2012 Grand Re-Opening

Welcome to

Andi's Running Adventures Blog

2011 brought me and my family many exciting adventures...and they sure did keep up busy.  Now that 2012 is here and I have a goal to run an ultra marathon this Summer, I think it's time I start blogging again.

Exactly 1 year ago I was in the process of moving to North Carolina.  The first time I had moved away, not just from my home state of New Jersey, but also from my childhood home.  It was a new state, a new home, new furniture, and the best of all great new friends.  NC also brought me a great new running club called Fayetteville Running Club.  The first running community I was actively involved with. I did love it in NC, but the one thing that is always constant is change.

September rolled around and it was time to head to our first duty station, Fort Lewis, WA.  Yes, I was heading to the opposite side of the country, where the weather is wetter and no one I knew was around.  Moving to Washington was scary, yet exciting.  The best part of WA was all the outdoor activities and the cooler weather for my running endeavors.  Washington brought me an awesome running community called Wear Blue:Run to Remember. (www.wearblueruntoremember.org)  As I went through my first deployment, Wear Blue helped me in so many ways.  They are not just a running club...they are a community.  Washington will be our home for about the next 2 years so it was time to start planning my next great adventure.

Lisa Hallet, co-founder & CEO of Wear Blue:Run to Remember, ran the first CPT John L Hallett III Ultra in 2011 (which included the San Francisco Marathon) and is planning the 2012 ultra.  I was contemplating taking on the challenge, but was not sure if it was something I was going to commit to.  One day when going through my Seattle Half Marathon goodie bag, I came across an advertisement for the San Francisco marathon and the date just jumped out at me...July 29, 2012.  Realizing that the ultra was the same date as my birthday was confirmation that 2012 would be the year I would conquer an ultra marathon.

Here we are.  2012 is here and I am so excited & nervous; not just about the race itself, but the training.  This will require lots of time, energy, perseverance, & determination.  It will not be easy, but "I don't need easy, I just need possible" - Soul Surfer.  

There are many miles spent alone on the road, but it doesn't mean I can't share it with you.  I'm not sure how often I will update the blog because I do have a full time job, a husband, and 2 daughters to take care of - oh - and let's not forget all the time I will spend running, but I will update as often as I can.

This is not meant to inspire you to run marathons or even to become a runner.  But it's to inspire you to dream big and know that there is nothing impossible when you give it all you got and believe that God will do what you can't.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you.  If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section or visit my facebook and send me a message. My Facebook Page

Happy runnings.

Andi D.

"I don't need easy, I just need possible"

Tips for Your First 5K Race - Dedicated to Gisela

I was reading an article which contained a few tips for first time marathoners on race day (a few days late may I add) and realized that my friend, Gisela, is running her first 5K race and could probably use a few tips for her race day. I looked up some standard tips and modified them per my experiences. For some people running a 5K race is no big deal, but to my dear friend Gisela it is a HUGE deal. I know my first 5K was a huge deal and I was so nervous. If this is a hobby and lifestyle you are choosing to live, this is the first step in one day running a marathon. One step at a time. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" -Lao Tzu. For runners, our first step is a 5K (3.1 miles)

So Gisela and to all those who will run their first 5K, here are tips from an amateur to help you on your first race day.

1. Don't Overdress

A good rule of thumb: Dress as if the weather is 15 degrees warmer than it is. That's how much you'll warm up once you start running. If you know what the weather will be like on race day, here is a great tool I use from runnersworld.com that can help you figure out what you should wear. http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/0,7152,s6-240-325-330-0-0-0-0-0,00.html

2. Choose Your Pre-Race Food Wisely

Eat a meal at least one hour prior to the start of the race. Choose something high in carbohydrates and lower in fat, fiber, and protein. Stay away from rich, fatty, or high-fiber foods, as they may cause gastrointestinal distress, or more simply put, cause you to want to go to the bathroom. My pre-race mean ritual is Dunkin Donuts Coffee and a bagel with cream cheese. That hasn't failed me yet.
3. Get There Early

Arrive at the race site early to make sure you get a parking spot. Regardless of whether you're driving there or not, you'll also need time to pick up your number and timing chip, take a warm-up jog, and possibly use the bathroom (remember that the lines may be long).

