Going for the Gold

July has been a whirlwind! I can scarcely believe as I'm sitting here it is already the 22nd, it has been a month full of blessings as well as challenges.

I was able to participate in Moonlight Chase 2013 in Eldridge, IA which was an absolute BLAST! I gave myself permission to just relax and have fun so no PRs there. If you ever get a chance to go I HIGHLY recommend it. The people in town are friendly, and the 4 mile course is flat and fast! The race starts at 9 pm as you run through town people play music for you, there are even a few live bands. Spectators hand out glow sticks and high fives as you run by. There are usually a few sprinklers set up for you to run through on the way and it ends with a huge party on main street. This year I ran with my girl Kelli (more small town running royalty, she is the pretty blonde in the photo) and couldn't have had a better night! The "Girls Gone Muddy" were up to no good again!

Me + Kel = Girls Gone Muddy...even at a non-obstacle race! 

Last month my husband noticed that a mole on my back had changed and "didn't look right" so I scheduled an appointment with my dermatologist. She took one look and said it needed to go, it was most likely malignant. A few weeks later it was removed and sent in for a biopsy which confirmed their suspicions. The good news is she felt no further treatment was needed and as long as I didn't notice any other changes I could come back in 6 months. This really wasn't a surprise, being a fair- eyed redhead with 7 of the 10 warning signs for skin cancer, but I hadn't expected it to hit at 27. The good news is as long as I stay on top of my sunblock and my checkups this shouldn't be a problem down the line. We can catch any other problem spots before they become a real issue. I would be remiss if I didn't throw it out there, if you haven't had a check, you should get on that. It doesn't hurt and most insurances will cover it. Get it done!

Training with the stitches in my back has been a challenge. They had to cut deep to get all the tissue removed so I need to keep them in until the beginning of next month, and they seem to be seriously throwing off my game. They pull with every movement and I can't wait to have them taken out and get back to normal.

On July 20th I hit up the Puckerbrush 5k in Forest City, IA and had the privilege of running with my 2 brothers. The race course was fun and well organized, as well as awards for the overall male and female winners they awarded medals for 1st and 2nd place in each age group. They also gave out a TON of awesome door prizes courtesy of the race sponsors.

My little brother Dan took home the overall win with a time of 18:18, and my older brother Johnny landed a respectable 4th in his age group, I am ridiculously proud of them. I knew going into it I was off, my stitches were pulling and I was sore but I gave it my all. Disappointingly, I ended up missing a medal by 1:00. Even so, I had a awesome day. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family and it was special to get to run with the guys.

My Brothers and I! Dan on the left, Johnny on the right! 

Dan accepting his Award for overall winner! 

After coming so close to another medal for the summer I'm moving forward with a new purpose. My next 5k will be the Lisbon Kraut Route on August 10th and I am going for the Gold! I'd like to take 1st in my age group as well as PR for a 5K, it would be extra special since the race is right outside my front door. I'll also start hitting the weights again in August, working on my upper body and core strength.

I have less than 50 days until the big one, it's time to get pumped, and get down to business. I couldn't be more excited! Life is good! 

Warrior Dash for the win!

So, it's the Monday after my first Warrior Dash weekend and as I sit here on my sore (yes, I'm still sore) behind I thought I would share my experience and what I learned about obstacle racing with you! Hopefully you can put some of it in your pocket and use it on your own adventure!

The event was very well organized, I found this to be a pleasant surprise as I was expecting at least a minor amount of chaos. Parking was provided at $10 per vehicle and there were friendly staff directing traffic through the lot. I feel like they did a good job keeping things moving. Once we found a parking spot you walked to the bus area where you could load up and get a relatively quick ride over to the race venue. In my case, Afton Alps. The bus ride gave a feeling of heading off to summer camp as we wound down through some wooded areas towards the venue. It was a fun chance to shoot the bull with other would-be Warriors and, of course, take an abundance of photos. I kind of felt like a loser not having my camera out so I got this gem for you.

We stepped off the bus to be greeted by music, dancing, and of course MUD! If you plan to attend this event as a spectator I suggest you drop any illusions of staying clean immediately. From the bus drop off point you could walk directly to the packet pickup station. They were friendly, and efficient. Gear check was provided for free and located right next door to packet pickup. I believe the time between setting foot on the bus and checking my gear was only 30 mins at most. READ, you don't have to waste a ton of time standing in lines. WIN!

Smoke from the fire jump obstacle

When it came time for the running to commence we made our way to the starting line. To avoid obstacles being bogged down they had divided each heat into 2 smaller groups to start 10 mins apart. I really appreciated this as I did not have to stand in line for a single obstacle, MAJOR points for that. The MC had us duke it out for which group got go to go first by having us cheer and "Throw up the horns", my side won, naturally. 

We took off up a monstrous hill and it was all good muddy fun from there. (Ok yeah, there was some work in there too ;)  As it turns out I had overestimated the obstacles and grossly underestimated the running. The hills...ohmygoodness the hills. I knew it was important to train for them but apparently I didn't train hard enough. I was feeling the burn. Obstacles included climbing nets, ropes and walls, shimmying under barbed wire, jumping over fire, all fun and relatively simple. Keep in mind this event was not meant to scare people off, it was created to be fun and inclusive regardless of athletic ability.

After swimming through a final trough of muddy water I was greeted by yet more friendly staff at the finish line where I was rewarded for my efforts with a hearty high five, a medal, and a beer on the house. (In addition to my super sweet swag bag with a t-shirt and fuzzy viking helmet!) I'd say it is easily worth the $65 entry fee. (note: I registered relatively early. As with most events the price climbs the closer you get to the big day) 

A few things I learned about obstacle races (AKA Mud Runs) 

1. TRAIN FOR HILLS!!!! I am fairly certain the race creators use every single one at their disposal. They probably sit somewhere watching from an eye in the sky and laugh as you trudge up the umpteenth one laughing and saying "They PAID to do this!" Show 'em who's boss! 

2. You may want to opt for a taller sock, or at least something ankle length. I found it helped to keep the sand and grit out of my shoes. Wet feet + sand/grit/rocks = torn up feet. No fun! 

3. Bring some plastic sandals to slip on after. I intended to donate my race shoes, so in my infinite wisdom I packed a SECOND pair of trainers "Because then I'll have a dry pair". Well considering the rest of me was still sopping wet and filthy when I put them on my "dry pair" didn't last long. Should have thought that one through a little better! 

4. Be sure to pack some cash for incidentals. Parking, food/drinks, any souvenirs you may want, etc. There was a water station provided, as well as a free beer but food was on your dime and there were some pretty yummy things available. (see giant turkey leg below) 

As of today all that stands between me and Tough Mudder is two months and a handful of 5Ks. I am going to take what I learned this weekend, modify my training and keep on trucking. Thanks for hanging in there with me! I'm happy to answer any questions I can and of course Happy Training!