Leggo My Ego

It’s doubtful that many of you would consider running 75 miles in less than a day a failure.  And, I’m not sure I consider it one myself.  But, as I sit here licking the wounds of not finishing this weekend’s 100 mile ultra, I can’t help but think about one word.  Ego.  You see, I was thrilled to be included with some running legends in an article recently in the Commercial Appeal that talked about 100 mile ultra marathons and the growth of the sport.  As always, there was one opinionated commenter who made it clear that anyone who would undertake such a ridiculously long endeavor was driven solely by ego.  I’ll admit it has stuck with me.  I’m not someone who considers myself to be exceptionally egotistical.  But, I thought about it during the Mark Twain 100, my third ‘hundred miler’ in a little over a year.  I frankly decided that ego isn’t such a bad thing.  I was running well and felt great.  I was 30-something miles into the race and it was raining steadily.  I love running.  I love running in the rain.  I love running all day and night.  My ego and I were having fun.

Jump forward a few hours and 30 or so miles.  It was still raining.  It was getting dark.  The rocks were rockier.  The roots were rootier.  The dirt was mud.  It was pitch dark.  I was completely alone. My clothes were wet.  My ego and I were battling it out.  My body and my mind were having an old fashioned, ego-driven duel.  My ankles had turned so many times on loose rocks I lost count.  I was chaffed in all the wrong places.  I was puking.  So, I finished the 3rd lap for a total of 75 miles in a little over 18 hours.  I was toast.  Ego, ego, where art thou?

Fact is, I made the smart decision.  My rational side told my egotistical side to sit this one out.  And, as much as it wasn’t officially a check in the “Win” category, in some ways it was.  I believe that on good days and bad days there’s something to be learned that you can take with you for the next time.  Bruised ego and all, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things I’ve learned so far running ultras.  I look forward to adding to the list for many years to come.

And, honorable mention….Ego, kept in check, is a remarkable tool.

Here is a look at where everyone is running this weekend. We had 32 responses this week. Good luck to everyone and Run It Fast!

To join Run It Fast – The Club then click HERE to read more details.

Where Run It Fast Runners Are Running This Weekend

Storified by Joshua Holmes · Sat, Sep 15 2012 08:57:07

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]

“The medal features “Scribbly,” the event’s running mascot-slash-graphic icon. Smaller versions of this 42.2K full marathon medal were presented to the half marathon finishers, relay teams and mini-marathon participants.”

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by Doug Russell (volunteer RD). Follow the race on Twitter @runQCM]

U.S. Olympian Ryan Hall Withdraws from 2012 ING New York City Marathon

                   Injuries Force Him Out of November 4 Race

New York, September 10, 2012- The 2012 ING New York City Marathon men's 
field will lose previously announced Ryan Hall due to a series of small but 
stubborn injuries, including plantar fasciitis and tightness in his legs, 
which have caused him to lose too much training time, it was announced 
today by New York Road Runners officials.

"I am very disappointed to not be able to run this year's ING New York City 
Marathon," said Hall, 29, of Redding, CA. "I was hoping that after some 
time off and treatment after the Games, the string of nagging injuries I've 
been dealing with this year would be behind me. After trying to run 
through, I came to the realization when keeping the big picture in mind, 
that I needed to take a longer break to let things heal and not rush the 
training. As much as I would love to still race after taking the break, my 
integrity will not let me show up to the line if I'm not fit."

Hall started the Olympic Marathon in London last month, but was forced to 
stop due to injury. The men's field features Hall's U.S. Olympic Marathon 
teammates Meb Keflezighi and Abdi Abdirahman. Other top Americans include 
Jason Hartmann, Brett Gotcher, Nick Arciniaga, Scott Bauhs, Andrew Carlson, 
and Ryan Vail.

[press release]

Here is a look at where everyone is running this weekend. We had 51 responses this week. Good luck to everyone and Run It Fast!

To join Run It Fast – The Club then click HERE to read more details.

The Chicago Marathon has denied a request from 7-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong to run there in October.

The decision comes after a USADA ruling that stated Armstrong was guilty of using performance enhancing drugs for the past decade.

The USADA has stripped Armstrong of his seven Tour de France championships and banned him from all sports according to Runner’s World.

The road running community has been waiting to see if USA Track & Field, the national governing body for the sport, would enforce the ban on Armstrong. As a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Agency code, USATF is bound to enforce rulings by WADA and USADA.

