Review of The Big Game 5K

This morning I ran The Big Game 5K at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ.  To be honest I wasn't expecting much, but I was very impressed with every aspect of this race. 

The course was excellent, especially considering the sheer volume of snow we have gotten recently.  Two laps around the plaza, with a short "out and back" section to get the course to 5K length. 

 Coordination with local police must have been good since roads were shut down, including entrances to the mall that could allow a vehicle onto the course. It felt safe, that's for sure. 

The race shirts were okay, nothing special in my opinion but at least they were a solid color and not white. Considering the time of year, I would have preferred a long sleeve shirt. However, I can understand the additional cost associated with that and won't hold it against the race organizers. 

Finisher medals were a definite plus, who doesn't like getting a medal!?!! 

Oh, and I can't forget the group that was at the start, halfway, and finish line cheering on the runners. I think thy were called "I love you".  Very motivational, made me feel like a rockstar running through their cheerful gauntlet! 

Race registration/pickup and expo at the mall were pretty cool. Great atmosphere and lots of sponsors present. Also, incredible volunteers who even directed traffic in the parking garage and stood in the cold at a water station and at the finish line. Very impressed. 

Results took a long time to be posted, but I think they waited for all runners to finish. Not a big problem but when you want to go home it would be nice to have a look at the results first. 

Only real problem I had with this race was not something that could be controlled. It was just way too freaking cold. 18 degrees and windy was not comfortable at all. By the end of mile 1 my feet were numb and felt like ice blocks attached to the bottom of my legs. This was a major hindrance for me, and I finished about a minute and a half slower than I planned on. Also was lucky enough to have an extra sweatshirt in my car, because my cold gear just didn't cut it. Well, at least it wasn't snowing. 

Final thoughts: would definitely do this race again. 

My results: 

Time: 27:48

89th out of 454 overall

30th out of female runners

11th in 10-year age bracket 

Personal accomplishment in race: sprinting past 3 runners right before crossing the finish line.

New Years Goals

Resolutions are silly. I prefer setting goals. It's much more realistic for me, and probably for others too, since resolutions have such a bad stigma attached to them. Face it, those who regularly work out know that the crowded gym in January is temporary. It's predictable. People insist on making resolutions year after year and on average, people fail. And that's ok. 

But, I fail to understand why people that truly want to make a change in their life would plan to start at the beginning of a new year.  Have you ever felt different on January 1st? (And no, hangovers don't count.) Resolutions make no sense. If you want to accomplish something or start a new habit or make a healthy change, waiting until a new year begins is counterintuitive. Start now. Make a goal and plan to keep it.  And revise it if you need to. Make a new goal in March if necessary. Goals have a better track record, in my opinion.

That being said, I made a year-specific goal at the start of 2014: This year I will run 12 races, one each month if possible. This will include a half marathon and an obstacle race. 

So what's the point of this? December 31st I would have made a resolution to run more and lose weight. And like every other year I would "give up" or realize in September that I should just try again next year. That's the problem with resolutions. A simple and quantitative goal, on the other hand, can be measured and assessed easily. And if I can complete my goal, I might jut manage to succeed at my "resolution". 

So here goes. 12 races in 2014. Wish me luck.

Review of Color Me Rad 5K NYC/NJ MetLife Stadium

Ever since they've been popping up everywhere, I have wanted to do a "color" run.  Now, some people don't know what this is.  Basically, you run (or walk) and untimed 5K (which is 3.1 miles) and get hit with colors in a powder or liquid form throughout the course.  You wear white, get colorful, listen to music, and have a generally great time.  At least, that is what EVERY photo I have ever seen had led me to believe.  So, when I saw the Groupon for the Color Me Rad run at MetLife Stadium, I couldn't pass it up.  Of course, I bought it, then found out that it was not IN the stadium at all - just the parking lot.  Okay, I figured it wouldn't be too bad, but I couldn't get anyone to sign up with me.  So I figured, I'll just bring my son in the jogging stroller and we will have a great time.  At the last minute, I convinced my "significant other" to join me and our son for the race.  Make it a family affair, you know.  So I registered him at packet pickup, and was assured by the girl at the desk that it was going to be a blast -- more like a party than anything else.  Good.  I was so pumped.

And even though we stayed up too late and had a few too many brews, we got up (kinda) on time and headed to the stadium. And there, I was positively thrilled to find out that parking was $10.  You know, cause I didn't already spend $80 on our registrations.  How nice.  

