tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88270896469793002962024-03-14T09:49:35.728-05:00 Nichole RunningNichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.comBlogger688125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-65802177232501704892018-01-30T19:54:00.001-06:002018-01-30T19:54:52.508-06:00New website coming soon!Hang on to your hats, ladies and gents: I'm working on migrating over to a new website and blog!<br />
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Keep checking back here. I'll redirect this blog to the new site when it is up and running. I'll also post on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nlporath/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/teamnichole/" target="_blank">FB</a>, so make sure you're following me there.<br />
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Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-41106614929214229672018-01-08T17:44:00.000-06:002018-01-08T17:48:56.326-06:00Meal Planning, Food logging, and Weight: Getting After ItPerhaps you've read <a href="https://www.self.com/story/my-weight-has-nothing-to-do-with-how-good-a-runner-i-am" target="_blank">Allie's publication</a> about her racing and relationship with her body and weight. I am so happy to see someone doing as well as she is - and looking so healthy and strong! 2:29 at NYC? Dang. You go, Allie!<br />
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Jamie Cheever, a top US Steeplechase racer, followed up Allie's post with fitting comments about her perspective <a href="https://www.sisurunning.com/new-blog/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Both are worth a read.<br />
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I love both perspectives and right now am more in the J.Cheever-thinking-camp. I really like that I am strong & healthy. However, I also know that each extra pound I carry equates to an extra minute to my marathon finish time, which means I need to be diligent about my nutrition and weight. How to do so in a SMART and SANE way? Good question.<br />
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<b>My Action Plan:</b><br />
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So The best way I've found to lean down is to:<br />
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1. Meal Plan: my process explained below. IMO, this has to be where you start. Without a plan, what good is tracking? And what good is any feedback that your scale gives you (or more importantly, how you're feeling about your body and fitness progress) if you can't tie it to planning and measuring?<br />
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2. Track food: via MyFitnessPal<br />
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3. Weigh in weekly: via my scale :)<br />
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I'm going to try to blog my efforts and progress in all three areas (what I'm trying to achieve, areas of improvement, macronutrient goals,etc) here more often this cycle, in hopes that you might be able to take something away from it & use it yourself. Before that, I'll share what I've found works for #1, meal planning.<br />
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<b>My Meal Planning Routine:</b><br />
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Last year I started meal planning on Sundays before the start of the week. I don't know why I hadn't done this before! It doesn't take much time and saves a ton of time and brain power, and also ensures that we waste little to no food.<br />
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On Sundays I sit down with this handy white board (from <a href="https://www.target.com/p/ubrands-174-magnetic-dry-erase-weekly-planner-7-5-x18-white/-/A-14796067#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Target - $10</a>). I'll write down any schedule things we have. For example, on Tuesday I have a Finance Committee meeting at Bethel. That's probably not a great night for an elaborate meal. In fast, it's probably a great night for left-overs!<br />
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I then write down the food or leftovers we have in the fridge. Do I have leftover fresh veggies waiting to be used? Extra chicken from Saturday's meal? See what's written on Sunday... that's our current food "stash" waiting to be used.<br />
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Then I write down a few of the sale items from Aldi (in Northfield) or Fareway (in Faribault), the two places we shop. We also have a Cub and Econo in Northfield but I don't frequent these as their prices aren't close to Aldi and Fareway most of the time. I'm not a foodie, by any means, but I really think the quality isn't that much different (if at all!), either. Why pay more?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEvdVRUsN6j8aw6CgNtbpCAfDfoMdLi0vTMzTucvSlBSKb-iXIAA-1dVooE9IKUpwWiIZxYykntj_2pBhmy6HcuGNzPmcIIKqmWc1V4875im0i6nhIkdQ5EHwJJ9OTlstFWEQXsrCl8E/s1600/Aldiad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEvdVRUsN6j8aw6CgNtbpCAfDfoMdLi0vTMzTucvSlBSKb-iXIAA-1dVooE9IKUpwWiIZxYykntj_2pBhmy6HcuGNzPmcIIKqmWc1V4875im0i6nhIkdQ5EHwJJ9OTlstFWEQXsrCl8E/s400/Aldiad.jpg" width="381" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll quickly glance at the paper or online ad and write down any sales I think are a really good deal. Between that and our current food stash, I have an ingredient list to look for recipes with.</td></tr>
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[I will pay more to shop at Just Food Co-op, which I will do occasionally for a few things like bulk oatmeal, lentils, some specialty items.]<br />
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Then, look online to try to find recipes! I'll write them in for a particular evening, based on prep time and our family's schedule for that day. I'll also plan ahead for later in the week: cooking extra meat so that I have it pre-prepared for a meal later in the week, for example.<br />
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I'll google combinations of things. For instance, we have coconut milk in the fridge from a previous recipe and mangoes are on sale for $.59. What can I make with that? Looks like a Mango Chicken Curry would be great. I could throw in the 1/2 can of left over cannellini beans from a meal last week (if I wouldn't have meal planned, these would have gone bad - guaranteed). I'll make extra chicken to put into a White Chicken Chili later in the week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR46_Xwb5fXTOPBihs1uG_L89LjYzWYXSKNR-OPtwmBwi_zmxk-c8ljdji7QiuSxLessrbtHYnA2ZDZAkFuhlVI1h-W29l5HERrbmde3S8c9UtoXRkKfV_c4XIJb3s_u5MOm3DtAdtqUc/s1600/MangoChickenCurry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="707" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR46_Xwb5fXTOPBihs1uG_L89LjYzWYXSKNR-OPtwmBwi_zmxk-c8ljdji7QiuSxLessrbtHYnA2ZDZAkFuhlVI1h-W29l5HERrbmde3S8c9UtoXRkKfV_c4XIJb3s_u5MOm3DtAdtqUc/s400/MangoChickenCurry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo and recipe found <a href="https://thecompletesavorist.com/mango-chicken-coconut-curry" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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Or I'll flip through a magazine or a few blogs for ideas. It's fun! It takes me no longer than 20 minutes.<br />
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The other great thing about meal planning is it helps me to be mindful of what I'm eating. Is there a protein? Healthy fat? Carb? Our meals tend to be more balanced (not to mention have a lot more variety!) when I plan.<br />
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So, there you go. I'll be sharing my weekly meal plans from time to time - feel free to snag a few ideas from me!<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Your turn:</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Do you meal plan? </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Do you do anything differently than what I've described above?</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What are the biggest benefits to meal planning for you (or your family)?</span></i></b><br />
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<br />Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-46738601082981521002018-01-04T21:41:00.000-06:002018-01-06T20:38:43.756-06:00Grandma's Marathon 2018Just thought I'd share the more random things that I think about in a training cycle!<br />
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My next "A" race will be Grandma's in June.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndYzIqRdcbqlzETA15ow1ooBgHuXoY_Hp6vnhUzCTNuTJaUZ4OD24nao7wGPCzL6K40Cxbhecp-ctOcugAZ5UNLz1SpDtbl8tpcMA-CdN9NohHGOFu9giUwtbVvXSH9o3kTjyAQrKQyQ/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndYzIqRdcbqlzETA15ow1ooBgHuXoY_Hp6vnhUzCTNuTJaUZ4OD24nao7wGPCzL6K40Cxbhecp-ctOcugAZ5UNLz1SpDtbl8tpcMA-CdN9NohHGOFu9giUwtbVvXSH9o3kTjyAQrKQyQ/s400/IMG_0866.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Finish Line! My goal will be to see this less than 2:49:59 after the gun goes off on race day!</td></tr>
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Craig offered to run alongside me to help pace me, so I sprung for his entry fee a while ago, before prices went up. The early bird price was $110 and I received a limited edition jacket. They even had women's XS! Not a bad deal at all for a race of its caliber, in my opinion.<br />
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I waited to email the elite coordinator until January 1st, as their website said they don't start taking applications until then. She responded yesterday (Wednesday, 1-3) that the standard for the marathon is sub 2:50 and sub 2:55 for sub-elites.<br />
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I guess that hadn't been on my radar; I had thought that the sub-elite/local-elite standards would be similar as Twin Cities Marathons. Oops!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoXbSLREl00npGcAItn2Pm2PtXjpDL2gMNrMUpISYu3G2-NYD-GDXYprS5eBdW8Y-4UZtcgk8yYZRq0E4-pcWwMT1sC_RK4lzyEg6VLG0F1jCK5NNNfprXSc7UnBtb-V-ei671be2BNo/s1600/DSC07178+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1341" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoXbSLREl00npGcAItn2Pm2PtXjpDL2gMNrMUpISYu3G2-NYD-GDXYprS5eBdW8Y-4UZtcgk8yYZRq0E4-pcWwMT1sC_RK4lzyEg6VLG0F1jCK5NNNfprXSc7UnBtb-V-ei671be2BNo/s400/DSC07178+%25281%2529.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Cheering at Grandma's in 2017</td></tr>
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I asked what race distances I might be able to use to qualify and what the standards might be. I hope I could hit either a 10-mile or a 1/2 marathon fast enough. The Daniels Formula would put a 1:23:xx at about a 2:54, and I would definitely hope to be able to run that in April or May. I haven't heard back.<br />
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The dilemma will be... do I wait to register and "count" on qualifying later in the Spring? Again, I would *think* I could run a low 1:20 (especially if I'm in shape to run 2:49!), but you never know what life brings... extreme heat, illness, family emergencies that don't allow racing, etc. If I don't hit the standard, registration will be up to $145, and there is a chance that the marathon might fill (at 9,000 registrants) (although I'd be watching carefully and they usually send emails out when they are nearing the 9,000 cap).<br />
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Or do I just bite the bullet, register now, and not have to worry about it? It IS only money, after all. It's just nice to save it when given the chance!<br />
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<b>**UPDATE as of 1/5** The coordinators at Grandma's decided that my 1:03 10 mile converts to a 2:56-7, and between that, which is very close!, and the fact that both the 1:03 and 2:58:30 at TCM were run less than 12 months post-partum, they're going to make an executive decision and let me race as an elite! YAY! I couldn't have been happier to get that email!! THANK YOU, Grandma's for believing in me, I know I'll be ready to rock and roll come next June!**</b><br />
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<br />Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-86911171490193839492018-01-02T19:45:00.000-06:002018-01-02T19:46:00.950-06:002017: Running in Review<b><br /></b>
<b>Total Mileage: </b><br />
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2017: 3167 - the most I've done in a while!<br />
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2016: 2193 - Grandma's marathon at 20 weeks pregnant since I didn't find out I was pregnant until <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2016/05/well-well-well.html" target="_blank">mid-April</a> when I had already logged a TON of mileage. Mileage dropped significantly after Grandma's, and Anna was born in October.<br />
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2015: 1142 - the first half of this year I didn't run much (2 months post-partum to ~8 months post-partum). Struggling with mental health, depression, <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2015/09/here-deal.html" target="_blank">among other things</a>.<br />
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2014 and earlier: ?? - 2014: Pregnant with Greta... probably not a ton. 2012/2013: Probably a ton. Someday I'll have to clean up those logs!!<br />
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<b>2017 Highlights:</b><br />
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<li><a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/05/we-it-dunn-new-world-record.html" target="_blank">World record</a> 1/2 marathon pushing a double stroller! SO fun. Awesome race, the MOST AMAZING race director & community feel behind a race, and what an honor to be able to set a record with my two girls. They earned it just as much as I did.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Isn't this what you bring with you on the drive over to your "A" race?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wL_XQMHTkc9OW6WUjtGKkd_HRY1WtOX6SRZ3CdykXUsZ-d51nqa51-61xiivWBytkQZimdS86c3ouI3lteoCl5tTXHj3x_kmIzpss7FlTWYN1P72BTm8tX7RmpQj6gbHWhV5PLBuiI4/s1600/blogger-image-611135111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wL_XQMHTkc9OW6WUjtGKkd_HRY1WtOX6SRZ3CdykXUsZ-d51nqa51-61xiivWBytkQZimdS86c3ouI3lteoCl5tTXHj3x_kmIzpss7FlTWYN1P72BTm8tX7RmpQj6gbHWhV5PLBuiI4/s400/blogger-image-611135111.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>Winning the Gustavus Alumni race in 18:35 in August (race recap <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/09/gustavus-alumni-5k-1835-1st-place.html" target="_blank">here</a>), which came as a surprise! I knew my training was going well, but I didn't expect to fell so strong and fast. I was also surprised to take the win by 26 seconds; Sadie took 2nd place and went on to finish 64th at NCAAs later that fall. Yes, she was at the start of her season, but I would say I was at the "start" of mine as well; this was one of a handful of 5ks I had done in my training since Anna (who was 10 months).</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWWehmhpGN_Bm9G9SGZCp8qccYZeuGWK2LOLOFVXb7PLvsd8T-nbo8VAVM3xYB3pVNqzjy3NYYABhz6zU2LZdg3X1MXzl7EvzFDdBF4QevBXnFvWJLbkjuVQvM3xEVm_UYvjR970QsIQ/s1600/Mile+2b+Gac+Alumni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWWehmhpGN_Bm9G9SGZCp8qccYZeuGWK2LOLOFVXb7PLvsd8T-nbo8VAVM3xYB3pVNqzjy3NYYABhz6zU2LZdg3X1MXzl7EvzFDdBF4QevBXnFvWJLbkjuVQvM3xEVm_UYvjR970QsIQ/s400/Mile+2b+Gac+Alumni.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU4Dyv9etfn0IUIJPzqfuXTDpKOICT3DuMlfkVhnWQeI7CRVDBSM9ws58woLp7rOn8lG0vyDJfRmfioj5WBHoIa7Ty6sgeJahclz-c_sga_WAptLTs_L7CnnJucwvaDNkShnRqG7Hb9E/s1600/blogger-image--2105174439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU4Dyv9etfn0IUIJPzqfuXTDpKOICT3DuMlfkVhnWQeI7CRVDBSM9ws58woLp7rOn8lG0vyDJfRmfioj5WBHoIa7Ty6sgeJahclz-c_sga_WAptLTs_L7CnnJucwvaDNkShnRqG7Hb9E/s400/blogger-image--2105174439.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Running a 1:03 10-miler at Stillwater's Log Boom (race recap <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/09/elite-wave.html" target="_blank">here</a>) despite the heat and humidity and being dropped off at the wrong start. This qualified me for the elite wave of TCM. I'm proud to have been able to do that at 11 months post-partum!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssNEJwL11UCM3PPXlklM8bZlTGjB39Ngs6xj0xL5BACu2tpgnCif7yUWDtSJFk0seSEQnZ5pGOPKDlq573DX90AYV1A15uzhTpiKAhHel4O7m426G7mu6EHyajpB6KJr6DmEPdFEEupA/s1600/blogger-image--1065039575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="270" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssNEJwL11UCM3PPXlklM8bZlTGjB39Ngs6xj0xL5BACu2tpgnCif7yUWDtSJFk0seSEQnZ5pGOPKDlq573DX90AYV1A15uzhTpiKAhHel4O7m426G7mu6EHyajpB6KJr6DmEPdFEEupA/s400/blogger-image--1065039575.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Running sub-3 marathon and finishing 14th woman at TCM. Being able to run the first 1/2 with my athlete Michelle Baxter, from Alaska, and her sister. If you don't already, follow along her <a href="http://www.therunnersplate.com/" target="_blank">running journey</a>. Her improvements are impressive (I'm totally biased).</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Finding out my VO2 max is higher after pregnancies than before (at 69.9, blog post <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/10/remember-when-i-did-my-first-vo2-max.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Perhaps I didn't test well before, but I really wonder if pregnancies haven't left my rib cage wider, allowing for a higher VO2. Total uneducated guess - and maybe me just being hopeful that my even wider mid-section/no waist has a purpose. Who knows. But this has fueled my belief that I can come back & be fast again after pregnancy!</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<ul>
<li>Being selected for inclusion in <a href="http://med.stanford.edu/elite.html" target="_blank">Standford's ELITE study</a> on athletes with top VO2 max readings. This study hopes to figure out what genomes help "make" an elite athlete. Can we use those genes to help those that struggle with heart or lung issues?</li>
<li>Renewed or new sponsorships with Generation UCAN, Seven Sundays, Brooks Running (as a coach), Feetures! socks, Defeat the Stigma, Dr. Ackerson at Cram Chiropractic, and Stunt Puppy.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZWw-uhtO42Jqnk7OgM016SaRnel7G2dIqmrApWDijGRh82EBKZaWkMKta-q3F20Zn-17vxHwHtLsoV5fZA0l-7a8PS2LD5BO9biP_zOV1zBBezDlkilLtSDcxU4j_zbN2AP2Mo5u18c/s1600/IMG_3353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZWw-uhtO42Jqnk7OgM016SaRnel7G2dIqmrApWDijGRh82EBKZaWkMKta-q3F20Zn-17vxHwHtLsoV5fZA0l-7a8PS2LD5BO9biP_zOV1zBBezDlkilLtSDcxU4j_zbN2AP2Mo5u18c/s400/IMG_3353.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
<b>2017 Low-lights:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Too many miles run from Children's hospital in St. Paul. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5S5wUk-YhTIG2gVtScGAj-ep5dBlCi8JQWfEE-43jk6kDW7mshTEUJD_GaGl1Sn_NrT_bTs3qVXe0OWxpmJaoejYdWXXCAzZAgj_xA-u_nGRkA_uNDze473a4yAOcrbBoIxGvWr3g3Y/s1600/IMG_1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5S5wUk-YhTIG2gVtScGAj-ep5dBlCi8JQWfEE-43jk6kDW7mshTEUJD_GaGl1Sn_NrT_bTs3qVXe0OWxpmJaoejYdWXXCAzZAgj_xA-u_nGRkA_uNDze473a4yAOcrbBoIxGvWr3g3Y/s320/IMG_1196.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>At about 6-8 months post-partum I developed significant hip pain and began to limp through workouts and races. This turned into a highlight as I sought out PT, worked diligently on it, and now am actively working on helping my abs heal back together. I know how to engage my TVA when doing a crunch. Compare that to my first PT appointment where I couldn't contract a single fiber when asked to recruit that muscle!</li>
<li>Not being able to pace Michelle to her sub-3 as she fell back 2/3 of the way through the race. The highs that come with coaching also come with lows, and I wanted her "big goal" for her as much as she did for herself. But, it still was a BIG PR for her and I've been able to help her re-write her 5k-marathon PRs across the board after pregnancy... so I think we're doing okay. It's just that one last goal of ours... :)</li>
<li>There have been a few bi-polar "lows" this year, but nothing extreme and nothing long lasting, thank goodness. During those times I force myself (yes, force) to stick to my training plan as I KNOW that when my brain is functioning normally that my training is one of the most powerful things I have to keep me healthy & happy. It's so easy to want to give in & give up during those lows. Bi-polar depression is no fun and even though I wouldn't ever choose to have it, I can choose how I get through the lows. I'd say I did pretty darn well this year with that (especially considering I stopped nursing, which is a risky time for symptoms - and am now not on lithium!)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
