Pre-Pre Nuptial Run

It was the first weekday run after we've all moved away and it brought back so many lovely memories of the past...running down a deserted E. Carson street in the dark...crossing the .7 mile long Birmingham bridge...running shirtless at least one day every month in unseasonably warm temperatures...It really made me miss our runs in the past but got me excited for 1) Saturday's actual pre-nup run and 2)the actual possibility of us being able to run together again in the mornings!!! Miss you girls!

Sitting Idle

So I know that for some people it will remain crazy for the next month or so....but I've run one time since I got married (YES - exactly one month ago!)...I need some motivation. I know I don't want to train for a marathon during tax season again...but there has to be something we can do and then go on long runs together...it's been way too long...any suggestions are more than welcome!

Old Route

I was driving along Wible Run Road the other day, reminiscing about some of our past runs there. I always did like that route, but I'm not sure anyone else did.

Soliciting Donations

I had a vision last night that maybe I could petition some of our favorite running apparel stores & magazines to donate to the worthy cause of my Prenup Run. Well, some do not see it as such a worthy cause. See Patagonia's response:

Congratulations and thank you very much for contacting us about this opportunity, but I'm afraid that we will have to decline. Resources thatmight otherwise go to donations have been earmarked for another purpose:Patagonia has elected to donate its dollars and goods to non-profitgrassroots environmental organizations. These groups work to protect theenvironment and to educate people to reduce the daily impact that we have onthe earth. By donating to these groups, we are helping to promote andprotect the environment for everyone.

Don't get your hopes up for any free goods, I've also gotten negative responses from Adidas, Nike and Title IX.

People with Courage

Jen (Bain) Reilly relayed this story to me last night and I think it is hilarious! She is a third grade teacher and she had her kids working on a collage of "People with Courage." She brought in a bunch of old magazines from home (including an old Geedunk). Well, it happened to be the one we were featured in and one of her kids cut out the picture of us and Jen said, "That's a good choice - those people DEFINITELY have courage - they run marathons!"

How cool is that? We are hanging on the wall of a third grade classroom, included in a collage of "People with Courage!"

50 Marathons in 50 States in 50 Days...

Crazy daisies

Now - this is sheer craziness! Have you guys heard of this guy? Check it out....

http://www.endurance50.com/press/press10.html

Honorary Crazy Daisy Members

Congrats to Jeb & Lisa Schreiber on their completion of the Erie Marathon!

Running + Biking + Swimming = Triathlon

Hit by a Train (no, not really)

It was the coolest thing today - as I was running down 12th Street across the overpass to the tracks, a train came right at that moment. It was still dark out and the headlight was bearing down the tracks. I did a fun route - down Carson Street to the Smithfield Bridge, then up 2nd and back across the 10th Street Bridge and up the hill. Miss running with you girls!

Regent Square - Run Around the Square

http://www.runhigh.com/2006%20Results/2006%20Results%20A/R082606AF.html

Frigid Missoula

Running in Montana was fantastic. We (Nate, Katie, Mr. Troxell) started our run at a mere 48 degrees - how wonderfully chilling! We started on the far side of University of Montana's campus and ran along the Clark Fork River and back - this was scenery that makes Runner's World magazine frequently - a runner's dream run!

"I saw the reflectors on your shoes, but you should watch your back."

5:30 am, sun is just beginning to rise - I was running down Oporto Street, which is really more of legs just working against the force of gravity to keep yourself upright since it is such a steep hill, and at the bottom a jeep pulled up next to me and said, "I saw the reflectors on your shoes, but you should watch your back." I was on the SIDEWALK! So unless he normally drives on the sidewalk, I think I will probably be okay.

Covered for 2 sessions of snooze

I think this is the first time since I've moved into my new house that I have actually used my down comforter! This morning after my first alarm went off I pulled the covers up and enjoyed 2 delicious snooze sessions before getting out of bed for a Southside run with Nathan. We went on the trail down by the river, which was nice for the most part. There were some bugs and cobwebs to deal with, but other than that, it was a good morning for a run.

Back on Land

Back On Land

Well...just to let everyone know - I am back; just in time to save my plants and finally get some running in. Alaska was beautiful, but running on a boat while it is moving is not good for the stomach. I did manage to get a lot of stationary bike in (in between the 8,000 meals that are served a day), but treadmills just aren't my thing. There was an outdoor track around the top of the boat too, but the wind was so strong, I could barely walk up there! I guess they probably get more use out of that when they sail to the Caribbean.

One success however - David gave us some good swimming tips! We were pretty excited about the lap pool on board, but of course it broke the first day we were there, and was out of commission for the rest of the week. Oh well, I can't complain - I had a great time!

Forgotten undergarments

Yes, top and bottom both were forgotten today. Its a hazard of not having my house unpacked yet. I think I attempted to find those two items wherever they may have been packed, but somehow got distracted last night. Oh well, a tank w/ shelf bra and a reuse on the bottom had to suffice.

On another note - Kung Fu Fighting is stuck in my head!

Run home to the S'Side

Ran home from the office to my new place - 22 minutes! [Faster than the bus?]

Chicago 2007

Just put it on my calendar...in addition to all the great people we normally run with, I've got some others lined up to run it - Heather Lievens (my brother's girlfriend), Matt & Krystal Hawkins, maybe we can convince Carlynn and Erica to do it again??, AND Nathan????

Across the Stateline

I ran all the way to Lansing, IL today! (You may be thinking Lansing, MI, but no - that would be way across the stateline.) Sounds like a big feat, but it was only 15 minutes to get there, which was a perfect place to turn around to then complete my 30 minute tempo.

Actually, I take back the words I implied about it not really being a big feat...the heat and humidity makes anything outside of the comfort of A/C a VERY large feat!

10k Training Schedule

http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10kadv.htm

Alright - I think I need to get back on some type of schedule for running with a goal in mind because I've been pretty sporadic and quite wimpy in the runs I have done lately. I'm leaning towards this Hal Higdon one for the Great Race. It would start two weeks from now, so I may just do weeks 7 & 8 two times in a row. I'll be in Chicago/really Indiana next week, so it would be a hard commute to run w/ you guys, but hopefully when I get back I can jump into meeting up a few times a week. A swim in the river is sounding good today...

