Warrior Dash 2012

All the elements were perfect for a stinky smelly muddy 5k obstacle course. We could smell the swamp as we entered into our destination. But the sunny skies and warm temperatures made this event more enjoyable to work myself into.
This was my first obstacle course race. The Warrior dash is one of the "fun runs" that I have put on my race schedule to do.

We went out in the 12pm corral. Each corral holds about 100 people. I appeared to mesh well in my bright green tutu, argyle socks and warrior face paint as I looked at the other costumes. We had super heroes, rainbow tutus, kilts, men in compression shorts and a team with hot dogs on their heads! We had young kids, old people and people of every shape and size in that corral with us also. It was like going to a People zoo!

"5-4-3-2-1 GOO!!" And we were off. The first mile has no  obstacles in order to separate the pack.  Andy lead this most of the way. Austin was struggling a few feet behind us. He got embarrassed when I asked how he was doing and decided he wasn't going to run with us because his pride was hurt.
I loved the trail running. It felt so good to be running on grass and dirt. Your feet mold into the earth and you feel such oneness as the trees buzz pass you and the heat of the sun warms your skin.

The first obstacle was 5 walls you had to jump unto and climb over. I was flying over these like a monkey. The trail opened up to a small lake..Oh crap I have to swim! I am not a strong swimmer. I can make it look pretty enough to fool you but eventually your gonna notice when I flip around to do the back stroke!
Andy took off..He left Austin and I in the dust here. You had to swim to a thin dock and then from there to the shore. By the time I got to the dock I was half drowned by my tutu and annoyed by the guy kicking me trying to get on the dock. I looked out for Austin and noticed he let his tutu sink to the bottom and he was looking pleased to have gotten rid of that thing! His head was back in the game as he had mud and smiles painted across his face.

As my feet hit the shore Austin and I were trying to catch up to Andy. I was trailing. I felt like a drowned rat. I hate swimming but it was quite refreshing. My shoes weighed 5 lbs a piece and water was draining out of my skirt.

There were many more obstacles. I loved the ropes, the tires, the walls but not the thick black murky mud. It was as black as the ace of spades and you had to wade through it. You felt like a pig trudging through their pen. The smell reminded me of the scent from the local dairy farm. NASTY.  The girl in front of me slipped and went into it with the side of her face, as thick as pudding. Only it didn't look like pudding and it Definitely didn't SMELL like pudding either!

We ran through trenches, over motto hills, and finished jumping through about 3 feet of fire....Real Fire...Hot Fire...Fire that I was scared was gonna catch hold of my TUTU and turn my Tootsie on FIRE!
But it didn't and when I saw the final watering hole before the finish I knew I would have been OK.

As we finished and found mom and dad I had to laugh. It was at this moment I realized how muddy and disgusting we were simply by the expression in moms face. She looked repulsed! And she is such a lady. She had a chiffon peach blouse on with WHITE perfectly pressed capris. She was not getting very close to us!

 We removed our shoes and donated them to the pile of donated shoes as we head to the showers.

We finished up with a outside sprinkler system that was 20 feet in the air, about 30feet long and shared by all the runners. The filth just continued to drip down my body. Eventually you just had to give up and call it good enough.

I would totally do it again. It was a great family event.

 

*****************************************************************************

Last weeks miles-46 miles

Monday:  Tough run. I saw a girl running about a block ahead of me and decide to try and catch up to her to give me a little UMPH! I caught up to her mostly because quit running and started walking! 

• Distance: 5 miles
• Time:40 min
• Pace:8:00

 Anita

Preparing For Warrrior Dash: Obstacles

Muddy, stinky, hot and sweaty obstacle run...The Warrior Dash. 
I was signed up to run it last year with Austin and I won a trip to California the same weekend. Andy took my place and they had the best time...with out me.

Austins shirt "Like FATHER" : Andy's Shirt "Like SON"

There was no way I was missing out this year!! For Christmas the registrations made the perfect gift and I received  the biggest smiles!!