We got out of the car, and all I heard was LOUD THUMPING.  Song was unrecognizable, but it was incredibly loud in the parking lot.  We unfolded the jogging stroller, inserted child, and headed for the Start line.  It was not until we were really really close to the start that we realized there was a massive line.   Ah yes, they start in waves every 5 minutes or so.  Okay, so I understood this, but I was not happy.  And this is supposed to be a really fun time, right?  So we walked and walked and walked, all the way back to the end of the line.  Something like 25 minutes later we were up to the actual start line.  Music is still too loud, but at least it's not 95 degrees.  We are waiting at the start line, and a man with purple color bombs hits my child with color dust.  Like, almost maliciously. My son is crying.  Now I am certain this will be a great time.  

And we're off.  I finally get a good look at the "course".  The parking lot is full of cones, designating the running path.  It snakes around a few times, then we have a color station.  Literally 20 steps around the first turn I couldn't hear the music anymore.  When we get to the color station, people are rolling in the color powder that is on the ground.  Makes it easy to maneuver with the stroller.  Someone pegs my kid with color again.  Crying resumes.  Now, can I tell you that my kid is not a big crier.  He is not super-sensitive and would have had a great time if the color was not thrown directly IN HIS FACE.  What kind of person throws color dust into a kids face like that??  Meanwhile, my shirt is still practically white.  Maybe if I leave now I can return it to Target and get my $6.99 back?

We continue along.  This course literally just goes back and forth around the parking lot.  I love how they call it NYC/NJ MetLife Stadium, yet we are quite far from NYC, and we are in the stadium parking lot.  They should have called it "big parking lot in jersey".  Would have been more accurate.  Next color station is liquid.  It appears to be water, but it is yellow.  Yellow water.  I cannot express my distaste for choice of this combination.  Couldn't be purple?  Or blue?  Since my child has stopped crying, I try to avoid the color station for fear that he will get sprayed in the face.  There is no way to get around this one.  Kid gets sprayed.  The volunteer at the station really tried to get it in the stroller.  I get hit with a tiny bit on the right sleeve.  Thanks.  Significant other is really not happy at this point.  I'm so glad I convinced him to come with us.   

The rest of the course was more of the same, although only *I* went through the color stations from that point forward.  It was fun, but there were certainly not enough volunteers nor enough color bombs.  I had to completely stop in the color station and ASK to be hit with color.  I stood there looking dopey for a minute before that, and realized that these volunteers must be tired out or something.  I picked up some color dust from the ground.  Guy at color station pelts me in the 5K race bib with an unopened color bomb, which does not explode.  It was like getting hit with a tiny bean bag for no reason.  

Now it probably sounds like we had a really crappy time, but we did actually have fun.  That's the thing, we would have had fun walking around the parking lot at MetLife whether there was a Color Me Rad 5K or not.  If you don't believe me, then you have no idea how many times we have gone to the Meadowlands flea market.

At this point in the "race" there is literally no music.  I am very happy that my jogging stroller has built-in speakers.  I connected my iPhone and played songs from the Lorax for the boy.  Seemed fitting, since the colors were Seuss-ish.  

So the ONE live band that was there was in the far corner of the course, right by the water point.  I guess they figured there wouldn't be enough volunteers, cause the water point was just cases of tiny bottles of Poland Spring on a table, followed by a littering of tiny bottles all over the ground.  They are not like paper cups in regular races, folks.  They are a serious trip hazard.  Though, not as bad of a trip hazard as the large curbs in the middle of the course.  At least those were clearly marked.  

Anyhow, I was really looking forward to the party at the finish line.  However, right before the finish, where we got our one color bomb, the volunteers were being very strict about these packs.  You had absolutely no choice for your color preference, and if you slowed down they yelled at you.  Um, I thought this was supposed to be fun?  If I wanted to be yelled at, I would have stayed in the Army.  Regardless, the party at the finish line did not seem as fun as it did from far away.  So, we had our own little color bomb fight.  Where, I might add, my son had a blast.  Turns out he didn't have an aversion to the color powder, just to having it thrown in his face by a stranger.  Well, we were having a great time and strangers seemed to get a kick out of it cause I saw a few snap pictures of my son pelting me with a color bomb.  

