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Race Wish List

Now that I've become a "seasoned" runner, I no longer desire to simply run races, but to find unique races which take me to interesting places and do something out of the ordinary. Running is a great opportunity to go places one wouldn't otherwise venture to and to participate in activities that wouldn't otherwise be possible. It's also a great motivation when you have something special to look forward to that isn't just another 5K on the same old course with the same old group of runners (no offense to my runner friends). :-)

For 2012, I've decided to compose a "Race Wish List" with those races I want to participate in. Here is what I have so far:

2012 Race Wish List
Date	Event	Location
03/18/12	St. Patrick's Day 8K	Bay City, MI
	Reason for running? Tradition. It's a hometown race with a huge following. It's the largest race in Bay City and one of the largest St. Patrick's Day races in the country.
04/14/12	Martian Marathon/Half Marathon	Ford Park, Dearborn, MI
	Reason for running? Coolness. It's a Martian-themed race subtitled "The Invasion of Races." It's got a quirky "Area 51" vibe to it. It's a flat, fast, USATF certified course and it's a pretty big race.
05/06/12	The Trail Marathon/Half Marathon	Pinckney, MI
	Reason for running? This is one of three races in the "Serious Series" of races which take place on some of the best trails in southeast Michigan. I love trails, exploring new places, and of course, a challenge. If you run all three races in the series, you get a pint glass.
05/20/12	The Qualifier Marathon	Midland, MI
	Reason for running? This is an inaugural event and the first local marathon. The course is designed to be flat and fast ; to be the best chance one has for qualifying for an elite marathon like Boston. The route goes through Bay, Saginaw and Midland counties and was designed with input from Bill Rodgers and Greg Meyer who will also be at the finish handing out medals.
06/09/12	Flirt with Dirt 5K/10K Trail Run	Novi, MI
	Reason for running? This is the second race in the "Serious Series" of trail runs and goes through what is described as "6 miles of gnarly single-track dirt trails" starting and finishing at the top of a sled hill.
06/16/12	Michigan Brewing Co. 5K Beer Run	Webberville, MI
	Reason for running? Beer. This race begins with a tour of the microbrewery and then starts as the runners dash out the doors of the brewery and run around the grounds for 3.1 miles. Post-race refreshments include beer and root beer.
07/05/12	Auburn Corn Stalk 5K	Auburn, MI
	Reason for running? Sentimentality. This was the first race I ever ran and the first time I ran 3miles in July of 2008. I have run this local race every year since. It's a good size race with around 300 participants.
07/29/12	Warrior Dash	Mt. Morris, MI
	Reason for running? Fun. This race is as challenging as it is fun. What's greatest, though, is the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you conquered all the obstacles. Where else can you climb over 20 foot walls and trudge through mud up to your arm pits? My oldest son and I ran this last year and next year we've enlisted my husband and younger son to join us.
08/04/12	The Legend Half Marathon Trail Run	Sleepy Hollow State Park, Laingsburg, MI
	Reason for running? This is the last in the "Serious Series" of trail races. It is a 13.1 mile trail run through Sleepy Hollow State Park. Last year there were over 320 participants in the half marathon. Plus, it has a very cool name, "The Legend."
08/25/12	North Country Trail Marathon	Manistee National Forest, Wellston, MI
	Reason for running? Dubbed "one of the most beautiful trail races in the country," the North Country Run consists of an ultra-marathon (50 miles), marathon, and half marathon. I'm not sure if I want to tackle the full or the half. The ultra is not even a consideration for me at this point. The course begins on a 1.2 mile section of paved road and then leads to a 25 mile loop of well-marked trail. The post-race party offers burgers (beef and vegetarian), soup, beer, soda, and water. Also, North Country boasts of having the largest half-marathon and ultra-marathon finisher's medals in the country (and the 3rd largest marathon medal).
09/02/12	Barefoot Triathlon	Traverse City, MI
	Reason for running? The name. I'm not a triathlete (yet). I don't think I could swim a single lap in a pool, let alone 1.5 km in East Grand Traverse Bay. However, there is a "Sprint" version which has a mere 500 m swim. That I might be able to do (with some training). The Sprint Triathlon consists of a 500 m swim, a 16.4 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run. All of which I'd attempt barefoot. Is there any other way?
09/08/12	Mackinac Island 8 Mile Race	Mackinac Island, MI
	Reason for running? To race around the entire perimter of Mackinac Island. I've run across the Mackinac Bridge, and I've run the Great Turtle Half Marathon through the Mackinac Island trails, but I've never raced around the smooth, paved road that encompasses the historic isle.
09/16/12	Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo 5K/10K	Detroit Zoo, Detroit, MI
	Reason for running? Wild animals! Well, the 5K/10K runs actually take place on flat, paved roads around the perimeter of the zoo while the "fun walk" happens within the zoo. But, all participants get to enjoy free admission to the zoo following the race. The money raised from this race goes toward the veterinary care of the animals.
10/27/12	Great Turtle Half Marathon	Mackinac Island, MI
	Reason for running? Scenic and challenging. This course follows some of the paved road around the perimeter of the island with spectacular views of Lake Huron as well as many challenging hills along the island's interior trail system. It is a good reason for a fall getaway. After the race, enjoy a cold beer and a good seafood dinner at one of Mackinac Island's fine restaurants.
11/03/12	Hot Chocolate 15K	Chicago, IL
	Reason for running? Chocolate. First of all, I've never run in Chicago, so it would definitely be something new and different. Secondly, it's a 15K -- a distance I've never raced before. And lastly, it's called "America's Sweetest Race" because after the race, refreshments include a chocolate fondue, hot chocolate, and other chocolate treats provided by Ghirardelli. The race goodie bag includes a reflective wind and water resistant running jacket.
11/11/12	Malibu Marathon/Half Marathon	Zuma Beach, Malibu, CA
	Reason for running? California. Most of this race (all of it for the half) takes place along the famed Pacific Coast Highway. With the Santa Monica mountains and the magnificent Pacific Ocean in view, I can't think of a more beautiful place to run.

