May 18 2012
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runner profile

Runner Profile – Elizabeth

Happy Friday, Ladies!

Say Hi to our girl, Elizabeth. Every time I see her, she is so full of excitement. She’s making the transition from the 5K distance to the 10K distance. She’s training with the Summer Runners group for the Bluegrass 10,000.

 

Why did you start running? How long have you been running?

I’ve been running since April 2010. My boyfriend is an avid runner and he inspired me to give it a try. I did Couch to 5K that year and my first 5K in June 2010.

What keeps you motivated?

The biggest thing is that I’m always trying to get in shape/stay in shape. The other big motivator is that I know if I stop running completely or take a break from running, I lose the progress I’ve made so fast. I absolutely do not want to have to start from square one again!

Are you training for a race or an event? 

I’m training for the Bluegrass 10,000, thanks to LexRunLadies. I’ll be completing the Hal Higdon Novice 10K plan with the group. It’s early in the program, but so far, so good! I’ve never gone beyond 5 miles, and since I’ve been running for 2 years now I think it’s about time I pushed myself to do more.

Where is your favorite place to run?

I tend to get in my comfort zone and stay there, so my favorite run is the route near my house (Richmond Road to Chinoe and around that area). I like knowing exactly how far I’ve gone, how far I have left, and about how long it should take me.

What are your running fears?

On just about every single run, I fear not being able to complete the distance I set out to do. Also, I fear taking too many days off and losing the progress I’ve made.

Do you measure your runs or do you just run for fun?

I can’t run without my watch (Garmin FR60). With the footpod, it tracks my pace and distance. I also take my iPhone with me on most runs and log runs with Nike+.

Have you ever dealt with injury?

No injuries yet, knock on wood.

Do you do any cross-training?

Nope, I just run a few times a week.

Do you have a long-term running goal?

I never thought I’d want to run anything beyond a 5K, and here I am training for a 10K. I think I’ll be happy with that distance, but who knows how I’ll feel afterwards.

What gear is on your wish list?

I’d like to get some Brooks PureProject shoes at some point.

Do you eat on the run? If so, what?

I’ve never run long enough where I’ve needed to refuel, but hopefully I’ll be there soon!

What is your favorite running song?

Oddly enough, it’s “Let Down” by Radiohead. It’s my Nike+ power song. For some reason it makes me feel like I could keep going and going!

Are you listening to any podcasts or audiobooks while you run?

On long runs, I listen to Car Talk podcasts instead of music. It really helps me to focus on a story or something when I’m out there for awhile, otherwise my runs devolve into me thinking negative thoughts: “This sucks, why am I running, I feel terrible”, etc.

What are your favorite running/health-related websites or apps?

RunningWarehouse.com for clothes and shoes, for sure. I also use Nike+ and Garmin Connect a lot. Lately I’ve been using the Zombies, Run app for my tempo runs, too.

What are you reading right now?

I’m in a book club with a bunch of friends from law school, and this month’s book is 50 Shades of Grey. Oh my.

What is your one guilty pleasure?

I watch the Real Housewives of [any city] wayyyy too much, and when that’s not on I’ll watch anything on Bravo.

What is your favorite meal or restaurant?

I could eat at Chipotle every day of the week – give me a steak burrito or a carnitas burrito bowl and I’m happy. :)

May 14 2012
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schedule

Weekend Plans – May 19th and 20th

I loved that some of you came out yesterday for Summer Runners despite the rain! Don’t worry if you missed it, though. Just do the weekly runs on your own and join us for Week 2 on Sunday! Make sure you are connecting with us on Facebook – maybe we’ll get some mid-week runs going!

I’m already looking forward to the weekend!

Saturday May 19th at 7:30 am – We’ll run out Deer Haven. We will meet on the corner of Polo Club and Brick House (park on Brick House). Lots of options for distance, as it is an out and back.
Sunday May 20th at 4pm – We’ll run the loop at Shillito Park. Directions on where to meet are here. The Summer Runners will have a leader for the Sunday runs, but everyone is welcome to come out and run with us!

