Week One, 2012, in Review

The first week of 2012 has come and gone. 51 weeks to go. I'd like to believe they could all be like this week--busy, but not overwhelming, full of sleep and feeling good.

This week, I ran a total of 30.7 miles. None of it was for time. Distance is the goal, not time. Keeping my March marathon goal on the horizon and thinking all the time about the Kalamazoo Marathon. Hoping I make it through all three healthy.

I had two full days of vegan eating this week...yes, including my coffee of the day. I've found that I actually like soy lattes. 

And one of my biggest highlights of the week? Acceptance into the NYC Marathon in November. Deferring last fall was terrible, but receiving my guaranteed entry this week for it in 2012, yielded total elation!!!

Yesterday's long run, while not very easy, was fun in that I saw new parts of DC.  I always think it's amazing that I have lived in DC for more than ten years and I can still see new parts.  I also ran on roads that I have run on in years.  It was fun to run in "new" territory and on paths not well trodden (by these legs).

Here's to week two...

Spicy Tempeh and Broccoli Rabe with Rotelle

This week's recipe was chosen based on ease. But honestly, it did have quite a bit of intrigue with it's chili peppers, garlic and rapini. As we drove in the car and chose the recipe this a.m. we also thought about what we knew we had at home in terms of ingredients. We didn't want to go home to check, so this recipe seemed straight forward and relatively easy to navigate when it came to grocery shopping.

So, Spicy Tempeh and Broccoli Rabe with Rotelle it was!

I followed the recipe exactly with the substitution of gobbetti pastas for the rotelle. See that bulb of garlic? All but three cloves of it were used. Another allure of the recipe.


As the pasta boiled on the stove, the directions had me make the sauce for the tempeh. It consisted of red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, soy sauce, vegetable broth, dried oregano, and tomato paste. It was quite delicious and not nearly as hot as I thought it would be. The tomato paste added a little sweetness and the soy brought out the savory.


The tempeh and sauce steamed for about ten minutes and then were put in a separate bowl. By this time the pasta was finished and sat in the drained pot, with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a lid on it to keep it warm.

As the tempeh and sauce simmered, I chopped ten cloves of garlic. It smelled so great! Hope it helps to keep all of those lingering cold germs away too!!!


Then, the garlic was put in the, now empty, pan that the tempeh and sauce had simmered in. The garlic cooked in a little olive oil and then rapini was added.


It steamed for eight minutes with the lid on and then two without, as the final liquids evaporated.


Shazam! It was finally time for all ingredients to meet! The tempeh which had since been added to the pasta, was now poured in with the cooked garlic and rapini.


And very quickly, dinner was served!


Mark and I both liked the recipe, but I think Mark liked it better. For me, the rapini was just a bit too bitter. Also, I'm not sure if was the cooking of the fennel seeds or the combination with the rapini, but the fennel seeds really turned bitter and were somewhat overpowering. It was fun to cook and definitely a healthy dinner, but I will definitely try some other recipes from the book before making this one again.

My First Day Vegan

So, this is a picture of how I am ending my day, not how I started it.

I can actually say that I made it an entire day eating as a vegan! (Applause please!)

My biggest roadblock I thought would be my Half & Half in the coffee....honestly, soy milk is NOT a substitute for my morning addiction. I braced myself to be grouchy should my Starbucks order of a Venti Soy Latte with an extra shot, was not good. I got my drink from the bar, added three packets of sugar, put the lid back on and took a sip. It was actually good. I have to say, it was much, much better than I had anticipated.

Ok, I actually liked it.

The day was going to be ok.

My next dilemma was what to do for breakfast. No oatmeal from Au Bon Pain b/c it had milk in it. No yogurt from Starbucks ( a personal fave!) because, well, it's yogurt. In the end, I went hungry. :(

By 11 am, I was so hungry that I ate my vegan vegetable soup during a team meeting. But by lunch time (an hour and a half later) I was hungry again so I went out to the store to scope my options. I found dried fruit (not my fave, but I was sooo hungry). I also found a frozen Amy's Tofu and Brown Rice bowl...phew! I wasn't going to starve after all. And in the spirit of trying things (I was feeling empowered from my soy latte), I bought a bunch of bananas!

I went back to school and at the tofu and brown rice--I'd had it before and loved it. The dried apricots were also delish. The bananas? They sat there. I couldn't bring myself to eat them.

Fast forward another class and a staff meeting. 5:00 comes and I make it back to my room...again, ravenous! I eye the bananas...they eye me...

And then I take the plunge! I find the most ripe, but still unripe, banana and peel...I did it! I actually ate the full banana! It was honestly, probably my first banana in 10 years. And you know what, it wasn't nearly as bad as I remember them to be!!!

Tonight we went to Whole Foods for dinner. I went for a run after work, but before dinner and by the time we got home, I was HUNGRY!!!! So off we went to the prepared food bar at Whole Foods---tonight's dinner? Garlic noodles (entree) and balsamic roasted brussel sprouts with red onions. FANTASTIC!

We managed to pick up 10 other things from Whole Foods too--one of which is the Coconut Milk creamer. We just tried it. It too, is pretty good...I think this vegan thing might just work out... :)

I'm the Author of Great Vegan Food!

