Planning this year's Fall races. It turns out that Oak Openings Stampede is the same weekend as Running Fit - Run Woodstock! Both have a 50K- which is my goal, this year.

Oak Openings would be cheaper in the long run... but Woodstock has very cool bling & I love their shirt... It appeals to my inner hippy (which kind of has me leaning to go out of town...)

I "put the word out" in our local running group & at home. My daughter is only 13 but she knows me well. "You need to do Woodstock." I DID know this... but it was good to hear a confirmation. A local runner also underscored the Woodstock route. -SOOOOOO... this year's training is in prep for an ultra. Not my local terrain... Trial by fire... If I can pull this off, Detroit will be a mental "easy street".

Every year I see progress in my running. Every year, I get frustrated that my advancements aren't "good enough". Every runner understands wanting to perform vs ability to perform. Today was my long run. I had 13 on the schedule but missed last week's 15 (sick then races 2 days instead). I opted for 13-15. As usual, I was confident then nervous as I got closer to heading out. I almost stayed home (!!!) but knew I'd be mad later if I did. I ate a small breakfast, wrapped the hot spots on my feet to avoid blisters & took my caffeine & inhaler. The new product/nutrition, Tailwind, has been great! It keeps me from cramping & I got a solid 11 miles before I bonked. I just mentally wanted to walk. I was still able to run but I didn't want to... How am I supposed to BQ if I don't want to run after 11? I'm guessing I need more calories than Tailwind in water. I guess I still need work on timing & nutrition. All in all, I got 13 miles. I should be happy... but am not. Chasing an elusive performance, right now. I'm proud of a solid 11, though... & reaching for more. My goal is an ultra this Fall. I don't think it's out of reach. I'm in a better place this time of year than last year... Striving for more...

Training not going as planned...? Maybe it's an injury... Maybe you're feeling BOLD & confident that training is going well! How do you change race day plans for the Glass City Marathon?

I had to drop from the full to the 1/2, last year. These are the steps:

Q: If a runner can't run the event, what are their options? "Can I transfer my registration to someone else?" "Can I transfer to a shorter (or longer) race?"
A: "We do have a no-refund policy, however there are several options if you find you can’t participate in the original race of your choice. Any changes need to be done by 3/31/15."

1. Switch events -- email registration@glasscitymarathon.org from the email address you registered with. Advise which event you want to change to. If going up, mail in a check to cover the difference.
2. Transfer BIB -- three step process. 1) Original registrant -- email registration@glasscitymarathon.org with your intent to transfer. 2) Have the new party scan and email, or mail in a paper registration form -- we need the waiver signed. 3) Handle any exchange of funds between the parties. GCM is not responsible for any money exchange.

MORE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We hope your training is going well! We hope the wind is at your back... We hope you have a great race photo!

See you at the finish line!

There was a time: that I couldn't run in front of people.

There was a time: I couldn't run two days in a row.

There was a time: I couldn't bring myself to race or be around big groups of people at races. 

TIMES HAVE CHANGED! 

 

I HAVE been running in front of other people. I HAVE been racing with people... often... this year. The million dollar question: Could I race twice in one weekend?

This past weekend was an experiment. I signed up for a 15K, locally on Saturday & a 7K on Sunday. Would I "run"... or "race"?

My daughters wanted to go to a local Comic Con. That would mean more hours on my feet, Saturday before Sunday's race. Could I DO all of that?

 

I am happy to say "YES!" This past weekend was possible because I wasn't working secularly. I had "rested up" during the week (because I had flu). The new chiropractor is keeping me aligned. And everything in the solar system lined up well with my biochemistry, I guess.

 

THE MENTAL GAME

I also knew being sick this week gave me "permission" to "just do my best". There was no pressure of performance. I rated my past races & guessed what would happen... & it did! I actually PR'ed at both races from the year before... I also realized what a friend told me years ago. "This isn't 'your' race."

 

While all these events ARE races... they are simply training for "the" race in October- a full marathon. I suddenly realized races are my speed work & training.

 

 

This is not a big revelation to some. After all, a fellow runner told me: "It's not 'your' race."

I've tried to... & written about... my head games... trying to convince myself "It's just a training run. It's just a training run."

 

But this weekend- I believed it. I would run harder than training runs but not kill myself.

My effort would not be "GREEN"...

My effort would be "yellow" & "orange"...

Finish line effort would be an attempt at a "kick" in the "red" zone...

 

The Pi race, two weeks ago, was my first real race of the season. I had done races over the winter but with all the snow & thought of gear, temperature, weather, etc... They were really just for mileage.

 

Pi was windy & cold but no ice or snow on the ground. It was my anxiety breaker.

 

I would LIKE to race the Golden Bear 10K, next weekend; but I don't think that will happen. I promised the girls I would take them to the zoo & the new aquarium exhibit opening up.

Run From Death 5K is Sunday; but, I'll be there with the family. I probably won't be able to race...

 

This weekend was an eye-opening experience to upcoming potential. I always wanted to be faster but it didn't seem genetically possible. Now I realize it is BIOMECHANICALLY possible... & I've got a feeling that this will be the year for my ultra marathon.

 

Detroit Marathon in the Fall? Yes... but why stop there? I have 1/2 marathons lined up all year... 

 

This is the year of the ULTRA! The first one will be "bad"... but I'm looking forward to it!

Black Swamp Festival of Races 15K & Wearin' of the Green 7K this past weekend...

 

 

This weekend was a race. My body & mind were anxious. I felt sick... always... & it was just a 5K. Marathon days are horrible but doing shorter races helps me "callous" race day jitters. I suppose I'm getting better.