 

Keep an eye on our Calendar for dates farther out. Let me know if you’d like to help out or have somewhere you’d like us to go run!

 

May 11 2012
2 Comments
runner profile

Runner Profile – Kristina

Kristina was one of the reasons LexRunLadies was so important to me right from the start. I was watching her learn to run on her own (thanks to the awesome stalking power of twitter). She was one of the many friends that I wanted to create a community with. I love how patient she is with herself. I love how she’s always looking for what’s next. She wrote a post last fall about the view from the middle of C25K.

Meet Kristina, my friends. Sweaty, tough, runner-girl Kristina.
Why did you start running? How long have you been running?

I got interested in running last spring, but after a few false starts, I consider my “official” start date October 2011.
What keeps you motivated?
I’ve never really been an athlete. I was a cheerleader in high school, but even back then when I was in the best shape of my life, I couldn’t run. It feels really good to see what my body is capable of. To know that at 33 years old I’ve gone from never having run in my life to running my 1st 5K six months later is amazing. I’m want to stay healthy and I want to see how much more I can accomplish. I have an addictive personality and I’m always looking ahead to the next thing. If I can run 3 miles, can I run 5? If I can run 5, can I run 10? And so on.
Are you training for a race or an event?
I’m in the beginning stages of training for the Bluegrass 10K in July. I’m using the Hal Higdon novice 10K plan. And I’m considering doing my first half in the fall.
What is your favorite race?
I’ve only run the Shamrock Shuffle and the Race To Read so far. Both were great. I have a feeling the Color Run this July is going to be an all time favorite.
Where is your favorite place to run?
I mostly run in the neighborhoods near me in Winchester because it’s convenient, but I love it when I get the chance to run somewhere new. A change of scenery always does me good.
What are your running fears?
Injury of course. I’ve been dealing with some minor pains the past few weeks which make me think about what would happen if I had a major injury. I don’t really fear finishing races at this point because I’m not tackling anything I know I can’t finish, even if it means a little walking.
Do you measure your runs or do you just run for fun?
Always measure. I started with C25K and now I use the Nike+ apps to measure. I’m too competitive not to!
Have you ever dealt with injury?
I had terrible shin splints when I first started running. I overcame those with new shoes and patience. Dealing with some thigh pain lately, but it seems to be subsiding. I am not the most patient person, and it’s hard for me to take extra days off when I know I need it.
Do you do any cross-training?
Just starting to get into this. I have a stationary bike at home I use. I’d really like to start taking group classes, like Zumba.
Do you have a long-term running goal?
Right now my long term goal is definitely a half marathon. Not sure if a full marathon will ever be something I aspire to, but you know what they say, never say never!
What gear is absolutely necessary for you?
My iPhone because it has my Nike+ stuff on it. My recently purchased Spibelt is a life saver.
What gear is on your wish list?
I love the whole Nike+ program, so I’d like to upgrade to the sport watch instead of using my phone.
Do you eat on the run?
Not running long enough for that yet!
What is your favorite running song?
It really depends on my mood and what song I’m obsessing over at the moment. A month or so ago I put Party Rock Anthem on my playlist and LOVED it. The only problem was that it made me want to run really fast and it tired me out quickly. Ha!
Are you listening to any podcasts or audiobooks while you run?
Yes! This is new for me. After I got the Zombies, Run app, I realized that I might like something other than music to listen to because it seemed to make the time pass faster. So I have been downloading podcasts lately. The last few runs, I’ve been listening to the podcast of Real Time with Bill Maher. I know I look crazy because I’m laughing while I run.
What are your favorite running/health-related websites or apps?
Nike+ and Zombies, Run
Do you have a running pet-peeve?
I don’t like seeing my running friends who are a little on the slower side talk down about themselves. I get called fast a lot but it’s all about perspective. What seems fast to one person, seems slow to someone else. We’re all out there doing it, and that’s all that matters. That’s not to say I won’t challenge myself on times/PR’s – but I wouldn’t dream of challenging someone else.
What are you reading right now?
Currently reading America The Edible by Adam Richman and about to start Mockingjay (I’ve been putting it off because I don’t want it to end!)
What is your one guilty pleasure?
I always say I’m too old for guilty pleasures, I like what I like, no matter what. I love insanely popular top 40 radio, I love teenage tv shows like Glee. It’s all good, I don’t fear being judged for that stuff anymore. :)
What is your favorite meal/restaurant/recipe?
I love food and I love to cook. My favorite places to eat out are Nagasaki Inn, for sushi. And Good Fellas for pizza.
May 07 2012
10 Comments
guest post, marathon, race report

