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]

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.

***

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]

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

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)

***

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]

Where Run It Fast Runners Are Running This Weekend (June 9-10, 2012)

Storified by Joshua Holmes · Fri, Jun 08 2012 11:51:14

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.

***

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]

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Navy Ten Nautical Miler that took place on June 3, 2012 in Millington, Tennessee.

Run It Fast – Club member Victor Fleitas also submitted his first place age group medallion that you can see below.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[Medal submitted by RIF #21 Victor Fleitas. Follow him on Twitter @lawyerrunner]

On Saturday, during the Nanny Goat 12/24/100 Ultra Race, I saw some tempers flare and heard others had tantrums/meltdowns. I had not seen that before in a trail race/ultra before and it surprised me. I thought it was just me who had little meltdowns during races. Luckily, no one was there to see the one I had on Saturday. While I was on the course, I tried to be positive/laugh so only Twitter bore the brunt of it. Which was, thankfully, only one tweet.

I think that when you enter the world of ultras and you see all these amazing people doing them and read about all their great adventures that you have this idealized vision of what an ultrarunner is. I know I do. To me an ultrarunner is someone with their sh!t together, who always smiles, never complains, figures out issues and deals with them, and just keeps running strong.

Yeah…that’s not me. So far, I’ve done 4 ultras and in every one of them, I felt:

• Depressed – because I wasn’t as fast as I’d hoped.
• Frustrated – because I couldn’t figure out stomach/feet/leg issues.
• Whiny – because I wasn’t having a rainbows & unicorns race.
• Sad – because I didn’t turn into the magical, glorified ultrarunner I thought I would be.
• Angry – because I sometimes thought about quitting.
• Fear – because I sometimes thought about quitting.
• Doubt – that maybe, just maybe I didn’t have what it takes to run ultras.

So I must be doing it wrong. Right?

When my friends run ultras or I read race recaps of ultras, I’m always looking for some insight into what they were thinking when they were out there. Did they hit a low point? Did they have any doubts or fears? Am I the only one with thoughts like these?

And then when people congratulate me or tell me that they are proud of me for what I’ve accomplished, that little devil on my shoulder whispers in my ear “yeah, but they don’t know you were _____ (fill in the blank with any of the above).” That stupid little devil makes me feel guilty for accepting praise. I REALLY need to get rid of her or at least put a muzzle on her. Because you know what? I’ve been getting them done. Sure, it hasn’t always been pretty but I finished all 4 of them.

So I must be doing something right. Right?

I guess the whole point of my post is this…If you are thinking of going for an ultra (or your first marathon or half marathon or whatever new distance) but you’re not sure if you can do it…then go for it! Because if I can do it, you can do it.

Just know this…ultrarunners are NOT perfect. Take me for example. I am not a gifted runner. I’m not fast and I’m not agile on the trails. I am full of insecurities and doubts. I have low/ugly/would you like some cheese with that whine moments. I am not the poster child for an ultrarunner. Or even a runner really.

But…I am a runner and an ultrarunner. So, even if it isn’t all sunshine and roses, I keep going. That’s all you have to do. Keep going until you’re done. If you can do that, you ARE doing it right.

[photo submitted by me]

The Walt Disney World Marathon is getting a course facelift to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the popular race.  The changes should please many veterans of the popular Florida race.

Earlier today WDW released a video, featuring Mickey Mouse, that highlights the biggest changes to the course for 2013.

The most noticeable changes will be removing one of the big loops around EPCOT to start the race. Instead the race will go from EPCOT straight to the Magic Kingdom where runners will run through Cinderella’s Castle just before Mile 6. This will be roughly 4 miles sooner than in past years.

Runners will also be running through the Disney Motor Speedway this year, around the NASCAR track, instead of outside of the facility, before rejoining the traditional course that then goes to the Animal Kingdom.

The last major difference will be that instead of the unpopular out and back at Mile 20 from previous WDW Marathons, runners will instead run to the Disney Wide World of Sports where they will run around the inside of Spring Training stadium of the Atlanta Braves.

Runners will then head to Hollywood Studios before finishing back at EPCOT.

The 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon will take place on January 13, 2013 in Orlando, Florida.

The WDW Half Marathon takes place the day before in the same location.  

Runners can complete both races in what is called the Goofy Challenge. The GC does fill up fast.

2013 Walt Disney World Race Maps (January)

• Walt Disney World® Marathon
• Walt Disney World® Half Marathon
• Disney Family Fun Run 5K
• Mickey Mile

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Western Pacific Half Marathon that took place on May 5, 2012 in Fremont, California.

This is a beautiful, strong, and powerful medal. You almost feel as if that locomotive is going to run straight off the medal to victory.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[Submitted by RIF #140 Dennis Arriaga. Follow him on Twitter @dennarr]