So, that was the narrative version.  Here's my list of gripes:

1. $10 parking was ridiculous

2. T-shirt sizes ran extremely small

3. The course was basically just running around cones in a parking lot.  Like Driver's Ed, but on foot.

4. The course was too short. (At least a quarter mile shy of 3.1 miles)

5. Music was too loud in some places, but inaudible for 70% of the course.

6. Apparently NYC residents who rely on public transportation were left high and dry, and had to resort to walking down the highway to catch a bus that was not full.(Race planners did not coordinate with public transportation).

7. Not enough color stations/volunteers.

And, to be fair, here's my list of compliments:

1. The store.  Color Me Rad "kids pack" for $15 included a t-shirt, stickers, bracelet, and sunglasses.

2. Even though it was expensive, there was ample parking and no wait to get in to park.

3. There were plenty of port-a-potties.

4. The friendliness of the staff at packet pickup and at the race. (I was able to exchange my t-shirt for a different size with no problem).

5. They had photographers along the course. 

6. Liquid-color stations really made a difference.  Powder didn't always stick, but the liquid was vibrant and definitely stuck.  

Overall, I'd say they have a TON of room for improvement.  But, if they don't make any logistical changes they certainly won't be seeing me next year!  I'd rather save my money and do a Tough Mudder or another Half Marathon.  

Review of the Marine Corps Historic Half

So it's been a couple months since I ran the Marine Corps Historic Half in Fredericksburg, VA, but I wanted to take some time to review the race and record some tips for next year.  This was a great race, very well put together and definitely challenging.  My only complaint is that it started at 7am.  Looking back, it wasn't so bad, but as a runner who prefers late nights to early mornings, it was a bit of a hurdle for me at the time.

So, here are my tips, tricks, and things to remember for next year:

1. Train hard, train for hills.

Hospital Hill is no joke, but the course itself is very hilly.  Looking at the elevation chart, I thought it would be a relatively easy course, aside from that monstrosity of a hill.  I prepared for that hill by adding steep hills at the end of my long training runs, but I was not as prepared for all of the little hills throughout the course.  Next year, I will certainly be doing more hill work to train.

2. Park at Walmart.

There is no need to park in a shuttle lot. There is ample parking at the Walmart, and in the Central Park area, so as long as you get there at least 30-45 minutes before the start time, you shouldn't have an issue finding parking.  You won't be far from the start/finish parking at Walmart.

3. Plan ahead for spectators, sign them up for Track A Runner

The parking lot of the expo center was very well organized for linking up with family and friends.  Clearly-marked alphabetical link-up areas made it very easy to find people, even when prior planning did not work out quite right.  As far as spectators go, I suggest the area before the finish line as a great place for them to look for you.  The "track a runner" feature worked perfectly, sending text-message updates of my current location and projected finish time to my family members.  They knew when to expect me, even though I slowed down a bit toward the end!  Also, it was a great motivator to run past my family when I could see the finish line just ahead!

4. Practice water breaks and food break at proper time in race

I foolishly did not look at the map to find out exactly where the water and food stations were.  I did train using "Sport Beans" on my long runs, in preparation for race day.  However, I did not look at the mile marker for the "Sport Beans" station, and on all of my training runs I stopped for water and sport beans at about 6.5 miles.  On the course, the stop was almost at mile 8.  Definitely threw me off!  Additionally, I did not drink water throughout my long runs, just at a few points during the run.  But on race day, I decided to have a drink at every water station.  This did not work well for me, especially when I accidentally drank a Gatorade when I was expecting water.  Turns out, the Gatorade tables were before the water, and with the crowds of people getting their little cups, I was not able to see the water tables ahead for the first few water points.  Also, threw me off from my routine a bit.

5. Ditch the headphones (or at least turn them down)

There was entertainment all along the course.  I was blasting my playlist, and really missed out on some great music and the wonderful atmosphere of this race.  Towards the end of the race I turned the music down and really enjoyed some of the sights along the course.  Not to mention, residents came out of their homes to cheer runners along!  All of this, combined with a great number of spectators coming out, put a certain level of excitement in the air.  I was surprised to see photos of myself smiling during the run!

My overall impression of the race was that is was planned well, executed flawlessly, and was a challenging course with a great atmosphere.  Finisher medals are handed out by Marines at the finish line, followed by a photo op with a backdrop, then post-race "hospitality" and a beer.  Does it get better than this?  It was only my second half marathon, but it put my first one to shame!  Excellent race, a definite challenge, and a great time.  Will I be signing up next year?  You bet.

