tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60721689159491962232024-03-13T05:45:23.228-05:00Running..why you should Never say Never!Running...Why You Should Never Say Never!!
I started running in March 2010 and I can remember saying never over and over again, and now all those things I said never to, I am doing!!Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-67498099507858198622019-03-01T12:14:00.001-06:002019-03-01T12:14:55.747-06:00Sarah Marie Design Studio <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">So excited to announce I have been chosen to be a </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Brand Ambassador for </span></div>
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<a href="https://sarahmariedesignstudio.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Marie Design Studio</a></div>
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If you are not familiar with her clothing go check out her website or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahmariedesignstudio/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> page to see all the shirts of everything us runners think and feel! </div>
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Once your have chosen one, two, or all the shirts that are 'you' use the following discount code for 15% off your order! </div>
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SMDS-CRAWFORD</div>
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<br />Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-15386821104107803732018-02-09T05:53:00.003-06:002018-02-09T05:53:46.427-06:00Let Training Begin.......I was going to write a recap of the last 4 years but why live in the past when the present and future are right in front of me. The past is in the past and parts of it of course made me who I am today but some I don't know that I want to go back to. So lets just leave it there, and I am sure in conversation parts will come up. But lets focus on today and beyond!<br />
So lets focus on today! And today and this week I am focusing on <a href="http://www.bayshoremarathon.org/" target="_blank">Bayshore Half Marathon</a>! It is 16 (short) weeks away!! And I am starting a new training cycle. I have learned that running and training are different now that I am a mother. Motherhood changes many aspects of life and its true for running as well. But everyday I learn to make it work, some days better then others. Last year after I had Brody I returned to running and I had (training) plans, but I was a bit to optimistic when I had them laid out. And looking back I set my self up for disappointment, but not this year. This year I am being smart and training for where I am today not where I was 3-4 years ago. I may have the same drive but physically I am different. And it has taken me some time to accept that, but I am at peace with that now. Again, something to be addressed just not today. Let's focus on one thing at a time! Right now, this week it is getting on track to train for Bayshore Half Marathon. It is just 16 weeks away, and I am going to work hard and work on new life/post baby PR.<br />
I have never been to Bayshore, but for most runners in the state of Michigan it's one of the "Must Run" races in the state. It is up in Traverse City, which is a beautiful area of the state. And one that I have sadly not spent anytime in. So we are going up for the whole weekend with our camper. Oh and the race is Memorial Day weekend.....Bonus!! So after the race my husband, son and I can enjoy and explore the area.<br />
As for training, I mean this is supposed to be somewhat of a running blog, I am back to using a coach. I had been using a coach prior to pregnancy and then well, took a break. Along with pregnancy there was a little burn out as well, but thats for a different time. But I am back to using a <a href="https://www.cadenceruncoaching.com/" target="_blank">coach</a>, and actually I am reconnecting with an old running <a href="https://www.cadenceruncoaching.com/store/c13/MICHAEL_GANN_%2F_RUN_COACH.html" target="_blank">buddy</a> from down in Alabama. I am excited to be on a schedule and to see what he's got in store. Along with a little be a little nervous as I want to do well and not disappoint. So I hope that you will follow along with my journey either via the blog or Instagram or strava! And I will take any encouragement and pushes along the way.<br />
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as for the blog moving forward, if I write it down it makes me accountable right?! So I hope to write at least 1 weekly recap of my week of training and 1 post of something interest to me that I hope will interest you.<div>
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Keep running or Strolling.....</div>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-49587880228415881502018-01-16T09:17:00.000-06:002018-01-16T09:17:44.765-06:00Well its been awhile.....Its been a while and my have some things changed since my last <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-chicago-marathon.html" target="_blank">post</a>. As the blog title states, Never say Never.....well that also implies to my life as well. My husband and I were the <i>never</i> having a child couple, well on June 2, 2016 that changed! Hello Brody Klayton! And we could not be any happier!<br />
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So what has been going on since my last post in 2013....quite a lot! So much that trying to do a cliff note recap version was going to be just too much. So I think I will leave each year to a future blog post. It has been an eventful 4+ years with of course ups and downs in life and in running. There have been tears of joys and sadness. There have been celebrations on many occasions. But its been life and we all have one and each story is different as is each chapter in our own story of life. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why blog again?</span></div>
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I just felt as if I wanted to write again. So much goes on and sometimes I forget to slow down and take it all in and remember it. And when I was blogging before if I had no one reading or a dozen reading my blog I got my memories and experience written to share and for me to remember. and now that I have this new life and the elusive mom brain, I want to share and remember the new adventures in life. </div>
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I am still a runner and that will be the focus, but I am now a Mother Runner and want to share my adventures of becoming a mother runner! If I can help one other mother runner out there then awesome, or connect with other mothers to help each other out then it will be all worth it. Also for the first year of Brody's life it was all about him and all the focus was on him and I took a bit of backseat. Well I am now ready to balance more of my focus on him, family, and myself. I have goals for running and this will be a way to document and keep myself accountable. </div>
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My short term goal is to get one blog post up a week, but will try to do recap of the past couple years in the next couple posts in the next week. And from then on be in the present and future! So I hope you will join in on my journey. And until I get the next post up visit some previous posts! And click the link above to follow along on Instagram! </div>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-57077186159080238382013-10-16T19:33:00.000-05:002013-10-16T19:33:27.929-05:00The Chicago MarathonThe Chicago Marathon!! ~ <i>Never </i>did I think I would say I ran the Chicago Marathon! It was kind of surreal being there after watching online the past 2 years. It was amazing being there, there was such an energetic atmosphere all over the city!<br />
So this might be a long post so, sorry about that! But I will include some pictures through out to break up the words a bit!<br />
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I thought about signing up for the Chicago Marathon around mile 21 at the Detroit marathon, while I was running alone on Belle Isle. Ok not alone, but there were no spectators! and that was when I thought I really want to do Chicago. Don't ask how I remember that, but that was one of the things going through my brain back then! Before I signed up for the marathon, I really wanted to be able to run in one of the corrals that went in the 1st wave, and in order to do that I would have to get a PR in either a half or full before the deadline of August, but I really wanted it before I even registered. So that was one of the reasons why I went and ran the <a href="http://mercedesmarathon.com/">Mercedes Half Marathon</a> (<a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-weight-of-pr.html">read recap here</a>). SO I had my half PR which also allowed me to be in the C corral and 1st wave start. And then registration was the Tuesday after the race, perfect timing! In regards to registration, I was one of the lucky ones who after about an hour, did get in the 1st day even with all the madness. I really do hope it does not go to a lotto system next year, because I would like to run it again. But even if it does, I will most likely enter or run for a charity (which does seem to have some decent perks about it!)<br />
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Onto the weekend....I drove down from East Lansing on Friday afternoon. One of the other highlights of this weekend, in addition to the race, and played a huge role in making it an amazing weekend, was meeting up with so many of my runner friends from Alabama!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Op during our Shake out Run</td></tr>
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It was amazing to see all of them, and having their support made the weekend even more special! On Friday when we (my most amazing husband came with me) got there on Friday, he went to go sit in the bar while I explored the Expo. It was the most amazing and most organized expo ever! I didn't really spend that much time there, just enough to take most of it in and get some Nike swag (that I bought). I would had stood in line for a picture, but after being in the car and then being around so many people I was just ready to be done. So guess I have to go next year for that! That night we went out for dinner and it was nice to catch up with everyone. On Saturday we did our 3 mile shake out run around Grant Park. Then my husband and I went to Navy Pier for lunch and then I spent the rest of day off my feet being a bum, and drinking fluids and eating carbs!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race day layout</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Night Chicago</td></tr>
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Then the morning came! And Holy Shit Balls it's RACE DAY! Before I get into the race, I need to preface a bit. And I guess it goes with why I have blogged much, running this summer has not been the greatest. It's been a challenge after the Flying Pig, winter running, <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2013/08/group-solo-runs.html">mental battles</a>, and stress of work. Of those, the stress of work is gone and for the last month life has felt good again and it reflected how I felt on the road as well. I really did not know how I was going to do, but I was going to give it all I had and be happy with what ever I got. I had goals, A) 3:55, B)3:59, C)finish with a smile & PR. Will get to the finish in a bit.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Morning...Let's do this!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resolute Running Teammates Becca & Michael! </td></tr>
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We met up in the lobby at 5:20am to get the shuttle to take us as close as possible to Grant Park. {***They(Chicago Marathon) did such an amazing job keeping everything safe and secure with little hassle***}<br />
Once we got there, myself, Michael & Julie and I walked to our gate entrance while we dropped the other runners with us at the charity tents. We then found a spot along a fence to pop a squat for a bit with a couple potty stops on the way. When the sun final rose we decided it was time to really get this day started! One last potty stop and bag check then we were off to the corrals! and then it hit me, WOW it is amazing! We were still trying to get in the corral when the National Anthem was going on but we were able to hear & see the fly over.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael, Julie & I in Corral C. It's Go Time! (thanks Julie for the pic)</td></tr>
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And then it was run time....and running out of the chute was amazing, even more amazing then I had imagined after watching the start so many other times. Now onto the run.....It started AWESOME! I felt amazing, I was a bit faster then I should had been, (and that may have haunted me at the end) But it felt easy and steady! I was not breathing hard, I was taking everything in, I felt amazing! The only thing I didn't like of the whole run were the bridges, but I was able to figure out quickly find the rugs to run on! But the crowd support was every where, it was a perfect day to run the weather was awesome the sun was shining! I had no issues with hydration or nutrition, today's run fail was all mental. Around 18-19 is when I started to realize how much was left (and I have to say up until this point I had not looked at any of the mileage markers!) and I also looked at my watch and realized that I was on target to hit my goal and then I freaked out! I panicked, I started breathing really heavy, tears were welling up and I lost it. Things were started to move really slow & I guess I was too because a few people tapped my shoulder to ask if I was ok. I said yes, but was I?! It's kind of strange as I looked at the pictures from the course and I can see a really dazed look on my face and my hands were not in a good form, as they were in the earlier miles. I tried so hard to regroup myself, but somehow I was not able to get my self back, and then when I realized I was going to miss A and B goal I sunk again. So I guess I hit the wall.....and it sucks! It is so true, the marathon is not just a physical battle it is as much a mental battle. and on this day the mental battle beat me. I have now experienced everything that could go wrong in a marathon, <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-am-marathon-runner.html">Injured (stupid IT band)</a>, <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/10/262-miles-around-detroit.html">Some GI issues on the course</a>, & <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/10/262-miles-around-detroit.html">Winter training, then Hills & Humidity on race day.</a> So Lucky Number 5 will be the one! the one to get that sub-4 monkey off my back! </div>
