Leap Year 4 mile Race

Saturday:3.5 miles Easy
Sunday: 14 miles Painful ...I struggled
Monday 10 miles; Great Run, did 10:1 intervals and it felt great.
MONDAY NIGHT: 4 Mile Leap Year Race.

Leap Year Race: New Boston Michigan. 6:30 pm.
I signed up for this race several weeks ago. Maximum participants 2000.
Lacey had me meeting her and Melissa at her house at 4:45.
As soon as I pulled in Lacey jumped in solo.
Melissa was going to be a good trooper and try to run with us but due to a recent injury she bowed out.

Lacey and I had made a early morning plan.
It was her 6 day straight running.
It was my second long run after a very painful run on Sunday. We both decided we would try to take a nap and have rested legs before we raced.
I actually took a great nap. I was rested and ready to run again!

Lacey was fresh and ready to roll. She had printed out the directions and had a bag full of goodies. It was a Monday night Girls Nite. A new race and dinner after, we were giddy.
In pure excitement, I made a bad decision. Tim Hortons was a very emotional choice, I HAD TO HAVE just one cup. We hit the Tim Hortons in Milford. I felt like a junkie my craving was so bad.

New Boston is located near metro Airport. The planes were coming out of the tree lines making my heart skip a beat. They looked like they were going to land on your head.
In the middle of chaos and expressways rests' this Metro Park called WILLOW PARK. This was where our race was.
The parking lot was filling up. The sun was setting and it was a magnificent bright pink color. Other than having to pee I was feeling really excited. We jumped out of my truck to get our bibs and check out the bathroom situation. It was 6:11.
WOW! It was warm. It was 44'.  Way warmer than Holly was.
The race was very organized, it took minutes to get our bib, our pins and our sweatshirts.
The bathroom was going to take 10 times longer. We headed to the truck. "I shouldn't have drank that coffee...." I wasn't going to make it a mile and I would have dropped my bladder.

Nothing is shocking to runners. We do the craziest things and don't think twice about it. So when I dumped the last couple sips of my coffee out of my truck Lacey laughed but really wasn't shocked. My truck is big enough I could hunker down and no one would see me. YES, I peed in the cup like I was 6 years old. Don't judge, would you rather I peed my pants?!

We were shedding our gloves and layers and hustling to the starting line.
The sun was setting making the race really cool looking.

GOAL: To go on Effort Level. Have a respectable race but be conscious of how our body felt. NOT CHECKING OUR PACE.

We never heard the National Anthem or a Gun Shot. We were in the back of over 1000 runners. With big smiles and a chill attitude we followed the crowd across the starting mat. Race Start about 6:40pm.

THE RACE:

Sweatshirts were cheesy, but the medals GLOWED! Very cool!

By Mile 2 it was dark. REALLY DARK. Dancing in the blackness of the night were HUNDREDS of glow in the dark necklaces, shoes, head lamps and accessories. It was pretty groovy looking.
Lacey and I were heated up and running really good. You actually never ran on the trails, they had you running on the road throughout the park. IT was SOO flat that Lacey and I found it comical, waiting for the dreaded hill to arise in the dark to torture us. It never DID! The total elevation of the race was 6 FEET!
Lacey and I never quit passing people. My watch lined up perfectly with the first mile. But mile 2 seemed to be the LONGEST mile. And Mile 3, My watch beeped a quarter of a mile a we reached the 3 MILE sign.
Lacey and I picked it up the last mile and she made some gutsy moves to pass runners as we were heading into the wind. We had a gravy 3 miles with the wind at our back. But now the wind was smacking us with no remorse.
"Really Lacey, did you have to pass those people?"
"Yup, I had to get around them."
My concern was this race was going to be longer than we expected and I was nervous we would empty the tank.
Then I hear Lacey "WOW, really!?"
I looked up and tried to focus in the dark. It was the FINISH LINE! I wasn't going to argue, I felt good and together we picked it up and finished it out laughing.
They were right there putting our GLOW in the DARK medals around our neck.
Catching our breath we came to the conclusion that because this race is EVERY 4 YEARS they just forgot where the mile markers went!

