Women Rock Chicago Half Marathon

Posted on September 21, 2013 by tootallfritz

Today was the inaugural Women Rock Chicago race series presented by Team Ortho. The series offered a half marathon, 10K and 5K so basically you and ALL your girlfriends could go and enjoy one of the distances. The event had a fun theme and provided AHHHHMAZING swag so that drew in a lot of ladies for the inaugural event! Since I ran specifically for the swag, I’ll just put that up now ~~and get it out of the way~~. Women Rock Tech full zip jacket, sliver finishers pendant with a small ruby & large “W” (valued at $110), and a champagne glass.

The race was a women’s themed event so my girlfriends and I used that as an excuse to dust off our sparkle skirts!! Michelle, Nicki, Dawn, April & I showing off our “sparkle”. 🙂

The half marathoner started at 8am with the 10K and 5K participants following at 8:30 am. The course was the typical Chicago Lakefront Trail run so I fully anticipated it to be 1) crowded, 2) slow and 3) have lots of newbie runners that are “all in” for theme more so than the running. I was not disappointed. I was not running for time, in fact needed to keep myself in check and run a controlled, focused race that didn’t push my endurance or stir up too much lactic acid so that I can run our F’N 20 miler tomorrow with my run club. I managed to do that and to be honest the crowds helped. I did find myself in the outside lane ~~all~~ most of the time passing a lot of other runners but when I looked at my watch, I was in a comfortable range, felt good and was definitely controlled so just kept moving forward and passing. In fact, I kinda chuckled once the half marathoners ran up on the back of the 10K participants. I knew they had joined us and that did in fact add to the congestion but they were staying to the right so I just kept moving past them. I passed a couple ladies and one said to the other, “Wow, they are running fast!”. Her friend said, “Yes, THEY are running the half”. Made me chuckle cuz the runners I know have a much faster 10K than half marathon pace. However, the new people on the trail were refreshing and I enjoyed interacting with them and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED seeing all the sparkle skirts, tutus & my F’N run club friends who came out to run!!

The aid stations were plentiful, every 2-3 miles. They offered water and a blue electrolyte drink. As much as I like blue ANYTHING, I passed due to my sensitive tummy. Lots of potties too. Volunteers were plentiful but some of the aid stations were short. I had to backtrack one time to get water.

Typical Lakefront Trail view. Beautiful. Some shade and a breeze once we headed back north. A course that was a bit of a maze for the half marathoners: One sidewalk loop around Grant Park to get onto the Lakefront Trail heading north, turnaround at the Riverwalk (just south of Navy Pier), run south to 31st Street Harbor, then back north to the Riverwalk, then return to Grant Park to run the sidewalk loop ~~again~~ to the finish. No my favorite course by far. A bit of confusion at the end once we hit Grant Park, especially toward the end when the crowds thinned out for the half. However, overall it was a decent race.

Bottom line, I’m a ROAD RUNNER for a reason. I prefer a fast street route where we bust thru the CHI like the pros. Most of the themed races are designed for the masses, not for running fast. I wouldn’t run this race if my objective was to run fast (between the race participants, the bikers, the normal runners, dog walkers and rollerbladers it was VERY busy). This is a race designed for FUN so just enjoy it!

Best part, hanging with my friends at the finish!

** Women Rock ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Chicago Half Marathon – 2013

Posted on September 9, 2013 by tootallfritz

Where to start? I’ve ran the Chicago Half Marathon three times now & the Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5K once. My first appearance at the half was 2007, 100ish degrees ~~or so it seemed~~, full sun and MISERABLE. This was my first half marathon and I think I crawled the last half of the race on my hands and knees then called my friend Lisa on the way home and told her that I was going to give my running shoes to the first homeless person I saw cuz I just wouldn’t be needing them anymore! Yeah, not my finest hour.

My second appearance was in 2008, 8 days after my first 70.3 triathlon. It poured rain the entire time. I don’t mean it rained either, I’m being legit by saying that it POURED rain. Organizers even had to reroute the course due to flooding. However, I loved the race. Had a blast. Loved splashing thru the puddles for the entire 13.1 miles. I just kept pulling my hat in tighter, kept trucking along and managed to negative split, which is super rare for me.