People ask why I get so nervous... or... why do you do it? They seem surprised because I do race, often... but that hasn't always been the case. When I started "running" it was in "secret". The thought of running in front of others was a HORRIBLE thought to me! If I didn't however, eventually... how could I "prove" to others that I was really training? I knew I had to race if I wanted to feel like a "real runner."

My 1st race was a 5K in July, in the evening. Can you say HOT? I was SO ANXIOUS that morning, I couldn't get out of the bathroom. I lost over two pounds that day due to nerves... When I got to the race, I couldn't talk to anyone. I was in a sheer panic! I got in line to use the bathroom (AGAIN) before the race & everyone was quietly waiting their turn. The silence was deafening & I finally blurted out: "Is no one else here FREAKING OUT?!" Women looked at me. No one said anything... they just turned their bodies "away" from my direction. In hindsight (which is ALWAYS 20/20) I was suffering from "stage fright".

I STILL suffer from "stage fright"- SERIOUS, physical reaction "stage fright". So WHY do I race if I still feel like I want to vomit? I do it because it's an exercise in "get over it- you didn't die". I ALWAYS feel better after a race. I feel accomplished. "I did it." Sometimes I have a good finish time... sometimes I don't... but I ALWAYS learn something.

Adrenaline is adrenaline- big race or small... It's a mental game as well as a physical race, for me.

THEN... when I calm down & see photos of the event... I relish them!

 

THIS is why I race! Look at all of those age groups, ethnicities, genders, physical conditions (yes that's a pregnant Momma)! You want to do well. You don't want others to pass you- but some will... There is no REAL comparison to the person next to you when there is such a span of abilities. I am inspired by the person next to me- moreso, to not get passed! I'm inspired by the person in front of me- their gait, their form, the ease of their stride... I'm inspired by those behind me- those that are in public running when I was "practicing" running in the woods. We all have the same goal: the finish line.

As I prepare mentally & physically for Glass City, I have more races this weekend to practice calming my nerves. My stomach is churning, right NOW, just thinking about this weekend. My heart is pounding & I can feel my breathing getting heavy... I guess I still need a LOT of work to relax & enjoy the whole experience... but I'm working on it.

I AM enjoying the kinship at races, now. I couldn't bring myself to stick around & talk to people, afterwards. Toledo Roadrunners are a good bunch of people. Yes- we all want to be faster- but we'll celebrate at the finish with you! We'll slow down if you need a hand. We'll cheer for you... I'm looking forward to Glass City. I just need a few more panic races under my belt to reign myself in, beforehand... So I can relax & have FUN, too...

Fun AFTERWARDS: as a Nerdy PIrate at the Run for Super PI

ARRRRGH!!! 3-14-15

03/10/2015 ---Oak Openings owns my heart.--- I am looking forward to the snow melting in NW Ohio so I can get off the roads & paved trails. I am looking forward to tree roots, downed trees, hills, mud, sand & up close flora & fauna. This weekend on my long run, I saw a hawk being dive bombed by a black bird. I saw where the deer had dug through the snow to bed in the underlying leaves... I am SO excited that the weather is warming up & soon, I will have more trail running options. I am excited to see turtles, mushrooms, flowers, bugs, reflective water & artsy shadows of tree roots. Trail running isn't just about exercise. It calms the mind as it reminds you of the different levels of life around us. It reminds me, personally, that I am responsible for the environment. I am responsible for all of those beautiful jewel toned bugs and wild flowers. The baby fawns I see in the Spring, I get to see them grow like kids... How can seeing all of that not soften your heart in an often cold world? I am grateful that our girls also enjoy this. We have enjoyed seeing raccoons, owls, hawks, deer, ducks, geese, turtles, frogs, wildflowers... It is a chance to "unplug" from the internet & spend time together.

Today, I wore GREEN & CRAZY patterns as a "gear test" for an upcoming race. I was preoccupied with the ice & looking down that I ran right past a large doe! I noticed something move in my peripheral. Then I realized there were deer on EACH side of the trail! I was able to take some pictures & all stayed calm even though Lucy was with me.

Good things are coming...

 

Tick-Tock... It's getting closer to race time! Don't be late for a very important date!

 

There are a few things in place to make sure that things run smoothly for you on race day.

 

Please note general information provided on the Glass City Marathon page:

 

Parking & Road Closures

 

Download the RaceJoy App to Track Yourself & Others

 

The Expo and Packet Pickup will take place on Saturday April 25, 2015 in the Savage Hall Sports Arena on the Campus of The University of Toledo. The Expo will serve as the pick-up location for Race numbers, t-shirts and Goodie Bags for the participants.  

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015

Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 

Special Late Packet Pick Up:

 Date: Sunday, April 26, 2015
Hours: 5:30am – 6:30am

Location:
Savage Hall Arena, University of Toledo 2801 West Bancroft, Toledo, Ohio 43606

http://glasscitymarathon.org/glass-city-marathon-expo/

 

 

You may want to print a map for family or have them locate a convenient spot along the course to cheer:

http://glasscitymarathon.org/glass-city-marathon-race-info/glass-city-marathon-course-maps/

 

Starting line:

All Start Corrals start at 7:02 AM, however, runners will be corralled according to pace. Your specific corral will be noted on your bib.

http://glasscitymarathon.org/glass-city-marathon-race-info/glass-city-marathon-start-corrals/

 

The Glass City Marathon and related races have grown in popularity. The number of participants has increased over the years! The 1/2 marathon has sold out for the past six years despite the number of participants being expanded.

 

Don't miss out on a well organized event. If you are still considering this event and haven't signed up:

REGISTER NOW

You'll be happy you did...