Race Report: Flying Pig Marathon from Erin

Flying Pig Marathon Recap AKA Highway to Hell AKA Don’t you put that evil on me Ricky Bobby

I registered for the FPM last winter.  I don’t have a great running base, only about 1.5 years, but I’ve done 4 half marathons and I know I enjoy distance. I had planned on working on my speed soon, but I had several friends and my husband that were registering for it. Knowing that I was moving in the summer to Florida where I will have no running buddies, I figured it would be a good idea to train for my first full marathon now, when I’d have tons of support.

Things were going well until I developed mild runner’s knee in March. I took a week off and cut back my mileage. Apparently I had altered my gait without realizing it, because suddenly on my 20 miler I had IT Band pain on the opposite leg. I was limited to 5 miles. Same thing happened the next week. At this point it was 2 weeks out from the race. I was frustrated. I decided to stop all activity for 2 weeks and stretch, foam roll, and yoga daily. My plan was to start the race and if it hurt, take the half marathon split and walk it in if needed.

Fast forward to race day. We got up at 4:15 and I had my usual long run breakfast—coffee, PB sandwich, banana, water.  We met Krissie and Nathan in the lobby of our hotel and headed over to the start line. We took a few pics, then broke up to go to our respective corrals.  Krissie and I waited excitedly in G corral and then finally we were off 16 minutes after the gun.

The first five miles were uneventful.  The first sign I saw was “Don’t you put that evil on me, Ricky Bobby!” I have a special place in my heart for Ricky Bobby quotes so this made me laugh and was a great start to the race.  We were sweating by mile 2, but not uncomfortable in 60 degree weather.  We were conservative and walked a few inclines.  We drank water or Gatorade at every station. The 5-6 mile stretch brought familiar faces—my mom, stepdad, Courtney and the #Runky sign, Miranda.

6-9 miles were The Climb.  We ran-walked to not waste energy.  I had a few random pains, but nothing bad.  At the split, I pretended like I didn’t even see the half signs and off I went with Krissie to do the full marathon.  I silently prayed “If my IT Band has to hurt, wait until at least after mile 20.”  We saw a marathoner juggling somewhere along here.  Yes.  Juggling and running.

Miles 10-18 were still good.  I turned on music to take my mind off the random pains I was having, thinking they were probably psychological, not actually physical.  I sang out loud a little—thank you Britney Spears for providing quality running music.  We maintained our goal pace through this whole time, drinking every station and taking gels on schedule.  There were more great signs—“Keep going, Keep going, That’s what she said”.  It was perfect and just what a marathon should be.

Miles 19-26.2 were different.  We didn’t hit the wall in the traditional sense.  What we hit was the intense heat of the day.  It was now around 11 am and the temperature was in the 80’s.  We were on a highway without shade.  We ran okay for a while then began a more run/walk even though it was flat.  At one point I started getting dizzy and my heart rate was up even with just walking. I dumped water all over me—my head, chest, back.  It didn’t help.  We walked.  And walked.  Krissie stopped thanking everyone who cheered, so I knew she was feeling it too.  Finally, I told her that I was afraid to run anymore because I was so dehydrated.  I told her to run ahead if she felt like it, that I didn’t mind.  She admitted she had been feeling the same.  So we planned to walk to 26, then run in the last .2.  We repeatedly grabbed ice, doused ourselves with cups and bottles of water, and stood in the path of water hoses. At some point, I stopped sweating completely.  I looked around and noticed no one else around us was running either.  We were all miserable together in direct sunlight on asphalt in the hottest part of the day.  At one point a band was playing “Highway to Hell” and I proclaimed that Riverside Drive was definitely THE highway to hell.  Or in hell.  Either way.

