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Freedom Park 24 hour race recap

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:15:30 -0500

I am a very bad blogger! I apologize. Life has just been so busy with Zoe and work and life. However, I would like to recap my 1st 24 hour race that I did on New Year’s Eve.

Freedom Park was my 1st 24 hour race. Sure, I have run longer than that in races (34+ hours is my longest to date) but I have never done a timed race. Essentially, you run a loop for 24 hours and at the end, they count up your loops to see how far you have run. This was the perfect race for me since it eliminated cut offs, finish lines, and every mile I passed our tent and the car. This made feeding the baby easy and kept me well fed and hydrated. The drive down was long. 10+ hours. The forecast for the race seemed to change hourly and last I saw, some freezing rain or snow the first few hours then clear and cold the rest. My plan was to suffer thru the brief rain, then change and enjoy the rest of the race. Mother Nature had much different plans. When we woke up race day, there was snow on the cars and it was freezing rain. It would rain/snow on and off for most of the race, unfortunately. When we got to the race start I changed my clothes because I was definitely not warm enough.
The race started promptly at 8 and we were off. My friend Ethel Cook, who came down with us, started the race with me. Most of the runners took off majorly fast. I knew that there was a lot of walking in my future so I just took it easy from the start. As the day and then night wore on, most of the lead runners fell well out of pace and many stopped all together. I felt good for a long time. I ran on and off with Ethel, but was content on my own. I had my iPod for company. During the entire race I spent about 2.5-3 hours doing baby things, mostly feedings, but i did put Zoe to bed around 9pm, and by put her to bed, that was in her car seat! lol.
Right before midnight, the race volunteers and RDs were getting ready for the big count down. They had sparkling juice, party hats and horns, and beads for all the runners to ring in the new year. I thought with my chronic sleep deprivation that I would be toast, but i felt really awake and energized thru the whole race. I only had a few dixie cups of soda the entire race too!
Come 2-3am, it was getting very cold. I had on 2 fleeces over a long sleeve tech shirt. I soon added a wind breaker. Around 3am, I met up with Jim, who was volunteering/crewing and pacing some top runners. We spent most of the rest of the race walking around the loop. Come 5am, I was getting extremely chilled to the bone. I could not even hold the cup of hot chocolate Jim got for me. I believe he even had on 6 layers! It was the type of damp cold that really just sets into your body deep within. Come 7am, I decided there was no way i was going back out, so i turned in my chip and sat in the warm car. I felt good though, i did 64 laps which was just a bit over 63 miles. I had hoped for 70-80 laps, but the weather just really killed me.
I did love the race and do plan on returning, If the weather had been better and my training a bit more focussed and not ruined by a long string of snowy and icy weekends, i think i could have really gone the distance.

my crew!

midnight:

Recipes

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:46:26 -0400

I have been slacking over the past year posting recipes, so I will post my newest favorite recipe!

Recipe courtesy of:
Fatfree Vegan Kitchen

Sweet Potato Falafel

Cooking the sweet potatoes in the microwave is a real time saver, but feel free to bake or steam them instead. The moistness of sweet potatoes varies, so you may need to add a little more flour to achieve the right texture.

1/2 tablespoon ground flax seeds + 2 tbsp hot water
2 medium sweet potatoes (about 18 ounces, total)
2-3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/8 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup minced parsley
juice of 1 lemon
1 cup chickpea flour or besan
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
sesame seeds (optional)

Mix the flax seeds with two tablespoons hot water and set aside to thicken.

Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place on paper towels in microwave. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, turn over, and then cook for another 2 minutes. Check for tenderness, and if not cooked all the way through, cook in increments of 30 seconds until tender. Set aside to cool until easy to handle; peel and place in a large bowl.

Preheat oven to 400F. Mash sweet potatoes well with a masher or a fork. Add the flax mixture, seasonings (including parsley), and lemon juice and stir well. Mix the chickpea flour with the baking powder and add it a little at a time to the sweet potato mixture. Stir until well-combined. Batter should be stiff; if not, add chickpea flour a tablespoon at a time until batter is thick. (If the batter is too stiff to blend in all the flour, add water a tablespoon at a time.)