Fit Friday: New 5K Playlist

I've found that running with the same music mix more than a few times can get pretty boring.  However, if I just use my long run playlist on shuffle, I find myself skipping songs too often.  So I made a fresh 5K under 30 minutes playlist.

The tracks are as follows:

I Love It (feat Charli XCX) by Icona Pop   2:36
Feel This Moment by Pitbull, Christina Aguilara  3:50
Scream & Shout by will.i.am and Britney Spears  4:42
Play Hard (feat. Ne-Yo & Akon) by David Guetta  3:21
I just Wanna Run by The Downtown Fiction  3:20
Hey You Beautiful by Olly Murs   3:07
Live it Up by Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull  4:04
Get Lucky (Radio Edit) by Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams  4:09

Total time: 29:09

That translates into a 9:22 pace for a 5K run.

Happy listening!  I'd be glad to take suggestions for other songs for future running playlists!

Fit Friday: LifeProof Case/Armband Review

When I upgraded to an iPhone, I knew I would need a case that would protect it from literally every element in my life.  My main concerns were my own clumsiness, a two year old, and weather while running.  So, my requirements were a case that is drop-proof, waterproof, and fits into a decent armband for running.  I found all of these things in the LifeProof case.  So, even though paying $80 for a phone case seemed overboard, I bit the bullet and thought of it as an investment/insurance.

And I must say, the investment was well worth it.  The LifeProof case is lightweight and doesn't add as much bulk to the phone as the OtterBox case does.  It also comes in some great colors.  (Mine is teal and I love it!).  The LifeProof armband is comfortable and has a "lock" feature so that the phone can't wiggle its way out or be grabbed by a hooligan while you're running.  The case itself is extremely waterproof, although I don't push it to the limits.  I performed the "water test" prior to putting my phone inside, and feel confident that my phone is adequately protected in the case of an accident or sudden rainstorm.

Here's a quick pro/con for the case, in my experience:

Also, the LifeProof Armband is well worth the cost as well.  The band is comfortable and only pinches if I put it on too tight.  It is also a very reliable piece of equipment that has held up well to its first few months or vigorous use.  Doesn't seem like it would fall apart anytime soon.  Additionally, you can place you ID, a credit card, and some cash behind the phone when you lock it into place.  I like running with these things "just in case", and this armband makes it easy!

Oh, and just be forewarned that if you buy from Amazon.com and have an issue with your case, LifeProof customer service will not help you.  Even though they are listed as an authorized reseller on the LifeProof site, they will not honor any warranty claim.  (I still bought through Amazon, because they have top-notch customer service.  In fact, when my first case ended up with a hole in it, Amazon accepted a return for a full refund; even credited my account the full refund prior to returning the defective case so I could purchse a new one immediately).  Also, don't buy one from ebay.  Those are not real.  If you are not paying with $15 of full retail price you are probably getting a counterfeit.

Excuses, Excuses

Do you make excuses not to run?  I try to.  In fact, every time I am about to go to the gym after work, I send texts home asking "are you sure it's okay?  you don't need any help with the boy?"...I know he doesn't need any help, but it is my way of expending the only excuse I can muster.  Because even though I actually am too busy, too tired, and usually still sore from a previous workout, I still manage to run.  And if I can do it, so can you.  

This is my attempt at responding to every excuse I could imagine someone would give me:

I’m tired

If you are going to do anything other than sleep instead of run, grab a healthy snack and go for a run.  It will energize you.

I don’t have time

Yes, you do.  There are 24 hours in every day.  You just haven’t made running a priority.  Write out your typical daily schedule, with precise times, and see what you can change.  You’ll be surprised. 

It’s too boring

“If you’re bored, its because you’re boring”.  Okay not really, but this is too easy to fix.  Make a new running route, change up your routine on the treadmill, listen to a different playlist, do something to get excited about running.  I hear there’s a great app called Zombies, Run that can make workouts more exciting. And if you ALWAYS think running is too boring, maybe you should look into other types of workouts.  Running isn't for everyone.  

I’m just not motivated

Write down why you want to run.  Is it to train for a race?  Lose weight?  Break a PR?  It doesn't matter what it is, just find a concrete goal and write it down somewhere.  There’s your motivation. 

It’s too ______ outside

Yeah, yeah.  I don’t like to run in the rain either.  That’s what treadmills are for.  Too cold?  Same.  Or, invest in proper cold weather gear and get out there.  Too hot?  Rethink the time of day you’re running.  Wait til dusk, or plan to get up early.  Or cross-train   Go to a gym, find an exercise video on YouTube, something.  Come on, be creative.  Don’t let the weather have so much control over you. 

