Inspiration at Every Turn

Posted on June 13, 2012 by tootallfritz

Looking for a little inspiration? Look around you. Some people see inspiration at every turn, be it a beautiful sunrise (photo ~~stolen from~~ courtesy of Chick #1 – Julie – Ragnar Relays),

Children at play,

Or men and women who are constantly pushing their limits. I’d like to introduce you to one of those people, April W.

When I met April ~~at a party~~ in November 2011, I quickly learned that she was registered to run her very first half marathon in July 2012, the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon. It looks like an amazing race, who wouldn’t want to run it? Well, probably NOT April since she wasn’t a “runner”. She wasn’t a runner but she signed up for a half marathon? My immediate thought was, “Hmmmm…… I wonder if she knows that’s 13.1 miles? I’m certainly not going to be the one to break it to her!”. I figured one of her friends below: Cynthia & Jen with April….

might eventually shed light on the situation ~~and the distance~~ since they were running too. Maybe?

Over the course of the evening and a couple ~~hundred vomit inducing~~ glasses of wine, I learned that April was going to start training for her half in January. Like after the new year? Like everyone else who decides to start something new but can’t quite commit to starting “right now”? Ok, sure. I still invited her to come run with the F’N Running Club because we have all levels of runners. We welcome everyone, fasties and run/walkers alike. If you want to run, just show up, we are happy to have you and that’s not an exaggeration in the least! Did I think April would ever show, not really but I’m always hopeful and I tried to be very encouraging and let her know that she would fit right in with the group.

The first week of January, I got a text message from April saying she was ready start running but didn’t know what to wear. ~~Apparently, I’ll give my cell # to any random wannabe runner after a few glasses of wine. Possible character flaw?~~ See the F’N Runners run outside, year round to ~~get a break from our screaming children~~ take advantage of the fresh air. I gave April some tips on what to wear for cold weather running and told her we just so happened to be running the very next day and she should come out. And she SHOWED UP along with a lot of other crazy people. This was January 8, 2012. April is in the light blue jacket, middle back, wearing a black hat. This is her first run of the year.

I was so proud of her and several other newbies who had showed up on that cold January day that they were the inspiration for my post on Courage. I can’t even tell you how proud I was that she had the courage to show up. I hope that I did her and the other newbies justice in the “Courage” post and I hope it gives others the courage to get out the door and try something new.

April didn’t give up. She didn’t lose motivation when the new year faded. She just kept showing up and pushing her limits. Left middle back, black hat.

She was even running solo without the group. She was strong and had the will to Make It Happen.

And she started racing (right side, black vest, pink top, black hat), first up was the Midwinter’s Cruise 5K:

Then the Shamrock Shuffle 8K (middle, black hat):

And the Soldier Field 10 mile!

Next up is the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon on July 15, 2012. There is not a doubt in my mind, I know she will cover the distance with a smile on her face.

Inspiration lives around us each and every day. Inspiration is at every turn if you just look and listen. Take a look around and find somebody YOU know who inspires you to get out the door and keep working hard. Nobody can do it for you. Nobody did it for April. But you can look at others and use them as inspiration to keep pushing.

Let’s hope April comes back after her half and gives us an insider look into what has motivated her to keep pushing, moving, running and being an inspiration to her family, community and all of us F’N Runners. Thanks, April! And the big question, will April keep running after Napa to Sonoma? I’m betting, YES!

Who inspires you to keep moving? Remember Angela C? She is another real person who inspires me daily. If you haven’t already, read Angela’s story HERE.

** Hoping YOU Find Inspiration ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Where the Path Leads….

Posted on June 12, 2012 by tootallfritz

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. ~Frank A. Clark~

Things haven’t gone exactly as I had planned over the last couple weeks but who am I to assume that the plan I create(d) will lead me down the correct path? The best I can do is have faith that the path I am on now will lead in the direction which I am “supposed” to be headed……and hopefully make me stronger and wiser because of it!

