Run It Fast®

This week’s Run It Fast – The Club profile is #72 Natalie Torres. Natalie and I have the same problem. We love to run but we have out of control hair that makes running interesting so I was happy to read about her solution to this “issue”. I always have fun seeing what gear other runners use, don’t you?

So let’s get to know Natalie:

INFO

Name: Natalie Torres
RIF #: 72
Twitter: @NattieRuns
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nattie1218
Blog: http://www.thismamacanrun.com/

STATS

Years running: 2

Favorite race distance: half-marathon

Favorite PR: Marine Corps Historic half 2:03:40

Favorite race: Historic Half

Favorite bling: RnR St. Pete’s [See photo at the top or check it out in the bling case for a close up look.]

Next race: The Naked Foot 5k

What makes you FEEL fast?: My Saucony Kinvara 2s make me feel fast. Since wearing them I have been able to improve my speed and overall pace.

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

What’s the most beautiful place that you’ve run? The Rock-n-Roll St. Petersburg Half Marathon is the most beautiful place that I have run. It was along the beach and so very peaceful.

Why do you race? I race because it makes me a better runner. When I race, I am only competing with myself. I like to be able to train and then see the results of all of my hard work.

What is the one piece of running gear you can’t leave the house without? I cannot leave the house without my Sparkly Soul headband. I have very thick curly hair and I need something that is going to keep it out of my face when I run.

What running moment are you most proud of? I am very proud of my first half-marathon. I ran the entire time even though I felt like I was going to die. I pushed through and finished strong.

If you can’t run, you’re ________? If I can’t run, I am either strength training or going to yoga.

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We all have favorite gear that we use, whether it’s shoes to makes us feel “fast” or headbands to make the run more comfortable. What is the one thing you can’t leave the house without when you go for a run?

Thanks for sharing Natalie! I hope you run it fast at your next race!

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 Natalie Torres]

Here is the medal for the Jackal Trail Marathon that was held on June 23, 2012 in Jackson, TN.

I love this medal and wish I’d been able to run this so I could get one! The jackal on it is fierce and has tons of attitude which is perfect for a trail marathon.

THE JACKAL TRAIL MARATHON RESULTS

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[Medal submitted by RIF #40 Scott Stader. Follow Scott on Twitter @ScottStader]

Here is the medal for the Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Half Marathon that took place on June 23, 2012 in Milwaukee, WI.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[Medal submitted by RIF #107 Scott Gorski. Follow him on Twitter @scottofwindlake]

About 33% of Run It Fast – The Club members have submitted their race data (January-May) to be tabulated into the Extreme Runner/Racer Standings.

The overall leader is Joshua Holmes (RIF #1) with 464.5 race points.  Second place goes to Hideki Kinoshita (RIF #88) with 442.2 points and David Wingard (RIF #101) remains in third with 365.4 points.

The top overall female is Emily Conley (RIF #24) with 326.4 points.

Runners are awarded a point for every mile of a race they complete. (Example: marathon = 26.2 pts, half marathon = 13.1 points, 50K = 31 points, 5K = 3.1 points, etc.).  More details HERE

The male and female leaders at the end of the year will be named RIF’s Extreme Runner/Racer(s) of the Year.