4. Pin Your Bib

Your race bib goes on the front of your shirt, not the back. This will allow all the necessary individuals to recognize you, especially the photographers. You can use safety pins on all four corners of the bib to keep it in place. Most races provide you with safety pins.

5. Secure your timing chip

When picking up your race number, you will also be given a race chip or tag. The chip or tag is what will read your start, split, and finish times. Ensure you secure you chip or tag on your sneakers. Tags usually will have instructions on them, but rest assured, this is super easy to figure out. In most cases, the chips are considered disposable and you can keep them. If not, you must hand them in at the finish or someone will be there to remove it for you.

6. Line Up Properly

Don't line up near the front of the starting line. Faster, more seasoned runners don't like to weave around newbie (and likely slower) runners at the start of the race. It will be easier to fall into your pace if you're around people that are the same speed as you.

7. Use the Water Stops

Take advantage of the water stations on the course. I usually do not stop for water during 5K runs, however, they are provided and if you need hydration, go for it. And don't forget to thank the volunteers for handing out water!

8. Bring Your Support Team

Invite your friends and family members to support you. Ask them to stand near the finish line so they can cheer you on at the end. Having someone waiting for you at the finish line is a huge motivator and makes the accomplishment that much more special.

9. Aim to Finish

Don't put pressure on yourself to achieve a really fast time for your first race. Finishing the race and enjoying the experience are excellent goals for a first-timer. If you are running at a comfortable pace and you find that people are passing you, resist the urge to speed up. Run YOUR race and enjoy it.

10. Don't Wear the Race T-Shirt

Lastly, you'll most likely get a race T-shirt when you sign up for the race. Don't wear it until after you've completed the race. You should come prepared to run according to what you have trained in and the weather...plus it also makes you look like a rookie!

BONUS: Be Proud of Yourself. You did it!!!...and I am proud of you!

Less than 2 days until the Marathon - A toast

At this moment, according to poconomarathon.org, there is only 1 day and 7 hours left until the marathon start. Although this is my first marathon and really have no clue how I will do, I have to say that I am not nervous. I am just really excited. I don't think I trained the best I could, but I do feel like I've trained enough to run the marathon.


If you back track my blog, you'll realize that I was originally planning on running the NJ Marathon on May 2 in Long Branch, NJ. Somewhere down the line I changed my mind and decided to run the Run for the Red Pocono Marathon. I can't really explain why...many things contributed to the change of plans, but I have to say that I am super glad that I did. The day of the NJ Marathon we had 90+ degree humid weather (typical NJ summer weather) and that would have totally not been a fun first marathon - because of the weather conditions.

I have been "stalking" the weather for the marathon for the last 10 days and it looks like we are going to have great weather. The days high will be a sunny and dry 75 degrees. I believe the weather at the start will be about 55-60 degrees which is great weather to run in. I am beyond glad that God granted me such a great day to run my first marathon.

The weather was a bit of a concern for me because I really want my family and friends to be there. I would ask them to stand for hours in the rain while i run for 4+ hours, so needless to say, I am super grateful that the weather will be great, not only for me, but for my cheering spectators.

Crossing the finish line at a marathon, I can imagine brings such a sense of accomplishment and pride. But many times I think people may underestimate the accomplishment and pride that training for a marathon should bring someone. All those miles and time that we put in for one day...to cross a line and receive a medal...and of course the pride of saying "I am a marathoner". It's really such a selfish sport. One that's about me and my accomplishment; it's about "what I was able to do."

I have to admit that I love the selfishness about running a marathon. For the last 3+ years it's been about my husband and my daughters, but this is about me... and I'm not ashamed to say it. We all need our "me" time.

