The Demon Run

"It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell."-Buddha

Please allow me to introduce myself...

No, today's blog installment isn't some race report from October.  It is about a certain kind of run that presents itself every once in a while.

As a runner you have many types of runs:

Training runs- get the mileage in so you can have a great race.

Social runs- sometimes are training runs, but with a destination at the end, like a bar or cafe with friends.

Speedwork- working on getting faster; this is serious running, sometimes puking is involved.

Hill repeats- up and down and up and down…

Fartleks- funny name for running fast and slow randomly.

and 

Demon runs.

Demon runs cannot be scheduled like the other runs, they present themselves as a unique opportunity.  Many variables go into a demon run, such as:

Stress from work

Bad news about the health of a loved one

Frustration about situations you cannot control

And everyone bailing on the run, leaving you to run by yourself.

This Saturday a demon run presented itself to me.  I didn't know it was going to be a demon run until mile 3. I started out from my house and crossed the street to the residential development that I have my 3 to 10 mile routes mapped.  It was a beautiful day- cold (duh, I live in Chicago), no wind and the sun shining.  As I entered the park to run around the lake, the demon run presented itself.  I needed to run hard enough and long enough to get all of my frustrations out. It also involved screaming. I don't know why that feels good when you run really hard and then scream, but it feels really good. Try it sometimes.  You also need a good playlist for a demon run.
Excerpts from my demon run playlist:

Galvanize- The Chemical Brothers
Yeah!-(feat. Lil' Jon and Ludacris) Usher
Get Back- Ludacris
'Till I Collapse- Eminem & Nate Dogg
Epic- Faith No More
Ladies and Gentlemen- Saliva
No More Tears- Ozzy Osbourne
How Do You Like Me Know- The Heavy
Get Ur Freak On- Missy Elliott
Remember the Name- Fort Minor featuring Styles of Beyond
Stupid Girl- Garbage
And the Cradle Will Rock- Van Halen
My Prerogative- Britney Spears

As you run, you are mad as hell.  There does come a point when you work it all out.  You know when you hit that point when a certain peace and calm comes over you.  That is when you know you have had a successful demon run.

That is when you change the playlist to a cool down and find your way home.  Excerpts from a demon run cool down:
All the Love You Need- Big Head Todd & the Monsters
Shambala- Three Dog Night
Maybe Tomorrow- Stereophonics
Give a Little Bit- Supertramp
#9 Dream- John Lennon
Claire de Lune-Claude Debussy

Yes, my concerns and frustrations are still here.  Yes, I am still worried about loved ones and friends, but I know that a good demon run can help me cope.

Sometimes you just need to run like hell.

The Rituals of the Long Run

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."- Steve Prefontaine

Legendary long distance track runner who held seven American track records

Yes, this would be my house.

It is becoming that time of year when the mileage starts ramping up and long runs become part of the Saturday morning ritual.  My definition of a long run is anything over 8 miles.  The reason why 8 miles consists of a long run is because if something is going to go wrong in a run, it is really going to hurt after an 8 mile run.  

Today, I thought I would share with you my Saturday morning long run ritual.  

The day before:

1) Drink lots of water.

2) Don't eat: buffalo wings, hamburger, pizza, lots of salad, beans, Mexican food, water infused with blackberries (that is another blog subject).

3) For dinner eat 4 oz. of spaghetti and meatballs, glass of wine, one piece of chocolate.

4) Lay out running clothes, which includes favorite jog bra from 2009, favorite wicking panties that say on the inside of the waistband "I see London, I see France…", favorite socks which were bought at the Indianapolis Mini Marathon last year, Moving Comfort tights, favorite race t-shirt that stinks so badly no matter how much you wash it because you wear it every Saturday for a long run.  It gets out of the drawer on its own.

The morning of the long run:

1) Wake up 90 minutes before run.

2) Strip down naked.

3) Slather Body Glide on every surface of the body that has ever encountered a chafing incident- bottom of the feet, inside the thighs, under boobs and triceps.

4) Put on clothes.  Wear socks inside out so that the stitching across the toes do not cause any blistering.

5) Drink 1.5 cups of coffee, no more, no less.

6) Go #2.

7) Eat a Luna Honey Peanut Pretzel bar.  Wash down with water and 1-2 Endurolytes.

8) Prepare the fuel belt: fill up water bottle with water, make sure there enough Endurolytes, put nutrition in zip lock baggie and make sure asthma inhalator is in fuel belt.

9) Put on heart rate monitor and Garmin.

10) Go #1 one more time…

11) Put on hat, gloves, coat and sunglasses, if needed.

12) Ready to run!

During the run:

I cannot tolerate Gatorade or any other type of sports drink.  I either gag from the taste, or it gives me gastric distress.  This is why I take Endurolytes to maintain my electrolyte levels so I won't cramp.  At mile 4, I eat one date.  I then alternate every 2 miles between an Endurolyte and a date.  I used to take e-Gels instead of alternating between salt tablets and energy gels…until they made me sick.  I then switched to Hammer Gels.  My favorite flavors were apple cinnamon and raspberry…then they made me sick.  This year, I am trying dates as a nutrition supplement.  I will let you know how that goes.

After the run:

After being injured last year, I have concocted a stretching routine that I use.  

1) 20 heel drops, 20 squats, 20 donkey kicks, 20 fire hydrants, 5 second hamstring stretch, 5 second quad stretch.  Do 3 sets of these.  I change up this routine on a monthly basis.

