Run It Fast®

RIF #134 Robin at the Vermont 100 with RD Julia Hutchinson

This week’s RIF Club Member profile is Robin Manicinelli #134. Reading Robin’s answers reminded me that you don’t always have to play by the “rules”. What rules did she break? Read her profile to find out!

Meet Robin:

INFO
Name: Robin Mancinelli
RIF #: 134
Twitter: @Robinmrr2
Facebook: Robin Balint Mancinelli

STATS
Years Running: Not quite 5
Favorite Race Distance: 100 miles, I’ve only done one, but it was a blast!
Favorite PR: Hmmm, probably 24:31:54, for the Vermont 100.
Favorite Race: Expedition Everest, my sons ran it with me.

Favorite Bling: NJ Trail Series always has cool bling!  And extras! (Thanks to Rick and Jen)
Next Race: Right now, registered for the Steamtown Marathon, then JFK 50.  But I’m hoping to get at least one more in before Steamtown.  I have a few on the radar.
What Makes You FEEL Fast?: I don’t think I EVER feel fast.  But the great RIF shirt forces me to try harder! 😀

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

Who inspires your running and why?  It is not so much “who” inspires my running, as it is “what” inspires my running.  I run: when I am happy, when I have a problem I need solved, when I had a bad day at work, when I have the time, when I don’t have the time, when it’s the first snowfall of the year, when it’s raining, when it’s a beautiful autumn morning and the leaves are changing, when my training schedule dictates I run, when I have a friend to run with, or when I just want to run and smile.

Which of your running routes makes you the happiest and why?  I LOVE running trails!  I was a hardcore road runner, then a friend of mine was talking about off road running.  Since I started, it has become something I really look forward to.  People say I run with a smile on my face, the atmosphere is laid back, the trees, streams and wildlife tend to do that.  It also explains the bugs in my teeth!

What is your favorite go-to pre-race meal?  Pre-race meal is a banana, Special K chocolatey delight (dry, no milk) and a Gatorade-AM Tropical Mango. No substitutes.

Why do you race?  I race to test myself.  I was running a few months, registered for my first marathon and someone told me that I should run it just to finish.  This person was an experienced runner, and someone I admire, but I took that as a challenge!  I ran that marathon AND qualified for Boston, after taking up running within the year!  I immediately crossed the finish line, grabbed a phone, and called them to say, “Look at the clock!!!!!  I Boston qualified!”, ( as a side note, this person has still not BQ!)  I also love meeting other runners, especially at ultras.  I have made some great friends by racing.  My dream races: Western States and Badwater.  I better RIF, I’m not getting any younger!

Big races or small races? And why?  Oh, that’s hard.  The big races, like Disney or Boston, for example, have the excitement, the bands, entertainment, crowds and such.  It’s a good thing once in a while.  But I think I prefer the smaller races.  It seems the other runners are friendlier and the atmosphere is relaxed.  It’s when the RD knows your name and is not afraid to use it!

Robin at NYC Marathon and the Princess Half

***

People tell you there are “rules” to running. You shouldn’t try new food or gear on race day. You shouldn’t go out too fast in a race. You shouldn’t “race” your first marathon/ultra/etc. But some rules are made to be broken! I love that Robin qualified for Boston in her FIRST marathon and then ran 24 hours and change at her FIRST 100 miler. She is not letting anyone put limits on what she can do and that is really inspiring. Rules are there to help us when we start out, that’s true. But I think the great thing about running is that it really is an individual sport. What works for one person may not work for another. And NO ONE knows what you can do better than YOU. The most important thing I’ve learned is to trust myself and my body. Robin obviously knows that too. I bet that’s another reason she smiles so much. 🙂

Thank you for letting us get to know you, Robin. Good luck with your races this year! 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:

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[All photos submitted by Robin Mancinelli]

Scott Gatlin RIF #80

This week’s RIF Club Profile is Scott Gatlin #80. Scott is another on of our RIF runners from Tennessee. From all that I’ve seen so far, there is a fun and supportive running community in the Volunteer State. You’ll see in Scott’s interview that he’s got a pretty good running support community of his own, one he found and one he inspired!

Meet Scott Gatlin:

INFO

Name: Scott Gatlin
RIF #: 80
Twitter: @Gocart223
Facebook: Scott Gatlin

STATS

Years Running: 4 years
Favorite Race Distance: Half marathon
Favorite PR:  New Orleans Rock and Roll Half Marathon
Favorite Race:  St. Jude Half Marathon in Memphis
Favorite Bling:  New Orleans Half Marathon
Next Race:  Local 5-10k’s, including the Thanksgiving Day 5K in Jackson TN, then St. Jude Half Marathon in Memphis
What Makes You FEEL Fast?:  Sprinting in my cross-training workouts.  I’m much better at sprints than distance, and hope to compete in the Tennessee Senior Olympics track and field sprints in 2013.

