WAC Triathlon Recap

On Sunday, June 24th, I headed down to Wilmington to run the Wilmington Athletic Club Triathlon. It was a short one: 300m swim, 11.5m bike, 5k run. I haven't been in the pool to train since I was pregnant (Weasel turns 2 next month to give you some perspective!) and it's been months since my bike tires have felt actual pavement. I have done a bit of riding on the trainer when Weasel naps, but otherwise, not much. Luckily I've been running for the last year and half or this would have kicked my bootie!

With my setup

Pat, Jill and Liam pre-race. They take turns racing while the other cheers and watches the kiddo. What a great team!

My friend, Jess, was kind enough to volunteer to ride down with me and, being a seasoned triathlete herself, provide me with some tips for the race. She also let me borrow her bib belt which came in handy.

My friends, Liz and Jess (on the right). I didn't get a picture of her on race morning, so I stole this old one from FB.

After I checked in and staged my gear, I headed over to the heated pool to do a warmup lap. Thank goodness I did, because that's when I found out my goggles didn't work! I ended up tying both rubber straps to secure them, but water was still leaking in. I discovered that Weasel had removed the rubber around the actual goggles, so after fixing that, I thought they were good to go. When I registered, they asked me for my 100m swim time. I had no idea, so I guessed a 1:55. That put me in line at number 95 and 26 minutes into the race I hopped into the pool to start my swim. It was 6 lanes down and back. On the first push off, I realized my goggles were definitely NOT fixed. Nevertheless, I continued to swim, passing two ladies and then enjoying some clear lanes. I finished the swim in 5:56 (6th for overall females) and quickly made my way to the transition area.

Me and my fellow SW, Darcie, who was doing her first tri! This is just after my warmup swim when I discovered my goggles SUCKED!

Waiting in line to start the swim. I think I had just witnessed one of several head-on collisions in the pool!

And I'm off...

Exiting the pool and heading towards the transition area

53 seconds later, I was headed out on to the bike course, a 2-loop course with tight, technical turns. The staggered start didn't allow for much interaction along the bike course and I found that I passed two people and was passed by two others. The 11.5 miles took me 38:24, way longer than it probably should have if I had invested more training time.

I ran my bike well passed the "mount" line because the course started with a little hill. I didn't know what gear my bike was in, and I didn't want to get stuck:)

Starting my second loop. I was so bored at this point and really wishing I had someone to ride with.

I had decided not to wear socks for the first time ever and popped on my running shoes right away. I now know why people invest in those quick laces as I felt like it took a lifetime (55 seconds) for me to tie my shoes. And if you're going to buy the quick ties, you might as well add in one of those straps that holds your racing chip, or your ankle may end up looking like this:

This is from my run on Monday, but you get the idea. I was wearing one of those plastic bands they give you and apparently I didn't have it high enough or tight enough.

The plastic band rubbed my ankle raw:(

But soon enough, I was out on the course and running down people one-by-one. I'm pleased to say that I passed about 10 people and was not passed by a single runner. I finished the 5k in 23:46. It was by no means my fastest run time, but I was happy with it. The temps were brutal, but they had two great water stations available that we passed twice since it was an out-and-back course.

Someone was happy to be off the bike!

I don't run like this...I was putting my bib on!

The final turn before the finish line.

My friend Jill's husband was running too and it was so nice to see him a couple times throughout the course. It was also a great pick-me-up to see friends cheering me on! A fellow Stroller Warrior, Heidi, even brought her mini-warrior, Maddie along to cheer!

Heidi and Maddie. (Also not from race day, obviously:). This was taken a week or two after she gave birth. Yes, we are all jealous!

All in all, it was a great race. I ended up placing 3rd in my age group and 7th among all females (63 total females raced). I know I need to do some swimming and biking beforehand next time around, but this was one last thing to do for fun before turning to on MARATHON TRAINING! I promise my next post will finally include the plan I'm going to use. It has been really tough sorting through existing plans without deciding to quit before even beginning!

Me and Pat with our race "trophies." Pat placed second in his AG with a time of 1:06:36

Have to Half

I've mentioned my awesome running club, Stroller Warriors, a few dozen times. This post is all about just how great this club is! Back in March, a HUGE group of us participated in the Quintiles Half Marathon. Following that, several of the girls ran either the Hope for the Warriors Half or the Myrtle Beach Diva's Half (one of my favorite gals even ran BOTH!). Since then, there has been a shortage of races in the local area. SW wouldn't let a small thing like that get in the way though...

Two of our fabulous group leaders (they run the C25K program for newer runners), developed an idea that was conceived over a glass of wine in the kitchen...the Have to Half series! These girls (pictured to the right) mapped out a course on board Camp Lejeune, complete with mile markers, directional signs, water stations, medals and motivational sidewalk chalk sayings. On Saturday at 7am, almost 30 of us met at Dunkin Donuts to kick off the first race of the series.

This group consisted of ladies who have done several marathons and half marathons to those who have never run more than a 10k!