Top 10 Overall Extreme Runner Point Standings

1.   Joshua Holmes – 464.5 (RIF #1)

2.   Hideki Kinoshita – 442.2 (RIF #88)

3.   David Wingard – 365.4 (RIF #101)

4.   Emily Conley – 326.4 (RIF #24)

5.   Rick Jarvis – 296.8 (RIF #18)

6.   Nadia Ruiz Gonzales – 267.1 (RIF #69)

7.   Scott Stader – 222.4 (RIF #40)

8.   Laura Raeder – 216.7 (RIF #20)

9.   David Donald – 203.96 (RIF #54)

10.   Heather Shoemaker – 196.6 (RIF #44)

Extreme Racer Male Leaderboard 

1.   Joshua Holmes – 464.5 (RIF #1)

2.   Hideki Kinoshita – 442.2 (RIF #88)

3.   David Wingard – 365.4 (RIF #101)

4.   Rick Jarvis – 296.8 (RIF #18)

5.   Scott Stader – 222.4 (RIF #40)

6.   David Donald – 203.96 (RIF #54)

7.   Alvin Lee – 172 (RIF #30)

8.   Jonathan Bobbitt – 154.4 (RIF #3)

9.   Kevin Leathers – 143 (RIF #12)

10.   Trent Rosenbloom – 141.6 (RIF #57)

11.   Nicholas Norfolk – 139.01 (RIF #116)

12.   Rick Thiounn – 125.4 (RIF #111)

13.   Jason Howard – 124.1 (RIF #150)

14.   Wade Anderson – 100.3 (RIF #22)

15.   Naresh Kumar – 83.4 (RIF #2)

16.   John Hudson – 79.6 (RIF #63)

17.   Brian Wooldridge – 74.8 (RIF #141)

18.   Victor Fleitas – 59.6 (RIF #21)

19.   Dennis Arriaga – 68.46 (RIF #140)

20.   Scott Lochridge – 65.5 (RIF #32)

21.   Stewart Crouch – 64.8 (RIF #89)

22.   Perry Ligon – 64 (RIF #146)

23.   JD Leman – 39.3 (RIF #139)

24.   Kevin Ronayne – 19.3 (RIF #11)

25.   Chris Nelson – 19.3 (RIF #135)

26.   Mark Sikkila – 16.2 (RIF #108)

27.   Steven Reagan – 15.5 (RIF #157)

28.   Scott Gorski – 12.4 (RIF #107)

29.   Josh Liggett – 9.32 (RIF #147)

Extreme Racer Female Leaderboard 

1.   Emily Conley – 326.4 (RIF #24)

2.   Nadia Ruiz Gonzales – 267.1 (RIF #69)

3.   Laura Raeder – 216.7 (RIF #20)

4.   Heather Shoemaker – 196.6 (RIF #44)

5.   Michelle Mitchell – 188.6 (RIF #133)

6.   Lisa Gonzales – 178 (RIF #5)

7.   Jennifer Whitley – 171.8 (RIF #160)

8.   Alicia Eno – 117.9 (RIF #126)

9.   Mikki Trujillo – 137.2 (RIF #13)

10.   Nicole Knutson – 104.8 (RIF #47)

11.   Robin Mancinelli – 99.5 (RIF #134)

12.   Diane Bolton – 83.4 (RIF #159)

13.   Daniela Obregon – 59.5 (RIF #49)

14.   Christy Bowers – 57.2 (RIF #60)

15.   Marj Mitchell – 42.6 (RIF #4)

16.   Natalie Torres – 42.4 (RIF #72)

17.   Lisa Edwards – 30.6 (RIF #122)

18.   Debra Jacildo – 17.39 (RIF #98)

19.   Meredith Yox – 15.5 (RIF #128)

Thanks to all 48 members who have submitted race data to date. This should become a lot of fun as the year goes on and more members start to participate.

For information on joining Run It Fast – The Club click HERE.

Club Members be sure to read more about ERS and enter your races -> Extreme Racer Standings Program (details).

Complete Run It Fast – The Club Member Directory

Laura Raeder #20

This week’s profile is Laura Raeder #20. Laura is on a mission to run in every state and she’s more than half way to her goal. My goal is to run in every state as well so she is really inspiring to me. Who/what is inspiring to Laura? Check out her profile below and find out!

Meet Laura Raeder…

INFO

Name: Laura Raeder
RIF #: 20
Twitter: @LauraRaeder

STATS

Years running: 6

Favorite PR: Boston Marathon 2010 3:37 I wish I would have appreciated this more, instead of wondering how to shave 7 more minutes off my time! (see photo above)

Favorite Race: Chicago Marathon 2009. The temperature was 32 at the start–perfect for this South Dakota runner. The race has great crowd support! Plus, my sister and Brother-in-law ran this race with me ….and my parents came to cheer!

