Monday, May 2, 2016

Inside Out 5K Discount Code

Registration is open for The Inside Out 5K Run/Walk for Children's Mental Health on Saturday, June 11 at 8AM in Cary, NC.  This family friendly event incorporates Cary greenways and marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Lucy Daniels Center.  The registration fee is $30, but you can use this discount code to save $10 through May 5:  LDCrace16 

I have not run the race, but I have walked the course. This is a race for a cause, and probably not one to go for a personal best time -- unless you thrive on hills.  The course has three sizable hills. With the uphill comes some downhill. A portion of the course is shaded along the Black Creek Greenway, which is a beautiful place to be on a Spring morning.  


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Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Fleet Feet Raleigh/Morrisville Racing Team

My cat Maddie likes my new Saucony Triumph shoes complimentary of Fleet Feet.  And so do I! 
I was recently selected to be a member of the Fleet Feet Raleigh/Morrisville Racing Team for the Spring season.  My understanding of the team is that it's not all about speed.  The application process involved providing an example of how I motivated someone to run.  My example was about talking a non-runner friend into joining me for weekly, early morning track workouts and the resulting fun we share racing together each summer.  I am honored to have been selected to this team because of some combination of my running ability and my ability to motivate others.

The team kicked off the season with a run from Raleigh Brewing Company last Wednesday along with the newly-forming Raleigh Fleet Feet Run Club. I was lucky to be able to join the group and feel the excitement and energy of fellow runners.  We ran from Raleigh Brewing to and through the NC State Campus in the dark.  I am an NC State alum and former NC State employee, but I had never run through campus. The highlight for me was passing the new and brightly illuminated student center.  

Ambassadors are expected to run three local races of their choice per season and to volunteer at a race.  In return we receive a pair of Saucony running shoes and a Saucony race kit of singlet and shorts.  This is a smart move on the part of Fleet Feet and Saucony.  I spend a small fortune on running shoes (they only last 300-500 mile), attire and accessories. This is despite always looking for sales and best pricing.  Being part of this team is allowing me to test the Saucony brand and most likely become a loyal supporter with my checkbook.

I was wearing Brooks Launch and was enjoying them (found them at clearance price).  This was a switch after years of wearing Brooks Ghost.  I liked Ghost and would still be wearing them had I been able to find them on sale when I needed them.  I have selected and am now wearing the Saucony Triumph ISO 2, which is a premium shoe designed with marathons in mind.  Most of my running attire besides race swag t-shirts is Athleta or Adidas.  My new Saucony Hydralite singlet and Impulse shorts are comfy and feather light. The team logo on the singlet incorporates an acorn symbolizing Raleigh.  I enjoyed a test run with all my new gear on a long run this past weekend.

I look forward to being part of this team, wearing my new clothes in upcoming races, and having a cushy ride in my springy new shoes.

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Massacre Marathon Relay Race Report 2016

I finally thawed out a few days after the Massacre Marathon Relay.  That was one unforgettable event!   On Feb. 14, 2016 the Greensboro, NC area was in the grip of a polar vortex when approximately 800 undeterred runners descended on Country Park to test their mettle.

To sum it up quickly: It was brutally cold and incredibly fun.  How can that be? Well, we were all in it together!  I understand from teammate Trisha Eason, who is a multi-time Massacre Marathon survivor, that one year can be shorts weather and the next is jacket weather.  This went well beyond that!  Heaters, blankets, big puffy coats and balaclavas were in the mix this year.  I look forward to returning next year -- preferably in shorts!
Peak City Pacers Team 2:  Carrie Endara, Abby Offenbaker, Pauline Baggerly and me.

This 26.2 mile race has something for all types of runners.  Teams can approach this race in different ways -- just for fun, competitively and somewhere in between.  Most teams were co-ed, four-person teams, but a variety of registration categories are available ranging from solo marathon runner to teams of 5-8 people.  The course was challenging but beautiful.  The lap of 1.6 miles is around a small lake on a paved road (the first leg is just over 2 miles, but all others are 1.6 miles).  The mid section of the lap is hilly, but the approximate last quarter mile is downhill and flat to the exchange zone and is an area where you can make up for lost time on the hills.  The registration fee was reasonable, and the swag was nice.  All registrants received a high-quality, fleece-lined hoodie, medal, a bowl of chili and access to all the candy, cookies and trail mix we could eat.

