tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64423844974762114592024-03-14T01:39:40.662-07:00Crusher's DomainKelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-37530858331487745362016-01-18T12:48:00.000-08:002016-01-18T12:50:43.758-08:002015 Year in Review & Houston Marathon Recap<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>2015 RECAP</u></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'll try not to bore you to tears (no promises), and stick to a bullet list: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Back story</i></b> - November of 2014 - resume training after taking basically all of 2014 off due to mystery illness, vaguely categorized as an "unclassified auto-immune condition."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>January & February 2015</b> </i>- pull a calf muscle (technically last weekend of December), out for 8 weeks. Doh! Not off to a great start, but I have a goal for the year: re-qualify for the Olympic Trials. In order to do so, I'll need to run a 2:43 marathon. A tall order for sure, but I'm feeling so hungry to compete again, I'm ready for the challenge!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>March</b></i> <i><b>& April </b></i>- resume training and start rebuilding a foundation of miles. No high-intensity stuff because I'm out-of-shape-as-balls, AND because I'm trying to protect calf from getting strained again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Beginning of May</b></i> - first real road race since Jan of 2014! New Prague Half Marathon, 2nd place, 1:25; the point was to have fun, and I did. I had NO expectations, just grateful to be out on the roads again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>End of May</b></i> - three weeks later, head to beautiful Des Moines for one of my favorite races: Dam to Dam. This event used a be 20k, it's now a half marathon. On only a few sessions of "speed" training, I'm excited to place 4th and make progress dropping my time to 1:19.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>June</b></i> - gearing up for Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (aka Grandma's Half Marathon), I jump in a local church 5k as a tune-up. After dropping a couple of 5:30 miles to start and feeling good, I end up pulling my hammy on the last turn into the finish line. OUCH! I go down like a ton of bricks. Back on the IR (injured reserve list) for another 8 weeks. GAAAAAAAAA! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>July</i> </b>- while sitting on the sidelines because of hamstring injury, my coach and I make the decision that because of my broken training cycles and lack of base (from 2014 debacle), we're going to call an audible and try qualify for the OT (Olympic Trials) by shooting for the half marathon standard (1:15). It's arguably more difficult, but I'm running out of time to punch my ticket and these injuries keep shooting holes through my sails. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>August </i></b>- resume training, but coming off of a major muscle pull, Coach Ron and I are cautious about doing too much high-intensity speed work, too soon. It's troubling to know I need to start doing speed work to hit the 1:15 half mark, but I also can't just flip on a "speed switch" post-injury. Frustration (with MYSELF) is at an all-time high.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>September </b></i>- 3rd race of the year...are you kidding me?! This was NOT how I envisioned my "come-back year." I opt to double in the Victory Labor Day races, competing in both the 10k and then also the 5k less than an hour later as a good workout. Place 4th and 2nd respectively, but am the only top female runner to do both so I end up taking home the double-title. Feels good to race again and make a little progress. I average around 5:50s in the 10k, but will need to run 5:43s in the half to qualify. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>October & November</b></i> - win a local 10k, but SLOWER than previous race, GRRRRR... Also take down the women's title in a SMALL cross-country 8k, but it's hard to judge whether I'm making pace progress because of the course topography.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>December</b></i> - USA Track & Field Club Cross Country Nationals (translation: a lot of fast folks looking to qualify for the US World team). I raced in the same event (different course) in 2013 and missed the World team by one place, so even though I know I'm not in the same kind of shape, I have a bit of "anything could happen" excitement. That excitement was swiftly put to bed when the leaders took off like race horses from the start, literally (we ran on a horse race track for about a mile of the course). I run almost a minute faster than my previous mark, but place 58th (out of 350ish women). It's like a cold glass of water thrown in my face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>January 2016</i> </b>- last chance to qualify! After two broken training cycles and two major injuries, I feel cautiously optimistic about the Jacksonville Bank Half Marathon. Event organizer Richard Clark-Fannin has dubbed the normally small-town race, "The Olympic Trials Project," and it shows. He's attracted about 50 men and 50 women still chasing the qualifying mark show up, work together, and try to punch their tickets to LA (where the OT marathon will be run). Despite near perfect conditions, the pacers go out a bit too hard (:10 per mile on two of the first three miles). It may not sound like much, but it is, especially considering I'm pushing my limits just to meet the 1:15 mark. It's too much, too soon in the race, and I loose the group at the half-way point. I end up finishing in 1:17 (my fourth best time ever), but I am bitterly disappointed that I didn't make the OT cut.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">HOUSTON MARATHON RECAP</span></u></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>January</b></i> - two weeks later - my last <u>LAST</u> chance to qualify. After my performance in Jacksonville AND an almost unprecedented adjustment in USA Track & Field's B-standard for the women's marathon (new standard is 2:45!), I go totally crazy and decide that I don't have time to get physically fitter and shave 2 minutes off my half marathon time. Instead of giving up though, I decide to run a full marathon and try for the new, 2:45 standard. What?! I must have been out of my mind, <b>I haven't run a full marathon since April of 2013! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But for some reason, I have an over-inflated sense of confidence. My reasoning is: I qualified on a whim in 2012, so why not this time too?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I qualify for a spot in the elite field for the Houston Marathon, a rock-star running event with one of the most competitive fields in US marathoning. I make a plan to run the first half of the race conservatively and then negative-split on the back half. For maybe the first time in my life, I execute my plan...kind of. I actually run the first half of the race according to plan and am feeling super comfortable. I was actually smiling...not something that usually happens when you're looking to chew faces off (figuratively, of course). I was also taking in calories via my personal fluid bottles which I had filled with a combo of water and a gel (dissolved in the water). Unfortunately after a great 18 miles of effort, things started getting shaky. Then by mile 20, it became an absolute death march to the finish. I wanted to quit with every step as I kept watching my dreams slip away on the race clocks along the course. But I was absolutely powerless to do anything about it, I was dead. Somehow I made it to the finish in a very unceremonious 2:51:58. My muscles don't feel terrible (they're taxed for sure, but nothing is cramping), but despite that, my body is just d-u-n. Moving is an effort that I don't have the energy for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Looking back, I'm second guessing everything: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*Should I have run the half?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*Was it a nutritional deficiency? I drank more fluid than any other race I've run, but was still only taking about 5-10 sips out of each bottle, so even though there was 100+ calories in each FULL bottle, I was probably only getting about 10-20 calories at each aid station.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*Was I not recovered from my half two weeks ago?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*Am I THAT far out of shape and really had no realistic chance to run 2:45?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*Am I still feeling the effects of auto-immune deficiency, and if I am, will I ever get back to where I was (this is an especially interesting/troubling new line of thought considering Ryan Hall's recent retirement and revelation that he's battling testosterone deficiency that has left him unable to run more than 12 easy miles PER WEEK)? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">GAAAAAAAA....</span><br />
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I'm sure it will fade, but right now, whenever my mind isn't occupied (and a lot of times even when it is), I question EVERYTHING about my quest for an OTQ. I can find a small amount of solace in knowing that no matter what "the plan" was at any given point in time, every single day and every single workout, I gave everything. I did doubles, I got up early, I dragged my butt to the track, I hopped on the dreadmill, I lifted, etc. But if I admit that, then do I need to finally concede that I've peaked and will NEVER return to my full potential? Will I constantly be chasing my own impossible standards of performance? Yuck. That's enough of my whining, but the wound is REALLY fresh and I'm REALLY sad about failing.<br />
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<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-71804354113811145692015-09-18T07:16:00.001-07:002015-09-18T07:16:23.842-07:00Too Stubborn? Too Stupid?Quick update as the summer comes to a close. As you have probably noticed, my blog, which was born to follow my racing adventures, has been on life-support for the last couple of years due to weirdo illness. <br />
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<i> </i><br />
<i>Lexi & me on the couch on a beautiful summer day last due to sicky ickies. </i><br />
<i> Lot of hours on the couch in 2014. </i><br />
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Then after mounting a quasi-comeback and racing in May, the curtain of silence again fell. Unfortunately it wasn't due to a descent into a serious pain cave of training and getting in amazeballs shape. Instead, I was dealing with a couple of major injuries.<br />
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Quick recap:<br />
⭐︎Illness and injury battles from July 2013-September 2015 (YUCK).<br />
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⭐︎September 2015 the "training" resumes with walking and run/walk intervals.<br />
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⭐︎November 2015 actual training resumes and I realize I am facing a mountain of work to even think about qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Trials (which is my ultimate goal).<br />
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⭐︎January 2015 pull a calf muscle; out for 8 weeks (seriously, if my calves weren't so big, it wouldn't have taken so long to heal).<br />
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<i> On what was supposed to be a training trip to AZ in January 2015, </i><br />
<i> instead I can only do a moderate amount of hiking due to calf injury. </i><br />
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⭐︎March, April, May start training basically from scratch again.<br />
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⭐︎May race Dam to Dam Half Marathon and run a respectable 1:19 considering the circumstances.<br />
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⭐︎June, just as I feel I'm starting to make gains and get geared up for Grandma's (officially Gary Bjorklund) Half Marathon, I seriously pull a hamstring racing in a little tune-up 5k. FML, pardon my french.<br />
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⭐︎August resume training from what feels like scratch AGAIN. This is where I start to wonder if I'm stubborn or just stupid. But, as I say, "can't stop, won't stop."<br />
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⭐︎September finally dip my toe back in the racing pool with the local Labor Day Victory Races. I opt for the 10k, 5k back-to-back challenge, because why not? I end up running a 36:24 10k and 45 minutes later an 18:30 5k. Considering what I know I'm capable of (33:00ish 10k and 16:00 5k), this feels like a disappointment. Then reflecting on what I've been though and the amount of training I've put in, I realize it's a time to celebrate and should be marked in "W" column.<br />
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<i> Victory 10k-5k, not exactly 1:11 half marathon shape, but it's a start.</i><br /><br />
Now, I find myself racing the clock (literally) to qualify for the Trials. I have until January 17 to run a qualifying time (which for the marathon is 2:43). In the past, I qualified by running a marathon because well, that's the race at hand. But because of what I've been though and the amount of time I've had to train (or lack thereof), my goal is to qualify using the half marathon race standard (which is 1:15). Considering I ran a 1:19 in May and then sat on the bench for 5 weeks and could only muster a 36:00 10k a few weeks again, I feel like I'm stepping into the ring against Ivan Drago. But I KNOW a 1:11 is in me, so getting a 1:15 is more than possible. It's going to require total commitment to jumping in the hurt locker and embracing the discomfort, but I'm ready and willing to accept that fate. It's also going to take a little bit of luck to not get injured or sick again...fingers crossed.<br />
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I would love to be in 1:11 shape and talking about being a real contender for Rio, but that's not the cards that were dealt to me. Instead, I'm holding on to a thin thread of hope that I can and will qualify and simply get to bask in the accomplishment of making it to the start line at the Trails in LA in February.<br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
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<i> Mustaches are fun!</i><br /><br />
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<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-3220541971258869912015-06-13T16:14:00.004-07:002015-06-13T16:17:48.728-07:00Better Late than Never - Dam to Dam 2015Hey friends!<br />
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It's been a long while since I last posted about my running, but there's finally some news to report.<br />
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A few weeks ago (May 30), I actually raced! Yippee! I had the awesome opportunity to jump in the field of invited athletes for the 2015 Dam to Dam Half Marathon down in beautiful Des Moines, IA. Big shout out to race director Ben Tilus for keeping me on the radar despite my recent disappearance from the scene.<br />
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So it was with nervous excitement that I trucked down to Iowa to toe the line for my first real racing action since January 2014. After some decent workout efforts leading up to the race, but acknowledging I'm a long way from where I was when I left the scene, I was hoping to run a 1:20. Not anywhere near my PR of 1:11, but a solid, respectable effort.<br />
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The morning of the race was overcast and misty; my kind of weather. And I had the absolute pleasure of riding the bus next to a gregarious, local young runner named Obsie Birru. After sharing a few laughs and talking shop, we realized we both were shooting for the 1:20 mark and decided to try help one another reach our goals. This might be something most competitive runners think is nuts, but it's something I love about the sport. When I'm going for time, I'll take everyone and anyone's help to get there. I wasn't thinking about my place in the field and certainly wasn't expecting to be near a podium finish, I just wanted to give what I thought would be my best performance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0tPB4K_SwDmXtyPf4LNxrvnpXT6SDEip-Qo8RcHGOSCuzmzfTl3_cKsBm6XYUVmK46cwuOZ0qhgW9_dL6Sd_8EsrhSqUjXjylWENTsoyKoQx-54eKkClLfoiWWVr6JETJdrkRanOCAA/s1600/10433118_10153060671540016_6219955979398523692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0tPB4K_SwDmXtyPf4LNxrvnpXT6SDEip-Qo8RcHGOSCuzmzfTl3_cKsBm6XYUVmK46cwuOZ0qhgW9_dL6Sd_8EsrhSqUjXjylWENTsoyKoQx-54eKkClLfoiWWVr6JETJdrkRanOCAA/s320/10433118_10153060671540016_6219955979398523692_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My pace buddy Obsie (pictured on the right). I tried to tell her she should do more core work because clearly she's lacking in the abs department. Pffffft.</i></td></tr>
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The gun goes off and crap... I find myself in the lead pack, but with Obsie. The first two miles or so have a lot of downhill so I didn't feel like my pace was too aggressive. Unfortunately as soon as the course flattened out, I realized I was running with a group of gals who were, "above my pay grade." So it was, around mile 4 that Katie McGregor cruised by and the lead pack went with her (including my POC, partner-in-crime, Obsie). I was disappointed for sure, but I stayed behind settling into my own race knowing I wasn't ready to roll with the big dogs.<br />
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Within a mile, Obsie had dropped back from leaders and settled in alongside me. The next 3-4 miles were awesome as we each had moments of weakness and strength which the other compensated for. When I found myself dropping back, Obsie encouraged me and I closed the gap and picked her up again. When Obsie started falling off the pace, I encouraged her to come with me and she did. It worked great until about mile 9 went we crested a hill and I lost my great pace buddy.<br />
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Fortunately another young little whippersnapper by the name of Lauren Versweyveld (recent winner of Nashville Rock-N-Roll Half Marathon) went shooting by me like a tiny little fluorescent pink rocket (she was wearing a pink jersey). It was at that moment that I was pumped to realize my old racing instincts hadn't completely died, and she and I worked our way to the finish in a great back-and-forth fashion with me coming in ahead by the slimmest of margins.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12eE1s9Y3iAvumpE53ggfV55QP6JH-nGgLZRs3u_7_RTk7D-Y-7rYB3HWgV4HHGqndmnLu0YzpIHlOqobi48dhm0sKsFUwyu6AcqP2MF3XShhL8fliYPUVD88ycBN3TuKlCWRIAWHgkg/s1600/IMG_7478.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12eE1s9Y3iAvumpE53ggfV55QP6JH-nGgLZRs3u_7_RTk7D-Y-7rYB3HWgV4HHGqndmnLu0YzpIHlOqobi48dhm0sKsFUwyu6AcqP2MF3XShhL8fliYPUVD88ycBN3TuKlCWRIAWHgkg/s320/IMG_7478.PNG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You can see the Pink Rocket aka Lauren Versweyveld photo-bombing like a champ in this shot. Notice my abs do NOT look like Obsie's...weird. Props to Jolesch Enterprises whom I' have clearly borrowed this image from. ;)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
1:19:17 for a final time in 6th place. My worst Dam to Dam performance to date, but arguable my most satisfying experience considering where I've been (physically) and the amount of training that has been put in.<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEHsJCARqB8IEkPeMU0AtzflRcJ90LcOqlu9mzDZpalRvj6TahX4uI3FqnYUki6bRCYbAN0bhlIgdvWvGTsQ-4xHc56r1hv83W7PITzAZzJM709_67qRRooKSOWxN0QqRT7B1vY66wLA/s1600/IMG_7479.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEHsJCARqB8IEkPeMU0AtzflRcJ90LcOqlu9mzDZpalRvj6TahX4uI3FqnYUki6bRCYbAN0bhlIgdvWvGTsQ-4xHc56r1hv83W7PITzAZzJM709_67qRRooKSOWxN0QqRT7B1vY66wLA/s320/IMG_7479.PNG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fun photo leaderboard from the race.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-65325614363251174042014-11-18T18:13:00.004-08:002014-11-18T18:16:43.009-08:002014: A Year To ForgetHowdy friends! It's been a while. My poor blog has been on life support for the past year along with my running career. So here's a recap to bring everyone up to speed...<br />
