Get Your Rear in Gear 5K race report

SPOILER ALERT: I achieved one of my goals for 2014... and one of my 101 tasks... with a PR in this race!

My sweet pal Keely organizes a race called Get Your Rear in Gear. She created the event to honor her mom, who passed away 4 years ago at the age of 48 to colon cancer. I have known about the race for years, but never managed to run it.

Thanks to the time change -- and to not staying out TOO late on Saturday night -- I woke up this morning at 7:30. Because the race started at 8:30, I thought, what the heck? Threw on some clothes, grabbed a piece of bread and a bottle of fizzy water, and drove the 30 minutes to Redmond's Marymoor Park.

I arrived with 15 minutes to spare, got signed up, and then sorta realized what I had done -- I guess I now had to run this thing, huh.

I got in the starting chute, got teary-eyed while Keely talked about her mom and why she created this event, and then got ready to run.

before the start

Highlight: after Keely said, "Go!", the DJ played Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back". Classic.

I wasn't feeling super great -- and I certainly wasn't feeling limber or peppy -- but I decided I would just see how it went. I tried to focus on my breathing, and on running easily.

I also distracted myself by listening to other runners.

Mom to young daughter: "We've run this course before -- we just go around the corner and start heading back. I'd say we're more than halfway done."
Daughter to mom, a few seconds later: "Then why does that sign say 1 MILE?"

Ho ho ho.

The course was pretty easy and smooth -- after all, it's all run on paths in Marymoor Park, which probably averages one 5K per weekend during the year.

Not much to report, running wise -- except that I seemed to be passing people pretty regularly, and not being passed.

After mile 2 I started feeling a little queasy (typical!), so I backed off a little... and then started taking brief walk breaks. It was around the 2.5-mile point that I thought, hmm, this seems to be going okay... which then made me feel funny and need to stop and walk. Yeah, that's dumb, I know.

Not long before the final turn, I thought, "No, I won't break 30-minutes. Can't do it." And then, when I made the final turn, thought, "Oh, um, I still have 90 seconds... let's go."

And while I haven't found the official results online yet, my GPS tells me I finished in 29:32. A PR. And a goal. And a task. And a Very Big Surprise.

Of course, the important part is that I donated $40 to the Colon Cancer Coalition, 75% of which will stay in our local community.

Seventy-five percent of the net proceeds from each event go back into the local community to fund colon cancer support, education, prevention, and screening programs. The money is designated by the local volunteer committee to make the biggest impact for their area.

(But, yeah, I'm pretty happy about the new PR... :) )

Another highlight: the "Drummers for Bummers" group (really? really?) was a high school drum line who marched the 5K while playing the drums. Very nice.

Highlight #3: After the finish line, we ran through a giant inflatable colon. That's right, a Giant. Inflatable. Colon.

That's right. Giant. Inflatable. Colon.

Oooh, official results (which look like no one got "chip time" -- but I'm within a few seconds anyway):

Girls on the Run 5K (volunteer) race report

I LOVE Girls on the Run. It's my local children's charity of choice. One year I raised several thousand dollars for their New York City chapter in exchange for a New York City Marathon bib -- and became their top fundraiser nationwide that year. (Woot!) Another year I ran as a running buddy with a super cool girl named Morgan. I'd like to find a season where I can be an assistant coach, but my travel schedule gets a little weird. But this year I had the opportunity to not just volunteer… I signed up to be a Super Volunteer for the Girls on the Run 5K. 

I was assigned to be in charge of vendor relations. A few days ago we had a pre-race meeting, where Ilana, from the Run for Good Racing Company (who put on several great charity races), went over our assignments. 

Race morning I arrived at 5:30 -- EARLY! -- to an empty field and a truck loaded with gear. I *wish* I had taken before and after pictures, because it was astonishing how much we built out, and how quickly.

First we unloaded a bunch of tents, pulling them roughly into the shape on the planning map. Then I gathered a team of people and we started setting up the tents. A group of other Super Volunteers helped out as we raised tents and got things set up. 

I spent the early hours putting up signs, setting up tables, and talking to the various vendors and helping them get settled. It was alternatively boring and busy, but also slightly exhilarating.