Austin and I have purchased our Green Tutus and Andy is "Odd man Out"...He was a party pooper and refused the brightly colored tulle!

This Years Obstacles:

• Barricade Breakdown: Series of platforms intertwined with mini barb wired fences that runners must go over and under.
•  Capsize Catamaran: Shallow body of water where they will need to climb over a series of floating docks.
• Chaotic Crossover:Runners climb onto a platform of netting work their way across, about 10 feet to the other side.
• Hard Rain: Runners enter a shallow water pit...(Mud) with water pouring from pipes.
• Mud Mound: Runners enter to a mud trench leading to a wall, climb the wall and trudge through the mud pit on the other side.
• Road Rage: Runners stomp over a series of tires and junkyard cars.
• Great Warrior Rage: A 12 foot wall where ropes are "expected" to help aid in the climb.
• Mortimer's Crossing: Runners will manage their way across a wobbly rope course.
• Trenches: ...Trenches Duh!
• Storming Normandy: Runners do a belly crawl through the mud, over rocky and rough terrain with barbed wire and cargo nets hanging from above.
• Cargo Climb: 20 foot A-frame structure covered in netting that runners must scale up and down before the final sprint to the finish.
• Warrior Roast: A path of flaming logs that runners must hurdle.
• Muddy Mayhem: The Final mud bath requiring runners to crawl through a shallow pit of mud and under strings of more barbed wire before reaching the finish line!

This Info came from the Flint Journal~

A Little Extra Info!

1. The Warrior Dash is a 3.2 mile course. 
2. The Weather expected for Sunday is 80 degrees mostly sunny
3. Location :E. A. Cummings Center
   6130 E. Mt. Morris Road
   Mt. Morris, MI 48458 
4. Bring 20$$ for Parking!!
5. Awards for Best Warrior Beard and most ridiculous Costume!
6. Donate your old sneakers tied by their laces to the GreenSneakers tent at the race.
7. The Warrior Dash Is TIMED. 
8. This event last for 2 days and is SOLD OUT!

"Required: A Great Warrior Attitude."

Anita

Keep it Simple Thursday.

Blind Run...I waited for the thunderstorms to stop. I love Thunderstorms so I did not mind waiting. I sat outside on the porch reading and enjoying the rain. I was actually having a hard time talking myself into running all together this morning. My body is tired and sore, the weather puts a little extra hurten on me.
But then I got this little burst of energy and motivation, and that mixed with the rain letting up set up the window of opportunity to run. I decide to take the Garmin but NOT look at it! Not looking at my watch took the most discipline but it was forgotten in deep thoughts...

"Thinking is the greatest torture in the world for most people." Voltaire

I had some things that were roomanating in my head. Stinking Thinking. And rather than disposing of it like I knew I should..I fed it. I fed it so much that I forgot to pick up my Amphipod water container. At mile 3 I dropped my container in the grass, planning to pick it up on my way back in. I mean it was 80 degrees and humid I was going to get thirsty.
Too bad I ran right past it never to take a drink totally forgetting it.  I got so engrossed in my thoughts that when I arrived downtown Holly I couldn't even remember how I got there. I have to conquer a very large hill to get to the place I was at and I did not even recall the gruesome crawl up it. I was so withdrawn from my run that I couldn't even bring to mind the last 3 miles!

Happy Birthday Austin Dow!!

At 3:38pm, 13 years ago I gave birth to a 8 lb 2 ounce beautiful baby boy, Austin Dow. His skin was olive and his hair was dark and silky. He was perfect. I had 11 people in the room!! Andy's mom was my coach she was amazing. I have never looked at someones eyes that long in my life. She never left my side telling me to focus on her. I had terrible back labor and refused to get an epidural. She was like an angel. Between mom coaching me and Aunt Lois rubbing my back I was able to maintain my sanity. Everything was perfect..He Was Perfect.

There are some days I practice positive thinking and other days I'm not positive I am thinking and then days like today I think I shouldn't have been thinking soo hard...Or at all!

