Running for Chiari: When Every Minute Counts

I have a 15K race coming up in about 15 days.  So I've decided to put it and my two good legs to work and help my sister get that surgery she needs.  

It should take me about 1 hour and 25 minutes to finish.  My goal is to raise at least $10 for every minute I'll be running.  That's 85 minutes, at $10 a minute.  $850.  

$850 in 15 days.  

It's a race people and the gun just went off.  Help get us to the finish?

https://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/running-for-chiari-when-every-minute-counts/69303

Before Chiari

After Chiari

Time, Patience and Persistence

Warning.  The following contains lots of talk about pacing, training and putting things in perspective.

Training has switched gears with the Boilermaker around the corner.  The amount of cross training hasn't really changed since I have one more triathlon to go this year, but my mileage and intensity have increased.  Today was a tough run.  Today's run made me remember, or maybe it's more that I longed for, the level I was at last year.  You know, when my unofficial Half Marathon pace was an 8:20.

What happens to be my around my goal pace for the Boilermaker this year.

With injury and time off, I thought a good goal would be to come in at 1:20:00, which would be around a 9 minute PR.  Now?  Now I'm not so sure.  Today's 6 at a 9:03 average pace just about did me in.  Definitely way off the mark.  Definitely not where I was last year.

Oh, wait.  Last year wasn't September (Run for Green Half) and it wasn't October (Marine Corps Marathon) of 2012, and definitely not February 2013 (Myrtle Beach Half).

Last year was 365 days ago.
Last year, on June 23, 2012, I did a 7.5 mile run at an average pace of 9:23.
Last year, on July 8, 2012, I ran the Boilermaker 15K in 01:29:45, an average pace of 9:39.
Today I ran 6 miles at 9:03.

Am I in my peak racing shape?  HA!  Definitely not.  And it's fool of me to think that I could be this soon after dancing with injuries and taking some time off.  BUT.  I am still running much better than I was 365 days ago.  This is what I need to remember.  I'm further along than where I was last year.
I'm still getting better.  It's just taking me a little longer this round which is making it a wee bit harder to see the progress.  But with time, patience and persistence, I'll find my way back.

Will I make 1:20:00?  Not probable, but also not impossible.

Anything can happen on race day.

I just need to stay in the moment and do what Jyl says....
Just keep going.

Boilermaker 15K & 5K Road Race 2012

Sunday, July 8, 2012.

A day that will go down in the history books, well...for the Family Dunlap at least!

It was about a year ago my mother told me that I should run the Boilermaker.  She also told me that I should run it with my nephew, Adam, who is on his school's cross country team.  I had grown up hearing about the Boilermaker, but I never really paid attention to it...until about a year ago when I really started running.

Mom was onto something (moms usually are though, aren't they?).  My sister-in-law thought so too and she got in on the action as well.  And so, running became a family affair and Team Dunlap was born; and for the first time ever, not one, but three Dunlaps heard the bagpipes and crossed the finish line after running 9.3 miles in the 2nd largest Boilermaker on its 35th anniversary!  Registration was capped at 14,000 runners for the 15K event, and 11,360 crossed the mat.  By far the biggest race I've ever participated in, and so far the most meaningful and FUN!

I don't know if you want to hear about all the family fun time, so I won't recap that part except to say THANK YOU MOMMY AND BROTHER for making sure I had enough snacks and dinners and snacks and peanut butter for the yummy goodness that I know as carb loading.  And thank you sister-in-law for introducing me to what I like to call, Cherry Yum Yum.

Moving on.

Race weekend for me actually started the day before.  On Saturday morning, I joined sis-in-law, Jenn, and nephew, Adam, for an easy mile run with their running group, the Utica Roadrunners.  

Jenn, Adam and I (in the middle)
pre-run.  We're having fun :)

Me.  Post-run.  Oh my.  Aren't
I colorful...

A big shout out to the Roadrunners!  They are a great group of folks, who made this stranger that talked funny feel welcome AND they know how to treat their members post race...under the tent...with tomato pie...and right close to the porta-potties (this may be more important than the tomato pie....).  And for those that don't know about tomato pie....well, good.  That means more for me.  But I digress....

