The Wheel of Fortune is constantly spinning, always something new in the horizon, we never get a rest from fearing what may lie around the corner. When things are going well in our lives, we always fear what may happen next to ruin our current state of peace. When things are bad, we fear this stage may last long and cause continuous discomfort and pain. There is a way out of this constant fear of 'what may come next' and it's found in confronting it head-on.
Planning for races, long races especially, brings such a sense of awe and fear that it almost takes my breath away every time I think about the enormity of the challenge. I just signed up for my first 50 miler and I have NO idea how I will ever get this done. I know I can, with proper training and the proper mental game all is possible, yet, still, I cannot fathom YET all it would take to cross that line; it's a terrifying thought.
One interesting thing about fear though is that once you have faced the fear and defeated it, you know it is possible and no matter how big the next challenge is you now know it is possible to defeat fear. My daughter did gymnastics for some time and when it came time to do her first ever performance in front of a crowd she froze. She told me in very dramatic fashion that she could not, would not, do it. I told her that no matter what she needed to do it, that only in seeing it through would she ever feel right and that if she caved now she would forever cave at all challenges. Sure enough she did it and from that challenge forward she knew the fear was a mere facade; she knew from that day forward now to believe the fear, but to face it and only in facing it, would the anxiety surrounding it go away.
Showing posts with label races. Show all posts
Showing posts with label races. Show all posts
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Rehoboth Marathon.....new hope begins
Despite my reluctance to face this new year due to the disastrous election results, lots of amazing things have been happening, making me feel a tinge of hope again. First, I got some positive news from my sister, Alexa, who is going through gender transition and I could not be happier for her and these current turn of events in her life. Surprisingly, I've also been running faster allowing me to feel a surge of power after every run these days....another amazing thing that's happened is that my annoying injury, the one that haunted me for most of 2016, seems to have finally dissipated. But most importantly, (drumroll please..).... I signed up for marathon #8, the Rehoboth Beach Marathon on December 1st, 2017.
The Rehoboth Beach Marathon (RBM) is the race I ran on December of 2014 to finally to qualify as a Marathon Maniac. I am a proud Maniac, #10, 361. In 41 days I ran 3 marathons and RBM was y third and final race of this series. I love this race more than any one I have run so far, yes, even over New York City and over Marine Corps Marathon. (Click here to go see pics from that 2014 race). It's such an easy race, logistically speaking; you go there, park a block away, then run the race, what modern race these days is that easy? Even the packet pick-up is that very morning, right there at the starting line a few steps away from the ocean...It's also a gorgeous course, lots of nature and ocean smells, with very little logistical drama of the bigger races.
A month before I will also be running the Phoenix Half Marathon and going to Arizona with my hubby for a running vacation of sorts, slash belated honeymoon.....15 years belated, but who's counting. My hubby had even (loosely) promised to run the 10K portion offered at the same time as the half. He's not into races despite having been a runner for almost 40 years now. I'll have to see that to believe it, but mostly I am not counting on him running, although I LOVE the idea. Nevertheless, this will be our very first trip without the kids, they will stay with my mom and stepdad, who will drive up from NY to be with them for several days. I cannot wait. One of my favorite things to do with my hubby is have these long engaging conversations with him about just about anything....we hardly ever get time to just sit and chat anymore due to our hectic lives, so this will be so nice.
I am open to being happily surprised in 2017, although I am not holding my breath. In the meantime I will keep my nose to the grind and focusing on love, light, hard work and more love.
The Rehoboth Beach Marathon (RBM) is the race I ran on December of 2014 to finally to qualify as a Marathon Maniac. I am a proud Maniac, #10, 361. In 41 days I ran 3 marathons and RBM was y third and final race of this series. I love this race more than any one I have run so far, yes, even over New York City and over Marine Corps Marathon. (Click here to go see pics from that 2014 race). It's such an easy race, logistically speaking; you go there, park a block away, then run the race, what modern race these days is that easy? Even the packet pick-up is that very morning, right there at the starting line a few steps away from the ocean...It's also a gorgeous course, lots of nature and ocean smells, with very little logistical drama of the bigger races.
A month before I will also be running the Phoenix Half Marathon and going to Arizona with my hubby for a running vacation of sorts, slash belated honeymoon.....15 years belated, but who's counting. My hubby had even (loosely) promised to run the 10K portion offered at the same time as the half. He's not into races despite having been a runner for almost 40 years now. I'll have to see that to believe it, but mostly I am not counting on him running, although I LOVE the idea. Nevertheless, this will be our very first trip without the kids, they will stay with my mom and stepdad, who will drive up from NY to be with them for several days. I cannot wait. One of my favorite things to do with my hubby is have these long engaging conversations with him about just about anything....we hardly ever get time to just sit and chat anymore due to our hectic lives, so this will be so nice.