RunDown:

Distance:10.3
Time:1:25
Pace:8:27
I was shocked at my pace because I was taking it easy. Great RUN

Anita

A little CHEESEY...

I got a resonse from "Michelle" on You know your a runner when: and just have to post it!! I love that she came up with more, and that I saw that I could relate to so many as well!!

* You're on a first name basis with Hal Higdon and everyone in your life knows who you mean.
* You plan Christmas dinner late enough so you can run in the daylight.
* You regularly step in the shower fully clothed after running on hot days.
* You go through copious amounts of Vaseline to prevent chafing.
* You buy running shoes 6 pairs at a time when the price is good.
* You mend your SmartWool socks because they're too expensive to replace because of a little hole.
* You've said no to dates because it would interfere with scheduled long runs.
* You complain about not being able to get enough calories before a long run.
Thanks "Michelle"!!


Tuesday is always a off day for running. I work on Tuesday and I am on my feet pretty much all day so by the time I get home my feet and legs have enough energy to make dinner and that's about it. I am a creature of habit.. I like routine, regimen and I am very habitual in almost all I do. I can change my plans up but I do better with a little notice. 
But I like almost every opportunity to go for a run. When I got home about 5:20 from work I knew Andy was going to go running. We both were coming home at the same time so we touched base and shared our evening plans. Andy had softball at 8:30 so he wanted to go for a run before.
I made it home before him and quickly made dinner: BLT's and still had time to lace up my shoes and run with him!
As we arrived from our 4.75 mile run the boys were waiting for me to go for a bike ride with them.
I couldn't say no to that so I changed my running shoes and we had a great 9 mile bike ride. I knew Austin could do it but Alec being "10" I was not sure. Alec complained the first 4 miles but then he decided complaining was not getting him home faster. About mile 7 I asked if he was having fun and he responded shyly "Yes mom, this is kinda fun."!
When I got home I knew I was going to meet "Heidi" for a 6 am tempo run so I needed some recovery.
1. 1 cup JUICE PLUS French Vanilla protein drink
2. 1 bottle water
3. 4 JUICE PLUS capsules
4. 2 Ibuprofen
5. 1 cup yellow and red peppers...live food and a slice of bacon...Because its Good!!

5:30am: I got up after having a good night sleep and got ready. Without looking at my cell phone I took off out the door to run too our 6 am meeting place.
No "Heidi"
This was very out of character for her. "Heidi" is always on time and rarely cancels. I was looking forward to running with her because we haven't ran together in weeks.
I decided to run back home and check my phone. It is only a half a mile back home.
When I arrived I was glad to see Andy was still there. He looked at me confused. I grabbed my cell phone a saw a 3am text from "Heidi" that I clearly missed! She was up all night with a bad belly.
Poor thing. I said a prayer for her, kissed the hubby goodbye and headed back out the door.

 I had 8 miles in before 8 am. It was a beautiful morning. The air was crisp and the sun hid low behind the trees. The air was fresh not yet tainted with the worldly pollutants. I could smell the grass and the breeze blew the smell of wildflowers towards me. Gratitude encompassed me.

I thanked God, I praised God. I felt the Lord running right next to me. I felt the Lord running through me.
What does that feel like you may ask??
It is the feeling of Peace. Nothing else matters as much as being with Him. He comforts me and removes my anxiousness. He trades his security and comfort in for the stress, hurts, disappointments that this world puts on me...That I can put on me.
As I run down the road I inhale His Glory that surrounds me. I see God Everywhere. He quickens my steps without me realizing it. He Encourages me with strengthen and perseverance.
There is No Greater Feeling then Knowing God is beside you.

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us." Romans 8:31

Nutrition: Kinda CHEESY!! 

Most everyone loves cheese. I know my family does. Here is a summary of soe cheeses. If you are wise with your selection and serving of Cheese it can be healing and healthy to your diet.

