Getting to Know……ME

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TAG, I’m it……x2!  There is a getting to know you type game rolling thru the blogosphere.  The concept is that a blogger tags bloggy friends, ask questions and like any good chain letter game they then keep the ball rolling til it fizzles out.  The game is creatively titled “11 Things”.  They ask 11 questions, I answer, then I create 11 questions & tag 11 of my favorite bloggers to do the same.  Don’t kill me but my tag may be coming for YOU!

The questions I received from Jolene & Jess are below, along with my heartfelt answers.   And by the way, I’m doing this for you, all the new “you’s” who may not know me as well as my mom long time friends. 

Jolene – Journey of a Canuck Mom on the Run

1.  Did you have a childhood nickname?  What was it?  Wait for it……Too Tall Fritz was my childhood nickname.  Nice start, Jolene, I couldn’t have ASKED for a better question!
2.  What is the weirdest thing you have ever done while driving?  I will pretend this is not the world wide web where my answer will be sitting out in foreverland, well, forever.  I am guilty of occasionally writing the check to daycare while driving.  I never seem to write it ahead of time and well, time is an “issue” for me.  This doesn’t happen often but I’ve done it more than once.  Sorry about sloppy writing, Nicki.
3.  Do you have any strange phobias? What are they?  Not sure I have a phobia but I really dislike snakes.  Like when I hiked the Grand Canyon in 2005, that was my biggest fear.  I was constantly on the watch for them. 
4.  If you could travel to anyplace right now without worrying about finances or how long you are gone, where would you go? Why?  Rio de Janeiro – white sand beaches, rain forests, Carnival, fit & fab bodies everywhere, plus they stole the 2016 Olympics from Chicago so they must be “all that”.  I wanna go.  Now.  Like, right now.
5.  What was the last movie you saw in the theater?  Breaking Dawn – Part I.  Yep, and I’m proud of it too!  Loved the books and well, the movies aren’t great but it’s part of the mourning process of a good thing coming to an end.  And Aby likes them so it’s one of the ONLY times we get out of the house without everyone else. 
6.  What song always makes you happy when you hear it?  Why?  I have a screaming toddler and a 10-year-old, plus it’s loud at work and on the train.  Silence makes me happy.
7.  If you had to move to another state right now, where would you move and why?  I want to go home to mommy & daddy back to Indiana.  I’m pretty sure the parents would let my whole family move in without much fuss.  I’d be screwed on the cat and 3 dogs though…..or I’d be home packing my bags now.
8.  Salty or sweet?  What is your favorite?  Why choose?  Diversity is a great thing. 
9.  Do you have any pets?  What are they are?  1 bitch-ass cat who is older than God.  3 dogs:  1 Weimaraner & 2 petfinder.com mutts, all approaching 8 years. 
10.  Snow or rain?  Pick your poison.  I love both, unless I have to clean off the dogs paws, then I’ll choose snow and lots of it, please! 
11.  Name someone you would love to meet right now, who is currently living?  Why would you like to meet them?   WOW, tough one.   I know I’m supposed to say  something like Desi Davila, Kara Goucher, or Shalane Flanagan but I have a friend in FL that I have known for years, who I have never actually met.  So, I’d like to meet Angela C.

Jess – Run with Jess

  1. I know you’re a runner – but have you ever watched/cheered at a race?  My daughter is a Cross Country runner so I not only watch/cheer but also perform timing duties or whatever else needs to be done.  However, last year as I was running the Chicago Marathon I promised myself that if I kept going and finished, I didn’t have to run in 2012 but I would instead work a water stop.  But I lied to myself again and will be signing up on Feb 1.
  2. Where’s your favorite place to run?  I like trails.  They can be rail trails, grassy, single track, anything that gets me out of the house into the open air.
  3. Would you rather be able to run fast OR far?  If I had to choose, I’d rather be fast.  I love a good 5K at a quick pace.
  4. Name one bad habit that you want to break:   I eat too much crap.  I do really good and make good choices and eat healthy most of the time but I still like some junk on occasion.
  5. If you could trade lives with anyone for just 1 day, who would it be?  Another tough one.  I think I’d have to take a pass on this one.  I know the grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence but I think trading lives would break the illusion of your “hero” or possibly make your life more difficult to handle upon the return.  God got it right, it may not be easy but I’ll take my life today and every day hereafter.
  6. Your ideal workout would consist of……a nice 10 mile run with friends.
  7. Name 1 food item that you’d like to magically make “healthy”:    Pizza.  I usually get it with spinach and tomatoes and then I pretend it’s healthy.
  8. What’s your favorite distance to run, and why?  10 miles.  Its far enough to seem like an accomplishment and a challenge but short enough that it doesn’t require a lot planning or recovery.
  9. What’s the one thing about running that you DON’T like?  Losing toe nails. 
  10. What’s your favorite cross-training exercise?  StairMaster
  11. What sports did you play in high school?   Cross Country (hated distance running as a kid), Gymnastics (not sure why I did this….I sucked),  and Track & Field (I believe I still have the High Jump record at my HS at 5’5″).

