tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80363873860352502152024-03-13T00:26:38.581-04:00Steph's 100 Marathon ChallengeCompleting 50 Marathons in 50 states in 2 years was nothing compared to motherhood. 10 year, 3 babies, 2 job changes, a move to the burbs... and this mama is craving her old running challenges. Follow as I work toward 100 marathons before 40 and find new adventures in running, motherhood, baking and more.Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-82733854371315780742024-01-13T10:27:00.123-05:002024-01-13T14:22:11.165-05:00Magellan Marathon #98<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFa-SB8cdqtk4JW1j23m_vgRjCqZrNlEiQirr-SR59LwSz3tGFrgHi3HUtLEI5O9BSBlqDFGiPi_LiGzuhvVDbRfyEIWEyD82mPhbaR8TaTQosR9Coe_LSkndoM8kBKdNlaDOPEKP_eKUe8Eh6bDSuzQ7DZpzPT5C43QYK_jbKA5ntzn1NtIrr7qu_aR0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3696" data-original-width="2456" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFa-SB8cdqtk4JW1j23m_vgRjCqZrNlEiQirr-SR59LwSz3tGFrgHi3HUtLEI5O9BSBlqDFGiPi_LiGzuhvVDbRfyEIWEyD82mPhbaR8TaTQosR9Coe_LSkndoM8kBKdNlaDOPEKP_eKUe8Eh6bDSuzQ7DZpzPT5C43QYK_jbKA5ntzn1NtIrr7qu_aR0" width="159" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#99 Dopey Challenge</td></tr></tbody></table>Getting caught up in my post race summaries! Last week I completed the Dopey Challenge in Disney World for #99, including a 5k, 10k, half marathon and full Marathon. Lots more on that with a full post race summary and some RunDisney tips, coming soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But I’ve had a LOT of questions on the SURPRISE 98th marathon I ran in Chile just 2 days after Antarctica. So, here goes: </div><div><br /></div>These (below) are my people! These are the runners that ran the Antarctic Ice Marathon, took a flight the next day that landed at 5am, got a few hours of sleep and then said “YES!” when asked if they wanted to knock out another marathon continent (cause why not?). PS I need more friend like this … if this is something you would do, let’s chat and do some crazy things together. <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdLfKDw4qMDKEHFh86udkLR8WscGRbkcIDUX7lVebxs5fzl4lKTGlPKPeyuWUUZWzlYQNLHRSs4D8phHVemwwfNr9I5tkFEX4t2sZZ5BNTtcbR3Rw-6A45dE2srFgSfd6kCn-fz_pY3r4UdQftlA79GgYTpweBXPHoF8XeKPdwXh7elCb4mENM-W_D7K4" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2480" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdLfKDw4qMDKEHFh86udkLR8WscGRbkcIDUX7lVebxs5fzl4lKTGlPKPeyuWUUZWzlYQNLHRSs4D8phHVemwwfNr9I5tkFEX4t2sZZ5BNTtcbR3Rw-6A45dE2srFgSfd6kCn-fz_pY3r4UdQftlA79GgYTpweBXPHoF8XeKPdwXh7elCb4mENM-W_D7K4" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The day after Antarctica was a blur. The logistics company was waiting for good weather to bring in a plane… and waiting… and waiting… and waiting . Around 10pm we headed to the ice runway in groups and started boarding. By the time we landed back in Chile, board the buses for the hotel and got back is was 5am. There was a<strike> threat </strike>option out there to run another race IF we were back in time. As we waited I thought to myself “surely the race is off”. Turns out, it wasn’t…</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Another 26.2 miles. Another continent. Why the heck not? </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Straight of Magellan Marathon #98</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVvr1WEPR3OHRxjoI9qRaL3t6CTns7Gct5TzW4fYGfV5hr40fUfcBVzq4nNtJ9QgZai-uzj3AbbCx_2ZB7DmV8Li9NP0bIbgPH2AH60B9YppxUKIviz63EkrejgzJLHBWtcX-wCOotKcGgYphe6frjiBHPMvS0OUlOzPWSKq3wB_TLi9fdNE15nk3oxAE" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2480" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVvr1WEPR3OHRxjoI9qRaL3t6CTns7Gct5TzW4fYGfV5hr40fUfcBVzq4nNtJ9QgZai-uzj3AbbCx_2ZB7DmV8Li9NP0bIbgPH2AH60B9YppxUKIviz63EkrejgzJLHBWtcX-wCOotKcGgYphe6frjiBHPMvS0OUlOzPWSKq3wB_TLi9fdNE15nk3oxAE" width="320" /></a>This race is created primarily for the Antarctica Marathoners if they want to get another continent in while traveling. It’s also not guaranteed and (similar to Antarctica) its timing is subject to quite a few factors, including flights and sleep. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The course is run on a running / biking path along the Straight of Magellan waterfront in 8 out and back loops. So that’s about a 5k+ for each loop. Its pretty flat with little grades here and there. For my tired legs, this was appreciated. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJVPzuc8ZtGVMALrviqDo0MZpoFFPKhXNuSXonZraTbDMMbwQnmzE2iVPAXz51mNQx52wOhK0UzwC6gQzX_WGYteQG8LiQ7MRX2TI5LH4aMbOv4DuUqhpXjb-HKFFfiLWa-FNHdkwArTOTjAZJIsRt59F2olOiNqHdw2qcdGXetngT141LI-nOmeBixJ4" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2480" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJVPzuc8ZtGVMALrviqDo0MZpoFFPKhXNuSXonZraTbDMMbwQnmzE2iVPAXz51mNQx52wOhK0UzwC6gQzX_WGYteQG8LiQ7MRX2TI5LH4aMbOv4DuUqhpXjb-HKFFfiLWa-FNHdkwArTOTjAZJIsRt59F2olOiNqHdw2qcdGXetngT141LI-nOmeBixJ4=w320-h213" title="Ted Jackson - Race Fun Czar and Social Media" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted Jackson - Race Czar o' Fun & Social Media</td></tr></tbody></table>Just like the Antarctica marathon, the race crew was there in full force. Race directors, photographers, coordinators and yes, Mr Ted doing all the live social media updates and generally keeping us in good spirits as we approached 52+ miles in 3 days. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As were many of the other Antarctica marathoners that are clearly more mentally stable than we were that morning. They came out for 4+ hours and walked, cheered and gave us a good breakup of each 5k. Very thankful for our new friends that are so supportive </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>Loops 1-4. The solid road with traction was AH-MAZING after a marathon on snow and ice. My feet took off and forgot that the rest of my body was in “recovery and churro” mode…. Including my GI track. 8:15 pace for the first 2 loops? My body: “GIRL, you crazy…. Let’s 💩”</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkwkG5_OFL5QsoPlR4-t8011gk16i2H0L-I7afOkMxRsqryDdMneqxxP_sWVf537MwPsKYdHEtfbWi9vtL5Og8Nd6vmcjqFI6zE5zME2LwpuVvkyvrnXp_JqvlCs6EnLy7FZED5ZP5czwvZADV06JiuqWSDMPct7cwKf-I6uruWoCCvDP1CJNjPw57ydU" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2480" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkwkG5_OFL5QsoPlR4-t8011gk16i2H0L-I7afOkMxRsqryDdMneqxxP_sWVf537MwPsKYdHEtfbWi9vtL5Og8Nd6vmcjqFI6zE5zME2LwpuVvkyvrnXp_JqvlCs6EnLy7FZED5ZP5czwvZADV06JiuqWSDMPct7cwKf-I6uruWoCCvDP1CJNjPw57ydU" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runners and Running friends spectating</td></tr></tbody></table>My GI had shut DOWN after Antarctica. If you are a trail runner or have done a very mountainous marathon, you know the post run burn. All those stability muscles that haven’t been trained as much as your core leg muscles got an extreme workout and want recovery. Lifters- you know that post workout hunger after a hard leg day? Yeah multiply that by 20! That’s how I ate for the 40 hours following Marathon #97 and leading up to #98. I was FULL. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to stop 3 times in just the first half of the race. By the third time, standing up after 35+ miles in just 2 days, my legs were locking up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The last 13 miles was a PUSH. My legs were locking up. My muscles were screaming. I was EXHAUSTED. The last 13 miles were pure mental. But this is why I like challenges. It’s a chance for your head to tell your body “you’re wrong… you can do more than this.” </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgqNS6xmDBch1zshD2oKw4pBHHCEJcH0L20LzvvOppGtUSXUX21FK0NUc6BV-m2I7cLtfrVWoDWcxkmSg3B3wvHTbinFKXPi25XihYcLAEV5vqA1qzioQITa8fsBRGHad3yyGYyzidCotHBe_IZdrAjTnODRfVt7ioXpld_b6Xe47oCeXrSbJN1Zqsvf8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2480" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgqNS6xmDBch1zshD2oKw4pBHHCEJcH0L20LzvvOppGtUSXUX21FK0NUc6BV-m2I7cLtfrVWoDWcxkmSg3B3wvHTbinFKXPi25XihYcLAEV5vqA1qzioQITa8fsBRGHad3yyGYyzidCotHBe_IZdrAjTnODRfVt7ioXpld_b6Xe47oCeXrSbJN1Zqsvf8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEFY74u0LIWqAY2Ka5IRfmVK1IsxfR6RTUT-uwenKPLr79Q0he6Ba71EmNKQcdq0xUfzvcwFvaFxht6vW3mCLxh0A3SQJe-PGLYvxxWO_eZ0mORJ5a-8V8v4XeKG62QWaiWxglpnTk1uYhD-DDME2yjXsni8Evus-RnbzuMi4eH-BO7946o8a7yFnNY_Y" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="629" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEFY74u0LIWqAY2Ka5IRfmVK1IsxfR6RTUT-uwenKPLr79Q0he6Ba71EmNKQcdq0xUfzvcwFvaFxht6vW3mCLxh0A3SQJe-PGLYvxxWO_eZ0mORJ5a-8V8v4XeKG62QWaiWxglpnTk1uYhD-DDME2yjXsni8Evus-RnbzuMi4eH-BO7946o8a7yFnNY_Y" width="180" /></a></div>Finishing a little over 4 hours and an hour faster than my Antarctica Marathon as the first woman in the 2024 Magellan marathon. I JUMPED into the extremely cold ocean to get some much needed leg recovery. Then myself and several other runners hobbled uphill to my favorite place in the entire world… the Christmas Chocolate Store called Chocolatta for much deserved Churros and coffee. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj62-N217LJwAT5nHAF80utx72kT3B33T02pP6OyQKlcUL89fb5TELbw8NiMTMPUxpJfqMgZ3UxXr8-2Qtez7eOBn_PRFFZ3LKC40ieoIGetZSqXMczW9CH4lvVPjpUHpYvr5y51GkeafXxJ6czrhZmbNaFI18FfvjXj6dYhM1nO7HOYN2BzmUWTNK_u7A" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="629" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj62-N217LJwAT5nHAF80utx72kT3B33T02pP6OyQKlcUL89fb5TELbw8NiMTMPUxpJfqMgZ3UxXr8-2Qtez7eOBn_PRFFZ3LKC40ieoIGetZSqXMczW9CH4lvVPjpUHpYvr5y51GkeafXxJ6czrhZmbNaFI18FfvjXj6dYhM1nO7HOYN2BzmUWTNK_u7A" width="180" /></a></div>Shortly after Churros I took a shower and discovered that I was SUNBURNED! As in... the worst sunburn I've EVER had in my LIFE. Note: It was like 40's-50's while we were running. It's such an odd concept that the wind can cool you down so much, yet the sun is SO close and hot that you don't feel it sneaking up on you. The same goes for Antarctica. We were warned to NEVER go outside without sunglasses (just 30 min could cause snow blindness) and the sun (and sun reflection off the snow) was incredibly powerful. Dispite putting SPF 50 on (2X's!!!) I had gotten a little red during antarctica where my goggles didn't cover. Coming back to Chile and running for 4 hours in the middle of the day, certainly didn't help! I was a lobster and would be peeling for a week after. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had planned on Antarctica being 97, Disney being 98, than running the Kentucky Horse Capital Marathon (one of my favs) in the spring before the Flying Pig Marathon at my 100th. This surprise #98 has throw a little wrench in my plans. After finishing Disney, I'm at 99 and CANNOT run another marathon until May. WHATEVER WILL I DO???</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I’ll have to either skip horse capital or run the first 20 or so and just not finish. We shall see! My goals are ever evolving. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More soon</div><div style="text-align: left;">Stephanie </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03455854800321433918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-36615220437708875592023-12-22T22:01:00.188-05:002023-12-22T23:11:10.454-05:00Antarctica Ice Marathon <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1JNDxvPUXSshoTDc2rqR1WqoziH-zPb6g" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1JNDxvPUXSshoTDc2rqR1WqoziH-zPb6g" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" title="Runners at the Antarctic Ice Marathon" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;">The Antarctic Ice Marathon was completed on the original planned date December 13, 2023. With the flight and running plans being so dependent on the weather systems to and from the most southern Continent, the fact that the race and travel dates went as planned was miraculous. This was also my biggest fear.. if a bad weather system came through and I would either be forced to miss the race or (worse) have gotten stuck in Antarctica and was racing to get home. If you know me and my Christmas obsession, the fear of missing Christmas is very real. Don’t worry… I made sure to bring some Christmas spirit with me.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1nuLQYH9ZeNHIarOybIwFbeSnKRJcp9CK" height="133" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1nuLQYH9ZeNHIarOybIwFbeSnKRJcp9CK" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: auto;" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Location Location Location</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">We landed in Union Glacier, Antarctica on December 12th. As we landed, the view was mesmerizing. It looked like something Elsa came up with. The beauty of looming snow-covered mountains coming out of a vast ice land was indescribable. Remember, most of the continent is covered in glaciers, so we literally land on a “runway” made of ice. If it wasn’t the most beautiful landing in the world I would have been terrified.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1L1ikLzsnPvsQMuJ7R10m1AgijgV6pQwU" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1L1ikLzsnPvsQMuJ7R10m1AgijgV6pQwU" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Jel0U1miGcPynB7aBwmMBJbRp87zXtV2" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Jel0U1miGcPynB7aBwmMBJbRp87zXtV2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: auto;" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After a short ride over to base and a tour of the coolest place to stay ever (I’ll be doing a whole post on that later) we geared up for a practice run. The marathon coordinators had us do this for several reasons… having a chance to test our gear in race conditions, getting some awesome photos, and testing out the terrain. It turned out to actually be very HOT (yes I said hot) as the winds were near 0 mph. When the sun is beating down 24 hours a day and there is no wind, it’s actually fairly warm. I ran in just a single layer on top with fleece leggings, no gloves, single socks and was SWEATING in the short run we ran.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1oTkwGEYukpvLhu07EG70e18ccqoGnROR" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1oTkwGEYukpvLhu07EG70e18ccqoGnROR" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1VVSdnunZe-BpMqtpIIWh1znkj5Pk7B7U" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1VVSdnunZe-BpMqtpIIWh1znkj5Pk7B7U" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: auto;" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This test run ended up giving us no indication for what we should wear as the winds shifted greatly overnight, dropping the temps and creating much more difficult footing as the winds swept loose snow and ice over the course…</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Race</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vaDrjA0VA9xCjxn4KrgD3tatRvlm6xfV" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vaDrjA0VA9xCjxn4KrgD3tatRvlm6xfV" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">We awoke to fairly heavy winds gusting against our tents (-30 degrees C). With hopes of them dying down, we planned to start mid day. The race went off but without the relief of calmer winds. It was a little guess work on what to wear. The prior nights conditions were so different and we knew how hot it could get if the winds died down. I think most people took on the layering approach so we had options to remove clothing as we went. I started with my prior night race gear and added: a jacket, a second set of thick gloves, a neck cover and goggles. It turned out to be a little warm depending on which direction we turned, but overall the right call. I never overheated or froze. <img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NK1JCZ26C1Uwpcrr0beYoS5qJAUl9ZgW" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NK1JCZ26C1Uwpcrr0beYoS5qJAUl9ZgW" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=17yRGPCpvIfVEX6Aset-19Q9xzw84_yAw" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=17yRGPCpvIfVEX6Aset-19Q9xzw84_yAw" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: auto;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This gear lasted 3+ miles to the first rest area, where I was able to drop the thicker gloves and neck cover once I warmed up. The race was 4 large loops with a check point halfway. There was electrolyte (WARMED- amazing), water, soft drinks, gels, cookies, pretzels and so much more at both the start and mid-point. So every 3+ miles you could drop and pickup gear (or change your clothes) as well as get anything you needed. With the chill, carrying drinks could freeze. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1KpB-5jFrQSiC4ePM6b8fUlcf8SLyW3SL" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1KpB-5jFrQSiC4ePM6b8fUlcf8SLyW3SL" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let me just say… The race coordinators really thought of absolutely everything. I’ve run 98 marathons and countless races, and I’ve never seen any race carried out with so much precision, thought, and support… the natural complexities of running a race in Antarctica are far more challenging than any I’ve seen, and they really thought of absolutely everything to ensure the runners were SAFE, supported, and ready to finish this race. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Course</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This course is tough, I won’t lie. But isn’t that why we went there? For the challenge? YES. The course was less loop and more hard turns taking you in and out of wind. There were amazing stretches that had great foot traction.. and there were sections that put you head on into the wind or that had rough footing with loose snow and ice blowing over it constantly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was also extremely flat. There were minor grades up and down but nothing compared to most road races. Flat is good for such an ice course but using the same muscle group over and over becomes tough after a while. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cvWAv08iQbJBcabb_T3K-VTkDSwXcbui" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cvWAv08iQbJBcabb_T3K-VTkDSwXcbui" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Loop 1: I’d be lying if I said the voice in my head was kind after loop one. The frustration from <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Footing struggles was real. Seeing your pace drop as you pushed hard against the wind was demoralizing. And 3 more to go was daunting. I also fell into third place for women at this point and felt a little defeated. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1MYknMStwr6btgBRrnATB9PXF34f6Jcby" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1MYknMStwr6btgBRrnATB9PXF34f6Jcby" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Loop 2: rounding into loop 2 I made a conscious decision to run my best race. I had done a lap and knew what to expect. I accepted the tough parts and decided to really push in the easier areas. If there was good footing and/or low winds I PUSHED. In the tougher traction areas, I started doing 1/2 mile pushes and 30 second walks to try and break them up nd give my muscles a break. At the halfway point I was in 3rd for women but I was catching quite a few men with my strategy</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1PkEzyBpG0z311wjhvRFyVvFCoaCftSiM" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1PkEzyBpG0z311wjhvRFyVvFCoaCftSiM" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Loop 3: winds had started picking up in the back part of this loop and more and more footing was blowing away. I came into the start and found out that I had made more progress than I thought… my strategy had brought my very close to first place. Despite the soreness, exhaustion, and frustration, I took off. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1liyTtPIpQv8p7hteBDz-Ao-_IGoHc389" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1liyTtPIpQv8p7hteBDz-Ao-_IGoHc389" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Loop 4: I haven’t been a competitive runner since before kids. I had semi given up on it being a possibility but had hoped that the tough conditions would land in my favor. With the potential to prove something to myself (I can still do hard things even though I’m a mom) I set out to leave everything on the table…. And IT HURT. The conditions were deteriorating as was our footing. But I had a chance to prove so much to myself. The last 5-6 miles of marathons has been a struggle since I came out of retirement. To win this race, that wasn’t an option. I pushed my pace on the good terrain and leaned into the wind in the tough spots…</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1p0nCQ2mPg5bk1cQ8ypxlqPTC6gSfevBT" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1p0nCQ2mPg5bk1cQ8ypxlqPTC6gSfevBT" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1mQM55hhGvG_-n3cG1yG5CGZaQklC4Ccb" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1mQM55hhGvG_-n3cG1yG5CGZaQklC4Ccb" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pulling through with a very emotional win 🏅 I can honestly say that this is one of my most proud races. Was it my fastest? Not by a long shot! But I found a new level of grit in my post-baby body. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Racers (and crew)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The race, the scenery, the crew, the grit, the challenge- all amazing parts of this race. But what made this experience next level were the people. I should have expected some pretty amazing people when 80 individuals from across the globe said ✅ YES ✅ to 26.2, to an adventure and to a TOUGH course… but this crew set a new bar for me. Such an amazing group of inspiring, resilient, supportive, adventurous souls. Just to share a FEW: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Becca Pizzi:</i> Race Director and international world record holder in some of the toughest endurance challenges. She knows what it means for a race to be GREAT and she (and the rest of the crew) have gone above and beyond to make it happen. You can follow Becca on the next world marathon challenge, where she was the first US woman to complete and the current record holder. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1P00nY5zBX4et2Kiz4kX1dCOGet7oDM5M" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1P00nY5zBX4et2Kiz4kX1dCOGet7oDM5M" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1KGYD0y305i-7U_B2LrbunvmDuMM4uAMC" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1KGYD0y305i-7U_B2LrbunvmDuMM4uAMC" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: auto;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB_lcQLql8Qab5DHgRVKkYtjvl-cuopzHBmbknpLtP6wGfWjnfP5DisoWG9yQKQ48z2tyyBa51gwtDz-oTpUCo4cxT6kir6lmj1Vsm3JWv9krE-Mp0YLTdRucoRv7m93prjgN51heKnnWsj9UeVk8iumylfYqudDMVMVOtAV9m-iG3xWc0TXIh97swp0E" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB_lcQLql8Qab5DHgRVKkYtjvl-cuopzHBmbknpLtP6wGfWjnfP5DisoWG9yQKQ48z2tyyBa51gwtDz-oTpUCo4cxT6kir6lmj1Vsm3JWv9krE-Mp0YLTdRucoRv7m93prjgN51heKnnWsj9UeVk8iumylfYqudDMVMVOtAV9m-iG3xWc0TXIh97swp0E" width="320" /></a><i>Sagi Rotem</i>: Sagi is from Israel & with the current conflict going on, Sagi made a point to use the marathon as a platform to remind people that the conflict is just that... current. He ran with a photo of an Israeli prisoner to remind us all that there are still people being held. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifhTDrwMJrvjeFUX2GAY0ttSXnSraVnNJsbS_N6Y17mwUoXoTA9cB4veBn-dIr4VtcqTX-j5fD_uhYC7Tb011SbK2vdhBjhpDm8WDbPDXLpY0qKyhuSRr_imlBEwJS6ZqSqRygJ62XJdToG7ax5O2Va-ZUpV5QnhcJXY7hSTMCL_e1J4_TfXxg-aYjC-U" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifhTDrwMJrvjeFUX2GAY0ttSXnSraVnNJsbS_N6Y17mwUoXoTA9cB4veBn-dIr4VtcqTX-j5fD_uhYC7Tb011SbK2vdhBjhpDm8WDbPDXLpY0qKyhuSRr_imlBEwJS6ZqSqRygJ62XJdToG7ax5O2Va-ZUpV5QnhcJXY7hSTMCL_e1J4_TfXxg-aYjC-U=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Sarah Hoyt:</i> US Army officer, West Point grad, ultra endurance athlete, and overall badass... also the tent-mate to one Stephanie Estridge during this Antarctic Ice Marathon</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg48oWJHAa2Guw09HO6skXdKiKDExaoXfR9KdttJ9QonoMjiQwODGyw2bZqpe6-P-0ic-eQtpYT8b-PQ7tArX4C2Zw15ceWQPQphlgIqeTGy1EQCDFc5ifKLZaWHYb9dMHuYJwB77SMG4EBLYjiQ1xnR9cwPXKW7CnNvuSQvqqJ5_NQ5KSQms1FNoSaaEg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2480" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg48oWJHAa2Guw09HO6skXdKiKDExaoXfR9KdttJ9QonoMjiQwODGyw2bZqpe6-P-0ic-eQtpYT8b-PQ7tArX4C2Zw15ceWQPQphlgIqeTGy1EQCDFc5ifKLZaWHYb9dMHuYJwB77SMG4EBLYjiQ1xnR9cwPXKW7CnNvuSQvqqJ5_NQ5KSQms1FNoSaaEg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitFCvQOE7J4Z7VJVQWmh2dT9hgyul-1WV4B6nDMVbYjLrnoY05HeUoYt65YOLnHiGtiC3SMj-e_SOarTKkFeKb9pD_GyTda1jVisKUJe8LZ2URkgtIdhFEY5f3vpAluNbThtvXgbXRU25bOx92FK9LsjGMrHX0Ht8tXckYVc3ApyHZ7FmU_egLzxEBGNY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitFCvQOE7J4Z7VJVQWmh2dT9hgyul-1WV4B6nDMVbYjLrnoY05HeUoYt65YOLnHiGtiC3SMj-e_SOarTKkFeKb9pD_GyTda1jVisKUJe8LZ2URkgtIdhFEY5f3vpAluNbThtvXgbXRU25bOx92FK9LsjGMrHX0Ht8tXckYVc3ApyHZ7FmU_egLzxEBGNY" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><i>Kunal Bhardwaj</i>: As of the Ice Marathon, Kunal became the first gay to complete a marathon on all 7 continents.... and using this experience as a platform to remind people that in India, same-sex marriage is not recognized. Aside from this, Kunal is one of my most favorite people from the trip. He's sweet, interesting, worldly, FUN... and willing to split a 1,000 layer cake with me :) I cannot wait to plan a future marathon adventure with Kunal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1959f3FI-DTaz217dWDF4xIUiIQ5OsQ1x" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1959f3FI-DTaz217dWDF4xIUiIQ5OsQ1x" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: auto;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Michael Higgins: </i>WINNER of the Antarctic Ice Marathon!! Also a parent of 3 little guys at home. We took home the gold for the US in the mens and womens divisions. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1OxtbZZBe6R2QpgGb1sDw4tzUri3jt5LK" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1OxtbZZBe6R2QpgGb1sDw4tzUri3jt5LK" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: auto;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLzNFvbpXRVOLYbW8PpCRca9fJsR4424pZrQ1z6Brmy0oy9rNnh8SrT2rTXhCCSGatToAVDbqCLMyTcbJyRU9cGQfylzfCApwEYvYO2buDu1xSlZ2S76BbvjUEeCZimsTp3zyPEHBQvJcIlKIYen2_wqV5Rs77e1ScS6ujydJWMxdcBEJx7a5IS_eEDaM" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLzNFvbpXRVOLYbW8PpCRca9fJsR4424pZrQ1z6Brmy0oy9rNnh8SrT2rTXhCCSGatToAVDbqCLMyTcbJyRU9cGQfylzfCApwEYvYO2buDu1xSlZ2S76BbvjUEeCZimsTp3zyPEHBQvJcIlKIYen2_wqV5Rs77e1ScS6ujydJWMxdcBEJx7a5IS_eEDaM=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div><i>The Texas Guys - Rick, Peter, Judson, and Chip</i> (not picture) are #friendshipgoals. All in their 60's, they rope each other into these crazy ideas and apparently have been doing it for a while. At the dinner before we left for the race, they were already discussing an idea to go swimming with great white sharks. I need to find friends like them STAT. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(below) Left to Right: <i>Myself, Kavitha Reddy</i> (Competitive marathoner in India), <i>Mike, Kunal, Scot Buell</i> (in his 60's and was SECOND overall. Marathon majors & 7 continents club finisher, adventure seeker and overall SERIOUS bad ass), <i>Sagi</i>, and <i>Daniel Beck</i> (became a 7 continents finisher 2 days later at the marathon in South America, mountain climber, and overall adventure seeker!). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=11WyFnL-Trl9RqOmXgmc42bJqUGvHJhOS" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=11WyFnL-Trl9RqOmXgmc42bJqUGvHJhOS" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: auto;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Ted Jackson:</i> Ted has had more endurance accomplishments than I could imagine completing in a lifetime. As part of our race crew he brought an exceptional level of: inspiration, entertainment, and LIFE. There are quite a few articles and videos on him, but definitely check out this one: </div><div style="text-align: left;">https://vimeo.com/176409763</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLFk6oB3vqrjq2h6ssPYMyDnte9QtRcpC_g47FhE6vaXHFpYwnoOqH79HK-h7QfSRbJuWEqyS2gq0ewEE8paLhJGRQ-3w5a3vWnvtu5j6pNLeFVE1drG4lbu0Bscee-y_q-UA7RSlD1xzk1Q8In5hdiSoQg6QCgfVb1dODmtMOItv0MNd_MfVcjCAJhU0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLFk6oB3vqrjq2h6ssPYMyDnte9QtRcpC_g47FhE6vaXHFpYwnoOqH79HK-h7QfSRbJuWEqyS2gq0ewEE8paLhJGRQ-3w5a3vWnvtu5j6pNLeFVE1drG4lbu0Bscee-y_q-UA7RSlD1xzk1Q8In5hdiSoQg6QCgfVb1dODmtMOItv0MNd_MfVcjCAJhU0=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall Results:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGG1wVraU-TYix9rzI1oq8wo8cvVsCL2owf1TJG_ZYYulABgU_3jaN_YRzhboq6BNb1-l0jpRLL-9bx8TpJ3C3D6SIc1AKITomizzIzte71seQdKjW7RodQLLv80ewbhOUxCiRPucGxzWfvaVU3e6jmrw_1E97mW8QQE0Y5Csmsq702JDME70UlSKjQ5k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="951" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGG1wVraU-TYix9rzI1oq8wo8cvVsCL2owf1TJG_ZYYulABgU_3jaN_YRzhboq6BNb1-l0jpRLL-9bx8TpJ3C3D6SIc1AKITomizzIzte71seQdKjW7RodQLLv80ewbhOUxCiRPucGxzWfvaVU3e6jmrw_1E97mW8QQE0Y5Csmsq702JDME70UlSKjQ5k" width="320" /></a></div><br />So much more to write about... not the least of all being ANOTHER MARATHON... yes, a surprise marathon #98 and completion of South America. More on that, Union Glacier, and more in upcoming posts. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also... what's next? Hopefully an even bigger adventure!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Keep Running</div><div style="text-align: left;">Stephanie </div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03455854800321433918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-43259485820564674082023-12-11T04:03:00.003-05:002023-12-11T04:03:51.935-05:00Day 2: Debrief, Dinners and Jet lag!<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; clear: left; display: inline; float: left; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyxs-M7q9lh-YIOl2XD6VJCpV2_EoaKRWZ3d_XNz3iPBI6AtuK4Nbk9PwUW3o0rIZNU98CeUsuSaEypODPhXggH284W_tFIvKCVMgimBWfbi7HEOncMx6ywwTsR0zbnVJNR7ZCn2-y_oxwcsIbVzrOfZOIsndQ8-NtCDQVtYyKiOuxpoKecDQzgDdNOWQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyxs-M7q9lh-YIOl2XD6VJCpV2_EoaKRWZ3d_XNz3iPBI6AtuK4Nbk9PwUW3o0rIZNU98CeUsuSaEypODPhXggH284W_tFIvKCVMgimBWfbi7HEOncMx6ywwTsR0zbnVJNR7ZCn2-y_oxwcsIbVzrOfZOIsndQ8-NtCDQVtYyKiOuxpoKecDQzgDdNOWQ" width="171" /></a></div>Day 2 in Punta Arenas is in the books as we get closer to race day. Fun facts: Sunday is considered a holiday to Chileans and everything is completely shut down- EVERYTHING. Except of course the magical Christmas Chocolate shop that I want to kidnap. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;">I still managed to find some wonderful places to eat and found 2 other very nice runner friends to share a dinner with. Sagi from Israel and Daniel from Denmark. I’m always in awe at how friendly runners are both in the race and outside. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;"><b>De-Brief</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbugCuigksLWORBK8lWZ_rppBuj8JfA8k8xxeNcXrBQweY5KufDyrJMNYmcN9xlDEjN4zZMlrKMBH6hn9JcHl8fqwFR2a99T5dy9tD4rTxUAz-WWQrdi9ay7CUmvxWJbCt__Y0xAUAhSfILws2pspqJh5hGkhqYs5hl-Ok3z6E6wlFeKXBR6gXB-uc13U" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbugCuigksLWORBK8lWZ_rppBuj8JfA8k8xxeNcXrBQweY5KufDyrJMNYmcN9xlDEjN4zZMlrKMBH6hn9JcHl8fqwFR2a99T5dy9tD4rTxUAz-WWQrdi9ay7CUmvxWJbCt__Y0xAUAhSfILws2pspqJh5hGkhqYs5hl-Ok3z6E6wlFeKXBR6gXB-uc13U" width="320" /></a></div>We had our debrief tonight, which is the first time (near) all of the runners got together. I say “near” because there are people living at the base camp that will be participating this year! We will not meet them until we get to camp. During the debrief race director Becca Pizzi shared tons of logistical and race info for us. Becca is not only the reigning winner of the women’s race, but she has won the world marathon challenge (7 marathons, in 7 continents in 7 days) several times! Crazy right?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ajz9vzkuGpfAZWm4X1rsE7v4LM85O1N-" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ajz9vzkuGpfAZWm4X1rsE7v4LM85O1N-" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Next steps for the race:</span><p></p><ul><li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Monday 12/11 we are to check our checked luggage in and get our boarding passes for the private plane that is waiting on standby</span></li><li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Monday evening there will be a review of the weather by the pilots to determine if and when we will leave on Wednesday! </span></li></ul><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Trying to pack all of the things, but keep enough behind in case the plane isn’t leaving on Wednesday was a bit of a stressful situation but I grabbed a brownie from the hotel kitchen and muddled through. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">There is a logistics group here that organizes these types of expeditions regularly (flight included). They know the right safety precautions and prepare us for waiting if need be. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><b>Jet Lag</b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">It is BRIGHT out until near 11pm and the sun is back up before 5am. It is throwing my entire body off. I cannot sleep but I’m so tired. It will only get worse when we are in Antarctica and there is 24 hours of sunlight 😬 so today I’m determined to get a long nap in! Maybe I need to back off on the kick-you-in-your-soul coffee I’ve been sucking down. One of the biggest challenges to long distance running is sleep deprivation. I can feel when my body hasn’t had enough rest- it results in a much greater exertion level for the same speed. Given the underfoot conditions of the race, I’ll need all the energy I can get </span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><b>Fun Facts RE Punta Arenas and Antarctica </b></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcg9gtsJzU-IciW3BYJgbBEUWDUgJIaMboNNlNjdeKLBWa60y285Wda87CQwIptFIruS2NNUH-qOiHSdw4TY5giUdVXJo4pzWeS_aWnfIkv5hnU2qQd6A4ODffHBGb7u8Tioxr9V3v67PvOAjFd8UP1IFddwm0ldjdZ9YHyxeD0epDtGCrImKC2WA2Dnc" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcg9gtsJzU-IciW3BYJgbBEUWDUgJIaMboNNlNjdeKLBWa60y285Wda87CQwIptFIruS2NNUH-qOiHSdw4TY5giUdVXJo4pzWeS_aWnfIkv5hnU2qQd6A4ODffHBGb7u8Tioxr9V3v67PvOAjFd8UP1IFddwm0ldjdZ9YHyxeD0epDtGCrImKC2WA2Dnc" width="180" /></a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia3t07JUFIilT7O-M5iwnjthR7vY6I9dUVYMCbaZAH03Mp5FkEEqclaralACCt1DV7QKT90QH0ZepH9C4YnSz-eOBqxTFjMmq9rqWCnqCRw126xhSNC6B4qdEMrW7dLXXWf9sUS8hiDEbhi-LGsH1T2rREQ_aZXXIHkNum7QkqfL8xfhsYdzKtCXBgvic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia3t07JUFIilT7O-M5iwnjthR7vY6I9dUVYMCbaZAH03Mp5FkEEqclaralACCt1DV7QKT90QH0ZepH9C4YnSz-eOBqxTFjMmq9rqWCnqCRw126xhSNC6B4qdEMrW7dLXXWf9sUS8hiDEbhi-LGsH1T2rREQ_aZXXIHkNum7QkqfL8xfhsYdzKtCXBgvic" width="180" /></a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;"><b></b></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;">Everything is named after Ferdinand Magellan in this area due to being right on the Strait of Magellan which is a natural passage between the Atlantic and pacific oceans. Why am I kissing the toe of this statue (which by the way is NOT Magellans toe- he is at the top- but is the toe of an aborigine who is hanging out)? It is supposed to be good luck for a safe return. I would very much like to return from Antarctica safely, so I stuck my lips on this very coppery (likely) germ infested to<b>e.</b><b><br /></b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;"><b>ANTARCTICA IS A DESERT</b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1UKv8qrp9VgpMrrK6YJyRj0iMNjOat-J3" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1UKv8qrp9VgpMrrK6YJyRj0iMNjOat-J3" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-align: left; width: auto;" />For those in the back, I repeat louder- Antarctica is, in fact, a polar dessert. Let’s break this down. It has such little actualy precipitation that it is considered a dessert. It is also extremely DRY (very little moisture in the air). </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;">But wait “it has snow!” Is what you’re saying… yes it does but it rarely actually snows (even in winter). The snow BLOWS from extreme winds, but it’s so cold year round that it’s not like the summer months can even make a dent in the ice/snow that is there. It is made up of ice sheets that develop over years and years. No snow melts.. no snowfall is needed. Mind literally blown by this today! </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;">That’s it for day 2. Day 3 is all about hurrying to wait. Getting all the luggage delivered and then RESTING while we wait to hear the weather report tonight! </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-align: left;">Stephanie </span><p></p><p></p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03455854800321433918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-78475307506713769922023-12-09T20:33:00.000-05:002023-12-09T20:35:41.743-05:00Arrived and Eating My Way Through Punta Arenas<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1FAsEGHN_qf3AOY9rlh9_4l2N9z7bUKYD" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1FAsEGHN_qf3AOY9rlh9_4l2N9z7bUKYD" style="font-size: 12pt; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;">16 flight hours, 3 planes, 2 layerovers, 1 customs stop and a partridge in a pear tree… and we are here in Punta Arenas, Chile!</span></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I arrived at the hotel the rooms had not turned over yet so I sought out some kick-you-in-<span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">your-soul coffee ☕️and went exploring the city. 24 hours of traveling with very little sleep left much to be appreciate in my ability to summon up any Spanish. I repeatedly told people “thank you in Greek and French. The whole of Patagonia probably thinks I’m a little loco. I found comfort in a dessert restaurant. Yes, people go to these places to get full desserts and coffee and I may move here forever. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1E_abIFvO9E1SPP3gaRD6MebMsjl4zXQm" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1E_abIFvO9E1SPP3gaRD6MebMsjl4zXQm" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1axmi0chtd6y0jlSffybMIc5-kZu_474C" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1axmi0chtd6y0jlSffybMIc5-kZu_474C" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div>In fact, I’ve used my recent baking exploits as a reason to “sample” many desserts already… for “research purposes”. The FOOD in this small city is an out of body experience. Even the simple foods are BEYOND anything you can find in the states. The chocolate tiramisu is from an amazing restaurant called Specechless Patagonia. If you ever visit, make this a stop and absolutely order the traditional Milcaos! They are these little potato bread things and I can’t explain why they are so good… just trust me 🤯</div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>About Punta Arenas</b></div><div>Besides the food, this city is known as the gateway to Antarctica as it sits at the southern tip of South America and Chile. Many expeditions run through here and the city thrives in their summer months on tourists making their way down to the southern continent. It is summer here and in the high 40s / low 50s</div><div><br></div><div>The primary language is Spanish… not Greek or French 🤦♀️ It seems to be a very quiet area with little traffic (car or foot) and about 18 hours of daylight right now. </div><div><br></div><div><b>What’s Next?</b></div><p></p><ul><li>Gear check - tomorrow morning </li><li>Runner Debrief: travel and race info, bibs given out, etc Tomorrow evening</li><li>Update on weather conditions at the debrief to see if we are clear to fly to Antarctica on Tuesday! </li><li>PENGUINS! This area has a colony of penguins and I’m going to find them! </li></ul><div>Before all that ^ I need to run to burn just a fraction of the calories consumed today or I won’t fit in the plane to Antarctica.</div><div><br></div><div>More to come!</div><div>Stephanie </div><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03455854800321433918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-3186964848912561832023-12-07T09:50:00.000-05:002023-12-07T09:55:57.665-05:00It’s getting real…The bags are (almost) packed, trail gear has been tested and this showed up on the Antarctica Ice Marathon Facebook page yesterday. 