• Nonfat yogurt cheese-1oz:0 fat:17 calories
• Sapsago-1tbsp: .4 fat: 12 calories
• Parmesan-1Tbsp: 1.9 fat:29 calories
• Monterey Jack Processed: 1oz:2.0 fat: 50 calories
• Cheddar Processed: 1oz: 2.0-4.0 fat: 50-70 calories
• Swiss Processed: 1 oz: 2.0-4.0 fat:50-70 calories
• Muenster Processed: 1oz:2.0-5.0fat:50-85 calories
• Mozzarella,part ski: 1oz:4.5 fat:72 calories
•  Feta: 1oz: 6.0 fat: 75 calories
• Neufchatel: 1oz: 6.5 fat: 74 calories

 You can find all these in lower fat versions. When you go low fat or no fat remember they do not melt well and often do not have the same flavor, The higher the fat and calories try to substitute or use in moderation. 
 

"If I had to give up cheese or chocolate, I'd give up chocolate in a heartbeat." Amanda Peet

Anita

Family..The invaluable time.

The view after my run.

I started Monday off on a good foot. As I got up at 6 am with Andy I put my Caribou Kcup in the KEURIG.  I was going to go run before coffee but I decided it wasn't too hot out so I was in no hurry to skip my routine.
I put my earbuds in and headed out of the street about 7 am. It was pretty clammy out. It was an easy equation which way to run this morning. Towards the West the sky was a deep stormy blue but towards the East the sun was shining through the clouds. I chose East!
The temperature at 7am was about 70 degrees. About 2 miles into my run I felt the clouds start to spit at me. I turned around to see how dark it was now behind me and like last week...I started to pray! The dark cloud of doom was invading my space.
It turned out to be a crowning run. The rain didn't come down hard enough to damage my Ipod and it didnt come down with a lightening fest.
The Rain came down Glorious like a Gift from God,  enough rain to wash away my tears of gratitude.

Running Tip: "Instead of over training, cut back a bit on the running and the little things to stay healthy: stretching, hydrating, eating well, etc."  Mark Coogan- 1996 Olympic marathoner

Khloe and Alec Teetering!

Indian Springs Spray park with my great Niece Khloe

Family:
Maybe it was the way I grew up. Or maybe it was all I knew. But whether I liked my family, I respected my family, I was embarrassed of my family or whatever the case they were still my family.  I made it a point every week to visit my grandmother after my mother died. It was the greatest treasure she ever gave me. I never asked for anything from her. Of course she didn't have anything to give but herself. And that is all I wanted. I would go see her and roller set her hair every Monday. We would get out the picture albums and talk about the days on the farm. My grandma was born in 1906. She could remember more 50 year old stories then she could remember just the previous week.

Becca and Khloe

Family is so important. Grandma Murdock was the most valuable gem to me. But I had to harvest it. There were times I didnt feel like going there. There were times I didn't have a good visit. There were times we laughed and cried together. Every moment invested was invaluable as a whole. I was often the only ray of sunshine she saw all day. I loved seeing those old hazel eyes as they gleamed at me when she opened the door.

I appreciate the time I have with the family I have. Andys Mother loves me through it all. We laugh, we cry and we are honest and open with one another. She never makes me feel like less than her daughter...A daughter in law.
Today my Niece "Becca" called to spend time with me. It was such a blessing. I love that she just wanted to hang out with me.
Take time to be with family. Just stop over. Ask for nothing but a conversation.
It takes a lot of maturity to do something you do not want to do but you know you may be the only sunshine in someone else's day~

You are my sunshine...

I am dedicating this post to Aunt Lois who Lost her Dear Mother in law very recently. Whom she spent many hours with harvesting a beautiful relationship with. RIP Grandma Gaard.
Anita

You know your a runner when:

"I want to run until I can't run no more." Bill Rodgers

I can not believe it..I ran 49 miles.  Where did that come from?? I was logging my run today with Andy and 49 miles came up in the right hand corner of DAILYMILE. My eyes popped. I wasn't trying, I didn't even pay attention to my miles this week. WOW! That is the Love of Running. 

This is what 2 miles looks like..Now heading to Indian Springs for another 9!

