So, its that time again. Well, actually, the training started in August, now it's time that we start collecting funds... However, let me take you back and provide a recap of everything that has transpired since out first marathon...
So, Big B ran the race in 5 hours and 15 minutes (or something like that), I ran it in 6 hours and 25 minutes... and I won't lie, it was the longest 6 hours and 25 minutes of my life to date. I know I was slow as molasses, but like the turtle says "slow and steady wins the race"; and that continues to be my training philosophy now. I leave the speed racing to Big B and our NEW running partner Bea. That's right, we've become a trio this time around (which also means that instead of raising $5000 as a team, we have to raise $7500).
Prior to Bea joining us this summer, Big B and I completed the Disney Princess Half Marathon and the Gate River Run. Aside from those two additional races, we've actually just spent our time getting in some miles as opposed to none. But that brings us to today. Our long runs are climbing now... we run 17 this weekend. And after the 15 of last weekend, I'm not so sure 17 is going to go well this weekend, but I'm going to put my big girl panties on, suck it up and go for it.
We continue to have silly things happen along our runs, such as during the last big group run I looked at Bea and said "I need a Gu" and she responded with "You need to poo?!". While we've not run with a hurricane yet this year, and no one has had "runner's trots" either, we remain optimistic that something really good and out of control is just around the corner. And since Big B and I are no longer the new kids on the block, well we're hoping Bea has the opportunity to experience some of these finer points of running before the big race. (We love you Bea).
Speaking of the race, I bet you're wondering what the Goofy Challenge is huh? Allow me to enlighten you, it's the Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on Saturday and the Full Marathon (26.2 miles) on Sunday. Yes, insanity I know. You should hear what my friend Kathy calls it (not permitted on this family-friendly blog)(coincidentally, Kathy manages the medical tent, supplies and people- so I've got a direct line).
So, let's get down to brass tacks- we're running for the Burnham Institute for Medical Research again and need to meet our fundraising goal. Since we're a team, we fund raise as a team and as a team we need to raise $7500 (did I mention that already?)! Like last time, I've added our individual links to our donation pages in the top right corner of our blog, but I've also kindly included them below:
Donate to Little B (a.k.a. Mandy)
Donate to Big B (a.k.a. Jennifer)
Donate to Bea (a.k.a. well that's her name)
But wait, the fun doesn't stop there... we're holding the first Community Kickball Challenge to raise funds for our team. We need 30 teams and the entry fee is $300/team. So get out your tube socks, gather your friends and/or co-workers and bring your 'A'-game and support Team B!
Until next time...
Little B
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Race Weekend!
That's right... it's here and I'm waiting for Big B to pick me up and head out to Disney. This weekend is what 6 months, more than 500 miles, $5000 dollars (sponsorships courtesy of family, friends, and Florida Hospital), weight training with "Trainer Dan and His Tight Ass", funky tummy, a torn meniscus, a bruised foot, blisters, and ice baths all boil down too!
When I look back at our first months of posts, I first laugh out loud, but then think how PROUD I am of us. We stuck to the schedule, ran the miles, worked through the issues, minded our nutrition (somewhat), and here we are, Race Weekend.
We can hardly believe it! With mixed emotions, we head into the weekend excited by the activities of the weekend and with our team mates, but nervous about the daunting task in front of us.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has read our blog, cheered us on, and donated to our worthy cause. We'll be back to blog about the experience.
Until then-
Team B
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Today's the 11th
We're exactly one month from race day. One month from 26.2 miles. One month away for the past six months to pay off. That's the significance of today.
I'd write more about this day, however Trainer Dan just kicked my a$$ six different ways till Sunday during my work out and I'm rather tired.
We have our last big run this weekend and we're running with the group. Wish us luck!
Little B
I'd write more about this day, however Trainer Dan just kicked my a$$ six different ways till Sunday during my work out and I'm rather tired.
We have our last big run this weekend and we're running with the group. Wish us luck!