However, I naturally am not a selfish person and although I love the pride that will come with saying I've run a marathon, I also wanted to do something for others. That's why I decided to take this great challenge and use my efforts to raise money for a non-profit organization called Root of Hope. Root of Hope is an organization led by my parents and members of our local community. It's main focus, at this time, is to create a brighter future for children in Mozambique, Africa. Many third world countries remain that way because of a lack of education. The citizens of those countries do not have the knowledge to fight against the corruption that destroys their country and in the end brings much poverty to their land. Providing children with an education allows them to grow up and obtain the knowledge and power necessary to fight corruption and bring hope to their impoverished countries. My parents have been going to Mozambique at least once a year for the last 9 years and live there for 2 of those 9 years. They have seen adolescents grow to be bright men and women with a great future ahead of them because of their education and faith in God. That is why I decided to raise money for Root of Hope. Because I know that the money that is raised goes solely towards their mission and not administrative costs. It's one thing to donate to feed a child, but I know that the children that Root of Hope helps does so with lots of love, passion, and commitment.

So this raise is about me and my accomplishment, but completely dedicated to those boys and girls in Africa that have been helped by Root of Hope. It's dedicated to those kids who see my mom and dad as their mom and dad. Running the marathon is one challenge that I am going to overcome, but many of those children overcome challenges on a daily basis. They should be proud of themselves and consider themselves champions for overcoming the obstacles life has dealt them.
So again, with my poland springs bottle in my hand, I would like to make a toast, to God who is my passion and the reason for all I do, to my husband who motivates me to follow my dreams, to my girls who give me the strength to keep going, to my parents who support me and love me unconditionally, and to the children in xai xai Mozambique whose simplicity and love can melt any heart...this run is for you! As I run the 26.2 miles I will think about you all every step of the way. When I get to the finish line and receive my finisher's metal, it's for you. Because without you, I would have never been able to get to the finish. I love you. (Ching)

New Jersey's 90 Degree Saturday

What a gorgeous Saturday here in NJ!! Hubby is away for the weekend and this afternoon the girls, my parents, and I went to Sandy Hook to enjoy the lovely weather.


I have to run 18 miles at some point this weekend, so I went dressed in running clothes in the event I decided to go for a run. Sandy Hook has a great running path. I borrowed a book written by Dean Karnazes called “Ultra Marathon Man” from my good old running friend Ralph and read it on the way down. Needless to say I was totally inspired to go for a run once I got to Sandy Hook…even in 90 degree weather.

The beach was really packed to my surprise. I guess most new jersians were pretty tired of the winter and are just waiting anxiously for summer to begin. Although, I am a huge beach fan and love the summer, I have to say that I don’t want to skip spring to go straight to summer weather. I need some good old spring weather (60-75 degrees). Considering the fact that I am a few weeks away from running the marathon, weather this hot just isn’t cool…no pun intended (hahaha, yeah I’m a geek).

I began my run and headed to the beach entrance. I planned to run in that direction because I would be going towards the wind and thought “on the way back I’ll be able to relax since I will be running with the wind”. I thought it was a good idea, but once I turned around I quickly realized that running into the wind on such a hot day was really the best way to go. During my journey there were many folks riding bikes, but on 2 runners passed me and we greeted each other. I mean, we must have something in common…we are all crazy running in 90 degree weather.

I finished and ran a total of 4 miles. It definitely was a struggle, but I’m pretty sure it was the heat. I just hope that the weather for the long awaited marathon day doesn’t wind up being so hot.

My timing is great and I really think I’m going to hit my goal of finishing the marathon in 4 hours and 45 minutes.

So on goes my journey. I hope I can find someone to stay with the girls so I can run another 14 miles this weekend.

P.S. To all my fellow runners: If you run in the heat, hydration is essential. It may be a pain to carry that bottle of water, but hot or cold water is essential. YOU CAN DO IT!

