I *May* Have a Shoe Problem

Today I decided to take inventory of my running shoes. 53 pairs. I could wear a different pair every week and still have one left over. 

Here's how they break down. 

13 pairs of Adrenaline GTS, from version 10-14. Note the three pair of "all-black" GTS: my favorite colorway of all... at least, until the purple/black and pink glo GTS 14s!

Runners up in the popularity challenge: the PureProject collection, including 7 pairs of the origins PureProject shoes, 

7 pairs of the PureProject 2 shoes, and 

2 pairs, so far, of PureProject 3 shoes.  I don't run in these much, but these are my favorite shoes to wear to work. 

5 pairs of Cascadias, including a pair of the 5, the 6, the 8 (x2), and the 9. The black and pink 8s are my favorite... you can tell because I have two pair! I will be wearing the newer pair on our Inca Trail trek in June.

4 pairs of Green Silence, including a pair of the awesome Union Jack colorway. I also have two pair of the web exclusive "Gothic Grape" colorway, which was seemingly made for me. 

4 pairs of ASRs, 3 of them with Gore-Tex.  One pair VERY MUDDY. I love GTX shoes!

3 pairs of Trances: I ran 2 of my 4 full marathons in Trances. Love the support and the cushion... especially in the last few miles. 

2 pairs of Launches - one before, and one after the (re)Launch. The acid green pair are my absolute favorite. Okay, sure, it's a men's colorway... but I love this color. 

2 pair Racer ST5. The orange and blue were my first ridiculously colored running shoes. I remember wearing them all over SXSW and getting lots of comments. 

Then, of course, there are a few outliers:

1 pair Ariel. I ran in them once; they were just too much shoe for me. 

1 pair Mach Spikeless - quite possibly the coolest shoes ever!!! The men's version of this edition was red snakeskin print. Even though I will never run in these -- heck, I probably won't really ever WALK in these!! -- I love 'em.

1 pair Glycerin 9 - quite possibly the most beautiful running shoes ever!! Not the right shoes for me to run in, but great for walking around in. 

1 pair Transcend -- I discovered that these aren't the right shoes for me to run in... but they're fun to run short distances or just walk around in. SO BRIGHT!

Yeah, that's love. That's love right there.

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!

Midwest Race-cation day four: Flying Pig Half Marathon race report

The morning went smoothly -- got to the start just fine, had plenty of time to relax, felt okay.

Having no loudspeakers meant we couldn't hear the start, but after several minutes we started inching forward. 

The course was nice and wide, and it didn't seem like there was much bunching. There were, however, a lot of people walking. Not run-walking, but walking. I wondered how they had been placed in corral F or higher, given their time. But whatevs. I would be doing plenty of walking of my own later! (OoooOOOOooooh, foreshadowing!)

After a very short time, we crossed the Ohio River into Kentucky.  

(Okay, so it's blurry.)

The Ohio River sure is big:

We weren't there long -- only about a mile, I think. Highlight of Kentucky? The guy at the water stop saying "Last water stop in Kentucky!! You don't want to drink the water in Ohio!!"

So far, things were going really well. I felt good, was having fun, etc. And I was still on course. 

At some point right around mile 5 we started running through downtown. Nice spectator support, a DJ playing music, pleasant. I was singing along with Bon Jovi (a clear indication that I was having fun), chatting with runners, loving life. I slowed for my walk break, and when started running again I had shooting pains in my right ankle/foot. I don't remember turning an ankle, though the road was really uneven in places. I tried to loosen it up, but no luck. I simply couldn't run on it. It was only mile 5.5 or so. Boooo. 

I could walk on it, but I knew it would be much slower going. Still, finishing and picking up state #24 was key. So on I went. 

Mile six is when the hill started, and it went on and on for a couple of miles. 

Up up up...

The view at the top -- well, 2/3rds of the way up -- was pretty spectacular, however!

I don't have a ton of memories from the rest of the race, just scattered thoughts: 

May the Fourth Be With You gal!!! (Later I saw her taking a picture with two little boys who were wearing a storm trooper and a Yoda costume!)

Bring on the dancing horses... Is that California Chrome on the left? They were dancing to "Lady Marmalade", btw. 

Big, pretty church at the top of the hill. 

Do it for the bacon. Or the tofu. Or whatever. 

Finally, close! 

And there's the Finish Swine!!!

The finish area was odd -- they didn't keep runners moving, so you had to press through crowds to get your medal and such. I was able to get some water and fruit, but I passed on the snack cakes, trail mix, and so on. 

I definitely felt the difference between being toward the front of the pack, rather than toward the back -- the finish was super crowded, and the water stations were in disarray. 

I really just wanted to be done -- four days on my own is too much! -- so I didn't linger. I decided my legs would be happier if I walked the 2.4 miles back to the hotel. Of course, that meant this:

But I did get to cross the famous "Purple People Bridge":

... and I got one last nice view from a bridge over the Ohio River:

I am trying to separate my performance from my experiences in the two races. I do think that Indy Mini was better organized than Flying Pig. The Pig had less entertainment on course, far fewer water stops, and fewer spectators. I still think I would have enjoyed Indy Mini if I needed to walk half of it. If I were offered the chance to run either race again, I would pass on the Pig, but happily run the Mini. Which is saying something. 

