Run It Fast®

Carmen Hudson #93

This week’s Run It Fast – The Club profile is Carmen Hudson #93. Carmen is our first international RIF Club member to be profiled! One of the great things about running and RIF – The Club is that there are no boundaries. A runner is a runner no matter where they are and that brings us all together!

So let’s meet Carmen from Canada:

INFO

Name: Carmen Hudson
RIF #: 93
Twitter: @carmenh18

STATS

Years Running: 3
Favorite Race Distance: 1/2 Marathon
Favorite Race: Miami ING Marathon

Favorite Bling: Miami spinning medal

Next Race: Banff Winterstart
What Makes You FEEL Fast?: That cool down jog after speedwork. You look at your pace and realize that your “jog” is actually faster than race pace. Always feels awesome!
     

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

What’s the most beautiful place that you’ve run? Right here in Medicine Hat Alberta. The Fall season in my fair city is truly spectacular with the changing of the leaves. Breathtaking running along the river.

What is your favorite go-to pre-race meal? Sprouted grain toast with almond butter and banana

Why do you race? I love the feeling of camaraderie. The cheering volunteers always bring tears to my eyes.

What is the one piece of running gear you can’t leave the house without? My garmin. It’s my pace buddy!

What was your biggest “don’t” of a race? Don’t try anything new on race day!!

What running moment are you most proud of? My first race. It was slow and painful. But it was my start into a new journey, a new and healthy addiction.

***

I have to share with you a story that Carmen shared with me: Carmen told me about how when she first started running, the running group she’d joined wasn’t ideal for a starting runner (not a lot of support and not a lot of information). But there was one runner in the group who took her under his wing and helped her train for her first 5K. She recently returned the favor and helped him train for his first half marathon! I know that the support and encouragement from all the Run It Fast Club members means a lot to her…and me as well. Sometimes that kind of support and encouragement is all someone needs to keep going instead of giving up. We can all remember how frustrating running can be when we start out, right? But if we can offer encouragement to a new runner or answer their running questions, we just might be able to get them to a point where they enjoy running and get to feel that same sense of accomplishment that Carmen felt after her first race. And started her healthy “addiction”. 😉

Thanks for sharing Carmen! Good luck at the Banff Winterstart!

If you’d like to join Run It Fast – The Club or would like more information about it, please click this link:

Run It Fast – The Club (JOIN TODAY)

[All photos submitted by Carmen Hudson]

This is the medal for the Big Hit Half Marathon that was held on September 23, 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Nice, big colorful medal. The race finishes in Louisville Slugger Field so cool to see it incorporates baseball elements in the medal. Here is another photo of the medal submitted by RIF #187 Daniel who PRd at the half! Congrats Daniel!

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photos submitted by RIF #57 Trent Rosenbloom – follow him on Twitter @hhflyingmonkey and RIF #187 Daniel Escue]

This is the medal for the Lady Speedstick Women’s Half Marathon that was held on September 22, 2012, in Nashville, Tennessee.

It’s a big and shiny medal! Also cool that it incorporates the guitar and music sheet into the medal as a nod to Nashville. Here are a few more photos of it modeled by some fun crew/runners:

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[medal photos submitted by RIF #40 Scott Stader – follow him on Twitter @ScottStader, Barbara Mitchell – follow her on Twitter @barbintn, Kristen Smith – follow her on Twitter @ksmith71704, and RIF #45 Leanne Dibrell]

This is the medal for the Miracle Miles 15K Run that was held on September 22, 2012 in Orlando, Florida.

The race benefits the neonatal unit at the Winnie Palmer Hospital and the medal is a great reminder of the race’s goal to raise funds for it.

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[medal photo submitted by Jenny Rodriguez. Follow her on Twitter @JennyRN2009]

Todd Shadburn #35

This week’s RIF Club profile is Todd Shadburn #35! Todd just became a newly minted ultrarunner! He completed the North Face Endurance Challenge 50K on Saturday, September 15, 2012 in Madison, WI. Welcome to the ultra club Todd!

