Race Recap: A Race For Maggie's Place at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

One of the greatest running joys I've experienced this summer has been sharing the road with my dad.  He started his personal fitness journey a decade ago, and has truly inspired me to push myself into a hobby I am loving more and more each day.  Already this year we've run several events, and this past weekend we found an opportunity to add to the list!

When we realized my car needed to head back to Ohio for an E-Check (super fun, right), we immediately started looking for races.  Just a few weeks ago I ran at the Brookfield Zoo here in Chicago and had a fantastic experience, so when we discovered A Race for Maggie's Place at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo the same day I'd be in town, it was pretty much a no-brainer.  After some debate, we opted for the 5k instead of the 9k (Maggie's Place works with pregnant women, so 9k for 9 months), which in our minds meant we were taking it easy.  Yeah.  Easy.

Rockin' the legwarmers - much needed!

The day broke chilly - in the mid-40s, and breezy.  I learned at the night race last week that layers are crucial, so I packed and dressed accordingly, planning to slowly shed layers until race time.  We parked and checked in, then headed into the main race area to find the start and finish lines.  As soon as we entered the woodsy area, the temperature dropped sharply!  If I was going to shed layers, I was going to either have to wait until RIGHT before the race or I was going to freeze.  Dad decided we should just freeze.  Thanks, pop!  It did at least give me incentive to warm up a little more, but it was so chilly I was having trouble moving - which worried me for the race.

Finally the time came, and we were running!  Immediately it warmed up, as we started by running down the biggest hill on the course.  Since the course was out-and-back, we'd be finishing the run by coming back UP that big hill.  Yup, easy, just as we planned.  As usual, my dad was running to win, which made me have to work really hard to keep pace.  I hadn't eaten breakfast (well, two EL Fudge cookies don't really count) and was feeling the void in my stomach before we even hit the first mile marker.  Dad obligingly slowed a bit, and once we passed the halfway water station to turn back, I was finally getting through the growling stomach pains and easing into a better stride.

We barely noticed any of the exhibits or animals as we cruised through, but we DID get free entry to the zoo afterwards, so we focused more on the run first.  That focus really came in handy as we started back up the hill.  I got in the zone, pushing pushing pushing, and was almost to the top going strong before - disaster.  An older woman had been walk-jogging her way up the hill, but we were about to pass her.  She heard us coming, and saw my dad on her right, but didn't see me on her left.  She moved to make room for dad (who really had plenty of space, but bless her for trying to be courteous) and moved right in my path with barely enough time to dodge.  It broke my concentration, threw me off my course, and took me right out of my game.  I almost didn't recover but somehow managed to keep moving.  By then dad knew to just go, and he took off for the finish.  I gained back some momentum and finished pretty strong - and earned myself a PR!

With a time of 29:08, I actually had cut more than 20 seconds off my previous PR.  If I had eaten a smarter breakfast or run a flatter course, or even if I hadn't lost the focus on the last hill, I would easily have broken 29 minutes.  Dad didn't come close to any of his best times, but that's because he was waiting for me most of the way.  He still managed to take first and set the new course record in his age group, though!

After the race, we spent the next few hours wandering around the zoo.  I've been to many zoos, including four of the top ten in the United States (three are in Ohio - none of them are in Cleveland), and one thing that has always seemed pretty consistent regardless of how highly acclaimed the park has been was that the animals have always been lazy.  Very little activity, usually just lounging or sleeping...  Today, however, was very different.  Perhaps it was the lower temperatures as some have suggested, but we believe being there before the park actually opened was the key to seeing the most animal activity.  Why?  It's *feeding time* in the morning.  We actually watched a zoo worker hide chunks of meat all throughout the tiger habitat, then seconds later the cage door rattled and the big cat bounded out and hunted down his meal by stalking through the entire exhibit.  COOL.

Pardon the glare on the wolf - she was behind glass.

