5K at the Quad Cities Marathon

Posted on September 24, 2012 by tootallfritz

Many, many months ago, I registered for the half marathon that was part of the Quad Cities Marathon weekend. This would have been my last race before the Chicago Marathon. Many would probably take it easy with the marathon so close in sight but that’s not my style. Each and every year, I always race and run hard this weekend and it never fails to be the fastest half of the entire season. Yes, the fastest and on legs that are tired from marathon training but oh so fast and fit from 18+ weeks of high mileage. I don’t even usually have to “try” to run fast, it just happens and always leaves a smile on my face knowing that the hard work of marathon training paid off.

This year has been a little different. First, I normally race the Fort 4 Fitness Half in Fort Wayne, IN because that’s close to my parents and essentially a home town race for me. My whole family participates in the various events which range from a 4 mile run/walk, 10K to the half marathon. Its more like a party than a running event with family, friends and an atmosphere that few other races come close to rivaling. Oh, and the course is amazing too. I love Ft. Wayne! However, this year the Fort 4 Fitness Half was scheduled for the September 29th, which is only a week out from the Chicago Marathon, plus Aby has a Cross Country Invite that day, so we were out for sure ~~although certainly not happy about it~~.

About the time I realized I wouldn’t be running the Fort 4 Fitness Half, my friend Lisa ~~who has been my best running friend for longer than some people have been alive~~ decided to do her first marathon in her hometown, Moline, IL. Hello, Quad Cities Marathon! We had done the half there in 2007 ~~before the Fort 4 Fitness races were created~~ and despite the horrid heat from that year, it has always been on the top of my list of great races with amazing hospitality. So I was instantly excited to go back to the Quad Cities ~~and I even seriously considered running the full with her even though it was only two weeks out for the Chicago Marathon~~. Then Lisa broke her foot. Then I tore a tendon in my foot. Lisa’s injury was about 6 weeks earlier than mine and healed fast so she was still able to train up for the half, while I was only able to return for the 5K. So we both ran yesterday but in races which we didn’t originally register. Cynde, Kelly, Lisa & I before the start (photo source, Nancy W):

The Quad Cities Marathon races are top notch. They give great swag and since this was the 15th anniversary, the swag was better than ever. In fact, I don’t remember ever receiving this much great stuff that I know I will be using! The 15th anniversary promised running gloves (used them yesterday morning and they rock!), a running belt with a zippered pouch, reflectors and a blinking light, plus a gender specific long sleeve shirt that is super soft and will be nice for lounging and/or running.

The expo had about 40 vendors and seemed small but most are when you are ~~spoiled~~ used to running races in Chicago that consistently have 35 to 45 thousand runners. Although small in size, the expo had the necessities and ~~they gave away free beer~~ the vendors were personable.

The race itself offered a Kids Mini Marathon, 1 mile walk, 5K, half marathon, marathon relay and a marathon. Lots of choices and they were very nice about letting us downgrade our registrations to shorter races due to our injuries. Plus the various courses were well marked, had tons of volunteers support, port-o-potties, aid stations, and the traffic control was amazing. These races are all fast due to the participant cap of 5,000 runners which enables you to run your race and not get boxed in behind lots of other runners. If you are looking to run fast and free, I’d recommend trying out the Quad Cities races. There really is something for the entire family. Plus they give a ton of awards so you may come home with some extra bling, I did!

Although, I’m still not up to speed, I’m improving and well, most people come to Quad Cities for the half or full marathon so the 5K was a “little” light. I ran a 25:05 and that was good enough for a second in my age group. Kinda cool that they gave such nice trophies for all the races. The awards for the half, marathon relay and the marathon were even more extravagant. They even offered awesome medals to the 1 mile walkers and the 5K participants. They really made us feel a part of the process and that was nice. Here is a pic that Run With Jess took of the 5K medal.

