Good-Bye 2016; it's been real.

As I sit here on this blustery New Year's Eve, I look back on the race year.  There were many "firsts" for me.  I did my first Spartan race, did an Ultra (which I said I would never do), conquered a warped wall with the help of some friends, and had a blast the entire journey.  I completed 40 various races.

I did set out in 2016 with the intentions of doing the 1000 mile challenge.  Unfortunately, I made it to barely 700 miles.  I suppose if I had counted my elliptical miles, I would have hit my goal but I wanted this to be strictly running, whether it be treadmill or road.

I had a lot going on this year.  While it is no excuse, it did effect my running and fitness endeavor.  My daughter went overseas for 2 months, I went to Africa in the summer, had to plan Vacation Bible School, and plan a wedding in 6 months.  It took it's toll on me.  I now find myself feeling like I should be doing something when, in fact, I don't have any pressing matters to attend to.  It is definately a strange feeling.

I have been going to the gym more and adding lifting to my regime.  I am not a body builder by ANY means but am proud of my progress.  It is slow and steady but I feel stronger.  My husband has big goals in 2017 and I want to be there right beside him.  However, I can't accomplish them to the best of my ability if I don't strive to be better.

Another disappointment was weight gain.  Yes, I gained about 13 pounds this year with everything going on and dealing with various things.  While I am not stressing over it, I still am looking at the scale with a disappointing sigh.  I will lose it, that I have no doubt.  However, it feels like a set back. 

So what are my goals for 2017?

I am going to do the 1000 mile challenge again.  I will conquer it this year.  I want to lose the 13 pounds I have gained and then another 15.  I want to tone and lift like a beast.  I want to push myself to my limits and see how far I can go.  Matt and I are hoping to qualify for the OCRWs.  Will see.

I am blessed that I get to do it all with my husband.  He pushes me to be better and I push him.  

We got this.

Race Review - Eagle Creek (virtual)

Again, I had to catch up for the end of the year....this one we had to do virtually due to conflicting races.  It was suppose to be a quarter marathon (6.55 miles) trail run.  However, I had to force myself to do it on the dreadmill --- ahem --- I mean treadmill.

Nothing fancy. Just 6 miles of suck.

So the review of the event Eagle Creek Quarter Marathon:
Terrain - treadmill
Organization - virtual race
Cost - $25
Time of the race - 7pm
Overall - virtual
Swag - a medal
My Time - unsure
Race #40 (60 total to date)

Race Review - Kent's Run 5K (virtual)

A virtual race is one you do on your own time.  Some companies require you to send proof and you get your medal....others just send the medal and you do it in good faith.

This one was one that we never got to make it to.  Therefore, I had to get it in before the end of the year.  Sure, I could do it ANYTIME really.  However, my OCD kicks in and I couldn't rest until I got all my races for the year caught up.

The race was established to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to honor the life of Kent Ribordy, a student/athlete who passed away in 2007.

I did it on the treadmill.  Nothing fancy.  I hate the treadmill, as I am sure most runners do, but it does come in handy.

So the review of the event Kent's Run 5K:
Terrain - treadmill
Organization - virtual race
Cost - $25
Time of the race - 8pm
Overall - for a good cause
Swag - a medal, shirt
My Time - 31.10
Race #39 (59 total to date)

Race Review - Caribbean Christmas 5K

Another 131 event, imagine that!

Our pal was suppose to join us but to our (and her) disappointment, her truck wouldn't start and she had to miss out.  The beauty though, the race director let us pick up her packet and her medal.  So she can run it virtually.

The event was the same as the Brew HaHa we did in October.  It was pretty dang cold.  I was glad to run.  However, once you stop running the sweat starts to cool and then you freeze again...brrrr.

Needless to say, we didn't hang around long after.

They had a live band playing reggae music (until their equipment froze) and had hot drinks and nachos.  They also had bananas, granola bars and square donuts for after the race.  Always well done.  I was excited when they announced a Froyo run this coming summer.  Score!

So the review of the event Caribbean Christmas 5K:
Terrain - pavement
Organization - organized well, as are all 131 events!
Cost - $30
Time of the race - 9:30am
Overall - I recommend any 131 event, always well done and they take care of their runners
Swag - a medal, shirt (love the shirt)
My Time - 32.40
Race #38 (58 total to date)

Race Review - Turkey Trifecta

This is another repeat for us.  We did this one last year and enjoyed it.  It is 3 races in one...a 4K, 5K then a 6K equaling just over 9 miles.  You run each race and get a portion of a medal and all three pieces connect making one large medal.

It was cold.  But it is expected.  The route was poorly marked.  People got mixed up, some ran extra miles...some ran shorter miles.  It was a mess.  They had small flags to represent which race based on color.  But it was all trail run therefore runners were running over the flags and they would get buried in leaves and mud, making it hard to see them.  It was not as clearly marked as it was last year.  People were not happy.

I enjoy trail runs because there is no expectation.  You are suppose to take it slow.  There were some points where we had to stop and wait for someone to step over a creek or a fallen tree. Sometimes people would walk and I would want to run but had no way to pass around due to space.  So, there were frustrating moments.