While this post seems to not fit with the rest of the theme of the blog, let me assure you, it most certainly does.

One of my New Year's Resolutions for this year is to eat vegan for the whole day three days a week in the New Year. This means several things for me: a gradual release from my dearly beloved Half and Half in my coffee, and a concerted effort to learn how to cook vegan.

This is not a new thought for me, but this Christmas I acted on it and requested vegan cookbooks that were easy to follow and had food that was "mainstream." My brother and his fiance came through with two great cookbooks.

Tonight, I made my first vegan meal from Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero.


After Mark and I perused the book, we settled on Tempeh Shepherdess Pie. The recipe seemed easy enough but incorporated new flavors and new ingredients.


So, we made a list and headed out to Whole Foods.

Our new ingredient of the day? Grapeseed Oil. Who knew? From the looks of it, it is from green grapes. I just had no idea that they had it let alone, for sale.

After our run, we set to work.

The recipe took a little bit to follow but was very clear and had concise times for everything which I really appreciated. It was my first time cooking with tempeh and I found it all very easy to do.


I love the consistency of tempeh in my food so I was so excited to work with it and see how it was cooked. Above it's in the pan, simmering with some tamari sauce and water.

Once most of the water evaporated it was poured in the collander, where it waited until the mushrooms and onions were sauteed. Then it went back in the pan with the awesome smelling onions and garlic, where it simmered for a while as spices and other ingredients were added.

As I worked on the tempeh mix, Mark mashed the baby Yukon gold potatoes, adding in soy milk, grapeseed oil, and some salt and pepper.

Finally, the two parts were ready to meet...

Into the casserole dish it went...first the tempeh mix...

And then topped with the layer of mashed potatoes....

It only required 20 minutes in the oven and an additional four under the broiler to get the crunch, crispy potato top.

Served and voila! I've made an awesome vegan dinner! It was delicious! Already looking forward to my vegan cooking next adventure!!!

Happy New Year everyone! Here's to a year of new food and resolutions!

New Equipment - New Challenges

So doing Triathlons is often all about getting better gear. I haven't done too many Tri's yet, but one thing is clear from the ones that I have done is that it often isn't about how fast you are but more about what gear you have. Ridiculously expensive bikes, special teardrop shaped helmets, special quick tie shoes, sports drink, etc. It actually is amazing what things people buy just because they think its going to make them faster.

One piece of gear that actually does make you faster is a quality wetsuit. That is exactly what Amy's family gave me for Christmas this year.

A Xterra Vector 4 Sleeveless. I have rented wetsuits in the past, but mostly just gone without one feeling that I was manly enough not to need the boost of the suit to swim well. Now I get to look like all the other lemmings lining up at the start line (not to mention swim a bit faster).

The real reason I need the wetsuit however is that if I am actually going to do the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon a wetsuit is a necessity. The water in San Francisco Bay on race day should be between 50 - 55 degrees. I bit chilly even for a hardy midwesterner. Also, you blend in better with the Harbor Seals.

Thanks Trenkles!!!

Great Blog Site!

Passed on from a friend! Definitely worth checking out!  Love the goal, the travel, the running!

50 states in under 100 hours!

Back for 2012

So, I've been absent from this blog for an entire year.

2010 was an awesome and fun year for me with running.

2011, not so much.

Without the goal of 2010, I felt a little sad and not nearly as focused.

I didn't have any problem signing up for races, but completing them, or running them, was another story.

2011 was plagued with injuries and unhappy feet and legs.

And as you probably noticed in the lapse of dates, a lack of writing--something else I missed.

So, with 2012 around the corner, I pledge to do a better job of writing and I will, by January 1, 2012, have a new goal/resolution lined up.

Since there is an absence of reports from this year, I will do a quick recap:

March 20: NYC Half Marathon: Super excited to run this race! The loops of Central Park were nice, but the run through Times Square was AWESOME! I even liked the run down the Expressway. Mark and I had an awesome weekend in Manhattan, even with a buggy ride through Central Park! I was super excited to be accepted into the race and then to particpate.

March 26: National Half Marathon: An awesome, awesome time! Ran this race with Rachel and Kristen--high school friends who I hadn't seen in years! This was Kristen's first half! It was such a terrific weekend catching up and running through DC! It was the best run of the entire year for me!

April 2: TJ Pi Miler: This race benefited Mark's school. The mile markers were fractions of pi. A hilly run through TJ's neighborhood, dorky, but fun! :)

April 3: Cherry Blossom 10 Miler: My legs were pretty tired by the time I got to this race from the race the day before. The cherry blossoms, however, were out in full bloom on Hain's Point and it was a beautiful run.

April 17: BAA 5K: A great and fun run with Mark, Jon and Leslie in Boston! I ran in my Vibram 5 Fingers and loved it! The day was perfect--overcast and cool. And the next day--for a treat, Mark and I got to watch the Boston Marathon!