This is an amazing series of races and I would absolutely go back again. I was very concerned about the mass start with all the races beginning at once but it wasn’t a problem at all and I was able to get right out and on with my 5K race at the pace that I ~~could manage~~ wanted. I was never trapped or boxed and was across the start line within 20 seconds. I love the Quad Cities and all that they offer. I enjoy the atmosphere of these races and the little touches like on course wet sponges and oranges, and the great finish line party with on hand chiropractors and massages therapists, tons of snacks, water, chocolate milk, Pepsi, pork chop sandwiches and FREE BEER. They were very generous with all the complimentary post race items and didn’t even take the tags from our bib. Thanks Quad Cities for another great race. I’ll definitely be back!

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

My Current Inspiration…..

Posted on September 21, 2012 by tootallfritz

I know we all have periods of time where we struggle getting out the door to log miles or hit that next workout. It’s normal. If you fall off the exercise wagon, don’t stress about it, just get back at it and move forward. Take a second and look around you and see how others are getting it done regardless of their schedule. Yes, get back at it!

As of late, running and working out has been easy, motivation wise, for me because I am constantly surrounded with amazing people and even kids who are pushing their limits each and every day. I have been to 4 Junior High Cross Country meets over the last 6 days and each time I walk away in awe of how hard our kids are pushing. These kids are running faster than most adults I know. They are pushing hard each day and they are reaping the rewards. Last Saturday, they brought home their first trophy, placing third as a team (Aby is at the bottom of the photo).

Most of the girls also brought home Top 20 Medals, Aby was 16th running a 14:01 in the 2 mile. ~~I’m pretty sure I can’t run that fast right now.~~

Most of the girls are very tired but keep pushing their limits at meet after meet. This is Aby running her 4th meet in 6 days last night:

These girls make me want to run faster. They make me realize that even as an adult if we keep pushing and running hard, even when we are tired, then good things happen. Now the girls get to rest for a few days before starting another cycle. Push, Push, Rest. Push, Push, Rest. It’s a necessary cycle. The resting, and taking care of oneself, being just as important as the pushing.

Push hard my friends and you too will reap the rewards. Let these little ones inspire you too!

** Push, Push, Rest ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Depression Hurts….

Posted on September 20, 2012 by tootallfritz

You have all probably seen the commercial with the weimaraner holding a tennis ball looking sadly at a depressed man. Then the sound bite, “depression hurts everyone”. If you know weimaraners, then you will ~~love them even when they are pissing on your dining room carpet~~ know that they are always one of three things: Ready, Depressed/Bored/Waiting for YOU to be READY, or Sleeping.

So whenever somebody is depressed, that commercial pops into my head. Like a Weimaraner, I feel like I’m waiting for them to come out of their depression. Like I need to take my ball and roll it between their feet and encourage them to get out the door to play. But reality is that people who are depressed don’t want to play. They don’t want run. They don’t want to take the chance of feeling anything. So you, like me, must wait. Be there for them and wait it out. It may take a long time.

You may need to play by yourself for a while.

Just be patient. Understand this is a medical problem. Some people will snap out of it as the seasons change, others will require medical assistance. Read more on depression HERE or HERE.

Although, you can’t help them medically, you can encourage them to get out the door to hit the gym with you, take a yoga class or go for a run. You know how you always feel ~~amazing~~ happy when you finish a run? Well, that is because the brain releases endorphins or chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, during the run to elevate your mood! These same chemicals also helps fight depression. Here is an excerpt below on how exercise can help depression. Full article from the Mayo Clinic HERE.

How does exercise help depression and anxiety?

Exercise probably helps ease depression in a number of ways, which may include:

Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins)
Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects

Exercise has many psychological and emotional benefits too. It can help you:

Gain confidence. Meeting exercise goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. Getting in shape can also make you feel better about your appearance.
Take your mind off worries. Exercise is a distraction that can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression.
Get more social interaction. Exercise may give you the chance to meet or socialize with others. Just exchanging a friendly smile or greeting as you walk around your neighborhood can help your mood.
Cope in a healthy way. Doing something positive to manage anxiety or depression is a healthy coping strategy. Trying to feel better by drinking alcohol, dwelling on how badly you feel, or hoping anxiety or depression will go away on its own can lead to worsening symptoms.