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

Who inspires your running and why?  My training/running friends have inspired my running since the beginning.  In particular, David (RIF #84) and Stephanie invited me, coached me, encouraged me, ran my pace early on, and have become the caretakers of our running group, which has grown to over 30 runners.  I run because of those relationships.  Fitness, while a blessing, is secondary to the relationships and the camaraderie.  So many times our training runs are just excuses to be together and enjoy each other.

If you could go for a run with any famous person (living or dead), who would it be and why?  I’d enjoy training or running a race with George W. Bush.  While he made some mistakes in office, I admire him for many reasons, including a marathon in the 3:30’s.  He’d have to slow down for me.

What is the strangest/funniest thing you’ve ever seen while running?  Our running group really enjoys running in falling snow, but before the roads become dangerous.  On one particular snow run, which happened to fall at about 9:00 pm on a Sunday night, many drivers acted like they’d never seen runners before.  They were honking, stopping and yelling, and seemed completely amazed that we would run in that weather.  Their comments along our route in North Jackson were the most amusing thing that’s happened to me while running.  But I guess the drivers were the ones seeing something funny….

Why do you race?  I race because I really need a training goal in front of me.  I enjoy training with my friends, but it’s far too easy to slack off, especially in the heat of the summer, if a race is not looming in the future.  And in every race I run, I enjoy talking to folks I don’t know during the race.  I’m not sure if they enjoy it or not….  And I really have grown to cherish the post-race fellowship – hearing the stories, the successes, the challenges of my training partners.  The social atmosphere of racing has become a huge blessing for me.

Big races or small races? And why?  I love the atmosphere and noise, energy, excitement, crowds, and hoopla of big races (NOLA, St. Jude), but I think I enjoy the local smaller races as much or more.  It’s comfortable to run where I train.  It’s great to sleep in my own bed before the race.  And it’s like a family reunion after the small local races, including the Andrew Jackson Marathon and Half Marathon.  Spending time with the running community is something that I really enjoy.

What is the one piece of running gear you can’t leave the house without? Garmin Forerunner 305. We joke that we almost refuse to run if we can’t upload it and get credit for it.

What running moment are you most proud of?  I’m most proud of my April 2012 PR in the NOLA half marathon.  While I was elated to knock off 9 minutes, I was much more excited that the change in diet and cross-training (CrossFit Jackson) had proven to work.  In every prior half marathon, I’d bonked somewhere in the last 2-3 miles.  That was not the case in April.  My fastest five miles were the last five miles, all sub-8:00, and I had some gas left in the tank at the finish line.  Feeling good at the end of a race was a huge change, and one that I intend to do again.

Is there anything else you would like the rest of the club to know that we didn’t cover in the questions? The most gratifying aspect of my running has come gradually.  One by one, each of my family have begun running and pursuing a lifestyle of health and fitness.  I was blessed to run the New Orleans Half Marathon with my oldest son, Jesse, and his wife in April (the first half for him), and my younger son, Brooks, ran the Andrew Jackson Half Marathon with me, step for step, later that month.  Their wives run and race as well.  And my wife, Jamie, who has never involved herself in exercise until now, is running and exercising and has dropped around 40 pounds in 2012.  I can’t wait to run a race with her at her pace and be with her when she crosses the finish line.  Running and fitness has blessed and unified our entire family.  A Gatlin Family race shirt is not far in our future, and I’m looking forward to the day when my grandsons are old enough to train and race with us.

***

It’s so cool that Scott’s family has taken up running and that it’s brought them closer together. Congratulations to Jamie for losing weight and running too! I can’t wait to see the Gatlin Family race shirt. I think what I liked most about Scott’s interview is that he is using CrossFit to make himself a stronger runner and that he knows what his strengths and weaknesses are. He has big plans (the Tennessee Senior Olympics Track & Field 2013) and I have no doubt he will get there.

Thanks for sharing Scott! Good luck with your running & racing!

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 Scott Gatlin]

Amber Goetz-Bouchard RIF #15

This week’s RIF Club Member profile is Amber Goetz-Bouchard #15 and I’m not sure you’ll find a more enthusiastic and happy runner in Run It Fast – The Club. Every time I see a post from Amber on the RIF Club group page on Facebook, it makes me smile because she’s always smiling in her pictures and sharing the things that make her a happy runner – like her favorite trail or new bling or a picture of the course for her first trail race or just a really great run. Her enthusiasm is infectious and makes you want to go out and run!