I’m busy with my kids

This is a good excuse, to an extent.  I feel bad going for a long run on a Sunday afternoon when I could be spending time with my 2 year old.  But he knows “mommy goes running” and I’m happy that I’m setting a good example for him.  If you have a childcare issue, try to coordinate with another mom, use a jogging stroller, or join a gym that has a nursery. 

I’m self-conscious

You are the only person that is judging you.  Anyone that’s running will applaud your effort, and anyone who isn't running isn't as motivated and courageous as you, so their opinion doesn't matter. 

I’m not a morning person

Then don’t run in the morning.  No, I’m serious.  I’m not a morning person either.  So I run in the afternoon or at night.  (If it is dark, I run on the treadmill.)

I’m too old

No you’re not.  Unless you have a valid medical issue or a doctor has told you “do not run”, you aren't too old.  Who cares if you are a beginner at 50? 

It’s that time of the month/I’m PMS-ing

Lame.  While you were getting a note to get out of gym class, the rest of us learned that exercise helps relieve a lot of those symptoms. Make a deal with yourself, if you do at least 15 minutes and still feel like garbage, you can quit.  I bet you won’t quit.  

I get running cramps

Focus on your breathing when you are running.  Also wait long enough after eating before you go out for a run (just like swimming, it's about 30 minutes).  Go easy, and if you get a cramp focus on breathing.  Slow to a light jog, or even a walk, but don’t stop.  Running through it is the best advice, it may hurt but after you become better at running it won’t happen as often.

I’m too fat

That is just silly. Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident.  No one is going to judge you as critically as you are judging yourself.  Plus, you will lose weight running, so its an excuse that can only be fixed by not using it as an excuse.  Really, if you are that uncomfortable running outdoors, look for a gym that feels welcoming, and go at times that it isn't very crowded.

I don’t have a workout partner

Neither do I.  That’s why I use my iPhone and listen to music.  Yes, having a running buddy can be motivating, but it can also have the opposite effect.  Look on the bright side, you don’t have someone else’s excuses to drag you down too!  And you don’t have to motivate anyone else but yourself!

I don’t feel safe

Valid.  Find someplace safe to run, like a gym, a high school track, a running route that is busy with other runners, etc.  If you must run at night and don’t feel safe, consider a headlamp, reflective clothing, and carry a handheld mace/pepper spray.  Always bring a cell phone and always tell someone else where you will be and when you will be back.  Be cautious. 

I have a blister

You need to take better care of your feet.  Make sure you are wearing the “right” shoes and socks.  Running shoes should not be snug.  Also, you can drain the blister and apply a blister band-aid or liquid bandage, then go run. 

It hurts my boobs when I run

You need a better sports bra!  Make sure that you get one that is the proper size and is “high impact”.  A flimsy shelf bra top that works for yoga class is not appropriate for running.  Neither is a cotton, 2 for $9.99 “sports bra”.  Yes, you will pay at least $20 for a decent sports bra, but it is worth it and very necessary.   

I slept in

Too easy.  Run tonight. 

I forgot to charge my iPod

Run without it.  No, really.  Try to focus on your breathing, your form, the sound of your feet hitting the ground. You don't know what you're missing if you always run with headphones in.  

I’m sore from yesterday’s workout

Running a “recovery run” can be helpful.  Go slow, make sure you do a ton of stretching after warming up.  Your muscle soreness will go away faster if you work out. 

I’m injured

If you are actually, truly injured, do not run.  Take care of yourself.  If you are able to run, maybe a light jog on a lower-impact surface (i.e. not pavement).  Consider low or non-impact cross training rather than foregoing exercise altogether.  Be sure to see a doctor if you are really injured (I am not a doctor, so don’t use anything I say in place of a qualified, professional medical opinion.).  However, don’t be a malingerer.  Don’t stop running/exercising completely because you “have shin splints” that you self-diagnosed because your shins hurt after you ran a mile.  Similarly, muscle soreness for previous days should not be mistaken for an injury.  Pay attention to your body. 

I’m lazy

At least you’re honest.  But remember, laziness is a choice.  So choose to be lazy and sit on the couch, or choose to fight through your laziness and throw on those running shoes. 

So now, stop making excuses and go RUN!