<b>2017 Random Facts:</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Money found during runs:</b> $11.55.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_DSd0KXzzAOA_vvhtVeJRtVJuY5D0t59JUSZUyt0zKClYaihczFoucaXiR9VPTen80xLeXe4sGcTrq1Gh74DDfRy4IbvwmPWlKPO4N1cySy1nprvtYnHitdFi1mfPfGf4uYtHHTZIn4/s1600/2017Money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_DSd0KXzzAOA_vvhtVeJRtVJuY5D0t59JUSZUyt0zKClYaihczFoucaXiR9VPTen80xLeXe4sGcTrq1Gh74DDfRy4IbvwmPWlKPO4N1cySy1nprvtYnHitdFi1mfPfGf4uYtHHTZIn4/s400/2017Money.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always wanted a coin counting machine as a little girl. Now I have one in my OFFICE!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="text-align: center;">Average amount found per week:</b><span style="text-align: center;"> $.22. Probably shouldn't quit my day job.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS1mwieWSJEVSpj1itnYuCTG-rs1Subr_X4iAcPiTWZYRpV0x1LFgx84OeZEgHXIiTvUTsVyTdCAq_EkiaMCV6EOzWJwm3KF3oBdEjNDTLEypnANFET3O_tJlNWFuMr18JDb2RwS7QAU/s1600/2017Money2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS1mwieWSJEVSpj1itnYuCTG-rs1Subr_X4iAcPiTWZYRpV0x1LFgx84OeZEgHXIiTvUTsVyTdCAq_EkiaMCV6EOzWJwm3KF3oBdEjNDTLEypnANFET3O_tJlNWFuMr18JDb2RwS7QAU/s400/2017Money2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe I should have a back-up plan for how Nate and I intend to finance a GAC education for our girls...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Average daily miles:</b> 8.68. I hadn't done the math until just now. That seems like a lot!<br />
<br />
<b>Average weekly mileage:</b> 60.9<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Highest Mileage week:</b> 92, July 10th-16th, 12 weeks out from the marathon. 5 other weeks between 83 and 86, two before the 1/2 marathon record attempt and three between the 92 mile week and TCM.<br />
<br />
<b>Coolest "junk" found during a run:</b> I can't think of anything. That can't be right... training partners, can you help me out? There has to be SOMETHING!<br />
<br />
Coolest thing of all time was a pair of little kid skis and poles, found in 2016.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>Prized possession lost on a run:</b> Nate's Birkie Buff, lost on a run from Children's. I ran back the next day when I realized it had fallen out of my waistband, but to no avail. I'm hoping this shows up on someone else's "coolest junk found" list! :)<br />
<br />
<b>Coolest race award:</b> Hands down, these two shirts from the Get it Dunn 1/2 marathon. That's the race director for you - going above and beyond in everything. These are something we will treasure forever!<br />
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<b>Hardest workout:</b> First track workout post-partum: 5x1k. Threw up on the cool down. Blog post <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/01/training-lately.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I'm sure there were a couple of marathon specific ones too, but nothing that felt anything like that workout.<br />
<br />
<b>2017 Take-it-back:</b> I sometimes wonder if it was worth the craziness of trying to "train" while Anna was in the hospital... all while selling a house, managing a house build,moving twice, working at Bethel (at year end, nonetheless!), and TNC coaching. I barely held it together, as is evidenced by <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/01/27-hour-diary.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. But, I wonder if I would have really lost it if I had let go of my training.<br />
<br />
Guess the one thing I might take back is the 5k race in Hendricks (#2 in <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/08/ups-and-downs.html" target="_blank">this post</a>) where I overcooked myself. I felt sick from that for over a week and my legs felt funny for almost two weeks. I wanted to prove I was on the up-and-up with my 5k times at the time, but instead it was a major step backwards.<br />
<br />
<b>Coach:</b> Jerry Schaubach. The man who holds me back from my addictive want-to-do-too-much, too-hard, personality and channels that drive into smart planning and long term goals. It's not easy coaching me - thank you so much for telling me to shut up & woman-up when I need to, and in general, for giving me the ability to believe in myself.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010, first race under Jerry's guidance.</td></tr>
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<b>Assistant Coaches:</b> Craig, Jeff... and occassionally I'll listen to Nate :)<br />
<br />
<b>NEW training partners I've recruited to join me!:</b> Leigh, Sedge, and Austin (aka The Fast Unicorn), and Ruth. On occassion Lizzy and Aiden. Add in my typical cast of characters (Craig, Jeff, Teresa, the Moose, and Nate) and I'm one lucky girl to have so many people to train with! Thanks, y'all!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Your turn:</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What were your 2017 running highlights? What was a 2017 running low-light?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What race or effort are you most proud of?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Any take-it-back moments in 2017?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-2023596907815377142017-12-28T22:44:00.000-06:002017-12-29T15:38:11.803-06:00Getting RealI was super nervous for the workout I was about to do. I wasn't sure why. It's not like this was my first workout, or even first workout on an indoor track... but, it was the first workout where Jerry had written goal times similar to what I ran pre-Trials.<br />
<br />
I explained to Leigh on the warm up, "Before this workout, I've just been excited to make progress. Some of my first 1000m workouts I looked forward to breaking 4. Then breaking 3:50. But now... I don't know... this is the first workout that I've seen goal times that I know were from "back in the day". It's just getting real, Leigh! Jerry and I aren't just hoping to improve now - we're starting to go for it".<br />
<br />
I'm still in that good mental spot - just looking for, and excited to see, improvements. But now, those improvements meant I had this workout:<br />
<br />
<i>12/27/2017:</i><br />
<i>3x 1000m at 3:20.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Yep, 3:20.<br />
<br />
See what I mean? If that isn't REAL, I don't know what is.<br />
<br />
I remembered hitting a couple of workouts where I did 5-6x 1000s in 3:18-3:20 before or after the Trials. I didn't look anything up before hand; I've learned not to do that. What good comes of knowing how fast you once were?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdyXwAON7cmn87nuPZ3otxlpKrCE1XLRfYMNRETauMeu2SGazam-e203gygmxpAbOoHa_rnUbWCubjkuRZijpGoa16mgB2179fiaqEmLH_G2qmN8NOqdm_nrTDoMPgCi3PxskHX6mYlc/s1600/IMG_3353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdyXwAON7cmn87nuPZ3otxlpKrCE1XLRfYMNRETauMeu2SGazam-e203gygmxpAbOoHa_rnUbWCubjkuRZijpGoa16mgB2179fiaqEmLH_G2qmN8NOqdm_nrTDoMPgCi3PxskHX6mYlc/s400/IMG_3353.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Gen UCAN sent me this awesome hat yesterday! What a cool company. I love their products, love the people that work for them, and love the support they give me. I am one lucky girl. Thank you, UCAN, for believing in me!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I got to the indoor track facility, warmed up with Leigh and Lizzy (her friend), and calmed the butterflies in my stomach. It was just 3 repeats. Jerry's voice, or my thoughts, one of the two:<br />
<br />
"You need to start hitting these paces if you want to get back there".<br />
<br />
"You can do 600m at this pace, right? What's so hard about hanging on for another 400m?"<br />
<br />
The first one I came through at exactly 3:20. My lungs were on fire, legs like jello. I gasped for air (doesn't help that I have a little bit of a cold). 3:20!!<br />
<br />
Then, I held on for a 3:24, 3:26.<br />
<br />
These felt like I had raced. My lungs were seared. I was done. Without a doubt, I left it all out there. How in the heck could I do 5 to 6 of these in sub 3:20 before? Dang, I was fast. After I stopped wheezing, I couldn't stop coughing. I nearly coughed up puke right before we started our cool down. I had to get back to work right away afterwards (I hadn't planned on coughing continuously!!), so shut my office door so as not to make my colleagues hear me coughing and hacking. Sorry about that, work-mates. Thanks for putting up with me. No, really. Thanks.<br />
<br />
My abs are still sore from all of that coughing. Super.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ_J75FmJDvaqZrubIVcgjV2KFevhbj2_DeA9qVmw7q8bvwp_YkOO4n0WrrTz0ZgRXAnpEC7JKucwp7IkiWEIuq4PJoH2v7k2VC2kMhVT7TM0El3Ma1D8THSk5LuaL7l_Xaf4sFI6VJQ/s1600/IMG_3313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ_J75FmJDvaqZrubIVcgjV2KFevhbj2_DeA9qVmw7q8bvwp_YkOO4n0WrrTz0ZgRXAnpEC7JKucwp7IkiWEIuq4PJoH2v7k2VC2kMhVT7TM0El3Ma1D8THSk5LuaL7l_Xaf4sFI6VJQ/s400/IMG_3313.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">It has been really cold in MN the last week. The track workout I'm writing about was done inside, but I really try to get outside no matter the weather. This picture was from a 10 miler done at 0 degrees, windchill of -26. It's pretty, in a way, since it seems like the world is completely quiet. Hardly anyone is out. It's sunny & clear too - very beautiful! Just chilly :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the one hand, I was a little bummed I couldn't hang on to 3:20s. On the other hand, though, I know that back in June I was super happy with a 3:44 average (<a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/06/progress.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a> has a nice run-down of all of my 1k repeat times since after Anna was born. I've done a lot of them!).<br />
<br />
Or<a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/11/training-lately-and-goals.html" target="_blank"> here</a>, where I averaged 3:33s. That was just 6 weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Then, tonight, I decided to find some of those old workouts. I couldn't find anything that was a consistent 3:18-20 like I thought (I didn't look through everything), but I did find these:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
9/11/2011 (~11 weeks after my 2:44:46 Grandma's Marathon, but before the Trials):<br />
<i> 3 WU, 6x1000: 3:26, 3:23's for rest. 4x400 in 77, 78, 77, 77. couldn't go any faster! 5 CD.</i> <br />
<br />
10/30/2011:<br />
<i>Just 1.5 WU (got out late from work), then 6x1000 with YMCA guys outdoors 3:24, 3:21, 3:19, 3:22, 3:19, 3:33 (fell apart last one). Then 400s, 1:20 or so (little slower). Couldn't move at end!</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Not 1ks, but an 800m workout before qualifying at Grandma's (just because I'm curious where I was at then!):</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5/7/2011:<br />
<i> 10x800m at RW track. 3.5 mile wu, 2:45, 2:42.48, 2:42.xx, 2:43.75, 2:43.03, 2:43.28, 2:41.43, 2:43.93, 2:43.99, 2:44.09, 3.25 mile CD</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscu7GNjOj2RMt5F4RfsL-r1zDzD8aKgGCZ79OVRxM2GydHxKONVpklQLI8fBlWmwbkbnKC1mB9QPaiHnnqTxaIlmJfBKhwjCItL9KJX2lwnXnBEAv9MnoZ-kPELlBcMIsCORlUoEEunM/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscu7GNjOj2RMt5F4RfsL-r1zDzD8aKgGCZ79OVRxM2GydHxKONVpklQLI8fBlWmwbkbnKC1mB9QPaiHnnqTxaIlmJfBKhwjCItL9KJX2lwnXnBEAv9MnoZ-kPELlBcMIsCORlUoEEunM/s400/IMG_3307.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">More randomly inserted family pictures. Anna and I at the Christmas Eve service.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You guys, I'm not sure, but I think I could come close to the workout on 9/11. Hard to say as there were 6 of them... and yes, the 9/11 workout was after an 85 mile week and at the start of a 100 mile week... I am <i>nowhere near</i> strong enough to do workouts like this inside high mileage... and there's a chance that I could run the 800m times from 5/7 through maybe 6 repeats? <i>Maybe</i> all 8 (probably not - but there's a small chance!)?...<br />
<br />
I think what I'm trying to say is that for the first time, I'm thinking that getting back to where I once was might be more possible than I originally thought. Before it was just one of those, "Yeah, let's just see" type of dreams. You know, the ones that sound nice, but are so "out there" that you don't think too much, or too hard, about them?<br />
<br />
Now it's one of those, "Really? It might be possible? Ohhhh....". And then I remember how hard I worked day in and day out to get to where I was... and that type of work, that type of grit, is terrifying in a way.<br />
<br />
Like I told Leigh, "It's getting real now".<br />
<br />
Next week I get to do 800s. Last workout I averaged 2:44s. I'm really looking forward to seeing what I can do!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjpthOlF8go-YZsO017a9EE2IBxoBDVmRtH4D-XEl5E4QEL2SleuY-S4ZAfdLUaiP2xZaSbol3EC-hr9FNfemDNOMYpxTz9JnvCGp8GRoeo6-sGgL9PMv0o5J8BAqTo9dktReGOcF72M/s1600/IMG_3216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjpthOlF8go-YZsO017a9EE2IBxoBDVmRtH4D-XEl5E4QEL2SleuY-S4ZAfdLUaiP2xZaSbol3EC-hr9FNfemDNOMYpxTz9JnvCGp8GRoeo6-sGgL9PMv0o5J8BAqTo9dktReGOcF72M/s400/IMG_3216.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More pictures. Me and Nate at the mall buying me a new phone because I dropped my other one in the toilet. Ug.<br />
<br />
Greta asked me for the next 2 days why I dropped my phone in the toilet. Good question, kid. Good question. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-z-xDHADCkXtujTiwYsKgJkOc_xcHBcLCB14sMT5v86R2E8g0udqBdUksP-0HKDm_Wjaayhsw1SGxrRzXexbtpMe2pGe7s5xwr2ekyj1vUlCB-VchhX5IJG2rueYhkcMhJ8cjbrmUvfA/s1600/IMG_3230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-z-xDHADCkXtujTiwYsKgJkOc_xcHBcLCB14sMT5v86R2E8g0udqBdUksP-0HKDm_Wjaayhsw1SGxrRzXexbtpMe2pGe7s5xwr2ekyj1vUlCB-VchhX5IJG2rueYhkcMhJ8cjbrmUvfA/s400/IMG_3230.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Chiquita pero picosa: Small but spicy.<br />
<br />
I love it. Definitely describes Greta!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFXUlVA9gnFwR22D8G3d-5bF_GFqJj_aMf-0lUn1HNxAGYnoiC5Ku9Oq42ZNb7ObcGX1tr34sftg8NJtXcDuJemcTWhlwqQuhJX95tmLVG-rgKC-QRMgNng4BI59PapI3PCrLTADd408/s1600/IMG_3284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFXUlVA9gnFwR22D8G3d-5bF_GFqJj_aMf-0lUn1HNxAGYnoiC5Ku9Oq42ZNb7ObcGX1tr34sftg8NJtXcDuJemcTWhlwqQuhJX95tmLVG-rgKC-QRMgNng4BI59PapI3PCrLTADd408/s400/IMG_3284.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Oh, hi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD4YyW-BfPKYf2fJFVN2UzhhJPupTdx6d4LObV2t_MIkAUtVs4yUmAuGbBR9LqbcFKr91N4pMQv8mdkOAEyqlLyb8vkjqX0f94wL0T8rqi070TubHZ53HnZo8U6mh0goWI8_Uu6AmHN0/s1600/IMG_3290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD4YyW-BfPKYf2fJFVN2UzhhJPupTdx6d4LObV2t_MIkAUtVs4yUmAuGbBR9LqbcFKr91N4pMQv8mdkOAEyqlLyb8vkjqX0f94wL0T8rqi070TubHZ53HnZo8U6mh0goWI8_Uu6AmHN0/s400/IMG_3290.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I laughed out loud at this one. Seriously, not a one out of the 15 we took "turned out". Hahaha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Your turn:</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Do you look back through your logs to compare times from previous years? Are there any specific workouts that you've repeated that you've seen progress on (or not seen progress)?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Did you do a better job than I did at staying away from a ton of Christmas cookies? (sigh...)</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What fun, memorable things did you do this Christmas?</span></i></b><br />
<br />
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Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-1613212401944096922017-12-15T22:48:00.004-06:002017-12-15T22:48:45.688-06:00Indoor Track WorkoutsJerry and I decided to take the majority of December to focus on hitting my VO2 times and also speeding up for 200m and 300m workouts.<br />
<br />
If you remember, at the start of December I had hit a rough patch in training; I was sick with the flu and then a sinus infection, a few workouts where I was WAY off pace (30+ seconds in a 1k), a Thanksgiving day race which was a little better but still not what I know I'm capable of.<br />
<br />
I am so happy to say that I think I have turned a corner!<br />
<br />
Here's a recap of the quality days lately, all done indoors at St. Olaf. Normally I ALWAYS run outside, even for workouts, but Jerry said that we needed a month to nail workouts and not have any weather/wind/ice/snow excuses. So, St. Olaf it is. It's only a mile away from where I work. Hu-rah for living in a college town!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTQtnT4wcNPUQSUaDVoqzCTkBU1IVa8yFrbfS7bQFvKXxbMStvoWuqT1pWn_UYpmnShYen2E6cNSvIjPvEGoH1WmuHRsmeJ74mOsoVjJHYOnyrb475hrHLKwoBtlsq9Q-HHWbMPMsb3s/s1600/blogger-image--1197553470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTQtnT4wcNPUQSUaDVoqzCTkBU1IVa8yFrbfS7bQFvKXxbMStvoWuqT1pWn_UYpmnShYen2E6cNSvIjPvEGoH1WmuHRsmeJ74mOsoVjJHYOnyrb475hrHLKwoBtlsq9Q-HHWbMPMsb3s/s320/blogger-image--1197553470.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No pictures from any of these workouts, but here I am after an indoor 5k at St. Olaf in 2016. I didn't know it but I was just pregnant with Anna at this race. <br />Blog post <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2016/02/clumsy-legs-in-route-to-1937-and-trip.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I'm planning to race there again this upcoming January, hopefully much faster than that time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Workout 1: Written: 8x200m FAST w/ 200m recovery in 60 sec.</b><br />
<br />
Actual: 36.6 average, and I found Leigh on the warm up. She hopped into my workout! Say, WHAT?!? How awesome!<br />
<div>
<br />
35.9 - What a weird feeling in my legs! Leigh way out ahead. Dang, she has some speed.<br />
37.3<br />
36.9<br />
36.3<br />
37.1<br />
37.2<br />
36.1 - Leigh rallied back for this one. I pushed hard, we tied.<br />
35.99 - Leigh and I against each other down the homestretch. We tied again- but I gave it everything I could to edge her out!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I remember doing a few 35-36s back in the day I was training with Simone, the 12-time All-American, at Carleton, and just trying desperately to keep up. It's a good sign that my legs can move fast (for me) again! Just for fun, I searched for "Simone" in my blog. Here is the <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2011/02/1st-practice-not-my-best-showing.html" target="_blank">post</a> from my first workout with her. 8 months later I was right with her, if not ahead - one of those workouts is posted <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-made-myself-better-today.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Oh, the days!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqw3oO0D10aATpW57BK-WKXxpBvFWKuUT48McsPgWpqYMBHViPOQuv5vk5HKbF-7R_Cyar6OdnLneIzji5mmQnef4K0dB7nNZ9AS2FUxJ2u0wz3OVAVWoCHkNXfRGRMSsPj9CD8cITa0/s640/blogger-image--1922545864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqw3oO0D10aATpW57BK-WKXxpBvFWKuUT48McsPgWpqYMBHViPOQuv5vk5HKbF-7R_Cyar6OdnLneIzji5mmQnef4K0dB7nNZ9AS2FUxJ2u0wz3OVAVWoCHkNXfRGRMSsPj9CD8cITa0/s400/blogger-image--1922545864.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I received my age group award from the Stillwater Log Run 10 miler. You know, that race where I was dropped off at the wrong start, drove 85 mph with a Russian guy to the right start, hopped out with 30 seconds to spare, and still managed to notch my elite qualifying time for TCM? Good times.<br /><br />It's actually a GREAT race. September 22nd next year. It's on my tentative race calendar for next year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Workout 2: 5x800m in 2:40 with 400m recovery. </b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Actual: 5x800m in 2:44 average, with Sedge.<br />
<br />
2:42</div>
<div>
2:41</div>
<div>
2:45</div>
<div>
2:48</div>
<div>
2:45</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't hit any of them in 2:40, but I was still thrilled with the effort. 4 weeks ago I averaged 2:48s (post <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/11/training-lately-and-goals.html" target="_blank">here</a>), so I'm 4 seconds closer to where I need to be/would like to be!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3iCnzFC83CipZ3bapxCIbKvzEKEksFo99P1YlqzZ_Bn3PzovQYawuJ4MTb2BkZ6OC4s7DXmO4PRfdqtZVM-hIaBlhzMnrM5wEbf2Rl9Dy9gT-j49li6ekIPlotEoEYLV1EBcUmW45FQ/s640/blogger-image-2118767905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3iCnzFC83CipZ3bapxCIbKvzEKEksFo99P1YlqzZ_Bn3PzovQYawuJ4MTb2BkZ6OC4s7DXmO4PRfdqtZVM-hIaBlhzMnrM5wEbf2Rl9Dy9gT-j49li6ekIPlotEoEYLV1EBcUmW45FQ/s400/blogger-image-2118767905.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Greta really likes it, promise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Workout 3: Written: 10x300 in 60 w/ 100m in 60 sec. recovery. </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Actual: Averaged 57.8<br />
<br />
58.5<br />
58.1<br />
58.3<br />
57.3<br />
57.7<br />
57.5<br />
57.5<br />
57.8<br />
57.6<br />
57.8<br />
<br />
I recovered MUCH faster between these than the previous times I've done this workout! I think I was either over 60 seconds for each of them in the past, or if I was under, it was just a 59-high. The 60 sec recovery that day actually seemed long too... for the first 8 or so, anyway!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
HURRAH for progress!</div>
<h3>
<i><b><br /></b><b>Your turn: Any workouts you've nailed lately?</b></i></h3>
<h3>
<i><b><br /></b><b>How are you able to do workouts when the weather isn't great? Do you move indoors? Still do workouts outdoors? </b></i></h3>
</div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcuUy3qF1UaHJaJfyCZ2gOwoI0S-shwDJupdaRP77sCHSxihJ7ecnrGDEMZTHUE6Eifi3V8akRYVzvP3LpZeBimSkKo_WQpzN29CL5R2e6pWb-u8S9_7IS0v5C0H5Q_ANdZa8uBCtQ18/s640/blogger-image--2132285909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcuUy3qF1UaHJaJfyCZ2gOwoI0S-shwDJupdaRP77sCHSxihJ7ecnrGDEMZTHUE6Eifi3V8akRYVzvP3LpZeBimSkKo_WQpzN29CL5R2e6pWb-u8S9_7IS0v5C0H5Q_ANdZa8uBCtQ18/s400/blogger-image--2132285909.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a random Anna picture. She turned 14 months yesterday and is starting to take her first steps.</td></tr>