So while “we” can’t do much to ease the depression of our loved ones, we can let them know that we love them, no matter what, and encourage them to get out the door to get a breath of fresh air and hopefully a few miles on a beautiful trail to boost those endorphins.

Never give up. Keep trying. You may not be successful today but possibly next week or next month. They are worth the extra effort it takes to ~~haul their ass out the door~~ boost their mood. You will feel better too because it’s true, depression hurts and affects everyone. So go, drag a friend or family member out for a run or walk! Reintroduce them to your “happy pill”. 🙂

**Boost Those Endorphins ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Breaking New Trails – Goodenow Grove

Posted on September 19, 2012 by tootallfritz

I love finding new trails to run. One of the ways to keep running fresh, exciting and NOT let it feel like a job is to frequently change things up. Running a new trail is an adventure. When I take the kids, they think we are exploring and they are right! We are exploring! So if your run routine has become stagnant, go somewhere new to run this weekend. Yes, you may need to step out of your comfort zone get into your car and drive there but it will be worth it! Go, explore!

This last weekend, the kids and I went exploring at Goodenow Grove in Crete, IL. This Will County Forest Preserve has been closed for an entire year as they revamped the nature center and cut new trails. The main attraction for the kids is always the massive hill that they can run and/or roll up and down.

The main attraction for the runner in me was the new Plum Creek Greenway Trail.

This new trail begins on Goodenow Road, just west of the Dutton Road access and is 3.06 miles in length (one way) as it weaves thru the Grove and ends just north of Bemes Road. The new trail is crushed limestone and very soft at this point since it hasn’t yet had the weather and traffic to pack it down. The kids and I absolutely LOVED this trail.

I couldn’t even keep up with the kids as they excitedly raced ahead to see what was beyond the “next” curve. I was constantly calling them back and stressing, particularly to Aby and her friend Sara, that they had already ran hard that day at a local Cross Country Invite and they needed to walk. They didn’t care or listen, just kept running. Begging me to go further.

Aby, Sara & Michael at one point running back to me. Yes, Aby even runs in flip flops. And Michael runs everywhere particularly when he has the opportunity to chase pretty girls.

I think its a sign of a good trail when you can’t get the kids to go back to the car. The terrain was soft, had lots of open area with wild grasses and flowers, shaded wooded areas, lots of curves and a few hills to give it variety. There were also spots not too far off trail in the main section, near the Nature Center where water and bathrooms were available.

I think I’ll be heading back this weekend to run the entire length of the trail with the girls. I’m anxious to cover the entirety of the trail and the girls begged me to take them back. I’ll have a more in depth post with a map since I lost mine soon but I just wanted to put this new trail on your radar because who doesn’t want to try a cool new trail that is close to home?

Where are you running this weekend?

** Happy Trail Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Life Happens…..

Posted on September 13, 2012 by tootallfritz

It appears that some people have it all together but know that they are real people too, have real problems and nothing is going as smoothly for them as it looks. Or at least this is what I’m telling myself this week as I just can’t seem to find the balance between reality and sanity.

No workouts since Sunday.
A house so messy that I should be embarrassed ~~but I’m not~~.
Late bedtimes.
Sleepy, grumpy children ~~and mommy~~.
Nails that need polished. I need to move this to the top of the To Do list!
Desk at work possibly as messy my kitchen floor where Michael does his “cutting”.
Missed the first mile of Aby’s 2 mile Cross Country meet last night due to jacked up traffic.
~~Can’t keep the dog from pissing on the floor where the treadmill will sit upon tomorrow’s delivery.~~
~~Can’t help but dwell on the fact that every step I will take on this new treadmill with Air Flex technology will send up a billowing perfume of dog piss.~~
~~Can’t help but wonder if the dog will piss ON the treadmill once I put it in her preferred pissing spot.~~
Too busy to even give a damn anymore about how much ~~shit~~ stuff I have to complete before I leave work or go to bed.

