13.1 things you need to know!

So leg number two, of the long three legged beast referred to as the Heartland Series is complete. The Garmin Marathon was a beast, but by far the best race I have ever run! Not only was it a PR (Personal Record) for me by 16 minutes—yea that’s right I shaved off 16 whopping minutes—but I was only 5 seconds, 5 SECONDS behind my sister. It was a sprint to the finish and she took the upper hand. Ah well, one more race to go and who knows what may happen! 





My parents also surprised us on the course, which was awesome! Yes, they have a duck- why? because no matter where they are, we can see the duck and we can find them in a sea of people- ingenious really.Plenty of messages of support (thank you, thank you, thank you!), and a great course!

I thought I would take the time to review the things you should know about running a Half Marathon so that the nerves you MAY feel in taking on this kind of goal will diminish.

Let’s do 13.1 things you need to know in the only fashion I know how… Humor mixed with a dash of emotional and a double shot of “Oh no she didn't!”

 1 – Beer. Does this reason need to be elaborated? Really? Most races offer their participants beer at the finish (choose wisely, they don’t all offer this). I have been told “I don’t think I would want a beer after running 13.1 miles”, well first off let me say that I don’t know if we can be friends anymore, and secondly- sit down, drink up and like it. Beer is awesome and you have earned it!

2—You will get bling at the end, and it’s a “Finisher’s Medal”, not only for those that are super human and can run a (5) minute mile (I don’t care if that’s you- it’s not normal and you should be tested for exposure to a spider, or maybe even kryptonite), but for everyone that finishes in front of the cop car clearing the course. <-- Yep, that has been me before while I was pregnant with baby #2! 




The medals have come a long way since I started! Look at the difference between my first KC Marathon Finisher and last year's medal! 


Crazy cool bling! And yes, maybe I wear it the whole day after the race when I get groceries. And maybe when I see people look at it, I say I won it in a mad dash to the finish. I am a rock star and I have the bling to prove it. (And soon, so will you!)

3—Try before you race with it. Don’t do anything new on race day- I promise it is a bad idea. I thought a new bra (on sale- BONUS) would look cute on a race I was doing with my new top. So I went for a mile jog in it and seemed to work out okay so I sported it on race day. When I say try it, I mean TRY IT! Take whatever it is on your LONG run, I had sores on my neck for days from where gravity helped cut that bra into my beautiful skin. Don’t do it- resist the urge- try it before you race in it!

4—Throughout the course, whether you see them or not, there will be photographers on the course. And they are SKILLED in getting the worst picture possible. I promise. No matter how you think you look while you’re running, this will rock your world! (Why do you think I always try to pose? Best to make fun of the world’s worst picture!) Let me show you what I mean by not flattering…. (And I am pretttttttty attractive, so just keep that in mind while scrolling!)

One of my very first 10k's....
Yea... I look so bad my headband is running away from my face!

Running in for the KC Half... Its just not flattering!

What in the world is so great?? It's the end of the race!

I love this photo, because you can't even tell I am moving! Pick up your feet shuffles!

I blame this on the layers....

AHHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
I am not even running!

This picture perfectly captures PAIN

Disclaimer: Best to keep in mind that the photographer COULD from a newspaper hundreds read, so pose accordingly!

This was our great idea to "pose" for the camera....
Yea that camera was for the city wide newspaper... NAILED IT

5—No matter how you prepare, the socks you wear, the shoes you choose or the amount of duct tape you apply… Blisters will come. And they will make themselves known around mile 7, and disappear from thought around mile 10. This is most likely because you have completely rubbed them off of wherever they were. And I am not talking about just on your feet, if it rubs, it blisters.  No worries, everyone wants to have callouses and old blisters all over, right? I think of it like stretch marks, gotta have battle wounds my friend.

6 – Speaking of battle wounds, let’s talk about chaffing. Even in my longest practice run, I have never suffered from chaffing wounds as badly as I have during an actual race. I don’t quite get it, but trust me on this one. I ended up with two scars on my chest, right in front where my shirt hit, and the scars look like hickeys that you get in high school. Awesome. Buy the glide on stick- it will be your BEST FRIEND and liberally apply it. And when I say liberally, I mean if you could dunk yourself in a tub full of this stuff- then do it. Trust me, the bikini line, the bra line, and your heels, under your arms… If it rubs then you need to glide it!