Rain definitely preferable

SO this morning I went for my first non-city of pittsburgh run. It was nice to be able to explore some new neighborhoods and be so close to the trails at Frick Park...but it was kinda lonely and not as much fun. ANd not to mention that it was one big hazy fog. It NEEDS to rain. It is getting VERY nasty outside.

Rain Preferable

Of the two days I ran out here in Indiana, both of them rained. I sort of planned the first day, but today was not planned. I didn't even realize it was raining until I saw a big flash of lightning and heard thunder rumbling in the distance as I was lacing up my shoes. I thought, eh, what the heck, it will be fine. I got outside and it was POURING down rain, so much so that my contacts were falling out of my eyes and I pretty much had to keep them closed. It was very refreshing though and it let up a little towards the end to where it was just a light shower.

I got back into the hotel and the guy at the front desk thought that it was hilarious that I would like running in the rain (which he assumed I did since I had done it two days that he saw). Gotta love the friendly Hampton employees!

Solidarity

Yesterday was the ultimate test. It was my first run in a LONG TIME in the city of Pittsburgh without Lisa or Megan! It was kind of hard, especially to get out of bed, but I did it. Now, the real test will be if I can do that on a regular basis. I miss not working out with you guys all the time. At least I did get to see Lisa Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings. That helped. :) What will we do to fill the gap? Plan evening runs?

The 'burgh is hazy today and makes my hair a pouf ball. I look like a dead poodle! Sans the curl.

Talk to you chickadees later.

A Rainy Run in Indiana

Feel like its busy season again...sitting in a hotel, writing about my lastest running escapade. Well, I am in Munster, IN - very small town, mid-Western feel to it. Got up for a run this morning and it was pouring. Running in the rain is always pretty cool, though, so I headed out for a short jaunt.

Deja Vu II

So...today I met Geoff and Rusty at Max & Erma's...and (not surprisingly) I saw the trainer from the Y as well...It just really throws you off when you see people out of their normal context....

So new idea - everyone move in with Lisa so we can all run together in the morning and drive to spinning together again...it's too sad to do it solo 100% of the time...

Nonexistent Water Stop

Remember how we used to stop at the Get Go down near the 40th Street Bridge during some of our long runs? Well it is all boarded up! Don't know if its just being renovated or what happened, but don't plan on stopping there anytime soon!

First Official No-Lisa Run

It was a sad day in Three Rivers City...our first real run when Lisa doesn't live in Shadyside anymore.

Results - Brentwood Firecracker 5k

http://runhigh.com/2006%20Results/2006%20Results%20A/R070406AB.html

Everday Mojo

"The pain of discipline is less than the
pain of regret."

Es Usted Rapido?

Don't mean to go crazy w/ the posts to the blog , but I am trying to keep up/catch up w/ all the fun stuff that's been going on!

I read this article in Outside magazine:

Learn Spanish and other languages while you train w/ this smarter-than-average spinning class

Do you break out in a cold sweat at the thought of language lessons? Here's an even better reason to perspire. San Francisco-based Connect18 is launching spin classes that promise to tone your gray matter as well as your glutes. While riding a stationary bike, you'll take virtual tours of countries like Mexico and Italy via a big-screen, cycle-centric travel documentary...

A Delayed Blogpost [last year's Firecracker 5k]

For the sake of those who missed this last year (you would not have even THOUGHT of doing this today) and in honor of one of our fave running buddies/cheerleaders

Brentwood Firecracker 5k

So the Brentwood Firecracker 5k was a fizzle this year. Well, it was still super fun, but there was lots of rain involved and it was tough to stick around shivering for the door prize drawings (which none of us won), let alone the parade. We had 2 supporters too - Kathryn and Noah!

Oh well, there is always next year, as it is becoming a tradition embedded in celebrating the Fourth of July. (This was Nathan and my 5th year!)

YMCA staff and Max & Erma's waitress

I went to lunch at M&E's today and who was our waitress, but the very tall girl that works upstairs at the Y. It was a weird double-take-out-of-context situation.

Damien Rice and The Buggles

John's hint - Condoleezza

Megan's hint - anytime he plays it, he asks who it is and the girl who normally gets it right wasn't there today

Answer - Damien Rice

[The other one I had to ask Nathan...and then I verified it on iTunes.]

Two Days in a Row with Matt

Matt and Krystal were in town over the weekend and I got to do two fantastic runs - (1) Saturday morning the group consisted of Matt and myself, along with Krystal and Lisa and we went up Beechwood, did the trail loop in Frick Park and then came back down Shady and (2) Matt and I headed up to Highland Park and actually ran around the reservoir.

It could happen to anyone...

...well, maybe not. I totally forgot about a small event during the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge. I don't remember what mile marker or leg we were at - it might have been the last 8 but definitely the last 16. Amber and I were running through the woods (well Amber was, I was doing some kind of "fast" movement) and all of the sudden my klutzy tired feet hit a root and I went sprawling across the woods floor!!!! But I do have to say, out of all my falls (we're up to three now) this one was the best and softest...I could've laid there the rest of the day! So my streak of being the only one to trip and fall reigns and grows....Oh yeah, and today I was walking in the Strip and tripped with my left foot and the back of my right knee that has been aching since the hike was subjected to shooting pain....I think I need to retire. But no! since I've been determined by all my coworkers to be NUTS I have to keep up my reputation!

Solo Wasatch Back Run

Rachel Carson trail x 5:

