with her. She is currently on total rest but plans to return to training soon.

I’ve been a Desi fan for quite some time, probably before she was on the radar for most, specifically because she trains close to Chicago and has ran the Chicago Marathon a few times. So I was excited to meet her and happy to have had the opportunity. Thanks, Maggie. Thanks, Brooks Running. Thanks, Desi for coming out to spend a bit of time with us. Thanks to whoever stuffed the goodie bag with this amazing Brooks Infinity Wind Shirt:

We were also introduced to a few gear testers from Brooks and hit the lakefront with them for a run. Although we only ran a few miles, it was so much fun to meet other local runners and spend some time doing our favorite thing…..running!

After the expo fun, I was off for my busy weekend. Aby had sectionals on Saturday morning. She ran her heart out but didn’t qualify for state. She hit the hills like a pro and pretty much pushed the entire race and was very happy afterwards. It wasn’t an easy race or an easy sectional and I’m super proud of my baby girl for giving it her all this season. Now time for her to rest a bit and run some local 5Ks with her momma. 🙂

After ~~freezing our bums off at~~ sectionals, we were on the road to Indiana for my High School 20 year class reunion.

I had lots of fun & enjoyed spending time with my classmates. However, I was honestly a “bit” sad that I was in Indiana instead of Chicago on Marathon Weekend. I even got up ~~very~~ early on Sunday morning to look for the marathon on tv but nothing. I tried to stream it live on my phone but nothing. However, I did manage to receive the runner tracking and Facebook updates!

Since I couldn’t be there in person, my girl April took the time to make a “Flat Fritz” just to make sure that I got to go, enjoy the atmosphere and encourage the members of our F’N Running Club. It was hysterical, very sweet and absolutely made me feel like I was part of their day! Thanks, April!

Flat Fritz & April April, Flat Fritz in backpack & Kim

Flat Fritz in pack. Jenny G’s happy to see me! I’m cheering for the runners!

I hope you had an amazing weekend, whether you were traveling, running, or hanging with friends.

** Cheers ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Hickory Creek Revisited…..

Posted on October 5, 2012 by tootallfritz

Since my running was non-existent this summer, I didn’t spend much time at Hickory Creek like I normally would. During an ~~injury free~~ normal summer, I’d cruise those hills of the West Branch a couple times a month and then by fall be running them as if the area were flat. Not the case this year. Here is the map of the West Branch.

It’s a very easy trail to follow. Just stay on the main trail, which is paved. There is only one spot where you have a choice and it won’t look like much of a choice. You can continue on the trail, or take a side shoot into a subdivision, which can take you to the East Branch. Stay on the trail.

Full Hickory Creek Preserve Map:

I must say, this week, those hills felt like mountains! For those new to the area, the Hickory Creek Junction also connects directly to Old Plank Trail. It is in Will County and the West Branch has 2 entrances with parking. One entrance is on Lincoln Highway (Route 30) just west of Wolf Road and the second is on Schoolhouse Road, just north of Route 30. This trail is in the Frankfort/New Lenox, IL area. If you run the trail both ways from trailhead to trailhead, it will be approximately 5.6 miles (2.8 miles each way). Nice run, beautiful scenery, 2 bridges, plus bathrooms and water at each end.

I was a bit surprised this week that the fall colors are starting to pop. Here are a few photos to show the colors and the falling leaves. (I have taken a ~~billion~~ lot of photos of this area in the past, if interested, search the blog for Hickory Creek for more info & photos).

Hickory Creek4_10-1-12

Hickory Creek3_10-1-12

Beautiful run! Pop over to your favorite trail this weekend and you too may notice a lot of changes as we transition from summer to fall! And if you pick Hickory Creek, maybe I’ll see you there!

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Whooha Gear Giveaway Winner

Posted on October 4, 2012 by tootallfritz

These giveaways make me nervous! As I finish the spreadsheet and open the random number generator, I always have butterflies! I want each and everyone of you to win and realistically, that’s just not possible.