7 – There will be various pacers for the race, easily spotted by the big stick they carry noting their pace. Don’t be afraid of them, even if you’re a lone wolf runner like me; let them do the hard work for you. Get behind them and keep up. Finishing this kind of distance is a mental thing. 100%. You have to convince your inner demon that you can in fact do this and that you will. My inner demon(s) have multiple conversations throughout my long runs. They often include discussions about slowing down, sitting down or wanting to die. Once you get over that hurdle, you can do anything. So try it. Find a pacer, stay with them and get yourself a PR!! (they are usually nicer than your demons anyways!)

8 – If you have followed my blog for a while, you have noticed that the best time to get ahead of my sister is when she stops for a bathroom break. She always has to go! Always. I have now learned that maybe if my bladder hasn’t sent the signal yet, I should still try to go. Sadly, I felt the effects of both my age and the hardships of running for a few hours at one of my last races. As soon as I crossed the finish line, it happened, I was going to wet my pants and there was nothing I could do to stop it. THANK GOODNESS for wearing a maxi-pad. Ladies, invest in the Always and wear them…. Always. If not for peeing, than for chaffing, SCORE double purpose!

9—Mother Nature is a fickle, evil lady. No other way around it. She will tell you to expect 60 degrees and sunshine and change her mind at mile 5. This year’s Garmin race was no exception. The weather was perfect and we were looking at 30% chance of rain after about an hour in. What that really meant was that it was going to DOWNPOUR an hour in. It rained so hard I thought it was hailing (or that I was simply that stinking fast that the rain hurt)! Be prepared for the 30%. I was in a tank top, and frozen to the bone by the finish, a t-shirt would have been better attire had I taken that 30% chance more seriously. Either way, enjoy what you get- although we were drenched, freezing and running through a flooded course- it was epic.

10 – Let’s talk about burning calories. Have you entered how many calories you burn if you run for 3 hours straight at a 12 min/mile pace?? Let me help you, it is a deficit of 2,340 calories! Now, I take that and multiply that by 5, because that is how many days AFTER the race I continue to eat at the pace of burning that many calories. Why? Because dangit, I earned it! Who cares if I have a beer and a brat for breakfast, I ran 13.1 miles three days ago- don’t judge me, join me!

11 – If you don’t know me very well, I will let you in on a secret… I am a cheapskate. Horribly. And running is NOT cheap. However, let me tell you one thing I don’t short money for is running gear. And when you run a half marathon you get the coolest gear, and don’t skirt around on money- you definitely get what you pay for! Plus, I think for every race, you deserve a new outfit, new compression pants, dri-fit socks, heavy duty bra (which I am STILL in search for one that keeps them in one place) and a fancy new running shirt. Hopefully you will wear them again, PLUS running pants are surprisingly slimming!


12 – I never thought this would come out of my mouth in a zillion years, BUT… Fanny packs are considered cool in running. Not a joke, they are very handy when it comes to the GU, car keys, Band-Aids and ibuprofen you have stashed for emergencies (which most likely you will need it all). Rock that fanny pack and stand tall! Yes, there is a gear check tent at every race, and you can turn in your additional gear for the race officials to hold until the finish, but I am way too anxious to part with my precious cargo, so fanny pack it up and join the cool kids!

13 – Running CAN be social. For me, is it? Nope. But I am not keen on social interactions when I am not running. However, you CAN meet 13 people, and you CAN make 13 more friends and you CAN enjoy all the social aspects of this sport. The sky is the limit when there are hundreds of people loaded into a chute just waiting their turn to kick some asphalt!

.1 -- I just think my new shirt says it all....

At the end of the day, don’t be nervous. This is something you will always have the bragging rights for finishing! Rock the pavement, finish strong and have a beer (or 6) because you deserve it! I am in awe of your accomplishment, just keep accomplishing!

One more leg to go, and I hope whatever you are gearing up for you are taking it head on! I would love to cheer you on- send me a message and let me know what you are up too!

May your fanny pack be full, and your inner demons be quiet!

~K

13.1 Miles, Tears and Selfie's

This last year, I decided to embark on a list of 30 things I always wanted to accomplish- and in a moment of haste- decided I could do them ALL in my 30’s! One of those was the Kansas City Heartland Series, which consists of (3) Half Marathons (13.1 Miles) in 5 weeks.

Last Saturday was part one of the series, and I have never been so nervous for a race. I am not sure why I was so anxious, as this would the 4^th Half Marathon I had done, but I was! My poor husband and children had to deal with momma’s anxiety for a full week before the race! Friday night came, GU had been purchased, clothes were laid out and by 8:00 pm I was in bed!