Mark Sanderson and Leon Deitlaf completed their solo run of the 175 mile WBR course in approximately 45 hours. They started around 12:30am Friday and finished at about 9:30 Saturday evening. By the time they arrived, all of the runners were gone and the course cleaned up. We had closed off lower Main Street in Park City for the finish with chute, balloons, banners, etc., but for their arrival there was only a sidewalk with no crowds, announcers or cheers They finished in front of the Prime Steak House, running through a yellow caution tape held by my 7-year-old twin nephews. Mark's and Leon's families, Dan's, Tanner's and my families, and a few mildly curious onlookers at the steak house were the only people to see them complete the run. I don't know exactly what I expected, but their finish was one of the best moments I've ever seen in sports. We had received reports that Mark, in particular, was really struggling, even hallucinating at the top of Ragnar, leg 34. We saw them at exchange 35, where their families who were providing support were obviously very concerned about their condition. Dan and Tanner met them at the roundabout and ran down Main Street with them. When they crossed the finish line, they turned and quietly hugged each other. Then they hugged wives and family, and thanked us for giving them the opportunity. Leon told us it had been fun but they would never do it again. Mark apologized to Dan for taking so long and making us wait for them. Dan, who is about as sentimental as you and Dee, had tears in his eyes. I went home and pulled out George Sheehan's book, "Going the Distance," in which he writes about his final days dying of prostate cancer. There he makes the point that every victory is fleeting. None lasts beyond the moment. Afterward, process again begins of trying train to get back to the pinnacle. Most never get there again. And as we age, only with tremendous effort can we achieve a level that is something less than we once were. Those thoughts fit the occassion. I'll hold image of Mak and Leon embracing in my mind forever, but they found their limits and likely will never go their again. As Mark said, for the first 125 miles or so of their run, when runners along the course told them they were nuts, he thought they weren't. The last 50 miles or so of their run, he agreed with them. Fortunately for us, they were just crazy enought to show all of us who saw them stuggle down Main Street what human beings are capable of.

Happy Birthday, Amber!

"For the last two years, I've been a long-distance junkie, spending beaucoup hours prepping for half marathons, full marathons, half Ironmans and even a full Ironman, dismissing any race requiring less than three GU packs or later than a 4 a.m. wake-up call as not worth the price of registration..." - from the editor's letter in Her Sports + Fitness magazine

Sound familiar?

Bring on the next marathons - combo of Marine Corp and Chicago?!?!

Runnin' Down a Dream

http://www.gcc.edu/UserFiles/File/news/gedunk/Spring06.pdf

Check out page 16!

KABOOM!

Just printed off the registration form for the Firecracker 5K! (only $12 before june 24)
Can't wait. This is a new tradition in the making, I'm sure. Of course, Megan and Nathan are well ahead of the rest of the crew....hoping it will be as beatiful as last year...I need to find my special hair tie. Stars and stripes forever.

A Lonely Run

I ran all by my lonesome today...odd feeling. Can't wait to see you guys tomorrow morning!

And the training goes on....

Well - it appears as though we've picked up another victim to join us in our training and also the psycholers....our very own Grant McKinney!
My favorite thing though, is Deborah's idea about bringing him to spinning: "OH, and I'll def. be at spinning...Grant may even start coming to that. BUT
we will NOT be sharing a water bottle."

Let the madness continue....I just have to say that swimming is quicking becoming my favorite event to look forward to....very strange...

Sleeprunning

You know - I noted via my RSS feed of the Crazy Daisies sight that there were no new postings and somehow I felt that was normal since I was thinking we didn't do anything this morning. In fact, that is false, but I think I may have been sleeprunning during our jaunt this morning. I honestly didn't have too strong of a recollection of it until I really started racking my brain. Odd? Well, yeah for the Reverse-Wilkins!

The Wisdom of John

DRINK TIL IT'S CLEAR ...

(AND if you don't get it ask your neighbor)


Well Said John...spinning class is back to its crowded, difficult self...Always a good time when the right instructor shows up...

AND WE'RE OFF!

So the first official practice of the triathlon training program went off without a hitch as we slowly crept into the pool at 5:30...well more like 5:45 by the time we got our swim caps on... But, personal distance records were set and Amber and I both left the pool with smiles (even after I compared the workout to a track workout!). So here's to the summer of multi-sport training!

The Amazing Race Application

Someone from work forwarded us an article from KDKA that they were taping Amazing Race interviews to be sent in with the application. People from GYF have always told Amber and I that we should do it together, so we got all of our stuff together and hauled it up to Wexford to tape ourselves. All said and done we had to have a picture of the two of us (ALL pictures I have w/ Amber include Lisa and MOST of them have Lisa in the middle, but I found one that we cropped her out of. Sorry, Lisa.), individual shots of one another, copies of passports, a completed application (very long) and an interview tape. For our interview we did a typical day in the life of Megan and Amber - started at 4:45 am w/ alarms going off and ended at 10:30 pm after an evening of pizza at Michaels. It was very fun!

Next stop - Indianapolis for the semi-finals...then LA for the finals...then - the WORLD!

2 HOTT 2 drive

So...yesterday after a productive triathalon strategy/planning session, I made my way back to my car (which had only been parked for 1 hour mind you) - and nearly burnt my hands off trying to turn the steering wheel!! All I can say is.....at least I didn't get a ticket!

No A/C and No John

enough said.

Military Training

I learned a new workout via Katie & John via Deb & Nick. Katie, John, Nancy and Dave (John's parents) and myself ran down to the local park and then did the military workout - 1 chinup, then twice that amount in situps and pushups. We went up to 3 and then worked our way back down. Katie and I got some good help from John on the chinups. We then did some yoga in the freshly mowed grass!

High Altitude Training

Got some good high altitude training in...I got into Denver on Thursday and then got to run with all the jackrabbits on a field access road on Friday morning - it was H-O-T!!! I ran without my shirt!

Friday a.m. I ran in Breckenridge w/ Nathan. We had a beautiful A-frame house with all windows in the front and a gorgeous view of the mountains. We were back in an area where houses were somewhat spaced out, so we got to run up the road a bit.

We also got some good hiking in - snow, lightning, elk and moose make for great adventures!

No more basketball shorts in spinning class!!!!!

Can I just reiterate that sweaty butt-cracks are disgusting and unappreciated!?!?! In my opinion, since the gross sweat boy spent so much on a ring, can't she turn around and spend a few dollars on shorts that actually stay on his body!?!?! Or is sharing a few sips every day from a water bottle sufficient enough?

....alright, sorry guys, carrying an extra 35 pounds to work made me VERY cranky this morning...

GOOOOOOOOO!

Well, getting back in the saddle with waking up at 4:30. ew. don't know how much longer I'll keep that one up....
So the exciting news of the spinning class day is the inseperable couple got engaged! Nothing says 'I love you' like sharing a water bottle :)

Its Nathan-Training Time!

Nathan and I did a Southside run on this sunny Sunday afternoon. Fun times - there's no turning back now, Nathan!