Even though it was below freezing, the time flew between legs while teammates warmed up, encouraged and cheered for each other, compared race notes, refueled/hydrated, took portable restroom breaks, tried to stay warm, and socialized.  I remember a few distinct conversations in our warming tent around a portable heater.  One was centered on our times and the other was about how hard this was because it was difficult to breathe in such conditions.  I had read about runners having difficulty breathing in frigid air.  I had done early morning runs in that air, but had never pushed my body so hard in that type of air.

Gathered in the warming tent: Deborah Jenkins, Carrie Endara and Trisha Eason.

My team from the Apex, NC area arrived around 8:20AM for the 10AM start.  By arriving that early we had ample time to park, set up a tent and do a warm-up lap.  We had three teams of four Peak City Pacers:  women's teams 1 & 2 and the men's team.  We all ran competitively, stayed healthy and had fun!  The men placed 4th in the Men's Division.  Team 2 placed 2nd in the Women's Division, and Team 1 placed 6th in the Women's Division.  

I was the second runner on team two and ran 1.6 miles four times. When I received the baton for the first time at 10:15AM, it was 20 degrees, but felt like 10 degrees.  I ran too fast on the first leg.  I checked my Garmin frequently (after forgetting to start it until a bit into the run), but it did not accurately indicate how fast I was running until the end of mile one, which I ran faster than intended.  My average pace for the first lap was 6:55 per mile.  That's NOT a good way to start a relay race.  I reigned it in on the second leg and was slightly under target at a 7:26 per mile pace.  I slowed for the third and fourth legs, which I ran at the same pace and slightly slower than target at a 7:34 per mile pace. By my fourth leg at 12:28PM, it had warmed to 27 degrees.

I was surprised at my times (and everyone else's, too)  because it is more challenging to run in extremely cold temperatures.  According to the chart below, we should have been affected by about 20 seconds per mile.  Thanks to some very fast teammates, our finish time was 3:00:43 with an average overall pace of 6:54 per mile.

Temponpace


[Chart provided by Coach Holly Kane in the on-line article "How Cold Weather Impacts Your Running" by Matt Johnson (Dec. 1, 2014).]

Kudos to the race volunteers and staff who persevered to keep the food table appetizing, present us with medals and toil behind the scenes.  Those folks did not have the benefit of running to warm themselves nor the luxury of tents and portable heaters.  The awards ceremony was not held -- because volunteers deemed it too cold.  We were appreciative to track down our 2nd place finisher sport bags.

I look forward to next year because the weather couldn't possibly be any worse than what we experienced.  From the misery comes a great sense of camaraderie with teammates and a sense of accomplishment. 


Abby leads team 2 across the finish line.






Tuesday, January 19, 2016

2016 Esprit de She Race Series Discount Code



I was recently notified that I am an Ambassador for the 2016 Esprit de She race series. I'm delighted to return and am happy that I can extend a discount for the race registration fee.  If you use my code, you will save $5. The code will work for any of the races throughout the country including registration for a 5K/10K, duathlon, or triathlon.  Please share the code with your friends and running groups.  I plan to participate in the Esprit de She 5K/10K in Cary, NC on May 12. To sign up for the Cary race, go to: Cary 5K/10K

Please use code:
GEDS16AMB006

As a founding finisher four years ago at the Cary race, I saw how fun and inspiring this event is and have watched it evolve to get even better. Last year the race added age group awards, 
which are pretty cool.  Additionally, Girls on the Run became the partner charity. This year the race has been moved to earlier in the season with a later start time to help ease some of the NC heat.  It will still be a warm time of year, but if you train in the conditions and run for fun, you should enjoy your accomplishment of crossing the finish line.  And, a warm night is a great night for a post-race party with friends!



