Forgot password?
Ultra Woman
August has come and gone and along with it one of the most spectacular days of my life. On August 27th, I ran the North Country 50 Mile Ultra. It was my first ultra and I was incredibly nervous. Actually I was scared half to death. Training for the race I had read Bryon Powell's Relentless Forward Progress for guidance in all things ultra and then right before leaving on the trip, I read Marshall Ulrich's Running on Empty. I met Marshall at Grandma's Marathon earlier in the year. He signed my book by saying that the only limitations were in my mind. I hung onto that fact along with all the inspiration, prayers and encouragement from my friends, the Red9runners and my family along with the fact that I had two great running buds with me for the adventure. I have to say that despite being terrified by the distance, at some point I overcame that fear and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Once I was safely across the finish line, I came to the conclusion and allowed myself to say out loud that I couldn't wait to do it again. Coming across that finish line was a feeling like no other - one of those golden moments right up there with the birth of my children. Only later did I learn that I had actually placed in my age group. Not that my time was fast (in fact I hope to improve upon it significantly in my next attempt), however getting the award was amazing - icing on the cake of an already perfect day! During the run, despite difficulties with the hills during miles 45-50, I felt really good pretty much of the way. My friends, Donna, Jim, and I ran the entire first 25 mile loop together. We separated early on the second loop and I went ahead alone down the trail. The trail was beautiful but of course being alone I had lot of time to think. There were many ups and downs, moments of doubt when I wasn't sure I could do it and times of euphoria where I was sure I could run 100 miles that day if the race were that long. Of course that thought was quickly fleeting but it was the first time my mind entertained that notion and then came to the conclusion that I could see how 100 could actually be possible. Then there were the ups and downs of the hills especially the last hills in miles 45-50. (I've really got to work on my downhill running!) Overall I was excited to be out there in the woods enjoying the run and feeling fairly strong. Once I passed the 50K mark and could still feel the strength flowing within me, I couldn't believe it. I was flying high for such a long time running alone in the woods -- thank God for those little red flags marking the way! Things did get tough again near mile 38 but then I met Anastasia on the course. She was a veteran ultra runner and really encouraged me those last miles telling me I was a rock star and could do it. Awesome! I felt my strength restore and pushed on with new resolve. Relentless Forward Progress - thank you Bryon Powell! Looking at the race as a whole, I can identify numerous things I can improve on, pacing, downhill running just to name a few. However, one thing I did right was that I really nailed my nutrition and hydration plan. Thank you PowerBar for the PowerBars, PowerBar Energy Gels and Ironman Drink that got me through the day. In the end, my brain failed me so I'm not sure how many gels I actually used, but my favorite, Tangerine, really pulled me through at the end. Thank you also to my Nathan Intensity Hydration Pack that kept me hydrated all along the way and provided an excellent way to carry all those magical PowerBar Gels! Crossing the finish line I found a surge of energy I didn't know I still had in me - even jumping and throwing my arms in the air. Truly one of the most amazing moments of my life
New Year!
Well, its the new year and time to look forward to all the great plans for 2011. The thing I am most excited about is the half marathon we are putting on in May. This has long been a dream of mine -- to put on a first-class distance event in my own town. Our terrific group of red9runners has really come together to work on this event. So, instead of just two races, I will now be race directing three races this year. The Half Marathon, our regular Summer Sizzler 5k /10k and one other 5k. The marathon training program is in full swing with over 20 runners participating in the program. The goal race is Go! St. Louis in April however we have several runners who are also doing other events in addition to Go! St. Louis including the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, TN, Land of Lincoln in Springfield, IL, Hospital Hill in Kansas City, MO, and the Lincoln Marathon in Lincoln, NE. I will personally be running at least 2 marathons, Grandma's in Duluth, MN and the Rock and Roll Marathon in St. Louis, MO, along with one half marathon, Land of Lincoln. 2011 will also bring about another triathlon both for me and the club. We haven't made our final selection of events just yet but hope to discuss that at the meeting next week. I just love the start of a brand new year, its like opening a blank book waiting patiently for me to write on the crisp pages full of promise.
I am a triathlete :)
After 22 marathons, I finally completed my first triathlon! Thanks to the YMCA for helping me overcome a fear of my head being underwater that I have pretty much had since childhood. A shout out also to Ironman Darrell who walked us through transitions at the triathlon clinic I organized. I know, somehwat self-serving, but there were plenty of first timers in the red9runner group that needed to learn as well. The clinic was great and we all learned a lot about how triathlons function. In August I completed my very first sprint triathlon. In spite of a less than stellar swim, I didn't do that bad in the overall placement. I can't wait to tackle another but decided to hold off until Spring to accomodate the rest of my fall running schedule. I continue to work on my swimming skills in hopes of some day attempting open water so I can do a 1/2 ironman!