My first Half Marathon: 2010 More/Fitness Half Marathon in Central Park NYC

My first half marathon was this past Sunday. I ran the More/Fitness Half Marathon in Central Park, NY.

 

I have to admit that I wasn't too nervous because I had already run a 15K which is only about 4 miles short of a half, but I was definitely excited. It was also my opportunity to get a feel for how I will do at the marathon and what my strategy should be.

 

On Friday, I went to the expo held at the Roseland Ballroom in the city. I received my race day number, timer, shirt, and goody bag...and then going into the expo...wow, running heaven. I think I made my way around about 3 times. Aside from having many running goodies to look through, there were numerous give aways and speakers. It really was a great expo...but then again, it's my first so there is nothing to compare it against. Initially, I didn't want to spend any money at the expo, but it was almost impossible not to buy something. I wound up buying some bling for my sneakers that reads "NYC Half Marathon 13.1", a spi belt, and a "Irunlikeagirl" running shirt. Towards the end of the expo they were taking pictures and would format it to look like a magazine cover...that's a great suvenier.

 

Saturday started out as a busy day, but I definitely wanted to carbo load and hydrate for the race. I spend most of the day anticipating the race. We went out with a few friends for lunch at my favorite restaurant. They start you off with some bread, butter, and olives. I think I wound up eating at least 5 rolls. It's great being able to eat and not worry about the calories. After the rolls came my lunch. I had garlic shrimp with rice, homemade fries, and veggies. I at like this was my last meal. Then to finish off I had some creme brulee. It was a great meal. The rest of day I just drank gatorade and ate bread.

 

Saturday night, I took some time to prepare. Once I got to the race and during the race I realized that the time I took to prepare was essential to my success. So, here is a list of what I did to prepare for the race.

• Studied the running course: baggage area, start line, water stops, porta potties, medical tents, etc.
• Studied the train routes and schedules
• I picked out my clothes and laid them out, including socks and underwear (TMI??)
• Spi belt prep: ID, debit card, phone, 3 chocolate GU's. I packed everything in a small plastic bag (Sandwich bag) and then put it in my spi belt. I didn't have a waterproof belt, so I placed everything in the bag to ensure it did not get wet.
• Backpack: I packed clothes to change into after (sweat pants and shirt, under garments, socks, and shoes), a towel, my bib and timing chip, safety pins, 2 garbage bags (one for my bag, one for me), and a book to read during my commute. Once I had all of the items laid out, I placed them in a plastic bag and then put them into the backpack. That was my guarantee that my clothes would not get wet from the rain.
• Determined transportation. Driving was not an option for me because I HATE DRIVING IN NYC, so mass transit was the way to go. I definitely didn't expect Fil to leave the house with the girls at 5am in the rain, so I had 2 options. Park at the PATH or take a taxi. I went with calling a taxi, so I got the taxi's number and saved it on my phone.

 

On Sunday, I woke up at 4:55am. Since I had laid out all I needed, I called the taxi first and waited for them as I got ready. Once I got dressed, brushed my teeth, fixed my hair, and grabbed my bag I was ready. I gave the hubby and the girls a kiss and out the door I went. Since a Dunkin Donuts is right next to the station, I asked they drop me there. Coffee and a bagel is a pre race ritual. Once I had my fuel I headed to the station. Remember I mentioned that I studied the train schedules, so at no point did I have to wait more than 5 minutes for a train.

 

I had a hard time eating my bagel and drinking the coffee. It was so early in the morning that I didn't have an appetite, but I knew it was crucial to ensure success, so I forced myself to eat. Once I arrived at central park I walked my way to baggage which was close to the finish. When I got to baggage I stripped down to my running clothes and took out the garbage bags. One bag I kept with me and the other I used to wrap my backpack in (it was pouring rain). I was so happy because when I looked around I seemed to have been the only person who thought about leaving my bag in the rain: I was prepared.