2) Foam Roller

3) Stand on head for 3 minutes.

Long run and stretching are finished!

Post run nutrition:

Egg sandwich on an English muffin.  

What are your long run rituals?

With All Good Intentions

"Plans are only good intentions unless they degenerate into hard work."- Peter Drucker

This winter for most of us has proven to be a challenge to get in workouts, particularly running workouts.  I can say with 100% certainty that I do not like to run inside; either on a track or on a treadmill.  In fact, I can say with 100% certainty that if the only choice is to run inside, I will not run.  On the other hand, I can conjure up the courage to jump in the pool with -40 windchill outside, or hop on my bike for a 2 hour Sufferfest video while a snow storm is raging outside.

Because of my choices, guess which sport has suffered?  Yep, my running.  I am sad because of this.  I used to love to run.  It is where I got my inspiration, my courage, my friendships.  I have fallen out of love with running.  Is it because I have gotten slower?  Perhaps.  Is it because I am still struggling to recover from an injury from October 2012?  Probably.  Is it because I am embarrassed of my running?  Yes.  

I used to love to run with a group of 10-12 people.  Now, I have to talk myself into running with my husband and my running partner of 10 years.  I'm afraid that I am 'bringing them down' to my pace.  I never used to worry about such things.  Some days I was faster and some days I was slower.  It just didn't matter.

But then one day it did.  I don't know what happened, but I feel out of love with running and became ashamed of how I ran.  I got frustrated and mad.  And I have stayed mad at my running and myself.

I was no slacker of a runner.  I have been running since 1998.  Since then I have run countless 5Ks and 10K races.  I have run more than 50 half marathons and 12 marathons.  Today, I seriously doubt if I have another marathon in me.  I never used to think that way.

What to do?  Being my Type A self, I have devised a plan.  Here it is:

• Try to run 1000 miles in one year by running virtually to Charleston, SC from Chicago.  I am way behind schedule on this and am trying to make up some time.  Right now, I am 10 miles north of Kentland, IN.
• Attend the Speedwork Information Session at Golden Legs Racing on Tuesday, March 18th.  I haven't done speedwork in a while.  It might be fun to shake things up a bit and try something new with running.
• Signing up for races with friends and family.
• If my recovery goes well, then I may consider a fall marathon with X-t.  It would be his first.

Hopefully, this will not be just good intentions, but some hard work and fun along the way.

Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Report

"Damnation seize my soul if I give you quarters, or take any from you." Edward "Blackbeard" Teach
Translation: "I'll be damned if I accept your surrender or surrender to you."

What a fun race and a great weekend.  The reason for signing up for this race was to celebrate a good friend's 40th birthday.  We all gathered from around the country (and Canada too) for a weekend of laughter, sweat and good food, drink and of course a good time.  

The thing with my friends is we aren't the spa and rest and relaxation types.  If we are going to celebrate a momentous occasion, we must try to kill ourselves.  When we emerge from the other side, we are closer to one another and have some great stories to tell of our adventure.

It is a race weekend, not just a race day.  On Saturday, there are 15K and 5K races.  On Sunday, there are the 1/2 marathon and the 8K races.  And yes, you can race all 4 races.  We didn't though; we just did the 15K race and the 1/2 marathon.  We had other things on our agenda.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites Downtown.  It was the perfect location.  Sure it was pricier, but we were right across the street from the Convention Center where packet pickup was located.  The street car stopped right in front of our hotel and we were right on the Riverwalk.  The start/finish line was a block away.  Throw in 'free' breakfast buffet and happy hour at Embassy Suites and you couldn't go wrong. 

Saturday was the 15K race.  It was an out and back course.  I hate out and back courses, except for this one.  It followed the bay so you had a view of the water most of the time and nice island music (think Jimmy Buffet and reggae).  There were water stations every 1.5 miles that had sprinklers (nice touch).  This was important for us Northerners as the humidity was 95% with a 70 degree temperature at the start.  The course was nice and flat absolutely no hills unless you count the overpass at the very beginning.  There was plenty of bananas, water, Gatorade and beer at the finish.  You could get your picture taken with a pirate or a wench with your medal. 

No time to party afterwards.  After a refueling breakfast of omelets, potatoes, coffee and watermelon, we jumped in our bathing suits to rest our legs in the pool before heading to Urban Kai for a 2-hour paddleboard lesson.

Look Ma- I'm paddleboarding!

Yes, I have found another sport.  We had so much fun.  I am looking forward to doing it again this summer in Illinois.  I'm going to Canoecopia next weekend in Madison to further investigate SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding).  

After taking a water taxi back to the hotel, we cleaned up and went to my all-time favorite Florida restaurant The Columbia to fuel up for the 1/2 marathon the next morning.  Hands down, the best sangria that exists on the planet.

The course for the 1/2 marathon was almost the same as the 15K.  Again, it was an out and back by the bay with the same bands.  There were water stops every 1.5 mile or so with two of the stops including gels and/or blocks to refuel.  The weather was the same- 95% humidity with temperatures in the 70s.  There was fog in the morning, so we were spared the sun.  A lovely after party with plenty of beer AND food from The Columbia Restaurant.  

Kick A** Medals: 1/2 marathon on the left, 15K on the right.

Do I recommend this race?  Most definitely! I might do it again next year.  It was a perfect respite from  a nasty winter.  I probably won't do all 4 races, though.  There is SUP to be had!