The Utica Roadrunners!

  
After the run, it was time to hit the expo

Me, getting my number.

Adam doesn't look as happy as I do...
He must be troubled by the
baby poop brown color of the bibs...

and preview the course.

driving down the Parkway

going into the golf course

a pretty view from the top of the golf course.

a wedding party thought so too

My niece, Jordyn.
She's having fun, trust me!

It seemed my camera skills were
suddenly lacking.

Then, after some family time, good spaghetti and meatballs (MEATABALLA), we hit the sack.

Race day saw the family up and about earlier than maybe it ever had before!  I don't know if we were all awake, but we at least were conscious.

a shirt we saw at the starting line.
a runner armed with her iPhone
sent it to me when she heard
"dang, i wish I had a camera...
that would have been perfect for my blog..."

I tell you, you have never seen so many people IN YOUR LIFE!  And they were all in line for the porta-potty before the gun went off.  We were probably in the middle of the 11,360 people...us with the baby poop colored bibs, waiting somewhat patiently.  We sang the national anthem, had a prayer and then we were OFF.  Well, the Kenyans and the Ethiopians and the Morrocans were.  It took about 10 minutes for us to actually cross the starting line.


The first 3 miles were filled with runners and spectators. Heck.  The course was lined with spectators for the ENTIRE 9.3!  The road had a very slight incline, but not so much to cause anyone any problems.  We then took the Parkway, tree lined and gorgeous, to the humdinger of a hill, the one that I was most worried about, going into and then another inside the golf course at mile 4(ish).  We made it back down from the golf course and back onto the Parkway.  It was at this point I looked to the heavens above and said "Thank you, dear Piedmont of North Carolina!"  I met those hills, the heat and humidity with little to no problem.  This is when the suffering of southern training became completely worth it!


From here to mile 6 or 7 was level for the most part.  The scenery here, not so nice.  We were on a highway for some and then behind a college for some.  But the people, oh the people, they kept you going with their shouts and clapper hand thingys and their tireless enthusiasm. Around mile 6 or 7, the course begins to take you into the belly of the city.  And it was at this point I was starting to fade.  You see, as much as I was worried about the hills at the golf course, I should have been worried about this little silent killer.  You know the ones I mean.  The ones that when you're driving don't seem like much of a hill until you get out of your car, lace up your shoes and run it.  That's when you learn about gradually increasing elevations.

By mile 8, that misery is behind you, you may (or may not) hear a drum line (I either lost the drum line, they were taking a break or they just weren't there...very sad...I love a drum line), and then mile 9 comes out of nowhere, you hear the bag pipes play (or a note...before they take a break.  sigh), and then you RUN LIKE HELL for .3 miles.


And then.  Just like that, after the months of anticipation and training, it was over.


And then you ask yourself, "Did that really just happen?"  "Did I really just do that?"


Hell yeah you did!


So next year, I invite you all to run or volunteer or spectate the Boilermaker 15K & 5K Roadrace.  It's an experience like none other.  And then...party at brother's house :)

Adam at the Finish.
Putting in a fantastic time of 1:21:40

Me at the Finish.
Ready for my half moon cookie
time:  1:29:45

Jenn got a little emotional :)
She started running in the winter,
Her first big race, and she chose a 9 miler.
You go girl!
So proud of you!!!
1:57:16

Post-race party at a brewery = a shit ton of people.

Yes, this is what a shit ton looks like.