The weather on race morning was perfect- 60 degrees and although it was humid, it wasn't a scorcher.

I decided, in honor of the horrific new song “Selfie” (I am sorry if you like this song-- I think it's terrible) that I would document this race with a selfie for each leg of the race! And so please enjoy our journey on part one of the Heartland series….

And it begins…. Nerves were at a high, but the weather was perfect and we were ready to get this party started!

Mile 1

I was planning on running “with” my sister for a while; this is what running with Amy looked like at Mile 1! (We will call this a Sister-Selfie)

Mile 2

At this point, I was surprised by the pace I was able to maintain thus far- faster than any practice run! And I had caught up with my partner in crime! Luckily the race did an EXCELLENT job at water stops and mile 2 gave us a break 

(please note my faster sister is BEHIND me).

Mile 3

We were conquering those long and never ending hills with a great pace, and still smiling! 

(Again, note the relation of who is first…..)

Mile 4

Although the humidity was in full effect (note the beautiful glisten we are rocking), we were still cruising right along…. However once we both noted the 4 mile sign was approaching we ended up racing for this selfie – turns out she didn’t want to be noted as the slower one in each picture! 

(How many chins can I get in a picture?)

Mile 5

My sister had past me up at this point, and I was set to conquer the path alone. As we passed by mile 5, I noted the bathroom stop- and look who was BEHIND me again in this picture (the circled figure is my sister)

Mile 6

The sun was out, and we were fast approaching halfway… The happy face I was rocking was obviously ebbing away quickly…. BUT at halfway as I checked my goal and checked my actual- I was ROCKING IT! I was going to get a Personal Record on this course and I felt GREAT!

Mile 7

Remember my blog, “What goes up, stays up?” For this particular stretch of race, that was exactly the truth! Up, up, up….. And it was starting to hurt

Mile 8

Hello Wall. I had hit that wonderful wall where nothing seemed to be able to get me to go faster. But even though I wasn’t smiling, I pushed on.

Mile 9

Somewhere right after this sign, it happened. I wasn’t looking at the pavement and in a second, I stepped on uneven ground. My knee took the brunt of the step, and sheer pain shot through the joint and all the way up to my brain! OW!!! Fighting back tears, I pushed on. Hoping at some point, my brain would just push out the pain and finish it… What are 4 more miles??

Mile 10

At this point, I pulled my phone out to take a picture, but saw a text from my husband instead and called him for support. Not the best idea when you’re in pain and trying to push through 3 more miles… However, it got me through and I was DETERMINED not to leave anything unfinished. Have you ever heard someone say “leave it all on the field?” That’s what hit me, and after a quick prayer for strength, I pushed on…. 3 more miles.

Mile 11

Probably one of the best signs I have ever seen. I had 2 miles left, and when I realized I only had to do 15 minute miles for each, and still make a PR, I was going to do this!

Mile 12

If my face doesn't show you how much pain I was in at this point, I am not sure what would, but besides the sweat, anxiety and pain I was GOING TO DO THIS!

Mile 13

Although I knew she would be waiting for me, I wasn’t prepared for all the emotions to hit. What you may not know about running something this big- it can be very emotional, especially when you see someone care enough to stand and cheer you in. There at 13 mile marker was my sister, taking my picture (knowing I needed a selfie) and cheering me in. Even though I know she had just finished her own race, she ran onto the pavement to meet me and help me finish that .1 mile, the hardest part of the race. And it hit me, tears just fell and I couldn’t keep them in any more. And it wasn’t really the pain; it was the overwhelming happiness I felt that someone wanted to help me finish! When I hit the chute and she turned off, I saw them- my husband, sister-in-law and sister-in-law (who had also just finished). And in those moments I knew I had a little more to leave on the course- and with everything I had in me I sprinted that finish and cried all the way through it!

This was my 13 mile “selfie” my sister took for me and when I saw it I had to chuckle… She was way too emotional to take a closer picture it turns out- which is ok with me!

We finished… 

We all did it! And guess what—despite it all I made a Personal Record! I have never made it in under 3 hours- and I did it! Turns out leaving it all out there is the way to go!

To those that helped us leave it all on the course....

The support matters, and from the bottom of my heart…. Thank you

Even if your message isn't here, or we don't know each other at all, and you have supported someone in this way-- you are awesome. You cannot fathom how much it means to the one being supported to know you went out of your way to do this for them.