Let’s see what else Todd has been up to:

INFO

Name: Todd Shadburn
RIF #: 35
Facebook: Todd Shadburn

STATS

Years Running: 6
Favorite Race Distance: All of them!! 🙂 But if I have to pick: the marathon!!
Favorite PR: 3:56 at the Mississippi Blues Marathon 2012, Jackson MS  – 1st time I broke the four hour mark in a marathon, music was great also!!!
Favorite Race: Memphis St. Jude Marathon – Love running for St. Jude Kids. It was my first marathon and I have run four times as a St. Jude Hero 🙂
Favorite Bling: Ha- I like them all!  I hang them all up in my office, this is as close as I can get to being an artist! 🙂 
Next Race: In the morning, North Face Endurance 50K, Madison WI my first Ultra and Indianapolis Marathon in October.
What Makes You FEEL Fast?: Easy question – Extra bold Starbucks coffee before a morning run and a rocking playlist on my I-Pod: Tom Petty & The Heart Breakers, U2, Foo Fighters, 3Doors Down, Black Keys and Red Hot Chili Peppers are some of my favorites 🙂 
 
FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

Why do you race? About seven years ago, on a business trip to Indianapolis, I developed a blood clot in my left leg.  I got it checked out in the emergency room and thankful it is was not too serious.  After I recovered I took up running and living a more healthy life style.  I wanted to set a good example for my two boys of how to take care of yourself and have balance in your life. 
 
Who inspires your running and why?  My two boys Jake and Zach!!  Dean Karnazes, Ultra Marathon Man – First running book I ever read 50/50, which motivated me to run.  I got to meet Dean in Nashville this year in Nashville at the Country Music Marathon, great guy and incredible athlete.  Dean gave me some advice “Never Stop Running”!  Joshua Holmes, met him several years ago before the club at a couple of races (maybe the Tupelo Marathon), always friendly and encouraging!!  Joshua is very inspirational but I have often wondered if he is really a cyborg or a machine the way he knocks out the miles!!  Haha   

Todd and Dean Karnazes

 Todd and Joshua RIF #1

If you could go for a run with any famous person (living or dead), who would it be and why?  Maybe Dean!  90% of the races I run in, I don’t know anyone, so I really enjoy running with our RIF Club, Carmel IN running club and people from work – Anthony Ohrey (RIF), David Beach and Robert Eaton.  Really famous enough people for me.  

Anthony RIF #27, Todd, and David.

What running moment are you most proud of?  Ha – My most proud running moment has nothing to do with a PR or what place I got during a race.  It was my son’s Jake’s first big 5k race, the Gibson Guitar 5k charity race in Memphis down Beale Street.  At the beginning of the race, he asked me if he could run it alone.  I struggled with it but I agreed!!  When the race started, he shot out like a bullet and it nearly killed me trying to keep him in sight.  About mile 2 he was exhausted and I passed him, encouraging along the way but I ran on up shortly ahead to give him his freedom.  As the finished line approached, Jake yelled, “hey dad wait up and let’s cross the finish line together”. ”.  As the finish line came in sight, Jake bolted for the finish line to beat me across!!  We both ran with everything we had while the crowd cheered and a photographer took the photo below.  My favorite photo of the two of us and my one and only FB profile picture!!  Just can’t change it!! 🙂

 ***

I think a lot of us started out running for health reasons – to manage weight, blood pressure, pain or chronic illness, or because of a scare like Todd had. Luckily, some of us come to love running for itself…just like Todd has. His enthusiasm for our sport is infectious. 🙂 He also has great taste in running music, friends, and inspirations! And what a great photo of him and his son at the 5K. THAT is how you Run It Fast!

Thanks for taking the time to let us get to know you, Todd. Good luck at the Indianapolis Marathon and Run It Fast!

If you’d like to join Run It Fast – The Club or would like more information about it, please click this link:

Run It Fast – The Club (JOIN TODAY)

[All photos submitted by Todd Shadburn]

June was another month with some awesome race bling. We’ve narrowed down the medal submissions to 16 medals for the June vote. Not easy, but we did it. 😉 I already know which one I’m going to vote for!

The medal chosen as the Best Race Medal for June 2012 will be included in the contest for the Best Race Medal of 2012 at the end of the year.

By the way, the vote for the Best Race Medal – May 2012 is still open and you can go here to vote for one more week:

VOTE: Best Race Medal – May 2012 

It’s a close race between the Safari Half Marathon Medal and the Divas Half Marathon Medal right now!

The Best Race Medal winners so far this year:
January – Inaugural Louisiana Marathon Medal 2012 
February – Surf City Marathon Medal 2012
March – Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Half Marathon Medal 2012
April – Flying Pirate Half Marathon Medal 2012

Ready to vote for the best June 2012 race medal? Choose the one you think is best out of these 16:

Thanks for voting!