Favorite Bling: I don’t have a favorite medal…I feel like I birthed them all and just can’t pick a favorite child!

Next Race: Seattle RNR marathon June 23rd.

What makes you FEEL fast?: Every Wednesday, I run with my former trainer. We run 5 miles and each time we run …she asks for a walk break. 🙂 (However, I think I have persuaded her to train for a fall marathon! Good-bye Wednesday recovery runs…Hello mid-week long runs!)

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

Who inspires your running and why? Every other runner. Honestly…perfect form speeding past, hunched over and shuffling…new runners with passion and questions…experienced runners with passion and answers. I am motivated by each person…why they run…their goals…their stories.

Which of your running routes makes you the happiest and why? There is a piece of our Bike Trail that goes around our airport. There is no shade, no wind breaks, and no water…so, not many people. I love running here. There is a 1.5 mile straight stretch that can feel like 3 miles some days or .25 miles other days…it all depends on how many problems you have to solve!

What is the thing you splurge on after a race? Airport pizza! Ha! I am trying to run a marathon in all 50 states before I am 40…I have 27 states and 24.5 months…so, I fly in the day before the race, get my packet, sleep, race, shower, and fly home. So, by the time I arrive at the airport after a race I am craving something salty and heavy…pizza it is!

Why do you race? For the feeling of crossing the finish line. My response is extremely selfish…but it is the truth. The fatigue, accomplishment, nausea, strength…the nirvana.

What running moment are you most proud of? My first 1/2 marathon. I ran it with my sister. I was exhausted and she stayed with me encouraging me to finish. Of course she ran backwards…did cartwheels…and high-fived all the kids on the course…but, we finished together! I was hooked!

Laura with her sister and brother-in-law before her first half marathon.

Running it fast at a 4 miler!

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Laura is inspired to run by everyday runners like you and me, by her sister and her family, and by pizza! Most of all she’s inspired by how running makes here feel. Find what inspires you and use that to go farther or faster or longer than you ever have before. And don’t forget…you might be inspiring someone like Laura without even knowing it!

Thanks for sharing Laura! Good luck at Rock & Roll Seattle!

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 Laura Raeder]

Scott Stader #40

This week’s RIF Club Member profile is Scott Stader #40. Scott became a Marathon Maniac in 2008 and a Half Fanatic in 2009. He has run 39 marathons/ultras in 23 states and 46 half marathons in 7 states. That is a lot of running! By the way, in the photo above, Scott was on his way to a PR in the New Johnsville Charge 5 Miler. Way to Run It Fast Scott!

But Scott isn’t just about the statistics listed above. Running is more than just a number or a PR to him as you’ll find out. Now, let’s jump right in…meet Scott Stader:

INFO

Name: Scott Stader
RIF #: 40
Blog: www.scottstader.com
Twitter: @scottstader
Facebook: ScottStader

RUNNING STATS

Years Running: 7

Favorite Race Distance: Marathon

Favorite PR: Marathon! A blazing 4:53 at Rock n Roll New Orleans…and a 24:33 5K – both this year at age 40!

Favorite Race: Kauai Marathon (Tie for 2nd – The Middle Half & RUTS – any race with tons of my friends running too!)

Favorite Bling: RUTS (Run Under The Stars) ultra medal – My first Ultra – HUGE confidence booster!

Marathon Medal Christmas Tree

Next Race: Run Jackson/Jabari Greer Campaign 5K in my hometown of Jackson, TN

What makes you FEEL fast?: I feel and actually am fastest when I’m totally FREEZING my tail off.

