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 **

A Family Affair….

Posted on May 18, 2012 by tootallfritz

There are several reasons why I love my running club but the number one reason is that we get out the door, no matter what. Rain, Sleet, Snow, Darkness and even when we have our kids & fur babies in tow.

Thanks F’N Runners for making me and my family feel like we have found a home amongst the running community.

Sometimes we even have a little post-run fun!

Have you found your running/fitness family yet? If not, better start searching or you can join us. The more the merrier!

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

Building a Successful Group Run….

Posted on May 12, 2012 by tootallfritz

As I was driving to the group run for our running club today, I must say ~~the thunder and lightning were scary~~ I didn’t want to go. However, there wasn’t really an option for not going because most of the club was racing, we had a few newbies who said they were coming out for the first time, and I was the ~~self-designated~~ group leader.

I always say, you build it and they will come but the bottom line is that somebody has to show up to get everyone started. I know this, I believe in it and I certainly do not want to see one person get dissuaded by showing up for a group run and being the only one. It’s just not cool in my opinion.

So even though I knew we would be light on numbers today due to area races, the weather and the number of people who had texted me to bail, I was going to show up, just in case. As a result, I met a new friend, Heather. Brian was also there and snapped a quick photo of us between rain showers!

This was Heather’s first time out with the F’N Running Club and I spent a nice 4.5 miles run/walking and getting to know her. We have a lot of common friends, so we “may” have been talking about YOU! 🙂

If you have an interest in building a group run, here are a few things to consider:

Have two group leaders, who are reliable and will show up regardless of weather.
Group leaders should communicate with one another so if one can’t go ~~for whatever reason~~, they know for sure the other will cover the run.
Schedule the group run for the same time & day each week.
Don’t change your time/day because “Suzie” can’t come at that time.
If you are a leader and decide to run mid-day and are scheduled to lead the 5pm run, better plan for the 2nd run or show up with your bike to get everyone started.
Unless you are a specialty group or a competitive team, encourage all paces and levels of ability.
Post group runs thru the Park District, local running store, and/or local health clubs to let area runners know when and where to show up.
Encourage runners to bring a friend, or their kids, or whatever will help them get out the door to show up.
Know that everyone is busy and their time is valuable so pay attention and get everyone started ~~pretty much~~ on schedule unless you know for sure that somebody is running late.
Being a group leader doesn’t mean being a coach, just that you get everyone moving toward the trail at the appropriate time.
Know that most people show up for a group run for FUN, stress relief and exercise so keep things upbeat and light ~~if possible~~.
Make sure you get to know the new people so they show up next time. You get to talk to “Suzie” every week, take the opportunity to meet somebody new!
Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

Do you run with a group or are you a solo runner? Any tips on successful group runs?

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

Race Photos……F’N Running Club

Posted on May 8, 2012 by tootallfritz

In the aftermath of the Southwest Half Marathon, our running web pages have been flooded with photos of us half marathoners running. Normally, those photos are rather painful to look thru and I’m not saying they were all good this time around but we were an exuberant group on Sunday. You know why? We knew the photogs! The people photographing us actually knew us by name, were screaming out our name as we approached and we were happy to see them! Thanks to Gail from Running For Kicks & the F’N Cheer Squad: Maggie – MagMileRunner, Diane, Julie & Lisa for making all of us look good!

Take a look at my F’N Running Club. Since I know after you see these photos, you will want to be one of us, here are rules to joining our “club”. 1) Show up, 2) Be happy orFake it, 3) Show up. See, everyone is welcome! I’ll see you tomorrow at the Grainery at 5pm for the Wednesday run!

Our F’N Runners

Kelly – Running Kellometers:

Lori & Susan: Aurelia:

Susan & Wayne:

Brian & Kevin: Melissa:

Steve & Jenny:

Me:

Thanks Gail & our own personal F’N Cheer Squad for making all of us look as if we are having the times of our life. You guys ROCK!

Do you have any good or interesting race photos? Send them to me and I will post them on Friday!