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Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-51896549161181954952017-12-04T11:11:00.003-06:002017-12-04T11:32:20.597-06:00WANTING ITWith every day that passes, I find myself more in love with chasing this crazy goal. I'm trying to talk myself out of it - since it's absurd and likely not even close to being possible. But I just can't shake it... and not only that, I find myself wanting it more and more.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sub-2:50 at Grandma's</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Then, sub 2:45 (OTQ!!) at CIM? Or Houston?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLV9LKAL3TKPEXN34eU8Ful8Vhe0pO1ZaMK5AqAeV7QXVQOt0TeCsxppFcS5vDwT6cbEzVEm1ebreT7ZHwJKhOJsQZtGWdgpZsmIFTJnvagvcBMD3g5-395Fk8w_HaFvDF5ezb__NRqM/s1600/GobbleWobble2017air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLV9LKAL3TKPEXN34eU8Ful8Vhe0pO1ZaMK5AqAeV7QXVQOt0TeCsxppFcS5vDwT6cbEzVEm1ebreT7ZHwJKhOJsQZtGWdgpZsmIFTJnvagvcBMD3g5-395Fk8w_HaFvDF5ezb__NRqM/s320/GobbleWobble2017air.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Greg Deveraux, 2017 Gobble Wobble</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Or, if I could really figure out how to get faster, faster! (isn't it somewhat annoying to have progress come so slowly?), then:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sub 2:45 at Grandma's</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Then, enjoying the Professional Women's field at NYC marathon in 2018 (if they would extend an invite with an OTQ, I think that is still their standard).</b></div>
<br />
The latter idea falls in the "absurd" goal category. But oh well :). A girl can dream, right?<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
I just received my next week/monthly plan from Jerry last night. I told him that mentally I'm in a really good spot: loving becoming more focused, falling more in love with my goals, etc. But physically, I can't seem to break out of this "slow" phase.<br />
<br />
[Aside: I know I'm not actually running "slow", but I haven't been making steps forward and lately times have slipped a little backwards as I'm running through a fatigued phase]<br />
<br />
Nate suggested that it's perspective: 6 months ago I would have been ecstatic with my workout times. And yeah, he is right. But I feel like there is something missing in my training, and by golly, I am determined to figure it out so that I can make that next big step towards the goals above.<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
So, I've identified a couple of things:<br />
<br />
<b>1. A plan to combat my aging self's inevitable slower reaction time, kick, spring from supple tendons, etc. </b>After talking with Marie last week, I decided to ask for her help in coming up with a new strength, flexibility, and what-would-you-call-it, anti-slowness plan? We both agreed that as we age we find ourselves able to run well because of our aerobic base and strength<br />
<br />
<b>2. Talk to others who have maintained their speed and strength to see what they are doing.</b> Hu-rah for having an awesome network. I've reached out to MG, now a national-class Masters runner who obviously has combated this aging thing well as she is tearing up the US Masters races! I'll start there and likely reach out to a few other women as well.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Drills 2-3 times per day and work on being explosive and quick</b>, per my convo with Jerry! Let go of this efficient, careful type stuff. I'm starting with drills during today's lunch hour run.<br />
<br />
--<br />
<h4>
<i>Your turn:<br />Do you work more diligently on a single part of your training now vs. in previous cycles? What is it, and why? What is your plan/routine? </i></h4>
<h4>
<i>Do you specifically work on power, drills, running economy, or quickness? If so, want to help your fellow runner amiga out w/ suggestions?! :)</i></h4>
<h4>
<i>Lets get a conversation going here!</i></h4>
Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-67491309121140269672017-11-28T22:13:00.001-06:002017-11-28T22:13:12.095-06:00Generation UCAN - Cyber Week SaleGen UCAN's Cyber Week sale is honestly THE best time to stock up on product. I don't normally use my Facebook or blog platforms to blatantly advertise sales, but this is such a once-a-year type of deal on a product that I LOVE that I had to.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0ILDfBHSBYDkfdD8JFxM8it0xQoVnCpgGODqpi3kzeEdWvMZMI_bjpQjTYIoIRAZgrDqvOTx0Fqz1wcvvLqAk_UwFJbKa6DmUoi1ljw4KT3g_pn2_vS3gTupNZhqzBwI7rxF561sr1E/s1600/UCAN+Cyber+Week+Sale+%2528Instagram%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0ILDfBHSBYDkfdD8JFxM8it0xQoVnCpgGODqpi3kzeEdWvMZMI_bjpQjTYIoIRAZgrDqvOTx0Fqz1wcvvLqAk_UwFJbKa6DmUoi1ljw4KT3g_pn2_vS3gTupNZhqzBwI7rxF561sr1E/s400/UCAN+Cyber+Week+Sale+%2528Instagram%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Increased to 30% with my code</td></tr>
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I'll cut to the chase:<br />
<br />
1. Order using this link: <a href="https://store.generationucan.com/ucanelitenp">https://store.generationucan.com/ucanelitenp</a><br />
<br />
2. You'll get 30% off (which is more than the 25% they are advertising to the public - yay for additional savings!) + free shipping<br />
<br />
3. If you spend $75 (pre-discount), you'll get a free blender bottle. Spend $150 and you'll get a free box of cinnamon bars.<br />
<br />
Like I said, this is a product I feel very strongly about. Most of you know that it's difficult for me to lean down for race day. Part of my journey was teaching my body to burn fat as fuel, but doing so with UCAN super starch so that I'm not always running fasted (which lengthens recovery time). UCAN also helped with dizziness near the end of a marathon, despite eating 6-7 gels during a marathon. I needed something much slower burning - enter UCAN's long-lasting, non-sugar, super starch. I'll post my 6 week UCAN trial pictures - again, from someone who had counted calories, restricted, you name it - I finally found myself with a 6-pack (!!). The more detailed story on the blog: <a href="https://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/p/nutrition.html">http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/p/nutrition.html</a><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNtBhET3HFPItvMusuIPVSaQpNw86Htka2LIutsadIR3nQIjRGYpQC5o9cXGL7oiv7wNqXXiR7iauWDt3mKlF1w370ilQqKMR26_FUnI-XIQdCVkJXMSJjjQg-4gx1lP-Mr4ifw6ZQz8/s1600/preUCAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNtBhET3HFPItvMusuIPVSaQpNw86Htka2LIutsadIR3nQIjRGYpQC5o9cXGL7oiv7wNqXXiR7iauWDt3mKlF1w370ilQqKMR26_FUnI-XIQdCVkJXMSJjjQg-4gx1lP-Mr4ifw6ZQz8/s400/preUCAN.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Pre-UCAN</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6iXlw2EwGo276wpOCD9CtG9jMeFMSgODWHurDx4fV2Z0LN9_U3GG41AOrs0OtbEmzGc5YRJloWYDk1dCWUkNwfaaONtSzOec4mz6lhoCFBMLaCL-xWWXsLsNxVL9oXVLFDpGkJ0PL3Y/s400/GAC_alumni_2013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 weeks of exclusive use pre- and post- morning workout. [watching other diet as well, of course]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6iXlw2EwGo276wpOCD9CtG9jMeFMSgODWHurDx4fV2Z0LN9_U3GG41AOrs0OtbEmzGc5YRJloWYDk1dCWUkNwfaaONtSzOec4mz6lhoCFBMLaCL-xWWXsLsNxVL9oXVLFDpGkJ0PL3Y/s1600/GAC_alumni_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6iXlw2EwGo276wpOCD9CtG9jMeFMSgODWHurDx4fV2Z0LN9_U3GG41AOrs0OtbEmzGc5YRJloWYDk1dCWUkNwfaaONtSzOec4mz6lhoCFBMLaCL-xWWXsLsNxVL9oXVLFDpGkJ0PL3Y/s1600/GAC_alumni_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI_0VMQ-LMKmREYVzuzxoLGyzw9ncAqyd4uFxtUI89wq6ph6pIW5AWCb9BcTIU_6wtsoz7ljuFVw_UbolSH9Wt29KgSRL-WTVfecFmBTbRfiY3CWzTLZZNzyuv4hc011mvKvmipf1kTU/s1600/UCAN+Cocoa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI_0VMQ-LMKmREYVzuzxoLGyzw9ncAqyd4uFxtUI89wq6ph6pIW5AWCb9BcTIU_6wtsoz7ljuFVw_UbolSH9Wt29KgSRL-WTVfecFmBTbRfiY3CWzTLZZNzyuv4hc011mvKvmipf1kTU/s320/UCAN+Cocoa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So anyway, if you've been on the fence about trying it, want to stock up for your 2018 training and racing, or know someone who has been wanting to try it & they'd love to receive it as a gift, order now. The sale is on through 12/3.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Disclaimer: I am a Generation UCAN sponsored elite athlete and will receive a portion of each sale with my link and/or code. It's a win-win: using my link gives you free shipping, saves you 5% more, and potentially earns you free bottles/bars, all while supporting my UCAN fueling as well. Yee-ha! Thanks in advance!</i><br /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Your turn: Have you tried Generation UCAN? How has it worked for you? What flavors are your favorite?</span></b></div>
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Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-36353859917209892962017-11-27T22:06:00.002-06:002017-11-27T22:06:31.966-06:0018:00 at the Marshall Gobble Wobble... for a 3 mile "5k".<br />
<br />
Definitely not what I was hoping for, but a good trial nonetheless.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC9T4jc-cr4C0ZhbNdjjfclmfRKXWPhu8TEcL_9vALG8xDA_1NUMs7LNxD6HGlGWGVQmGxPUsc4RkRW1vJmsbHDayw7lBp1u6YBFH13HFCk8sNI-6u0LC-nYxKnNe8XAzIftmQNazuJs/s1600/GobbleWobble2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC9T4jc-cr4C0ZhbNdjjfclmfRKXWPhu8TEcL_9vALG8xDA_1NUMs7LNxD6HGlGWGVQmGxPUsc4RkRW1vJmsbHDayw7lBp1u6YBFH13HFCk8sNI-6u0LC-nYxKnNe8XAzIftmQNazuJs/s320/GobbleWobble2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">At the start. No one wanted to step to the front of the line. Nathan in blue on the left, me in the gray T-shirt, and Leigh in the light gray shirt to my right. Smiles all around!<br /></td></tr>
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I started off in the pace I was hoping for. I was aiming for sub-18, which is 5:45/mile. I went through mile 1 in 5:45. Perfect! My legs were straining more than usual that early, but I told myself to go for it. Sometimes you just have to go for it, as you'll never know the outcome if you would have held back. Was sub-18 in me after a terrible week+ of training while sick?<br />
<br />
The next mile was 6:12. My legs were just tired and weak.<br />
<br />
Then, 6:23. YIKES.<br />
<br />
1st female, 5th overall.Luckily, I still pulled out the Porath household win, as Nathan was pretty close behind me in 6th place at 18:18. Race results are <a href="http://wayzatatiming.com/roadraces/2017/GobbleWobbleMarshall/results.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Leigh, a fairly new TNC athlete, ran a new PR of 18:50 (19:35 5k conversion). That's nearly a minute off of her old 5k PR, set a month ago. It's fun to see her progress, and I'm thankful to have the opportunity to help her get there. I told her not to expect minutes to come off of her time each month going forward :).<br />
<br />
Leighton, my cousin and recent GAC grad, decided to sit out the 5k as he is racing the marathon at Cal Intl in Sacramento this upcoming weekend. He is looking super strong, fast, and mentally ready for a huge breakthrough. I can't wait to track him!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Training recap for the week (60 miles, was written as 70):</u></b><br />
<br />
<i>Mon: </i>10 miles. Very tired. Skipped PM run of 4 miles.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Tue:</i> OFF<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Wed: </i>6.2 miles in the morning. Got home to a text from Jerry telling me to scrap the PM run. Ug. I know he is right, but I really hate dialing back. Ever. But, I appreciated the extra time to catch up on work and pack for the long weekend!<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Thursday</i> 10 miles total (3 mile WU, 3 mile race in 18:00, 4 CD). This was the first race result where I haven't shown positive progress, which is a little disappointing. I think I'm in low-18 or sub-18 5k shape, but will have to wait for another try at Northfield's Jingle Bell run in mid-December. Mental note: I also need to start doing the little things better, like eating and flexibility. I'm older now, ya know.<br />
<br />
Found Marie Sample, the Marshall girls XC head coach, for the cool down and made a date to run together later in the weekend.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Friday:</i> 10 miles recovery with Leighton and Leigh, about 8-8:10 pace.<br />
<br />
<i>Saturday:</i> 10.5 miles with Marie and Nate @ 7:30 pace. Felt good, actually! Marie began as an assistant XC coach my senior year of high school and I have looked up to her ever since. It was great to talk about XC coaching, team ideas, etc. Plus, I ran some goals by her -- and she has me thinking a little differently about a few things including a few tips she had for running fast post-pregnancy (she qualified for the Olympic Trials in 2008 after having 3 girls). Things like adding aerobic work (not aerobic miles, but literally, aerobics...), other "random" movements that aren't necessarily running or sport-specific (as we age we just don't "play" anymore so lose a lot of functionality), and a few other things. I may reach out to her for a more specific plan, if she might be willing (Team Nichole 2.0 may be forming...). In general, though, I LOVE that woman. Mentors and friends like her are hard to come by.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0gstl715WyEF0KAF_pMQ_f71acXDwGmSShnVRjUBQUP2dTs2igF8IlQjgGZpq5rEfHA37lT8wDfW1cYEmh4huWPcPzz96Vvnw9kgdb8i1v_UyhDHbGq6vmAGtUFSnu5DSFuc-uGOjpI/s640/blogger-image-1226748475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0gstl715WyEF0KAF_pMQ_f71acXDwGmSShnVRjUBQUP2dTs2igF8IlQjgGZpq5rEfHA37lT8wDfW1cYEmh4huWPcPzz96Vvnw9kgdb8i1v_UyhDHbGq6vmAGtUFSnu5DSFuc-uGOjpI/s400/blogger-image-1226748475.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Nathan, Leigh, me, Marie. I make Leigh and Marie feel tall :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Sunday:</i> 12 miles with Leigh back in Northfield at 8:15 pace (was supposed to be a double of 12 - 8/4 - but the route ended up being 10.5... so I decided just to get it all done and run 12). Hindsight, I probably needed to split up the run to add to recovery, but oh well. It also meant that I got to run longer and chat longer with an awesome lady!<br />
<br />
Monday starts a new week - here is hoping for recovered legs and good workouts. <b><i>Your turn: How did your Turkey Trot go?</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>PS - Between FB and Blog post entries, Kristy Powell Wynn won with her <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/11/rough-week-leading-into-gobble-wobble.html">5k guess of 18:37</a>!</i></b><br />
<br />
Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-58350872877961272052017-11-22T13:38:00.000-06:002017-11-22T13:38:24.318-06:00Rough week leading into the Gobble Wobble<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I've had a rough week and a half training-wise. Life-wise, things have been great! Read on for more:</div>
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Training:</div>
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After a good week of training, 65 miles on 6 days and two workouts (including an epic 8 miles at tempo-ish workout ), I really struggled the following week.</div>
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It was supposed to be a 90 mile week. I'm just introducing my body to the idea of high mileage again, so was going to hit 90 once and then back down to 70s for two weeks. Problem was, Monday I woke up extremely nauseous. Thank you Anna, for sharing your stomach bug. The previous Wednesday I had frantically tried to catch her vomit while eating at someone's house. Probably the culprit - or any of the times she drools on me, sneezes on me, etc. Parenthood = awesomeness.</div>
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I ran 10 miles over lunch, but decided to skip the 4-6 mile PM run in hopes to get over this quicker. </div>
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Then Tuesday I woke up pretty early with pressure in my sinuses. So much so that by Wednesday I had a hard time sleeping because my teeth hurt from the pressure. Time to start antibiotics.</div>
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The rest of the week I managed easy mileage (around 65 again) and finally tried my 1k workout on Saturday.</div>
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Not good. My legs wouldn't move! I wondered if I was just giving myself an "out" because I was sick. I tried to tell myself to MOVE! This sub 2:50 marathon isn't going to come easy! C'MON! Nate ran these with me and easily pulled away from me during each one. My times: 3:44, 3:50, 3:55, 3:52, 3:49. Most over 20 seconds slower than my goal of 3:30s.</div>
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The following day I was able to do my long run with the skiers. So fun! Grandma and Grandpa offered to babysit for the morning. It was really nice to be able to do a workout with Nate (even though not technically "with" Nate as he is on skis)! After 10 miles my legs felt like they were straining to run easy. I stopped to stretch often and finally called the run at 15 miles.</div>
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This week I've edited two days in an effort to get my legs back. I'm still learning how my body recovers now, how much I can push, etc. It's sort of like learning this new all over again!</div>
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Life:</div>
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Greta finished up gymnastics earlier this month. These were our best "end of class" photos. That kid... :)</div>
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We welcomed new neighbors into our neighborhood! There is quite a bit of building going on in our cul-de-sac.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boxed brownies. Because we are fancy around here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this picture. Dad caught us sampling the batter! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvdt7MGIy0gntf-HhqkFkgVa9t1WSGwI2KVswACPXR6_K4mlybbQwAoL6r-yAGtZk5eAe6lyxkOxOjCGW8pSz1zL-hltm3VCwBwEKxZdVy3lTXlcLn_Fs-xo2bva7hj8JhpYMVBN71h0/s640/blogger-image--1640179144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvdt7MGIy0gntf-HhqkFkgVa9t1WSGwI2KVswACPXR6_K4mlybbQwAoL6r-yAGtZk5eAe6lyxkOxOjCGW8pSz1zL-hltm3VCwBwEKxZdVy3lTXlcLn_Fs-xo2bva7hj8JhpYMVBN71h0/s400/blogger-image--1640179144.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Early Christmas decorating. Impossible to get a picture of all 4 of us smiling :) Maybe next year we will have better luck.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Now your turn:</i></b><b><i>1. Are you doing a Turkey Trot tomorrow? Where? What are your goals?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>2. Per usual, let's have a guessing game for my Gobble Wobble 5k finish time. To refresh your memory, I ran <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/09/gustavus-alumni-5k-1835-1st-place.html">18:35 at the GAC Alumni meet</a> about a month ago. That was a really good performance for me - I remember my legs allowing me to fly down the course and just trying to keep up with them! </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Along with finish time: Will Nathan be able to beat me? :)</i></b></span>Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-64349757181025800872017-11-12T22:12:00.001-06:002017-11-12T22:20:29.511-06:00Training Lately - and Goals<span style="font-family: inherit;">With each week that has passed since TCM, I've become a little more excited about the upcoming race season. I've also had a couple of good workouts, which fuels excitement. Nothing amazing, but I'm moving in the right direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My first 1k workout after TCM (10/17) was decent, except that in the short time I took "off" from VO2 work I somehow completely forgot how to pace. 5x1k in sub 3:45 was the workout. I was able to muster a <span style="background-color: white;">3:27, 3:31, 3:34, 3:37, 3:36. Yeah, yeah, pacing left something to be desired. but at least I was able to reverse the trend that last one. I believe this is the first time that I've run sub 3:30 on a 1k repeat in a long, long time. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This picture doesn't do the day's windchill justice. 4 degree windchill in early November. BRR, my skin isn't used to this.<br />
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I will not forget to pack a buff from now on, that's for sure.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I also did 5x800m on the track last week in 2:47, 2:49, 2:50, 2:48, and 2:46. I did these with Sedge at the Olaf track while his kids played with the football tackle-dummy. They joined us for the last two, so I contribute that 2:46 entirely to trying to beat 8 year old Stellan down the backstretch.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">My speed is terrible. I did 300s last week and felt like I was just muscling through them. I couldn't move my legs any faster! Times left something to be desired: 6</span><span style="background-color: white;">2, 62, 61, 61, 62, ... then a bunch of 62 and 63s.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I've had two tempo workouts as well. Those are coming along at about mid-6:20 pace. It's been fun to have found a new female training partner that is willing to do these with me step-for-step. How lucky am I to find this in a small town? Yup, Northfield is the BEST.</span></span><br />