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I was able to get myself back enough to still get a 5 minute PR (finish at 4:06) but not the goal I had originally had for the race. Am I disappointed, yes a bit, but I am still very thankful and happy with my PR. And I am not devastated, especially knowing I can do it (And WILL), and knowing I didn't have the greatest running year. I still would not had been able to do this with out the help of my <a href="http://resoluterunning.com/">Coach Alex</a>! Even though he may live in Alabama, his support along with the whole Resolute Running team helps me in so many ways! </div>
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So it is onto the next one....So far Cleveland Marathon is on the schedule, but Rock n Roll New Orleans might be happening first! </div>
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Sorry for the long post & thanks for reading! </div>
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<b>~ Jen</b></div>
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Did you run the Chicago Marathon? Thoughts?</div>
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Have you ever hit the mental wall? How did you react? </div>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-91576811861064461092013-08-31T17:09:00.001-05:002013-08-31T17:09:35.896-05:00Group (solo) RunsRunning is a solo sport...<br />
so why do we feel the need to be with a group?<br />
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So this is a thought I have been dealing with lately on my long runs! I love running alone, especially on those runs that <a href="http://www.resoluterunning.com/">coach</a> Alex makes not so easy! I feel that I have to runs the RX paces to what he gave to me and I want to make them without failure, and I don't want to feel that I am either holding others up or running a pace that others can't (or shouldn't) do, so I run them solo. But long runs are just that LONG.....<br />
I had a little melt down on my long run today, at mile 8 (of 18) I realized I was alone, completely alone, and I stopped and cried, The only time I cry on a run is at the finish line not mid run! So i had to talk myself back into the run. I was close to calling my husband (yep carried my phone today not a normal thing) to come pick me up. But then I talked my self up to keep running I thought...When I go to Chicago in a 6 weeks, yes I will be with 45,000 of my closest friends, but I will be alone. I will be alone with my goals, my own run, my RACE!<br />
I realized (after my meltdown) that I have to train for myself and my goals. and I thought about it later in the afternoon (post run) I am running the paces that will give me that goal I WANT!! After my long runs, I am not sore (ok a little) , I am not injured, I am running these runs for me (with or with out people)! Part of my break down today, I thought back to my time when I was living in <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/06/running-family.html">Alabama</a>. And I think about my "family" that that I have there and miss them! I know I have a "family" here, but there a days its just not the same. I miss <a href="http://runningrandy.wordpress.com/">Randy</a> who never leaves anyone behind, or <a href="http://runningdadoffive.wordpress.com/">Michael</a> who will meet anyone any time of day, & <a href="http://tanyasylvan.com/">Tanya</a> my northern friend I didn't get enough time to have fun with, and so many more!!<br />
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So even though I may be in the back of the pack today come race day I will know I did everything I needed to do! And I will leave nothing out on there on those Chicago streets!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ha8VJ9hH2DU/UiJntMJFNzI/AAAAAAAAAnY/QdcAaoAYQKw/s1600/RunHappy_Shoe_Blue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ha8VJ9hH2DU/UiJntMJFNzI/AAAAAAAAAnY/QdcAaoAYQKw/s320/RunHappy_Shoe_Blue.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will always run happy, when I am not happy I quit & today is not that day!</td></tr>
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<br />Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-14075822597868796632013-05-07T06:36:00.000-05:002013-05-07T06:36:11.306-05:00What the Pig Taught Me.....<span style="color: #45818e;">The Flying Pig marathon was a race that humbled me and made once again realize that running a marathon is work! Not only physically but mentally as well! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Before I go into what I learned let me say that I really loved this whole event!! The expo was amazing!! It was huge, and even though I didn't spend a whole of time there, it had everything you ever wanted! The swag that came from the race was awesome! A great shirt (that fits!), the annual poster that goes with the race, & nice big cooler that will be nice to hold cold adult beverages! But it was the crowd support that was amazing! There were people everywhere and that was so awesome! It made me get a feel of what Chicago will be like. These people go all out for this race and that was so cool! The best water stops were on the long stretch of the highway....Michigan fans were handing out Gu nice to yell Go Blue! and right after them was the Parrot Head club..Fins Up! __/)__ And after crossing the the Finish Swine the after party was amazing. Even though I couldn't focus to much it was easy to navigate to where to go. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Would I do this race again? ---> Yes! Maybe only half of it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Would I recommend anyone to do it?---> Yes!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">So what did I learn:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Running a marathon is work! You can do all the training you want but come race day "it just doesn't happen"</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Seeing that I know live and run in the flat land of Michigan find a race that is not so hilly! The hills would been 'easier' had I still lived in Alabama where you can't get away from the hills.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Maybe look for a spring marathon later in the spring, to allow for more time to get adjusted to the weather change. 5 days of above 40 degrees is not enough time for your body to get adjusted to warmer temps come race day! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">I learned how to hydrate during the race a whole lot better then my time in <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/10/262-miles-around-detroit.html">Detroit</a>! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">I learned that oranges never tasted so good! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">I need to try something other then Gu, I couldn't suck down a whole packet.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">I need to keep my brain in it! It was brain that quit before my body....but I still finished and I was not going to Quit!!!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">And 12 hours later, the main thing I learned is that it is OK to not reach your goal, as long as you come away from it learning something!</span></li>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">No I did not reach my goal time, but I FINISHED my 3rd marathon!! Something I thought I would <i>NEVER </i>be able to say.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Medal and Beer...well earned!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">I now have a big chip on my shoulder and ready to Dig Deep and Dream Big for the Chicago Marathon in October. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"> <a href="http://www.resoluterunning.com/">Coach Alex</a> is well aware of this and I'm ready for what ever he throws at me!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i><b>So no the race didn't go as I would had liked, but I am at peace with it and ready to tackle the next one! I still have the drive to finish the next one, Stronger and better then ever!!</b></i></span></div>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-33756426621823039722013-05-06T18:25:00.002-05:002013-05-06T18:25:41.324-05:00The day after the Flying Pig Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One hard earned Medal!<br /></td></tr>
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<br />I had signed up for the Flying Pig Marathon months ago, as one of those races I just wanted to run! Then I trained all winter long! And was it a long winter!! It was a challenge going out in the cold (really cold) the snow and the ice! But I was out there. All for this race. At the beginning of the year I had told myself and coach Alex I was going to use this race as a training run, to learn more about the marathon. But as the training went on, I kind of forgot all about that statement, I was now looking for a PR and that Sub-4hour marathon. But as the race progressed the goal changed quickly from the sub-4hour marathon to just finish! <div>
My Story of the Flying Pig....</div>
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I originally was going to drive down to Cincinnati Friday night, and have the whole day Saturday to rest, see friends, go the expo and rest. But due to a change in my husband's work schedule plans changed. I was lucky enough to have my friend, Chelsea, drive down with me on Saturday and then drive me home on Sunday. We got up early and drove to the expo Saturday. And the expo was massive! But we only spent a short amount of time there, trying to stay off my feet! I did get to meet up with one of the girls I used to run with in Alabama. We had lunch and got to get caught up a bit, which was nice. After lunch we checked in to our hotel and took a power nap before dinner with friends of mine whose parents live in the city just off the marathon route. Dinner was great and home made! After wards it was back to the hotel and sleep time! </div>
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I woke up at 5:15am to get ready for the 6:30 start time! I put on the clothes and checked the weather...Rain!! Good thing I packed a hat just in case! Because there was a big green cloud of rain on the radar! I packed up my bag, as Chelsea was going to check out of hotel for us. No late check out---boo to that! I headed downstairs to catch a cab over to the start line, a mile and half walk did not seem exciting before running 26.2 miles! I got to the start area and into my corral, and the nerves and excitement really hit me. It was that magical time of waiting and seeing the startline and all the excitement that goes with it! The air had a crisp feel to it, if only it stayed that way! In the corral I did see Erica and we were going to try and run together, but she wanted to wait for the porta potty line, which still had about a 15min wait after the start. I figured we would see each other on the course again, but little did I know we would not only see each other, but I would watch her crush the uphill she passed me on! Oh the hills...</div>
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As for the race.....I felt really good at the start, I was on pace, a little fast, but felt great and I slowed my self down. At mile 3.5 Chelsea jumped in for a few miles. I asked her if she checked to see if the rain was still going to come, because it got humid! Then the hills started around mile 6-7 and this girl who now lives in the flat land did not enjoy! I knew going into it was going to be tough, and the hills were going to be there...but I didn't realize how much they were going to effect me. When Chelsea was getting ready to cut off and meet me at the finish line, I told her this was getting really hard and I didn't know if I had it in me. The hills & humidity and started to beat me down, and this was at mile 10. And while going up the "last" hill people around were saying it was the last....not sure what they were smoking because they just kept coming and coming! And when I was on flat ground, my legs and brain had slowly checked out. I tried to get back on pace but it wasn't working. The only time I know I got back on pace was the final half mile, because I was not going to allow myself go over 4:30...so I cruised in at an 8:50pace and finished at 4:29. Not the goal time I had hoped but then again, I did originally sign up and plan to run it as a training run. And that is how I felt about it....12 hours after the fact!! </div>
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<i>I was humbled and I learned a lot from this run, and because I learned from it It was not a complete fail! </i></div>
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What I learned will come in another post...this one's dragged on long enough! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of Medal from Marathon #3</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Have you run the Flying Pig Half or Full Marathon?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">& would you run it again?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><b>(my answer is yes....it was a great event and I would recommend to anyone!!)</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">If a Race doesn't go as plan, did you learn anything from it? And did it make you stronger at your next race?</span></div>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-43912609889775676452013-04-21T17:51:00.000-05:002013-04-21T17:51:36.485-05:00My thoughts on the Lansing Half/Full MarathonToday I ran at the Lansing Half Marathon. I am not one who usually would write about the event itself usually I write about my experience, but I guess this will be a little of both.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgRjjb9gT1M/UXRhjM3sk5I/AAAAAAAAAjc/0Bbb5uS4fh0/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgRjjb9gT1M/UXRhjM3sk5I/AAAAAAAAAjc/0Bbb5uS4fh0/s320/IMG_1344.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Garmin time, but not official time.....</td></tr>