My third appearance at this event was for the 5K, last year, shortly after I returned to running after rehabbing my foot. The 5K was good but left me feeling as if I was missing out by not running the half. That brings us to this year, my fourth appearance at the event and my 3rd Chicago Half. This year was all about being social. I’m not race ready. My legs are ~~very, very,~~ very fatigued. I never fully recovered from the 70.3 which I did in the 101 degree temps last weekend but I went to see friends from the area and out-of-towners who came in to run. I was hoping to have enough in my legs to run with my friend Jess and to be able to finish with a smile on my face.

Jess & I in our neon yellow/pink outfits which we put together ~~as an excuse to buy~~ around the Pro Compression sock of the month!

Unfortunately, I screwed up on parking and missed seeing a lot of people pre-race but instead hustled to the start line in an very un-TTF like fashion. The start was crowded. They had 3 corrals but I’m not really sure who made the cut to get into those corrals. Jess and I were back with the masses and let me just say that it’s been a while since I’ve started a race without a corral and it’s just not fun. My apologies to all of you who do it each and every race. Wow, such a mess.

This half had around 14,000 people so not a big race by Chicago standards. The key to running these type of races is to either get out early, hit it hard and run away from the crowds, or settle in and just go with the flow. We were in the “go with the flow” mode as both of us were feeling less than perfect. I really only had one goal for this race and that was to hang close to Jess for as long as possible. I didn’t know if I would be able to with as bad as I felt but that was the goal. Have to have at least one goal, right?

I was super happy when we finally made our way out of Jackson Park and onto Lake Shore Drive (around mile 3.5) because I knew the road was wider and the crowds would thin a bit.

I snapped a few photos early on and ironically, someone snapped a photo of me in the process. I always like seeing what’s on the “other side” of the camera so here is an example. I’m attempting to take a photo of the lakefront while running. Derek, a fellow F’N runner (gold shirt), somehow managed to spot me in ~~my neon outfit~~ the crowd and simultaneously snapped a photo of me! Love this! Thank you, Derek!

The crowds did start to thin and I was temporarily distracted watching for my fast friends heading toward the finish as we cruised thru the miles. Jess and I were “together” but not really together. There wasn’t any chatter or cheering each other on, we were putting all of our energy into the run and both of us were struggling. I was trying to pay attention to where she was in an effort to try to keep ~~our neon outfits in the same zip code~~ a decent pace rather than just falling off to a walk. My legs were shot and that’s not being pessimistic, just fact. I was also trying to focus on the positive aspects of the weather: a nice breeze and cloud cover. However, the humidity started taking its toll early and I was hitting every aid station for drinking water PLUS dumping water on my head and chest. I was completely soaked by mile 5 or 6. And still hot. And still thirsty. I was also slightly alarmed by how badly the runners on the other side of “The Drive” looked. The runners who were fast and almost finished. They looked like death and not the smooth fast machines which I normally see at this race. That certainly was a call to me to pay attention to my hydration since I would be out there much longer than those fasties who were already headed toward the finish.

Once I hit the turnaround, I tried to briefly pick it up but that lasted all of a 1/2 mile before I wilted even further and just settled into whatever pace I could manage. I just kept focusing on the finish and kept myself moving with the mantra, “pump your arms and your legs will follow”. I said that over and over and over to myself between miles 9 and 12. Once I hit 12, I refocused on finding Jess so that we could run in together. Not sure that she cared but I wanted to be with ~~my neon run twin~~ her at the finish. I was chuckling internally as we cruised thru that last mile, weaving around person after person. Even the short 1/4 mile shoot to the finish was crowded and it was somewhat difficult to stay “together”. However, we did manage to finish together, side by side, and even had the exact same finish time so it was a successful mission in my book!

The completion of the 2013 Chicago Half in conjunction with my finish at the earlier 13.1 Chicago qualified me for the Windy City Challenge medal!

This is really a great race. Yes, it’s big. Yes, it’s crowded. However, the view of the lake, the city and being able to see the rest of the runners both in front and behind you, is really cool. The support from aid stations is incredible. The volunteers are lively, call out your name, encourage you, and have endless supplies of water & gatorade. Lots of potties too! Lots of medical support. Lots of spectators. Some on course entertainment. Pizza, beer & a band at the finish.