I am open to being happily surprised in 2017, although I am not holding my breath. In the meantime I will keep my nose to the grind and focusing on love, light, hard work and more love.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Envision Realty: Georgetown 10 Miler (2-Day Challenge)- All there is to know
Basic information about the race(s)
When is the race: Saturday, April 9, 2016 - Sunday, April 10, 2016
Where: C&O Canal Towpath Georgetown • 3700 Water Street Washington, DC 20007
Price: $ 60 for each day or $90 for both days
Websites where you can get more info: Active.com, OR on Facebook
Hosts: DC Running Club
Out and back race
Hosts: DC Running Club
Out and back race
* 4TH Annual Georgetown 10 Miler.(started in 2013)
* THERE WILL ONLY BE 600 SLOTS EACH DAY.
* Race begins on the Capital Crescent Towpath upstairs across from Jacks Boathouse located at 3700 Water Street. The route is an out and back on the towpath so you finish where you start.
PARKING: There is parking on Water Street and several parking garages on Water Street.
BIB PICKUP: Bib Pickup will be at the race location each morning on April 9th and 10th beginning at 8:00am. The address is 3700 Water St NW Washington DC.
SWAG: Each participant will get a newly designed 2016 custom performance t-shirt and custom medal. The 2-Day Challenge participants will get an additional custom medal.
Additional Info: We will have a bag check, water stations will be at the clearing at about the 2.25 mile mark and at the finish line. Bathrooms will be at the start/finish line. Post race brunch specials will be at a local waterfront restaurant TBD. The course will be open for three hours.
AWARDS: Awards will be given to the top three male and female each day.
Cancellations & Refund Policy
Registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE, and you cannot transfer your bib to someone else
* You can defer your registration for 1 calendar year.
* The course is open for 3 hours
Online Reviews and Reports on this race:
Info below from: http://www.thismamarunsforcupcakes.com/2013/03/race-review-georgetown-10-miler.html
* The race was is not closed to the public.
* A photographer and pics available for download for free
Info below from: http://www.katrunsdc.com/race-recap-and-review-georgetown-10-miler/
* Expect a somewhat disorganized packet pickup
* They start runners off at different waves because the path is narrow.
http://stillarunner.com/2013/03/14/daytrip-to-d-c-10-miler/ says the 'flat course will yield you fast times"
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Monday, December 29, 2014
Rehoboth Beach Marathon
We get to the hotel and my only concern was how I would get to the race the next morning. I get this number and call it to set up a pick up. Took about 8 minutes to get there in the morning and was surprised at how easy it was to get to the start line, get my bib and my t-shirt. The race had this tubs for people to put their belongings in but we were told right off they would not really be keeping track of them much.
I walked to Dunkin Donuts and they had a holiday tree there with donuts on them.
T- minus 20 minutes....
After the race Rehoboth Beach Marathon threw a big ol' party. I had previously paid for my husband to also get the post-race lunch and kids ate free. The music was amazing and we all had a great time....oh, did I mention the FREE BEER....all you can drink?
The medal....I am finally a Marathon Maniac!! 3 marathons in 41 days.
Big boys always have a good time, as long as there is food.
Enjoying my free beer and meal....
My son, who is rarely allowed to drink soda, gets to drink soda.....very fun.
At night we go out to the town to a family dinner....Nora, orders soup with me. A rainy cold night, not like the daytime....which, lucky for us, was a very nice day.
I love rain and I love Rehoboth...so overall this evening was so nice. The next day was so, so cold, we were all thankful that the race was not on Sunday for that would have been way too cold.....hopefully next year the weather will be the same....cool, but not windy.
Next morning we go to IHOP for breakfast.
Luke of course orders a chocolate pancake, the adult size....
Friday, July 4, 2014
Anthem Richmond Marathon----all you've ever wanted to know!!
* Runner's World Magazine named us a "Must Do" marathon in 2005 & 2009 and twice selected us as the site of their Marathon Challenge!