It wasn't just the tiger, either.  Every single operational exhibit had animals out, and all but maybe two had high levels of activity.  We saw wolves running all over the habitat, bears pacing and interacting, meerkats playing, and cheetahs - well, the cheetahs were just posing for the cameras, as we got to them towards the end of our experience but after the zoo opened and the crowds had come.  I've never in my life had such an incredibly high on-base percentage on a zoo trip!  It would have been fun regardless, but watching my dad pace with the bears and stare down the tigers put a huge smile on my face!  We carried our enjoyment through a delicious brunch and a very relaxing afternoon.  If I hadn't needed to hop in the car early Sunday for the long drive back to Chicago, it would have been the perfect weekend!

Organization: I didn't handle registration for this race, dad took care of that - but neither of us saw any kind of pre-race email.  We did register very last-minute but I was still surprised we didn't get any reminder or updates, especially about where to park.  The race was starting in the back of the zoo, so parking was in the administration lot which confused us on arrival.  We weren't the only ones who parked in the wrong place at first - the little sign by the main lot wasn't quite enough to grab attention and reroute us.  Check in was fast and smooth, though, and while the race wasn't chip timed, they had easy-to-read clocks at the finish and plenty of extra hands to grab your bib's tear-tag and record the time accurately.  They also had plenty of course marshals and every one of them was VOCAL!  Not only with directions, but with much-needed encouragement.  THANKS FOLKS!

The course: Cleveland's zoo isn't an award-winner or even much of a news draw these days, but they've done a LOT over the past few years to improve the appearance and style of exhibits.  The looping path was very scenic despite a few under-construction areas.  Everything was well-marked or well-manned, and the water station was at just the right place for a quick gulp without having to slow or bottleneck with other runners.  Only one complaint about the course: HILLS!  Chicago has spoiled me.  I used to think Cleveland was pretty flat, now it feels like every step is at some kind of incline.  Having an actual hill on a course I already would have considered "rolling" compared to what I'm used to was absolutely killer, both mentally and physically.  I really need to learn to hill train...

What a great day to "Come Out and Play"!

The swag:  I think this race had a $25 registration fee, for which we received a really nice tech shirt (the green one in my photos) and free entry to the zoo!  This might be my favorite shirt so far this year (Rosehill's loses due to sizing issues) for the color, the fabric, the fit, and the design.  We had ample fruit and snacks available after the race as well, though dad and I only grabbed a banana apiece.  The zoo entry was the cherry on top, and we definitely got our money's worth on this trip!  Chip timing would have been nice, but with enough attentive helpers, in the end it really didn't even matter.

The bottom line: What a fun morning!  A PR is always exciting, but a beautiful course and sharing the experience with family are added bonuses.  If this were a local race for me, I would definitely be putting this on next year's calendar, and I would probably do the 9k next time for a little extra challenge.  Despite the early cold, conditions and timing were right for a good run, so if next year's Race for Maggie's Place falls on a convenient weekend, I might actually make the trip again just for the run!

Any other PRs out there from this past weekend?  Chicago Marathoners?

Medal Hanger FINALLY Finished!

Life has been crazy (isn't it always) but I finally buckled down and got my medal hanger done!

I made this one as a gift for my father, who ran the Magnificent Mile half marathon with me this summer.  It was a first for both of us, and though I know he rarely keeps many mementos from runs, I knew he'd hold on to the half medal for a while!

Yeah, he's soooooooo tough.

I am really pleased with the final product, despite some little errors (like the knob placement, which shouldn't have been so low).  Once I get my craft studio whipped back into shape, I'm hoping to finish a few more.  Ideally, I'd like to be able to make them a little more efficiently, so I can maybe sell them...  Would anyone be interested?  I think it would be a great item to take to craft fairs, too!

Runner's Wishlist #2: A good running belt!

Okay, okay, I admit I already have a running belt.  I've been using it all summer, and I love it.  BUT!  As I am getting more serious about running, and going out for longer times and distances, I'm finding myself with a desire to carry more stuff with me.  When you're going around the long block for a mile or two, you don't need much besides music and keys.  Heading out for an hour or two, though...  I want to be able to have my phone, my music, my keys, some cash, and maybe a gel or two with me.

My current little guy from Nathan Sports.