Little B
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Learning Experiences
Yesterday we officially ran our first ‘real’ race – 13.1 miles of pure bliss. Actually, I break it into one and two mile increments to carry me through. The competitive spirit I am, I told Little B on Friday night that I wanted to finish in two hours flat. Whoa! Who knew two hours could be so hard. Who also knew that our Nike Plus things would end up being two full miles off by the end of the race. Seriously, this is B.S.! Now I’m wondering if we have ever really been running as fast or as far as we thought? Nonetheless, all is well. Looking back on the race, here are the little tidbits (chalk ‘em up as learning experiences) that I took away:
1-Don’t try to run too fast. We ran our first mile at 8:40. I thought we were on pace to hit our new target (which would include us running a 9 minute average), but little did I know that it wasn’t going to happen. Instead, as the miles piled on I was being lapped by older and far chubbier women than me. In fact, I think I got passed by one of the members of the Orlando Walking Club. I found myself fixating on runners ahead of me and trying to keep up with the pace they were setting. When I would lose my pacesetter I would just find a new person to fixate on. I guess that kind of defeats the purpose of having a pacesetter, but whatever. At one point I heard a runner shout out about finding a certain song on her iPod. It was my friend, Ingrid. She’s got long legs and only weighs five pounds, so she trotted on past me. About five miles later while I was running alongside little B, Ingrid passed us again. I looked at Mandy with ‘wtf’ written all over my round red face and she tells me that Ingrid stopped to go to the potty. JUST GREAT – Ingrid stopped to pee and then lapped us again. This sport sucks for a highly competitive, type-A novice!
2- Do not spit outside the course boundaries. Some runners spit while some do not. Little B and I happen to be spitters. I prefer to spit directly onto the ground in front of me. In fact, I often find myself leaning forward to spit. I do this so that I don’t accidently spit on anybody else and so that I can control the velocity at which the spit smacks the ground. Just that little bit of control gives me a sense of empowerment – like I can get through yet another mile. Around mile 8 or 9, I was running alongside Mandy (I always run on her right side) when she decided it was time to get rid of the phlegm. At the exact moment she tilted her head slightly back and to the left and as the phlegm was leaving her mouth, an Orlando Police Officer rolled up aside her on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. To avoid the projectile the officer had to slam on his brakes. It was a close call and a huge conversation point for the runners behind us. I ran a few feet in front of Mandy for the next few miles.
3- Do not watch other people throw up! Mile 11 or so I noticed runners starting to drop. First I saw a man that had taken a tanker on the uneven brick pavement. His face had blood on it and he was resting alongside the curb awaiting paramedics. Mile 12 there was a younger woman (looked perfectly fit to me) lying on the side of the road projectile vomiting everywhere! She was crying and they were putting an IV into her arm. I had to turn my head. The thought of it nearly put me over the edge. When I finally came across the finish line (2hrs 18min) I didn’t notice any additional vomit BUT as we were walking to the beer tent I saw it – people just throwing up as they cross the finish line. There are actually people there to put sand on the puke so that other runners don’t step on it. Seriously folks, this is only the half marathon. If this is what is happening now, what’s it gonna be like when we do the full 26.2? Holy Cow!!
4- Be careful in the beer tent. Apparently your body absorbs alcohol a little different after a big run. Straight to my head it went!
So there are only 30 or so days left until the BIG day. This weekend is a reindeer 5K on Saturday and then a 20 miler with the team on Sunday. Next weekend Little B and I may go to Jacksonville for another Half. Then it’s the holidays and our big race. I’m a little tender in the muscles today, so I cannot imagine what it is going to feel like come the day after the full 26.2. I actually got up this morning and got into the pool (62 degrees) to see if I could calm my muscles.