• You know Your a Runner WHEN:
• You Run in 90 degree heat to get your "Long Run" in...(Andy)
• You get a massage but it is not for pleasure.
• You have a "Running Playlist" on your Ipod.
• You use "Easy Run" and 5 miles in the same sentence.
• You give up Running for Lent.
• You are green with envy as you pass runners in the car and you are stuck driving.
• You correct people that a marathon really is 26.2 miles
• Your running clothes out number your work clothes
• You ask for race registrations for birthdays and Christmas
• You have more race jewelry than costume jewelry 
• YOU RUN FOR FUN!!

Hiding water on our 9 mile run!

BACK HOME and a Little Personal:

This weeks Obstacle:

My little love of my life, Austin. He turns thirteen this coming week. Can I just say raising preteens is not for the weak. He is so much like me. We bump heads so bad. He is a firecracker. So between the two of us we can really get the sparks rolling. When it is good it is very very good but when it is bad it is painful. I always pray for God to "Take this stoney heart and give me a Heart of Flesh." because i get so hard and tough skinned. Today He did. I tried to control my temper. And I did but let the water works flow. Rather than yelling I cried.

As a mother I am so burdened for my boys. I pray over that boy, both my boys. As parents you:as many of you know you fight all of hell for your children. You want them to be good, loving, respectful and so many other upstanding characteristic traits. And then you have these moments...You look at your kids and think "I am failing" or "What am I doing wrong". 

You get back in the ring and go "One More Round".

This is HUMBLING..This is a 11 mile run and 90 degrees

After run, water, and now heading home!!

Tomorrow is a new day. For both of us. A day to recover, reflect and redo. As for today, It was a hurtful day, a tough day, but God is not finished with either one of us yet. 

Anita

Keeping it simple Thursday!

Double run...
but the first one..
Not as much fun!!

Indian Springs:

 8.01 mi
 01:12 time
09:02 pace

 It was so funny as "Katie" and I were running that first mile at Indian Springs.  We were making the curve into the woods when these 2 familiar faces emerge. They look like they are coming out of a bees nest. They are both swatting and yelping. The shorter guy yells "Hope you brought your bug spray, the bugs are HORRIBLE!" and the other guy about a foot taller looks at us cross eyed  and mouth gaping in agreement non verbally!
It was like a battle scene. "Katie" looked mortified. With out a second to let this vision sift another runner appears from the woods. This woman came out with a full out BUG MASK!! She wasn't messing around!! This scene threw "Katie" into a tail spin and a panic attack. You didn't know whether to laugh or cry. this woman looked like she was going into quarantine or something!
BUG RUN...Couldn't keep proper pace, between my stinking sugar dropping at mile 2 and beating off killer bugs, I was happy to reach the end. Good news: even though the bugs were at a high, the bug spray worked. Only 1 bite from the beasts!

 Independence Oaks: 4.3 mi

  00:39 Time
  08:59 pace

Run #2 of the morning, Ran with Katie at 7"30 then met Sarah at 10am. No BUGS at Independence Oaks!! Just RAIN. Refreshing!! "Sarah" and I had the perfect conditions for our run :Cooler temps, no bugs and a misty rain. Not to mention we didn't get lost one time!! Which is an improvement from last week! We took the "River Loop" all the way, twice!

Today's Food Log:

7am: 1/2 banana cup of coffee
9:30am: Half a PBJ on Oatnut bread
11:00am: small lite caramel latte
12pm: Babybel lite cheese, cherries, pbj on a ww English muffin
1:45pm: 1 cup of coffee, 1slice BBQ chicken pizza..AMAZING..(Red Knapps)
4pm: strawberries, tomatoes and mozzarella balls, slice of Boars Head oven roasted turkey
6:20pm: Southwestern burritos : WW tortillas, ground sirloin, corn, black beans, lite cheese, rice, tomatoes,lettuce, onions and Lots of RED HOT!!
Another cup of COFFEE!!

Bed time snack: half chocolate chip cookie, Lemon bisque mom made

 

Well not sure Iam going to sleep with all that coffee in me but I am going to give it a try!!
Night!

Anita