March Challenge:

This month's challenge is to do 10,000 steps everyday, plus these little activities.  Thank you to The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans for these monthly challenges!

Charleston, SC Running Challenge Update:

The weather hasn't really cooperated with my running and I DISPISE the treadmill, so I am a little behind on my trek to Charleston.  Right now, I have 902 miles to run.  On the map, it puts me Willow Slough State Game Preserve, 20 miles north of Kentland, IN.  Once the weather is above zero degree windchill, I am going to add 3 mile runs to my Mondays and Fridays to get back on track.

Tour of Sufferlandria Recap

"To live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering." Fredrich Nietzsche

I Will Beat My Ass Today To Kick Yours Tomorrow
 IWBMATTKYT

When I started this triathlon stuff, my worst sport was cycling.  I tried to improve by riding indoors in the off-season at computrainer classes at local coaching centers.  These work for most people, but it didn't work for me for two reasons:

1) They weigh you (with biking shoes, no less) and then display the weight in front of everyone the first class.  I know how much I weigh to the ounce and I don't need to advertise that to everyone that I am riding with.

2) They display the progress of everyone that is taking the class on a computer board.  Inevitably, I was the last one displayed.  

So, what I got out of this shaming was: Yes, I am overweight and yes, I suck on the bike. Now, I already knew this, but now everyone who took the class knew it too.  I spent $200 for this?!

Something had to change and I needed to get better on the bike.

Thankfully, one of my friends 'liked' The Sufferfest on Facebook.

  

What was this Sufferfest?  It is cycling training videos you can do in your own home on your own trainer.  And they are affordable!  These folks at Sufferfest have created a fictional land called Sufferlandria where pain, suffering and humiliation take place.  These videos are hard, but they do motivate you to get on the bike in the dead of winter with officially licensed footage from races like Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix, Giro D-Italia and more.  The music is also badass, which is especially needed for climbs and countless intervals during the workout.  For newbies like me, there are instructions on the screen with perceived exertion and cadence suggestions.  AND, most importantly, they make you FASTER!

For the second year, I have participated in the Tour of Sufferlandria.  The Tour is not a race, but a challenge to get your butt on your bike for 9 days and suffer.  It. Is. Epic.

HONOR! GLORY! VICTORY!

The first day of the Tour is a time trial called "Rubber Glove".  They suggest during training that you do a time trail every 10 weeks or so to see if you are improving.  And yes, I am improving this winter!  

The second day is a 2-hour video called "ISLAGIATT" (I Thought It Was a Good Idea At The Time).  This video focuses on climbing and endurance.  I hallucinated during this video it hurt so bad.

Day 3 was a Monday.  Thank goodness that the race director had heart and we only had to do a 45-minute video comprised of 1-minute maximum intensity repeat intervals called Revolver.  No big deal, right? Wrong.

Tuesday (Day 4) featured one of my favorite Sufferfest videos: Hell Hath No Fury.  It is a 1:15 minute video that includes 2 x 20:00 interval workout.  Boring, right?  Not so because the race footage is the UCI Pro Women's racing footage from the World Cup.  A video of the sisters and not of the men.  Inspiring.

Wednesday (Day 5) featured my other favorite video: The Wretched, plus Extra Shot.  You start off with Extra Shot, which is a 20:00 'booster' video you can add on to another one of the Sufferfest videos or if you are crunched for time, a short workout. It is just cruel to start with that one.  The Wretched has Tour de France footage of climbing, except for the sprinting at the end…oh, and there is no resting either.

Thursday (Day 6) is A Very Dark Place.  After the previous day's climbing and sprinting, it was time to go back to those fun, sustained 4:00 minute intervals.  Ugh.  Each interval takes you to a darker place that you thought you couldn't or didn't need to reach.

Thank God for Friday (Day 7)!  If you made it this far without your soul being crushed, then you were in for twofer today.  The first video was Angels which includes 3x 8 minute climbs after doing 10:00 worth of over/under intervals.  After completing that one, get started on The Hunted, which is more climbing with 5:00 inverse intervals at the end.  And then you get to go do your real job for the day…

Saturday (Day 8)- you are almost done, but first let's settle in for an 1:40 ride called The Blender.  I don't remember this one…it was so horrific that my memory has blocked it out.  All I remember was that there were three courses, but it wasn't a meal…there were pain shakes.

Sunday (Last day)- I thought to finish with this video was cruel.  Violator is a video that features 64 sprints.  If that isn't enough, the video includes a shark, a hamster, a leopard (which actually scared the sh*t out of me) and an airplane.  So wrong, but so right.

Yes!  I completed the Tour of Sufferlandria and left X-t in the dirt.  In fact, he was so traumatized by ISLAGIATT in the first hour, he got off of his bike.  He hasn't been on it since.

So, what's next?  The suffering will continue as I bought the Novice Training Plan to complement my triathlon training.

Thank you to The Sufferfest!  You gave me 9 days worth of motivation and something to look forward to doing during a difficult winter that we are having.

I cannot wait until summer.  IWBMATTKYT!

Monthly Motivations

“Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” - Ernest Hemingway

Doesn't this look cozy?

Let's face it.  This winter has been very challenging.  If it isn't bone freezing cold, then we are getting dumped on with snow.  It makes a girl just want to crawl up in a ball on the couch with a nice glass of red wine (Cryptic Red Wine, preferably) and a roaring fire in the fireplace. 

