Still Living Off the High…..

Posted on February 8, 2013 by tootallfritz

Some people like coffee, some people like energy drinks, some people jump out of bed and are ready to tackle the world without so much as a blink of an eye. What type of person are you?

Source:

Michael and I sleep in toasters and well …….Mick and Aby look more like Garfield above, which means they do what, sleep in a roasting oven? I think they could sleep/stay in bed until Michael or I quite literally pulled them out of their warm oven. Pre-Michael, their slow wake up habits were a huge benefit to my fitness. I could get up, dress, leave, run 20 miles and come home in time to make them breakfast. Upon my return, they would still be 1) sleeping or 2) “possibly” out of bed but in front of the tv/computer looking like two disheveled zombies. They never once looked at me like “where have you been” when I walked thru the door after a 20 miler cuz it wouldn’t occur to them to care as long as breakfast was soon forthcoming. Those were the easy days. Early morning runs. Early morning workouts, both during the week and on weekends. Yes, I would absolutely hop out of bed at 3:30 am to run 8 miles before Mick would leave for work at 5:15 am. It was easy that way and the bottom line is if you wanna run a marathon, it helps to long some miles. I just wanted to run (and still do!).

Now we have another person in the house who sleeps ready to pop out of that toaster at any given moment. This mom’s workout routine has been all jacked up for the last 2 years. This would be the point in time when the lil booger learned to climb out of his damn crib. My morning workouts are now sporadic because my lil man pops out of bed as soon as he hears me move. I honestly think he can subconsciously feel my heart beat and as soon as the BPMs go up, he knows its time to rise & shine. We go in spurts where I’ll get in some decent morning sessions, then we will go for a long time where he wakes up each and every morning before I’m even out of bed or dressed. Then I’ll have a period where I totally give up the early sessions because I get tired. Yes, tired. As in tired of fighting my lil man! I’ve been on that “tired” phase for a while. It’s not very convenient either cuz my workouts then have to be squished into my real life. This week was a bit hectic with 3 volleyball games, doc appts, major school projects and well, I never did squish in my tempo session yesterday. So the tempo fell to this morning. It was the only option. It was this morning or it would be skipped like last week. So how to deal with Mr. Micheal? Threats. Bribes. Begging. I told him if he got up this morn and heard the treadmill running to NOT come downstairs. No matter what. I threatened encouraged him to instead go get in bed with “sissy” and I’d come get him as soon as I was finished. Apparently he got up while I was plugged into the Walking Dead. Went to the top of the stairs. Screamed for me. Then screamed that he was going to get in sissy’s bed. Total win cuz God will never give me more than I can handle and apparently He also doesn’t want me to die running a marathon due to ill preparation. Thank you, Michael. Thank you, God.

What I realized after my tempo session this morn? Wow, do I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my morning workouts. I’ve been happy all day. Excited about life. Not dreading work. At peace. Traffic was GOOD this morning! It’s mid afternoon and I’m still living off the high. Thank you, Michael. Thank you, God. Thank you, Walking Dead for helping me nail that tempo session. Thank you, Run Less Run Faster for the training plan that pushes my limits while still letting me manage my life.

Last thing, I’m starting to realize that I can nail this marathon plan. I’m starting to believe that it just might be possible. I’m starting to believe that I’m copping out on my speed sessions and I can probably really do them if I just suck it up have the right thing on Netflix. If I can run the tempo session, I can run the speed session. I have the ability. I have the speed. I can do it. It will come together.

“If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it, even if I may not have it at the beginning.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Snow, Snow & More Snow….

Posted on February 4, 2013 by tootallfritz

We knew going into the weekend that there was a possibility of snow and I think we were all ramping up mentally to get our miles in regardless of the weather. For me, I ended up with another split run with 9 miles inside on the treadmill and 9 miles outside in the snow. Due to the family’s current schedule, this will probably be how the majority of my long runs will occur as I train for the Lansing Marathon. It’s different but not necessarily bad. My main complaint not that I have any REAL reason to complain is that it takes so much more time. Normally while marathon training, I would be on the trail by 4:30 or 5 am and even a 20 miler would be over before Mick and Aby most people even have breakfast. Now it seems like it sucks up the majority of the day b/c I’m not just knocking the miles out but also doing other things during and between the indoor/outdoor sessions. Its okay, just different.

