Sunday, August 31, 2014

Tufts 10k Training Week 2 & 3


Week 2 was a battle.  I was tired.  I tried to talk myself out of every singe run and then I continued to fight it every step of the way. 

Week 3 got a little better.  I don’t know why I chose to run my long run at the bike path on Saturday of Labor Day weekend but I did.  I dodged bikers and strollers and even ended with a 7:15 mile.  It feels like I’m starting to get my speed back.

Bring it on Week 4!



Week 2 Recap
Monday – 3 miles
Tuesday – Spin class
Wednesday – 5 mile workout 6x400s (HR Max 185 bpm)
Thursday – Spin class
Friday – 7 mile long run with daddo on the bike
Saturday – 3 miles
Sunday – Spin class, 4 miles

Week 2 Totals: 22 miles


Week 3 Recap

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – Spin class
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – Nothing!
Friday – 3 miles
Saturday – 6 miles
Sunday – 3 miles

Week 3 Totals: 20 miles


Sunday, August 24, 2014

Run Jen Run’s Pet Peeves #10-18: Road Race Edition

ICYMI – You can read Pet Peeves #1-4 here and Pet Peeves #5-9 here.

#10

Running under someone else’s name is not okay.
This probably goes back to my years with the Falmouth Road Race.  There are many reasons why I don’t support giving away your number or running under someone else’s name.  The major concern is safety and liability.  We all think nothing will happen to us but if you go down and you’re running under someone else’s name, medical personnel will have a much harder time treating you.  It can also lead to inaccurate results and mess up age groups.  I personally could not handle running a race under someone else’s name and that person getting credit for my efforts.  On the flip side, I wouldn’t want any one else’s time associated with my name—whether it’s slower or faster.  I find a lot of pride in signing up for a race, putting that date on my calendar, finding a training plan, and working toward a goal.  Lastly what most people don't know, many of the major races count on the average percentage of no shows and set the field limit greater than the race can actually handle.  What’s the only thing worse than running under someone else’s name?  Bandits!  Don’t do it, friends!

#11

Don't wear your race big anywhere other than where it’s supposed to be.
Race bibs belong on the front of your shirts.  Not on your pants.  Not on your back. You look like a loser.  Oh, and don’t fold your number.  In Falmouth we would disqualify you for that ish.

#12

Smokers should be banned at a road race.
I can’t believe this is even on my list but you’d be surprised how many people I’ve seen smoking at a road race.  They are mostly spectators but still—you’re at a road race!  Please don’t pollute my air.
Sidenote: Did you know that in the 70s, a cigarette company sponsored the Falmouth Road Race and gave away free cigarettes at the start line?  Crazy, right?!

#13

Ditch the headphones during a race.
Leave your headphones at home and take in all the sights, sounds, and happenings during the race.  The running community is a wonderfully supportive group of people that will help carry you to the finish.  Embrace it.

#14

Save your race t-shirt for after the race.
Unless you lost your luggage on the way to a destination race, there is no need to wear your race shirt during the race.  We all know where you are and what you’re doing.  Wear it after the race with pride.  Although seeing a dude at a bar in Buffalo with his brand new, not washed, wrinkly 50 Yard Finish t-shirt on was weird.

#15

Why are you wearing makeup to a road race?
I fully support wearing cute, matching outfits while you’re running and even a little lip gloss but a face full of makeup?  Don’t bother.  You’re going to sweat—at least, I hope you’re going to sweat.

#16

You’re running a 5k, why do you have multiple GU and hydration strapped to your running belt?
These guys crack me up.  It makes me think of what Tony Perkins would look like if he ran a 5k.  You really don’t need any form of hydration or nutrition in any runs or races less than 60 minutes and every race I have ever run has water station.  Ya look silly!

#17

Stop spitting!!!!
How many of you have ever been spit on during a race?!  I have!  So gross!

#18

Pace Yo Self.
My advice to any and all runners, start in the correct pace group.  Starting in the front when you don’t belong there is not cool.  Starting out too fast and getting passed by everyone in the later stages in the race is fun for me when I’m passing you but also super annoying.


To be continued...

Monday, August 18, 2014

Tufts 10k Training Week 1: “Hey, are you guys with Meb?”

It was Week 1 of an 8-week training program for the Tufts 10k for Women and let me tell you—it was quite the week!  For what was turning into an off year for me in terms of running and training, a little Falmouth Road Race weekend inspiration was just what I needed to get me motivated and back on track.

I decided awhile back that my goal race of the year was going to be the Tufts 10k.  The last couple years, I planned my year around a spring and fall half marathons and marathon but I started out 2014 with some unexpected stitches and couch time so I wanted to make this a fun year of 5ks and road races.  The first and only time I ran the Tufts 10k (or any 10k for that matter) was shortly after knee surgery when Lizzie had to pretty much carry me to the finish line.  I am hoping this year is different!