 

Off I went to the start line with an hour left. It was pouring rain and cold. Everyone was walking around trying to figure out what to do for a whole hour in the rain. Near my start area I could see Tavern on the Green and there was a canopy. I could see a few runners just waiting under there and I decided to join them. I waited there until the start and shortly before the start "Charlotte" from Sex in the City was standing right in front of me. I believe they were going to do a photo shoot under the canopy, but must have felt bad kicking us runners out.

 

15 minutes before the race start I took my first GU and 10 minutes before started heading to the starting line. I put my phone away, met a few fellow runners around me, and cheered as the speakers came on. About 3-4 minutes after the start I felt great. It was hard to forget about the rain, but I definitely wasn't cold anymore. I was running faster than I had anticipated and didn't feel like I was pushing too hard at all. Central Park was full of hills and all I could think was "this is great training for the marathon". I passed loads of people and kept my pace between 9:45 and 10:15 for most of the race. There was one hill that we hit twice that was a killer, but once you hit the top it was exhilarating.

 

The last 3 miles were a little tough. I was running fast than anticipated so I think it started catching up to me. The last 2 miles we started seeing more folks cheering and it was a definite motivator. Once I reached the last mile, I walked for about 30 seconds and then ran with all I had left to the finish. The spectators were cheering us along and just knowing that the finish was so close really had my adrenaline going. Crossing the finish line was a great feeling...a feeling of accomplishment. I DID IT. I ran a half marathon in 2 hours and 10 minutes. Amazing. I wanted to cry, but had no one's shoulder, so I just whipped out my phone and called my hubby and shared it with him. With my medal around my neck and a bagel in my hand I headed to my dry backpack and headed to a bathroom to change. Talk about nasty, but I wasn't about to get on a train in wet clothes and shoes.

 

I changed into my dry clothes and kept my medal around my neck...I figured I was allowed to wear it all day. I commuted home and people kept on staring to figure out why this crazy girl with a hooded sweatshirt had a medal around her neck...it was great! I got home, took a shower, and ate like a queen.

 

Now I can say I am ready for my marathon. I'm ready for it all. 26.2 miles is definitely a great challenge, but one that I am excited and proud to say I am taking on. I'm sure that what I felt this past Sunday at the finish line is nothing compared to what I will feel crossing the marathon finish line...and the best part is that my family will be there with me.

 

Yes, this entry is a novel and I'm not going to apologize for it because I wanted to share the full details of my experience in running a half marathon. It's something that you may have never experienced, but I'm telling you that the hard work is definitely worth it. If you are thinking about it...STOP thinking and JUST DO IT.

 

Andi

Half Marathon, here I come

Today I ran in a 5K (3.2 miles) race with Ralph and 2 members of a local running team.  The course was very hilly, which I was not expecting and I didn't make it in the time I wanted, but at least it was good practice for the Pocono marathon.  After the 5K, we took a few minutes break and then headed back out for a 7 mile cool down - lol.  Yes, I did said 7 miles. 

The 5K was tough, but that was because my watch decided to take forever to get signal and I didn't know what pace I was running at, so aside from the race starting on an uphill, I also started too fast and wound up being winded for most of the race.  But I did finish in 30 minutes so that made me happy.

All though the pace was a challenge because I ran the 10 miles at my race pace, it was pretty comfortable.  Running with other people was definitely a plus.  It was a great distraction and made the time go by fast.  I was able to hold a conversation, which is a good sign.  Towards the end, I was starting to feel some stiffness in my knees and my ankles, but nothing I couldn't push through. 

Today was an accomplishment.  Not because I ran 10 miles because I've done that before, but because I ran 7 of them without stopping once.

Next week I'll be running the More/Fitness Half Marathon in NY.  It's a women's only race and should be loads of fun.  I can't wait for that one.  Before you know it, May 16 will be here and I will be running my first marathon...amazing.

It's not impossible.  It'sjust a matter of getting up and going.  Once you do, you'll be glad you did.