1-Don’t try to run too fast. We ran our first mile at 8:40. I thought we were on pace to hit our new target (which would include us running a 9 minute average), but little did I know that it wasn’t going to happen. Instead, as the miles piled on I was being lapped by older and far chubbier women than me. In fact, I think I got passed by one of the members of the Orlando Walking Club. I found myself fixating on runners ahead of me and trying to keep up with the pace they were setting. When I would lose my pacesetter I would just find a new person to fixate on. I guess that kind of defeats the purpose of having a pacesetter, but whatever. At one point I heard a runner shout out about finding a certain song on her iPod. It was my friend, Ingrid. She’s got long legs and only weighs five pounds, so she trotted on past me. About five miles later while I was running alongside little B, Ingrid passed us again. I looked at Mandy with ‘wtf’ written all over my round red face and she tells me that Ingrid stopped to go to the potty. JUST GREAT – Ingrid stopped to pee and then lapped us again. This sport sucks for a highly competitive, type-A novice!
2- Do not spit outside the course boundaries. Some runners spit while some do not. Little B and I happen to be spitters. I prefer to spit directly onto the ground in front of me. In fact, I often find myself leaning forward to spit. I do this so that I don’t accidently spit on anybody else and so that I can control the velocity at which the spit smacks the ground. Just that little bit of control gives me a sense of empowerment – like I can get through yet another mile. Around mile 8 or 9, I was running alongside Mandy (I always run on her right side) when she decided it was time to get rid of the phlegm. At the exact moment she tilted her head slightly back and to the left and as the phlegm was leaving her mouth, an Orlando Police Officer rolled up aside her on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. To avoid the projectile the officer had to slam on his brakes. It was a close call and a huge conversation point for the runners behind us. I ran a few feet in front of Mandy for the next few miles.
3- Do not watch other people throw up! Mile 11 or so I noticed runners starting to drop. First I saw a man that had taken a tanker on the uneven brick pavement. His face had blood on it and he was resting alongside the curb awaiting paramedics. Mile 12 there was a younger woman (looked perfectly fit to me) lying on the side of the road projectile vomiting everywhere! She was crying and they were putting an IV into her arm. I had to turn my head. The thought of it nearly put me over the edge. When I finally came across the finish line (2hrs 18min) I didn’t notice any additional vomit BUT as we were walking to the beer tent I saw it – people just throwing up as they cross the finish line. There are actually people there to put sand on the puke so that other runners don’t step on it. Seriously folks, this is only the half marathon. If this is what is happening now, what’s it gonna be like when we do the full 26.2? Holy Cow!!
4- Be careful in the beer tent. Apparently your body absorbs alcohol a little different after a big run. Straight to my head it went!
So there are only 30 or so days left until the BIG day. This weekend is a reindeer 5K on Saturday and then a 20 miler with the team on Sunday. Next weekend Little B and I may go to Jacksonville for another Half. Then it’s the holidays and our big race. I’m a little tender in the muscles today, so I cannot imagine what it is going to feel like come the day after the full 26.2. I actually got up this morning and got into the pool (62 degrees) to see if I could calm my muscles.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
OUC Half Marathon
Today was another milestone run, because it was our second race! We did the OUC Half Marathon this morning and celebrated afterwards.
After watching the Spirit of the Marathon last night , we were inspired and pumped and ready to take on the course in the morning.
So guess whose alarm failed to go off this morning? You guessed it! My phone rang this morning, I bolted up, looked over at the clock and screamed "OH $H*T!" I'm late. Sure enough, it was Big B calling to find out why the house was dark and if in fact I was still sleeping. Needless to say, I dressed in about 3 minutes flat and was out the door with breakfast in my hand in about 7! Seriously! I can't believe I overslept and my alarm didn't go off.
Anyway, we arrive with plenty of time to spare so while I jump in line to get our race chips, Big B goes and tells Burnham we'll be there in a few minutes for the group photo but returns to tell me that they aren't organized and we'll make the photo no problem. Guess what... we missed the photo while waiting in the long line and then navigating the crowd to get to the photo site! (Sigh)
Anyway, once we got our chips on, we needed to make a "pit stop" and who should we run in to but DDD and DDR's wife! (Remember DDR is currently on the mend- but was TOTALLY at the finish line with Bailey's on ice waiting for us all to come in!). So, back to the pit stop, we all chatted while waiting to use the porta potties (never a pleasant experience under any circumstances) which the one DMC (DM would be "Dancing Mom") and I used (not together!) was so beyond gross because someone didn't exactly get over the potty before their bidnezz began...guess it was an early case of "Runner's Trot."