😬<div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=158T5_mivC3N4B1cxqKiG6OrMHqkMCiya" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=158T5_mivC3N4B1cxqKiG6OrMHqkMCiya" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">This shook my soul a little when I saw it. I haven’t been nervous about a marathon in such a long time but part of me loves the nerves. It means I’m taking on a new challenge and doing something very cool. This is something I haven’t been able to do since I became a mom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">When you become a mom, sometimes you lose a little piece of you (or a big piece). Before kids running, taking on new challenges WAS my life. I’ve been trying to get back to me here and there (learning to bake, taking some Zumba classes) but this is the biggest jump and I’m proud of me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Travel plans and how to stay updated:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">My first plane leaves Cincinnati tomorrow night and I won’t get to Punta Arenas, Chile until Saturday afternoon. Here is the estimated schedule from there:</span><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1k1cNdQ1S-IP_jADj6RkpcOb3OUA3m78J" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1k1cNdQ1S-IP_jADj6RkpcOb3OUA3m78J" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have a de-briefing and gear check on Sunday and then we WAIT. The race director and pilots will be watching the weather to determine the flying conditions. If everything looks good, we fly out on Tuesday. What happens if flying conditions are unfavorable? We wait.. and wait… but fingers crossed that Mother Nature is on our side. I’ve been stalking the weather in Union Glacier, Antarctica and was a little surprised that it didn’t just say “cold… duh.” I’ve also been watching the wind conditions out of Punta Arenas. I have no idea how much wind constitutes “dangerous” vs normal but praying for it to clear. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1nC6zUNseOayZCNMUQ-U4zvH0KZd1Us8g" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1nC6zUNseOayZCNMUQ-U4zvH0KZd1Us8g" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tracking me… sorta</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I travel to Chile and while I’m there, I’ll be posting updates on Instagram (handle: StephEFit) and my Facebook stories. I’ll update when we are clear to fly!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Union Glacier, Antarctica doesn’t have wifi or cellular service (taking book recommendations!!). The race director will be using a satellite phone to call in race updates and results. Somebody on the mainland side will be posting on their Facebook page found here:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticIceMarathon?mibextid=LQQJ4d">https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticIceMarathon?mibextid=LQQJ4d</a><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The course is looped, and based on prior years, they will update as we pass check points. I imagine it will look similar to past maps:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18fEQ0J-ZmD1TUFJuLyyFqqOM2QtwkKdv" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18fEQ0J-ZmD1TUFJuLyyFqqOM2QtwkKdv" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we get closer to the race, I get closer to my fundraising goal supporting Autism Connections in Cincinnati. Please consider supporting me, Mavi, and this great organization. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/AntarcticaMarathonforAutism">https://tinyurl.com/AntarcticaMarathonforAutism</a></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Keep Running!</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Stephanie </span></font></p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03455854800321433918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-15459285472567112842023-11-28T18:30:00.001-05:002023-11-28T18:30:15.615-05:00Surprise … bonus Marathon! <div style="text-align: left;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT97yTXdNEUgqydVo1fvXcaDxnOIN1tGH1A2vOMoh9p7NbGdklS-gpmflbJQm6oD2n-AhvS6xzJFiphhKtnAra8Hvorn88maaocW9ep-E92YUeh3BeSpZeibky_mK2DSVoE5cp3UiVW5FDXCVgeXM7z1GPAlfEmQltewkOh0qqaqd6-mrXMv0eRHzePAE" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT97yTXdNEUgqydVo1fvXcaDxnOIN1tGH1A2vOMoh9p7NbGdklS-gpmflbJQm6oD2n-AhvS6xzJFiphhKtnAra8Hvorn88maaocW9ep-E92YUeh3BeSpZeibky_mK2DSVoE5cp3UiVW5FDXCVgeXM7z1GPAlfEmQltewkOh0qqaqd6-mrXMv0eRHzePAE" width="192" /></a></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #455154; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;"><b>T-15 days until the Antarctica Ice Marathon! This is what’s been going on since my last post:</b></span><p></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="display: inline;"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #455154; display: inline; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">I have run 2 marathons and endless hours of PT as I work through some Achilles pain from calf triggers</span></span></font></span></li><li>In have also run 2 VERY important races; Michaels very first and second 5ks!</li><li><span style="display: inline;"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #455154; display: inline; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">Plus… surprise! I signed up for a trail marathon… for this weekend. </span></span></font></span></li></ul><p></p><p></p></div><div>Only 10 days until I start the 24 hour journey to Punta Arenas, Chile to meet the other runners, debrief and wait on the weather report to see when we are cleared to fly! Is it overwhelming? ABSOLUTELY. Am I excited? Also ABSOLUTELY.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>#94 and #95</b></div><div>Over the past few weeks I completed the Hudson Mohawk Marathon (NY) and the Louisville Marathon (KY). I was feeling great in NY (running around an 8:10 mile) until mile 20 when I felt my the back of my left ankle lock up completely. Full club foot… so I dragged it for the last 6 miles. I went into the race knowing I had issues with my Achilles but no tears shown during my MRIs. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJmwFFvFj_gGtO3v4KlpJbyrX-n3VpCZ--QvXNHBHRLilfnrSiUAyx8Ev8K8v7l7bu9n8WVMBcy5dCyA79o8VkxmOazhODeuoV0oa2Yc673CFF81ruOBStLO1zpDlpESYQy_qO1wa3b8A-OR2-nhRIsTYWHCnnNywLuF8_ZfjWCFJXPx6CSkJzbTmStC8" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJmwFFvFj_gGtO3v4KlpJbyrX-n3VpCZ--QvXNHBHRLilfnrSiUAyx8Ev8K8v7l7bu9n8WVMBcy5dCyA79o8VkxmOazhODeuoV0oa2Yc673CFF81ruOBStLO1zpDlpESYQy_qO1wa3b8A-OR2-nhRIsTYWHCnnNywLuF8_ZfjWCFJXPx6CSkJzbTmStC8" width="320" /></a></div><br />The next week I became “that runner” and walked into PT saying “I ran a marathon yesterday and I need to run one in 2 weeks”. Luckily I found a PT that didn’t dismiss me right away and was able to narrow down what was happening: lots of triggers in both of my calves causing those to not work very well. When your calves don’t work, your Achilles take the entire brunt of pushing off causing a ton of tendinitis. The short term some was dry needling to unlock my calves. Have you ever heard of dry needling? It looks like this --> (note: not my calves... I'm usually squeezing my eyes into a pillow as this is happening)</div><div><br /></div><div>After 2 weeks of therapy, dry needling, putting a heel lift in my shoe and generally taking it easy, I ran the Louisville marathon VERY easy. LIKE VERY EASY. 4:00+. I felt like my achilles ached around a 2-3 in pain at the start but it eventually went away. I was sore the next day, but happy that I was able to run. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>#96... This Weekend? </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpMwrBOVSOFroYEUvEGW7tPIMAEFIv7YEPIYL1Ib4TlsDTI-XCtByEASOEm0SBIomoldCa4l-4i-_4Hj1oLimCYC-_nwg_37jnz05qcEbrbXVym49HhKUoAb2lf2DwwMtSQE89CY0wx7dUkGc19Ho9DE4WmuUC7b6nAAgoEJvCi_CDV_mf8CVItygvnZ4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="2802" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpMwrBOVSOFroYEUvEGW7tPIMAEFIv7YEPIYL1Ib4TlsDTI-XCtByEASOEm0SBIomoldCa4l-4i-_4Hj1oLimCYC-_nwg_37jnz05qcEbrbXVym49HhKUoAb2lf2DwwMtSQE89CY0wx7dUkGc19Ho9DE4WmuUC7b6nAAgoEJvCi_CDV_mf8CVItygvnZ4" width="320" /></a></div>As I'm listening to Peloton's Matt Wilpers in my training run say "don't do anything crazy and add extra workouts in your last 2 weeks of training" I was hearing "you should definitely sign up for another marathon... in fact, make it a trail marathon to really test the fates. Insert: <a href="https://www.topoadventuresports.org/marathon.html" target="_blank">The TOPO Trail Marathon</a>. TO be FAIR... I had to get brand new trail running shoes with big lugs to run in Antarctica. I have never worn them and I do not want the first time to be IN Antarctica. Could I have just gone to a trail and run? Well yeah... but I saw this race and felt like fate put it in my path for a reason... to get to 96. Plus I only have another 4 races planned between here and the pig and needed another one. Shhh don't tell my PT. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><b>My Little Runner:</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCGHHcQD1aTPflMdvF5jD6ZzGuEd6Eqwwcs_BTHl0ntTBJMY8eZVqH2aZM_BiMI8VRuI7pfpa0aMgg-VulsSkWIDuUXQn7R44tl5philaLRfgI69hgYFWa7W2x1Wgqz56Oh1AopyzhEnkA7GNPiCe1BVYMOG4SafTXl2SBLE1pLMNnhQuEFaqaEUPeOOo" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCGHHcQD1aTPflMdvF5jD6ZzGuEd6Eqwwcs_BTHl0ntTBJMY8eZVqH2aZM_BiMI8VRuI7pfpa0aMgg-VulsSkWIDuUXQn7R44tl5philaLRfgI69hgYFWa7W2x1Wgqz56Oh1AopyzhEnkA7GNPiCe1BVYMOG4SafTXl2SBLE1pLMNnhQuEFaqaEUPeOOo" width="192" /></a></div></div><div>My main man, Michael, ran his first 5k 2 weeks ago. We took it very very easy doing running/walking intervals. REALLY proud to say that he finished STRONG at 35:40. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well last week, he did the Troy Turkey Trot and wanted to beat his first time SO badly. We started with running/walking intervals with LOTS of weaving as there were 4,000 runners! Well at the 1.5mile point he started taking off before the walk portion was over and eventually started doing run/run hard intervals and finished with a 34:26! Crushing his first time by over a min. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most importantly he had FUN doing this. He has definitely caught the bug. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We are NEARING the HALFWAY point of my fundraising goal of $10k to support Autism Connections in Cincinnati. PLEASE consider donating to this amazing group... and supporting me as I take on 26.2 miles in the arctic :) </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://tinyurl.com/AntarcticaMarathonforAutism" target="_blank">DONATE HERE</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Keep Running,</div><div>Stephanie <br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03455854800321433918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-77154678746038422052023-10-22T22:30:00.000-04:002023-10-22T22:30:01.102-04:00Antarctica - When, Why, and for WHO<div><b>!<span style="background-color: red; color: #f1c232;">LONG POST WARNING</span>! You may learn, you may laugh, you may cry... hey you may book a flight to do something CRAZY. So keep reading... </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>T-52 Days to Antarctica</u></span></b></div>We are just over 50 days until I trek down through South America and to Antarctica to complete marathon #95 (assuming I get through 1 more 26 mile jaunt between now and then). The 18th Antarctica Ice Marathon. This race is touted as being "the world's southern most marathon" with challenges such as temperature (typically -10 to -20C), terrain (running on packed snow and ice), torrential winds (10 to 25 knots), and transit (waiting in Chili for clear weather to travel into, run, and travel back from Antarctica). <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY9xS0KfYOnAMEB4lzn9AKwhAlo_UB2oObmHXQuR39b61fR34yVzDfeY7pFHOZ6K_7QkvH-4oqPqCO8YHtDnmIBackYWInMiHeujeGyy4DYyokKc7450pN1VfrvAqcuc2S22Lzl4MwYmTz1b2tNMsRshD8_7t_j4XGieFWgXUg9KO_HVlHli0GfsZ7Ry8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY9xS0KfYOnAMEB4lzn9AKwhAlo_UB2oObmHXQuR39b61fR34yVzDfeY7pFHOZ6K_7QkvH-4oqPqCO8YHtDnmIBackYWInMiHeujeGyy4DYyokKc7450pN1VfrvAqcuc2S22Lzl4MwYmTz1b2tNMsRshD8_7t_j4XGieFWgXUg9KO_HVlHli0GfsZ7Ry8" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Could I have completed my 100 marathon journey a little easier? Run in the states, closer to home, in temperatures much less painful? SURE. But I wanted to do something challenges; something HARD. Why?...<div><br /></div><div><b><u>LEMME TELL YA BOUT MY BEEEESSSTT FRINEDS</u>:</b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZVRkbCc3Gor7Ygqk0ojk5eKS9hQIWLvcIqy34AjV9mWis-OT9Ixa7Z6Dcg644VCVKeh0zuSP8bSgHHSUpV_ST4aG6FN01frvcKSY5X-pZ0KOTmPB6VPXeZ2XmMRBtNdc8mmcGd2TYKnqp4gwWEtthrlvl3cbAXsDLHcwFatmgSL0oGEnnrXS_rkIkrwE" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="975" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZVRkbCc3Gor7Ygqk0ojk5eKS9hQIWLvcIqy34AjV9mWis-OT9Ixa7Z6Dcg644VCVKeh0zuSP8bSgHHSUpV_ST4aG6FN01frvcKSY5X-pZ0KOTmPB6VPXeZ2XmMRBtNdc8mmcGd2TYKnqp4gwWEtthrlvl3cbAXsDLHcwFatmgSL0oGEnnrXS_rkIkrwE" width="294" /></a></div>Since my 50 states marathon adventures, I've had 3 wonderful little boys; Michael (7), Mason (6), and Maverick (4). They are all so unique and amazing in their own ways, but our Mavi has a little something extra special - he is a neuro-diverse SUPERHERO. Just short of his third birthday, he was diagnosed with Autism. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY-6hTTEAnaim3ELM1mTEgj3jHRwM0jGv9D-DQ2zmkL9Q_pZOWY9emwJ-9J4f5BuaoSj6IKIR66j1I_1RMwVVeUADXpwy1adDsZAN_lmkH5HxoQtWNedZdwFJTwuuDGfTaIHMHsC-eyUN_5UkAj2s7y-_54MX6tAQypxuqB6cpQXM54MoEyM8yehofpJw" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY-6hTTEAnaim3ELM1mTEgj3jHRwM0jGv9D-DQ2zmkL9Q_pZOWY9emwJ-9J4f5BuaoSj6IKIR66j1I_1RMwVVeUADXpwy1adDsZAN_lmkH5HxoQtWNedZdwFJTwuuDGfTaIHMHsC-eyUN_5UkAj2s7y-_54MX6tAQypxuqB6cpQXM54MoEyM8yehofpJw" width="240" /></a></div>Why do I say Superhero? Because you have never seen STRENGTH and RESILIANCE, until you've seen a child that function, thinks, and operates completely outside of the culture norm and still finds a way to strive. Imagine being raised by a community of people that couldn't understand you and you can't learn the way 95% of them know how to teach you. Now imagine not only thriving, but doing it with a smile, a genuine love for those crazy people that have no idea how to teach you, and a zest for live that inspires others. \</div></div><div><br /></div><div>That's what Mav does for me- his strength and ability to blow past the expectations and limiting beliefs of others makes me feel like nothing is impossible.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Autism Support in N. Kentucky and Cincinnati</span></u></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn-backh.nitrocdn.com/dCALSdIiVdoMTPjGUvaWbestYlcjPtwz/assets/images/optimized/rev-bb44e80/www.autismparentingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/autism-us-states-supportive-help-level-map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" height="168" src="https://cdn-backh.nitrocdn.com/dCALSdIiVdoMTPjGUvaWbestYlcjPtwz/assets/images/optimized/rev-bb44e80/www.autismparentingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/autism-us-states-supportive-help-level-map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Mavi has inspired me to use this incredible opportunity to run in honor of him and in support of one amazing group that helps our autism community directly in Cincinnati. </div><div><br /></div><div>WHY? KY and OH are 2 of the LOWEST ranked states for autism support and let me tell you, we feel it in the... <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://allaboutautism01.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/rising-autism-rates-2.png?w=768" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://allaboutautism01.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/rising-autism-rates-2.png?w=768" width="320" /></a></div>1. CRAZY wait times (8-<span> 12 months) to even get a diagnosis. A critical thing needed to start getting our children the support and therapies they desperately need</span></div><div>2. After getting the diagnosis, you're good right? NOPE. Even longer wait times to get INTO therapies, with trusted places like Cincinnati Children's Speech therapy on a huge wait list. </div><div>3. Revolving door of Doctors to work with. We got our diagnosis a year and a half ago and Children's has lost 2 doctors in a row and will be on our 3rd as soon as they can get one assigned. </div><div>4. 0 direction on how to handle the education system with special needs. We were handed a standard pack of paper on autism and sent on our way. We are feeling around in the dark on a daily basis. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />#4 is the scariest part! Autism is so unique to each person, so navigating a prognosis, needs, plans, medical, behavioral... it's ALL so unique to each child that nothing is standard. Because of that,<blockquote><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> it feels like you're navigating a rare disease for the first time in history, instead of navigating something impacting </span><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">1 in 36 children today</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">!</span></span></i></blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>With 1 in 36 children being diagnosed on the spectrum (and growing), the medical infrastructure in cities like Cincinnati HAVE to grow. They have to do better. But until the states get better insurance mandates, grants, and inclusion in the ADDM network, group's like...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwai3HtF5DVWbn-kKyxEJsT1cksJgc-cOtBrJJF8ITaQpRkVVOmgpJPYZbKWTk1u2k3QETIwAtY2UwdAZKh5CndpMRJew9KHbZx8Z9ITURNbyLRgfqK3twTCzHr0Y12cfujqwSGtDlwuEPPeMKv23tRuLj0qLewChv1WC4DF91qpVDvnNSqu2LynuQeJQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="500" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwai3HtF5DVWbn-kKyxEJsT1cksJgc-cOtBrJJF8ITaQpRkVVOmgpJPYZbKWTk1u2k3QETIwAtY2UwdAZKh5CndpMRJew9KHbZx8Z9ITURNbyLRgfqK3twTCzHr0Y12cfujqwSGtDlwuEPPeMKv23tRuLj0qLewChv1WC4DF91qpVDvnNSqu2LynuQeJQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In honor of Maverick and the difficulty of his journey so far (and into the future) I'm using the biggest running challenge so far, to bring awareness of the immense need of increased autism support. I have partnered with Autism Connections, supporting individuals with autism (and their families) in the greater Cincinnati area, providing: support, training, social programs and HELP to those that feel lost. I've been there... some days I'm still there. But groups like this consist of individuals that choose to make the time to give families like ours support, so we feel a little less alone. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My Goal: Raise $10,000 for Autism Connections and help bring critical funding to this group doing so much for the autism families of the greater Cincinnati area. ALL donations stay local to Cincinnati.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll be sharing more on: this wonderful charity, my journey (both autism parenting and running), and so much more on my way to Antarctica. Please consider supporting me, Mavi, and Autism connections in this "Antarctica for Autism" fundraiser:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/AntarcticaMarathonforAutism">DONATE HERE</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">NEXT UP:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Keeping up my mileage, Achilles pain, finding the right shoes for snow, and adapting to cold weather... QUICKLY!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Keep Running,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Stephanie</div></div></div><br /></div>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-53313421907506802082023-09-08T07:33:00.107-04:002023-09-08T19:43:49.079-04:00My Marathon this weekend… and Boston?!<span style="font-family: inherit;">As of my last post, I was deciding on the my marathon for this weekend. I’m at 22 miles in my training. If you’ve followed my training in the past, you’ll know that if I’m going over 20 miles, I use a marathon to get it done and check another one off. I usually will push the 20-24 miles (depending on what my training needs) then jog the rest. Or I’ll just take it easy overall, saving the big push for my seasonal goal marathon. The 2 options were:</span><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1RAUjSq6d-6nqQiwSoLkRaU2GBRzFZh1G" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1RAUjSq6d-6nqQiwSoLkRaU2GBRzFZh1G" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Erie marathon: 26.2 miles, FLAT, road, 5.5 hours away from home</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Germantown 50k: 31 miles, hilly, trail, 1 hour away from home.