The ban in other sports such as road running and triathlon has not been popular.

“It seems a little over the top to pursue him beyond the cycling arena to me,” said John Conley, whose company owns and operates the Livestrong Austin Marathon and Half Marathon.

Do you agree with the decision of the Chicago Marathon to keep Lance Armstrong out of their race?

Do you believe Armstrong used blood doping or performance enhancing drugs during the marathons he’s run over the past few years?

#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]

Blackburn Fork two years ago

When Josh Hite and I innocently turned down Blackburn Ford Road on our morning run of Friday, August 27, 2010, we didn’t know we were headed for the scene of water’s most forceful devastation we’d ever seen. That day we waded the river and scrambled through house-sized piles of tangled trees. Three of the four bridges crossing the river, along with their abutments and piers, had been scattered by the flood’s immense force. Judy Richardson, who lives in a house on ground barely high enough to survive the flood and overlooking one of the bridges swept away, said it looked like the Colorado River had coursed through that narrow valley.

What Josh and I saw that day astonished us. We rambled the length of the gorge in amazement. Several hours and twenty-two miles later we found ourselves in Gainesboro, hungry, dehydrated and exhausted from exploring and running through the August heat. His wife Martha drove from Cookeville to Gainesboro to pick us up. A year later my account of that run became Chapter 40 in the book Going Down Slow (2011).

Today, Josh and I made our second anniversary run down the river. The run has become an annual habit. Things have changed remarkably for the better there since last year, and certainly since two years ago. The road has been raised and rebuilt, the section at Judy Richardson’s house paved even. In places where the road comes close to the river, rip-rap has been placed on tall embankments which should resist future undercutting. The piles of trees have been mostly removed. The bridge at Zion Road has been replaced by a longer and higher bridge, remnants of the old collapsed bridge hauled away.

Read the full story by Dallas Smith by clicking HERE

Runner’s World earlier today delved into the claim that Republican Vice President nominee Paul Ryan had run a sub-3 hour marathon.

Ryan made the claim to Hugh Hewitt in a radio interview that:

“Yeah, I hurt a disc in my back, so I don’t run marathons anymore. I just run ten miles or less.” When Hewitt asked Ryan what his personal best is, Ryan replied, “Under three, high twos. I had a two hour and fifty-something.”

WOW! Sub 3-hour marathon is really fast. Could we have a true Run It Fast VP? Well Runner’s World dug into the records of the Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota where Ryan ran his only marathon.

The only results they could find where for a Paul D. Ryan, 20-years of old, from 1990. The time that ‘Paul D. Ryan’ ran that day? 4:01:25!

That’s not even sub-4 hour. Maybe Ryan was claiming 4:01:25 was his Eastern time zone finish and that since the race was in Minnesota it should be converted to 3:01:25 which is close to a sub-3 hour.

So what did Rep. Paul Ryan say when asked about the huge discrepancy?

“The race was more than 20 years ago, but my brother Tobin—who ran Boston last year—reminds me that he is the owner of the fastest marathon in the family and has never himself ran a sub-three. If I were to do any rounding, it would certainly be to four hours, not three. He gave me a good ribbing over this at dinner tonight.”

If I had run just one marathon and if it had been twenty years ago I’m not sure I would get my time right either, but I do believe I’d at least be in the right zip code.

Although it might be easy to ridicule Ryan over the flub, he should be praised for continuing to lead a healthy lifestyle. Reports have it that Ryan leads several other House members in P90X workouts most mornings before clocking in for work.

So how does Ryan’s marathon time stack up with other politicians over the years?

1. John Edwards – 3:30:18 (Marine Corps Marathon 1983)
2. Michael Dukakis – 3:31:00 (Boston Marathon 1951)
3. George Bush – 3:44:22 (Houston Marathon 1993)
4. Sarah Palin – 3:59:36 (Humpy’s Marathon 2005)
5. Paul Ryan – 4:01:25 (Grandma’s Marathon 1990)
6. Mike Huckabee – 4:37:29 (Marine Corps Marathon 2005)
7. Bill Frist – 4:54:36 (Marine Corps Marathon 1997)
8. Al Gore – 4:58:25 (Marine Corps Marathon 1997)
9. Tom Vilsack – 5:28:39 (Little Rock Marathon 2005)

Maybe one day we’ll have a highly elected official that has truly run a sub-3 hour marathon.

[source: Runner’s World and Wikipedia]