Run River City Marathon Relay

Posted on May 20, 2013 by tootallfritz

This year Peoria brought us their first annual Run River City marathon weekend. The fun filled weekend offered a marathon, 4 person marathon relay, 25K, 5K and kids marathon. While I normally don’t like to travel for races ~~because it’s a PITA for my family~~, Peoria is the hometown of my friend & fellow Team Tough Chik teammate Run With Jess, so it was quickly decided that a trip to Peoria was in order.

Almost instantaneously, we decided that our event of choice was the marathon relay. We had one goal: To Have Fun. Since we were looking for fun, plus both Jess and I were already members of a 200+ all ladies team, we started looking to fill the remaining two relay spots with Team Tough Chik members. I mean, the uniform is already in place why not utilize our team members, right? In under 24 hours, Carmen of She Runs Everywhere and Shannon, the “Original” Tough Chik (and creator of the Tough Chik clothing line and Team Tough Chik) were on board for the first ever Team Tough Chik marathon relay. Pre-race photo: Me, Carmen, Jess & Shannon.

We rolled into the River City in waves, grabbed our packets at an outdoor “expo”, which very small, and then quickly checked out the swag. The swag bag included a gender specific new balance shirt, bib and a few advertisements. No worries on my end, we paid $35 each for the relay. I come to run, not go home with a bunch of stuff ~~that I’ll never use~~.

Then a bit of sightseeing! I love a small town where you can walk around and check things out! Riverfront Park & one of the many bridges connecting Peoria to the “real world”.

But really, we came to run and were super excited to get started on Sunday morning. The event kicked off with a super elite field of wheel chair racers at 6:55 am, quickly followed by the marathon, relayers and 25K runners.

Temps were warm and humid at the start with a little cloud cover but the sun quickly burnt off the clouds and took the times all the way up to 89 degrees by the finish.

Leg one kicked off at the start by Katie, who was a last minute sub for Carmen due to injury. The girl smoked those first 6 miles and hauled axx into the first exchange to handoff to me.

I was off for 7 miles of fun. Initially thru the flats of the riverfront area of Peoria, then quickly up and out of town via a monstrous hill on Main Street. Although I’m a notoriously poor uphill runner, I did keep moving. Other runners gave into walking/clawing their way up and then the stronger hill runners passed me up as if I were standing still. Here I am still looking fresh as I get ready to tackle “the hill” and you may also notice that my pink FlipBelt came in super handy once again as I stuffed the blue relay baton thru it to free up my hands!

The 7 miles didn’t exactly fly by ~~as I had expected~~ because the heat soaked to my being quickly around mile 3. I could feel my fingers swelling and my face start tingling. I was finding it super hard to acclimate to the first hot race of the year so I just tried to focus on moving forward and being thankful that I was relaying rather than running the 25K or marathon. I heard lots of complaints while I ran about the lack of mile maker, clocks, bathrooms, and runners wanting the water stops to be more frequent due to the heat. Each water station was placed anywhere from 0.5 to 2 miles apart. They seemed random and it was difficult to anticipate their locations. The website listed them here:

NUTRITION

Water stops will be at miles 2, 4, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 8, 10, 11, 12.5, 14.5, 1.5, 16, 18, 18.5, 20, 21, 22.5, 24.5, 25, 25.75

Honey Stinger gels will be at miles 11 and 21

Gatorade will be at miles 4, 6, 8, 12.5, 16, 18.5, 22.5

I must say that I was super happy to see Shannon awaiting my arrival at the second exchange! I was totally melted by this point and she looked fresh, happy and ready to run her 5.5 miles of hills.

Shannon’s California conditioning was exactly what we needed for the toughest leg of the event. She was used to the weather and the hills and BOOM, smashed her leg. Thanks, Shannon!!! Before we knew it, she was coming in to hand off to Jess who totally rocked the last 7.7 miles all the way back DOWN to the riverfront. Yes, I’m totally jealous of that big downhill she got to run!

Team Tough Chik running to the finish!!