* The January 2005 issue of Runner’s World magazine had this to say in touting Richmond as one of the 12 must-do marathons that offer “big fun, big scenery, big rewards”:
-Spectators not many but very supportive
- Wet towels during the race were very nice touch! "
* The January 2005 issue of Runner’s World magazine had this to say in touting Richmond as one of the 12 must-do marathons that offer “big fun, big scenery, big rewards”:
This marathon starts and finishes in charming historic downtown Richmond, once the capital of the south. The scenic, fast loop course takes in all of the city’s old neighborhoods, traveling up Monument Avenue, past statues of Confederate soldiers and Richmond native and tennis star Arthur Ashe, through the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, then alongside the James River. Along with the typical water and sports drink stops, this is probably the only race in the country that offers junk food stops, at miles 16 and 22, stocked with Gummy Bears, cookies, and soda. There are also two wet-washcloth stations, at miles 17 and 23, perfect for cleaning up for your finish-line photo. Three party zones set up along the way with free food, prize giveaways, and noisemakers for spectators and family means lots of enthusiastic, cheering support. The last mile features a fast downhill to the finish in the trendy Shockoe Slip area, where there are plenty of postrace goodies, including bagels, fruit, and pizza, and a band to celebrate your finish. (Runner’s World, January 2005)
-I got more food during this race itself than any other I participated in. -Spectators not many but very supportive
- Wet towels during the race were very nice touch! "
Online Race Recaps:
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Signed up for my 2nd 50k race
It's done. I sent my application to the 2014 West Virginia Trilogy 50K race. I cannot wait to start training for this. I copied and pasted below my notes (from a prior post) on how to beat my time this coming round:
IF.....I were to run West Virginia Trilogy- 50K again next October....what would I do different, or the same?
So I am very much considering running the West Virginia Trilogy 50K race again next year. I have been thinking hard about what I would need to do different to have a PR (a personal best in time). Here is a list of what I would need to do to be better prepared.
1. Twice a week do hill repeats lasting 45 minutes to an hour. The course is very hilly. I mean VERY hilly. Two of the mountains seem like you are climbing 45 degrees for half an hour each.
2. Have a more solid base in running where I am running, before even FORMAL training begins, at least about 30 miles a week. Approximately 5 Tuesday, 5 wednesday, 5 Thursday, 12-15 Saturday.
3. I would take both Thursday and Friday off again but this time leave home Thursday morning and get to the mountains during daylight and spend the night in a tent. This time around we got there very late and then we had about an hour an half drive to our hotel. If I tent right at the mountain, I can sleep better and be more relaxed in the morning.
4. I need to shed a few pounds in order to improve my pace. I am currently working with www.Myfitnesspal.com to get me there.
5. One run a week should be speed work.
6. One run a week should be in the Rock Creek Trails.
7. Run through all deep, muddy puddles, NOT try to run around them. In fact, the cold water from the mud puddles feel amazing on hot, swollen feet from hours of running.
8. Don't bother changing at all! If my feet are wet, they will only get wet again within minutes of changing them.
9. Vaseline on toes. I have lost 2 toenails from the impact of the 10+ hours of racing. I don't mind losing them, they are often seen as a 'badge of honor' in the Ultra community, but the care they require after tends to get annoying.
10. No hydration pack. Yet, DO carry two hand held hydration bottles. Also, any GU's I will carry should only be in a fanny pack.
11. Again, carry my splits expectations on me...not on a paper....maybe sharpie it on my arm. Maybe tape it to a water bottle, but certainly do not carry it on paper.
12. Run thorough all streams, DO NOT try to hot from rock to rock.
13. Wear pants, non-compression pants.
14. No need to bring earphones.....no matter what, you need all your senses awake!!
15. Do wear a visor. It will help with rain and sun.
16. Do consume 200-250 calories every hour and consume electrolyte pills hourly.
17. Do run ALL flats, no matter how rocky, no matter how slippery, no matter how wet and muddy.
18. Have a picture taken alone at the finish line.
19. Leave to go home before darkness sets in.
1. Twice a week do hill repeats lasting 45 minutes to an hour. The course is very hilly. I mean VERY hilly. Two of the mountains seem like you are climbing 45 degrees for half an hour each.
2. Have a more solid base in running where I am running, before even FORMAL training begins, at least about 30 miles a week. Approximately 5 Tuesday, 5 wednesday, 5 Thursday, 12-15 Saturday.
3. I would take both Thursday and Friday off again but this time leave home Thursday morning and get to the mountains during daylight and spend the night in a tent. This time around we got there very late and then we had about an hour an half drive to our hotel. If I tent right at the mountain, I can sleep better and be more relaxed in the morning.
4. I need to shed a few pounds in order to improve my pace. I am currently working with www.Myfitnesspal.com to get me there.
5. One run a week should be speed work.
6. One run a week should be in the Rock Creek Trails.
7. Run through all deep, muddy puddles, NOT try to run around them. In fact, the cold water from the mud puddles feel amazing on hot, swollen feet from hours of running.