There was little rest time between races.  I remember last year, we waited for awhile between races because I would cool down and get chilled.  Not so this year....it seemed like I just got over the finish line and got a drink and a banana (which they ran out of) and it was time to line up again.

Over all it was okay....but this year was disappointing compared to last year.

So the review of the event Turkey Trifecta:
Terrain - grass and trails
Organization - organized decent other than the marking of trails
Cost - $50
Time of the race - 9:00am
Overall - I would do this race again but it wasn't that great this year and the medal is way too big.  It is the size of a small plate and I can't hang it up
Swag - a medal, shirt
My Time - unsure
Race #37 (57 total to date)

Race Review - Halloween Fall Classic 5k

This race was the second one of the day.  I was tired.  But we went ahead and did it.  The race was very small.  Not even sure how many people were there but I doubt it was more than 50.

While I like small town races, this one was rather complicated.  The route was nice.  It went through a park area that was all pavement.  It had a couple of hills and I even had to hop over a snake that was crossing the path (that was a first!).

Once I crossed the line, I waited for Matt and other other 2 that were with us.  Then we waited.....and waited.  Finally the director had to figure out the times because his timing mechanism wasn't working properly.  Then he FINALLY announced winners and kept messing up and TAKING BACK awards that were handed out.  What the.....?

I got second place and Matt got third - that is great an all.  What did we get?  A store bought glass with a computer made sticker on the front. That was a first.  I can understand small town races and lack of funds but seriously?  

Guess there was a back story to this director and another director and some "bad blood".  And it showed.

Would I recommend?  Not at all.  However, I did like the tee shirts had our names on them.

So the review of the event Halloween Fall Classic 5K:
Terrain - pavement, some hills
Organization - organized poorly
Cost - $22
Time of the race - 4:00pm
Overall - wouldn't recommend any event by this coordinator
Swag - a medal, a store bought glass
My Time - 30.32
Race #36 (56 total to date)

Race Review - Brew HaHa 5k

Another 131 event...we love these events and the bling that comes with them!  This one was no disappointment.  We did this one last year and signed up again this year.

Matt and I didn't have time to put much effort into a costume, so we went as the same as last year....I was pizza and he was a TMNT.  It was a nice, warm day compared to last year.  It didn't take long for me to strip off my onesie and tie it to my waist!

The route is the same as last year too.  Very simple to follow and familiar.

The events from 131 are always well done and no hassle.  Bananas, water and square donuts always wait for us at the finish!

So the review of the event Brew HaHa 5K:
Terrain - pavement
Organization - organized well
Cost - $30
Time of the race - 9:00am
Overall - rarely have a negative thing to say about 131 events
Swag - a medal that lights up
My Time - 30.48
Race #35 (55 total to date)

Race Review - Run and Ride Series

This was our first time doing this race series.  We opted to just do the 10K.  Again, another Sunday race.  While we don't like to miss church, sometimes we have to.

We went down Friday night and went through their "haunt".  It was 10 maze attractions.  I hate haunted houses and things.....hate them.  So after 20 years, the hubs got his way and I went.  It was traumatizing but I survived - ha!

The next day, Saturday, we rode rides since the event was at King's Island.  We had VIP for the Haunt and the rides which made it nice.  Instead of waiting hours, we waited 10 minutes...at most.  It was nice to enjoy the day together despite the chilly air.  It is crazy how scary everything looked the night before with the fog and the creepy monsters lurking around and then in the daylight it wasn't intimidating at all.

Then Sunday we headed to the park while it was still dark.  These shorter days suck!  The race was a 10k or a half marathon and we opted for the 10K.

They let the half marathoners go first then we got released 10 minutes later.  It was a nice run.  It was all pavement, through the parking lot, through the park, through their dinosaur exhibit then behind the rides and around through the water park area.

I felt pretty good for most of it.  There were a couple hills that were brutal and I had to take a minute to catch my breath and walk up them.  No shame in that.

I would do this series again.  It was a fun race and nice medal.  The medals were magnetic and look like rollercoaster train cars so you can connect them.  Cute.  We had the perk to ride the rides before the park opened but since we spend all the previous day doing, that we opted to just head home.  We were wiped out anyway from the full weekend haha!  They had emergency blankets to warm us up and chocolate milk, water and powerade plus bananas and bagels.  The bananas were not great.  They looked like they had been frozen and were brown and mushy.


So the review of the event Run and Ride Series (10K)
Terrain - pavement
Organization - organized well
Cost - varies due to ticket prices and so forth
Time of the race - 9:00pm
Overall - fun weekend, would recommend it
Swag - a medal and tee
My Time - 1 hour 7 minutes
Race #34 (54 total to date)

Race Review - Superhero 5K

This was another cheap, fun race.  It wasn't too far from us.  That is always nice.  It was a chilly morning so once we got our race packet (and cape!) we sat and waited in the vehicle.  There were tons of cute costumes.  Many families were there with their little kids which was adorable.

They had teeshirts, but for a price.  And while the cause was a good one, I didn't need another race shirt....especially at an additional charge.