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Like I said, I've become more excited about my Spring goals. I've decided to forgo my first ultra (and chance to compete for a National Championship) to focus on a fast Grandma's marathon. I would really, really like to break 2:50 again. I signed Craig up the other week (before prices went up!) as he said he would be willing to pace me to that.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n4Rd-pjLqJf0fedueA1MoJ3MJ13EXF8Pvt2t-MIR5_kJ0xmOpcAJ6lIBQXUZpWUq_-uFToB60YQvYGrZp3yzaeiJ8MpnUlorYtlH1-lcakXeTdOBswG15LqxTgXKBnv6iaSvp9CbGqc/s640/blogger-image-427572121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n4Rd-pjLqJf0fedueA1MoJ3MJ13EXF8Pvt2t-MIR5_kJ0xmOpcAJ6lIBQXUZpWUq_-uFToB60YQvYGrZp3yzaeiJ8MpnUlorYtlH1-lcakXeTdOBswG15LqxTgXKBnv6iaSvp9CbGqc/s400/blogger-image-427572121.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Because this blog needs random kid photos inserted into it.<br />
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Greta opening a gift from a coworker. She is in love with My Little Ponies. Her absolute joy at being able to wear Rainbow Dash is beyond precious!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Just in general, these two are at really fun ages (just turned 1 and 3)!! </td></tr>
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I know I'll need to do all of the little things a lot better than I'm doing right now, but it's also nice to know there is a lot of low-hanging fruit for me to grab. Not only the little things, but a lot of low hanging fruit with the big things as well: Through about 1/2 way through <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/10/did-it-sub-3.html">my 2:58 at TCM</a> I was really struggling to control that right hamstring and hip. I was not smooth and there was more than a dozen random "give out on me" steps. Plus, I stopped twice late into the race with a side ache and nausea (need to work on fueling).<br />
<br />
Another goal of mine is to take a shot at the MN 1/2 marathon record for 34 year old women. Currently it's 1:18:45 and my PR pre-babies is 1:19-high (done as a MP workout back in the day). I've never been good at the 1/2 marathon distance -- but I'll try to become just a little bit better! The MN record for 35 year old women is 1:13 by Katie McGreggor... so if it's going to be done, it has to be done before July 1st next year!<br />
<br />
Then, if I'm in the 2:40-high zone at Grandma's, I really do wonder if a sub 2:45 might still be inside me. I know it's a HUGE long-shot. Probably impossible. But I'll take it a day at a time - becoming stronger, fitter and faster each day!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ7HFX7x0wr0gAtSl72AhoUewXwtrEN36f8MCd8bisuBPJGIcuPzTcwvAflHtNaXheL7dludGW-zEchrr899PavMZKTH_qkFcr6dSe6hRtJBSE0QXe9iFLRwvhA_vG24eRguRVbkDUH8/s640/blogger-image--1445630924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ7HFX7x0wr0gAtSl72AhoUewXwtrEN36f8MCd8bisuBPJGIcuPzTcwvAflHtNaXheL7dludGW-zEchrr899PavMZKTH_qkFcr6dSe6hRtJBSE0QXe9iFLRwvhA_vG24eRguRVbkDUH8/s400/blogger-image--1445630924.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Congrats, Meb, on such an awesome running career!<br />
<br />
An equal to congrats to Shalane for her amazing effort in NYC as well. WOW. How inspiring is that? I'll replay highlights of her win before a lot of my epic marathon pace workouts!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh, and my <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html">About Me page</a> is updated. It was "About Time", since that was last written in 2013 or 2014... I really need to clean up and simplify this blog! All in good time, right?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Your turn: What are your goals for 2018?</span></b><br />
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<br />Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-45809217702764143762017-10-31T23:07:00.004-05:002017-10-31T23:07:45.575-05:00Remember when I did my first VO2 max test?Chris Lundstrom, now the Team USA MN coach, saw the results from my first test and said, "Hmm, I don't think you really maxed out, either."<br />
<br />
Results and commentary on that test are <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2012/12/v02max-and-body-fat-test-results.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
This summer I had the opportunity to do two tests as part of a PhD student's study. The first was sometime in July after that super duper hot 5k -- when I had a headache for 6 days afterwards and my legs felt all wobbly. I was a 45 then. 20.5% body fat.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to mid September. I hopped in the underwater tank and on the treadmill a third time. I asked the researcher to yell out the numbers as my pace and incline increased. I heard he yell out 45 early on. Oh, good, I thought. I'm at least higher than I was in July! Then 55. Then 60. Then mid-60s. I wondered if I was right at 64, my first test. I knew I had another minute or two left in me so started driving with all I had.<br />
<br />
And you know what? I registered a 69.9.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A 69.9. Say... what?!?!!</span></b><br />
<br />
That's crazy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS8sfP4yJLAQZtAOyfohvOrBAhVv3a4HWy7skTvnu9o0i0c4TgJOIUxIMyfLR-g_12_gU1aHoE_eQWQg9SFSPHgV51PPK5J6B5itBOt0t3rdZ8MsosDJkzDRjRtibga0XpUgHRAWVkJo/s1600/vo2max.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS8sfP4yJLAQZtAOyfohvOrBAhVv3a4HWy7skTvnu9o0i0c4TgJOIUxIMyfLR-g_12_gU1aHoE_eQWQg9SFSPHgV51PPK5J6B5itBOt0t3rdZ8MsosDJkzDRjRtibga0XpUgHRAWVkJo/s400/vo2max.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Apparently my original 64 is high enough to qualify for me for a Stanford study - <a href="https://story.californiasunday.com/superhero-gene-euan-ashley-stanford">the Elite project</a> - which is studying athletes with top VO2 max readings to see if there are genetic mutations (that allow for those high VO2 readings) that could lead to new treatments for those in need. You need a VO2 of 63 to qualify as a woman. Men need a 72. So my 69.9 makes me someone who could qualify for the study - I have a genetic make-up that allows me to use much more oxygen than is normal during exercise (and therefore produce more ATP).<br />
<br />
[Aside: how can I get in touch with the researcher? I think it would be awesome to be tested/a part of the study, but I'm sure it has closed by now]<br />
<br />
[Second aside: Was my first test just low because I was running on tired legs and couldn't quite max out? Or has pregnancy somehow increased my lung volume? Something with my heart, stroke volume, etc?]<br />
<br />
The researchers looked at me a little differently when I stepped off the treadmill and when I turned to leave they wished me luck at TCM next Sunday. She said, "You'll do great. And if you don't do great, at least you know you have the capac<span style="text-align: center;">ity to do great in the future." I've carried that with me.</span><br />
<br />
Also, my body fat % was a little lower, at 18.5-19%. Nice to know; hopefully I can keep chipping away at that. But, that also means that mathematically, if I were a little leaner, my VO2 would definitely be in the low 70s.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dkwbZSv_cJPPsukyhyphenhyphen8LxPUNKfctMEALFX0DJXU9-1THiyZp7jMobhutbtNhyphenhyphenNoqdynsj9ulomLktTAhCxTiof8SgdOA5Q-TscpwL3JnrWEIDgBRuFtL7r7jYwDaJTvd72lngqsH6-A/s1600/vo2bodyfat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dkwbZSv_cJPPsukyhyphenhyphen8LxPUNKfctMEALFX0DJXU9-1THiyZp7jMobhutbtNhyphenhyphenNoqdynsj9ulomLktTAhCxTiof8SgdOA5Q-TscpwL3JnrWEIDgBRuFtL7r7jYwDaJTvd72lngqsH6-A/s400/vo2bodyfat.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Cool!<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Your turn: have you had your VO2 tested? Lactate? Body fat %? </i></b><br />
<br />Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-58928038702502204682017-10-15T22:31:00.001-05:002017-10-15T22:32:18.569-05:00Jeff wins the Whistlestop Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Congrats, Jeff, on your overall win at Whistlestop on Saturday! Here he is receiving his award with his daughter, Emma.<br />
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He ran with the leaders through about 16 miles and then took it out from there. No contest! <a href="https://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-27690">https://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-27690</a><br />
<br />
Very proud of you!! I re-read his <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/p/jeff-lanners.html">athlete profile</a> after our first training cycle. He has come a long way in the 3 years we've worked together.<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOLGazhidRD_i3vUNS0YyL0VYpzw90Y54ctQsMbplEO6XHHYuoafe_jqwPe7OU0in44gYEvzCKWO1NBZavaFdlLPdMcc13dwiN_XDZji35azdfYCESZorGizxhKasYQVbNzPnJ4o2JsY/s1600/Jeff+wins+Whistlestop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOLGazhidRD_i3vUNS0YyL0VYpzw90Y54ctQsMbplEO6XHHYuoafe_jqwPe7OU0in44gYEvzCKWO1NBZavaFdlLPdMcc13dwiN_XDZji35azdfYCESZorGizxhKasYQVbNzPnJ4o2JsY/s400/Jeff+wins+Whistlestop.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Award reminding runner that "you rock"?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-dDUkUA_sxT9N-r8nonpgIpdye5D3GUYgkYqYwI7HJx7BH3g4pLyWUHbr08tmBbrGLpkpDg3JntgPGFjnfT-TMO6J41oL9XivBwbP9cESihBZF0ega2FTxhirmovPjck3JnbHRI6zW4/s1600/jeffwinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-dDUkUA_sxT9N-r8nonpgIpdye5D3GUYgkYqYwI7HJx7BH3g4pLyWUHbr08tmBbrGLpkpDg3JntgPGFjnfT-TMO6J41oL9XivBwbP9cESihBZF0ega2FTxhirmovPjck3JnbHRI6zW4/s640/jeffwinning.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Being led into the finish with bikes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also, a shout out to Craig, who won the Nerstrand 1/2 marathon on Saturday, his 3rd 1/2 marathon win in the last 1 1/2 months. I'm hoping the snow holds off for as long as possible here so I can convince him to do as many of my run workouts as possible this fall/winter/early Spring! :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1srSRIiQQLDYRDeZ6KkvaKJ1LZM2Wg_DePstFEYZbZuwfQmAeMnCaIA2f-RmAPwPSiBmPZtVPmBcHQ61MywZpcSrAXv9UteulnO2byekMN8lfkrMXyEN5W2bloeae4xK7wH-6AL5mUXE/s1600/Craigwinningtrailloppet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1srSRIiQQLDYRDeZ6KkvaKJ1LZM2Wg_DePstFEYZbZuwfQmAeMnCaIA2f-RmAPwPSiBmPZtVPmBcHQ61MywZpcSrAXv9UteulnO2byekMN8lfkrMXyEN5W2bloeae4xK7wH-6AL5mUXE/s320/Craigwinningtrailloppet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Trail Loppet - photo credits to <a href="http://skinnyski.com/">Skinnyski.com</a> (Bruce Adelsman)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbfsVjs82Dod3JtXzfEJHnOqZ-KgWglG-3Nzf9354NvSMrIBG1SkopEaSFDAYQm_LIL08WYcAp8npumObVx94_Yp77Du3Ct5cRkNcFPiB3AO9vt-KPRHQhtbeGjgYHIWALFupLV1dh-s/s1600/Craigwinningtrailloppet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbfsVjs82Dod3JtXzfEJHnOqZ-KgWglG-3Nzf9354NvSMrIBG1SkopEaSFDAYQm_LIL08WYcAp8npumObVx94_Yp77Du3Ct5cRkNcFPiB3AO9vt-KPRHQhtbeGjgYHIWALFupLV1dh-s/s400/Craigwinningtrailloppet2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Podium at Trail Loppet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Congrats, guys!</div>
Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-81405216662213977702017-10-11T22:32:00.002-05:002017-10-11T22:38:47.128-05:00DID IT - SUB 3!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibK4QSZekpNAuxOp3tctSG_ey0NIqYwKbmidP5tLPhbrRiFo2NnuyxrV1A0z39uedoEGheiivF4sSVpTIS10pHfRx9EGIomYqzfSRMhyR1FptRs1_WLDCKiKIfSH_0fcLDYqIbM2FpQQA/s1600/22228250_10100362839683690_8306877885634935111_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibK4QSZekpNAuxOp3tctSG_ey0NIqYwKbmidP5tLPhbrRiFo2NnuyxrV1A0z39uedoEGheiivF4sSVpTIS10pHfRx9EGIomYqzfSRMhyR1FptRs1_WLDCKiKIfSH_0fcLDYqIbM2FpQQA/s400/22228250_10100362839683690_8306877885634935111_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking ahead to finish line. Dear goodness, please let me get there as soon as I can.</td></tr>
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They're just as painful as I remember them (marathons, that is!), and just as sweet.<br />
<br />
I am so proud that I have been able to come back after Anna. On Sunday I ran the Twin Cities Marathon in 2:58:30, finishing 14th.<br />
<br />
I'm in the middle of budget season at work and prepping for the Championship season for NHS XC, so won't recap the details. Highlights included:<br />
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<b>Running side by side with <a href="http://www.therunnersplate.com/2017/10/02/twin-cities-marathon-2017-race-recap/">Michelle</a>, a long time TNC athlete, and Kristy, her sister through about mile 15.</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeZCJRZVvoMrgVzMOlklu5SuYyViB3fpOqNetXbiPE8RKXFFEPXh695cDWjaYgc3rf_-x9WrCChEbBivirplIPWnXa-GHx5TsLp_iORhKLvKFqxIaTUoUap1A3dqGBhsHBI6InG__1mw/s1600/22089710_798717293664320_2605636674202046058_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="750" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeZCJRZVvoMrgVzMOlklu5SuYyViB3fpOqNetXbiPE8RKXFFEPXh695cDWjaYgc3rf_-x9WrCChEbBivirplIPWnXa-GHx5TsLp_iORhKLvKFqxIaTUoUap1A3dqGBhsHBI6InG__1mw/s400/22089710_798717293664320_2605636674202046058_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stride for stride even though I have 1/2 of the leg length that they do :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiGpIZ2kteOJzhOUYA5NL8EvmF2pMuiHUQRBBzBxaTjA6bVb5wHZOwoGp8YzWB5IT28LFSqLRSOdZi0BtNulzzAO-jEs8HCa_lUc_FzeEf4Y3ZbW1H2kwc-oGziR2FwdqcvCO5zY03xM/s1600/22154182_10100363570688750_2974433511199481441_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="639" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiGpIZ2kteOJzhOUYA5NL8EvmF2pMuiHUQRBBzBxaTjA6bVb5wHZOwoGp8YzWB5IT28LFSqLRSOdZi0BtNulzzAO-jEs8HCa_lUc_FzeEf4Y3ZbW1H2kwc-oGziR2FwdqcvCO5zY03xM/s640/22154182_10100363570688750_2974433511199481441_n.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle is ripped. I am envious of her midsection! Maybe if I wasn't so short and my ribs didn't practically touch my hips I'd actually have a midsection! Ha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Seeing my "herd" cheering section!</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbsPTrMcCQm1cl3zG4W0P3EqInR_1mqB2ASFTZIJqUoLbe4H37Ap0a0EAvNaeYnOMfmve2ahSn4go8Mq0obI20pLq-o3Jcy_EhDp1WUqaZ_tgkhcnrKH1AJJlqoWaiUARuaiIbKp9y70/s1600/22089109_10100362956334920_3214158800704377644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbsPTrMcCQm1cl3zG4W0P3EqInR_1mqB2ASFTZIJqUoLbe4H37Ap0a0EAvNaeYnOMfmve2ahSn4go8Mq0obI20pLq-o3Jcy_EhDp1WUqaZ_tgkhcnrKH1AJJlqoWaiUARuaiIbKp9y70/s640/22089109_10100362956334920_3214158800704377644_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An udderly great day all around.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Being able to hug Leigh, who crushed her first marathon as a TNCer. 3:19! That BQ came easy for her! She is someone who ran... what... 18-19 minute 4ks in high school?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGH2hgJHfYPO__J39Zd8IE4RUkJPyOUYeGuuUTv39mxqDb8GKY3Tr0H_mXSBHA8M5uKP36gbQn3CqHyGhcMrWbY9Y9Yoc-98gi6Bnai2e8l4fkl2MvY7ZLUvfxkV_TdYVyAK8Fe9pcwc/s1600/22196128_10100362954982630_3196854741163794009_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGH2hgJHfYPO__J39Zd8IE4RUkJPyOUYeGuuUTv39mxqDb8GKY3Tr0H_mXSBHA8M5uKP36gbQn3CqHyGhcMrWbY9Y9Yoc-98gi6Bnai2e8l4fkl2MvY7ZLUvfxkV_TdYVyAK8Fe9pcwc/s640/22196128_10100362954982630_3196854741163794009_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And... she was walking pretty normally afterwards!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Remembering how much marathons HURT. But also remembering that I love the test of dedication, character, and stick-to-it-iveness that it requires. </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtKgkPGWGa2MMn42GfkZBII4Hgwej4d6mGqaWp2QPSWw_ZiHQvnv8RzwhLoAOrlAdkyATl838b2Ic6937S0bKhciR7c9HJVyvKdQApxZt7MzGCvdLAViCnP5uUA4DMPt6qolmaKpvoWc/s1600/22089538_10100362839853350_6235850865789627064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="639" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtKgkPGWGa2MMn42GfkZBII4Hgwej4d6mGqaWp2QPSWw_ZiHQvnv8RzwhLoAOrlAdkyATl838b2Ic6937S0bKhciR7c9HJVyvKdQApxZt7MzGCvdLAViCnP5uUA4DMPt6qolmaKpvoWc/s400/22089538_10100362839853350_6235850865789627064_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I felt strong the second half of the race. Sort of. In one way, strong in comparison to those around me... I can tell I'm a marathoner that has logged a lot of miles in a lot of training cycles.<br />
<br />
I definitely did not feel lean, though, or strong in the performance-strong sense. As in, I know there is much more to give, much harder to push, and my body can get so much stronger. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>The elite tent afterwards and how the 20 minute massage/stretching session helped me be able to walk again! I am definitely not as strong as I once was. I used to be able to race a marathon and then go out for a mile "shake out" later that afternoon. That's crazy.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQkvqcC8dP1Sh9jgPIpbMZioaiiir2FkxFFVhgrYpyB1vguQufnEpTWxoOuhTlHmuJHZDqQXSDeJEYee8HfFe90poZaJ9dyr9BOnF0Ez5Fbwh0pSMCLIDTRfyEod9pFtB3OSvR6ZSwws/s1600/22154350_10100362839793470_7561210225346022300_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="639" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQkvqcC8dP1Sh9jgPIpbMZioaiiir2FkxFFVhgrYpyB1vguQufnEpTWxoOuhTlHmuJHZDqQXSDeJEYee8HfFe90poZaJ9dyr9BOnF0Ez5Fbwh0pSMCLIDTRfyEod9pFtB3OSvR6ZSwws/s400/22154350_10100362839793470_7561210225346022300_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1Wr1ozPykp2Z4vjwmKF5YcvrCgo6MKy7sdwJJYuRcDrLZs86lKMTuW9IjCF0rDvIcdIZIn9_0BWH0yDOEOTCJupmtXEIi5FFiMYo2MV1Z4IZ5iIWaX1yo5DFiCcECgvcezD1WHqvH5s/s1600/22141016_10100363563393370_3467940081335977962_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="639" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1Wr1ozPykp2Z4vjwmKF5YcvrCgo6MKy7sdwJJYuRcDrLZs86lKMTuW9IjCF0rDvIcdIZIn9_0BWH0yDOEOTCJupmtXEIi5FFiMYo2MV1Z4IZ5iIWaX1yo5DFiCcECgvcezD1WHqvH5s/s400/22141016_10100363563393370_3467940081335977962_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2:58:30 official chip finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now... the thinking begins. Do I feel strongly about chasing <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/03/goals.html">goal #3</a>? Or... am I willing to go all-in again for the marathon (I worked hard, but I was definitely not all-in for this one, as was evident by my nearly-complete lack of strength work the last 2 months)?<br />
<br />
Would it even be at all possible to get down to <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2011/07/day-of-marathon.html">2:44 again</a>? I'm 34 now. 2 kids. Balancing 3 jobs. But, I have flexible jobs that allow me to train hard... a VO2 that's crazy high (post coming on a test in Sept)... and if I think I might shoot for a 2:49 at Grandma's, why not just shoot for a 2:44? If you don't shoot for something, I know I won't get there... but...<br />
<br />
... most importantly... am I willing to give it what it takes to get there?<br />
<br />
Or back to goal #3, Is a potential National Championship title at the 50k what I want?<br />
<br />
idk...<br />
<br />
<b><i>Genuinely curious: How do you set goals? </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>How long after an A race to you start planning for your next race/goal? </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Any thoughts on the above questions I'm posing for myself?</i></b>Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-71318231192981292852017-09-28T22:30:00.000-05:002017-10-12T13:45:00.249-05:00ELITE WAVEJerry and I decided to try to qualify to race in the elite wave for TCM. I went back and forth: was it worth the hassle and last-minute race switch?<br />
<br />
Pros: ELITE-ONLY porta potties at the start, elite fluids during the race (I don't need the fluid, but it is nice to tape gels to my bottles if I were to need gels mid-race), elite staging at the front of the race, a last-minute sweat drop for elites... all things that are NICE, but that wouldn't help me race faster.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFItOfXqj_Y5ahrseW_-ePnxxOTkW1_RNGia9Ehyphenhyphengevfp73pSgEDLb6CD7Q7rqn128MYlhuNi00TLptSY1F8OdMq-ZgjWQrcX3_fWbg_GpThzk7i0QJvjL4ihQ1G-58u_GK9eLESh6aqM/s1600/tcm+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1000" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFItOfXqj_Y5ahrseW_-ePnxxOTkW1_RNGia9Ehyphenhyphengevfp73pSgEDLb6CD7Q7rqn128MYlhuNi00TLptSY1F8OdMq-ZgjWQrcX3_fWbg_GpThzk7i0QJvjL4ihQ1G-58u_GK9eLESh6aqM/s640/tcm+start.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Then I remembered that as an elite they have your bag (and those last-minute sweats) ready for you at the finish and escort you to the elite tent. I have fond memories of hanging out at that tent: a massage table with short, if no, lines; being able to look over results while standing next to the other (real! ha) elites; talking with and reconnecting with the other elites. That did it for me. It was then totally worth the effort.<br />
<br />
And effort it was! First, I had to find a race longer than 10k. I had planned on racing Circle the Lake 1/2 marathon in Faribault that morning but knew their course was very challenging (very hilly and 60% or more on trails) - and their 10k wasn't certified. I've always wanted to try that race, plus Craig and Jeff were racing... so I was really torn about not doing it. Next year!<br />