2016 -- You’re Invited -- The following are links to the race websites:

Woodlands 5K/10K (TX) | April 21
Tempe 5K/Du/Tri (AZ) | May 8
Cary 5K/10K (NC) | May 12
Lakeville Du/Tri (MN) | May 22
Naperville Tri (IL) | June 12
Chicago 5K/10K (IL) | July 21
Maple Grove 5K/Fitness Jam (MN) | August 4
San Diego Du/Tri (CA) | October 16

Atlanta 5K/10K (GA) | November 3


When you register for the Cary race you get:

  •  An official Mondetta race performance tank 
  • Personalized race bib if registered by March 31, 2016
  • Gift bag
  • Finisher’s medal with removable charm
  • Two complimentary drinks at our signature Bubbly Bar (21 and over only)
  • Healthy post-race eats
  • Access to our Panasonic Beauty Bar powered by LifeSpa with complimentary massage, mini manicures and hair braiding
  • Professional event timing and live results messaging to track and promote your race success
  • Invitation to join Finish Line Training from Life Time Run
  • Free post-race photo digital downloads courtesy of The Vision Council
  • Award necklaces will be presented to the top three overall 5K and 10K finishers as well as the top three finishers in each age group
THANKS!  Please share the discount code.



Tuesday, November 17, 2015

2016 Esprit de She Registration is Open

Registration is now open for the 2016 Esprit de She race series. Now for the GREAT NEWS -- The Cary 5K/10K has been moved to MAY 12, 2016 from June. This should provide a cooler evening to race. And, if you register by Nov. 30, you will receive a free Moxie Versa Skirt along with a performance tank -- a $100 value! I am signing up now because I've never had a run skirt (and because registration is likely to fill up before the race with this change of date). 
The cost for the 5K is $35, and the 10K is $45. (Lifetime members get a $5 discount.) With the entry fee comes a fantastic post-race spread of food and two tickets to the bubbly bar. 
This race series is about sisterhood and celebrating women and a healthy lifestyle. If you are new to running and a woman, it would be difficult to find a better 5K for your first. I highly recommend the 5K. 
To register go to http://www.espritdeshe.com/ I am an ambassador for the race series. Please use my ambassador code during the registration process: EDS022. Because of the fantastic give aways during early bird registration, my code will not get you a discount. However, I understand that my code will get you a $5 discount off registration beginning in December. (If you wouldn't wear a run skirt, you can save $5 then.) Thanks!!!!!!

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Esprit de She Registration Promotion


As an ambassador for the Esprit de She race series, I have three performance Moxie Cycling jerseys to give away.  If you have yet to register for an Esprit de She event for 2015, and do so by March 31 using my referral code, you will be entered in a drawing for one of the shirts.  
To register go to espritdeshe.com
Enter promotional code: EDS022
Let me know you registered, and you will be entered in the raffle.
The drawing will be in the first week of April.

Thanks and good luck!!!!



Sunday, February 22, 2015

Boston Marathon Training: Week 10

The extreme winter weather hit Apex, NC hard this week.  We had snow, ice and temperatures way below freezing.  A kind neighbor let me use her treadmill for a tempo run, and I ran with friends and snow plows another day.

Sunday:  rest
Monday:  9 miles: 3 conversation pace, 4 tempo, 2 conversation pace.  Came up one mile short and slow for this 10 miler.  Didn't hit tempo pace on the sloping terrain.  7:52, 8:13, 7:42 and 8:15.
Tuesday:  4-6 miles conversation pace with cross training at basic training class (None of it was done. Snowed in and supervising children playing in snow and frigid temperatures.)
Wednesday: 13 miles conversation pace (ran on roads with icy patches and snow plows)
Thursday: 12 miles with 4 at conversation pace and 8 at marathon pace of 8:15.  Hit the times on the treadmill, but came up one mile short of scheduled 13 because of discomfort and swelling in lower right leg.
Friday:  6 miles conversation pace
Saturday: 10 miles conversation pace.  I was scheduled to run 5 of these at marathon pace, but I chose to run conservatively and ran a very slow 10:10 average, the slowest run of my training.