It was a nice race through a park.  It was paved and the sun was shining despite the chilly air.  I hadn't ran in a week due to time restrictions so I was anticipating this being brutal.  It wasn't too bad.  Everyone was fairly friendly and was an overall good feeling type race.  It was a simple race, nothing to write home about but served the purpose.  It was classified as a fun run, so no time chip or placement prizes.  They did have a backdrop for pictures and a small bounce house for the kids.

So the review of the event Superhero 5K
Terrain - pavement, park
Organization - organized well enough
Cost - $25 plus
Time of the race - 9:00pm
Overall - I would classify this as a small town race, no bells or whistles but was fun
Swag - a cape and medal
My Time - 31.14
Race #33 (53 total to date)

Race Review - Lil' Cousin Jasper 5k

This was a small town race.....like small.  I think there may have been 50 participants.  We figured it was because it was on a Sunday morning.  It is hard to get people to come out before church in these small towns.  But the hubs and I went.  We figured we could run it and get to church....yup, we went to church in our race clothes and sweaty.  I am sure God didn't mind.

The race was pretty cut and dried.  Nothing spectacular.  It was an out and back on pavement.

Matt and I both won a drawing - woot!  And I got first in my age group and Matt got second.  We rock......love small town races!  They are the only ones I have a prayer of placing in.

So the review of the event Lil' Couson Jasper 5K
Terrain - all road, pavement
Organization - organized well for a small town
Cost - $20
Time of the race - 8:00pm
Overall - nothing to brag about, simple and to the point
Swag - tee and placement medals, cheap but that's ok!
My Time - 31.26
Race #32 (52 total to date)

Race Review - Black Swamp Night of the Dead 5K

This was the last one in our 3 part series.  We got the final piece of the medal and once it is all together, it creates a foot.  It is a pretty cool medal.

The drive was over 4 hours, one way, for us.  Quite a drive.  The event and the coordinators are super nice people.  You can tell they put a lot of effort and time into their event to make it the best they can.  It is just so far for us...and to travel it THREE times.  If I lived closer, it would be a yearly race but seeing as though I don't.....I highly doubt I will return.  Nothing against the event....just a long drive plus hotel makes for an expensive event!

I was fearful the evening would be cold, especially once we got wet!  However, it wasn't nearly as bad as I anticipated.  While we have done the course twice before, they did change it up.....took out a few things, added a couple new things plus had spooky decor.  They had a couple volunteers scattered to give jump scares but they were ineffective, in my opinion.

I did fall....twice.  A clown jumped out and just as he did I stepped on a slippery spot and hit the ground.  It was perfectly timed so it looked like I fell in fear.  Not true.  While I HATE haunted houses and scary things, I don't fall into a fetal position!  haha.  With help, I tried to get up and fell again.  The mud was like ice.  It took a few times for me to get up and I chuckled all evening about it.  My hip is not finding it too funny today, however!

I conquered a transverse wall.  They intimidate me due to needing upper body strength.  Last race there, I was nursing an injury and was frustrated because I knew I could do it.  So this time around, I was determined.  And I conquered it with my numero uno race buddy, Matt.  He gave me a hand when I transversed to the other side to slide down.

Over all, it is a decent race if you are in the area or an hour out.  We have to support these smaller venues or the larger ones will crush them.

This race was the final in our mud OCR season.  We will not do road and trail races with a winter OCR tossed in there in January.  No more spraying out the clothes!

So the review of the event Black Swamp Night of the Dead
Terrain - grass, gravel, mud, muck
Organization - organized well
Cost - $50 plus $10 to park
Time of the race - 9:00pm
Overall - it was an okay race ran but great people, just too far of a drive for us
Swag - a medal and 2 tees.  We got 2 for doing all 3 plus the director gave us a decal for our van
My Time - untimed
Race #31 (51 total to date)

Last rinse of the mud season

Doing life together

Race Review - Black Swamp Moonlight Run

This was our second one after the Chicago Terrain.  It was a little bit of a haul (4hrs).  It is a series.  We did the first one, then we did this one and we will have one more night one in October.

We are continuing this one only because we paid for it.  It is an okay race but it is way to far to do.  Not to mention that water we have to go through is nasty.  It is black, smells like death and it takes like 5 washes to get the smell out.  I know it is a "swamp" run but it would be nice if you could opt to not go through the nasty water.

It is a small company owned by a husband and wife so we don't mind supporting them.  Just not sure we will do it next year.

I will say - the night one was so much better than the day one.  The obstacles were the same but it being night with like a billion glow sticks and different lighting and props made it a lot better.

They are a nice couple and they work their tails off.  So if you are looking for a race in Oak Harbor, OH - check them out.

I have to admit.....coming from the Chicago Terrain and seeing the rig collapse made me so hesitant on the obstacles.  I couldn't help but think if it collapsed.....let me say, that does not happen.  It was a rare accident.  But still scary nonetheless.