**Update! Great minds think alike! Maggie is doing a photo challenge of good race pics. Please go visit her at magmilerunner.com and send your awesome photos to her! She will be posting them on Monday. I’m going to defer the good race photos post to her! Enjoy!**

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

Southwest Half Marathon Race Report

Posted on May 7, 2012 by tootallfritz

I am pretty sure that almost everyone I know posted a new PR this weekend from the 5K, Half Marathon to Marathon distance. I am so proud of all of you and wanted to say:

I had a super busy weekend with setting up a Twitter account the kiddos, mom in town, a few social events and the Southwest Half Marathon. We had some serious fun!

In regards to the race, anyone who has ran a race by Mel at Running For Kicks knows that they are getting a lot with their race fee. When I picked up my packet it was stuffed with great items that were both useful and exciting. Thanks, Mel!

We received a two pack of Saucony socks, a Southwest Half Marathon 13.1 sticker (super cool!), a tube of Nathan Catalyst electrolyte drink tabs, GU Chomps, a mini Luna Bar that I ate before the photo was taken, an in-store $15 off shoe purchase coupon, an in-store coupon for those awesome Saucony socks, which I can’t find online, plus a gender specific shirt that fits and is cool! I will actually wear this shirt! As a bonus, since I signed up early, I received 2 shirts instead of one. Of course, Aby laid claim to the other shirt as soon as we got home. 🙂

On race morning, everything was super organized and efficient. The line to the port-o-potties was long but that is normal. Gear check was excellent and they even had plastic bags to protect our gear since the grass was wet from the rain. Nice touch! Most of the F’N Runners met up for a quick photo. From Left: Kelly – Running Kellometers, Kevin, Susan M, Wayne, Lori, Aurelia, Brian, Me & Susan D.

The race kicked off before most people probably even had their gps watch linked up as soon as the National Anthem concluded. We were off and running and the race went perfectly. The rain held off, it was starting to get warm but nothing too crazy, the route was easy to follow and with the out and back it was fun to see the fast runners come back for the finish, plus see friends along route. There were lots of friendly volunteers, water/PowerAde every couple miles, potties throughout the course, a couple aid stations and lots of F’N support!

Maggie – MagMileRunner was at 104th Ave with signs, cheers and took a ton of photos!

Diane, Julie, & Lisa were just past Maggie and screaming like crazy for us!

I also saw Amanda W & Dennis, plus met so many people on course who I have previously only known online. Many thanks to all of you who took the time to say hello! I’m so happy to have met so many new people during/after the race!

This is a tough course for me, it always is but I’m not really sure why. It’s an out and back and just seems to go on forever and ever and ever. There are small rolling hills throughout even though everyone says it’s flat. Not my best race, I struggled. I was fueled & hydrated and it wasn’t too hot, I just didn’t run well. I was very happy though that 1) the new AdvoCare Rehydrate Energy Gel arrived on Saturday in time for the race 2) tasted good in a fresh lemon flavor, and 3) DID NOT upset my tummy. New AdvoCare win for me!

I ran a 1:58 something which was WAY off my 1:50 goal. Yes, I was disappointed. The highlight of the race was definitely seeing the F’N Cheering Squad, seeing all the local familiar faces on course and meeting some new people along the way as well. Great race, I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone. Give it a try! It’s a great local race with lots of goodies for the $$, particularly if you sign up early. Plus, our F’N Cheering Squad will probably be out there again next year and they definitely add major spice to the course.

Here is a photo that Dennis took of me “pushing” to the finish with bricks in both of my shoes and one hanging from each butt cheek. OUCH!

It’s now time for me to move on to Ragnar Chicago training. I have lots of miles to cover and very little time. I also need to seriously ramp up my bike miles to prep for the Ironman 70.3 Muncie. Time is ticking!

Great job to all of you who ran, raced and particularly those of you who crushed some PRs this weekend. Keep kicking butt!

Happy Running, Amanda – TooTallFritz

Safety 1st, 2nd & 3rd….Plus Giveaways

Posted on April 19, 2012 by tootallfritz

Just call me the “fact finder”. I think that’s an actual paid position for some publications but as a blog writer, the fact-finding job comes down to me, myself & I.