The week started out pretty normal.  Well if you consider seeing a mermaid in your new neighborhood normal!  (That’s another story...)  Anyway, my mini vacation started on Thursday with a perfect little overnight trip to Chatham with Lizzie and her friend Kelly.  Friday night was the 3rd Marathon Sports Mashpee Pub Run.  The Mizuno sponsor had car troubles but Marathon Sports did not disappoint with the post-run snacks and drinks.  Saturday we took advantage of tax free weekend and I was able to send some time by the pool.



As a Falmouth Road Race “alum,” this weekend was like a big family reunion.  From former staff members, current staff members, volunteers, elite athletes, and friends, it’s always nice to see everyone and catch up in between the craziness that is race weekend.  It was super weird, sad, awkward, etc. not working or volunteering but FRR, you couldn’t keep me away.

The Falmouth Mile is one of my favorite events of the weekend.  This year they added a youth mile to go along with the high school, wheelchair and elite races.  Let’s be honest, the only reason I go is to see old friends and watch the elites.  They are freaking fast and so much fun to watch.  This year five men broke 4 minutes on my high school track and the women’s race was stacked with amazing talent.  I was so happy Eilis aka Shadizzle was there and we got to hang out and reminisce. 

Another highlight was introducing my dad to Meb Keflezighi.  I first met Meb back in 2007 and his brother Hawi shortly after.  They are both awesome guys.  I actually convinced Hawi to run Falmouth back in 2010 and it seems like that runs in the family because my dad challenged him to run in 2015.  You have some work to do Hawi to redeem yourself—I’ll be checking in with you and your training!  My parents and I last saw him at the Chicago Marathon in 2012 and the next week my dad started running.  His interest in the sport has grown and like the rest of America, he’s been inspired by Meb.  I can tell that made my dad’s day so that made me very happy.


Road Race morning was strange.  Everything is so different now.  I didn’t set an alarm.  I tried to sleep in but like I said, I couldn’t stay away.  It was a 6 mile “long run” day for me and I haven’t found any long run routes in my new hood yet so I drove to my parents house in Falmouth.  Timing was perfect.  I ran the 3+ miles to Falmouth Heights with about 5 minutes to spare before the elite women crossed the finish line.  I was pulling for a Molly Huddle win as she’s been on fire this summer but she ended up in third after a tough battle in the heat and humidity.


I did not attend the post race party this year and the after party was the tamest of all my years... and I’m totally ok with that.  I watched Chris George eat the biggest bowl of cookie dough ice cream ever before going to Anejo, my favorite!  Matt AND Eilis came.  That’s a big deal.  All the girls were there.  Kelly and Allie are finally 21.  I met Kelly’s man Shane.  Little John had baby pics.  Meb and Hawi showed up.  Good drinks and great conversations.  Meb ordered a burrito and we learned that that is his favorite recovery meal... which is good news for all us Mexican lovers!  Although he didn’t eat his rice... 

Fantastic week.  2015, I’m running.  And so is Kelly, Allie, Hawi, and my daddo.  Who’s with us?

Week 1 Recap
Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – Spin class
Wednesday – Nothing!
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – 3 mile Pub Run
Saturday – 4 miles
Sunday – 3.25 miles and 3 miles

Week 1 Totals: 20.25 miles


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Throwback Thursday Falmouth Road Race Edition

Road Race weekend was always been one of my favorite weekends of the year.  I first began volunteering in the office during the summer of 2003 to pay back the race for sponsoring my trip to Miami for Junior Olympics.  The following year I became full time staff.  Some of my best memories were from my first years in the office with Matt, Eilis, and Travis.  Then came Andrea, James, Christa, Ali, Chris, Allie and Kelly, who is like the little sister I've never had.  We had volunteers we all learned to love like Barbara and awesome volunteers like Ed, a man in his 90s who loved to talk Penn State.  The race staff is like family.  A lot has changed with the race in terms of management and politics but one thing that will never change are the great memories and friendships I’ve formed through the race over the years.

You wonder what we did all summer?  We entered 10,000 entries (before there was online registration).  We alphabetized 10,000 entries.  We proofread 10,000 entries.  We folded t-shirts and mailed out merchandise.  I was the Housing Coordinator and Assistant Elite Athlete Coordinator for awhile which meant when Mr. Carroll accepted an athlete into the race, I contacted their agent for information and travel plans and arranged housing in our host family program.  Race week we did anything and everything.  I always volunteered to pick up the elites from the bus station.  Many great conversations and relationships began in those rental mini vans.

The Falmouth Road Race was not just a summer job.  It was my life. 

<3

What traditions and memories do you have from Road Race weekend?

Family


"Catherine the Great"
 


John Korir


Where's Waldo?