So the review of the event Black Swamp Moonlight Run
Terrain - grass, gravel, mud, muck
Organization - organized well
Cost - $50 plus $10 to park
Time of the race - 10:00pm
Overall - it was an okay race ran but great people, just too far of a drive for us
Swag - a medal and tee
My Time - untimed
Race #30 (50 total to date)

Race Review - ChicagoTerrain

This was a sketchy one. It is a company that travels and does OCRs at various locations across the country.  The reason it was sketchy was the weather.  It was gloomy and gray.  Once we got there - the heavens opened up.  It was a torrential downpour.  It rained buckets.  It was raining so bad that I couldn't even see.  We went to get our bib and lo and behold I didn't have my ID and Matt forgot my paper in the van.  So we had to trudge back through the sheets of rain.  By this time I had enough.  My mood was less than happy.

Finally the rain subsided and we were all drenched.  We did the 10K.  It was alright.  It seemed like a lot of walking and not that many obstacles.  It was around a motor speedway and some of the obstacles were climbing bleacher stairs - that royally sucked.

Once we got to the end there was a rig about 5 or 10 feet up in the air.  We climbed one side, did a cargo net across then there was a fire pole we slide down and got our medal.

We went to find the cleaning station and it was not working due to lack of water.  We were informed that it would be 15 minutes or so.  We were on a time crunch because we had to drive 4 hours to Ohio for another race (yes, we are crazy like that).

We decided to just get back into a water tub underneath an obstacle to at least get some muck off.  As we were walking that way, I heard an odd cracking noise and looked as the rig that we were on about a minute or so prior crumbled and collapsed with people on it.  There were yells and screams.  I yelled at Matt, I do that in all crisis situations, and we ran to see if anyone needed help.  Everyone seemed okay for the most part.  It was the scariest thing I had witnessed in a long time.  The race crew had that cleaned up in record time.

Also, they charged to take pictures at the end.  Who does that?

So the review of the event Chicago Terrain
Terrain - grass, gravel, stairs
Organization - organized alright
Cost - $35 plus $10 to park
Time of the race - 9:00am
Overall - wouldn't necessarily do this one again, was rather boring not to mention the rig mishap
Swag - a medal and tee
My Time - untimed
Race #29 (49 total to date)

Race Review - Boom Shakalaka

This was the second race of our day.  We did the  Rugged Maniac earlier that day.

This was an event set up by one of our favorite race coordinators - 131 Productions.

It was just a simple 5K/half marathon.  We opted for the 5k.  The start was at a bicycle track which was interesting.  It then went out on the road.  The 5k ended at the track and the half did 4 laps of the 5k.

Afterwards they had popcorn and snow cones plus beer for anyone wanting to drink.  They also had bananas, oranges and granola bars.  They really do take care of their runners.

The tee shirts I wish were done differently.  Being a Christian I can't necessarily wear a shirt that says "damn" on it.  It was clever and cute but I can't wear it in good conscious,

So the review of the event Boom Shakalaka
Terrain - straight pavement
Organization - organized good, 131 Productions always does a good job
Cost - $35
Time of the race - 7:00pm
Overall - basic 5k, nothing to brag about really
Swag - a medal and tee
My Time - 32.54
Race #28 (48 total to date)

Race Review - Rugged Maniac

OCR season is winding down.  It is a predominately summer season, for reasons that are obvious.  Granted there are winter ones but they are few and far between and suck.

We had never done Rugged Maniac and drove about 3 hours to do it.  This was a double header day for us.

The event was at a ski resort - who knew that Indiana had so many ski resorts?  Haha!  We were running a little behind and once we got there the registration line was huge.  We heard of several people that was signed up to run the elite and had over an hour wait time in the lines and missed their heat.  While it isn't a big deal for us because we run for the fun of it - the elites are a different story.  They run to qualify for the world OCR.  So I can understand their frustration.

We were in line for quite a while.  Once we got up there, they gave me a men's shirt.  Matt asked for a women's shirt for me and I heard them say they ran small so I got a large.  It still doesn't fit.  I was bummed because I really liked the shirts.  Blah.

Start times were every 15 minutes and ours was at 10:15.  We were soon in the corral and were off.  Holy hills.  Hills...Hills....Hills.  Not as bad as the Indy sprint but they were hard on the legs.  I like hills though.  So I didn't mind them.

There were a couple obstacles that I hadn't seen at other OCRs before.  So that made it fun.  Most of the obstacles were not impossible.  The rings were slick and no one was doing that great on them. I often wonder why they put rings or metal things in mud OCRs?

There wasn't a lot of "mud" which I actually liked.  I enjoy mud races but I liked that it was wet and muddy but I wasn't caked with it afterward.

The warped wall made me nervous.  I have seen them at several events we have been to and never attempted.  While this one was shorter, I was still nervous and almost backed out and took the ladder up.  But seeing everyone attacking it and seeing the guys helping everyone over it, I decided to go for it.  It was exhilarating.  I felt pretty beast even though I didn't do it on my own.  But I can say I have done it!

Then the Accelerator was kind of scary.  It was a pretty high up warped slide into a pool of water.  It was fun but Matt ended up kicking me in the head.  haha....but it was all good.

Overall it was a fun race and would be a good one for a first timer.