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS

Who inspires your running and why? Dean Karnazes was actually the first person to truly inspire me. Reading his books showed me that I wasn’t alone in my weird fascination for running. Then I met some incredible folks that were like me – regular, if not too incredibly athletic, folks that run copious amounts of marathons. Larry Macon, the late Angela Ivory and others who run just because they love it. Not for a medal or recognition but because they truly enjoy the challenge, the travel and meeting folks. I want to be like them – someone who invites others to join in on our secret society…and keeps it anything but a secret!

What is the strangest/funniest thing you’ve ever seen while running? Well, I was passed by two jogglers, a dozen hamburgers, a nekkid dude, Minnie Mouse and Elvis at Boston. Nice!

What is the thing you splurge on after a race? Mexican! That’s if my stomach is feeling ok – if not, a huge hamburger from Five Guys…or a 3 x 3 at In & Out Burger.

Why do you race? In the words of Pre – “A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts…” That’s just part of my story. I’m not fast but I love pushing myself to see how much I can improve…and to show others that they can get up off the couch and improve their lives like I was lead to seven years ago. Mostly, I race because I get to run with, laugh with, suffer with, encourage, and be encouraged by my running buds. The running community is so supportive and caring that it’s been one of the hugest blessings in my life.

Getting our funk on at the Middle Half 11′

What running moment are you most proud of? Seeing my friends run their first marathon/or any race…and not hating me because I may or may not have coerced them into it 🙂 Other than that, my first marathon sticks out. Country Music 07′ – I was consistent in my training but had a totally unexpected and VERY tough day. One of my worst times out of my 39. I didn’t have any close friends who had done anything like this and it unlocked something inside me. The physical exhaustion is a given but I wasn’t prepared for the mental exhaustion. My family and some great friends were there to cheer me on and I kept going…and I finished…and then I signed up for another one soon after! “To be able to go further than you thought you could – well that is living a full life.”

Encouraging poster at the St. Jude Marathon

Bad Apple Ultra – 40 Miles (farthest to date)

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As you can see, Scott is pushing himself to run farther and faster but what we really appreciate about him is how much fun he’s having with his running adventures. He loves running for the sense of community it brings and he wants to share his love of running with everyone. He is living the Run It Fast philosophy and that’s why we are happy to share his story with you.

Thanks for sharing with us Scott! Good luck at the 5k and don’t forget 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 Scott Stader]

Marj Mitchell with her daughter and niece

We thought it would be fun to profile club members on Run It Fast so we could get to know each other a little better. Marj Mitchell, RIF Club Member #4, was kind enough to be our first interview. I haven’t met Marj yet but I have seen her interactions with other club members on Facebook and she is one of the most supportive and positive people in the RIF Club. I am very happy we get to shine the spotlight on Marj and give back just a little of what she’s given to the running community.

So, without further ado…meet Marj Mitchell.

RUNNING STATS:

Name: Marj Mitchell

RIF Club: #4

Years Running: I began running in 2008.  4 years running

Favorite Race Distance: marathon

Favorite PR:  1:35:25 Chikasaw Chase 10 miler run on 8 January 2011

Favorite Race: Andrew Jackson Marathon

Favorite Bling: 2nd place trophy Andrew Jackson Half Marathon April 17, 2010.

Next Race(s):  Marathon For Memories, Trenton Tennessee September 8, 2012 and Winchester’s Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon October 6, 2012

What Makes You Feel Fast?:  When I have had a good night’s sleep, when I have hydrated adequately, when I have had my breakfast, when I know my running form is spot on for the day, when the gun goes off and my adrenaline kicks in and I am in the mood then I sing softly to my heart this little mantra “I will win, if I cannot win, I shall be second, if I cannot be second, I shall be third, if I cannot place at all, I shall do my best….”.

FUN RUNNING QUESTIONS:

Where is the most beautiful place you have ever run?