<br />
I was running really fast. Then I wasn't. I felt sick all of the time. No one knew what was wrong. I went to a million doctors. I tried a bunch of crazy stuff. I suffered through an entire year of trial-and-error treatments, a hiatus from running, and moments of losing my mind and my body/health. <br />
<br />
After all of that, the sad truth is nothing definitive was ever discovered to explain why I got sick. Sure I tested positive for a few weird viruses and bacteria, but on their own, these positive results weren't things that should have been causing me to be so sick. I also had a serious deficiency in some vitamin levels (mainly the B vitamin group) and bit of a hiccup in my Kreb's Cycle (which produces energy), but nothing extremely serious. Additionally I was having an odd sort of detached feeling with my legs, but no one could/can explain why, despite testing for all of the likely culprits. And most recently after noticing a pattern between when I was ill and when I moved into my new home, I discovered I had an extremely high level of mold in my environment (which has since been taken care of).<br />
<br />
Although it's an odd mix of random factors, taken together they apparently formed the perfect storm of "ew" in my body.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZVpHE0RmGWcZ6JO8wbVgrh5IhphmK_vXlFqbB-z5CQ_Bss36BhcxA-XNxPWiF7pzx5aUDqjMw9UGEk7TD1LJfz1rpl2zEj9Xovw1jXl8gaWKFCelNYQdzAnzknYXL4irz4_7ig6FOw8/s1600/ew+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZVpHE0RmGWcZ6JO8wbVgrh5IhphmK_vXlFqbB-z5CQ_Bss36BhcxA-XNxPWiF7pzx5aUDqjMw9UGEk7TD1LJfz1rpl2zEj9Xovw1jXl8gaWKFCelNYQdzAnzknYXL4irz4_7ig6FOw8/s1600/ew+2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
So that leads me to today. After being on a crap-load of supplements for about 3 months (enough time so they could have an effect), doing some mold
remediation in my home, going through months of acupuncture, physical therapy and
chiropractic treatments, along with a handful of other tweaks to my body, I
THINK I'm on the road to recovery. Woo-hoo for cautious optimism!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m4hXl0lvdM1uJN4Ga1M-Vt4vZsJOzs6ZNmoIuTgihqohOEzQidf8W9tCqu3TmUlgjFjTI3h9uw0Td7cOALMvZ_SNhSN0ouQbUUN8OmSnFDnxBzpBEseHLIeEy-YzQC_XQRS5i0eIVng/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m4hXl0lvdM1uJN4Ga1M-Vt4vZsJOzs6ZNmoIuTgihqohOEzQidf8W9tCqu3TmUlgjFjTI3h9uw0Td7cOALMvZ_SNhSN0ouQbUUN8OmSnFDnxBzpBEseHLIeEy-YzQC_XQRS5i0eIVng/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> This is just a sampling of my current menu of daily supplements to keep me on the road to recovery.</i></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, since I don't know exactly what caused me to get sick in the first place, I'm unsure of how to avoid a repeat episode in the future. And I'd be lying if I said I was 100% better. At best, I'm currently about 75-80% on the Crusher spectrum of health. The weird, detached/uncoordinated feeling in my legs (left leg mainly) continues to persist and is troublesome. And don't even get me started about being in shape. I'm in shape, but my shape is a round circle of goo...not the shape of a lithe, fit runner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswmM9qbsc9hmWBOtJSMEuECrWMoKS-mjkMn82WD-keF2PiDpS8K5PcviLyApEKRZQBxOzqJFqUq8KafREoACCISNXjN9W5F3VwpFvO64KsKndM281asV8gxzfkYE_nV2XryyPKME_3a0/s1600/fat+squirrel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswmM9qbsc9hmWBOtJSMEuECrWMoKS-mjkMn82WD-keF2PiDpS8K5PcviLyApEKRZQBxOzqJFqUq8KafREoACCISNXjN9W5F3VwpFvO64KsKndM281asV8gxzfkYE_nV2XryyPKME_3a0/s1600/fat+squirrel.jpeg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div>
<i> An "infographic" which represents my current fitness level...</i><br />
<br />
HOWEVER, my head is back in the game and that is a critical first step. Additionally my training with Coach Ron has resumed and although it's light, mileage-wise, and relatively tame when it comes to intensity, I'm doing it. It's ugly and slow, but I'm doing it and I'll continue to do it everyday with an appreciation for what my body has been though and wherever it goes from here forward.<br />
<br />
My plan since 2012 has been to rise in the ranks and be considered among the top female American distance runners, as well as get back to the Olympic Trials in 2016. Unfortunately my health mess of 2014 has put a bit of a kink in those plans. Instead of achieving my goals, I've essentially fallen off the map when it comes to being a "known" competitor on the racing circuit, LUNA dropped me from their sponsored athlete roster, and I haven't posted a result since my abysmal performance at the 2014 Half Marathon Championships. BUT I refuse to give up. I've come out of the woodwork before, and I know I can do it again!<br />
<br />
My new goal is to qualify and compete at the 2016 Trials, not worrying about the actual race in LA. At this point, simply qualifying would be an amazing feat. And you can bet I will be giving it the full beans from now until Feb 13, 2016.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I believe in the power of the jinx, so I'm cringing as I post this pic from 2012. Fortunately I also believe in the power of visualization...can, will, do...LA, I'm coming for you!</i></div>
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<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-41264120287638143662014-04-22T18:03:00.001-07:002014-04-22T18:03:58.983-07:00When A Runner Can't Run...Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard me complaining about not being able to run because of this mysterious, lingering health issue. Unfortunately the mystery remains unsolved. And although I'm TRYING to ease back into running (we're talking 20 miles per week of sad, slumpy jogging), what has kept me sane through this entire ordeal has been the fact that I have been able to continue strength training.<br />
<br />
As such, I figured why not do a little spotlight piece on the man, the myth, the legend that has been keeping my body in the best shape possible considering the circumstances. So last week, I sat down with Luke Carlson, owner and trainer at Discover Strength, to pick his brain about strength training and runners.<br />
<br />
Quick background on Luke: he is the founder and CEO of Discover Strength. Luke is a practitioner,
speaker, and author on the topic of strength training and evidence-based
exercise programs. Luke is an American College of Sports Medicine
certified Health and Fitness Specialist (HFS) and holds the unique
distinction of being an American College of Sports Medicine Certified
Cancer Exercise Specialist (CES). He earned a Bachelor of Science degree
in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis
in Exercise Physiology from the University of Minnesota. Luke has been
working with strength training for distance runners for over 12 years.
Over those 12 years, Luke and the Discover Strength staff have worked
with hundreds of runners ranging from first time marathoners to
Olympians and everything in between. He is the co-author of the book,
"The Female Athlete: Train for Success." (Basically, he's a BA...and if you don't know what that is, you're not one.)<br />
<br />
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<i> The Man - Luke Carlson</i><br />
<br />
<span id="ecxOLK_SRC_BODY_SECTION"></span><br />
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<i><b>KB:</b> So, we all know runners love to run, but there's more they can do to improve other than just hammering more miles, for example...strength training! What are the biggest benefits of strength training for runners?</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<b>Luke:</b> There
are really two broad categories, and both are incredibly important.
</div>
<div>
Firstly, strength training contributes to injury prevention. By
strengthening the muscles, tendons, connective tissues, and bone tissue,
we have an improved ability to withstand the physical demands of
distance running. Great performances are largely the product of
sustained periods of uninterrupted, injury free running/training. So
first and foremost, strength training should be viewed as a means to
prevent injury (and in order to do this, it has to be done correctly). </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The
second category is performance enhancement. Of course, by remaining
injury-free, we see improvements in performance because an athlete can
actually complete prescribed workouts/runs over a sustained period of
time. The real performance benefit of strength training appears to be
enhanced running economy. Running economy is defined as the amount of
oxygen we use to run at a given speed. If we can maintain the same
speed and use less oxygen, we have improved our running economy.
Running economy is highly correlated with race performance. Literally
every research study conducted on how strength training impacts distance
running reveals that strength training improves running economy.
Interestingly, runners, running coaches, running magazines, etc. spend
an enormous amount of time and energy experimenting with and touting the
benefits of so many different aspects of running/training: mileage,
pace-work, speed work, plyometrics, tempo work, flexibility, hill
training, (and the list goes on)… When interesting, there is very little
scientific research that definitively proves that any of these
variables is the "key" to great performances. While on the other hand,
most coaches and runners ignore one training element that the research
very clearly supports as being effective for enhancing performance:
strength training. This never ceases to amaze me. In addition to
these benefits, strength training also improves body composition and
even enhances cardiovascular function. </div>
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<i><b>KB:</b> Great answer, but I'm still going to have runners who are reluctant to give up their time to run because they're skeptical. What's the biggest misconception runners (specifically distance runners) have about strength training?</i></div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
</div>
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</span><div>
<b>Luke:</b> The
biggest misconception is that strength training isn't beneficial (when
in fact, all of the research supports it's efficacy). Other
misconceptions abound and include how many reps a runner should do, a
focus on "functional" training, and the myth that strength training will
make a runner "bulky." Even those who support the importance of
strength training for distance runners fail to navigate many of these
misconceptions. </div>
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<br /><i><b>KB:</b> Of course I think everyone should come see you and the great team at DS, but if that doesn't work, what are three lifts every runner should be doing on their own?</i></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i> </i></div>
</div>
</div>
</span><div>
<b>Luke:</b> If
a runner could choose only thee exercises/lifts, they would be: </div>
<div>
1. Leg
Press/Squatting motion, </div>
<div>
2. Pull-up or Pull-down, and </div>
<div>
3. Chest Press or
Pushing movement. </div>
<div>
These 3 exercises incorporate the vast majority of
the musculature in the human body. Notice, I didn't mention any "core"
work. Research indicates that a balanced approach of upper and lower
body strength training is more beneficial than emphasizing "core" work.
The overemphasis of the "core" may in fact be one of the largest myths
pertaining to strength training for distance runners. </div>
<span id="ecxOLK_SRC_BODY_SECTION"><div>
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<br /><i><b>KB:</b> Sweet, more pull-ups, less crunches...check! Any insights about the timing and/or frequency of strength training?
For example: before vs after a run; on high-mileage days vs low-mileage
days; how many days per week; how many days between lifting sessions;
etc.</i></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i> </i></div>
</div>
</div>
</span><div>
<b>Luke:</b> We would recommend 1-2 strength
workouts per week. In a perfect scenario, try to piggy back the
strength workout after a hard effort (speed work, tempo, or even a long
run). A morning tempo run can be followed by a strength workout later in
the day. In this instance, the runner can spend the following day
recovering from both the tempo and strength workout. It is imperative
to have a minimum 2-3 days between strength workouts. </div>
<span id="ecxOLK_SRC_BODY_SECTION"><div>
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<i><br /><b>KB:</b> I must say, before this whole health debacle that I'm going through popped up, my work with you played a big part in my break-through performances last spring and early summer. The question then becomes this: in the metro area, which is so saturated with gyms, personal training studios,
crossfit groups, etc., what makes DS different or how would you describe
the DS philosophy? </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaeA4FGDtJyHDTuHQbdq228QmT471FTduZFHwMXarV9PsdGHv7ikmSNQT1O53eXVoDScu8ZkaUfyKOoOiZWQIGa_-UQAmORkwm19VvmrGG3ZXKMt8Sw2HP7HGVFaS1QHwyH97sUmRbcw/s1600/photo%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaeA4FGDtJyHDTuHQbdq228QmT471FTduZFHwMXarV9PsdGHv7ikmSNQT1O53eXVoDScu8ZkaUfyKOoOiZWQIGa_-UQAmORkwm19VvmrGG3ZXKMt8Sw2HP7HGVFaS1QHwyH97sUmRbcw/s1600/photo%25289%2529.JPG" height="286" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> Last summer when Luke and the DS team had me in top form!</i><br /><div dir="ltr">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</span><div>
<b>Luke:</b> Our approach can be
summed up with the term "evidence-based." This mean that rather than
adopt fads and trends, or listen to the testimony of "experts," gurus,
or successful athletes… we base our exercise prescription on the
preponderance of scientific research. An evidence-based approach to
exercise ensures better results and a safer training experience. I'm
always shocked that the concept of research based exercise isn't
incredibly popular to all runners (and exercisers in general). If you
aren't implementing evidence-based exercise, you are simply throwing
darts at a dartboard. One of our company's 4 Core Values is
"Science-based Programming" and we will never, ever deviate from this. </div>
<div>
In a nutshell, the 4 things that really make us unique are:</div>
<ol>
<li>Educated,
expert staff (not people who simply like fitness, but who have degrees
and advances certifications in bio-mechanics, physiology, motor control,
etc.)</li>
<li>Efficient. Our workouts are 30 minutes in length and we recommend 1-2 workouts per week.</li>
<li>Evidence-based.</li>
<li>Strength
training focused. We love all forms of exercise, but our only focus is
strength training. We make a conscious decision to focus in this one
area. </li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, there it is. Straight from The Man's mouth. Hopefully any and all readers, whether runners or not, will gain a little insight on strength training. Now, go pump it up! </div>
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Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-5537265173597649592014-03-22T07:16:00.002-07:002014-03-22T07:20:11.125-07:00To Detox, or Not To Detox, That Is The QuestionBad news: no race recap of the recent 15k Championships because I had to withdraw due to the continuing mystery surrounding my health.<br />
<br />
Bad news #2: traditional docs keep insisting that I do NOT have Lyme's disease. And although there are a few other potential diagnoses floating around, until I go to the neurologist, nothing definitive to report as to why I don't feel well.<br />
<br />
GOOD NEWS! Yeah! A friend of mine who happens to be a chiropractor and health coach reached out asking if I'd want to take part in his spring detox program. He didn't by any means suggest that this would "cure" me, but he thought the detox might alleviate some of my discomforts (headaches, body aches, low energy, etc.). At this point, I was feeling so miserable that I that I thought, "why not?"<br />
<br />
A little background info first...<br />
<br />
I am VERY skeptical of detoxes and cleanses because I feel the body does this naturally. However after hearing about TrUe North's program, I realized this was legit (<a href="http://www.truenorthhealthcoaching.com/">http://www.truenorthhealthcoaching.com/</a>). This was not caloric deprivation and/or a lose weight quickly scheme (which I was NOT interested in), this was all about enhancing the regular detox processes of the body. The support products were not stimulants or anything else weird, they were FDA-approved nutritional supplements. Also, I think it's noteworthy to mention that this was something I took on at the suggestion of Dr. Chris, but I paid for the service and support. My review is not based on their "sponsorship" of my participation (but good news for TrUe North...I would TOTALLY urge anyone/everyone to do this detox! For reals).<br />
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<i> Docs Shamanie Haneca & Chris Frykman</i><br />
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Ok, so what's this detox all about? It involved 10 days of detoxing. No deprivation, eat whatever, whenever, but eat only the approved foods. Approved foods varied throughout the course of the 10 days, but the guidelines were pretty simple: no gluten and no caffeine (which I was already doing), plus no GMOs (genetically modified foods), nor dairy and/or processed sugar. You might be wondering what the heck you eat then, but I found plenty of delicious options. At the beginning and end of the detox things like g-free oats, quinoa, and white rice were game. And throughout the detox, I could stuff myself with as many delicious fruits, veggies, and wild fish as I wanted. Plus, during the 10 days, I also was taking Metagenics products: a few capsules of a "vitamin" called AdvaClear and a shake-like drink called UltraClear Renew. Again, both products were medically developed and FDA-approved to enhance natural detoxification. No magic potions, no stimulants, no wonky side effects, etc.<br />
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<i> Support Products</i><br />
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Now, by no means was I a perfect example of healthy eating before this detox. I LOVE dessert and sugar, but no wonder, apparently sugar is 8x more addictive than heroine! But I don't have a caffeine habit, I love veggies, and I had already eliminated gluten. So, not to say this was going to be easy, but I found that I had fewer negative side effects than some of the other participants (oh yeah, this was done as a group, so there was a private Facebook support page, access to health coaches via phone/email, and a couple of weekly conference calls to discuss how everyone was doing).<br />
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My biggest challenges during the detox included:<br />
1) The lack of processed sugar. I'm proud to say that I did not cheat once on the detox, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't dream of nutella or drool over my bf's ice cream. The urge was definitely there, but surprisingly, fruit was a decent substitute. I ate a lot of strawberries, blueberries and bananas when my sweet tooth would strike. Or if I was really feeling on edge, a handful of raisins. By the end of the detox, those alternatives usually hit the spot. I won't say that I'll stay sugar-free for ever, but I definitely felt the benefits of eliminating it from my diet.<br />
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b) Social situations that involved food. I felt a little bit like a weirdo around others when/if food was involved. For example, at a morning work function, I sat politely sipping my water while everyone else gorged on coffee, muffins, and yogurt (remember, no dairy!). When I had dinner with my bf, he got to stuff himself with delicious homemade chicken enchiladas while I munched on broccoli and fish. When a girlfriend suggested dinner out, I had to pass because I didn't know if there would be anything on the menu that I could eat. This isn't to say that I would have rather been eating differently, it just was a bit awkward at times.<br />