So the review of the event Rugged Maniac
Terrain - trails, hills, ski resort
Organization - organized okay but the registration line was crazy long
Cost - $50 plus $10 parking
Time of the race - 10:15am
Overall - was fun, not too challenging and would do it again
Swag - a medal and tee (tee was way to small and even got a bigger size)
My Time - untimed
Race #27 (47 total to date)

Race Review - Howl at the Moon Ultra

Let's do an Ultra, he said...it would be fun, he said.

So, we did.  The event only allowed 350 participants and sold out in the first hour.  It is a popular race in Illinois at the Kennekuk Park.  It was only a little over an hour drive for us, which was nice.  We went down the night before to get our packet and a hotel.  There was the option to camp and grab a site along the runner's shoot but we had friends that did that and seeing as though I worked that day, it just wasn't feasible (and I hate camping).

Let me start by saying I had every intentions of training for this event.  But I also have the tendency to just go for things feet first.  I did that latter of the two.  So, we got up early, and headed over to the race.  Seeing the people there, we felt very out of our league.  These were some serious runners.

We got our chairs set up, our snacks on the table so we could grab them as we ran by and were ready to start.  The event was 8 hours and we had to get as many 3.29 mile loops in as we can.  To be considered an "ultra"  we had to get in more than 26.2 miles.  A lot of people, in the running community, wrinkle their noses when you don't get the full 30 miles.  But the definition of an ultra, according to Ultra Running Magazine is "The standard definition is anything past the marathon, or 26.2 miles" 

I did the first two loops without much trouble.  The scenery was nice, it was mostly trails with some gravel, one significant hill and I took it easy at a nice pace.  I did my first loop in 40 minutes and my second in 43.  I was making good time.  I did what all my research told me - I didn't start out fast, I stopped at every aid station and drank water/gatorade, I grabbed a snack at each aid station, I walked the hill.  I was feeling unstoppable.

There was a slight overcast and it was misting, so the weather was great.  I got to a little over mile 12 and something in my hip flexor shifted, popped, whatever you want to call it.  I call it excruciating pain.  It stopped me immediately.  I thought, 'oh my gosh, what did I do'.  I said I would go the entire 8 hours and the only way I would stop is if my body made me.  I thought - at mile 12??!  Really?!  I pushed through it.  I made it to 13.1 - my first goal, a half marathon.  The longest I have ever ran is a little over 10 miles....once...and by accident because I got lost.  True story.  So this was huge for me.

It was about mile 15 that my calves were tightening.  I have issues with the top of my right foot and it has bothered me on the first loop, now it was really bothering me.  So I stopped off at our tent and changed into some compression socks for my calves and fixed my shoe strings to help my foot.  My calves thanked me but my foot was still hurting and my hip flexor was demanding I stop.

I am not sure what mileage it was but it was somewhere in loop 6, I had tried to jog/run/jog/run and was doing fairly okay but it was halfway through that 6th loop that I just couldn't do it any more.  I felt so angry as I walked.  I would attempt to jog a little bit on the even pavement when I came to it but the pain was unbearable.  And by this time, the sun had came out.  Honestly, the heat wasn't a factor because I was too focused on the pain.

I had a moment of anxiety.  I was alone the entire race.  I thought I would catch up to Matt on a loop but he kept a pretty good pace himself so I never did.  I was hurting, I was angry and I just wanted Matt.  That moment passed and I just kept telling myself - one foot in front of the other.

It didn't help that people were passing me, numerous times.  One woman passed me 5 times.  She lapped me FIVE times.  She was not human, I am positive.

I had time for one more lap.  It was the hardest to finish. It was then that I kept hearing people say you had to get 30 miles to get the medal.  I was like seriously?  I did all this for nothing?  Granted the medal is just a circle on a ribbon but, danggit, I wanted it.  I earned it.  Finally, I finish the 8th lap = 26.4 miles.  Matt was already at the tent.  I checked in with my lap counter and went and sat down.  Lordy, it felt good to sit.


Matt made it 7 miles, a little over 23 miles.  He was disappointed he didn't get that 8th lap but blisters on his feet prevented him from pushing through. Doesn't matter, though - he did 23 MILES.  I am proud of him.

I was hurting and was ready to go home. I didn't care about the dinner afterwards, I wanted to go. I told Matt and for me to get up was impossible.  Once Matt helped me up, the pain in my hip was unbearable.  It hurt so bad it was making me sick.  Matt told me to wait and he would pull the van closer.  As soon as he left, I felt my hearing go.  I knew that meant I was going to pass out.  My vision tunneled.  I quickly sat down to avoid falling down.  Several people asked me if I was alright.  I was.  I just needed to moment.

Matt returned and helped me up.  I physically could not get in the van.  I panicked and tears welled up as I told Matt how bad it hurt.  I can tolerate pain - a lot of pain but this was incapacitating me.  I felt helpless and I didn't like it.  Matt gently instructed me and I finally was in the van.  Matt's a good guy.  He even went to the directors and asked if I got a medal.  I couldn't get out of the van to even see if I got one.  I did.  That made me ecstatic.  I earned a medal - I was an ultra marathoner by definition!