Check out Amber’s story:

INFO

Name: Amber K. Goetz-Bouchard
RIF #: 15
Blog: Just Keep On Running
Twitter: @am3erkgb
Facebook: amber.goetzbouchard

STATS

Years running: 1994 – present
Favorite race distance: 13.1 (only b/c it’s the longest race distance I’ve done to date 😉
Favorite PR: Winter Flight 8K (44:46) on 04Feb12
Favorite race: Rock n’ Roll San Diego (1/2 Mary)
Favorite bling: Cincinnati Flying Pig (1/2 Mary)

Next race: Springmaid Splash “XSTREAM” 10K (trail race) 18Aug12
What makes you FEEL fast?: When I’m in the zone, the knees are high and the back is aligned – I feel like I’m floating and I am completely pain-free.  Ironically those moments of Zen make me feel light as a feather and untouchable 😉

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

Who inspires your running and why?
My friends inspire me, those who run faster than me and those who cannot run anymore.  Each and every one of them has taught me something about running in general, my running, and all the little analogies running has on life.  When someone takes and makes an invested interest in me and my [dis]abilities, it gives me that spark of encouragement to try harder.  It’s my way of showing them my appreciation for their invested time in me.

What is the strangest/funniest thing you’ve ever seen while running?
Well… there was this one trail run where I happened to look to my left into the woods because I noticed something large in my peripheral vision… it turned out to be two people ‘going at it’ in the woods!  That is more along the lines of ‘I so totally did not want to see that!’

What’s the most beautiful place that you’ve run?
Oh goodness, every run is beautiful – but the top two on my 2012 list are (1) crossing the river during the Flying Pig Cincinnati Half-Marathon in May as the sun was coming up along the river and (2) my sunrise runs at a local park (Guilford Mackintosh Lake and Marina Park – GMMP for short).  I’m a sucker for beautiful sunrises.

 Which of your running routes makes you the happiest and why?
I would call my 12.5 mile loop around the back roads of Burlington my happy route – it takes me into the agricultural community so I’m running alongside fields of corn, tobacco, cows and or horses, sharing the road with tractors, and getting the friendly hello from every farm dog along the north side of town 😉

Have you ever worn a costume during a race? What was it and for what race? If not, would you?
I haven’t worn a costume before and I’m not sure I would – I get easily annoyed with my ponytail some days, so I wonder if I would handle wearing a costume…

What is your favorite go-to pre race meal?
My nutritionist is wicked awesome!  I have a stellar pre-race meal: 2 Kashi 7-Grain waffles with 30 mL syrup and 3 slices of pork bacon.  YUM!

What is the thing you splurge on after a race?
I used to go bananas (literally) after a race with all the goodies – nanas, orange slices, apples – all the fruits.  However, now I bring my post-race meal with me (in a cooler, which my endearing gear-boy husband carries for me): liquid whites with Whey ptn., and after that I start sucking down additional electrolytes with my Smartwater®.  (I sweat a lot and finish most races with a layer of salt on me…)

Why do you race?
I race because it offers the opportunity to mingle with ‘your own kind’, a community that ‘gets you’ and everyone is just happy.  I have yet to go to a race where there are grumpy people and I love being in a positive energy environment.  Not to mention the fact it is extremely motivating to see all walks of life running the same route at the same time as you – people that have it worse than you, people that are racing for the first time, and the lovable grandpas and grandmas that are out there.  I only hope I’m still doing this at their age.

Big races or small races? And why?
Big races are cool, lots of hype, big vendors (I like to buy gear, it is addictive for me), and you can witness a lot of elite runners and observe their pre-race routines.  However, with smaller races, there seems to be more conversation and I see more of a variety of runners and learn a lot more from the stories people share about their journeys.

What is the one piece of running gear you can’t leave the house without?
My sunglasses, I think if the watch failed (and it has), the iPod died (and it has), the hair elastic broke, or my compression socks were torn – I’d be okay.  However, as an office-dweller by day, running in the sunlight for me is like asking a vampire out on a lunch date.

What was your biggest “don’t” of a race?
Do not bust out the gate like an enraged lion or giddy gazelle!  Too many times have I burnt my stores of energy only to find myself halfway into the race and forced to conserve… please please please, use your paces wisely.