So much fun. Sub 4 hour finish (3 hours 56 minutes). We placed 4th out of the 50 “all women” relay teams and 22nd of out of all 123 relay teams. And in case you were wondering, “This is What Tough Looks Like”:

Great time. I’d definitely do another marathon relay. Thanks to Jess for busting her butt trying to figure out the mangled course directions for driving to the relay exchanges. Thanks to Dave, Jess’ hubby, for helping us on course, doing some of the driving, and taking all of these amazing photos. Thanks to Carmen for being such a good sport, despite her injury, hanging with us during the race and finding us a last minute replacement! Lastly, thanks to Shannon, the “Original” Tough Chik for ~~making us cool running clothes~~ coming all the way from California to run with us. Much love to all of you!

Overall I loved Run River City and recommend it to anyone looking for a cheap, scenic, tough, hilly marathon. Good bang for the buck. And if you’re in it for the bling, well you won’t be disappointed!

**Run River City ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com **

A Family Affair ….

Posted on May 17, 2013 by tootallfritz

As a wife and mother who is employed full time with a lengthy commute, exercise is sometimes a luxury rather than a necessity. I frequently cram it, exercise that is, into the day when it really doesn’t fit. Like, I should do that massive pile of laundry BUT I’m going to take Michael and go run with the jog stroller instead. That pretty much defines this week. We crammed a lot into a little time. Aby’s done with track so it was “make-up” week where we tried to get our life back and still take care of business.

Dentist & Group run. I’ll spare you the bloody photo of them pulling Aby’s tooth. However, we followed up the dental visit with a Tuesday run with the F’N Running Club. Gotta balance the bad with the good, right?

“Big People” Appointment & Zoo. Quality time with the kiddos has been mostly in the car as of late. One parent present at a time. Probably won’t win us parent’s of the year but I think they dropped our application years ago, so no worries! Anyhow, we needed a day off for “big people” stuff and then decided to take the kiddos and hit the zoo for some good ole family fun. The Dinosaur’s Alive exhibit at Brookfield Zoo was a big hit with us!

Then we hit another FNRC run last night as a family (you can barely see Michael peaking out of the jogger beside Aby in the middle) after I promised Aby ice cream if she could manage to slug a few miles out with Michael and I.

So we’ve had a busy week but still managed to have some fun. All my run miles have been slow, back of the pack runs with Michael in the jogger ~~and my shoulders burning because the jogger and I aren’t friends~~.. I’ve biked on the trainer a few times and tried my best to get the house back in order. NOW, I’m looking forward to the weekend.

No family affair this weekend. I’m heading to Peoria, IL to spend some time with a few of my favorite Team Tough Chik members (Jess, Shannon – The Original Tough Chik, Carmen & Nicki T) as we show Run River City how to put together one TOUGH relay team. Go Toughies!!!!

If you are headed to Peoria to Run River City, look for our Team Tough Chik relay. Or the amazing sign that Jess made which I’m sure will pop up around the marathon course.

** Get Out and Run, With Or Without the Family ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Motivation or Lack Thereof….

Posted on May 14, 2013 by tootallfritz

Despite the fact that “spring has sprung”, I’ve certainly had very low motivation since the Lansing Marathon. The marathon didn’t go as I had hoped and it left me feeling empty, tired and “slightly” hopeless. And then I got sick immediately thereafter. Yes, I’m finally feeling better but I’m not as strong. I’m not fast. I not motivated. I’m not feeling at all like myself.

What to do? Look at more springtime photos?

Jenny G came late to the party and sent me some lovely photos from Lake Katherine that she snapped over the weekend.

And Keith G, ran one of my favorite trails, Waterfall Glen in Darien, IL over the weekend. Yay for more beautiful photos!!

I have been running. And biking. Nothing too crazy. A few miles here and there. I did a 20 mile “long bike” on Saturday on the trainer, then took it outside on Mother’s Day for a 10 mile “long run” last Sunday. So I’m moving. Just not focused on time or pace or racing.