If you are into swag, the shirt was super cool this year. It was the ever popular Helium brand, gender specific in a bright orange color with the Chicago Half logo. Bonus – it actually fits & I’m wearing it right now. LOVE it and am dreaming of cooler temps where I can actually wear long sleeves for running!

See you next year!

** Run Chicago ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Zooma Chicago Half Marathon Race Review ……

Posted on August 12, 2013 by tootallfritz

The Zooma Women’s Series came to Chicago on Saturday for the inaugural event. Zooma Chicago offers both a Half Marathon and 10K run. It is a ladies race that is geared toward bringing women runners together with an entire fitness focused weekend.

The fun started with a small expo at the swanky Langrahm Hotel.

We were able to mix, mingle and shop with several vendors and I was excited to see a few of my all time favorites: Whooha Gear and the lovely Dimity and Sarah from Another Mother Runner. I “may” have purchased a few things. The new “Regret Nothing” tee from Whooha Gear and the “I Run Things” tee from Another Mother Runner. Both of these fit me to a “tee”. Smile

Zooma can easily claim the prize for the best swag bag in town. Our goodie bags included a navy women’s specific performance tech shirt with a cool logo, a beautiful water bottle ~~that Aby already stole for Cross Country~~, a yoga mat & cool reusable bag.

The race venue was at Montrose Harbor on Saturday morning. This is a massive area that is really hopping on the weekends. However, it was easy to spot the venue as it was close to Lake Shore Drive and not too far into the park. I was easily able to unite with my fellow Team Tough Chik members, the Chicago Running Bloggers and the Zooma Ambassadors and hit the start line on time.

Fellow Toughie – Margaret, Casey, Nicki & Myself:

Chicago Running Bloggers:

The race started right on time at 7:00am with both the Half Marathon and 10K runners starting together. The event was chip timed and the course was primarily on Chicago Park District property, thru various parks and on the Lakefront Path.

Without getting into my personal race ~~which was merely a race from one potty to the next~~ I’ll break the event down by Pros and Cons.

Pros

Ladies Only
Amazing SWAG Bag
Vendors who work to empower and encourage women of all shapes, sizes & skill levels
Free shuttles to/from host hotel
Small Race for first timers with 652 half marathon finishers & 311 finishers for the 10K
Large Venue that is easy to find
Lots of public parking if you get there early
Lots of people on the public park & lakefront paths so that you don’t feel “alone”
Lots of shade thru said parks

Aid stations with potties every 2-3 miles
Cocktails and a boxed lunch at the finish
Cool PR medals to all those running the distance for the first time or crushing a new PR
Lovely Finisher’s Pendant ~~that Aby already claimed as her own~~

Cons

Costly, early bird registration was $105 for the half
Packet pick up was at a downtown Chicago hotel so parking was an issue
Course was on heavily populated trails during prime usage time for marathon training & recreational use for local residents
Non Zooma participants weren’t excited to have us on location, and “may” have yelled obscenities at us
Course was confusing in spots without proper signage or race marshals for direction.
Half & 10K courses crossed at times creating more confusion
Boring – Felt like a training run with so much chaos and so many non race participants milling around
Most runners expected an out and back lakefront run with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and we only had one small section, which we ran 2x, that offered the beauty of the Chicago lakefront.

Overall, I liked everything about Zooma Chicago other than the actual 2013 course. I’m hoping they make a change for 2014 so that our ladies have a bit more direction and also space to run or walk as they please.

Note to those who use the Chicago Lakefront Path – Please respect one another. I’ve now on several occasions had the opportunity to personally witness certain users of the path yelling at, or being rude to others. It’s a public path. Share. Your activity is not MORE important than anyone else’s. In some instances, it’s absolutely impossible to “GET OUT OF THE WAY”. I’m sorry. I’d move if I could because I don’t want you to run me down. You are making us locals look bad and quite frankly you downright scared some of my Zooma friends. I’m embarrassed. Grow up and take your rage to a more appropriate venue, like the boxing ring.

** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Zooma Training Run at Running For Kicks & Discount Code

Posted on June 12, 2013 by tootallfritz

Monday night I attended a training run for the Zooma Women’s Race in Chicago on August 10th. The event took place at my favorite local running store in Palos, Running For Kicks! We had an amazing turnout of regulars who show up EVERY Monday night for the free 6pm run and then a mix of new people who were there specifically for the Zooma event. Photo below from Gail R.

We went out for a run with two options of either running the hills of Ishnala or the flat subdivision north of the store. I always head for the hills then realize that I’m 1) too slow for the main group, 2) don’t know the route, and 3) not used to running hills! However, I managed a little over 3 miles before heading back to the store ~~to use the washroom~~.

Upon our return from the run, Megan from Muscle Milk was on location with samples of several flavors of Muscle Milk & Cytomax. I was super excited to get ahold of a vanilla crème flavored Muscle Milk, that stuff tastes sooooo yummy!!! Probably too yummy. She also explained the benefits of Muscle Milk and talked with everyone about the importance of proper recovery after a run! Thanks, Megan!!

I’ll be searching out the vanilla latte flavored Muscle Milk Light next!

Then Liama (pronounced Lima) was on site to register everyone for the race! She offered a 10% discount and a special goodie bag to everyone who registered onsite! Super fun and nice goodies too! The onsite registration goodies included 1) a cool Zooma bag which is reusable! I want one!! 2) A Cytomax water bottle with powder drink mix samples. 3) A blue sparkly headband and 4) the new Zooma 2013 shirt. run. laugh. celebrate. I mean really, isn’t that why we do this? Running has brought me so much joy. So many friendships. And allowed me to celebrate my hard work. This shirt really sums up what running means to me. Photo below from Jenny G.

I’m so excited for this race!! I know it’s not cheap but I have high expectations and I really think Zooma will deliver us a one of a kind race experience that will leave us with great memories of the run, the celebration and most importantly of the laughter which brings us together.

If you weren’t able to attend this training run, then you can still use the 10% off discount code when you register for either the 10K or the half marathon. Go HERE and use the discount code: CHIAMB6

This registration will net you not only a great race but arguably one of the best goodie bags & after party in town. Join us. Race goodie bag below!

I hope to see you at Montrose Harbor on August 10th!! Please say hello if you see me!!

** Run. Laugh. Celebrate. ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

13.1 Marathon Chicago

Posted on June 10, 2013 by tootallfritz

This was the first year that 13.1 Chicago fit into my schedule. I’ve always wanted to run this race and ran the Miami Beach version in 2012 but this hometown race just never worked out until now.

My first impression was not a pleasant one. Packet pick-up was in Chicago, one location, limited pick-up times, high traffic area, no parking. I was one “hot” momma by the time I drove around Old Town for 40 minutes with my kiddos, tried to park in a garage that was full, then settled on parking illegally to run in ~~while also dragging my kids~~ and grab the packets for myself and my friends. Logistical nightmare for the non-Chicago runners. Fortunately, once inside the pick-up was organized and smooth and I was in and out before Chicago PD towed my car. The goodie bag was a virtual one to save on paper, but we had to physically pick up our bib & shirt. The shirt was a Helium brand, gender specific sizing which ran small. They also gave us a nylon backpack.

The race itself was at the South Shore Cultural Center on 71st Street on Chicago’s Southside. Parking was limited and the event offered and highly recommended the free shuttle service for all participants and spectators. Win!

Pre-race I met up with my fellow FNRC runners and a few Chicago Running Bloggers. There weren’t many bloggy friends this time around since this event is on the same day as the finish of Ragnar Chicago. From left: Emily (Out and About), Eric (This Hobbit Runs), Chris (My Kind of Run), and myself.

The race started at 7am on the dot, sending off the first of many corrals. Each corral was separated by about 30 seconds to help crowding on the course. I was in Corral C and probably should have been back one ~~or two~~ more since I’m not really race ready as of yet. I wasn’t at all crowded but certainly not running the same speed as my corral mates. My focus for this race was to be controlled the entire time, not go too fast and not die at the end. This was basically another training run for me. I want to be able to run well on tired legs. The 40 miles I biked on Friday morning pretty much delivered those tired legs and it was my job to run on them and prep for the Racine 70.3 next month.