The fact-finding mission for today was to determine the validity of a message circling our local Facebook running club pages regarding the attack of a woman on the LaPorte Road access trail in Mokena. Status of the attack = TRUE. The woman had an incident where a man , whom she had previously seen riding a bike in dark sunglasses & a hoodie, approached her on foot/running and attempted to push/pull/drag her to the ground. She screamed and shoved him and he ran off. She was uninjured. The man was in his late teens/early 20s and has not been found.

The Will County Forest Preserve Police have jurisdiction over most of our trails, including this one. I have been assured that they have increased patrols and police presence on the trail and they are visible and alert. In response to the initial emergency call, they had 10-15 officers canvasing the trail the day of the attack; however, never managed to find the attacker. I was also assured by Mokena PD that although the trail is not their jurisdiction that they are more than willing to back up the Forest Preserve Police for assistance at any time.

If you have an emergency on the trail, please call 911 or the Will County Dispatch so they can dispatch the Forest Preserve Police. The Will Co Dispatch #: 815.727.6191, program that number in your cell now (pretty please?). If you have information regarding a situation on the trail that is non emergency, please call: 815.727.8700.

Although I hate to be redundant, I will once again address safety. If you need additional info or a full-fledged refresher, go to my original posts on safety: Tips on Running Safety HERE and Tips on Running in the Dark HERE.

Please be vigilant while running and make eye contact with everyone you encounter. Only use one ear bud with music so that you can hear what is going on around you/possibly coming up behind you. Run with a friend or a group, if possible.

Local Group Runs

Monday – Running for Kicks, Palos, IL – 6pm
Wednesday – Frankfort New Lenox Running Club – Frankfort, IL – 5pm
Thursday – Frankfort New Lenox Running Club – Frankfort, IL – 6:30pm
Saturday – Park Forest Running & Pancake Club – Midlothian or Frankfort, IL – 7am
Saturday – Frankfort New Lenox Running Club – New Lenox, IL – 7am
Saturday – Yankee Runners – Palos or Oak Forest, IL – 7am
Sunday – Park Forest Running & Pancake Club – Park Forest, IL – 8am

If it’s not possible to run with a friend or group, then decide how you plan to best protect yourself if necessary. Think about what you would do if somebody approaches you and tries to knock you down for an assault. This is not supposed to scare you but help you THINK about what action you plan to take. For me, I have limited knowledge in self-defense and I have made the choice to carry pepper spray but above all, I am always “watching and listening” to what is going on around me. For pepper spray, I have chosen the Wrist Saver from PersonalSavers.com.

I know that pepper spray is not for everyone, I’m not saying its the right choice for you but I feel confident in my ability to use it correctly and be able to flee from an attacker with its aid. Look HERE for the proper ways to use/spray pepper spray so that you will know how to use it, and not lose it to your attacker.

PersonalSavers.com has generously donated a PINK Wrist Saver and a PINK Personal Saver for me to giveaway. The Wrist Saver attaches to your wrist via velcro (see the pic of mine above), bike handle, or stroller handle for easy access & use. It also has reflective accents, an id card and a small light.

The Personal Saver has both a key ring and a clip to attach to your waistband, hydration or Spi-Belt.

If you would like to order from PersonalSavers.com now, use the discount code: TTF for a $1.50 off your purchase and a free Personal Savers microfiber towel.

Another way that a person (YOU) might be proactive about safety is to take a personal safety/self-defense course. Dennis Wright Martial Arts of Midlothian has generously offered two slots in his next Self-Defense Seminar to giveaway. The class is on May 19, 2012 from 12pm to 2:30pm. If you want to be entered in the giveaway for this seminar, please be local or willing to travel. 🙂 Mr. Wright offers classes in a variety of genres from boxing, martial arts to self-defense. He also frequently offers self-defense and/or runner safety seminars to area locals for a low price.

If you know of other locations which offer these type of short seminars, please feel free to share with us! I would love to start a list of places to call for self-defense training. Let’s work together and be knowledgeable about our options for safety and self-defense!