So after enduring that nightmare, we went to the start line and waited for the horn...and waited...and waited...and waited some more before it finally went off and so were we! Big B got the crazy notion that she wanted to complete the half in 2 hours (we're a bit ambitious- but we were both super inspired after the movie and both feeling really good this morning) so we started at a 9 minute/mile pace. By mile 4, my knee started to bother me (BAD) and I slowed considerably, finally settling into a comfortable pace by about the 6th mile. Which I couldn't tell you what it was b/c my STUPID Nike iPod thing-a-ma-chig was off by a half mile, eventually getting an entire mile off! AAARRRRGGGGHHHH! However, I wasn't alone in my anodynes b/c Big B's was doing the same thing!
Needless to say, this was a hard race for me and ultimately, I wasn't feeling it. At one point, I almost threw in the towel- but then I remembered what the "Higher Authority" said and "Don't ___ out!" However, what really kept me and Big B going, was that cheer leading husband of mine, who I didn't expect to see except for at the finish line and instead saw him at 4 different points on the course and then at the finish line. I was hurting today and felt like I barely made it, but I managed to cross the finish line at 2:21. Big B came in at 2:18 and was anxiously awaiting for me to make the turn in the home stretch and she joined me as I crossed the finish line! We were so elated.
Afterwards, we celebrated with a little Bailey's (as previously mentioned), waited for DDD to cross the finish line, where we all headed over to the beer tent, where we proceeded to close the beer tent down! Two beers and allot of animated conversation later, we were on our way. We topped our morning off with a few more beverages at the Burnham after party but then treated ourselves to lunch at Dexters before heading home!
It was a long day, but a good one. And even though I didn't finish in 2:10 (which is what we typically run our 13 miles in so that tells you we were all kinds of wonky today) I'm still happy. I got my medal. I'm going to proudly sport it at work on Monday and then I'm thinking I'm going to hang it on my Christmas tree!
Until the 11th...
Little B
P.S.
If you haven't done so, don't forget to donate! You dollars are helping the Burnham Institute for Medical Research find cures for diabetes, cancer and other terrible diseases that affect thousands of people everyday.
Donate for Little B (a.k.a. Mandy)
Donate for Big B (a.k.a. Jennifer)
After watching the Spirit of the Marathon last night , we were inspired and pumped and ready to take on the course in the morning.
So guess whose alarm failed to go off this morning? You guessed it! My phone rang this morning, I bolted up, looked over at the clock and screamed "OH $H*T!" I'm late. Sure enough, it was Big B calling to find out why the house was dark and if in fact I was still sleeping. Needless to say, I dressed in about 3 minutes flat and was out the door with breakfast in my hand in about 7! Seriously! I can't believe I overslept and my alarm didn't go off.
Anyway, we arrive with plenty of time to spare so while I jump in line to get our race chips, Big B goes and tells Burnham we'll be there in a few minutes for the group photo but returns to tell me that they aren't organized and we'll make the photo no problem. Guess what... we missed the photo while waiting in the long line and then navigating the crowd to get to the photo site! (Sigh)
Anyway, once we got our chips on, we needed to make a "pit stop" and who should we run in to but DDD and DDR's wife! (Remember DDR is currently on the mend- but was TOTALLY at the finish line with Bailey's on ice waiting for us all to come in!). So, back to the pit stop, we all chatted while waiting to use the porta potties (never a pleasant experience under any circumstances) which the one DMC (DM would be "Dancing Mom") and I used (not together!) was so beyond gross because someone didn't exactly get over the potty before their bidnezz began...guess it was an early case of "Runner's Trot."
