Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Hudson Cross Country Booster 5K
I ran the Hudson Cross Country Booster 5K this past Saturday. I have been running this race since 2004. I always run it as a birthday present to myself. My birthday always falls somewhere right around this race. It fell three days before the race this year.
Everyone seems to pass me when the horn sounded for the start of the race. I wasn't trying to keep up with anyone. I just wanted to run at my own pace. Not even 1/4th mile into the course, I was already passing a bunch of people that started out too fast.
The course took us into the woods right in the beginning. In the woods are a couple of large hills. I was following a group up the first big hill and took it easy. Coming back out of the woods, I was happy to have passed a couple of more people.
The first mile went well. I ran an 8 something. The start of the second mile took us back into the woods with a couple of more hills. There is where I developed painful stomach cramps. The cramps forced me to slow down. Even when I wasn't running as fast as the first mile, I was still passing people. When I crossed the second mile marker, I had to look down at my watch. My watch read 18:59. The stomach cramps really slowed me down. When the stomach cramps started to go away with just under a mile to go, I knew I had to pick up the pace.
My goal for the last mile was to catch a woman ahead of me. I was starting to run her down. Heading back into the woods for the final stretch of the race, I kept getting closer to her. I knew if I kept my current pace that I might have a chance to catch the woman ahead of me. But with the large hills coming up, I wasn't sure. The course took us back down a large sandy hill. I wanted to make sure of my footing and not fall on my face. I took the hill a bit slower. When I got to the bottom of the hill, the lady in front of me was gone. I picked up my pace to try and catch her. Coming up to another hill, I powered my way up it. When I was at the top of the hill, I saw her just up ahead of me. The trail lead us out of the woods and towards the finish line. I looked up at the clock and read 27 minutes. I picked up my pace and sprinted towards the finish line.
I finished in 28:09 and placed second in my age group. Probably about 10-15 seconds behind the woman I was chasing. That time was just 14 seconds slower then my time in 2011. I was thinking that if I didn't get those stomach cramps and slow down, I could have challenged last year's time. I talked to the woman who finished just in front of me. She thanked me for pacing her during the race. I told her I was closing in on her just before the hills in the woods. I said that is where she gained ground on me. She told me that she loves to run down hills. She ran down that hill at full speed.
I always love running this race. I have photographed many cross country meets and regionals on this course. I only stop at a couple of places on the course when I'm working. When running it myself, I know how difficult and the challenges they face on the tough and hilly course.
Everyone seems to pass me when the horn sounded for the start of the race. I wasn't trying to keep up with anyone. I just wanted to run at my own pace. Not even 1/4th mile into the course, I was already passing a bunch of people that started out too fast.
The course took us into the woods right in the beginning. In the woods are a couple of large hills. I was following a group up the first big hill and took it easy. Coming back out of the woods, I was happy to have passed a couple of more people.
The first mile went well. I ran an 8 something. The start of the second mile took us back into the woods with a couple of more hills. There is where I developed painful stomach cramps. The cramps forced me to slow down. Even when I wasn't running as fast as the first mile, I was still passing people. When I crossed the second mile marker, I had to look down at my watch. My watch read 18:59. The stomach cramps really slowed me down. When the stomach cramps started to go away with just under a mile to go, I knew I had to pick up the pace.
My goal for the last mile was to catch a woman ahead of me. I was starting to run her down. Heading back into the woods for the final stretch of the race, I kept getting closer to her. I knew if I kept my current pace that I might have a chance to catch the woman ahead of me. But with the large hills coming up, I wasn't sure. The course took us back down a large sandy hill. I wanted to make sure of my footing and not fall on my face. I took the hill a bit slower. When I got to the bottom of the hill, the lady in front of me was gone. I picked up my pace to try and catch her. Coming up to another hill, I powered my way up it. When I was at the top of the hill, I saw her just up ahead of me. The trail lead us out of the woods and towards the finish line. I looked up at the clock and read 27 minutes. I picked up my pace and sprinted towards the finish line.
I finished in 28:09 and placed second in my age group. Probably about 10-15 seconds behind the woman I was chasing. That time was just 14 seconds slower then my time in 2011. I was thinking that if I didn't get those stomach cramps and slow down, I could have challenged last year's time. I talked to the woman who finished just in front of me. She thanked me for pacing her during the race. I told her I was closing in on her just before the hills in the woods. I said that is where she gained ground on me. She told me that she loves to run down hills. She ran down that hill at full speed.