So let me pretend for a minute that the pretty ladies, that look all calm, cool and collected also have a dog pissing in their dining room and a toddler who destroys the house faster than the grown-ups can clean it up. That they look like this as soon as they step thru their front door. 🙂

Source

I’m going to take a deep breath and refocus, acknowledge that life happens to all of us. Not feel guilty about anything. I’m going to repeat what my friend Bridgett once told me, “Fake It Til You Can Make It”! And I’m going to fit in a workout today, no matter what.

Are you managing life better than me this week?

** Fake It Til You Make It ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Distance Divas With Amy Yoder Begley

Posted on September 12, 2012 by tootallfritz

Do you know any famous people? Maybe an Artist, Actor, Writer, Singer, Professional Athlete or an Olympian? Most probably do not, particularly if you come from Small Town USA, like me. However, my high school managed to be home to two ~~kick-ass~~ amazing athletes while I was there and those athletes eventually landed professional contracts. One, Brad Miller, we watched on the basketball court tearing things up until his retirement just last season, the other, Amy Yoder Begley we watched on the track.

As the internet grew and social media became more popular, it has been easier than ever to watch Amy develop as an athlete on the track. I didn’t have to ~~stalk~~ watch her website for tidbits of info, instead her upcoming races, progress and results were always posted to Facebook or Twitter. While watching Amy’s career, I also became interested in her coach Alberto Salazar and her training partner, Kara Goucher. See Goucher & Begley celebrate below on the track after they both qualified in the 10,000 meters to represent Team USA for the 2008 Beijing Olympics (click on the green link for full article in Runners World).

How Amy Begley Made the 10K Team

Photograph by Victah Sailer

So while watching Amy & Kara, this led to and eventual interest in Shalane, then Desi. I now have an interest in all things related to women’s running and I’m not sure that would be the case if it weren’t for Amy. Thank you, Amy!

Recently, Amy has embarked on her newest endeavor and is creating a community of women runners called the Distance Divas. When I originally heard about the Distance Divas, I was certainly intrigued but didn’t even consider it would be a group for someone like me, an ~~injured~~ amateur runner. It appears that I was wrong. The purpose of this group is to connect women runners throughout the country. The group focus will be social with an emphasis on training tips and advice presented in a members only forum where we can ask questions and talk with one another and get input from Amy on a regular basis. Coaching is also available for those who may be ~~a lot~~ more serious ~~than me~~ but it’s optional, not required. Eventually there will be races. Yes, races. Races where we can gather as a group and meet one another. Races which Amy will attend and host social events and group runs. Have you ever ran with an Olympian? This is your chance!

After reading all the cool stuff on the Distance Divas website I basically assumed that I couldn’t afford to join the members only group. I wanted to be a Distance Diva ~~really badly~~ but didn’t even want to click open the “Join this Group” tab and see the cost. Do you want to know the cost? Is this something that would interest you too? $50. Yep, $50 is the cost to be part the inaugural Distance Divas. I’m in and I hope to see some of you over in the forum too! There aren’t many of us yet but I’m pretty sure that will change fast. So look for me on the trail in my new Distance Diva tee, which is included with the membership!

Diva V Diva Back

Photo Source: BegleyTrack.com

For the record, I don’t make any $$ if you decide to be a Distance Diva; I just thought it was a cool concept and something that will really take off as the word gets out so I wanted to tell you about it. And in my book, all of you ladies are Distance Divas. Keep running; I’ll see YOU on the trail! 🙂

** Run Like a DIVA ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Anticipation…..

Posted on September 11, 2012 by tootallfritz

I got up this morning planning to hit the road for a run but my little man was only minutes behind me. I didn’t even have my ~~running clothes on~~ toothpaste on the toothbrush before he was screaming my name. As I calmed him down and laid back down, I was hoping he would fall back asleep fast and leave me enough time to still grab a few miles before work. But realistically, I knew that wouldn’t happen and I quickly crafted Plan B. Lunch Run. I even started looking forward to the thought of running the lakefront at lunch. Well, I’ve anticipated the lunch run all day and now am staring down the reality that it just won’t be happening. Plan C anyone?