What’s your pre race routine?
Get up about 3-3.5 hours in advance, gulp down the morning supplements and start the physical therapy/stretchies, take a break for breakfast (and 1C black coffee if I feel the need, along with 0.5L H20) and then continue the trigger point therapy, rolling, etc. all the while running through the gear check in my head and obsessively re-checking what time it is to make sure I’m leaving with enough time to get to the starting line.  Once all geared-up and at the race (usually well in advance b/c I’m the nervous OCD type), I then have time to chat with other runners and this has a calming effect for me – which is what I need before I start obsessively checking the Garmin, the tightness of the shoelaces, the ponytail, the bib… etc.!

What running moment are you most proud of?
If by proud you mean emotional – ironically it would not be during a race, it was not with a fellow runner, it was something that happened just between me and me.  This would be the longest distance run I’ve had the opportunity to run to date, which was 20.2 miles.  I had attempted that local route once before and had to stop and walk off and on over the last 3-5 miles – it was heart-wrenching to stop, I desperately did not want to stop, but I did not bring enough nutrition with me and the legs just couldn’t handle it.  So, the second time I attempted that route, as I passed that spot I was forced to begin walking on the first attempt, I felt a tug in my chest, I was proud that I made it further that time!  Not only further, but I completed the route I had set out to do!  I didn’t stop running once!  When I arrived at my finish line (my car, in the gym’s parking lot), I was afraid to stop, I didn’t know how I was going to handle myself when I stopped.  Would everything seize up?  Would I collapse?  I don’t think I wanted this accomplishment to end and if I stopped running, it would officially be over…  I wasn’t really sure how I was still running at that point.  But I slowed to a jog and then a walk, and then I crouched, and my hands touched the asphalt… and I cried.  I finally understood why all those athletes cry after their big races.  Sure, I’m no elite athlete, but I beat my own expectations and that made me feel proud.

If you can’t run, you’re ________?
One pissy kitty.  (People can tell when I haven’t run – they pretty much send me away and say I can come back once I’ve had my run 😉

Is there anything else you would like the rest of the club to know that we didn’t cover in the questions?
Well, I guess in terms of accomplishments, one is the ability to keep on running despite my degenerative disk disease (DDD, right between the L5-S1) in my back.  The doctor, upon diagnosis, said I should stop running.  Should.  The doctor also said I had the option of fusion surgery or pain management via physical therapy.  I am going the pain management route and so far, so good.  There are set backs here and there, but oddly enough my strength conditioning and running are the best tools for managing the back pain.

The other more recent accomplishment would be the 35+ pounds I have gotten rid of since Christmas day of 2011.  There’s a long story and history behind the weight issues, running injuries, etc.  However, with the help of my outstanding nutritionist (Dennis Cejas), my self-disciplined strength and circuit training, and now Coach J’s running program (Justin Gillette!! (RIF #153)) – the past 2 months have seen a massive transformation for me and I now believe I will be running better, longer, [more] injury-free, and happier 🙂

Amber’s Motivation Board and Wall

***

I didn’t realize until I read Amber’s responses that she was dealing with DDD. From all the positiveness she puts out there on Facebook, I never would have guessed that things weren’t always rosy for her. I think sometimes we only see the surface of what other runners are dealing with or how they are training. We see someone running, maybe passing us in a race, and we think “they have it so easy” or “why are they faster or stronger than me”. But we don’t really know if they do have it “easy”. What I like best about Amber’s story is that she is writing her own story. She might not have it easy but she’s using the tools available to her to become better and stronger. Whether it’s motivating herself with her board and wall (very cool idea, don’t you think?) or hiring a nutritionist and coach to guide her, she is a fulfilling her goals to “be running better, longer, [more] injury-free, and happier”. So be like Amber and write your own story. Do whatever it takes to make your goals happen, despite what life throws at you.

Thank you for sharing your running life with us Amber! Good luck with your first trail race. You’re going to have a blast 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:

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[All photos submitted by Amber Goetz-Bouchard]

This is the “medal” for the Blister In The Sun Marathon that was held on August 5, 2012 in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Not exactly a medal but it sure is hot bling! XXX Fire Orange Habanero Hot Sauce would definitely require lots of cold beverage with any meal this was added too! Fun stuff.

Congrats to RIF #1 Josh for going sub 4 and getting 9th overall while still recovering from the Last Annual Vol State 500K!

There were quite a few RIF Club members at Blister In The Sun. Here are a few of them:

#79 Dallas, #1 Josh, #13 Mikki, and #165 David

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[Medal submitted by RIF #1 Joshua Holmes – follow him on Twitter @bayou]

Jennifer Whitley RIF #160

This week’s Run It Fast Club profile is Jennifer Whitley #160. I was lucky enough to meet Jennifer at the Jackson Jackass 50K. I found out when I read her Race Report a few days after it was over that she’d had a rough day out there but finished. Then I heard that she had a bad fall at the Jackal Trail Marathon that required stitches and caused her to DNF for the first time in her 13 years of running… but she was still smiling. Finally, I read her response to our question about her proudest moment and came to the only conclusion possible… Jennifer is one tough runner!