Oil a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Use a cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon to make about 20-22 little mounds of dough on the baking sheet (dipping the scoop in water every now and then will help prevent the dough from sticking to it). Flatten the balls to about 1/2-inch thick and 1 1/2-inches wide. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bottoms are medium brown. Serve hot with yogurt-tahini sauce. These keep well and can be reheated briefly in the microwave.

Makes 5 servings (about 4 small falafel each). Per serving: 159 Calories (kcal); 2g Total Fat; (11% calories from fat); 6g Protein; 31g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 500mg Sodium; 5g Fiber. Weight Watchers 3 Points.

Per falafel: 38 Calories (kcal); .5g Total Fat; (11% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 119mg Sodium; 1g Fiber. Weight Watchers 1 Point.

Copyright 2009 Susan Voisin and Fatfree Vegan Kitchen
blog.fatfreevegan.com
All rights reserved. Ask first!

Delaware 100(k) race report!

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:02:32 -0400

Delaware 100(K) report
----------------------

For some reason, I thought it would be a great idea to try my hand at a 100 mile race 17 weeks after having my baby Zoe and 11 weeks after being cleared to run from my c-section. I had some good long runs, including 3 long runs of 20 or more miles. I felt confident that I could at least walk the whole thing. I chose the DE100 because it was free and low key. I would not feel pressured and I would not be spending money we don't have. The race director, Carl Camp, is the nicest guy in the world and let my husband, daughter and I stay in his house the night before the race. Him and his family also prepared dinner for all the runners Friday night. I felt good and had all my food and items ready by bed time Friday night.

Sleep was mediocre at best Friday night, but not because of the baby, just normal pre-race thoughts. My mind just would not turn off. My biggest concern with the race was the baby. Would I get upset seeing her and running back off into the race? would i breastfeed her or pump? would she be very upset without me all day? I had never been away from her more than 5-6 hours, so this was going to be treading new water.

Race morning seemed to come too fast and 4am all of a sudden because 5am. I fed the baby and pumped and met the rest of the runners downstairs for a photo and prerace briefing. I had a print up of the directions from the race director's house to the trailhead and was hoping to stick with the pack to the trail. We departed his garage at 5:30-ish and headed out into his neighborhood. It was hard staying with the pack, but I did because I did not want to get lost in the early morning darkness. I ran with some very nice runners on this stretch and just enjoyed the conversation. It took us 1 hour 45 minutes to reach the trailhead. I was feeling good and was very brief at the aid station. I knew I would lose a lot of time during the race breastfeeding or pumping and wanted to minimize time lost.

I headed out in to the woods solo and enjoyed the peace and quiet. It was nice for a change. The trail section was not what I expected. More technical and hillier than I planned on. I had not run trails for a year because when you are pregnant it is considered too risky to run trails. I am a klutz to begin with and did not need to fall while pregnant. So, my trail work was nil. I had run some wide flat gravel trails and sandy trails, but that did not prepare me for this. I just took it nice and easy and tried not to get run over by mountain bikers. Overall the course was marked very well and I broke it up into three sections in my head. The first section took me 1:10, the second 1:05 and the third 0:45. The first loop was completed in 3 hours even.

At the end of the first loop, I met Eddie, my husband, and Zoe at the aid station. I sat down and breastfed her while Eddie got me some chips and soda to munch on. I was there about 10-15 minutes and then was back down the trail. I told Eddie that I wanted Anthony to pace me for the last 2 of the 4 trail loops because I found it kind of boring and wanted the company. I put my iPod on and headed back out. The soda and iPod definitely rejuvenated me and I felt good. Eddie soon called me on the cell phone to say that Anthony would try to meet up with me on this loop, which was exciting. After the first section, I headed thru a cornfield to the second section, where Eddie and Anthony found me. It was great to see Anthony again and run with him, it had been too long.

