Putting aside the terrible pre-race music (Lisa Loeb and Faith Hill songs do not pump you up), Renegade Racing puts on an awesome off-road triathlon.  It’s a race I look forward to every year (2010 recap, 2011 recap).

I like to swim, but I do not like to swim with people kicking and clawing me which is why I’m always relieved when the swim is over.

1/2 Mile swim — 16:14

Leading up to the race, my poor mountain bike was sorely neglected.  Even so, i was able to cut 12 minutes off my time while dazzling people with my gunmetal Team Sparkle skirt and my awesome mountain bike skills (but mostly the skirt).

15 mile bike — 1:39:28

With a decent amount of trail running under my belt, I was far more prepared for the run than I’d ever been.  Even so, there were a few hills that tried to kill my spirit and made me question why I was even trying.  I hate that point in every race when the negative voices start to take over my thoughts.  Just in the nick of time, the uphills turned to downhills, my trusty New Balance Minimus trail shoes fiercely gripped the terrain and I was mentally back in the game for the final mile of the race.

3 mile trail run — 34:14 (cutting 8 minutes off last year’s time)

It was Elise’s first triathlon back after having the cutest baby 3 months earlier.  As much as I tried to keep up with her, I just couldn’t. She finished 2 minutes ahead of me, taking 2nd place in our division.  The girl is awesome.

Results

Final time: 2:33:54 – A 20 minute improvement on last year’s time!

3rd in my division.

___________________________

I can’t finish this race recap without mentioning the lizard.

Todd helped Brother catch a lizard who was moving terribly slow because of the cool morning air.  He was so excited about that lizard, he had to show it to everyone they passed by.

Todd told Brother he could keep it until I finished the race .  The kids couldn’t wait to show it to me.  As I passed them, only 100 feet from the finish, I didn’t hear “Go, Mommy, Go!”  I heard, “Look mom! We caught a lizard!!”

This race was destined to be either my best race ever or my worst race ever.  Sure, I was in the middle of a raging UTI, but more importantly, race #2 of the OC Chili Trail Run Series fell on the morning of the funeral for Sweet Baby James. Being an emotional runner to begin with (there’s rarely a race where I don’t tear up at some point), I feared knowing I would have to run home immediately after the race to be on time for the funeral would cause emotions too hard to handle.  But if I was able to somehow harness the grief, the pain and the anger, maybe I could use it to push myself further, faster and harder.

The race felt good until mile 4.  That’s usually the time my mind starts to lose focus on this 5 mile race and my brain starts telling me it’s time to quit. I quickly tried to quiet the voices and turned my thoughts to Baby James and then to my own baby.  But of course, my chest started to tighten and tears began to well. I tried telling myself “you can do this for James” but it didn’t help. It was so hard to breathe. The small hill seemed insurmountable. I wasn’t sure I would make it. A wave of sadness started to envelope me.

Then all of a sudden, my thoughts turned to my friend Erin. I started thinking about how hard it must be for her to even breathe this morning, the morning she would have to say her final goodbye’s to her sweet baby.  I thought about how she must be wondering how she will get through this seemingly insurmountable day let alone the next week and month.  I thought about how a mother who loses a child must wonder how she will ever survive the heartache.

That’s when I realized I didn’t need to run this race for James, I needed to run it for Erin, because compared to what she was going through at this same moment, what I was going through was nothing.  I knew she would find her breath. I knew she would face this day (and many others) with courage and strength. I knew that even in those moments where she will feel like she will never survive, she will, because she is an extraordinary woman with faith, family and friends that won’t let her quit.

It was then that I found the strength through Erin and for Erin to finish the race strong and with a smile on my face (even passing a couple men in the last mile with a sweet “See ya at the finish!” as I went by).

It was neither my best race or my worst race (only 2 seconds slower than the first race in the series), but the entire day will definitely go down in history as one of the most emotionally challenging and memorable days of my life..

Finish Time (5 miles) : 40:10

Overall Finish: 23rd

Age Group Finish: 2nd

The Tustin Leprechaun Leap was my first St. Patty’s Day race so of course I had to go “all out” with my running costume: green Team Sparkle skirt, green Sparkle Sleeves, Rainbow Race Legs and a sparkly shamrock tiara.  I even wore my Vibram Five Fingers since they had green on them too.

I convinced Princess and her best running friend to run the race, luring them out of bed on that rainy race morning with matching, green, Jr. Team Sparkle skirts.

I was supposed to do this race nice and easy with my newbie running friend but sickness kept her in bed that morning and kept me wondering if that meant I had to “really run” the race up until the the starting gun went off.

But when you run with Kelly and Elise, there is no backing down.  As we ran the first 2 miles with each other, we realized it had been almost 2 years since we were all able to run together at the same, fast pace since one of us always seems to be pregnant or recovering from being pregnant.

In the last mile, I picked off two women in front of me (with the help of Elise yelling, “Get her! Get her!” from 20 feet behind me).  Love having friends who will push you to be better and go faster than you thought you could.