The Marathon

Alright - here are the splits I had...I don't think this was a model marathon pace:

1-3 26:31 (also included a pit stop)
4 8:33
5 8:11
6 8:18
7 8:34
8 8:28
9 8:23
10 8:32
11-12 18:21
13 8:28
14 8:49
15 8:43
16 9:00
17 11:05 (quick stop for stretching w/ the guys)
18 9:34
19 9:01
20 9:16
21 9:20
22 10:12
23 9:41
24 9:56
25 9:57
26.2 11:06
finish line 7:54 (honestly, it took me that long to get through - get water, get aluminum wrap, get a medal, get the chip off your shoe, get your picture taken)

Clearly there was some kind of "wall" in there.

Nashville Here We Come!

It wouldn't be a marathon trip without staying up until 1 am to finish the packing...and making the labels for the mixed CDs I made! Can't wait to show them to you guys and can't wait for the finish line!

These Boots

Seconds before I was about to make an early dismount from the bike, John makes everyone running the Nashville marathon raise their hands...(only me Amber and Deborah did) and then he played our theme song!!! It was like he was reading our minds! I was just afraid that maybe he peeked in and saw us practicing this morning...that would be embarrasing...only one day til departure!

30 Minutes + Striders

I thought this last easy week of training would never come! Yeah for only 30 minutes of running and some easy feel-good striders to follow!

Uh-Oh

This was Amber's reply when we started learning her choreographed dance and Lisa asked, "How do you do that walking thing?"

The guys are in for something good...

The Countdown Begins

Can't believe that in six days we'll be done with the (1/2) marathon!! Just spent a little time tranferring the course onto a Nashville map. It helped me visualize the course a lot during Vegas and it's just one of my special quirks...I do believe that we hit almost every numbered street they have (well 4th through 18th). It is very loopy but does go through every park possible. I just hope that the last park we hit in the 22-24 range has some people/bands for encouragement and is not just a dead trail...guess I'll check that out next.
Oh yeah - I went to Dick's to return my shorts that I didn't like and I found a stunning red longsleeve dri-fit shirt (similar to Debo's blue underarmor and Amber's blue champion shirts) to wear at the beginning of the race. I know this is not recommended but if those shorts fit that should come in the mail tomorrow than I'm going to wear them with the lovely birthday sportsbra. That's what the lube stick is for, right?
well - that's enough rambling for now...can't wait to see what the boys' cheer squad has in store for us!

A Good Smelling Run

I think I smelled RAMPS! I'm not positive what they smell like, but if I had to guess, I think I smelled some! Other than that, I smelled a freshly cut baseball diamond, a blooming lilac bush and burning wood.

There is a football field in Kingwood, WV, but unfortunately no track around it. I decided to just run for 3 - 8 minute segments. This ended up being a loop from the middle school to the hospital and wasn't bad at all.

To top it all off, I had some good-smelling feet when I took my running shoes off at the end of the run!

Definitely a morning person

Well, since I lacked motivating people to get me out of bed in the morning I thought I'd take advantage of having some free nights and enjoying the sunshine. well. there was a lot of traffic. and a lot of runners and walkers and dogs and other random people just getting in my way. Yesterday I did the mile repeats but decided that I would fully use mapmyrun.com and do it in the neighborhood before GOTR. The very slight hill on Amberson obviously got to me by the third lap (much better than doing 12) but still not a bad showing: 6:49, 6:48, 6:58.
Today doing 8 miles did not go as well as I am just too worn out to do much running after work. So I ran through Frick Park which was just lovely but probably ended up doing closer to 7 miles. oh well... excited for our last long run on Saturday!

The Mountains of WV

Absolutely gorgeous run in Kingwood, WV! Set out to do 8 and came up a little short, but I think we covered the whole town! The stars were beautiful, the birds were chirping and it was good to run with Amber again. It was also the first run with the ring. Ah, spring!

April Showers

Lisa and I enjoyed a few spring showers on our 15 mile morning run. Other than that, fairly uneventful. We did try out eating jelly beans while running. Works out pretty well except for opening the package.

Track workout + IM softball + pick up game of football = SPRINGTIME

7 X 800 at target pace of 3:28-3:33 - 3:28, 3:28, 3:34, 3:27, 3:39, 3:41, 3:34. Personally, I felt a little lethargic, don't know if it was the fact that I had done spinning in the morning, the mugginess of the air or that I was just tired. Lisa did great, though!

Get well soon John - VERY SOON

Five days before the official end of the tax season and I wake up at 4:30 to catch the bus for spinning...So after a solo Inflexible Club meeting I go in with Megan and Steve (His 1st time!). Five minutes later Emery shows up late as always but proceeds to walk to the front of the room! I almost walked right out, but instead I should do something since I did get up rather early. Emery proceeds to put the music on softly, like always, after stating "I have no idea what this music is" um yeah. So I just ignored all his commands as he pushed the rest of the class up a big hill - to a fast techno song....oh yeah - my favorite part was watching everyone do jumps off of the beat when the song kept saying "Feel the rhythm". So Amber and Deborah - I'm glad you were busy/not here. And Megan - I hope Steve will come back and try a real class.
Thanks for listening guys - I needed to rant a little to get my day off to a better start....apparently I've been promoted to baby trust returns....I'm totally clueless.

Lisa's Birthday Run

We did a NEW morning run - up Negley to the reservior in Highland Park and then back down Highland. Mapmyrun.com says it is just under 4 miles from the corner back to my house, so by the time you add in the distance b/n it is up over 4 miles.

I also mapped the inner and outer loops of the reservoir - inner is 1 mile and outer is 1.7 miles.

Trial Run of the Jelly Bellys and the Ice Bath

Our peak mileage run before the marathon - 3 weeks to go! We tried out the power jelly bellys and were all huge fans. I also did an ice bath once I got back home. One thing I would recommend is being ready for the shock and being prepared to pass out. As I was easing myself into the bath tub filled w/ cold water and ice I seriously felt my body being like, "what is going on here? We might shut all power down and you will pass out." Then I was having images of Nicole wondering what is taking so long and finding me frozen and drowned in the bathtub. Didn't happen, but it COULD have!

The Competition

Just found out that James Boazzo is running the Country Music Marathon 1/2 marathon in training for a marathon he is running in Alaska in June. I promptly called Ryan to tell him that he would have to beat him.

AAARRRGGGHHH

Just got several emails saying that my shorts are on back order 5-7 and then 10-14 days!!!! How am I supposed to test wear them if they come seconds before we leave for the marathon!?!?!?!? And I got all that cool energy stuff too! Well Megan - I'm glad you got the jelly beans for us...