Treadmill “Run”Way Fashion – Tough Chik Toughie Half Zip which is super light and my new favorite shirt for bumming around the house. It didn’t even make it on the treadmill cuz I didn’t want to get it “dirty”. I actually ran in the Blood, Sweat, Sparkle shirt I picked up on sale from Team Sparkle. I didn’t love this tank. It was a “little” short on me and it didn’t fully cover my bra, plus was just too narrow up top for me. I think it’s going to Aby’s closet. Then the BIG thing, I tried the Redemption Shorts from Skirt Sports. I have been wanting at least one pair of shorts, particularly now that I’m running on the treadmill more. I don’t always feel like wearing compression shorts and I don’t necessarily want to overdress wear a skirt in my dining room “gym” so when I saw that Skirt Sports dropped a line of shorts, I jumped on board to try them out.

First, that’s obviously not my bum (below). I wasn’t that cute and shapely before children and well, things haven’t “improved” since. But I did like how the shorts fit on me (size medium – I wear an 8-10 in pants) and I was even satisfied with how they looked. When I initially got them, I ran around the dining room & kitchen (yes, we make laps thru the house on a frequent basis) and I was like “NO way”. I didn’t think they would work out. They rode up between my thighs. They were shorts, they “felt” like shorts and well, I don’t like shorts. However, I gave them a run on the treadmill. A decent run, 9 miles. And I didn’t hate them.

Once I warmed up, they stayed in place pretty well. I did still have to use the Mission Athletecare Anti-Chafe but overall, they were okay. I really liked how the spankies didn’t move. I didn’t have to adjust them. I just felt good with the way they “sat”. I did have to adjust the legs of the shorts a few times due the chub rub issue but overall, it was minimal and I didn’t have any real chafing. A little redness on the chub but not the normal “burn” that I remember from shorts. So I now own 2 pair of shorts, the multicolored ones I wore above, and the blue pair that the Skirts Sports model is so fabulously showing off. Not sure you’ll see me wearing them on the trail but maybe once I get used to them a bit. If you are a skirt wearer and hesitant to give them a try, my advice would be to try them. One pair. They aren’t cheap at $50 but I do think they are a good quality and the material is light and airy and won’t result in your having a wad of material squished up above the chub. I’m not sure you will love them but I also don’t think you will hate them. I personally won’t convert FROM the skirt but I like my options and these are super cute, which adds bonus points in my world.

The 9 miles on the treadmill in my Redemption Shorts were accompanied by the documentary, “My Run”. I ran for an hour and twenty five minutes at 6.4 mph (9:22) pace. It was a long time on the treadmill but the movie was a difference maker. If you have to run on the dreadmill and have the option of plugging into a Netflix ready device, it will change the game for you. I promise. The dreadmill and I are not friends. We are however, slowly learning to tolerate one another.

I was very anxious to take the last 9 miles outside, even though by the time I got out there it was blowing and snowing pretty good. The actual temp was 18 and the “feels like” temp was 5. It was cold. I struggled thru the snow. I struggled with the cold. My feet hurt. I was slower than slow. I contemplated going back home to the dreadmill. But I really loved the views.

Then Sunday was for fun. I got to go run with friends, as a light snow was falling. It totally made my day. 4.5 miles of running bliss.

Me, Susan & Nicole on the trail!

How were your weekend miles? Did you get out to play in the snow or stay in on the treadmill?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

How Bad Do We Want It?

Posted on February 1, 2013 by tootallfritz

I know all of you have been stalking the weather report trying to figure out when you will squeeze in your weekend long run. I admit, I too have taken a peak at the weekend forecast.

What’s even worse is that technology now tells us what the temp is really going to feel like on an hour by hour basis. So log onto AccuWeather and take a look for yourself.