Read on to find out more about Jennifer:

INFO
Name:  Jennifer Whitley
RIF #:  160
Facebook: Yes

STATS
Years running: 13 yrs
Favorite race:  Avenue  of the Giants Marathon
Favorite bling: St George Marathon

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

Who inspires your running and why?
So many people inspire me, but one that stands out is my friend Phil Weiland, who is 78! When I joined my first running group, the Las Vegas Track Club, in 2000, Phil was always encouraging me to push myself to run farther and faster, and to never give up. Phil is an amazing person. He still runs countless marathons and 5k races, even though he has suffered a stroke which blinded him in one eye.

If you could go for a run with any famous person (living or dead), who would it be and why?
I wouldn’t mind going for a run with Christopher Walken. I could hear him now… He would say “Jen… two little mice fell in a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up… and drowned. The second mouse… wouldn’t quit. He struggled so hard that eventually… he churned that cream into butter… and crawled out. Jen… as of this moment… I am that second mouse!”

What is the strangest/funniest thing you’ve ever seen while running?
It’s not that funny and probably not the strangest but I do find it strange when I come across a lone shoe on any path…

What’s the most beautiful place that you’ve run?
The Valley of Fire is about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. With beautiful majestic red mountains, this is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park. The valley gets its name from the red sandstone formations and the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified wood and 3,000 year-old Indian petroglyphs. This is always one of my favorite and challenging marathons to run.

Which of your running routes makes you the happiest and why?
I really enjoy Bryant Grove 8 mile trail. It’s a single track trail that’s mostly shaded path that changes from dirt, sand, stumps, large rock and pebbles. You can almost always spot deer and you are shore side throughout the path. You can listen to the water hit the shore and it’s just peaceful.  4 miles in you end up at a small beach side and when you return you can go canoeing at Couchville Lake for 5 bucks.

Why do you race?
I love the feeling I get before a race… the excitement, the preparation, and going to be seeing friends at events. And of course how I feel after. It just feels good!

Big races or small races? And why?
I do prefer the smaller races because they are a bit more intimate and peaceful.  I am all for a more peaceful run. I’m not into all the hullabaloo.

What running moment are you most proud of?
My most proud moment would have to be finishing my first 50 miler, where I had twisted my ankle at mile four.

If you can’t run, _________?:
Nevada is where I found my passion for running. I started running to drop some weight, but after I lost the pounds I could no longer stop running. It just made me feel right. I have had many great experiences traveling around and participating in marathons and different races throughout California, Nevada, Utah, New York and now Tennessee! If I can’t run… well… you know what happens… life seems unbalanced.

***

I don’t know about you but I can picture and hear that run and conversation with Christopher Walken in my head! Seriously though, Jennifer’s answers remind me that if we don’t give up and we keep on trying, we can succeed. Just like Jennifer and her running inspiration, Phil Weiland. Oh, and like the second little mouse too. 😉 If we just keep going no matter what obstacles life throws in our way, we will finish and hopefully… Run It Fast!

Thanks for sharing Jennifer!

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 Jennifer Whitley and Naresh Kumar]

Jonathan Harrison RIF #65

This week’s RIF Club Member Profile is Jonathan Harrison #65. After reading Jonathan’s answers to our questions, I’ve come to the conclusion that RIFers just like to have fun! But honestly, it’s awesome to see everyone take their running seriously but not take themselves too seriously.

Check out what Jonathan had to say about running, the funniest thing he saw before a run, and his family:

INFO
Name:   Jonathan Harrison
RIF #:  65
Twitter:  @jdharrison37
Facebook:  jonathan harrison

STATS
Years Running:  1.79
Favorite Race Distance:  Marathon
Favorite PR:  2012 Boston Marathon
Favorite Race:  2011 St. Jude Marathon (Memphis)
Favorite Bling:  2012 Boston Marathon & 2012 Jackson Jackass 50k (tie)

Next Race:  Marathon for Memories (September)
What Makes You FEEL Fast?:  Passing other runners in a race while pushing my boys in their double-stroller while they yell “Pass another one daddy!”

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

Who inspires your running and why?  Many people inspire my running.  Leah, my wife, inspires me daily with her amazing dedication to being the best runner she can be.  My running friends inspire me, especially when they run faster or farther than they ever have before.  People who “don’t have an athletic bone in their body” but still get out there and run anyway.