6 x 1200 target of 5:15

5:00, 5:03, 5:04, 5:05, 5:09, 5:13

Join our Inflexible Club!

For those who can't touch their toes our inflexible club offers many benefits - mainly appearing to stretch while actually catching extra zzz's before our 6 am spinning routine. Its magnificent - consider a membership today!

A Reverse Wilkins!

Yeah for an alteration on our typical 5 mile route into Oakland!

Police report filed

15 mile run via Shady Avenue and the Southside to downtown and back via the Strip and Liberty. I ended up adding on a little at the end too - I went up Fifth and wound around through the school and through the old hole in the fence; haven't done that in awhile.

So the first time I called 911 to file the police report no one answered - made me feel very safe. Second time I called I talked to someone and they sent a police officer to see me...in the office; yeah, I wonder what gossip that started. Anyhow, she was really nice and I am actually glad we filed it quickly because they said they have a lot of officers on duty in the Strip and will try to find him based on my description. If so, I could be called in to ID him.

12 x 400 Target 1:35

1:33, 1:33, 1:35, 1:36, 1:34, 1:35, 1:35, 1:37, 1:35, 1;37, 1:35, 1:34

Spring is Coming

Well the morning of rain showers held off for us to do a lovely 5 mile loop with the birds happily chirping around us. I was able to breathe a little better than Sunday but still not up to par...Can't wait til it's sans-shirt weather again. I miss those days of little laundry. My watch said we were running for 51 minutes and I do believe that we were going much faster than 10 minute miles. so who really knows how far it was....or am I just getting really old and really slow now that I'm about to be 25????

Morning Has Broken

Sunday morning was absolutely gorgeous for a run! We/I did a lot of it along the rivers too, so that made it extra beautiful. Planned 20 mile long run; after I mapped it, I found out it was actually only about 18 - 2:50.

Why walk when you can run?

4 x 1600 at target pace of 7:00-7:05 - 7:13, 7:17, 7:31, 7:35. Those mile repeats don't leave much time for talking in between!

For the Half-Marathoners

Here is the same program that Lisa and I are using for the marathon, just tailored for the half. I might be up for doing this in the summer/fall timeframe!

http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/article/0,5033,s6-51-55-0-9369-7-1X2X3X4X5X6X7-8,00.html

Old Marathon Course

I had trouble finding this via google, so I thought I would just post it here so that I have the link.
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/project/systems-jhutz-1/marasnap/index.html

Official Energy Source of the Country Music Marathon

I AM a huge jelly belly fan - check this out! It was just announced as the official energy source.

http://jellybelly.com/msib21/PromoSites/SportsBeans/SportBeans.html

8 Mile Tempo - Beechwood Loop

8 mile tempo run at target pace of 8:10-8:15/mile - 9:11, 8:15, 8:38, 8:38, (missed hitting the lap button for one, so took the average of the two), 8:24, 8:45, 8:18, 11:36 (longer than a mile).

Also, I almost got taken out by the paper delivery boy after I left you guys. He threw one paper out the window right in front of me, so I proceeded to keep running, but alas, it was an apartment building and he still had another paper to throw - Close call!

For your reading pleasure

So here's the gossip from the locker room after this morning's spinning session -

(Lisa you may have gotten some of it, but don't know if you got it all...)

Apparently some woman is trying to supply the large man who wears the small shirts to expose his large belly with appropriate attire. She gave him a turkey trot shirt and said, "we are trying to get rid of these, so thought you might like one." He is also bound for a nude beach in Italy in the near future, so steer clear.

My own personal gossip - I think we should tell the girl of the inseparable couple, that her boy should wear shorts that do not expose his butt crack sweat. Nasty!

Girls - please tell me if I am ever grossing people out w/ my sweat patterns or choice of workout attire...

mapmyrun.com

A revolution for road runners! Nathan had this idea long ago, and is mad that someone has done it before him, but it IS amazing and just perfect for us...though the spray paint is lots of fun too!

www.mapmyrun.com

Break-in at the McKinneys!

The plan was to run the "Deborah's house" route, which Amber and I started and then I went solo from Rita's. It was a beautiful run today - chilly, but super sunny! I got to Deborah's house around 6:50 and was kind of unclear on whether I was really invited to be there or not. I figured I would stop by and see if there were any lights on. When I got to the back door, I noticed it was unlocked, so I figured I'd just go in quietly and grab a glass of water. All worked out and no one woke up. Although, I found out later that Deborah had already been up and thought she missed me.

Also, I tested the Clif Shot Bloks - "an organic supply of electrolytes" - today. They are like gu in a fruit chew form and were better than gu, but still not fantastic. Since it was so cold out they were a little stiff to chew and they kind of stuck to my teeth, but you are supposed to take them w/ water anyways, so as long as you have enough time to stop, chew and swish water around in your mouth, you should be okay.

Constraints

If anyone knows me, they understand that I am not a true, avid runner. I enjoy doing it with friends and am motivated by them. For me to run on my own, especially a track work-out, takes a lot of coaxing on my part. So, I am happy to report that because I couldn't meet Megan last night, I went to the track this morning. It was great! It was so quiet and the birds were chirping. It's great just to see the sun start to rise. The sky was beautiful! Although, due to time constraints, I was only able to run 6x800's, as opposed to 8x800's. My times were pretty consistent, ranging from 3:35-3:43. It was not bad. Getting up early to work out is so refreshing...it's just the matter of getting myself out of bed! Yeah for FRIDAY!

Rising Times

Fairly uneventful run - I was really tired and didn't want to drag myself over to the track, but I told myself, "Megan, at least get out there and start running. You can do at least 6 of the repeats." My times started out decent; not as good as if Amber and Lisa would have been there, but I was pleased. Then they started getting longer and longer and on my sixth lap I said, "Megan, run this one faster than your last, but if you don't, then you are done." I really did try, but just don't think I had it in me, so I cut it off at 6. Planned workout 8 x 800 at 3:25-3:30 pace: 3:39, 3:37, 3:36, 3:47; 3:46, 3:49.

Summary of Recent Runs

Scheduled 18 mile run on Sunday afternoon - Amber and I cut it a little short, but probably did 14-ish. We both had somewhat of a blah-running day.