But that isn't how I roll.  Instead, I have been inspired by these monthly challenges.  In December, X-t and I did the 100 mile challenge, which was to run 100 miles between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We also did the plank challenge in December too.  

In January, it was the "Brazen Ab Challenge".  

Now, you would think that two months of ab workouts would have my abs look like the ones in the Brazen Ab Challenge, but alas that 6-pack is still in the cooler.

Tomorrow, I start my February Challenge: Lose the Love Handles.  We will get the 6-pack out the cooler yet!

Challenge Courtesy of Shrinkingjeans.net

I do these challenges in addition to my off-season triathlon training.  This is my off-season training looks like:

Monday: Run 6 miles, Yoga class

Tuesday: Interval training on the bike, 30 minute home yoga

Wednesday: Training to Tri class

Thursday: Strength training (climbing video) on the bike, 30 minutes home yoga

Friday:  Swim, Run 5 miles

Saturday:  Long run between 6-12 miles 

Sunday: Swim, Yoga class

Next week's blog:  The Gory Details of the Tour of Sufferlandria!

Mission I'm Possible

"Good morning Ms. Frey.  Your mission, should you choose to accept it will be to run from Chicago to Charleston, South Carolina. As always, should you or any of your I.M. Force be caught or killed the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.  Good luck Lisa."

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, X-t and I participated in a Ho Ho Holiday Challenge.  The challenge was to run 100 miles between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It was a great way to stay motivated through the holiday season.  

So we were thinking…how could we challenge ourselves throughout the year?  There are a lot of great challenges out there to participate in, but we wanted a good reward too.  We decided to run 1,000 miles this year.  Using Google Maps, we charted a course that would take us someplace 1,000 miles for a vacation.  Charleston, South Carolina is 1,001 miles away and looks like a pretty nice place to take a vacation.  We are going to make it a car trip and follow the route that we ran.  

For every mile that we run, we are going to put a dollar in the savings account.  By the time the challenge is over we will have saved $2,000 for our trip.  I am currently 20 miles into the trip and have saved $20.  On the map, it shows that I am in Park Ridge, IL. X-t is a little behind me since he only runs outside.  

I will give you a report on my progress every now and then so as to keep you updated as to where I am and to keep me honest...

How are you motivating yourself in the new year?  

I resolve in 2014 to...

"My New Year's resolution list starts with the desire to lose ten to three thousand pounds." Nia Vardalos

 

Every year I have my list of races to do and a list of resolutions.  This year, I thought I would share them with you.  In past years, my resolutions have included losing weight (like that happened) and moisturizing (this actually was a successful resolution!).  

In 2014 I intend to race:

Gaspirilla Distance Classic  in Tampa Bay: 15K race on 2/22, 1/2 Marathon on 2/23.

Indianapolis Mini Marathon: my 15th consecutive running on this race on 5/3.

RAGNAR: my first relay race with some of my closest friends the weekend of June 6th.

Route 66 Half Ironman: my 4th time doing a Half Ironman and my first visit to Springfield, IL on 7/26.

Dairyland Dare: a fun, hilly bike ride near Dodgeville, WI.

Madison Open Water Swim following by one loop of the Wisconsin Ironman bike course.  This is a test to see if I REALLY want to attempt an Ironman in 2015.

I also may throw in a fall marathon if I am feeling up to it.  If I do decide to do one, I will probably do the Des Plaines River Trail Marathon on 10/18.

As for my resolutions, I only have one:

Stop worrying.  I worry about money, time, weight, people liking me, everything.  It is a supreme waste of time and energy. I resolve enjoy the present moment and let events unfold rather than worrying about them.  

My wish to you is a happy and healthy New Year!  May you achieve your goals and resolutions and make this the best year yet!

Knox County SIS Triathlon Race Recap

"It was a good day." - Lisa Frey

This never happens to me.  Usually there is some sort of disaster awaiting me during a race, or I sabotage myself by mentally psyching myself out.  

But not on June 9, 2013.  

It was a day I put the voices to rest.  It was a day where the water temperature was perfect.  It was a day where the air temperature was perfect.  It was partly cloudy and no wind- perfect.

It was my day and I kicked some arse.

The SIS Try occurs in my hometown of Vincennes, IN, but not this year.  The community pool is not open because they are building a new one.  The race was moved to the neighboring city of Bicknell.

When I was little, I went to Bicknell once a year for the Knox County Fair.  It was awesome.  I equate Bicknell with Pronto Pups, demolition derby, carnival rides and 4H.  I love Bicknell, IN.

Bicknell means something different to me today.  It is a wonderful city, who stepped up and hosted a well-organized triathlon.  The residents welcomed us triathletes and cheered us on.  Thank you!

Now to the nitty, gritty race details.

The swim portion of the race took place at Swimland, the local pool.  Some modifications had to be made to put in lane lines and some mesh at the end of the pool to see the end.  Balloons were placed on the lane lines to also assist swimmers where the end of the pool was.  They didn't work out too well, but it was a good idea.  The swim start was allowing one swimmer jump in, swim to the end of the pool then the next swimmer jumped in.  This was perfect for beginner swimmers to have some room to freak out, composed themselves and continue the swim.  It was a 'snake swim' through the pool.  Once out of the pool it was a short distance to the transition area.  I did the swim in 5:16- not my best, but not my worst.  The bonus was that I kept my composure and passed 3 people.  Sweet!