Questions to my Bloggy Friends: 

  1. Favorite race/event & why?
  2. Were you a Princess or TomBoy?
  3. Who or What inspires you & why?
  4. Do you have more “online” friends or real life friends?
  5. 20 Year Class Reunion….Are you going, legitimately busy or you wouldn’t be caught dead stepping in the door?
  6. Do you prefer Flowers or Candy from the significant other or should they save the $?
  7. If you were rich and famous and had the balls guts to name your kid something outlandish, what would that be?  First and Middle name, please!
  8. You’re in a marathon, in first place, on world record pace…..You have to “go”.  Do you stop for a port-o-pot, and possibly lose the race and miss the world record or do you go in the street for the world to see?
  9. Why do you run?
  10. Favorite type of run:  Group, Solo, Tempo, Long Run, Speed Work?
  11. Most adventurous “out of character” thing you’ve ever done?

I’m tagging:

  1. Maggie – Mag Mile Runner
  2. Kelly – Running (kell)ometers
  3. Kelly the Culinarian
  4. Jeni – Sparkalish Roar
  5. Amanda – Get to Goal
  6. Katye – Long Legs on the Loose (Team Tough Chik!)
  7. Christy – Christy Runs (Team Tough Chik!)
  8. Carmen – She Runs Everywhere (Team Tough Chik!)
  9. Gina – Slow is the New Fast (Team Tough Chik!)
  10. Susan – Tri SusanK (Team Tough Chik!)
  11. Larissa – Larissa Milano Fitness (Team Tough Chik!)

Falling in Love…..with Life

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It’s been a rough week already, the lil man is still sick and this is my first and possibly last day of work this week.  Since Hubby is home with the lil man today, I raced into work EARLY this morning to pound out as much as possible and still be able to squeeze in a decent mid-day run.  As I rushed out the door at “lunch”, the plan was to run the Chicago Riverwalk. 

I have been “saving” this trail for a day like today when time was tight and/or the wind was too bad for me to brave hit the lakefront.  I left the building in a very bitchy stressed out state of mind but very quickly came to realize how fortunate I am, how much I love my life even with all its imperfect drama, how much I love running and how much I love Chicago.  I have come to realize that each time I step out that door for a new adventure run, I fall in love with life all over again.  It’s a good feeling.  However, I must admit that I am a Chicago transplant.  I grew up in the cornfields of Indiana and let’s just say that it wasn’t love at first sight when I was introduced to Chicago.  In fact, if it weren’t for running, I’d probably still hate not like it here.  I miss my family and still want to go home each and every day but running has given me so much appreciation for life in general and the beauty of ChiTown.  In my non-running years, I would never have made it to the lakefront on a cold and frozen day to see the ice floating peacefully on such a strong, powerful body of water known as Lake Michigan.  It’s one of OUR Great Lakes and I can run beside it each and every day.

The Riverwalk path is a side trip off the Lakefront path and it is short and sweet.  I would estimate it to be about a mile in length and unless you plan to climb up & out to the street, it’s an out and back.  In the summer, this path is bustling with lots of people and various activities but today it was rather desolate.  

However, there were many hints remaining of what to look for come nicer weather. 

The trail is sunken down to river level and the city of Chicago towers overhead.  Pretty cool really and with this being a short jaunt from Navy Pier, I encourage you to take a stroll here with the family to experience the Riverwalk for yourself. 