Meanwhile, the girls started arriving -- and they immediately started going to the different tables and picking up the swag. (BTW, the swag was really nice -- I am still slightly coveting the "LifeWise" lunch bag, but oh well!)

From worrying that we had set the different vendors up too far apart to worrying that we hadn't left enough room around the stage -- that's what happens when 602 girls, 602 running buddies, and 100 or so coaches turn up! Pretty awesome. 

Once the vendors were all settled, I hunted down Suz…. She was looking for her school group, and we couldn't find them. Finally we headed over to the info table… and discovered that her school hadn't arrived yet. Oh. 

Some of the other running buddies had turned up and taken the school sign; we picked up the coaches' bag and tried to figure out where the girls were. Turns out they were all riding up on a bus together… except when the girls arrived, and there were no coaches!!! 

We asked another coach what to do, and we quickly got the girls names on their bibs, and their bibs pinned to them. It was only about 5 minutes before the start that any of their coaches arrived, which seemed a bit shameful. Still, the girls were giggly and helpful and excited. 

A bit of chaos before the start

shouldn't we have a coach?

Eventually it was time to head for the start, so off they went! I spent some time checking in on vendors, hunting down an extra medal for a coach, and just trying to make sure things were going smoothly. I visited Haley over at the Registration / Food tables as she got things switched over, and we were astounded as people tried to help themselves to the food. Eventually the volunteers made signs that said "FOOD FOR RUNNERS ONLY", which seemed to help. 

Meanwhile, I went over to cheer for the runners. I wish I had remembered to bring my cowbell! The first finishers were fast -- 25 minutes or so -- and then the rest of the field kept trickling in. I was a little sad that most of the spectators were only waiting for their girls to come by, but it's always like that. I just kept cheering, telling the girls congratulations, and that the finish was just around the corner. 

cheering from my spot on the course

Suz came by with her buddy, who looked a little tired. Still, she was smiling! I did some extra dancing and cheering for her. :)

Then eventually the last girls finished -- though I worried that, without an official sweeper crew, I didn't know if they WERE the last girls! Meanwhile, the party had started.

Random event highlight: before the race, they played "Let It Go" from Frozen. You haven't heard that song until you've heard it sung by 600 little girls at the tops of their lungs. Nice.

The DJ was playing "You Don't Know You're Beautiful" and "Happy" and a handful of other songs, seeming on a very short loop… the girls had jumped up on the stage and were dancing madly. The sun came out and things were nice.

But eventually it was time to start breaking things down. Vendors were packing up and heading out, so we started breaking down the tents and tables and just stacking them to the side. Here's a tip: if you lift up slightly on the tent, you'll be able to release the button more easily. Oh, and do the legs first…

It seemed like we'd get one tent down and discover that another vendor had packed up. So that kept us busy for a while. Three of us were still there working -- most of the other volunteers had long since gone -- and we were starting to get nervous that we'd end up staying till 2. But I checked in with Ilana and was told that, no, I and the others had gone above and beyond, so we were free to go. Phew.

Things I would change for next year:

• Use balloons to indicate registration and info -- it was a little difficult to tell where the registration tent was since the signs were at eye level and not elevated.  
• Combine the vendor requests (power, table, chairs, tents) with the map so that the vendor coordinator doesn't need to consult multiple sheets of paper. 
• Have better parking organization -- AND traffic organizers on the way out.
• Have a crew of sweepers -- even two people -- to make sure no one is left behind.
• Make sure each "waste station" has a garbage, a compost, and a recycle bin.

STILL, despite it being a lot of hard work (my hands, wrists, and arms are still a bit achy from all the unloading and moving and tent wrangling), I'm super glad to have been able to be a part of it all. 

Mark you calendars now -- the Fall Girls on the Run 5K will be on December 6, 2014!

Oso United Mudslide Benefit Fun Run 5K race report

Yesterday I drove up north to run the Oso United Mudslide Benefit Fun Run 5K. (Phew! That's a mouthful!) A group of us from Brooks were participating; it was funny to spot the other "run happy" cars in the parking lot!

The run was organized by the Arlington Runners Club to benefit local charities helping victims of the massive mudslide:

100% of the monies given will be donated to LOCAL charities to assist with the recovery efforts and to provide assistance to those effected by the mudslide. The Arlington Runners Club is 100% volunteer. Your donation will go to help with funding the recovery efforts, funeral expenses and to help those who lost their homes recover from this tragedy.

