RazzyRoo Winner!!!

RazzyRoo! 

Thanks to everybody that submitted their names for entry into the RazzyRoo give-a-way. Special thanks to all who recommended races (especially in those high elevation states). I've pulled all the rec'd races into my spreadsheet o' marathons and will be using most (if not all) of them sometime in the next year and a half. I put everybody's entries into a spreadsheet and assigned a number for each. If you sent a comment/message late last night or early this morning... don't worry I got them all in. 


BIG thanks to Cheryl from RazzyRoo for giving me the opportunity to spread RazzyRoo Christmas cheer. To determine the winner I used a random number generator. The winner of 3 RazzyRoo non slip sports headbands is....

*MARLENE* 

of Mission to a(nother) Marathon

If you don't already follow Marlene, I highly suggest checking out her blog. This crazy canuck has been facing FRIGID temps that would scare me onto the mill-o-death... but she's out getting her runs in! 


If you didn't win, have no fear... these RazzyRoo headbands are budget friendly so go ahead and fill your own stocking... http://www.razzyroo.com/

Good luck to everybody with races and long runs this weekend. I am on week 2 of WS100 training, so I'll be doing a 14 miler and a 10 miler. Hopefully the snow doesn't ruin my training plan!


Happy Running,
Stephanie 

RazzyRoo Give-a-way ends tomorrow!!!!

Tomorrow will be the drawing for the RazzyRoo sports headband give-a-way. For those west coasters, I will do the drawing at 11am EST (8am for my WA friends). Ways to enter?....
1) Follow my blog (let me know you follow) ~ 1 Entry
2) Post the give-a-way on your blog/facebook/twitter (let me know) ~ 1 Entry
3) Cheered/Ran with/Met up at... any of my marathons~ 1 Entry per race!
4) Recommended a marathon! I've listed in this post, states I need recommended races for. Give me a race and a reason why you recommend it and you'll get 1 Entry per state

5) "Like" Steph's 50 Marathon Challenge facebook page ...  found HERE!

If you're getting the kind of snow we are in Cincinnati, hopefully you're all still able to get your runs in! I tried a 6-miler and it took forever as the sidewalks had uneven snow and ice everywhere.

Happy Snowy Running,

Stephanie

WS100 Mile Training Schedule... (for a good laugh/cry)

I think I've come up with a pretty good schedule for Western States training. This will be my first 100 miler and I'm not all too familiar with this territory, so I'm deferring to the experts. This is a mixed schedule from a few ultra websites, my friend Brent's 100 miler schedule and some tips and advice from other ultra bloggers. My biggest goal in training will be to try and get in a 100 mile week. The last long week before the taper is scheduled at 96 miles, but there is also a cross training day that I can get 4 mile in. 

How it Works- basically it's a 3 weeks up, 1 week down in total mileage and long run distances. Each weekend there are 2 relatively long runs scheduled. 

Key Days- 

Wed- Speed days. It's my shortest distance and I since there IS a time goal at WS100, I'll need to keep some semblance of speed work in there. 

Mon/Thur- Strength days. I don't believe it's possible to put this many miles on your legs with no strength training and NOT break down. I'll have to keep at least 2 days of strength training in there. 

Sat/Sun- Long Runs! Trying to find a LOT of double marathon weekends in April and May

Concerns...

1) Mileage- Toward the end of training, the mileage starts getting much higher than I'm used to in total. Gotta keep strength training to keep from breaking down!

2) Boredom- I'm going to HAVE to find marathons for most of these long run weekends. I'm not one of those "go out and run for 80 miles and enjoy nature" type of runners. I like to get it done and over with. These are going to be some LONG weekends. 

3) FOOD!- I've been talking to some ultra runners/ reading up on ultras and I have the same concern over and over... how am I going to find a balance with (or even ENOUGH) food in this race?!? Have you seen the movie "The Santa Clause"? When Tim Allen keeps saying "but what happens if I fall off the roof?!?!" and nobody is answering his questions... yeah I feel kind of like that. Complete panic, but hopefully somebody will come up with something brilliant for me! Fat kid loves food!

Christmas RazzyRoo Give-a-way!

Now that you have all had a good laugh and what I'm putting myself through over the next few months, I want to remind you that there is a RazzyRoo headband give-a-way. More details are available in the below post. These are great non-slip cute/fun sports headbands. Ways to enter?.... 

1) Follow my blog (let me know you follow) ~ 1 Entry
2) Post the give-a-way on your blog/facebook/twitter (let me know) ~ 1 Entry
3) Cheered/Ran with/Met up at... any of my marathons~ 1 Entry per race!
4) Recommended a marathon! I've listed in the last post, states I need recommended races for. Give me a race and a reason why you recommend it and you'll get 1 Entry per state
5) "Like" Steph's 50 Marathon Challenge facebook page ...  found HERE!

*Also note- on my facebook page, there are links to "events" for the remaining 5 marathon states left in my challenge. Please feel free to add to your event if you'll be at the race to run/cheer/catcall/etc.*

Happy Running,

Stephanie

"Run to Win" -Meb

Marathon Picks and RazzyRoo Give-a-Way!

Hopefully everybody had a great weekend of races and long training runs (some of us twice)... and if you're in the my area a very snowy one! 


More Marathons!
I'm quite often asked "What are you going to do when you're done with your 50 states? Are you going to miss traveling to all of them?" Well I would, except I'm not quite finished! I have a few more to do because MB ("Mom," "Mary Beth," "Crazy Lady," etc) is also doing the states and will be about a dozen behind me when I finish at Boston. I will be going back to redo some states that she has missed. Also, most of you know I am trying to do all my marathons in under 4 hours so I can be part of the 50 Sub 4 club. That's not a terribly hard task, but I have had a number of races that I haven't made this goal due to... double marathon weekends, pacing other people, sickness, and generally very very difficult (high altitude) races. This is where all you crazy marathoners come in. I need suggestions on "Must Do" marathons in the following states...


Need LOW elevation and/or fast courses for the following...
CO, UT, WY, MT


Non trail / Not OVERLY tough courses
AK, CT, KS, ME, NC, NH, NM, OK,


ANY Marathons/Ultras...
AL, KY, GA, SC, SD, 


RazzyRoo Give-A-Way!!!
I posted yesterday about how much I love these RazzyRoo Headbands. I will definitely be adding these to my "Runners Christmas List- 2010." Well Cheryl from RazzyRoo has been kind of to let me play early Santa and give away a few RazzyRoos in time for Christmas! I will be picking a winner and sending these THREE headbands! 


These would make excellent stocking stuffers-- and guys? We'll let you take FULL credit when you give these to your wife or daughters. 


How do you ENTER INTO THE DRAWING?? There are a few ways...


1) Follow my blog (let me know you follow) ~ 1 Entry
2) Post the give-a-way on your blog/facebook/twitter (let me know) ~ 1 Entry
3) Cheered/Ran with/Met up at... any of my marathons~ 1 Entry per race!
4) Recommended a marathon! I've listed above, states I need recommended races for. Give me a race and a reason why you recommend it and you'll get 1 Entry per state
5) "Like" Steph's 50 Marathon Challenge facebook page ...  found HERE!


Please note I'll be allowing anonymous comments. If you're posting anonymously please leave your name and email address so I know who to give the entry points to!!! 


***The Drawing will be held Friday Morning!!!!***


Happy *Snowy* Running,
Stephanie 

Dallas Post-Race Thoughts, Coming Up Next, and RazzyRoo!

Ok kids, lot's to discuss in today's class...


My Last Marathon!
... of 2010! This was my 27th marathon this year and my last until Zoom Yah! Yah! in January. Last weekend was the Dallas White Rock Marathon in Dallas, TX. It was my first time to Dallas so I didn't expect the COLD weather at all! When you think TX, you think heat and cactus, right? I think so! This race definitely started out in the chilly 30's and did not heat up very much by the end. 


This is a pretty flat course with just a few places of small graded hills. I didn't mind the break from some of the mountainous marathons I've had this year, but some of the locals, I noticed, were struggling a little on the "hill" sections. The houses in Dallas that they brought us past were absolutely gorgeous. I seriously thought about proposition the men to marry me so I could stay :) 


The support along this course is pretty great. First, the spectators are awesome and line the whole course. I've never seen SO many beer/alcohol tables along a course, nor SO many drunk people at 10am!!! Also... I must not have eaten enough that week or morning because I was STARVING by mile 16. Luckily this is around the time they start putting a LOT of food out. First there was an aid station that they gave chocolate out at. After that there was a ton of fruit at a table. And when that wasn't enough... the next aid station had munchkin donuts!!! 


I hadn't really thought about how I wanted to run the race. I wasn't ready to but out a PR and and wasn't in the best mood for running so I wanted to get it over with... I found a place in between with a 3:37 finish... and my 8th BQ of the year!!! If you factor out the ultras I ran in 2010, that leaves 24 "normal" marathons (including 2 trails)... I made BQ times on a third of my marathons. Woohoo :)

After the marathon MB and I went to visit the Dallas Cowboys stadium!!! Unfortunately we had missed the last tour, were told we couldn't go past the pro shop, and we were leaving the next day :( Fortunately I don't just settle on "no" for an answer. I found a nice young gentleman working in the pro shop and flirted our way onto the field!

Coming Up!
New Marathon States...
MN- Zoom Yah! Yah! - Jan 9th
AZ- RnR Arizona - Jan 16th
HI- Maui Oceanfront- Jan 23rd
LA- RnR Mardi Gras- Feb 13th
MA- BOSTON!!!!!


WS100 Training...
No races until January, but I started double long runs each week til June, starting this weekend with a 12 miler and a 10 miler. The second run was on a trail and we had fresh snow with a clear trail...

Attempt at a Runners World picture... Coach Bob

I've also added a 6-hour ultra in IL (another repeat) for the end of January that I hope to get a nice 40-miler in. I'm just about done pulling together my training sched for WS100. I'll publish it when I'm settled on the mileage. But I can tell you this... there are a LOT of double 20 to 30 mile a day, weekends. I can't stay motivated running all those miles outside for no reason, so you can bet I'll be finding local marathons to jump into. So far this is my "extra" marathons expectations...


IL- Windburn 6 Hour Ultra- Jan 29th
FL- Melbourne and Beaches Music Marathon- Feb 6th 
DC- National Marathon- Mar 26th
TN- Country Music Marathon- April 30th
WI- Green Bay Marathon- May 15th


... I'll be moving around Feb/Mar so the rest will be determined when I solidify my moving plans. 


RazzyRoo Headbands! 
After I put out my "Marathoners Christmas List" found here, Cheryl from RazzyRoo Headbands sent me a note saying I left off something very important... These GREAT headbands at RazzyRoo. I've typically used cheap-o ones I got at walmart and even though they claim to be "non slip" I've had a number of issues with them in races... they slip or stretch out over time. So Cheryl sent me a few to test out and make sure they are marathon approved. 

Style Points- She sent me a few to try and to give away (give-a-way coming soon!!! hint: Monday). I (of course) was all over this cute black thick one with pink polk-a-dots. It's super cute, but not overstated and as I've figured out over the past week... I own a LOT of pink and black running attire. 


Also! These bands come in a variety of patters and pretty much any sport you can think of. Check out their options on the website here.


Functionality- These things do NOT slip. They have this material on the underside that clings kind of like velvet. It's funky and sticks to hair to keep in place... but does NOT pull out your hair when you take it off. I managed to wear the thick band WITH my Sony headphones that hang on the ears. Typically my walkman will push my headband off, but the RazzyRoos stuck! I also like that the material is solid and doesn't appear that it will ever stretch out the way my cheap-o ones do. 


Price- Have you noticed at running expos the headband prices have been going WAY up?!?!? We went to get a few VERY thing glitter ones and they were like $18. Seriously?? The RazzyRoos go from about $10-$16 and the material is SO much better than anything I've seen at the expos. 


Overall I would say I'm a big fan and will be making an addendum to my Christmas list to add these. I'll be posting a give-a-way soon and you'll be able to get 3 RazzyRoos before Christmas!!! 


I think that's it for updates. Remember to check back tomorrow for a fun give-a-way!!!!

Happy Snowy Running!
Stephanie 

Western States 100... I'm IN!!!

On the eve of my 45th marathon state on may way to completing 50 marathons in 50 states, I get a fun little message on facebook from a fellow runner. It went a little like this...

"Philip S.: I just saw your name get picked for Western States! Congratulations and good luck!"

... hahaha...wait...say whaaa?!?! I felt like my hangover had just kicked in again. On my layover in the STL airport I quickly jumped on my phone and pulled up the live feed from the Western States lottery and sure as (you know what) my name was there! First thought "woohoo", Second thought "Uh oh... how did I get myself into THIS?"

Ok yeah I obviously knew it was a possibility as I signed up for the race a few weeks ago. HOWEVER, they sent out an email saying we had over 1500 people throw their names in for the lottery and only about 225 would be selected. So what were the chances I would get picked the first time I throw my name in? I guess pretty good.


What Does This Mean??
This has a few implications as it will be my first 100 miler and happens to be an exceedingly challenging 100 miler. Hehe hey, go big or go home! This is going to cause a lot of changes in my running world...


1) Goals Have Been Set ~ I wasn't sure if I was going to go after one of the 3 things for 2011... 3:15 Marathon, 100 miler, or ironWOman. This entry (for over $300) definitely sets my goals in place. Ironman in 2012??
2) Doubles Back In ~ I'm running RnR Arizona on the GE marathon team, but starting after that my focus comes off speed and goes back onto endurance. Every marathon I run I'll need to run more miles after and a lot more miles the next day (like say another marathon). 
3) First Failure? ~ Just because you get into Western States does not mean you will be a finisher. In this race, of the runners that make it to the starting line (which is significantly decreased from the number of runners selected due to training injuries) only about 60-70% finish. 
4) Trail Trail Trails ~ I've trained on trails literally 2 times total. Even for my 50 miler on a highly technical trail I did not train on trails. This can't happen for WS. I'll have to up the trail training. 
5) More For You! ~ Did you really think after Boston (my 50th state) I would leave you forever? Psshhh silly follower! As always I'll play guinea pig and document all of my training attempts, successes, failures, injuries, etc for well... your entertainment! 


On the road to Boston and 50, with a detour on the super highway to Western States 100. Let the journey begin! Status... in Dallas, TX for marathon state #45 and my 50th lifetime marathon/ultra!!!


Happy Running,
Stephanie 

Dallas White Rock Marathon ~ Race RUNdown (#45)

Inspiration Points...
Marathon #50!, State #45!
1. My 50th Marathon! This is my 50th lifetime marathon/ultramrathon! 

2. Last Marathon :( ... of this year! Don't worry, I have 5 more states to go... plus a few extras!

3. Texas and Cowboys! I LOVE the Dallas Cowboys (yes, even with their current terrible seasons) and this will be my first time visiting their stadium. Unfortunately this race got moved and no longer falls on a home game. Darn!
4. Maniacs!!!! There are going to be a lot of maniacs at this race even though Vegas is the same weekend and a lot of my favs will be over there. :(

TX Race RUNdown...
Dallas White Rock Marathon ~ Sunday December 5, 2010. (#45) 8:00am Marathon Start
Dallas, TX ~ Fair Park
Registration Fees: $100-$125 Early ($150 late) Availability: Marathon Only (Currently at 96% capacity). Register: here.
Year Running: 41st!
Races Available: Full, Half, Relay, and 5K
2010 Expected Field: 7000 cap (currently at 96%) + 5000 in the relay (cap met)
2009 Field:  4453... Females: 1598  ... Age Group: 284 (F25-29)
2009 Avg. Finish Time: 4:27:02 *Note: New Course!*
Certified Course/BQ Certified?: Yes/Yes
Cutoff Time and Early Start Option: 6.5-Hr Cut-off time. No indication of an early start?
Weather Update: Currently we're looking at a mostly sunny day with a low of 34 and a high of 53. However, I'm guessing a Texas "53" is much warmer than an Ohio "53." Packing lots of race option for this one, especially since the 2 days before are in the 60s and 70's!

Course:

MarathonGuide Rating: *New Course for 2010!*

The course has been changed to accommodate the growing number of runners in this race. It now starts and ends in Fair Park and runs on an estimated 80% of the prior marathon (including, of course, the white rock lake), but they've made some changed to cut out hills and such. We'll be running the first part of the race with the half marathoners until they split off between miles 8 and 9. From the course map it appears to be a lot of winding roads through the whole course. There doesn't appear to be any elevation charts available. 


This is the description the website provides...
"The course begins and ends in Fair Park near the north end of the Cotton Bowl and runs to and around scenic White Rock Lake, with so much course entertainment that you might forget you're running a marathon! The 26.2-mile certified course is mostly flat with some rolling hills. Along the way, runners pass through the downtown Dallas Arts District, through the hip Uptown area, along majestic Turtle Creek, through prestigious Highland Park, around White Rock Lake, through beautiful Lakewood and down the Swiss Avenue historical district back to the finish within Fair Park."

Race 411:
~ Top 100 Rewards? Last year they gave out hats to the top 100 runners. I NEED to be one of these runners!!! Now top 100 is still usually around a 3:10 time, however there was a note on marathonguide from a 3:30 runner who got a top 100 hat. Hmmmmm...
~ Cliff Shot Gel There is only 1 aid station with cliff shot gels available between 20 and 21. BYOG!
~ 20+ Aid Stations! That's a LOT of aid stations, which is great in case of a hot day in Dallas! Each will have gatorade endurance formula in lemon-lime (ew). 
~ Entertainment! The start will have bands, fireworks, military jet flyover, and confetti. Every mile has a band (listed here). And the finish line has a huge post race party with bands. 
~ Major Expo! 85+ vendors at this one and advertised as one of the biggest! 
~ $20 Pasta?? That must be some good ziti! Some of these pasta dinners are getting unbelievably expensive.
~Post Race Food? Apparently they have a very limited post-race food availability in the past... hopefully they have improved here. 

Race Plan:

No set race plans for this one. It's my last one of the year so if I feel good I'll try and go fast, but keep in mind it's also my 27th marathon of the year, so I don't know how fast that will be. 

Throw Back! Bring it back now ya'll...
Reverse the Countdown!
This is my 45th marathon-state, meaning I have 6 to go including this race. What was going on around state #6!?!? I was running the 2009 Nashville Country Music Marathon! And how did that go?... It was a HOT one! And at this point I was naive enough to think you could go out hard in 80 degree weather and not break down... ha! Stupid girl. I ran a 4:17 in this race, but I was ok with that as it means I get to go BACK to TN!!! I <3 Nashville!

This time in 2009...
This time last year I was DONE with marathons for the year. It's the only month in 2009 and 2010 that I went without running a marathon. 

Meet up Info: 
Hopefully we'll be having some sort of marathon maniac gathering for a picture before the race! 
Carina I'm emailing you back today to figure out a place to meet :) 
Any other bloggers jumping on the White Rock bandwagon??? Let me know and we'll meet at the expo or start!

Happy Racing!
Stephanie
"Run to Win"-Meb