I tweeted and texted my family that we were walking and would be late.  Krissie even stated if it weren’t her first marathon that she’d walk off the course and I think I would have also.  I can’t describe how hot we were.  And to add to the misery, our legs felt fine.  We kept saying, if only there had been some shade, maybe we could run a little.  At mile 25 Nathan showed up and walked the last mile with us.  It took us 2 hours to make it 6 miles.  We sprinted the measly little .2 to the finish line and got our medals.  It was anti-climactic. No tears.  Few spectators.  Food and drinks being packed away. Party over.

We took a few pics and then my husband and I headed to my mother in law’s to shower.  At this point, I just stood in the shower and sobbed.  My thoughts: What a shitty first marathon.  My heart rate is still high.  I’m still dehydrated.  I didn’t get to hang out at the post race party.  I didn’t get the post-race beer I had so been looking forward to.

Now that I’m home and rehydrated, I feel a little better about it.  I ran a marathon.  I went to John’s and got a 26.2 sticker to prove it.  I don’t know what I could have done differently to avoid dehydration.  We kept a conservative pace.  We hydrated every station.  Maybe if we were faster runners, we would have been finished before the heat surged.  Maybe I should have waited to do a marathon until I was a faster runner.  I don’t know.  But I’m still proud.  Today I’m not injured–only stiff legged.  And walking like I’m pregnant, according to Krissie.

Final thoughts—the Flying Pig is a great race.  Do it. Do any distance.  But do it.  ASAP.  If the temperature ever gets in the 80’s—stop running.  I will never run in heat like that again.  I do realize the irony of moving to florida next month, but still.  I want to thank Krissie for running with me in 20 degree and 80 degree weather, in rain and in humidity.  You’ve been a great running partner and I’ll miss you when I move.  Thank you to my husband for picking me up in the car because he thought I’d be too sick to walk back to the hotel. For helping me roll over in bed this morning because my legs wouldn’t work.  And for being proud of me even though he finished his race 2 hours before me.  Thank you to #runky for the tweets and the signs.  Thank you to my mom and stepdad for spectating.  And thank you Highway to Hell.  For what, I’m still not sure of, but thanks for leading me to an awesome medal.

May 02 2012
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runner profile

Runner Profile – Casey

Friends, say hello to Casey. Confession: When I first met her, all I could think is “I want to be like her.” And I think you will be as smitten as me. Thanks so much for taking the time to let us get to know you better!


Why did you start running? How long have you been running?

I started running after I got dumped 6 years ago.  I got dumped in May and ran my first half marathon in September to celebrate my 21st birthday and immediately registered and ran my 2nd Half the following month.  I was hooked.  Thank you, Dumb boy.

What keeps you motivated?

The days I do not want to run I remind myself of the days that I couldn’t.  Constraints of injury, surgery, or scheduling have taken
enough runs away.  It would be silly to waste a healthy day.  I am lucky to be surrounded by a great support in our running community that inspires me to continue to evolve at a runner.

Are you training for a race or an event?

Always.  However, I am sidelined at the moment with an injury so I will not be running the Flying Pig as I had planned.  I am planning on starting trail running this summer and running the Bourbon Chase this fall.

What plan are you using?

I was not using a plan.  I was mainly running to fit my mood and weather conditions.  I am also very easily peer pressured when it
comes to training.  I will do what everybody else is doing.  Yes, if they all jump off a bridge…I probably will too.

What is your favorite race?

I really like the Midway course and the out and back pattern that allows me to see all my buddies multiple times in the race.  –I also LOVED the Bourbon Chase this past year because my team made it an experience!