Just moments ago, random.org chose the winner for the Whooha Gear. What was unique about this giveaway besides the amazing gear that Whooha creates is that the winner gets to choose ANYTHING THEY WANT from the Whooha Store. So without further ado, I’d like to thank all of you for entering the giveaway and announce that the Whooha winner is:

Congratulations Louise! Please email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com and let me know which item you want, your size and your mailing address.

For everyone else me, me, meeeee please use the 10% off discount code (TTFWhooha) at the Whooha Store to save a little money on this already very reasonably priced and super cool gear! I don’t make any $$ from the discount code, you just get to save some. 🙂 So go get something cool for yourself now and then let Santa know the code is good thru Jan 1, 2013. You may use it multiple times until expiration. Enjoy!

Send me photos of you in your new gear and I’ll do a post and upload all of looking super cool in Whooha!

W.H.O.O.H.A.

Women Having Optimistic Objectives & Healthy Attitudes

PLAY HARD – TAKE CHANCES – KEEP SMILIN’

** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

2013 Team Tough Chik…..

Posted on October 3, 2012 by tootallfritz

The registration period for the 2013 Team Tough Chik is NOW open!

You may have seen me announce this on my facebook page last week but I wanted to do an official post. The registration period is only open through October 29th so don’t put it off too long or you will have to wait for another year to be part of this amazing community of active women!

As I await the influx of new “Toughies”, I look back on this year and recall how Team Tough Chik has supported me unconditionally thru the ups and downs of what came to be for 2012. I did spend a lot of time in Team gear but it was mostly on the bike since my run was put on hold for several months due to injury.

Aby and I first raced in the Team Tough Chik singlets at the Devils Dash in Peotone in May. Here were are with my friend Nicki (who will be on Team Tough Chik for 2013!!) and Michael, then a couple of “on the run” photos.

Then I got hurt and spent a considerable amount of time cycling:

And some time teaming up with Aby for a bit of duathlon action:

And some time doing 2/3 of triathlon races ~~for which I was already registered~~:

And you know, when I look at it this way, 2012 doesn’t look so bad!

When I originally heard about Team Tough Chik, I had never even purchased one Tough Chik item but I was intrigued with the all women team concept and being part of something a bit bigger than my local community. I truly wanted to be part of an international team of amazing women. Then when I heard that Tough Chik was lining up sponsors and all of the team members would be getting a “mystery” package, along with their Team gear, which would include samples, full size products, and a year’s worth of discounts for not only Tough Chik but also ALL OF OUR SPONSORS, I was hooked. They had me at “mystery” package. I took the gamble and immediately signed up for the team and it has been an amazing experience.

What did the sign-up entail? I had to purchase a Team gear package. The least expensive package was for the running singlet only and it was very reasonably priced. It will be the same this year. If you want to be “part” of the team, you may purchase any of the packages HERE, and they start at $25 ~~and go up to and include the “Whole Enchilada”~~. The least expensive (running singlet only) package also includes 5% off of all regular Tough Chik gear for a full year, plus the random goodies & discounts from our new sponsors. Cool, huh? And most importantly, we once again have a ~~kick ass~~ awesome design. Here is a peak at the 2013 TRI kit:

Check out today’s Tough Chik blog HERE for a few words from myself, Susan, Karen and Tonia as to what Team Tough Chik has meant to us for 2012. Hope to see you on the 2013 Team!

** Cheers ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Phoenix Phun Run 5K – Race Review

Posted on October 1, 2012 by tootallfritz

I never used to run 5K races. They are short ~~but not sweet~~ and I’m more comfortable running a slower clip for a bit longer period of time. To be honest, they weren’t even on my radar because a 5K was “only” 3.1 miles. My focus was on half marathons, marathons and triathlons. Everything changed last year when Aby wanted to start running. She and I began the local 5K circuit in April of 2011 at the Ringing In Spring 5K in Valparaiso, IN. Since then, we have ran quite a few 5Ks in both Indiana and Illinois.