We finished the second loop in 2:55, a bit faster than the first and I was feeling good. Fed the baby again and Anthony and I headed back out. At this point I just really felt like fast walking more than running and my times were not much slower. We finished the third lap in 3:05. When we finished this lap, we were greeted by Eddie with cheeseburgers and fries for Anthony and fries for me. I fed the baby and ate some fries before we headed out for the last loop on the trail. At this point I was sick of the trail and looking forward to the road section. I also knew we would be finishing this loop in the dark, so we took our headlamps with us. As the day wore on, the course became quite muddy from the bikers, but I only tripped once and consider that a success. My feet were quite sore and I knew a couple of my toes were really unhappy.

We got about 3/4 thru the last loop before we had to turn the lights on. The last time thru the corn fields was really creepy and a deer ran thru the corn and almost gave me a heart attack. The last couple miles seemed to be taking FOREVER. We saw a light ahead of us and it turned out to be a rogue mountain biker. We stepped off the trail to let him pass and then as soon as we got back on, his dog came ripping down the trail. Um, thanks for the warning, dude. Not too long after that we saw a light ahead of us and could not tell if it was coming towards us or away from us. Eventually we realized it was another runner and we passed him and hoped we were close to the end of the loop. FINALLY the race director met us on the trail, I guess he had gotten bored out there and it was more exciting for him to come down the trail and meet us there. Thankfully we were almost done. Eddie and Zoe were there and Eddie threw Zoe to me to feed her, she had started to get a bit punchy.

Anthony and I got an extra layer to wear and I pulled out our directions and we headed out back to the RD's house, 7.5 miles. The first 2 miles were AWFUL. There was no sidewalk and the cars were zipping by at high speeds. It was quite unnerving and I had no running left in me, just fast walking. The whole race my stomach had been off and I knew I was not eating enough. I was looking forward to a large cup of soup back at the house, I knew i needed it for calories as well as the salt to settle my stomach. After quite a while on the roads, I was pretty confused about where to go. We had walked for quite a while and nothing looked familiar. I last ran this in the dark of the morning on the other side of the road and had not paid too much attention. We did not see any other runners, so I eventually called the RD who drove around looking for us. With him, came Mandy and she and Anthony switched off pacing duties.

It was about this time where my whole mentality changed. I was really unhappy. My feet hurt, I was cold, tired, nauseous, hungry, and my back and neck were killing me. I just wanted to get back to the house. The RD had showed Mandy the way while driving her out to us, so she knew how to get back, luckily. Mandy was great fun and had a flashing light on her backside which gave me much amusement.

Once back to the house, I was done. I just felt horrible. I guess I looked it too, as I was stone white in appearance. I ate my soup and then some spaghetti and just did not want to go back out. I knew if I did not atleast try to get back out I would be disappointed. I hit the bathroom then peeked at the baby sleeping and Mandy and I headed back out. I felt ok, for about 10 minutes. At one point I coughed and my whole lower back seized up quite horribly and I knew then that I was done. At this pace, I would be out there until last the next day and I really was in no mood for that. I did at least 60 miles and felt very accomplished with that. Only 7 of the 19 starters finished, so I was in good company. 60 miles 11 weeks back to running after not running for months and having a baby is nothing to be ashamed of and I am quite proud of that accomplishment. It was tricky trying to breastfeed and run the race, but I enjoyed that quiet time with the baby during the race, even though it was only 10-20 minutes at a time. It was a nice break at the aid stations. I can not say enough good things about the race director, his family, the volunteers and the other runners. It was AWESOME to be back at an ultra and running with ultrarunners and my friends. I feel blessed that my friends would spend their weekend pacing me and helping me with the race. It was a great time had by all :) And as always, super duper special props to Anthony, my fearless pacer and good friend.