The drive home was okay.  Sitting wasn't an issue.  Once I got home, the next few days were horrible.  My hip flexor stopped hurting the next day.  But my quads were screaming.  I couldn't get up off the couch or sit down without help.  My foot was swollen and sore and I was a mess.

It is now 3 days later and I am moving a little better.  I don't need assistance - haha.  My foot is still bothering me but I put KT tape on it and it seems to be better.

Moral of the story kids - I did a 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon and an ultra in one day.  I looked at Matt and said can you believe it?  Can you believe me and you did this for 8 hours?  Can you believe it?!

Matt said he is going to train and return next year to get his medal.

I told him I would cheer him on from the tent.

Never again.  I did it, I conquered it....am over it.

So the review of the event Howl at the Moon Ultra
Terrain - trails, gravel, pavement
Organization - very nicely organized and they took great care of their runners
Cost - not sure since Matt signed us up
Time of the race - 7:30am
Overall - well done, friendly environment, nicely organized
Swag - a medal if you finish 8 loops, age group medals, tshirt (has typo but that's okay), sticker, mesh bag, food
My Time - 7.35 hours
Race #26 (46 total to date)

Race Review - Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt

This wasn't a race, per say.  This was more of a fun event.  They called themselves a "race" but they use that term loosely.

First off this race was horribly organized.  We had no idea where we were suppose to even go until the evening before.  Many people were posting on the event page how poorly the directors were handling the event.

Once it was finally posted, we were relieved that it wasn't some sort of scam.  Therefore, we headed down the next day with very little expectations at this point.  Once we were parked, we still had no idea where to really go. The only way we found it was we saw people with race bibs on.  We headed that way and there was a small table with a woman sitting there.  There was a truck with a banner that was barely visible that read Challenge Nation.  She told us to take a bib and was adamant about us taking only 4 pins for our bib and we could have just one temporary tattoo, yea no thanks.

So we waited until it was time to begin.  A gentlemen yelled for one person to be the group leader and to walk to the side of the building with him.  He gave instructions and handed out the paper with the clues and we were off!

Let me start off by saying if you didn't know downtown Indianapolis, forget it.  The clues were tough and we had no idea where anything even was.  It was a lot of history, statues and locations.  Out of 11 clues, I think we ended up getting 6 maybe?  I was so miserable towards the end, that we opted to quit.  We had a little over an hour left and we said, forget it.

It was not fun at all.  I honestly would not recommend this event.

So the review of the event Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt
Terrain - sidewalks, pavement
Organization - overy poorly done
Cost - $35/$7 parking
Time of the race - 1pm
Overall - would not recommend it
Swag - a temporary tattoo
My Time - not timed
Race #25 (45 total to date)

My day of birth

So this blog isn't a race review or a healthy recipe.  It is more just personal reflection.

Today I turned 41.  When I see that number, I freaks me out.  I do not feel like I am 41.  I see other people that are in there 40's and I feel like they are so....old.  And here I am - 41.  I have a kid that is 21 and another that is 19.  How is that even possible???

As I reflect on the day, I feel disheartened a little bit due to circumstances beyond my control.  However, I can't help but ponder on my journey.  Two years ago I was 250 pounds, seditary, loved and couldn't even walk a mile; let alone run one.  I woke up one day and said enough is enough and began my journey to a healthier me.

One year later I was down 90 pounds and another year later I have kept it off.  I can never remember a time I was this small....ever.  I still feel like I am overweight and it took me forever to not buy a size XL shirt.  When I do OCRs and guys want to give me a boost, I am self conscious because I feel like I am too heavy and I find myself asking - "Did I hurt you?" "Are you okay?"

I fear gaining it back.  Sure, I have gained a few, lost it, gained a few more, lost it.  But I stay around the same weight, give or take 5 lbs.  I am hoping to lose 15 more by next spring and tone it up.  Anyway, people don't understand the struggle.  They always say "You can have just a piece" or "You can have a little bit" or "You want to get something to eat" in which I want to reply yes to all aspects, I can't.  I can't just have a piece, I want the whole thing.  I can't just have a little bit because I want it all....and while I would love to go out to eat, I can't go to a pizza place and just eat a salad.  Sometimes, I would prefer not to be asked at all.

All this to say - 41 isn't that bad.  I am in better shape at 41 than I was at 21.  I am on no medications, my resting heart rate is 53, I have no medical concerns that are majorly effecting my quality of life, I actually have muscles and I can shop anywhere without worrying if they "have my size".  

I have ran 44 races so far and I want to be running when I turn 81.  Life isn't over because of a number.  It isn't too late.  We all have aches and pains.  We catch ourselves squinting a little more when we read or saying "what" one too many times.  However, our health effects everything.  It effects our brains, our organs, our bones.  We can sit and complain or we can get up and live life.

Life is about living and experiencing it.  Yes, I run.  Yes, I hate it.  But I love how I feel afterwards.  I love knowing I accomplished it.

Life is good.

Race Review - Mud Ninja

We drove a considerable distance to this one only because we heard great things.  Our race buddy was suppose to go with us but woke up sick.  Boooo.