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4) Lack of imagination/variety. Having new restrictive guidelines and a busy life, I found myself eating the same meals over and over again. I'm sure if I would have put a little more time and effort into research, I could have come up with some fun meal options, but fruit for breakfast, veggies & hummus for lunch, and fish & veggies for dinner was kind of the repeating theme for me throughout the detox. Not bad, but kinda boring.<br />
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<i> Standard dinner fare: fish & vegs...delicious!</i><br />
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Now, the good stuff! The pros of my experience far outweighed the few cons.<br />
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During and after the 10 days I experienced:<br />
1) Decreased headaches! Oh my gosh. I couldn't tell you the last day I didn't have at least a slight headache before this detox, but by day 2 of eating cleanly and taking the supplements, I was and stayed headache free. A miracle! (Side note: other participants going through caffeine withdrawal had worse headaches those first two days...just thought I should warn any coffee drinkers: it apparently gets worse before it gets better.)<br />
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b) Decreased body pains! My aches didn't disappear completely and I still feel a lack of coordination which makes running difficult, BUT day-to-day my body felt much better than it has in months.<br />
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4) Happy stomach. Despite going gluten-free in October, I was still experiencing random bouts of tummy troubles and nausea. I didn't feel nauseous once while doing the detox. And even though I didn't weigh myself or plan on losing weight, I think I might have dropped an lb or two during the process (which is exceptionally impressive considering my activity level has dropped significantly lately).<br />
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r) Increased energy. Now, there may be a little more to this than just the detox. My latest doc recommended a sleep aid because I was suffering from persistent insomnia and the body needs sleep to function properly, so I have been sleeping more, BUT...the combo of 8 hours of sleep and eating clean gave me more energy than I've had in a long time (meaning, I didn't need a nap).<br />
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Overall, I really enjoyed the detox. Despite the few drawbacks, the experience highlighted just how important nutrition is/can be in wellness. I believe every participant in my group reported feeling not only better physically, but also emotionally. I'm not saying that everyone became their perfect self or that everyone will stay on the completely toxin-free regimine forever, but we all agreed that there was an increased sense of vitality that came from clean eating and the nutritional supplement support. <br />
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If you're at all considering some kind of detox or cleanse, I would strongly suggest this program. Like I said, it wasn't a fad or a gimmick, and it wasn't about deprivation. It was simply enhancing the body's natural processes. <br />
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<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-49612671212905662632014-01-23T07:58:00.001-08:002014-01-23T07:58:11.676-08:00USATF Half Marathon ChampionshipWell, the 2014 USATF road racing series has begun! I'm pumped. Let's do this. Unfortunately it started in <i>January</i> with the Half Marathon Championship. Arguably my favorite and best distance, the half marathon was a race I ran well at last year in Duluth in June. However, because of world competition considerations instead of having until June to get in shape, the race took place this past weekend. Hmmm...it's been almost six months since I've raced over 7.5 miles. This was going to be tricky.<br />
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The good news is that I have been feeling much better, in general, without gluten in my life. See ya later, gluten! I thought, given the shape I was in, shooting for a 1:15 in Houston (the site of the race) would be realistic. Then somehow I was able to whip out a near personal best of 4:57 in the mile at a recent indoor track meet. Given this development, I felt optimistic that I might be able to drop a 1:12:00 or 1:13:00...no small feat, but within my reach. You see, before my "break-through performance" of last year, 1:18 was my best half, and I felt super human at that! So to be sitting and having a conversation with Coach Ron about realistically running a 72-73 was kind of surreal, but that was the plan.<br />
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The race took place in Houston, and let me tell you, it was wonderful. It was January and in this magical place called "the south," winter wasn't miserable! I walked around the streets the day before the race in amazement that there was no snow or ice to deal with, the sun had warmth, and I was comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt! Jeans and t-shirt?! I did a shake out run and I actually broke a sweat that didn't immediately turn into frost on my skin. Glorious! But I digress...<br />
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Race day recap:<br />
4:15am - Wake for a quick shake out mile. It is pure fog/mist in the air. The humidity is basically 100%. This magical weather could be problematic...<br />
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4:30am - Breakfast and ready myself. Fashion choices for the day include sweet New Balance warm-up and race gear, and a spectacularly neon yellow Twin Cities Track Club jersey.<br />
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<i> Only photo from the weekend...</i><br />
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5:30am - Board the elite bus for the shuttle to the start. <br />
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6:00am - Warm up time, which was a bit absurd. Basically the race officials had this great tent area blocked off for elites, but then only allowed us to run about 1/4 mile up and down the start area for warm up. We were not allowed to leave that area. My TCTC teammate, Stephanie Price, and I must have done about 20 "laps" of this ridiculously short and crowded warm-up corral. Everything else about the race and race organization was great, but they totally dropped the ball on this.<br />
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6:55am - Go time! The men and women started together, but within about a minute, the dudes were gone. They are so darn fast. Ridic. I settled in with a lead pack of about 10 women and felt like I was jogging. That 4:57 mile on Monday had given me a new perspective on speed and pace. The bad thing about that is that I went out faster than I probably should have. I have been doing decent mileage, but not enough and at a high enough intensity to support the way I started the race. But I don't regret it. This was a great test of my fitness and it was a golden racing/learning opportunity. <br />
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Back to the race...by mile 3 I knew I wasn't going to be able to stay with the lead pack. The fact that I threw up in my mouth was a good reminder that this was no regular field of competitors. They were putting me in the hurt locker and my body was letting me know. I backed off a bit and got passed by a handful of solo ladies. Each time one went by, I tested for a few steps to see if I could hang, and it just wasn't happening. I spent miles 3 to 7 convincing myself that I would make it to the finish. It wasn't going to be a day of glory and a PR, but darn it, I was going to give whatever I had.<br />
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At mile 7 a group of about 6 ladies came up on me and I forced myself to get pulled along. I knew I was over half-way to the finish, and if I kept letting people pass me by the result could get real ugly, real fast. This was a field of pros. Not many of them were going to fade as the race neared the finish. If anything, they were going to turn on the after-burners. From miles 7-10 I hung on for dear life to my pack which was good, but required a lot of effort. At mile 10, the pack made a little move and I had no response. My legs were dead. <br />
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Miles 10-13 were a grind. Saw only one other woman and we had a bit of back and forth, which was good to keep me engaged in the race, but in the final 1/2 mile when she re-passed me, every fiber in my brain was screaming, "GO WITH HER," but every fiber in my body was like, "mehhh...." <br />
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I crossed the line in 1:15:05, 21st place. Not bad, but not good. Mediocre. And to be honest, it's a bit of a kick in the pants because 1:15 is a benchmark in the running community. There are more race opportunities and perks if you can say you've run sub 1:15...grrrrrr. I was disappointed, of course, but I'm trying not to beat myself up too much (good luck with that). No excuses, I didn't have the talent this past weekend, but there's a lot of time left in the season and I'm ready to work smarter and harder than ever... <br />
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<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-11293785962236147072014-01-02T11:49:00.000-08:002014-01-02T11:53:37.245-08:00Syonara 2013!2013 recap. I'll try keep this fairly short. It's mostly my running stuff with just a few fun side notes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUSbACpS9Dg10GLKC9rG9Ill5BxpJZX8kNj1j8YPzcAafRmsege4qoNu_bBMI8LWnzQl-a5M7RdcRM0iZF4upktB_uMNv_IG6w-ib1dsTNN06XUacz6UCE5pzfbyns5Wv6CGHIoih3pU/s1600/january.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUSbACpS9Dg10GLKC9rG9Ill5BxpJZX8kNj1j8YPzcAafRmsege4qoNu_bBMI8LWnzQl-a5M7RdcRM0iZF4upktB_uMNv_IG6w-ib1dsTNN06XUacz6UCE5pzfbyns5Wv6CGHIoih3pU/s200/january.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>January</b> - started off with a bang! H1N1 flu and pneumonia. Most of the
month was spent in a miserable state of sickness and confusion on the
couch (the photo is not me, but it's basically what I felt like)... Side notes: I also cut a sweet, one-year sponsorship deal with LUNA (yummmmmm), and enlisted the help of both Coach Ron Byland (<a href="http://www.miletomarathon.com/">http://www.miletomarathon.com/</a>) and Luke Carlson, the owner of Discover Strength (<a href="http://www.discoverstrength.com/">http://www.discoverstrength.com/</a>) to get me to the cliche "next level" in running. <br />
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<b>February</b> - shook off the sicky ickies and headed to Osaka, Japan to run the Senshu International Marathon as part of the Bloomington Sister City Organization runner exchange program. Not a stellar run, 3:04, but an amazing cultural experience!<br />
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<b>March</b> - made an attempt to tune up for the Boston Marathon (in April) by doing a couple of local races. The Irish Run 8k, where I learned that in short races, you should run faster (who knew?!). Then had a better day at the MDRA 7-miler, I believe setting a new women's course record on a challenging (hilly) course (40:51).<br />
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<b> April </b>- my first Boston Marathon. Wow. What to say about this experience? Got to run as an elite woman = pretty unbelievable. The explosions at the finish line = even more and tragically unbelievable. Didn't have a great run (2:50), but appreciative that everyone I knew made it through the ordeal safe and sound. Also did one of my only adventure races of the year. Headed to Boone, IA for the 12-hour Boonecrusher race with the GearJunkie/WEDALI crew. Had a blast, but adventure racing will be taking a back seat to running for a while.<br />
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<b>May</b> - after a horrible winter and a lackluster spring, the tides started to turn for me in May. I bought a house, obviously not running related, but I was pumped about it. And I started my summer racing schedule with a huge PR and women's course record at the Brian Kraft Memorial 5k (16:03). <br />
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<b>June</b> - a banner month! Finished my MBA program, moved into my new house, and cranked out a few of my best races ever. Started with Dam to Dam 20k in Iowa (1:10:02 - fourth fastest female time in the race's history), then a fun run 8k in my hometown (26:33), and finally 3rd place at the USA Track & Field Half Marathon Championship (1:11:32). Somebody pinch me, because I still don't believe that happened.<br />
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<b>July</b> - things started getting funky and not in the good James Brown kind of way. Started going to the doctor with symptoms of fatigue, headaches, body aches, and tummy issues. Kept trying to compete and turned in a couple of decent, but declining performances. First, a meager 1:17 at the April Sorenson Memorial Half Marathon in a monsoon (seriously, this was rain unlike anything I had ever seen before at a race, or ever really). And then a 52:15 at the 15k state championship. <br />
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<b>August</b> - the only thing on the agenda was a fundraiser 5k (no
official clock and/or results) for one of my good friend's daughter who
was born with cystic fibrosis. Pretty cool to run for a good cause
and my prize of getting to go on the field and meet the Twins during
batting practice wasn't too shabby either. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDiRMFQsbB3L-TSoSUcSwUvK8SN45A3MELb9ETsA44XkAVQR7d5GdvJw8CoUzDZTt4FzOWhoz0NQ-59ShV1KNJqcu4j1HpR1hhbr6JKykRIZB8VcjvwH_TbDes5Anfi2HMkC6QWB_G4I/s1600/september.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDiRMFQsbB3L-TSoSUcSwUvK8SN45A3MELb9ETsA44XkAVQR7d5GdvJw8CoUzDZTt4FzOWhoz0NQ-59ShV1KNJqcu4j1HpR1hhbr6JKykRIZB8VcjvwH_TbDes5Anfi2HMkC6QWB_G4I/s320/september.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>September</b> - "sickness" reached an all-time unbearable point. After ruling out all of the regular runner maladies: low iron, low hemoglobin, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, low vitamin D, even auto-immune diseases, I skeptically decided to go gluten-free to see what would happen. In the meantime, I tried to race at the USA Track & Field 20k Championship and had one of the worst races of my life. In the scope of world problems, a bad race ranks pretty low, but for a competitive runner the performance I turned in was a big embarrassment and the proverbial final straw...I had to figure out what was going on with my body. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZenQ9wr-JfdEs7e97MGGXFunjuVTyIokp5-bP2t3GpwJV427v5ebIuqFRU1TWQc9J5RJS0dUaPoPMqsAxkJwWmY1mhCKzgeUVHTXNDiuXee78EmwJy2E6tGhSAo0qETOmUk087cq-U-A/s1600/october.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZenQ9wr-JfdEs7e97MGGXFunjuVTyIokp5-bP2t3GpwJV427v5ebIuqFRU1TWQc9J5RJS0dUaPoPMqsAxkJwWmY1mhCKzgeUVHTXNDiuXee78EmwJy2E6tGhSAo0qETOmUk087cq-U-A/s200/october.jpg" width="200" /></a><b> October</b> - well, I'll be a monkey's uncle! After about 5 weeks of being g-free, I started feeling like my old self, yippee! Gone were the headaches, gone was the constant and overwhelming fatigue, and my stomach wasn't in constant turmoil anymore. It didn't really make much sense (I tested negative for Celiac's disease), but the proof was in the pudding for me. With gluten, I felt like garbage. Without gluten, I felt like my old self. So syonara delicious gluten! It was the g-free lifestyle for me from now on. Had planned to run the Twin Cities Marathon but was forced to bow out due the previous few months of health issues.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDc_MRXVRjtCL2sdRamdy3UT4g0zm1CsBqpp1gBKs9h5csQw6VhCMM1kF03muUQdB1-raGy8XwxsuM7xGNyPlm7FnVtJb2ob1qL8UhcYTXy_iZdfqaGx_cJcpiixAqHp9T68phGW3hdA/s1600/november.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDc_MRXVRjtCL2sdRamdy3UT4g0zm1CsBqpp1gBKs9h5csQw6VhCMM1kF03muUQdB1-raGy8XwxsuM7xGNyPlm7FnVtJb2ob1qL8UhcYTXy_iZdfqaGx_cJcpiixAqHp9T68phGW3hdA/s200/november.jpg" width="180" /></a><b> November</b> - switched running clubs, from MN RED to Twin Cities Track Club, started getting back into the swing of things training-wise, and ran my first cross-country race since college. I had to test out my xc legs because I was going to be joining the TCTC crew for the club cross-country nationals in Bend, OR in December. I also ran in the first-ever USA Track & Field Road Racing Championship 12k. I didn't have my best race ever (41:31), but I was happy just to feel "normal" out there again. The Comeback was on! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVHrr0psHzW_m88Pf8i0r7aEAg0GzZ2tX5dWy11alB68wN4px6MFpAxBEsPcfMYk1BousVkZ9q5US0GUTI3ZMQtRGksUlF1Kq_6T5ERmw2FFsff83vpl1YunDHDkYVxUvbiEWvenCJ_M/s1600/december.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVHrr0psHzW_m88Pf8i0r7aEAg0GzZ2tX5dWy11alB68wN4px6MFpAxBEsPcfMYk1BousVkZ9q5US0GUTI3ZMQtRGksUlF1Kq_6T5ERmw2FFsff83vpl1YunDHDkYVxUvbiEWvenCJ_M/s320/december.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>December</b> - first race with the TCTC crew: USA Track & Field Club Cross-Country Nationals 6k. Ran unexpectedly well (22:29) on a pretty technical course (by roadie standards). 15th place which meant I was invited to two different world championship cross-country races IF anyone in the top 9 couldn't/didn't want to go. Unfortunately I missed the chance to represent the US in international competition by THIS MUCH, but I have my eyes on that prize for next year. </div>
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And to end the year on a high note: I was named USA Track & Field MN female runner of the year! Boomyah.</div>
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Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-67648996867342106512013-12-23T09:17:00.002-08:002013-12-23T09:19:59.130-08:00USA Track & Field Club Cross-Country NationalsSaturday, Dec 14 was the USA Track & Field Club Cross-Country National Meet. It was an awesome opportunity to return to the good ol' days of ripping it up on the cross-country course, and break in my new spot on the Twin Cities Track Club roster.<br />
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<i> Check out the awesomeness at the start of the men's masters...gorgeous!</i><br />
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Side note: when I started racing competitively, I was originally a part of the fantastic MN RED club, but recently I decided to switch things up and join TCTC. I'm still working with my same coach (Ron Byland - <a href="http://www.miletomarathon.com/">http://www.miletomarathon.com/</a>), but the time seemed right to switch my club/team affiliation.<br />
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TCTC was fielding both a male and female team for the weekend's event, and as we descended upon Bend, OR and the River's Edge Golf Course where the race was taking place, we knew we were in for a treat! The weather was great: 40 degrees and sunny, which felt tropical considering what the weather in Minneapolis had been lately. There was snow on the ground, but race officials had been nice and snow-plowed most of the race course. And the course itself was insane! It was a 2k loop (women would be racing a 6k, men a 10k) that climbed pretty much every hill in sight or involved side-hill running (always tricky), snaked through rough/out-of-bounds areas of the golf course, and even had a sweet hurdle of hay bales along the way. <br />
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<i>Pics from the course. Hay bale hurdle on the left, super tricky downhill/side-hill/uphill/corner combo on the right...saw a lot of people digger (fall) here.</i><br />
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The TCTC crew did a quick run of the course on Friday as a team. We took note of particularly good and bad lines on the course and discussed strategy (taking the tangent, which is always done in road racing, was not always advisable on this course). With a field of 300 talented women and a course that didn't have a lot of good spots for making moves/passing, it was going to be important to be in a good position from the start.<br />