So after enduring that nightmare, we went to the start line and waited for the horn...and waited...and waited...and waited some more before it finally went off and so were we! Big B got the crazy notion that she wanted to complete the half in 2 hours (we're a bit ambitious- but we were both super inspired after the movie and both feeling really good this morning) so we started at a 9 minute/mile pace. By mile 4, my knee started to bother me (BAD) and I slowed considerably, finally settling into a comfortable pace by about the 6th mile. Which I couldn't tell you what it was b/c my STUPID Nike iPod thing-a-ma-chig was off by a half mile, eventually getting an entire mile off! AAARRRRGGGGHHHH! However, I wasn't alone in my anodynes b/c Big B's was doing the same thing!
Needless to say, this was a hard race for me and ultimately, I wasn't feeling it. At one point, I almost threw in the towel- but then I remembered what the "Higher Authority" said and "Don't ___ out!" However, what really kept me and Big B going, was that cheer leading husband of mine, who I didn't expect to see except for at the finish line and instead saw him at 4 different points on the course and then at the finish line. I was hurting today and felt like I barely made it, but I managed to cross the finish line at 2:21. Big B came in at 2:18 and was anxiously awaiting for me to make the turn in the home stretch and she joined me as I crossed the finish line! We were so elated.
Afterwards, we celebrated with a little Bailey's (as previously mentioned), waited for DDD to cross the finish line, where we all headed over to the beer tent, where we proceeded to close the beer tent down! Two beers and allot of animated conversation later, we were on our way. We topped our morning off with a few more beverages at the Burnham after party but then treated ourselves to lunch at Dexters before heading home!
It was a long day, but a good one. And even though I didn't finish in 2:10 (which is what we typically run our 13 miles in so that tells you we were all kinds of wonky today) I'm still happy. I got my medal. I'm going to proudly sport it at work on Monday and then I'm thinking I'm going to hang it on my Christmas tree!
Until the 11th...
Little B
P.S.
If you haven't done so, don't forget to donate! You dollars are helping the Burnham Institute for Medical Research find cures for diabetes, cancer and other terrible diseases that affect thousands of people everyday.
Donate for Little B (a.k.a. Mandy)
Donate for Big B (a.k.a. Jennifer)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Trail Running & More...Fundraising
Greetings and Happy Week Back from Thanksgiving! I hope everyone had a wonderfully, long holiday weekend filled with way too much food and perhaps even some Christmas decorating...maybe that last one was just at my house.
Anyway, we hit the trail yesterday. Literally. 10 mile run with about 5 of the miles on a trail! It was awesome. The trail we ran, in the Oviedo Wilderness Park (or something like that) wound it's way all the way back to the Econ River, which provided us with a beautiful little resting spot, mid run! It was awesome! We regret that we didn't run with a camera (although where would we put it?) or at least a phone with a camera, but we've vowed to make that run again in the next couple of weeks and will be sure to run with a phone that has a camera. (Not to mention that Big B's mom got on to her for running the trail without a phone anyway, so we won't be upsetting Big B's mom again anytime soon).
Needless to say, despite the quietness and stillness of the trail, just me and Big B, and the cracking sounds of twigs, and the rustle of leaves beneath our feet, the trail was quite challenging! Gave us, and our legs, an extra workout, that's the sure! My knee (the already not so good one that's been bothering me lately and required a visit to the doc for some anti-inflammatory meds- which FYI... totally do the trick 3/4 of the time) had a new pain which has felt the need to persist today; but reminds me to be thankful that I'm not down for the count.
And speaking of down, I need to pause and give a shout out to one of the Double D's who has to sit out of this weekend's upcoming OUC Half Marathon and take another two weeks off on top of that, to nurse his foot back to health. Keep DDR in your thoughts and wish him a speedy recovery.