Still, the medal is heavy and handsome... AND I just picked up state #24!

Midwest Race-cation day four: Porkopolis

A bit of needless anxiety this morning: would there REALLY be a shuttle at 5am? Answer: of course. So I needn't have fretted about it. Hurrah for TANK!

Now in massive corral F, which stands for Far Far Away From the Start. Police in full riot gear are roaming the corral, in addition to the National Guardsmen checking bibs. 

Super smart feature: there are porta potties IN the corrals. There are more outside, but it's nice to have them in the corrals, too. 

Lots of ladies with pig tails (not in their hair; pinned to their bums) and pig ears. Saw two girls talking to a reporter: "If you can't finish first, finish cute!"

My back and abs are really sore this morning -- coughing is painful -- and I am a little footsore. Don't think this will be one for the record ooks!

Just realized that corral F has no loudspeakers. Feels more peaceful. Of course, none of us can hear any announcements...

Okay, it's almost time to get my oink on!

Midwest Race-cation day 3: Indy Mini Marathon race report

Today was nearly perfect -- found my reserved parking spot very easily, then walked up the street past all the corrals to the start. How many corrals? Let's just say there was a corral Z...

The street was pretty empty -- really just the volunteers in the corrals. (Hello, wave start!) I moved to the front to watch the 5K start. It was nice to see people looking nervous, kids looking excited, etc. then they sang "Back Home Again in Imdiana" and, of course, I cried. 

It's funny -- I have almost no memories of Indiana, other than a visit as a child, and when Wil and I came with Dad's ashes all those years ago. But I do have vivid memories of watching the Indy 500 every year with my Dad. AJ Foyt, Al and Bobby Unser, Mario Andretti -- those were the heroes of my childhood. And Jim Neighbors singing the song before the race, and the winner chugging milk afterward. 

After the 5K runners left, they called wave 1 to our corrals. I made a quick pot stop at one of the gazillion porta potties; NO LINE! Astounding. I swear, this race had the most porta potties of any event I have ever been to. Well done Indy Mini!!!

I got in the corral, we sang the national anthem, cheered the wheelers on their way, and then it was our turn. We took off and ran under two cherry pickers with the official starters in them, including the mayor of Indy. He and the other starters would be waving their green flags for a very long time!

We soon ran under the largest American flag I have ever been close to, suspended from two hook-and-ladder trucks:

Then we essentially ran to the speedway... but I had to stop to take a picture of this house:

Also, there were more water stops -- Pit Stops, that is -- than I had ever seen. More then one per mile, all well stocked and well staffed. I pretty much just ran between stops, picking up fluids at each one and walking while I drank. I know it is sometimes very hot here for the Mini, so the water stops are super smart. Later on the course they also had a couple f "spray stations" where you could run under a cold-water most -- the nice part is that you could also easily avoid the spray if you didn't want to get wet. 

We approached a turn with a small sign that simply said "Speedway". 

We ran down Main Street, which is where I caught my first glimpse of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and I couldn't breathe. 

We entered the speedway by running down and up the underpass -- the same way Wil and I arrived years ago. Clearly this was the steepest part of the course! I think we were on Pit Lane briefly, but soon we headed out on to the track proper. 

Now, look. I KNOW a 2.5-mile oval is big. But holy crap, a 2.5-mile oval is BIG!! The curves go on forever, and the straightaways are ridiculous. It felt like we were running forever and not moving. 

We passed Turn 4 (hi Dad!) and got on the finish straight. I just kept grinning because I was so happy to be there. A while longer and I could see that they had coned off an area to the outside edge of the track, so that nerds like me could pucker up and do this:

(Thanks to the stranger who swapped photos with me!)

I took a few more pics on the track:

but soon I was leaving the speedway and heading back to downtown. 

The rest of miles were a blur; lots of music, lots of folks on front porches or sidewalks in front of their homes, cheering, lots of kids high-fiving asana runners as they could. So friendly, Imdy!!

Got choked up again when I fit the "victory mile" at the 12.1 mile spot.  You run down a road filled with checkered flags and screaming spectators. They even had a 13-miles ruler (I LOVE that) AND the finish line was visible pretty much that entire last mile. 

I got the usual queasy feeling at around mile 12.7, so I slowed down till it settled, just before mile 13. Then I went for it, happily passing lots of peoe. State 23, a dream race, and a gorgeous medal!

Things I loved about the race:

SO MUCH MUSIC! every mile had multiple performers, be they Rock bands, rap trios, tap dancers, folksy duos, or DJs. You would still be able to hear the last band you passed when you started hearing the next one. 

SO MUCH LIQUID! I was super impressed by the number of water or Gatorade stops. One slight wobble: there wasnanClif Shots gel area, but the nearest water was about half a mile away. That seemed odd -- you really need to wash that stuff down. 

SO MANY PORTA POTTIES! At the start, at each water stop, and at the finish. All somehow without lines, clean, and with plenty of paper. 

Nice shirt, nice medal, nice swag... Overall I give the Indy Mini an A+ overall. 

Midwest Race-cation day 3: back home again in Indiana

Standing next to the start chute, waiting for the 5K to start... A National Guardsman sings "Back Home Again in Indiana" and my eyes fill with tears. I think it's gonna be an emotional day.