5 mile tempo run on Tuesday evening - only time we could fit in running was 9 pm - yikes! Did the route to Oakland and back. Windy, but a decent run.

Don't know if I am going to be able to fit in the track workout at all this week.

Giddy Girls

12 x 400 at target pace of 1:40 - 1:45. We blew this workout out of the water! 1:32, 1:36, 1:37, 1:36, 1:38, 1:38, 1:37, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:37, 1:35

Fast Tempo

3 mile tempo at target pace of 7:40 - 8:02, 8:11, 7:38 (Is that last mile a little short?)

New Kicks

I know you guys are going to be very excited to hear that I finally ordered my new shoes from the internet. Now you don't have to hear about how dead my shoes are every time we go for a long run. And that brings me to my next point: My marathon color scheme. Originally, I thought I'd wear a different color for each marathon. But my shoes are red and white and silver. SO - we're going with the red theme from head to toe. It's going to be very exciting! I know I'm psycho for having this already planned out. But there's only six weeks left in tax season and that means 8 weeks until the marathon. Wow. semi-scary thought! Can't wait for both events!

In like a prowling (not attacking) lion...

So our first run in March came as quite a surprise since we got maybe an inch of snow from the time that Megan and I left work til we got to the track. It definitely made for an interesting run since we ran on treadless snow the entire time, the wind kept blowing us backwards and hiding our lines in the snow so we'd know where to stop and then they turned the lights out on us as if there was no one on the track. Our workout was 3 1600 at 7-7:10 pace: 7:27, 7:22 and 7:26...Not quite to our goal (but see the above conditions) but again we are so stinkin' consistent. So that's encouraging. Even more impressive though was the three guys we've seen every week. They come and stand around a lot and then eventually run the length of the football field...It was cold and windy and they just kept on standing!

Snow and such

Since altering my training a bit to include more longer runs, and not so many speed workouts for the month of March (we'll see how that turns out for me in the end) - I had a nice run around the lake a couple times in North Park yesterday. I must say I was pretty happy when the rain turned to snow. It was very peaceful. Hope you guys survived in the dark and cold too!

Handicaps for Runners?

So I met Megan and Jeremiah for a delightful lunch in the middle of busy season. On the way back to the office Megan and I stopped at the Apple Cookie Company. Of course, instead of buying one or two cookies like a normal person, I bought a dozen. I did give two to Julia but now just over an hour later there are just two left here on my desk. You do the math. And because I probably did just eat a pound of butter just hours before our speed workout I think that it's perfectly reasonable that, instead of our goal time of 7 minute miles (3), I am allowed to run them in 12-15 minutes....

Fresh Footprints

Our fresh footprints in the snow didn't last too long at the track last night. By the time we made it one lap around they were already blown over and filled in. Considering the conditions our times were not all that bad - 3 x 1600 at target pace of 7:00-7:05 - 7:29,7:30,7:30. Consistent to say the least.

Revival of the Pittsburgh Marathon?

Don't get too excited, don't think its going to happen anytime soon, but I found the article that was in the Post Gazette in 2004 about the marathon being dead. (I think I've read it like 20 times after googling "Pittsburgh Marathon" just hoping that it will read differently when I try again.) Anyhow, I got e-mail addresses for all those included in the article and sent out an e-mail asking about any updates anyone is aware of. I'll post the replies as they come in:

From Tom Rooney of Rooney Sports & Entertainment (as in a REAL Pgh Steelers related Rooney) -

Greg Smith of the Elite Runners and Walkers stores in Monroeville and Coraopolis was our mover and shaker on this. But when the city went broke and couldn’t pick up all the traffic and medical staffing costs (some $250,000) it doomed the race. Last I heard Greg was working on a 20K or a 10 miler.

From Dan Holland, former president of the Pharaoh Hounds and organizer of the Great Replacement Race -

I believe a marathon can be assembled and run here in Pittsburgh. But after my experience in putting on the Great Replacement Race, I'd rather not be involved. I loved working with my fellow runners to offer a high-quality event for runners. It brought us closer, and since we are all seasoned runners we knew what to do.

However, I didn't have a very good experience with the city police and paramedic unions. They required us to pay up-front (the only ones who did), incurred the greatest cost, required an unnecessarily large force of people, and then required us to pay them for four hours, when it's a two hour event. Some didn't even show up.

I live in the city and enjoy it here. But I see the waste that goes on--way, way too many people working for a city of this size. It's big government at its worst.

The key will be to attract some deep pocketed donors who are sympathetic to the cause. If you can tolerate working with the city, then I say go for it. I'd love for the marathon to come back.

Second reply from Tom Rooney:

Tom Murphy is a runner and he loved (and ran) the marathons, too. That being said there is a new mayor and a relatively new county executive. They could take a fresh look at it……maybe we should organize something. Pgh will celebrate 250 years in 2008….maybe we can get together with the two as a team.

Reply from Kevin Smith, owner of Elite Runners & Walkers and the "mover and shaker" referred to by Tom Rooney (I believe he was speaking of Kevin when he mentioned "Greg Smith"):

It is interesting on the timing of all these emails. I am currently working with Dr. Brad Henderson of the the Pittsburgh Youth Network to put on a large event for them as well as bring life back to the city. I had sent in an email to Mike Radley about a week ago outlining plans for a ten miler to be held in May 2007. This distance was chosen as it is long enough that runners have to train and short enough that many more people will attempt it vs a marathon. This has been proven in other cities where the 10 miler is two times bigger than their marathon, i.e. Philly. In addition, due to the shorter course, the cost is more manageable given the current economic climate of the city. If we get enough ground support, I am sure we can morph this concept into a marathon for the city which is what Brad and I had discussed right from the beginning.

I have also been contacted by a former member of the marathon board who is interested in helping revive the marathon as well. It is reasonable to assume there are more like her plus some corporate executives who may be ready to commit again.

If anyone is truly interested, I am willing to work as the point person in getting this going as I aready have a base budget and have been working with a few race directors in similar cities to assess true costs of a marathon in a city our size.

Thanks,

Kevin J. Smith
Elite Runners & Walkers
We Run This Town!

tel: 412-490-0881
fax: 412-490-0882
toll free: 877-RUN-WALK
mailto:ksmith@eliterunners.com

Shuttle Routes

Looks like there IS actually a shuttle from the Hotel Preston; we'll have to check out the details at the Expo b/c I think you need to purchase tickets ahead of time.