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

Michelle Walker #124

This week’s RIF – The Club profile is Michelle Walker #124. I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle at the Leading Ladies Marathon in August. I also got to see her take home some age group bling at that race! It was at that race that I also realized Michelle is a Marathon Maniac (and I heard she reached Platinum/ 8 -Star status – Woo! Congrats!) so she obviously runs A LOT of marathons. I thought it would be fun to see which ones were her favorites…and how she finds the time.

Meet Michelle, the marathoning machine:

INFO

Name: Michelle Walker
RIF #: 124
Twitter: MarathonMomof6
Facebook: Michelle Moreland Walker

STATS

Years Running: Marathons – 5.5 years, Half Marathons – 8 years, Shorter Distances – 25 years
Favorite Race Distance: 26.2 – The marathon distance never fails to provide me with a challenge, even after running 48 marathons.
Favorite PR: Leading Ladies Marathon – 3:35:20
Favorite Race: Missoula Marathon
Favorite Bling: Minneapolis Marathon (2011), Leading Ladies Marathon (2012), Rock n Roll Mardi Gras (2012)

Next Race: Omaha Marathon – Sep 23
What Makes You FEEL Fast? Breaking race time barriers I once thought to be impossibilities.

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

What’s the most beautiful place that you’ve run? Missoula, MT: I love the West and its jaw dropping, natural beauty.

Have you ever worn a costume during a race? What was it and for what race? The 2011 Marine Corps Marathon was held the day before Halloween. Thinking many runners would be in costume, I dressed up as a bumblebee. To my dismay, very few runners were in costume. Once the race started, so many people (spectators, Marines, and other runners) were cheering for the bee that I felt like an entertainer rather than a runner. The positive reinforcement I received from the bumblebee costume encouraged me to dress up more. I helped pace the 2011 RnR Las Vegas Marathon in a Mrs. Claus outfit.

What is the thing you splurge on after a race? Starbucks’ Mocha Light Frappuccino! Actually, I’m addicted to Frappuccinos and have one almost daily after a workout. (Who needs chocolate milk when you can buy a $5 Frappuccino? :)) After a race, I really indulge – adding the whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.

Why do you race? I have six kids! Yes, that’s right: a half dozen! Being the mother of six is often stressful and overwhelming. Training and participating in races not only serves as my stress reducer, but it fulfills my need for accomplishing measurable goals. My family and I have greatly benefitted from my passion for running.

Big races or small races? Why? I prefer mid size races. I enjoy the social experience of the marathon. A medium sized race allows me to meet and connect with people, without feeling lost in the crowd.

What is the one piece of running gear you can’t leave the house without? My iPod Shuffle! Music motivates me! My running playlist is filled with fast, upbeat music. I have opted not to pace marathons because I am too reliant upon my music to get me to the finish.

What running moment are you most proud of? I was the third overall female to finish the 2012 ET Marathon. I am especially proud of this accomplishment because I wasn’t feeling well during most of the race. I had forgotten my headlamp, as well as the suggested hydration. Despite feeling dehydrated and nauseated, I met my goal time. When I crossed the finish line, I realized I had a mental toughness that I previously didn’t know existed.

***

So…Michelle has run 48 marathons so far…and she has 6 kids! It kind of makes any excuse about not running I might have fly right out the window! What I find very cool about Michelle is that even after 48 marathons, she is still excited about running them, having fun (like the bee & Mrs Claus costumes!), and pushing hard at each marathon. She’s setting PRs and bringing home age group awards. Here’s one more of Michelle at the Tupelo Marathon with some of that very bling:

Thanks for sharing Michelle. Good luck and I know you’ll Run It Fast at the Omaha Marathon!

If you’d like to join Run It Fast – The Club or would like more information about it, please click this link:

Run It Fast – The Club (JOIN TODAY)

[All photos submitted by Michelle Walker and Joshua Holmes]

#27 Anthony Ohrey

This week’s Run It Fast – The Club member profile is #27 Anthony Ohrey! I bet you didn’t know Run It Fast – The Club had superheroes in it? Well, there are quite a few! And Anthony is just one of them. There’s even a picture for proof! So read on to meet this week’s superhero, Anthony:

INFO

Name: Anthony Ohrey
RIF #: 27
Facebook: Anthony Ohrey

STATS

Years Running: 2.5 years
Favorite Race Distance: Half marathon
Favorite PR: Lexington KY half marathon 2011  1:41:55  third in age group
Favorite Race: Mercedes Benz Half Marathon

Favorite Bling: St. Jude Country Music Marathon Nashville (1st full marathon)

Next Race: Southern Plunge half/full marathon
What Makes You FEEL Fast?: Having strangers on a course yelling encouraging words during any race!