According to this ever so accurate chart, tomorrow mid-morning to early afternoon is the best window. SOLD! I’ll take it.

Honestly, that was my only option so I’m not even sure why I looked. So I’ll be slugging out my miles tomorrow around 11am. What are you going to do? As I see it, if you are training for a spring race, there aren’t many options:

Run outside in the elements;
Run inside on the dreadmill;
Run on an indoor track if you have access to one; or,
Skip your long run.

So it comes down to how bad to you want it? How bad to I want it? How bad do WE want to get to our spring races and do the best we can possibly do on that given day?

You have choices. There is always a choice. You may not like the options but there are always choices. I hope that you choose to get outside this weekend and run your miles.

I’ll see you on the trail!

** Make It Happen ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Your Pace or Mine?

Posted on January 31, 2013 by tootallfritz

It’s hard not to get all caught up in the numbers. How fast? How far? How many? How much? We let the numbers rule our life. We do live in a society where numbers and time play a crucial role.

However, what a particular number means for one will most definitely mean something entirely different to another. I see this all the time, one person unhappy with a time, or pace, that someone else would love to call their own. Another who is running a race that’s “only a 5K” while someone standing beside them has trained for months on the C25K program and is terrified of the distance.

Numbers are relative to the individual.

I encourage you, every once in awhile, to let go of the numbers. Maybe even leave your watch at home. Run “naked” (without technology) for the pure joy of it. Maybe pace a friend to a new PR, or spend time chatting everyone up at a group run rather than just racing ahead to nail a tempo or training run. I think you’ll find that spending a little time unplugged, running for the fun of it, or possibly helping out a friend will be just as rewarding as nailing your own run/race.

There is a time and pace for everyone. We may differ in our abilities but the smile we have when we accomplish a new goal or cross the finish line is the same. We are runners. Run united, if only for a little bit cuz sometimes, pace really doesn’t matter.

** Don’t Let the Numbers Ruin YOUR Day ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Feeling Sluggish….

Posted on January 30, 2013 by tootallfritz

Anyone feeling sluggish as of late? I feel sluggish, slow, and unmotivated. I’m going thru the motions of training but am lacking the fire that usually pushes me to do my best. I don’t want to do my best. I don’t want to do anything. Oh yeah, I want to do ONE thing ……. EAT! While I normally eat a lot of this:

Right now, I only want to eat this:

Please add frosting to those brownies too! Hmmm…. I wonder why I feel sluggish and slow? No clue. Oh yeah, and its cold out so when I have my lunchtime salad, I sometimes add this (Cream of Chicken Florentine is my current fav):

With all this extra food, I can’t afford to miss a damn workout. In fact, I’m pretty sure I should be hitting it 2x a day! So yesterday when I went home and felt like crap I wanted to skip my bike session, I dug deep, told myself that even Wonder Woman has an off month day. So while I’ll probably never have a cool blue tint to my hair like Wonder Woman, I did manage to suck it up and kick myself in the ass to pull out a cross training workout. The stupid marathon plan called for a bike workout. And really, who doesn’t want to put in a few miles while watching Bob The Builder?

Then the Dr. Alexis plan called for wall sits, and toe/heel walks. Michael wanted to redeem himself over last week’s photo so I let him give it a shot. He actually did pretty well and got most of me in the photo. Once I did a little “sharpening” to clear some of the blur, it came out pretty good!

Bottom line, if you are feeling a little sluggish and unmotivated, look at what your putting in your mouth. If you eat crap, you’ll feel like crap and that perpetuates a cycle of laziness due to lack of energy. So I’m once again, sucking it up on the food front and plan to drop a “few of those extra calories”. Then hopefully I’ll start feeling a little more dedicated to my marathon plan. Hopefully. I know what to eat and I do well most of the time but once I fall off that wagon, its a long drop back to reality.

Is the cold putting you in a funk too? While I like running when its cooler, I have a harder time saying no to the comfort foods which totally stick to my ass me. I will do better.