Know that’s it’s okay if you aren’t feeling the need to just “kill” every run. Sometimes your body and mind need a break. They will let you know when they do and it’s always wise to listen. So as of right now, I’m “just” running. At whatever pace I can manage. I’m just soaking up the sunshine and enjoying how lush our local trails have become with a little bit of rain and heat.

** Just Keep Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Spring Has Sprung, Virtually & In Real Life

Posted on May 10, 2013 by tootallfritz

I’m so enchanted with the sights and smells of springtime that I was really interested to see what YOU were discovering in YOUR neighborhood! So yesterday, I threw down a quick challenge on my Facebook page asking readers to send me a springtime photo from their run/walk/bike adventures.

Deb M sent me a couple cool photos from her morning run at McCarthy Park in Tinley Park, IL!

Kelly The Culinarian took a stroll with her pooch, Napoleon at Centennial Park in Addison, IL.

Keith G was running between the raindrops at Brookfield Woods, in Brookfield, IL when he spotted a beautiful flowering tree.

Kelly over at Running Kellometers is taking it easy while nurturing the development of Baby #1; however, she didn’t have to put much effort into capturing an amazing spring photo. This magnolia tree is just outside her front door. Yes, I’m jealous. I think this is my favorite flowering tree.

Christina P, outside of Indy, has been enjoying some time with her favorite 4 legged BFF. This little one doesn’t look like it will be moving up to the long run anytime too soon but it will definitely take first place for being such a cutie pie!!

What spring means to me depends on the day. I’m a springtime “baby” so love spring by default. For me and my little ones, each year we look forward to baby birds, flowering trees and well manicured lawns.

I also look forward to my lunchtime runs thru the city of Chicago and on the lakefront path. It’s all good when I’m running with the wind ~~but it wasn’t so funny on the way back~~! My favorite days aren’t necessarily the sunny, warm ones but I have a particular love for the foggy, gloomy, rainy days like today. Mom, was it raining the day I was born? The gloom brings me cool running temps and fast feet. That I LOVE!

So spring has definitely sprung in the Midwest and everyone I know is loving it! Get out there and enjoy the fresh crisp mornings before things turn hot and humid.

** Spring Has Sprung & I’m Loving It ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Spring Brings MORE Runners!!!

Posted on May 9, 2013 by tootallfritz

We are starting to have a few nice days here and there in the Midwest. It seems like winter really doesn’t want to say good bye but alas it is inevitable. The trees and flowers are blooming and I’m actually considering some outdoor gardening. Maybe. Or maybe not. But I have been enjoying the flowering trees both in my yard and trailside.

I’m also enjoying all the activity on our local trails. The same trails that were somewhat deserted all winter long due to snow, ice and overall treacherous conditions. The same trails that if I ran at an “off” time, I could run for miles one end without seeing a single soul. Now the trails are bustling with activity. Walkers. Runners. Bikers. 4 legged friends, both domestic and otherwise.

The size of our group runs are increasing at a very fast rate too. During the winter season, it would be the same reliable few, each and every week, but now we have new faces at every run! Wednesday night runners below!!

We have so many new faces that I think I’ll buy name tags for next week’s run!! I was at the trail 2 hours last night and I only managed 5.71 miles but I got to socialize with lots of new and old friends. Next week, I’ll be more prepared so that I can get my miles in and still enjoy the company those on the trail. Maybe. Or maybe not.

Are you noticing new people out on your local trails? If you’re still running solo, and would like to change that, put a sign up at your local gym, school and/or park and start your own running club!! YOU can do it!!! You’re not the only one out there running the trails, no matter how desolate things seemed thru the winter. Spring has sprung and people are itching to get out and run! Take advantage of the situation and make new run friends!!

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

Running a Race For Fun ….

Posted on May 2, 2013 by tootallfritz

I always run for fun. I like to run. I like to race. However, I normally take races a bit more seriously than a normal, everyday jaunt on the trail. The idea of a race, is like a test, we showcase what we know, what we’ve learned and how far we’ve come. Or at least that’s the plan.