I anticipated this course being very crowded because the entire race was on either the lakefront path or running/walking paths through Jackson Park. However, it really wasn’t bad. Possibly because I was toward the front. Possibly because I wasn’t trying for any speed record. Possibly because I was just happy to be there, to be running and enjoying the day. We had good temps which were in the mid 60s throughout the race. Then the course was shaded in many spots, thru the park and also on the lakefront path. The view of the city from the south was breathtaking and the out and back course provided distraction as I watched for my fast friends. I even had a surprise around mile 5 seeing another bloggy friend, Xaarlin (Pain is Nothing), who was kind enough to come spectate and take a few photos! The good part about seeing her on the way out was knowing that she was there on the way back so I was “ready” when she pulled out the camera. Smile

This is a good race. Great location which is also unique to the Chicago “racing” scene. Great scenery. On course entertainment. Aid stations spaced probably 1.5 miles apart which offered water and a sport drink. Lots of potties. Lots of smiling faces from volunteers, fast friends who are in front of you and heading toward the finish, fast friends who start behind you and then pass you (thanks, Eric!) and from those friends behind in the later corrals. Running to me is a social event. I don’t listen to music, I listen to what is going on around me. The more people I see on course, the better the race is for me. I LOVED 13.1 Chicago and loved high fiving my friends as we passed on the out and back!!

As a side note, the last 5K of a half marathon is always a drag. If I’m feeling good then this is the time to pick it up and make up some time ~~from dogging it in mile 8 & 9~~ but normally speaking, I just try not to slip too far ~~like I did at Sunburst~~ and destroy my finish. However this time, I did something different. In addition to wearing red, white & blue in honor of some of my F’N Running friends who were running Ragnar with the American “Sweat”hearts, I also went Ragnar style from mile 10-13 and counted my “kills”. Yep, this is how I stayed focused in an attempt to keep from falling off pace, I counted every person I passed from mile 10 til the finish. 26 people.

Consistent with 13.1 fashion, we finished on the beach. The after party was in full swing by the time I arrived and the pizza and beer was flowing freely. Now, that’s my kind of race: Running, Friends, Beach Party & Beer!

Photo with my ladies who run EVERYWHERE. You may remember seeing them in my race report last week from Sunburst in South Bend, IN. Yep, they ran 13.1 Chicago too! Myself, Carol, Nicole (who ran a 1:38 which was good for a new PR) & Heather.

More bloggy friends: Pete (The Lakefront Trail), Nina (Run Dance Love) & Myself

Then my F’N friends were kind enough to march out on the beach with me for a photo in front of the Chicago skyline! Melissa, Nichole Z, Ken, Nicole F, myself & Maggie.

Thumbs up for 13.1 Chicago! I’d definitely run it again if my schedule cooperated!

Reminder – Don’t forget to enter my charity raffle HERE!

** Run 13.1 Chicago ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Sunburst Races – Half Marathon (2013)

Posted on June 3, 2013 by tootallfritz

On Friday I realized that I wanted to run the Sunburst Half Marathon on Saturday morning. I wasn’t registered. I didn’t have a sitter. However, I was heading to my parents for the weekend so had family to help. I jokingly called this my “super secret race”, facebooking and tweeting the same. However, it had been on my radar for months, I just hadn’t registered. On Friday, the kids and I swooped into South Bend, IN just in time to register before the 8pm close of packet pickup/registration. Here I am after registering for my “secret” race.

I’ve ran Sunburst before so I knew that registration and packet pick up would take about 2 seconds. I also knew there wouldn’t be an “expo” to distract us from getting in and out of town quickly. I also knew that it would be easy to convince the kids to make the stop because the South Bend Chocolate Company has a café downtown with amazing ice cream. I could probably get my kids to run to the moon and back for ice cream. No joke. I use this to my advantage all the time. Sometimes daily. It’s an amazing tool for ~~manipulation~~ motivation. So in 20 minutes I was registered, received a cool women’s size tech shirt which actually fit me, and the kids had ice cream to go. BAM! Back in the car to finish the trip to Grammie’s!