My transition was 1:51.  This is a world record for me.  I was a woman possessed to get on the bike.

The bike route was nice rolling hills on a county road.  It was an out and back route, so you could see other cyclists and encourage them.  The road was so smooth!  We biked to Freelandville and turned around at the fire station to ride back.  I finished the ride in 45:44, which was a 16.8 mile pace AND I passed people (this never happens to me on the bike)!  This is where I saw my biggest improvement.  I give credit to my Sufferfest videos in the offseason, Team TNT, Golden Legs Cycling Club and my cycling buddy, Rebecca Atkinson.  Thank you!

My transition time was 1:37.  Another world record.

The run was hilly and it was challenging.  It was a great course which toured the city of Bicknell.  Since I have only been to the fairgrounds, I enjoyed discovering Bicknell.  I finished the run in 32:05, which was a 10:21 pace.  What?!  I shaved over a minute off of my mile since my injury.

I ended up being 34th out of 117 participants and 5th in my age group.  It was a good day indeed.

The finish was wonderful.  There were massages for the participants and PLENTY of food- chocolate milk, grapes, oranges, cookies, apples, pizza.  Yes, pizza.

There were medals for finishers and special medals for those who have competed in this triathlon for 5 or more years.  That is motivation to do it again.

I would like to thank all of the organizers and sponsors who put on a wonderful triathlon.  More importantly, I would like to thank all of the volunteers.  You were out in force and easy to see with your orange shirts.

I did this triathlon with my sister, Laura.  It was her first triathlon.  She did great!  I am so proud of her. For her first triathlon, she finished 5th in her age group too!  Next year we will be in the same age group.  This could get interesting...

Perhaps I can convince her to do this one again next year?!

Indianapolis Mini Marathon Race Recap

"Do you smell something?  It smells like dog poo."- Lisa Frey

13th Consecutive Indy Mini Marathon

I would have never thought I would run a race 13 consecutive times.  The Indianapolis Mini Marathon was my very first half marathon.  It is also the largest 1/2 marathon in the country.  When I ran it for the first time in 2001, I was blown away.  All of the people running, the bands playing on every corner, the cloggers clogging at mile 4 and the finish- I just fell in love with this race.  Oh, and my sister lives in Indianapolis, so I also had a place to stay.

Speaking of my sister, she ran the Indy Mini for the very 1st time this year.  I was so excited that she was able to run with me and share the awesomeness of this race.  My cousins Edie and Ellen also participated in the Mini for the first time as well.  My tri training buddy Rebecca and her husband Mike ran the race too.  I am proud to say that we all finished the race with smiles on our faces.  

My awesome sister at the finish!  

Packet Pickup:

The Indy Mini Expo is by far one of the best expos I have attended.  This is the expo that I purchase my year's worth of running stuff.  This year was no different.  My sister and I picked up socks (always needed), headbands and of course necessary magnets for my car.  It was raining when we arrived at the expo.  We parked at Circle Center and was able to walk on the covered walkways to the convention center, so we didn't get wet.

Race Day:

We had an inauspicious start to the day.  We woke up early and I took Bakon out for his morning walk.   Bakon did his business.  It was 5AM and it was pitch black.  I couldn't find Bakon's present- I walked around, sniffed- still couldn't find the poo.  I made a mental note to go back after the race to pick up the poo since it was too dark.

We were on our way to the race when I asked my sister if she smelled poo in the car.  She said yes and then asked if I had stepped in any.  I looked at the bottoms of my shoe and didn't find the offensive odor.  Unfortunately, it was on the back of my heel and while inspecting the bottom of my shoe, I had smeared it all over my running capris.  To make matters worse, I then stuck my finger in it to try to scrape it off of my capris.  

We grossed ourselves out and had to roll the windows down so we wouldn't gag.  

Yes, I ran 13.1 miles with poo on my pants.

The Start:

My sister works for Eli Lilly.  They have a WONDERFUL fitness facility at their place of employment- complete with a soccer field, track and state of the art equipment.  Oh, and a smoothie bar.  The fitness facility was a party zone on race day with raffles, water, Gatorade, music, clean pottys and a SHUTTLE to the start.  No walking one mile to the starting line for me this year!  Unfortunately, there was an accident and the shuttle was not able to pick us up, so we still had to walk to the start line. That was a bummer, BUT the shuttle did pick us up at the end to take us back to Eli Lilly.  Lilly had chocolate milk for us when we returned to the fitness center.  It tasted so good.

The Race:

What can I say- Indy puts on one helluva race.  The course is nice and flat.  The only complaint about the course is going over all of the railroad tracks, but that can't be avoided.  It is a blast to go around Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  The bands were great.  The water stations were well-manned and the volunteers enthusiastic.

I especially like the finish of the race.  Over the loudspeakers, they blast the exciting finishes of the Indianapolis 500.  It puts more kick in your pace and makes you feel like a rock star (even if you do have poo on your pants).  

Thoughts:

Over the years, I have raced the Indy Mini in blazing heat, in rain and one year in a 40 mph steady north wind.  I have seen people conquer their fears and celebrate the lives of others.  I am so honored to be a part of a celebration of the first time someone has completed a half marathon- like the 20-year old girl who I was talking to in the porta-potty line in the family reunion area.  It is just an amazing community of 45,000 people moving through Indianapolis and Speedway, Indiana on the first Saturday of May.  I am so glad that I am able to be a part of the experience.