Random runner!

CONCLUSION:
If the Lord Blesses me with another 4 years of running I will BE BACK! If you are looking for a race to PR, This is the one, even in the dark. Granted I wasn't in the front, being in the back I always had someone's light to follow. Mine was useless because I didn't angle it properly, Typical Airhead Anita move.
My Garmin was quite a bit different then their time. It was in my favor.
My Garmin had me at a 8:08 pace.
Their Results:
Time: 32:59
Pace:8:15

We went into the clubhouse to get our results and our goodies. The goodies were great! Cookies, Pop Tarts, Fig Bars, protein bars, bananas and boxes of snack foods.
We sat down looking at the runners coming in and munching on our food. We just chilled and soaked up the atmosphere. "Lacey, I cant believe I didn't see anyone I know."
As we were heading to get out results I SAW KIRT! A local runner I see at a lot of runs, and he gets his hair cut once in a while at my salon.

KIRT!

The DINNER: Milford Smoke Street
The best part of running, is EATING!! We found a great little Barbeque restaurant in Milford. It was the Icing on the Cake. Why is food SOO good after running?

February is officially OVER. And March came in with a BANG, Another snow storm. I TOOK A SNOW DAY TODAY TOO! I stayed home ALL day! I decided this week was would be a good week to bring my miles down. Next week I will ramp them back up. I am giving my body some recovery.

Anyone Else Run a Leap Year RACE??

Anita

Keep it Simple!

 "Still as they run they look behind, they hear a voice in every WIND, and snatch a fearful joy."

-Thomas Gray "Ode on a distant Prospect of Eton College."

Long Run Sunday. Sunday are run days. That is just what they have always been. It is so hard to explain to people that do not run. My training requires this. You cant cheat training or you will pay for it later.

I felt so bad leaving breakfast today in a whirlwind. Lacey was waiting for me in the parking lot of the Villager and I had only taken 3 bites out of my chicken pita. We had to meet Joan in Grand Blanc to run our long run together.

The weather was a 50' and sunny. But don't let that fool you. Even though we were removing layers didn't mean our run was totally a "bask in the sun". We got the snot beat out of us between the wind that literally PUSHED us and the dodging of massive mud puddles. We were working hard. We had one car hit a gigantic puddle just missing us with at least a 5ft spray.  It was a bit of a ego boost in Grand Blanc though, just when I was feeling tired and awful a car passed us whistling and hollering. Joan and I quickly discovered it wasn't for us. I alone look like a confused adolescent, 12 year old boy body with a 42 year old face.  Then there was Lacey, Blonde hair blowing with a sports bra that still cant cover her "C" cup breasts up!  I knew they weren't honking at me!

RUNDOWN

Distance:14miles

Time:2:09

Pace:9:17

This Week I got in an extra run with Lacey on Saturday after work. 3.5 miles

I was able to get 5 out of 7 days with my crunches/sit-ups. Giving me 700 crunches/sit ups.

These look they could be Super Hero Tights!

Downtown Holly, being slap happy and silly with Lacey!

Laceys loves this view. She was so excited to share the with us. Check out the trees, how perfectly they line the streets.

I got some goodies in the mail from FABULETICS. I purchased these new running tights.

I told you that I want to add more color..Well, they are BRIGHT Pinkish red. They fit great. A little tight on my belly. I have issues with clothing on my waist.

Lacey interrupted me and reached over to grab a handful of fabric, "OH my gosh, those are so tight." Well, they are tights! I am always good about covering up my bum. The material was so soft. Although the length was a little long, the fabric gathered at my ankles, I like didn't mind it at all.  

Chilling after my run. They are so cozy.

TOMORROW IS another LONG RUN and a fun RUN! We are heading to NEW Boston for a 4 mile LEAP YEAR RACE! It is at 6:30 at night. I am going with Lacey and Melissa. Should be fun. I think I will wear my super hero tights again! Because it is going to be Super Fun and I will Need SUPER energy!

4 NEW SONGS ADDED To MY PLAYLIST

1. Adventure of a Lifetime: Coldplay
2. Magnets (Feat Lorde): Disclosure
3. Me, Myself and I :G Easy x Bebe Rexha
4. Apparently: J.Cole

Anita 

If it works,WORK IT!