After a group photo, we walked across the street and got started with a very casual, "Ready, Set, GO!" My friend, Jill, and her husband Pat even brought their son, Liam, along for the entire 13.1! He was a trooper and didn't make a peep for 2 hours in the stroller! The first couple three miles of the course included the only hills on base, so it was nice to get that part over early on. We are blessed with great paved trails on Camp Lejeune with only a few minor detours due to construction, and we took advantage of being able to run in small groups. We had a few gals who came out to support the race by taking pictures and providing directions too. 

If I remember correctly, this picture was around mile 4.

With limited support staff, the coordinators decided the best way to provide water was with these "stations" of ice and water bottles. It was perfect!

At mile 4, the course left the housing area and wandered along a great trail we frequently use for our weekly workouts. It was a great break from the noise of traffic and luckily there were no bugs out! There was a short out and back along the New River that was quite scenic and allowed us to cheer one another on throughout the later miles. We made the final turn toward Dunkin Donuts and arrived at the finish line just short of 2 hours (1:56:45). It was an fantastic event made better by the race bling, beer and chocolate milk found at the end:)

We even had three pregnant mother runners along for the race!

In conjunction with their need to race, the coordinators also do a lot of fundraising. They have decided that each race will be paired with a charity of the club's choosing. This time around we ran in support of the Semper Fi Fund (and raised over $500!). The overall cost to enter was minimal - $5.75 to pay for the medal and whatever donation you chose (if you even wanted to) give to the Semper Fi Fund (an organization that is near and dear to many military spouses). 

I had to take off early, but most of the ladies stuck around to cheer on everyone who finished:

This is a photo of two amazing ladies (white and blue shirts) who volunteered to run with whomever needed the extra motivation and support. The gal in the purple had never done over 9 miles and was super hesitant to run 13.1. Needless to say, she totally rocked it!

And here's a shot of the group once the race was over:

I'm so blessed to have joined this group of women who are crazy enough to think that randomly running a half marathon is a great way to spend a Saturday morning:) I'm already looking forward to next month's race!

Running & Potty Training

Now, for those of you who assume I am potty training based on my post a while back about almost pooping myself, you would be mistaken:) This is about the Weasel!

A month ago, I decided to attempt potty training Weasel. She didn't talk then and even though she's been pooping on the potty for months, she just wasn't ready to commit to using it full time. It was frustrating, but we shelved the idea for a bit. Well, after spending a couple weeks with her Grandma & Grandpa, Weasel learned to talk. That brings us to today's post. We are attempting to potty train yet again. She's done a great job with just a few accidents that tip her off that it's time to lose to panties and hit the toilet. How does this relate to a running blog you ask?


Potty training is a full time gig. Weasel spends the majority of her day running around bare bottomed. When it's time to go for a run, we can't exactly be gone for a long time. Just before we leave, she hops on the potty and takes care of business. Then we take a quick 2 mile jog and it's back to being pants-less at home. That doesn't really work for me since I rarely like to log less than 3 miles, so we take a couple or three 2 mile jogs throughout the day. Hey, you've got to do what works, right?! We also bring the portable potty wherever we go. So while it's not exactly the dream training scenario, I once read in Runner's World that as long as you log the miles, that's what counts. They don't have to be done at one time!

Anyone have tips for me?! I could use them all!!

Stroller Warriors Take On The PFT

For those non-military types, the Physical Fitness Test (or PFT) is a Marine Corps event that must be completed twice a year to certain standards. Being that Stroller Warriors is created from military spouses, our leader has us conduct the same test twice a year as well. It's a 3 mile run followed by a flexed arm hang (max of 70 seconds) and 2 minutes of crunches (max of 200). For some of our newer members who haven't done much running prior to joining, this test can be intimidating. Nevertheless, they show up with bedazzled shirts and tackle their fears. It's quite an awesome showing and many people surprise themselves with their performance!

Here are some pictures from the PFT we did yesterday:

First in...my friend and running partner, Jill!

Jane makes her second appearance in the blog because she's just that incredible!

Kat and Naomi bringing it in with a sprint - and if you've never sprinted with a jogger, it's NOT easy!

Super Stroller Warrior!

And sometimes the kiddos just have to get out and cross the finish line too!

Such focus and determination. These ladies make it look easy!

And because it wouldn't be a SW PFT without decorated t-shirts, here are a few. And yes, that's our leader in the top left picture trying to boost attendance on Friday by holding the news of her upcoming baby's gender until then:)

And while it looks like a bunch of women who may have too much time on their hands, coloring shirts and playing with kiddos, don't let this bunch fool you. They are a group of determined runners who push the pace every day. Our first runner in, Jill, finished in 21:30...WITH A STROLLER! Just another reason I love this club!

(Morning edit) One of the SW got a shot of me & one of the Weasel as we came in from our 3 miles!

Holy HILLS!