For Anthony’s pacing report and some video of our time together, check out his blog http://www.irunultras.com/

Running updates

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 17:49:44 -0400

Well, the most exciting news of late is that Zoe finally fits in the jogging stroller without the infant attachment, which means I can run with her in it!!!!! On Sunday, I ran 14 miles, then took her out to the park and ran 6 more with her, for 20 total. That was my second 20 mile run, and hoping for 24-6 next weekend. Zoe sleeps most of the time during the run, but today, she woke up with 1/3 mile to go and was HUNGRY. It was fine though and she was soon happy with a full belly. It feels great to be running, although my mileage is low for me, I know it will pick up and get there. I will probably never do 8 hour long runs like I used to, but I am okay with that. The weather has been mild the past couple days and I am loving it. Eddie, Zoe and I went to the park this morning to run and it was a cool 61F. I am ready for fall. Fall is easily my most favorite time of the year, but I hate what comes after fall, the dreaded winter. Blech.

Is it fall yet??????

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 08:55:35 -0400

Ok, the one big issue with being pregnant all spring and into summer is that I am NOT heat trained. I do not have time right now to sit in the sauna either. Boy is it HOT out. Monday was a heat advisory and I was out to do my long run. I had to stop a little after 10 miles due to the heat and humidity. I tried to get out as early as I could, but it just did not happen with the baby. I know it will get easier as time goes on to get into a good routine with her. Tomorrow, my long run day, is calling for another heat advisory, hopefully I do not melt! LOL.

Last weekend Zoe and I went up to Northern PA to crew Daddy, aka Eddie, at his race at the Viaduct. It was a nice time, and we even tent camped with the baby! Eddie finished his day at 50 miles and we spent the rest of the evening hanging out with Kerry who was crewing for Ethel, who finished her day at 75 miles. Everyone there was so nice and it was great to be back in the ultrarunning world again, made me feel right at home.

One month down!

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 15:59:33 -0400

Wow! One month back to running and I feel great! Last week I logged 30 miles. I cannot complain whatsoever. I feel like my old self is back. Finally. It feels great to pound it out on the treadmill, run with the running group and hit the trails. It was a big part of me that was missing for too long. Now I am looking forward to the fall and getting back into some ultra races. I know it will be a bit more complicated with the baby and breastfeeding, but I am looking for race options that would allow me some flexibility in time/cut offs to breastfeed or pump as needed. It will be great to run that first ultra.

This weekend I am heading up to northern northern PA with Zoe and my friend Kerry to crew and pace for my husband Eddie and her wife Ethel as they run the Viaduct 100. It is a fatass style race-- unsupported. We will be there with food and pacing duties. Should be fun. It will be interesting to camp out with the baby, especially without Eddie there to help, but hopefully it will be a good time. I made sure we got a HUGE tent!

2 weeks running!

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:32:24 -0400

So, I have been running two weeks. I feel fantastic! It feels great to be back out there, or in there on the treadmill, haha. I have been aiming to run 5 times a week and have stuck to it. It is not always easy and my legs are tired, but I do it and I am glad to. Last Sunday I ran on the trail and it was hard, but felt good and that made it all worthwhile. In addition to Javelina Jundred in October, I signed up for Blues Cruise 50K in Reading, PA in early October. Now I need to see if there are any other races that fit my schedule before now and then.

In other news, congrats to all my peeps who rocked it out at Badwater!!

Anthony, Leigh and Peggy all had great 135 mile finishes at the race and Keith finished 131 miles. I am so proud of all of you and look forward to hearing all about it. It was a blast to try to follow on line.

Back in the Saddle!

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:04:54 -0400

So, I am back to running, 1 week! Yipppeeeeee. I plan on starting up the blog regularly again.

Here is a brief update of the last couple months:

Stopped running around 6 months pregnant, but continued to walk almost every day.

Baby Zoe decided to make an early appearance, which was ok with me, since work and being pregnant were getting very difficult.