So I sit and enjoy the summer as much as possible. It seems almost wrong to be sitting with my feet ~~wrapped in ice~~ up and “chilling” but that’s all that I can do for now. My work and family schedule doesn’t allow much time for swimming but I do have the bike on the trainer in front of the big screen now. I managed 10 miles in 34 minutes last night. Not a big ride as I didn’t have the time but that’s pushing the pace ~~for me~~ on the trainer since I have no hills to throw in a little extra speed. I have never been strong on the bike, even weaker on the trainer. Possibly this entire process, which requires no running ~~since I’m still not walking very well~~, will improve my bike? Possibly help me develop more focused, efficient power? Help me look like I’m serious instead of out for a joy ride?

We’ll see. I always say that if “it’s easy, then it’s not worth it”. This isn’t easy so I am going to assume that I am going to learn something or become better in some way as a result of this process. We’ll see.

What are you up to this summer? Any big races or are you focusing on slowing down?

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

I Refuse To Let The Grass Grow….

Posted on June 8, 2012 by tootallfritz

Ever heard anyone say, “Don’t let the grass grow under your feet”? That’s exactly what a lot of people do when they become injured; however, it’s not my nature. I’m “kinda” wired and I need to keep moving for the most part. I’m very fortunate in that my injury still allows me to bike and swim. So I bike and swim. And bike and swim.

I have a little injury bike station set up. I am not strong enough to ride outside at this point. If I fall, particularly being clipped into my pedals, then my partial tear could become complete and who knows how much time off that would require. So I’ll ride on the trainer until I feel comfortable and strong enough to take it outdoors.

It’s actually kinda comfy. I set it up facing the big screen tv, have a table for my water bottle, remotes, phone, etc. I rode 10 miles yesterday morning at a slow pace since I wasn’t quite comfortable and my foot was a little achy. Then today I went 30 miles, was feeling decent and was definitely faster. Riding on the trainer is not the same as being outdoors but it’s good for now. And safe. And boring, like the dreadmill, thank goodness for the tv.

I also swam 1.2 miles this morning in the pool with Susan D. She didn’t kick me. She didn’t spit water in my face. And she didn’t churn up so much water that I was scared. Thanks Susan for being such a kind lane partner. 🙂 You’re definitely one of my favorites ~~especially after you basically carried me back to my car last week when my ligament popped. Thanks for that too!~~

My swim was much faster this morning (49 minutes vs 56). No, I didn’t miscount. No I didn’t cheat. No Susan didn’t swim half of my 88 laps. The difference? ~~I didn’t feel like I was going to drown?~~ Firstly, my awesome friend, IronWOman Mel, told me last week that since my goggles keep fogging ~~being that~~ ~~my antifog is 8 years old~~ I should try using Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo. Really? Anyone tried this? Since I literally stop a good 20-25 times while I swim to wipe the fog from my goggles, I decided to try it. Damn, it worked too. I rubbed a little undiluted J&J baby shampoo on my goggle lenses last night, rinsed, let air dry and today, I had exactly one fogging incident and that was my fault cuz I didn’t dip my goggles in the water before I started swimming. Wow. Best tip I’ve had in a long time. Thanks, Mel!

Secondly, I tried to focus on my kick the last 25ish laps. I normally don’t kick ~~at all~~ much in the pool. However, when I TRI, I start kicking as I come around the last buoy and can see the beach. So I spend about a 1/3 of the swim with a solid kick (depending on how the buoys are set) and that kick makes a difference. I don’t like to kick at the start, I just focus on being relaxed and enjoying the calm before the storm but when I come around the last buoy its game on and I’m ready to ride. So today, I tried to focus on kicking in the last portion of my swim. It’s GAME ON~~, bitches~~. I’m so ready to TRI, it hurts. I may be out of a few races but I refuse to end this season without a TRI or two in the books. And watch out cuz, I’m gonna be lean and mean from my time off. It’s not gonna be for fun……it’s gonna count and if i feel like this on day 6 of rehab, it’s gonna be scary when I come back after 12 weeks. 11 weeks and 1 day left. #MakeItCount

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

I Bid Adieu To….Chick 3

Posted on June 6, 2012 by tootallfritz

We all know that I’m not happy about it but there is absolutely nothing that can be done, so I packed up my “Chick 3” ensemble tonight to pass on to the newbie runner for Ragnar Chicago Team #85 – You Just Got Chicked.