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Race day - I'm up at dawn for an easy morning jog and because my body is still functioning on Central Time so 6am in Oregon feels like 8am (did I just blow your mind?). Luckily we don't race until noon so after the jog, I have plenty of time to grab some breakfast, get my gear together and head to the course. We arrive, go through the pre-race warm-up routine and it quickly becomes "go time!"<br />
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The race starts and it's a mad dash up a 200m hill to a sharp right turn. Everyone is jockeying for position and a major bottleneck occurs at the corner. I end up kind of walk-running for several strides.<br />
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<i>Great pic at the start of the race. I wish I could say I was fist-pumping in excitement (I was on the inside), but in reality I was carefully executing a swim-move around another competitor. It was a choppy sea of elbows and sharp spikes at the start.</i><br />
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From there, things start rolling. I can see my TCTC teammates Melissa Agnew and Stephanie Price just ahead, we're all sitting in top 40 (or so spectators are yelling at us), and I feel like we're in a great spot. Not out too hard so that we blow up, but near the front of the pack and together. By the time we come around the first loop, I'm shoulder-to-shoulder with Steph and Melissa, and hope to work together, but we end up splintering. I move ahead and end up running the next two loops in a pretty steady position from 12th to 17th throughout. The backstretch of the final loop arrives and it's a long, gradual climb that culminates in a super steep short hill and then the hay bales before cruising downhill to the finish. I give it the beans, but I am cashed. I had forgotten how painful cross-country can be. Don't get me wrong, it's exhilarating and I love it, but you are basically blowing yourself up for 20 minutes of pain. Surges, hill climbs, maneuvering on crappy footing...it's a whole different ball game than regular road running.<br />
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<i> Need...more...oxygen...</i><br />
<br />
Cross the line in 22:29, not a particularly impressive time for a 6k on the roads, but considering the terrain of the race, was good enough for 15th place. I'm pumped. Had no idea what to expect and this is a pleasant surprise. I also am handed a card at the finish line that informs me I have just qualified for world competitions (one race in Scotland and one in Trinidad & Tobego)! Boomyah. Unfortunately, I'm the last on the list of people invited to the party (I was 15th and they only take 5-9 athletes, so the first finishers get first dibs). By now I've learned that I will not be traveling with the USA national team, but it was a thrill to even be in the mix of consideration, and it gives me a good goal for next year.<br />
<br />
Finally, and most importantly, big props to my new TCTC crew. The women's team placed 8th and the men's team was 17th (with Joe Moore leading the pack and placing a phenomenal 11th place!).<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oVh2d_zg5hyphenhyphenZQLb3uxEnsI7OdomN0RGF-bt76b-VdefKUU64IxVZmAy_G-WaSSsot5N0AqlrKUu9LzzRqDQxDvpJ2DpBZ1yIIlB-c0GVjVkL0G9o3r9D-fPoeV74xM7qNJOKgPtYWcQ/s1600/joe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oVh2d_zg5hyphenhyphenZQLb3uxEnsI7OdomN0RGF-bt76b-VdefKUU64IxVZmAy_G-WaSSsot5N0AqlrKUu9LzzRqDQxDvpJ2DpBZ1yIIlB-c0GVjVkL0G9o3r9D-fPoeV74xM7qNJOKgPtYWcQ/s320/joe.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb9pe4OMeGejtsEayCFbdTV4kzfAQRqFGvD4fvGnG8ULTKMT4fZU2cprtH_xxl95kdB6QPLBnxVzjT1-GHETIxaP-5MtqUbgqx2vtPxl0S3mBNBBD0VwoULMcB0bDCa6t6OQIO55Dg74/s1600/team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb9pe4OMeGejtsEayCFbdTV4kzfAQRqFGvD4fvGnG8ULTKMT4fZU2cprtH_xxl95kdB6QPLBnxVzjT1-GHETIxaP-5MtqUbgqx2vtPxl0S3mBNBBD0VwoULMcB0bDCa6t6OQIO55Dg74/s320/team.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>The girlies - Melissa Agnes, me, Stephanie Price, Lisa Baumert, Laura Paulsen</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i> \</i><br />
<i> Joe Moore...look at that great hair</i><br />
<br />
Additional fun photos of the event here: <a href="http://www.mikealbright.com/Galleries/Sports/Running-Events/2013-XC-Club-National">http://www.mikealbright.com/Galleries/Sports/Running-Events/2013-XC-Club-National</a>Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-17954158592526399352013-11-26T10:41:00.000-08:002013-11-26T10:46:20.238-08:00US.Dot Road Racing Championship Recap & Media LinksAll right, it has been way too long since I've had some race news to report, but I'm happy say that I am BACK IN THE GAME! Booyah.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNB6K4IwfAviwlOJ2AGfE-wjStybD0xnGbskZk2okIzdUgYEYVu5CuZCKXkL5X6ymlqg5ACpNAF1J4i5baposHJCEJEa_uocY3ViB-HmPMhBnBqOIoBkf9RKydfA964-1ZDpBl7MdWeI/s1600/tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNB6K4IwfAviwlOJ2AGfE-wjStybD0xnGbskZk2okIzdUgYEYVu5CuZCKXkL5X6ymlqg5ACpNAF1J4i5baposHJCEJEa_uocY3ViB-HmPMhBnBqOIoBkf9RKydfA964-1ZDpBl7MdWeI/s320/tiger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> This is a perfect illustration of where I'm at racing-wise right now.</i><br />
<i> Mentally: I am ready to rip. Physically: there's work to be done. :)</i><br />
<br />
<i></i>A little over a week ago I went out to Alexandria, VA for the US.Dot Road Racing Championship 12k. This race was the first of its kind. It was an invite-only, culmination-of-the-season, cherry-on-the-top of the USA Track and Field summer circuit of road races. Competitors were able to toe the start line only if they had placed in the top 10 at one of the USA T & F championship races earlier in the summer. This meant that the field of runners was insanely fast and talented. I had earned my way via my 3rd place finish at the Half Marathon Championship.<br />
<br />
Luckily, I am FINALLY starting to feel healthy. It only took three darn
months! But I haven't been able to train with any consistency so my
level of fitness is pretty low (relatively-speaking). However, despite
this, I figured I had to participate because...why the heck not?! I
earned my spot and I am planning on getting right back on the horse and
kicking butt sooner rather than later, so let The Comeback begin!<br />
<br />
Flew
out to VA on Friday. Chilled at the hotel on Saturday. Race day on
Sunday. Weather was perfection. Mild (40-50 degrees), calm, and
overcast. The course was mostly flat (which I think actually helped me
since I'm kind of a slug right now). Only three significant
climbs/inclines, which were tough, but manageable. There was going to
be NO WHERE
to hide since the field was so small. My plan was to go out
conservatively. After all, considering the competition, even a
"conservative" effort was going to be laying down some
serious tracks. Oh and my two goals for the race: finish in 42 minutes
(5:40 pace) and don't get DFL (that's "dead flippin' last," for those who don't know). <br />
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<i>Race morning selfie...aw yeah! Actually felt great, low expectations = no reason to stress. </i></div>
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<i>Time to play!</i></div>
<br />
Went out mid-to-back of
the pack and basically maintained position throughout. Crossed the line
in 41:31 and 18th place. Mediocre by comparison to the other women,
but holy cows, I was super pumped! I mean, when the top two women set
the world record (or world "best" since road races don't officially
count as "world records"... which don't even get me started because now I'm
getting off topic), the field of competitors is basically all
professionals, AND I'm not anywhere near my peak? I'll take
it. I'll take it like Adrian Peterson...ALL DAY!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2StcgZf1pXm8NcNmhN9kKL5VDoE-0lgcIp_PJbmKuBvvtq7vHXTdgDOQpojsZ17HZpMJs1YRwBDQWEbpinamvsPMp0jDp4hPPcvMBZyrnFA4KLbkWOIhXsu6AohdPuTGR1Qvggr5Vx0k/s1600/post+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2StcgZf1pXm8NcNmhN9kKL5VDoE-0lgcIp_PJbmKuBvvtq7vHXTdgDOQpojsZ17HZpMJs1YRwBDQWEbpinamvsPMp0jDp4hPPcvMBZyrnFA4KLbkWOIhXsu6AohdPuTGR1Qvggr5Vx0k/s320/post+race.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<i> Post-race: not anywhere near the winners, but SO happy with my race! </i><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRH3DDwpoSkyn0_XUnFR9bvCFLhpilroCB3LQbAvkGO5y-X9Z7gzT9T1hxxtWLRgMoyNNytZx8soYrMInjGlQ2USMT0mwphoETFiPjYxEiCLkivBbKMRJvXu9iAsVU-MD4kBb-CINvYc/s1600/winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRH3DDwpoSkyn0_XUnFR9bvCFLhpilroCB3LQbAvkGO5y-X9Z7gzT9T1hxxtWLRgMoyNNytZx8soYrMInjGlQ2USMT0mwphoETFiPjYxEiCLkivBbKMRJvXu9iAsVU-MD4kBb-CINvYc/s320/winners.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Pretty pleased to be among these amazing athletes: Shalane Flanagan (2nd place) & Molly Huddle (women's champ). Both women finished the 12k race faster than the current world record. Yowzers! </i><br />
<br />
Also, since this was the first time USA T & F put on this event, they made a solid effort to generate a lot of press around the race. Here are a few fun links to some of my interviews and press from the weekend:<br />
<i><br /></i>
Pre-race interview with Runnerspace.com:<i><br /></i><br />
<a href="http://www.usatf.tv/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=45365&do=videos&video_id=101134" target="_blank">http://www.usatf.tv/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=45365&do=videos&video_id=101134</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Pre-race interview with MN T & F: <br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/lhYeMdcybDQ" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/lhYeMdcybDQ</a><br />
<br />
Post-race interview with Runnerspace.com (what is with my googly eyes?):<br />
<a class="" href="http://www.runnerspace.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=30069&do=videos&video_id=101198" target="_blank">http://www.runnerspace.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=30069&do=videos&video_id=101198</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-6508531872067338632013-11-01T13:23:00.000-07:002013-11-01T13:55:37.890-07:00Recipe IndexBy the way...<br />
<br />
Check out my new feature on the right: a recipe index! BAM! Wait, is Emeril going to sue me for saying that? Let's hope not.<br />
<br />
Anyway, as I make this transition to being g-free, I've rediscovered my passion for cooking. Sure it takes a bit longer than grabbing a quick bite from a fast food joint and/or restaurant. And yes, it involves a little planning to get the right ingredients stocked in the kitchen. BUT it's totally worth it when you take that first, delicious bite and realize you've just made something fantastic. And personally, it gives me the warm-fuzzies to know I've made something that isn't going to result in me being sick for the next 3-4 days because I accidentally munched some gluten.<br />
<br />
Now cooking is pretty manageable in today's gluten-conscious world, but
baking is the real challenge to g-free living. Baking is a science and
taking gluten out of the equation can really throw a monkey wrench in
the process. However, since anyone who knows me knows how much I love
my delicious desserts (especially baked goods), I will be trying my hand
at some g-free baking soon. My kitchen is already stocked with xantham gum and brown rice flour!<br />
<br />
I'll only post things that I've made and enjoyed. Hopefully that will limit the amount of dud recipes that I pass along. And keep in mind, most regular recipes can be translated into g-free versions with just a few modifications. If I find something like that, I'll try to post the modifications I made in the post's title so I don't lead you astray. <br />
<br />
Final note: if any of you have good g-free recipes, and don't mind sharing, send them my way. I'd love to create a nice little recipe box for anyone looking for a g-free dinner idea.<br />
<br />
Bon appetit!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmgf4xu0TbTYpImhUzRVxTMhzv0G3rGZJK27rAm0mniRE8QhJVrL5jRLIQvc3oSwZP1WAGX0SnRIGDfyi67QdPgXFCC63ZrwtffSI2bnD0FmJXVhsEoaa1NL4mVa58NFTIFedxFsb9DU/s1600/chickenenchilada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmgf4xu0TbTYpImhUzRVxTMhzv0G3rGZJK27rAm0mniRE8QhJVrL5jRLIQvc3oSwZP1WAGX0SnRIGDfyi67QdPgXFCC63ZrwtffSI2bnD0FmJXVhsEoaa1NL4mVa58NFTIFedxFsb9DU/s320/chickenenchilada.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas...NOM NOM</i>Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-73124170853269576752013-10-28T09:31:00.000-07:002013-10-28T09:38:10.233-07:00R.I.P. Gluten?!Despite having no race report to contribute, I thought I'd give another "regular" post a shot. So, what's on the proverbial menu? Gluten. Or rather, gluten is NOT on the menu. Anyone who knows me, or anyone who read my last post, knows that I've been dealing with some mysterious health issues for the last few months. And not mysterious in a fun, entertaining, Scooby-Doo sort of way. Mysterious in this scenario means I continue to have my delicious blood stolen away by lab vampires, and yet the doctors continue to scratch their heads and I continue to feel sub-par everyday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrj83m9VpA0EnE3cL4BucNBZofEleKn1NpxWgXEm-S0tNINX3Hc_qiK5oOv_hH4t65RACLfmZ_TF5howZ_lbkrxQck5dcI0ZW7KYUN3d5h9JG9zJ3SwGOrWFJGQorF4cWlLcFCoNdExI/s1600/Hyperbole-and-a-Half-Banner-1024x504.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrj83m9VpA0EnE3cL4BucNBZofEleKn1NpxWgXEm-S0tNINX3Hc_qiK5oOv_hH4t65RACLfmZ_TF5howZ_lbkrxQck5dcI0ZW7KYUN3d5h9JG9zJ3SwGOrWFJGQorF4cWlLcFCoNdExI/s320/Hyperbole-and-a-Half-Banner-1024x504.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> The perfect pictorial representation of how I've been feeling...</i><br />
<i> thanks again, Hyperbole & A Half. </i><br />
<br />
Also as mentioned in my last post, the best course of action so far has been to do a trial run of eating gluten-free (lactose has been re-instated, thank god. Long-live cheese!). Now, some of you smarties are probably wondering why not just test for Celiac's disease (a digestive disease in which people cannot tolerate gluten, a protein that is in wheat, rye, and barley). That's a great idea, but unfortunately, it seems the answer isn't quite that easy. You see, people don't have to test positive for and/or have full-blown Celiac's to suffer from gluten sensitivity. This article is pretty interesting (in a depressing way): <a href="http://www.rodalenews.com/gluten-free-diets?cm_mmc=MSN-_-Is%20This%20Healthy%20Plant%20Wrecking%20Your%20Health-_-Article-_-Some%20People%20Really%20Are%20Gluten%20Sensitive">http://www.rodalenews.com/gluten-free-diets?cm_mmc=MSN-_-Is%20This%20Healthy%20Plant%20Wrecking%20Your%20Health-_-Article-_-Some%20People%20Really%20Are%20Gluten%20Sensitive</a>. <br />
<br />
<i>This is what I imagine gluten looks like...</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bw9h0nwzG9C2laDYmhsgPA9i30Paf1EfPEMptn77HYiq1x-EjT7pqBgAyCOmslXJbNzz7zyXVMaXiQR-EG_P8IZXiS2ca1JH-D-V6yp_jTd4kAV48MJRPDMlS9cY4DQmMCmV64Hr2_8/s1600/monster2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bw9h0nwzG9C2laDYmhsgPA9i30Paf1EfPEMptn77HYiq1x-EjT7pqBgAyCOmslXJbNzz7zyXVMaXiQR-EG_P8IZXiS2ca1JH-D-V6yp_jTd4kAV48MJRPDMlS9cY4DQmMCmV64Hr2_8/s200/monster2.png" width="169" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
It's been nearly a month since I cut gluten from my diet, and I must say, I think it's the solution. My energy level seems to be slowly returning to normal, the aches and pains in my head and body have significantly improved, and my tummy is much happier these days. Not only that, but on several occasions I have relapsed and had stretches of days of feeling like absolute garbage. And without fail, I've been able to trace back and make a connection between my "illness" and eating something that likely had gluten in it (spices, salad dressings, restaurant food that I thought would be safe but wasn't labeled gluten-free, etc.).<br />
<br />
So as much as the idea of having to be high-maintenance and gluten-free for the rest of my days totally bums me out, the alternative of feeling sick is much worse. And looking on the bright side, the prevalence of gluten-sensitivity and Celiac's seems to be on the rise. As a result, more and more restaurants and food companies are offering/labeling g-free items which helps fill the hole in my soul created when I cut out delicious g-filled treats. <br />
<br />
From a running/performance standpoint, this whole situation has definitely taken a toll. I am miles and miles, figuratively and literally, from where I was at the beginning of the summer and unfortunately there's no magic switch to turn my fitness back on. But <i>hopefully</i>, I've found the solution to what's been ailing me, which is a huge first step. With the mystery apparently solved, I have no doubt that gradually, I'll make up what's been lost and be ready to rip next year.<br />
<br />
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<i> Who <u>doesn't</u> get inspired by Rocky?</i><br />
<br />
By the way, a huge THANK YOU to all of my friends, family and competitors who have been an amazing support system through this all. So many of you have offered suggestions about ailments to check for, advice on good docs to see, recipe ideas, and general well wishes. Seriously...you guys and gals are amazing!<br />
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<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-64368565620414159812013-09-30T09:36:00.000-07:002013-09-30T09:37:01.016-07:00Twin Cities Marathon - Better Luck Next TimeSunday marks race day for the Twin Cities Marathon which, this year, also happens to be the USA Track & Field Marathon Championship race. How exciting! TC is one of my favorite races not only because it's on my home turf, but because the scenery along the 26.2 mile route is fantastic and the crowd support is unparalleled. I don't think I've ever felt good during one of the four TC marathons I've done (cramping issues, no tapering, etc.), but despite this I have always enjoyed myself because of the sheer awesomeness of the event. And my fond feelings can also probably be partly attributed to the fact that I've been able to run some decent times at this race.<br />
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<i> Snapshot of the start line on race day...it gives me goosebumps!!! </i><br />
<br />
This year TC was my main goal for the racing season and I was ready to rip. I had an awesome start to the summer, setting personal bests right and left, and feeling fabulous doing it! Not only that, but with the help of my new coach, Ron Byland (Mile to Marathon, LLC), I was putting in some serious training. Starting in late June and consistently through early September, I was killing it on training runs (if I don't mind saying so). 100+ miles per week, always hitting goal paces, and arguably mentally tougher than ever because of the wave of confidence I was riding from early summer results. Then, mid-July things started getting...weird...<br />
<br />
I won't bore you with too many details, but I just started feeling like crap. Exhausted all of the time, weak, dead legs, head aches, stomach aches, and all kinds of other fun stuff. I went to the doctor multiple times and each time was told, "you just need to rest." This was beyond frustrating. For someone who is accustomed to not only being active, but competitive, being trapped in this lethargic state was maddening. The docs didn't seem to realize that I had already cut WAY back on training and I was still miserable almost all of the time. <br />
<br />
Fast-forward two months and the latest development is a recommendation to go gluten and lactose free. Not ideal for someone (me) who loves to eat, and particularly loves delicious gluten-containing treats. There is sneaky gluten EVERYWHERE! But at this point, although it's annoying and kind of embarrassing, I'm willing to try anything to get myself back to feeling normal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ncE_VuThkHyF9dwf7BR74-21CvBKjQqT2TQpTZ__ZtqPTUrsSARSYUPtelXO5V9pVbzxrzrIGGuPBabkgUy5svGzQf0YmPDh_z3HpLbGGOJH8-aFsAJoA4RmCFPJK5bVTz45rbpCypg/s1600/ALL_THE_THINGS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ncE_VuThkHyF9dwf7BR74-21CvBKjQqT2TQpTZ__ZtqPTUrsSARSYUPtelXO5V9pVbzxrzrIGGuPBabkgUy5svGzQf0YmPDh_z3HpLbGGOJH8-aFsAJoA4RmCFPJK5bVTz45rbpCypg/s320/ALL_THE_THINGS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> There is gluten in all the things I want to eat! (photo credit: Hyperbole & A Half)</i><br />