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;">With 3 young kids, traveling from home is a BIG deal… so that distance matters. Unlike my 50 Marathon State adventures (blog </span><a href="http://50marathonchallenge.blogspot.com/?m=1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="here">here</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;">) in my 20’s, I don’t have the same freedom for travel. I’ll be making due with a lot of mid-west (OH, KY, IN) marathons with exceptions for fun family trips (hello Disney!!!). </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgue-RBcVf71seGxPIMzXCgLJWXOKmtghBmeuRjOjKLsjmcE1aj-boe6xX-5qvnMA7q9x2WwzaaXTNEjdab33QL7HECTYZ8k4SS8DT1uFU5vUo4fuhWPNAUOXoHI9FyjEFobJ_CalVdyR7kHoWx-go7dYz9cDMqX6HD5E5_1EvqSAV45dvONFh4WpLtl9c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgue-RBcVf71seGxPIMzXCgLJWXOKmtghBmeuRjOjKLsjmcE1aj-boe6xX-5qvnMA7q9x2WwzaaXTNEjdab33QL7HECTYZ8k4SS8DT1uFU5vUo4fuhWPNAUOXoHI9FyjEFobJ_CalVdyR7kHoWx-go7dYz9cDMqX6HD5E5_1EvqSAV45dvONFh4WpLtl9c=w240-h320" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">📸: My 3 boys. M1 and M2 started school this week!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span><b>So what did I choose?! </b><span style="display: inline; font-size: 12pt;">We will get there, but first a story of love… and extreme over-confidence in me from my husband… </span></span><span><br /></span>The other day, I get a text from my husband that looks like this…</span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrO6L_aOERh1yjICMoOKrujFbF9VVGBE8tYzAru37ZdMbmdWwD6htPLCQPGQDDEg7EQbzZSV0ed0Y2C5Zw7sTtJJ5NBqZPy-Ot5FPCmUiVZKG_9pYx2r69yRrhHsqVwbfs5gsXH9Vtu1_clJu9T2rRd2xSyErQefS5vuN2Zp-1jllCCaKG8Zn2S3Z_19Y" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img data-original-height="432" data-original-width="231" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrO6L_aOERh1yjICMoOKrujFbF9VVGBE8tYzAru37ZdMbmdWwD6htPLCQPGQDDEg7EQbzZSV0ed0Y2C5Zw7sTtJJ5NBqZPy-Ot5FPCmUiVZKG_9pYx2r69yRrhHsqVwbfs5gsXH9Vtu1_clJu9T2rRd2xSyErQefS5vuN2Zp-1jllCCaKG8Zn2S3Z_19Y=w214-h400" width="214" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Bless his soul. While I appreciate the great deal of faith mt husband has in me, he maybe doesn’t understand that to qualify for Boston, it would have to be in the next week 😳. Or how difficult BQ’ing is. Have I done it? 30 times over but that was 10’years and 3 kids ago. I was also deep into my marathon training, clicking off an average of a marathon every other week. My current training plan has been focused on adding speed, but I went back to the start and have been building up endurance at speed. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m at 20 miles with a goal to TRY for a BQ at my October race… however, I also like a challenge and in one little message he (likely) unknowingly solidified my choice for this weekend. Erie Marathon being flat and fast is a notorious Boston Qualifying race. IF I’m feeling good that day and IF I can find the strength to push beyond my training… it IS doable… maybe? Or I could crash and burn at 18 miles? I guess we will see!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My weekend marathon: <span style="font-size: large;">The Erie Marathon at Presque Isle in PA!</span> This will be my <b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;">93rd </b>lifetime marathon. It's also the SECOND time I've run this. Last time I ran Erie was in the infancy of my marathoning- just my 14th State in 2009! Some things have changed... others not so much. You can check out the race ratings from the last time I ran this race <a href="https://50marathonchallenge.blogspot.com/2009/09/erie-marathon-post-race-thoughts-and.html" target="_blank">here.</a> In 2009 I gave it a 3.8 out of 5. The GOOD was the race organization and course. The not so great? The swag (medals and shirts were ok). I'm really excited to see what has changed. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mini Race Rundown: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Erie Marathon at Presque Isle <span>~ Sunday September 10, 2023. Start time: 7am</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Erie, PA ~ Presque Isle State Park</span></div><div style="font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span><b><span>Registration Fees:</span> </b></span><span>$110 - $140 (this was $40-60 in 2009!)</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span>Year Run</span><span>ning:</span> 29th</span></div><div style="font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span><b>Races Available:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b>Marathon ONLY (there used to be a half and a relay- I HATE relays during races. They really mess with pacing for those running the fulls. SO glad this change was made). </span></span></div><div style="font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><b>Certified Course/BQ Certified?</b>: </span><span>Yes/Yes... MANY people run this to BQ and 34% actually accomplish it on average. This weekend, it's the last race before Boston registration opens.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span><b>Cutoff Time and Early Start Option:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b>No early start. There is a 6.5 hours limit </span></span></div><div style="font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span><b>Weather Update:</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">It it looking to land in the mid 60's and 70's with a chance of rain. NOT the best conditions... not the worst. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: none; border-width: medium; font-size: 14.85px;"><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: none; border-width: medium;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Course: </strong></span></span></div></div></div><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: none; border-width: medium; font-size: 14.85px;"><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: none; border-width: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HqkYNvvgZ_sABUUvMe1ua3VKR0q2RbNjx6VyfYdsknAuB0KOffA1Eka-aa-oboY9-yekkPub7wMYZ4miHi7RZCvu5g7zCg-SgK5s91qOgXG2tEBtwCj-kUI_f3zpIsTkdZQClXV6Ll8/s1600/untitled.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjojUlIT8rHS_MUx-uqN_zKDBMIOsiTA9W8pMHWKB7avWmy8pwSNSM9cYIEzXe2oOlVsXTQ9TNDx7IcagpUw_U2diw1pTduHgYZKGhGZQY2kmkv7h_TRlAK1wzHWj2PEuWcF45snCVtFlSmMFgXleRRxDXxpBl_k5GJhh-gqhpFjyDpB7iYvGVnhNFvsiM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="29" data-original-width="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjojUlIT8rHS_MUx-uqN_zKDBMIOsiTA9W8pMHWKB7avWmy8pwSNSM9cYIEzXe2oOlVsXTQ9TNDx7IcagpUw_U2diw1pTduHgYZKGhGZQY2kmkv7h_TRlAK1wzHWj2PEuWcF45snCVtFlSmMFgXleRRxDXxpBl_k5GJhh-gqhpFjyDpB7iYvGVnhNFvsiM=s16000" title="MarathonGuide Rating" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /></span></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">MarathonGuide</span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: none; border-width: medium; font-size: 14.85px;"><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: none; border-width: medium;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The course is a runners dream- flat, looped (lots of water stops), shaded, and FAST. Given the timing and course, many people run this to attempt to BQ (Boston Qualify). </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Race Plan:</b> It's been YEARS since I last BQ'd. That should make things easier, right? I would just age into a slower qualifying time (Boston qualifying is done by age groups). However... I actually have to run FASTER than the last time I qualified (10 years ago). Why? People have gotten faster, so they pushed the BQ time's UP. I used to have to run a 3:40 in my 20's and now I need to run a 3:35 in my late 30's! When I was in my 20's my best time was 3:19 and I was BQ'ing left and right. I thought those days were behind me, and maybe they are. But I also remember a time that I was running a 4:00 marathon with dreams of hitting a BQ. It took a few months and lots and lots of MISSES before I finally made it... and made it, and made it... 20 times over. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">PR: 3:19</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Post-Babies PR: 3:42</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Current BQ Time: 3:35</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This IS supposed to be my a TRAINING run with goals of racing the Hudson Mohawk in October. However, if I'm feeling good, I may let 'er rip for the first 20 and try to hold on after that. I have a few goals for this race:</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">#1: FINISH Marathon 93</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">#2: PR (post babies)... better than a 3:42</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">#3: BQ</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's see how it goes. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Running!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Stephanie </span></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03455854800321433918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-554882751461086432023-08-27T23:48:00.000-04:002023-08-28T07:12:53.701-04:00It’s not long now….Not long until a few things (Hudson Mohawk marathon, Antarctica, Disney Dopey) but the most disturbing is the likely length of time until this guy (yes, he’s 7) is beating me in races. I give it only 2 years and desire to do so and it will happen. He already has speed I legitimately cannot touch and a very natural endurance talent. He has been going on 2 to 4 miles jogs whenever he gets the whim…. Between 1.5 hour travel<div>Soccer practices. </div><div><br /></div><div>⛔️ This is Michael… runners beware ⚠️. I’m holding him back for now in fear of burnout and development issues. It won’t be long. This is him jumping to grab a leaf while on a 2 min sprint race against me. He was laugh the whole time… I was trying not to die. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4363d8;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQzD0Pykh47FiwqguFqdtJJU2WC8COEkk7LBtJop061gKNh4YHMkjC_c8i4hiaZeufSMOTWt1zJKb-g1XWk5m5upVzE92NhhbntSm2XKyl363FSC0OIOu5iGL7Ehp5xUKWp8yxulzT0VILTlh44hrqmrHbJacOxTxu-kPDDG3dq7-R0BckKZ1AldmrG4s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQzD0Pykh47FiwqguFqdtJJU2WC8COEkk7LBtJop061gKNh4YHMkjC_c8i4hiaZeufSMOTWt1zJKb-g1XWk5m5upVzE92NhhbntSm2XKyl363FSC0OIOu5iGL7Ehp5xUKWp8yxulzT0VILTlh44hrqmrHbJacOxTxu-kPDDG3dq7-R0BckKZ1AldmrG4s" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4363d8;"><b>Training Update:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Long Run:</b> 18 miles (last week) this week is my drop down week so I took Michael for my first 2 miles…. That and I went out for the first time in 8 years and wasn’t feeling my very best</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9kHJP3hBslHyyNGC64Nx_-cshJNphbrPnoR9ER0A_BE5n6qvxTTJsVIxs5tXBG8tJjvDe9dC8HSvbH5ym5pe6cXgxcYePpNUjc52pmtNThuh13LgI8pHHWunI475QZwl5gSZnfNjfdki8xitFhztBKoIhevvksi4jHa-i6g07kAl0w-rWWwQjgjDDWLY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="203" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9kHJP3hBslHyyNGC64Nx_-cshJNphbrPnoR9ER0A_BE5n6qvxTTJsVIxs5tXBG8tJjvDe9dC8HSvbH5ym5pe6cXgxcYePpNUjc52pmtNThuh13LgI8pHHWunI475QZwl5gSZnfNjfdki8xitFhztBKoIhevvksi4jHa-i6g07kAl0w-rWWwQjgjDDWLY" width="196" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Training Program</b>: Peloton’s Road to 26.2 marathon program… semi adjusted. I’m adding 2-4 miles onto the long runs and some climbing work on the off days (future post on these). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pacing:</b> This program has a lot of focus on target and current pacing including: current marathon pace, target marathon pace, tempo pace, etc. This is my second time through this program and I’ve used those paces to add speed. The first time I completed the program (last winter through spring) my marathon pace was roughly 8:30 and my tempo race was 730/7:40. This time through I’ve been picking up those times 5-10 seconds every few weeks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Program Marathon Target Pace: </b> 8:00</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Program Tempo:</b> 7-7:10 (currently up to 9 min at a time)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Long Run Distance</b>: 18 (program reco 16)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Target Marathon:</b> Hudson Mohawk Marathon in Albany, NY on Oct 8th</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4363d8;"><b>Next Race Up…</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">That’s a VERY good question. Between work, kids sports schedules, husband schedules, I have nailed down one weekend to add in a practice race before Hudson Mohawk. I hate running more than 20 miles in training runs so I use marathons to get the mileage in… plus a little extra. If I’m going over 20, may as well get a medal, right?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The weekend I’m doing my next marathon will be Oct 8/9. Between now and then I’ll do (1) 20 mile training run (next weekend). For that weekend I’m deciding between 2 options:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1) Erie Marathon. 26.2 miles. It’s about a 5.5 hour drive away. The course is as flat as a pancake and asphalt. </div><div style="text-align: left;">2) Germantown 50k. 31 miles. It’s about an hour away (no hotel needed). The course is a looped 8 mile trail with about 3,000 feet of elevation. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sooo yeah they couldn’t be any different. I used to find trails to be super fun-‘but that was 10 years ago. Erie is only 26 miles vs 31 trail miles. Erie is far away to need a hotel and a long drive home. But the 50k starts later and will go longer with potential heat. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I’m SO torn! Help me decide!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #46f0f0;"><b>ERIE OR GERMANTOWN?!</b></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03455854800321433918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-61703234086080773552023-08-13T09:45:00.004-04:002023-08-13T09:45:56.877-04:00Antarctica Training Update<p> We are roughly 17-18 weeks (yes it’s a range as the race’s start is subject to weather) away from Antarctica Ice Marathon. I’m planning to do 2 or 3 full marathons + as part of my training including a trail 50k to get used to the foot conditions of running on snow. Right now I’m targeting the Hudson Mohawk in October for my “fast” fall race and that is only 8 weeks away. Today I did a 16 mile training run. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitdXw4JtP3r5yI5CSPcqDgVFdrSITfoxGGUM2qh0bm7sRiTyhX1d116neidPdwpJYbMx-f60wF7527baehcuFPwczuuBKKyIBupqf-tGgGYplabFDXM5y4ThsAk68sI4AdUXxq9g7ZqR4WWFcOkgA2vF8upNKPnp2pqA0CTUllw9XDApHtsauFdlgUz7k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitdXw4JtP3r5yI5CSPcqDgVFdrSITfoxGGUM2qh0bm7sRiTyhX1d116neidPdwpJYbMx-f60wF7527baehcuFPwczuuBKKyIBupqf-tGgGYplabFDXM5y4ThsAk68sI4AdUXxq9g7ZqR4WWFcOkgA2vF8upNKPnp2pqA0CTUllw9XDApHtsauFdlgUz7k" width="320" /></a></div><br />Folks, it’s hot. It’s very hot. And while I was finishing my run I was thinking:<p></p><p>1. Maybe training in extreme heat is not the best way to train to run in Antarctica </p><p>2. Maybe dressing in the dark isn’t the best choice either 🤦♀️</p><p>People keep asking how I’m going to train for running in the arctic. 🤔 Being in Kentucky, it’s not the HOTTEST part of the country but we certainly don’t get comparable weather conditions of Antarctic summer (December is summer there) until our coldest parts of the year- typically January. Just like with all races and training, there are things in my control and things that are not. The weather is not one of those things. So here is my plan:</p><p>A. Run at the coldest part of the day / week. My oct-Dec long runs, I’ll actually look for the coldest early mornings and run then. I’ll also wear as little as I can tolerate to try and thicken my blood.</p><p>B. Lots of lots of miles. The ground we are running on is flattened snow and ice. I’m told it’s very similar to running on wet sand. I don’t have a ton of trails around me (nor the time to get to them) but I do have the ability to put in so many miles that 26 in sub-optimal conditions is easy.</p><p>C. Tempo and speed training. No, I’m not planning to run a PR, but similar to the above, the tougher I can get my body, the more doable it will be to run in not great conditions. </p><p>That’s it… that’s all I got. Other than a wing and a prayer, this 👆is essentially my whole plan. Yeah so… wish me luck. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwEecZ7qfxlZMmJxn7C5sDX33ogcwsZRrTg_war5NLEypjdpg0VdBFlPeKcbhI7-uU3qsVVmo9sZMHMHiOMIYIB7-0KytacuoA-PbbneP-MaoMtJ5xw7Mj_g16-ddKD9bGfZc4vdF2vTo8PERK9aeyNlFrxZpZaQ2KjfP4gZrb_jEQ9J98-O7mjOerQUI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwEecZ7qfxlZMmJxn7C5sDX33ogcwsZRrTg_war5NLEypjdpg0VdBFlPeKcbhI7-uU3qsVVmo9sZMHMHiOMIYIB7-0KytacuoA-PbbneP-MaoMtJ5xw7Mj_g16-ddKD9bGfZc4vdF2vTo8PERK9aeyNlFrxZpZaQ2KjfP4gZrb_jEQ9J98-O7mjOerQUI" width="180" /></a></div><br />Oh I forgot the top training strategy!!! Keep this guy around as a reminder that we can work through hard things! If you haven’t met Mavi John, this is him. He’s my youngest and our Neruo-diverse super hero! I’m running 2 hard challenges this winter, including Antarctica, in support of him and all of his neurodiverse friends. Mavi was diagnosed with autism at 2.5 years (more on this in upcoming posts). His biggest challenges have been speech and sensory seeking. He can’t conjugate full sentences but he is resilient and smart and finds ways to communicate and get all of his needs met… which mostly consist of asking for Pizza, ice cream, to swim and to watch tablet. What else does a kid need?! #RunforMavi<p></p><p><br /></p><p>That’s it for now. Maybe I’ll stop sweating sometime today. </p><p><br /></p><p>-S </p>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-25929064098604356222023-05-27T10:20:00.001-04:002023-05-27T10:20:16.557-04:00Vermont Here We Go!<div class="separator">We are headed to Vermont today for the Vermont City Marathon tomorrow. Running trip packing sure look different these days. When I did the 50 states in 2 years, it was a carry-on only, essentials and running gear. The cheaper, the better. Now I’m looking at my bag, thinking:</div><p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT3VwMtwNDA-NiCISDFGn-majBPtAo6nEAV-pFw9yb4uP7wUzhdcqKtc1qA3El9BP9uPqbVL6J7LlRdyxqpTTuZW7SmNtUg-_nsPK5RHVpUT-rjzCbLPdT0cdBpb-PJ-Vg4pYJ4xV9gV2U6rStoFoynW7F4MVK0zvdOKPz83qth2oIez3Ah_QpoheL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3407" data-original-width="3006" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT3VwMtwNDA-NiCISDFGn-majBPtAo6nEAV-pFw9yb4uP7wUzhdcqKtc1qA3El9BP9uPqbVL6J7LlRdyxqpTTuZW7SmNtUg-_nsPK5RHVpUT-rjzCbLPdT0cdBpb-PJ-Vg4pYJ4xV9gV2U6rStoFoynW7F4MVK0zvdOKPz83qth2oIez3Ah_QpoheL=w176-h200" width="176" /></a><li>How did matriculate this many medications?! Sometime around 30… +5, 1 was added for an under active thyroid… then another… now here we are.</li><li>Pikachu undies…. For my tiny travel companion. #momlife. </li><li>Soccer Mom Shirt is an essential! Where did all my Boston Marathon gear go?! When did this become a staple garment?</li><li>Seriously… what are all these medications?!</li><div style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT3VwMtwNDA-NiCISDFGn-majBPtAo6nEAV-pFw9yb4uP7wUzhdcqKtc1qA3El9BP9uPqbVL6J7LlRdyxqpTTuZW7SmNtUg-_nsPK5RHVpUT-rjzCbLPdT0cdBpb-PJ-Vg4pYJ4xV9gV2U6rStoFoynW7F4MVK0zvdOKPz83qth2oIez3Ah_QpoheL" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></div></ol><div>Overall, I’m fairly disturbed by this image. Maybe this is what a #runningmomlife looks like now. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet M1!</b></div><div>This is my new travel buddy, M1. He is the only child going with me on this trip and it’s the first time I have flown without my other kids. I have a little phobia when it comes to flying without them. They also aren’t the best at standing around while I run for 3-4 hours. Michael is mostly going for the Ben & Jerry’s. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQpL0hsR6fALMO7VixT6DvF4GN51RgVRhSqKz6AEbjAh8VVfQPnHNYGK30Y8pfEl3lz9L_pfvB1nVhSNKhudnJAXklpUK2fMo6QRtHZj8RsUZk1sjdMPoCAMTRH9inK6ZJfLvgWqdidHuFaeTPUJshDrjgO5wY72rbA7CpOjO5vxYDK9HsqJNUPdht" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQpL0hsR6fALMO7VixT6DvF4GN51RgVRhSqKz6AEbjAh8VVfQPnHNYGK30Y8pfEl3lz9L_pfvB1nVhSNKhudnJAXklpUK2fMo6QRtHZj8RsUZk1sjdMPoCAMTRH9inK6ZJfLvgWqdidHuFaeTPUJshDrjgO5wY72rbA7CpOjO5vxYDK9HsqJNUPdht" width="113" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Off to Vermont for my second every Vermont City Marathon. The last time I ran, it was 2009 and I missed BQ by just a few SECONDS. Of course I BQ’d many times after but that race still sits sour with me. Maybe some redemption tomorrow? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wish us luck… and that I can keep all these darn medications straight without one of these.