So much emotion went into the preparation and planning for this team that it seems unreal that it’s no longer on my plate. I feel as if I section has been torn out of my book and the ending left unknown, questioned and lost. Super sad. Loads of tears.

I’d like to send out a few Thank You’s..…..

Thanks to the ladies who have already asked me to be part of their 2013 Ragnar teams. Much appreciated but my wounds are still fresh and well, I can’t walk very well right now so won’t be planning any long distance relays ~~at this time~~.
Thanks to all of you for your well wishes and words of encouragement.
Thanks to all of you who were scrambling in an attempt to fill my ultra spot on the relay.
Thanks to those of you who offered up ideas on SKINNY drinks.
Thanks to Ragnar for sending me such a nice email, informing me that my captain had dropped me from the team. I got that. My foot popped, I knew I’d be dropped. Good times. Thanks for the info.
Thanks to Aby for limping around downtown with me this week, going to work with me, helping me onto the train, filing, copying and running back & forth to the freezer for my ice bag.
Thanks to hubby for pretending he ~~gave a shit~~ cared about the ~~billion~~ tears I cried over a relay that happens EVERY year. This isn’t exactly the last one, there will be a “few” more!
Thanks to BondiBand, Aspaeris Pivot Shorts, Family Fan Club, ShowerPill and Gu Energy for setting up Team You Just Got Chicked to ~~kick some ass~~ have fun in this race.

I hope you all have an awesome Ragnar, if you are running, or kick some butt on whatever you attempt this weekend! #MakeItCount

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

Races for Injured People?

Posted on June 5, 2012 by tootallfritz

I “walked” to work today from the train. It’s only about 3/4 of a mile but yesterday I struggled to make it off the platform and down to street level before falling into a cab while holding back tears. So progress is being made very slowly. I won’t say my foot feels good but swelling is minimal and I have more flexion. I wanted to try to walk ~~since I spent about $25 in cab fare yesterday~~ to see if I could make it. I made it the entire way but it was very slow and I am very gimpy.

I saw several runners while I was “walking” and ~~I wanted to karate chop them~~ it got me thinking, where are all the races for the injured people? I’m feeling pretty full of myself today, I think I’d have a good chance at an age group win.

Watch out, there just might be a movement of motivated injured people to start a new race series. Hmmm…..

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

4 Days til Ragnar – 4 Things For Which I’m Thankful (Injury Related)

Posted on June 4, 2012 by tootallfritz

This will be my last Ragnar countdown day since I, of course, will not be running. We finally have a new “chick” to take my place so that removes a huge weight from my shoulders. I’m incredibly sad over the entire situation but at least my team is now covered.

Since I’m feeling a bit “blue”, I thought it would be good to think of 4 things for which I am thankful in relation to the injury.

This rupture, tear, strain, whatever you want to call it, is not optimal as I look at a full calendar of races, the relay, and my most coveted 70.3 events which I will have to miss; however, here are my 4 things positive:

I can finally stop running in pain. Each day I went out the door, I ran thru pain. I have been running in pain for over a year. The ~~$600~~ orthotics helped, but to keep it at a bearable level, we have resorted to anti-inflammatories and cortisone shots. The cortisone was not intended to be a quick fix (until the one we did on FRI in an attempt to get me thru Ragnar, which totally backfired, didn’t it?) but rather a process of decreasing the inflammation and hoping it would heal in the process. That didn’t work and the pain always crept back. So now, I have a REAL reason to stop running without feeling like I am copping out or being a wuss.
Hello, summer! I plan to spend lots of hours floating in the pool. This is my favorite type of float cuz it keeps me cool by sinking me in the water while still holding me up!
In relation to this, I am also thankful that Mr.. Michael is more chill and fun this year. He loves his sister so much that it takes some pressure off me and will hopefully allow me some float time ~~unlike the last two summers~~. ~~Now let’s just get that cloudiness out of the pool so the fun can begin!~~
Since there are not any early morning runs in my future, I can also enjoy a few cocktails. Any low call adult beverage suggestions?
My family is being nice to me. They are helping and working together to get done all the ~~crap~~ things that mommy usually does herself.