That was long, I know. As a reward for getting this far, all you need to do to be entered in the giveaway for the Personal Saver & Wrist Saver (2 items to be given to 2 separate individuals) is make a comment below. Bonus entry, go “like” Personal Savers on Facebook HERE. If you want to be entered for the Dennis Wright Marital Arts Self Defense Seminar (2 slots for May 19th at Noon) please do so indicate an interest since this is a “local” perk. One comment per person, I’ll sort it out. Giveaway goes from now until Wednesday, April 25th at 9am.

Comment Example: I would like to be entered in the personal saver giveaway, I “liked” them on Facebook, and I would also love to be entered in the giveaway for the self-defense seminar.

Happy “Safe” Running & Good Luck on the Giveaways, Amanda – TooTallFritz

Schubert & Sauk Trail Woods Group Run

Posted on April 15, 2012 by tootallfritz

This morning as I got up to thunder and lightening terrifying my ~~dogs~~ lil man, I was thinking, “Wow, nobody is going to show!” However, the rains soon stopped and we had a nice group show to run Schubert Woods. We parked at the Chestnut Street entrance and invaded the Park Forest Running & Pancake Club’s turf. Fortunately, I used to be a Pancaker and know many of them and they are all very cool and welcoming. I knew they would be happy to have more people “running their turf” rather than feel violated like we were taking over. Today’s Schubert Crew from left: Kim, Lori, Aby (my 10 year old), Aurelia, Brian, Kevin, Matt, Wayne & Mark B (also a former Pancaker who was gracious enough to come and run hard with our F’N men).

As I have mentioned before, I am really excited about this trail, just shocked that it is so underutilized. It is easily one of the most beautiful trails we have in the area and I feel “qualified” to make that statement as I have been running on the Southside of Chicago since circa 2004 and have covered a “few” miles in that time. My favorite things about this trail include: the foliage that shades you from the sun and gives houses a variety of visible creatures, the constant turns and small rolling hills, and the fact that the trail is newly resurfaced and without ruts or holes which some of the more popular trails have due to so much use. This trail also has a nice sized lake, which you can see at several points, and a few old bridges which I really love.

All in all, if you can make the trip to Park Forest to run Schubert & Sauk Trail Woods, it’s worth the trip. You won’t be sorry and you will probably see me and a few Pancakers on the trail if you go on a Sunday morning around 8am. Today, Pancaker Alexis joined us, but was too quick to catch on film, plus we saw Ray & Margaret on the trail. I’m sure others, who we missed, were also floating around in the woods. It was nice to see the trail was alive and bustling with activity…….just as it should be.

See YOU on the Trail,
Amanda – TooTallFritz

Good Friday Waterfall Glen Run {2012}

Posted on April 6, 2012 by tootallfritz

What a beautiful day to hit the trail and meet some new people. In fact, we had so many newbies show, I can’t even remember everyone’s name! That is a huge success in my book. Thanks to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to come run with us this morning! It is much appreciated and I hope to see all of you again! The morning crew, courtesy of Maggie – MagMileRunner, from back left: Kathy, Wayne, Joe, Christy, Fredric, Mark, Eric, Jim, Brian, Lonna, Cathie & Amanda W. Front left: Maggie, Me, Kim, Susan, Keith, Missing a few names: girl in blue, girl in black, girl in pink, Angela.

I apologize on the missing names, if anyone can fill in the blanks, I will make the edit. Sorry!!!

In addition to the sunshine, we also had temps in the 40s, and the woods were alive with springtime noises, scents and active critters although I didn’t actually see anything of significance. Here are a “few” photos of the day.

I think we all had a great run. Our paces were far and wide but we all made it back in with a smile on our faces. I really love this trail. It’s not too technical but is a nice jaunt thru the woods. There are a few hills but nothing too taxing and the scenery is totally worth the short drive.

Thanks again to everyone who made the trip. Next “official” Waterfall Glen trip will be on Black Friday. Plenty of time to plan for that one, right?