Over a month ago I gave everyone a  AB Challenge". Hal Koerner does at least 100 crunches EVERY DAY. His book has been my training tool for my ultra training.
Much to my surprise people actually read my blog and even doubly surprising, even apply some of it.

Danielle, Lacey and Michelle B all have been doing the Ab Challenge. I was so pleased to get a comment from Michelle B. that she "HAS ABS!".
You know the saying. "If it works, WORK IT!

That snow storm came in like a LION! It put me in the gym for the last 2 days.
My kids have had snow days for the last couple days. But I actually have always loved having them home with me.
I took Alec to GAC with me this morning.
While I was on the TM, Alec was balling.

Getting Creative on TREADMILL.
The Treadmill has so many options to get a workout in. YES, it can be boring, especially for someone like me who is A.D.D.
That's WHY You GOTTA SWITCH it up.
GOAL: 9 miles, sweat, hurt, struggle and feel accomplished. I wanted to do both Speed and Hills.
1mile warm-up @ 8:34min/m.
Next 4 Miles: I continued to maintain pace. Each mile, I did a 200m Fartlek at about 80%. It was a progressive interval finishing at a sub 7. I kept the incline up @ 1% the entire 5 miles. I took about 1 minute after each interval to recover. Right BEFORE each intervals I brought my pace down to a fast walk for about 30-45 second to prepare for my Fartlek. The idea of this is to get my legs used to the turn over. To increase my strength, endurance and pain threshold.
Middle 3 Miles: INCLINE! I kept my incline at a minimum of 4.0. I did different intervals both increasing the pace, increasing the incline and increasing both.
Last Mile: Was a hodge podge of intervals of both speed, hills and recovery.

I really struggle picking a spot and just focusing on that for 9 miles. I am all over the place. As soon as someone walks by me I am distracted to see who it is, not like I know them. I try to refocus staring at the wall tiles in the back, but that only lasts until the next person walks in front of me. Or gets on the TM next to me.
I was really motivated by the guy on the TM in front of me. I could see his digits on his TM. And yes, I was trying to keep up with him. I even pretended we were racing and tried to punch in my pace just a little faster. I beat him, he finished his distance before I was finished, leaving me vacant for another distraction.
I always try to find someone who is putting the work in. Someone who is red faced and sweaty. This reminds me that "There is ALWAYS someone out there who is working harder than you."

Speaking of someone who is working hard. As I was leaving, I saw Kathy M. She is a coach I believe for Flushing. She is an incredible running with a big gorgeous smile. She was hitting the track for a Tempo Run. And let me tell you, she is about 10 years older than me and puts me to SHAME! She works full time as a teacher qualifies every year for Boston!
That's Inspiration!


A LITTLE Of This and THAT:

This picture does NOT do this bruise any justice. ANDY Towel snapped me and broke the blood vessel! Then mom got so excited at Austins Basketball game when he score she punched me! I was so embarrassed of my legs today!

• Keep Jeff in your prayers, he was in the hospital this week, diverticulitis.
• Cross Country is starting and I am head coach this year. I have been buckling down on my reading material the last few weeks. This will be my 7th year coaching but 1st year as Head Coach. I pray I do a good job. I learned a lot from Kay, and really enjoyed working with her when she was Head Coach. I even begged her to come back but she is coaching at another school.
• I got some new Running tights from Fabuletics. BRIGHT RED/PINK! But I probably wont get much wear out of them. This Sunday, it is supposed to be 50'! This year I am going BRIGHT. Less black and more COLOR in my running wardrobe! ORANGE is the HOT color this season! I did purchase a Orange tank also. Its super simple but I like it!

After a tough 9 mile run, I am grateful I took the time to ICE. I didn't take a shower at the gym because Alec was waiting for me. I was smelly and exhausted as I drew a bath. I woke up in the tub to Andy calling. "HEY, I am taking the rest of the afternoon off for some fun with the family."  Barely awake I heard enough that he was planning on taking us all sledding.
I was trying to process the thought and be happy about the plan. I was just so sore and tired.
BUT my body recovered. And it was a lot of fun. I think we were the oldest adults going up and down the hill. This made me smile, I was so thankful for childlike heart to play with my kids and also the body that can still do it.
Never give up the opportunity to be a kid! Its just as fun as an adult!