Probably the most inspiring moment I’ve experienced though was somewhere between miles 14 and 18 during the 2012 Boston Marathon.  It was blazing hot, I was feeling nauseous, I was starting up ANOTHER hill and started to complain in my mind about how terrible I felt while wondering if I could keep my pace.  At that moment I saw a guy in a wheelchair who only had 1 leg pushing himself up that hill…backwards.  I still recall that scene when I’m really struggling during a tough training run or in a race.

What is the strangest/funniest thing you’ve ever seen while running?  I actually have a picture of it.  It happened a few hours before the start of the 2012 Boston Marathon.  Not only was it strange and funny, but it was also…bizarre. LOL! (see picture)

With RIF #40 Scott Stader…striking a pose!

What’s the most beautiful place that you’ve run? Beside Leah (RIF #64). Behind her isn’t too bad either. 😉

What is the thing you splurge on after a race?  To be completely honest, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s.  I know there are much healthier things I could choose, but I love it!  Although I don’t feel as guilty as I use to since they came out with so many great Greek Frozen Yogurt flavors.  Hmmm….I all of sudden feel the urge to go buy a pint right now.

What running moment are you most proud of?  When my wife & I finished our first marathon together hand-in-hand.  A close second would be getting 2nd in my age group in a 5k on Father’s Day weekend while pushing my boys.

 ***

It’s very cool to see how much Jonathan loves running and how he shares that with his sons and Leah. He has the best of both worlds: fun and great running partners! I think a lot of us start out on a lonely road when we take up running. No one else can run for us but it sure is nicer when we have someone to share it with. My sister just started running a few months ago and I’m hoping I can convince her to do a race with me. She’s been to a few of my races so she knows how much fun they are and she said she would think about it but “no marathons”. I think I might be able to talk her into a 5K or 10K, maybe even a half marathon. I’m crossing my fingers. Hopefully you have friends and/or family to run with too. If not, maybe you can encourage one or more of them to start!

Thanks for sharing your memories and running with us, Jonathan. Good luck at Marathon for Memories and don’t forget to have fun 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 Jonathan Harrison]

Nicholas Norfolk RIF #116

This week’s RIF Club member profile is Nicholas Norfolk #116. Nicholas is another Marathon Maniac which is amazing considering the short time he’s been running! Kind of makes me feel like a slacker. But seriously, he is an awesome runner. Better than that, he is a huge presence on Twitter. He’s always encouraging other runners, tweeting great articles, and sharing fun races. He’s a great inspiration to the running community and has a fun attitude about running, which you probably noticed from the picture above and you’ll see in his answers below:

INFO
Name: Nicholas L. Norfolk
RIF #: 116
Blog: http://www.icedotathletes.com/author/nlnorfolk/
Twitter: @absolut_zer0
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nlnorfolk

STATS
Years Running: 2

Favorite Race Distance: Half marathon

Favorite PR: This is also my worst PR. The mile at the Go! Mile. Why? I didn’t know what it was like to push myself to the brink. I ran hard and although I reached my goal, it was not without consequence. It was the first time I ever thought I was going to pass out. The world was spinning. It was like I had an out-of-body experience. I left it all out there and for that I’m proud. Now, I’m hesitant to do it again. I may actually pass out next time.

Favorite Race: Jesse is Awesome Half Marathon / Soaring Wings Half Marathon – Both are races that exemplify why we race. Both RDs create an atmosphere that we cherish. I get to witness friends achieving goals and I can cheer them. You don’t run these races. You experience them.

Favorite Bling: 5th Mississippi Blues Marathon – A nice, quality medal and it was my Marathon Maniac qualifying race.

Next Race: Full mOOn Midnight 50k

What Makes You FEEL Fast? This is one of those questions for the “fast” people, right? Do I get to pass on this one? When I feel my hair blowing in the wind I feel fast, but that could also just be the wind blowing fast, eh? I got it! When I “sprint” to the finish. I feel my body take over and my mind reluctantly obeys.

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

Who inspires your running and why? Similar to what Ivan Drago said in Rocky VI, I run “For me! For me!” This may sound like a selfish statement, but it’s the truth. Before I became part of the running community, knew about races, or had any idea of the great, elite runners, it was only me.

Each day we all inspire at least one person. You know the answer to this. We inspire ourselves. For if we don’t inspire ourselves, how can one inspire someone else? I love running, but I love inspiring others even more. The will to inspire myself is just as important to my personal well being as it is for me to inspire and motivate my fellow runner.

If you could go for a run with any famous person (living or dead), who would it be and why? I’d love to run with Ted Corbitt. He affected running in so many ways. He’s been called “the father of long distance running.” Not only did he compete, win races, and hold records, but he also gave back.