I hear a lot of things about hydration packs and water bottle belts - I think that's a little intense for me at this time.  I'm not in marathon training mode or heading out into the wilderness where survival might be increasingly difficult.  For my neighborhood and race running, having bottles strapped to my hips seems unnecessary.

After a lot of research, well, I still don't know what belt I would actually want!  Currently, the best-looking option has got to be the Flip-Belt, with its width and the all-around pocket with room for ALL your running goodies!

Innit preeeeeeeety?

For now, I can still get by with my little Nathan pouch, but Flip-Belt - I'm coming for ya!

Have a go-to running pouch?  Why do you like it?  What made you pick that one originally?  I need help!

Race Recap: Rosehill Cemetery Crypt 5k

Night race in a cemetery in October?  Didn't have to think twice about that registration, even a couple months ago!  I had the added bonus of having my best running buddy on board, too, so even when I woke up to cold, rainy weather (complete with a few scattered snowflakes already) I knew the evening was going to be tons of fun.

Parking was horrendous on the streets around the cemetery, but once I found a spot, the rest of the night was more than worth the hassle.  I quickly found Mary in the crowd; she had already picked up my packet so all we had to do was check our gear - a smooth and quick process thanks to the efficient volunteers.  We were about an hour early, so we spent the time trying to stay warm and socializing with other runners.  Then, suddenly, it was already go-time and we were off!

The last rays of light before we entered the cemetery...

We'd been chatting with walkers, not runners, and ended up way in the back at the start of the race.  Our first half mile was spent weaving through people, and I think we've sufficiently learned our lesson about lining up properly!  We added at least three or four minutes to our overall time by not paying attention, but that didn't make the run any less enjoyable.

Once we broke away from the walking pack, we found our space to open up and run!  There were no lights inside the cemetery, just electric tea candles along the path edges.  We'd brought our headlamps (from our awesome Energizer Night Race swag bags earlier this summer) which gave us exactly the right amount of path illumination without lessening the "dark cemetery" aura.  In the more spread-out runners' pack, we were able to settle into a comfortable pace that kept us moving at a good clip without feeling overly taxed.  Mid-way through the course, there were several mausoleums and crypts that were lit with eerie colors, which added some extra spooky flavor to the race.  I stopped for an incredibly backlit selfie.  You can't see my face, but I still love the way it came out!

Whoever is buried here is resting in some real style!

Mary's hips (challenged a few days earlier by a late-night fire rescue) were struggling a little in the cold, so she stayed steady as we hit the last half-mile, but I was ready to GO!  I took off to see how many people I could pass in that last stretch, and really sprinted my way down the last tenth of a mile.  I passed something like 60 people!  I know I'm not winning any of these races, but the competitor in me likes to feel like I might...  Plus, I'm noticing I can start sprinting farther and farther from the finish line as my body is adapting to the 5k distance.  With a little more dedication to training, I might actually have some sporting chance in the next couple years for an overall win!

I ended up finishing with a time of 33:45 - not a PR, but a solid time on an unlit winding course, especially considering all the lost minutes spent weaving through heavy traffic.  Mary finished fifth in her age group!  Once we get her hips back in prime shape, I have no doubt she'll be placing pretty soon!  We grabbed our bags and headed for a celebratory drink at the Fireside Restaurant, which was co-hosting the run with Rosehill Cemetery.

This is when things got crazy.  Normally we grab our post-race bananas and water (and Mary her beer), spend a few minutes refueling, then head out to do our own thing or head home if it's a busy day.  After this race, though, there was a live band setting up in the Fireside's outdoor area, and their first couple songs were so much fun we decided to stay a little longer.  The Late Night Lunatics play covers from the 50's through the 80's, and they're all top-notch musicians.  They also all sing!  I was incredibly impressed with their performance - and I showed it through CRAZY WILD DANCE for the next TWO AND A HALF HOURS.  No joke.  I was dancing so much that I had to strip down to my tank top despite the very low temperatures.  The band even invited me onstage!  Surprisingly, several audience members actually came up to me to thank me for my energy and entertainment.  I'm pretty sure that means I looked ridiculous and people thought I was wasted.  Nope!  I don't drink, that's just natural insanity!