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjladpbyge2BIIk5CmMDwNKkNIthJP_-8WnJ9i5ZWCb7RxYEeoC6txL_GbTn5H6zFgdqAECRuRo_AvTrjflkGn3tLkdvXLEOh1AcfKrFayHwe_VAwJfGDzpIM1evbt1UKoiJoSzbfOy4bM1obC2IZ9UsOY26HIRgES8rqY_b1FqxPuM_cKDmVUPeD_O" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="201" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjladpbyge2BIIk5CmMDwNKkNIthJP_-8WnJ9i5ZWCb7RxYEeoC6txL_GbTn5H6zFgdqAECRuRo_AvTrjflkGn3tLkdvXLEOh1AcfKrFayHwe_VAwJfGDzpIM1evbt1UKoiJoSzbfOy4bM1obC2IZ9UsOY26HIRgES8rqY_b1FqxPuM_cKDmVUPeD_O" width="192" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT3VwMtwNDA-NiCISDFGn-majBPtAo6nEAV-pFw9yb4uP7wUzhdcqKtc1qA3El9BP9uPqbVL6J7LlRdyxqpTTuZW7SmNtUg-_nsPK5RHVpUT-rjzCbLPdT0cdBpb-PJ-Vg4pYJ4xV9gV2U6rStoFoynW7F4MVK0zvdOKPz83qth2oIez3Ah_QpoheL" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT3VwMtwNDA-NiCISDFGn-majBPtAo6nEAV-pFw9yb4uP7wUzhdcqKtc1qA3El9BP9uPqbVL6J7LlRdyxqpTTuZW7SmNtUg-_nsPK5RHVpUT-rjzCbLPdT0cdBpb-PJ-Vg4pYJ4xV9gV2U6rStoFoynW7F4MVK0zvdOKPz83qth2oIez3Ah_QpoheL" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-64087537429101969812023-05-26T11:10:00.007-04:002023-05-26T11:29:06.317-04:0010 Year Return<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvu2o_kOgbty1bdI5yyTziQIb9TOo8KCUBBZNxGZD6paVbO6aF8o47I0u_cgCTFDPxLmtlSc_HT3yc_rJFZ_pegoAjas69OoDGQp-GmQmUnQKrk8Ja7i6ospGNGO7qWrJeXou-lpNoF2E0DqAcLD4I0A3Gx7_pbvekRGwsWF5CaHPvs6NbW53ZqsmO" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="195" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvu2o_kOgbty1bdI5yyTziQIb9TOo8KCUBBZNxGZD6paVbO6aF8o47I0u_cgCTFDPxLmtlSc_HT3yc_rJFZ_pegoAjas69OoDGQp-GmQmUnQKrk8Ja7i6ospGNGO7qWrJeXou-lpNoF2E0DqAcLD4I0A3Gx7_pbvekRGwsWF5CaHPvs6NbW53ZqsmO=w199-h199" width="199" /></a></div> <b>I'm Back!</b><br />10 Years... it's been 10 years since I blogged and honestly 10 years since I've taken on any type of running challenge. But that's all changing now. Why? After 10 years focused on family and work, I've done what a lot of moms do and lost myself a little. I poured myself into work and family and being a MOM. <p></p><p>Before kids, I could set goals (and boy did I set goals (http://50marathonchallenge.blogspot.com/) and devote all my energy to hitting them. </p><p>It's taken some time but I'm learning that you can find balance. You can be an awesome mom and still make time for self growth and challenge. </p><p><b>It Started with a Pig</b></p><p>Before baby 1 (2015), I was up to 87 marathons & ultras. In 2021 (88) and 2022 (89) I decided to run our local marathon (<a href="https://flyingpigmarathon.com/">The Flying Pig</a>) with SOME training... and by some, I mean I went out and ran a little. No runs > 15 miles and no focus on speed. In the winter of 2022 I decided to actually try and do some real training. I found the <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com/blog/marathon-program-faqs/" target="_blank">Peloton Marathon Training Program</a> and decided to give it a try. This isn't an easy task planning 4-5 20+ mile runs and devoting 5 days a week to running with 3 kids < 8. But I found I was able to really get my speed back up... maybe not to where I was in my 20's but I'm still a work in progress. I've added:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKnlmBueQbEkkcpZsW3MhI7-eceOdOq9DwgK_-n41OdLMiJJujVXtLV9RwNucc0PeJllZBYbpi4fioxNwGBCRle6ZpGPAdONmnwOPkM7fS3X1GTnrniXvV4CGLNWwg5wbqZlF6ajuM7qzuU-yLRvAjRTjih2YjpFV2hR-BCxhm8WL99ZSlYOe_f99H" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKnlmBueQbEkkcpZsW3MhI7-eceOdOq9DwgK_-n41OdLMiJJujVXtLV9RwNucc0PeJllZBYbpi4fioxNwGBCRle6ZpGPAdONmnwOPkM7fS3X1GTnrniXvV4CGLNWwg5wbqZlF6ajuM7qzuU-yLRvAjRTjih2YjpFV2hR-BCxhm8WL99ZSlYOe_f99H" width="320" /></a></div><p></p></blockquote><p>90) The 2023 Horse Capital Marathon - where I was the third place women at a time of 3:42</p><p>91) The 2023 Cincinnati Flying Pig <strike>swim </strike>Marathon. If you haven't heard about this race, it was POURING the entire race with thunder and lightening. One of the most mentally grueling races to get through. There was NOTHING fun about this with the weather condition and it was mentally exhausting to push through. But push through, we DID!</p><p>I have #92 coming up this weekend at <a href="https://www.runvermont.org/" target="_blank">The Vermont City Marathon</a>! </p><p><b>Current Challenges</b></p><p>I have a LOT left in me and this winter marathon training season has sparked that desire to take on the new, the fast, the difficult. Here is what's on tap:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSm2Y7cUhAr6R9EgV-hlimDrjo7JV_nSG2kmmyQXcRkAVSFA1sw5yXqBF44JtfHAX2xPNsfpUng5x2GlywoEq2IIzXMyOaeFWIMOMgIHKaTQuRhRMPxDETwcG4bzL6IDAEv9ceXoA3RDz9K9gpvwgUCyDnnwjbyBYj97BvGgg8N5ofY5SDPuMmuxLi" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1707" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSm2Y7cUhAr6R9EgV-hlimDrjo7JV_nSG2kmmyQXcRkAVSFA1sw5yXqBF44JtfHAX2xPNsfpUng5x2GlywoEq2IIzXMyOaeFWIMOMgIHKaTQuRhRMPxDETwcG4bzL6IDAEv9ceXoA3RDz9K9gpvwgUCyDnnwjbyBYj97BvGgg8N5ofY5SDPuMmuxLi=w446-h273" width="446" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe you're saying to yourself "self, does that say ANTARCTICA?!?" And yes, you and yourself would be correct. So to address the typical Q&A:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Yes- there is a marathon in Antarctica... there are actually 3 but I'm aiming to do the <a href="https://www.icemarathon.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwscGjBhAXEiwAswQqNHR6arFJF8XKfbGhtzJ6NPI520hflHL5-T1IyQUhu99kyncXIhoZ-hoCPwwQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Ice Marathon</a></li><li>You FLY there. You actually fly to Punta Arenas, Chili and await an "all clear" on weather. So this means the "date" for the marathon is more of a rough estimate and the race can actually happen anytime AFTER that date. Nerve wracking? YES. Still exciting? Also YES. </li><li>How does I train for this? A LOT more of that coming up. But in short- train on trails and rougher terrain and train in cold (as much as possible in the fall/ early winter). </li><li>What do you wear? OOOH <a href="https://www.rei.com/" target="_blank">REI</a> and I are becoming FAST friends... layers, layers, and more layers... oh and trail shoes! </li><li>Do I like running in the cold? HECK no. The cold is STUPID. But that's exactly what makes it a challenge!</li></ol><div>So much more more to come on ALL of these challenges here in upcoming posts so stay tuned... hit that "follow" button in the top right to follow me on my journey! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-2520148178654963112013-07-09T19:32:00.000-04:002013-07-09T19:32:26.368-04:00Pinteresting my WorkoutsAs you know I've been without any real running for 4+ weeks annnnd I'm pretty much losing it. Luckily I<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> have a perfectly normal obsession with Pinterest that I used to run, well... pretty much every aspect of my life.</span> I use it to organize my several closets and pack (think the computer program Share used in Clueless), pull ideas for redecorating and recipes, etc. How do I pull this into running? I use it to gather, store, and rate workouts. From running to gym workouts, I collect everything that looks fun or challenging. Pinterest is a great source to find workouts to change up the same old, same old!<br />
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If you aren't following me on pinterest already and would like to, you can find me <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephiena/">here!</a>. Although I'm told I bombard most people's facebook feeds when I got on my little pinterest sprees. Woops! Sorry I'm not sorry. I digress...<br />
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So how have I used pinterest to organize my workouts? I have 2 boards:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPoUYirLSQFmijXDZRdIHBxWC-DpAct7WtVhpbMNCcPlwKQeFC2th5Pz5YPxN_LtTG4RBnRnjqQRfniQ7TRAEwkuJbHibDMeIMMdBqlVpn9U-k2VnGvCy8-P29ENMm5qDZx03Lz8GEsA/s1600/workouts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPoUYirLSQFmijXDZRdIHBxWC-DpAct7WtVhpbMNCcPlwKQeFC2th5Pz5YPxN_LtTG4RBnRnjqQRfniQ7TRAEwkuJbHibDMeIMMdBqlVpn9U-k2VnGvCy8-P29ENMm5qDZx03Lz8GEsA/s200/workouts1.jpg" width="166" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCAlAOmQwZEZYt5zpX2tGCU2XeM1yJRg6hgwBsN4JKJL97r1NTLt1k-p41SYlCdfgLO9NUr0VQqNY38kJrwWKfuGa7MqLavvurXt7jXe6D9QfXxfBmw1Xj7wyTXMUaiiET3G-YkJLhQA/s1600/workouts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCAlAOmQwZEZYt5zpX2tGCU2XeM1yJRg6hgwBsN4JKJL97r1NTLt1k-p41SYlCdfgLO9NUr0VQqNY38kJrwWKfuGa7MqLavvurXt7jXe6D9QfXxfBmw1Xj7wyTXMUaiiET3G-YkJLhQA/s200/workouts2.jpg" width="167" /></a></div>
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"Workouts to Try" and "Workouts that Work" boards! <span style="color: #3d85c6;">As I find good workouts (or hear about them and create a pin) I load them into Workouts to try.</span> If I'm feeling like I need something fresh to get my out of bed and into the gym, I"ll go on my board and pull one. If I find they are challenging and I like them I move them to "Workouts that Work" if they don't work-- they get deleted!<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">My Fav Workouts on Pinterest</span><br />
I've found a number of workouts that I really like and some of them have kept me from having a complete meltdown during my non-running time. Here are a few of the highlights....<br />
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1)<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b> Biggest bang for your mileage!</b></span> I call this the Run/Walk Cal scorch. You really can burn 300-400 cals in 30 minutes.Run 7 MPH for one minute then drop down the speed (4 MPH) and ramp up the incline (to 15) and walk for 3 minutes.<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Pump up the Workout!:</span><br />
-While walking try not to hold the bar at all, leaning forward and really burning those glutes<br />
-Pump up the speed! I like to kick both speed settings up. Moving up the walking speed will really start <br />
burning the cals<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShevUwLBt6oSZGuuiS9Epfia97qRnsIvbH-ij2IdPYxMyyyRf0l22jxrJ0jLtznVGhBRz3lMP4HWBM8vNhrs3_rDvZ2BEYWHVXCQLJ9YJr7gA0fyzoiKqfxptY1lXYp9kboMcM1LdYcE/s1600/BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShevUwLBt6oSZGuuiS9Epfia97qRnsIvbH-ij2IdPYxMyyyRf0l22jxrJ0jLtznVGhBRz3lMP4HWBM8vNhrs3_rDvZ2BEYWHVXCQLJ9YJr7gA0fyzoiKqfxptY1lXYp9kboMcM1LdYcE/s320/BB.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
2) <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Everyday Booty Kick!</b></span> If you have ever woken up early on a Saturday morning and turned on TV you'll have noticed Brazilian Booty! Don't want to pay the "3 low payments of $19.99"? Get the workout right here! Add this workout 3-4 days a week (just a few minutes) and you'll be booty poppin!<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Pump up the Workout!:</span><br />
-Add in a 1-minute plank between sets<br />
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3) <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Little Black Dress Toner!</span></b> Want to get all those girly muscles nice and toned? This workout will do it. BONUS: You're also working a lot of those running support muscles- Tightening the upper arms for better pumping, Calve burns are always a bonus for running, and lunges should be included in every runners workout.<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Pump up the Workout!:</span><br />
-For the lunges, do jump lunges alternating legs to make it a more cardio workout.<br />
-For alternating shoulder raises: Use a step to get a better calf burn.<br />
-Throw in a set of burpees. Why? WHY NOT?<br />
<a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/lose-weight/total-body/4-week-slim-sculpt-little-black-dress-workout/?page=1">Get the full workout here!</a><br />
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4) <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Speed Workout Variation Sticks! </span></b>I try several types of speedwork for my running in attempt to change things up and keep the muscles guessing. If you get stuck in the same type of speedwork you'll hit a plateau.<br />
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A way to avoid doing that is by jotting down various running workouts (organized by type if you're so inclined-- Speedwork, tempos, etc) and pulling the stick right when you're ready to go. Remember to put in those "deadly" workouts that you hate. This will force you to get through it without having to dread it all day.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Marathons?</span><br />
I know... I know... HOW am I going to get to 100 when I can't run? My upcoming July marathon looks like a no-go but I'm busting my butt in PT to get back to good health so I can get right back to it come August. What's next? I DON'T KNOW!!! In attempts to put out positive energy I would like to plan for a marathon in late August/September. So, I need your help! <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">What marathon should I run in August or September? </span>Some ideas were submitted....<br />
E.T. Marathon<br />
Leading Ladies<br />
PA Grand Canyon Marathon<br />
Other ideas?????<br />
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Weigh in- I'd love to hear more ideas. Also... send my knee any spare good mojo you have! :)<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-19962152941927115242013-07-04T03:00:00.000-04:002013-07-04T03:00:13.191-04:00Running (sort of) in Wales!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pip pip cheerio and alllllll that hob nobbery... from Cardiff, Wales!</span> I'm spending the week doing what finance people do at this week of the year- quarter close! Good times. This is my first time to Wales and I'm pleasantly surprised at how cool it is! It's a small city full of life and I love when the old meets the knew (people, buildings, streets sites, etc) in these kinds of places. Most of all.. I LOVE the FOOD!!! I've had an affair with an entire loaf of potato and rosemary bread for dinner... twice. And each morning I jump out of bed knowing that (once my workout is complete) I'll be able to go down for fresh croissants, brie and fruits. I'm on a serious carbo-load diet for...<div>
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... well nothing! Because I'm not running! But you know what? I really don't care. I justify it by telling myself that the more I eat the things I love, the less stressed I am, and less stress leads to less fat retention. It's a fact- look it up! And if you find evidence refuting it, don't tell me or we won't be friends. </div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Running Update!</span></div>
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I snuck in 3 sessions of PT before I left for Cardiff. I've been assigned a number of exercises to do while I'm here and I've stuck to it. For those interested in the<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> types of exercises that help an injury like IT band friction syndrome</span>, they are all about stretching and strengthening the inner (mostly) and outer thighs but NOT the quad! Noted...</div>
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<li>Tensor stretch- a stranding sideway stretch to get the IT band to loostened up</li>
<li>Hip adduction Squeeze- inner thigh strengthening either done on a the (good girl) machine or (hotel style) squeezing a pillow between your knees.</li>
<li>Hip adduction with resistance band- working the same as above</li>
<li>Hip abduction- strengthening exercise to work the outer thigh. These weren't assigned to me but I've done them either with the (bad girl) machine or using the resistance band. </li>
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I'm limited to a "mile- maybe 2" depending on how I feel. I just have to run while I'm here because 1) It's a new country to run in and 2) I can't go much longer on the elliptical! Not to mention, I have some GREAT running views...</div>
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I've been running by the "minutes," allowing myself a run as long as I get my exercises all done the day before. I've started with 25 minutes and added a few minutes each day until my kneed hurts then supplement my workout with the elliptical and other gym exercises. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">I've gotten up to 35 minutes before it starts to hurt</span>. The good news? My hotel has a hot tub! That will certainly help in this rehab process. </div>
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I feel good with the progress made so far. Its a slow process (especially while traveling this week) but my Dr really has me feeling positive about the near future. I'll keep you all posted on the progress but for now I'll leave you with this...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ROOOAAARRRR</td></tr>
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<br />Tutaloo!!!!<div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span><br /><div>
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Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-1906636759491041172013-06-26T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-26T06:00:05.773-04:00If it ain't Broke Don't... Buy Fancy New Shoes?At this point it's been 17 days and 20 hours since I've last been able to really run... but who's keeping count? I finally got diagnosed at a nearby Orthopedic and Sports Medicine physicians office. If you're friends with me on "The Book" you may have seen this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2heJGkOHXhQiYlfvDjuQRmWFiXdOuP5yJQJ7vN2WefGxuB-KD8Wg2-iqL04plVH5XB34II1_AXa1c0Flz_MpW2G2itQc_hSfKVDGR6-N7bydg1bptxSQOZS4oItUQP5DMXTtHDMWQ5g/s1600/7431d63f47f1bf53281c4d597f87ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2heJGkOHXhQiYlfvDjuQRmWFiXdOuP5yJQJ7vN2WefGxuB-KD8Wg2-iqL04plVH5XB34II1_AXa1c0Flz_MpW2G2itQc_hSfKVDGR6-N7bydg1bptxSQOZS4oItUQP5DMXTtHDMWQ5g/s200/7431d63f47f1bf53281c4d597f87ac.jpg" width="198" /></a>I have (in my medical opinion)<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> what looks like a tiny alien in my knee. </span>From the eyes of a license Dr. it's <span style="color: #3d85c6;">severe Illiotiabol band friction syndrome. </span>Specifically, it's caused a "Baker's cyst" and fluid on the knee with a small edema in the band. Any IT band issues are a very real fear in runners because once you have an issue, it seems to pop up all the time. This is not my knee but it looks very similar to mine. You can see Marvin the Martian just hanging out in there.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">How did this happen?</span><br />
As anybody would, my Dr went to "over use" citing the 81 marathons. However, he also pointed out that I have ZERO cartilage damage in both knees and they actually look great. This is simply a tightness of muscles (from lack of stretching) that was set off by a few bad stars aligning: New shoes that changed my form and a very sloped road in the Hatfield McCoy Marathon.<br />
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There is something I have to get off my chest.<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> I am... an over-pronator.</span> Don't judge me! All this time I've thought I had to change, conform, be more like other runners that have ideal sloping arches and ankles that align with the knee and the hips. I've carried this secret shame my whole life and recently tried to change by buying a stability shoe... to my detriment. I told the Doc about my confliction. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">His advice? Go back to minimalist shoes. Run the way your body wants to. Essentially, if it isn't broke don't fix it! </span><br />
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He went on to point out that each runner's alignment is different and running with a high arch and lined up ankles may NOT be the best thing for ME. He also told me that the fastest runners are the ones that run like me! Overpronation means we use our big toe to push off and it's the strongest part of the foot to use. Heck yeah! So all you overpronators- say it loud and say it proud: "I HAVE FLAT FEET AND I LIKE IT, LIKE IT, YES I DO!"<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">What's Next...</span><br />
I complained about the "Herpes of running injuries" to my Doc. After he decided NOT to remove me from the facility he told me that TRULY it wasn't. I'll trust him-- for the sheer fact that he's telling me what I want to hear-- but he says with proper therapy and then preventative measures I can keep it gone forever. What must I do? It's bad... like REALLY REALLY bad. Please, if you're a runner with a queezey stomach, please just skip to the next section...<br />