Where is your favorite place to run?

Deer Haven to Cleavland Rd…or where ever the Striders are

What are your running fears?

INJURY!!!  I am learning how to make better choices so that I can stay on the road.

Do you measure your runs or do you just run for fun? Has it always been that way?
-I have a garmin 210 named Goucher.  She does all the measuring.  I don’t pay as much attention to her as I used to.  I like looking down and being like, “Oh 3 miles went by, how bout that.”

Have you ever dealt with injury?

Most significant would be recovering from back surgery I had 12/2010. I started back at ground zero-my first mile without stopping was post op day 3 and it took 31 minutes.  I was told it would take a full year to recover.  I was lucky enough to have found some great support, inspiration, and motivation in the Striders and was able to complete my first full 11 months post-op.

Right now I am working on a comeback from a tendon injury in my left foot…that was completely my fault.

Do you do any cross-training? What is your favorite?

I don’t like to…I like to run.  I am forcing miles on my bike and doing more core strengthening.  I also like to dance/clean.  I wish
rollerblading would make a comeback, I may work on this.

Do you have a long-term running goal?

I would like to find a way to cultivate more Running Nurses.  It would be ideal if I could use what I love to encourage other nurses to make better efforts to be role models for the patients we serve. I would like to run an ultra marathon-it is lofty but, in my mind

What gear is absolutely necessary for you?

  • GLIDE-absolutely necessary(If you forget you can count on screaming showers post run)
  • Shoes that fit the surface I am running on-Newtons have stolen my heart for road runs
  • Fuel belt for the warm weather
  • Goucher-Garmin
  • I like an ipod on solo runs

Do you eat on the run? If so, what?

  • Cliff gels sit better with me than Gu
  • Cliff bars
  • bananas on super long runs or bourbon chase

What is your favorite running song?

  • Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds cover of Kashmir
  • I like to sing, “We didn’t start the fire,” sometimes when I run to see if I can do it without sucking wind.
  • I could go on and on because I have favorites for different runs

Are you listening to any podcasts or audiobooks while you run?

Born to Run audiobook

What are your favorite running/health-related websites or apps?
I just use my Garmin tracker. I like myfitnesspal to track intake

What is the strangest thing that happened on a run?
Random interaction: a 6 miler turned into a 10 miler.  I was on my way back in on Deer Haven solo.  I was kinda bummed I did not drag myself out of bed in time for the Strider group run.  I was 1.5 miles from my house and BOOM-there was Krissie.  I turned around and headed back out Deer Haven with her then on our way back in Deer Haven together we found Nathan.  It was a great random group run.

Do you have a running pet-peeve?

I don’t like hearing peoples’ excuses for why they don’t run.  I wish they would just say, “I don’t like it,” or “I am just too lazy.”

What are you reading right now?
Natural Running by Danny Abshire

What is your one guilty pleasure?

I love Bravo…all shows Bravo, especially Jeff Lewis

What is your favorite meal/restaurant/recipe?
I love salsa.  I make my own and could put it on anything.
Favorite restaurant is Saul Good, can’t go wrong there
My comfort food is grilled cheese and tomato soup

May 01 2012
4 Comments
excitement!, summer runners

Spread the word!

Alright, Ladies. The time has come. Get your printers ready. Get your push-pins.

Let’s go hang up some flyers!

Retta was gracious enough to create this great summerrunners flyer for us! Click for the PDF printable version.

Hang them at work, coffee shops, wherever you can. Get creative! The more the merrier!

Here is the sign-up page! I look forward to running with you and your friends!

Apr 30 2012
4 Comments
schedule

Upcoming events – single-digit May days

Happy Monday, friends!

I can’t believe that I’m already in marathon week! I want to thank all of you who have encouraged me over the last few days. I’m excited and I think I’m ready!