After 26 hours of labor, I was transferred from the Birth Center to Bryn Mawr Hospital for a c-section. Towards the end of my labor baby Zoe turned from head’s down to BUTT FIRST BREECH!!!! It was super scary to have surgery, but I survived. However, it did mean 6 weeks of no exercise. As soon as I felt up to it, though, I started walking and Zoe and I went on many walks on the river trial up to 6 miles, but averaged 4 miles per walk.

Zoe was a lil peanut at 5lbs 13oz when she was born, but she is making up for it now and growing like a weed

As soon as I hit 6 weeks, I started running. Slowly and with walk breaks, but it felt great and now I have five runs under my belt.

i am pretty much committing myself to Javelina Jundred in October (on my birthday!!) as my come back race, wahoooooo!!!!!!

Belated Volunteer Report & General Update

Tue, 5 May 2009 12:30:47 -0400

I have been having technical difficulties with my blog, so it has been a while! A couple weekends ago I volunteered at the Valley Forge Revolutionary run 5 miler. It was a great time to see my running group friends and be part of running and racing without actually running, haha. We woke up VERY early to set up the aid station, but it was good to be relaxed and have time to just mull around and make sure everything was set for the runners. Very different atmosphere from when we do the aid station at the Philly Marathon, for sure. We had 6 tables set up and the runners came thru in a few waves. The weather was mild and the rains held out, which was nice for them, and especially for us volunteers!

Overall things have been going well. Still trying to walk as much as I can, but not as much as I would like. I am looking at the fall and planning my fall running schedule, it is all tentative at this point, but I did register for Marine Corp Marathon and plan on entering the lottery for Across The Years 48 hour race in December. I have never done a timed race before, should be fun and a whole new experience for me!

Little update!

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:14:58 -0400

Well, I am heading well into my third trimester and next week starts my every other week visits to the midwife. Wow. Time flies, but at the same time, it seems like I have been pregnant forever!!
I stopped running a couple weeks ago, when during a 90 minute treadmill run I took 5 bathroom breaks. I firmly believe in listening to my body and it said it was not happy with the running. I am still fast walking though and trying to do that 4-5 times a week. On the weekend, weather permitting, I like to go a little longer. It is nice to know that spring is right around the corner. I am getting a little sad that I am missing out on spring races, but I know they will be here waiting for me next year. I am already looking forward to the summer and walking with the baby and getting back into running. I am still unsure about my fall running plans, but have started to think about what I want to do. I have some options, but am going to stay mum for the time being on them. I do plan on registering for the Marine Corp Marathon in October, which has the option of selling your entry if you need to, so there is that safety net in case it coincides with other running plans. It was great to get down there this past fall to cheer and spectate, but boy did I wish I was running it. I was, however, about 7 weeks pregnant!

Long overdue running & life update!

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:51:59 -0500

Well, it has been wayyyy too long since I updated my blog, so I am just popping in to say hello! If you did not already know, I am pregnant, and I am more than halfway there! Totally crazy and exciting. The picture above is my new favorite running item-- the maternity running skirt from www.runningskirts.com . What a great product. Running while pregnant is hard enough, but finding clothes to run it, even harder! This skirt is great, and since it is winter, I mostly have been wearing it at the gym.

I have been trying my best to stay fit and have been working out, most weeks, 5-8 times a week. My workouts consist of weekday workouts of 30-70 mins of power walking, stepliptical, running or run/walking. On Sundays, I try to get a nice run in. Last Sunday, my friend Kerry and I, ran 7.5 miles on the Schyullkill trail and it was great! The weather was perfect. We are hoping for 9-10 this weekend. I am planning on running the B&A half marathon in MD on March 1st. I do not have much else planned and am looking forward to running a race. It has been way too long! I am in withdraw.

I hope everyone is having a great winter and looking forward to spring. Next up, is waiting to see who got selected for Badwater 2009!!!! I cannot wait. Good luck Anthony! (and others who I know secretly applied) I hope to be toeing the line 2010.