This weekend is the First Midwest Half Marathon, in Palos Heights, IL.

This is one of my favorite local races, one that I can drive to within 30 minutes, park for free, walk to the start line, talk with my friends and then leisurely walk back to my car when I’m ready to leave. It’s frequently a goal race because it’s a straight out and back course with only one turn. It’s mostly flat. Runner traffic is very manageable. There are enough aid stations but not too many to ruin my tummy. Oh, and our local run store, Running For Kicks, puts on the race so its top notch. A race designed by runners for runners.

However this year, I’m not on my game at all. I’ve gone to this race less prepared only a few times. On my good days, when I’m trained up, this “easy” course, that I love, chews me up and spits me out. I’m not sure why but no matter my fitness level, I’ve never raced well here, ~~possibly because I just don’t race well~~. So this year as I take an honest look at both my fitness level and my energy level, as I recover from whatever bug tried to kill me over the last week, I’ve decided to just let go. Let go of the “I’m racing” concept and just go run for fun. Not look at my watch. Not worry about my actual pace verses my desired pace. Not be disappointed.

Because the bottom line is that as long as I’m able, I’ll run and support this race for fun. For the love of the run. For the love of the event. For the love of the running store putting on the race. For the love of my friends, acquaintances and F’N Runners who will be there both running and cheering.

So, let’s do this, for the love of it!

** Running AND Racing for Fun ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

How to Recover from a Marathon, The 7 Day Plan

Posted on April 25, 2013 by tootallfritz

I’ll preface this post by stating ~~again~~ that I’m not a coach, nor do I pretend to be, and recovery is different for everyone. This is the TTF version.

Immediately following the marathon – Drink a Recovery Drink, Ice, Roll, Compress & Pray

Day 1 – Eat Pizza and Drink Beer (water is good too!)
Day 2 – Light stretching, yoga if you dare. More water.

Day 3 – Water, Stretching, Light walk with the kiddos, swim if you have access to a pool because it will help with any latent swelling.
Day 4 – Water, Stretching, See your Chiro or go get a massage to milk those muscles and give your body some TLC! You’re probably ready to run by now ~~if you’re not injured~~ but I caution holding off another couple days unless you are Superwoman. If you must, try the elliptical and see how your legs and joints feel after some non-imact type “running”.
Day 5 – Spin! Biking using a stationary bike or just getting out on the road will stretch out your muscles and give your quads a good workout. Don’t be surprised if they are still tired!
Day 6 – ~~Don’t shoot me, Frogger!~~ I would definitely run by Saturday if I hadn’t already and I was feeling good. Keep it short and sweet. Nothing fast. Nothing exciting. Don’t try to keep up with local run club, no matter how tempting.
Day 7 – As The Lord says, it’s a rest day. Particularly after a marathon the previous weekend. Take this time to let your body refresh and heal. Please don’t go into another intense training plan right away. If your mortal, you will need some downtime. That means downtime for the body. And the mind. Rest, Relax, Rehab. It’s important so that your body repairs properly.

Most take the first two weeks after a marathon easy. I know I do. Of course, every BODY is different and you need to do what’s best for you but a couple weeks to a month completely off is going to do more good than harm. Better safe than sorry, right?

Marathon, train, compete in cycles. Every up cycle needs a down swing. For me, I will follow up this marathon cycle with triathlon training. I’ll still be busy but I’ll be focusing more on the swim and bike and less on the run. It will allow my body to heal and hopefully come back to 100% before I try this “thing” called marathon again. But I’ll be out for blood in October at Chicago so watch out. Marathon, you have not beaten me but I respect you and my body enough to take a break and down cycle in order to go after it good in the summer/fall. Watch out.

** Don’t Forget to Recover ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Emerging Leaders……

Posted on April 24, 2013 by tootallfritz

I’m to the point in my life where I’ve mostly surrounded myself by GOOD people. I’ve cut the crap. Don’t have time for the bullshit. And spend time, for the most part, with people I like. People who do good things. People who want good things for others. People who treat one another with respect.