Enjoy your race season, folks. I’ll see you on the trail or on the road. Get after it this year, who knows what next year will bring!

Happy Running, Amanda – TooTallFritz

Perfect Running Weather….

Posted on April 5, 2012 by tootallfritz

This week has been good weather for running with temps in the low 50s. Last night I had to get started a little early so that I could knock out the Jelly Bean Virtual Race Half Marathon for Run with Jess, which I am considering a “challenge” since I wanted to do all 4 events but am a “little” short on time this week. When I hit the trail a little before 4pm, it was cool and there was a slight wind. I had to seriously convince myself that it was “ok” to leave the jacket in the car! I knew I would be warm within a mile or so and didn’t want to have to deal with something to carry or tie around my waist once I warmed up.

It was a beautiful afternoon and Old Plank Trail has really come alive over the last couple of weeks with budding trees/flowers everywhere. I love you, Spring!

I even saw a new runner on the trail. I wasn’t really sure how to treat him as I couldn’t identify a consistent pace……should I pass him, or will he pass me, or is he going to attack me? I was cautious, to say the least, with my new “friend”.

Soon after I left Mr. P in the dust, I caught up with Susan D. who unknowingly was signing on for a rather quick 10 mile run with Ms. TooTall. Thanks Susan for helping me complete the Jelly Bean Half!

We caught up on life and crushed some miles before picking up the rest of the Wednesday Night F’N Runners. I asked them to ~~stare into the sun~~ stand by the lilacs for the photo since I’m in love with Spring. 🙂 From left: Cathie, April, Nicole, Susan, Kathy & Me. Wayne is “manning” the camera, apparently he was the only guy who ~~wasn’t afraid of the peacock~~ felt confident enough to run with us F’N chicks.

It was just one of those perfect runs. Everything was right: the weather, the company, my legs were fresh ~~since Aby had track meets all week~~ and it was a great run. We took a few small water breaks but basically just kept pumping out the miles. The goal was to go sub 9 for every mile and other than the ~~peacock photos~~ 2nd mile and one 9:03, all the splits were well below 9 minutes miles. We finished the 13.1 in 1:54:35 and for a Wednesday night, running a Jelly Bean-Old Plank Half, that’s pretty darn good. Thanks Susan for helping me slug out those miles!

Have you done any random, non-supported half marathons that were not part of a training plan? How did it go? Was it hard to push without the adrenaline of race day? We certainly didn’t run all out but this was faster than a normal Wednesday night jaunt on Old Plank.

If there is anyone left who has not already registered, or won a free entry, to the 13.1 Chicago on June 9th, they are offering the TTF readers a $5 off discount on registration through April 22nd. Use the code: 131BLG5

Last point of business, the PunkeeLove Headband Giveaway goes til Monday morning.

Happy Running, Amanda – TooTallFritz

Sharmock Shuffle 2012

Posted on March 26, 2012 by tootallfritz

Now onto the good stuff!! RACE DAY!!

Race day was insane but went very smoothly! Those of us who drove in or took the Metra Electric arrived in the city early with plenty of time to spare. Some of the F’N Runners braved the Rock Island Metra and arrived a little later and we didn’t see them before the start. Here is our early bird “skeleton” crew. See the green sparkle!

It was fun seeing a few of our friends pre-race but it was short-lived before we ran off to our corrals so that we wouldn’t be locked out like last year! The photogs had a hay day between all of us dressed up and the fact that we were also early before the big crowds arrived. I bet we got stopped for photos 10x before we made it to gear check. Me, Rachel & Lisa.

Each year, the organizers change a few things. Starting last year, they separated gear check into two locations and it was a challenge. However, this year we knew what to expect and dropping gear was easy and smooth.

In Corral B awaiting the start, we had plenty of time to chat, do some light stretching & take some photos with Maggie’s (MagMileRunner) camera since the rest of us checked our phones/cameras with our gear. Source: MagMileRunner: Maggie, Kelly (Running Kellometers), & Me.