If you know someone that is taking on an accomplishment in their life let me say in this fleeting sentimental moment- do what you can so that they know you support them! Text them, cheer them in, like it on Facebook… It doesn't matter how you do it, JUST DO IT! There is nothing that makes me want to leave it on the course more than seeing someone support me enough to do one of these things!

And to those of you who fellow racers that recently completed this race (or any other accomplishment you have put in front of you)-- CONGRATULATIONS YOU ARE A ROCK STAR!!! People like you make me want to keep going and leave it all on the pavement!

I'll see you all in two weeks for Part 2!

Love and Laces,

~K

Ps.... If you don't personally know my sister I must leave this disclosure.... Although I may tease her.... ALOT. She is an amazing person and a constant rock in my life. She grounds me when I need it, and laughs at me when no one else would dare. I am in awe of her speed on the path, the mother she is and the sister she has grown to be! (Even though I am a TAD BIT jealous that she MAY BE faster..... :)) 

The Learning Curve

I hope this post finds all is well and you are coming into warmer weather soon! There is nothing like running for hours without one drop of sweat to show for because you were so dang cold!

As you all know, I am still in training for the Heartland Series that my sister convinced me would be a good idea…. I am still trying to convince myself of that as well. BUT I have come to the conclusion that it won’t kill me- so why not?

I found this training set to be one of lessons- many, many lessons that you would have thought an (cough-cough) experienced runner like me would have learned by now! Who knew there would be a learning curve involved while training?

As you read through these lessons- there is no judging allowed…. Or aloud. (Okay, okay… You can do so quietly)

       1)      When you jump on and off a treadmill—verify your feet placement—every time.

 Luckily for me, when my right foot decided to not get on the side completely and almost wiped me out, no one was watching!

       2)      Reading on the treadmill helps a 6 miler pass faster

I know what you are thinking- how can you read and run? Well… first, the font is

THIS BIG

So really it’s hard not too and I cannot look up. If I MUST look up, I have to hold on first and understand to look up VERY SLOWLY. Or, it will much result like the first one… I will fall off.

       3)      Get it over with

 I am working on being a morning runner (**Gasp**) Yes… I just said the “M” Word. Crazy, right? I agree, and every time I get up at 5:15 AM I am thinking that as well. BUT do you know how much I can get done if I get a workout in before 7:00?? My house is clean, I have a bra on, my hair is brushed and the kids eat something other than dry cereal or granola bars for breakfast! Madness

     
       4)      Tighter is better

Really in all things--- it’s true. But recently I have had the opportunity to actually shed some of my baby weight and found that while running, my pants tend to fall off. And I spend much of my first few miles pulling them up until sweat helps to seal them to my body. So, off for new pants. I was tempted to by the XS pants, but after realizing I would be able to only fit those on my arms, I went after the right pair- and still ended up with a smaller than normal size at the checkout. (And yes, I wanted to ask the checker to look at the size and tell me congrats- but I refrained! Instead I texted my sister and told her to compliment me)

     
       5)      Running saves lives

 Yes, most runs are for GREAT causes and I think that is AWESOME, but I mean saving lives in the literal sense.  As you know, I LOVE my two children- blessed that God chose me as their mother, and there are so many moments I am thankful to not miss any part of their tiny little lives. HOWEVER… That love seems to need a recharge- on a consistent basis- and at these moments if I can get to the gym, or hit the pavement I am golden. And my children will survive yet another day.

       6)      Running saves marriages

My husband is my dream boat. I am a half empty cynic, and at any moment the world is ending. I trust very few people and consider even fewer people close enough to divulge my deep dark secrets (Admit it- you wanted a small bio for my awesomeness J). My husband is the EXACT opposite! God knew what he was doing with us two for sure! They only thing we have in common is that we both  love making people laugh. So after a long day with my hellions, and my husband comes home with a comedy routine about what is for dinner let me just tell you that 3 miles alone is a marriage saver. And there have been a time or two in which he has (gently) suggested that maybe I go for a run-- MAYBE I wasn't in the best form at the time. Love is a wonderful thing!

       7)      Running forces you eat better

Sometimes I really don’t like this. My running schedule really messes with my fast food and alcohol intake schedule- and it kills me. I love a good cheeseburger, greasy fries and a huge slice of cheesecake! But let me tell you—if I ate that, even my sister would not go for a run with me. I would be sick as a dog. Yes, I know, glass half empty, but sometimes I REALLY WANT TO EAT CRAP! Ah well- my waist is thankful and I know somewhere inside my skinny person is too.