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<br />I ran this event to be with the crew that I run with, plus it was less then 10miles from my house! I went into this run as a training run, Flying Pig marathon is 2 weeks away! So I went into calm and not on a mission to PR. I also was going to try and help a couple others run a sub-2. All and all is was a fun event, but that was more because of the people I was with and little to do with the actual event itself. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhrWLX6uXHw/UXRhxzeeIvI/AAAAAAAAAkI/at8z_la79Xs/s1600/IMG_1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhrWLX6uXHw/UXRhxzeeIvI/AAAAAAAAAkI/at8z_la79Xs/s320/IMG_1332.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little fun before the run</td></tr>
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<br />So here are my Pro's and Con's of the race.....<div>
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Pros:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Location, close to home</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Time of start, 8am! I got to wake while in 6am hour not earlier!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">The people I ran with!!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Ease of packet pick up, (even though many would say this was a con due to some issues with pick up and running out of shirts!)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">The medal (again was an issue with some runners as they ran out of half marathon medals)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Volunteers, there were a lot of them and did a great job</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">post race food</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Course (except one area, to be discussed) I liked being on the road, I think the crowd support would had been less if we were on the River Trail. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Seeing so many of my friends get there first Sub-2 half and/or set PRs!!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Seeing my friend and (<a href="http://www.resoluterunning.com/">Team RR team mate</a>) Crush her Half marathon PR</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GYO65Joiz4/UXRrDUXhekI/AAAAAAAAAk8/V6PbfJcLuYU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GYO65Joiz4/UXRrDUXhekI/AAAAAAAAAk8/V6PbfJcLuYU/s200/photo.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PR For Chlesea!!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Cons:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Race shirt....would had been nice to gender specific shirt. Not seeing myself wear this shirt on any runs as the co-ed small is like a large.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Hydration choices on course- water which is fine. but the electrolyte drink was something I had never heard of. It was called Shaklee, I did not try it and after hearing from others I am so glad I didn't! If you are putting on a race, have a beverage that most runners have drank before, </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">such as Gatorade or Powerade! Rule number 1 of racing, don't try anything new on race day....</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Start of the race.....No Pacers or any type of corral system. It really is not fun to start a race running and right in front of you are walkers. If your not going to have pacers at least have signs that say pace/per mile. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Post race atmosphere...or the lack of it! No post race party. So instead of being around all the runners who finished you are off to go 'discover' Lansing. Which is a nice idea but not much is open prior to 11am. & runners like beer and that was not available until noon. The other downside of no post race is that everyone is gone that could had been around on the race course at the end to help cheer on the others. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">No Gu on the course. I know that this should not be a given, and most runners supply their own type, but Most Full Marathons do provide some thing at the higher mileages. Not here! and the reason I read on their Facebook page was because it was a "green" race and wanted to limit the waste.....</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The Train!!! Yes....we got stuck behind a train for 3 minutes! If I was trying for a PR and got stopped I would had been 1 pissed off runner! Living in the area there are ways around the tracks!! I didn't even know that getting stuck by a train could had been a possibility...</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSDZiN5jFqA/UXRhyqfzmoI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/sCIlV-GwruQ/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSDZiN5jFqA/UXRhyqfzmoI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/sCIlV-GwruQ/s320/IMG_1335.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really a Train!?!? Had to have fun with the issue!</td></tr>
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<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Double loop. No I did not run the full and finding out they made it a double loop I am so glad I didn't! The worst part of the double loop was they made the full runners run past the finish line in starting their 2nd loop. Maybe that was there were only 400 full runners of the 2,100+ total runners??!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F91XCrefflo/UXRh3UUq_aI/AAAAAAAAAk0/oayzugNioU4/s1600/IMG_1341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F91XCrefflo/UXRh3UUq_aI/AAAAAAAAAk0/oayzugNioU4/s200/IMG_1341.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another shot of finish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7V1AgM4yUho/UXRh3kwdDpI/AAAAAAAAAk4/VYh0rlMRLBw/s1600/IMG_1342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7V1AgM4yUho/UXRh3kwdDpI/AAAAAAAAAk4/VYh0rlMRLBw/s200/IMG_1342.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">start 2nd loop... but don't go to finish!</td></tr>
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These are just my thoughts on the event. I do hope they can make some improvements, as this was only there 2nd year. But next year, I will set up my own little cheer station and have fun cheering on my friends and other runners. And yes I will have beer to hand out to runners and other important runner fuel such as oranges, pretzels, Coke, all the things us runners crave at mile 18 or so!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun Group to Run with!!</td></tr>
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<br />I am still happy to have run it...but now its taper time and flying pig in 2 weeks! </div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>Did you run the Lansing full or half marathon? what did you like or not like?</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>Have you ever gone to event and felt a little let down from what they offered for what you paid?</i></span></div>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-40456383080946067602013-04-12T13:03:00.001-05:002013-04-12T13:03:06.435-05:00Winter Running Blues...I am officially over all this Michigan weather! Please bring on real spring weather!<br />
This is my little rant on the weather and how I have been trying to deal with it....<br />
Michigan's mother nature of weather this winter has been playing a horrible joke or very rude welcome back to the north on my part. Looking back I am still very impressed that I really did run through out the entire winter! At times I will did wonder about my sanity!<br />
In December and January I have to say it was 'kindof' cute and a novelty to run in the snow! I was not a runner when I used live in Michigan, so when I returned and was now a runner it was an adventure. I was able to say I ran in the snow. And I ran in it, but it felt like I ran in over and over and over again, with no end in sight. As the months went by and the sidewalks were not being shoveled as well and the ice was not salted running was a challenge! But during those months I was training for the <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2013/03/mercedes-half-marathon-fun-times-with.html">Mercedes Half Marathon</a>, and somewhat for the spring marathon, Flying Pig. So I kept going. And there were some horrible runs, it was cold, windy, wet, and slippery. But somehow I still managed to make it through and got a nice new PR along the way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st run in the snow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yes..that is a single digit</td></tr>
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February the only break from the weather I had was my trip to Alabama. And it was a nice break to get out of the winter conditions, that I realized I really did not miss it all when I live in Alabama. And yes I started questioning my husband of why did we move back?! I did try to run on a treadmill a few times, but I hate the treadmill! My mom was getting rid of hers so I took it and put it in my garage, which I only used a 3 times. Maybe I would had used it more if I could actually get my wi-fi to reach and be able to watch stuff on my iPad. But doing over 4 miles is really difficult for me on the treadmill, I definitely like being on the road a whole lot more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful to have a great running partner while running in the snow!</td></tr>
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There were a few breaks in the weather, and occasionally the sun came out...but that was far and few between. I was very lucky to have found a great running partner and friend when I moved up here. And she was a part of most of the fun and interesting Saturday long runs! And yes, Michigan found it cute to snow on Friday to Saturday's the most often. It's like it knew we had a long run to run so why not make it even more challenging! </div>
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So in March the snow did slowly start to melt, but the sun was still hiding and the temperatures were still low. And the wind....oh the wind! It seems as if it never wants to stop, and every time I went to run it seemed as if it would change its direction to make sure it was always in my face, even when I would change directions. And it was never a little breeze, it was the take your breath away wind and I was trying to run..not fun! But I was still out there!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7ixw4xinKM/UWf0p1TlbFI/AAAAAAAAAi0/6GaEMreB9CU/s1600/IMG_1222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7ixw4xinKM/UWf0p1TlbFI/AAAAAAAAAi0/6GaEMreB9CU/s320/IMG_1222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Melting!</td></tr>
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So now into April...1 month to go till the Flying Pig Marathon. And the training should be going great. It's April, it's spring....right?! Well Michigan weather has decided that its not done with winter weather. It's still cold, we have gotten above freezing but still cold. And now instead of snow we have rain! and a lot of it....it has now been 4 days in a row of rain and not just a shower here and there, but all day rain. So now yet another thing I thought I would <i>Never </i>do...go run in the rain.<br />
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But it rained every day this week, & i ran everyday in it. But yesterday was the most challenging run I think I have had. And after it I am really starting to wonder and question myself as a runner. Yesterday was my weekly speedwork day, and it was a workout that should had been run on a track. Well, getting onto a track here is not easy, they have either been snowed covered or locked gates. So I have had to run all my speed workouts on the road. Which can be difficult, especially with snow/ice on the ground... Last week was my 1st decent speed work out I had for a long time. So I thought the winter running blues (as I had called them) were gone. But yesterday, it was cold, wet, and gray outside. But I thought I could fight through it. <a href="http://www.resoluterunning.com/">Coach Alex</a>, sent the workout...and I went out with some hopes of being able to do it. I tried to get on a track, but the gates were locked up. So I did few circles around a block on MSU campus. But it wasn't really the running that was hard, ok yes it was, but the fact that when I started running there was no rain, but mile 3 and the start of the intervals the rain stating coming down strong and of course my friend the wind started as well. I had to keep my head down the entire time otherwise there was rain in my eyes. </div>
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I was never able to make any of the targets that I was supposed to. And I really really wanted to. Over this whole winter I feel as if I have been failing a bit on the speed work, and I am hoping it really has been the weather. I know I can do it, I did all summer and fall long. But lately I have felt I can't do it. And the part that stinks is that I have been feeling really strong on all my other runs, but when it comes to speed day the weather seems to not want to corporate, which I know is a factor, but it is really playing with my mindset! So needless to say I am really looking forward to Spring....which I hope shows up soon! </div>
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I have always told my self the day running is no longer a happy place I will stop....I'm not there yet but these past few months are really starting to test me! I want to continue to Run Happy but lately its been a challenge! I just need to keep going knowing that the weather will change, it has to!! Plus I am signed up for the Chicago Marathon!! And with the spring/summer to train in is what I am looking forward to. Knowing this is helping me to keep going.</div>