Those aren't Halloween costumes, they always dress like that!

I got a better workout at the after-party than I did during the race!  Really, when you take great music and high energy and put them together, there's no way you can stop me from bustin' out some intense Zumba moves!  Hopefully the Late Night Lunatics will post the dates of their next shows soon, I'd love to support them again in the future!

So what about the race details?

Organization: Though I didn't have to deal with the check-in or on-site registration, Mary reports that everything went very smoothly.  There were plenty of volunteers and multiple lines for everything, which always helps facilitate participants' needs.  I suppose race-start communication could have been more clear, and with both timed runners and untimed fun run/walk participants, having designated start corrals would have really helped.  Post-race was well under control, with the ID check line moving quickly and the bar staff equally efficient.  I was also impressed with the number of course marshals - for a night event, with little lighting, safety is always a concern; seeing enough people who were easily identifiable as race staff was a huge comfort.  The only other place for improvement would be parking - but there's just not much that can be done when you're in a crowded neighborhood with no parking lots!

The course: Man, this was the best part of this race!  Despite the darkness, the electric tea lights were the perfect way to designate a path through the cemetery, and there were LED arrows at any forks in the trail.  Miles were marked with cool lighting effects and split clocks (thanks guys!), and the halfway water station moved very smoothly.  All the spooky lighting effects were perfect for the creepy theme!  Mary and I both thoroughly enjoyed the run, which was surprisingly scenic for a night race.  Having the headlamps helped: if we wanted to get a closer look at something we were passing, we just turned our heads!  Very cool experience, definitely one of my favorite courses so far.

The swag: Entry comes with a technical t-shirt and a free beer.  I love the design of the shirts - and they GLOW IN THE DARK - but apparently their "unisex" sizing advertisement was not entirely accurate.  I ended up with a small (though I could have sworn I requested medium) and it was immediately apparent that the shirt was going to be WAY too small.  I wasn't allowed to exchange until after the race - but by the time I finished, they had already packed everything away!  Props for efficiency, but boo to not having a wearable shirt.  I guess I'll have to get crafty!  I wondered if they would have free race photos, until I realized that no one was taking photos in the DARK!  I feel the $35 cost for this race was appropriate, but next year might not worry about paying that extra $5 for chip timing unless I think I actually have a shot at an age award or something.

The bottom line: Mary and I will both be signing up for this race right away next year!  It was such a blast, and definitely one of the two most exciting race experiences we've shared!  Great course, great idea, well-run, and lots of fun, a MUST for your 5k race calendar!

Know of any other exciting Halloween-themed runs?  Ever run at night or in a cemetery - or both?!  I'd love to hear about it!

Learning my limits...

In a summer full of positive experiences, I've learned that I can run longer distances than I ever imagined.  I can run multiple miles faster than I thought and finish with a smile and extra energy.  I took these lessons to mean I was ready for more challenges.  In the past few days, I learned a little bit more about my body: specifically that it is NOT ready for certain challenges, and that I still have a LONG way to go before I can really consider myself to be in great shape.

Hard Lesson #1 was taught to me at AIR Fitness on Thursday night.  For years, I have been a huge Cirque du Soleil fan, watching breathlessly as the performers continuously defied all known laws of physics and human limitations in the most gorgeous ways possible.  Most beautiful to me were the aerial silk performances - the seemingly effortless, weightless gliding and twisting was stunning.  When I found out we have an aerial silk fitness class across the street from my work building, I simply HAD to register.

They make it look so easy.

I walked in to a forest of beautiful silks hanging from the ceiling, and a young lady ten feet off the floor spinning and wrapping herself gracefully in the soft fabric.  Intimidating opening scene - she must be the instructor, I thought.  I checked in and found a silk at my height, then turned to find pro-skills gal was setting up right next to me as a student!  Oh boy, what did I get myself into?