8. Don't bother changing at all! If my feet are wet, they will only get wet again within minutes of changing them.
9. Vaseline on toes. I have lost 2 toenails from the impact of the 10+ hours of racing. I don't mind losing them, they are often seen as a 'badge of honor' in the Ultra community, but the care they require after tends to get annoying.
10. No hydration pack. Yet, DO carry two hand held hydration bottles. Also, any GU's I will carry should only be in a fanny pack.
11. Again, carry my splits expectations on me...not on a paper....maybe sharpie it on my arm. Maybe tape it to a water bottle, but certainly do not carry it on paper.
12. Run thorough all streams, DO NOT try to hot from rock to rock.
13. Wear pants, non-compression pants.
14. No need to bring earphones.....no matter what, you need all your senses awake!!
15. Do wear a visor. It will help with rain and sun.
16. Do consume 200-250 calories every hour and consume electrolyte pills hourly.
17. Do run ALL flats, no matter how rocky, no matter how slippery, no matter how wet and muddy.
18. Have a picture taken alone at the finish line.
19. Leave to go home before darkness sets in.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Decided on my first 50K!!!
Okay, I am super exited and yet, super nervous....my name should be under the list of entrants soon.
Finally found a great 50K to do in the fall. It's the West Virginia Trilogy 50K.
Here are some links I found that give more info....anyone else interested in running and training for it with me? Obviously we would not be able to train together, but it would be nice to go through the training process with other people.
***A blog entry: http://www.ultratrailgoddess.com/2011/10/wv-trilogy-50k-race-report.html
***Race report from official site: http://www.wvmtr.org/events/west-virginia-trilogy/kathy-wolf-race-report-10/
***And another race report from the official site: http://www.wvmtr.org/events/west-virginia-trilogy/diana-st-charles-race-report-10/
***and yet another: http://wvultrarunner.blogspot.com/2010/10/wv-trilogy-2010-co-rd-report.html http://wvultrarunner.blogspot.com/2010/10/wv-trilogy-2010-co-rd-report.html
Finally found a great 50K to do in the fall. It's the West Virginia Trilogy 50K.
Here are some links I found that give more info....anyone else interested in running and training for it with me? Obviously we would not be able to train together, but it would be nice to go through the training process with other people.
Online info:
***A blog entry: http://www.ultratrailgoddess.com/2011/10/wv-trilogy-50k-race-report.html
***Race report from official site: http://www.wvmtr.org/events/west-virginia-trilogy/kathy-wolf-race-report-10/
***And another race report from the official site: http://www.wvmtr.org/events/west-virginia-trilogy/diana-st-charles-race-report-10/
***and yet another: http://wvultrarunner.blogspot.com/2010/10/wv-trilogy-2010-co-rd-report.html http://wvultrarunner.blogspot.com/2010/10/wv-trilogy-2010-co-rd-report.html
Local 50Ks in September/October
Here is some info on two 50KM races 2 or less hours from DC in the late fall of 2013......will post more as I find out more...
• Runners cannot accept any aid from anyone (crew, family, friend, “stranger”, bicycle) beyond 100 feet of an Aid Station. (Of course in an emergency/crisis situation, runners should accept aid from anyone who is available to assist with their needs!)
• There are 6 road crossings on the course. Only 1 road crossing will offer runners the right of way.
• The New River Trail is a multi-use trail. Expect to share the trail with other users including cyclist and horses and riders. Horses have the right of way. When approaching from behind, slow down and ask to pass on the riders left.
• Runners are permitted to use personal listening devices, yet should remain able to stay
GUNPOWDER KEG ULTRA TRAIL RACES
http://www.brrc.com/distance/50k
* Name: Gunpowder Keg 50K Trail Race
* Date: September 23, 2006 8AM
* Location: Gunpowder State Park, Hereford
* Race Directors: Chris Cucuzzella
* THREE LOOPS 50K
* 1 hour 15 minutes away from home
* Race Directors: Chris Cucuzzella
* THREE LOOPS 50K
* 1 hour 15 minutes away from home
| ||||||||||
• Runners cannot accept any aid from anyone (crew, family, friend, “stranger”, bicycle) beyond 100 feet of an Aid Station. (Of course in an emergency/crisis situation, runners should accept aid from anyone who is available to assist with their needs!)
• There are 6 road crossings on the course. Only 1 road crossing will offer runners the right of way.
• The New River Trail is a multi-use trail. Expect to share the trail with other users including cyclist and horses and riders. Horses have the right of way. When approaching from behind, slow down and ask to pass on the riders left.
• Runners are permitted to use personal listening devices, yet should remain able to stay
aware of their surroundings.• All runners have 7 hours (That is a 13.5 minute pace) to complete the race. The race will start at 8am sharp. We will
start breaking down the finish line area shortly after 3pm.