The boys: Brian & Kevin:

The race started on time, as usual, and being that we were toward the front we were across the start line in a matter of minutes. The first mile is always a little clogged and I didn’t run as fast as I should have but it was good and exciting to see all the people waiting and cheering for us. I was trying to keep the boys in sight because I knew they would run just outside of my comfort zone. The temperature was perfect in the mid 50s and the sun had not yet broken thru the clouds so I was hoping for a good race.

All was good until the mile 2 clock when I realized I made a judgment error by wearing arm sleeves for the first time ever. They were cute, comfortable, fit perfectly PLUS they matched my ToughChik irun tank so it didn’t even occur to me pre-race that they weren’t a good idea. However, at mile 2 I was burning up and they had to come off! The theory behind arm warmers is that when you get warm you just pull them down to about your wrist and leave them “on”, or take them off and tuck them into a pocket, etc b/c they are small. I tried pulling them down but was so warm I was “kinda” freaking out. Plus they were covering my watch and didn’t look good inside out. I ended up pulling them all the way off but didn’t have anywhere to stash them so I was holding them in my hands. Then I realized the guys were gone. Ugh! I carried them until mile 3 and knew I had to ditch them. But I didn’t want to ditch them since this was the first wear! They were so cute! However, I couldn’t carry them ~~and am not sure how people run carrying their cameras, fuel and other valuables because I just can’t do it~~ so I scanned the crowd for a worthy recipient. Any Tough Chiks out there spectating? It took a while but I finally saw a lady in what I thought/hoped was a Chicago Marathon half zip and she was in the front row. In a very dramatic fashion, I pointed at her and said, “ToughChik for YOU!!!” and I threw the arm warmers between her feet. I can only hope she not only keeps them but also orders a green irun tank to match. May my sacrifice bring another Tough Chik into the ranks?!?

With the arm warmers gone, I tried to refocus on the race but apparently just zoned out in the 4th mile with an 8:08 split. Not sure why, I was running, slightly distracted by a father/son interaction that was not positive from my perspective but I was pushing ~~or so I thought~~. I skipped the water stop so no excuses there, my turnover was just not as quick as it should have been but I felt good.

The goal was to make it in the 38s this year. As soon as I ditched the arm warmers I switched one of the watch stats to “time” so I could focus. I knew the 38 was barely within reach AND I still had to climb the Roosevelt Bridge. I was apparently slowing down cuz Kelly (Running Kellometers) zoomed past me like I was walking. Was I walking? Maybe. I ~~clawed my way~~ powered up the bridge and ~~jogged~~ sprinted to the finish line to see that I had barely made it. A 38:56 finish. Woooooooop! Success at the BEST.RACE.EVER.

Lots of photos, here are a few, more to come later (like the pic with the green men!!!!) My favorite race day photo by far is of Rachel & Lisa from WI. The E. family always does a serious pose followed by “muscles”. Cracks me up, every time. Lookin’ good, ladies!

Tim & Aurelia – A couple that Shuffles together stays together!

Me & Susan:

Fun times at the Shamrock Shuffle 2012! The race was great, plenty of water stops, plenty of bathrooms, gear check in was great, gear check OUT was horrid, post race party looked awesome ~~although I never attend but that may change next year~~ and most importantly, it looked like EVERYONE was having fun.

Lessons learned:

No Arm warmers while racing if above 50 degrees.
No Knee High socks ~~even cute ones with Shamrocks~~ if above 50 degrees.
Need more focus in the middle miles.
Early arrival is good!

Special shout out to LaurenRuns for stopping to visit after the race. Thanks, Lauren! Great to meet you!

The End of Shamrock Shuffle 2012, at least until more photos are published!!

Happy Running, Amanda – TooTallFritz

TooTallFritz

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

Tag Archives: Frankfort New Lenox Running Club

Inspiration at Every Turn

A Family Affair….

Race Photos……F’N Running Club

Southwest Half Marathon Race Report

Safety 1st, 2nd & 3rd….Plus Giveaways

Good Friday Waterfall Glen Run {2012}

Perfect Running Weather….

Sharmock Shuffle 2012

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