Here’s what we have going on this week:

Thursday, May 3rd at 6:30pm – Bring Your Own Dinner

I’ve been toying with this idea for a while, and thought this would be a great time to try it out. I know some of us have issues eating out – allergies, aversions, diets, budgets – so I thought I’d host a Bring Your Own Dinner at my house! I’ll have a microwave or oven if you need it. I’ll have cups and ice. But the rest is up to you! All you have to feed is yourself. Leftovers. Drive-thru. PB&J. Whatever. I’d just like us to get together and brainstorm. I have some ideas about the group and runs, but I want some feedback. (This would also be the time to get me your shirt money if you haven’t by now. LAST CHANCE, friends!) Please say you’ll come! Leave a comment here if you want to come and I’ll send you my address.

Saturday, May 4th at 8:30am – Derby Day Stakes at
Coldstream(www.derbydaystakes.com)

This race looks like so much fun! There are options for 5K, 10K, and 15K. Last I saw on FB, they were still needing quite a few volunteers, so if you’re not up for running, see what kind of help you can give! Anyone willing to wrangle the group for a picture?

Sunday, May 5th at 6:30am – The Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, OH

Lots of our friends (and I) will be running early early Sunday morning. I’ll post links later in the week of how you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and by texts. There are a lot of us (running the half and the full) who could use your positive thoughts and virtual support on Sunday morning!

I’ll also be posting the flyer later this week for our 5K and 10K training programs. We’re starting on May 13th! Start thinking of places you can hang signs and people you can invite. It’ll be a great time!

Have a great week!

happy running,
krissie

Apr 24 2012
3 Comments
C25K, getting started, summer runners

Summer Runners – C25K Resources

 

Awww! This is a picture of the first meeting of the Resolution Runners on New Years Day! The group that meets next month will be dressed just a little differently.

Now that you’ve committed – or are more solidly on the fence – to our Summer Runners group, I thought I’d give you some things you need to know and some places to get more information.

  • Know the lingo. Couch to 5K is often abbreviated C25K. And the specific days are abbreviated too. W1D1 = Week 1 Day 1. (I’m sure I’ll abbreviate all the time.)
  • the Program. The program originated from CoolRunning.com. The program we are using is the basic program with an amendment to Week 5 and a few additional weeks at the end. You can find the calendar here and the excel document here.
    • You will need to commit 30-35 minutes (depending where you are in the program) to teaching your body to run. Starting in Week 10, the time increases a little, but you’ll be used to it by then.
    • Each week has 3 different workouts. (Ex W1D1, W1D2, W1D3.) Some weeks, all 3 will be the same. Some weeks Day 3 will be different.
    • If at all possible, have a rest day between each workout. Rest is important. You can cross train (walk, bike, yoga, etc) on your off days, just give your body time to get used to running.
    • Don’t look ahead too much. You don’t want to psyche yourself out.
    • It is okay if you have to repeat a week. But only repeat if you can’t make it through the runs. If you can make it through, but it is uncomfortable, keep going. Trust the training. It works. You can do it.
  • While you run. I’m a little jealous of all your current options. I used a stopwatchfrom a big box store and had to do the math myself.
  • You may want to keep a record of time or distance that you run. I love this. I think it is really fun to see the numbers add up.
    • You could use a notebook or a calendar. Handwriting is fun.
    • I use DailyMile. It is kinda like facebook, but you record your fitness activity and your friends can comment. I love the support over there. And lots of LexRunLadies are already over there. (Friend me as KrissieB and I’ll hook you up with other Ladies.)
    • At the group run the other day, several of you mentioned that you were trying to lose weight. I track my calorie intake and burn over at myfitnesspal.com. It looks similar to Daily Mile. You can keep your food log private or make it public for ultimate accountability. (I’m KaySeeBee over there.)
  • Trust your training.It works! And we have stories to prove it.
  • Reach out! Ask questions here, on facebook, on twitter. No question is a stupid question. We’ve been there. We remember.

Good luck! You can do this!

Happy running!

~krissie

Apr 23 2012
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excitement!, schedule

tshirts and weekend runs – April 28th and 29th

Hello friends! I’ve got some things you need to know!