May 8: Kalamazoo Marathon: And here is where there is a decline in my running. Actually, it happened right after our return from Boston. My legs were heavy and unhappy. My calf muscles were so tight I could barely walk. I couldn't loosen them no matter what. Even after a professional sports massage. I was super excited for the marathon and a return to Kzoo--Mark and hadn't been in 8 years or so. It was the inaugural marathon for Kalamazoo and I was so excited to be a part of it. But, no matter how badly I wanted to finish it, it was not in the cards for me that day. At mile 14+ I made the decision to drop out. My legs were just not happy with me. Despite my training, I didn't feel ready and my legs were unhappy. This was definitely a sad race and a sad day for me.

May 15: Capitol Hill Classic 10K: My legs were still tight by this race, but we made it to the finish line in under an hour. I just couldn't figure out why my legs were so tired and tight. We were both happy to run and support my school.

June 5: Zooma 10K Annapolis: This was a race that I had been looking forward to running for a few years now. I decided to run the race in my Vibram Five Fingers. All was good for three miles--the weather was amazing--drizzle, cloudy and cool. But my legs slowly started to tighten up. At mile five, going up the bridge my right calf muscle just "popped" and I couldn't walk on it any more. I tried to run and just couldn't. I hobbled back to the finish line where Mark and Dad were waiting for me. My calf muscle bruised and I had trouble walking--I knew something wasn't right.

June 18: Baltimore 10 Miler: Despite my injury I really, really wanted to run this race. The last day of school for the kids was on 6/17. I was exhausted from the end of the school year rush. Mark's triathlon was the next day. I wasn't sure how my leg would do. While my time was anything but stellar, I did finish. My leg wasn't very happy, but I was able to run/limp through the race (and the humidity!) I decided to give my legs a break and moved to biking and gym workouts.

Jul 10: Mad Marathon/Half Marathon: Earlier in the year, I signed up for the full, inaugural marathon, but when my legs started to be weird I switched to the half. Unfortunately, with the calf injury, I decided not to run the half either. :( We had a great time cheering for Jon, however, and a fantastic stay at the Von Trapp Family Lodge!

July 30: Friends of the WO&D 10K: A very warm day, but a race, I really, really wanted to run. Primarily, because I just wanted to run and I figured if I could make it through the 10K, I would be on my road to recover. It was almost 6 weeks after the Baltimore 10 Miler and I could wait no longer. It wasn't a fantastic race, but it was awesome just to be out there!

August 9-11: Biking the C&O Canal: This was our most fantastic summer adventure! 184 miles down the C&O Canal--while it wasn't running, it was a test of endurance and a great time!

September 11: Parks Half Marathon: While I started running again just before our C&O Canal bike trip, I didn't feel that I was ready to run the half marathon. It was a tough decision because I really wanted to run it (it's one of my favorite races!), but I just didn't feel like I was physically ready for it.

October 2: Run for the Parks 10K: Mark and I both ran this race. It was the dreaded Haines Point 10K route, but the morning was beautiful. We also ran into Polly at the race! And... as we left the race, we were greeted with a gorgeous, vibrant rainbow stretching over the Potomac River and the Lincoln Memorial.

October 9: Boston Half Marathon: This was a last minute lottery entry on FB and surprisingly I was selected. However, it was too short of notice and the bib went to waste. :( However, it was this race that I realized I had not be consuming enough iron and started to take iron pills. (Two months later I can attest to what an amazing difference iron makes!!!--my legs are no longer heavy and tired!!!)

October 15: Baltimore Half Marathon: This was my first half marathon distance since May. I loved this race the year before and was excited to be at the start line again. Whether it was selective or not, I did not remember many of the hills on the course. While it was one of my slower times for a half marathon, it was wonderful to run and to be back!

October 30: Marine Corps 10K: Another fave. The weather was perfect. If anything, the freeze the night before caused some course difficulties. Sections of the 14th Street Bridge were frozen as we ran! Runners literally had to stop and walk to keep from slipping over a few sections of the course! We finished, at a comfortable pace in exactly an hour.

November 6: NYC Marathon: I made the decision early in the fall that I would be unable to run the marathon this year, despite winning the lottery. :( Luckily, after double checking, triple checking and checking a zillion more times, I read that I could defer for guaranteed entry in 2012. Sooooo....2012 here I come!!!! While it was a sad Sunday, I did take comfort knowing that I would be able to run it in 2012!

November 20: Philly Marathon: Ditto to my entry for the NYC Marathon, except no guaranteed entry for 2012.

November 24: Turkey Chase 10K: An annual tradition that we shared with Jon and Leslie! It was a great day and, after almost 6 weeks of iron pills, a return to a better finish time: 55 minutes! :)

December 3: Run for Chocolate 15K: Epic fail!!! Where do I begin. I'm not even sure this race warrants space as to what went wrong on this blog. Suffice it to say, I will NOT run another race with RAM Racing again. We did have a great run across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge though. :)

I announced after the Run for Chocolate that I was done with running in races for 2011. It was NOT a good year for running. I try to keep perspective and remember what an awesome year I had the year before. You win some, you lose some.

I am definitely ready to move onto 2012 and leave 2011 in the past....

Mark's Year in Review

So I don't have nearly as much to report, or comment on as Amy. I truly am so impressed with Amy's achievement of running all those races my athletic accomplishments don't seem so impressive.