Race day for Sunburst starts at 6am with the full marathon, followed by the 5K run at 7:15am, the half at 7:30am, the 10K at 7:45am and a 5K Fitness Walk at 9am. Something for the entire family. Seriously. Try something! Last time I ran (2011), I wanted to be sure to get into town before the marathoners started for fear of road closures & parking issues. Not necessary. South Bend is a small town. Hospitable. Loads of FREE parking. No stress. This time, I rolled into town easily at 6:45 for the 7:30 am start of the half. The biggest snafu, if I can even call it one was waiting in line for the inside bathrooms at the Football Hall of Fame. Took about 10 minutes. Of course, AFTER the race I did see a row of port-o-potties outside the venue but I failed to notice those pre-race. No big deal. There is nothing to do pre-race anyhow and parking is only a couple of blocks from the start. I even went back to my car to grab some extra anti-chafe when I realized it might not pour rain on us the entire event like I had previously thought. I did spot a few friends pre-race but was so focused on retrieving my anti-chafe that I failed to grab a photo. Major fail in my opinion but I decided to steal their photo off Facebook and Photoshop myself in …… oh wait, I can’t Photoshop! So here is Courtney & Kris getting ready to rock out their second half TOGETHER! Loved seeing these ladies on the course!!

The start came fast and was flawless. On time. It looked like rain but it wasn’t raining. It was 70ish with 88% humidity at the start. A little sticky for me.

I started slow. I remembered the course so knew I had some hills to run and a lot of residential neighborhood’s to face, plus twists, turns, ups & downs. As random as this course seems while running it, I like it. What I like is that it’s shaded in A LOT of spots! Plus we get a few miles along the river which is refreshing.

When I ran in 2011, they had to shut the race down due to heat. I personally was able to finish before the red flag but I remember it being so hot that I ran 5-6 miles, then had to start run/walking for self preservation. It was hot as heck but I remember the shady areas, the kind volunteers and the residents who brought their sprinklers and water hoses to the streets to help keep us cool. My memories did not disappoint me, it was just as nice this time around and I enjoyed the race despite the warm temps and humidity.

I was smarter this year and started dumping water on myself at the first aid station. Although the sun wasn’t out yet, I was warm. I just kept steady and focused on running. The sun then came out around the half way point (yikes!!). To be honest, I’m not in good enough shape to run fast but I did well enough until the last 3ish miles. I didn’t feel bad during those miles but had plugged into my iPod in the 9th mile and I totally fell off pace. Like by 2 minutes per mile. I have to be the ONLY person in the world who can’t run with music. I just can’t focus. I must have been dancing down the streets instead of running because I was totally surprised that I wasn’t going to be even close to the 2 hour mark. LOL! Lesson learned, leave the earbuds at home! I did finish just a few seconds under 2:05 and I’m actually happy with that. I didn’t push. I didn’t stress. I just kept moving. As a side note, this was exactly one year after I tore the tendon in my right foot. The entire race was a bit of a celebration for me. I wanted to be there. I wanted to run. I wanted to celebrate how hard we (Dr Alexis & I) had worked for the last year to get my foot back in the game. And I had no pain. Win!

I ran to the finish in the Notre Dame stadium just ahead of my friends who started the FULL Marathon 1.5 hours before me! LOL! So I got to celebrate with them for a few minutes before I hopped the bus back to the start area. I saw some F’N Runners too! First Mary. Then Keith. Then Nicole F & company!

Me, Nicole F, Carol K, Heather Z & Suzanne S

These ladies in the photo above (and Keith too!) are EVERYWHERE. I’m pretty sure if I ran in Alaska, they’d be standing at the finish with me. LOVE THAT! Thanks for always making me feel like I have a friend in town, even if I travel to the event solo!

The Sunburst Races are nice. Many who race Sunburst live and die for the finish on the Notre Dame Football field. It’s cool but not being a football fan, I’d be happy to finish anywhere, just let me stop running NOW!!! The events are very organized. Lots of aid stations. Lots of port-o-potties. Lots of friendly volunteers. I saw GU on the half course one time. I saw wet sponges one time. Small event (490 finishers for the full, 1377 for the half, 1162 for the 10K, & 3271 for the 5K). Great support from the town. I never felt unwelcome or had issues with cars being angry about waiting for us to pass. However, there are lots of twists and turns in the course, a few not so nice hills and I’ve heard the full is rough. To be honest, I haven’t heard any good things about the full course and lots of negativity. I haven’t ran the full so I will reserve judgment but do know that if you pick a small town marathon with low registration numbers that it’s going to be hard. Very hard. You’ll be running a lot of solo miles and you’ll need to dig deep to pull out a finish. I know that’s easier for some than others, which is why I like the distraction of big races for that distance, but I wanted to point it out. Be prepared if you want to try the full.