Finish time: 21:46 (7:00 pace)
3rd Place Age Group Finish
4th overall woman out of 417
35th out of 755 runners
(Local races can do wonders for your ego!)

I couldn’t wait for the OC Chili Trail Run Series to start this year.  I only caught the very last race in 2011 and it left me wanting more trail running. The first two uphill miles felt a little bit easier than last year (kind of makes all those hill repeats, sprints and resisted runs I’ve been doing at Hit the Mark Fitness Boot Camp worth it).  On those uphill battles I noticed a guy wearing knee high tiger striped socks up ahead of me. Everyone knows I appreciate snazzy running attire, so I decided to try and keep “Tiger Stripes Guy” in my sights. He was able to stay about 10 feet ahead of me the entire way up the mountain.  But, when we got to mile three, I passed him on the down.

Miles 4 and 5 are on undulating single track through the trees and I could feel “Tiger Stripes Guy” right behind me the entire time (look at the picture again – you can see his legs in the upper right corner). As we emerged onto the road for the last 1/2 mile of the race, I looked back to see him about 20 ft behind me. As we came down the straightaway to the finish line I heard him creeping up behind me.  I pushed and pushed, giving it every last drop of energy I had left in the tank, but I watched those tiger striped legs pass me right before the finish line.  Boo.

After the race he came up to me and said “You have no idea how motivating a girl in a sparkly skirt can be”.  To which I gave my usual response. “No one likes getting beat by a girl in a sparkly skirt”.

Finish Time (5 miles) : 40:08

Overall Finish: 25th

Age Group Finish: 2nd

When I got invited to a special meetup hosted by runDisney before the Inaugural Tinkerbell Half Marathon, you bet I wasn’t going to miss it.  It was so amazing actually, that I’m bummed I’m not in Florida right now at the Princess Half Marathon (I heard there’s another runDisney hosted, pre-race meetup going on this weekend).

Being able to run through a deserted California Adventure and Disneyland with thirty other social media lovin’ runners along with runDisney’s own Training Consultant (and former Olympian), Jeff Galloway was a truly a once in a lifetime experience.

I’ll be honest, I’ve always scoffed at the “Run, Walk” method of run training, but after run/walking a couple miles with Jeff, he had me seriously thinking about the benefits and wanting to give it a try.  You know what finally pushed me over the edge? His story about a guy he “run/walk” trained into a 3:10′ish marathon and he wasn’t even sore afterward.  I take back all my scoffing.

After John Phelan, show director for Disney Sports, gave us a sneak peak into runDisney’s planning of the Inaugural (and magical) Tinkerbell 5k and Half Marathon, by , an introduction to Lori Lovell, the runDisney member of the Walt Disney World moms panel (find her on twitter and ask her all of you runDisney questions) & a chat with  “Rules of Engagement” star, Megyn Price who ran with the #1 bib for the Inaugural Half Marathon, we were treated to a visit from a very special guest.  I’m thinking Minnie needs a Team Sparkle skirt (and some real running shoes) if she’s going to want to hang out with Kelly and I again.

The surprises didn’t end there. The meetup ended with a private tour of the Dream Suite at the Disneyland Resort.  Have you ever heard of the Dream Suite? I’d only heard rumors about this magical place located right above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square. The details of the suite are done in true Disney form with enchanted birdcages, magical clocks, and a fantastical toy train (just to name a few).  The Imagineers truly brought to life the dream Walt Disney had about having private apartment where his family could stay and entertain guests in New Orleans Square.  Right now, the only people who have been able to stay at the Dream Suite are lucky winners during the Year of a Million Dreams and VIP’s.  I feel lucky to have just seen the place, I can’t imagine the thrill of being able to spend the night (and enjoy the most fantastic view of Fantasmic ever).

Whether it’s the Disneyland 1/2 marathon or the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon, dressing up for any Run Disney race is an absolute MUST.  For me, having a Disney running costume that is comfortable while I’m on the course is also a MUST.  Here’s how I put together a Sleeping Beauty running costume for my friend for the Disney Princess half Marathon with very little sewing involved!  You can use the same technique to make a Princess Running Tank for your Belle running costume or Cinderella running costume.

Supplies: 1 Team Sparkle skirt in pink (super lightweight and so comfortable), 1 pair of hot pink velvet Sparkle Sleeves, 1 pink running tank (got mine at Target), 1/8 yard of white, swimsuit lycra (or other lightweight knit fabric), needle and thread or sewing machine.

If you are planning on dressing up as Belle, start with a Golden Yellow Team Sparkle Skirt, gold Sparkle Sleeves and a yellow running tank. Is Cinderella your princess of choice? You will want to start with a pale blue Team Sparkle Skirt, silver Sparkle Sleeves and a pale blue running tank.

1. Measure the distance of your upper chest making sure to go around (not under) your arms. Use this measurement to cut your piece of knit fabric (your measurement x 8″)

2.Using a sewing machine (or by hand), stitch two rows of wide stitches down the center of your cut piece.  Make sure to leave thread ends loose.

3. Pull the thread ends to gather your strip of fabric down the middle.

4. Stitch the gathered piece to the center front of your running tank.  Put a few stitches connecting the band to the armhole (see picture) to tack it in place. This is a good point to try on your tank to make sure you like the placement of your princess band.  Also, have someone help pin the band together in the back, testing out how tight or loose you want it around your arms and also how high or low to sew it to the tank back. Once that is decided, stitch the ends of the bands together to make a complete loop.

5. Stitch the band to the back of your tank and you’re ready to Run Like a Princess!

Don’t forget your gold tiara!  I had a hard time finding a tiara in gold, but with a little spray paint, the problem was easily solved.

Make sure you do at least one practice run in full running costume to tweak as needed to stay comfortable during the race and be sure you’re ready to run happily ever after!

Back in 2009, my little nephew Brayden was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  In the last two years, Brayden has been hospitalized 25 times outside of his regular chemo treatments. He has been pricked and prodded as he’s raged his battle against this terrible disease and he’s faced it all with the courage of a lion.  The kids and I were thrilled to deck ourselves out in orange and attend a 5k walk hosted by Renowned Events Care Foundation to help raise money for Brayden, his family and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

We were even more thrilled to see Brayden at the event feeling healthy enough to run around the track a few times with us too.  Since he doesn’t get out very much, it was like Big Brother was meeting an awesome new cousin for the very first time.  And you can’t talk about facing a terribly hard situation with courage without talking about Brayden’s totally awesome (and single) mom, Chantel.  She’s a total rockstar.

Pumpkin and her cousin might have been some of the last people on the track, but they were determined to finish their 5K walk(and run) for Brayden.

(my family is awesome)

It’s been 12 days, since the 5K Leukemia Walk for Brayden but you can still make a donation! Visit www.RenownedEvents.com/payments. Simply enter Brayden in the comment section where it says Event Title. A portion of the donation also goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. To read more of Brayden’s Story, visit www.RenownedCares.org.

Not sure if I’ve made this clear before, but the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon is one of my favorite races of the year.  RunDisney has proven time and time again that they know how to run a fun and organized race. That’s why when they announced the new Tinkerbell 1/2 Marathon at Disneyland, I couldn’t wait to sign up.

Even more important than training for a runDisney race is planning the costume for the race.  In fact, for the Tinkerbell race, if you weren’t dressed up in some way, you were definitely the odd (wo)man out.  Kelly and I figured there would be a million and one fairies out on the course so we went a different direction: Captain Hook and Peter Pan.  After taking scissors to a green running shirt and a glue gun to an old running visor, I had the perfect “Peter Pan” details to add to my green Team Sparkle skirt and Sparkle Sleeves.

I spent the race chasing Captain Hook (she’s pretty darn fast) through the streets of Disneyland, downtown Anaheim and finally through California Adventure, hi five-ing fans, bands and cheerleaders along the way (because that’s what you do in a Tinkerbell race when you’re dressed up like Peter Pan).

Along the way, I think I perfected my “Peter Pan pose”

I crossed the finish line at 1:51:58 which didn’t make the Tinkerbell Half Marathon my fastest race, but it was definitely one of the “funnest”.

I even met a few “Peters” by the end of the race.

Eventually, I caught up with Captain Hook and got to use the Nerf dagger I had been carrying with me for the last 13.1 miles in a finish line sword fight.

the stats:

Time: 1:51:58

197th out of 9286 women runners

47th in my division of 1,717

Living in Southern California, I don’t have that many opportunities to run in snow. The snow I found up in the mountains of Utah during Christmas break put my New Balance Minimus Trail shoes to the test.  I was a little wary at first, being careful of every stride up and down the trail, but soon I realized these shoes gave me so much traction.  I’ve never felt so sure footed.  Kind of makes me want to find more snow to run in.  Kind of–I’ll always be a CA girl through and through (which allows me to be a fair weather runner).

Note: If you are considering transitioning to any New Balance Minimus shoe from a shoe with a higher heel, you need to exercise caution during the transition period to avoid injury.

**disclosure – New Balance sent me with a pair of Minimus Trail Shoes to review. Since I’ve loved the NB Minimus Road Shoes I purchased back in May, I was more than happy to do so. I was not compensated in any way and receive no financial benefit from sharing this product with you.  I just love them and was totally amazed how they performed under snowy conditions while my brother-in-law was slip-sliding all over the place in his running shoes.

When my brother-in-law heard about the First Annual Indoor Triathlon being sponsored by his athletic club in UT on New Year’s Eve, he knew it would be the perfect event for the family.  When he found out we could compete as two teams of four, it made it even better.  After 20 minutes on the spin bike, 15 minutes on the treadmill, a 5 minute lap swim and an hour of trash talking and friendly family rivalry, distances were added up, points were given and our team came out on top (barely).  Before accepting our award medals, we had to make proper podiums (of course). Hopefully the Ogden Athletic Club will continue to organize this race because it’s a holiday family tradition I’d love to keep.