Hope to see you on the Riverwalk come Spring!  I know I’ll be back to see the sights and take some new photos!

All-in-all, good run.  I did link up with the lakefront path for some extra miles.  I ended with 8.09 miles in 1:19 with lots of stops for photos and walking spurts for ice covered areas.

Non-Riverwalk related sidenote:  Lots of questions and talk about recovery as of late.  It’s not a secret that I’m an AdvoCare distributor.  It’s not a secret that I became a distributor for the discount because I LOVE the Post Workout Recovery drink.  It’s not a secret that you can check it out (and many other products) on my microsite HERE.    It’s not a secret that I can do what I do, each and every day, because of being able to properly recover.  If you want to MAKE IT HAPPEN on a daily basis, pay attention to your recovery.  On the “bad” days, I not only use the Post Workout Recovery drink but also the Nighttime Recovery so that I can make it happen again tomorrow.  Please feel free to browse my microsite, get familiar with the products, read up on our Scientific & Medical Advisory Board and take a peek at our professional endorsers.  If you have questions, I’m happy to help.  If you order anything, I will profit.  If you don’t want me to profit, but are interested in AdvoCare, check out my friend Lisa‘s microsite.  She too can help you so you can get your ass off the couch and do it again tomorrow.

Happy Running & Recovery                                                                                        Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                                 amanda@tootallfritz.com

Practicality….

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So all the practical runners are now running boring subdivion routes to avoid those snowy & slick trails.  While I certainly understand the practicality of that decision, I still long for the beauty and tranquility of the tree-lined trails.  So Aurelia was brave enough to give it a go with me yesterday on the trails near Yankee Woods.  Me & Aurelia: 

But we didn’t make it very far.  We struggled thru deep snow for less than a mile before pulling out and hitting the roads.  It was beautiful even though short-lived and it sucks that of course, practicality always wins. 

We stopped so that I could remove the YakTraks, which were great in the snow, then off to traverse new and unexplored neighborhoods.  It was windy and cold at 22 degrees but the neighborhood homes did provide a wind break and we muddled thru for a slow 10.04 miles.  I’m pretty sure that I was holding Aurelia back as my quads are fatigued from some new activities and it was slow going for me but she was kind about it.  Thanks, Aurelia!

It was good that I got up and out early as my lil man did not leave my hip once I returned home.  At first it was all smiles and giggles and playing.

And then my lil man turned into a sleepy, feverish sickie.  He still isn’t better.  I’m currently awaiting the meds to wear off to see if he needs to visit the doc.   Love my lil man and totally don’t want him to be sick, ever if it does mean extra cuddles and love for Mommy TooTall.

Amanda – TooTallFritz

A Picture’s Worth….

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They always say that a picture is worth a thousand words and since we did about a thousand things today, this is the cliff note version in pictorial form.  The morning started with a quick run with the F’N Running Club.  After 7 to 9 inches of snow falling across the south suburbs, we were pretty light on bodies this morning.  Joe, Susan, Brian & Nicole showed up to run.  A a subdivision route was chosen in order to stay off the snowy, slippery trail.

I even busted my YakTrax out of the box.  They have been sitting new and unused for several years.  I really liked them in the snowy/slushy areas but they really hurt my feet when the streets were clear.  I could feel those springs up in my arch and it didn’t feel good on the Plantar Fasciitis.  I will try them out again tomorrow for a second chance but they may be banished back the to box sooner rather than later.

F’N Runners showing they are multi-talented and can run with their eyes closed.  Joe & Susan:Nicole:

Then straight home to the kiddos to play in the snow!  Aby on the snowmobile:

Daddy & Michael:

Michael and Aby on the swing….exactly what ALL kids do when there is 7″ of snow on the ground, right?

Dakota loves the snow!Libby hates the snow!

Then off to a car show.  The kiddos loved the Joker car.Then a few more errands and over to Grandpa C’s for Happy Birthday Cake.  Michael likes birthdays almost as much as he likes Santa. 

Then a “nutritious” take-out dinner:

Wow, busy day!  What did you do today?

Amanda – TooTallFritz

SuperWoman

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Today was INSANE.  Thank goodness I wore my SuperWoman costume under my work clothes! 