       8)      Comparison is a slippery slope

Someone told me recently that I let comparison steal my joy. WHEW! It was a little early for that shot to the gut! However- it wasn’t false! How true! I am horrible at that, and when I am running and the guy next to me is running faster I tend to go slower- NOT faster because of the negative conversation in my end. So these past few weeks I have learned to use it more as motivation and to make sure I am comparing myself to myself. And when the guy on the next treadmill is going faster- I simply try it as well. (Both of those occasions were a HORRID idea- and the saying pride goes before the fall was in fact literally TRUE!)

       

       9)      You are a runner if you run

Who cares what your fastest mile is or if you can hold a conversation on mile 10? If you run, you’re a runner. I don’t know why, (refer back to my cynic nature) but for the longest time I wouldn't tell people I was a runner! I didn't think that a 14 mile average made you part of this elite club, and I suppose part of me was embarrassed. BUT NOT ANYMORE! Doggonit, I wake up at 5:00 am to do this stuff, I spend so much money on running gear and entry fees that I am surprised my husband hasn't made me pull out a loan! I have had more mishaps on a treadmill and trail than anyone I know; I have missed family time, and (mostly) sleep for this habit. I am a runner- and guess what that means if you are out there trying—SO ARE YOU! Be proud of it and own it- flaunt your hotness and make it count!

     
       10)   What doesn't kill you…

…Makes you stronger. It just does. From morning running, to seeing a 7 mile run as “quick”, I have been amazed at how far I have come. It doesn’t matter how fast you are, whether you run/lift/box, or how good you look doing it (because no one looks good exercising). What matters is that you are doing it! Rock on with your bad self and keep up the awesome work!! I have seen so many friends choose to take on big hairy audacious health goals this year and I am so blessed to be surrounded by such awe-inspiring people! Keep it up—you keep me going!

As the training continues- so does the learning. I doubt that part will ever stop (and here I was SURE I knew it all!!) I would love to hear from you and how things are going! Keep inspiring me- it keeps me going and have a GREAT week this week!

Happy trails to you!

~K

Running for Beans (or for a Cold- whichever)....

I apologize for the delay in my blogging! Turns out that 2 toddlers, a full training schedule, a dog and a husband tend to keep you busy! Not to mention I decided to take on the challenge of writing a list of “30 things to do in my 30’s” to keep me focused on me in all the chaos- so it has been CRAZY!

Nonetheless I have been able to keep up with my running program in the midst of all of it! I really wanted to get faster this year, and not just do the “twelfth mile shuffle” the whole time! So I have done the unthinkable and joined a gym. Turns out that your core is not just something you throw away after scarfing down an apple! No worries- I have plenty of embarrassing tales to come of my days in the gym!

However, as you all know, my crazy sister, is now an addict when it comes to running and in January we celebrated her birthday- and although I did tease her about her age... I figured I would leave it out of this entry.... at this current time. But a big shoutout to her and another year well spent (or well survived) with me as your sister!

Now-what do you think she wanted for her birthday?? Well, as you may already know, she wanted anyone that could to join her for a 5k. What is the problem you ask? Well her birthday is in JANUARY and we live in the Midwest. Which means it would be in the teens –at best- for temperature and most likely snowing. Well GUESS WHAT?? We were lucky enough to get BOTH!

She had won a free entry to a Battle of the Bean race (coffee vs. cocoa) and so I (begrudgingly) joined her. No worries, I think I complained more than I actually ran- but hey! I ran!

During the race, I was fortunate enough to be passed by at least 10 people in their 80's, almost wiped out on a slick spot of the pavement, and let my fellow runners know exactly which song I was jamming too on my playlist!

I told myself that this would be a race to practice my stamina- and I really surprised myself! At the moments when I wanted to stop and walk- I just slowed down and it worked. Believe it, or not, it is actually EASIER to just slow down your pace but keep running than to stop and walk! Although I didn't make my PR, I still sprinted in the finish and ran better than I have for the last 12 months!

A very happy birthday to my dear, and crazy, sister and I look forward to many more to come!

What races are you doing this year? I would love to see you at one! I have been gearing up for the Heartland Series as well as a race that I am making my sister do this year (see that turn of the table!! OH YEA!!!) And trust me, the blog entries to come from these two events will be EPIC... Promise!

And remember.... when you just don't think you are going to make it....

Many miles and blister free days to you and yours....

~K