Here are a few of the sites I anticipated seeing on this glorious 70 degree day in the CHI. Now you too can anticipate your next run by the lake!

First glimpse of the Planetarium from the path beneath the Shedd Aquarium.

Planetarium:

Leaving the tunnel under Museum Drive heading south:

Do you ever have to optimize Plan C after anticipating both Plan A and Plan B and then just not being able to make those happen?

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

Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5k Race Review – 2012

Posted on September 10, 2012 by tootallfritz

Each year, the Chicago Half Marathon also offers a 5K option. Since I’m slowly coming off the injury train, this was the option I chose for 2012. It was the first time that I’ve ever participated in the 5K and it was a great experience. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is going down to watch the half marathon or those who are looking for a nice fast 5K course.

First, I was very happy that the half marathoners started 45 minutes before the start of the 5K. This allowed me plenty of time to watch everyone cross the start, plus snap a few ~~blurry~~ photos of my friends as they passed. Once the Half Marathoners cleared the start, I then dropped my bag and had time to run a very slow 1 mile warm-up, stretch ~~my unbelievably tight hamstrings~~ and hit the start line with a few minutes to spare.

The timing was perfect in my opinion! What wasn’t so perfect was my decision to not press a little closer to the start line for the 5K. I knew my fitness wasn’t up to par and I knew I wouldn’t be running real fast; therefore, I didn’t want to get too close to the start and interrupt anyone who was planning to go out hard and race for real. That being said, I need to realize that my “not so fast” pace is still faster than many others, particularly those who are planning to walk the entire 5K. It was definitely amateur hour at the start of the 5K. Nothing wrong with that, I just didn’t have the ~~endurance~~ extra energy to weave around so many people. My first mile split beeped before I could even see the 1 mile clock due to all my weaving and bopping around the walkers and slower runners. Totally my fault and since I was in no shape to race, it wasn’t a problem but definitely something I’ll remember for the next 5K I run downtown.

The 5K course was through the Jackson Park area, former site of the 1890 World’s Fair, in Hyde Park.

There were long straights with very few turns, lots of shade and plenty of space to run after you found your ~~rightful spot in the pack~~ rhythm. There was one water station around mile 2 and then the finish was in the same location as the half marathon, which I thought was a nice touch, helping the 5K runners feel part of the entire event. The 5K finishers then received a medal for their accomplishment and loads of snacks/drinks to refuel. See the 5K SWAG pic below, which includes the cotton tee (half marathoners received a long sleeve tech shirt):

The Chicago Half & Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5k also gave a virtual goodie bag. I know the jury is still out on the idea of virtual race bags but I like them. I tend to throw out 99% of the literature in the race bag so love the idea of just being able to download the coupons/literature that I want out of the bag and not worry about the rest.

This race also features a huge area for gear check so the lines didn’t ever appear to be bad. There were just under 30 charities represented in Charity Village and there were a ton of bathrooms. Plus beer & pizza at the finish.

The Chicago Half is the original half marathon in Chicago and while we now have many more options to run the half distance in and around Chicago, it still dominates the other races with its unique & historic location, a few shaded miles thru Jackson Park, and 9.5 breathtaking miles on Lake Shore Drive. The great SWAG and rockin’ finish line party are just icing on the cake for the original half marathon. This is a runner’s race for beginner and experienced runners alike. Registration for the 2013 Chicago Half Marathon & 5K opens tomorrow, September 11, 2012 at 7am. Sign up! You won’t regret it! And bring all your friends, I will!

Photos below: Left – Marathon Mike & Me, Middle – Chicago Running Bloggers: Sara (& Waffles), Lauren, Me, Maggie, Kim, Erin, Emily. Right – Me & Melissa S

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

Fall Is In The Air….