In my I’m never going to be an Olympian real life., I work for a law firm in an intense deadline oriented field.  To top that off, we are a very small firm.  Like it doesn’t get any smaller than us, short of the lawyer not having a staff and doing everything him/herself.  Meet our staff…..  Me, Myself & I.  And yes, I wear that goofy hat IN the office all the time.  Okay, not really.We do have an attorney who occasionally helps us out and we made full use of his law degree today by sticking him on the photocopy machine to free me up so I could still pound out docs, then the guy whose name is on the door could proof/sign….then off they went to our “helper” to copy so I could file everything prior to the deadline.  Yep, it’s a glamorous life.  And although the helper attorney was very kind about helping out, I’m pretty sure he wanted to shoot me.

In the midst of the chaos filings, I disappeared slipped out for some interval work at the gym lunch.  I am very lucky in that I have a small but full gym in my building which is free to its tenants.  I don’t use it much unless it is CRAZY cold out or sleeting or….well those are about the only reasons.  I’m not much of a gym rat and tend to only use a gym for its pool (and this gym doesn’t have a pool).  However, since today was my first of many “speed play” days, I took it to the gym and the DREADmill.  Thanks goes to Frogger for giving me some direction!I am not a DREADmill runner.  I can never get the speed right.  I’m either going too slow and bumping up on the front of the machine and/or annoyingly stepping on the front guard.  I know you have somebody at your gym who is CONSTANTLY stepping on the guard and I’m sure it drives you as crazy as it does me to hear that non-stop slapping.  Well, it drives me just as crazy to be the one doing the slapping.  If the machine isn’t too slow, then it is too fast and trying to flip me off the back.  I must look ridiculous.  And when I’m on the DREADmill, I sweat like I have never ran before in my life.

I try to look like this: 

But yeah, we know that I don’t.  In fact the DREADmill is so much of an effort for me both mentally and physically that I always need a shower before going back to the office.  Good thing the shower at the gym is nicer than mine at home most locker rooms.

Then back to work I went for more chaos fun.  Very short workout.  I did some speed play with slow jogging in between.  I was on the DREADmill for less than 25 minutes.  Shortest.Workout.Ever.  But it’s in the done column and I didn’t want to do too much too fast.  This was a test.

How do you feel about the DREADmill?  Are you the graceful swan or the slapping idiot?  Or do you just skip it all together?  Tell me!  Or feel free to give me pointers!

Amanda – TooTallFritz

They can’t all be THE BOMB….

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It’s Wednesday which means that it was run night with the F’N Running Club.  We had to deviate from our normal plan since the trail was snow and ice-covered.  This happens a lot during winter but we have been lucky thus far so this is one of the first runs we have done that was off trail.  A local subdivision was chosen for us to ambush and we swooped in with our knucklelights.  I was fortunate enough to get there a little early so that I could scope out the neighborhood before dark.  It was busy, windy and had several patches of ice but certainly better than the trail.  There was one nice 1.5 mile loop that Brian F. was able to extend for us to just under 5 miles.

Here is our group for tonight.  We were a little light but it was cold and windy so I can’t blame anyone for opting out going to the gym instead.  From left:  Cathie, Dawn, April, Brian F., Susan & Aurelia.

Even though the temps were in the 20s, it seemed cooler than that to me with the wind factor.  I was layered for probably 10 to 15 degree weather and it worked out correctly this time.  I was very happy to have Susan and Aurelia for company or I would have probably skipped it tonight.  I’m tired and don’t have much “umph” in my step.  Super glad to feel accountable to the group as it forced me to show up when I wasn’t feeling it.

So I went 2.91 solo, then another 6.4 with the group for a total of 9.31 miles on a cold, windy Wednesday night.  That’s a win in my book.  It wasn’t a nice scenic trail view, there wasn’t a tight row of trees providing shelter and wind break, we had added traffic/darkness/ice factors to deal with but we were still able to make it happen.  Not every run is going to be one for the record books, gotta take the good with the mediocre and (gasp) even the bad.

How about you, did you get out tonight or choose the gym?  Or did you skip a workout all together in favor of a rest day?

Layer Up!                                                                                                                Amanda – TooTallFritz

SWAG vs the Cool Clothes…..