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

What is the strangest/funniest thing you’ve ever seen while running?  I was running in the Mercedes Benz Half Marathon 2011 and it started to warm up to where runners were dropping coats and scarfs off.  A lady about ten feet in front of me had seen a guy drop a Northface  vest and stopped to pick it up.  She said “Oh look, it’s a Northface vest!”  put it on and started running with it.  I thought that it was a little tacky since the clothes left during a race were going to people in need.

Have you ever worn a costume during a race? What was it and for what race? If not, would you?  I went as Captain America to the Warrior Dash 2011 in Manchester TN.  I’m a really big comic geek and had seen the Captain America movie before and I decided to run as him.  I bought a mask and a plastic shield because I had seen pictures of people dressed in all sorts of outfits.  I fit right in!  It was a blast and I plan to break out the costume again (not sure when though).

What is your favorite go-to pre-race meal? I really love a Snickers bar and Monster before 5Ks and half marathons.  I have a blueberry muffin before a marathon.

What is the thing you splurge on after a race?  Chinese food.  I really love Chinese!!!!

Big races or small races? And why?  I really enjoy the small races that have more of that hometown feel like the Coca Cola 10K in Corinth, MS.  It has a very good turnout and all the people are very friendly.  The big races are cool but sometimes it feels like you get lost in all the people!

Anthony with RIF #35 Todd Shadburn

What is the one piece of running gear you can’t leave the house without?  MP3 player.  The music helps move me to the finish line.

What running moment are you most proud of?  I’m most proud of my first marathon in Nashville.  I started off great sticking to my plan of trying to pace myself.  About mile 14 or 15 my legs started to cramp.  By mile 18 I was cramping bad.  I would walk a little and stop, walk a little more and stop and stretch, then try and run some more but I could not go far.  I wanted to stop and just give up but I worked through it and with the help of another runner towards the end I was able to finish my first marathon.

If you can’t run, you’re ________? Prob working.

Finally, is there anything else you would like the rest of the club to know that we didn’t cover in the questions? I really enjoy being part of Run It Fast.  Everyone in the club is a valuable asset to ask questions, get information, and great people. I have met some of the most inspiring people through this club and they have given me helpful advice for my running. I think that I wouldn’t have tried any longer distances than half marathons if it wasn’t for RIF.  Its great to see everyone always encouraging each other and helping out where they are needed.  Thanks

RIFers at The Jackal

Anthony with RIF #4 Marj Mitchell

***

Having just run as Minnie Mouse at the Disneyland Half Marathon, I am so happy to see another RIF – Club member has also run in a costume. I was beginning to think no one else had. Kudos to Anthony for having fun as Captain America! The best part…he is his own hero. Not only did he not plan on ever running a marathon, but he finished one under tough circumstances. Just goes to prove: we can do more than we think we can…and that is what Run It Fast is all about.

Thanks for sharing Anthony and I hope you share photos of your next race in a costume. Good luck at the Southern Plunge and Run It Fast!

If you’d like to join Run It Fast – The Club or would like more information about it, please click this link:

Run It Fast – The Club (JOIN TODAY)

[All photos submitted by Anthony Ohrey]

This is the medal for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon that was held on September 2, 2012 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

This is a little different than what I’ve come to expect from Rock ‘n’ Roll medals but I like it. It’s simple but the blue and yellow make it eye catching and the wave and the sun are perfect.

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[medal photo submitted by Darius. Follow him on Twitter @dzoid11]

This is the runDisney Coast to Coast Challenge Medal for 2012.

In order to earn this medal, runners must complete a half marathon or marathon on the east coast at Walt Disney World AND a half marathon on the west coast at Disneyland. You can run either coast first and you have options on each coast:

East Coast – Walt Disney World Half Marathon/Marathon, the Princess Half Marathon, and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon.

West Coast – Disneyland Half Marathon and the Tinkerbell Half Marathon.

Congratulations to Teal and Beth of @LifeisaRun who completed the Princess Half Marathon and the Disneyland Half Marathon this year to earn this awesome medal!

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[medal photo submitted by Teal and Beth. Follow them on Twitter @LifeisaRun]