<br />
[In case you are wondering, Craig (blue) and Jeff (shirtless) went 1-2 there]<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvyvEXiV2wBESKjRNtiNtNoRH2CynAkYPzzY-V17XqNmWdwuBDCoOWJR4NTm2oESJcT9LW-oNmwroFgwcCh2MdI41FmociiBHpaw_wBs1AZ_spetI8nEP13IGqgVMgZ_s2-HhGo4qd2o/s1600/circle+the+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvyvEXiV2wBESKjRNtiNtNoRH2CynAkYPzzY-V17XqNmWdwuBDCoOWJR4NTm2oESJcT9LW-oNmwroFgwcCh2MdI41FmociiBHpaw_wBs1AZ_spetI8nEP13IGqgVMgZ_s2-HhGo4qd2o/s320/circle+the+lake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
TCM's elite standards are the McMillan calculator's equivalent race times for a 2:58 marathon. That meant a sub-38 min 10k or a sub 1:03:25 10 mile. The Stillwater Log Run caught my eye. It's a net downhill race that I've really enjoyed in the past - and luckily, they allowed me to sneak in to race!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VwwY7IclnY2y9-oyjSTW3-S86NG6jeUs4cWvcizfQpqpdruOH3pcjzWoPhNIUyhx5_xpvtSLPWREuZGh6iJ-hf1u8-TpoSRfV_lTAX5OD-xNF5TOFREU7jwIqNtPPKSeV52_9CZPH3g/s1600/log+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="423" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VwwY7IclnY2y9-oyjSTW3-S86NG6jeUs4cWvcizfQpqpdruOH3pcjzWoPhNIUyhx5_xpvtSLPWREuZGh6iJ-hf1u8-TpoSRfV_lTAX5OD-xNF5TOFREU7jwIqNtPPKSeV52_9CZPH3g/s320/log+run.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-V8tNlZAg5fzLlnvgUw8Ekuvi6JUIdcNrzZrZPodmspxn5qaydBFzEyPsadLaY1kBEQqpc82x-KaOU4R8oyeU_Zlu33BtkScEXQRsUyl_1zhF8okidBQhju9amowwiE0WiNgWq6k0R8/s1600/log+run+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-V8tNlZAg5fzLlnvgUw8Ekuvi6JUIdcNrzZrZPodmspxn5qaydBFzEyPsadLaY1kBEQqpc82x-KaOU4R8oyeU_Zlu33BtkScEXQRsUyl_1zhF8okidBQhju9amowwiE0WiNgWq6k0R8/s400/log+run+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ran it with K & R in 2013.<br />
<br />
I knew I had been trying to break 60 at this point in my career and remember this being a really bad race. Turns out, yep, it must have been 1:03:59! I had to find the corresponding blog post. It's <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2013/07/10-mile-recap-raw-negative-emotion.html">here</a> if you want to take a read.</td></tr>
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The morning of I checked the weather. 70 degrees with a dew point of 64. Gross. I don't race well in heat and humidity, but I didn't allow myself to think about it. Concentrate on your foot falls instead, Nichole. They sound light and dance-like. That will carry you through, despite the weather.<br />
<br />
I boarded the bus and tlaked to the woman next to me. She talked about the course and how it wasn't as downhill as it has been in the past. (Bummer, I thought to myself) She warned me about the 2 mile stretch on gravel. (Another bummer... I lose a bit of time on softer surfaces) When we exited the bus she said, "That's interesting. This is a new start area. Wonder where they're adding on the other 2-3 miles?"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eGUwK_o6PCC-k44Tp29VWcthksgGIBUWDdMnmHtOvUa3lG86HtRXcX91Lo7wPQFc0IU6ox8e4WuhcB5aPtTKxF9ON0_1VTk192L7JyRljTxLe-if_u0rU5rQUp8V5sDGVFUHKP6RwOQ/s640/blogger-image--445920366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eGUwK_o6PCC-k44Tp29VWcthksgGIBUWDdMnmHtOvUa3lG86HtRXcX91Lo7wPQFc0IU6ox8e4WuhcB5aPtTKxF9ON0_1VTk192L7JyRljTxLe-if_u0rU5rQUp8V5sDGVFUHKP6RwOQ/s400/blogger-image--445920366.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the bus.</td></tr>
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I went off for my warm-up, running just a mile and a half. As I was stretching near the start line, the announcer said:<br />
<br />
If there are any 10 mile racers still here, YOU ARE AT THE WRONG START LINE!<br />
<br />
Our bus had dropped all of us 10 milers off at the 12k start! Most of the 10 milers had caught it immediately (during the 10-12 minutes I was out of ear-shot, warming up) so had boarded the next bus to get to the 10 mile start. It looked like I was the only 10 miler left (turns out, there were others, but I was the only one a little frantic about the mistake).<br />
<br />
I had 8 minutes to go before my race. They told me to sprint down to the corner to catch the bus that was sitting there. When I was 30 seconds away from it, it started down the road.<br />
<br />
NOOO. But, I told myself, I can still qualify with a 12k. I have no idea what the qualifying time is... but it has to be close to a 6-min mile. I can do that, right? Small tears formed in my eyes...<br />
<br />
One of the women lining up for the 12k saw me, knew my situation (and that I was trying to qualify), and yelled, "Is there a car nearby? Can you get her to the 10 mile start line?"<br />
<br />
Sure enough, a tall, built Russian accented volunteer had a car -- and with just 6 minutes to race start I hopped in. He drove 85 miles and hour (no joke) to get me to the 10 mile start line with 90 seconds to spare.<br />
<br />
I lined up and took off with the gun.<br />
<br />
The first three miles of the course are rolling hills. I averaged 6:19-6:20 through them. I gained a little time from miles 4-6, but then logged the gravel mile 7 in 6:40. Oh, no, I thought. I needed a 19:20 final 5k in order to make it under the cut off. I honestly just about gave up. A 19:20?!?<br />
<br />
But then I reminded myself to stick with it. That I didn't know what God's plan for me was... so who was I to decide to give up on the plan? I also thought of the XC kids I coach... what would I say to them if they just stopped pushing in a race just because they weren't going to reach a specific time goal? Yep, better keep truckin' along, Nichole.<br />
<br />
And you know what? The last mile of that race is ridiculously downhill. I logged a 5:45 or something ridiculous like that. I knew it was going to be close so gave it everything I had...<br />
<br />
and crossed in 1:03:05. YES!!! Elite wave at TCM on Oct 1 for me! Totally worth it. Plus, now this time is good for a full two years!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHd2rg8oE_vK_HhAfvBuq4O4xl1A8ARGeKZo5UghXEh1a5Of8bNDNHaKgNXm5X9uaQh2UAfkJ4kn6w0ki1CL8Egqi-GAyEWjoa_WQUg_EHjCHVU0mHt58hWKrUta6gRWkBzofZctOPrs/s640/blogger-image--1065039575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHd2rg8oE_vK_HhAfvBuq4O4xl1A8ARGeKZo5UghXEh1a5Of8bNDNHaKgNXm5X9uaQh2UAfkJ4kn6w0ki1CL8Egqi-GAyEWjoa_WQUg_EHjCHVU0mHt58hWKrUta6gRWkBzofZctOPrs/s400/blogger-image--1065039575.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running happy, indeed!<br />
<br />
Going out for my cool down after this race was so painful. It was so hot & sticky and my legs just hurt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZDY-iRI9iftcuVAeUre7uoPybLz1J7XWeyvgXDA4Yjr4IvbwLLg9TD1mqdpBvYAAEUTJ1oUut3QX1aWEnLwR-l-7TROgmtoNnGE0eDqC7PF56P0E0QikG3qj1LT74jxflglZMbPGxKc/s640/blogger-image-361016228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZDY-iRI9iftcuVAeUre7uoPybLz1J7XWeyvgXDA4Yjr4IvbwLLg9TD1mqdpBvYAAEUTJ1oUut3QX1aWEnLwR-l-7TROgmtoNnGE0eDqC7PF56P0E0QikG3qj1LT74jxflglZMbPGxKc/s640/blogger-image-361016228.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sunday following the race I did a double of 12 miles (6 to church and 6 home from church. My legs were SO spent! Looks like the girls were spent too.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Anyone else running TCM or TC 10?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Anyone else have an adventuresome start to a race? Would love to hear other stories!</i></b></span></div>
Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-7794562637552693412017-09-10T13:28:00.003-05:002017-09-10T13:28:27.921-05:00Gustavus Alumni 5k - 18:35, 1st place!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrRREAnWltyWB51DtNw-lBa4WRDEb3hCFK9fkKgvJcEGmgm47gaL96Tu_hdh9CX4RnsPZgT75dORoRliHRp_ZV6eX8m7BFdymqy0cGE8k6N1tMsGookI3bSJBOLHqKTY3PpGgTsAu8_U/s640/blogger-image--50935963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZHtVrt_7qDXRYmxaw54cmHJ1pkz0nzEnMZsoYiS-hSEUZ_RJNFA5_Jasbr5iFf1xmZ6ctw2KiVF3RQLBKiH5yGH2cWeevCQ9bVQCGDrEMl6vwOIIokDDqckoKT-JMEarSFezidxbyXc/s640/blogger-image--1233070026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs5Wq-Dgp9w9eJ0XwOrL7LTfA4-8VNFD93e0Qo0MCJafbOKP1ZxW3EswuKPm9txS7_QdriBlPvqXgfKOtM848vlotM1VXpcT8ksA9GswlDkDnyxpSNK_UMqCFMWU0qVpbOs1B6UsHDW4/s640/blogger-image-605308079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs5Wq-Dgp9w9eJ0XwOrL7LTfA4-8VNFD93e0Qo0MCJafbOKP1ZxW3EswuKPm9txS7_QdriBlPvqXgfKOtM848vlotM1VXpcT8ksA9GswlDkDnyxpSNK_UMqCFMWU0qVpbOs1B6UsHDW4/s640/blogger-image-605308079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCatxpaqxHLa1zNjb9Kw8Nd14TSe1qF0wnvZLA49um4_LCL56ml9iN1ucaw5Hkvmjqi99nSI9fORZbynxeaT-L8GjIeLGSyPBjkmNWsEJ9bcX6_pWlVfSp0oP7k8JzTGG5_LuTfJcIu4/s640/blogger-image-1801667347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today's GAC alumni XC race went SO well! This training cycle for TCM has been really rocky. I've put in the miles, done the hard workouts that Jerry has written, but had no idea where that left me given the numerous workouts that I struggled through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I won the GAC alumni 5k in 18:35 on a flat, but slow course. I won by 26 seconds after taking the lead at 800m (after starting pretty conservatively) when I just felt strong and ... fast! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Race recap <a href="https://athletics.blog.gustavus.edu/2017/09/09/cross-country-hosts-annual-alumni-meet/">here</a>. Women's results <a href="https://athletics.blog.gustavus.edu/files/2017/09/2017xcalumwomen.pdf">here</a>. Men's results <a href="https://athletics.blog.gustavus.edu/files/2017/09/2017xcalumnimen.pdf">here</a> (I would have been 16th for the GAC men. Not bad!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't tell you how excited this makes me! Not only does it likely bode well for TCM (as well as last week's epic tempo workout done at 6:20 pace), but it makes me so happy to see the fruits of many labors. Day in and day out. The best part? I am in love with running as much today as during the OlyT build! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, for skimping on my strength work - and having a baby just 10.5 months again, I find myself thinking: when did I get this ripped? (No, seriously)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBdGpOG3sRzBU7BVeDhP3SqiH15BGCV17_IMfLOs0RwFP1fboWhzXbs9y3kTDIZjEJ200sSfxQUmqHsmRa6mk9QDmRk71fHa06NQx-s-EFgVOHXx530lQM1ugobfMwofG1v1OY0uFfMM/s640/blogger-image--2105174439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBdGpOG3sRzBU7BVeDhP3SqiH15BGCV17_IMfLOs0RwFP1fboWhzXbs9y3kTDIZjEJ200sSfxQUmqHsmRa6mk9QDmRk71fHa06NQx-s-EFgVOHXx530lQM1ugobfMwofG1v1OY0uFfMM/s640/blogger-image--2105174439.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Leigh, one of my TNC athletes who hopped into the race (despite non-alum status). She PR'd in the 5k! Way to go Leigh, I can not WAIT to see how TCM goes for you!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs5Wq-Dgp9w9eJ0XwOrL7LTfA4-8VNFD93e0Qo0MCJafbOKP1ZxW3EswuKPm9txS7_QdriBlPvqXgfKOtM848vlotM1VXpcT8ksA9GswlDkDnyxpSNK_UMqCFMWU0qVpbOs1B6UsHDW4/s640/blogger-image-605308079.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gustie Rouser. I still know the words!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hRewmLiAPQ-FjVeu-SLOIMi_F1mOwcUxyKwlCcdPYx8OXtAnblKNHoyJTM7fp8KT8EwLPgT_wHh7GmhJcLDRFzt3orhJK9OacuCAygxKSTTErfmFrZZvkYMW3E8mACURLC4iW0qM6GY/s1600/GAC+Alumni+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hRewmLiAPQ-FjVeu-SLOIMi_F1mOwcUxyKwlCcdPYx8OXtAnblKNHoyJTM7fp8KT8EwLPgT_wHh7GmhJcLDRFzt3orhJK9OacuCAygxKSTTErfmFrZZvkYMW3E8mACURLC4iW0qM6GY/s640/GAC+Alumni+start.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The start. I deliberately started at the back of their Varsity pack (see me in pink)<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrRREAnWltyWB51DtNw-lBa4WRDEb3hCFK9fkKgvJcEGmgm47gaL96Tu_hdh9CX4RnsPZgT75dORoRliHRp_ZV6eX8m7BFdymqy0cGE8k6N1tMsGookI3bSJBOLHqKTY3PpGgTsAu8_U/s640/blogger-image--50935963.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See what I mean?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1auRYWb78FVKAoEezXbv22FwEnsoCPW4ND1q8eHfH47aSlYInqLf-iKdTax82oxIO-7ikurD8X_XU97OLaxso89R69Zz1_xC6Qnj5d8IDt34HIjlalJH87LzRuBm3IfXuNUlnijnL1_8/s1600/Mile+2+GAC+Alumni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1auRYWb78FVKAoEezXbv22FwEnsoCPW4ND1q8eHfH47aSlYInqLf-iKdTax82oxIO-7ikurD8X_XU97OLaxso89R69Zz1_xC6Qnj5d8IDt34HIjlalJH87LzRuBm3IfXuNUlnijnL1_8/s640/Mile+2+GAC+Alumni.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-XZRTCK_6KMXcqn1exuxy6Gyw5SVNZZG_mR_oNDFI0Jn2QhiuUf-qvqB2SKpVv56cmbHMhj-sTZ9ciRVpa0t_uvZlWnJTrkOSkHgZdFSoSaYSDzqGsxScJ1xCoo8-fg4Zm5_h8AFebk/s1600/Mile+2b+Gac+Alumni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-XZRTCK_6KMXcqn1exuxy6Gyw5SVNZZG_mR_oNDFI0Jn2QhiuUf-qvqB2SKpVv56cmbHMhj-sTZ9ciRVpa0t_uvZlWnJTrkOSkHgZdFSoSaYSDzqGsxScJ1xCoo8-fg4Zm5_h8AFebk/s640/Mile+2b+Gac+Alumni.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I've noticed that I've regained my power and push-off. It's something I've had to work really hard at post-partum as it was easy to run without much power or knee drive. I still think I have a lot of work to do on it, which will mean continuing to do drills and really try to DRIVE up hills on any hill workout!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZHtVrt_7qDXRYmxaw54cmHJ1pkz0nzEnMZsoYiS-hSEUZ_RJNFA5_Jasbr5iFf1xmZ6ctw2KiVF3RQLBKiH5yGH2cWeevCQ9bVQCGDrEMl6vwOIIokDDqckoKT-JMEarSFezidxbyXc/s640/blogger-image--1233070026.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Smiling :) (I'll try to post a better resolution picture later)</td></tr>
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<tr><td><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCatxpaqxHLa1zNjb9Kw8Nd14TSe1qF0wnvZLA49um4_LCL56ml9iN1ucaw5Hkvmjqi99nSI9fORZbynxeaT-L8GjIeLGSyPBjkmNWsEJ9bcX6_pWlVfSp0oP7k8JzTGG5_LuTfJcIu4/s640/blogger-image-1801667347.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">To the finish!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZQ5T6kmg6laeSpcVp2Lsz_1Pez0JcGxwaU0aWWEbK_tEXZoqehYJwwvjUYxbq1ASI1sy-x-AGB_HwLoAklPd2uBFIWt6W5J40wW10v29Ss5P9VoinMF3PQmKBt7q3B-1baWEkSC7CmE/s1600/Nate+GAC+Alumni+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZQ5T6kmg6laeSpcVp2Lsz_1Pez0JcGxwaU0aWWEbK_tEXZoqehYJwwvjUYxbq1ASI1sy-x-AGB_HwLoAklPd2uBFIWt6W5J40wW10v29Ss5P9VoinMF3PQmKBt7q3B-1baWEkSC7CmE/s640/Nate+GAC+Alumni+2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Nate in the men's race!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YXZnoBPWCuoa6iqj1Y-zvcmUMgvBTT4gg-9lB5X8USiCw8l__UBsNrlMd9qgQMnK4WDvDAEzXLjaZJ2mVySTPw_sWnQ21-sI9e8ck2g_WBSIwKz0h57ameNHJ2lMBrDS_S1mPhaTAeg/s640/blogger-image-549517615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YXZnoBPWCuoa6iqj1Y-zvcmUMgvBTT4gg-9lB5X8USiCw8l__UBsNrlMd9qgQMnK4WDvDAEzXLjaZJ2mVySTPw_sWnQ21-sI9e8ck2g_WBSIwKz0h57ameNHJ2lMBrDS_S1mPhaTAeg/s640/blogger-image-549517615.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother captioned this: Nichole parenting, Pete grand-parenting (see the background where who knows what he and Greta are doing :))</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Your turn: Are you still involved with your college (if you ran or didn't)? If you did a sport in college, do you have an Alumni race that you go back for?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Are you tuning up for a fall marathon? What are your favorite tune up workouts/races?</span></b></div>
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Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-91745657479875223872017-08-30T20:36:00.002-05:002017-10-12T13:44:48.699-05:004.5 weeks to TCMNo, I haven't died. Just OMG, XC season has started and I'm in the middle of a marathon training block!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1KwF-QiGyJoONq5LUhV4gHqBdA7-VtotBg0YR27qUq08zCHRMkzmTQifEwbt8NepaEItdWejoSyR6isK12-ppOrP-UR1B2TAVpMwCeGP5CT60X3PInzsaIZUy5GGW1Gm0V13WXMfeiY/s1600/crazychicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1KwF-QiGyJoONq5LUhV4gHqBdA7-VtotBg0YR27qUq08zCHRMkzmTQifEwbt8NepaEItdWejoSyR6isK12-ppOrP-UR1B2TAVpMwCeGP5CT60X3PInzsaIZUy5GGW1Gm0V13WXMfeiY/s320/crazychicken.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, just like it looks.</td></tr>
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I have been more focused and productive than ever before. Does it matter? If it is not that important (checking facebook, reading a lot of news, cleaning more thoroughly, and ahem, blogging...), then I simply <i>don't allow myself to spend time doing it</i>. The <a href="http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/get-it-done-guy">Get it Done Guy's podcast</a> (which I listen to regularly, it is great!) once had a tip about printing off a spreadsheet and keeping track of every bit of your day. He said that you'd be surprised at the amount of harmless 2 minute social media breaks that end up taking 15 minutes -- that end up taking up to 30-45 or even an hour of your day!<br />
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Admit it, you've been known to read your phone for 15+ minutes before shutting it off before bed. Am I right?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">NHS XC!! GO RAIDERS!!<br />
I am absolutely loving this job. There have been some fun stories already... as you can imagine :)<br />
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But yeah, SO MUCH TIME! A lot of it is just setting things up for the first time, doing things from scratch, etc. So it can only get easier from here... right?</td></tr>
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Training continues to be up and down, but there are enough ups to keep me going & keep hope alive. I recently nailed an 800m workout, averaging 2:47s. I couldn't wait to tell Jerry about it :). Seriously, guys and gals, if you don't have a coach in your corner, consider one. It makes training so much more enjoyable and fun to have someone to report your success to... and also pour your failures onto.<br />
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(Not a plug for <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/p/coaching.html">me as a coach</a>, just a general recommendation!)<br />
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Another successful workout I can remember as of late was a 2x2 mile tempo workout where I felt so in CONTROL, cruising along at 6:11s. Nate rollerskied beside me. I felt strong - and somewhat fast! Love that feeling.<br />
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The <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/08/ups-and-downs.html">1/2 marathon I posted about last</a> didn't go well at all. I stopped to try to loosen my hip about 6 times. I was super rushed to get to the start line (as in, got there with 45 seconds to go... not recommended) and didn't do any of my self-correction techniques or hip stretches that really help. I finished 6th in 1:29. Not going to lie, I was a little down afterwards: there is no way I'll be able to run sub-3 at TCM, I thought! But then I reminded myself of how good I am at setting crazy goals (my goals coming back after pregnancy are blogged about <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/03/goals.html">here</a>) and somehow pulling enough of the little things, putting enough grit into my workout, that somehow, miraculously, it all comes together. I'll put stock in that thought, because I know, and all of you know, a 1:29 1/2 does not equate to anything near 2:59 in a full.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJy_LlznApTg50ql3JoWae6-bfIm4AVguFPiWng8yoKo1N4cQAzZtHgisCHjlpiNVB3yUpteWyzljh-qroCjS5SiTwnAryydDNGsx5YwGSZOowv3QEdGhm-mOTxTQUbrsr04stKyibZg/s640/blogger-image-250230211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJy_LlznApTg50ql3JoWae6-bfIm4AVguFPiWng8yoKo1N4cQAzZtHgisCHjlpiNVB3yUpteWyzljh-qroCjS5SiTwnAryydDNGsx5YwGSZOowv3QEdGhm-mOTxTQUbrsr04stKyibZg/s400/blogger-image-250230211.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">My watch measured the MN 1/2 marathon long, so it shows a 1:28 here. PRs across the board, it looks like!</td></tr>
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Later this week I have another epic tempo workout: <a dir="ltr" href="tel:20/15/10/5" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">20/15/10/5</a>. I asked to add this into my schedule, so it's my own doing :).<br />
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I momentarily peeked ahead at what comes after this workout and I saw the beginnings of a taper. Say, what???? YIKES!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWd_unPez-Il9mbuIsSvkZMYJ0ZoZPxxSePDLGEiVIqRGrY9Y26i7mowe2vE3-_-Ytm5Y-gJpKkAXyAlMVI6W87pk2g2i4XlG3K9xpxvirxu3E-_GJjajMuLI-b6sgGeRpfj25ZqJ8yEI/s640/blogger-image--1242345687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWd_unPez-Il9mbuIsSvkZMYJ0ZoZPxxSePDLGEiVIqRGrY9Y26i7mowe2vE3-_-Ytm5Y-gJpKkAXyAlMVI6W87pk2g2i4XlG3K9xpxvirxu3E-_GJjajMuLI-b6sgGeRpfj25ZqJ8yEI/s400/blogger-image--1242345687.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Just for fun, an updated family picture. Look-alikes, by chance?</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AwDWUp7k1yWUuwTq9cnXUXrb4x9JyxrBzcHpkixjX8q5sAZeFsX9gmdAvkT4q62IWzlbzaWStDy2TGV_LxOZLE2BiheSozKLNrnJMP4mpGyyEvPA5j6GIGIBW8s2PycmCOSyAue-fXA/s640/blogger-image-443085976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AwDWUp7k1yWUuwTq9cnXUXrb4x9JyxrBzcHpkixjX8q5sAZeFsX9gmdAvkT4q62IWzlbzaWStDy2TGV_LxOZLE2BiheSozKLNrnJMP4mpGyyEvPA5j6GIGIBW8s2PycmCOSyAue-fXA/s400/blogger-image-443085976.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Oh, and did I mention we have started landscaping? Because we aren't busy enough...</td></tr>