That being said I am very happy with my triathlon way back in June. It really was a fun event, and it has inspired me to do more. I am already signed up to do the DC Tri again this June (thanks to Amy), and I am on the hunt for more. I have some ideas of trying to pull off a half ironman. I am currently looking at the Pocono Mountain Ironman or maybe the Hall-Full Tri closer to home in Ellicot City MD.

I guess the biggest accomplishment for the year was simply trying to do a triathlon. I have been searching for something new to get me back into being active, and doing triathlons might be just what I needed to get moving again. I don't think I should claim that doing one race in 2010 was a complete victory (I think when we started this blog I had the goal of doing three), but I do think it has given me some sort of a direction. I am looking forward to meeting more specific and broader goals in 2011. Stay tuned for updates!

And while I only did one triathlon, I ran a bunch of races with Amy--to name a few: Resolutions 5K, St. Patricks Day 8K, Broad Street 10 Miler, The Capitol Hill Classic 10K, Save the Trail 5K, Bastille Day 4 Miler, Clarendon Day 5K, Army Ten Miler, Marine Corps 10K, Turkey Trot 10K, the Jingle Bell 10K (on a treadmill), and the Fairfax Four Miler. This is probably the most running races I have done in one year.

Some Goals for 2011

• Do three Triathlons of International length or longer
• Reduce my BMI from 28.1 to under 25
• I think the only way to achieve this last goal is by reducing portion size on what I eat.
• Try to run a 10k under 50 min. (Current PR 51.14)

The New Year Brings New Resolutions

So, what's next? Well, I went online and found a few articles that I really like...

New Year's resolutions for marathon runners

by Kimberly Bogin

Every year "getting fit" and "losing weight" are at the top of the list of New Year's resolutions for many Americans. But as a marathoner, you've probably already got those two covered. Here's a list of 10 other possible New Year's resolutions for the marathon runner:

10. I resolve to eat better.

Just because I'm running 50 miles a week doesn't mean I can slack off on nutrition. I look at marathon training as an excust to eat whatever I want. This year I'm going to make sure the quality of my food takes priority over the quantity. I'm also going to check in with a nutritionist for the first time ever.

9. I resolve to stretch.

I'm one of those people who never stretches. Ever. While there have been some studies that suggest that stretching doesn't prevent injury, I know that my hamstrings are tight and it affects my form. By the end of 2011, I want to be able to touch my toes.

8. I resolve to NOT talk about running with my non-running friends.

I know it's hard to believe, but my non-running friends could care less about running marathons. This year I will limit all talks of my training to 30 seconds or less. My friends will no longer be forced to listen to every detail of my last speed session.

7. I resolve to try barefoot running.

This year I will run barefoot (on grass) at least once. I might even buy a pair of minimalist shoes. I may find that I hate them both, but I won't pass judgement until I've tried.

6. I resolve to do at least one run a month without my watch, iPod, heart rate monitor and GPS.

Sometimes I need to remind myself what it's like to run for the sheer pleasure of it. This year I want to do one run a month where I leave all of my high tech gear at home.

5. I resolve to work on my core.

I know core work only takes 10 minutes a night, but lounging on the coach is so much more pleasurable than doing planks and pushups. This year I will focus on my core, and see if it improves my form and helps me avoid injury.

4. I resolve to cross train one day a week.

Running is the only form of cardio that I actually enjoy, but I'm also prone to injury. A recent study suggests that cycling and spinning can improve your VO2 max. I will take a spin class once a week in 2011.

3. I resolve to do at least one race where I'm not concerned about my time.

I tend to get so obsessed with improving every race, that I find it difficult to justify signing up for an event "just for fun." I'm going to do at least one 5k or 10k race in 2011 where my goal isn't a PR.

2. During a marathon training cycle, I resolve to do two quality runs a week and to keep my "easy" days "easy."

I'm usually able to squeeze in intervals once a week during marathon training, but I don't always get in a tempo run or hill work. This year I want to do two quality sessions a week, and make sure I don't run too hard on my easy days.

1. I resolve to set a PR in the marathon and half marathon.

In order to set a PR in the marathon and half marathon, I may need to do everything I mentioned above. Having a goal helps me focus and gives purpose to my workouts. I want to make 2011 my best year yet.

Stick to Your New Year's Resolutions

How to turn your goals into reality

By Christine Luff, About.com Guide

Updated November 21, 2008

If you're like the majority of people who make New Year's resolutions, your goals are probably related to health, weight loss, and fitness. And, since you're visiting this site, your resolutions also most likely have something to do with running. Here are some simple strategies to help turn those resolutions into reality.

Choose Realistic Resolutions

Picking New Year's resolutions that are not realistic for you is just setting yourself up for failure. Your chances of achieving your goals are much better if they're realistic. Of course, it's always fun and inspiring to dream, but try breaking your ultimate goal up into more manageable, realistic goals that could lead you to it.

For example, you're not going to run a sub-25:00 5K if your current personal record is 35:00, but you can start taking steps toward getting faster.

Don't Take on Too Much

When choosing your resolutions, don't try to change many different things at once. You'll burn yourself out and won't accomplish any of your goals, leaving you feeling disappointed and defeated. Instead, focus on a few key goals and the steps you need to take to reach them.

Write Down Your Plan

Write out your plan for achieving your goals. Writing down your resolution and the steps you're going to take can be very motivating. It will help you make your goals specific, not vague, and will force you to commit to your resolution.