Class started and I immediately realized I was not ready for this kind of activity.  It had little to do with fitness levels, though: that soft-to-the-touch silk doesn't stay side and loose, it rolls up into a thick rope that cuts through your sides like it's trying to squeeze you in half.  I've had a lot of injuries and sore days, but I have never hurt so intensely like I did with that silk slicing into my sides/back/stomach.  We'd flip into a position, the silk would cut off my circulation, and the instructor would say "okay let's just relax into this position for a few deep breaths..."  Nope, couldn't breathe, couldn't relax.  Meanwhile, pro-skills next to me is pulling herself up higher and tighter with a huge smile on her face, all the while encouraging me to keep going!

It hurt, but I still did it!

Somehow I managed to muscle into every position, but I couldn't hold any of them very long.  I also quickly realized that the flipping and swaying were prime sources of horrible nausea and dizzyness.  I managed to stay alert and didn't throw up, but even the next day I was still woozy.  Before leaving, I made friends with pro-skills Emily, who told me her first time was pretty rough too, but that sticking with it has made it so much easier.  She talked me into another class or two (since I can do up to three with my ClassPass this month) so I'll be going back for more torture - and I'll let y'all know if it really does get easier as you adapt...

And now for an entirely different kind of butt-kicking...

Hard Lesson #2 was learned this morning at my first Pure Barre class.  I've taken barre classes a few times before, but at a different studio with a different instructor, and today's class was a very different animal.  I learned today just how much of an affect an instructor can have on my class experience: whereas John at Exhale (my previous barre studio) was excellent at describing and demonstration each motion and modification, the woman teaching at Pure Barre this morning was clearly used to having repeat students who already knew her routines.  It was so hard to follow along; half the time I didn't know what I should be doing!  Her favorite instruction was simply "tuck."  Tuck what?!  She also offered no modifications for the many exercises that my low level of flexibility clearly prevented me from doing properly.  I struggled quite a bit and didn't feel as though I got much out of the class, but I did talk to the instructor after, and found that she is still a very new instructor who hasn't really had to consider injury or inflexibility adjustments in her classes yet.  With her promise to look into better ways to adapt for student limitations, I may be convinced to give Pure Barre another try.

Good advice.

Despite my struggles with both classes, I'm not one to quit when faced with a new challenge.  I'm going to give AIR and Pure Barre another chance or two, because if I can get more acclimated to the different types of training, there is so much potential for growth and strength-building.  I can run all I want, but it's challenges like these classes that will help me truly blossom as an all-around athlete.  Already I can see huge gains in my arm and core strength, and though I dread the shaking pain of some of these classes, I am enticed by the progress I know I can make if I keep pushing!

How do you cross-train?  Have you ever had a class that you thought you'd never manage, only to find that a couple classes later you were almost a pro?

gratitudeYOGA

OMG.  Y'guys.

Yoga has finally worked its way into my life.  I had a very positive experience a couple weeks ago, but nothing compares to my class with Lisa this morning at gratitudeYOGA.

First, I just want to remind everyone that ClassPass is amazing.  That's how I found Lisa - in fact, gratitudeYOGA was added while I was actively searching for a class, and it almost felt "meant to be."  Since I'm committing to making this month ROCK, I decided to kick things off bright and early with a morning class.

I am NOT a morning person.  The thought of waking up extra-early just to go workout and exhaust myself is almost laughable to me.  But yoga isn't the same as running for an hour or making my muscles cry in a barre class.  It's more about balance and flow, two things in which my life is sorely lacking.  So I got up early, packed a change of clothes, and set off for adventure.

Bleh, noooooot a morning person.  Yet.

The studio is primarily a dance studio, but the owner Lisa also teaches tons of yoga classes there.  I LOVE this little lady!  She greeted me with a huge smile and constantly went out of her way to make me feel at home and welcome.  The studio offers lockers (they'll provide locks if you don't bring your own), showers, several studios, and a full stock of yoga mats/blocks/towels.  They also have snacks and beverages for sale - and some of the most adorable children's dance clothes you've ever seen!  Apparently they do a LOT of children's dance classes - so cute!