Will I run the Mini in 2014?  You betcha!  Gotta keep the streak alive!

Bike Riding Anxiety

"My knickers are in a twist."- Lisa Frey

Me and my ride, Blue

A quick post today to let you into my neurotic world.  

Today is Training for Tri day.  We are supposed to do a 20-mile ride today at 6PM.  My bike is in the shop getting a tune-up and some adjustments.  It should be ready by 5PM.  

I have been looking forward to this bike ride all week.  The weather is perfect, my bike will be perfect and I even have my outfit laid out so all I have to do is come home, change my clothes put the bike rack on the truck, get my bike and RIDE!

Herein lies the rub...I have a 3:30 meeting today.  It is an important meeting.  Already some of the members of this committee have stated that they may be arriving late to the meeting.  I MUST leave work by 4:30 in order for me to get home.  

You know where this is going.  The meeting won't start until 3:45 and will drag on until 5PM.  I am not going to make the ride.  I know this.  I am anxious and starting to get upset about it.  

Why do I do this to myself?  Instead of letting life flow, I have already resigned myself to being anxious, watching the clock and getting my knickers in a twist.  I am not in the moment.  I am already trying to come up with plans to ride by myself.  This also makes me anxious as I do not like to ride on the street by myself for fear of getting hit by a car, especially during rush hour.

If I am late, I could ride with the later group who is doing less mileage.  This upsets me too as I am supposed to do 20 miles, not 15 miles or 10 miles.  This is an 'all or nothing' proposition.  'All or nothing' is another dangerous problem I wrestle with.

This is how I get 'stuck'.  I can feel myself getting 'stuck'.  Why can't I enjoy this beautiful day?  Why can't I be grateful for the volunteers that are coming to the 3:30 meeting?  They are taking time out of their beautiful day to meet with me.  If it so happens that I can make the ride, then so be it.  It is what it is.  

But I don't think like that.  Instead, at 9:30 AM I am already worried about what is (or isn't going to happen) at 6PM.  I am going to lose this day to this worry.  I don't want to do that.

Race Report: The Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon

"Boogidy boogidy boogidy, let's go racin'"- Darrell Waltrip

Hi Folks-

Yes, it has been a while.  I didn't have much to say that hasn't been said already about the Boston Marathon Bombing and my training has been in taper mode, so there really wasn't much I thought I could write about that would be meaningful.

It has been a couple of weeks, but yes, I do have something to talk about: The Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon Race Report!

Last weekend, my friend Rebecca and I traveled to Louisville, KY to run in the Kentucky Derby Marathon.  I ran in the mini marathon and Rebecca did the full Monty.  Rebecca and I ran together until the two races split, which was at mile 9.

We stayed at the Galt House Hotel, which was the host hotel for the event.  It was a nice hotel.  You could take the covered walkway to packet pick-up at the Convention Center.  The start/finish line was only blocks away, which was good to loosen up before the race or to cool down after.

The marathon was not the only event that was using the Galt House Hotel.  Kentucky Muscle, a body building contest, was also holding a contest at the hotel.  Talk about a real mix of people!  Marathon runners + Body Builders = interesting people watching! There were a lot of orange spray-on tan people in bathrobes who carried around full-length mirrors wandering about.

Notice the orange tinge...

Back to the race report...

Packet Pickup:

The packet pickup was located at the Convention Center.  It was easy to get to and well organized.  A nice thing in our packets were disposable gloves for the start of the race- sweet! The marathon packet had a Asics hat in it, the mini marathon packet did not.- incentive to run the full. The expo was ok.  If you forgot something, you could have easily picked it up at the expo.  Humana had a photo booth to take pictures.

Rebecca and I having fun at the Humana booth.  Which way to cross the finish line?  

The Race:

The mini marathon race was well organized.  The route went through many neighborhoods and parks.  The best part was running around the infield at Churchill Downs.  They were exercising the horses so we could watch the horses as we ran around. Beautiful.  I have never been to Churchill Downs- it looks a lot bigger in real life than on TV.  I would love to go someday and watch some races.

At mile 9, the mini marathon split from the marathon and headed back into town.  The race went through the University of Louisville campus.  It was neat to run through the 2013 NCAA Basketball National Champions campus.  For the most part, the mini marathon course was flat with no substantial hills.

The Volunteers:

The volunteers were fabulous!  All water stops were well supported and had plenty of water and Powerade.  

The Finish:

The mini marathon finish was well organized.  We got a Mylar blanket and our medal and then proceeded to help ourselves to some snacks.  There were bananas, peanut butter Ritz crackers, some biscuits, bagels, Sunchips and cookies.  There was plenty for everyone.  The friends and family reunion area actually was the Kroger's Fest-A-Ville.  The Fest-A-Ville had a carnival, a stage for concerts, food and lots of fun.  It was a great place to hang out and wait for Rebecca to finish her marathon.

Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon Medal

The Marathon:

The marathon route went out to Iroquois Park (which was hilly) and back into town.  One word of caution to the back-of-the-pack marathoners: The course closes 6 hours after the start of the marathon (NOT after the last runner starts the race).  If you cannot finish the race in 6 hours, you will be asked to run the rest of the race on the sidewalk.  All water stations were also shut down, so bring your water with you.  

Will I run it again?  

Yes!  I had a great time running the race.   I would run the mini marathon again.  Initially, I was supposed to run the marathon, but got injured with Achilles Tendinitis.  This marathon as well as Detroit's marathon are still on my bucket list.