In addition to the interesting array of races I have slated for 2012, I still have some pretty awesome races still on the docket for 2011. Tomorrow night, I will be running the Headless Horseman 5K/10K in Howell, MI. (I'm doing the 10K and my sons are both running the 5K). The race takes place at night on a course lit by luminaries and wanders through a cemetery. There is even a *real* headless horseman mascot and a costume contest. I'm going to dress as a bumblebee. Next weekend is the "Run Thru Hell on Halloween Eve" in Hell, MI. That race has a 5K and 8K option. I'm doing the 8K and my sons are running the 5K. There is a costume contest for that race as well. I'm dressing as an angel. :-)

There is nothing eventful planned for November as we will be spending a week in Cancun for a conference. I plan on getting in a couple of runs there of course. I love the Garmin maps of runs in faraway places. I was looking for a good "Turkey Trot" race to do on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but there is nothing within an hour from here and I'm not sure I want to travel that far just to have something to do that day.

The big race this year is December 4, 2011 -- The Las Vegas Rock 'n Roll Marathon. We are doing a weekend getaway to Vegas and hoping to catch some shows, visit some shops and enjoy some good food before I run the Strip at night on Sunday. The marathon starts at 4pm and they are shutting down part of the Strip for the run. There are going to be live bands at every mile and Cheap Trick is the featured band. There is also an opportunity after the race to get your picture taken with a showgirl. I'll do it just because. I'm planning on wearing either gold lamé shorts/sports bra or a metallic purple shorts/sports bra combo for this flashy run. I'm hoping to have a good time and also qualify for Boston. Wish me luck!