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If you read all of this, thanks for reading my little rant on the weather and how I have been dealing with this weather.<br />
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And to go along with this little weather rant you will be happy to know that Michigan is forcasting yet another wet day tomorrow even with that evil word...Snow! And yes I have 22 miles to run, so nothing like testing my running soul!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow's running forcast...who's coming along?!</td></tr>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-57062627406464081282013-03-05T16:13:00.000-06:002013-03-05T16:13:28.211-06:00Mercedes Half Marathon, fun times with a PR on the side! So how did that race go, well......It was Awesome!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72rMsrm3sMI/UTZfdSsOYlI/AAAAAAAAAhU/vU7I61teYc8/s1600/running+smile.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72rMsrm3sMI/UTZfdSsOYlI/AAAAAAAAAhU/vU7I61teYc8/s200/running+smile.tiff" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Line in Sight, and yes that is a smile! </td></tr>
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I had signed up and decided to run the Mercedes Half Marathon back in October. It was to be a weekend to race but more importantly a weekend to see friends down in Alabama. This would be the 1st half marathon that I had actually trained for. The past few half's that I have run, I was in the middle of training for the Detroit Marathon, so they were at training pace plus additional miles before or after. And the half's that I had run before were before I knew some proper ways to train, I just went out and ran.<br />
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I started my training plan for Mercedes from <a href="http://www.resoluterunning.com/">Coach Alex</a> back in December. And in December the weather was not horrible, yes it was cold. But there was no snow/ice like there has been the last couple months here in Michigan. Mother Nature has not been so nice since my return back to Michigan after being gone for a few years, I guess payback's a bitch!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DytsyeA1gGw/UTZiE4qJInI/AAAAAAAAAhc/BAo4u-4GS50/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DytsyeA1gGw/UTZiE4qJInI/AAAAAAAAAhc/BAo4u-4GS50/s200/IMG_1173.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday morning Long run in Feb.</td></tr>
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But even with the crazy not so great weather, I still was able to get in my runs and tried as hard as I could to stick to the plan that was given. Some of the speed works outs were tough! And not the workout, the actually conditions, one of the runs it was -8 with the windchill, and that was at 2 in the afternoon! Yes, I could had gone on a treadmill, but I really really dislike the treadmill, 3 miles is .5miles to far on a treadmill! But I still got out there everyday, and every weekend to get my runs in, and some were not pretty! But at least I got them done.<br />
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Needless to say, I was nervous when I got down there. Race weekend was here, and I did not feel ready. And then on Saturday am while doing a nice and easy 3 miles with Vann and Tanya, I forgot about the hills. I didn't really forget about the hills, but I don't know what hills are anymore living in the flat land of Michigan! So I then got a little nervous about the race even more! Plus I was nervous of how I would do, I had high hopes about this race, and I was in town with a bunch of people I knew!<br />
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Race morning, was the most relaxed I have ever been. Actually the whole weekend, I was very relaxed! It helped being in company of great easy people! And a huge thanks to Allison for opening her home for the weekend. As well as to Abigail and Allison for inviting me for cake I mean lunch at <a href="http://www.olexas.com/flash.html">Olexas, in Mountain Brook</a>. I still think it was the vanilla cake that brought the PR on Sunday!<br />
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The race started at 7:03 am, and we got down to Boutwell (startline area) around 6:15. There was time for pictures and a little race prep. Of the Resolute Running team, there were only a handful of us racing, the others were running in relays (the relay teams were for the <a href="http://www.thebellcenter.org/events/mercedes-marathon/">Bell Center</a>) as they were off to New Orleans the next weekend for their races.<br />
And even once I got there, I had nerves, but not really that bad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0AFE_1iwj1w/UTZm6pzq1lI/AAAAAAAAAhs/PdlaPWTP47U/s1600/mercedes+pic+2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0AFE_1iwj1w/UTZm6pzq1lI/AAAAAAAAAhs/PdlaPWTP47U/s200/mercedes+pic+2.tiff" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Michael for getting some time in the Bank</td></tr>
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I think the company and everyone being so relaxed helped me not get so worked up about what I was about to do. So the plan was to run and shot for a 1:49:59. Keep the pace at 8:20. Michael was leading off his relay team, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TeamDanielTheDynamites?ref=ts&fref=ts">Team Daniel The Dynamites</a>, and was kind enough to pace me for the 1st 6 miles. And we were a bit faster then pace I was going for, but it was some time in the bank for when the "real" hills would arrive. And I have to say, those 6 miles felt great! if only the hills didn't come....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKH7VLg_6a8/UTZnoSRGVII/AAAAAAAAAh0/XawxtFwYkxA/s1600/running+mercedes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKH7VLg_6a8/UTZnoSRGVII/AAAAAAAAAh0/XawxtFwYkxA/s200/running+mercedes.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vann helping me be Powerful</td></tr>
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After his 1st leg of the relay, Vann was nice enough to help pace me for the next 4 miles before his relay leg! And those were some tough miles, the hills came...but having Vann reminding me to be Powerful was a huge help! Well he ended up doing almost 6 miles, and almost missed his relay leg, but he did get a ride to his relay leg! So somehow I ended being lucky enough to have 2 great people help me get me to my goal time and actually crush that goal time! I can't thank them enough!<br />
I actually crossed the finish line with a smile on my face, and I held back the tears. I was beyond shocked and happy with my time. My goal was 1:49:59 but official time of crossing the line....1:46:55!! I was a bit happy!! (Then of course, those damn hills, had they not come into play I would have been in at least 1:45 or better! but I can do that in another time!)One of the 1st people I saw after crossing the line was Coach Alex! And that was when the tears were actually in my eyes!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6mSufaMjiM/UTZsK9rEbQI/AAAAAAAAAh8/klsCHMPqUSo/s1600/mercedes+pic+3.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6mSufaMjiM/UTZsK9rEbQI/AAAAAAAAAh8/klsCHMPqUSo/s320/mercedes+pic+3.tiff" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Alex, & Emily. (Emily also ran a huge PR)</td></tr>
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It was true, I really had accomplished yet another goal!<br />
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This whole weekend was a blast, and the half marathon PR was just icing on the cake! I hope to make it down to Alabama at least once a year, either for a race or just a fun weekend with some running involved!<br />
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Now onto the next race....Flying Pig Marathon in May. But the big one Chicago in October! :)<br />
<br />Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-72516066292845112252013-02-26T18:32:00.000-06:002013-02-26T18:32:59.320-06:00The weight of a PRI know it has been forever since I have written a blog post. I have all good intentions and great ideas..then I get busy or just lazy! So this might be a long one or even a two parter!<br />
This past weekend I went down to my "2nd home" of Birmingham, Alabama! I went for a long weekend of visiting and running! Yes, I went down to run in the <a href="http://www.mercedesmarathon.com/">Mercedes Marathon</a>, well not the 26.2 just the 13.1 of it! It's kind of funny in the past 2 almost 3 years of running, I never ran in that race because it is ran during my husbands birthday weekend and we usually would be out of town. But this year, still his birthday weekend I was the one who went out of town without him to run in the race. I promise to make it up with a special weekend get away of his choice soon!<br />
I arrived in the warmth of Alabama on Thursday night, and spent the 1st night with my running friend, Liz, in Helena. We were the early (running) birds of the Helena area and were ~Freaklishy Amazing~!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz & I...</td></tr>
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It was wonderful to catch up with her! And to hear of all the great stuff going on in her life! & at the time I saw her she just had a boyfriend and by the end of the weekend she had a finance! I am so happy for her!!<br />
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On Friday, I enjoyed another warm wonderful day, and I started wondering why did we move north again?! But I enjoyed a few hours with my old work people before heading downtown to go to the expo and see the rest of the running crew.<br />
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Friday night I got to spend time with my running team. Yep, team. I have been lucky enough for the past (almost year) to have an awesome running coach who is building a great team, the <a href="http://www.resoluterunning.com/">Resolute Runners</a>. No I may not live in town anymore, but with the great world of technology I can still feel like a part of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aP45RVwwaak/US07xqLm6CI/AAAAAAAAAgU/-ntDMdvpQ9E/s1600/RR+Team+pic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aP45RVwwaak/US07xqLm6CI/AAAAAAAAAgU/-ntDMdvpQ9E/s400/RR+Team+pic.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RR Team Pic prior to Race</td></tr>
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Plus I got to start to know most of them after spending a little weekend running from Atlanta to Birmingham as part of the <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/search/label/Dixie%20200">Dixie 200 relay</a>. So for me seeing and catching up with everyone Friday night was a perfect way to start the weekend.<br />
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Saturday I needed to get a nice easy 3 miles in before the big race on Sunday. So Vann, Tanya (<a href="http://tanyasylvan.com/tanya-sylvan-about/">Tanya's Blog that you really need to follow! click here)</a>, & I set out on little run through downtown Birmingham.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_ihn-caqTQ/US08j0X7jVI/AAAAAAAAAgc/huE2pm39sW0/s1600/tanya+&+I+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_ihn-caqTQ/US08j0X7jVI/AAAAAAAAAgc/huE2pm39sW0/s200/tanya+&+I+.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanya & I, with a little view of Bham</td></tr>
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And I got to re-learn what real hills are....oh how I used to hate them, and now living in the flat land I missed them. But those 3 miles seems so short, because it was with great peeps and good conversation! Afterwards we had a delish breakfast and more chatting! Plus it was so amazing to see so many other runners I haven't seen since I left Birmingham a few months ago.<br />
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I will get to the race on the next part, but going back to the title of this post....I have not really spoke much about weight, but that is one of the main reasons I got into running. Now I just keep running not only for weight management but also because I actually kind of love it! But over the last few months I have slacked a bit on what I have been eating, the post marathon, the holidays, the winter, & yes the excuses! But sadly like most others its a picture that speaks to us. I am so happy to have pics from this past weekend, great memories, but memories of a not as healthy me. And I am super happy that I made my PR, but I know I need to make a change back to old new me! SO when I got back I told my self that I will go back to a veggie diet! I did that as part of my training for Detroit and I felt great! Plus I need to get myself back into a workout other then running routine. I will be going and trying yoga and make use of my bosu ball that I bought a few months ago. I know I can do it, I just need to get myself back on that saddle! I have some lofty goals for my next couple races so I train hard, win big, then play big! oh and by the way one of those races will be the Chicago Marathon! Yes I was 1 of the lucky to get in before the big crash!!<br />
I do also promise myself as getting back at it also means blogging my journey to the next accomplishment. If you wish to follow keep an eye out for the next posts and beyond. Next one will be a recap of the actually huge PR on my Half Marathon in Birmingham at the Mercedes Marathon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running towards that PR! </td></tr>
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<br />Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-69966062572885515272013-01-02T16:53:00.000-06:002013-01-02T16:53:41.421-06:00Out with the old in with the New.....<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As the year comes to an end, it makes most of us reflect on the year we are leaving and the year we are headed into! As for me I am doing the same.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It has been quite a year! A year ago today I was sitting in Alabama with no idea what 2012 would bring or that I would be back in my home state of Michigan again. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This plate will sum it all up!<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As for year of running I accomplished so much more then I never imagined that I could. I can honestly say I am a runner, and it is a part of my soul now. Yes I have become of those people who plans weekend events around running, and how to fit in my runs during the week. But I don't know that I would trade it in for anything. And I am so thankful that I have a husband that still puts up with my crazy running life! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wonderful Husband & I in New Orleans @ 2012 Sugar Bowl {Go Blue}</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In March I ran my <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-am-marathon-runner.html">1st Marathon</a>...you know that thing I [once] said I would <i>Never </i>do...I did! I ran with my friend and training buddy from Alabama, who helped me achieve this goal! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgia Marathon! Stef & I at the end of 26.2.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In March another life change was starting. My husband was given a chance to change auto plants from the one in Alabama to one in Michigan, where we are both from. We had talked about the possibility of moving back home, but never gave much thought about it until this opportunity came about. And it happened so quickly! Literally the week of the marathon and the week after the marathon did all of this take place, and in April he was up in Michigan starting his new position and our now [new] old home. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I stayed in Alabama for another couple of months. And I made the most of the time I had while down there. I made sure to run with my <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/06/running-family.html">Running Family</a> <---- click there to read abou them) as much as I could. I was very lucky to have found such a great group of people! I have to say one of my funnest memories before leaving was running in the Dixie Relay! 200 miles with 10 other people going from Atlanta to Birmingham, it was a great way to end the time I was living in the south! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirty Dozen @ Dixie 200 Relay! </td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I so happy for the friends and runners I have met and made while living in Alabama, and it is true the south gets into your heart and soul and stays! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In June I made my move up to Michigan. And the first thing I did was [of course] look for races and runners! I started with running the Ann Arbor Half Marathon! Which was a great race, except for the events that happened in my life the night before. {if interested read about them here----><a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/06/1st-race-back-in-michigan-ann-arbor.html">crazy night before a race</a>} And after that race, the official start of Detroit Marathon training began! I was so very excited to start this training, I had a plan, a running coach and best part no job! I was in work limbo with the move and was putting finding a job on hold until we got more situated with our move, like get a house! So I got to spend most of my time training and not having to get up at 5 in the morning! Which was awesome...if only I could be super fast and be an elite runner and have that my life! a girl can dream! </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also started to run with a new group of people. And I am so happy to found this group of runners! I can say that I am very lucky to have found this group! I may be one of the 'crazy' runner people out of the group, but many of them joined me on my long runs on the weekend and from that I have gained a few good friends. I met Chelsea who was also training for Detroit Marathon (her 1st) and we were at the same pace so it worked out well. And we spent many good quality miles and hours on the roads this summer and fall! and seeing many more miles together. I was also lucky to meet Kristen who was crazy enough to come and run in costume on Halloween weekend with me! & now she is signed up for her 1st marathon, so I will get to spend some quality miles on the road as I start training for Flying Pig in a few weeks. And to all the other great people I have met at the Mid-Michigan Running group, Mark, Bob, Tim and every one else...I am happy to have met you and happy that I can call you part of my running family. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-Michigan Running Group</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">October was the highlight of the running year! the <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/10/262-miles-around-detroit.html">Detroit Marathon!</a> I finally got to see what all that training was going to show! And I could not have been happier! And I got to run with one of my Resolute Running teammates from Alabama, even though Vann was well ahead of me! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after running 26.2 </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vann & I prior to race! Team RR</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I feel as if I could go on and on about the wonderful year that I have had! It has been filled with so many ups and a few downs, but all in all it has been a great year! I accomplished so many running goals! I set a new PR in a 5k, 10k, and a marathon! Yep, a marathon...that thing I said I woul <i>Never </i>do!! I am looking forward to what 2013 has to bring! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I am grateful to have my wonderful husband, my real family, and my running family here in Michigan and those in Alabama. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have been working on my goals for 2013, and one of them is to work on blogging more often, & part of that will be blogging on my running goals! So you will have to stay tuned!!</span></div>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-8605909786389515822012-11-14T06:34:00.001-06:002012-11-14T06:38:41.323-06:00Running while awayAs I sit here awake in Green Bay, gotta love central time, when living in Eastern time! It started me thinking of running in new city's. I usually try to run in any new city when I travel. It sadly did not work for me on this trip, due to a 3 hour delay on my flight yesterday. Yes, I could go run right now, but I have plans to run with my group tonight and not looking to do a two a day! <br />
But it made me think my favorite place to run while out of town so far has been in California! I was there in August for a wedding, and I even ran a 19 mile run along the water. That has to be one of the most beautiful runs I have ever done, and I could have gotten used to that! <br />
I posted pictures of my sights from running on the west coast. As I'm posting this from my phone not sure how they are going to end up on the blog, & not able to label them.<br />
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When you going on a trip do you try to run when in a new city?<br />
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What is your favorite city to run in?<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C6_zPIW08TM/UKOPw7H0OKI/AAAAAAAAAbs/iwzv8NHW92s/s640/blogger-image--112967021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C6_zPIW08TM/UKOPw7H0OKI/AAAAAAAAAbs/iwzv8NHW92s/s640/blogger-image--112967021.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0CAKES7cUeI/UKOPxnk046I/AAAAAAAAAb0/K4ODElLD_D8/s640/blogger-image-444860457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0CAKES7cUeI/UKOPxnk046I/AAAAAAAAAb0/K4ODElLD_D8/s640/blogger-image-444860457.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hsHG8_PDg5U/UKOPyT66IrI/AAAAAAAAAb8/tWBMR0f_2IQ/s640/blogger-image-2132554031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hsHG8_PDg5U/UKOPyT66IrI/AAAAAAAAAb8/tWBMR0f_2IQ/s640/blogger-image-2132554031.jpg" /></a></div>Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-78864974894989535592012-11-06T16:45:00.000-06:002012-11-06T16:45:18.773-06:00Don't Stop Believing......So as I did my run today after I voted....yes I ran from my house a whole .2miles to the voting center... and then I finished a 6 mile run.<br />
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Today was the longest run I have run with my headphones on since the Detroit Marathon and I didn't realize I had made such a good play list! When I ran in Detroit I had only 1 earbud (<a href="https://www.yurbuds.com/">ok..Yurbud</a>). And I was running with a partner and my brain was focused on the run and the music was just kind of there. But I do remember 1 song and the place I was at when it played....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wi-gm5xrLoU/UJmO7k6sNAI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Y6F7stmrFpk/s1600/louise-carey-dont-stop-believing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wi-gm5xrLoU/UJmO7k6sNAI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Y6F7stmrFpk/s320/louise-carey-dont-stop-believing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was actually in Canada when this song started and to my left across the Detroit river was Joe Louis Arena! I promise not planned at all, I use a shuffle! And as a Michigander and a hockey fan.....we all know this is played at every Red Wings Hockey game and every fan "is just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit" </div>
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But as the song played again today, it made me think I don't want to stop Believing in the goals I have for running! Last week I wrote out my goals that I want to achieve in my life as a runner. I made them realistic and hopefully achievable. I am looking forward to 2013 and hope to cross of my goals as completed! Now the question is to make the public or not!...haha!! </div>
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Did you get out there and vote today?</div>
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Do you make goals a year in advanced or race by race?</div>
<br />Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-57570355843422654752012-10-31T13:51:00.001-05:002012-10-31T13:51:13.343-05:00the week after Detroit MarathonIt is now over a week post the Detroit Marathon. And I am able to walk with out a gimp any longer and I have even gotten a few runs in! On Saturday I went on my 1st run back, and yes it felt slow and the legs a little heavy but no pain or discomfort! So I was happy to be able to run seeing that I had the <a href="http://www.konarunningcompany.com/">Wicked Halloween 10k</a> race to run in on Sunday. Yes it was a race, but I was not racing it, it was for yet another easy recovery run. It was fun I traveled with one of my friends, Kristen, from East Lansing and meet up with Sharry who I met via twitter but finally in person at the Detroit Expo. & we got into the full occasion of the event! I also go to finally met Megan from <a href="http://www.watchmegorun.com/">Watch Me Go Run</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan as the Bee, me as Dorothy, Sharry as Pippi, & Kristen as Minnie</td></tr>
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<br />It was a really nice route and great set up for a race. Next year the running company who puts this on is doing a Triple Crown with their races! Run all 3 get an extra medal! It's all about the bling right!!<div>
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But since the real race has come and gone, I have time to reflect on the race. And think of what I did right and wrong.</div>
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I feel that my training was spot on! With a huge thanks to my coach Alex with <a href="http://resoluterunning.com/">Resolute Running</a>. My carb loading was spot on as well, and this was the first time I did it the proper way. Eating a bowl of spaghetti the night before is just not enough I found out! My hydration was great ---the day before and the morning of the race. Where I went wrong was during the race! I kept reminding those I was running with to get water at the aid stations, but I who was holding my own water bottle did not drink enough. I think that is why my nausea/vomit issues came into play. At least I have learned and will improve on the next one! As for the next one (Marathon), it will be at <a href="http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com/">Flying Pig Marathon</a>. I have other races starting to get lined up...but that's another post to follow next week sometime! </div>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-47802449210542710372012-10-22T10:12:00.000-05:002012-10-22T10:12:07.650-05:0026.2 miles around Detroit! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iqz84vuF5-k/UIVfQZw5q7I/AAAAAAAAAZo/_lEIA-Y2Ny4/s1600/IMG_0838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iqz84vuF5-k/UIVfQZw5q7I/AAAAAAAAAZo/_lEIA-Y2Ny4/s320/IMG_0838.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine all Mine!!!</td></tr>
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WOW!!! That is how I am starting this off! Detroit Marathon is in the books and I am still smiling about it. I would say I'm jumping up and down with joy but that is NOT happening today, walking is hard enough right now! So in my previous post I did not actually state my goals. This time I will. My goals were simple....<br />
A- Finish and have fun!<br />
B- Finish at 4:00<br />
C- Finish at 4:15<br />
D- Finish at 4:20<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkON-uFspzM/UIVVbYHTVBI/AAAAAAAAAYc/QEfku7xaQ-8/s1600/final+chip+time.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkON-uFspzM/UIVVbYHTVBI/AAAAAAAAAYc/QEfku7xaQ-8/s320/final+chip+time.tiff" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official Results!! Acomplished Goal A and a mixture of B & C!<br /></td></tr>
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This was only my 2nd marathon, and I have learned a lot from this one. And I know I have so much more to learn as well! I am really proud of my accomplishment! I have so many people to thank for the support and encougement along the way to this point! My husband, for dealing with my crazy runner self! Stefanie for being there and giving my the courage to run my 1st marathon in March. The Helena Endurance Running Group, for being my 1st running group. Alex for being an awesome coach even from afar! The whole Resolute Running team!! The Village Runners for their support from 700 miles away. And my new running friends here in Michigan. Yes running is a solo sport, but you can not deny the fact that having support is also a huge part in running as well.<div>
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One of my friends and Resolute Running team mate came up from Alabama to run the Detroit Marathon! He was also looking to get a PR and he CRUSHED his goal time by 2mins! Why go 3:30 when you can go 3:28?! Vann Rocked it!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fEcssCjmTzA/UIVZudFwjqI/AAAAAAAAAZA/af6HJ0B9OCk/s1600/IMG_0835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fEcssCjmTzA/UIVZudFwjqI/AAAAAAAAAZA/af6HJ0B9OCk/s320/IMG_0835.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team RR prior to the Race!</td></tr>
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As for the race....it was awesome! I felt great went right to plan just as it was planned out. Yes I was a little fast at times but what can you do. The only down fall was some stomach issues. I had a few bouts of vomit and dry heaves (after the vomit). This started around mile 17-18. When I hit Belle Islle which were miles 19-22 is when I had to focus and recoup some. I made sure to walk and drink a full cup of water and gatorade at each of the water stops. I think that had I not done that I would have had a much harder time finishing! When I got to mile 22-23 I felt better and I then dug as deep as I possible could and finished hard and strong! I hit the last water stop at 24 and ran and drank and then I just took off for the finish. Looking at my garmin I knew with 3 miles left I still could break 4:15 mark! I truely believe that had it not been for the stomach issues I would had been right on for that 4hour mark, but "it is what it is" and I will now have a new goal to achieve! I am still really proud of this time though, I am not second guessing anything I did yesterday! I know I gave it my all!!</div>
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I ran this race with one of my new friends here in Michigan. It was Chelsea's 1st marathon and she ROCKED it! I wish I could have finished with her, but with my own issues she did get a few minutes ahead of me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOeJ2akE5c4/UIVe5Fx_aJI/AAAAAAAAAZc/jQJKF9Zt8yo/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOeJ2akE5c4/UIVe5Fx_aJI/AAAAAAAAAZc/jQJKF9Zt8yo/s320/IMG_0836.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chelsea & I Prior to the start!</td></tr>
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Next year I think I will run the half and enjoy it, and take some pictures of all the amazing sights of Canada and America all in one race! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All DONE!! </td></tr>
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Now to enjoy a little rest.......</div>
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& get back on the roads later this weekend for a fun Halloween run! I got my Dorothy costume all ready to go! I think I should be able to run 6miles this weekend (i hope!!) </div>
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And of course start making my goals for 2013!<br /><br /><br /></div>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-47224047719143694372012-10-17T17:06:00.002-05:002012-10-17T17:06:44.251-05:00Taper time, a time to reflect<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just 4 short days away from the day I have waiting for many months now! When I signed up for the Detroit Marathon I still had not run my 1st marathon, and I had only ran a 20mile run once! But I was already signed up for the Georgia Marathon and I signed up for Detroit the 1st week that registration opened so I got in for a bargain! At the time I signed up I figured I would use the weekend to go up to Michigan visit family because I was still living in Alabama. Hows things have changed...now I am back living in Michigan! </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am taking this taper time as a time to reflect a bit on this journey to the Detroit Marathon. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As many of you know I started running while I was living in Alabama. I met a great group of people that have helped, and encouraged myself and others on obtaining their goals. You can read about my running family here----> <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/06/running-family.html">Running Family</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So when I made the move to Michigan I was a bit scared and worried about finding a new family. And I can honestly say I have found a new running family. I am still getting to know everyone but we have had some great long runs and midweek beer runs and of course the new Monday night cupcakes runs! I am happy to have found a new runner partner. Part way through the summer I found out she was also running Detroit as her 1st marathon! And we have started to do some of our long weekend runs together, and now in 4 days we will be running together to achieve the same goal. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Taper time---> some don't like it. Me I enjoy it and embrace it. I enjoy having less running miles and a few days off. Makes that next time to run even more exciting and fresh. And that is what I am hoping for on Sunday. Fresh legs and major excitement!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Goal--> I have one and I almost afraid to say it out loud as in possible jinking it! I have been working hard and next week I will tell you all my goal and how it ended up! I am somewhat treating this marathon is my 1st one. Seeing that I did not have the ideal <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-am-marathon-runner.html">1st marathon experience</a> ....stupid IT Band!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Training--> I had the time of my life training for this! I had a great <a href="http://resoluterunning.com/">coach</a>, yes he may live 700 miles away. But it was one of the best experiences I have had training since I was a swimmer back in college and high school. I just hope after this he will still be willing to continue with some of my crazy questions and thoughts! I have learned a lot but I know there is a lot more to be learned! plus I have more goals to accomplish!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next time I write I will be saying I am a Marathoner!!!! (again!) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-30443143060604190122012-10-05T08:07:00.001-05:002012-10-05T08:07:56.517-05:00Half Marathon + 8miles...& taper begins<span style="color: blue;">The final long, long run is in the books, and taper is about to begin! Detroit Marathon is only 16 short days away!! And can I say I am excited and ready!! </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">On Sunday I went to one of my old 'home' towns to run in the <a href="http://www.thebrooksieway.com/Pages/default.aspx">Brooksie Way Half Marathon</a>. I say 'home' because I went to Oakland University and lived and then worked in the area for many years and it was only 30mins from my actually home. The Rochester area is a very nice and pretty area! I actually had 21 miles scheduled for today and yes I did get all 21 miles in! But before getting into the run I guess I need to start with the expo. The expo was on the campus, and oh how the campus has changed since I was there!! So many new buildings including the rec center! Such a nice change from what it was when I was there, and I was a swimmer when I went to Oakland so I huge change! I have to say I did not expect to see the expo I saw! It was a lot bigger then I had expected and had a huge variety of vendors! I wish I had gotten then earlier then 6:30pm on Saturday! But then again my credit card is happy I didn't get there to early... But I did make one stop at a vendor that had a charms and I finally got a 26.2 charm for my Pandora Bracelet!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qE6WuvUu2tc/UG7VlbcBiSI/AAAAAAAAAXA/OQXLFCa3x9c/s1600/IMG_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qE6WuvUu2tc/UG7VlbcBiSI/AAAAAAAAAXA/OQXLFCa3x9c/s200/IMG_0791.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: blue;">& he did let me know that he will be a Detroit with a special Detroit Charm!! So will have to hunt his booth down when at Detroit Expo, and no I do not remember the name of the vendor! I also saw a sign saying that Desi was going to be there..but I was in a time crunch never got to read the details...I guess I should have! So I got my bib and my very bright green shirt! and off to my Mom's to stay for the night. She lives 20mins from Oakland a whole lot closer then East Lansing so didn't have to get up super super early. </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">The day of the race I had 21 scheduled! So I had to get in 8 miles prior to the actual race. I was not racing this race it was just a run and run down memory lane! So I got to Oakland and with the help from Matt at <a href="http://fasterthanaturtle.com/">Faster than a Turtle</a> found a great parking spot away. Plus I had been talking with him and he helped me make a pre-race/run route! He lives in the area and it has been many years since I have been out there so a little help was needed! But once I got out there running, it all came back to me of where I was at! So I started out at about 6:10am and made it back to my car little after 7am where I meet up with Matt and his wife Janet. From where we were parked we jogged to the start line which brought my pre race run at 7.75 miles. Yes I was .25 miles off but don't worry I will get to 21! Once we got the start line we dropped off our bags, and I put my long sleeve into bag check, at first I was worried but 4 miles into the run I was happy I got rid of my long sleeve. But I did keep my gloves on the entire time! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I also used this race as a 'dry run' of what I would do or not do for the actually race in Detroit. I ran with out my water bottle. Something I have been doing on all of my training runs since moving to Michigan. I don't have any pre-arraigned water stops up here like I did back in Bama. So I did this race to see what it would be like to run with out and take advantage of the water stops. What I learned, is that I will run with my handheld until its empty. I will work on running and drinking out of cups for the next race but for this one I am going with my handheld. At the end of the run I was thirsty and felt like I never could get a real gulp down. So I am happy about having this trial run! I have ordered a replacement handheld so if or when I dump my handheld I will have 1 in reserve. </span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">As for the race itself, I put myself in the 10min/mile pace group. I was scheduled to be at a 10:15 pace, but ended up closer to 10min pace. But felt great the entire time, ok not the entire time....the hills! It is called Rochester Hills for a reason! They were not horrible, they were very close to the ones I ran on a daily basis in Bama, but when I have been running in the flat land of East Lansing they were a bit of shock to the legs. But I did not walk any of them, and I only got off pace by 15sec or so on each of them. So I was proud of myself. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">The race itself was a great scenic tour of the town and a huge trip down memory lane for me! I enjoyed every minute of it! And yes, will most likely go back next year. As for that .25 I had to get in! Well....I crossed the finish line, graped my medal and heat sheet and just kept running! Let me tell you it's a bit hard to keep running when you have to weave through people who are done! and then I made to the parking lot and just did a few circles and I'm sure the people where looking at me like I was a crazy person! But oh well...marathon training got to get it in!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcR2wkQOW2w/UG7Z3ZGkm-I/AAAAAAAAAXc/FMnlMrnWqMI/s1600/having+fun+pic.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcR2wkQOW2w/UG7Z3ZGkm-I/AAAAAAAAAXc/FMnlMrnWqMI/s200/having+fun+pic.tiff" width="96" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun at the end of a 21mile run!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNgok2WuJgE/UG7aNSZnQCI/AAAAAAAAAXk/r0_nXPnRAsM/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNgok2WuJgE/UG7aNSZnQCI/AAAAAAAAAXk/r0_nXPnRAsM/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My reward for a 21mile run with a 13.1 during it!</td></tr>
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<br /><br /><span style="color: blue;">Keep running happy!!! </span><div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Questions of the post......</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you train with a hand held or fuel belt? If so what do you do on race day?</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have you ever ran a race plus more miles??</span></div>
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Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-21940423459537288552012-09-19T20:21:00.003-05:002012-09-19T20:21:47.863-05:00Fall is arriving and a Half Marathon<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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So the weather has begun to change here in Michigan. Fall is
slowly but surely making it’s appearance. This is my first real fall in over 8
years! The crisp cool weather in the morning and evening, with a slight bit of warmth
in the afternoon. But with this
cooler weather I am slowly learning that my blood has also became very thin
from my time living down in Alabama. Most of the runners here in Michigan are
starting to love the cooler weather, and probably still in their shorts and
t-shirts for their runs, me I am starting to break out my cold weather gear. I
actually enjoy running in the 60’s, I am one of the odd people! I would much
prefer to run comfortably in shorts and tanks then gloves, and 3 layers of
tops! I will say I am happy that the cooler weather is starting now, so that I
can start to get adjusted to it well before the <a href="http://www.freepmarathon.com/">Detroit Marathon</a> in October.
But don’t worry I am very aware I live in Michigan there is always a small
chance of warm October day that can occur! The one sad thing of fall and winter weather is that all the
cute <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp">Lulu</a> summer running wear must go into the bottom of the drawer. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ5VQm15ViA/UFozbwgHQiI/AAAAAAAAAWE/fBsNIURzP00/s1600/377280_422919204434436_1137110444_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ5VQm15ViA/UFozbwgHQiI/AAAAAAAAAWE/fBsNIURzP00/s200/377280_422919204434436_1137110444_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristen, Chelsea & I prior to race. Can you tell who the cold one is!?</td></tr>
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Over the weekend, it was a fun and great running weekend. It
was the <a href="http://www.ccriverrun.com/">Capital City River Run half marathon</a> . It is 6 weeks out from Detroit
Marathon so I get to race to see how I am feeling going into the marathon. The scheduled actually called for 22 miles on this day, but got the approval from the coach to get at least 20 in for the day! So I started with a 1.75 mile warm up prior to the half marathon. I had hoped that warm up would had actually made me warm, but not so much! I was still a fridged soul at the begining of the race. The plan for the race was to plan for a 2 hour half marathon. It was also my 1st race running with my new running buddy's!! Chelsea and Kristen were hoping to break the 2 hour mark for the 1st time! So we got into the 9min pace group. And we set off at 8:30am. It was great weather for racing, after the 2nd mile I was warm enough and very happy that I went with tank and shorts. Over the first few miles I was happy to be in the pace group, it did not allow me to go all out as I sometimes do at the start of any run, the rush of starting! So we kept great strides and conversations through out. At mile 4 Kristen had to make a porta-potty break, but told us to keep on. So Chelsea and I kept on. We both kept with in the pace group, conversation pace, and both had said to each other "this feels great". So at mile 7 we decided that if we still feel like this towards the end we would pick it up a bit. At first I thought ok, pick it up at mile 11 or 12. But by mile 10 as I looked at my Garmin we already started to pick it up to an 8:45 pace, so we just kept with it. And the last 2 miles went in between 8:30-8:45 pace. She had an awesome sprint to the finish!! </div>
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We finished at 1:56 and some change. She had busted the 2hour mark, and had almost 8 min PR (or more!) as for Kristen....She didn't catch up with us, but once we crossed the finish line, we had a chug of chocolate milk and water, we went back up the course to run the finish in with Kristen! She may not had broken the 2hour mark, but she did have a 10min PR and came in at 2:06! I was very happy and proud of them!! </div>
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As for me, I was very happy and pleased with how I ran. This was my 2nd fastest half marathon since I started running! And it felt easy! And that's how I had hoped that running at 9min pace would. I feel 6 weeks out from Detroit I am right where I need to be! I feel that all the training and guideness that I have been doing and given from Coach Alex is paying off! I am really excited to get to the Detroit and get into the 4hour marathon pace group! </div>
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After the race, there were still miles to get in! Chelsea who is also training for Detroit had more miles to run as well. So we started off to get our extra 6 miles in! And let me tell you those were some slow slow miles! But we got them done!<br />
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With 5 weeks until the Detroit Marathon I am feeling great and ready for it! In 2 weeks I am going to go run in the Brooksie Half Marathon +8 miles! Marathon training doesn't stop just for a half marathon. But with that one, I will be at training pace no race style pace that day! Plus it will be a hilly route which will be good seeing that I have been in the flat lands here in East Lansing. And I get to meet some new running, twitter Friends,! But, I did get to finally meet <a href="http://cautionredheadrunning.blogspot.com/2012/09/capital-city-river-run-half-marathon.html">Jen @redheadrunning</a> even if it was for a short meeting...those silly marathon additional miles got in the way of talking longer! But I think for my next race I need to run with her a few times....she's got speed!!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">........until next time always Run Happy :)</span><br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-41164601347258756502012-08-28T19:24:00.001-05:002012-08-28T19:24:03.707-05:0010 Miler & 10 Thoughts TuesdayI know it has been such a while since I have last blogged. But life just got in the way! & I have to admit when I had down time I was just lazy about writing! But I can Promise I have been running!! Actually just finished my 10th week of my training for the <a href="http://www.freepmarathon.com/">Detroit Marathon</a>! And still feeling great and feeling strong. Today I had a 10mile run scheduled and while I ran it I thought I would do a list of 10 things going on in life!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">10. We are finally fully moved in and unpacked in our new house! Such a nice feeling to feel back to a normal life since we have made our move from Alabama back to Michigan.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">9. It's the start of Football season!! One of my favorite times of year! & it all starts off this weekend with Michigan vs. Alabama. GO BLUE!! and seeing that I have just moved from Alabama there has been a little back and forth 'smack' talk going on! Even have a small little wager with <a href="https://twitter.com/Bama26point2">Michael</a>, from Alabama. That when MICHIGAN WINS he will have to wear a Michigan Shirt for at least 1 mile with his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/thevillagerunners/">Running Group, the Village Runners</a>. And if (by chance) Alabama wins then I have to wear a Bama shirt while running in East Lansing.<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">8. The weather!! Oh my I am loving it! Just perfect!! I have already had one run in Capri's and long sleeves! I am so ready for fall. but check back with me when Michigan winter comes around!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7. Signed up for another marathon!! <a href="http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com/">Flying Pig Marathon!!</a> It has been a race I have looked at for awhile, so one day I just signed up for it! Plus it will keep me running during the Michigan winter.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. Trip to LA!! Our good friends got married a couple weeks ago. I also had 19 miles scheduled for the Saturday of the wedding. But with my luck we were less then a mile from the beach! So 19 miles on Venice beach, Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray made for the best sight seeing trip ever!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. Few weeks back, signed up and ran a 5k Race here in Lansing! It was a great race. I ended up with a </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. Have made some new running friends with the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Mid-Michigan-Running-Meetup/">Mid Michigan Running Group</a>. Great group and like most runners have one thing in common in addition to running, beer! Wednesday night runs ending with beer always a good idea!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. Still on the hunt for an actually job, but not having a job has been nice for me and getting my runs in! No early early wake up calls! :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. Training plan. I have been asked by a few I have run with what plan do I use. Well I am using the plan from <a href="http://resoluterunning.com/">Resolute Running</a>. Coach Alex devised the plan to tailor the needs for my goal and pace. I met Alex in Alabama and we discussed being my running coach for the Detroit Marathon well before I knew I was moving. I am very thankful that he still took me on as a 'student' even though moving to Michigan. I have learned so much from this training cycle and still have so much to learn. I am very excited to see the end result! which is only 2 months away!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. I will try to blog more often, I do have the time to do so again! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But until the next post Run Happy!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">~~Summer is coming to end....are you ready for Fall to Start?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">~~What type of training plan do you use? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">~~It's FOOTBALL season....Are YOU READY!?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">~~Are you training for a full or half Marathon for the fall? How is your training going?</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-77328532777115198522012-08-01T07:17:00.001-05:002012-08-01T07:17:52.549-05:00Where did July go??It is August 1st and I'm still not sure where July went?! Well...ok I do! It was one of the busiest months I have had in a very long time! We closed on our new house in Michigan on June 29th and the rest has been a blur! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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For the 1st week of being in the new house, it was an empty house as all our stuff was still in Alabama. But Mom was nice enough to let us borrow an air mattress and a tv, because we were able to get DirecTv hooked up! But there was plenty to do, remove wallpaper in 2 rooms and then paint them plus 2 other rooms! Had to make the house ours. I was able to finish all but 1 room before we made our trip to Alabama to meet the movers. We had <a href="http://www.rosemoving.com/">Rose Moving company (Allied)</a> as our movers and they were AWESOME! I was actually taken back by how quick and efficient they were! We were originally quoted that it would take 2 days to pack our house and 1 day to load!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing up Alabama</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final run in Alabama, finished at the Bamma</td></tr>
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So I had my whole week planned out to meet up with my running friends while in Alabama! Well with them only taking a day and half to pack and load and a thunder/lighting storm...meeting up with some of my friends didn't happen :( I did get one run in with some from the Helena Running group. It was great to see the few that came out even if it was a bit wet with the rain! That just means I have to make a trip back down! & I am looking to do so for the <a href="http://mercedesmarathon.com/">Mercedes Marathon</a> in February. I did have one final run around the neighborhood, and it took me almost 5 minuets to start, I had so many emotions as I walked out the front door that the tears started to flow! But made it through it and it was my speed work 6miler for the week. </div>
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So Mike and I arrived Tuesday in Alabama and on Friday morning with an empty house and our boat loaded and ready and in the truck we started our trip back north! And yes the tears started again! We had lived there for 8 years and we have grown so much and of course met such great people and so many memories, but it was time to go home. </div>
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Once we got back it was a nights sleep and on Monday at 8am that orange truck showed up again and the boxes started filling up our house. Over 400 items which included our furniture and boxes were packed into our house! Who knew we had so much stuff??! And it seemed like it just kept coming and coming, and at 12:30 it was all off the truck and my house became a maze of boxes! So for the past 2 weeks that has been my life, unpacking and organizing. But our house is starting to feel like our home again! </div>
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During the month I did celebrate my 36th birthday, yes that's my age and not afraid to say it! And it was the 1st time in 12 years I had not spent my birthday at <a href="http://oceanislebeach.com/">Ocean Isle Beach, NC</a> which was a little sad, but with all that was going on and being home I was ok with it. Plus my Mom made it a very happy birthday! Also during the month Mike and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary!! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike did good with my gift!</td></tr>
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Yes I have been running! Running has been keeping me sane through this whole process! And I had one of my highest mileage months ever! 172 miles!! All for training for the Detroit Marathon in October! But last weekend I did a crazy running Sunday! I had 13 scheduled for the day, but I had also signed up for a 5K race. It was a small race, the Hall of Fame run in Lansing, MI, but I wanted to run it to see how I was doing! So I started with a 1 mile warm up, and then ran the race in a HUGE PR time for me! A 2 min. PR from last year!! And ended up 1st in my age group and 18th overall. Yes it was a small race, but the PR was what was most Important!!</div>
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Then seeing that I still had 9miles to get in to get to 13, I started back up and ran 9 miles on the River Trail! Yes it was a crazy day of running but a good day! </div>
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Now that life is starting to settle down again, I hope to get back to blogging my journey to the <a href="http://www.freepmarathon.com/">Detroit Marathon</a>, which is now only 2 months and 19 days away!! I am really excited about running it and the training has been going well even with all the crazy life events happening now!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">How was your July? Was it a blur or month of memories?!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">How did you fair with running in the July heat?</span></div>
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</div>Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com1East Lansing, MI, USA42.7369792 -84.483865442.6436797 -84.6417939 42.8302787 -84.3259369tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-366894221268921152012-07-09T08:29:00.001-05:002012-07-09T08:30:42.726-05:00Running and a new home!Week 3 of training for the Detroit marathon is in the books! And it was a hot week!! Was able to stay well hydrated even on my long 16mile solo run on Saturday! Even though I started at 6:30 it was already 77degrees outside! But luckily where I now live there were plenty of shaded areas on the way. <br />
For me this past week of training was most tiring then before, due to the move into the new house! Yay new house, but not yay with all the cosmetic things I am trying to get done before we actually get our stuff! I have painted 3 rooms and still have 1 to go!<br />
I will look forward to finally having Internet in a week as well, and hopefully have more time to blog again! <br />
Until then happy running!! And stay cool out there!<br />
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Who's training for a full or half marathon? And how has the weather been affecting your runs?<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-astH6PKuuGc/T_rc-1-yUoI/AAAAAAAAATM/3lf94qBfwOM/s640/blogger-image--1756351675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-astH6PKuuGc/T_rc-1-yUoI/AAAAAAAAATM/3lf94qBfwOM/s640/blogger-image--1756351675.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0-_fh7tX5ok/T_rc_nEAz5I/AAAAAAAAATU/7tDsG6H8dQw/s640/blogger-image--1561930541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0-_fh7tX5ok/T_rc_nEAz5I/AAAAAAAAATU/7tDsG6H8dQw/s640/blogger-image--1561930541.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oa8TVSVRSXw/T_rdALFu2DI/AAAAAAAAATc/F-aDUGCRPGk/s640/blogger-image-587117081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oa8TVSVRSXw/T_rdALFu2DI/AAAAAAAAATc/F-aDUGCRPGk/s640/blogger-image-587117081.jpg" /></a></div>Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-64769356605496841572012-07-02T13:59:00.001-05:002012-07-02T13:59:24.290-05:00Moving, running, & (trying) to blogMy current life is crazy busy!! We finally bought a home in East Lansing, and now the move begins! The first move starts with moving out of our hotel we have been in, and next week make a trip back to Alabama to get all of our stuff! So it is going to be a busy few weeks! But it was nice to see a sold sign in our new yard!!<br />
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I am still in training mode for Detroit Marathon and as soon as I get a chance to get blog all my fun I will do so! I have photo documenting every run! Just need the time to get it up! But for now priority number 1 is to paint the rooms before our stuff comes and of course get my runs in!!<br />
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Look forward to sharing my journey of training for this marathon, and hope you will enjoy as well! <br />
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But for the time I will be painting! Now that the horrible wallpaper is off the wall!!<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-shQbA2sQi6w/T_Hvis1BCMI/AAAAAAAAAS8/1uMOzGkzSMo/s640/blogger-image-269940660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-shQbA2sQi6w/T_Hvis1BCMI/AAAAAAAAAS8/1uMOzGkzSMo/s640/blogger-image-269940660.jpg" /></a></div>Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-42634040710623242462012-06-25T07:54:00.001-05:002012-06-25T07:54:33.365-05:00Training at Races<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">This weekend was filled with races and training all wrapped into one! When we set a date for me to move from Alabama to Michigan, one of the first things I did was look for races. It wasn't necessarily to go and run them, but more to maybe meet people and to not have to do my runs alone! So this past weekend I had the <a href="http://www.solsticerun.org/">Solstice Run</a>, which was a 10mile route but I added 2 at the beginning. And then on Sunday was the <a href="http://www.heartofdetroitrun.com/">Heart of Detroit Run</a> which I did the 10k route.</span> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may ask, "Why would I run a race as a training run?" Well that's an easy answer for me to answer...I have just started week 1 of my training for <a href="http://www.freepmarathon.com/">Detroit Marathon</a> on October 21st! I ran my 1st marathon in March, <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-am-marathon-runner.html">read all about it here</a>, and I am ready for the next one, and hopefully a better one! The one thing that I am doing differently for this marathon compared to the 1st one, is I have a running coach! We may not be in the same state, but there are a lot of online programs, so I figure this will work. I know my coach, I met him Alabama and actually talked about being my coach prior to knowing I was moving. But I will go more into that a different time. But I will say, so far it is nice to have a plan written out and with the pace I need to be at. I am one of those that needs things written out to completely understand. So I am really excited for this journey and really excited to see the end result on October 21st!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As for the races this weekend...they were both at different locations and had different terrains! But I learned a lot from both of them!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solstice 10miler +2</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Solstice Race:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was in Northville, and the weather was perfect for a run! I had 12 on my schedule so I had to add 2 miles in addition to the 10 miles on the race course. I ended up parking at the High School and instead of taking the shuttle to the start line, I ran the 2 miles to the start line. I was supposed to be at 10:44 pace for today's long run, well it kind of happened. The 1st 2 miles were a bit to fast....even though I knew I had enough time to get to the start line, I was still worried about taking a wrong turn (even though it was impossible) and not making it in time. But I think going to fast the 1st 2miles ruined the average pace on the Garmin, which made getting to my training pace difficult when the 10mile race started. ~Live and learned from that one!~</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was looking forward to this hilly route, still can't believe I am looking forward to hills! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is from the website for the race-------></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong>10 Mile, 10K, 5K USATF Certified Courses:</strong> Run famous <em>"</em><strong><em>KONA HILL" -</em></strong>challenging hill at 3/4 mile mark on 10 Mile Kona Run and 10K Aloha Run courses.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> But I guess I am still somewhat used to the hills in Alabama because at the end of the race, I was still looking for the hill... (sorry to those who are reading this & are saying those hills were tough) My tune might change in a year, after running on flat surfaces!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Tiger prior to Race</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Heart of Detroit Race:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">This was just an awesome location! Comerica Park!! Where the Detroit Tigers play. And at the end of the race....you cross the finish on the field!! How awesome is that?? This one I was better about keeping my 10:04pace, I was a little faster then planned, but at times I stopped focusing on my running and just took in the sights of Detroit! Oh how it has changed, this area was so clean and built up! I know there are areas that are not like this, but this was all new to me! I am also hoping this was a small preview of the Detroit Marathon...if it is, it looks like it might be a flat race, which is good and bad.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an hour later...on the Field!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is what I learned from this weekend:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) Going to race with out my running family is a little different. A race is more fun with a running family.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) Both races I ran with no breaks! No 'water' stop breaks, for either the 10mile or 6mile. Which was great for a training run. As I am trying to limit my 'water stop breaks' or at least cut down on the stop time when I do stop.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3)*I am far from being a fast runner* but it was interesting watching those who were racing this weekend while I was just running. The biggest observation I took was the breathing! Because I was going at a slower pace then normal for a race, I took in how everyone was working really hard and they were all breathing hard! <i>Do I sound like that too, I wonder?</i> & it was great to see how many people were out there! I also learned that going at a steady pace does help, because at the start of the races I had many people past me, but by the end with my steady pace I did end up passing these same people. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4) It was hard for me, a little bit, to not speed up! I really wanted to, but I know that all of these slower runs will pay off! I have a huge goal for October and following the plan will help me get to those huge goal!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5) During the races, I made sure to take the time to say Thank You to all those who were helping with the race. There were a lot of police and volunteers out there! So next time your at a race make sure to say thank you as much as possible, they really do appreciate it!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sorry for this long post....but it was a fun weekend and great end of week 1 of Detroit Marathon Training!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~~~Did you race this weekend? How did it go?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">~~~Have you ever gone to a race and used it as a training run? What did you take out of it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303b97; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072168915949196223.post-16548022295927432102012-06-20T14:37:00.000-05:002012-06-20T14:37:02.017-05:001st race back in Michigan, Ann Arbor Half Marathon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I found out I was moving back to Michigan, one of the first things I did was look for a race! I figured why not, might be able to meet some new people and it would keep me motivated to keep running! So the first race that I signed up for was the Ann Arbor half marathon. It was in the inaugural year for this full and half marathon event. Which didn't bother me, it was a race being ran through Ann Arbor one of my favorite cities. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past few weeks I had kept my running up, and I had been feeling great! When I ran as part of the <a href="http://runneversaynever.blogspot.com/2012/05/dixie-dirty-dozen-part-1.html">Dixie 200 relay race</a> I had some of my best runs! I felt ready, I was aiming to make a PR, I wanted a 1:50, and I had felt ready for it! But then race day occured.....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's first start with the night before...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Usually the night before I try to have a nice peacefully relaxing evening. And it had started out that way, my husband I spent the afternoon looking at houses after I got back from helping out at the expo for the race. We were about to decided on dinner, I was looking forward to having a small meal and then going to bed. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brady after surgery<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bo & Brady on a normal walk<br /></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That all changed when I took my 2 Boston's outside after their dinner. For some reason our walk did not go as planned....a fight between brothers occured and a trip to the Emergency Vet and then onto the <a href="http://cvm.msu.edu/hospital">Michigan State Vet School</a>. Some how during the fight, eye trauma occured and Brady is now a one eyed wonder dog. So needless to say my night was filled with a lot more stress then I typically would like the night before a race. It wasn't till after 10pm did I hear that he was out of surgery. But he is all better now, and Bo and Brady are slowly getting back to normal. I think once the e-collar goes away that will make life easier!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brady telling Bo he forgive's him. </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So onto the actually race....after 6 hours of sleep I got up with only needing one of my three alarms I had set just in case! Onto Ann Arbor I went at 5:15am. I was able to easily find a parking spot, just across from the Big House!! If only it was Football Saturday...aww but that will be here soon enough.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I got there, I had driven though some rain showers on the way, but on radar it looked like it was going to miss Ann Arbor! But the humidity did not miss Ann Arbor! It was a lot more humid then predicited! But I still felt ok. As I lined up, I had the usually pre-race nerves, the same ones I would get when I used to swim in college and highschool. I felt ready! And off I went at 7:05am. I felt great....i kept looking at my garmin and the avg.pace was just where I wanted it to be (8:20min/mile). And then the Hills that I kept hearing about came and kept coming. I was not worried about the hills at all, I had been running in Birmingham, AL, where I couldn't get away from hills. But since I have been in Okemos, for the past 3 weeks it is flat as can be. And after 7miles or so of hills, and still more in sight, they took their toll! I was just over it! And then I got tired. The hills started to piss me off, and the humidity didn't help and stressful night from the night before and lack of sleep all caught up to me at mile 9 or so. I now truley believe that running is just mental as physical, because I checked out! I hate that I did it, i was on track to do great and I had felt great. But I mentally checked out. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though it was not the race I had wanted I still finished, it was my 4th marathon, and my second one under 2 hours (1:59:29). So I have to stop beating myself up about it. I have to remember the day when I said I would <i>never</i> run a marathon and here I just finished number 4 in just over a year! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ip2aJCVbNw/T-Ikl6nEFaI/AAAAAAAAARs/vAU-zeJD0DY/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ip2aJCVbNw/T-Ikl6nEFaI/AAAAAAAAARs/vAU-zeJD0DY/s320/IMG_0516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish of Half Marathon #4<br /></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you race this weekend? how did it go?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have You ever checked out of a race?</span></div>
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<br /><br /></div>Jennifer Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817663565429502253noreply@blogger.com1