Number Crunching Won't Do Anything For Your Abs

Well, what can we say - no John today for spinning. I think the most grueling workout of the day was lugging an overstuffed audit bag from Blvd of the Allies garage over to the office - that's what I'm talking about. Who says "number crunching won't do anything for your abs"?

Fresh Snow

10 mile tempo run at target pace of 8:10-8:15 - I did a really bad job of keeping track of the split times, so taking the average we did an 8:36 pace. This was cutting off a little on 5th Avenue due to the road construction at Neville, but shouldn't have a huge impact.

Mileage Count

I am in the middle of clocking the mileage for what we ran this morning. (I am at the office at our water/bathroom break spot and will be taking a long stop here before completing the rest of the mileage via auto.) Anyhow, down to the office via our route is 7 miles from my house! Can you believe it? (Lisa, I definitely think the 51 minutes my watch registered was wrong.) Also, can you believe the Birmingham Bridge is almost .7 miles across?

Continued later in the day: back to my house gave a read of 16.9 miles - how good are we? This probably means from the corner it is 15.7 miles b/c it is .6 from my house to the corner. Yea! Not bad on our time, either.

Interrupted Conversations

Workout was 7 x 800 at a 5:20 - 5:30 pace, which means that Lisa and I probably had about 7 separate conversations started that never got finished. Only so much time to talk in between and by the time you're done w/ one repeat a new topic is brought up. 3:19, 3:26, 3:24, 3:25, 3:28, 3:24, 3:34.

Running Apparel

Hey girls - I had good luck w/ some purchases of running apparel at Filene's basement - only trick is avoiding the traffic and figuring out how to get across the bridge (and hoping the bridge does not collapse while you are on it)!

Git 'er Done

8 mile tempo run at 8:10 - 8:15 minute pace (yeah right!) I think spinning took a bit of a toll on my legs; today was less then a stellar performance - 8:50, 8:47, 9:12 (missed the marker), 7:35, 8:32, 42:23 (missed the rest of the markers - did I fall asleep? - and then forgot to end the timer when I got home...) 1:25 less approximately 10?? = 1:15??

15 mile biathlon

So Saturday I was super excited to finally run with Deborah until I checked the weather and the windchill was below zero. ouch. not good if you're going to be in the elements for two long hours. So we moved our run to the Y. and let's just say that treadmills are terrible. we lasted about 15 minutes in misery and then raced of to do some of our own spinning for the rest of the two hour period. Spinning is definitely not as much fun without the full room and instructor to force you to do all the hard and grueling work especially when you're there for well over an hour.
So Megan I'm impressed that you attempted to go running this morning not only alone but in the bitter cold.
Seriously, let's move our entire friend base down south... we'd save a ton of money on winter running clothes...and we'd be able to do all of our runs.

Back to my warm bed

I was dreading my upcoming lonesome run of 15 miles in 3 degree weather a few days before it actually happened, but I was fairly determined to follow through on it, so in between hitting the snooze button this morning, I debated with myself how far I actually had to go. I set a goal of the 40th Street Bridge and back. Definitely not 15 miles, but at least an attempt at doing something.

As soon as I got outside, I thought "this isn't all that bad". Then about a minute later, I realized I was chilled through and that no matter how hard I worked, I wouldn't get warm till I was back in my apartment taking a hot shower. So I ran to the bottom of the hill at the base of the 40th St. Bridge and pretty much reached fully-frozen status. Then it was back up the hill and home to a hot shower and time enough to take a nap in my warm bed before church.

I clocked the route afterwards and it is exactly 5 miles roundtrip from my house - maybe a good run to throw in there now and again.

Spring Track Workout

Super warm weather and Lisa to run with made for fast times. We still might not have reached the target times on 4 out of 5 of the repeats, but its still better than historical trends on the track (and pretty consistent). 5 x 1200 at target pace of 5:10-5:15; actual times - 5:07, 5:26, 5:26, 5:30, 5:21. Lisa and I both agreed that this track workout was fantastic!

Numb Bodies

I think we were all numb for our 14 mile long run and never realized how much we were hurting our bodies. We decided to do it Monday a.m. which meant we had to stick to a fairly tight timeframe in order to get to work on time. We all made it home safely (some via bus) but are feeling it the next day. Personally, for today I was going to cut the 7 mile tempo to a 5 mile tempo, but once Lisa limped over to me and said she wasn't going to run I cut it down to a 2.5 (maybe?) mile easy run w/ some good stretching afterwards. I think my body appreciated it.

Arrrrrrriba!

I showed up at the track that I had intended on running at only to find that a middle school girls track meet was going on. I was half tempted to stay and just watch, because it looked pretty exciting and everyone was cheering alot, but I asked one of the parents if there was another track close by, so I went to the opposing team's track since obviously it was empty. Things were going fine until the middle school boys team got back to the school. They were just waiting there until their parents came to pick them up and I must have been the most exciting thing around, so they started yelling things at me in Spanish - the only word I could pick out was "arriba" (with a very nice trill on the "rr's")! (And for those of you who were concerned for my safety - Nathan - it was mostly light out while I was running.)

10 x 400 at target pace of 1:30-1:35 (I think?) - 1:42, 1:48, 1:52, 1:49, 1:46, 1:50, 1:51, 1:56, 1:55, 1:54

Other noted items for the day - I got Sex & the City - Season 6, Part 2 at a pawn shop (John Smith really wanted to check one out b/c there are a lot around here) and I had my first crawfish (they are just coming into season down here).

Yogalicious

I decided to stretch out a bit today and went to morning Yoga at the Y. It was great! I do feel more stretched...but I haven't tried running since Sunday. I have been doing the occassional test-like running from the door of the library to my car, but it still slighlty hurts. I have been icing it. We'll see! I might try to do the track work out (or an adapted version) tomorrow. I can't wait for you all to get back!

Highway Happy Houston

Figured out why the country is "addicted" to oil - there are no sidewalks in Texas! Half a mile in every direction, you run into a highway where I tried to run this morning from my hotel. At one point, I saw a runner that I followed for a little while, but then I wondered if he was really the kind of guy I wanted to follow and he didn't look like he knew where he was going, so I turned around. When I got back to the hotel we actually rode up the elevator together since he had just grabbed some breakfast and he wasn't as scary as I had hyped him up to be. Despite being locked in office-park-central, I came across a few animals - a rooster crowing his wake-up call and a white cat that looked half cheetah and wanted to attack me. All in all, not my favorite run ever, but a good temperature!

