Running Nerds Invade the Coast!

Last week, all of the running nerds headed south for the holiday.  Ash's dad lives near Orange Beach, Alabama, so we crashed his pad for some beach fun.  Jim, Ash, and the Princess headed down on Saturday and Bob and I met up with them on Tuesday evening.  We had a great time despite a not so great weather forcast. 

Here's a recap...

1.  Shrimp Basket - AMAZING!  We arrived on All You Can Eat popcorn shrimp day!

2.  We visited the Dollar General in Orange Beach every single day.  We bought everything from poptarts to contact solution and ice to a nerf football.

3.  Fresh shrimp from Billy's Seafood in Bon Secour.  Their motto is "if it swims, we got it."  They have fresh seafood including 5 sizes of shrimp for unbeatable prices!  We had ours steamed in cajun seasoning and devoured it later with potatoes, corn, and hush puppies.  I took 5 more pounds home to my dad!

4.  Our car broke down behind Souvenir City on the evening of the 4th.  HUGE thanks to Hub City Towing and Wayne, the driver, for helping us out!  We got it fixed enough to get us home.  Although it was a huge ordeal at first, the entire adventure only cost us a $20 part once we got home!  Oh and thank God for roadside assistance!

4b.  While my car is broken down in a parking lot 250 miles from home, do not approach me if you are drunk.  The anger that spews forth cannot be matched.  Just keep walking buddy.

4c.  EK may or may not have peed in the bushes while we hung out in the parking lot.

4d.  Seeing what great friends you have while you are crying in the parking lot is a great feeling.

5.  We were very let down by the fireworks....or lack of.  It was crazy windy so they were afraid of blow back into the crowd and the condos so fireworks stopped after about 60 seconds.

6.  Bob finally got to try Lambert's Cafe.  He was in food heaven.  We all left full and happy!  Even the Princess enjoyed some "mashed taters." 

7.  Staying up ridiculously late and eating ice cream ridiculously late is not usually in a runner's agenda but it was this week and we all four enjoyed it immensly!

8.  We didn't run at all!  I know really - shame on us.  But it was a nice break.

9.  Jim and Ash probably brought back 20lbs of sand in their car.  It was our beach vehicle.

10.  After having ice cream everyday and eating not great bad ANYTHING we wanted, I didn't gain a single pound!

The B's with a little Bob in the background.

Our situation

Uncle Bob and EK

The A's

Right where I want to be!

Throwback Thursday

Finally getting into this whole throwback Thursday thing.

Check us out!  November 2008 - this was after Ashley's bridal shower.  Oh that was so long ago!

Race Report by Melanie

Since Jimmy's race reports are very technical and full of detail, I thought I would approach this one a little differently.  While my time wasn't any worse than my first 5K, I wasn't completely happy.  But it was definitely a mental battle.  From my timeline below, you can tell the mental monster ran this race with me.  Although I'm trying to be funny (and a bit sarcastic at times), I hope to take from my report that you can do it.  Even a bad run is a run.  Get out there and push yourself.  You may surprise yourself in the end!

Race: University of Mobile Ram Run 5K
Location: Oak Mountain State Park - Birmingham, Alabama

7:58 - Walking to the Start Line with Bob.  Feeling a little anxious for some reason.  Jim's dad was running a little behind to get baby girl so Ash was going to get a late start. 

7:59 - The race director says a prayer (a first for us but happily joined in) and then outlines the course.

7:59:30 - "Follow the markers down the hill onto the main road then back up the hill."

Ummm WHAT?  She said "hill"   At this moment, time stops as I remember the description of this race said "a mostly flat, shaded run around the lake."  I look and the lake is to my left.  I'm officially confused and freaked out.  I don't do hills well at all. 

8:00 - Gun sounds and we are off. 

8:01 - Note to self: don't wear dryfit pants that are too big.  They slide until you are wet enough to keep them up. 

8:05 - I hear "Hey Mel" and see Ash running up beside me.  Oh thank goodness. 

8:10 - Ash gets ahead of me and I watch her feet and try to stay in step with her.  Thinking this strategy could work.

8:15 - Realizing the "hill" from before was the dang mountainside.  Having to slow my pace...I don't feel confident running into the hill like Ash does.  I don't feel coordinated enough and could see myself tumbling down.  At least I would get to the bottom faster...

(note: time is now irrelevant to me) -

 - the lead female runner is coming up the hill on her way back.  She's about 50.  And amazingly fit.  She starts shouting at the runners she passes.  She yells at me - "You are amazing"  "Keep it up"  "Great job"  I barely choke out an audible "you too!"   She makes me feel good.  And she makes me want to be her.