** Saying NO to the Comfort Foods ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

15 Miles …. in the Snow

Posted on January 28, 2013 by tootallfritz

Week 13 of Lansing Marathon training closed out with a 15 miler. Actually, if we are going to be honest, it should have been 17 miles but I knew I was by no means ready for that so I improvised! As with all things in life, sometimes its more important to ~~cover your ass~~ improvise than it is to actually follow directions. The last three weeks have been slow due to Ragnar recovery, the flu and my bum foot. 15 miles was plenty.

As it is, my weekends tend to bear the brunt of any training and life schedule so by the time the weekend hits, I’m trying to make up for whatever I couldn’t fit into the normal work week. This week was no different, Friday night I hit the treadmill for a short speedier run, then did some core/strengthening work that the doc ordered. I was also trying to break in a new pair of Brooks Ravenna 3s that showed up on my door step last week.

Then Saturday was long run day; however, hubby had to work in the morning so the run was broken up into 3 segments. 5 miles on the treadmill ~~while screaming at the kiddos~~ at the designated training pace (9:15ish). Then hubby arrived home, I dried off and changed clothes to immediately head outside. I had 5 miles on deck with a buddy, we were close to my training pace of 9:15 but I was starting to die out cuz I apparently wasn’t fueled properly so lagged the last mile. I returned to my car to refuel only to realize I didn’t have any of my normal fuel, the AdvoCare Rehydrate Gel. I dug into my bag of tricks to find an alternate fueling option, then took off on my own for the last 5. By this time, I pretty much felt like crap. The 5 on the treadmill felt okay but I could tell I was dragging a little cuz it certainly wasn’t as easy as last week, the middle 5 felt tough on the snow covered path. Not a lot of snow but enough to screw up my already damaged foot strike.

And well, let’s just not talk about the last 5 or the fact that the alternate fueling option caused digestive distress which resulted in my having to abandon the trail in search for a bathroom. By the time I returned to my car, everything hurt including my pride. However, nothing could take away the fact that I still covered 15 miles, in the dead of winter, when I would have rather been huddled on the couch ~~drinking beer~~ cuddling my babies.

So it may not have been a marathon training win but it was still in the done column.

“Run”Way Fashion for a snowy day with temps in the low 20s: Athleta Reflective Relay Tights (in Tall), Under Armour Mock compression base layer, Brooks Infiniti Hybrid Windshirt (on sale for $62), regular socks with Brooks Ravenna 3s, lightweight Manzella Sprint Gloves & Athleta Base Miles headband.

As the temps decrease and the wind picks up, then I add more layers (pants over tights and tech shirts over base layer, possibly tall compression socks, hat in addition to headband) but this type of gear will get your thru most cold winter runs. Winter isn’t the time to skimp on good gear. You don’t need a lot, just a few key pieces, then wash them by hand & hang to dry for tomorrow!

Happy running, regardless of the mileage, don’t be afraid to get out and hit the trail even when the conditions aren’t perfect. Just take it easy so you don’t slip and if its icy instead of snowy, hit the streets or stay inside. Don’t mess with the ice or you’ll regret it ~~for months~~.

** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

How To Choose The Right Marathon……

Posted on January 19, 2013 by tootallfritz

You’ve decided to run a marathon but you’re just not sure how to pick the right one? Well, if you have plenty of time, plenty of money and kids don’t affect your decision, the options are endless. You can literally go ANYWHERE and run a marathon. However most of us just go where our friends go. If you are part of a local run club or you have a training partner, ask them …… oh wait, you probably won’t have to ask, they will tell you! If you sign up for the race they are running then you can train together. Slugging out long miles with a friend will keep you on the plan and accountable! Win, win!

