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.

Notes from the road

Busy busy day. I was hoping to write a smart and witty post this evening detailing my short run this morning, coffee with mom, the expo with some if the fam and a course preview complete with pictures. But to be honest folks, I'm pooped!

So, I will give a cliff notes version of the course preview instead.

Hilly.
Pretty in spots.
Downhilly.
Some more pretty.
Long slight hills.
Highway.
Uphilly.
Flat.
Finish.

See you at the brewery, I mean the finish line!

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  :)

The Challenge: Week 1

On December 31, I signed up for a challenge with the folks over at Do Live Movement.  If you're not following Ben, Pa, Jed and crew, you need too.  Fantastic community they've got going on, it would be a shame if y'all weren't a part of it!  Maybe you should become a member....!

We just completed the first week of the 12 week challenge.  By the way, there is no deadline to participate in the challenge, so if you'd like to join there is still time.

This week was about goals, how to assess them and how to actually achieve them.  Keeping them small and obtainable is the key.  It's okay to think big.  In fact, you better!  But to get there, set little goals.  It's all baby steps.  I'm going to quote something from the movie, The Patriot.  You may ask, "how in the heck can she quote something from a very commercial movie about the Revolutionary War and make it applicable?"  Watch me....

"Aim small, miss small."
People don't expect small changes to mean anything, but when you add them all up, holy cow!  You'll be surprised how much you were able to change and accomplish!

There were a few tasks for this week's challenge.
 
1) Come up with 5 goals that can be attained in one month, and assess where you are right now.  Here are mine, and the assessment follows

• Lose 5 pounds - I weighed in on Monday at 135.4 (on a really miserable scale that weighs less than what I am, but we'll use these numbers because it's the only scale I have.)
  note:  this is the first time I have ever publicly said my weight.  Might be time to do a before/after reflection....
• Keep daily food logs and include estimated caloric intake - I'm wishy washy on the food logs, sometimes I keep them, sometimes I let it go; and I have never kept track of calories.  I'm hoping in doing so will help me with goal #1.
• Clean my house - I have a new ecosystem evolving in my shower.......
• Organize my closets - This may seem like cleaning the house, but everything that you don't have a place for when cleaning your house, goes into the closets.  I have a lot of stuff in my closets....and it makes me feel unorganized and anxious!
• Walk my dogs at least once a week with my hubby - I have a big yard, so I normally don't walk my dogs because I think they can just run around and get exercise.  But they prefer to lay on the back patio.  My Dum Dums need to Do Life too!  And it gives me and the hubby more time together instead of watching tv or being on our computers!

2) How many push ups can you do in 1 set?  Only 15

3) Add 30 minutes to your workouts with increased intensity.  If I do any more intervals to running workouts, I might stroke out.  So, I've added at least 30 minutes of swimming at least two times a week and have signed up for a yoga class starting next week, because my lack of flexibility is becoming a hindrance to my running and swimming goals.

4) Identify your biggest excuse.  Come up with a way to eliminate that excuse.  This is a good one. I work full time and I go to college part time at night.  I say that I don't have time to do homework, something is always keeping me from it and at times it does.  But I don't put it first, either.  I don't make it a priority.  I'm a procrastinator too.  So, a way to eliminate that excuse is for me to own up and stop putting the blame on others, don't let others deter me from my success, to quit procrastinating and make my education a priority.  

5) Each night, write down 4 things you did well today
This may have been the hardest part of this week's challenge
Monday - finished a hellish hill workout, planned my meals for the week, went grocery shopping, enjoyed my last day of holiday vacation.
Tuesday - got to work on time, enjoyed time with a good friend over a healthy dinner I made, decent 3 mile run with some hill work, made my to-do lists
Wednesday - got out of bed!, I limited Facebook time, took my 1st swim lesson in a LONG time, completed the majority of my 1st strength/core workout scheduled for my half marathon training
Thursday - good 4 mile run, gave good advice, made amends with an old friend, did dishes even though all I wanted to do was go to bed!
Friday - went to the pool even though I REALLY didn't want to, ate well, reached out to help someone in their journey to better health and put myself out there in the meantime, made some people laugh with this blog.
Saturday - made a healthy(ish) lasagna and it was my first homemade lasagna EVER and it actually came out good and didn't stick to the pan!, helped a runner new to the group get through our long run, registered for the Boilermaker Road Race 15K, didn't raise my voice and kept calm when others did not even though I really wanted to go a little nuts too.

Reflection:
The hardest part about this week's challenge, for me, was the 4 Things.  I really had a hard time coming up with some.  So, I don't know if I need to do more stuff or be easier on myself.  Regardless, I think this will be an exercise I will continue.

I've had a great week training for my first half marathon (The Flying Pirate, Nags Head NC in April), and I think I'm more proud of that than anything right now.

I'm REALLY excited about running the Boilermaker (Utica NY) in July with my sister-in-law and nephew.  14,000 runners in the 15K and 4,000 in the 5K.  It's going to be insane!  Registration is open if you're interested.  It sells out, so don't take to long to decide.  http://www.boilermaker.com/  Party at my brother's afterwards, even if he doesn't know it ;-)

The school semester starts tomorrow.  So, here I pledge, I will dedicate at least 1 hour each non-class evening and 2 lunch hours per week to schoolwork.  I will not let the tv or people deter me from finishing what is needed to complete my studies on the weekend.  I need to make this commitment so I don't have a stroke trying to get caught up at the end of the semester!

And there you have it folks.  Do Life Challenge Week 1 complete.  Long post, I know.  I hope you made it all the way through it.  Tomorrow starts Week 2.  You in??

Time flies.....

I happened to look at my Google calendar and almost had a panic attack. Just as soon as I got used to the In-between (and loving it!), this "10K Madness" training starts in five days. FIVE! Inconcievable. That means only one more run-whatever-the-heck-I-want-too day left! I am beginning to question this decision. Seriously, what in the world was I thinking?! Am I going to be able to handle this Fartlek thing? Can I really increase my speed and do I really want to? I'm kinda liking my turtle speed right now. Hill training? WTF. Am I sane?

Regardless of all the questions and hesitation I have right now, bottom line...I got myself into this, now I have to finish it. I've already put my money down and opened my mouth; and since I said I was going to do it, I have to follow through. I'll keep reminding myself this will bring me one step closer to running the Boilermaker in July 2012 with Mr. Cross Country Runner Extrodinarre, otherwise known as my nephew, Adam (and any other Dunlaps and relations that may want join in the torture fun).

While I still question my sanity, training starts with an easy 3 on Monday. The bright side? That's pretty much what we've been doing already, so that's a plus. Bad news, the following Monday is a 4 mile Fartlek. Once I figure out what that is, I'll let you know.

Wish me luck...and stay tuned. This might be entertaining...