Anita

Rocking it to Roughing it!

Before I went to bed I did everything I could think of to recover from my 16 miler with Lacey and be prepared for my long run today.
I felt like a pill popper:

• 4 Juice Plus capsules
• 2 Motrin, my legs were twitchy
• Synthroid,(Thyroid medicine)
• 1 Meletonin (Helps me sleep)
• 1 Probiotic capsule

I rubbed my chest with essential oils, RC, drank some green tea and honey and 16oz of water.

I was up all stinking NIGHT! Andy barked at me about midnight because I was flopping all over the bed. The water had me up a half dozen times. I was so stressed, I grabbed my pillow at midnight and slept with Alec.
About 2 in the morning, I remembered I forgot to take NyQuil. It was too late now, I would never get up. Of course the way I felt, I didn't think I would be getting up very good anyhow.

I didn't sleep any better with Alec. I was on the extra mattress on the floor and Sheba thinks it is her bed. She came in all curled up on my head. I felt bad pushing her off. About 3 am, I didn't feel bad ANYMORE. I felt bad for whoever was going to have to deal with me today. She would get up, wait about 2 minutes, then sneak back under the covers with me. I love cuddling with her, but I lost that loving feeling.

Rocking it to Roughing It. 

The coffee didn't even go down good. I was dragging through the house like a zombie. I knew I needed to eat something but food sounded awful. I tried to swallow down a hard boiled egg and thought I would puke. I was able to hold down a turkey sausage but it was work. Food is NOT my friend this early. 

My luck, that I would be beat up and have to go back into the ring again. I was damaged goods. Handicapped.

I met Claudia and we headed over to the entrance of the trails at Holly Rec. I love running out there. And I love having running companions. I am getting pretty familiar with it now. I was so proud of myself. I arrived there without turning around or getting lost. 

We met Kris and Rachel. 

We headed onto the trails about 9:30am.

The trails were frozen but cleared. The scenery was daunting. Even though the woods lacked color and even appeared drab they were very impressive. The trees were so large, we had to climb over a few that had fallen. The bright green moss with its contrast was striking, it almost glowed against the gray bark. And the lakes were icy with snow still covering them. Several times I wanted to go off the path and go exploring down by the lake. I love exploring. 

I loved the sound of nothing but out shoes running over the leaves and path. 

But that is about all I Loved. 

Because I wasn't In LOVE with my fatigue. I wasn't In Love with my sore calf. I wasn't In Love with my burning quads every time we climbed another hill. I wasn't even in love with myself. The dialogue in my head was irritating to say the least. The more I listened to the nonproductive rambling between my ears the harder time I was having. 

Thankfully we broke with run up with fun photos, laughs, and even a little exploring. 

We finished out our 11 miler with smiles and laughter. My body struggled with this run. It was a rough one. 

I had to add some more miles. When I got home I leashed Sheba and we added 2 more miles making my final miles at 13, with just over 800ft of elevation.

One of the reasons I was looking forward to running trails is because I have a new pair of Pearl Izumi's collecting dust. 

I have been itching to try them out.

 

Project Emotion

Style N1, trail, neutral. 

They rode like a beast. I have no blisters after 11 miles. They are a lighter shoe than my Hoka Cliftons, that I love when running on the trails. The toe box has a steal plate to keep the toes safe against rocks or roots. 

I am used to a little more cushion but my body did fine in them. My feet were secure and I felt more stability in this shoe compared to my Hoka's. I believe this is going to be a great trail shoe for running 15 miles or less, however; my Hoka's provide the cushioning that I need for longer runs. 

Anita

One Choice Away

"Your only ONE choice away from a Different Life."

I try to get up early to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before all the chaos of the Harless homes wakes. I curl up on the chair and enjoy the sweet sound of nothing. My coffee cup rest between my fingers and the creamy nectar gives me great pleasure.