I was impressed by a lot of aspects of the organization of this run -- especially how quickly it was announced and put together. A detailed pre-race email was sent out, complete with directions to the start, parking info, and course map. Plenty of larger races miss this info, so I really appreciate it when a small race gets it right.

I headed north and arrived at a large parking area, complete with volunteers getting us parked in lines. Okay, it wasn't the clockwork precision of Disney World parking, but it was nicely done. Plenty of volunteers were there to point runners in the right direction. As a pre-registered 5K runner, I got in that line. I noticed some fellow Brooksies in the line next to me. One of them said, "Is this your first line?" I wasn't sure what she meant, but apparently some of our registrations got lost in the shuffle. Mine, however, was there, so I felt lucky. I will say that the lines were moving quickly, the volunteers were efficient and friendly, and there were plenty of them to point people in the right direction.

the scene at the registration / pickup

As at all races, it's just really hard to hear what's going on. But the organizers announced that, given the number of people trying to register on the day, they were going to delay the start a bit. No big surprise, that… though I know it frustrates some folks. They did a small but very effective tribute to the victims at 10:37, the time the mudslide started 5 weeks prior. First a bagpipe version of Amazing Grace, then a bell rang once for each victim, and then a bugle rendition of Taps. I was pleased that most runners quieted down very quickly, and remained quiet for the moment of silence as well. I could see people hugging each other and wiping away tears, which always makes me feel weepy.

the scene at the start

Then it was time to move down toward the start, about a hundred yards down the path. Again they told us that they were going to delay the start. They had been planning on starting the 10K at 10:45, the 5K runners at 10:50, the 5K walkers at 10:55, and the 1M walkers at 11.

It was clear by glancing at the color-coded bibs in the start chute that most folks didn't know this. There were bibs of all colors right up front. Oh well, the best intentions...

While we waited, the sun came out, followed by a cheer. Only in Washington, right?

here comes the sun!

I didn't actually hear anything leading up to the start, but suddenly people were moving. I thought, okay, that's just the 10K, but then realized that it had turned into something of a free-for-all. Hey, it's a fun run, not an Olympic Trial. Just relax and have fun. So I slipped in to the chute and started going. (Again, folks, it was chip timed -- so it didn't really matter when you started, okay?)

By the time we reached the road (a couple of hundred yards, max), I had moved past the walkers and a bunch of runners, and tried to settle into a relaxed pace. Did I mention I haven't been running much? Yeah, not sure why not, but I haven't been making the time.

The road was closed, but a lot of people were running on a (very nicely paved) trail next to the road. I was much happier running on the road; I had lots more room and could just carry on at a comfortable pace.

I was pleased that I felt pretty relaxed and was running quickly (for me). I passed a lot of runners in the first mile -- something I don't usually get to do. I saw the mile mark and was really pleased (and perhaps a little concerned…) that I had run the first mile in 9:18.

The course was wide and flat and open. I spotted a water stop and took a cup of water (tell me why I did this? I never take water in a 5K!) and kept going. I could see runners ahead of me turning right for the 10K, and turning around for the 5K. I thought it was a little odd that there wasn't a "turnaround" cone or anything, but no big deal, right? I just ran to the end of the road and started heading back…

WAITAMINNIT.

Why were all those people turning around at the water stop? Way back down the road?

Oh.

The water stop WAS the turnaround.

Golly.

Suddenly I was in amongst a bunch of people I had lovingly, happily passed. What's more, I had to catch up with them before I could pass them again. I guess that explains why a volunteer was running down the road toward the water stop after I (and, let's be clear, EVERYONE IN FRONT OF ME) passed it.

Oh well, it was a fun run and I wasn't really bothered. Honest.

I lost track of things at this point. I wasn't sure whether the course was very accurate… and I knew I had run long. But I kept running, and apparently sped up in my mile 2, running it in 9:14. I had a little flash across my mind that I was on pace for a PR -- one of my 2014 running goals. Until I realized that, well, I had run long, so it would be difficult to actually PR with an extra quarter of a mile added to a 5K.

I'm not gonna lie, it took some of the wind out of my sails. I also didn't realize that we would be running a lap on grass near the start, so pushed too early. Oops.