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I was preparing for a bike session last night in my dining room gym and was looking thru my closet for something to wear.  Now I know my hubby is laughing over this because my closet is full and I want to move him out of the second master closet and put his clothes in the spare room would like more space.  I am pretty set up at this point and don’t really “need” much so am able to pick and choose the new “cool” clothes that I want to buy.  Since I don’t have a “need” for workout attire I can occasionally grab a few things off internet sales which I normally wouldn’t buy due to their original price tag but once they hit the sale rack it’s fair game!  Like I’m waiting for this new piece from Athleta to hit the sale rack….and since it’s new, it will be a long wait.  This limeish, bright green is my absolute favorite color and I love the fit of their Accelerate Tee. 

So last night as I was browsing my closet, I was noticing the race shirts that I  have kept vs. my “cool” clothes.  I normally wear race shirts for lounging, sleeping and my dining room gym workouts.  It is highly unlikely you will see me on the trail with a race shirt.  Why?  Usually race shirts don’t fit me well.  Most of the time I won’t even keep them.  I may let them lounge in my closet for a couple of months or even a year but then they get donated.  Or Aby takes them for bedtime attire.  Or if you have run with me for a long time, I have probably showed up for a run with a bag of cast-a-ways that I offer up to whoever wants them. 

I do keep a very select few pieces of SWAG (stuff we all get) and if it’s hanging in my closet AND it gets wear time then that makes it a really great piece of SWAG.  The race shirts in my closet include those I receive from the Shamrock Shuffle, not because it’s my favorite race of the year but because they give Nike Tech shirts that are gender specific.  I also keep the Chicago Marathon shirts for the same reason.  I just pulled the tags of my 2011 Chicago Marathon shirt last night.  I love this shirt.  I haven’t worn it before now because I didn’t want it to get toddler funk on it for various reasons but it’s a cool shirt in the way it looks and it also has a good fit. 

In fact, I love this shirt so much that I bought a skirt to match it from RunningSkirts.com.  So there is a possibility you might see this one on the trail.

I have also kept one Southwest Bank 1/2 Marathon shirt that was a women’s specific Mizuno shirt.  I keep a handful of long sleeve tech shirts.  I love the new A-4 brand women’s shirts that I have just started to see come thru some low-budget races.   These A-4 shirts feel like butter and just are prefect for running when I am lucky enough to get a gender specific shirt.  I also have kept my Hot Chocolate windbreaker and have used it multiple times.  Other than those items, not much stays in the closet and if it does, then I normally wear it around the house or for cross training workouts.  I just feel awkward wearing race shirts, like it bragging.  And I like to encourage newbies to be out there on the trail WITH me, not behind me.  No need to kill their confidence by showing up in a 70.3 or marathon shirt.  If they want to talk about my races, great, I’m happy to oblige but I don’t want to intimidate them into not coming back because they think I’m more experienced or stronger or bragging about what has been.  So know that if you see me in a race shirt that I REALLY love that shirt or it would have never hit the trail with me. 

How do you feel about race SWAG?  Do you wear it proudly, donate it, keep it but push it to the back of the closet or just use it for pajamas? 

SWAG Patrol,                                                                                                                  Amanda – TooTallFritz

Just Felt Like Walking…..

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I went out at lunchtime today to grab some miles.  I didn’t necessarily feel like running as my legs were still heavy from yesterday’s 5K……gasp…Yes, I said heavy from a 5K.  MY theory is that if it didn’t hurt, you probably should have run faster so I try to put my all into every effort regardless of the race distance.  However, that snowy ground cover was calling my name since the temps were broaching the mid 40s and I knew it would soon melt away.  So I overdressed and got my ass out the door. 

I had momentarily forgotten it was Martin Luther King Jr. Day until I hit the road and noticed all the extra people/kids on the streets.  It was such a perfect winter day in that the snow was visible but the temps were unseasonably warm.  The 44 degree temps felt like 54 to me and I was WAY overdressed and heated up quickly.  I know this will sound weird but I don’t really sweat but today was a different ball game since I overdressed, I was soaked in no time.

In the fall I was able to grab an awesome pic on the lake front path with which I fell in love.  My plan was to go back to the same area in each season and try to do the same photo so that I can frame them all individually but in a collage setting on my wall.  It didn’t work out exactly as I had hoped because my photos are similar but not the same, which shouldn’t surprise me but was still a slight disappointment.  I mean grabbing the photo was number one reason I got up and out today.  