So back to those low cal beverages? Any ideas?

** Happy Running or Lounging, whatever is in the cards for you this summer! ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

5 Days til Ragnar – 5 Generous Sponsors

Posted on June 3, 2012 by tootallfritz

Although, my Ragnar dreams are over, we still have 5 generous sponsors who have given a lot to get us to and through our relay journey.

(YOU JUST GOT) CHICKED! – TEAM SPONSORS:

Family Fan Clubis hooking us up with everything from personalized race shirts with our team name (You Just Got) Chicked to decals and magnets for our van, personalized safety vests, headbands, etc. You name it, they can personalize it. We have even contracted them to do the shirts for our running club. Lots of options here, check them out!

ShowerPillapparently doesn’t want us to chase away the competition with our running funk. Do us a favor and get your own so you too will smell fresh and clean throughout the 36 hour event! Or come and borrow some of ours! 🙂

If you need compression shorts to help with performance, recovery & injury prevention, then check out Aspaeris Pivot Shorts! They will be protecting us during our Ragnar Adventures! I love these shorts and wear them under my skirts or by themselves. They are very versatile.

Check out the awesome fueling possibilities at GUEnergy.com. Don’t run out of energy, we won’t! Gu covers all areas from energy to hydration while offering a variety of products. Good stuff and lots of options.

BondiBand.com has some unique & creative but FUNCTIONAL pieces ranging from headbands, to hats, to swim caps. Lots of COOLstuff from BondiBond! Check them out!

A huge shout out and thank you to all of our sponsors! Thank you so much for helping us prepare for this awesome journey. Your support has been much appreciated!

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

6 Days til Ragnar – 6 Chicks

Posted on June 2, 2012 by tootallfritz

So today brings us 6 days out from the start of the 2012 Chicago Ragnar Relays. And we have 6 chicks that form our ultra team, You Just Got Chicked.

However, one chick…..ME, isn’t going to get to run. I “may” have mentioned that my Plantar Fasciitis flared up BEYOND comprehension over the last couple weeks. And we “may” have been trying to get me thru the Ragnar Relays by using the acupuncture, foot manipulation, cortisone shot, ice & motrin but it all blew up this morning. Quite literally BLEW UP. I was running, a little over a mile from my car, turned around because the pain was so bad that I audibly said, “I can’t do this today”, then about 2 minutes later something popped. It felt like I got shot in the side of the heel in the arch. Wow. I hobbled back to my car and drove ~~bawling~~ straight to the chiro. I honestly thought I would need surgery but knew she would be honest and tell me what to do and basically not panic ~~like I was at the time~~. I honestly thought blood had to be squirting out of my shoe cuz it seemed impossible that something could hurt so badly and not be squirting blood.

So the “good news” is that nothing is broken. Although it would heal faster if something had broke. I don’t need surgery but was told that rehab will be the same as if I had to have surgery. 12 weeks off or I can try to start taping after 2 weeks, keep running ~~which would be stupid~~ and risk further injury. I was basically told after 2 weeks, if I started up again, I might get another 2 weeks before I was back here or worse. I think the best case scenario ~~since I don’t get paid to run and TRI~~, would be to suck it up and take the 12 weeks off. No Ragnar. No 70.3 Ironman Muncie. No Great Illini Challenge 70.3. No Chicago Marathon.

At this point it hurts to walk and the main focus is getting the swelling out. I iced more today than ever before in my life. I used a bucket of ice, I soaked my foot in our green pool, and I used an ice wrap.