As as result, I notice really great things happening to a lot of different individuals. The individuals who I met initially who were just at the beginning of a journey and I have had the pleasure of watching them grow, progress and develop. People who didn’t necessarily have a lot of confidence 12 or 18 months ago but who have blossomed into another person as they started checking off goals and racking up accomplishments. These people have gained a level of confidence never known to them previously. These people are now leaders in our community in some way shape or form.

So remember to treat one another with respect. Encourage your friend and neighbor alike because that “mouse” or wallflower will eventually blossom and who knows how they will influence your life, or that of others, thereafter.

We are surrounded by emerging leaders, but sometimes they come in disguise. Do your part to help them blossom, to emerge, to lead.

** Come Forth Emerging Leaders; We Are Waiting For You!! ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Lansing Marathon Race Review & Personal Experience

Posted on April 23, 2013 by tootallfritz

First, let me start by saying that marathons are NOT easy for me. In fact, they are ~~damn~~ super hard. You won’t catch me signing up for Marathon Maniacs anytime in this century. However, if you are a member of a “I hate marathons but run them anyway” group, then let me know cuz I’m sure I’d qualify for that one!

Why do I run marathons? Not sure. Let’s come back to that next week, ok? After the swelling has subsided and Alexis has worked out my hip “issue” and the blisters on my toes have fully drained and I can walk without a hobble. Next week. We’ll talk next week.

For now, let’s break down the 2013 Lansing Marathon, the only way that I know how via “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly” method. Smile

The Good

Nice, scenic downtown venue with restaurants and entertainment within walking distance of hotel.

Free parking for expo and race.
Amazing Volunteers
Lively spectators.
Fully stocked aid stations with water, electrolyte drink, various snacks (oranges, m&m’s, pretzels)
Bathrooms scattered throughout the course
Start & Finish location next to the Lansing Center which allowed us to wait inside until just minutes before the start.
Well marked course, mile marker signs, police & volunteers to direct & protect runners.
Variety of race distances: 5K, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay & Full Marathon
Smaller race, good for PRs. 363 full finishers, 1187 half finishers.
Officials left the course open for as long as it took for everyone to finish all events.
Race Officials & National Guard (or some type of military crew), lined the finish shoot and gave the very last runner a standing ovation. Nice touch.

Great friends, F’N Runners & a nice Chicago crew were on location to run Lansing! F’N Runners left, most of the Chicago crew right.

The Bad

Original course had flooded so they had to reroute the course at the last minute. Therefore, the scenic river trail running was mostly cut out and we were shuffled thru town, along highways, across train tracks & thru residential neighborhoods. Not real exciting.
Broken up roads from winter weather, had to watch footing.
Hills. Nothing insane but it wasn’t flat. Lots of up and down rollers. One long climb that wasn’t steep, just longish.
Expo was very light. Not a lot of vendors, more of a packet pickup.
Race shirts were unisex and oversized. Nice color, design and logo, just too big for most of us.

Double loop course (due to it being rerouted). Rough seeing the mile marker signs for the second half while hitting that first loop. Rough knowing the first loop was tough and we had to tackle it again.
Train. Many of us were stopped by a train; however, race officials have offered to adjust times accordingly. If you were stopped, check the Lansing Marathon Facebook page HERE for details as to how you might get your time adjusted.

The Ugly

My race. Hips started burning/hurting at Mile 8 and they still hurt 2 days post race.
Passing the finish line party as the half way mark of my already “ugly” race.
Knowing my friends were waiting on me for a long time.
Having to resort to run/walk to just keep moving.
Getting to Mile 20 slower than in any other of my previous 4 marathons.

Lonely second half of the race ~~at the back of the pack~~.
Had to send an SOS message to my F’N Runners and have them come back to help/distract me.
Having a bad race on a perfect weather day.
Blistered feet/toes & bruised ego.

But none of that really mattered when I finally crossed the finish line.