Set Small, Attainable Goals

If you have a really ambitious New Year's resolution, such as running a marathon, make sure that you have smaller, attainable goals with measurable results along the way. They'll help you track your progress and prevent you from getting bored or discouraged.

For example, if your resolution is to lose 25 pounds, your first goal could be to lose 5 pounds. Or, if your goal is to complete a half-marathon, first try to run a 10K or shoot for a personal record in the 5K. An added benefit of setting smaller, attainable goals is that even if you don't meet your ultimate goal, you'll still have achieved other accomplishments along the way.

Make Your Goals Known

Telling friends and family members about your goals means that people will be holding you accountable and supporting you along the way. Your goals will also seem more real if you talk about them, rather than keeping them to yourself.

Keep a Journal

Tracking your runs in a journal is a great way stay motivated. Even if no one else sees it, it can help hold you accountable. It's also a good place to record your goals. When you hit a rough patch in your training, you can go back and get inspired by how much progress you've made. Reviewing your positive steps will also make it harder to go back to your old habits. You can use a simple notebook to keep a journal or buy a training log that's just for runners.

Use a Schedule and Get Organized

Deciding to go for a run when you feel like it isn't going to work for most people. Look at your weekly schedule and figure out when you're most likely to have the time for running, cross-training, or whatever activities are going to help you reach your goals. Get everything you need to help accomplish your resolutions, so you can't come up with easy excuses. For example, if you only have one pair of comfortable running shorts, buy some more running clothes so you can't use "my shorts are in the wash" as a reason not to run.

Cut Yourself Some Slack

You're going to experiences some setbacks on the road to achieving your resolutions. Don't let one or two slips make you give up. Think of setbacks as opportunities for growth and don't beat yourself for not being perfect. Try to stay positive and get back on track.

New Year’s Resolutions for Runners

by FaceDoctorette on December 22, 2009

The following post was written by my friends Isis and Lee aka, The Running Couple, and was initially posted on their blog – The Running Couple. There they talk about races and gear, running tips and tricks, and also share their unique and humorous stories about hitting the pavement.

As the end of 2009 draws near, most of us will start to reflect on our accomplishments (and maybe shortfalls) this year. As we look to the future, it is time to develop our 2010 New Year’s Resolutions! As a runner, I always like to set goals and have included some ideas for your list.

Run for a cause: I can’t think of a more rewarding goal than this. There are thousands of organizations out there that would love to have you help raise awareness for their cause. Some of our favorite races are the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® and the National MS Society’s Walk MS and Bike MS. Another one that I am thinking about doing next year is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Big D Climb on January 30, 2010.

Volunteer for a race: I think that every runner needs to experience the other side of the race. Race organizers and volunteers do a TON to make sure you have a great experience. Take a little time and give back.

Introduce someone to running: Inspire someone else to take up running. You can usually do this without even trying. Just speaking to your friends about the benefits and joys of running can be motivational fuel.

Make it social: Get out there and meet fellow runners. Join a running club or head out to a “Tweet Up” for runners. The bigger your running network grows, the more you will learn about the sport and the better runner you will become by training with others. Fellow runners can also share their favorite products and give you the motivation uplift you need when hitting a low point in your training regime. Better yet, get your family involved…it works forThe Running Couple!

Set a PR: ‘Nough said. Nothing like breaking your previous records to feel a sense of accomplishment in 2010.

Injury-proof your body: This is a big one for me this year. I haven’t had an injury that has taken me out of running yet, but I have seen a lot of my friends go on the IR this year. I plan to really strengthen any weak spots and insert a higher level of cross-training in my training plan. Wouldn’t everyone like to make it through 2010 with no injuries?

Switch it up: Running one race length over and over can get boring. Add a little variety this year by switching up the distance or terrain. You could even sign up for a bike event or triathlon!

Enter a race at a dream location: What better motivation than running a race at a dream location? Not only do you get to accomplish a resolution, but you get your reward instantly! I am already jealous of some of our fellow runners as they are jetting to Greece in 2010 to complete the 2500th anniversary of the Athens Marathon. Maybe we will tag along…

Take up yoga: I know, I know…yoga is for girls right? WRONG! Not only does yoga help increase flexibility, it can also reduce soreness and help speed up recovery. Here is a great sequence of yoga poses from Runner’s World to help you increase your flexibility in 2010.

Better nutrition: You are only as good as the food you ingest, so take care in selecting your diet for 2010. This resolution can span all activities of running. Nutrition decisions for runners include hydration, electrolyte replacement, eating for recovery, fueling up for your race, etc. A great idea is to keep a diary of foods that you consume and the corresponding performance of your following runs. Experiment and try new things…you just might find your new favorite.

That’s it. Get out there and start planning for a great 2010! What are your 2010 goals?

So, what are my goals for 2011?

Well, inspired by the top 1o lists above...here are my resolutions for 2011 (but not in any particular order):

• Yoga and/or spin once a month;

• Learn to run in Vibram shoes;

• Lower my Body Mass Index: currently 25.8---I would like it to be at 21 or 22 by the end of the year and there with at least a month of 2011 remaining;
  

• Add an element of strength training--even if it's little to my workout 3 days a week;
  

• Complete at least six half marathons;

• Complete a marathon quarterly;

• Keep a running log for the year, to track total distance run--I'd like to run 1,000 miles or more this year!

• Better hydration on a daily basis;

• Volunteer for a race;

• Do one run a month without any gear--no watch, no iPod--just run!

• Read at least one book a month--ok, not running related, but mental health related!
  

Let's see what 2011 holds!

2010 Race Superlatives

So, 26 races later, I feel a list of the best and worst is necessary....

Some races I am already looking forward to running again...others, I forgot about shortly after posting to the blog...

What was the best of 2011? The worst? The most scenic?

Here is that list according to who else, but me! :)

The Year in Review

Favorite Race: Probably a tie between the More Fitness Women's Half Marathon in NYC, the Baltimore Half Marathon and the Philly Half Marathon...I also really like the Parks Half Marathon!

Least Favorite Race: The Philly Broad Street 10 Miler---TOO HOT! Bad shirt. (You'll see this again later!)

Most Scenic Race: Denver 5K--can't beat those Rocky Mountains!

Best Race (for Time): Philly Half Marathon and the Marine Corps 10K--both PRs.

Worst Race (for Time): The Broad Street 10 Miler--maybe the shirt was the hint....soooo hot that day! Terrible finishing time! :(

Worst Tshirt: Broad Street 10 Miler--what is up with that shirt??

Best Schwag: The Baltimore 10 Miler...I've heard it's the Annapolis 10 Miler shirt, but I still have yet to see it...four months AFTER finishing the race due to "technical printing difficulties!" At time of press, this is what was on the website's page:

Update on 2010 Premiums: As of 12/20, the premiums have been shipped from the manufacturer and are en route to the United States. We should know within the next day or two the expected delivery date to the US port and a clearer idea of the expected mailing date. Communications on the schedule from overseas has been difficult.

The Fairfax Four Miler has a pretty fancy sweatshirt that's right up there too so I will give that the Best Long Sleeve Shirt Award. And of course, the smurf-like blue Baltimore Half Marathon shirt---it wins the Best Short Sleeve Shirt... I like the National Half Marathon shirt too (in the short sleeve category).

Hardest Course: The Denver 5K because of the altitude---altitude is no joke!

Best Cheerleader: MARK! With the exception of the Parks Half Marathon, Mark either ran each race with me was there to cheer me on for the race! I couldn't have done this year without him! Thanks Mark!

Best Amy Support: Well, that would be ANY race that Mark was my cheerleader for! But the B&A Half Marathon where my Mom, Dad, Mark and Soba saw me on the trail several times! I also really loved the Boston Half Marathon where Mark and Jon met me along the course a few times and caught a photo finish for me!

Best Weather: In my opinion, I LOVED the Philly Half Marathon---37 degrees or so at the start, but didn't feel THAT cold! The Turkey Trot had great weather too! :) And the More Fitness NYC Women's Half--rain at in the high 30s/low 40s.

Worst Weather: Al Lewis 10 Miler--the snow was gorgeous, but definitely more treacherous toward the end---and the drive home wasn't as fun as it was pretty outside. Mark might argue that the weather at the More Fitness NYC Women's Half was worse---but I LOVED that weather! Mark suggests that the Jingle Bell was the worst---so much so that it required we run it on the treadmill later in the day! The heat kills me though too...so I could also make a case for the Broad Street Run and the Survivor Harbor 7.

Best Supportive Crowd: Baltimore Half Marathon--the crowd was fun and ever-present! Much appreciated!

Best Sign on Course: "If anyone tells you you're almost there before mile 25, punch them!" and "No one is making you do this"--the first from the Philly Half, the latter from the Baltimore Half.

Hottest Run: The Survivor Harbor 7 was the hottest temperature by the end of the race (and we started VERY early for that race)---but I could argue that it was also the Broad Street Run--it was 88 degrees without the heat index AND we had just come off of a few cool weeks so the heat seemed more intense!

Coldest Run: Al Lewis 10 Miler

Best Expo: Marine Corps 10K--well laid out

Most Disappointing Expo: Boston Half Marathon--no expo and the running store that carried gear ran out of clothing for sale by Saturday mid afternoon. :(

Best Roadtrip Story to Race/Expo/City: Bolt Bus to NYC More Fitness Half Marathon

Worst Roadtrip Story to Race/Expo/City: Philly Half Marathon--what was up with that traffic?!

Most Consecutively Run Race: The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 10K in Bethesda: This year made maybe 5 or 6 years in a row? Plus a year in the late 1990s!

Furthest Traveled: Denver 5K (for the NCSS Conference!)

Smallest Race Field: Denver 5K (33 runners!)

Largest Race Field: Counting the Marathon the Marine Corps 10K.

Best Post Race Win Give-A-Way: Bastille Day 4 Miler--the winners (both top male and female) won a bottle of wine

Lowest Bib Number: The Boston Half Marathon, #101 (That's what stalking the registration site will do!! Wooohooo!)

Cleanest Bathrooms at the Race: Pacers New Year's Eve 4 Miler

Best Place Finish Overall: Denver 5K (can't beat that small field!)--5th overall

Best Place Finish by Sex: Denver 5K--2nd place

Best Post Race Meal: Philly Half Marathon---RED ROBIN! A tradition started with the LVRRC Half Marathon a few years ago---there's nothing like a yummy veggie burger, fries and a Diet Coke after a good run! A close second? The Diner in Jamaica Plain with Jon and Mark after the Boston Half!

Best Pre Race Meal: The B & A Half Marathon where mom made pierogies and peppers; as well as the Boston Half where Jon, Mark and I did the Nutty Squirrel for brunch and the Tavern with Curt for dinner. Oh and the Annapolis 10 Miler--Mom made my birthday dinner of veggie burgers and potatoes along with yummy appetizers!

Best Mile Split: Pacers 4 Miler, 7:41

Most Interesting Person Met at a Race/Expo: Katherine Switzer at the More Fitness NYC Women's Half!!! And she autographed a book for my student who was doing a History Day project about her!

Earliest Start Time: The National Half Marathon--- 7 am--so glad we were local for that race and didn't have far to drive! :) The Parks Half Marathon also---7 am--and that one required I leave the house by 5:30 to get there in time to find a parking spot!

Latest Start Time: Rockville Twilight Run--8 pm...but it wasn't the darkest race--that title goes to the Pacers 4 Miler

1st 5k Race EVER: New Year's Resolutions Run on 1/1/10

Fave Running Playlist of the Year: A carryover from the 2009 running season in NYC Marathon and Philly Marathon--Girltalk (thanks Jon!)

Most Local Race: Capitol Hill Classic 10K--afterall, it was physically closest to our home, but it also is a fundraiser for my school!

City with the Most Races That I Ran: DC--hometown advantage. :) Races I ran in DC proper: Shamrock 8K, National Half Marathon, Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, Capitol Hill Classic 10K, Bastille Day 4 Miler, Army 10 Miler, Marine Corps 10K, Jingle Bell 10K (if you count it on the treadmill--likewise, I ran the Baltimore 10 Miler in DC in a 10 mile loop from home downtown and through Adams Morgan).

Month that I Ran the Most Races: October (4: Boston Half, Baltimore Half, Army Ten Miler, Marine Corps 10K)

Distance Most Frequently Raced: Half Marathon (B&A Half, More Fitness NYC Women's Half, Parks Half, Boston Half, Baltimore Half, Philly Half, and 9 miles of the National Half)



Here is a list of stats as well...

Original Goal: 20 races completed in 2010

Total Races Signed Up For: 27

Total Races Completed: Straight up, legitimately completed, from start to finish on the course: 23

Races Signed Up For but Ran an Alternative Route (same distance as race): 2 (Baltimore 10 Miler and Jingle Bell 10K)

Races Signed Up For But Didn't Run: 1 (Cleveland Marathon--training for a marathon with all of these other races was just too much!)

Races Signed Up For But Not Completed: 1 (National Half Marathon--I cut out at Mile 9--I just didn't feel very good).

Total Miles Raced in 2010: (drum roll please.....)

199.8: This counts both the races that I ran on alternative routes (afterall I did register, attend packet pick up and did run the distance that day). It also includes the 9 of the 13.1 miles I ran of the National Half.

183.6: This is for the purist in me--it is the actual number of miles that I physically raced (so this total does not count the Baltimore 10 Miler or Jingle Bell 10K distance, but does include the 9 miles of the National Half)

The Last Race of 2010

Our adventure started yesterday with packet pick up.


Mark and I took more than an hour to drive out to Fairfax to pick up our race goodies...we were really excited about the sweatshirt that was promised to all pre-registrants! Bonus! What was NOT bonus was the traffic on the way out....Arg....

But we got there and were pretty giddy to pick up our numbers!

Snoodles came with us too---a fun outing for all!

After getting our number, sweatshirt, and a bit of shopping perusal, we decided to see what other things the new development held. We discovered a Panera and thought that a mid afternoon coffee sounded great!


We had a good time with our coffee, our snack, and each other! :)








Well, the final race of the year finally arrived. I have to admit that as we drove out to the race, I was more than a little sad. I had a really good time this year with my Resolution and it was exciting to see it come to fruition...and equally sad to see it end. But I was looking forward to running and looking forward to a new run... :)

We arrived a LOT faster than we did yesterday---Mark and I had budgeted to give tons of cushion in case there was traffic. We were glad we didn't need the cushion but that meant we arrived with more than an hour to spare. On a bright note we didn't have to look for parking at all...super easy! :)

We decided to go toward the store and see how we could spend an hour. We were really delightfully surprised to see the nice staging area they had for the race. The cleanest bathrooms of the entire racing year--indoor CLEAN ones! Wooohoo! (And on a side note, the porta potties outside at the start line were clean too and NO LINE!--Was this race for real?!)



They had a huge area inside, complete with chairs and couches for early arrivers to wait inside--so nice! We were able to stay warm and if we had wanted it we could have sipped hot cocoa! Classy!



And as Mark and I were standing there taking it all in, one of my former students walked by! How cool is that?! I was so excited to see him and it was great to catch up! FUN!

Before we knew it we were headed to the start line. It was a balmy 50 degrees out. The race was well attended but not too crowded.







We had a great time on the run! What surprised us the most was how dark it was on some parts of the course!

The campus was well lit but the neighborhood to and from the campus was pretty dark--as I said to Mark, if I had known how dark it was going to be I'm not sure I would have waived liability! Mark said he understood why some were wearing head lamps!

By the way--cool free schwag! Little blinky lights that attached magnetically and flashed yellow and blue! You can see it attached to my number here on my bib! Fun!

It was a great time and a good run!


Our splits were as follows:

Mile 1 8:07.89
Mile 2 7:40.78
Mile 3 8:23.32
Mile 4 7:51.89

 306  29/231   1213 Amy Trenkle            35 F Washington         DC 32:20.27 32:04.06  8:02

304  80/184    536 Mark Hannum            34 M Washington         DC 32:20.39 32:03.60  8:01

So, what's next? Stay tuned for my Year In Review post tomorrow....the Special Superlative Post...as well as an reveal of my NEW New Year's Resolutions! Happy New Year! Thank you 2010 for a wonderful year of memories!

Jingle, Jingle...or Not..

The alarm went off on the rainy, cooler morning...and well...we crawled back into bed...rather Amy crawled back in...Mark didn't get out at all....

And so the tradition of registering for the Jingle Bell run and not attending it continued...

For the third year in a row, we registered for the race and did not run the race...at least at the specified race time.

Why is that race always on a rainy, cold morning? We really should stop registering...but each year we think it will be different...

See, these are not the only three times we have registered for it. I have actually run it..at least once in my memory...back in the late 90s...maybe '98? Or another Jingle Bell race then at the very least...

So, Mark and I did our 6.2 miles on the treadmill at the gym.

Not sure if this should count toward the year end total...Jon thinks it should count twice since we actually ran on the treadmill and succumbed to utter boredom to finish our mileage. I have to admit, by the end of the run, I was desperately wishing we had braved the weather and run that morning.

The 10K was less than fast on the treadmill...I think my time was near 57 minutes...but at least it was finished.

So, does it count? If I can find another race between now and our final race on 12/31 then I will run it--to assuage my guilt. But if not...I may count it.

Stay tuned for the special superlative issue on January 1.

A Visual of Our Blog

I thought I would share a little nifty trick I learned at my NCSS conference....Tagxedo here, has made a graphic illustrator of our blog. Large words appear more often throughout our blog...the smaller the word, the fewer times it appears....

This was made from all entries from January 1, 2010 up until the Philly Half Marathon (not including it).

Stay tuned for the final representation when the year draws to a close and our goals have been met!

PS My Fave Sign from Philly

How could I have forgotten to share this?

My fave sign from the Philly Half (remembering that the half and full marathon run together for the first 13.1 miles)

"If anyone tells you you're almost there before mile 25 --PUNCH THEM!"

Love it...been there...felt that...

Turkey Chase 10K

Gobble! Gobble! It was time for our annual Turkey Chase run! This year had some special features to it! Mark and I were trying to figure it out, but we think that this was maybe the 6th year or so that we have run the race. Each year it seems to get bigger...and more crowded.

This year was cool because Jon joined us! Last year he was signed up too, but the back to back Philly Marathon/Turkey Chase combo was too much for his knee. It was great to have him with us!


And since Mark was nice enough to run with his phone, we were lucky enough to capture the moments on his iPhone.

We made it to the start with less than five minutes to go. We parked illegally, but luckily guessed right that everyone was too busy either running, organizing the race, or giving thanks to give us a ticket--thankfully, we were right on with our guess.

The temperature and weather was perfect--about 42 degrees at the start, cloudy, with just a few raindrops as we waited for the start.

It was the same great course we have been used to. We stayed together for the first three miles or so and then we each did our own thing. We met up at the finish line within minutes of each other.

The post race was something we were looking forward to. The "other" Amy Trenkle and I met up in the "runner village." Amy and I have been exchanging emails for maybe close to two years now. We both have similar email addresses, and having the same names, means that we have received each others' emails....so we have frequently sent each other our misguided emails. It's been fun to get to know each other because we have the same name---and both yield from Michigan. Pretty cool to finally meet.



And we also met up with Sonia and Ping! We talked about running this race last year with Ping, but we missed each other. This year, thanks again to Mark running with his phone, we were able to meet up! We were able to see Sonia as we crossed the start line and she saw us at the finish line, but we didn't see her. It was neat to have another reunion!

So, team Trenkle-Hannum headed home---we were very excited for the warm car. We quickly showered and packed and were off to Mom and Dad's for a great Thanksgiving.

Many things to be happy for definitely--a nice holiday to remind us of the good things in our life.
Race #24 completed!

Results:

425  81/253   2032 Amy Trenkle           35 Washington DC    1:05:55   55:43  8:58

My splits were:

Mile 1  9:19.27
Mile 2  9:30.14
Mile 3  9:27.19
Mile 4  8:50.38
Mile 5  8:37.88
Mile 6  8:23.15
Mile .2  1:36.73

Total:  55:44.74

1274 156/233    937 Mark Hannum           34 Washington DC    1:08:45   58:32  9:26

1021 129/233   2033 Jon Trenkle           30 Cambridge MA     1:05:39   55:27  8:56