Now on with the post...awe yes, so the trail was awesome and will be sure to get some photos next time. Now I'll conclude with my plea for funds. There's a good reason I'm not in fundraising. It's mainly because I'm not very good at it and don't enjoy asking people to donate even though it's for a good cause. HOWEVER, with that said, I am kindly requesting a small donation for Team Burnham, for without it, Big B and I have learned, we won't get to run. I know...that was today's news in a nut shell. And while it wasn't said in those words, I'm pretty good at reading between the lines and that's going to be the end result if Big B and I don't meet our fundraising goal of $2500 each. So, for those who have already donated, I and Big B are most grateful for your donations and you've helped us get rolling. For those of you who are going to donate, I and Big B thank you in advance for your generous donation, which will help us continue rolling and heading towards our goal. Remember, you can access our donation sites in the post just below this one! Thanks again!
Last but not least, a big thank you to ALL OF YOU for your continuous cheers as we continue on our quest to complete the 26.2 miles!
Until next time...
Little B
Anyway, we hit the trail yesterday. Literally. 10 mile run with about 5 of the miles on a trail! It was awesome. The trail we ran, in the Oviedo Wilderness Park (or something like that) wound it's way all the way back to the Econ River, which provided us with a beautiful little resting spot, mid run! It was awesome! We regret that we didn't run with a camera (although where would we put it?) or at least a phone with a camera, but we've vowed to make that run again in the next couple of weeks and will be sure to run with a phone that has a camera. (Not to mention that Big B's mom got on to her for running the trail without a phone anyway, so we won't be upsetting Big B's mom again anytime soon).
Needless to say, despite the quietness and stillness of the trail, just me and Big B, and the cracking sounds of twigs, and the rustle of leaves beneath our feet, the trail was quite challenging! Gave us, and our legs, an extra workout, that's the sure! My knee (the already not so good one that's been bothering me lately and required a visit to the doc for some anti-inflammatory meds- which FYI... totally do the trick 3/4 of the time) had a new pain which has felt the need to persist today; but reminds me to be thankful that I'm not down for the count.
And speaking of down, I need to pause and give a shout out to one of the Double D's who has to sit out of this weekend's upcoming OUC Half Marathon and take another two weeks off on top of that, to nurse his foot back to health. Keep DDR in your thoughts and wish him a speedy recovery.
Now on with the post...awe yes, so the trail was awesome and will be sure to get some photos next time. Now I'll conclude with my plea for funds. There's a good reason I'm not in fundraising. It's mainly because I'm not very good at it and don't enjoy asking people to donate even though it's for a good cause. HOWEVER, with that said, I am kindly requesting a small donation for Team Burnham, for without it, Big B and I have learned, we won't get to run. I know...that was today's news in a nut shell. And while it wasn't said in those words, I'm pretty good at reading between the lines and that's going to be the end result if Big B and I don't meet our fundraising goal of $2500 each. So, for those who have already donated, I and Big B are most grateful for your donations and you've helped us get rolling. For those of you who are going to donate, I and Big B thank you in advance for your generous donation, which will help us continue rolling and heading towards our goal. Remember, you can access our donation sites in the post just below this one! Thanks again!
Last but not least, a big thank you to ALL OF YOU for your continuous cheers as we continue on our quest to complete the 26.2 miles!
Until next time...
Little B
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Fundraising
So... I believe most of you know, but Big B and I have to raise funds for the Burnham Institute for Medical Research since that is the larger team we're a part of. We've both started our pages and we have included the links below. We each have a goal of $2500 so we're reaching out to family and friends and seeking your help. Even if you donate a dollar a mile, that's $26.20 dollars more than we had.
Thanking you in advance for your cheers and support!
Little B & Big B
http://www.active.com/donate/TeamBurnham2009East/MandyTaylor
http://www.active.com/donate/TeamBurnham2009East/JenniferThompson
P.S.
We haven't figured out how to combine our pages but are going to as soon as possible.
Thanking you in advance for your cheers and support!
Little B & Big B
http://www.active.com/donate/TeamBurnham2009East/MandyTaylor
http://www.active.com/donate/TeamBurnham2009East/JenniferThompson
P.S.
We haven't figured out how to combine our pages but are going to as soon as possible.
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