Race Best-ofs

• Doing it with family, hands down.
• Running on the Parkway...just wish I could have gone to the zoo, I love the zoo.
• The amount of entertainment on the course, from porch djs, to belly dancers to live bands.  Fun, Fun Fun!
• The spectators.  Simply awesome.
• I got a pint glass instead of a race t-shirt.
• The winner was a male from Ethiopia this year (it's usually Kenya) with a time of 43:01, that is a 4:37 pace if anyone is wondering.  The first female finisher was also from Ethiopia with a time of 49:26, a 5:19 pace.  If you'd like to see all the results/times whatever...you can find them here:   http://www.leonetiming.com/2012/Roads/Boilermaker/

Race Not-so-cools

• Some runners were not so familiar with race etiquette.  I have no problem if you have to walk, I would just rather you not do it in the middle of the road where I trip and almost fall so I don't run you over.  Walk, please do, just do it on the side please.
• Navigating water stops.  You could never tell when they were coming up until people all around you were running you over while making a mad dash for the sides.  Big flags up up in the air would have been most helpful.  
• So, you had mad water dashers and walkers in the middle....you had to pay attention and it was pretty hard to keep a consistent and comfortable pace.

Here we go!

Okay folks -
It's just about that time for me to hop on that big white thing with wings, cut through the wild blue yonder and head up north for a historical edition to a long line of Dunlap adventures, participation in the Boilermaker Road Race!  Some will run, some will cheer and some will be getting ready to feed the hungry troops after leaving blood sweat and tears on the course.  But whatever our role, we do it all in honor of Team Dunlap!!

I hope to post from the road with rants and musings, course previews and race re-caps.

Until then...

TTFN!

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

I just found this on the Boilermaker's website:


AMERICAN IDOL TO ROCK THE BOILERMAKER COURSE

Utica, NY (June 27, 2012) - Entertainment along the Boilermaker course got kicked up a notch with the announcement that American Idol semi-finalist Nikki McKibbin will be performing. Nikki ended up finishing in third place in the first season of American Idol in which Kelly Clarkson was the ultimate winner. Most recently Nikki was on the fifth season of Celebrity Rehab and Fear Factor. In 2011 Ms. McKibbin released two singles "Made It" and "Celebrity High."

The addition of an American Idol was the brainchild of Kelly Yacco the creator of the "Run to the Drums' drum line that has entertained runners over the past two years. "Every year I'm trying to be more creative on how to enhance the runner's experience" said Mr. Yacco. "Nikki will definitely rock the road."

Ms. McKibbin will be performing at the corner of Champlain Avenue and Whitesboro Street in conjunction with the drum line. Participants of both the 5k and 15k races will pass by the McKibbin/ drum line group.

"I think the location is ideal" said Jim Stasaitis, Boilermaker Race Director. "With a bit more of a mile to go Nikki and the drums should really get the adrenalin pumping for that final stretch." 

Are you telling me that there is going to be a drum line?  

GET OUTTA TOWN!  

i LOVE a drum line! 

A weekend recap and a look ahead

So, this past weekend, I decided to run in a local 4-miler race.  Our local coffee shop, Summit Coffee (best coffee shop EVER), has gathered some sponsors like New Balance and New Belgium Brewing Co and put together a race series this year to benefit local organizations.  Last Friday was the Summit Solstice, benefiting Our Town's Habitat for Humanity.  A challenging course to say the least, with some rolling hills, some serious up and downers getting in and out of the college's cross country trails; and the almost always and infamous uphill finish behind the town green.  Jyl was out of town, so Graham and I braved it on our own, without our fearless leader.

I don't have much to say to recap the race.  It was hot.  It was hard.  It was hilly.  It was cool to run in the company of an Olympian (read local news recap here.  Hubby actually got his picture made enjoying the show.  He's in the top picture, all the way to the left in the orange!).

But the after party with the band Cast Iron Filter, beer from New Belgium (Fat Tire, please!) and the best damn slice of "real" pizza I've had in THREE years, made it all worthwhile.  Here are a couple pics to prove I was there!

quoting gentleman that took the picture:
"Just think - if  4 miles is this much fun - 26 will be awesome."
Funny man, that one.

Me and Graham, after the finish, right before the pizza.