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<b>Your turn:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Share a recent up or down in your training. What races do you have coming up?</b><br />
<b>(Then I know that people are out there, reading this, which I appreciate)</b><br />
<br />Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-14333103253410538392017-08-01T16:59:00.001-05:002017-08-01T16:59:51.318-05:00Ups and Downs<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9zw8FJ-TUEsBImhV3BKKw_R3xIU4DDePaOo5-_XD-_fUeSEsXzx6hscaY9guwNEXZXPMpQZVN4FsoFBU2aHRYdfzUzi-aMsD7p7faqSEQz-OxeVphI-U0-wzPcfPm9PBPLbSYkLJjxc/s640/blogger-image-1917500859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ_hB5LTPZgGj1wAaSUK5Hf8cK9IMC7_YodWpUqIpgwqST43td0ZEfJ3O-3yTd9dIDqvshWwFcR6yLAn8ygrRzDGN6NB09CjgXa8W1LfNzWaSjEGLJMj79Uh_cXZlh5niisVJ4wwk6Ls/s640/blogger-image-1953584187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j9CWD12uI0sFGa92YuhPvW4D_R8FnPxokfFaLpsp-SmLSsQPYCwE6ex6elg8oDArA25WKlL8Qhuog3MtsRbsG4ewujIgGf9PCt0HeA09fb1MAvOyna9-6C8Y4FDFDmIBFmob3wK-ie0/s640/blogger-image-748568538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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This training cycle has been more up and down than I've ever experienced, I think.</div>
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The good news? I'm now faster than I was post-<a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2015/09/here-deal.html">Beauterre</a>/pre-Anna (see the December 2016 5k race blog post <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2015/12/my-third-5k.html">here</a>), which is a point in my life that I remember as being "fast". So despite the seemingly frequent downs, I hang on to that thought - even though right now I definitely wouldn't describe myself as "fast".</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Some of the ups:</span></b></div>
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<i>1. Strength is definitely coming back!</i> I am recovering from mileage fairly well. I've climbed to 92.5 (on 7 days) and as high as 106.5 on a rolling-7-day basis. That was <strike>probably</strike> too high, but Jerry and I were moving things around to accommodate a family visit.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.strava.com/athletes/7050256">Strava</a>!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9zw8FJ-TUEsBImhV3BKKw_R3xIU4DDePaOo5-_XD-_fUeSEsXzx6hscaY9guwNEXZXPMpQZVN4FsoFBU2aHRYdfzUzi-aMsD7p7faqSEQz-OxeVphI-U0-wzPcfPm9PBPLbSYkLJjxc/s400/blogger-image-1917500859.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tried to take a picture to capture my 22 miler on my watch. Looks like I did an awesome job. You can see Mesa here - she ran the entire 22 miles with me! What a stud.</td></tr>
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<i>2. 18:45 5k on July 22!</i> (9 months post-partum) SO hot and humid, though. The dew point was over 70 with a starting temp of 79, rising to 89 quickly. I do not perform well in the heat... see the list of "downs" below :(. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nate 3rd for men, I won for women (very small race in Tyler, MN). I won an Aebleskiver pan and $20. Score!</td></tr>
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<i>3. I have thoroughly enjoyed going to Captain's practices with the high school team each morning! </i>I try to work my training around theirs so we both get what is best for us on any particular day. As of August 1st I can no longer coach until the season starts on August 14th. That means I lose an automatic training <strike>partner</strike> group for those two weeks, but gain a little bit of time (since there is definitely more "time" eaten up when instructing the group, talking afterwards, etc). I can not WAIT for the season to start!</div>
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It is still weird to me that coaches can coach almost all Summer now. Back in "my day" there was no contact allowed all Summer. I'd love to hear what other states allow - and how involved different high school head coaches are with their teams. Please comment below!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ_hB5LTPZgGj1wAaSUK5Hf8cK9IMC7_YodWpUqIpgwqST43td0ZEfJ3O-3yTd9dIDqvshWwFcR6yLAn8ygrRzDGN6NB09CjgXa8W1LfNzWaSjEGLJMj79Uh_cXZlh5niisVJ4wwk6Ls/s400/blogger-image-1953584187.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesa has been coming to some team practices with me :). She didn't appreciate one of the mornings where we ran through particularly heavy rain. There was a good week or more where it seemed like most workouts were done in the rain!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The down:</b></span></div>
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<i>The headache and terrible workouts that followed the 18:45 5k.</i> I knew that I had overdone it about two miles into the 5k. I felt a little out of it mentally. I broke out in goosebumps. I felt nauseated for a good portion of the day after the race.</div>
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I took Sunday off after the race, which was unplanned. I wanted to give myself a chance to recover a little more - plus, this headache! Ug.</div>
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The following 2 workouts that followed last week were - um - not good. </div>
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The first was a medium long run with 2x (4 miles hard, easy recovery, 1 mile hard). The first 4 mile segment just felt weird, as if my legs were made of jello. Although my pace on that wasn't terrible (I was surprised to see sub 6:30s -- I could have sworn I was going much slower), I quickly fell off the wagon. </div>
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I almost called it a day, but thought: I just need to muscle through this. It may not be doing anything for my fitness, but I just felt that if I folded the workout after the first set that I'd feel soft. If that even makes sense... sometimes there is that mental edge that comes out of workouts like this.</div>
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The second hard workout that week went about the same. 15 miles with 3 miles hard (6:14), 2 miles hard (), 1 mile hard (). The last mile was almost a full minute off of my goal time. My headache came back big time after that workout.</div>
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Yup, time for an intervention! I've asked Jerry to take my off day this week early. I'll just log easy miles, and maybe we will even cut those back a bit?, until this Saturday's 1/2 marathon. I'll be racing at the <a href="https://www.minnesotahalfmarathon.com/">MN Half Marathon</a>. I did it in 2012 and really liked it. Results here - <a href="http://entries.pttiming.com/system/results/files/7187/original/Half_Ovr.pdf?1344530265">sub 1:20</a>! I remember it was a "workout", too. Dang. I'm excited to give it a second try, and even more excited to see what I can do in a 1/2. Just need to focus 100% of my efforts on recovery between now and then...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j9CWD12uI0sFGa92YuhPvW4D_R8FnPxokfFaLpsp-SmLSsQPYCwE6ex6elg8oDArA25WKlL8Qhuog3MtsRbsG4ewujIgGf9PCt0HeA09fb1MAvOyna9-6C8Y4FDFDmIBFmob3wK-ie0/s640/blogger-image-748568538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Your turn: </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What are some of your ups and downs this past week?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you ran high school cross country, were there scheduled Summer practices? Was the head coach involved at all? What memories do you have of your Summer training? </b></span></div>
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Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-4914821176559310772017-07-20T23:14:00.002-05:002017-07-20T23:14:43.657-05:00That was much better!19:06 on July 4th at Siren, Wisconsin's <a href="http://www.northlandrunner.com/run?page=Race&raceId=873">Freedom 5k</a>, good for 2nd place female. Results are <a href="http://www.northlandrunner.com/run?page=RaceResults&listingId=13645">here</a>.<br />
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6:00<br />
6:20<br />
6:17<br />
6:06 pace for last .1<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBVTzeKl_eEHOoIFnvnDoUijz1rc1McArlTV-c-HC_RoosYNnlRoROjSV7NiTL_z71MebOleRhIO5YOXc9CKw2_uk55kNAehIjUBHg3uKnwFK_gTJfpJP-45u3fDiIwtDb_ZHd9lZcDE/s640/blogger-image--1770258206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBVTzeKl_eEHOoIFnvnDoUijz1rc1McArlTV-c-HC_RoosYNnlRoROjSV7NiTL_z71MebOleRhIO5YOXc9CKw2_uk55kNAehIjUBHg3uKnwFK_gTJfpJP-45u3fDiIwtDb_ZHd9lZcDE/s400/blogger-image--1770258206.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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I was really happy with this effort, especially considering how <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/06/well-that-didnt-go-as-i-had-hoped.html">poorly the last 5k went</a>!<br />
<br />
I feel like my hip is getting stronger, although definitely not 100% yet. I could feel it starting to bog down after 1.5 miles into the race. That was my limiting factor - not my lungs. My lungs feel huge! If only I could take full advantage of them! My HR hoovered right around 192-193 for the last mile. I know that my max HR is much higher (I saw a 197 on the elliptical last week during a hard workout, after all!), but I'm just not able to move run smooth enough/fast enough yet because of that darn hip.<br />
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The good thing is that means that there is a lot more time to shave off of that 5k, then! Just have to keep getting stronger!<br />
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After the workout Nathan strapped on his rollerskis and helped me finish my workout for the day.<br />
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Total workout:<br />
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1.5 miles warm up<br />
5k in 19:06<br />
~1 mile easy<br />
3 miles hard - averaged 7:00<br />
1/2 mile easy<br />
2 miles hard - averaged 6:44<br />
1/2 mile easy<br />
1 mile hard - 6:32<br />
cool down for remaining miles<br />
=12.5 total<br />
HR reached 188 on the post-5k work :(. Hip obviously wasn't appreciating having to keep working...<br />
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Other interesting note: my cadence has been higher as of late. For the 5k I was around 190-195... since 180 is "the ideal", I'll try to be aware of this the next time I race!<br />
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Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-63274696857280893392017-06-26T14:58:00.001-05:002017-06-26T14:58:34.279-05:00Well that didn't go as I had hoped...20:20 or so at the Musky Festival 5k. I was the second woman (out sprinted at the end). I actually haven't looked up the official results.<br />
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I was so excited to race this weekend! Jerry was kind enough to allow for a mini-taper (i.e. only 64 miles that week!) so that morning I could feel a little extra spring in my step. Problem was, I could also tell my hip was a little "stuck".<br />
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It wasn't bad, though, and there is no longer any pain in the hip joint.<br />
<br />
The gun went off and I could tell immediately that even though my feet had some spring that I wasn't running smoothly like normal. No biggie, I told myself. Remember when you ran 19:5X at Gustavus a few months ago? You are certainly smoother, and more fit!, than that!<br />
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But at 800m, I could feel my left quad (the good one) burning. I must have been limping really heavily onto it. At ~1400m, I decided to stop to stretch out the quad and try to get my R leg working properly. There was no way I could run hard limping like this, so it was better to spend 10-15 seconds to fix it now -- plus, maybe I'd loosen it up & actually be able to race! I watched as Nate cruised by me while I was stretching. He reminded me to be smart about running/racing!<br />
<br />
Except, no such luck in loosing up the hip and alleviating the limp onto the left leg. I stopped two other times. The rest of the time I ran comfortably hard as I couldn't really pick it up. Sigh. My HR monitor didn't register but I'm fairly certain I averaged somewhere in the low 170s for the race (recent max in a workout has been 197). *Sigh*<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhT3KknK4UJQsqTkdUD2tsvXVaPNEYRBL-ElmcCDQR3Du3ZDgYsezdovCggoj_qJY_ag97zou0Q5jIiAL-GwEKldwBp31p3_1OqNvVOWbQSmX07OSX5Z1_F7UXxwZK1rPMabddR6iG-Y/s1600/MuskyFest5k-Anna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhT3KknK4UJQsqTkdUD2tsvXVaPNEYRBL-ElmcCDQR3Du3ZDgYsezdovCggoj_qJY_ag97zou0Q5jIiAL-GwEKldwBp31p3_1OqNvVOWbQSmX07OSX5Z1_F7UXxwZK1rPMabddR6iG-Y/s400/MuskyFest5k-Anna.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between my race and her "Minnow Run" (aka mom carry baby around the block)</td></tr>
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I was able to put the race behind me shortly thereafter, but I would be lying if I said that the result didn't affect my mood greatly. For the first time in my training after Anna, I had some expectations of how this race would go.<br />
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I'd run low 19s, beat Nate :), and be able to send a very excited virtual hug with my race result to Jerry.<br />
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Sounds fun, eh?<br />
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Instead, I ran mid 20s, Nate beat me by ~25 seconds, and I skipped the long cool down that was written (there was no benefit of limping through extra mileage, I thought). I allowed myself to think negatively while walking back on the course to cheer. One negative thought lead to another... you maybe can relate. What a Negative Nancy I am, I thought to myself.<br />
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No one likes a Negative Nancy. So let's let this result be a positive for me in some way, I thought. How?<br />
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1. I still won my age group so won a free entry to next year's race. That's all I was hoping for in the first place, so mission accomplished!<br />
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2. I need to be even more diligent about my PT exercises, stretching, and communicating with my providers. As in: I'm carving out 20 minutes during the work day to do one set of exercises and 20 minutes at night. If I can't find time for two sets of PT exercises or stretching sessions, I can't plan on doing doubles, long runs, etc. First thing is first.<br />
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3. I also wiped the negative thoughts from my face because we had Greta and Anna in the Minnow run, along with their cousin Simon. They don't care about winning, PRs, etc - and shouldn't! So why should they see their mom/aunt bummed about a race result?<br />
<br />
4. I may consider going to see a different chiropractor this upcoming week. There is a business that I've been to before offering a $29 new patient special (hopefully a new injury means I qualify? It has been a few years since I've been there) that offers x-rays and a thorough consult. I think the more eyes and brains I have working on this, the better!<br />
<br />
Onward and upward, right?<br />
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<br />Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-84627339128605503352017-06-22T17:10:00.003-05:002017-06-22T17:10:14.208-05:00PROGRESS<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Things here are CRAZY busy, but in the best of ways! In running-related news, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">I'm seeing progress in my running/paces and hip rehab, so that's good. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEici38BVHO2csmcHmU_H_Idrnep2X79ONGkMyjjE3ediKb2H-JMR68FXh9GRuQl-JJi_n4d34tnnSUeU1WneEw63NSmzat2aUhZsSeeZBI3Mpc6ycOKTGotdLSmmXEeMCIaygme7H_CKTI/s640/blogger-image--277168842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEici38BVHO2csmcHmU_H_Idrnep2X79ONGkMyjjE3ediKb2H-JMR68FXh9GRuQl-JJi_n4d34tnnSUeU1WneEw63NSmzat2aUhZsSeeZBI3Mpc6ycOKTGotdLSmmXEeMCIaygme7H_CKTI/s400/blogger-image--277168842.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">After a 50 min HR progression elliptical workout at the YMCA.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I wish I had taken more time to capture workouts in blog posts since I know the post-partum journey back to competing is filled with a lot of ups and downs. But eh, can't go back. Instead, </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">here are a few 1k repeat workouts that show progress.Guess I didn't realize how many times I've done 1ks in the past several months!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">---</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Workout 1: Mid-Jan (3 months post-partum): 5x1k, averaged 3:56.4. </b>And then threw up on the cool down. That workout hurt, not in the best of ways. Blog recap <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/01/training-lately.html">here</a>.</span></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Workout 2: Late-Feb (4.5 months post-partum): 5x1k, <a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/02/training-update-66-milesweek-and.html">averaged 3:54.2</a>. </b>With Jeff, on the roads vs. track. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">4 weeks after previous workout, 2.2 second improvement.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Workout 3: Mid-March (5 months post-partum): 5x1k with 400m recovery, averaged 3:49.8.</b> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Blog post recap </span><a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2017/03/getting-it-done-and-seeing-progress.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> - done in the evening with Nate and Jeff, running from Children's Hospital. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">3 weeks after previous workout, 4.4 second improvement.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Workout 2: June 6th (7.5 months post-partum): 5x1000m - averaged 3:47</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Email to Jerry:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i>5x1000: 3:47, 46, 47, 47, 48. R leg held together okay, I had trouble controlling it after 800m so really slowed during the last 200. I can't wait until I have two good legs/hips to carry me!</i></span><br />
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<i>I felt a little more spring in my step for these than I have in any workout since Anna. Maybe because I am done nursing?!?? I am hopeful, it was a fun feeling!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">~11 weeks after previous workout, 2.8 second improvement.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(Not much given that amount of time, which is interesting. I attribute that to struggling to control my hip/leg during each repeat - I wasn't able to run fast enough to fully make my lungs burn)</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Workout 3: June 20th (8 months post-partum): 8x1000m - averaged 3:44!!</b></span></span></span><br />
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Email to Jerry: </div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Remember last time I did 1ks and I was excited about 3:47 for 5 of them?</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>WELL:</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>3:38 (I can't remember what I used to do these in, and probably shouldn't look, but I'm thinking even being able to move fast enough for one rep in 3:38 is a good step in the right direction)</i></span><br />
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<i>3:45</i></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<i>3:44</i></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<i>3:43</i></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<i>3:43</i></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<i>3:45</i></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<i>3:45</i></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<i>3:48</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<i>= Average of ~3:44!!!!!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<i>Update on the leg/hip too: it was better today than on the 5 repeats I did two weeks ago. That's interesting - and encouraging - because Monday's first run was [really] uncomfortable [and caused a more significant limp when I started up]. enough that I moved the second run to the elliptical. Who knows. At least I can still put in the volume & work hard, either on foot or on a machine? It would be nice to be seeing more continual and steady progress, though...</i></div>
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<i>But yeah, I'm pumped! I have to say, though, I thought the entire time: Jerry is crazy! 8 of these?!? :) :)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>---</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Hip-hip-hurrah for improvements! I'm racing a 5k this weekend so am excited to see what I can do!<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Just because it's fun to see everyone's guesses, what are your thoughts on a finish time?</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>And -- Nate will be racing the 5k as well -- who do you predict will win?!?</i></b></div>