Ann designed some Zombies tshirts for us and I’ve finally gotten around to getting all the estimates together.

I have secured shirts with a local printer. Here are the details:

  • Shirts are from Hanes. They are white tech and a women’s fit. The will be printed with a “Runner 5″ logo on the front and a zombie LRL logo on the back.
  • Shirts will be $25 for S-XL and $29 for 2XL. I have not been able to find measurements for this shirt. (Believe me – I’ve looked.)
  • I will be taking orders through 4pm on 4/29. I MUST have the money for the shirt before placing the order. I will be at both group runs this weekend. We can try to arrange other meetings throughout the week or you can put it in the mail to me by Wednesday. (Check made to Krissie Bentley. Email me at lexrunladies at gmail dot com for address.)
  • We need 15 orders to get the shirts at this price. If we do not have 15, I will get an amended quote and price will be adjusted.
  • Any leftover money (roughly 75 cents per shirt) will be donated to the Run to Remember (my charity for the Bourbon Chase).
  • Shirts will be printed and available in about 2 weeks. We’ll worry about a pick-up time and place then.

Follow this link to the order form!

Now, for weekend runs.

Saturday April 28th at 9am

We’ll run a 5-mile loop at Shakertown in Harrodsburg. Nathan and I are familiar with these trails. We will not take any turn until all members of the group reach the turn. The trail is mostly grass or paved with some gravel. You will not be left alone at any turn. I’ve been lost on trails before. I will take much better care of you. :) If you want to look at the map, you can download it here.

Once you turn into Shakertown, park in the main parking lot (will say tours, admissions, something like that). You’ll turn left at the entrance and the parking lot will be almost immediately on the right. We’ll be in a beige Altima.

Sunday April 29th at 4pm

We will run at the Arboretum. The loop is about 2 miles. As few or as many laps as you’d like!

Keep your mind on the following weekend as well. The Derby Day Stakes will be a fun run with 5K, 10K, and 15K options. I’ve also heard that they are desperate for volunteers. A LexRunLadies water station? Anyone interested? Anyone want to coordinate? I would, but I’ll already be in Cincy for the Flying Pig! Marathon baby!

And remember that we have a new C25K and 10K training groups starting on May 13th! Spread the word!

happy running!

krissie

 

Apr 20 2012
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runner profile

Runner Profile – Ann

Friends, meet Ann. In addition to being a seriously fun girl, great photographer, and awesome runner, she designed our logo! I can’t wait for you to meet her in real life!

Stacy, Krissie, and Ann at the Reindeer Ramble 5K

Why did you start running? How long have you been running?

I started running regularly around age 10, but quit running (and sports in general) when I got to high school. I started running again last July, two weeks after giving birth to my second child and have never looked back!
 

What keeps you motivated?
In the short term, having a training plan keeps me motivated.  I respond to being able to log miles and check off goals.  In the long term, my kids are my motivation.  I want them to remember me as an active mom and really PLAY with them, not just watch them play.  Running gives me the strength and energy to keep up with them, and also enables me to be a good example of healthy living, so they can avoid all the obesity related issues that plague my family.

Are you training for a race or an event? What event? How is that going? What plan are you using?
I was more than halfway through the Hal Higdon Half Marathon Novice training program for Run the Bluegrass, but had to drop out when my 8 month old had to have lung surgery.  It was devastating to feel like I had “quit”, but I have come to terms with it.  Choosing to be by my daughter’s bedside doesn’t make me a quitter, it just shows my priorities are in the right order.  Besides, it has taught me about being flexible and having more realistic expectations of myself in the future.

Right now, I am redoing the training program, but don’t have a particular half in mind yet.  Just enjoying the freedom of running towards a goal, instead of a race.