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<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;">STOP Running for THREE more WEEKS!</span> Oooooh no he didn't! I have to admit, the past three weeks have been helpful. My knee doesn't feel like it's popping out of place anymore. It's a challenge mentally. I feel like I'm losing my speed and endurance. In this time I can bike, swim, elipticize, etc. </li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Stretching!!! </span>NOOOOOO! I hate stretching more than anything. It takes a lot of time. I'm not good at it and I've never needed it... until now. Let's face it chaps, the old body just isn't springing back the way it used it. </li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Physical Therapy</span>. OH THE HUMANITY! Ok this one may not be so bad. I have my first appt today, so I'll let you know how that goes. </li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Minimalist Shoes!</span> YAY I like this one. Getting back to my old alignment, although it doesn't help that I cannot <i>run</i> yet. </li>
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He said 2-3 weeks, but unfortunately I'll be in Cardiff, Wales next week so no PT for me. I guess it's the elliptical for me for a few more weeks... pray for the soles of the people that have to see me every day. There is no way they're all making it out of this alive. </div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-87566524950409755052013-06-14T11:41:00.001-04:002013-06-14T11:42:02.802-04:00The first 80 marathons were ok, but 81...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I_uuOY-nwNzXhVYMWcApi8bnEfpzir1KDtqK6iU56f5LAej4OdYamd23yNLXDQHytCqFhy7LLjYXFD2Q9yGfQu0kH0PtGwBj_-752JaInuF9WFpByRDFkx4K0-0axlRWjDVP6iXA72g/s1600/600561_4874712781215_1358307543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I_uuOY-nwNzXhVYMWcApi8bnEfpzir1KDtqK6iU56f5LAej4OdYamd23yNLXDQHytCqFhy7LLjYXFD2Q9yGfQu0kH0PtGwBj_-752JaInuF9WFpByRDFkx4K0-0axlRWjDVP6iXA72g/s200/600561_4874712781215_1358307543_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>At some point in life I had to realize that although my birthday cake may still says "21" my body doesn't... that day was this past weekend. My 81st marathons was looking to be a hopeful one. I won a cool new toy as a door prize at the Hatfield-McCoy skit on marathon eve...<br />
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Hanging with my marathon maniac buddies from all over! My favorite Floridians (sans Greg G.), my (now) DC buddies, and my Fellow Flower Chicks that I love to run with... as well as many, many more. Meeting some new friends in person- <a href="http://trexrunner.com/">Danielle</a> is on her way to 50 states and kicking butt while doing it. So happy to have finally met her in person!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florida Friends ... plus a few others</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">The Start and the Finish...</span><br />
I felt fantastic at the start of the race. Getting into a little groove on the rolling hills of the Hatfield McCoy Marathon. I even got that nervous "can I hold this???" panic I haven't gotten in about 4 years. I reminded myself that this is my distance and I KNOW the marathon. I also reminded myself of all the speed work I've been doing and how much it's about to kick some @$$ on this course.<br />
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That's when this little guy joined me. We found him on the bridge that sways when a lot of people are on it. <span style="color: #0b5394;">He got a little scared of all the movement and we picked him up and carried him to safety. Only to reward us all by running along side... for about 10 miles.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>Seriously, tiny legs but a big heart (reminds me of somebody else I know...). Anyways I thought this was Buddy's (that's what I named him) way of telling me "you can do it!!!"<br />
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I was busting out some 8:00 splits and feeling like myself again. Appreciating all that the course had to offer (this is still one of my absolute favorite marathons!) And then IT happened... It started with a little twinge of pain in my left knee. I thought "ah just a little tightness... it will work itself out." Then it started hurting more so I stopped to stretch it only for it to start hurting again in a half mile. This continued until about mile 20 when I just couldn't take it anymore. I stopped to stretch/rub the knee (PS. Rubbing a knee is not at all helpful). I was definitely frustrated and even Buddy left me in the dust!<br />
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Luckily Shannon and AJ weren't too far behind and caught up. They ran/walked the rest of the 5 miles we had left with me. <span style="color: #0b5394;">This is why the Maniacs are such a tight group-- we work together to make sure everybody gets to the finish line! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Post Race</span><br />
I iced and stretched as much as possible. Even though it hurt, I couldn't miss a chance to dance it out as we cheered in the rest of the maniacs. This is me demonstrating "The Scoot" (my best move) to Lori and Mr. Hatfield.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFDAGBRKthf1Mcu8nCnh0D-LSMudI8qBsulIl-fCaSXpQanyDgVTxTLQq7pyCzJWXYbgyB3zZqkZvbvegnPGz1EVGb5hgG4d1L1409hYZDZjqhWpMRBRSKFuo_79S2JKuSejinNtkCR8/s1600/976039_752587890811_785068134_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFDAGBRKthf1Mcu8nCnh0D-LSMudI8qBsulIl-fCaSXpQanyDgVTxTLQq7pyCzJWXYbgyB3zZqkZvbvegnPGz1EVGb5hgG4d1L1409hYZDZjqhWpMRBRSKFuo_79S2JKuSejinNtkCR8/s200/976039_752587890811_785068134_o.jpg" width="111" /></a><span style="color: #0b5394;">So what's the status on the knee?</span> I haven't ran ALL week and I'm going just a littttttle stir crazy! It's been the eliptical/pool/bike for me. :( The day after it hurt like hell but it's getting stronger. No idea what's wrong with it exactly- it pops out of place and clicks a lot, but hey, at least it doesn't hurt as much. I've been doing a number of strengthening exercises to do around the IT band and knee. Positive thoughts only so this is GOING to work and I WILL be running next week with NO pain! Or else... </div>
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That's all for now. Race ratings coming up soon!!!!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span><br />
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Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-33158437819730582182013-05-24T07:30:00.000-04:002013-05-24T07:30:01.322-04:00Speedwork Works and Memorial Weekend Running!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LWWfxSFpUrmOxwTPqCNzJcfT2d9pYbXeLWcokxHJI1J6QKzIOwSPCZmx9m2z00ZbAAKHvagf_7gHXnaRKje-6VHX0Q8zIpQDWU54UM2GcChYcB-oKrfGOE9j1OQTRM_is_WOALZalO8/s1600/Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LWWfxSFpUrmOxwTPqCNzJcfT2d9pYbXeLWcokxHJI1J6QKzIOwSPCZmx9m2z00ZbAAKHvagf_7gHXnaRKje-6VHX0Q8zIpQDWU54UM2GcChYcB-oKrfGOE9j1OQTRM_is_WOALZalO8/s1600/Dog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Say what????</td></tr>
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You get faster... (wait for it) by training faster. Gather the pieces of your mind up off the ground. You would be surprised by the number of people that complain "I'm just not getting any faster" or "I hit a wall in my marathon time" then when I ask what speedwork they do, they side-head-tilt Scooby me. Hhhhh? Speedwork? Why would somebody need this? Well I figure the name in itself is enough to explain, but hey-- let's be blunt here...<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Why Speedwork Helps:</span> <i>(Yeah there are articles that tell you day-by-day what to do and why it works. But, take it from a runner that has tried just about every "school" of running there is)...</i><br />
1) Muscle Memory- You get your legs turning over at (around) the same speeds every time you run.<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> To build gears, you need to get them used to moving faster and holding through the pain</span> (more information on that in this <a href="http://running.competitor.com/2013/05/training/speed-training-for-beginners_8047/2">article</a>). Speaking of pain...<br />
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2) Blocking the Pain- I honestly believe that every runner goes out and experiences the same (relative) amount of pain. The difference is, runners are used to blocking it out. Half of training is (unknowingly) learning to block out what hurts. Don't believe me? The next time you're in a race and hurting-- just general soreness, not injuries-- kick it up. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Seriously, speed up 10-15 seconds per mile and hold. It won't hurt ANY more than it already did</span>. And I guarantee slowing down 10-15 seconds per mile won't hurt any less. So next time, kick it up and your body may respond in a surprising way!<br />
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3) <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Confidence</span>- Holding faster paces for substantial training runs-- be it track sessions or tempo runs-- will leave you feeling much more confident when you slow down a bit at race time.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Speeding it Up...</span><br />
Now the article referenced above tells you how to "ease" into speedwork. That's all well and good, but we all know I don't ease into anything. The best feeling in the world is walking (because you no longer CAN run) away from a speedwork session feeling incredibly sore and worn out. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">You've gone as hard as you could for as long as you could that day and you have pushed your threshold just a little bit more!</span><br />
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Yesterday I did my 3:20 yassos x 5!!! That's my speedwork of choice! Why? It's scheduled (1 time a week, starting at 3-4 yassos and moving up one every week), it's easy to follow and understand, you can do them anywhere (with a distance calc watch, a track, or a death-mill), it's goal oriented (3m 20s intervals for a 3h 20m marathon), and it works. Preach!!! Below is Bart Yasso. Remember his face-- he'll be the one you're cursing at around the 8-interval week.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Bart...you'll curse him later</td></tr>
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For the past few weeks I've struggled mentally though these. I'm not too surprised since I'm NOWHERE near running a 3h 20m marathon right now. But hey! B***s to the walls, right? To supplement my speedy, speedwork I've done at least one tempo run and another (semi) tempo run as part of my weekly routine. Every time I go out, I can run faster for a longer period of time and I'm getting back to my comfort zone doing it. Word.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completely "borrowed" for the betterrment of runners :)</td></tr>
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It also helps to shed some of the extra winter time lbs. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">So far I've lost 6 lbs-- over about 6-7 weeks.</span> Healthy but very much needed. I'm running lighter and faster and feeling much better! And I'm 4 lbs off my best racing weight. #sexy-fide.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Memorial Weekend Plan!</span><br />
What do people do on memorial day weekend? Drinking? Pool time? Baseball games? Tim McGraw concert? Well yeah all of those will happen. But my goal is to do 3 days of 10+ mile runs. Why? 1) I have a marathon in 2 weeks and need to get some high mileage in. 2) I like to give myself random goals just to do it and 3) All of those other things are going to cost me calories and I need to work them off! Woohoo- wish me luck! Today it's an easy workout with some cross training to get ready for my long weekend.<br />
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<i>One more note- The "Race Ratings" page (at the top) is up and running! Check it out for the race ratings (2) since this blog started (a month ago). More to be added in no time!</i><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Happy Memorial Day Weekend! What races are you using to celebrate?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-10407344251786779212013-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:002013-05-23T07:00:12.939-04:00Marathons... Better than a Root Canal!<div>
<i>Warning: The following message is rated P for Painful tooth extraction and contains self-medicating NSAID abuse. </i></div>
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I've heard a lot of comments from non runners about how "crazy" I am for all my running. The first time I tell them about my marathoning (and the many, many subsequent times I talk about running in general), they make that 'I just smelled a crop duster' face and say things like "How can you enjoy it???" As if I told them I like to spend my weekends torturing bunnies and chewing on light bulbs. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Well this weekend I was able to personally prove that the old cliche "I'd rather have a root canal than..." does not apply to marathon running</span>.<div>
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I arrived in NY very late Friday night with a slight tooth ache. I took a handful of ibuprophen<i> (note: Steph's 100 marathon challenge does not promote self medicating behavior... unless you want to share)</i> and went to bed. In the morning I had a terrible ache in my mouth. My usual ibu/wine combo wasn't even strong enough to kick it. Luckily our local dentist was willing to come in on a weekend and take an X-Ray. As it turns out, that re-worked root canal I had paid an obscene amount of money for a few years ago, was failing. #Awesome. I was given an antibiotic and codeine (SWEET!) in hopes to relieve the pain and bring down the swelling until I could return to OH/KY and have somebody work on it. No such luck... and the antibiotics were making me loopy on top of it.</div>
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The night before I was supposed to run the marathon I was up every hour in pain. When I awoke I was exhausted and in more pain than ever. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">1,12-hour aleeve, 12 ibuprophen, 2 codeine pills, and 2 tylenol PM and I wasn't able to sleep and was still in a bad way</span>. I made the choice to go back to the dentist and get my tooth extracted rather than fight the good fight... hey! I live in KY, I'm not expected to have all my teeth! </div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Rotary Run 5 Miler</span></div>
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...Of course not before racing! <span style="color: #3d85c6;">We happen to live right on the course of a 5-mile race that was going on that morning. <i>Convenient?</i> I think so!</span> I figured I wouldn't be able to run after the tooth extraction, so I ran down the street and jumped in the Rotary Run 5-mile and won it :) More importantly- I was able to wear my FLOWER!!! That's right, my "Rock Star" flower came in this week! (read more about flowers <a href="http://100marathonchallenge.blogspot.com/2013/05/quality-runs-and-flowers.html">here</a>). <span style="color: #3d85c6;">I had won this race in the past, but that was in my prime-- and without a pharmacy in my stomach. </span></div>
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The first mile has a good downhill portion and the drugs were making me quite trippy-- so I thought going off at a 6:50 was a brilliant idea. I would pay for it later on the uphill. I was able to keep it to 7:28's on a relatively hill course. Not great, but good enough for a W. It also gave me a little practice in short distance running, which (if you read my last post) is something I've been working on, while getting my marathon training in. Yay! </div>
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After the 5-mile race I ran home, showered, and then went outside to cheer on the 5K runners as they went by... then went to get my tooth removed from my mouth. Cody bear and I cheering on the runners ----> </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">So I wasn't able to run a marathon this weekend, but there were good point to be focused on...</span></div>
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<li>MB was able to catch up a little more in our marathon count. She finished marathon #72 :)</li>
<li>Last week I hit 6 lbs in my weight loss progress and now I'm 6 lbs and one tooth lighter!!!</li>
<li>I was able to wear my Rock Star flower for the first time</li>
<li>I won a race!</li>
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All great points if I do say so myself!!! </div>
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While traveling in CT on Monday and Tuesday I was able to get one solid run in and one fantastic "hotel" workout in! More on that later this week!</div>
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I'm back from the northeast and ready to get my speed on! Yassos today!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span></div>
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Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-56484636195901541272013-05-17T07:00:00.000-04:002013-05-17T07:50:23.653-04:00Oh a marathon this weekend? Why not... and Training for Two!<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Marathon this Weekend? </span><br />
I found out yesterday that I have to be in Hartford early next week for work. Being that it's only an hour and a half from Crazy Lady (my mother and other half of my "mother/daughter first 50 state marathon awesome team"... we need to work on that name) I let her know I would be close by and could visit. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">What do normal families say when they hear about the sudden return of the prodigal daughter?</span> Here are the options...<br />
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Option 1: I will start baking the cookies now!<br />
Option 2: Oh we can go visit Grandma!<br />
Option 3: Oh good you can come run a marathon in Vermont!<br />
Option 4: It's so good to have you home... just relax pool side!<br />
<br />
... guess which one my family picks? Let me tell you know, there aren't any cookies coming my way anytime soon and my Grandma is far too busy and popular to try and get anybody squeezed in her schedule last minute. Soooo off to the races I guess. What does that mean? We have a sudden addition to the race schedule: <a href="http://www.shiresofvermontmarathon.com/">The Shires of Vermont Marathon</a>. Haven't heard of it? Either have I! Let's just say the 3rd female came in just under 4 hours last year. Either this is hilly hilly hilly or it's tiny tiny tiny. My guess is a little bit of both. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Are you running this race? Know anybody that is?</span><br />
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More to come on the race...<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Training for Two...</span><br />
No, I'm not gracing the world with a miniature me-- not that you can get much smaller. <span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Training for 2 types of race</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">s</span>. I always run into trouble here, but I can't help but take on a challenge. We have a 5K here at work every year. Now I will run marathons and 50-milers and even attempts at 100 miles... in trails, up hills, doesn't matter. But 5Ks??? ARE THE DEVIL. Seriously... the devil. That God awful feeling that your lungs are going to collapse- I just can't do it! <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Why do I do it then? 1) it's free and 2) people around here know me as "the runner."</span> How can I live up to my name if I'm going to opt out of a running event on our work campus?<br />
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If you have done speed training for races before you realize that <span style="color: #3d85c6;">speedwork for marathons and speedwork for 5Ks are 2 entirely different beasts</span>. Marathons speedwork usually entails holding 7 min/mile pace (at least for me right now) for a half mile or a mile at a time with jogging breaks... but for a considerable distance. Trying to get faster for 5Ks means going much faster for 400m or so.<br />