- I see Jim running up the other side of the mountain.  He's so focused. 

- I hit the bottom of the hill/mountain/depths of hell and see Bob.  I almost cry.  He tells me to keep it up. 

-I'm really starting to feel sick.  I can't decide if Bobby shared his stomach virus from earlier in the week or if the mental battle was killing me.

-I finally see Ash make the turnaround.  She calls out to me. 

-I try to keep my eyes on her feet again as we start the incline back up.  She's a freaking beast.  Every time I looked up, she was running.  Everyone else between us had slowed to a walk but she was still in running position.

-Blur.  I don't remember much of the hill at this point.

-I can see a parking lot through the trees.  Hallelujah we are almost there. 

-Nope.  Not our parking lot.  I'm mentally yelling at Ash "turn!!" because I'm certain we are finished.  I don't dare look at my distance anymore.  I can't.

-I can feel someone coming up behind.  The elderly lady has gained on me.  And is now passing me.  I have officially hit rock bottom. 

-I watch the lady run/walk.  She's tough.  She's fighting.  I am suddenly her cheerleader.  I start to be philsophical (so a heat stroke was imminent) and decide that this race isn't a race against other people.  It is a race against myself.  I can stop it all.  I can jump right into that lake and cool off.  I can give up.  Or, I can get my hiney in gear and finish.  Who cares if I am first or last.  Carrying my body 3.1 miles is a challenge for me and me alone. 

- I look up to see my knight in shining armor except this time he was sweaty in running clothes.  Bob meets up to me (having already finished) and walks and runs the last 1/4 mile with me.  I picked up my run and ran to the finish line. 

8:46 - I finished.  I won.  I won because I could have stopped.  I could have stayed home.  I could have said no back in March when we started running.  But I didn't.  I conquered that dang mountain.  It wasn't a pretty battle but I won. 


And now some bragging moments....
So Jim placed first in his age group.   Bobby came in third.  And Ash second in her age group.  Go team!

I'm super proud of Bob.  And apparently the lady giving out the awards didn't realize they were engraved...but that's ok.  He's owning it.  It's definitely one-of-a-kind!

Shredded

All four of us have started the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred workout DVD.  Jimmy and Ashley are a little ways into it.  Bob has completed a couple of days. I just started last night. 

We planned to go running after our Father's Day activities but a storm kept us inside.  I decided to do day 1.  I'm not going to lie, day 1 was hard.  I was not very flexible and going from situps on the ground to jumping jacks might have made me yell at the television.  When Jillian asked the audience "Are you feeling the burn?"  I was!  It burned! 

But what I learned from Jillian and her two assistants (a beginner instructor and a more advanced instructor) was that truly committing to that program for 30 days would definitely show some results.  I'm not in dire pain today but I do feel the burn in my calves and abs.  Jillian does a really good job of telling the audience that her system will work.  I believe her. 

If you try it, and I recommend that you do, here are some tips for preparing both mentally and physically:

• Buy a set of weights.  The system calls for no specific weight so whatever feels comfortable.  Bob and I actually used water bottles until we buy our weights. 
• Drink PLENTY of water beforehand.  I did not do this and I paid for it.  But trust me, this workout is intense so being properly hydrated is vitally important.
• Wear shoes.  I did my day 1 barefooted.  I won't do that again.  I could not get proper traction for some of the moves.
• Follow Jillian's instructions!  Follow her form but also listen to what she's saying.  It is hard but it will get easier.  Follow the modified instructor until you get the hang of some of the moves.  I followed her for all of the floor exercises.  But I felt good following the more advanced instructor for "butt kicks" and "jump rope."
• Just do it.  Even if it is a "bad" workout, it is still a workout!  Trust me!  You will burn so many calories.  And the more you do it, the easier it will become. 

Overcoming the Mental Monster

The past few weeks I have struggled significantly with my runs.  It wasn't the heat, my feet or legs, or any other physical cause.  It was all mental.  I mentally turned off the ability to run.  It is said that you must create a mental toughness.  Endurance is about 25% physical and 75% mental.  In the beginning, I did struggle...physically...to run for 60 seconds.  I was completely out of shape...physically.  But I wanted it.  I wanted to conquer the Couch to 5k.  I was mentally ready for the challenge.  And I flew through the program without repeating any weeks.

When I reached my first 5k and finished, I think something happened.  I am a very goal-driven person and when I reached that goal, the mental monster began knocking.  While my primary goal was to complete the 5k, I had to walk (more than I wanted) to achieve that goal.  I think when you feel like you failed (in some form or fashion), your mental handicap kicks in.  My brain began telling my body that it wasn't strong enough.  That I wasn't going to be able to run it. 