Again, GPS took us to nowhere.  Therefore, we had to figure out where to go.  $10 bucks to park.  We pay so much for these races, I don't see why they have to charge parking on top of it.  But they do.

Registration was painless.  We headed to our group.  Our race time was 10am so didn't have to wait long.  We got in the corral to go and were off.  This race was no joke.  It was tough.  Matt struggled on the hills and our team went on while I waited for him.  He ensured me I could go ahead but I wasn't going to leave him alone.  I didn't want him having a heat stroke or something and not have anyone.  Besides, I was tired due to the busy week I had prior and wasn't necessarily enjoying myself.

The obstacles were tough.  Not all of them but the majority  There was plenty of mud which I like.  If I am at a mud run, I expect mud!

The showers were decent.  They had large containers of water that wasn't terribly cold due to being in the sun.  The showers had hand sprayers and even though the line was really long, it went fairly quickly.

So the review of the event Mud Ninja
Terrain - Hills, mud, obstacles
Organization - organized nicely
Cost - $46/person that included insurance and parking
Time of the race - 10am
Overall - It is a popular race but tough for us.....not sure I would make the drive to do it again.  One of my least favorite OCRs.
Swag - medal, tshirt (white, oddly enough)
My Time - not timed
Race #24 (44 total to date)

Race Review - Black Swamp Dash

This one was a drive for us and I wasn't impressed.  It is a small event, ran but a husband and wife.  So, I give them credit.  If we lived local, it would be fine but we don't.  Therefore, we have to take that into consideration.

It was at a fair grounds and there was hardly anyone there when we showed.  When we finally got to the race start, there was maybe...MAYBE 100 participants and that is being generous.  The day before was the larger race and timed.  This was untimed and just for fun.

Once we took off, we realized this was a different race than we were used to.  It was in a grassy area that was mowed to show the way.  The obstacles were typical and while we were there, someone got hurt on the cargo climb (giving me a reason NOT to even attempt it).  There was some paths into wooded area and through some water that smelled like death.  The mud was minimal.  It was mostly just nasty, dirty water (hence Black Swamp....).

Once we finished and went to "wash off", only one hose worked and there was a pile of horse manure 5 feet from it.  We hosed off the best we could and left.

This is part of a tri-series.  So, yes, we have to make the trip two more times but only because we prepaid for it.  Unfortunately, we wouldn't do this race again.

So the review of the Black Swamp Dash
Terrain - Grassy, trails, water, mud
Organization - it was okay for what it was
Cost - $50/person
Time of the race - 10am
Overall - It was alright for locals but not for the drive
Swag - medal and shirt
My Time - not times
Race #23 (44 total to date)

Race Review - Sloppy Rib Run

My races have gotten out of order.  I have been so busy that I don't get on here to post them as quickly as I would like.  I then realized I had forgotten a couple.

This was was an hour and a half away, which we consider "local" because it is under a two hour drive.  The GPS gave us wonky directions.  The race was at an event called Rib Fest and our GPS took us to the event.  The road was blocked so we had to turn into a subdivision.  There was no one directing traffic or any signs to direct us at all.  Once we found our way out, we tried a different route and eventually made it to the parking (which was $5 at the school).

The day was steadily hot and getting hotter as the afternoon wore on.  Granted the event was in late afternoon, it was already hot.  The event was a 5k but there was a Sloppy Rib division that we signed up for.  This meant you ate 5 ribs at every K (resulting in a potential 25 ribs) and with every rib eaten, you get 10 seconds off your time.

Who knew a Rib Fest was so popular!  There were tons of people!

Once we got our bibs and was explained the race, we were ready.

We were off.  The heat really played a huge factor in speed and endurance.  At the first Rib stop (immediately after the start, I might add), I shoved in 5 ribs.  They were a little less than finger length and smothered in BBQ sauce.  The flavor was good but chewing them and getting them down - without water - was not.  I got the 5 in and was still chewing when I took off.  It was like a brick in my throat.  I could not get it down and feared choking.  I spit what was left out.

I continued on.  The second stop, I decided to just eat 3.  Then I moved on.  I stopped at each water station and washed what I could down.  The ribs were rather chewy so I accessed the pan before I reached in.  I tried to find the smallest pieces I could I would pull them apart before eating and it helped.  At each of the rest of the stations I ate 5 for a total of 23.

There was a lady in front of me at the end.  We continually passed one another.  I took it pretty easy at the end because the ribs and heat were not a good mix.  She passed the finish line a few seconds before me.

So.....that made her the winner in our age group.  Grrrrrrr......honestly, if I had eaten ONE more rib, I would have placed first.  Frustrating.

It was a different kind of run and not sure I would do it again.  haha!

So the review of the event Rib Run
Terrain - Strictly pavement
Organization - organized okay
Cost - $46/person plus $5 to park
Time of the race - 6:00pm
Overall - It was a different kind of race, not sure I would do it again though!
Swag - medal and ribs!  Winners got an apron
My Time - 31.26
Race #22 (43 total to date)

Race Review - Red Tail Trail Run

There were several options and we chose the 5K.  I was still trying to get my wits about myself after being gone almost 2 weeks in Africa then doing the Spartan.  But we did it.