I always love running this race. I have photographed many cross country meets and regionals on this course. I only stop at a couple of places on the course when I'm working. When running it myself, I know how difficult and the challenges they face on the tough and hilly course.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Birthday
My 33rd birthday was yesterday.
I was trying to decide what I wanted to do on my birthday for almost a week. I ran 32 miles on my birthday last year. I knew that was something that I wouldn't do this year. I wanted to spend time with my husband instead of running most of my birthday away.
I was looking up things to do in Toledo, Ohio in Google earlier this week. I found a list from tripadvisor.com. The first item on the list was the Toledo Art Museum. I looked at the exhibition schedule for the Toledo Museum of Art. They will have an exhibition called Made in Hollywood in October. It will feature photographs from American film industry. The photos include movie stars, sets and scenes from 1920-1960. Even though the museum has an exhibition I would like to see now, I will wait until October to visit.
Down on the list of things to do in Toledo was Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitors to the cemetery made comments about mausoleums and monuments that are in the cemetery. Some also said how beautiful that the cemetery is. Since I never seen this cemetery, I decided that is what I wanted to go on my birthday.
My husband and I arrived at Woodlawn Cemetery in the afternoon. It is a very large cemetery. I could have easily spend half of the day there. But I didn't. I didn't want to bore my husband too much. I photographed mausoleums, monuments, statues and headstones. I was saying how beautiful everything was during our visit there. I know I will try to visit this cemetery again.
We headed out to the bookstore after the cemetery. I do own a Kindle, but I was looking for art books. I would rather have the physical book, especially an art book, then buy it on my Kindle. I was looking for a graffiti book, Wall and Piece by Banksy. I have admired his work for a while, but have never known who was behind it until this week. I finally found the book after scouring the art section for 10 minutes. I couldn't find it right away because nothing was in order.
After the bookstore, we went to the mall. I was in the buying mood. If anything caught my eye, I would buy it. Nothing did unfortunately. I looked at a bunch of cute shirts, but they weren't what I really wanted. I decided to keep my money for another day.
The last stop was to dinner at Famous Dave's BBQ. I had my usual chopped pork sandwich with broccoli, corn and a cornbread muffin. No dessert because dinner filled me up. I didn't go the entire day without dessert. I had a piece of red velvet cake after lunch.
Another birthday has passed by. I was very happy to spend my day with my wonderful husband.
I was trying to decide what I wanted to do on my birthday for almost a week. I ran 32 miles on my birthday last year. I knew that was something that I wouldn't do this year. I wanted to spend time with my husband instead of running most of my birthday away.
I was looking up things to do in Toledo, Ohio in Google earlier this week. I found a list from tripadvisor.com. The first item on the list was the Toledo Art Museum. I looked at the exhibition schedule for the Toledo Museum of Art. They will have an exhibition called Made in Hollywood in October. It will feature photographs from American film industry. The photos include movie stars, sets and scenes from 1920-1960. Even though the museum has an exhibition I would like to see now, I will wait until October to visit.
Down on the list of things to do in Toledo was Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitors to the cemetery made comments about mausoleums and monuments that are in the cemetery. Some also said how beautiful that the cemetery is. Since I never seen this cemetery, I decided that is what I wanted to go on my birthday.
My husband and I arrived at Woodlawn Cemetery in the afternoon. It is a very large cemetery. I could have easily spend half of the day there. But I didn't. I didn't want to bore my husband too much. I photographed mausoleums, monuments, statues and headstones. I was saying how beautiful everything was during our visit there. I know I will try to visit this cemetery again.
We headed out to the bookstore after the cemetery. I do own a Kindle, but I was looking for art books. I would rather have the physical book, especially an art book, then buy it on my Kindle. I was looking for a graffiti book, Wall and Piece by Banksy. I have admired his work for a while, but have never known who was behind it until this week. I finally found the book after scouring the art section for 10 minutes. I couldn't find it right away because nothing was in order.
After the bookstore, we went to the mall. I was in the buying mood. If anything caught my eye, I would buy it. Nothing did unfortunately. I looked at a bunch of cute shirts, but they weren't what I really wanted. I decided to keep my money for another day.
The last stop was to dinner at Famous Dave's BBQ. I had my usual chopped pork sandwich with broccoli, corn and a cornbread muffin. No dessert because dinner filled me up. I didn't go the entire day without dessert. I had a piece of red velvet cake after lunch.