So I’m going to focus on walking first and then the rest will come with time. Or not. Whatever happens, happens. If I understand it correctly, all of this is related to the plantar fasciitis and the heel spurs but I have a secondary issue which deals with the muscle or ligament which runs beside my tibia (big bone that most call the shin bone). This ligament attaches to the heel bone thru the arch. Well, this has been a very ~~painful~~ tender area and we knew it was a problem but today it reared is ugly head and stated its presence for real. This ligament is strained/torn/pulled/sprained…..whatever you want to call it. Doesn’t even matter at this point. It hurts ~~like a bitch~~ badly.

So, the search is on for a lady runner for our Ragnar team. 33 miles is the distance which needs to be covered over the 30+ hour period. And yes, the race is 6 days away. Yes, the race starts in Madison, WI. If you have an interest in running, message me ASAP. I need to fill my spot. I can’t walk so running is absolutely not an option. Please think and help me fill this spot!

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

7 Days til Ragnar – 7 Things I’ll Be Packing

Posted on June 1, 2012 by tootallfritz

We are 7 days out from Ragnar Chicago and it was a rough day in TTF land, luckily I had the day off from actual “work”. The day started well when I went to the pool and swallowed a ton of TRI Smart Water. Wow, they swim fast ~~compared to me~~. Wow, they kick up a lot of water in the pool. Wow, they pull a good current when you are surrounded by 4 of them. ~~Wow, I suck at swimming.~~ Wow, I’ve never seen the pool so busy.

After the swim, I only had time to squeeze in a 27 mile ride on the trainer before hitting the chiro. Today she tried acupuncture since my body doesn’t respond like a “normal” person. Being special isn’t so great in a situation like this. I’m gonna post this “needles in the foot” pic again ~~for my mom~~ those of you who don’t have facebook or follow me on twitter.

After the needle fun at the chiro, I went directly to the foot surgeon for a more needle action in the form of a cortisone shot. He infused the cortisone with an anesthetic in order to numb the foot out for a week or so. Let’s cross our fingers! Ragnar here I come…..Dear Foot: Please comply!

In developing a list of 7 things I “need” that are possibly not going to be in every runner’s bag, I started with the important stuff:

Ice bag. I have a gel ice bag that I’m planning to beg my teammates to stuff in the cooler. I need it.
Motrin. I need it.
Merrill Encore Ice slip-on shoe. Although this is probably the ugliest shoe I have ever purchased, I’m glad to have it. I bought it off the clearance rack at REI and it holds my plantar fascia up and keeps my feet feeling “ok”. I need them. But they are ugly. I’m considering getting a sandal just like this too. 🙂
Toothbrush. I know we won’t be having a lot of time to shower but I’m hoping to be able to at least brush my teeth.
Tortilla-Peanut Butter- Dill Pickle wraps. I know this sounds disgusting but I actually like peanut butter and pickles together and I think this will work well for me food wise and I’ll be able to avoid the soggy bread issue.
Rehydrate Energy Gel – This is a new product which totally rocks. It is easy on my tummy and has an excellent lemon taste. I still can’t get over how awesome this stuff is and am looking forward to our long term relationship.
A freakin’ AWESOME attitude. I think this is probably the most important “item” on the list. We are going to be tired, cranky and the worst thing we can do is take it out on each other or somebody else. In order to have a good time, each person is responsible for bringing a good attitude. Ever heard the saying, “if you aren’t having fun, it’s your own fault”? So let’s bring it, rock this thing and have some fun!!

What would you take on your relay run adventure?

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

8 Days til Ragnar Chicago – 8 Ragnar Questions Answered

Posted on May 31, 2012 by tootallfritz

There are so many questions floating around about relay races, some people ~~live under a rock~~ haven’t even heard about them and others just don’t know much about them. So here are the top 8 questions which I get regarding Ragnar.