What is your favorite race?
So far my favorite race has been the Southern Lights Stroll 5K.  I love cold weather running, and what better way to kick off the holiday season than by jogging through the most beautiful lights in town?!
Where is your favorite place to run?
Honestly, my favorite place to run is my own neighborhood of Gainesway.  I know some people get bored running the same streets over and over, but I like the predictability and the familiar routes.
What are your running fears?
Starting a race and not being able to finish it.  My personality compels me to master skills before I exhibit them in public.  I hate how race training programs stop 3-6 miles below goal distance.  If I’m going to run 13 miles on race day, I want to have run 16 miles on my own a couple of weeks beforehand.  Even then I’m scared I’ll have a mental lapse and not be able to finish!
Do you measure your runs or do you just run for fun? Has it always been that way?
I am an obsessive measurer of all metrics: weight, calories, pace, distance, mileage, etc.  I am realizing I need to start incorporating some tech free runs into my training, though, because I know I’m missing out on my own body cues, and probably limiting myself based on what the numbers say.
Have you ever dealt with injury?
I have overcome two “injuries” since I started running.  Shin splints plagued me from about week 2 to maybe week 5 of C25K.  With new shoes, lots of ice, and patience, they went away and thankfully have not reared their ugly head since.  I also had some nagging IT band pain at the connection site in my right hip that lasted from about Thanksgiving until just after the new year.  I started using a wooden rolling pin, before and after every run.  It hurt like hell, but it definitely helped.  Seems to have resolved, but if I get sore from a run, my hip is the first place I feel it.
Do you do any cross-training? What is your favorite?
I have recently incorporated 2 days of weight lifting, and at least 1 day of swimming into my routine.   I really love swimming, because I enjoy the quiet of being in the water.  I can’t distract myself with all my gadgets like I do on my runs, so I am forced to meditate while I’m in the water.
Do you have a long-term running goal?
Boston, Baby!   No, seriously.  Boston is definitely on my bucket list.
What gear is absolutely necessary for you?
My iPhone.  I know I need to break free from the tech addiction, but right now, I cannot live without all my running apps and my music.
What gear is on your wish list?
I would really like to try out some of the more barefoot type running shoes in the near future.
Do you eat on the run? If so, what?
If I am going to be running for more than an hour, then I will have a GU energy gel.  Mint chocolate, of course.
What is your favorite running song?
Anna Sun by Walk the Moon
Are you listening to any podcasts or audiobooks while you run?
Right now I am doing Zombies, Run! and having a BLAST!!
What are your favorite running/health-related websites or apps?
I use Nike+ GPS to track my distance and route information, Daily Mile for my training logs, and I read Runner’s World every month cover to cover.
What is the strangest thing that happened on a run?
I am pretty much an animal magnet, and have actually had a dog rip part of my shirt trying to bite me on a run.  But, I’d say the the funniest/scariest encounter was when i was doing my runs super early in the mornings last fall.  It was maybe 4:30 am (before the new baby would wake up), and I was jogging through the pitch black night in a state of complete exhaustion (<—-read not paying attention).  I came upon some tree weeds, or treeds as we like to call them in Lexington.  You know, the kind that someone has let completely grow over the sidewalk?  So I went to jog around them, when I became encased in a massive cobweb a la Arachnophobia circa 1990.  I’m pretty sure my blood curdling screams lasted for over 45 seconds, but I kept running, all the while flailing my arms in a desperate bid for freedom from my sticky net.  Moral of the story: nobody’s going to help a girl out in Gainesway subdivision, because not a SOUL peeked out to see if I was ok or not.
Do you have a running pet-peeve?
My pet peeve is runners who take themselves too seriously.  Let’s face it, very few of us are going to go on to compete in the Olympics or be in the Elite Runners corrals at any major event.  So if a fellow runner smiles and waves while you are out running on a local trail or in your neighborhood, it won’t kill you to break a smile or give a nod.  It’s called manners.
What are you reading right now?
World War Z
What is your one guilty pleasure?
All of the Real Housewives franchises, but particularly New Jersey.
What is your favorite meal/restaurant/recipe?
Pot roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, and baby carrots.
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