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Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-82733310940606347532017-06-09T23:08:00.004-05:002017-06-09T23:08:32.537-05:00TWO very exciting updates!<br />
In the last month, two <strike>great</strike> perfect career opportunities have come my way. They partially explain my lack of blogging.<br />
<br />
<b>First, I was promoted at Bethel.</b> When I applied and accepted a job as Church Accountant ~18 months ago, I was excited, but never dreamed it would be such a great position for me. It allows me the opportunity to utilize my finance experience and education as well as enjoy the schedule flexibility I need to balance work, raising a family, my own training, and TNC coaching. Plus, my coworkers are supportive and energized.<br />
<br />
As I grew into the position, I found myself developing their financial rhythm, providing insight and analysis, and increasing and simplifying financial communication. Earlier last month, this work was rewarded with a change in title representative of the work I was providing: Director of Finance!<br />
<br />
I will continue to develop a finance department at Bethel. I really look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYGj-ilSqFSqql_6tizB_DYIcsoTbT8ISBcSfkpdZVYTNtO1NCbMghYWpjVbfoNbuy8UVCA2J_0Y8mI-yyReU_nkcDIcnzCDaf4fOW1OQB4BWQ87zw59kcSwFc-EqYQtAdyheoKC4YmU/s640/blogger-image--1456536853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYGj-ilSqFSqql_6tizB_DYIcsoTbT8ISBcSfkpdZVYTNtO1NCbMghYWpjVbfoNbuy8UVCA2J_0Y8mI-yyReU_nkcDIcnzCDaf4fOW1OQB4BWQ87zw59kcSwFc-EqYQtAdyheoKC4YmU/s400/blogger-image--1456536853.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>Second</b>, a week later, through my work at Bethel, I became aware that the head Cross Country coach at Northfield was leaving the school district. Say what?!?<br />
<br />
When I heard, I literally took a lap around the office just to think. I had just been in communication with Gustavus about a very part-time position with their XC program this upcoming fall (as in, I had just touched base with them the day before!). I practically bleed black & gold Gustie blood, so I was very excited to join the coaching program there, despite the hour drive to St. Peter. Now that the Northfield position might be an option, though...<br />
<br />
[enter in several days where my mind could not stop thinking of the pros and cons of those two positions. or, option 3, which was to not take either position, since life is really good right now, and why change anything that is going really well?]<br />
<br />
I won't bore you with all that went into the decision. I applied for the NHS job, was brought in for an interview, and about 10 days later, was offered - and accepted - the position!<br />
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<b>I will be Northfield High School's head boys' and girls' Cross Country coach starting this upcoming fall!</b> I am over the moon excited!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1ZGKlJLN52BG3kTde_7KCAm_FjxsOx16JWpTaOtyDrujhT3qdNu2uoJmc7Ja5-aZYpn67I02SQ0OwU9u7oPz05Zx2svXNlzQv6IQXwtTEwdPDZdKku3un9IU_frMdaeQqX0eEyd5o4w/s640/blogger-image-1656484737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1ZGKlJLN52BG3kTde_7KCAm_FjxsOx16JWpTaOtyDrujhT3qdNu2uoJmc7Ja5-aZYpn67I02SQ0OwU9u7oPz05Zx2svXNlzQv6IQXwtTEwdPDZdKku3un9IU_frMdaeQqX0eEyd5o4w/s640/blogger-image-1656484737.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Waiting for the XC interest meeting to start</td></tr>
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Between these two awesome littles:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGT2XUIp7gIDhbv636oMn8E71WZU3JVNQwXvZKWrxrmBKG-ZKyzgBWoSxdqXnwkiGS-Mlagq6hmpWDlsbirgffcQnXFq-DzFq4D6Xw32U52ayHtttB7_Wll8jBmKmrfCxZhu-l9NgK4E/s1600/IMG_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGT2XUIp7gIDhbv636oMn8E71WZU3JVNQwXvZKWrxrmBKG-ZKyzgBWoSxdqXnwkiGS-Mlagq6hmpWDlsbirgffcQnXFq-DzFq4D6Xw32U52ayHtttB7_Wll8jBmKmrfCxZhu-l9NgK4E/s400/IMG_0409.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywnq1sLjNSOV_HAyM3l12hSZaJOn6F3_mECHVIRLZMd6fGHxPWl41yTzwqCf6y9oozlzelG-1yCJ1K8GuXd3rMvcfnCPSC2omPkFzU3m4R67l4L1nypbN03X74HjHUfRnvj7ZZuxlVPQ/s640/blogger-image--935327968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywnq1sLjNSOV_HAyM3l12hSZaJOn6F3_mECHVIRLZMd6fGHxPWl41yTzwqCf6y9oozlzelG-1yCJ1K8GuXd3rMvcfnCPSC2omPkFzU3m4R67l4L1nypbN03X74HjHUfRnvj7ZZuxlVPQ/s400/blogger-image--935327968.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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My own training:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0SuWV9b9hZFpkGE6Fkpmv_vgaIuuqM9bRwM0mV8ImdtoL__J7jgVN0C3GJwiF1NsqiN4SzMRdJQQrJrSppW75Mau9MZseL2pHbrRXKDjmBFVq4p-O9wGky-rOyEhmD7mfxkgyklpBYk/s640/blogger-image-682906745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0SuWV9b9hZFpkGE6Fkpmv_vgaIuuqM9bRwM0mV8ImdtoL__J7jgVN0C3GJwiF1NsqiN4SzMRdJQQrJrSppW75Mau9MZseL2pHbrRXKDjmBFVq4p-O9wGky-rOyEhmD7mfxkgyklpBYk/s400/blogger-image-682906745.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard elliptical workout. Uf!<br /><br />Things are a little up and down, but eh, can't have it all, right?</td></tr>
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This hunk of a husband:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8ne-RUEcuv2eQ1UMYgQXCZG4Xmhe8Kr6bU28lMIpgnOZaMoyGtM6HACK3NwLW9TWgBqHbYCKKWA1ks8m6Gov4eKYGQMFHnLNNqLr0PSq-W-Ygcg-3c9nnmB8v4wIcaP4SxFRbF4WohI/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8ne-RUEcuv2eQ1UMYgQXCZG4Xmhe8Kr6bU28lMIpgnOZaMoyGtM6HACK3NwLW9TWgBqHbYCKKWA1ks8m6Gov4eKYGQMFHnLNNqLr0PSq-W-Ygcg-3c9nnmB8v4wIcaP4SxFRbF4WohI/s320/IMG_0423.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This awesome house:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHAy-g_MvK9Xrd-LhDmsXmiVlP9KEIrTEDy6TgXLgum9ZCYP98GHBN-5euHlJa-MW90YLWcz6Bip4DXfidXlV_D0wKTVX0J8wc-vl5PTOdP9ZcH8Ql79jTwxZOCGZUU9BPNOn8klRYhA/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHAy-g_MvK9Xrd-LhDmsXmiVlP9KEIrTEDy6TgXLgum9ZCYP98GHBN-5euHlJa-MW90YLWcz6Bip4DXfidXlV_D0wKTVX0J8wc-vl5PTOdP9ZcH8Ql79jTwxZOCGZUU9BPNOn8klRYhA/s320/IMG_1657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We even have most of the boxes unpacked now!</td></tr>
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and the TNC team:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBjk1MLhtKBzNbvoY5J6xLqCsCRNMEmabC6MeNJ3qeIaUA85swgLWDpf0VyCtN3RWB9UeebHFY5smRUfjuPyA3cmzWV63yPGLzSSdy2-4Ch3VDc5voOKdgPF4xYXi6EBvfDX-CwtaPwY/s640/blogger-image--1502663019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBjk1MLhtKBzNbvoY5J6xLqCsCRNMEmabC6MeNJ3qeIaUA85swgLWDpf0VyCtN3RWB9UeebHFY5smRUfjuPyA3cmzWV63yPGLzSSdy2-4Ch3VDc5voOKdgPF4xYXi6EBvfDX-CwtaPwY/s400/blogger-image--1502663019.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JL nailing a workout (and out pacing the train)</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">... In the words of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9bRmuP-kQY">Ben Folds</a>:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">And I know</span></b></i><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>I am, I am, I am the luckiest!</i></span></b><br />
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<br />Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-8398359819526954782017-05-21T23:30:00.000-05:002017-05-22T11:13:38.360-05:00We "Got it Dunn"! New World Record!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What a fun day!</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpTl9Gd0XOxy5YGtK17jYxgTn-T4mXQ14SwC60ZubHzipzThf2me_JY07Bq1uYBdWkWkt980EEK8IB3b4A65uZjCaSEwEAw1f23pmCOMviKeP_5YAEzYMNZXYKHnpNT22vNbdU19C2MQ/s1600/HavingFun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpTl9Gd0XOxy5YGtK17jYxgTn-T4mXQ14SwC60ZubHzipzThf2me_JY07Bq1uYBdWkWkt980EEK8IB3b4A65uZjCaSEwEAw1f23pmCOMviKeP_5YAEzYMNZXYKHnpNT22vNbdU19C2MQ/s640/HavingFun.jpg" width="640"></a></span><br>
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We broke the Guinness Book of World Records record for a woman pushing a double stroller in a half marathon by over 8 minutes, bettering the World Record to 1:39:23.55. </div>
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I'll recap, with tips highlighted - in case you are crazy enough to do something like this :)</div>
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<b>Tip #1: Do your homework and find an awesome race to attempt the record at!</b> This is harder than it seems. You'll want to find something flat, protected from wind, few turns, USATF certified, and (of course) that will allow a double stroller on the course. I was so lucky to find Karen, the race director of the <a href="http://www.getitdunnrun.com/">Get It Dunn races in Menomonie, WI</a>. If there ever is an awesome race director, and even more awesome person, it is her. Seriously.</div>
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The weekend started the Friday evening before the race when I had the opportunity to speak at the race's pasta feed. It is always so fun to present my story to groups - and to meet individuals afterwards to answer questions and help them with their journeys!</div>
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We then headed to the hotel. It was a feat in itself to get the girls in the room and carry everything we needed for the evening/morning into the room. We each had a bag, add a pack and play for Greta to sleep in, Anna's bumbo seat (to make eating breakfast easier), Anna's food, my pumping stuff, etc. The stroller stayed in the trunk. You would have thought we were packed for a week!<br>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1c_Yhct9aXsnwTJ58j7QgU6FSayfNx6fr8j_-61JZUwEZrz52PQhM2zio6ojoAxynCkv3BrgEpjyqHZ1qJxa-NcVnhtdyOqYxCp8LJYp0gqqhRrEDr9xTA67FRkEg32pt2rIfCn_xSw/s640/blogger-image--1848021107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1c_Yhct9aXsnwTJ58j7QgU6FSayfNx6fr8j_-61JZUwEZrz52PQhM2zio6ojoAxynCkv3BrgEpjyqHZ1qJxa-NcVnhtdyOqYxCp8LJYp0gqqhRrEDr9xTA67FRkEg32pt2rIfCn_xSw/s400/blogger-image--1848021107.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">What is more fun for a kid than staying overnight in a hotel? And playing with their race bibs?</td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tip #2: Pack well ahead of time! I had a dozen packing lists, I think. Presentation list. Anna overnight list. Greta overnight list. My race list. Keep-the-kids-occupied-in-the-stroller list. You get the picture.</b></div>
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We laid out our stuff for the race and then tried to put both of the girls to bed. Greta popped her head out of her pack and play about a dozen times while we were getting ready for bed to ask, "Are you asleep yet?". Once Anna was fed and lights were out, all of us slept well (amazing!). </div>
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The race started at 7:45. We wanted to be there at 6:45, so the alarm clock was set for 5:30. We got into our race gear, changed each of the girls, and headed to the hotel's continental breakfast. I was impressed with the Best Western's spread! I hadn't stayed at a BW in a while - and now would definitely do so again. I mixed up a bottle of UCAN (spilling all over, only me...), and ate a bowl of oatmeal and a piece of toast. Nate and I tag-teamed and helped Greta with her breakfast while feeding Anna some oatmeal and a bottle. </div>
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We then loaded up into the car and drove off to the race start!<br>
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As any classy nursing mom should, I pumped on the drive to the race start.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCK9oLQQmLlzFDGD0uz8RY960lOv0vDuVcO6uIiWfEkynWxEAxV-PDI1JwKuYyGVDy_AyXuQgBCHewouhOuBhqZ-vn8HpiIfEQM_J_b8OG0goqIn5P4I63Srkftg0GSPhfXkiutRb1oo/s640/blogger-image-238334411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCK9oLQQmLlzFDGD0uz8RY960lOv0vDuVcO6uIiWfEkynWxEAxV-PDI1JwKuYyGVDy_AyXuQgBCHewouhOuBhqZ-vn8HpiIfEQM_J_b8OG0goqIn5P4I63Srkftg0GSPhfXkiutRb1oo/s400/blogger-image-238334411.jpg" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essentials</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Parking was a breeze as UW Stout has plenty of large parking lots, and they had a port-a-potty at the edge of the lot. Nice.</span></div>
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<b>Tip #3: Bring people to run along side you - both for your amusement and to amuse the kiddos!</b></div>
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Who better to invite along than Mr. Jeff Lanners?! He, being the awesome person he is, was up for the task. We met and took off for an easy 2 mile warm-up. Nate pulled the stroller out of the trunk during that time, set it up, and took the girls out of their car seats and had them hang out in the back of the car while he worked. When I got back, he took off for a little warm up. One of our main goals was to make sure both girls were well fed (especially Anna!), so I propped a bottle into Anna's mouth. Greta said she was full, so we just read a book while Anna happily drank.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigva5kosvJuNQNaKEG1hqgNuT1CHE_rmZVdFrEqKg2m9uSaGm-IHR1cJX7CtlfABteRoJCyWDkHv8h9N60F9DZSdRQkG_DRLFFAs0sfKFKXXFEkBT6TjubwaGyyEDcemZkBAQxgEDzepQ/s640/blogger-image-651651213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigva5kosvJuNQNaKEG1hqgNuT1CHE_rmZVdFrEqKg2m9uSaGm-IHR1cJX7CtlfABteRoJCyWDkHv8h9N60F9DZSdRQkG_DRLFFAs0sfKFKXXFEkBT6TjubwaGyyEDcemZkBAQxgEDzepQ/s400/blogger-image-651651213.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9cEScvHvwieD_aW0Mrr4fxlblmC3fuhw7YqNVVq1Fn4CqE3w0SJCKpYLqQ1llJpMbrP9bW_cFfgpkilkP6P5PWw0rijNukiXH88E1emXBSPeaDxeiiRXKB1ZPsUVcql__DDV4Lg5i1U/s640/blogger-image-313941459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9cEScvHvwieD_aW0Mrr4fxlblmC3fuhw7YqNVVq1Fn4CqE3w0SJCKpYLqQ1llJpMbrP9bW_cFfgpkilkP6P5PWw0rijNukiXH88E1emXBSPeaDxeiiRXKB1ZPsUVcql__DDV4Lg5i1U/s400/blogger-image-313941459.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tip #4: Put as much food into your kids as possible before the race.</b></div>
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<b>Tip #5: Pump up those tires! (Bring a bike pump for last minute air)</b><br>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtwJowneQ2rWnP8mm4oVjOt37chgy-iKcB0plgHVS1n-yraPhpQ-JfdkGVFS1J6tvsd7PdJUr8nMwS4xUDWh3QyHKYdnISAEhQziM2wiI6uaiYmcmcwh0wV35FptHxh9-lOFBWQxKszc/s640/blogger-image--944033962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtwJowneQ2rWnP8mm4oVjOt37chgy-iKcB0plgHVS1n-yraPhpQ-JfdkGVFS1J6tvsd7PdJUr8nMwS4xUDWh3QyHKYdnISAEhQziM2wiI6uaiYmcmcwh0wV35FptHxh9-lOFBWQxKszc/s400/blogger-image--944033962.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Gel taped to handle of stroller. Hand held water bottle also on stroller - in case weaving in to get water at the water stops was an issue. It wasn't (just once I couldn't steer the stroller in to the water stop fast enough) - and the water bottle fell. Jeff carried it the rest of the way for me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh_D49KFcH2aWMdgD-u-mEd8FXlFGleO0XN0CnqeoNrSUtuj01V6q9BzzhnJNjAMRdi3Xl52fp7bSeDPYiBuu5GZFC1LKLCmaz69bme3ADd4fjjd8Qz3QUvdZ9aPptO42OcScJDZ6AsY/s640/blogger-image--1839695485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh_D49KFcH2aWMdgD-u-mEd8FXlFGleO0XN0CnqeoNrSUtuj01V6q9BzzhnJNjAMRdi3Xl52fp7bSeDPYiBuu5GZFC1LKLCmaz69bme3ADd4fjjd8Qz3QUvdZ9aPptO42OcScJDZ6AsY/s400/blogger-image--1839695485.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Positioning things (toys, blanket, food, bottle) in the stroller so that Greta could find them if needed.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Nate pumped up the tires in the stroller one last time. For all of you stroller-pushing runners out there, this makes a huge difference!! The tires were probably over-inflated a little, but that makes for easier pushing (downside: a bumpier ride for the kiddos).</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB6D3xTc3b6a2l_7luQdfd327I02-pfBoWE5PCCqB0pUt_v5MocWcLEvtNK-FJJqNE0wUdeQTEfOGbnQ2NdJ0YaJAXKc8IbsQMMFVCN0-JGkBGJ3VokMrXBGrdYeHEWCP2ffm-Wh5l4Y/s640/blogger-image-2053097184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB6D3xTc3b6a2l_7luQdfd327I02-pfBoWE5PCCqB0pUt_v5MocWcLEvtNK-FJJqNE0wUdeQTEfOGbnQ2NdJ0YaJAXKc8IbsQMMFVCN0-JGkBGJ3VokMrXBGrdYeHEWCP2ffm-Wh5l4Y/s400/blogger-image-2053097184.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Stroller: 30 pounds. Kids: 41 pounds (Greta 25lbs, Anna 16lbs). Stuff inside the stroller: 4 lbs.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I took another swig of my UCAN, secured the front panel of the stroller, and jogged over to the start!</span><br>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYpTrqqDSqEg9bGqN7sBm1ORa4plYCukpEUjRKsSFAafW8N7PGKtJUegcbIauXfiC0f3am5sXbs9fvrWptuwDhG6YOcxLZ-V2xs1ENMbxBbZkU8JRXJnnoUkY2Fe-m68GSce4GHAvCCQ/s640/blogger-image-161332865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYpTrqqDSqEg9bGqN7sBm1ORa4plYCukpEUjRKsSFAafW8N7PGKtJUegcbIauXfiC0f3am5sXbs9fvrWptuwDhG6YOcxLZ-V2xs1ENMbxBbZkU8JRXJnnoUkY2Fe-m68GSce4GHAvCCQ/s400/blogger-image-161332865.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Put kids in stroller at the last possible minute. I didn't want them in the stroller for any longer than they had to be.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ASXYHGlLgwEriHunoEHDtQeAIv8Ekr70G8HyN29J5fCPvtwrRQBH3ZTwKAGJfR28buUkTfJS2l6XGGDRxYzQIIVLy6k42W3IGLT8RWrdmFAHoy0TPT-d5HCreJKJ4khzhJ4eunsYnS0/s640/blogger-image--1941888121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ASXYHGlLgwEriHunoEHDtQeAIv8Ekr70G8HyN29J5fCPvtwrRQBH3ZTwKAGJfR28buUkTfJS2l6XGGDRxYzQIIVLy6k42W3IGLT8RWrdmFAHoy0TPT-d5HCreJKJ4khzhJ4eunsYnS0/s400/blogger-image--1941888121.jpg" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Defeat the Stigma! I'm not afraid to talk about mental health issues - please feel like you can be open as well!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXK-FSIS2DH9YCBmdkfOa9oW0w651_GSRue9xpC4woSsaoH_i4hV-r7e0WV-gUpzVl49p4ZtsFhV6YXHJN8akA1RwuW1rDUTBq0ymhX4YAlfmN0R9-goehbB9h4Adua9EmnlWq6Mo-Evc/s1600/PicBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXK-FSIS2DH9YCBmdkfOa9oW0w651_GSRue9xpC4woSsaoH_i4hV-r7e0WV-gUpzVl49p4ZtsFhV6YXHJN8akA1RwuW1rDUTBq0ymhX4YAlfmN0R9-goehbB9h4Adua9EmnlWq6Mo-Evc/s400/PicBefore.jpg" width="266"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of that picture :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I placed myself just ahead of the 1:40 pace group. I had no idea what I could run, but knew that I had just run a 1:32 (low) at Earth Day a couple weeks ago. Slowing 8-10 minutes because of the stroller seemed reasonable?</span></div>
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Everyone in the race was super nice about letting me & my huge stroller get in position in the middle of the pack. At first I positioned myself at the edge of the group but then realized it would be nearly impossible to push and steer the stroller across the starting mat.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip838b92lLfF0GSEzr0Y0ODnHE-IK8ATIIndqLfhBrK4_tFYqtSwaxbjP4am1Qie1GereLi7738IAoLG59PuaKvFIUEjnFX93C_-TQiRCiOlfKDsaDqfSuET5E-T5hxVpRrSvIG0S4F6M/s640/blogger-image-1001972256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip838b92lLfF0GSEzr0Y0ODnHE-IK8ATIIndqLfhBrK4_tFYqtSwaxbjP4am1Qie1GereLi7738IAoLG59PuaKvFIUEjnFX93C_-TQiRCiOlfKDsaDqfSuET5E-T5hxVpRrSvIG0S4F6M/s400/blogger-image-1001972256.jpg" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_R7O8G0pTKG_fZywAD77L0tVyUeH8c31jcFE88gncYroPUV_sGoRYQfvtUy1rv1EheZOIL1GS3I7I_KCVwlkAaHUCmI66ky4LEmrIjKuf2J6TPc3dQA4_8uwQrVUpDhOZe_VwxVCZck/s1600/Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_R7O8G0pTKG_fZywAD77L0tVyUeH8c31jcFE88gncYroPUV_sGoRYQfvtUy1rv1EheZOIL1GS3I7I_KCVwlkAaHUCmI66ky4LEmrIjKuf2J6TPc3dQA4_8uwQrVUpDhOZe_VwxVCZck/s400/Start.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set, GO!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">I kept to a "conservative" first mile - 7:35. It felt easy, so I decided to let myself go a little and find a comfortable pace. 7:10s seemed comfortable, so I went with it! The people I was around had a lot of fun with me, the girls, Nathan and Jeff. Mostly with Jeff as he was pretty chatty (the best kind of pacer!) - and also ran up and down a grass hill at about mile 2. Nate told him there was a quarter at the top of it.... so, naturally, he sprinted all the way to the top, back down, and then to catch us again...</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8OBPCA0I1qomTHm9iQv5QamlBzVABZeBLffnTFD0bMnSrizPTYvqYpMvh3SI_Ifk529GgWg4vrpvMgmvASrPrlgLPB2MK1mR-t4W4E12QpgcyntlbyHI61jOwColaPgyciDyoOcOZ6Y/s640/blogger-image--2040648931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8OBPCA0I1qomTHm9iQv5QamlBzVABZeBLffnTFD0bMnSrizPTYvqYpMvh3SI_Ifk529GgWg4vrpvMgmvASrPrlgLPB2MK1mR-t4W4E12QpgcyntlbyHI61jOwColaPgyciDyoOcOZ6Y/s400/blogger-image--2040648931.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mile 2</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The miles ticked by fairly easily. Through half way I was on pace for a 1:37. Not bad, I told myself!</span></div>
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Nate fell off our group at that point. I could tell early on that he was not enjoying the 7:10s (he complained, hey! I was promised 7:30s!). Jeff and I continued on.</div>