He served as president of the RRCA and founding president of the New York Road Runners (NYRR). His prowess in running can only be overshadowed by his dedication to the sport. He was instrumental in the growth of the sport at a time when it was unpopular. He was a force to be reckoned with and his legacy lives on through us all. I can only imagine the treasure of knowledge he possessed.

Have you ever worn a costume during a race? What was it and for what race? If not, would you? I have yet to wear a costume for a race, but I definitely would. I enjoy having fun and I think adding a costume to the mix would be great. Not sure if I have the body for some of those costumes, but I’m working on it. I’m telling you I could rock a skort! LOL!

What is your favorite go-to pre-race meal? I’m a seafood guy, so my staple meal is salmon, baby carrots, broccoli, and rice pilaf.

What is the thing you splurge on after a race? I’m not really the splurging type, but if sleep counts as a splurge, that’s what I indulge in.

Big races or small races? And why? I crave the intimacy of small races. I’ll do a big race if I must, which is mainly with friends, but they can get out of hand. Who wants a generic race with generic swag? It’s personal to me. That’s why I love trail races. We look out for one another. The goal for everyone is to finish, but we all want to slay the beast! If I can help someone do that, I’m thrilled to do so.

What is the one piece of running gear you can’t leave the house without? I sweat like crazy, so I need my headband and something to organize my hair. It’s not fun to run when you can’t see because of sweat or hair.

What running moment are you most proud of? Albeit stupidly, I set a goal to run 50 races, including all of the Arkansas Grand Prix Series races. Yes, I did it, but my body has yet to forgive me for the torture I put it through. It was a great way for me to spend my rookie season in the series and to learn about the different races, towns, and people scattered across the great state of Arkansas.

***

I think it’s awesome how Nicholas throws everything he has into something, whether it’s at the Go! Mile or doing that 50 race goal. He is living my favorite mantra: Go Big or Go Home. I also agree with Nicholas when he says we have to inspire ourselves first. No one can run for us. Friends might get us started running or make it fun but in the long run (pun intended…sorry! 😉 ), it’s our own drive that gets us out the door when we are tired or busy. Find what inspires you and remember it for those days when you don’t feel the energy or desire to run.

Thanks for sharing, Nicholas. Good luck at the Full mOOn Midnight 50K! 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 Nicholas Norfolk]

Two EPIC races will be starting in the next few days. Guess what? Two Run It Fast – The Club members will be representing at both races and pushing their limts to the extreme!

You’ve probably heard of one of the races – AdventureCORPS Badwater, a 135 mile race across Death Valley in California. It starts on Monday, July 16th and I hear the temperatures for this year’s race will be in the range of 118 to 123 degrees! The runners start out from Badwater (85Ft below sea level, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere) and climb up to the trailhead at Mt. Whitney. Along the way, they will battle the heat, possibly melting shoes, their own minds and bodies and do a little climbing (13000 Ft). That sounds like fun, right?

Some famous names in the running world are running Badwater this year: Marshall Ulrich, Dean Karnazes, Pam Reed, and Amy Palmiero-Winters. Last year’s winners, Oswaldo Lopez and Sumie Inagaki will be back this year to defend their titles.

And back for his second year at Badwater is our very own Ed Ettinghausen, RIF #121! He will be starting this year’s race in the 10:00 am wave. At last year’s Badwater, Ed finished 13th in a time of 31:21:54. I’d say he was running it fast! Now that he’s no longer a rookie, I expect he’ll Run It Fast this year too. I just wonder if he’s going to be sporting the Jester hats at Badwater?  Good luck Ed!

The other race? You probably haven’t heard of that one. It’s a “little” race called the Last Annual Vol State 500K. The race is 314 miles across Tennessee…in the middle of July. Now it may not be as hot as it is in Death Valley but it’s WAY more humid. Also, a FEW more miles too. The small band of runners in this race will leave tomorrow morning from Dorena Landing, Missouri and make their way across Tennessee to “The Rock” at Castle Rock, Georgia. The runners have 10 days to complete the journey.

Our fearless leader, Joshua Holmes RIF #1, is running the Last Annual Vol State 500K…again! He ran it last year in 8 days and 7 minutes and change. He has plans to Run It Faster this year and I KNOW he will. He’s got the experience and this year he’s a much stronger runner. I can’t wait to see how much time he shaves off his time from last year. Good luck Joshua!

What I find so amazing and inspiring about both Ed and Josh is that they did these races before and STILL signed up for another year. They know exactly what they are getting in to and they aren’t afraid to face those challenges again. While marathons across the country are being cancelled because of “heat”, these two, along with all the other entrants, are saying “Bring it on!”. I know they have every intention of running harder, faster, and stronger this year and it will be fun to watch.