Great race! See you in South Bend next year!!!

** Run South Bend ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Zooma Chicago Ambassadorship & Discount Code!!

Posted on March 21, 2013 by tootallfritz

I could spend a bit to time today ~~bitching~~ complaining about the weather but I think we all feel the same way. I’m cold. You’re cold. BRING ON SPRING!! Let the crocus bloom!!

I had a very bitter start last night to my Jelly Bean Virtual Race Series as I was bundled up from head to toe and couldn’t help but reminisce about the start of last year’s series when I ran in a tank top. I know last year was unseasonably warm in March but I’m looking for a slight warm up!

                              Jelly Bean Virtual Race Start

                               2012                                        2013

But that’s right, I’m not complaining so let’s move on to something fun!!

I was recently selected as an Ambassador for the Zooma Women’s Race Series event in Chicago! Last year the Midwest event was located in Wisconsin and I “may” or may not have been green with envy as all my friends traveled up north for the race. However, this year, they moved the Midwest event to Chicago so I’m IN!!! I get to race and I was lucky enough to be accepted as one of their 2013 ambassadors.

Zooma is a ladies event and they offer a Half Marathon and 10K distance along the north shore of Chicago at Montrose Harbor. I always love running up at Montrose and I’m excited to go back for the Zooma Chicago race on August 10th!! Although I will, no doubt, be begging for the return of cold weather by August, I’m currently in love with the idea of basking in the sun with my friends at this amazing event. There are so many great offerings for Zooma that I’m going to bring the description directly from the website so that I don’t miss anything!

Zooma Chicago promises:

Entry into an unforgettable, professionally-managed and timed half marathon or 10K race
Access to a full weekend of yoga, sponsored cocktail hour, and a Fitness Expo
ZOOMA Signature Swag Bag, including a cute tech tee, yoga mat, reusable bag, and stainless steel water bottle (over $50 value)
Water and Cytomax Sports Performance drink on the course
Water, Cytomax Sports Performance drink, Muscle Milk Light and food at the finish line
GU Energy Gel station along the course
Wine from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly at the After-Party Expo
Necklace designed exclusively by Satya Jewelry for ZOOMA for all finishers
Post-race massage, shopping and live music at the ZOOMA After-Party Expo

I’ll be honest, this race isn’t cheap. It’s pricy. It’s women only. It’s the only race my friends and I signed up for the first day it was available. We are in. We were in before I was accepted as an ambassador. We are in for the fun, the friendship, the camaraderie, the necklace, the bubbly, the post-race massage. We are ALL in. We won’t be missing a thing. In fact, I “booked” my ~~mom~~ babysitter for the weekend over a month ago. I’m super excited!!

If you want to join the fun at Zooma Chicago on August 10th, here is a 10% discount code that you are welcome to use and share with your friends. Discount/Promo code is: CHIAMB6

The half marathon is currently $105 and the 10K is $75. You can register HERE. And if you want to get really crazy and take full advantage of this girls “fit weekend”, including the FRI night activities, then go ahead and book a room at the host hotel, Landgam Chicago. I’ll be there with my girls and we will be ~~having a blast without our lil ones~~ relaxing.

If you are feeling lucky, Zooma is giving away an entire weekend package for two, plus many other goodies in the Zooma 2013 Run the CHI-TOWN Sweepstakes. Please enter HERE to win and tell all your girlfriends to do the same! Good luck to you!!

ZOOMA-CHI13-sweeps-header

Hope to see you at Montrose Harbor on August 10th!

** Run. Laugh. Celebrate. ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

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

Suggestion Box….

Posted on April 24, 2012 by tootallfritz

I want to send a huge THANK YOU out to everyone who commented yesterday and gave suggestions, advice & encouragement as to my race strategy for the Palos Half.