As I was running the last legs of the race I started to get that queasy feeling… it's been a while since that happened! I ended up walking a bit just because I didn't really want to throw up. Guess I'm just not a "leave it all on the field" kind of gal… My last mile split was 9:40.

Nike+ tells me I ran 3.3 miles, and that my time for that was 31:01. My average pace overall was 9:20 -- which should have given me a new PR for a 5K, and (finally) my first sub-30 5K with a 28:59 finish. (I know, I'm slow, it's okay.)

I admit that I'm sad about this. But given that I hadn't been training -- heck, I haven't been RUNNING! -- and that I wasn't shooting for a PR, I'm okay. Besides, this is what this race was all about:

Oso Strong - sweatshirt spotted on another participant

According to the Arlington Runners Club, approximately 1000 people came out to run or walk, with nearly 1000 other people coming out to support by volunteering or cheering. That's an amazing turnout for a small event like this. They haven't totaled the donations yet (in fact, if you'd like to donate to the race you can do so until May 2nd at the Arlington Runners Club site), but the event was clearly very successful. 

If you'd like to come out and run for Oso yourself -- or run virtually for Oso -- you have another chance. The Oso Strong 5K will be held on July 27, 2014, and includes a virtual race option. 

> Find out more about the Oso Strong 5K

Run for Oso

On Saturday, March 22, at 10:37 a.m., a mudslide a mile wide crashed through a rural neighborhood, killing at least 36 people (8 remain missing). A massive hillside collapsed, sending mud and debris across part of the Stillaguamish River, and eventually covering an area of approximately a square mile.

In the three weeks it's been heartbreaking to follow the news -- but also heartwarming to see the communities of Oso, Arlington, and Darrington band together; and the outpouring of love and support from Seattle, western Washington, and the whole world.

So far, I've heard of two running events raising money for the communities and victims of the landslide; I just wanted to pass the info along in case anyone wants to lace up and show their support.



#1: Oso United Mudslide Benefit Fun Run, April 26, 2014 @10:45am

Taking place 5 weeks after the slide, the run will start at 10:45, following a minute of silence at 10:37. Here's the scoop from the Arlington Runners Club site:

The Arlington Runners Club is hosting a fun run to support those affected by the mudslide in Oso on March 22, 2014. We will be holding this benefit fun run on April 26, 2014 at the Arlington Airport Trail. 100% of the monies raised will be donated to the mudslide relief efforts, victims and their families.

Distances of 10K, 5K, and 1 mile will be offered, and registration $25 for runners and walkers between 15 and 69, regardless of the distance. (14 & under, plus 70 & older are free.) Can't make it to Arlington for the race? You can register for a virtual run and support the community. T-shirts aren't included, but they're selling nice "Oso United: I stand with Oso" shirts online and at the event.

I'll be running the race with 40 of my coworkers; I'd love to have others join us.

The late start time (10:45) honors the victims and their families; the race is being held 5 weeks after the slide, and there will be a moment of silence at 10:37.

Learn more about the Oso United Mudslide Fun Run >
Register for the Oso United Mudslide Fun Run >


#2: OSO Strong 5K, July 27, 2014 @9am  

"Oso Strong" captures the spirit of the community, and this race is intended to help fund the local first responders so they can in turn provide even better service to their communities.

This event will feature a 5K held partially on the Arlington Airport Trail and on some trails in the woods, but it will be "mostly flat, with some slight hills". The 5K will be divided into four running waves, each starting 5 minutes apart. Following this, there will be a walking wave. They're also offering an obstacle run for kids aged 3-10. Oh, and if you can't make it, you can sign up for a virtual run and sleep in.

Registration for the 5K run or walk is $35 and includes an event t-shirt. The virtual 5K is $45, but the price includes shipping your shirt to you. The kids' obstacle course is $10.

I'm hoping to add this to my summer race schedule -- even if just as a virtual run.

Learn more about the OSO Strong 5K >
Register for the OSO Strong 5K >

Let me know if you're interested in running these races, or if you hear of other events to benefit the mudslide victims and their communities.