Running Well

This post is long overdue, but I have been very busy actually *doing* things instead of thinking or writing about them. It has been a very productive year for me so far. I trained all winter and spring for my first marathon, the Traverse City Bayshore Marathon on May 28, 2011. My goal was to run under 4 hours and I succeeded: 3:53:27 -- 3 minutes off qualifying for Boston. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I am looking at maybe doing another marathon late this year to try again. How hard can shaving off 3 minutes be? :)

I have worn only minimalist (zero drop) shoes or ran barefoot since October 2010. I have had NO injuries other than sore calves after the marathon or an occasional achy ankle or knee that subsides within a day or two. I try to do a barefoot run of between 5 and 7 miles at least once a week now that the weather is nice. I would love to send a picture of me flying over the finish line at the marathon wearing my Vibram Bikilas to the idiot podiatrist who told me I could not run injury-free without wearing supportive shoes with springs in them and orthotics. I have proven that my foot is designed perfectly just the way it is and it functions quite well, thank you very much.

I have run 18 races so far this year and not only completed my first marathon, but have also set a P.R. in the 5K (21:51). I ran my first 2 mile race (13:47) and won the "Iron Cheese" award at the annual Cheesetown Challenge in Pinconning for having the best combined 2 mile and 5 mile times for a woman under 40. My son David won the men's title.

The rest of the year holds many more adventures. On July 4th, David and I run the annual Volksläufe 20K in Frankenmuth. Last year, I ran it but my ankle was barely recovered and I hadn't been able to train so I had to walk a fair amount. I am hoping to have a much faster time this year! And it will be the longest race David has ever run, although he has done 13 mile training runs. He is an excellent endurance runner. He will do great. At the end of July, we are signed up for the Warrior Dash, a 5K race and obstacle course with mud, fire, walls, nets and God-knows-what-else. In August, we are running the 25K Tahqua Trail run in the Upper Peninsula. I am hoping to be able to squeeze in the Las Vegas Rock 'n Roll marathon in December. We'll see. It will be a busy and exciting year for running.

I would have to say that I am very pleased with how everything has come together -- raw vegan diet and barefoot running. It has been a long process but with persistence, I believe I have found satisfaction and success. I hope to be able to continue to move through the next series of challenges and become a stronger athlete and a better person.

Connection or Deception?

I read an article today [thank you, Greg :)] about the neurological phenomenon of feeling separate from the universe, or, in the case of the removal of this mental barrier, feeling one with the universe. It suggested that the brain will inherently equip an individual with the concept of being solitary within the greater whole of the universe, and that by eliminating this cerebral veil (either by the use of hallucinogenic drugs or via some other natural psychoactive chemical process), one experiences what they sense to be a spiritual experience making them feel united with a greater whole. The article suggests (or at least it did to me) that this bonding with nature is somehow an unnatural condition that dupes the human psyche into embracing the concept of a higher power (i.e. religiosity). In summary, the article seems to suggest that belief in God and feelings of universal connectedness are merely the result of mental breakdown.

Sure, I think that there is a scientific rationale for all things mystical, albeit a primitive and incomplete explanation. What we can concretely measure and objectively observe with our current (inferior) methods is all that we can "prove" with our contemporary scientific methodology. But I have something immeasurable within me. My mind, my spirit, and my soul extend far beyond the walls of perceptible, measurable science. That I know. That I believe.

There are times when I feel all alone in this world. It is as if I am an alien being amidst a hustling, bustling, interactive society which continually ebbs and flows all around me. It is a culture in which I feel foreign, unwanted and unimportant. Yet, there are other moments when I feel inherently a part of all there is. I am the water. I am the sky. I am the grass. I am the sun. I am the trees. I am the wind. I am the rain. I am one with all life. It is in those moments where my life-force joins together with all that has ever lived that I feel most alive.

I would like to contest the notion that having this inherent individuation is "normal" or even desirable. I hold the belief that we are all part of the Divine; that each person is a unique expression of God. I also believe that we are born with intentional amnesia regarding our Divine origin and that the ultimate purpose of our lives is to rediscover and reconnect with our sacred lineage. This process is enlightenment. It connects us to all. It makes us one with All There Is. I can think of nothing more beautiful or profound.