I was also able to grab some other pics of the Lake Front Path in a snowy state.  It was fun and since my legs felt like lead anyhow there was no pressure as far as trying to keep a certain pace not that I really ever feel that pressure. 

Shedd Aquarium:Planetarium: 

A very deserted Burnham Harbor:

Lake Front Sledding Hill: 

As always, once I haul myself out the door, I really enjoy being out there.  Today was no different and knowing this could be the last day for a while with real snow on the ground made it even better.  Now the heavy, heavy, heavy legs didn’t feel great but I stopped for a gazillion lot of pics, walked on an off a few times, plus had the added stops of getting too and from the path, which is always slow going with traffic lights and pedestrians.

I was totally in a “just felt like walking” mood today.  It happens to me a lot.  I want to be out there but my body just isn’t fresh enough to keep moving very fast.  I won’t can’t even tell you how often, I just stop and walk.  It may or may not be for long, sometimes I just take Lisa E’s 6 Step Rule (you can stop and walk but after 6 steps you must resume running or do something that resembles running) sometimes I don’t give a shit care and walk for as long as I like.  Running, or walking, or just getting out there is for me and nobody else.  So if I want to walk, I walk.  Since there are so many newbie runners around as of late, I thought it was important to point that out.  It’s okay to walk……just keep moving forward and keep GETTING OUT THE DOOR.

Happy Running,                                                                                                      Amanda – TooTallFritz

 

Midwinters Cruise 5K – 2012

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Today brought the annual Midwinters Cruise 5K in Park Forest, which is hosted by the Park Forest Running and Pancake Club.  This is definitely a theme race and the “Midwinters Cruise” name insinuates that you are taking a nice cruise vacation rather than preparing to run the frozen streets of Park Forest in January.  Upon entering the school for packet pick up/registration we were given a flower lei just as if you were stepping on board a cruise ship.  Nice touch.

I run the Midwinters Cruise each year for several reasons.  1)  I love the PFRPC.  They are a very friendly group and they are super welcoming to new runners.  They welcomed me on my very first group run many years ago.  2)  I was a member up until this month (renewal time) although I haven’t run with them since Mr. Michael’s appearance and 3)  Please let me out of the house for a Midwinters Cruise in January……anytime, anywhere, I’m in.

Lots of friends showed up today to run.  Lots of old friends were on site or out in the cold managing the race.   All the friendly faces makes the race even better.  Our group today:   Maggie, Me, Aurelia, Judy, Kristina, Kelly, April & Kerry

After this photo a few of us went out for a short warm up.  Then we were called to the start line with 10 minutes til start.  My favorite thing about this race is definitely the pancakes indoor waiting area and bathrooms pre-race.  However, it was cold and windy on the start.  Once we are off, it is the ever so familiar certified course with 2 flat loops then a side shot into the finish.  This year the race was chip timed and as always, they had people calling out mile splits at the 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 mile marks.  The course was well-marked, had signs for each mile marker and one water stop.  It started on time and was a great race.  The temps, which the PFRPC can’t control, were in the low 20’s, a chilly light wind, and the streets were clear except for a few snowy/icy corners.  Thanks for another great race PFRPC!  I’ll see you next year.

The F’N Running Club made a great showing.  Several PRs today for Maggie, Aurelia, Kristina, & April.  This was April’s (bottom center pick with Kerry who is just coming back from injury) VERY first 5K, so technically a guaranteed PR but she totally killed it, especially since she has only been logging miles for 2 weeks.  Yep, first race with only 2 weeks of running under her belt.  Now what was your excuse?    And the center top pic is of me and another former pancaker who has turned IronWOman.  Always great to see Mel, she is an inspiration.   Left pic is of me and Aurelia pre-race.  Love her smile, she always seems so happy.  I like that.  Then that’s Kristina & I on the right.  She likes to race almost as much as me and has just signed up for her first 10 mile race.  I can totally see the marathon in Kristina’s not so distant future.