How do you get a team together? Answer: I joined a team that was partially formed by RunWithJess. You may think you know a ton of people who run and would jump at the opportunity to participate in such a momentous event but getting 6 (for an ultra team) or 12 people (for a regular team) to commit, pay and show up is a bit of a reality check. **I actually know a local team who needs 2 runners for the race NEXT WEEK. If you are interested, please let me know and I can get you in contact with them. They have a regular team and you could pick your position, distances for the 3 legs you would need to run could be as low as 13 miles (total) or as high as 20 miles, you get to pick. Girls or guys welcome. 2 people needed.**
Where will you sleep? Answer: Due to the way our 6 chick team is set up with us rotating, I will be running every 6th leg, we will also need to drive, navigate, and encourage/aid the teammate running at the time…..I really don’t see much sleep in our equation, like I probably won’t waste the space by taking a pillow/blanket.
Where will you go to the bathroom? Answer: This is a big issue! We have been warned that we can only go to the bathroom in the designated areas, drop-off points and/or official port-o-pot locations. Fun, I hope we don’t have any GI issues. This one could get a little messy…..quite literally. Oh, and we will get disqualified if we go to the bathroom anywhere other than an “official” location. Awesome. I’ll be keeping a keen eye out for one of these….

Wonder if we could get a little trailer, rent a port-o-pot and haul it behind the van? Maybe charge $1 for every non-team member who would like to use it? I bet it would pay for itself. 🙂
What will you eat? Answer: A lot of relay teams actually take the time to stop, eat, get coffee, etc. However, I don’t think that will be in the cards for us since we are rotating runners so quickly ~~and will be spending all non-drive time in line for the port-o-pot~~. Our team is planning to take our food. We have a few runners ~~ME, ME, ME~~ who may, or may not, have a sensitive tummy and we want to control the food intake as much as possible. I’m seriously considering getting giant tortilla wraps, spreading them heavily with peanut butter and rolling it up with a giant whole pickle in the middle. This will give me carbs, fat, protein & salt. Sounds crazy but I won’t have to worry about soggy bread! Whatcha think?
Do you really have to run all night? Answer: You betcha! (Can you say that in the Sarah Palin voice?) Each person in the van needs a reflective vest and is required to wear it during the run portion and at any point when they are outside the van from 7:30pm til 6am. Huge thanks to MagMileRunner and RunningKellometers for letting us borrow their vests! Basically if it’s your leg to run and it’s dark, congrats, your running in the dark. I’d suggest a nice pair of KnuckleLights so you can see where you are going, so much better than headlamps! Each runner also needs a red blinker for their ~~bum~~ back. This means if one person gets lost, everyone following their little blinker will most likely follow them into no man’s land. Awesome.
What happens if somebody gets injured or sick during the race and cannot complete the relay? Answer: This is a very REAL issue. You cannot sub in runners after the race commences. Whoever you have in your van must complete the legs assigned. Therefore, if Suzie gets injured, then one of her van-mates will need to run the remainder of her legs or possibly carry her, if they are really nice. 🙂
Is there a time frame in which you must complete the race? Answer: According to Ragnar rules, each runner needs to maintain an 11 minute mile pace. However, each team member had to identify a 10K pace (I padded mine with a “few” extra minutes considering I will be running 33 miles in total….hoping not to fizzle out!!) in order for the race director to select start times and order the teams in a way that the event runs smoothly. They don’t want too many people/runners moving thru an area at any given time. Basically, you need to stick to your pace because there is a lot going on to which you are not privy. So pick an honest pace and try to stick to it so that it doesn’t domino a series of events which you cannot control. If your team runs too fast, Ragnar officials can hold your team for up to a couple hours to get your team back on track pace wise. No mention if you run too slow ~~which I hope isn’t a personal problem for me!~~
Are you crazy? Or maybe the exact question was “Have you lost your mind?” Answer: TBD. I don’t think I’m crazy but that is according to my personality. For some, this type of thing would be considered crazy. I personally try to do ONE thing each year that is “outside MY box”. The “ONE THING” isn’t always fitness related but normally that’s the kind of challenge I gravitate toward. Just one thing. Once a year. Something to impact me as a person and push my limits. 2012 = Ragnar Chicago. If that’s crazy then, move over cuz this crazy runner is barreling thru….. all the way from Madison, WI to Chicago. WhoooooooHoooooooo!

Do you also try to do something every year that you consider to be “outside the box”? Do you have any Ragnar questions which you would like me to “attempt” to answer?

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

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