The mental monster had not only knocked on the door but had moved its stuff right on in.  I struggled with  my runs for the next few weeks.  I had encouragers and cheerleaders but nothing said (positive or negative) could conquer the monster.  The fight was mine alone. 

Last night though.  Last night's run was good.  I went back into the Couch to 5k program and started over.  I chose week 4 (3 and 4 minute runs).  Ashley is coming back from an injury and ran it with me.  I had my running partner and a running exercise I knew that I could do.  It was good.  I was hot and sweaty but I did the exercise and then I did an additional short run at the very end.  It felt good and normal.  When I got home, I wasn't kicking myself or exhausted.  It felt good like the old runs used to feel.  My tired muscles felt good because they did their job.  I could feel the monster packing its things.  It was moving out.

I can't say that one thing helped me turn the corner but a number of things.  And I don't think I completely conquered the monster.  I think it's going to be right outside waiting for right moment to come back in.  The key is to keep that door locked tight.  I know that physically I can run.  Now it is time to workout my mental muscles.  That mental toughness is what I need to acheive next.

Here are some tips that helped me:

Take pride in yourself
Some people won't call themselves a runner until they feel like they have achieved (maybe placing at a race or some other accolade).  But me.  I became a runner the second I decided I was doing this.  You change when you make the committment.  You are a runner!

Don't let your fears rule you
To quote Dune author Frank Herbert, "I must not fear.  Fear is the mind-killer."  And it is.  Don't compare yourself to other runners.  In our running nerd-herd, there are four individuals.  We all run at different paces, have different strides, prefer different shoes, etc.  Don't compare yourself and think of yourself as a failure if you aren't doing exactly what someone else is doing. 

Refocus and clean the slate
YES!  Set a new goal.  Get a new pair of shoes.  Find some new running tunes.  Do what you need to do to conquer the mental monster.  If the monster clouds your path, then change course. 

Surround Yourself with Cheerleaders
It is true that no one can make you overcome except you.  But having a good support system goes a long way.  Talk about running with people around you.  Draw motivation from them.  You may not even realize that you are inspiring them.

Find running partners.  You see each other overcome, move forward, achieve, struggle.  You see each other at your best (runner's high!) and your worst (literally...Alabama summers make for some gnarly sweaty people).

 



And the #1 Tip - Don't Give up!
Slow down.  Refocus.  Find your groove again.  But don't give up.  Don't let the mental monster exhaust you to the point of giving up.  Even if you can't run that whole mile right now, keep  moving.  Not stopping is the best fight.  Keep building those mental muscles with every step.

Mercedes Benz Cotton Row 10k

Ok! Pictures have been fixed so time to get this thing rolling!

Before I start my Race Report I would first like to take a moment to say Thank You to any veteran who happens to read this. This country would not be what it is today if not for all those who willingly take up arms to protect this country and its values. My heart felt gratitude goes out to you all and to those who have or has had family serve in the armed forces or who has lost loved ones in the military.

Something that isn't said nearly enough anymore and something I would like to start this RR off as it is also who we started our race today!

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

To start things off we woke up at 2:50am this morning in order to get up, get ready, take the dogs out, get everything together and be out of the house by 3:45am. From my house its a 2 hour drive to Huntsville and I still needed to pick up my packet which was being held from 6:00am to 6:45am. The drive there went fine! I slept the whole way . At least up to the point where my wife woke me up and said we had passed a Huntsville exit and wanted to know if we went to far. I looked at the GPS and according to it we were going the right way. After looking at it a bit longer I realized the GPS stopped updating and we had passed our exit :/ Luckily we were able to get off at the next exit and only had to back track about 10 minutes so we still arrived in plenty of time to park and pick up the packet.

Once I picked up my packet we walked around for a bit and I decided I would run down a ways and come back to just get things warmed up and see how my leg was feeling. Well it was feeling a bit sore and it made me pretty nervous about the upcoming race, I decided I would just run and see how it went.

6:40 rolls around and all the sudden BOOM!!!! Gun goes off and the announcer informs us that we have 20 minutes and we needed to start lining up. I give out kisses and hugs and everyone wishes me luck. I get in line and realize I totally forgot my Run for Boston bracelet  I run back to my wife to see if anyone had theirs on and apparently I'm not the only one who forgot to bring it... oh well, I make my way back in line and stand and wait for the race to start.