New Year, New Goals

Looking ahead to the coming year, I have many goals already planned. I have been working hard to improve my fitness and reestablish my running routine to include 40-50 mile per week logs in bare feet and/or minimalist shoes. I haven't worn a jacked-up-heel shoe (Spira Stinger Elite with Lynco Sport Orthotics) since I ran The Great Turtle Half Marathon in October on Mackinac Island. After that race, my knees were totally messed up for weeks. Yes, I blame the shoes. Now, I train only barefoot, in Terra Plana EVO II's or in my Vibrams.

I got a new treadmill for Christmas. It's great to be able to go for a run any time of the day without having to wait for a babysitter. Unfortunately, the treadmill feels like twice the effort of running outside. I ran 11 miles down the frozen Kawkawlin river in sub-zero temperatures last Sunday. Yesterday, I ran 7 miles on the treadmill and it was much more difficult. In fact, my pace was slower than my river run. I don't get it. Why it running on a smooth, flat surface so much harder? I don't come anywhere near my average outside running pace (6.8 - 7.2 mph) when I'm on the 'mill. I'm lucky to maintain 6.2 mph. I hope it is somehow improving my running. I guess it can't hurt.

I've also been doing Peak 8 workouts twice a week on the stationary bike. This involves going at level 5 for 1:30 and then level 10 for 0:30 and repeating (at least) 8 times in 20 minutes at maximum effort. I usually get 9 "peaks" in during my 20 minute session. It is supposed to be a "sprinter's workout" and help improve strength and speed while increasing natural HGH in the body. So far, I haven't noticed any improvements, but once again, I guess it can't hurt.

I use my rebounder at least twice a week for a minimum of a 20 minute session each time. I think it helps with balance and stability. It really seems to loosen up and strengthen my knees and ankles. I used it to help me train while recovering from my previous knee and ankle injuries. It really helps take impact stress off the joints while still being able to move in a running form. I don't feel like I'm burning any significant amount of calories through rebounding. It seems too easy, but I think there are other benefits.

When I'm not running, spinning or rebounding, I have recently gotten back into using the Wii Fit. I do Yoga and Strength Training mostly. I try to workout for at least 30 minutes once or twice a week. My upper body needs the work. I used to be able to do 30 push-ups and now I'm lucky to be able to do 5. I need to maintain my upper body and core strength and this is a great way to get in a full body workout.

I have am ambitious year planned, including running my first full marathon on May 28, 2011. Here is my anticipated race schedule for 2011:

01-15-11 BARC Freeze Your Fanny 5K Run, Bay City, MI
01-29-11 Save Tobico Towers Thermal 5K Run, Bay City, MI
02-15-11 Winterläufe 8K Run, Frankenmuth, MI
02-19-11 BARC Spirit of Winter 5K Run, Bay City, MI
03-20-11 BARC/Al Kayner St. Patrick's Day 8K Run, Bay City, MI
04-10-11 Go the Extra Mile for Covenant Kids Half Marathon, Saginaw, MI *
04-16-11 Bangor Township Schools Scholarship 5K Run, Bay City, MI
04-23-11 Eagle by the Bay 5K Trail Run, Essexville, MI
05-07-11 Great Lakes Bay Region Half Marathon, Mt. Pleasant, MI *
05-28-11 Bayshore Marathon, Traverse City, MI
06-04-11 Dow Run/Walk 10K Run, Midland, MI
06-18-11 Cheesetown Races, 2 Mile & 5 Mile Run, Pinconning, MI
07-07-11 Auburn Corn Stalk 5K Run, Auburn, MI
07-30-11 Warrior Dash, Mt. Morris, MI
08-13-11 Tahqua Trail Run 25K, Paradise, MI
08-27-11 Crim Festival of Races 10 Mile Run, Flint, MI

Well, that's a start. I guess I'd better get back to training now. That, and I need to lose about 10 pounds... I've got my work cut out for me.