Since I'm only just beginning my yoga practice, I was a little nervous.  I didn't even think to tell Lisa about injuries or limitations!  The class had only four students, which was a nice bonus because I knew Lisa would be able to give everyone adequate attention.  She calls the class Yoga Jam, because every class has a themed playlist.  Today was "piano men" and it was perfect for a morning yoga class.  Elton John, Billy Joel, Tony Bennet, Stevie Wonder...  Soothing, gentle, classy, perfect.  Combine the excellent musical accompaniment with Lisa's soft but strong voice guiding the class, and you have a morning nirvana cocktail to cure all that ails you.

When yoga goes FABULOUS!

What I loved most was that Lisa's directions were understandable even to a new yogi, and I think that's why today's class gave me that "aha" kind of moment that made regular yoga suddenly so appealing.  While she did use the traditional name for each pose, she walked us through the movements and positioning very clearly, every time.  I was easily able to follow the entire class - even if my body couldn't quite make it into each position!  Highlight of the class: I think I officially hit crow's pose, even if it was only for a second or two.  And I didn't just push and hope, I actually kinda almost held it under control!  Lisa seemed surprised after class when I told her it was only my second yoga class (I'm not counting that one two years ago I left in tears halfway through), which gave me an unexpected burst of pride.

While on the mat, I spent a lot of my time thinking about how I am setting the tone for the rest of my day.  Up early, working hard for myself, making new connections: it's a great way to start.  I stepped into my office ready to take on any challenge, and pounded out a lot of important stuff before lunch.  I feel good about myself and I'm much calmer than I usually am.  Continued practice can only increase these exciting new feelings!

Honestly?  I'd get myself out of bed early almost every day to take Lisa's class.  Someday I'll make enough money to make it possible!  For now, I'll definitely be using my three-class-per-studio max on Lisa's Yoga Jams at gratitudeYOGA!

Tell me about your "aha" moment with your yoga practice!  What made you decide to start, or to advance your practice?  Did a favorite instructor make it happen?

Launching my own personal ROCKtober!

September started with so much promise.  ClassPass made it to Chicago, I found a new studio at which to teach Zumba, my new job was finally settling a bit, and I was blogging on all cylinders.

Then, things got a little crazy.

Work kicked it up a notch, which sent shockwaves through the rest of my life.  I was suddenly devoting so much time to getting the job done that I only had "me time" on weekends - which quickly filled with all the things I hadn't had a chance to do during the week.  I was constantly stressed and exhausted.  Even though it was only a two-week time span, I felt like I was running full-tilt for months with how much was happening.

At least hell has more predictable weather than Chicago...

On one hand, it's incredibly exciting to be a part of a company that is rapidly expanding and making a huge impact.  There is so much promise for the future, and there's a lot of gratification and satisfaction to be found in being a key part of so great a team.  On the other hand - crazy is crazy, and finding a balance is always preferable.

With that in mind, I've decided to make this next month ROCK.  Work is always going to be crazy, but it's time to kick it up a notch and take more control.  My personal life, especially my husband and my fitness, are too important for me to allow them to be swept aside lightly.  Finding a balance is difficult but essential to happiness.  I need to be as actively involved in my personal life as I am in my work life (if not more) and I'm not going to compromise any further.  I'm dedicating myself NOW to one month of rocking it out everywhere: at home, at the gym or studio, and at work.

Yes there is, Bart.  And I'm gonna live it.

I'm already poised to start the month off right: an early morning yoga class on my way to work today set the tone for my commitment, and thanks to ClassPass (which I finally got to start using in earnest this month) I have a great upcoming fitness schedule.  My husband and I are planning to start hosting game parties again, an activity we have been sorely missing this year.  And work?  Well, work will be there every day, pushing me to my limits in many ways - but now I'm ready for it.  Bring it on.

Apparently ROCKTOBER is an Activision trademark from back when they released some Guitar Hero DLC.  Obviously I am not trying to advertise or brand anything with this word, so although I think "rock + October = Rocktober" should pretty much be a no-brainer, I am going to err on the side of caution and give due acknowledgement to the trademark usage.  So, there's my disclaimer.