If it’s just not that easy, then here are a few tips:

Look at the family calendar and the schedules of your kiddos. Most schools schedule the same major events for the same weekend every year. This makes trying to plan your life a little bit easier. If you want to run a spring marathon and your 11 year old daughter (okay mine!) runs track & field, then avoid picking a Saturday marathon because you won’t be running but instead sitting in the bleachers on the track watching the conference track meet while all your friends are running the Illinois Marathon. So figure out the time frame of when you want to run, and if you have a SAT/SUN preference.
Is $$$ an issue? If money is an issue, then try to avoid the big races: World Marathon Majors (Chicago, New York, Boston, Berlin, London and the newly added Tokyo), big city marathons that have to shut down the entire city using half of their emergency & police personnel to support the race and also races with a popular name with a series of races in just about every city. Remember a big name race that offers bands at every corner has to pay for that and they will pass the cost to you. If you want to go cheap, go small.
Boston Qualifier – I know that Boston is all the rage and a major accomplishment but if you want the elusive BQ, then think about the race you pick seriously. Sometimes smaller is better for these things. The fewer people in a race, the fewer people to maneuver around, the fewer people at aid stations and just possibly fewer distractions. You can still BQ at a big race too but check to see if there is a corral system to get you into a good position at the start to avoid a lot of traffic.
Spectator Support – What kind of marathon experience do you want? Do you want a million people throughout the course cheering for you? Or would you just like to run your 26.2 in peace, look at the scenery and concentrate on the task at hand? There is a different answer for everyone and you probably are already drawn to one or the other.
Who’s going to watch the kids? If you have to take the kiddos to Grandma’s before you run, then pick a race by Grandma’s house. I do this ALL the time. I actually check with my mother before I register for a big race. I make sure she is available, interested and willing to either watch my Monster Man or drag him & Aby to the race to be my cheer section. I don’t really need anything other than for her to manage my little “angels” but usually give her a couple of options of how it can happen. I want her to have the best experience possible since she is doing me a huge favor so I get her involved in the planning process. Thanks, Mom! I love you and REALLY appreciate your being my #1 supporter!
Travel Plans – We all browse the list of the best and most beautiful races via various websites and magazines but do you want to travel for a race or not? A destination race, particularly for a marathon, requires a bit of planning. If it’s something you are seriously considering, look at the local weather for the time frame in question, think about the foods in the area and how they will fuel you for the race and think about how you want to spend your time. If you get there early to acclimate to the area for the race, then be careful with the pre-race foods since you will most likely be eating out more than normal. If you want to stay after the race, then consider how you “might” feel after a marathon and keep the post race planning to a minimum. Also, pick an area that has decent medical care in case, heaven forbid, you need medial assistance before, during or after the race. Be smart.
Once you’ve thought about some of the above, have a time frame in mind then start doing some research. One of my favorite websites is MarathonGuide. This website has a very thorough calendar for both US and International races, has runner reviews of each race, registration & event details, results, advice, and news on major races around the world. Great resource!

Now that you have figured out where YOU want to race, go ahead and try to recruit all your friends cuz we all know that the more people you know in a race, the better the experience. The more the merrier, right?

Good luck! Let me know which race you pick and if you still can’t decided, then feel free to come to the Lansing Marathon and run with me on April 21st! Yes, the $10 off code: CHICAGO10 is still valid. Register HERE.

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

2013 …. What Lies Ahead

Posted on January 10, 2013 by tootallfritz

Since it’s been all Ragnar for quite some time, I thought I would take a break ~~just for now~~ and instead pin down a few 2013 goals. Better late than never, right?

I have a few general goals that I will focus on for the entire year. And remember, I roll with the K.I.S.S. principle. Nothing too complicated, just simple but challenging goals.

Run 1000 miles – Although this seems like a no brainer, things happen, life happens and I don’t want to neglect my life in order to rack up run miles. 1000 miles is challenging, coming in at just under 20 miles a week, but also reasonable if I remain ~~uninjured~~ on the fitness wagon.
Bike 2000 miles – Now this one may seem a little “Coo-Coo” but I biked almost 1000 miles this year and let’s just say that I didn’t give it a full effort. I want to log miles every week of the year from here on out ~~regardless of if TRI season is in session~~.
Swim – Okay, I’m not ready to step in the pool yet…..still in denial here.
Strength Train & Stretch – 2x per week. This will be the first to be dropped. I’m already worried about my schedule. But this is the “goal”. It won’t happen if it doesn’t even make the list, right?
Drink 2 liters of water daily.
Consume 5-7 servings of fruits & veggies daily.
Be happy and have a positive attitude!

After the “general” goals, I then broke my training and race schedule into three parts: Spring, Summer, Fall. Each session having one goal race. One focus. Everything else will be for fun or quite possibly just not exist. I’ve come to realize that with Aby in 3 sports per year, plus a toddler at home, our time is no longer our own. I want Aby to be successful. I want to support her in every way, which includes being at every race/game. I’m not willing to sacrifice being her biggest supporter in order to once again, “log miles”. For me, that means less racing, fewer “fun” miles, more focus oriented training.

Between each session, I will rest and recover. For example, this week, I’m doing ~~nothing~~ resting and focusing on non-impact activities to freshen up from Ragnar. The bottom line is that “most” of us can’t just keep going without some downtime or we will get hurt or burnt out. I know that there is an exception to every rule, ~~Susan M~~, but most of us mere mortals need to rest. I also find that as I get “older”, I have to be smarter about recovery. Maybe because I’ve been doing this for most of my life? ~~Yes, that’s a “reality bites” admission.~~ Maybe because I’m not a ~~sprinter~~ youngin’ anymore? I now focus on training smarter, not harder and utilize tools like Post Workout Recovery, ice baths and massage sticks to just be able to ~~walk~~ recover for the next workout.

Spring Session – Goal Race – Lansing Marathon – April 21, 2013

If you haven’t heard that I’m running the Lansing Marathon, then this is the first time you’ve stumbled on this blog cuz I’ve talked about it, given away a prize pack and basically tried to recruit everyone, and anyone, who runs to join me. Don’t feel bad if I haven’t hit you up YET cuz I’ll get you eventually. 🙂 If you would like to join me in Lansing for the full, half, marathon relay or 5K, please feel free to use the $10 off discount code CHICAGO10 and click HERE to register. You know a girl doesn’t like to run alone and I certainly hope to see YOU there!

Summer Session – Goal Race – Ironman 70.3 Racine – July 21, 2013

My TRI season last year didn’t go well. Ironman 70.3 Muncie was shorted due to the ridiculous heat (my report HERE) plus a tendon in my foot was torn so I couldn’t run, or finish. I went with the intention to DNF. I succeeded in acquiring my first DNF but it was not my favorite venue. My second, and final, 70.3 of the year was going to be the Great Illini Challenge (my report HERE) but that race was called off due to the ~~possibility~~ probability of severe weather. Completed triathlons in 2012 = Zero. This year will be better.

Fall Session – Goal Race – TBD

I know many have their entire year planned but I’m keeping the fall schedule open. This tends to be my fastest time of year. I love the weather, I love the speed that my base mileage brings, I love to race. However, the prior two sessions will dictate what Fall of 2013 will bring. I’ve tossed around adding in another marathon but I need to see how my health is and how I am sitting mentally. I may just ~~sit on the couch and snuggle my baby~~ run a half and some shorter races to take advantage of the speed. Plus, if I’ve nailed some of my previous goal races, I’ll be cycling down rather than up. Only time will tell. I love a good mystery!!

Have you solidified a couple goals for 2013? Do you have the entire year planned or are you okay with a couple question marks?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Ragnar Florida Keys…..Thru My Eyes

Posted on January 8, 2013 by tootallfritz

2013 Ragnar – Florida Keys – Part II

When I signed on to join a 12 person team for the Ragnar Florida Keys race, I knew that I was signing on for a “train wreck”, so to speak. I knew that everyone was expecting fun, fun, fun but I also knew that a different type of “fun” would be the reality. If you aren’t a person who can kinda “roll with the punches” then this may not be an event for you. The team members and the personalities of the team can either make or break the event. A good group of team members will get you to the finish as smoothly as possible. A bad group, well…. I don’t even want to think of how that would go down. As I said, I had a good team and we made it to the finish.

Ragnar Keys_team at finish

We started with 12 team members and were quickly down to 10. The ability of this team to “roll with the punches” meant that it was an inconvenience losing a couple people, but no big thing in reality. We divided up the remaining miles and just planned to do what we came to do …… run. We moved toward the finish, as efficiently as possible, one leg at a time. No big thing, we came to run.

Running a long distance relay, with 9 other people means that you hurry up and wait. We were either waiting to run, waiting for another runner to get ready, waiting for another runner to come in, waiting to check on & offer support to another runner, waiting for the other van to move thru their legs, waiting in traffic, waiting to get some food, waiting to get some sleep……… waiting. Hurry up and wait. No big thing, we came to run.

When you do get to run, it’s not like a traditional race where you are surrounded by 500 to 40,000 of your very best friends but rather similar to a training run where you are out there, quite often all alone, slugging out the miles.

It’s solitary. Sometimes along a lonely stretch of highway. Sometimes along a beautiful bridge. Sometimes picking your way along a gravel road beside a canal with gators. Sometimes in town, in the dark, trekking sidewalks, fighting off ~~a pimp and his ho~~ pedestrian traffic. Sometimes on a desolate trail or path thru migrant worker fields where they shoot fireworks at you “for fun”. No big thing, we came to run.

The SWAG for this event was average and included some fueling options (cliff shot blocks and a few other options that I didn’t really look at cuz I brought my own Rehydrate Gel), a Leslie Jordan tech tee & a Ragnar tattoo. No big thing, we came to run.

At the finish line we received a Ragnar 2013 sticker and our medal, which happens to be a handy bottle opener. ~~I have already used it to open a “few” Corona Lights.~~ Cool but nothing too exciting. No big thing, we came to run.

Side note……the bottle opener medal is actually a VERY cool thing to me. I don’t display or hang my medals and this is actually something I will use on a frequent basis. However, others might not get the same type of “use” out of it that I will and therefore may not get as excited over it as me. Personally, I’d run another 200 miles just for this medal/church key to have a friend which I could throw in the boat. 🙂

There was a finish line party. We all received a free beer. There were a few vendors and a place to purchase food & beer. The party was on the beach. Cool but nothing too exciting. No big thing, we came to run.

Ragnar is a runner’s race. Its a self supported event where you (and your vanmates) need to take care of everything from start to finish. If you expect a party and a lot of hoopla, you might be disappointed. If you come to run, then you will be thrilled and elated at the finish to have completed an amazing adventure.

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Spring Fever…. already?

Posted on December 29, 2012 by tootallfritz

As the we countdown to the end of the year, it is also a countdown for early bird registration to a lot of major spring races. And while spring means spring cleaning, sweet weather, budding flowers & March Madness to some, as a runner, we are thinking about our race calendar. Specifically, do we schedule a spring marathon or not? Normally, I would be coming off an amazing fall racing season so the answer for me would be NOT. However, 2012, while absolutely amazing, was not so amazing on the running/racing front. Therefore, I too am stalking the spring marathon calendar. And I found one.

The Lansing Marathon. April 21, 2013. Multiple events: 5K, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, Kids Race and Marathon. Charity component: Lansing Moves the World Foundation. Close to Chicago, Ft Wayne & Indy.

More details to come but before you get swept away in registering for something this weekend before the possible price jump, take a look at the Lansing Marathon. That’s where I’ll be and I’d love to see a few of you there too!

More details to come. A free entry & prize pack to the Lansing Marathon is also on its way. Hmmm…..maybe I’ll see you in Lansing this spring?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

TooTallFritz

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

Tag Archives: Running

Still Living Off the High…..

“If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it, even if I may not have it at the beginning.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Snow, Snow & More Snow….

How Bad Do We Want It?

Your Pace or Mine?

Feeling Sluggish….

15 Miles …. in the Snow

How To Choose The Right Marathon……

2013 …. What Lies Ahead

Ragnar Florida Keys…..Thru My Eyes

Spring Fever…. already?

“If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it, even if I may not have it at the beginning.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

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