The most beautiful place I have ever run is Mikon Farm in Sudwala South Africa, owned by my niece and nephew who began a mountain biking resort there as well.  It is called Mankele Mountain Biking www.mankele.co.za situated along the Mpumalanga escarpment with tropical forests, open grass lands, rivers, dams, ravines and mountain ranges.  My brother and I took a long vacation there in 2009 to visit family and my brother rode his mountain bike up the trails and I ran on them.

Which of your running routes make you the happiest and why?

Pinson Mounds State Archeological Park – when I first introduced pace runs into my 18 week winter training at the beginning of this year, I tested the waters in this beautiful park where deer were plentiful and I could focus without distraction of any kind and try to run the speed I thought I should be running in the marathon.  I had so much fun with the pace runs and will always in my mind associate the park with marathon training.

Chickasaw State Park –  It was here that I did all of my long runs and explored the vastness and beauty of the one of the most beautiful state parks in Tennessee.

Why do you race?  

I race because race day is exciting and I am addicted to adrenaline. I love the camaraderie of meeting up with my friends at local races and sharing our race experiences and talking about everything running related.  The sense of being completely understood by these friends instead of sometimes being considered quite crazy by other people in my life as to why I get up at 5am to run and train in all kinds of weather encourages me to keep going.

What running moment are you most proud of?

The day I went from being just a 5K runner to becoming a marathoner when I finished my first marathon, The Andrew Jackson Marathon on April 9, 2011.

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So, that’s our first profile! What did you think? I hope you enjoyed getting to know Marj as much as I did. She is the embodiment of what it means to Run It Fast. She is out there, pushing her boundaries, bringing home the bling, and most of all…having fun!

Thank you for sharing Marj! Good luck with your races and don’t forget to Run It Fast!

P.S. If you aren’t part of the Run It Fast Club yet and would like to know what it’s all about, please click this link:

Run It Fast – The Club (JOIN TODAY)

[all photos submitted by Marj Mitchell]

The Extreme Runner Points program is well under way and we’ve had a great turnout so far. 43 Run It Fast – The Club members have submitted their races and miles for the first 4 months of the year. This is a summary of all the races and miles that have been entered so far:

Pretty cool, huh? So far, Run It Fast – The Club members have run almost half way around the world and run a boat load of races! But that’s not all. I’d also like to highlight some of the fun run things they shared with us when they submitted their races and miles.

January

2 members ran a couple of firsts: Congratulations to Daniela Obregon #49 (@Nanyob) for running her first half marathon and Rick Jarvis #13 who ran his first marathon (and also ran another one in January!).

Nicholas Norfolk #116 (@absolut_zer0) became a Marathon Maniac!

2 members set PRs in January: Dennis Arriaga #140 (@dennarr) set a 5K PR and Hideki Kinoshita #88 (@RunKino) set a marathon PR at the MS Blues and then again a week later at Houston! Congratulations to you both on Running It Fast!

February

3 members set PRs in February:  Dennis Arriaga #140 (@dennarr) set a 10K PR this time and Kevin Ronayne #11(@KRona217) set a PR in the 5 Mile. Once again that running machine, Hideki Kinosita #88 (@RunKino), set a marathon PR! Yay! That’s how you Run It Fast!

March

Daniela Obregon #49 (@Nanyob) ran her first marathon! GoDani Go!

 There were a slew of PRs set:  Dennis Arriaga #140 (@dennarr) set another 5K PR, Kevin Ronanye #11 (@KRona217) also set a 5K PR, Nadia Ruiz Gonzales #69 set a marathon PR at the LA Marathon, and Hideki Kinoshita #88 (@RunKino) set ANOTHER marathon PR at NOLA. Way to Run It Fast!

Congratulations to Perry Ligon #146 (@perry_ligon) who placed 4^th in his age group (50-59) at the St. Patty’s Scramble 15K Trail Race!

April

For firsts in April, we have Dennis Arriaga #140 (@dennarr) who ran his first half marathon! Congrats Dennis!