I hope you’ll join me in sending lots of encouragement to Ed & Josh as they head out. They are two of the most supportive and encouraging runners I’ve met. They love running and they share that love with runners of all ages and abilities. Both of them are so down to earth as well that they would probably be embarrassed when I say they are inspiring but I know I’m not alone in thinking this. They are AWESOME! Please show them some love!

Here are some links you can use to follow both races/runners:

Badwater

Twitter: @adventurecorps
Facebook: Badwater Ultramarathon
On the Web: webcast
The live photostream on Instagram: RD Chris Kostman

 Last Annual Vol State 500K

Runner’s Map (updated twice a day): Google Map
Joshua on Twitter: @bayou
Joshua on Facebook: Joshua Holmes
Run It Fast on Twitter: @RunItFast
RunItFast on Facebook: Run It Fast
Joshua’s 2011 Vol State 500K Race Report

And don’t forget to check back here for updates and results!

*Update* I just found out another RIF Club member will be running the Last Annual Vol State 500K! Please also send Run It Fast Good Luck vibes to Sulaiman Seriki RIF #154!

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)

Hideki Kinoshita (RIF #88) is back on top of the Extreme Racer Standings with 681.6 points.  Joshua Holmes (RIF #1) is in second place with 575 points.

Third place is Emily Conley (RIF #24) who is leading the women with 426.4 points.  She is followed on the women’s board by Laura Raeder (RIF #20) and Nadia Ruiz Gonzales (RIF #69).

Each runner is awarded 1 point for each race mile. (More details HERE)

Emily Conley #24

This week’s RIF Club Member Profile is Emily Conley #24. Emily is just coming off a HUGE accomplishment – she just ran Western States 100 (her Race Report) and finished in 28:45! She is an amazing runner!

But that’s not what impressed me most about Emily. I met her at the Jackson Jackass 50K in February. It was raining when we met in the parking lot but she was all smiles. During the race, she passed me (like I was standing still) and asked me how I was doing. I told her I was having some stomach issues. She actually stopped and waited for me to catch up to her to remind me that she’d brought peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for all of us and that real food might help. Is that not cool, or what? It’s one of the things I love about the running community…their willingness to help out a new runner or someone having trouble. Emily is a great example of that. Oh, and by the way, Emily was the overall women’s winner at the Jackson Jackass 50K!

So let’s meet Emily:

INFO
Name: Emily Conley
RIF #: 24
Twitter: @trailjunke
Facebook: emily hendrix conley

STATS

Years running: 4
Favorite race distance: anything from 50k-100mile
Favorite race: Sylamore 50k
Favorite bling: belt buckle from Western States 100
Next race: possibly Arkansas Traveller 100
What makes you FEEL fast?: running in the dark

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

Which of your running routes makes you the happiest and why?  I love to run the trails at Herb Parsons lake in Memphis.  Its a beautiful place to run.  One of my favorite memories there is running the trails right after a snow.  Almost every time I run there I think of that day and it makes me smile.

Have you ever worn a costume during a race? What was it and for what race? If not, would you? no costumes.  ever.

What is the thing you splurge on after a race?  more running gear

Why do you race?  I love the people, the comraderie, seeing new places, and the feeling I get when I run well or even just finish a race that was really difficult.

Big races or small races? And why? I have a deep appreciation for small, grass-roots trail races….the kind where you stand behind a line and someone yells GO!  My least favorite races I’ve ever done are the Chicago Marathon and the Vegas Marathon.  Maybe I’m just a trail lover at heart.

What is the one piece of running gear you can’t leave the house without? Lululemon speed shorts

What was your biggest “don’t” of a race? skittles.  I’d explain but it was gross at best.

What running moment are you most proud of? A little over four years ago I finished my first half marathon.  It was the gateway drug that led to Ultrarunning.  I’ll never forget finishing that race.  But I’m not sure it compares to crossing the finish line at the Western States 100.  That was just surreal.

If you can’t run, you’re __okay___.  There has to be balance between running and the rest of life.  Sometimes it’s perfectly okay to sleep late and snuggle with the kids on Saturday morning.

***

As you can tell from her pictures, Emily is obviously have a great time while she’s running. Her reasons for running and racing make running a joy but she keeps it in perspective. Racing and running are not the be-all and the end-all of our world and we have to remember to keep some balance in our lives. They sure do make it sweeter though, don’t they?

Thanks for sharing Emily! We are so proud of you and know you will continue to 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 Emily Conley and Naresh Kumar]