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The girls have done countless miles in the stroller so luckily they did GREAT the entire time. <b>Tip #6: condition the kids!</b> Greta sang along the way, which brought a smile to my face: "The farmer in the dell! The farmer in the dell! Hi-ho-the-dairy-o, the farmer in the dell". Anna was fast asleep. Jeff and Greta talked a little bit. She mostly pointed out things: "Look at that!", "What is that called?".<br>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-O1Xh6tUsbPSYnwy8UumI4nP2WoTMHi4pbZLqSGfUJvKg2VIy0m3qO4Z_PiS1COGn8ZQETEuUy5TmPN7d76xN0qoqrLdORvG7fr-D2iArMkdN4Wt5_TLBFByZ6a-EKWdwBqcQUt5fl_8/s1600/OnlyJeff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-O1Xh6tUsbPSYnwy8UumI4nP2WoTMHi4pbZLqSGfUJvKg2VIy0m3qO4Z_PiS1COGn8ZQETEuUy5TmPN7d76xN0qoqrLdORvG7fr-D2iArMkdN4Wt5_TLBFByZ6a-EKWdwBqcQUt5fl_8/s640/OnlyJeff.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I also had to invite Jeff so that he could spruce up our mid-race pictures :)</td></tr>
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<b>Tip #7: Have the stroller packed with things to amuse them - and a bottle in case a little one decides they are hungry. </b></div>
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At mile 9 or 10, I started to struggle. All of a sudden I broke out in goosebumps. I became a little light-headed and my pace slowed considerably. Uh-oh, I thought... how much time do I have "in the bank"?</div>
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I stopped at the next water stop, took down 2 glasses of water and dumped another 2 cups on my head. That seemed to help a bit. I continued to try to cool myself at every chance I could. I think body temperature was a definite factor (although it was pretty cool out) - not only am I warmer in general now (baby weight, also nursing so metabolism is higher), but the energy to push 75+ pounds for that long is significant! </div>
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<b>Tip #8: Make sure to take multiple cups at every water stop as well as dump water over your head. (note for myself for next time... if there is a next time)</b></div>
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At mile ~11, I looked ahead and saw a gigantic hill in front of us. Big hills look even bigger when you are running towards it with a heavy stroller. Pretty sure I swore under my breath. </div>
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Jeff told me to just look 5 inches in front of the stroller wheel, which helped. I still slowed to a walk for a decent portion of that hill; it wasn't that much slower than trying to run with the stroller. I looked at Jeff. Oof, my eyes conveyed. Just keep moving, he assured me. The slower pace and walking sections allowed Nate to catch back up. I was gasping for air like I had just done an 800m race! Yikes! Good thing I have huge lungs and recover quick... after calming my breathing I was good to start charging ahead again!</div>
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Greta started to cry when we started back up after the hill. Either she could tell I was struggling, or she had been excited to be done & was disappointed to learn we were still going when I started running again. Jeff and Nate took the role of toddler-distraction. "Hey, Greta! Look at that police car over there!" "Is that a puppy I see?" Fortunately she was easily re-directed, and that was the only portion of the race that either kid fussed at all.</div>
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We were down to less than 2 miles. Then down to less than 1. Oh my goodness! We were going to do it! We weaved through the 5kers finishing. Normally this isn't a big deal, unless you're as wide as a freight train trying to go between people and through smaller paths. Nate and Jeff yelled out to the people we were approaching to clear the way. I appreciated it!<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeTvl1oD2F0pwHPm_6Ri56KGAb8i56gk_YU3wmqov23Kr5I1wDfo1viry_D_xN1mAece3uoT5LR7HGEMamWUgEfeTlv2OsUIdup7XzOdAgamUnrqkmn0l0zMiTmDVw-fZH95KvrhmMXo/s1600/FinishStretch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeTvl1oD2F0pwHPm_6Ri56KGAb8i56gk_YU3wmqov23Kr5I1wDfo1viry_D_xN1mAece3uoT5LR7HGEMamWUgEfeTlv2OsUIdup7XzOdAgamUnrqkmn0l0zMiTmDVw-fZH95KvrhmMXo/s640/FinishStretch.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goooooo, Nichole! You're almost there!</td></tr>
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We crossed the finish line in 1:39:23.55 (chip). I obviously lost a lot of time during the last 5k, but I don't think I would have raced it any differently! I also don't think I could have been luckier with the weather, which was nice and overcast - although warming significantly by half way in. I also couldn't have asked for anything more from Greta and Anna did in the stroller. It was the longest they had been in the stroller, and any number of things could have gone wrong (as in: Greta sneezing and then crying for miles because, "Mom, I have BOOGERS!").<br>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTMuIHlWw62Q1OrDtEPpZ91bbJ7aFDzwixbbXaBeLMEnWwezkyiBFp9hlScVVfqTIdNVIn_9HXGbOd5kF3KvXoz6oNoAxUkh5ZdwISn4OsRZyP_d5jHb46jugdfpN6j7M701xcPdjfJY/s640/blogger-image-611135111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTMuIHlWw62Q1OrDtEPpZ91bbJ7aFDzwixbbXaBeLMEnWwezkyiBFp9hlScVVfqTIdNVIn_9HXGbOd5kF3KvXoz6oNoAxUkh5ZdwISn4OsRZyP_d5jHb46jugdfpN6j7M701xcPdjfJY/s640/blogger-image-611135111.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">WE DID IT!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbAYKKcAP46Q59Xd5ZzeXGG0O5AfTsMmsyj_pwg8NQXZMwzUleb3KD-qQ-peWxBXYBEam9l6Uvx3wAiOD0odMDKHbqc1RPvUfUXgOWMbZ1qKJrRe2cDrwyRvHTm5h4EsYm8UIVPAQuyU/s640/blogger-image-240479682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbAYKKcAP46Q59Xd5ZzeXGG0O5AfTsMmsyj_pwg8NQXZMwzUleb3KD-qQ-peWxBXYBEam9l6Uvx3wAiOD0odMDKHbqc1RPvUfUXgOWMbZ1qKJrRe2cDrwyRvHTm5h4EsYm8UIVPAQuyU/s640/blogger-image-240479682.jpg" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Anna, post-race, giving a thumbs up. She appreciates holding a running world record before she can even walk.</td></tr>
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The race director brought us up to the podium during the award ceremony to give me a certificate - and shirts for each of the girls. How cool is that?!?<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Not sure what I'm saying.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINyNBAXrDWg6lazdlWKy89la4b-XpZUDhS2pKzbRrHJb6FKYs7am6J0gO0dC8VvHuhIyYTA2Q0U2OuJ3DgvK4zSYFaQxYjtBmF08wgje0qrLbmHOLxXPfElVTfn_S0GznUAQJ6Cq195M/s640/blogger-image--276386158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINyNBAXrDWg6lazdlWKy89la4b-XpZUDhS2pKzbRrHJb6FKYs7am6J0gO0dC8VvHuhIyYTA2Q0U2OuJ3DgvK4zSYFaQxYjtBmF08wgje0qrLbmHOLxXPfElVTfn_S0GznUAQJ6Cq195M/s400/blogger-image--276386158.jpg" width="300"></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPIJfWOObxXstin1bQzBcZGERa8lNmJf4gk2OpgszOYr2cx0uUITZpynfF8dzjxweNwEw-tMi2UHKcMQQ1bDHqrXCWK9pBdXoX0IXNJ5BsA7XavY03laTN5PPDVw6koPvnP1hRUO1oiU/s1600/BetterJeff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPIJfWOObxXstin1bQzBcZGERa8lNmJf4gk2OpgszOYr2cx0uUITZpynfF8dzjxweNwEw-tMi2UHKcMQQ1bDHqrXCWK9pBdXoX0IXNJ5BsA7XavY03laTN5PPDVw6koPvnP1hRUO1oiU/s400/BetterJeff.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">As you can tell from the race photos, I had a TON of fun with the entire record-setting attempt! From the preparation (even pushing a training partner's 5 year old on my lunch-hour runs!) to figuring logistics, to the race itself - it was a blast. Now, would I do it again? Maybe if I have to defend the record... that's a big maybe... although we are already signed up for the Get it Dunn race for 2018 :)</td></tr>
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<b><i>Your turn:</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Do you have any fun (or not fun?) stroller-running stories?</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Have you entered a race with a stroller before?</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Have you attempted, or broken, any records? If so, what record? And how did the attempt go?</i></b></div>
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Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-89051475217468368642017-05-12T12:32:00.003-05:002017-05-12T12:42:50.995-05:00The Big Weekend!Today we are leaving to head to Menomonie, WI to race in the <a href="http://www.getitdunnrun.com/">Get it Dunn 1/2 Marathon</a>!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnhRzgBtzrrlug4e7ho-O5ECjP3ofmAQtWPgxn1PKM08s2x3BXrwtHjiObe7p_zvt19-1SaWdVUxks0L9VBXXlMJxhHQxbxcrfjj5JutgSX2hQzRfUAKiIwe2POBi9PbkP3mvrdwBy0g/s640/blogger-image--630335425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnhRzgBtzrrlug4e7ho-O5ECjP3ofmAQtWPgxn1PKM08s2x3BXrwtHjiObe7p_zvt19-1SaWdVUxks0L9VBXXlMJxhHQxbxcrfjj5JutgSX2hQzRfUAKiIwe2POBi9PbkP3mvrdwBy0g/s400/blogger-image--630335425.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last training run before the record attempt</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdWFxD95GmIAQOzwn0HbyqY_UBYPZzVydnTjpJXi5NuwKTGEnQ2BsiSMAt8YV6ol7zo_YDruaZbHwx-nkD9ihGUk4woeZQ1VXOZ-amZA7vKGwZK_CA2aX9nR3KRLrs6MOY938HdjhFcY/s640/blogger-image--1366257731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdWFxD95GmIAQOzwn0HbyqY_UBYPZzVydnTjpJXi5NuwKTGEnQ2BsiSMAt8YV6ol7zo_YDruaZbHwx-nkD9ihGUk4woeZQ1VXOZ-amZA7vKGwZK_CA2aX9nR3KRLrs6MOY938HdjhFcY/s400/blogger-image--1366257731.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">All bundled up for a run earlier this Spring</td></tr>
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We have a long list of things to bring: my normal race stuff, Nathan's normal race stuff, speaking engagement things for this Friday's pasta feed presentation, and of course THE STROLLER and everything that we can think of to help the girls get through the long ride!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBheNNzE6AbLoR5PoKQpix2Mcb8VUOS-PGXEadmFP1U6gXCWTf9RjA08tGRObW880HEo51mKDo8BgU-OsjqP_ywmuc2c20j0B-633t9SU1Fs3WZMxlD33hteaPEQBKaa3O-Rt6jB2V40/s640/blogger-image--1093201534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBheNNzE6AbLoR5PoKQpix2Mcb8VUOS-PGXEadmFP1U6gXCWTf9RjA08tGRObW880HEo51mKDo8BgU-OsjqP_ywmuc2c20j0B-633t9SU1Fs3WZMxlD33hteaPEQBKaa3O-Rt6jB2V40/s400/blogger-image--1093201534.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">3 very serious record breakers :)</td></tr>
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If you are not doing anything Saturday morning, come out and cheer us on or help pace me in the race!<br />
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If you aren't able to come, look for updates on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/teamnichole/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nlporath/">Instagram</a>.<br />
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Wish us (including Greta and Anna!) good luck!!<br />
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Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827089646979300296.post-75238427482637660262017-05-03T22:44:00.001-05:002017-05-03T22:44:21.930-05:00This race is for you, Andrew!<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">I originally posted this a year ago after losing Andrew Howard, a long-time athlete, to suicide. I think about him often. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">I'll be racing the 10k at the <a href="https://www.zapevent.com/reg/event/11805">Stigma Breakers</a> race this weekend both in honor of Andrew and to support all of <strike>those</strike> us who struggle with mental health. At the end of the tribute post there is a race entry giveaway so you can join me in Farmington this Sunday!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">#DefeatTheStigma </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">---[<a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2016/04/in-memory-andrew-howard-tnc-member-gone.html">Original Post April 2016</a>]---</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">If you know me & the team I have created and coach, I am heavily invested in my athletes. I weather their ups and downs right along with them. Sometimes it's hard to carry that weight, but the highs that come along with it are THE BEST. I could coach more at a distance, but having each of my athletes as "family" is well... just too darn fun not to :).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">Except... I hadn't prepared myself for this phone call. This "down".</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">I coached </span><a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2015/12/meet-andrew-howard.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.02em; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease;">Andrew Howard</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;"> (link to his TNC athlete page) for almost 2 years, although he has recently been on a break from TNC. His husband messaged me late on a Friday to call him. Odd, I thought. I take calls at all hours, all days of the week - but it's fairly unusual for a Friday night conversation.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">"I wanted you to hear from me right away," Andrew's husband began. "Andrew took his own life today."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">Like I said, I had the privilege to coach Mr. Howard for nearly two years. In 2014, when he started, we smashed 3 of his PRs - even some of those from his collegiate XC running days at Gustavus. In 2015, he decided that wasn't enough and went on to RESET every single one of those, as well as set new PRs at EVERY SINGLE DISTANCE HE RACED. He refused to race the 10k even though his PR now stuck out like a sore thumb. He said that race distance was dumb and hurt in too awkward of a way. Ha! So, he PR'd in every distance, sans 10k.</span><br />
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<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizqWOfGtd6_UjrUDsiYrgT3mHCOZKA8iuNE5CXFMKM8QnZvooVP8ly9jx9b8ULB-zXFT4kxbcRpefvFOm9H1TWQrflvVeDMr9yVBRysWjDgSdy4pdR4MWS-IVl163mfJP73RaneB6vtk/s1600/Andrewrun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.02em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizqWOfGtd6_UjrUDsiYrgT3mHCOZKA8iuNE5CXFMKM8QnZvooVP8ly9jx9b8ULB-zXFT4kxbcRpefvFOm9H1TWQrflvVeDMr9yVBRysWjDgSdy4pdR4MWS-IVl163mfJP73RaneB6vtk/s320/Andrewrun.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; position: relative; vertical-align: middle;" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="tr-caption" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 11.2px;">My last run with Andrew, around Christmas, 2015.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">He was SO coachable, and so determined! In 2014 he logged ~2400 miles (might have been a bigger pick-up when he started with TNC!), and 2015 saw 3,055. Wow.</span><br />
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<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrZM_04fdjl532PsishhG-EiMgkDe9lL19jWgknJqVnUFIZaxxk9rjXEBodJOf7kRsA-seTDSfYv2GUFjcG_DYgl039M578qCbf3V1pq260VGgNylWNbC-N2jejWzuCp9GtCiNYIhJvc/s1600/Andrewmiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.02em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrZM_04fdjl532PsishhG-EiMgkDe9lL19jWgknJqVnUFIZaxxk9rjXEBodJOf7kRsA-seTDSfYv2GUFjcG_DYgl039M578qCbf3V1pq260VGgNylWNbC-N2jejWzuCp9GtCiNYIhJvc/s400/Andrewmiles.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; position: relative; vertical-align: middle;" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="tr-caption" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 11.2px;">His 2015 miles. Impressive.</td></tr>
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<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJcyp9OFBYFMdSzX2egnBif9YUJnOUZmbCdgLTQEjxKnb7gJRktbCNLQvMt0jsplHFeKeUHl9MvWerf0GVRlsrnyAQRmt6OSvJ3jY5H6RtS68URriJHIaf5-8MfY0BmsJGb4WeQZ7-MQ/s1600/txdownpour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.02em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJcyp9OFBYFMdSzX2egnBif9YUJnOUZmbCdgLTQEjxKnb7gJRktbCNLQvMt0jsplHFeKeUHl9MvWerf0GVRlsrnyAQRmt6OSvJ3jY5H6RtS68URriJHIaf5-8MfY0BmsJGb4WeQZ7-MQ/s320/txdownpour.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; position: relative; vertical-align: middle;" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="tr-caption" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 11.2px;">Doesn't this scream, "Let's go out for a track workout! Alone!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSObeATUu3jG0TGZjTkTpJFVvVJkLiJguw6HWebwa1fYwHNB9b46ZqPopcNPRxwjV8tL1rOgIkm4lzj_mE8K2M5noU4HRMH-sV4iQqo3_YFiBBv29L_W53ynd9eVauWBgTP7u4K1SAGo/s320/txdownpour2.png" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; position: relative; vertical-align: middle;" width="179" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before one of his recent track workouts, he texted a picture of a TX downpour that said, "Tornado Warning! I might not hit my paces, btw"<br /><br /> He then proceeded to nail the workout. Post workout text: "2:50, 2:50, 2:51, 2:51, 2:52, 2:52, 2:52. With a near-flood stage creek raging next to me and 15-25 mph winds. That's a win!"</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;"><br />Another fun memory: I wasn't able to get him to give up his mimosas after a long run. He said he could probably find some research that showed that 2-3 of those drinks were the best possible way to refuel. I saved him the trouble of finding research, because he would have!, and gave up on the man's refueling strategies.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">--</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">Even his husband didn't know the extent of Andrew's mental illness battle, so I know I can't blame myself for not seeing anything in him.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">The last text conversation we had was about the</span><a href="http://nicholerunning.blogspot.com/2016/04/this-will-make-things-lot-harder.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.02em; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease;"> new indoor marathon world record</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;"> that had been set. He asked me if my old bones still had a 2:44 in me. [Originally he was going to pace me through 1/2 way, along with Jeff, to the record] I told him I didn't know, and I think he was happy to know he might be off the hook for pacing duties.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">The one thing Andrew wanted to accomplish under me was a sub-3:05 marathon finish. His BQ. I wish, more than anything, I could have gifted that to him. It would have meant SO much to this man (PR was 3:11). I tear up as I write this.</span><br />
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<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifuhst-i2mJXQDZiHHL94InnbUw755U6W496Oz3t4shyHCR2gqSOyTAlNs0mfl2FIvdG3ay2Jm0pvwfjWUFN2mziiPsC1Xr8LP13VAgVqbi9Bb03_I92xmL2zcBBPhz0bbz5_0JMjYxY/s1600/Andrewnews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.02em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifuhst-i2mJXQDZiHHL94InnbUw755U6W496Oz3t4shyHCR2gqSOyTAlNs0mfl2FIvdG3ay2Jm0pvwfjWUFN2mziiPsC1Xr8LP13VAgVqbi9Bb03_I92xmL2zcBBPhz0bbz5_0JMjYxY/s400/Andrewnews.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; position: relative; vertical-align: middle;" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="tr-caption" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12.8px;">He was just a little competitive :)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.196px; text-align: start;">I think another reason his suicide has affected me so much is that I was in the exact same place a year ago. I was just lucky enough to have people near me the two times I wanted to attempt ending my life. I could have been Andrew. I am so thankful for those family & friends around me that saved me.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">I will miss you SO much, Andrew. I will also try harder than </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">ever before</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;"> to see if I can prevent even one more unnecessary struggle, isolation, or death by DEFEATING THE STIGMA around mental health illness. Andrew didn't talk about any of this - to anyone - because he had so much shame of the disease. It's not shameful at all! It's just what you've been given - you can then try to do the best with it (and everything else you've been given in life) that you can. Medications, therapy, support groups, medical professionals - they are there to help someone manage their disease. It really is no different from cancer or any other disease.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">If you are suffering from a mental illness and don't feel like you can talk to anyone - please, please feel like you can reach out to me at anytime. I sincerely mean that. There is no shame.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">So - with that peppy post - I ask that anyone close to Andrew: current TNC athletes, former teammates, Rochester family & friends, acquaintances: or anyone that has been close to someone struggling with a mental illness - Come out to the Stigma Breakers races </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">this weekend with me. Show your support for mental health awareness. It's in Farmington, MN, starting at 8am. Plus there are pancakes afterwards!!</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.196px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">To help you to be able to get to the race, I have a FREE ENTRY to give away to the race in honor of Andrew! Please comment below for an entry: share a story you have about a struggle or success you've had, or you've witnessed, dealing with mental health.</i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.196px;">Let's beat this! Defeat the Stigma!</span></div>
Nichole Porathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13671334725607177422noreply@blogger.com2