Geedunk article

Just replied to some journalistic questions on our experiences in Las Vegas for an article in the Geedunk - stay posted for stellar coverage! (Maybe they will indicate to the world that we placed 26th and 27th...)

Ice Ice Baby

This morning I got ahold of the keys to the rental and headed over to the glorious A1A beachfront avenue. It was awesome. It was crazy busy at 9 on a sunday morning even though it was only 60 degrees at the start. But oh was it beautiful! Saw lots of interesting things. men with parrots on their shoulders, sweet ancient cars, real humvees, old men in speedos (ew!), and most excitingly - the atlantic ocean! So - my times weren't that great - I need you guys. I should've had you all fly down for the superbowl and a lot of beach action (Oh yeah - forget that it's tax season momentarily) My five mile splits: 45:11, 44:45. Hopefully my sports bra tan line will still be around next week - it's sweet.

Here we go Steelers Here we GO!

Game Day! Go Steelers!

I feel like its Christmas today! So excited for the game tonight! 10 mile long run w/ Amber and Ryan at target pace of 8:30-8:50 - (1) 8:28, (2) 10:05 (Amber turned around to head back), (3) 8:43, (4) 10:10 (missed the mile marker), (5) 6:31, (6) 9:02, (7-8.25?) 18:47 (cut it short and headed back) total 1:11.49

Mile Splits

I set out this morning to go back and forth on a non-USTFA certified sidewalk. I was told that it was a mile between lights so that's what I did. I think it might have been a little short - or I'm just amazing...haha...splits: 6:54, 6:53, and 6:48....at the very least I was consistent! Miss you guys!

winter wonderland?

Well, yesterday was my first official run coming off of being sick and injured. and it was wonderful. just three miles of course (I picked a good week to start back into the program!) and they weren't marked out for timing purposes but ran at an 8:30 pace. still have some work to do but can I add that I wasn't wearing a shirt! In January! I also want to mention that hotels that charge $200 a night should spend more than $50 on cardio equipment!

3 Mile Tempo

Target pace - 7:40; Actual splits - 8:21, 8:07,7:52

Rainy Run

Seems like everytime we run through the Strip it is raining...Amber and I ran from our corner down to the point via the Southside and then back up on Penn. Today's planned run of a long 13 miles really took it out of us. Don't know if it was the track workout the day before or what. We ended at 1:48, so we may have cut it a little short.

Half a Snowshoe Race

Amber and I ran at the CMU track - of which half the track was covered in snow - Bring your snowshoes next time! Workout was 6 x 800 at a traget pace of 3:30 each. 3:32, 3:37, 3:42, 3:48, 3:50, 3:55.

Running Circles in East Stroudsburg

Amber and I did our 7 mile tempo run this morning. It was super icy on the roads, so we were a little cautious on downhills and any chance meetings w/ large Mack trucks. It is hard to run 7 miles in an unknown land w/ no streetlights, so we ended up actually running in a few circles (both on purpose and not on purpose).

With or Without You

I definitely choose WITH you guys! I can't wait to have next week w/ Amber in East Stroudsburg. I run a lot better with you two around. The workout for Sunday morning was a long run of 12 miles 8:40-8:55 pace. 9:54, 9:16, 21:48 (took the loop through Frick Park), 9:33, 9:36, 9:55 (up Murray), 19:52 (caught our mile marker on Murray and then took a left on Aylesboro and left on Wightman to get back out to Forbes, then went down into Oakland), 8:41, 9:27.

Interesting sights on the run - beautiful sunrise, black squirrels (unnaturally black, like REALLY black!), Julia's dog (remember that black poodle from GOTR, Lisa?)

Hickory H.S. Track

3 x 1200 target pace 5:00 (if my calculations are correct) - 5:27, 5:40, 5:39...hmmm, not that great.

Hermitage, PA

Hit the snooze a few too many times, but got in a little over 3 miles on the treadmill at an 8:37 pace. I can't manage to do the treadmill at too fast a pace - I get nervous that I am literally going to fall off!

Mr. & Mrs. Moped

So, which one of us wears the pants in this relationship?

We're ready to cheer you on in Nashville, moped or no moped.

Link to the training schedule

Here we come, Nashville!

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-51-55-0-8257-6-1X2X3X4X5X6-7,00.html

10 Mile Long Run

Amber and I headed out to tag off our mile markers in pink spray paint on Saturday and then the three of us, plus Ryan Mitchell ran 10 miles Sunday morning.

Target pace 8:41-8:56 - 1 - 8:23, 2 - 8:36, 3 - 8:43, 4 - 8:28, 5 - 8:32, 6 - 8:56 (up Murray), 7 - 8:43, 8 - 7:34 (cut turnaround a little short), 9 - 8:04, 10 - 9:00, TOTAL 1:25

Left arch is a little sore; need new shoes!

The Birth of the Crazy Daisies

The birth of the Crazy Daisies blog! So here is the story - I had a memorable night of running and NO ONE to share it with. We've talked about doing this, so thought I would start. (Oh, Crazy Daisies really has no meaning, except for the fact that people think we are crazy runners and since we're all girls the daisy thing works.)

After work, John Smith and I decided to head to dinner and then I was going to run afterwards. Well, we got slightly lost - I'm pretty sure we were in Ohio at some point and eventually stumbled upon a Chinese buffet. That was my pre-run meal (I do not suggest this). I then traveled back to a school that we seemed to have passed, or at least it looked like a school, except for the cross on top. Regardless, it ended up having a track behind it, so it worked...it WAS asphalt, but I wasn't took picky. The workout for tonight was 8 x 400. I'm pretty sure I ran either that or 6 X 400 plus 1 x 600. I know which side of the track I was supposed to end on and I ended there, though I may have been daydreaming (clearly I was not running hard enough) and lost track. I had no watch, but I'm positive that I did not run them at the pace that was prescribed...oh well. It finally dawned on me at the end of the run, the big KC on the fieldhouse stood for Kennedy Christian - mystery solved!