<br />
Oh, and because of this on-going mystery, I have been forced to withdraw from the TC Marathon. I might be able to finish a marathon, but there's no way I'd be able to race one. And although it might sound conceited or arrogant, if I can't be at 100%, I don't want to be out there at all. Not only that, but at this point, trying to scrape together a decent marathon (not even great, just decent) would likely put me deeper in the hole of feeling icky. So Plan B = no race this weekend, a few more trips to the doc to figure out what's going on, and then back to ripping it up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH6Uh1Ku22reQ5KDF_qPGUQhR7p19C6A7lJQj69qN0iRqy9ekz2ueWN-2N2i4LT7z4ds9SUhIIUhmFASWzOp5vOrEwGT5dEEZwA5ZizuV0oqdB8StV1LLuZMH4EmK5uFnxIkCchlqFG8/s1600/puppy_in_a_cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH6Uh1Ku22reQ5KDF_qPGUQhR7p19C6A7lJQj69qN0iRqy9ekz2ueWN-2N2i4LT7z4ds9SUhIIUhmFASWzOp5vOrEwGT5dEEZwA5ZizuV0oqdB8StV1LLuZMH4EmK5uFnxIkCchlqFG8/s320/puppy_in_a_cup.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<i> And finally, here is a picture of a puppy in a cup...because it makes me feel better. Enjoy.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-87596054681775439732013-09-03T07:37:00.000-07:002013-09-03T09:31:48.337-07:00USATF 20k Champs - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So I don't know where the phrase came from, but there's a
phrase out there that refers to "the good, the bad, and the ugly."
This weekend at the USA Track & Field 20k Championship race in New Haven,
CT, I did not have a good<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>race...that
leaves two alternative options, bad and ugly, both fit what unfolded for me.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Anyone living in MN knows that we've been having some pretty nasty
weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hot, humid, and generally
unbearable to exert oneself in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
been tackling training as best as can be expected, but was looking forward to a
race out of the state, foolishly thinking the weather conditions couldn't
possibly be as bad anywhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well,
I was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CT wasn't as sunny, but it
was 90% humidity and hot enough that being outside wasn't super awesome. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
I arrived in CT on Friday and since the race wasn't until Monday, I had two
days of light workouts in the conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first day went okay, just a 5 mile shake out jog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second day (the day before the race) was
worrisome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a quick 4x 200m tune-up session, and by the fourth 200m I had to stop due to nausea from heat
exposure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was absolutely gushing sweat
and due to the humidity, none of it was evaporating and I just wasn't getting
cool. <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Eventually I pulled it together, jogged back to my hotel and made it my mission
to rehydrate, get plenty of electrolytes, and even take some extra sodium (to ward off any potential muscle cramping).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was going to be a challenge, but
everyone had to deal with it, so I planned to take care of myself and be
smart about dealing with the reality of the situation.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
The field of competitors was super strong, but looking at it and considering
what I'd done at the Half Marathon Championships in June, I went in confident that I
could be competitive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time goals were
out the window, due to weather, instead the goal was to just keep in contact
with the leaders and hope I had a shot at a top ten finish in the end.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Warming up I felt okay, but was immediately soaked with sweat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race time came and I lined up right next to
team USA MN athlete, Meghan Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
and I had battled two weeks prior at the MDRA 15k with me eventually taking
first and her second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that race, I
let her set the pace during the first half and gradually distanced myself from
her over the second half. As soon as I saw her, I figured the same kind of game
plan should suit me today.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
The gun fires and we're off. Meghan takes the lead from the start and I'm
sitting in her pocket thinking, "this is gonna be great! Just like the 15k, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>MN girls unite!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">" </span>We roll through the first mile in about 5:16
and I'm thinking, that was a little quick, but I'm okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cruise upon a steep, medium-sized hill
that leads to mile 2 and Megan, along with a small lead pack, gap me a
bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No problemo, I'll just catch them
at the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here's where my body decides
it's not going to cooperate for the day...let me remind you, this is at MILE
TWO!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I crest the hill, another pack
moves by me and in my mind, I latch on to them, but my body doesn't get the
message.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
It's at this point I notice how profusely I'm sweating, how fast my heart is
beating, and how utterly dead (I'm mean toasted) my legs feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This just went from day of wonderous potential to
all-hands-on-deck-we're-going-down day!<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
I get to mile three, longest mile of my life, and I seriously consider dropping
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like grade-A garbage and there's
still 9+ miles to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can't count on
my body today, but my mind is still strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It coaxes me to continue on and do whatever I can to catch whomever I can despite the devastating realization that
today is going to be a huge disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
I labor through the rest of the run (get it, on Labor Day...come on, people, if
I don't laugh about, I'll cry) and stumble across the line in 1:16:31...for a 20k (that's only 12.5 miles).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5128VMhfo2-AejhXvf2k7zJ3H3OCbnL8TUp5b5UWferl-nP-TnTmIAR2eJpcwUzrNs8CK9BscHu6FjjOZ4NkCheNgm92jLfTKCeEe_57AvUvY3ydhFWzyhk75utHtmDyDKjS8Gtq0c8/s1600/run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5128VMhfo2-AejhXvf2k7zJ3H3OCbnL8TUp5b5UWferl-nP-TnTmIAR2eJpcwUzrNs8CK9BscHu6FjjOZ4NkCheNgm92jLfTKCeEe_57AvUvY3ydhFWzyhk75utHtmDyDKjS8Gtq0c8/s320/run.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<i>Photo credit: New Haven newspaper (hence the screen shot)...This was right before the finish line.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
For those keeping score (and because I like to rub salt in my wounds), let's put this race into perspective. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> 1:16:31 for this 20k is:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1) SIX minutes slower than my Dam to Dam 20k in
June (same distance)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">b) FIVE minutes slower than my half marathon at the end
of June (a race that was about a half of a mile LONGER than this run!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">3) THREE minutes slower than my Dam to Dam 20k from June 2012 (before I had a coach and a good training plan)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">4) a pace that is :20 per mile slower than my most recent 10 mile training run <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Now, I'd love to blame my lackluster (understatement) performance on the humidity, but everyone else seemed able to
perform, so it can't be that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'd love
to blame it on the fact that this wasn't a goal race for me and so my mileage
and workouts were still high and intense leading up to the race, but many other
runners are gearing up for a fall marathon and didn't taper either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, hmmm...that leaves the blame on...ME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
For whatever reason, I couldn't perform during this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> There are no words that can describe my level of disappointment</span> and frustration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT...I learned that I can battle on even
when the wheels fall off (and trust me, today the wheels were not only off, but on fire, and screeching away from me at warp speed).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was a tough lesson to learn at such a high-profile race, where I feel like I
had a great opportunity to continue to try making a name for myself in the
world of USA distance running, but it was a valuable lesson nonetheless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvD_AQlftV__M9EK7fHJBzEQXyYMC1cljzHzWW7VsF4Gzc9Ch2abQxyMVhHczGVS4gu27sKNRG913962ZmseSXtQoTQhQ4WXJpdOZHnGOFOb3f8zWBhTSDAz_sAF8NtoEBc3CZva7HaQ/s1600/finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvD_AQlftV__M9EK7fHJBzEQXyYMC1cljzHzWW7VsF4Gzc9Ch2abQxyMVhHczGVS4gu27sKNRG913962ZmseSXtQoTQhQ4WXJpdOZHnGOFOb3f8zWBhTSDAz_sAF8NtoEBc3CZva7HaQ/s320/finish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Photo credit: New Haven newspaper. This one is an absolute gem! I can't believe they published it. But this is me, one step AFTER the finish line. Didn't trip, wasn't cramping, just pure exhaustion. My finish time and place don't reflect what I feel was my best effort, but this pic is proof that I poured everything I had into the race...my "everything" just wasn't what I expected it would be.</i><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Side note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>huge props to Meghan
Peyton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The MN girl took the lead from
the start and never looked back, WINNING the dang race!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fun to see a fellow MN ripping it up. Job well done, Meghan!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO1Uw-hfcAm8P5rkJbr6ugoJdJG_r7n3sMiEmqUWU1DGKPNH_v_I44EcY55ZImPNObAayBae0fsFHalpsHHWQllcKQQR5jHd9Bx39sM4RlNDGd7is3Rcdy_EjEgBYzOzfnBhBP0pbU40/s1600/meghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO1Uw-hfcAm8P5rkJbr6ugoJdJG_r7n3sMiEmqUWU1DGKPNH_v_I44EcY55ZImPNObAayBae0fsFHalpsHHWQllcKQQR5jHd9Bx39sM4RlNDGd7is3Rcdy_EjEgBYzOzfnBhBP0pbU40/s320/meghan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> 20k Champ Meghan crossing the line</i><br />
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Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-41652770153995620972013-08-22T08:14:00.000-07:002013-08-22T08:15:34.949-07:00Fifteen's 5k for DreaNon-runners often question why I devote so much time and energy to competitive running, and usually I mumble about my passion for running and the sense of accomplishment that comes with improving upon past performances. BUT when I was asked to run Fifteen's 5k, the answer to why I would compete was simple: Drea Bear Clawson!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZ1RT2URrvXHsju5zSvAo4ZPa5Vax86Oui7KLMSMYsLOjv8htsl97iQDKfBTAnX8KJcyqTeIUoJUVC-mYlEo5kagMARUTD57yMvjrwmPy8mvw7kdk2buT8XJQ-hWBjsBJd3GzXuMQ7Os/s1600/drea2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZ1RT2URrvXHsju5zSvAo4ZPa5Vax86Oui7KLMSMYsLOjv8htsl97iQDKfBTAnX8KJcyqTeIUoJUVC-mYlEo5kagMARUTD57yMvjrwmPy8mvw7kdk2buT8XJQ-hWBjsBJd3GzXuMQ7Os/s320/drea2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<i>Baby Drea</i><br />
Recently a dear friend of mine had a beautiful baby girl, Drea, who was born with Cystic Fibrosis. Turns out Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Glen Perkins has a personal connection to CF and hosts an annual 5k from which the proceeds are donated to the CF Foundation (check out the foundation here: <a href="http://www.cff.org/">http://www.cff.org/</a>). So when asked to run to help Drea's cause, the obvious answer was, "yes, please!"<br />
<br />
The race was very low-key, no official clock even, but it was a great celebration of the advances the CF Foundation is making, and a golden opportunity to raise even more awareness and money for the cause. Many people were running for loved ones affected by the condition, and there was an atmosphere of fun and hope unlike any other race I've been involved with.<br />
<br />
As an added bonus because the race was put on by a Twins player, we got to finish inside Target Field. Super cool! Twins players were also handing out the finishers' medals on the plaza after, but I went for a cool-down run and missed that! Dang it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsx7D6LiXUgmYFfLZXD73bXtbU1aUzPOQGkcEe0fiSs2LLzD7H5PTqGaMoY9Ng8bI7evUp0HqE32XHJHTDlnT92TmqGRtXKx_jENwyaysqAwh8DeZ-CSERR0cq19YEGlWIVT-3HgEyRmw/s1600/targetfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsx7D6LiXUgmYFfLZXD73bXtbU1aUzPOQGkcEe0fiSs2LLzD7H5PTqGaMoY9Ng8bI7evUp0HqE32XHJHTDlnT92TmqGRtXKx_jENwyaysqAwh8DeZ-CSERR0cq19YEGlWIVT-3HgEyRmw/s320/targetfield.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Runners entered Target Field via a tunnel that opened up at the left field wall, ran down third base line, and crossed home plate to finish! Sweeeeeeet!</i><br />
<br />
As for the race itself, it was fine. I think I finished in about 16:30ish and was 2nd place overall. Wasn't thrilled with my performance, but this race was more about the cause than the race itself. Plus, I can't be too bummed. I ran well enough to be the women's winner which scored me a prize of 4 passes to be on the field for an upcoming batting practice session before a Twins game! Woot woot! That will be awesome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nD57YxZcJ4CoHvXh2hOo_Ap4oM-53_UxqJgG2lOPWAne5RV2XprUVqegXwluxaHrSZ-pFkvDo5Pr6vlwWU0QliBGEFQShCOi9QmNqGWKK6ASK6it3ol5tpULRSrAgBP_lW6ds0aTE0M/s1600/drea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nD57YxZcJ4CoHvXh2hOo_Ap4oM-53_UxqJgG2lOPWAne5RV2XprUVqegXwluxaHrSZ-pFkvDo5Pr6vlwWU0QliBGEFQShCOi9QmNqGWKK6ASK6it3ol5tpULRSrAgBP_lW6ds0aTE0M/s320/drea.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<i>Post-race snuggles from my biggest fan of the day - Drea!</i></div>
<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-11730216732979501262013-08-13T07:51:00.002-07:002013-08-13T07:51:30.339-07:00MDRA 15kThe Minnesota Distance Running Association 15k State Championship race was this past weekend, and because it is a part of the MDRA racing series, like a few of the other races I've done this summer, it drew a good crowd of local, speedy teams and runners. <br />
<br />
This year the race was held in/around Crosby Farms in St. Paul. The course started with a small loop that was a little more than one mile, then did a large loop, before concluding with a final little loop at the end. There were a couple of decent climbs, mostly early on around miles 2-3; there were some sneaky gradual, extended inclines; there were a few killer steep little charges toward the finish; and there were a lot of twists and turns, some pretty sharp, scattered throughout. The weather was decent: cloud cover which was great, but extremely humid.<br />
<br />
I don't know if was the humidity or the high mileage I've been doing lately, but when I showed up for the race, I was DRAGGING. I met up with the MN RED crew and went out for a warm-up jog. Even at our 9:00/mile warm-up pace, my body was begging to stop and just walk already. Gulp.<br />
<br />
Not only that, but prior to the race, another racer/avid follower of local running spotted me and mentioned that it should be a highly competitive race for the women because there was an athlete from Team USA in the field: Meghan (Armstrong) Peyton. Double gulp. I like competition, I thrive on it actually, but this morning was not feeling like a zippy day for racing. Also to be honest, shame on me, but I didn't know who Meghan was, so I just nodded my head and smiled when she was brought up as one of the front-runners for the "W." Turns out (I Googled her after the race), she has an extremely impressive resume! <br />
<br />
But despite a lethargic body and some talented competition, my brain kicked into competition mode and I focused on: 1) trusting my training, and b) myself/my race, because I can't control what others do. <br />
<br />
Race time! I started on the line right behind Meghan, and decided that I was just going to sit in her pocket and see what unfolded. I didn't know how my body was going to respond today, and I find it much easier to run relaxed when I let someone else do the work early on (sorry, Meghan). So for the first 4.5-5ish miles, Meghan was firmly in control of the race (and TCTC's Stephanie Price was in the mix too). We were clipping through the miles steady and strong, and it was looking like it was going to be a battle to the finish. But right around mile 5, I started to make a slow move to put a little distance between the two of us (at this point, it was just Meghan and I leading the women's field). Meghan came right along with my first couple of surges, but then eventually a small gap started to form. It didn't happen quickly, and I didn't ever doubt that if I faltered, she was going to be right there to hunt me down, so I kept driving through the second half of the race. <br />
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<i>Toward the finish, hence the tight and aggressive arm swing...using the arms to drive the legs!</i><br /><br />
For a moment, I was running alone, but just ahead was a small group of dudes so I set out to reel them in. I caught up to them and hoped we could work together to finish the race strong. Eventually the pack started to scatter, but I was still able to cut down pace on the last few miles, for the most part, and ended up finishing first for the women, and I believe setting a new state record for my age - 52:15 (5:36/mile pace). Meghan finished a strong second at 53:02. My time was a bit of a drop in pace from my half in Duluth, but it was a good
exercise mentally and physically for learning how to "turn it on" even
when it doesn't feel like all cylinders are firing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGKPlTOaALpUu2U74ZxcLszFkrBex-8s4FqCkkQAm5KUtigiub49gIPQt3ATtxHwWldBzk84Vl5P1ZQkhEcB2K2_z34uvzqRoD8J1t-uXMDj7IA21OJgMmGtnzeIMhzRHlRyGO-zs9lA/s1600/15k+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGKPlTOaALpUu2U74ZxcLszFkrBex-8s4FqCkkQAm5KUtigiub49gIPQt3ATtxHwWldBzk84Vl5P1ZQkhEcB2K2_z34uvzqRoD8J1t-uXMDj7IA21OJgMmGtnzeIMhzRHlRyGO-zs9lA/s320/15k+post.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<i> Post-race Mug Shot</i><br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-21345679023181919812013-08-07T12:03:00.003-07:002013-08-08T12:46:09.784-07:00Come On Ride That Train...That Training Train! Woot-Woot!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Recently I realized I have only been posting after races, and since I
haven’t raced in a while, I haven’t posted in a while. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I thought to myself, “Self, even
though you’re not racing, maybe it would be cool to get your blog on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could talk about training because that’s
what you’re doing and one or two people might find the subject interesting.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, here we go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
race re-cap, just some of my own musings on training/running in general. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First stop: motivation station (because we're on the training train...)!</b><b> </b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think the biggest struggle most people have with training/running is finding the motivation to lace up each day and just