Next week: 

Indy Mini Race Report

Learning to Forgive Yourself

"People can be more forgiving than you can imagine. But you have to forgive yourself. Let go of what is bitter and move on."- Bill Cosby

It has been a rough winter.  Between a bout with the flu, the weather and Achilles tendinitis, I have just about had it.  I had to adjust my plans of running my 13th marathon at the Kentucky Derby Marathon and move down to the 1/2 marathon.  It is funny, when you cannot run, the more you WANT to run!

No marathon for me...1/2 marathon instead.

I have been going to Bannockburn Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center to get back to running injury-free.  I see Dr. Brian Allen.  He incorporates Active Release Therapy to help with my Achilles tendinitis.

Yes, that is where it hurts.

The real bummer about having Achilles tendinitis is that it affects everything else- my hips, IT Band and of course my low back.  I wrenched my back at the end of February which was a bit of a setback with my recovery.

What was a girl to do?  I tell you what she does, she gains weight!  Boo.

So, I am making a deal with myself.  I have rededicated myself to running, swimming, biking, yoga and eating reasonably.  But this time is different.  Instead of an all or nothing approach that got me injured in the first place, I am only going to try to be great 85% of the time.

Why not 100%?  Because I am human.  Being human means you are not perfect.  You are not 100%, so why set yourself up for failure.  I am going to try to eat great 85% of the time.  I am going to try to make 85% of my workouts.  

Many of you probably think that I am copping out.  I have realized that if I don't make a workout or eat something that is not healthy, then I beat myself up.  It becomes an 'all or nothing' proposition.  If I succeed 85% of the time, then it is a 'win'.  I can still improve and allow myself to be human.  I can forgive myself if I sleep in and don't run.  I can forgive myself for having dessert once (or twice) a week.  Before learning this, I just constantly beat myself up, told myself I was a loser, slacker and how stupid of me to think that I could even attempt to be a runner/triathlete/cyclist/swimmer/yogini!  

That negative chatter doesn't serve anyone.  It holds me back.  It prevents me for being the best Lisa I can possibly be.

Yes readers, I am still doing my 5-minute headstands (almost) every day!

Who Needs a Pep Talk?

"Attitude, not your aptitude, determines your altitude."- Zig Ziglar

Kid President gives a good pep talk.

"All I wanna be is awesome."- Lisa Frey

In my quest of awesomeness, which I have a LONG ways to go in attaining my perceived awesomeness, I have learned some amazing things.  Here are just a few observations:

• Awesomeness means getting out of your comfort zone and feeling a bit of discomfort. 
• When you are out of your comfort zone, you find people to help you along.
• These people are their own journeys' out of their comfort zone as well.  You are there to help them along! 

My Training for Tri Coach, Nancy, encourages us to get out of our comfort zone in every practice. This week, we did the dreaded time trials in swimming and biking.  After a long day at work and still recovering from the flu, this practice was an easy one to bail on.  If it wasn't for a post on Facebook from a teammate, Melissa, I would have firmly planted myself on the couch.  This post asked for luck in our 10-minute swim.  Immediately, there were words of encouragement from teammates and friends. Some posted their own concerns with the time trial.  After reading this, I reluctantly put my swimsuit on and went to practice.  Thanks friends for that kick in the butt.

Did I post my best time?  Nope.  I'm recovering from the flu- duh.  I was proud of myself because it would have been so easy for me to park it on the couch and hack.

The same goes for my yoga practice.  Starting back in December, I started to practice headstand 5 minutes a day.  Next Friday, I am going start my practice of handstand.  This is going to be interesting since I am afraid to kick up into one.  If I have assistance, then I can do it.  My goal is to kick up into handstand all by myself.  I wonder how many days it is going to take me to get this down?

Headstand practice- I highly recommend.

If you listened to the pep talk by Kid President, then part of all of this is to thank those who have encouraged you.  I would like to thank:

My husband, X-t- every crazy idea I have had, he has always supported and believed in me.

Family: My sister, Laura and my Mom

Running buddies- can you believe we have run thousands of miles together?  Wow.  MAP, Diane, Cathie, Nikki, Sarah- we have solved many of the world's problems.

Training to Tri Coaches- Nancy, Debbie and Stacy

Training to Tri buddies- Karen, Rebecca, Melissa, Jen, MJ, Peggie, Maggie, Linda, Tracie, Kristina, Sherry and Dina...just to name a few.  Special shout out to my triathlon and swim buddy- Carla- I wouldn't be in the pool every week if is wasn't for you!

Yoga Instructors: Silvia, Page, Brooke, Mary, Andrew, Sarah

Work: Laurie and Janice as well as all of the volunteers we work with

And of course, you!  Thank you for reading my blog and being on this journey with me.

I Fought the Flu and the Flu Won

"Sickness shows us what we are"- Latin Proverb

Last Saturday, I went out for my long run.  It was a beautiful day and the run was going pretty good, that is, until mile 10.  I started feeling not very well, so I cut my run short.  I was supposed to run 14 miles, but only got in 11 miles.  I got home, took a shower and over breakfast, I started getting the chills.  I was still in denial.  I was feeling ok, just a little off.  It was cold on the run, perhaps I was just having trouble warming up?

Sunday, I woke up and got in my swim and yoga.  I was still feeling off.  I was going to take it easy for the rest of the day.  Whatever this was, it was going to be a 24-hour virus.  I was convinced.