Then Craziness ensues. Everyone's making a mad dash for the their bibles, keys, toothbrushes. Running late, like every Sunday.

Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest but it is one of our busiest days. I have a long run after church. I am always scrambling for more time every Sunday. There is always a little voice that says, "Just SKIP, then you can run earlier, you can relax, you will have more time."

BUT, I CHOOSE CHURCH FIRST.

I am so grateful that God has given me legs to run. He has given me breath to breath. He has given me passion but he also has given me the opportunity to CHOOSE.

I have so much to be thankful for and I owe it ALL to God. Its a CHOICE, Its making the CHOICE.

I have seen the power in making those choices, in my marriage, in my home, in my health, in my kids.

I was so thankful I didn't listen to the voices this morning. I laughed so hard at church. We had a comedian who had me "Laughing Out Loud" This is the title of his series.

Todays message was titled "Your only ONE Choice away from a Different Life."

It really had me thinking. There were so many BAD choices I made and it mostly produced BAD results.

But most of my good choices really did present good results, NOT all the time. But the results really were in my favor when I made good choices.

On my run next to Lacey I thought of some of the good choices I have made. Lacey, was one of them. I have some incredible friendships. I am so blessed by great friends. I thought these same thoughts when I was running with Danielle on Thursday.

I picked Lacey up to run a different route. She really does love me because it was another HILL route.

NOT A GOOD CHOICE.

It was good for me because I need the elevation but Lacey, not so much. And to add injury to insult Lacey was under the weather.

She doesn't complain, she just doesn't talk.

The last 3 miles I didn't hear much more than a peep from her.

Even as we finished the only thing she said was "I am Done with YOUR miles!"

My distance was about a tenth ahead of hers.

My Garmin beeped, 16 miles. "Let's Go Lacey, Finish it OUT..."

She stayed right next to me. She never quit. She is not a quitter. I knew she would be so happy if she chose to finish the whole thing out. I knew it sucked, I knew she was exhausted, I knew she is amazing and really even though her body wanted to cheat those last few hundred feet her mind didn't.

She finished.

We Finished.

She was bent over the curve, light headed and sore.

But she was happy in a weird way.

Less than an hour later I got a text  "...thanks for always pushing me."

I was so happy she still loved me!

My close friendships bring so much into my life. They make me a better person. I am very blessed.

You wanna make good choices? Whos is in your circle? Start there. Surround yourself with inspiration, encouragement, love, support, laughter. Surround yourself with people that will encourage you to make good choices, people that make good choices themselves.

RUNDOWN:

Distance: 16.17

Time: 2:28

Pace: 9:11

Anita

The Farmstead. Kensington was CLEAR!

As I pulled into Kensington I was laughing for 2 reasons.

1. I took the wrong turn 2 times, and I have been to Kensington more times than I can count.
2. Lacey called while I was turned around, laughing at the fact it was only 2' outside. She was giggling and wondering if Danielle knew it was that cold.
   

I didn't have to wait to long before Danielle was texting me. "Uh, when did it get so cold?!!!...."

I sat in the parking lot at The Farmstead off the Bruno Rd entrance lacing up my shoes and

waiting for Danielle.

It was a beautiful crystal blue morning. The air was brisk and the trees were glimmering. They had icicles on all the branches.

It was going to be a cold run but I knew I would be fine with sun. We have ran in much worse.

Danielle pulled in with one of those looks "AHH, really?!" She had a big smile to greet me with. I was excited to see her and more excited to run at the park with her.

I can not describe the beauty out there in the park. Every bend, every curve offered more brilliance than you had just seen. The lake was flat and untouched. It was rounded with large trees glowing along its edges. The sun was so bright it danced around the icy branches making them glow.

Our eyelashes were frozen and our breath was billowing as we spoke. It was bitter cold, except we never complained (after that first mile) because the sun warmed us up.

By the time we finished running we were actually quite toasty. Danielle actually was taking her mittens off her hands got so warm.

Even when we finished, it was only 7'degrees out,you would never had known it though. The suns rays were very kind to us.