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When you start edging toward the faster end of your marathon spectrum, as a runner, you'll start to realize your pace for any race is about the same. It's a threshold and you are maxing out, my friend. So that I'm not crossing the line at an 8 min/mile pace, I decided to up my Yasso's and try to train for both! I pushed them from a 7:00 pace down to a 6:20 and held on for dear life! After about 4 my legs were SCREAMING. I went to bed last night in more pain than I have after any marathon. Please note, I used to do Yassos at this pace all the time-- clearly somebody has slowed down!<br />
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In an attempt to stay positive about my training (at least in word) I'm going to stop my thoughts here. Let's just say-- I'm going to need an ice bath or two before this marathon that I didn't prepare for.<br />
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Easy running today and tomorrow... race day on Sunday! Woohoo!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-35465649609482058102013-05-14T05:00:00.000-04:002013-05-14T05:00:01.303-04:00Quality Runs and ...Flowers?<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Quality Running!</span><br />
There is a big difference between running and <i>quality</i> running. Anybody can go out and shuffle their feet mile after mile, day after day, for years. This past year I've taken a break from "racing" and thus real speed training. What does that mean? Well, becoming slow... obvi. It also means that even though I have a base kept up, it's going to take a little work and a lot of quality training runs to get back where I was. Now I'm not saying every run has to be b***s to the wall, but it's important to get a few key runs in a week. Here is how I've been torturing myself lately...<br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Speed work!</span> I don't care how far you've come, you can get faster by adding one speed-work day a week in. I like to do either Yasso 800's or mile repeats. Yassos get your body used to really pushing hard so that your tempo runs feel like there is a lot less effort...</li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tempo runs!</span> Who doesn't like a good tempo run? These should be at a comfortable hard effort level. Lately I've been trying to do sub-8:00 /mile tempos to get my body back in the swing. I've started with 6 mile tempo runs and hope to get up to 10 soon. This is also a great chance to run with a faster running buddy or group to push the envelope a little. </li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Long Run!</span> I prefer my "long runs" to be done in the form of a race... that I get a medal for... and is 26.2 miles. Hmmm. I find it much easier to to use marathons as training runs. </li>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Flowers... not Just for Girly Girls</span><br />
Until a few weekends I thought wearing flowers in your hair while running was just for beauty queens (sorry Juli) and girls who were just trying to be "cute"-- not my thing in athletic competitions. That is, until a few friends gave me an edumacation on <a href="http://fellowflowers.com/">Fellow Flowers</a>.<br />
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This is a pretty cool company that is focused on empowering female (and maybe some male) runners. We all run for different reasons and the flower color is supposed to represent why you run or why you are running that day-- or maybe just reflect what you need a little in your run that day to motivate you (running united, gratitude, courage, embracing a challenge).<br />
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During the Kentucky Derby Marathon a couple of wild marathon maniac chicks introduced me to Fellow Flowers. Being just a few weeks after the Boston Marathon bombings, we wore shirts designed by fellow flowers as a support of unity. That's exactly the purpose of the flowers-- to connect friends, physically and emotionally. The flowers create a tie between friends while running, while allowing each chick to show their individuality by wearing different colors that show why they run. They're also a fantastic way to find each other in races!!<br />
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I've recently ordered the "Fiercely United" shirt and the black "rock star" flower. How perfect is this?<br />
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I'm (not so) patiently awaiting the arrival of my Fellow Flowers package with my new running stuff :) Flowers... running skirts... what's next??? Maybe a little girliness CAN find it's way into running. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-8428451476126184882013-05-11T08:00:00.000-04:002013-05-11T08:00:04.893-04:00Flying Pig Marathon ~ Race Ratings!If you followed me on <a href="http://50marathonchallenge.blogspot.com/">Steph's 50 Marathon Challenge</a> you will be very familiar with my "Race Ratings"-- a full, detailed, review of every aspect of each marathon. I'm eventually going to consolidate the race ratings to one place, but this if the first official <i>second</i> of the new blog! Hopefully more to come-- well at the very least 21 more to go to 100! Enjoy...<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">Tagline: "Come fly with the pigs in Porkopolis"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Ratings...</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com/">Flying Pig Marathon</a> ~ May 5, 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Cincinnati, OH</b></span> ~ Downtown/Northern KY<br />
Type: 100% Road<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Year Running:</b></span>15<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Registration Fees:</b></span> $75 early up to $115 late/at expo<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Charity Race?:</span></b> There are various ways to contribute charitable donations as part of the race and the Flying Pig has a list of (mostly) local charities that it supports, including: Cincinnati symphony, junior achievement boys and girls club of Cincinnati, etc.<br />
<b style="color: #3d85c6;">Runners: </b>4135... 1791 female<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Available Races: </span></b>Marathon, Half, Full Relay, 10k, 5k, 1 mile, kids run<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Average Finish Time:</b></span> 4:31:52<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-weight: bold;">Boston Qualifyer? </span>Yes<span style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span><b style="color: #3d85c6;"> BQ%: </b>8.1%<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Course Time Limit:</span></b> 7 hour time limit and a 16 min mile pace must be maintained<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Overall Race Rating: 4.9/5</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Average Calculated Race Rating: 4.8</b></span><br />
~These race directors know how to put on a marathon and bring the whole city into it! They place spectators, bands, fun "extras" all throughout the race, right when you need it. They reach out to the city so everybody gets into the race and boy has it become QUITE the festival in itself. This is the only marathon I've ever seen that has built up an entire weekend festival around the marathon itself-- and I've been to a lot of marathons! The swag is killer, as is the expo and the downtown area of the Cincinnati gets bigger every year so there is plenty to do in the area. I may be slightly biased because this is my local marathon, but I challenge you to come out and check it out for yourself. You'll want to do it every single year. Don't worry... I'll keep a spare room open for you.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Let's Play Race Director...</b></span><br />
~ The biggest downfall of the race is the course distance-- I heard by MANY people, they clocked a much longer distance than 26.2. The second issue is the pricey airport costs to get into Cincinnati, but that really can't be helped by the race directors.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><u>Event Organization:</u> 4.9/5.0</b> (As far as event organization, this will include things like host hotel, website use, ease of travel to the event and to the actual race itself, etc)</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Distance from Airport:</b></span> 12<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Rental Car Required: </b></span>Not necessarily. Getting a hotel downtown or in northern KY with a shuttle is key, but even a tax from the airport is only $20. Everything is within walking distance from the hotel to the race to the festivities and resturants. It IS a little harder to get a hotel at the last minute so plan ahead.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">(Plenty to do in Cincinnati From left to right: meeting a tarahumara runner at the 1-mile race, get a drink at a local brewery, go to the zoo)</span></i></div>
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~The location is fantastic- another city marathon. Everything is in the small downtown area so you are within walking distance to anything you need. The website has an abundance of information and they send emails all year! There are a number of races put on from Friday through Sunday and during that time there are all kind of events, concerts, etc., going on that make up a kind of festival... all for a marathon! Usually it's the other way around. If you go- take advantage of all the events of the weekend, including the kids "fun run" because you'll get to cheer on some pretty intense little ones! I'm kind of obsessed with this child-- her amazing form is only outdone by the intense look of "IF YOU BEAT ME I'LL KILL YOU" Love her!<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><u>Race Organization:</u> 4.9/5.0</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Hydration (color and type):</b></span> Yellow gatorade at 29 fluid stations!<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>GEL type/flavor/availability:</b> </span>Powerbar Energy gels at miles 18 and 22.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Post Race Food:</b></span> Every kind of little debbie snack you can imagine! Of course bagels, sun chips, fruits, etc. There is always plenty.<br />
~Overall the organization in this race is phenomenal! It has turned into quite the large race with the full and half, but you never feel overly stressed like you do in typical large races. There were water stations every single mile and the volunteers (or "grunts" as they are called) are very well trained. Regular rest areas and plenty at the start. Complimentary massages are available at the end. This event isn't just a marathon- it's a marathon of races all weekend! The only negative point I would say, are the mile markers (and the distance-- 26.5??).<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><u>Course:</u> 4.0/5.0</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Marathon Guide Rating:</b></span> 4.5/5<br />
Garmin Distance: 26.5! ~ Not happy about this. I felt like the course had changed slightly from years past.<br />
<b style="color: #3d85c6;">Elevation Gain/Loss: </b>831 ft gain/ 803 ft loss<br />
~This is a challenging course! If you're expecting something fast, you're being unrealistic. If you're looking for a challenge-- this is the place for you! It's extremely hilly with some long stretches of steep inclines. If you go into it with that mentality you'll be ok. The last 4 miles is extremely flat and boring after spending the first 22 with varying elevation and changing neighborhoods constantly. The last 4 is a long stretch with nothing to look at and quite boring.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Spectators:</u> 5/5</span></b><br />
~I promise you will never meet a group of spectators at any race like you do at the flying pig. Rain or shine they are out there the entire way giving you support, booze, candy, cookies, balloon animal hats, and a TON of energy. There are whole neighborhoods having parties at 9am, covering their front lawns. You just have to come and experience it for yourself.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><u>Pace Groups:</u> 4.8/5</b></span><br />
~There are 17 pace groups for the full and 10 for the half. The full runs from 3:05 up to 5:30 and are composed of the many experienced runners we have in the area. I didn't run with any for any stretch of time, but I spent the second half speeding up, so I was able to run by a lot of them and they were running like clockwork. They were highly visible and seemed to be full of energy.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Runner/<strike>Corrals</strike> Pig Pens:</u> 4.9/5</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc1gwFMxwgAC75P15QI9lCZDK8BdKkLRLyWTsdBxEp9AqcZbZLaUEWHZtha-YftlNQGuLsQRR33o5DFnCDYFT2LyUp0x-AbHKqePIvVr38nHXCbhTno4UKAq2woFO9mkpOOfcVTCWw84/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc1gwFMxwgAC75P15QI9lCZDK8BdKkLRLyWTsdBxEp9AqcZbZLaUEWHZtha-YftlNQGuLsQRR33o5DFnCDYFT2LyUp0x-AbHKqePIvVr38nHXCbhTno4UKAq2woFO9mkpOOfcVTCWw84/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>~Corrals:</b></span> The corrals are pretty well structured with 8 groups (A-H). The release of them seemed to go off very well. There weren't a ton of slow people placing themselves ahead, nor were there a lot of people weeving in and out. I attribute that, partly, to this race being a big "first time marathoner" race, so those people don't know better and won't put themselves in the first corral then run a 10 min/mile pace.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>~Runners:</b></span> Runners in the pig are pretty friendly and fun. They get into all the crazy things going on along the course and a TON of people where piggy pink.<br />
<b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u><br /></u></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Expo:</u> 4.9/5</span></b><br />
The expo goes on FOR-EV-ER! But it's awesome! They bring in all kind of vendors with a ton of freebies. You could make a meal of just the expo. P&G is also highly involved so there is an entire bath and body give-a-way section.You could also take pictures with a giant toilet! Why? Uhhhh better questions is why not...<br />
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Swag:</u> 5/5</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">~T-Shirts:</span></b> I love the flying pig shirts. They are always themed each year and this year was "The Hero in all of Us" and was kind of bat-pig themed. The size and cut of the shirts are fantastic. And the front design is cute, but still athletic. Of course the back has a little pig tail toward the bottom! 4.8<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>~Medals:</b> </span>Everybody falls in love with the pig medals! Pig on the front, pig butt on the back! This year, for the 15th anniversary they were 15% larger and quite heavy. The lanyards are fantastic! They even give out different medals for the half and full with the half being slightly smaller, and more of a bronze color. 4.8<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>~Goodies/Others:</b></span> If you are looking for goodies and extras you have come to the right place! This race always gives out some kind of nice bag and each year it's a little different. I've seen book bags, messenger bags, duffal bags, etc. This year we got a really cool looking soft cooler! They also give out a nice collectible poster. Similar to the KY Derby Marathon from the week prior, the pig also has a virtual goody bag! This includes discounts off local running stores, freebies from local restaurants, coupons for many other types of retailers, as well as discounts off races!<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Results!</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Chip Time:</span> 4:12:42<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Place... Overall: </span>1632/4135, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Gender: </span>497/1791, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">A/G:</span> 95/314<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-55432687986206394952013-05-07T05:30:00.000-04:002013-05-07T05:30:02.706-04:00Double Marathon Weekends!This past weekend was The Flying Pig Marathon and my 80th marathon to date! Luckily for me, it's in Cincinnati! This year it was even bigger and better than ever. Some cities have festivals and events that they build a marathon around.<span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">In Cincinnati, we have a marathon that we build quite the event around</span>. The expo is huge, there is a pre race(s) festival and the entire city really gets into it. Which includes....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Crazy Friends!!!</td></tr>
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My fantastic squeal team! Christine (far left) ran the half, and my 3 friends came and waited in the rain, dressed up like little biggies, cheering, and texting me encouragement! I, on the other hand, texted them selfies of me doing impressions of animals running a marathon. Normal? mmmm... sure.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">This was my first back to back marathon weekends in a while!</span> It went surprisingly very well. I ran the first 9.5 with a friend at a bit of a slower pace (~10.45), then took off for the remainder of the marathon, finishing with a 4:12:42 chip time. It was fun to do negative splits and play the passing game.<br />
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MB came to run too! She ran a 5:08 and appeared to have quite the fun time! We were having a beer (celebrating a little Cinco de Mayo) when we saw this strolling up...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's my mama!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">A few lessons learned from this marathon...</span><br />
<i><span style="color: #bf9000;">(because even 80x marathon runners have lessons to learn!)</span></i><br />
~Running skirts DO stop the chub rub!!!! Ok... I'll admit, they don't actually look that bad either :)<br />
~I've been running 100% over pronated and bought new shoes-- which makes the ankles very weak. Even when changing to a better form, it's important to build up those stability muscles.<br />
~When purposely holding back to do negative splits, it's easy to get caught up in the start of the second split. It's important to hold back a bit and not burn it all.<br />
~Playing "tough guy" and doing a <a href="http://100marathonchallenge.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-sports-punishment-and-flying-pig.html">Century Workout</a> the few days before will STILL hurt if you did exercises you're not used to... stupid. My abs still hurt from the 100 V-Ups. Apparently somebody needs to work on their core!<br />
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It was a fun race and always a great time seeing old running buddies from all over the city (and beyond). More to come with the race ratings :)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-73985898744545118892013-05-03T09:07:00.001-04:002013-05-03T09:07:40.073-04:00My Sports Punishment and Flying Pig Weekend!!!<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">WOD as Punishment</span><br />
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You've seen the shirt 'My sport is your sports' punishment.' It's true too. When people ask me about my running, 9 times out of 10 they'll go "UGH! I HATE running... they always made us do it in (insert high school sport)." Since running is my sport, what is my punishment? Crossfit! Or any kind of crazy "WOD"-workout of (the) day- in crossfit language.<br />
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On Thursday I did a tough WOD with a couple of guys from work over at a high school. Why a high school you ask? Oh because they have monster truck tires we can flip, stadiums we can run repeatedly, and an itchy turf we can crawl all over with burpees, push-ups, bear crawls, etc. This was the workout we did. It is called "Century." I'm sure you can figure out why...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty much what I look like doing Century...hm</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">~Start with 1/2 mile run, then in any order:</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">~100 yards of tire flips</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">~3 Sets of stadium bleacher "laps" (6 rows up and down each time)</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">~100 Burpees (YEAH-- I said One Hundred... don't even get me started)</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">~100 Yard walking lunge</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">~100 Yard bear crawl</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">~100 Pushups</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">~100 V-Ups</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">~100 Air squats</span><br />
