Marathon Mom

I know I run a lot but 3 races in 3 days not normally, but things just seemed to fit this past weekend. Almost a year ago I registered for the half marathon and then met this great group of runners through Moms Run this Town and had fun group to share the race. They also were the reason behind the Monday race (the cheap second race addition convinced me to run both!). So here I was running a half marathon on Saturday and 10K / 5K double on Monday, great training for Dopey if no other reason. Women Rock Half After a week of intense heat the weather improved slightly, only 70 at race start. After the craziness of the shuttles and massive porta-potty lines we finally got the start line to hear they were delaying “a few minutes” ugh! I knew I wasn’t in full racing form yet but wanted to do what I could, then the week before happened, I spent most of Wednesday-Friday with intense back pain and right quad pain, no idea other than my stupid decision to go to a new weight class on Tuesd...

The miles have been run and the finish lines have been crossed. It’s time to bring to an end Jill and Jen’s birthday celebrations for this year and celebrate your running joy and accomplishments! Enter below for a chance to win prizes from our wonderful sponsors. How do you celebrate your birthday? Ever run a race to celebrate? The craziest I have done is Ragnar to celebrate the big 30! This year Jill and I are giving the presents to you. A few of our favorite things. Share in our birthday fun and link up your race recap.  The next surprise... Medals! Yes 13 in 2013 medals will be available soon. The cost will be approximately $5 (including shipping) for pre-orders. Watch the Facebook group and our blogs for more details soon! a Rafflecopter giveaway Giveaway ends 9/7 at midnight EST. Open to us residents only.

Grab a party shoes and running hat and join Jill and I to celebrate our birthday month! What better way to celebrate the birthdays of 2 runners than a birthday bash virtual race! Have you ever run a race to celebrate your birthday? Help Jill and I celebrate our birthdays! WHO:  Anyone that wants to join. You do not have to be a 13 in 2013 participant to join and be eligible for prizes. WHAT:   A virtual race is running a specified distance (you choose the distance.), timing yourself, without actually being present in the race location. WHEN:   You pick the day from August 2 to August 25. WHERE:   Pick your favorite local route or jump on the treadmill. WHY:   For the love of running and….PRIZES (multiple winners)! HOW:   Sign up below and indicate what distance you will be running (5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon or trail). Email addresses will only be used to communicate information about the races and to con...

A few weeks ago I was given a free entry to Swan Lake Marathon (or half marathon) in South Dakota which was only 4 weeks after my last marathon. I debated but after working with a great sports chiro I decided my hamstring was back to the point of handling another race that was flat. And this would help me reach my goal of eventually running a marathon in all 50 states (10 down only 40 more to go!). I knew it would be a crazy weekend with having to work at the gym for a short time Saturday, then driving 5 hours, getting up early Sunday to run a 6am marathon before driving 5 hours home! I’m tired just reading this again. I stalked the forecast the week before and it was quite erratic, going from nice, cool and sunny to storms and back. Well after 24 hours of rain on Saturday I was hoping things were over for race day. Boy was I wrong! Here is my short race recap: Cold, Wet, Windy, Muddy, Miserable! We got up at 3:30am to drive the 45 minutes from my friend’s house where we were...

7-Day Vegetarian Challenge Part 2 Congratulations! Your efforts this week are a positive step toward an important change in your health, the well-being of farm animals, and the environment we all share. You made it to day 3. How is it going? Is it easier than you thought it would be? What has been your biggest challenge to eating meat free? Are you considering meat-free beyond the challenge? Daily Challenges Day 4 : Serve a colorful plate. Plan a meal with at least 3 different colors. Source: USDA Nutritional Database Day 5 : Try a plant based protein source. I’m often asked how do you get enough protein. People are always surprised when I tell them it is actually really easy. Day 6 : Eat seasonably. Check out the   Benefits of Eating Seasonably   and the handy dandy cheat sheet for eating seasonably. Day 7 : Have your family pick a vegetarian dish for lunch or dinner or try a recipe from one of the resources below. Here is one of my favorites: Be...

Benefits of Vegetarian Diet Lower disease risk Less obesity in vegetarians Increased energy Strong bones Longer life Reduce risk of food-born illness Ease menopause symptoms Eat less toxic chemicals and hormones Reduce pollution Save money Improve performance Decrease recovery time Source: Joel Fuhrman: Fueling the vegetarian athlete As I have mentioned many times on here, I am vegetarian bordering on vegan, and love it. I feel great, have less health problems and still get plenty of protein as an endurance athlete. Give it a try, see how you feel, 1 week only. Check out the Recipe Section on my blog or Jill's for meal ideas.  This is a low key and no pressure challenge. And more importantly no guilt. Watch for blog posts this week and final challenge details to be announced on April 21.   Did I mention that we have prizes ? Yes, a little extra motivation generously provided by out sponsors.   Sign up now!   We respect you...

Great photos, PRs, first time distances, rainy weather, snow and another 13 in 2013 virtual race complete. I know I ran my cold, icy conditions much different than the 80F weather we had last Spring. Congrats to all of the finishers! The giveaway is all about the virtual race and spring! I’m sure Jen and I are not alone when we say we’re ready for spring! Not just spring on the calendar. We’re ready for blue skies, sunshine, warmer temperatures and green lawns. We’re ready for running weather that does not require multiple layers, hats and gloves. Sponsors How To Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway Link Up

Where to even begin writing about this race, I almost want to skip it and not have record of the worst race I’ve run in years, but how else do we learn but to remember the things that don’t go smooth. After nearly a week off of running thanks to hamstring issues I knew it wasn’t going to be fast but I just wanted pain free. We woke up to yet another cold morning (9F) and more snow making roads icy in places. I once again spent too much time debating what to wear, but this time only regretted my choice for a few minutes. I have never raced anything more than 5K in temps this bad before. We finally got the car parked after a long line and ran to hit the porta-potty where we learned a new trick. The 2 guys in front of us went in together to make it faster, so Matt and I followed. Why have we never done this before? Seriously there is a urinal and toilet so it works. Okay enough potty talk onto the race… I get to the start and weave my way up as far as I can and see the 1:45...

13 in 2013 Race #2 For each petal on the shamrock This brings a wish your way - Good health, good luck, and happiness For today and every day ~Unknown WHO:  Anyone that wants to join. You do not have to be a 13 in 2013 participant to join and be eligible for prizes. WHAT:   A virtual race is running a specified distance (you choose the distance.), timing yourself, without actually being present in the race location. WHEN:   Anytime during the week of 3/15-3/22. WHERE:   Pick your favorite local route or jump on the treadmill. WHY:   For the love of running and….PRIZES (multiple winners) see below! HOW:   Complete the form below to register. Email addresses will only be used to communicate information about the race and to contact the giveaway winners. NOTE:  New registration form to limit access of participant emails. If you registered for all or part of the 13 in 2013 virtual race series please register here...