Other races:
October 11-13, 2013
* Please read all of this information.
* While the Trilogy is designed as a three day stage race, those wishing to run only one or two of the races may submit entries for individual races. See the Entry Form for more details.
* Race is limited to 100 participants. Entrants must be at least 18. Sorry, but there are no pets allowed at The Mountain Institute.
* Registration for the complete Trilogy, the 50k and the 50 mile closes September 27, 2013.
* Start Times: 50k on Friday 7:00am, 50 mile on Saturday 6:00am, Half Marathon on Sunday 9:00am.
* The time limit to complete the 50k is 10.5 hours. There are no cutoffs.
* Trilogy 50K/50M/HM entrants will receive a Patagonia Cap 3 Zip Neck and a Run For The Hills Half Marathon cotton T and all meals.
* 50k only entrants will receive a Patagonia Capilene T-shirt and Thursday evening prerace meal.
* 50 mile only entrants will receive a Patagonia Cap 2 Zip Neck (long sleeve) and Friday evening prerace meal.
* Run For The Hills Half Marathon only entrants will receive a cotton T-shirt.
* 50k only- Thur prerace dinner, light prerace breakfast
50 mile only- Fri prerace dinner, light prerace breakfast
Half Marathon only - Sat prerace dinner, light prerace breakfast and Sun post race lunch
* Packet pickup for the Trilogy and individual 50k/50m/HM will begin at 4:30pm Thursday October 10 at the main yurt.
* Packets for the individual 50m/HM races may also be picked up on the evening before the race and for the HM beginning at 7:00am race day.
* There will be a brief prerace meeting at 7:00pm following dinner on Thursday as well as the following evenings.
* Refunds will be granted minus $10 through 9/20/13. No entry fees will be refunded after this date; please do not ask.
* Contact information; Adam Casseday dr_casseday@yahoo.com 304-636-4944, or Dan Lehmann irunwv@gmail.com 304-924-5835
* 50k – 4871 feet gain
* Entrants so far click here.
Other races:
* Please read all of this information.
* While the Trilogy is designed as a three day stage race, those wishing to run only one or two of the races may submit entries for individual races. See the Entry Form for more details.
* Race is limited to 100 participants. Entrants must be at least 18. Sorry, but there are no pets allowed at The Mountain Institute.
* Registration for the complete Trilogy, the 50k and the 50 mile closes September 27, 2013.
* Start Times: 50k on Friday 7:00am, 50 mile on Saturday 6:00am, Half Marathon on Sunday 9:00am.
* The time limit to complete the 50k is 10.5 hours. There are no cutoffs.
* Trilogy 50K/50M/HM entrants will receive a Patagonia Cap 3 Zip Neck and a Run For The Hills Half Marathon cotton T and all meals.
* 50k only entrants will receive a Patagonia Capilene T-shirt and Thursday evening prerace meal.
* 50 mile only entrants will receive a Patagonia Cap 2 Zip Neck (long sleeve) and Friday evening prerace meal.
* Run For The Hills Half Marathon only entrants will receive a cotton T-shirt.
* 50k only- Thur prerace dinner, light prerace breakfast
50 mile only- Fri prerace dinner, light prerace breakfast
Half Marathon only - Sat prerace dinner, light prerace breakfast and Sun post race lunch
* Packet pickup for the Trilogy and individual 50k/50m/HM will begin at 4:30pm Thursday October 10 at the main yurt.
* Packets for the individual 50m/HM races may also be picked up on the evening before the race and for the HM beginning at 7:00am race day.
* There will be a brief prerace meeting at 7:00pm following dinner on Thursday as well as the following evenings.
* Refunds will be granted minus $10 through 9/20/13. No entry fees will be refunded after this date; please do not ask.
* Contact information; Adam Casseday dr_casseday@yahoo.com 304-636-4944, or Dan Lehmann irunwv@gmail.com 304-924-5835
* 50k – 4871 feet gain* Entrants so far click here.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
My North Face Endurance Challenge Half-Marathon in Sterling, VA
This was my first trail race and it was so fun!! Lots of obstacles such as very steep hills going up and down, some muddy areas, and some areas where you had to cross a small body of water over rocks.
At the beginning everyone waiting for the race to begin.
Beautiful views all around
More beautiful views
A golf course...perfect skies
The sound of rushing water
Very calm view
Single track for most of the trails
More rushing water
Back inland for more single track
almost there....
View of water from up above
up and down.....very hilly course
Dusty, dirty ankles....
My bib and my medal.....The race was actually more like 15 miles....
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