Thank you X-t for sharing the flu.

But alas, it was not.  Monday, I woke up to the full-blown flu.  Body aches, chills and just overall malaise made for a long day.  I felt nasty.  So nasty that I didn't run or practice yoga, but it didn't stop me from not going to work.  

By Thursday, I was over the body aches and chills and had acquired the hacking cough, runny nose and sore throat.  I also lost my voice.  Today, I still feel awful.

This has really thrown a wrench into training.  This is what this week's training looked like:

Monday: Sick

Tuesday: Sick

Wednesday: An attempt of a 5-mile run that resulted in a 2-mile run. Stupid.

Thursday: Sick

Friday: Sick

What is a girl to do?  I have taken this 'opportunity' to heal myself and rededicate myself to training. I am hitting the reset button.  My plan is to resume where I left off with my training when I feel better.  

The lesson of this whole flu debacle is to not give up training.  Yes, it is a setback.  Adversities such as illness, injury or other responsibilites that cut into training serve a purpose.  The purpose is not to give up.  Nothing is easy and nothing is perfect, which also applies to training.  And, by the way, race day is never perfect either!  These challenges help you adjust to the conditions that you are given- great practice for race day.  At least this is what I am telling myself...

Training Update

"I will beat my ass today to kick yours tomorrow-IWBMATTKYT"- The Sufferfest

This is this year's training mantra...

Hello!

I know it has been awhile- my apologies.  Since my last blog post, I have completed the Tour of Sufferlandia.

A 9 day Sufferfest of bike training videos

During this time, I also maintained training for the Kentucky Derby Marathon.

April 27th!

Even though I should be proud of myself, I don't feel that way.  "So what?  There are people out there who are faster and stronger than I am."  It is a terrible mindset- I shouldn't compare myself to others.  I should compare myself to myself!  I haven't trained so hard in all of my life.

During the tour, this is what training looked like:

Monday:  AM Speed work, Sufferfest and PM Yoga

Tuesday: Sufferfest

Wednesday: AM Run and PM Sufferfest

Thursday: Sufferfest

Friday: AM Swim, Sufferfest, Yoga

Saturday: AM Long run then Sufferfest 

Sunday: AM Sufferfest, Swim and Yoga

I completely burned myself out.  I was running slower, my legs felt like rubber bands and I was cranky.  I had a long talk with myself.  "This is stupid," I said to myself.  "I am working out all of the time and not gaining anything".  

I took a long look at my schedule and modified my training.  Here is my "new and improved" training program from this week:

Monday: AM Speed work and PM Yoga

Tuesday: Sufferfest

Wednesday: AM Run and PM Training to Tri (I didn't go this week- I had a board meeting for work)

Thursday: Sufferfest

Friday: Yoga

Saturday: Long Run

Sunday: Swim and Yoga

I dropped the swim on Friday morning.  I feel really guilty about that because swimming is one of my favorite activities along with practicing yoga.  Logically, I know I need the rest and should be enjoying my 'sleep-in' day, but today I woke up all nervous and jittery that I wasn't at the gym working out at the crack of dawn.  Why am I putting myself under all of this pressure?  Isn't this supposed to be fun and enjoyable?  Isn't this my hobby?

Perhaps 'Beating my ass today to kick yours tomorrow' shouldn't be my mantra.  Perhaps this year's mantra should be 'Train hard, do your best, enjoy the process'.  It just doesn't sound as badass as the Sufferfest mantra.

Weighing In

“In two decades I've lost a total of 789 pounds. I should be hanging from a charm bracelet.”

 - Erma Bombeck

The Enemy.

Hello Dear Readers-

Yes, I did it.  I stepped on the scale Friday.  I shouldn't have done it.  I am the heaviest I have ever been.  You know what?  I don't care any more.  

I eat healthfully.  I track every morsel of food that goes into my pie-hole.  I eat a mostly vegetarian diet.  I drink two glasses of wine every night and I am not going to stop because I enjoy it.  

I exercise every day.  Here is last week's routine:

Monday: Yoga

Tuesday: Speed work 8x400s with a mile warm up and a mile cool-down

Wednesday: Training to Tri- swim and bike

Thursday: Run 4 miles, Sufferfest Climb

Friday: Swim 1800 yds., yoga

Saturday: Run 10 miles

Sunday: Swim 2100 yds., yoga

I started training from the Kentucky Derby Marathon last week. 

April 27th- my 13th Marathon!  

I finally came to the realization that I would rather be healthy and be able to complete marathons and triathlons, than to worry about a stupid number on a scale.  I am TRUSTING my body to tell me what fuel is going to power me.  By the way, BBQ doesn't work well with speed work.  I learned that lesson last Tuesday.  

Life is too short.  Enjoy moving your body, exercising your mind, fueling your body and playing with friends. 

Changing subjects...

I finished by 40-day headstand challenge.  I am enjoying it so much that I have decided to extend it to a 100 days. 

One of the many photos with Bakon.  More Bakon headstand photos to come- promise!

For me the headstand is meditation.  It gives me time to quiet my mind and focus on my breath.  I must stay present otherwise I will fall over!  My goal for the 100-day challenge is to do a headstand in the middle of the room.  I have to tell you that I have never been one to practice yoga at home, only in a class.  This experience has really helped me discover a self practice with yoga.  

Until next week...do something you enjoy.  You deserve it.