do it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When your bed is warm and snuggly, and
it would be so much easier to continue snoozing, why do you get up and run?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or conversely, it’s the end of a hectic day,
you’re exhausted, hungry, and tired, what makes you peel off the business socks
and get down to the real business of the day:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>your run?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, this usually
isn’t a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m passionate about running, so whether I'm training for something or not, I look forward to my run each day<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you’re not a weirdo like me and don’t find joy in running, it’s important to find
your own source of motivation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it
requires signing up for a goal race so you have something to work towards, or
enlisting the help of a running buddy/team that will keep you accountable to
showing up for runs, or maybe you just need to mix yourself a kick-butt iPod playlist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t tell
you exactly what will work for you when it comes to motivation, to each his own, but I can tell
you that without something driving you to get out the door each day, it will be
tough, if not impossible, to stay on the training train!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQyeQx5W7rhFlv0zjF1RyfeuvmgEQ-ijMwR4EmT3awBimxYxpjLfMQuq5EpTd48M88MWdRS170vRHQb-XcSXCMjDD1TWmQyoYYm50Eb6kmjqXaKSew4VkbXzNNdLvC75eoq0JqIOa7yM/s1600/shalane-flanagan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQyeQx5W7rhFlv0zjF1RyfeuvmgEQ-ijMwR4EmT3awBimxYxpjLfMQuq5EpTd48M88MWdRS170vRHQb-XcSXCMjDD1TWmQyoYYm50Eb6kmjqXaKSew4VkbXzNNdLvC75eoq0JqIOa7yM/s320/shalane-flanagan.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<i>My current motivation = iPhone screensaver photo of Shalane Flanagan. Don't discount the effectiveness of visual aids. Photos, notes around the house, etc. can really make a difference.</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One size does NOT fit all.</b></div>
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When it comes to an actual training plan, I can tell you
that I’m currently logging about 100 miles per week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can also tell you that I run twice per day most
days. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And I can tell you that I hit the
track once per week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if you want to
have performances similar to mine does that mean you should be doing what I’m
doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely NOT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every runner is different<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>. We have different bodies, we're at different levels of fitness, we're at different phases of training, we have different goals, we have different lives/schedules...you see where I'm going with this? So when it comes to training, don’t compare yourself to other runners
by the miles, paces, or any other measure, find the training plan that works for YOU!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3. Listen to your body...kind of.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me clarify something here, in the beginning of a
training program, or in the midst of a rigorous workout, your body will likely tell you
to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, if you’re training
correctly, there will be workouts where your legs and lungs will be burning
and your mind is screaming at you to just quit FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s at this point when you need to make a
decision:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>do you listen to the screaming
and back off/give up, or do you push through?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pushing through is what is going to make you a higher-performing runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as you run more, you’ll learn to
distinguish this discomfort (good) from pain (bad).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike discomfort, if your body is telling
you it’s in pain, stop running!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting
injured and being out for weeks will not help your training efforts; backing
off for one or two days to ensure your health will (help your efforts).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learn to listen to your body, at the right
times, and your training efforts will be much more fruitful!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFJ7uWdXEwkOpE7VW-Tttdev8dwB2wvTjaX9xIYE5SFvFOx9PkoCIQ-RI2jisVutuTGefGBgm-U0CMCdm-Q2vECingQmoeeQbQoXzkt9ZrRaI7OYZmzhaJbMuMhZCp9IaSbImEmF2Rng/s1600/exhausted-runners1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFJ7uWdXEwkOpE7VW-Tttdev8dwB2wvTjaX9xIYE5SFvFOx9PkoCIQ-RI2jisVutuTGefGBgm-U0CMCdm-Q2vECingQmoeeQbQoXzkt9ZrRaI7OYZmzhaJbMuMhZCp9IaSbImEmF2Rng/s320/exhausted-runners1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> These two ladies went into the "uncomfortable" zone.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz32kB8zFEaRPs6c4x0qTvfo7sZqyH7JfAK5Aov3RqptWVX692N5zA4jylHBMJ7UIK89uaurnBIO0erAkXkrs6s8YbKJu-R3fvDW64nJcNUU-Vi0u49XyE7PL5SLGdUyF35Qg4XIfnOlc/s1600/quit+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<b>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even MC Hammer
takes a break every now and then</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used to be of the mindset that I was going to hammer out
my runs moderately hard for moderate distances every single day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There would be slight variations to this
plan, but for the most part, if I was hammering out 10-13 miles per day at
6:00/mile pace, I thought I would be in decent shape to race well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out I raced fine, but I wasn’t
seeing much by way of improvements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
not only that, but training wasn’t very challenging because my body
learned the routine and my hammer time started to become the norm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was no longer pushing my limits mentally
or physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how to prevent this with your training?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to balance legit hammer time (that’s
2 MC Hammer references in one…boom!) with non-hammer time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so simple to say, but so much more
difficult to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means there need to
be days when you run shorter distances at super fast (that’s a technical running
term) paces where you feel like you’re absolutely blowing yourself up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flip side to this will be days when you
force yourself to cruise along at paces slower than molasses to let your body
actively recover from the aforementioned blow-up session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won’t be able to get the most out of your
hard sessions if you aren’t fully taking advantage of your easy sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As someone wise once told me, “you have to
run slower to get faster.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The balance
of high-intensity and low-intensity is what’s going to get you to your best
outcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyKHkphpYO93k0hl4vaootP9dCyo9agch1EUJTJz6XcsKtIsIfB0efofMCokbnOvHCKZ1ypWn3tHwf9GhrfBFLSysCC1u9d4I8vsVHR3CWWH6NmjPuy1itlXsl75GE7meVy6wIv28Mec/s1600/mc_hammer_reality_show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyKHkphpYO93k0hl4vaootP9dCyo9agch1EUJTJz6XcsKtIsIfB0efofMCokbnOvHCKZ1ypWn3tHwf9GhrfBFLSysCC1u9d4I8vsVHR3CWWH6NmjPuy1itlXsl75GE7meVy6wIv28Mec/s320/mc_hammer_reality_show.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Who doesn't love The Hammer?</i><br />
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<b> 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A yoda, you may need to find (Star Wars people, did I do that yoda-speak correctly?).</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes you won’t know what to do in order to best train
when it comes to running because you've never run a step in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe
you're a runner who has set a new, lofty goal, and you wisely realize that doing the same old thing is not
going to get you to where you want to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t discount enlisting some outside help in order to train
smarter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been doing all right on my own
(personal opinion) when it came to running for the past few years, but when I decided that I wanted to take things to the next level, I sought out a coach. I wanted someone who
knew even more about running than me, and who could provide an objective perspective when it came to
my training and racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enter Coach Ron
(<a href="http://www.miletomarathon.com/index.html">http://www.miletomarathon.com/index.html</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I won’t say it came easily to give up control and trust someone else
with my passion, but he has become my go-to resource for everything related to
training:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mileage, paces, resting,
lifting, nutrition, etc. And with his help, I’ve been able to accomplish some
pretty cool things this summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe2nMWFoxdxEJ5fvOJDrNTibfvweh9ArrShFPPx53_zAUf_YFIj8-gOG26cXbAKN-tal9oxnY1J4rkNFIhgkNFMDodB22yfZJKkTxQTTKv_OyMQOHVa0-x4aHbQFB3q0mo5zuWuYiXwQ/s1600/coach+ron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe2nMWFoxdxEJ5fvOJDrNTibfvweh9ArrShFPPx53_zAUf_YFIj8-gOG26cXbAKN-tal9oxnY1J4rkNFIhgkNFMDodB22yfZJKkTxQTTKv_OyMQOHVa0-x4aHbQFB3q0mo5zuWuYiXwQ/s320/coach+ron.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>It hasn't been an easy road, because I am a major pain in the butt, but good ol' Coach Ron has stuck with me. Here we are at this summer's USA Track & Field Half Marathon Championships.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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So there's a handful of my thoughts on training. Most of them are probably things most runners have heard before, but it never hurts to get a reminder every once in a while. Now stop wasting time reading things on the Interweb and get training!</div>
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Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-45409229818695001342013-07-15T07:26:00.002-07:002013-07-15T07:29:20.244-07:00April Sorenson Memorial Half Marathon - Sometimes it Rains, Sometimes it Rains Ridiculously!The April Sorenson Memorial Half Marathon took place this past weekend in Albert Lea, MN. I ran the race for the first time last year and found it to be a good training opportunity: it requires relatively little travel, and doesn't conflict with any other big races, so I opted to return again this year.<br />
<br />
The race was meant to be a training run. I ran
113 miles in the week leading up to it (highest mileage I've done in
quite some time), so there was obviously no taper in effect here. And
the plan for the race was to run a cut-down/progressive race. What this
meant is that I was to start out at goal marathon pace (6:00-6:05/mile)
to learn how to run controlled/restrained, and then then every 3 miles
or so, cut a little pace (to practice finishing strong). Oh and do 5
miles on my cool-down to make the day my long run for the week.<br />
<br />
So that was the plan.<br />
<br />
Saturday
morning rolls around and I wake up at 3am to house-shaking thunder,
lightning, and a spooked dog sitting on my head. I figure my alarm will sound in 30 minutes or so anyway so I drag myself out of bed and get ready
to go (I was driving to Albert Lea that morning - packet pick up is at 6am,
race is at 7:30am). It's pouring rain outside, so I do my pre-race ritual 10
min/1 mile jog on the treadmill. I have a little LUNA breakfast, pack up
my things, and hit the road. It is wash-out conditions in the metro
area. We are talking sheets of rain! I think to myself, "this race is
going to get cancelled," but keep trucking along.<br />
<br />
I arrive in Albert
Lea and it's dry. Maybe I lucked out and the storms will stay to the
north. Maybe not. By 7:20am it's pouring, lightning, thundering, and
the race gets postponed by 30 minutes. I had warmed-up in the rain
expecting a 7:30am start though so I'm soaked and cold. I go to my car
to wait out the rain delay. At 8am, they decide to get the show on the
road. The race begins and it proceeds to storm, blow wind, and dump buckets (not drops) of
rain on us runners for the entirety of the race. Worst weather
conditions I've ever competed in...for anything. It was a boring,
grind-it-out kind of race, so I won't get into it much. The cut-down
was mostly executed and effective, but I didn't shave off hardly any
time on each of the cut-downs. I had one 5:38 at mile 11, but all other
miles were pretty pedestrian. I finished third overall (there were two
speedy dudes who ran 1:10-1:11ish) and was the first female (1:17:15). Six minutes slower than at the Half Marathon Championships! Yuck. But considering the conditions and the circumstances, I will take it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkZ5uVtDiBZDIWiFMKsLX5ikSd2bzgMYJ5vYKUSBVbcs1hPq3VuzgEBurnJCux9hgRAaNW2HcPA9wyDT4AP8lkShZfYsFg2j5aepfC6ZoSyv_bzScUuasNsulFgiRO79comfVeU5a1vM/s1600/Soaking_Wet_Cat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkZ5uVtDiBZDIWiFMKsLX5ikSd2bzgMYJ5vYKUSBVbcs1hPq3VuzgEBurnJCux9hgRAaNW2HcPA9wyDT4AP8lkShZfYsFg2j5aepfC6ZoSyv_bzScUuasNsulFgiRO79comfVeU5a1vM/s320/Soaking_Wet_Cat+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>No race photos because no one was crazy enough to be outside, but this is what I imagine I looked like on Saturday...it rained heavily non-stop!</i><br />
<br />
The bad part of the day was that I woke up that morning
with a sore throat (I think I exhausted myself last week with the high
mileage and not enough sleep - I'm averaging about 6 hours per night,
which some people can do, but is not enough for me to get
rested/recovered). Running in the cold rain for 90 minutes, "cooling
down" for an additional 5 miles after (while shivering), and then
standing around in the rain for another 90 minutes in nothing but my wet
race clothes (no drop bags and had to be present for awards) did not
help the situation. As I write this (Monday), I definitely feel I have a
little sick bug. And at this point in my life/running career, I know I need to aggressively rest to nip this in the bud. I will likely
take the next two days or so off from running (except maybe exercising my pup
Lexi) and focus on getting healthy/rested up. <br />
<br />
Side note from the race:
THANK GOD for Scott Erlandson's (my adventure racing teammate) mom, Sue. She lives in Albert Lea and
volunteered to come out and watch me run/give me a ride back to Albert
Lea post-race (race starts in Albert Lea and finishes in nearby Hayward). She had no idea the weather was going to be this crappy
when she volunteered, but she showed up anyway. And she waited for me
to get my award, AND she brought me a dry towel so at least I had
that to try and stay warm with. I would have been hypothermic without
her. She gets the super-star award for the day, for sure!Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-91265775071311438012013-06-26T07:32:00.002-07:002013-06-26T07:35:05.803-07:00USA Track & Field Half Marathon ChampionshipsHalf Marathon Championships (Duluth, MN)<br />
<br />
Wowzers. Still in a bit of disbelief at how well things went this weekend. It was an unforgettable experience.<br />
<br />
Some have heard the race recap in person, but those who haven’t, here’s what I’m sure will become a rambling account of the day…<br />
<br />
The
plan going into the weekend based on recent results and last year’s
results, was definitely don’t lead the race, but be in contact with the
leaders to give myself a shot to be competitive. Based on my 1:10 at
Dam to Dam, and based on the top 12 last year (which is the number of
finishers that receive recognition and awards), I was hoping to crack a
spot anywhere from 8 to 12. My coach Ron was more confident in my placing,
going so far as to claim that looking at the list of entries that he
didn’t see more than five women who were running better than I am right
now (no pressure there). He told me to plan on running 1:13 on a good day, and 1:15 on a
“bad” day, which is completely crazy when you consider that my PR
(before this race) which occurred on this very same course at the same
time last year was 1:18:10. BUT… despite a normal amount of nerves and
doubts, I was for the most part, confident and comfortable with the
plans. I was ready to mix it up near the front.<br />
<br />
Race day run-down:<br />
3:30am – rise and shine.<br />
4:15am – dropped off at shuttle bus for my 10 minute/1 mile jog.<br />
4:30am – depart for the start.<br />
5:00amish
– arrive at the start where it is dark, cold, and misting. There is a
tent for elites to chill, but it’s big enough for about 50 people with
about 20 chairs, and there are 200+ of us (156 men and 61 women –
arguably the largest field in race history). I grab a towel and sit on
the ground, trying to save my legs until warm-up time.<br />
5:30amish –
head out to warm up, visit the restroom multiple times (mostly nerves),
and then strip my pants and jacket off before doing my final drills and
strides.<br />
6:25am – I line up one deep from the start line (I’m going for it), and we’re off!<br />
<br />
From
the gun, Adriana Nelson is gone. She doesn’t even care! She creates a
15 second gap within the first mile and at one point will lead by
nearly one full minute. She’s essentially a non-factor in the race (because she leads throughout by a comfortable margin).<br />
<br />
Behind
her, a pack has formed. It’s difficult to tell exactly how many women
are in the lead pack because I’m right on the heels of the leaders, but
it feels like 10-20 of us. Des Davilla, Michelle Frey, Stephanie
Rothstein-Bruce, Katie McGregor, Ladia Albertson-Junkas, and a few other full-time pros are cruising together comfortably. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHI0y628JUl3BxNExQs7tTW_W4m58RRG-BxqMmbNGolu4bmXrTDYUZi-rRSGuxfvXkw-7rmqsw7n8vtmLLCP3uTJSXHmILG2Bdbpc5PVCwQiUpzHdijQPRCFcFIHNWVqfuK_LBUkmFEE/s1600/pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHI0y628JUl3BxNExQs7tTW_W4m58RRG-BxqMmbNGolu4bmXrTDYUZi-rRSGuxfvXkw-7rmqsw7n8vtmLLCP3uTJSXHmILG2Bdbpc5PVCwQiUpzHdijQPRCFcFIHNWVqfuK_LBUkmFEE/s320/pack.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<i>Lead pack around mile 3ish...I'm buried on the opposite side of road from where picture was taken. If you have an eagle eye, you can see one little toe of my salmon-colored New Balance Revlites on the pavement. </i><br />
<br />
I
choose to ignore my watch like the last few races, and instead run by
feel and based on strategy. The pack rolls through miles 1-5 as a large
mass. Then around the 10k mark, there’s a noticeable shift. The pace
quickens and I have a split second to decide if I’m going to go with or
hang back and wait to make a move later. I decide I’m in this thing to
see what I can do, I’m going with the movers. Des Davilla (US Olympian in marathon and Hanson-Brooks Distance Project athlete) is leading
the split, Serena Burla (Mizuno-sponsored athlete),
Steph Rothstein-Bruce (Davilla's teammate), and myself are part of the pack that’s moving. <br />
<br />
Miles 6-9
see our little pack spread a bit. Des is making a move to start
reeling in Adriana. Serena is fighting to keep a gap from forming
between herself and Des. And I’m sitting on Rena’s hip, refusing to
give an inch because I don’t want to find myself in no man’s land
running alone. At this point, I have no idea what’s going on behind me.<br />
<br />
At
what I think is Lemon Drop Hill (an arched bridge) there’s a sign
indicating 4.1 miles to go, I climb the hill and pass Rena. She
doesn’t respond. This is good. But just as quickly as that happens, on
the backside of the hill, Rothstein-Bruce comes cruising by me.