Have a great weekend.

To a lifetime of a healther, happier, skinnier you!

Many people I know at the first attempt to lose weight decide they are going to stop eating or they go on some crazy diet. A crazy diet consists of rules on what NOT to eat or what to eat a lot of (ie. atkins diet, fat free diet, eggs only diet). I at times have attempted these types of diets from not eating, to trying a few weight loss pills, to eliminating carbs, and eliminating protein. The end result was always the same: FAILURE. I may have lost a few pounds in a week or two, but surely, the weight found it's way back to me.

It is very rare that individuals who achieve rapid weight loss will be able to maintain it. Why? The reason why is because individuals who achieve rapid weight loss did so by depriving themselves of something, whether it be protein, carbs, or dessert. I mean, who wants to live their lives without some good juicy steak, or some spaghetti to go with the chicken parm, or the occasional cheesecake on the weekend (ice cream in the summer). I don't think anyone. We all have our guilty pleasure and we should all be allowed. No matter what our weight is. I think the problem we all have is that we wind up indulging and instead of having a cup of ice cream, we have 2. So, what we need to do is learn not to indulge....have self control.

Living a healthy lifestyle requires a lot of self control. Sometimes, it requires you to just take a whiff of that philly cheese steak and dream of eating it. It means eating a healthy meal at home before going to a party where you will be tempted with all the great food and dessert. It's not to say you will never eat a philly cheese steak or eat all the party food and dessert, it just means you have the power to choose when you will and will not.

I eat cheeseburgers, pizza, ice cream, cheesecake, chicken parm, donuts...but I also eat salads, veggies, fruits, yogurts. Having a balanced diet means eating healthy and every once in a while eating those "not so great for you" foods. The key is the portions. If you eat 1/2 a cup of frozen yogurt every day, you are less likely to over indulge on sweets on a weekend or while you are out.

So here are a few tips on living a healthy lifestyle and how to successfully lose weight and KEEP it off.

1. Eat! Don't skip meals, especially breakfast. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It sets the stage for your eating habits for the remainder of the day. If you don't eat breakfast, you are more likely to make poor and unhealthy meal choices for lunch and dinner. When deciding on what to eat for breakfast, think healthy. Your choices should consist of eggs, low-non/fat yogurt, whole grains or fruit. All these choices are high in protein and fiber which will have you feeling full until lunch and promote healthier eating for the rest of the day.
*There are also scientific reasons for not skipping meals, but I won't get into that in this entry.

2. Intake Protein, Carbs, and fat. You aren't doing any favors to your body by eliminating any of these 3 things. Our bodies need and crave all three. Ensuring that you consume enough protein, carbs, and fat on a daily basis prevents your body from a deficiency, which in turn can cause your body harm and lower your immune system.

3. Exercise and diet are effective. Just exercising is good and just dieting is good, but doing both at the same time is great. A healthier lifestyle is about balance. Incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your plan is an effective way to lose weight and keep it off.

4. If you work out 4 days a week and missed 1 day for whatever reason, it's OK. Don't give up. Don't get frustrated or get mad at yourself. You did not fail. You simply have a life and some times life happens. You don't even have to make up that work out. Simply pick up where you left off. (If you have kids, this is key)

Living a healthy lifestyle shouldn't be burdensome. It should just be a way of life. In the beginning, yes, it may be tough. Eventually, however, it will be just the way you are. Going out to the gym or going out for a run isn't such a chore, it's just something you do. Filling your plate with fruits instead of a big piece of cheesecake won't kill you...it's just the way you eat. You prefer to save those calories for the weekend or a special event.

This is the way that I now live. It's who I am. It's not a chore, it's not something I complain about. It's just me and how I choose to live. I'm skinnier for it, but most importantly, I'm healthier and happier for it.

So, here's to a healthier, happier, and skinnier you. Cheers (bottle of Poland Spring in my hand)!

Andi