Run 10 Feed 10

Run 10 Feed 10 is a running event with both actual races and a virtual component. The premise is simple -- run 10K, and donate 10 meals in your local community. The "races" are being held in September and October in New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago. In addition to the races, a growing number of "fun runs" are being held across the country, including here in Seattle, Boston, LA, and Miami. I would have signed up for the Seattle race on September 28, but I'll be in Illinois that day running the Alpine Races Half Marathon.

Luckily for me, there's also a virtual option -- a "run my own 10K". I signed up for that, and will dedicate the first half of the half marathon to Run 10 Feed 10. For my $28 registration fee, I'll receive one of these sweet "feed bags":
Of course, most importantly, I'll also be donating ten meals. So it's a huge win.
I remember running a 5K around Green Lake several years ago... as the several hundred runners gathered, a woman came up to us and said, "So... what is this race?" We told her the name, and she said, "Oh... cool.. what does it raise money for?"

And it struck me... it didn't raise money for anything... well, other than the event organizers...

I'm not gonna lie -- I don't always race for charity. In fact, I rarely do. But all else being equal, I like to do what I can, when I can.

It's easy to get involved, whether you want to join one of the races or fun runs, or run a 10K on your own. Just go to www.run10feed10.com to learn more.

Great Alaskan Marathon Cruise, Day 7

A bunch of us had signed up for "On Deck for the Cure" -- a non-competitive 5K walk on deck. For $15 you got a shirt, a wristband, and made a donation to Komen. Win win win. So we all met at the appointed time with a bunch of other folk.. and starting doing our laps. We quickly realized that most people weren't doing all nine laps. :) But Javi and Wil and I strolled around together, chatting with others. And when I say strolled, perhaps I mean sprinted:

Yes, that's right -- 26.21 miles in 55:16. (Hooray for capturing a "Garmin at Sea"!)

That afternoon was the final reception and award ceremony. After some chatter (and a bit of drinking...), we all received our medals to much whooping and hollering. Then John and Jenny gave out the awards.

The overall awards (for closest to their predicted times) went to Page and Roy (or was it Bill? sorry!) We were sitting next to Becky (Roy's wife) when he was announced, and she said, "I don't think he knew that!" Nice!

Then the four "special" awards. First came Inspiration, which went to Merle. With 104 (109?) marathons under her belt, her years of coaching, and the fact that she really was a pioneer for women's running. She received an enthusiastic standing ovation.

Next came Perspiration, when went to Stella. Always energetic, right down to running several extra miles in Ketchikan.

Then Dedication, which went to.... WIL! John praised Wil for sticking with it, doing more and more each day despite his burned foot. People laughed and cheered. Mike leapt to his feet and led a standing ovation. Lovely.

photo by Jenny Hadfield

The final award was for  Celebration, which for the first time was awarded to two people: Mike and Corinne, in honor of their engagement at the top of the Perseverance Trail in Juneau.

Then we all settled in to watch a slideshow Jenny put together -- so many fantastic photos from our week! We laughed and we cheered and we grinned. Marvellous.

All too soon we had to go. We had been asked to go into dinner early so everyone had to hustle. I felt sorry not to be able to say goodbye to more people, but we traipsed off to dinner.

We tried unsuccessfully to join John and Jenny for dinner (which we unfortunately never managed!), but there was no room at their table. Instead we got to sit with some folks he hadn't yet met, so it was still a successful evening.

We had decided not to get off the boat in Victoria (we prefer to cross as few borders as possible), so after dinner we went to our cabin to pack. Then we spent the lovely, sunshiny evening wandering around, drinking wine with Bill and Char and then cocktails with the "singlets" in the Crow's Nest. Eventually a group returned from the Victoria pub crawl, and we sat with them, too. All in all, it felt like we spent a little time with a lot of people we liked.

We got back to the cabin after midnight, packed a few last things, and then put the bags in the hallway before 1 am.

NYC Marathon fundraising -- 20% so far!

Thanks to my very generous donors who have already helped me raise $500 -- 20% of my fundraising goal -- in just 2 days. There's a long way to go, but it's great to be off to such a good start!

Learn more about Girls on the Run and why I support them by visiting my donations page -- and thanks!

NYC Marathon -- I'm in!!!!

Great news -- thanks to Girls on the Run of Manhattan, I am now the proud owner of a bib for this year's NYC Marathon!!!! Very, very excited... stay tuned for LOTS of posts about training and fundraising. :)

Girls on the Run 5K!