We normally run about 8.5 miles and walk the last half a mile back to the car. Today, we ran it all and walked around the Farmstead. I really enjoyed looking at the animals. It is amazing how unaffected by the temperatures the animals appeared to be.

RUNDOWN:

Distance: 9miles

Pace: 8:54

We had a great run. I was surprised at our pace, I thought it would be significantly slower due to the first frigid mile and the pictures I took on the run. Not to mention, I was relatively sore starting out.

Michigan Barn of the Year

Review: DOVE Antiperspirant

This is a newer product. It is also my 2nd bottle. It smells so feminine. I ran a long run on the track a few weeks ago and kept looking for a Glade Plug in. Then I discovered it WAS ME! I smelled so pretty. This is a good feeling after running and sweating. I hate to smell. Stink Stinks!

Anita!

ROOT Restaurant review

I have never did a review on a restaurant before.
I am doing this for Angie!

I made reservations at ROOT in White Lake 4 weeks ago and was very pleased to get a 6pm time slot. I thought it would more difficult than it was to get that time because  of what I have heard.
I have NEVER heard a bad review of this restaurant.
WHY I wanted to go:

1. I enjoy experiencing new places to Dine.
2. I don't have the opportunity to get all "FANCIED UP" these days. I love getting dressed up, smelling good, feeling pretty and slipping out of running shoes or my TOMS into a pair of heels.
3. Root is known for the menu items all being local. Fresh, clean and supporting the nearby venders.

We arrived to discover there was NO waiting room, there was also no wait and no one waiting.  This was Valentines Weekend?! Where was everyone? It appeared that they do not operate to full capacity. It isn't about packing people in, its about the dining experience. I was instantly in love.

The tables were not packed on top of one another. The staff were dressed semi-casual. The décor was very clean. A mural of roots stretched across one wall. Earthy colors, neutral tones.

I was excited to see the menu.

I ordered my usual, coffee.

Bread came out, hot and homemade.

Andy and I both knew right away what we wanted. Because we rarely dine at this level but enjoy food, we decided to get "The Tasting Menu"

This was 6 courses of their specialties. 45$

For my first course, I had "chefs Amuse Bouche" This means something along the lines of "tickle your pallet."

And it DID!

Octopus &Black Garlic Terrine. It was lovely.

COURSE 2:

I had the Scallops. I didn't want to share!

"Smoked Apple butter, Shaved almond Parsley, Brown Butter. Golden Raisin. Pickled Shallot."

COURSE 3.

Orchard Salad, Andy got the Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad, that was delicious.

This Salad was very large, Andy actually finished for me. Everything was very fresh and flavorful.

COURSE 4.

INTERMEZZO. We thought we were so brilliant.

"Intermezzo, Hmm, that must mean intermission."

THATS NOT what it MEANS!

This is actually a course that is light and designed to clear your pallet and prepare you for the main course.

Chai Orange Sorbet

I could have made a meal out of the sorbet. I have never tasted sorbet that amazing. If it was not a nice restaurant I may have licked the dish!

COURSE 5.

I got the fish, It was Sashimi Grade Tuna with a Sesame sauce over noodles.

I am a big fan of Sashimi Grade Tuna. However, the Sesame flavor was a little over powering. I ate the Tuna and it was magnificent, I am not a big noodle fan, therefore, I did not eat the noodles.

Andys meal was scrumptious, it was Chicken Cacciatore. There was nothing left on his plate.

COURSE 6.

Dessert! Black Velvet Cheesecake

I think my tongue smacked my brains with this dessert. The portion size was just enough to make you feel like you are in Heaven. It was very fresh, as if they just made it. The crust was textured and rich, yet the Cheesecake was light, unlike any cheesecake I have had before.

I must say, it was not only a wonderful meal, it was a superb experience. The wait staff were very knowledgeable and pleasant.  There was never a wait for anything. The courses were delivered with precision timing.

And the Head chef was only 28 years old!

I would Highly Recommend trying this restaurant out. They are also open for brunch. A dear friend of mine, ALI R. has dined there for brunch a few times and recommended this dining also.

I would Love to HEAR your Comments! Have any of you dined at ROOT?

Anita