We have been on vacation for a couple weeks, but I'm back! Here's a short recap of my first run in the hills of Westpoint (United States Military Academy). We arrived at the hotel around 11:15. Immediately, my husband bailed on me to play golf with the other members of the wedding party. I decided that was a perfect opportunity to explore the ground of Westpoint and work in my run for the day (necessary after a 5 hour car trip). I asked the groom (and Westpoint graduate) where I should go. Laughingly, he responded, "Hey, you should do Stony Lonesome." I was curious, but since I'm always up for a challenge, I decided to go in search of this route. I ran along the main road and passed some beautiful sites:

These first two miles were gloriously flat just like the terrain to which I've been accustomed living at the beach. The gorgeous campus and picturesque views of the Hudson made me forget that I was even running. Then I saw a sign for Michie Stadium (the groom had mentioned staying away from all signs of this nature if I wanted to avoid hills:) Curiosity got the better of me and I turned left toward the stadium. That left took me straight uphill! Luckily I was rewarded with yet another great view:

As I rounded the corner to pass the stadium, I saw this:

In my head I thought, "Geez, that hill was rough, but how much worse could it get?" Well, for another mile, which was all I could muster, it continued straight up the hill. In fact, I passed an MP (Military Police) car and asked for directions back to the hotel to see if there was a way to avoid back tracking. The MPs laughed and said, "Nope. But you can keep going up the hill to the gate and then turn around...if you make it." Sadly, I must report, I didn't make it to the gate. I wasn't sure my body could take another step up, so I made the turn. Here's a picture from the point I actually made it to:

As most of you can imagine, the downhill was almost worse. My legs definitely aren't used to such a pounding! Overall it was a fantastic run. Putting the hill (both up and down) as the middle 2 miles worked perfectly giving my legs a chance to warm up and cool down as needed. 

As June comes closer to July, I'll be starting my marathon training program. I appreciate all of you who provided insight on what plans have worked for you in the past. I haven't decided on a plan 100% yet, but I'm leaning toward one of the Hal Higdon plans with a few modifications. 

Happy Running!

Narrowing My Options

As June is rapidly approaching, I've downloaded Hal Higdon's Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide on my Kindle and am devouring it. Counting back from the MCM date of Sunday, October 30, 2012, I've arrived at 10 June as a starting point for a 16-week training program. Most plans are around that duration. But now I'm struggling with which plan to use. When I was a young buck running my first marathon in 1999, I didn't use a plan. In fact, I think the longest run I'd ever done was around 3 miles at that point. But I was only 19 and made of "bubble gum and rubber bands" as my husband likes to say, so putting that sort of strain on my body wasn't really a big deal. Now, in my 30s, I am wiser and more brittle:) 

Source

For the Quintiles Half, I was using Hal Higdon's training plan, but spent the first 5 or 6 weeks accidentally following the NOVICE one and thinking it was too easy (my fault for not reading properly!). Now I'm ready to select a plan for my upcoming marathon. That's where you guys come in. I NEED YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS! 


So far I've considered these:


Runner's World Marathon Plan


Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 Training Plan


Rick Kimbal's Marathon Training Plan


But in searching for a plan, I've found that several plans come with a price before you can actually see what you're getting yourself into. I haven't actually gotten to the portion of Hal Higdon's book that states the plan, but I think it's included, so that would be a plus for going with his program. 


If any of you have helpful hints or advice as to which program worked for you and why you liked it, I'm all ears! Thanks in advance!

Big Discovery, New Shoes, and Some Interesting Products!

On Wednesday morning, a fellow Stroller Warrior posted an invite to a CrossFit Workout the following morning. Lo and behold, this event was taking place in my "backyard!" I live about 7 minutes from MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station) New River. Apparently, for the last 10 months, MCAS has provided the space and equipment necessary for any CF workout you could imagine! Who knew? What a big discovery. The best part is this: they have an enclosed play area for kiddos, or if they don't want to play there, you can have them right beside you in the stroller as you workout. HUGE BONUS! 

So with the Weasel in tow, we headed to MCAS, located the warehouse that enclosed the gym and met up with some ladies to grab a quick workout. There were two active duty Marines on hand to instruct us and provide us with the WOD. We did a 1k row to warm up and then got right to the WOD: 15 minute AMRAP - 6 toes to bar, 8 hand release pushups, 12 squats (repeat 3 times), 400m run. That Thursday morning, there were approximately 15 ladies kicking butt at this huge gym...it was AWESOME!

Sorry for the awful pics, but I only had my iPhone.

After the workout, I decided to drive down to Wilmington to visit TrySports in search of some new shoes. I'm a mid to forefoot striker, and I was desperately in need of new ones:

The fella at the store watched me run, listened to my concerns, and then gathered up several pairs for me to test on their treadmills. I have been a loyal Saucony wearer for YEARS, so I fully intended on selecting yet another pair. After testing Sauconys, Brooks, Newtons, and Asics, I was shocked to find myself veering away from my "old standby" and selected the Asics! 

Since we were in Wilmington, home of many hippies, Weasel and I decided to hit up the Tidal Creep Co-Op where we ate some lunch and did a little shopping:

I grabbed several of these packets in search of some new great sources of protein and other healthful boosts:

I'll have a review later, but I'm stoked to try them out. And I even got some to send to Jess over in Afghanistan! After we got home, we hung out for a bit and then after a total nap fail, I packed Weasel in the car, headed back to MCAS and did a 3 mile loop to test out my new kicks. I'm happy to report that they feel great and I already notice a difference in the way my feet and legs feel with full cushion and support! Talk about a great day!!