I really didn't know what to expect before the race started but everything that followed was really cool. The announcer said a prayer that was very heart warming and actually had me a little choked up. After we said our prayers a world war 2 veteran led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. This was probably the coolest moment in the race. I felt so proud at that moment to be a US citizen. Once that was over another veteran sang America the beautiful followed by 3 very loud shots and then it was go time!

Pledge

Here was the smoke after the firing of the rifle

Now its time to start this race. There was about 2150 participants in the 10k so it took me a little bit to finally make my way to the starting line and really find a pace I felt comfortable I could hold. Here are a few pics of the starting line up

All those people in the front are the elite runners, their finish time is very impressive and I will share some more photos of them later 

Elite runner's legs... enjoy (legs for both the men and women)

Mile 1 starts and I have to bob and weave my way through a boat load of runners. I'm feeling ok, my leg is giving me a little bit of an issue but its nothing race threatening. For the most part this mile was pretty easy and I just kind went with the flow trying to make a conscience effort not to push to hard but try to at least push hard enough that a sub one hour is within my grasp. For the most part the first half of this race is a slow steady incline but nothing difficult. Mile 1 is completed and I'm feeling pretty good about obtaining my goals. 9:18.

Mile 2 was nice and level and so far the weather was still nice and breezy. I felt strong through this mile and was still trying to keep my time in check so I didn't wear myself out before I even got started. Really not much else to say about this mile so mile 2 done. 9:03. A little faster than last mile and still possible for a sub one hour.

Mile 3 came around and it was a bit more difficult, some nice rolling hills and the weather seemed to have gotten just a wee bit hotter. The hills slowed me down a bit but I just kept pushing and told myself I still had time to make that sub one hour. Mile 3 beeps and my time is 9:25. This isn't good. I need to speed it up or I'm not going to make my goal. This is unfortunate to because right at the end of mile 3 is the hill from hell...

First .10 of Mile 4 is the hill from hell and holy crap was it steep. It wasn't a very long hill but it was practically straight up, I tried to run this hill but only made it about half way up before I just said "screw it" and walked the remaining distance. After you top the hill you take a quick right and have to run up hill just a little bit more. My avg pace was like 13 m/m for this hill and I knew I really had to make some time up. Once we topped this hill I over heard someone say it was all downhill from here, Thank God! Maybe I could make up some time and still run this thing under an hour. End of Mile 4 - 9:39. Its not looking good, but I was determined not to give up!

Mile 5 was pretty much downhill the entire way so I just relaxed talked to the ol' guy beside me for about a half a mile and just let the conversation and downhill do its job. Mile 5 - 8:26. I'M STILL IN THIS!!! HURRAH!!

Mile 6, only 1.2 miles left to go, "Just keep moving those legs, push, push, push, you got this!!" I tell myself this, I run through the water sprinkler I grab some water and just keep pushing myself. At this point the course is pretty flat again so it really was all about finding a comfortable cruise level and sticking with it. Mile 6 - 8:41... My paces are all over the place, lol, but I knew I had this race in the bag. Only .2 left to go.

Last .2 I put what little I had left in the gas tank and just ran, I see the banner in the distance and as I approach it I realize there is no chrono mat  DAMN IT I'M TIRED!) Just a little further and FINALLY! I cross the finish line. My GPS had me pegged at .26 - 7:32m/m or 1:59.

My first 10k is in the bag and I've achieved my goal! My GPS time was a little off as I started it slightly before I crossed the mat but my chrono time was 56:17 and my clock time was 56:49. I'm beyond happy with the result and really enjoyed this distance!

Before we talk about the elites and how awesome they were here are some pics of me coming up to the finish.

FLOATER! Barely...

Now for the impressive part. Here are the elites with some very impressive times! Times of the runner is posted directly below them.

First place winner

Second place

Don't have his time but he was about 10 seconds behind the first place winner.

Now are just some random finish line finishers of no specific order.

And of course before I end this race report and leave you all wanting more pics I have to show off my family because it just wouldn't be a jblackjr race report if I didn't show up the things I love the most 

The other girl in the pic is my sister's friend. I think she is interested in running as well so hopefully I can get her and my sister into it and drag two more people into the world of running 

Silly kids...

Some completely random shots

From what I understand the first place runner won this!!!

I honestly have to say this was the most fun I have had doing a race. The only things that would have really pushed this over the top is if my wife was able to run "still out of commission with a hurt foot". Bobby and Melanie would have been able to come. And last but not least I would have liked Mitch to have been there. Aside from those three things I could not have asked for a more perfect day!

Course

Elevation chart

I finished 831/2105 overall and 59/116 AG. These ranking were based on clock time. My chip time was faster but they did not give ranking based off of chip. Oh well.