The tips are much appreciated and I have already implemented a few by going out and running relatively hard this morning. Once I warmed up, I tried to focus on getting good/fast foot turnover to try to increase my speed. I only ran 4 miles but it was ~~pitch black~~ dark without any star and/or moon support at 4am. It was also 31 degrees so it took me a bit to get warmed up and stop thinking about the weather. I believe my splits were: 8:25, 8:21, 8:23 & 7:53. I was aiming more toward low 8s but I was running by feel since it was dark, using my KnuckleLights, and I was honestly more focused on what was happening around me in the dark than my pace. Technically, I just wanted to attempt running fast in the dark ~~down the middle of the road where it is flat and not sloped~~. Overall, I was pleased, particularly with the last mile but don’t we all run that last mile hard back into our ~~safety zone~~ driveway? My normal early morning, run in the dark, pace is 9:28-9:30 so this was definitely a successful run. Yes, the foundation has been laid. The miles have been ran. The work has been done. All of you know the drill and had wonderful advice. Please know that if I finally get my 1:50, all of you can own it too with your many words of wisdom and constant encouragement!

Do you have any training or race questions? If so, let me know and we will get a suggestion box going for you!

Thanks Again & Happy Running, Amanda – TooTallFritz

Hard Work Hangs In The Balance….

Posted on April 23, 2012 by tootallfritz

I was looking for something motivational today but I guess that really wasn’t what I was seeking. I was actually looking for something to express my ~~fears~~ concerns over the upcoming race ~~which I wish were this Sunday instead of next~~. As I’ve mentioned before I have been chasing a 1:50 half marathon for quite some time. I have a knack for selecting races, or allowing races to select me, that bring horrid weather conditions on race day. I refuse to die in order to chase the 1:50 ~~or a decent marathon time for that fact~~, so I will do whatever it takes to merely cross the finish line because I’m in it for fun & fitness first and foremost and I fully understand that my finish time is not always going to be a good indication of my fitness ~~even if it is a good indication of the amount of “fun” I had out on the course~~.

This year my race schedule took a few unexpected turns and my half marathon schedule has been cut in half. Since I only have a few of those races, I really feel as if the pressure is “on”. It’s now or I wait until September, if not in September, then not until 2013 and another year of age/pounding miles on the body. So I’m looking to run strong, really strong in Palos but, of course, I’m scared shitless that I’ll come up short again. My feelings are below. I’m sure the style of the writing doesn’t fit the rules of a “poem” so I hesitate to call it such but this is certainly a TTF version of a “poem”. 🙂

Hard work hangs in the balance, Depending on factors unknown. Rain, Sleet, Snow or Horrid Heat, Can my pace compete?

Looking toward the same goal, Can really take its toll. Is this the race; Where I can finally hold the pace?

Hard work hangs in the balance, Depending on factors unknown. Rain, Sleet, Snow or Horrid Heat, Please let this goal become complete.

I know I can accomplish this goal under decent conditions. I definitely believe in it.

I also have the ability and I am confident in the foundation that I have laid. Now I just have to get though one more week of moderate workouts, then next week will be very low-key so that I am fresh and fast on race day. I normally don’t taper for a half but I will hit the start line as fresh as possible. I may even take my iPod for the final 5K push……just wish I had some wireless earbuds! The wire issue is the biggest reason why I avoid music. The wires are not worth any added benefit the music might bring since I have lots of tangles and time lost trying to get the earbuds in place midrace.

Note to self: Race 10 miles, then “hang on” for the final 5K. Break the race into 2 distinct segments in order to manage it mentally. I know I can nail 10 miles fast. Now just figure out how to race the final 5K.

Any motivational tips on how to keep pushing toward a race goal? Do you race with music? I normally don’t as it distracts me and I can’t focus on the “push” but I expect I may be out of “push” by mile 10 because that’s where I normally top out on speed. Thoughts?

Happy Racing, Amanda – TooTallFritz

TooTallFritz

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

Tag Archives: Half Marathon

Women Rock Chicago Half Marathon

Chicago Half Marathon – 2013

Zooma Chicago Half Marathon Race Review ……

Zooma Training Run at Running For Kicks & Discount Code

13.1 Marathon Chicago

Sunburst Races – Half Marathon (2013)

Race Photos……F’N Running Club

Suggestion Box….

Hard Work Hangs In The Balance….

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