Woke up early and happy to see that there was no snow this morning -- because today was the Girls on the Run 5K! Bundled up and headed over to Seward Park, which, I'm ashamed to admit, I had never really visited. I mean, we once rode our bikes there on a Cascade group ride. And in the Danskin tri, the running course took us close to that point. And in the Rock and Roll 1/2, we ran down the hill and turned past the entrance. But I'd never really entered the park. It's glorious -- sort of an inverted Green Lake -- a little thumb of land in the midst of a large lake. The running track takes you along the beach, and then (to get the distance), there's a hill up into an interior loop. Then back down and a nice flat run along the water to the finish. Very nice!



Gathered with coaches, other running buddies, and our girls in the FREEZING COLD. The girls were given hand warmers, thankfully, so I didn't have to worry about my buddy getting TOO cold. I recognized Morgan by her rainbow gloves. She gave me a hug and we did the warmup stretches together. I met her mom, very sweet brother, great aunt, and grandmother. Nice to see that she had a lot of support. Coach Carmen had tiaras for the girls to decorate... I loved that Morgan didn't want to make a tiara. Not her style at all.

As we walked to the starting line, Morgan said that it didn't matter if she came in first or came in last -- that the important part is just going out and having fun. (Go girl!) The organizers had balloon arches at the start and finish -- nice touch. It was a little crowded right at the start, but we were able to keep up a pretty good clip, alternating between running, skipping, and walking. We actually ran more that I thought we would -- certainly more than in the practice 5K. We talked about Christmas, her new kittens (they got three!), camping, books, how pretty it was there, and even running. I told her the "leave nothing in the tank" story, which she liked.

She was getting pretty tired at the end of the run, and said she wasn't sure she had very much in the tank. But we decided to sprint from the 3-mile mark to the 3.1-mile finish line. She took off pell mell -- really fast! -- but we remembered to smile and wave at her family as we sprinted past.

Her family were very sweet, even her 13-year old brother who ran up to her and said "I'm so proud of you!" That made me almost want to cry. Hooray for sweet boys! Coach Carmen gave Morgan her very cool medal and bracelet that they made with the beads they earned in the program.

We stood and cheered until everyone finished, which was great. Then I said goodbye to Morgan and her family, along with the other running buddies and coaches. It was a really nice event, with lots of cheering. Oh, and the goody bags were better than the ones we'll get at Disney World. Ha!

Another nice touch -- everyone was given bib number 1. Sweet!

Turkey Trot 2008

May blessings rain down on the fine folks who organized the Seattle Turkey Trot! Apparently they held one in 2007, with about 30 participants. Thanks to the wonder of Google, I found their site and got on the mailing list some time in October. As we were scheduled to run 60 minutes, I figured the hustle over to the start at 85th and 32nd, and the walk back from the finish line at Golden Gardens would be enough to cover us for the additional 30 minutes.

We signed up in early November -- which was lucky for us, as the organizers had to shut down registration early as too many people had signed up! See, STT was a very grass-roots sort of race. No bibs, no timing chips, no awards, no permits... And apparently they had reached a number larger than they felt they could responsibly send running down sidewalks.

We walked to the start line -- hustling we got there about minutes before the start. A couple of hundred people, perhaps, many wearing their bright orange STT08 shirts. One woman dressed as a turkey. Another dressed as Pocahontas. Lots of people with strollers or little kids in tow -- many of them having no idea that lining up in the front was a bad idea.

A nice little talk from the organizer -- we had raised over $2000 for the Ballard Food Bank, yay! -- and then we were off. Plenty of chalk markings on the sidewalk, plus super cute direction signs wherever we turned.

We plugged along at a pretty decent clip. The first half of the route was a nice steady downhill. We turned to cross the railway tracks, and then hit the BGT for the run out to Golden Gardens. We even had a gentle tailwind -- perfect run conditions! We took two short walking breaks but otherwise ran steadily. Had to pass a few people on the narrow path right before the finish, but otherwise had plenty of room throughout.

Held hands as we crossed the line, a bit of whooping, then cups of water and we collected our t-shirts. Sure, the walking to and from the course was longer than the course itself, but we had had a nice run and we had raised some money for the food bank. Already looking forward to STT 2009!

post turkey trot

pre turkey trot