NOOOOOO! It’s at this point that I decide I am not running a good 10
mile race. I am finishing this. She starts to roll by me and I
pin on to her. She wants to play, I’m feeling confident and like I
still have some gas in the tank, so I’m going to play.<br />
<br />
What
ensues over the next four miles might be the most epic racing
moment/memory in my life. Rothstein-Bruce is making move after move to create a
gap, but I’m not letting her go. I remember vividly at the 11 mile
mark, her GPS beeps indicating 2 miles to go, and she surges hard… I
continue to focus on the fact that I have a real shot at the TOP THREE.
It motivates me to push on with her. <br />
<br />
We cruise down the
cobblestones of downtown Duluth and my legs feel ready to buckle when I
hit low spots, but I push on. We’re coming up on one more bridge, the
last uphill, before we’ll wind our way around the convention center to
the finish line. I think to myself, I’ve been strong on the uphills.
If I’m going to make a move, this may be my shot to do it. So we hang a
sharp left (which also helps because I’m running on her left shoulder
which gives me the inside of the turn), and charge the hill. I don’t
create much, but I create a gap. <br />
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDPH-Cm2NaAeJ64YR7qPKGfoPW-xIF0D4RSaOzlY81iI-O2ZSHoVv1pqsLACKBb9kRLveuB67UbDy367PeFcNddhnt2tNsWqSZPvnMrpY25crXlW6GWQpottf3kNagDh_NsMHm9J4aSY/s1600/race1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDPH-Cm2NaAeJ64YR7qPKGfoPW-xIF0D4RSaOzlY81iI-O2ZSHoVv1pqsLACKBb9kRLveuB67UbDy367PeFcNddhnt2tNsWqSZPvnMrpY25crXlW6GWQpottf3kNagDh_NsMHm9J4aSY/s320/race1.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<i>Around mile 10-11ish</i><br />
<br />
With about a mile to go,
it’s now gut-check time. I made the move, and now I have to finish. I wind my
way through the streets, riding the tangent like it’s my job, and
suddenly can see Davilla. We’re only a few turns from the finish (although
it feels like an eternity), and still no sign of Rothstein-Bruce coming on from
behind. I don’t know if I have 2 steps or 20 on her, so when I round
the final corner it is all out effort, everything that’s left was
getting poured into that final dash to the tape.<br />
<br />
I cross the
line…in third place. What just happened?! A race chaperone comes to
inform me that top three need to immediately report for media and drug
testing and I’m whisked away still in a daze. Holy crap. The rest of
the morning is a blur of hugs, tears, and smiles with family and friends
as we all revel in what just happened. <br />
<br />
I know this recent rash
of incredible break-thoughs in my running may not last long, so I am
cherishing each race that ends with a result like this one did. I think
the biggest pinch-me moment from the incredible weekend might have
been as I made my way to my seat from the award stage and MEB KEFLEZIGHI
congratulates ME on a great run… What the…? I wish I could say I
played it cool, but there was absolutely no chance of that. I’m so
appreciative of this experience.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJ2RO1VkhXx15OMNnoareQzu4LHOKhKThmKkWiz1sDicO0r_GvU-wwxatCVPWgzahZpByajBIDAiVLLjXXhSqXwomgCHD1mc6G8EfUj0E3Qu5FUUMXMfyoFP5qAajdP03mh5RRavXegk/s1600/meb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJ2RO1VkhXx15OMNnoareQzu4LHOKhKThmKkWiz1sDicO0r_GvU-wwxatCVPWgzahZpByajBIDAiVLLjXXhSqXwomgCHD1mc6G8EfUj0E3Qu5FUUMXMfyoFP5qAajdP03mh5RRavXegk/s320/meb.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<i> Olympian Meb Keflezighi</i><br />
<br />
Oh, and now that I've finally
looked at my splits is pretty crazy how perfectly they match up with my
perceptions of what happened during the race (the moves, the surges,
etc). Splits:<br />
5:30, 5:32, 5:30, 5:28, 5:23, 5:18, 5:29, 5:32, 5:34, 5:25, 5:22, 5:19, 5:14Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-49889224189277479412013-06-18T06:30:00.002-07:002013-06-18T06:30:38.437-07:008k Quickie in The HutchThis past weekend was Water Carnival weekend in my hometown of Hutchinson, MN. Water Carnival weekend is a summer celebration for the town with carnival rides, parades, and all kinds of community activities. My folks, who are joggers (that's a soft "j"), had the wild idea to sign up for family division of the Hutchinson Water Carnival 5k/8k road race. It was Father's Day weekend too and I was going to be visiting my family anyway, so I thought what the heck! Let's do this!<br />
<br />
Turns out my parents ended up with babysitting duties so they, and my nieces, were at the race, but as spectators instead of participants. So much for the family division competition!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRoq1ThdYHQ35N9MAWJItcAnzr3c0p7fOtd3GNUVZPPgBGRZS-RsmS5nIBWLgh6f6Kb8RpkKqRSNAqoMkDClvLicwbT1rPSc4nXcOOODjEWy4CZCyLFm9z3dRE-nkNHLBVhqt5EHrSx0/s1600/pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRoq1ThdYHQ35N9MAWJItcAnzr3c0p7fOtd3GNUVZPPgBGRZS-RsmS5nIBWLgh6f6Kb8RpkKqRSNAqoMkDClvLicwbT1rPSc4nXcOOODjEWy4CZCyLFm9z3dRE-nkNHLBVhqt5EHrSx0/s1600/pic2.jpg" /></a></div>
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My biggest/littlest fans: Annika & Juia</div>
<br />
The field of competitors was small. The course was flat and mostly an out-and-back along the river. The weather was sunny, warm, and HUMID. Off of the start line, a college guy and I separated from the rest of the field pretty quickly. We were going out straight into a decent head wind and I couldn't decide if I wanted to use my pace buddy as a wind block or take the lead and see if he would come with. After a little more than a mile, I opted to take the lead. Separation occurred relatively slowly, but steadily throughout the rest of the 5-mile route. I felt okay, but the humidity definitely had an effect on me. It's tough to sweat and keep cool when the air is thick and damp!<br />
<br />
Crossed the line in 26:33 (a PR) with relatively even splits throughout. My pace buddy was about a minute back. Side note: I got a kick out of hearing that he was "freaked out" that a girl beat him...freaking people out is always fun. ;)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FgznXKwpJ2qAPZsXkFp4achXMwbgzuD-WXzUY25d0mPy_-7z19ibck1RJSbsabI2vebZ2F2sUs32rlPB6cdTl4fsDzLG7bSPRcRkTe61UW-4vQdyO09QgmNUADMgIBqYKNkQ7L1Fkis/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FgznXKwpJ2qAPZsXkFp4achXMwbgzuD-WXzUY25d0mPy_-7z19ibck1RJSbsabI2vebZ2F2sUs32rlPB6cdTl4fsDzLG7bSPRcRkTe61UW-4vQdyO09QgmNUADMgIBqYKNkQ7L1Fkis/s1600/pic1.jpg" /> </a></div>
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Coming into the finish </div>
<br />
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<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-73594589334607336072013-06-03T11:19:00.003-07:002013-06-03T11:24:52.798-07:00Dam That Was Fun!Dam to Dam 20k - Des Moines, IA - "Iowa's Distance Classic"<br />
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<i> Doing my best to photo bomb during the race</i><br />
<br />
Wow. I'm still in a bit of disbelief of how things unfolded. Going
into the event I was feeling a little under-whelmed. I had a few days
of sluggish and lethargic recovery runs (I think humidity was playing a
big part in this!). I doubted my endurance to an extent (even though
this race is less than half-marathon distance). And I had seen the
elite entry list and there were some heavy hitters in the line-up.<br />
<br />
All
that being said, I cruised down to Des Moines on Friday afternoon for
packet pick-up and race prep. This was my first out-of-town race where I
didn't have a wing-man/support person with,
so it was oddly quiet and even more nerve-wracking trying to kill time
the night before the race. Despite that, I settled in and eventually
got a little bit of shut-eye.<br />
<br />
Race morning: shuttle buses were
making trips to the start from downtown (finish area) from 5am to 5:45am. I
opted to get up at 4:30am, eat my ritual LUNA breakfast, and then do a 10
minute/1 mile shake out run before hopping on the bus. For shorter
races, this ritual (suggested for 2 hours before race start) is
something that my coach has implemented and I've come to enjoy as a part
of my pre-race routine.<br />
<br />
Hopped on the bus around 5:10am. By the
time I made the trip and waited for the disembarking process, it was
6:10am. Just enough time to hit the port-a-potties, do a warm-up with
form drills, and get to the line.<br />
<br />
The weather was PERFECT. My
guess would be that it hovered around 50 degrees at start time with the
sun out, but without much heat to the day. It was windy, which wasn't
ideal for the first half of the race when you're running out in the
middle of no-where on country/county roads, but I've been in worse and I
was just thankful that the rain that had been predicted wasn't coming
down.<br />
<br />
I stacked up in the second row of racers from the start
line behind a pack of four hired-gun professionals (full-time runners who flew in from AZ, NM, and other parts of the country for a chance at the prize purse). One of them had raced for Ethopia in past events, and the others were just as accomplished. Very intimidating. What
made matters worse, is that when the gun fired, the four of them took
off like missiles! I hate to admit it, but I had a brief though
of..."well, looks like I'm racing for top Midwest prize because those
ladies are gone!" But I went out strong, no other women came with me
and after that initial thought, I began to think all I needed to do was
run steady and smart, and hope that one (or more) of the leaders would
falter even a little bit. <br />
<br />
I never looked at my watch during
this race running instead completely by feel (side note: even though
it's killing me, I still haven't seen my splits because I haven't had access to my GPS software).<br />
<br />
I ran the
first 5-6 miles basically alone. There were still no other women
around me, and the dudes were stretched out with few and far in between each one. <br />
<br />
Around
10k, I spotted the first of the women from the lead pack who had fallen
off the pace. At just about the same time, a group of three college
dudes came up on me. Fortuitously I had heard them during my warm-up
talking about wanting to run 1:10. I recognized them, and immediately
decided to go with them for a shot at 1:10. As we packed up, we moved
by my female competitor and she had no response.<br />
<br />
Just after the
10k is the first of several decent sized hills. As me and my dude pack
moved up the first hill, the dudes splintered! So much for that plan! One surged ahead, and I
decided to let him go. I stayed with guy #2, and guy #3 got dropped.
From miles 7-9 I started pulling away from guy #2 and saw the second of
the lead women who had fallen off pace. <br />
<br />
I knew if/when I caught
her, I was going to have to either blow by her, or I was going
to have to be ready to battle. As I moved up on her, we approached a
corner and she glanced back and spotted me. She accelerated slightly, and I opted to get aggressive and go for the blow by and was successful in
passing and immediately dropping her.<br />
<br />
2 down...2 still out there,
about 3 miles to go. My wheels started spinning, mentally and
physically. I was feeling good and decided to start letting it rip.
Around mile 9 there's a long gradual uphill that leads to the entrance
of nice, shaded park/bike path section of the route. I remembered it
from the previous year. Aside from the home-stretch which is a gradual
uphill, the next couple of miles were going to flatten out and were a
great spot to pick up speed. It was at this point in the race last year
that I made my move on Erin Moeller: catching her, but not quite having
enough juice to finish her off. That was NOT going to happen this
year. <br />
<br />
Winding my way through the park, I felt strong and like I
was gaining speed. I came off of an extended, rounded, blind corner
around mile 10 and spotted lead pack female #3. She looked vulnerable as we
approached a short, steep uphill climb. I didn't hesitate on
my move this time, I was going for the kill. I moved up on her
quickly, passed her, and didn't look back. I was slightly worried that
she might be saving some gas for a strong finish, so I tucked my chin,
strengthened my resolved, and kicked up my turnover. <br />
<br />
I picked
off a few dudes along the way those last two miles and eventually made
it to Grand Ave: the home stretch. It's a long, straight, gradual
grind uphill for about 1/2 mile until the final 1/4 mile where it
flattens out.<br />
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<i>Coming down the home stretch (thanks to my old college coach, Dick Lee, and his son Brandon for coming out cheering me on!)</i><br />
<br />
As I hammered toward the finish line, I spotted The
Big Clock (official race time)...1:09:55, 1:09:56...I had a shot at
breaking 1:10?! I gave it the beans and approached the line. I passed
the clock 1:09:58...and then saw that there were 5 different mats at the finish line!