First thing I learned about 5K racing? If you think it’s “only” 3.1 miles, then you aren’t running hard enough. As a seasoned distance runner, I expected it to be easy and it wasn’t. Ironically, when you run a faster pace it ~~hurts~~ creates extra stress on your body. Who knew? Not me! The second thing I learned was that, I liked the 5K distance a lot and I was able to run as fast as I wanted while not having to worry about needing to taper from my longer miles, or my body being depleted of fuel on the run, or even dehydrating during the race ~~or not feeling well enough to drive home~~. It was a good, fun distance for me that I really enjoyed AND I was able to share it with Aby. Good thing I enjoy the distance because now as my foot heals, 5Ks are my max race distance for the next several months. So I’m going to hit quite a few, try to build up some speed while still rehabbing my foot so that I can take a down cycle in the winter months then KILL the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8K in March.

Yesterday, I ran the Phoenix Phun Run 5K which was a fundraiser for Lincoln Way North in Frankfort, IL.

This was a no frills type race. Nicki T. and I showed up with the kids in tow and registered on site. Photos Below: Nicki & I and Aby & Michael who were our cheer squad.

The on-site registration fee was $30 and we received a cotton unisex t-shirt ~~which I’ll never wear~~. No chip timing, no official “start” line but plenty of volunteers to get us lined up properly.

They even offered a 100 yard dash for the kids before we started and they recruited Michael ~~who totally kicked butt and won~~!

The kids race started at 8:00 am and was followed immediately by the 5K at 8:05. A local law officer shot a starter pistol to signal the 5K start and we were off. I never saw a course map online, or the day of the event, but I tend to just follow the person in front of me. The course was well marked with white arrows on the ground, plus volunteers were stationed throughout the course to direct and aid runners. I saw 2 water stops but no bathrooms on course, which is normal for a 5K.

I must say this is my favorite 5K thus far. We ran a short distance thru a residential area around Lincoln Way North. The traffic through the neighborhood was non-existent and we were soon directed onto a running/bike path which ~~I didn’t even know existed~~ ran the perimeter of a large retention pond. The terrain was varied with a few small inclines/declines and it was just a nice peaceful, scenic run. The event was small with 66 official finishers so the path was never overcrowded or constricting. It was just a beautiful Sunday run. The nature of the course also allowed you to see the runners positions around the pond so it was pretty easy to focus on the person in front of you, then the next one, etc. Good course!

Then the finish was on the track and they had donuts, luna bars, bananas and water afterward. Perfect.

My race went well. I’m definitely getting stronger. I ran a 24:54, which was an 8:00 min/mi pace. I wasn’t pushing hard, just tried to stay slightly faster than my comfort zone and keep moving. I still slowed down ~~a lot~~ toward the end but I felt stronger this week and didn’t notice my lack of endurance as much. That’s a win in my book. Speaking of win, my awesome chiro, Alexis did win the ladies race and took 2nd overall with a 20:32. Although, the results only listed bib numbers ~~and I’m pretty confident they mixed up my bib and the man with the jogging stroller in front of me listing my time as 24:45~~, Aby thinks I was the 2nd overall female. I did come home with some bling. Here is a photo of Alexis, Michael and I with our medals. Alexis and Michael both took 1st and I was 2nd.

Before you ask, I made Aby sit this one out because she had a Cross Country Invite on Saturday. I don’t want my baby girl to get too fatigued or chance getting hurt for a “Phun Run”.

Huge shout out to TTF reader, Greg P. who dominated his age group!

Great job to all the Phoenix Phun runners! This was a great race and as long as our schedule permits, I’ll will be back for next year!

What’s your favorite 5K so far this year?

** Happy Racing ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

TooTallFritz

Running Toward: Health, Wellness & PEACE …………………………………….. Running From: Insanity, Screaming Children, Housework & a Big Ass

Monthly Archives: October 2012

Cat & Mouse…..

Dress For Success….. Or For Fun?

Weekend in Review….

Hickory Creek Revisited…..

Whooha Gear Giveaway Winner

2013 Team Tough Chik…..

Phoenix Phun Run 5K – Race Review

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: