143.5 laps (39 miles) over 48 hours!

Well another checked off the list. The Gold Medal Challenge which begun at 7 AM on Sat. AM and was completed approximately 11:40 Sunday AM. Half Marathon (48 laps around the 443m Pettit track) on Sat. in 1:36 and Full (95.5 laps) on Sunday in 3:38. Here is a little re-cap….

Sat. AM.  - Feeling good with a goal of somewhere between 1:34 and 1:38. It’s purpose was a moderately hard pace for 13 miles running even splits. Felt good throughout and ran steady. Stomach was a little iffy towards the very end but nothing horrible and finished strong. Did not feel to tired at all after and was overall pleased with the effort knowing I was running a full marathon the next day. I was 2nd going into the marathon behind the AMAZING and TALENTED Mary Flaws.

Yes that is me in the pink arm sleeves trailing the AMAZING Mary Flaws… thanks Dave Gorski for the picture

And after Sat. comes Sunday and I somehow found myself back at the Pettit to play again. This time it was twice the distance, twice the fun, right? Some foam rolling out the IT band and I was back on the indoor track. I was without doubt feeling a bit nervous. This was the first time I have attempted back to back races and certainly nothing like these distances. But, hey…. I’ve been through worse and it was a challenge and going to be a journey. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1..GO! 1st gun didn’t go, 2nd gun failed too. It was the great Chris Ponteri’s voice that started the Marathon. Chris has done such a fantastic job with this event, and the volunteers were AWESOME.

So I thought to myself, don’t think laps, just break up the time and run comfortably. So that is what I did. I was around 1:40 ish at the half and feeling really good. No noticeable fatigue from the day before and I was encouraged. All went well till about mile 19. I started to notice lots of salt on my face and arms. Something new, for sure  … My stomach was not happy and I knew I needed some electrolytes and needed them quickly. Huge thanks to Dave Jesse for getting me some Powerade which helped a bit and I continued to press on. Without doubt I need to find a better fueling strategy as the Gu’s and a little water proved not to be successful, even after using them for many previous marathons.

Around mile 22, it was all about focusing on “relentless forward progress”. Ironic as I am reading a book with that title right now. When it was announced I had 12 laps remaining I said to myself, “Cristin, all you have to do is count down from 12″. That is easier said than done and each time around I questioned how many laps to go? The running community is special and I was so grateful for the support and encouragement from so many.

With about 2 laps to go I just said to myself, GO with ZERO REGRETS. And I finished in 3:38. I was shooting for anything between 3:30 and 3:39 if all went well. I had no clue I might be at the half at 1:40. I am overall really pleased with the weekend knowing that I have just started my training for Boston Marathon in April and Ice Age 50 in May. I am really excited about exploring the longer distances on the trails moving forward and experiencing many journeys and adventures.

Things I learned over the weekend:

• Mary Flaws makes the most amazing cookies

• The running community is filled with amazing volunteers, runners, and supporters

• My nutrition strategy was a #FAIL and I need to get smarter and try something different

• LOVE my CEP compression socks and Newton Distancia’s

• I am forever grateful for Froedtert Sports Medicine and Mike Ribar’s guidance and help in coming back from 3 spine surgeries and several knee surgeries.

• I’m really glad to be done running in circles for awhile. 143.5 laps is enough for now….

Today I woke up a bit sore, nothing in particular, just overall body sore. Getting a bit more sore as the day goes on but I am SO GRATEFUL THAT THE BACK AND KNEE FEELS GOOD!!!!!! Nothing makes me happier than to know that I am BACK and DOING WHAT I LOVE!!!

Off to plan more adventures!

Grocery shopping?.

Someone asked me the other day, “what do you eat” and “what are your staples at the grocery store”? So here they are, not all healthy but real food for the most part.

Unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Frozen berries and mango

Bananas, apples, avocado, and citrus fruit

Sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, red bell peppers, greens, and tomatoes (sometimes cucumbers too)

Tofu, veggie burgers, and black beans to mix with rice, and laughing cow cheese

Rice crackers, flax tortilla chips, gluten free pretzels, popcorn, oats

Brown rice penne pasta, quinoa, wild or brown rice

Frozen vegetables (broccoli, peppers, etc)

Gluten free salad dressings (usually a vinaigrette), salsa, veganaise, and ketchup

Soup… (Roasted Red Pepper, Carrot Ginger, Vegetable Tortilla, and Sweet Potato)

Protein powder or recovery drink powder for post-workouts

LaraBars, Mini Clif Bars, Powerbars, and on special occasion Trader Joe’s Power-berry Trail Mix

Coffee, Tea, Diet coke, LaCroix, Apple juice, and Wine

Why I HATE Taper Weeks!

I realized today just how much I HATE, DESPISE, DETEST taper weeks. For one the anticipation of the coming weekend (whatever that might mean), and all the questioning I do in that week. Did I train enough, did I do the quality workouts I needed to, what will my legs feel like on race day, am I hydrated enough???? The questions are endless and the anxiety builds. I also worry about what to eat, how much, and to make sure I try to stay away from foods that might irritate my already seriously sensitive GI system.

I HATE TAPER WEEK!!

I then start questioning aches and pains, realize that I have not stretched or foam rolled enough. I say to myself, “you are not training as hard this week so use that time to stretch, etc”. But do I? NO, instead I sit and stress about the coming weekend.

The funny thing is that this weekend I am simply going out to test my fitness level. No time goals, no expectations. BUT I sit here thinking of what splits I want to run, what could I run if I feel great! What flavor gel should I use? Gu Roctane is the choice but do I go with Vanilla Orange or Pineapple?

I am a bit competitive so Taper Weeks mean that I have to just be patient, no pushing the envelope, no killer workouts. I just have to trust the process. I have to let go of my controlling self and just have FAITH and BELIEVE… my 2 affirmation words.

But I do HATE TAPER WEEKS….

This week I have been crabby (ok, that’s an understatement). I have punched a pillow, used swear words towards the alarm clock, yelled at the coffee maker, stabbed myself piercing a sweet potato, and cried cause I was cold. It’s been a tough week. But I go into race weekend with excitement and gratefulness for the ability to run and spend time with others sharing the love of running.

Asked this AM again, “what’s your goal?”. My goal is to finish feeling strong and confident knowing that I did what I could. That’s all.

IceBreaker Weekend Awaits

I have been spending many nights (late into the night) redesigning my blog and coaching opportunities and services. As the New Year begins there is no better time to re-organize a bit and put some focus into my greatest passions. I have started to spend some quality time cooking up healthy gluten free meals utilizing organic and “whole” foods found in the produce section primarily. I could not be more pleased with some of my recent outcomes. As time progresses I hope to be able to provide others with these services.

I also got word today from my Neurosurgeon, Dr. Randall Porter, that the CT scan of my spine reveals great healing and looks fantastic. So very grateful. I am blown away by the amazing and caring support from so many as I overcome 3 major spine surgeries in the last 2 years. I could not have gotten through this without such support from so many.

I am super busy with the greatest job at Performance Running Outfitters helping runners of all ages and abilities, training about 15 hours a week between runs/ strength/ core/ and a little x-training, working on writing my book, and coaching/training a few individuals as well.

This weekend is IceBreaker at the Pettit Speed skating Olympic Training Venue, where I am doing the double (Gold Medal Challenge). I will be running 13.1 miles on Sat. at 7 AM and then returning Sunday AM to run 26.2 miles, all around a 443m track. Both will be workouts as I am just starting to train for both Boston Marathon and the Ice Age 50! I am both excited and nervous. I have the clearance from the medical team, now I just must believe in myself.

(The Pettit)

I was recently asked my goal for the weekend. Not really sure. I guess it all depends on how my legs feel each day. I will just take it one step at a time and hope I can finish feeling strong and confident. I am looking forward to seeing many friends at the race and cheering them on as well.

As I move forward I feel like I have a plan, a great schedule to follow, amazing support from those around me, resources and guidance from Froedtert that simply blow my mind and I could not feel more grateful, and being part of the Performance Running Outfitters team and family that continue to provide the community with such amazing support and opportunities.

2012 is going to be exciting and I am putting all my Faith in living up to my calling, whatever that shall be. Time will tell…

Here’s to a bright, healthy, and blessed 2012 and beyond.

Epic pasta (gluten free and healthy)

Carbo-loading before tomorrow’s 3 hour run. So what does a gluten free, picky, and health conscious runner eat?

First pour yourself a nice glass of pinot noir … Start with fresh organic basil and chopped red bell pepper, then boil your pasta to direction on package (don’t over-cook it). Get out some roasted garlic EVOO, olive tapenade, shaved Romano blend, and crushed red pepper. Once pasta is done, put 1.5 c. pasta in serving bowl for each guest and toss with desired amounts of fresh basil and chopped red bell pepper, EVOO, tsp tapenade, shaved Romano blend, and crushed red pepper. Toss together

 

 

 

 

 

And then it’s time to enjoy of course with fine red wine.

Good stuff and future excitement!

Had some time to reflect on my way back from training this AM. I thought of the quote from Ryan Hall, “it takes more courage to take a day off than to do another workout”. Well said, Ryan! Tomorrow is a day off. After some pretty intense workouts, I am really looking forward to the ability to stay in bed to 9:30AM. Yes that is officially 4 hours later than any other morning I wake up. I am so EXCITED. Should I wake, I will watch TV, read a book, grab coffee and get back into bed, it WILL BE FANTASTIC.

I also thought of all the ways I can be better, not necessarily a faster better runner but just healthier, stronger, sharper in both training and life. For the first time in many years I feel put together. Back is doing great, thanks to my amazing team of Dr.’s, Trainers, etc), knees are good, and I am without doubt getting stronger (even though I did want to puke at one point while doing some explosive strength stuff today). And my hamstrings were saying Mike’s name in vain towards the end. LOL

I am grateful for so much right now. My faith is strengthening as I put adversity behind me, I am being guided by the absolute best in my training with Mike Ribar and Froedtert Performance Enhancement .. I have the amazing support of awesome friends. I have a job and profession I am passionate about at Performance Running Outfitters where I have the ability to help customers of all ages and levels adopt running into their lifestyle. I am slowly working on writing a book and plan to grow with my ability to motivate and educate others.

I am also for the first time in my life writing a bucket list. Always had stuff in my head but never on paper. 2012 will have some adventures and amazing journey’s. I will in 2 weeks be running the Ice Breaker Gold Medal Challenge (Half Marathon Sat. and Full Marathon Sun.) around the Pettit Olympic Ice-Skating Track). These 2 events will both be workouts but nonetheless a huge challenge mentally and physically. I will continue to support and take part/race at the Racers Against Childhood Cancer (RACC) events, I will be heading out to Boston in April to run the Boston Marathon and spend time with my great friend Bev!!!!! (Can’t wait!!!!) We will have a blast. Then 2 weeks later I will be doing one such thing on my bucket list. I will be running the Ice Age 50 Mile Ultra Marathon. The race is on trails and it will be a journey. Each segment dedicated to a part of my life and as the miles pass, the journey will become more challenging. I will finish and dedicate the entire race to my Angels that inspire me from above.

After that…. there will be a Fall Marathon (not much between May and Oct.) but I will prepare myself along with guidance from my TEAM to see what the future holds. Only time will tell. But I am excited and forever grateful that I can take part in my passions and whatever God’s calling is for me.

More later!!! Have a great day and NEVER STOP BELIEVING!!!

Yes, YOU CAN!

I should know better than write when I am frustrated but we can learn a lesson from this.

I heard a handful of different people tell me today. “I can’t”…. Yes you can! You choose to make an excuse to tell yourself that it is not possible. As I pulled away from a long day at the store I thought to myself, “why do people make excuses, why can’t people believe in themselves, why must we aim for a marathon before a mile and then throw in the towel with frustration.

Of the 8 individuals that told me today, “they couldn’t”… 7 of them had no reason for not trying and the 8th individual just needed a few modifications. Are we lazy? Yes, probably… Are we busy? Yes, most are… Will it be difficult at first? Yes, without doubt. Can we achieve what our mind conceives ???? YES

After talking to a customer that was doing her best to assure me she dreamed of running, wanted it badly, but was scared to run because she was out of shape. Then she said, I guess I will just walk and never run. I had mixed emotions. I was both frustrated and mad at her, and felt for her. I looked at her and said, I was scared to when I went into surgery where they put screws, plates, and rods in my spine. But I didn’t give up and won’t…. then I walked away to grab her another pair of shoes to try. Sometimes tough love hurts a bit.

She said, “WHAT?” I said yes, “we are all scared at times, we are all apprehensive.” To be honest I am a bit nervous (ok, really nervous) about running 20 miles tomorrow AM. It will be the farthest I have gone in over a year and a huge step to my ultimate goals. Basically, YES, I am scared. I have no idea what to expect from my body. But I will go out and give it my best shot. I will not not let my mind tell my soul that I can’t, cause I know I can.

So, here’s a little tip…. DON’T tell me that you can’t!!!!!!

You can speak to me about fear, lack of knowledge, ask me questions, tell me what you need to know, ask about perseverance, ask for tips on keeping a positive outlook BUT DON’T TELL ME THAT YOU CAN’T. That my friends is unacceptable … where there is a will, there is a Higher Power guiding you on your way.

My Year

This blog post might be the hardest I will ever post. I pondered all day about how to write this without sounding self-centered, conceited, selfish …. but after hearing two very close friends tell me recently that 2012 is a year for “Cristin” … I had to try to accept what they were saying to me.

2010/2011 were tough, tougher than most know, and probably the toughest years of my life. How did I deal with it? I filled my plate with doing more, helping others, distracting myself, refusing to “feel”, and walking away (or running) from the adversity that I faced. I focussed on others (probably to much), most times forgot about myself, and simply just went through the motions I needed to in order to make it all seem smooth. …. it was far from smooth in reality.

Some knew, most didn’t, but those true friends/coaches/trainers/etc stood by my side at even the darkest moments. I am alive and forever grateful for their wisdom and guidance.

So back to “2012, a year for Cristin”. At first I had no idea what that meant. Did it mean I do more for others?? That is what first came to MY mind. Could I inspire more individuals than I already strive to inspire? Did it mean, I train harder in my career, running, writing, etc???? Yes, I though that too. BUT NO… it did not mean either.

Today, on the back of a 1500 lb horse I figured out what it meant.

A horse named Dancer taught me something today. Dancer taught me that the slightest of lack of balance causes tension. If Dancer was not balanced around a turn, he tensed up, and looked for re-assurance. To those that don’t ride horses, you might not understand. But I provided Dancer with the reassurance that he would be guided in the right direction and Dancer provided me with the lesson of give and take.

2012 will be a year that I will MAKE (not find) time to be with those I care about (today at PCF was a great start), I will take time to ride again for horses can be great educators, I will not run from my emotions but feel them and taken them on one step at a time. I will learn to say NO at times, just so that I can say YES when it really matters.

2012 I will work to learn more about myself instead of focussing all my energy on others. That is not meant to sound selfish but if I don’t take care of myself, I will be unable to fulfill my legacy and that is to be known as one that inspired others to overcome all adversity.

I will work on fulfilling my dreams and not trying to fulfill the desires of others. I will try to learn how to trust again after trust was taken away in the recent past. And most important, I will live for my Higher Power, knowing God has the ultimate plan in writing and I only exist to live in the way he has planned for me.

So while I find this post so hard to write… I write it a sense of ease. 2012 will be a time for me to be me, for me to be present in my passions and share with those that have taught, stood by, and continued to care. I am excited for 2012. 2012, a year for Cristin.

I hope you all have a wonderful and fulfilling 2012.

Strength and Courage

Through prayer comes strength and courage…Inspiring legacies last forever.

Good tunes