4 members set April PRs: Mark Sikkila #108 set a PR for the half marathon, Christy Bowers #60 set a PR for the 10K, Hideki Kinoshita #88 (@RunKino) set a 4 Mile PR, and Michelle Mitchell #133 set a PR in the 100K. Awesome job of Running It Fast you guys!

Congratulations to Alicia Eno #126 who was 2^nd Woman Overall at the Dash for Dad 13.1 in Memphis, Hideki Kinoshita #88 (@RunKino) who placed 3^rd in his age group at the Martian Marathon, Marj Mithchell #4 who placed 1^st in her age group at the Shiloh Run In The Park 4 Miler, and Michelle Mitchell #133 who won a 2 mile race and placed 2^nd in her half marathon

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As you can see, Run It Fast – The Club members have started off the year with a bang! I know the rest of the year is going to be just as fun. No, even better. I can’t wait to see everyone Run It Fast in 2012!

So come on! Don’t be shy. If you haven’t submitted your races and miles for the Extreme Runner Points program for January through April, you can do so here:

Run It Fast – The Club Extreme Runner Entry Form

You can click here to find out more information about it: Extreme Racer Standings Program (details).

In case you missed the post on the current standings thru April 2012, click here: Run It Fast – The Club Extreme Runner Point Standings (thru April 2012)

And for information on joining Run It Fast – The Club click HERE. Join us today and be a part of the fun!

P.S. If you submitted races but forgot to submit your monthly mileage totals, you can leave a comment here or send me an email or a tweet and I will add them for you.

When we launched Run It Fast – The Club ten weeks ago, we promised a brand-spanking-new Garmin 310xt would be given away to one of the first 150 members to join.

Yesterday, we drew 10 names from the Random Number Generator to give us 10 finalists. This morning we selected one #/name from the generator to decide our winner.

And the winner is…

1. RIF #64 – Leah Harrison
2. RIF #90 – Marcia Larsen
3. RIF #23 – Jennifer Lazar
4. RIF #32 – Scott Lochridge
5. RIF #141 – Brian Wooldridge
6. RIF #61 – Amanda Cottingham
7. RIF #18 – Rick Jarvis
8. RIF #15 – Amber Goetz-Bouchard
9. RIF #85 – Brett Beckham
10. RIF #36 – Bryan Snyder – WINNER

Big congrats to Bryan and a special thanks to everyone who has joined to date. We’ve quickly built an impressive running community here in the United States that is starting to spread around the globe.

For information on joining Run It Fast – The Club click HERE.

Members be sure to check out (and submit your info) our Extreme Racer Standings Program (details).

Complete Run It Fast – The Club Member Directory

When we launched Run It Fast – The Club ten weeks ago, we promised a brand-spanking-new Garmin 310xt would be given away to one of the first 150 members to join.

We got to 150 members pretty quickly, and it’s time now to select which RIF-Club member will win the Garmin.

The drawing is going to consist of two drawings. In the first drawing, I’m going to use Random Number Generator to select 10 different Run It Fast – Club numbers. These ten members, along with their RIF #’s, will be listed below.

Tomorrow I’ll use the Random Number Generator again using the #’s 1-10 (as labeled below) to decide who the winner will be.

And the 10 Finalists Are…

1. RIF #64 – Leah Harrison
2. RIF #90 – Marcia Larsen
3. RIF #23 – Jennifer Lazar
4. RIF #32 – Scott Lochridge
5. RIF #141 – Brian Wooldridge
6. RIF #61 – Amanda Cottingham
7. RIF #18 – Rick Jarvis
8. RIF #15 – Amber Goetz-Bouchard
9. RIF #85 – Brett Beckham
10. RIF #36 – Bryan Snyder

So these are the lucky ten that will have their name in the hat tomorrow for the Garmin 310xt.

For information on joining Run It Fast – The Club click HERE.

Members be sure to check out (and submit your info) our Extreme Racer Standings Program (details).

Complete Run It Fast – The Club Member Directory