Posted on September 8, 2012 by tootallfritz

This morning when ~~Michael tore me out of bed~~ I got up, I was giddy with excitement seeing a temperatures in the 50s. As soon as I could manage it, I was dressed to run.

“Run”Way Fashion – Saucony Ignite Singlet & Athleta Relay Capris

One of the best things about the arrival of fall is that some of our favorite summer wear, like the Saucony Ignite Singlet is on sale! The Ignite Singlet is currently on “Last Chance” Sale for $22 along with a lot of other great items. If you have been sweating away the summer in one or two things that you can’t seem to keep clean, then you might want to check online to see if your favorites have hit the clearance racks yet. Aby and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these singlets and we both pull them out first ~~when they are clean~~. We both have a blue & corral colored singlet but I can only seem to find photos of us in the coral.

I just ordered us a couple more off the Last Chance sale. I’m looking forward to wearing this one since neon green is my favorite color! They are so light and airy that they work well for both hot & steamy indoor workouts as well as running!

Another staple to my wardrobe for ~~anytime~~ fall running is the Athleta Relay Capri. These babies are NOT on sale. Never. But they are worth the $69 price tag. If I’m wearing capris, which is all the time other than extreme heat or extreme cold, then they are these Relay Capris.

I ordered my first pair 3 years ago, in black and they still look like brand new. I ordered the navy ones last year and then just added the asphalt color this season. To say the least, I love these awesome pants. They don’t move, which I love. They come up a bit higher on the ~~mommy~~ tummy, which I REALLY love. They have a zip pouch in the back which fits my key, gel, phone (will only fit by itself), etc. They also include a removable WATERPROOF pouch for inside the zip compartment for those of you who leave the trail looking like you went for a swim instead of a run. You will also notice reflective accents for my ~~middle of the night~~ early morning run sessions, plus they come in special sizes, like tall, need I say more? I love these pants and so does everyone else so if you want a pair, I’d order soon before fall really arrives and/or everyone receives their new catalog because these go on backorder fast ~~and who really needs a pair of capris in December~~?

What are your go to run/workout clothing items? Anything on sale that we need to know about?

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

Creating Last Minute Race Strategy….

Posted on September 7, 2012 by tootallfritz

Sometimes we end up racing on the fly without much notice. In a normal state of health, this is not a big deal and its easy to just go with the flow and enjoy the moment. However, if you have been injured and aren’t quite “up to par” then you need to think about a strategy before you hit the start line.

To create a successful strategy, you must first be honest with yourself. What is your current level of fitness? To what degree are you healed and “ready to run”? What is your current pace? If you just ran an 8:39 average over 3 miles (sound familiar?), then don’t expect to go out and knock that pace down to 7 minute miles during the race. It doesn’t really matter that you were a 7 minute miler prior to the injury, your body needs to build back up to the previous level of health and fitness in order to start resembling its former self.

Source

After you are honest with yourself and consider your current level of health and fitness, then you can come up with a reasonable strategy for race day. Possibly create more than one strategy, one for optimal conditions and then a back up plan for real life race day conditions (90 degrees with 95% humidity – AKA – Summertime in Chicago!)

In my opinion, when one is returning to racing after injury, the most important thing is to be patient and listen to what your body is saying. So when I hit the start line on Sunday at the Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5K at the Chicago Half Marathon, I plan to start conservatively and listen to my body.

Who knows what the clock will say when I finish but I’m focused and looking forward. Looking forward to a future of healthy running. Looking forward to increasing my level of fitness. Looking forward to the speed that I know will come as I get stronger. Bottom line, my race strategy is to not mess anything up, which means that I will not run harder or faster than my current level of fitness will allow.

Are you racing this weekend? Is it a goal race or are you also in the building process?

If you are running the Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5K at the Chicago Half Marathon stop by the VIP tent at the finish line and say hello!

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

Share this:

Share this:

How does exercise help depression and anxiety?

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: