As See On The Run, Swallow Cliff & Schubert Woods Edition ….

Posted on November 19, 2013 by tootallfritz

This last weekend brought us ~~crappy, destructive weather~~ unseasonably warm temps and most of the runners in my area were out trying to enjoy it, the only way we know how …. running. What’s better than running? TRAIL RUNNING, of course!

Saturday, I had Swallow Cliff on deck. I had anticipated going alone to run two loops but much to my delight, I had two rounds of F’N Runners to keep me company. We ran the 8 mile yellow loop and were easily able to accommodate an early AND a late crew. 7am crew on the left, 8:30am crew on the right. No, I didn’t change clothes but added a layer for the second loop. The temps were cool with the drizzling rain.

Fun times. I’ve posted about Swallow Cliff before so if you want to see more pics or take a peak at the map, go HERE. Otherwise, below are trail pics from Saturday’s trip. I’m not sure why but I was surprised when I hit the trial and it was totally COVERED with leaves. We had to be pretty careful in spots because the bigger hills have ruts where water runs off and those ruts were totally covered by leaves. It wasn’t a fast trip but it was beautiful!

Trails, Bridges, Hills, Runners & More

Many of our runners braved the stairs too, either before or after their run. Swallow Cliff is know for it’s stairs which were originally built for the old toboggan slides, which have since been removed for safety reasons. However, the stairs are still present and provide area locals a great workout. The stairs are always busy. People are always climbing. All day long. Every day. Year round. How many trips up/down can you make?

Sunday I slept in with Michael, made the family breakfast, did a few loads of laundry AND THEN managed to get Aby motivated to run. All morning we had been watching the radar waiting for a “window”’ where we could squeeze in a run. When we left the house, the radar was clear and we were between storm cells ~~but that didn’t last long~~. We headed to Schubert Woods in Park Forest specifically because it’s a 4 mile loop which is the perfect distance for Aby. Plus there is an added bonus in that the trail possesses a short hill, which is decently steep and good for hill repeats. We have a very hilly Turkey Trot coming up so she needs to stay in decent shape and well, I ALWAYS need to work on my hills ~~because it is one of my weakest areas~~. Unfortunately, the bad weather rolled in before we got to our hill repeats. Bummer. Next week!

More details, pics & a map of Schubert Woods via my previous posts HERE and HERE. These photos below are from our run on Sunday. Love this trail, it’s one of my absolute favorites, and only about a 15 minute ride from the house.

Good run weekend. I’m currently training for the Huff 50K Trail Run on December 28th and the Disney World Dopey Challenge (January 9-12) so I’ll be logging some really good miles in the next month. Or that’s the plan. Let’s hope life let’s me put down the miles so I can enjoy both events, walk away with a smile, and earn all those January weekend sleep-in that’s I’m already planning! Smile

Do you prefer roads, trails or do you just want to stay on the treadmill? I’d love to hear where you like to run, tell us!!!

** See YOU On the Trail ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Mind Over Matter …..

Posted on November 6, 2013 by tootallfritz

At this point, I definitely consider myself an endurance athlete. I’m a runner. I’m a triathlete. I’m an endurance athlete. I run for fun. I run to de-stress. I run to be alone. It’s no longer about fitness for me but rather something I need to do in order to be a healthy, happy person both physically and mentally.

Goals, tough races and new distances no longer scare me. I’ve run enough miles in this body to know that I can do anything. At anytime. If I really want to do it. And I’m not going to say that I always want to finish what I start but I can persevere over horrible conditions, and fatigue, and pain, and heat, and metal games. As a result, life no longer scares me either. I know that I can conquer anything. I can persevere over horrible conditions, and fatigue, and pain, and the heat of life, and mental games. I know that no matter how hard I am “punched”, I will still get back up to “fight the fight”, whatever the situation. It really is mind over matter.

Ever wonder if sometimes we maybe “think too much”? I’ve noticed that when I stew over things too much then I really can make a mountain out of a mole hill. I’ve also noticed that so many of the things that were so upsetting BEFORE I laced up my run shoes, are just no big deal once I’m a mile or two into a run. Or maybe those “things” are just more manageable afterwards? Who really knows ~~or cares~~ why running, or hard workouts, help us me cope better with life, but they do. Maybe it’s the rush of endorphins. Maybe it’s the quiet solitude. Maybe it’s the fact that most of the blood in our body is rushing to ~~our~~ my muscles and it gives ~~our~~ my brain a bit of a reprieve. Whatever the reason, ~~we all~~ I know that it just quiets the soul and takes the “bite” out of life.

I’ve learned a lot from running. I’ve learned even more from pushing past my comfort zone and tackling new distances that are not only hard but seem “almost” impossible. Oh wait, nothing is impossible when I acknowledge that it’s mind over matter. If I’m healthy, and strong, and ready, then I can do anything. I will persevere over horrible conditions, and fatigue, and pain, and the heat of the battle, and the mental games. It’s just mind over matter.

** Mind Over Matter ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

2013 Hot Chocolate 5K Race Review–Chicago Edition

Posted on November 4, 2013 by tootallfritz

I must say that after last year’s Hot Chocolate 5K/15K debacle at packet pickup and then a very unorganized, overcrowded race, I did not plan to go back this year. I have a little bit of history with this race. In 2011, it was great. I ran a fast 15K thru the streets of Chicago and was super happy with both the race itself and the Ghirardelli’s Chocolate sponsorship, which brought us handfuls of amazing chocolate. Then in 2012, Ghirardelli’s noticeably dropped from the sponsor list and things changed. The first thing is that there was a lot less chocolate to be had. The second, packet pick-up was moved from Union Station to a heated tent in the Soldiers Field parking lot. Downfall, not many people could fit in the tent and organizers were very unprepared for the crowds. Result, hundreds of people standing out in the cold for hours on end “waiting” to pick up their packets. Race day didn’t improve much. The course was super crowded and management was not properly prepared to keep the runners flowing thru the start. Therefore, the start was extremely backed up and I witnessed a lot of unhappy people. It was even “rumored” that some of the runners ~~like myself~~ may have ran more than one time due to the fact that our friends were stuck in the start corrals for hours awaiting their own race. It was total mess. One which I was not prepared to repeat for 2013.

Then Miss Abygayl heard thru the grapevine that the Hot Chocolate was back in town.

And she wanted to run. Really badly. And she begged ~~and begged and begged~~ until I gave in and said we would run. I mean, if the girl wants to run, who am I to say no. #RunNerdInTheMaking

I registered us without any expectations. However, I happily noticed that packet pickup was moved to McCormick place and turned into a 3 day extravaganza. After the Race of the Dead 5K on Saturday, Nicki & I took the kids over to packet pick up and went very smoothly AND it was fun!

Ronald McDonald made an appearance for RMHC! There were some chocolate squares handed out, mini Hot Chocolate samples, marshmallows & chocolate fondue. Bounce houses & games for the kids. SMOOTH & EFFICIENT packet pick-up with hoodie exchange for different sizes.

Plus a few vendors for us to do some shopping! At this point, most of you know that I run a lot of races. So I normally don’t shop at the expo unless it a big one like the Shamrock Shuffle or the Chicago Marathon. The only race gear that I’ve ever purchased is Chicago Marathon gear. However, I was very surprised that the Hot Chocolate race had lots of chocolate themed gear at a very reasonable price. For example, the long sleeve tech shirts were $24.99. I would normally pay $45 to $65 for a LS tech shirt. Full zip jackets were around $45. Then tees for the kids. Aby even found a pair of pajama pants that she “had to have”. So everyone came home with something “chocolaty”. Michael and I now have shirts that say, “chocolate made me do it”. Fuzzy photo alert, see our new gear below but don’t blow this one up or it will hurt your eyes. Smile

The swag was really great this year too. They went to a half zip tech hoodie with embroidery and a back zippered pocket to up the quality factor. Nice piece of gear that I actually will probably wear. Aby is modeling hers below. Plus a drawstring backpack too.

Race day moved much more smoothly too ~~despite a massive back-up on the Dan Ryan which caused most of us to be late~~. Aby and I ran from the car to the bathrooms {no lines, thank you!!!!} to the start. We slipped into the first wave right as they were closing the gates. Then we jogged to A corral and got in without much time to waste.

The start was right on time at 7am and we all moved up quickly in an organized fashion. Since we were already in A corral, we didn’t push to the front assuming that everyone in our corral would be running “faster”. Not necessarily the case. We were sandwiched in and obviously a lot of the 15K runners were being conservative at the start. We didn’t have enough time to be conservative so did quite a bit of weaving in that first mile to try to get thru traffic and also find our own rhythm. It was much different, and even more difficult than the day before; however, because we were weaving together and trying to stay together so I was constantly watching our positions and trying to find a hole big enough for two or a spot where we could split around one solo person. Very interesting trying to run a faster pace with a buddy. Plus, it was supposed to be fun so we ran a comfortably hard pace ~~when we were able~~ but stayed very controlled and managed to stay together at the same time. Of course, Aby was very disappointed with my slow crawl up “Mount Roosevelt” as well as the fact that I lost my finish kick years ago; however, she was kind enough to stay with me to til the very end. We finished a few seconds over 24 minutes. Decent run considering the crowds.

The course this year was much better too. Nice street route for the entire 5K. The 15K was mostly on the streets til the end when they were rerouted onto the lakefront path. Good run. I wish there was a way to space things out a bit more but it’s hard to get 20,000+ people thru the start. Fun time and well, for this race, most of us really just came for the chocolate. At least we did! Everyone received a finishers mug with hot chocolate, a banana, rice crispy treat, marshmallow, wafers & a bag of mini pretzels. Fun and delicious! Tip, take a gallon zip lock to the race to pack up the finishers mug when you leave cuz it’s chocolaty & messy!!

According to Aby, we WILL be running the Hot Chocolate race again in 2014 so maybe I’ll see you there!

** We Run For Chocolate ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Uno 5K Carrera de los Muertos Race Review

Posted on November 2, 2013 by tootallfritz

I run a lot of races each year and while I enjoy them all to a certain degree, only a few hold a special spot on my heart and demand a repeat. I must say that the “Race of the
Dead” which is officially called the Uno 5K Carrera de los Muertos is one which I have been anticipating for well over a year. And it did not disappoint.

This is a themed race for a local community to celebrate the passing of loved ones. There was an alter, or memorial site, to honor those who passed, plus lots of costumes, painted faces, etc. to make it a full celebration rather than just a memorial atmosphere. So much fun! Seriously.

I’ve heard from previous year’s participants that both the shirts and the age group awards are “one of a kind” and to be honest, I didn’t sign up for a shirt. I really wanted a hand painted/crafted skull that the local art department creates for each year’s age group awards. After looking at the past results, I knew that it would be “almost” impossible to win one but that didn’t stop me from trying. At some point, EVERYONE will have a perfect race. Who knows, today could be that day?

Swag on the left, including an amazing gender specific tech shirt which is super cool, bonus in that it actually fits! The back of the shirt and the 2013 age group awards are on the right.

I knew I needed to be in the 21s, probably a 21:30 finish {at the slowest} to even have a shot at the third place award in my division (35-39 women). Well, the third place lady in my AG took it with a 21:30 but that wasn’t me! I was almost 2 minutes behind her and that put me in 6th place. 🙂

No worries, I’m not upset. I’m not injured. I did start a bit too far back, even with the chip timing. I found my pace group sign and stood there awaiting the start, thinking that the people in front of me would run faster than me. They did not. It was a community/neighborhood event and well, the community started in front of me without concern about pace, or time. It surprised me a bit and I did my best to be polite as I attempted to squeeze thru every crack I could find; however, I never really got in a rhythm due the crowds. It thinned out at the half way point but I failed to rally back and increase my pace. I actually slowed down ~~much to my dismay~~ in that third mile.

Regardless, the entire race was awesome. Lots of on course entertainment. And I do mean a lot. I was focused on getting thru the crowds but the entertainment and cheering crowds were constantly garnering my attention and that’s super cool. Lots of costumed runners, which I absolutely LOVE. Lots of community spirit. One aid station at the half way point. Lots of potties at the start/finish area. Massive block party style “after party” with a band, food from community vendors and a few other vendors on site. Really good time. Really fun atmosphere. Great event for the entire family. I can’t wait to go back next year and try to put myself in a better position to snag an AG award!! A few photos of the after party below.

My girl, Nicki, & I after the race (on the left). We tried to dress for the race theme in our Spandits “Skull” pants & she added a few “day of the dead” tats for decoration! And our “babies” (on the right) went to ~~see all the costumes~~ be our support crew.

Great day. Perfect race weather. Amazing neighborhood race. I hope to be able to go back next year because it’s honestly one of the most fun non Shamrock Shuffle, non Chicago Marathon races I’ve ran in our area. I’d highly recommend your giving it a try in 2014!

** Run Fast & Have Fun ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Trail Running ….Bullfrog Lake & Pulaski Woods

Posted on October 29, 2013 by tootallfritz

One of my all time favorite activities is trail running. I love being out in the open, exploring new trails and running in new ~~to me~~ places. Last year, I missed out on my post-Chicago Marathon, fall trail running because my foot was rehabbing and I was just starting to run again. I did go to new trails last fall but made sure they were only ones which had hard surfaces. Pavement and asphalt preferably, in order to provide stability for my foot/ankle. This year I am healthy and READY TO RUN some amazing trails!

First up, Bullfrog Lake & Pulaski Woods in Willow Springs, IL at 95th and Wolf Road. The Bullfrog Challenge is at Bullfrog Lake each October and they have an awesome map, which I added below. They also have a Facebook page HERE.

One of my favorite things about trail running is the sense of exploration that I feel when I’m out. I feel like a kid, carefree, lost in the moment and excited. I’m ready to run anywhere the trail will take me without any concern for pace or distance. It’s more about the experience than the “workout” or the miles.

In my giddy excitement, I just hit the trail as soon as I saw it and run straight UP the single track! True single track. I had to fight a few fat tire bikes for some space.

Great view of Bullfrog Lake in the early morning sun!

I was so excited to run the single track that I neglected to run the entire way around the lake. So I missed what was labeled as the “steep hill” just south of Archer Avenue. Yes, I’m actually sad about this because I went to find the hills and I expected more! Way more!!

The Bullfrog Lake Trail is part of a much larger network within the Palos Trail System in Cook County, IL. Once I ran up the single track and away from the lake, I immediately stumbled on the bigger network of wider, groomed & well marked trails.

In order to ~~not get lost~~ be consistent, we stayed left at each “fork” in the trail. That’s my trail running buddy, Don F at one of the first ~~decision points~~ intersections.

I’m used to trails like those at Swallow Cliff where one trail will transverse many miles. However, Pulaski Woods had a lot of different color coded trails and they kept changing. Each fork in the road brought in a new trail. I did have the map and everything was super easy to follow but the “left by default” theory made it very easy to find the way back to the car!

Best Trail Running tip that I can offer? Don’t get lost. Have a system. Stick to it. If there is one discernable trail which you can follow, do it. Carry a map. Don’t freak out. Smile Better yet, go with a friend who knows the area.

The Bullfrog Lake & Pulaski Woods area was beautiful. Nicely groomed and well marked trails. Soft but firm surface of packed dirt and some stone. Light traffic which was on foot, horseback & mountain/fat tire bikes. A few bathrooms but only in the parking/recreation areas. No trash cans, so if you pack it in, pack it out! A few hills but nothing too crazy ~~that I stumbled across~~. The weather was perfectly cool and crisp and the sun was shining. I’d definitely go back and be a bit more adventurous with some of the other trails now that I have the area somewhat mapped out in my head! Go give it a try and let me know what YOU think!

** I Love Trail Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Chicago Marathon ….. 2013 Edition

Posted on October 15, 2013 by tootallfritz

It’s no secret that I keep running the Chicago Marathon even though I don’t really consider myself to be a marathon runner. Marathons are hard, I ~~don’t care who you are or even if you say they aren’t~~. However, I like the training ~~as sick as that sounds~~ and I like being part of one of the best marathons in the world. There are only 6 World Marathon Majors (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago & New York). One of those majors is in my backyard. People fly here from all over the world to participate in OUR marathon. Yeah, I want to be a part of it too.

The expo is top notch with vendors bringing us amazing gear and samples from all over. LOVE me a good expo! Coolest part of the 2013 expo? I loved the magnet display where we were able to take a magnet & sign our name on the wall.

The SWAG is always a Nike tech tee so we know that it will be a quality piece.

The race itself is big. Like really big. Two waves, 45,000 registered runners, 1.8+ million spectators. My friend Katie and I were hustling to the start so that we were in our corrals before they closed the gates. We had plenty of time but it’s hard to know that prior to actually reaching the corrals themselves. Fortunately, Ronald McDonald House Charities gave us warming blankets to take to the start cuz it was a bit chilly standing around in 43 degree temps waiting to run.

I wore that blanket for almost an hour before ditching it as I inched closer to the actual start line. I was in Corral E and once the race started, we moved up quickly and were ready to cross the start line in under 10 minutes. The organization at this event is next to none.

The energy is always high at the Chicago Marathon. The spectators and runners alike are excited, happy and this year the cooler temps got us started perfectly. In fact, my corral started FAST, like faster than I wanted to run so I was happy to stop off at the first aid station to use the potty and let some of those fasties go! No tummy troubles, I was just over hydrated and needed to make a stop. I was super happy that I stopped early because 1) it wasn’t too crowded and 2) I felt SOOOOO much better!

LaSalle Street, circa 3.5 miles. Course is steadily filled with people but not crowded to the point I couldn’t move. I never felt inhibited but didn’t exactly have a “race pace” to which I needed to adhere so it was good for me all around. Smile

My favorite part of the course, every year is up north, leaving the Lincoln Park area and entering Old Towne on Sedgwick Street, between miles 9 & 10. And let me just say, Sedgwick spectators, you were some of the BEST on the entire marathon course and that’s saying A LOT cuz I was really paying attention this year. What an amazing neighborhood with well-groomed row houses and massive mature trees to shade us from the sun. LOVE this area!

As I snaked along the course this year, I tried to be focused on what was around me, enjoy the experience, not push the pace ~~cuz I know damn well the end gets SUPER HARD for me~~, pay attention to the spectators/volunteers/police/medical/entertainment as well as the other runners and just be happy to be running healthy. I took photos. I talked to people. I waived to spectators, high fived the kiddos and I made an effort to encourage every RMHC runner who I passed. I may have even sent a text message or two. Regardless, I had fun. A lot of fun. And when my body started to tighten up, I stopped to stretch and began walking thru the water stops. By having a focus as to when I could walk, I think I actually spent less time walking all together. I wasn’t moving very fast toward the end but I was moving and I was grateful for that!

I also saw my girls, April W, Dawn B & Aby at various spots along the course. Here is Aby and I at mile 17, where I was happy to stop ~~running~~ for a photo. These ladies made my day. I looked forward to seeing them each and every time and it kept me moving knowing that they would be “right around the corner”. THANK YOU, ladies!!

Thru the 26 mile course, we had 20 aid stations. Each aid station was 2 city blocks long. Potties first. Then medical. Then fluids. Gatorade at the front. Water at the back. No worries about missing the aid station, there was more than ample time to grab what you wanted/needed. Lots of potties at each station too, which I appreciate. Plus, each station lined BOTH sides of the street, so it didn’t matter which side you prefer to run, the aid was there for you. Lots safety staff & friendly volunteers. I also saw stations offering energy chews, energy gels & bananas. Then there were many amazing spectators handing out their own supplies, like mini waters, popsicles, pretzels & Oreo cookies. THANK YOU to everyone who fed me along the way. The orange popsicle from Pilsen was by far my favorite treat during the marathon!

And then the finish finally came! And I was thankful. Photo courtesy of Nicole F.

Look Ma, both feet are off the ground as I “bust it” toward the finish! Super exciting after 26.2 miles on the run! 26.94, if you count that potty stop and oh, yeah, I’m counting it!

Afterwards, I ~~hobbled~~ walked back to the RMHC tent in Charity Village to join friends, get stretched out, eat, drink & be pampered by one of the best charities around. Thanks to all of you who donated to RMHC to make this the best marathon experience to date. RMHC not only takes care of the families in need but also us charity runners. I’m so thankful to them for all they do for us on marathon day! Such a class act!

Great race. Great atmosphere. I’d highly recommend the Chicago Marathon to anyone who is looking to run a big race and have fun doing it!

For me personally, it was an amazing experience. My fun day brought me to the finish in 4:28. No, I didn’t push the pace but I had fun and walked away with a smile on my face. And that’s a win in my book. Smile

** See you in 2014 ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 27 & 28 …..

Posted on October 10, 2013 by tootallfritz

Although it’s Chicago Marathon week, I’m still CrossFitting! Fortunately our instructor is fully aware that our 5am class is filled with runners. I think only two of the ladies who showed up this morning were NOT running the marathon on Sunday. Therefore, this week was probably “easy” by CF standards but we were still full of taper madness energy and ready to go!

Tuesday – Day #27 – Tabatas (8 rounds of each exercise for 20 seconds, 10 second rest between rounds, then switch to the next item)

Rowing
Sit-Ups
Kettlebell Swings (35#)
Ring Rows

We also did 10 reverse rope climbs and worked on pistols, rolled & stretched. Why does the rope always shed tiny pieces that stick to my shorts? First world problem, for sure!

Today – Day #28 – Barbells for Boobs Practice WOD

** Edited to correct the WOD. Since I felt like a “sally” during this workout, I apparently wanted to call it Sally instead of Nancy, which is the proper WOD. Sorry! **

Our box is hosting one of the many fundraiser WODs for Breast Cancer Awareness month. The WOD for that fundraiser is “Clean Nancy”. One division for the full version, a second for a scaled Nancy and then a possible third for what we do, which is below the scale. I’ll just call it “Unweighted Nancy”. If you would like to join the CrossFit New Lenox team {or donate} click HERE for more info on the Barbells for Boobs event on October 26, 2013.

“Unweighted” Nancy – 5 rounds

400 meter Run
15 Front Squats (115/75) – but we just used the bar.
Repeat x5

Super easy and fast workout. So glad I didn’t have to worry about more than the bar with those front squats. This momma had tight hammies and it takes a bit to warm up for fun things like squats. The run helped a lot though.

I must say this is a runners workout. Definitely one of my favorites so far.

Then we did 50 sit-ups, stretched and left. Nice week at CrossFit. Kudos to the instructor for keeping us moving thru the final days of taper madness before the marathon!

** I’m DEFINITELY Getting Stronger ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

F’N 20 Miler ….

Posted on September 24, 2013 by tootallfritz

Every marathoner gets to the point in “the plan” where they are facing down a 20 mile run. For some it’s just another day, another run. For others it’s a daunting undertaking which stirs up a lot of nerves. I personally have used training plans in the past which schedule anywhere from one to five 20 mile runs throughout the entire program. I can honestly say I have yet to feel a benefit by cramming several 20 milers into a training plan. Marathons are hard ~~for me~~. At some point during the race, it’s gonna hurt. Some people are going to process “the hurt” better than others and have a better experience. The reason most training plans go all the way up to the magic “20 miler” is to help us get a bit of an idea of how to process those longer miles. How to manage “the hurt”, if you will. The 20 miler is on the plan to boost YOUR confidence level and help you to realize that you will be crossing that finish line in the very near future. It’s really as much of mental exercise as a physical one because let’s be honest, if you can run 16 or 18 miles {and your healthy} then there is nothing that will stop you on race day from completing the full 26.2. You have had the ability to run and finish the marathon long before the 20 mile training run but it’s that “magic 20” that brings the confidence, the knowledge that you CAN and WILL run a marathon.

Now that running is “cool” we have lots of options for a 20 miler. I’ve done 20 mile training runs a lot of different ways (alone, with someone riding a bike, on the treadmill, with friends, at a large organized event) but for me, it’s easiest to do it on my normal trail with my normal run friends and just knock it out. I don’t want to go too far for a training run. I certainly don’t want to pay $$ for a training run. I don’t need a t-shirt or medal commemorating something I’ve already done ~~at least 25x~~ a couple times. I just want to knock it out ~~and then go home and take nap with Mr. Michael~~.

I’m lucky because I now have a local run club that likes to keep things simple. Thank you Frankfort-New Lenox Running Club (FNRC or F’N Running Club)! No fee to join. No hoopla. Just show up and run ~~or don’t~~. Our 20 miler was much of the same but we invited others who wanted a no frills training run too. We had about 70 runners who came out in the dark to join us for a 6am start. Great turnout because many of our club members were marathoning in other parts of the state.

We were fortunate enough to have a two generous sponsors to support us during the run. Huge shout out of thanks to Berkots Super Foods and Running For Kicks for supplying apples, bananas, oranges, water, Gatorade, and GU gel!! We also had a crew of AHHHHMAZING volunteers to cycle the route with us and staff 3 aid stations along our 10.25 mile out and back route.

Aid Station #1 – Mile 2.89 & 17.61

Aid Station #2 – Mile 6.25 & 14.25

Aid Station #3 – Mile 9.25 & 11.25

Finish Line Aid Station

I personally had a great time at our 20 miler although I “might” be biased. Smile I loved seeing all people who came to run with us! I tried to talk to as many groups as I could and really just enjoy the day. We had perfect 45 degree weather that held on during most of the run. I loved the out and back route on Old Plank Trail that allowed me to cheer on our fasties and those behind me too. It was just a great day that came together perfectly thanks to the generosity of so many who donated goods and/or time. We even had a local CERT team out patrolling the trail and helping with road crossings. A lot of people got out of bed early to make sure that we had a safe & supported 20 mile training run. I’m so proud to be a part of this run club and community. I have met so many amazing people thru running and for that I am super thankful!

I was also thankful to finish up my weekend double (Women Rock Chicago Half on SAT & the F’N 20 Miler on SUN). Good times. Me, Aby (who worked aid station #3) & John B at the finish. Thanks Aby & John for waiting for me and running me in!

I’d also like to send a huge shout out of thanks to my girl Lara (see her behind me in the grass in a blue top?) and her hubby Nels who ~~I’m sure will never see this~~ always get out of bed before dawn to help me with my really long miles. Sunday was no different. Nels showed up at the start and ran the first half (and then some) and Lara showed up mid run to help me thru the last 11.25 miles. Like I said, I’ve met some amazing people thru the running community and I am not only grateful but feel very blessed. Love you all!!

** 20 Miles Is No Big Deal When Surrounded By Friends ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Running, “What’s the Plan?”

Posted on September 20, 2013 by tootallfritz

I haven’t talked much about running as of late but if you know me, then there probably wasn’t any doubt about whether I’ve been logging miles. The run is my first fitness love and to be honest, if I gave up everything else, I probably wouldn’t be able to give up the run.

That being said, there is a reason as to why I haven’t been talking about it much. I’m currently running a “do as I say, not as I do” training plan so haven’t wanted to say too much about it. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. No need to tell me it won’t work. I’ve done this ~~all my life in some shape or form~~ long enough that I’m okay with trial and error ~~since I don’t get paid no matter how fast I run~~. If doesn’t work out, then there are a billion races down the road for which I can revise a plan and try something different. No worries!

When I returned to running last fall after rehabbing the tendon in my foot, I had a lot of disappointing races. I had somewhere along the way either lost my speed or my ~~guts~~ drive to run as fast as I could when I toed the line. So I backed off. What’s the point of going to a race and being disappointed? I mean really, I pay to race, so it should be fun. I want to walk away happy. So I backed off and kept things social and fun for the last six months. I focused on biking and triathlon and not so much running hard. I had a lot of races hit my calendar on which I hadn’t originally planned. I knew if I attempt to “race” them all then I truly would end up racing none. So I picked a goal race, which just so happens to be where I’ve ran my fastest half to date, the Fort4Fitness Half Marathon in Fort Wayne, IN. This is my “hometown” race, if there is such a thing. I get to go home, spend time with my family, see lots of high school run friends and it just generally makes me happy to be there. The race is always at the end of September and I haven’t been able to go for the last couple of years because of conflicts with Aby’s Cross Country schedule. No conflicts this year! We are heading to “The Fort” next weekend to race!!

When I realized we could go this year, I immediately started to think about ~~the fact that I’m ten pounds over race weight~~ running fast . I fully acknowledged to myself that my full race/training schedule, along with Aby’s schedule, life/home, work/commuting created a bit of a conflict with my goal to run a fast half marathon. I needed a race plan and I needed one fast. I was TRI training and eventually had to ~~give in and~~ start marathon training but still needed to focus on some speed. So I improvised. I’ve been using the FIRST (Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training) Run Less Run Faster app on my iPhone ~~since the dog ate the actual book~~. I was using the app for a marathon training plan but quickly revised it to a half plan and tweaked the numbers to hit my goal pace. Not the way it’s supposed to work. The app (or book if you own it) spits out a plan tailored to your CURRENT fitness level based on recent race times. I knew my recent race times were not truly indicative of my fitness or ability level. So I improvised. And I kept it quiet.

Once a week I’ve been working on speed, from the training app. Once a week I’ve been running a fast tempo, from the training app. Once a week, I deviate from the plan and run long and slow to ensure that I’ll be ready to tackle 26.2 miles at the Chicago Marathon on October 13th.

It’s almost time to see if this little experiment will work. I’ve got nothing to lose. I know that nobody will be disappointed if I don’t “run fast” but I’m ready to run with my heart on my sleeve and TRY to push the pace for 13.1 miles. As insurance, I went out on a ~~really long and shaky~~ limb and contacted someone who will be running and gunning for the same goal pace (1:50:xx) as myself. This will keep me honest and hopefully if I start to ~~cry~~ slack, I’ll get a reality check and sharp “suck it up, cupcake” to kick my ass back into gear.

I haven’t ran fast for a long time. I’m scared. Yet I’m also excited. The fast tempo runs have given me just enough confidence to believe that I might, just might be able to do this …. but only time will tell. 8 days and the results will be written in black and white.

First I have to get thru this weekend! I have a crazy double, which I’m mentally telling myself will be good prep for the Dopey Challenge in January! Women Rock Chicago Half on Saturday. F’N 20 Mile Run on Sunday. I plan to run both slow and relaxed. Then it will be mostly R&R next week so I will be rested and READY TO RUN ~~my ass off~~ at Fort4Fitness.

** Don’t Let Fear of Failure Paralyze YOU ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

That Didn’t Suck!

Posted on August 17, 2013 by tootallfritz

Wow. 18 miles done already this morn and it didn’t suck. Could I finally be getting stronger? I’m not a lover of the long run. I like 10 milers. Anything over 10 miles, including the half marathon, is a “bit” of a stretch for me. And normally anything 15 and over just sucks. Bad. I think about the long run all week. I dread it. I even promise myself that if I get thru “this” marathon training cycle, then I’ll never sign up for another. Lies. All lies. I will sign up for another marathon. I don’t know why. They aren’t my forte. I’m not fast. I don’t enjoy the distance ~~or in some sick way, do I enjoy it?~~ What I do enjoy, however, is the training. Getting out on the trail before the sun comes up. Watching the sunrise. Feeling like for those few hours, the world is all mine.

Pure bliss.

Each training cycle is “cyclical”. I have good runs and bad runs. I can be in a bad cycle for a year or more. It could be due to injury, or fatigue, or stress. But when the cycle ends and I start hitting my workouts again, or running long without the “that sucked” feeling, then my heart sings with joy. I’m on the verge of coming out of a bad cycle and I’m starting to get excited. I still have a hamstring that is rebelling against the “come back” but I have a feeling that fast times are in my future. Finally. Could it be true? Only time will tell.

If you’re in a training rut, hang tight. This too shall pass. It can’t all be good all the time and if you have been running a long time, then you know to accept the bad with the good. And some of the downswings can be downright confidence zapping. But that’s normal too. Trust me, hang tight and keep putting in your miles unless your body is just too tired, then just take some downtime to recharge your battery (and confidence).

Any good hamstring stretches? Send them my way! I need this hamstring to get on board with the big picture. It isn’t painful, just tight and irksome.

** Hang On, You WILL Get Stronger ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

TooTallFritz

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

Tag Archives: Running

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2013 Hot Chocolate 5K Race Review–Chicago Edition

Uno 5K Carrera de los Muertos Race Review

Trail Running ….Bullfrog Lake & Pulaski Woods

Chicago Marathon ….. 2013 Edition

CrossFit Day 27 & 28 …..

F’N 20 Miler ….

Running, “What’s the Plan?”

That Didn’t Suck!

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