Which one was the timer in?! NOOOOO! I thought there was a chance I
had broken 1:10 and was ecstatic. Turns out I crossed in 1:10:02
(5:38/mile pace) official gun time, but hell, I hunted down three of the four leaders
(winner was Ethopian Belainesh Gebre in 1:08:41) and ran the fourth
fastest female time in Dam to Dam history. Not too shabby!<br />
<br />
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<i> Women's Champ - Belainesh Gebre...she's real, real fast</i><br />
<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-33281561829569475762013-05-28T12:59:00.002-07:002013-09-05T12:35:44.666-07:005K Fun - Brian Kraft Memorial Race RecapSo this weekend it was my birthday. 32 years young and feeling like wine...getting better with age! It just so happened that on the morning of my birthday there was a local, speedy road race: The Brian Kraft Memorial 5k. This race takes place around Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, and it is a part of the MN Racing Series, so a lot of teams and athletes show up ready to roll.<br />
<br />
Following a disappointing finish in Boston in April, I took an extended recovery period and have been slowly getting back into a training groove. My mileage has been a bit lower, but quality has been high. And now that the weather is nice (kind of), and my training crew is out of the Metrodome, we've been hopping on the track to do a little speed work.<br />
<br />
And I must say, it has been feeling good. I've been doing most of my training sessions solo in the mornings before work (5am). The sun is coming up, the air is cool and calm, and the track is like my own little zen garden. I've been doing some 200m, 400m, and 800m work and my old track bones, while not what they used to be, have been digging the change of pace.<br />
<br />
This weekend's 5k was one of only a few I've done since college. My previous PR was 17:45, and based on how I've been feeling in workouts, I thought 17:00 was possible and 16:30 would be amazing.<br />
<br />
The field of competitors included Katie McGregor (who has been a USATF 10k and 25k champ), Team USA pros, and more than a handful of top amateurs. From the gun, I knew I had to go out fast. I had made the mistake in an 8k in March of pacing myself at the beginning of the race, and my MNRED teammates have NOT let me live that down!. These 5-10k races start and finish before you know it, so this go around, I went out hard and aggressively and was determined to mix it up with the big girls. <br />
<br />
In the first mile, I saw only two women ahead of me: Katie McGregor and Jamie Cheever. Cheever was leading with Katie about 10 feet back and me sitting in Katie's back pocket. Just before the mile-marker I realized that I had more gas to give without feeling too stressed so I left Katie. At just about the same time, Cheever's shoe came untied and she had to pull out for a quick pit stop (that stinks!). I ran by Coach Ron and I'm pretty sure he yelled something like, "Easy....", as if I were pushing too hard, too soon. I chose to be my stubborn self and instead of backing down, I decided to keep driving the pace. I never once looked at my GPS watch for pace or distance, instead relying on feel, and I was feeling good.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I continued to push through the 2 mile mark, and had no idea where the other women were. For the time being I just knew I was running alone and still feeling good. I kept pushing and saw the 3 mile mark. A tenth of a mile to go and no sound of footsteps. I cranked up whatever kick I had left and cruised in just over the 16:00 mark. Official gun time 16:03; chip time 16:02. (Team USA's Jamie Cheever came in second - 16:38 and McGregor crossed in third - 16:41).<br />
<br />
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<br />
As a bonus, my race was not only good enough for the W, but also a MN age record, and the course record. With the likes of McGregor and Carrie Tollefson having run this same race, it feels pretty unreal that I accomplished what I did. However, I must say several of my very talented and smart runner friends/coaches have been telling me lately that if you train right and trust the training, on race day things will fall into place. Apparently they're right, because things fell into place this weekend.<br />
<br />
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<br />
This was only one race, but it was a good confidence booster going into this weekend's Dam to Dam 20k. The question mark will be my endurance. As I mentioned, I feel like my speed has been sharpened lately with the track workouts, but the mileage has been low. The field is stacked for D to D, so I'll have to be cautious about starting too aggressively. In the same breath, I'm super fired up to take on another race and see what I can do!<br />
<br />
.Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-8607110824600503122013-04-30T11:37:00.002-07:002013-04-30T11:38:32.718-07:00BooneCrusher 12-hour Adventure RaceThis winter I decided to focus on running. If you know me this probably seems like an idiotically obvious statement, but what I mean is that I opted to fore-go including myself on the summer calendar of my adventure racing team (GearJunkie/WEDALI). One of the only races I committed to was the season-opener race down in Boone, IA. A 12-hour event called the BooneCrusher. So this past weekend, my GJ/WEDALI teammates and I packed up our plentiful gear and headed south to "Go for Broke, or Be Broken" (the race slogan).<br />
<br />
Moving on to the race itself... I'll try break it down by section.<br />
<br />
Section 1 - Trek. The course started out with a trek section that included a long road-run out-and-back that took teams up and out of the river valley area, and then back to the Seven Oaks Resort ski area. The guys were nice enough to load me up with an extra pack for the most of the road-running section so I could get some extra run training in. ;) <br />
<br />
Section 2 - Bike. Single-track, technical mountain biking. Not the most difficult I've ever seen, but not the easiest. And although I've been known to threaten to throw my bike off of cliffs while struggling to stay upright on winding, greasy single-track trails, I think I did all right. My teammates are much better bikers, but were patient and encouraging throughout the section and we were able to maintain a lead on the competition despite having to fix a flat tire at the very end of the section. Oh and at the very end, we got to bomb down a legit ski hill on our bikes. Super fun!<br />
<br />
Section 3 - Bike. Road biking, mostly gravel and hilly. When you think of Iowa, you think of flat farmland. That was not the case with this race. There were plenty of hills, and lots of gravel. Flat tire number 2 happened on this leg, and someone (not involved with the race) stole one of the checkpoints from it's location, but other than that, a pretty uneventful section.<br />
<br />
Section 4 - Trek. We pulled into this section essentially tied with two other teams (Wild Hares and Inspire), but Biz's magical ability to sniff out checkpoints, along with our teams good fitness, allowed us to separate from the field throughout the tough bushwhacking section.<br />
<br />
Section 5 - Paddle. We ended the trek back by our bikes, but instead of hopping on our wheels, we packed our bikes into the canoes and took off down the river. The water levels were decent and the flow was good, so even though we were bucking a serious headwind, we were able to knock out the approximately 9 mile paddle section in under 2 hours.<br />
<br />
Section 6 - Trek. We unloaded our bikes from the boats, but before we hopped back on the saddle, we had a quick trek loop, mostly on roads. The day was heating up by now, and running on the open cement recreation trail was taking its toll on everyone. We were running low on fluids and looking forward to wrapping this section and getting back to our bikes (with water bottles).<br />
<br />
Section 7 - Bike. We came back to the transition area, hopped on our bikes, and PSSSSST...flat tire number three. The dudes fixed it lickety-split and we were back on the road, until PSSSST...flat tire number four. Replacement number two in place, when PSSSST...flat tire number five! All on the same bike, same tire. The guys worked as fast as they could to change each tire, but it was hot, we were now almost completely out of liquid, and we could see other teams starting to catch up. Finally after three changes, we got back on the road. Now we just had to pray for no more flats because we were out of spare tires (and had been when we had flat #5, fortunately one of our competitors, the Gnome Hunters, were in transition at the same time as us and offered up one of their spare tubes).<br />
<br />
Section 8 & 9 - Bike. Section 8 was supposed to be a trek, which I needed. I had been holding my own pretty well all day on the bike (especially considering I hadn't biked all winter long), but the day's efforts were starting to wear on me and I could have used a trek section (my strength). But because the race was taking longer than expected, the race director informed us that we could bike section 8 instead of trek it. Makes for a much faster effort, but my bike legs felt like jelly. We picked up all of the section 8 points, and now it was just a long ride (picking up a few points along the way) back to the finish. For the last 30 minutes or so I relied on my teammates to help me mentally and physically power through to the finish.<br />
<br />
When we finally arrived back at the start/finish location, we were the first 12-hour team to arrive, and we had cleared the course (found all checkpoints). It took 11 hours for us to finish, and it wouldn't have been possible without some excellent teamwork, navigation and perseverance. I feel extremely lucky to have found a place on the GearJunkie/WEDALI roster. <br />
<br />
Kudos to race directors, Jerrett Fried and Steve
Oberbroeckling, and all of their wonderful volunteers who put on a first-rate show.<br />
<br />
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Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-1277065929140818462013-04-18T13:23:00.001-07:002013-04-19T06:04:09.428-07:00Boston 4/15/13<pre><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaB8PJses5O7bl2KKjIDq59Z3kiS3Ag5N6djZOPiLsKXe8StJK9DC40Lh1y-TDk6u-ZK33Lo4AK1bU_liDt0AJy7K1Bcc5sbr3Eb09x_IU4RpMMJJ6bX5BkL1FJhtdN191E1PE213Iq4/s1600/bostontribute.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaB8PJses5O7bl2KKjIDq59Z3kiS3Ag5N6djZOPiLsKXe8StJK9DC40Lh1y-TDk6u-ZK33Lo4AK1bU_liDt0AJy7K1Bcc5sbr3Eb09x_IU4RpMMJJ6bX5BkL1FJhtdN191E1PE213Iq4/s1600/bostontribute.jpeg" /></a>
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</pre>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Preface:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>everything in
this post is trivial compared to the horrific, senseless acts of violence at the end of
the marathon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart goes out to all
of the people who suffered injury or worse due to explosions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> There has been a saying/quote going around that I think sums it up best: "If you're trying to defeat the human spirit, marathoners are the wrong group to target." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">That being said, in an effort to keep on, keepin' on, here's a post about my experience... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjKvhqhBHU_tvktoIWqWGjEJh4UiYXR89dF3eYgRGJYUnqR8qN0JzXkgjQble1Pk1msd-Ve_uwIvcPuShY1Uo680Y-VS4WN7HItflA1TuY7L08xHEbQ-KvDLviGDYqvNHRbmwdDOqkx8/s1600/boston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjKvhqhBHU_tvktoIWqWGjEJh4UiYXR89dF3eYgRGJYUnqR8qN0JzXkgjQble1Pk1msd-Ve_uwIvcPuShY1Uo680Y-VS4WN7HItflA1TuY7L08xHEbQ-KvDLviGDYqvNHRbmwdDOqkx8/s320/boston.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Smiles were aplenty BEFORE the race...<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
So it's done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's in the books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With big expectations and visions of a PR
(personal record), I set off for the Boston Marathon this past weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a winter illness setback and a
disappointing effort at the Senshu International Marathon in February, I felt
like I had done everything right from mid-February to race day to get myself in
respectable racing shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
First up, before the race, the technical meeting (a meeting to inform all male
& female elites of the race day sequence of events and "rules of
play").<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting in that room with
all of those heavy hitters was a super fun experience, and something I hope to
replicate in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water bottle
staging was next, then it was off to the hotel for final prep and a night of
restless sleep before race morning.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Special buses took elites to the start, escorted by a full police motorcade
stopping traffic for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sat around in a small church, staying warm
and getting my mind right before race time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt good, felt confident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had a race plan based on my fitness (not quite 100%, but within striking
distance of that 2:45 PR) and the course elevation (those tricky hills).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I stuck to my plan, I should have a good
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
9:32am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Game on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily the field of elite women went out
tentatively so I got to run with the big dogs for a couple of miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felt easy, breezy because we started out with a
downhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed through the 5k about
5 seconds off my planned time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sweet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kept rolling, feeling
strong and fit and hitting all of my pace markers until the half-way point. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From 13 to 17ish, the first couple hills, I
started gaining on the two runners in front of me and I felt GOOD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then from 19 to 20 the wheels kind of feel
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21 to the finish was probably the
longest, worst 5 miles I've raced to date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had eaten a bit during the race to this point, and been drinking a combo of water and electrolytes at every
station, but my energy just disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My legs weren't cramping, but I started getting tunnel/starry vision
like I might faint at any second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
ideal for running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This seems to be a
trend, which ticks me off to no end...more about this later.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
I put everything I had into those last five miles, but it was pretty
pathetic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slogged across the finish
line about 15-seconds under 2:51.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
So...am I disappointed? Beyond what I can explain. This was a bitter, bitter
pill to swallow that days later still gives me a stomachache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was given an amazing opportunity to start
with the elites and make a statement in the world of running, and I feel like I
pretty much blew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will I be salty
about this and replay every moment of the race for days (and likely weeks to
come)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will I re-examine my training for necessary
adjustments?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> But I think the biggest consequence and most lasting effect
will be that this disappointment has ignited a fire in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For two years I have basically enjoyed constant
improvement with my marathon results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set a few lofty goals and I achieved them. That's easy to handle. Now this year, I've been hit with two back-to-back sub-par performances where I didn't achieve my goals (Japan being the first sub-par performance).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like this is a golden opportunity to test how I'm going to react when things don't go well. I'm not going to pretend like I'm not still sulking around, I am. But I'm also recovering, looking at my racing/training calendar, and getting fired up for my next race. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Running might seem like a silly and trivial thing to most, but it has become
one of my greatest passions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to
accept mediocrity in this passion simply won't do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I have a few good racing years left in
these legs and I will continue to push the limits of what my body can handle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Oh, and I should mention...racing in Boston is amazing! The crowds, the race organization, the expo, basically everything, is first-class awesome. AND my buddy Pete from the orienteering club, and ALL six of my MN RED club mates had great races. Kudos to them! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOCLMHrxJ_I1O0vW9rf9JvBXpOck376YWoVu0FaQiphWznAjCYOUS-5qD2yY9r-sNlUlwlwnt4KioMl-eEpbKNxkjpXv9aa-6SFnPXIgQflZme1sliUUiQxm0MJCdbtvz0afpEeaLyYA/s1600/kellyandpete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOCLMHrxJ_I1O0vW9rf9JvBXpOck376YWoVu0FaQiphWznAjCYOUS-5qD2yY9r-sNlUlwlwnt4KioMl-eEpbKNxkjpXv9aa-6SFnPXIgQflZme1sliUUiQxm0MJCdbtvz0afpEeaLyYA/s320/kellyandpete.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Pete and me on race morning...Pete killed it!</span></div>
Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442384497476211459.post-75267910206036067552013-03-26T09:55:00.003-07:002013-03-26T10:21:25.915-07:00Irish Run 8kThis will be a quick one, just like the race. Boston is now 3 weeks away so there won't be much fitness gained from here on out, it's all about sharpening up, tapering properly, and getting my legs fresh for the big day. In an effort to do just that, my MN RED teammates and I raced the St. Paul Irish Run 8k this past weekend. The race marks the kick off of the USATF race series. Since I've never been a member of a team, I'm not sure what that means, but I'm pretty sure if I run fast, that's good for all parties involved. <br />
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So, the race recap: this was a 5 mile race. I haven't raced such a short distance in a long time. From the gun, I didn't have the confidence to go pedal to the floor because I wasn't sure how my body would react to the quicker tempo. At the two mile mark I realized I was essentially half-way to the finish and wasn't in nearly enough pain. I needed to push it. I did and my last three miles were progressively faster: 5:41, 5:34, and 5:31. I ended up coming in at 28:08 and 2nd place female among a speedy field. I maybe would have had a chance at the "W" if I would have ignored my watch, turned off my brain, and raced how I normally race (pin on to the leader and hang on for dear life!). But it was a good workout and a great lesson in racing.<br />
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Post-race, a couple of my training partners (shout out to Doug and Melissa) and I regrouped and put in a 5.5 mile hilly, tempo run to simulate the end of Boston (marathon). It was great. The harder, faster effort of the 8k took enough out of my legs that they had that 20-mile feeling, but without the 20 miles! We made decent time on the effort, averaging about 6:20/mile pace. I'll need to be faster if I want to come in around 2:44:37 (my Boston goal time), but the fact that this effort didn't destroy me was a confidence builder.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3dVp6GteAs3KaH7L4loB3AVqdbl09i2DzEfDfElEc965KjB2Sh0mByKgaR2TTpy7LP7CBxTFUE5bMkSxYqXvEkj52O4UEXlhZVMH4aFHC1pqJcqI7UINKMfq9B7Oax1_Q-O5Epj0k4Q/s1600/irish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3dVp6GteAs3KaH7L4loB3AVqdbl09i2DzEfDfElEc965KjB2Sh0mByKgaR2TTpy7LP7CBxTFUE5bMkSxYqXvEkj52O4UEXlhZVMH4aFHC1pqJcqI7UINKMfq9B7Oax1_Q-O5Epj0k4Q/s320/irish.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Photo op from the race. We'll call this one: game face & bad hair. ;) <br />
<br />Kelly (Brinkman) Bolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07818135097730862759noreply@blogger.com1