Official time is currently 4:48:59. However, there is speculation that the time will be adjusted for the train that stopped the majority of us runners. If that is the case, and if they take off the 4 minutes that we waited, then my time will be 4:44, which ironically is also my bib number for the race. Poetic.

Weather the time is adjusted or not, I really don’t care either way. It won’t affect my real life in any way shape or form. I do this for fun ….. even if I have yet to have a “fun” marathon. I like the training. I like that it pushes my limits. I like that it takes me beyond my comfort zone. And I like most of all, that it gives me a foundation for which I can work from moving forward. I’m not at all deterred that I had a rough race, just more determined to make the next one better.

All in all, I’d definitely recommend the Lansing Marathon. It’s a great race and ran very well. Most of the items listed in the “bad” section were either out of control of race officials (hello, flooding!!!) or things which they are attempting to rectify. Good race. Good management. Good people who care about you and your race experience. I’d go back.

Lastly, let me shout out to my F’N Runners who ran so very, very well in Lansing. Susan M won her age group and qualified for Boston (after running her first 50 miler just 2 weeks previous)!!! Joe D hit a big PR for the half & took 5th in his age group, then came back to run almost all of us into the finish. He may have registered for the half but he ran over 18 miles before it was all said and done by helping us. April W smashed her previous half marathon PR by over 17 minutes!! Kim B ran an amazing race and rallied the troops to come back to help me when I sent the SOS! Keith G runs a marathon almost every weekend and he still managed to go sub 3:45! Amazing runners. Amazing people. I am so happy to have shared the Lansing journey with all of them!

And thanks to all of you for your well wishes, happy thoughts and words of encouragement. Good times. Good friends.

** Keep Running, At Whatever Pace YOU Can Manage ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Moving on ….. The Lansing Marathon

Posted on April 19, 2013 by tootallfritz

As we watch the morning news and see that progress is definitely being made toward apprehending the Boston Bombers, I have no choice but to ~~suck it up~~ move on and refocus on MY running. The Lansing Marathon is this weekend. Sunday. Time to get my head together. Time to run.

What is my goal? To finish. What is my plan? To show up on time. What will I do when it starts to hurt? Cry. What’s my mantra? Don’t hyperventilate. What am I wearing? NOW we have something to talk about!

Along the line of my Blackout for Boston this week, the tragedy, and in respect for the Boston Marathon and it’s amazing history, I’m going all black. Black with a few blue/yellow accents for respect.

Athleta Swagger Skort with Aspaeris Pivot Shorts

Champion Cardio Tank (I didn’t have a black tank!!), Saucony DryLete Arm Warmers (Last Chance sale section) & Zensah Compression Calf Sleeves.

Depending on the weather, I’ll add either running sunglasses or a visor.

Blue/Yellow Accents – DIY decorative scrunchie & messy yellow nails with blue mosaic madness top coat.

Now, I’m ready to run!!! I may not be fast but I ~~probably~~ won’t be last. I may not be smooth but I’ll keep moving. I may not have lost that extra 5 lbs but I’ll be thankful my legs are healthy and able to carry me the 26.2 miles from start to finish. Thankfulness, that’s what will keep me moving. Thankful for the ability to run. Thankful for the desire to run. Thankful for my family members who are safe and healthy. Thankful for friends I’ve made along the way. Thankful to live in a place where most of the time, we live safely, free from the intrusion of crazies who want to destroy our spirit. Thankful. That’s what will propel me thru this 26.2 miles of ~~hell~~ fun in Lansing, Michigan.

If you see me, please say hello. I’d love to meet YOU!!

** Moving On & Ready to Run ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

TooTallFritz

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

Category Archives: Running

Run River City Marathon Relay

A Family Affair ….

Motivation or Lack Thereof….

Spring Has Sprung, Virtually & In Real Life

Spring Brings MORE Runners!!!

Running a Race For Fun ….

How to Recover from a Marathon, The 7 Day Plan

Emerging Leaders……

Lansing Marathon Race Review & Personal Experience

Moving on ….. The Lansing Marathon

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