Saturday found me with hubby doing a little hike around Latta Nature Preserve with a packed lunch on the trail by the lake.  The day was followed by an evening adventure into the big city with a nice dinner and KICK ASS bread pudding dessert with apples and caramel and vanilla ice cream.  Shut yo mouth tasty good!  We capped off the evening with a latte of the day (hazelnut, yum) at Summit where the Vel-Crows were playing.  I missed what I like to call the "Hey Baby Rock Me Song", or what normal people call Wagonwheel, but all was good.  I did get to see my buddy, The Sockless Runner, play and sing a few before I had to turn in for my beauty sleep.

Yes.  We. Ate. It. All.

Sunday was group run day where lots of fun, laughs, conversation and coffee post-run were had.  GREAT TIMES!  The only thing missing?  Was Jyl :(

BUT, don't be sad folks, she's back in town after a wonderful trip with her family.  We celebrated by a no-holds-barred sushi bonanza.  It was so off the hook that, of course, I had to take a picture.  Now, don't be jealous, but damn was it good.

So, after the lattes, the sushi....the bread puddings, we are back on track and looking ahead.  In about two and a half weeks, I'll be heading to Central New York to run in my first Boilermaker Road Race 15K with my nephew and sister-in-law.  We designed shirts....It's going to be crazy!

Yet, after last Friday's race, I'm doubting my ability to tackle this 4mile uphill that awaits me at the start of the Boilermaker.  But, slow and steady, healthy happy, right?  We'll get through it.  Somehow we always do, don't we?  The magic of determination and desire always makes you marvel at what you can truly accomplish when you toe up to the line.

I'll let you know how it ends  :)

Training, Racing and Drumlines

This past Saturday, I went beyond my normal two-exit radius and ventured into the big city of Charlotte, North Carolina.  You see, I was able to talk some of my co-workers into running with me in the Alston+Bird LLP Corporate Cup 5K and Half Marathon.  Now, we work in the fundraising biz, hence the really cool team name and awesome t-shirts.  May I present to you Team Fund Racers!

I'm the one on the left, looking like she has to pee....

We met at 7:30 am on a beautiful, yet windy, morning among 2,333 runners. We had some folks running the 5k and some running the Half.  After our photo op, we all headed to the start line with our racing faces on.....

 We don't put the "Fun" in Fund Racer for nothing, yo!
 
Anyway.  I had 12 miles scheduled for Saturday as part of my training.  Seeing that I'm "saving myself" for the Flying Pirate, I decided to run the 5K and run some miles before and after.  Plus, I was really curious as to what kind of time I could put in since my very first race last April, almost one year ago.

I did a 3 mile warm up with Jyl, (you remember Jyl).  She ran the Half as part of her marathon training.  Then, at 8:00 we all started running the streets of Charlotte.  I have never ran with so many people before!  It's good practice though, as the Pirate will have about 4,000 runners and the Boilermaker I'll be running with my family in July has just SOLD OUT, capped at 14,000.  Also, navigating water stops is new territory for me too!  (oops getting off topic...)  So.  Well, plainly said, I set out way too fast!  I didn't think I'd make it the 3 miles....almost puked at mile 1.75.  Somehow I pulled it together and made it through.  Then, when I looked at my watch it said 26:23....my last 5K was 32 minutes.  That's a sub 9 minute pace per mile.  (p.s.  official chip time came in at 26:24)

Booyah, my friends, Boo. Yah.

Now, if you're doing math with me, you'll remember that I had 12 miles to complete.  So, with 6 miles down and 6 miles to go, I decided to head out backwards down the half marathon course to see if I could meet up with Jyl.  After 3 miles down and a nice chat with a police officer, there she was, looking strong!  After a mile or two of chit chat and me spilling Powerade in my shoe, we come to one of the last hills of the course.  And on this hill was a drumline.  Man I LOVE a drumline!  Sexy. As. Hell!  And it is at this point I must issue a public apology to all that had to witness me doing the run/dance combination.  Sorry y'all, I just couldn't resist it!

Thankfully, Jyl resisted her urge to push me down (no, I wouldn't blame her if she did!), and we made it to the finish, Jyl getting a PR too!  Made for a great day!

And now, I leave you with these parting words of wisdom.

If you hear a drumline, you just gotta dance.... even though cute cops will laugh at you.