The pic below is the F’N Running Club members who were able to grab some age group awards.   Great story, each race we have run lately, Maggie and Kelly so far have been neck & neck.  Last race, Kelly beat Maggie by 1 second and this time Maggie beat Kelly by 2 seconds.  Unfortunately, both are in the same age group.  However, this time their was award waiting for both of them…..that’s what I like to see.  Kelly – 2nd Age Group, Me – 1st Age Group, Maggie – 1st Age Group.  Thankfully, I’m much older and wiser and don’t have to compete against those youngin’s cuz they have been kicking my butt as of late.

Great race and so GREAT to get out with friends for some ME time!  Thanks to all of you ladies who braved the cold to run today!

I’m not yet back to 5K shape, ran this race 43 seconds slower than last year and didn’t run hard last year, but I refuse to let that stop me.  I will keep running them and will hopefully start showing better.  If not, I’ll keep running cuz that is what I do.  I had another lucky one in that most of the “fasties” from my age group must have decided to stay home in bed today.  I won the age group with a 24:13, just in front of IronWOman Mel.  I ran as hard as I could run for today so am very happy with the end result, a pain-free FINISH.

This is a fun race, close to home and cheap.  My kind of race.  What kind of races do you like: big/small, theme, town/country course, flat/hilly?  Tell me!

Happy Running,                                                                                                                 Amanda – TooTallFritz

Virtual Snow Day……

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Yesterday as Chicagoland was getting its first real snowfall of the year, many were out enjoying themselves and PLAYING in the snow.  I didn’t get much of a chance to have fun but I really did enjoy my walk to the train! 

Let’s check out some of the AWESOME things which the TooTallFritz readers have been doing with their Snow Day!  By the way, I’m super envious and want to be out there with each of you!

Thursday is a normal “run day” for a few members of the F’N Running Club.  Here is Julie, Jeni H. & Don all suited up for their run.  When they hit the trail at noon on Thursday, they were kicking around 3″ of fluffy powder!  They really kicked it around too for 6.5 miles!  Great job!   Please notice Jeni H.’s Shakeology shirt.  Both her and Don are Beach Body reps for Shakeology, P-90X, Turbo Jam and all that fun stuff you may have heard about at the gym.  If interested in Shakeology, please contact Jeni HERE. 

Run with Jess was also able to sneak out for a windy 3 miler in the snow.  She looks warm and toasty in that awesome jacket!  I love that you “pop” against the snow, way to pull double duty being cute & safe!  Please get to know Jess, she is one of my Ragnar Relay teammates!  Whoooooop!

Aurelia, a new member of the F’N Running Club, was also out enjoying the weather.  She and her favorite running partner, Maggie, hit the trail at Yankee Woods for a nice, quiet 4 miler!  Lookin’ good, Maggie! 

I had hoped for a REAL snow day today but Mother Nature only brought us a couple of inches down here along with some blowing and drifting snow to make driving a PITA nuisance in the early morning.  However Kelly stayed in today and made homemade protein bars!  Check out Kelly’s blog for the recipe!  I must say that I am impressed.  Great job, Kelly!

I was super excited to see that newbie runner April was out pounding the trail for a couple of miles today.  You know it’s a great run when you finish and you have frost on your gloves/hat and frozen eyelashes/eyebrows.  April is actually sporting new winter wear because apparently last year she was sitting on the couch watching tv rather than playing outside in the snow from a recent shopping trip.  You look great April and will fit in well with all of us crazy runners.  Happy have you on board, and you are going to KILL that half in July.  Gett’m Girl! 

I also managed to skip out of work early get in a run today.  It was windy out here in the country and although the roads are plowed, we still have some drifting issues.  So it was slow going but great to be out slipping and sliding because I have yet to open the box of yak-traks in my cabinet.  I ran 5.07 in 51:24 with lots of stops for photos, text messages (trying to make sure my lil man was getting a ride home), and I stepped off the road at least 15x to let cars pass.  It was getting dark toward the end of the run, snowing lightly, roads were a mess and let’s just say I wasn’t taking any chances.  So off into the snow I stepped for each and every car.  I’m not  a fan of road running at night.  I much prefer braving the coyotes in the early mornings where I can avoid most traffic. 

How do you spend your time when the weather turns?  Are you hunkered down inside by a blazing fire, sipping hot cocoa, skiing down a radical mountain, or making snow angels with the kiddos?  Tell us!

Happy Virtual Snow Day,                                                                                         Amanda – TooTallFritz