Where has the year gone
When last I wrote, I was gearing up for my first triathlon. It went fairly well. The weather was a little hot and my swim was less than spectacular, however once I got over that part of it and hit the bike and the run, things improved greatly. I could feel that I was still somewhat tired from the 187 mile relay the weekend before but the excitement of finally competing in my very first triathlon was awesome! Everyone on the red9runners team did very well and a great time was had by all. The St. Jude Relay, which had been the weekend before netted me about 40 miles of running over a day and a half. The run is a fundraiser for St. Jude and not a race. I ran in the 9 minute mile legs and enjoyed every minute of it. We had a great team and were able to raise $98,000 for the kids and families at St. Jude! The end of August weekend after the triathlon I ran in the Boy's Club 5K in Soulard placing 3rd in my AG. I wasn't sure I was going to run but when I got there a good friend who I hadn't run with in quite some time was planning on racing the 5K. We ran together and enjoyed reminiscing about miles gone by. Very nice trophy for 3rd! Just for the record, my little girl broke the tape in the kids fun run and my boy finished 4th! :) September brought on the Italian Fest 5K and the culmination of our First 5K Program and Young Runner's Club. We had over 30 from the club and the program at the race. I'm happy to report that everyone finished fabulously with two of our young runners receiving age group awards. (My daughter getting 3rd in he 10 and under group). All of the kids did great! We also had several red9'ers get age groups. October 3rd was the Lewis & Clark marathon -- time for the red9 marathon team to strut their stuff. Of course I was on hand with volunteer Patrick to help coach them through the race and carry extra PowerBar supplies to support the team. We had two first time half marathoners and thirteen other runners including two doing the full. The weather was perfect and we had numerous pr's! Lots of high 5's and smiles all day! On October 9th, I traveled with two others to Wisconsin for the Whistlestop Marathon -- my 3rd of the year. The trail was different than I expected -- a lot more soft than I thought it was going to be and I lost my pace in the late miles when my lower lege started cramping. No pr on the day but a good healthy finish and a great finisher's shirt. What a road trip! Most recently I ran the final leg of a 30k relay. Our red9 team finished 7th overall but were just left out of placing in he co-ed division. My finish was strong and I was happy with it. We will live to race another day for that one! Of course all these wonderful adventures were run with my red9runner friends and fueled by PowerBar, baby!
In the beginning...
Wow, this year is flying by. I had hoped to blog more on this site and planned to catch up with my year several times. Here it is nearly the end of July and I haven't gotten rolling. The good news is, the reason I can't seem to find time to blog is that I'm so busy, running, biking, swimming, coaching, race directing, personal training and in general facilitating the red9runners Run Club at the YMCA. So, the beginning of this year, we were in the thick of marathon training for Go! St. Louis and I was in the thick of my training for Melbourne Beaches Marathon set in February. This year so far has brought about many races for me, not the least of which has been two marathons, Melbourne Beaches Music Marathon in Melbourne, Florida in February and the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tennessee in April. April also held the Go! St. Louis Marathon and Half Marathon where I coached a group of 25 runners in both events. There was also the Hibernian 5K race, the Hornet Hustle 5K, the Crusader Cruise 5K along with the races I directed, the Summer Sizzler 5k / 10k which took place on July 17th (thank you PowerBar for the sponsorship of our event) and the Italian Fest 5K which will be coming up in September. Whew, its been a busy year and I haven't even talked about half of it! The red9runners took a road trip with a group of "red9warriors" to the Warrior Dash in Joliet, Illinois. The run was approximately 3 miles of mud, obstacles, climbing walls, cargo nets, jumping over fire and lots of good very muddy fun! Our team of 8 represented well and a good time was had by all. Most recently, with many volunteers from the red9runners, we started a First 5K Program and well as a Young Runners Club. This program kicked off in the end of June and will train everyone to race the Italian Fest 5K in September. Currently we have 12 adults and 23 kids on board. It is very exciting to see so many new runners and to watch as they gain confidence each week. Another new adventure for many of us in the run club is the triathlon. That event that has alluded me for year becuase of my lack of knowing how to actually swim. I am happy to report that in just a few short weeks, I will attempt my first tri -- a sprint distance, but I am already thinking 1/2 Ironman. My practices have gone well and our Tri Clinic that we hosted with one of our veteran Iron Man triathlete run club members this past Sunday, July 25th, was fabulous. He walked us through transitions, gave us all kinds of helpful tips and then we practiced it all, swim, bike, run. I have to say this really boosted my confidence. The St. Jude Relay Run is coming up next week, August 6th - 7th. (Thank you PowerBar once again for the sponsoship of this event). A week from this Friday morning I will start out in St. Louis, Missouri and will run relay-style to Peoria, Illinois, nearly 187 miles away. This is not a race but rather a chairty run to benefit St. Jude Hospital. This is my 6th year on the run. I hope to get in 40+ miles over the day and a half and have a wonderful time with my running friends. Coming up this fall is another local 5k that I will be helping with. Unfortunately the race date falls on the exact same day as my already planned marathon in Wisconsin, so I will only be able to help in the planning and pre-race preparation but it will be very satisfying to assist anyway I can. This race is the Fred Winters' Memorial Run held in memory of Pastor Fred Winters. All proceeds going to Grace and Hope Ministries. My Fall Marathon this year will be the Whistlestop Marathon in Ashland, Wisconsin. I still have my sights set on an ultra, but I think I will put that off for a little while. My plan is to run a 50 before I am 50 -- that gives me a few years for that goal :) Of course all of this activity was fueled by PowerBar. I couldn't perform and keep up with all that I do if it were not for using PowerBar products to support me in every aspect of my running, biking, swimming -- my life. From energy bars, to gels, to endurance drink, recovery drink, and Triple Threat bars (yum). PowerBar has my back. I don't have to think about it, I just grab and go. Perfect for a busy lifestyle like mine! Well, that's all for now, gotta run! Happy Running! Cheri
BLOG ARCHIVE
Illinois, United States
Fitness Professional
Marathon runner, ultra runner, coach, personal trainer, budding triathlete :) Fearless le…MORE
PowerBar® Energy Gel Tangerine
How can you as a personal trainer help your charges hydrate properly before, during, and after workouts?
By: Christopher D. Jensen, PhD, MPH, RDNutrition & Epidemiology Researcher
All trademarks and other intellectual properties on this site are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Vevey, Switzerland or are used with permission.