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This workout took me about 45 minutes in total. Now you may be saying "Stephanie-- Did you vomit?" Very close! You may be also asking "Why would you do this to yourself?" <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Well it was PUNISHMENT! My speedwork session on Wednesday sucked</span> and I needed to be punished. I didn't have nearly enough to eat and waited until the end of the day to get my workout in. Not only that, but the track I wanted to workout on was being occupied by the high school students that go to that school. Hey now! I pay taxes, not them! I should get dibs :( My "Yassos" I was supposed to do got reduced down to 0.25 mile pick ups. I still got my legs stretched out and moving faster than normal so I'm happy. Next week the Yassos are happening earlier and after a good breakfast.<br />
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Post marathon, flying pig hill training, wanna-be speed work, and a Century WOD... I'm freaking exhausted!! I guess I'm officially back in training mode!<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Flying Pig Weekend!</span><br />
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This Sunday is the Flying Pig Marathon in my local city, Cincinnati. I'm a big fan of marathons taking over my city and Cincinnati is fully supportive of it. Almost everybody does the half or full at some point so they are understanding when part of downtown/Hyde Park shut down for a day. I've done this race twice before, but I have yet to race it. The first year I didn't train at all (it was my pre-crazy-marathon O' marathon days) and the second I paced a friend. This year I'm pacing a friend in the half, which will split off around mile 10. One of these days I'm going to take on the tough pig course and see how well I can do... maybe next year!<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Happy Anniversary!</span><br />
No I'm not married-- I'm not even dating anybody. Everybody shares their anniversaries between them and their better halves that they devote their lives to. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">In my case that's my job... so Happy 7 Year Anniversary</span> GE! Annnnd I officially have 0 life. Good job.<br />
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May is the start of prime marathon season so this weekend is always chock full of races! <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>What race are you running this weekend??</b> </span>Good luck to all the racers!!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-49604918682804106262013-05-02T10:09:00.002-04:002013-05-03T09:10:44.248-04:00Kentucky Derby Marathon ~ Race Rating!If you followed me on <a href="http://50marathonchallenge.blogspot.com/">Steph's 50 Marathon Challenge</a> you will be very familiar with my "Race Ratings"-- a full, detailed, review of every aspect of each marathon. I'm eventually going to consolidate the race ratings to one place, but this if the first official one of the new blog! Hopefully more to come-- well at the very least 21 more to go to 100! Enjoy...<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">Tagline: "A simple KY marathon with a lot of energy"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Ratings...</span><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://derbyfestivalmarathon.com/">Kentucky Derby Marathon</a> ~ April 27, 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Louisville, K</b>Y</span> ~ Downtown Louisville/Waterfront Park<br />
Type: 100% Road<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Year Running:</b></span>12 (for the full, 40 for the mini)<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Registration Fees:</b></span> $80 early up to $100 late<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Charity Race?:</span></b> The race is held as part of the Kentucky Derby festival. The race organizers offer 250 charity bibs, with $125 going to the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Runners: 2038</span></b>... 817 female (for seriousness??)<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Available Races: </span></b>Marathon, "Mini" (half), Full Relay<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Average Finish Time:</b></span> 4::22:26<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-weight: bold;">Boston Qualifyer? </span>Yes<span style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b> BQ%: </b></span>8.7%<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Course Time Limit:</span></b> 6 hours<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Overall Race Rating: 4.0/5</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Average Calculated Race Rating: </b>3.8</span><br />
~I really enjoyed this race. It was full of energy from runners to spectators to volunteers. The course was tricky at points but it was still fun and running on Churchill Downs was something different. The swag is fantastic and the location ideal for a race in the area. There is plenty to do and everything is easy to get to. Big props to making more small shirts when the ran out. Overall I'm a fan!<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Let's Play Race Director...</b></span><br />
~What I would change would focus on the organization a little. There needs to be slightly better signage pre and post race so you could find what you needed (especially to bag check). The mile markers were a little off at points so that could be tightened up. I would also find a way to tie the locals/festival in with the race a bit more. If there was a festival post-race I didn't know about it.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><u>Event Organization:</u> 4.2/5.0</b> (As far as event organization, this will include things like host hotel, website use, ease of travel to the event and to the actual race itself, etc)</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Distance from Airport:</b></span> 5.6 Miles from SDF<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Rental Car Required: </b></span>Mostly likely not! There are a slew of hotels in the downtown area (walking distance to the start) and many of the hotels have some sort of shuttle option. Typical parking fees at hotels are around $10/night ($20 if you valet).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calming the nerves on marathon eve</td></tr>
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~The location is ideal with the start being so close to all the hotels which is close to the airport. Hotel prices may be a bit higher than usual due to Derby week and all the festivals going on, but you could still get a decent price.The website is pretty well run and updated. There is also plenty to do around the area. 4th street is the place to stay if you want to be close to food... and beverates...<br />
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All information, course maps and elevation, is provided and information is sent virtually every day leading up to the race.The Galt House is the hotel hotel for the marathon. I didn't stay there this weekend but I have stayed there before and it's very nice. There was special pricing for runners but that wasn't released on the website. We were able to book a hotel room the day before the race so selling out isn't a huge issue.<br />
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Extras: There were no free massage tables and the post-race party was kind of spaced out without much indication of where anything was. I also would have liked to have some tie-in with the actual Derby. Yes we ran on the track for a bit, but that was pretty much it. I didn't feel like the event was really part of a festival.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><u>Race Organization:</u> 3.9/5.0</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Hydration (color and type):</b></span> Red powerade as well as water. Water was every other mile and powerade was about the same. Bonus: cups are eco-friendly with no wax, but they still don't disolve!<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>GEL type/flavor/availability:</b> </span>Strawberry and Banana powerbar gel (gag) available 3 (maybe 4?) times on the course. Ok this actually wasn't that bad- I'm just a pure vanilla GU kinda girl. I did successfully choke one of these down when I ran out of GU.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Post Race Food:</b></span> Pretty standard here- bananas, chips, pretzels... oh and free beer. It was supposed to be ticketed one per person, but they weren't even bothering with the tickets.<br />
~Overall I think the organization was pretty well done. Water stops were put in areas with plenty of room for runners to squeeze in and not trip over each other. There were plenty of port-a-johns along the way which was great. The water availability was fantastic. The only downsides I would say are the bag check locations and the mile markers. The bag check at the start was ALL the way behind the last corral and there were no signs telling you where it was. The mile markers were off in a couple of point in the middle (a few hundredths of a mile). There were a ton of port-a-johns at the start as well!<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><u>Course:</u> 3.7/5.0</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Marathon Guide Rating:</b></span> 4/5<br />
Garmin Distance: 26.28 ~ There were a ton of turns in the beginning of the race and with all the halfies it made it very difficult to stay on the tangents.<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Elevation Gain/Loss: </span></b>331.36 climb<br />
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~Oh that little guy? Don't worry about that little guy.... ok do because it takes a lot out of you. The hill in the middle is actually a series of very share uphills with shorter, flatter downhills. It's killer on the quads and hams, but if you're a hill runner (like Heather Z) you're all set. You definitely come out of there feeling like you lost a little something. That hill around mile 23 is pretty rough as well. I hear that the course <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shannon, myself, and Heather at Churchill Downs</td></tr>
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used to be FAR worse but this was a little challenging. The good news is that it sticks to the 2 rough points to mentally it's a little easier to get through than some other courses. The first couple of miles have a lot of turns. Keep a close eye on your tangents and get ahead of the pack of halfies if possible or you'll be wasting extra mileage. The roads are very wide and there is only a small section of out and back, so you get the whole road for most of the trip. After the fulls split off you have all the room you could possibly need. I should note, you get to run on Churchill Downs- Giddyup!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Spectators:</u> 3.0/5</span></b><br />
~Spectators were pretty good. I was surprised they weren't out more as this is an event that is part of the overall Derby Festival. They were set at some key areas, but none could get in and out of the really hill climb section, as it's part of this windy park. None of the spectators had any extra goodies or anything :(<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><u>Pace Groups:</u> NA/5</b></span><br />
~I know there WERE pace groups (ASICS) that ran from 3:10 to 5:45, but I cannot recall seeing a single one. There weren't a lot of out and back points for opportunity to see many and we stayed within a 10 sec/mile window the whole time so we could have been between groups.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Runner/Corrals:</u> 4.7/5</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>~Corrals:</b></span> These were pretty open, but assigned. I don't think anybody checked the bibs so it was kind of a free for all. Surprisingly people seemed to stick to their areas better than I've seen in a while. I didn't feel like we were tripping over people.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>~Runners:</b></span> I don't know if it was just my group or post-Boston Marathon event, or a mix but it felt like there was a lot more solidarity than usual. People said good job to each other, they chatted a lot more (even just a few sentences). It was a very support-filled group and I was happy to see that!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Expo:</u> 3.2/5</span></b><br />
Hmmm I would say a pretty basic expo- nothing crazy, but a lot of other races advertising. There was, however, an absurd amount of candy... which we took full advantage of because we were starving. You could pick up any extras that you needed/were missing- GU, water bottles, etc.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Swag:</u> 4.2/5</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">~T-Shirts:</span></b> Apparently they ran out of womens' small shirts BUT instead of just sticking us with mediums they actually went out, bought new shirts, and had them printed. Granted, the color (BRIGHT yellow) was a little off from the original (a muted yellow) but I was impressed that they had extras printed and who would ever know?? The fit is nice and cut for a woman (yay!). 4.2<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>~Medals:</b> </span>I liked the medals. They pulled in the horse racing side of the festival and had a nice lanyard. 3.9<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>~Goodies/Others:</b></span> You were also given a pretty nice running hat with the marathon logo- surprisingly not at all dorky! The goody bag didn't have anything great, BUT there was kind of a cool feature- a virtual goody bag!You could print off and connect to free offers. There was a free admission to Churhill Downs as well as discounts on compression socks, watches, running sunglasses. What a GREAT idea... and so much greener!<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Results!</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Chip Time:</span> 3:47:41<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Place... Overall: </span>450/2038, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Gender: </span>98/817, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">A/G:</span> 22/145<br />
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That's it! If you get a chance to run this race... I absolutely recommend it.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Molengo; font-size: xx-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036387386035250215.post-65864460784292853302013-05-01T05:00:00.000-04:002013-05-01T05:00:12.742-04:00How to Train Like a Maniac!I know I promised to do the race rating today, but I've posted about nothing but the Derby Marathon so far. If you're saying "NO! I want to see MORE of the Derby Marathon!" well you're in lucky my friend. After this weekend we have about 1000 photos- this is what happens when you have 6 people with cameras. Shannon was kind enough to pull the best of them and put it to some music. Check it out: <a href="http://t.co/tXeodNrAXP">Video!</a><br />
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The rating will be up tomorrow, however, in the meantime let's talk about training... Marathon Maniac Style!<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Yesterday's Training!</span><br />
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Yesterday was a hill day. Not just any hill day- it was the flying pig marathon hill day. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">I took a newbie half-marathoner-in-training (Chris A.) on the flying pig half course</span> so he could get ready for the race this weekend.<br />
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How did it feel? The first few steps were a little tough but the legs got into it eventually. Normally Chris does around a 10 min/mile pace and that's with no hills. I expected yesterday to be par for the course but I was wrong. He decided to show up a little hyper, pulling a buddy the elf and pointing out every single thing he saw on the course "oooh look a castle! A bunny! A homeless man!"<br />
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If you know anything about the pig course we were in Eden Park. This is the section that keeps banking and going uphill right when you think the current hill your on is about to stop. We had a surprisingly good pace going up and then it was time to go down. Downhill running is killer on the quads when they're already sore. Chris seemed to be enjoying himself. I had stopped listening to him a mile before but suddenly I hear him say to himself <span style="color: #3d85c6;">"I LOVE this downhill... I wanna make LOVE to this downhill."</span> Annnnd that is how Chris got prohibited from eating chocolate chip pancakes before our runs ever again.<br />
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So why did I run hills when I'm still a bit sore from this past weekend's marathon? It's how you have to train if you want to get faster! Read on my little chick-a-dees...<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Training between Marathons</span><br />
If you followed my 50-state marathon blog you may already know this but I honestly believe (and have proven) that you can get faster while running many marathons! The key is treating each week like you didn't just race. Let me explain further....<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Day After Marathon:</u></span> Complete your Monday (or Sunday) runs as if the marathons was just another long training run. In fact, treat your whole week as if it's just part of a normal training week. Get in your speed work and hills and tempo runs. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Is it going to hurt? Uhh... duh! More than usual? Yeah- probably! Get over it! Nobody said (maniacal) marathon running was gonna tickle!</span> Now the exception are hard race weeks (or injury)...<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Race Weeks (the mini taper):</u></span> If I'm coming up on a race that I'm hoping to run pretty hard at (which is not ALL of them) I'll do a mini taper throughout the week before. I'll <span style="color: #3d85c6;">keep my speedwork to Monday or skip it all together and I'll limit the hill training </span>to keep my legs fresh(er). How do I pick which marathons to race? Well it depends on my goal for that particular race. Some marathons just can't be run fast (high elevation, extremely challenging courses, trails, pacing others, etc) and I can write those off as training runs.<br />
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<u><span style="color: #bf9000;">Racing:</span></u> I also like to pick 1 or 2 marathons per season to be "race" marathons... during these I'll try and go for a PR or fast time (for my current condition). Why 1 or 2 per season? S**T HAPPENS! <span style="color: #3d85c6;">You could wake up to bad weather, bad mood, bad body aches, or even a bad hangover! You can't control everything and some days just aren't your day.</span> I've seen marathoners put so much pressure on themselves to hit a PR at a particular race that they have been training for and they ignore these challenges and still try to push the race, usually leading to disappointment.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Strength Training:</u></span> I'm a HUGE supporter of strength training. I can do a longer post on this but it needs to be done and can <span style="color: #3d85c6;">add a ton of speed and prevent injury</span>. I personally like, walking lunges, 1-leg squats, and anything that really works the tiny support muscles that we rely on so heavily at the end of marathons. Using any kind of balance ball can be a huge help with these! Luckily I have a few posts on my old blog on strength training tips: <a href="http://50marathonchallenge.blogspot.com/2010/07/speed-work-weight-training-for.html">Weekly Strength Training</a> and <a href="http://50marathonchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/02/knee-strength-and-ultra-training.html">Strength Training for Knees</a><br />
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Much much more to come in these adventures. Today's run is going to involve a little speed session as I make my way back to Yasso's!!! I'll let you know how those go tomorrow. Wish me luck!<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>-Stephanie</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">"Run to Win" -Meb</span>Stephanie Estridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16138752457804017361noreply@blogger.com0