It was hard to find.  The GPS took us to one area and we had to drive all the way around the resevoir to find the race area.

It was a small race and was for a good cause.

The course was marked well for the most part.  There were some hiccups and confusion that could have been avoided had they had a volunteer there to direct runners.

Overall, nothing to really speak of.  I will say they had the best post race grub - fruit, donut holes, fruit snacks, crackers, granola bars, pizza!

So the review of the event Red Tail Trail Run
Terrain - Some pavement, mostly trails
Organization - organized okay
Cost - $30/person
Time of the race - 4:00pm
Overall - It went to a good cause and was a typical 5K event.
Swag - medal and teeshirt (not the best color - goose gray)
My Time - 34 minutes - not bad considering I hadn't ran in 3 weeks, got 3rd in my age group!
Race #21 (42 total to date)

Race Review - Indiana Spartan Sprint

Let me start by saying this was the hardest race I have ever done.

It was at the same location as the Mudstache - a ski resort.  I had just gotten in from Africa on Friday and stayed around Indy with Matt and my daughter then got up early and went to the race.  So I knew it was gonna be a tough one.

Hills...Hills...Holy hills.....the hills were killer.  We ended up hitting 1800 elevation. That and add some obstacles in.....killer.  I stayed with Matt the whole time so he could help me over some of the obstacles and so that I could make sure he didn't have a heat stroke.  We took our time and we made it.

Matt helped me over most walls and even used his back and helped me transverse across the parallel walls.  So when he was struggling hard on the bucket brigaide (carry a bucket of gravel up a hill), I took the chance to help HIM.  I finished mine and raced down to help him finish the last leg of his bucket carry.  We helped each other - that's what it is all about.

At the end, I was at the top of the slip wall and my tank was empty.  I couldn't get over it to save my life and I couldn't really go back down because I didn't have the strength to lower myself back down.  Therefore, I am pretty sure I whimpered to Matt that I just couldn't do it.

He raced and climbed the other side and grabbed me.  His tank was empty too so he yelled at another guy to give him a hand and they both helped me over.  So thankful to my husband.

Then the fire jump.  That is what everyone waits for - to have that epic moment of jumping over the fire towards the finish line.

I fell.

Yup....the camera guy got me in all my glory as I hit the gravel and it shifted and down I went.  But I had hoped he did.  Despite the lack of awesomeness, I am proud of those pictures.

Energy drinks, fruit and granola at the end.

I am a Spartan!

So the review of the event Indiana Spartan
Terrain - HILLS, trails
Organization - well organized
Cost - $63/person
Time of the race - 10:00am
Overall - Nicely done, it was tough, not going to lie but it was a Spartan, what did I expect? haha
Swag - epic Spartan medal and tee shirt
My Time - didn't care about time
Race #20 (41 total to date)

Race Review - Tame the Terrain

This was a last minute race.  Someone needed to sell their tickets so we bought them.  I am so glad we did.  This one is my favorite race so far this year!

It had it all - obstacles, mud, trails and loads of fun.  The obstacles were challenging and I liked that I pushed myself to complete them.  Lots of climbing and trudging through mud and debris.  Very little man-made obstacles.  They were mostly natural - hence the name, Tame the Terrain.

We weren't out to break any records.  We just wanted to complete it!  And we did.

At the end, they had bananas.  That was about it.  The showers were just hoses and the line was horrendous.  I changed my clothes in the back of our van and called it good.

So the review of the event Tame the Terrain
Terrain - trails, mud
Organization - well organized
Cost - $80/for both of us
Time of the race - 11:00am
Overall - Nicely done, my fave this year so far, money went to youth events
Swag - medal and tee shirt
My Time - didn't keep time
Race #19 (40 total to date)

Race Review - Summer Night Quarter Marathon

Two races in one day!  We are crazy!  HaHa!

We did the Mudstache mud run that morning then went to a hotel for the remainder of the day to shower and rest.  Then headed to Eagle Creek to do our summer night run.  This was a two part race.  We did the Winter Night Trail too.  If you did that one and this one, you got a 3rd Fire and Ice Medal.  We love the bling!

This race was familiar and I was glad it wasn't 30 degrees!  Haha.  Oddly enough though, as I ran I could see my breath.  It was warm but it was a "wet" warm.  Weird.

The trail started at dark and they let groups go in waves.  Soon we were off.  It was a beautiful trail run.  It circled a lake and was mostly wooded.  I was just hoping I didn't fall like I did at the last one!  You will be happy to know, I didn't!   :)

At the end of the race they had snocones, granola bars, fruit, drinks and cake!  Yum!

So the review of the event Summer Night Trail Run
Terrain - trails mostly
Organization - well organized
Cost - $47/person
Time of the race - 9:00pm
Overall - Nicely done, 131 Productions always puts on nice races with good bling!
Swag - medal and tee shirt
My Time -1 hour 38 minutes
Race #18 (39 total to date)