Another birthday has passed by. I was very happy to spend my day with my wonderful husband.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Books read in 2012
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling Winter Season: A Dancer's Journal, Toni Bentley
Chasing the Runner's High, Ray Charbonneau
The Perfect Mile, Neal Bascomb
Cleopatra, Stacy Schiff
The Carrie Diaries, Candace Bushnell
Summer in the City, Candace Bushnell
Forgotten, Cat Patrick
Deja Dead, Kathy Reichs
Pretty Little Liars, Sara Shepard
Flawless, Sara Shepard
Perfect, Sara Shepard
Unbelievable, Sara Shepard
Wicked, Sara Shepard
Killer, Sara Shepard
Heartless, Sara Shepard
Wanted, Sara Shepard
Twisted, Sara Shepard
Ruthless, Sara Shepard
Fairy Tale Interrupted, Rosemarie Terenzio
The Help, Kathryn Stockett
Pronto, Elmore Leonard
Riding the Rap, Elmore Leonard
Raylan, Elmore Leonard
The Coffin Quilt, Ann Rinaldi
A Life Without Limits, Chrissie Wellington
Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, John Le Carre
Eat and Run, Scott Jurek
Clearing Hurdles, Dan O'Brien
The Sugarless Plum, Zippora Karz
Currently Reading: Girl in Motion: A Novel, Miriam Wenger-Landis
Up Next: Library trip or Kindle purchase
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center
My husband and I visited the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, Ohio last week. Hayes was the 19th President of the United States. We had a tour of his home and visited the Presidential Museum. No photography was allowed inside the Hayes home which was disappointing. The Hayes home has 31 rooms and was recently remodeled. Near the Hayes home is where President Hayes and his wife Lucy are buried. Their second son, James Webb Cook Hayes, and his wife Mary Miller are also buried on the property.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Addison Panther XC Open 5K
The temperatures were in the low 70s for the race and it was sunny. I have never run on this cross country course before. I have photographed many races there and only seen small bits and pieces of the course. I am very cautious on cross country courses. I know most of them have uneven running surfaces. I had my ankle braces on to make sure I could run the course the best that I could without twisting my ankles.
About an hour before the race started, I asked the volunteers about the course. One of the high school volunteers wasn't even sure of the course. She had to ask another volunteer to come over and answer my question. It would have been more helpful to have a map printed up of the course. After hearing a description of the course, I did a warm up on the first mile of the course. The first mile included surfaces of grass, gravel, dirt, rocks, roots and hills. One of the largest hills on the course is right in the first half mile.
The turnout of the race was small. The race director was pleased that a high school boys and girls cross country team from Toledo, Ohio drove up to run. When the race started, I found myself near the back of the small pack. I found myself in behind a couple of the boys from the cross country team. I decided to keep with them. I passed one of the boys prior to the big hill in the beginning on the race. When running up the hill, I was right behind another boy. I ended up passing the other boy at the top of the hill. I knew the boy would be right on my heels if I didn't surge away from the hill. I ended up catching up a girl shortly after the hill and passed her too.
Once I broke away from the two boys and girl, I was by myself. Heading towards the mile mark, the course took us through the woods. I was about to make the turn heading into the woods and I passed a girl standing on the side of the course. Her coach just ran out of the woods and over to her. I don't know if she had a cramp or what, but I heard her coach tell her to she needed to get going and head toward the woods. That meant the girl was now behind me. I needed to pick up the pace to keep her behind me.
Coming out the woods, we were running near an open field where spectators were standing. A woman cheered me on, then a few seconds later she was cheering on the girl I just passed prior to entering the woods. I knew she was close to me. For the second half of the course, most of it is on a trail through the woods. The course through the woods was winding. When I made a turn, I was able to see the runners behind me. They were close. I kept telling myself to keep up my pace. I passed the second mile mark in just over 18 minutes. I heard the volunteers shout out times for the runner behind me. I ran around a curve and took a quick peek to see where she was. The girl was about 10-15 seconds behind me. My goal for the rest of the race was to keep her behind me.
The last mile seemed to take a while. It seemed that way because we were running long stretches of straightaways in the woods. If felt like we were never leaving the woods. Heading out of the woods for the last time, we had a short and steep hill to climb. I didn't expect that at all. It was a momentum killer for me. I could feel myself slowing down a lot to climb that hill. Once I was over the hill, my legs didn't have much left to them.
We ran on the warning track of the baseball in the final stretch of the race. On the baseball field, you could see where everyone was. I knew as long as I held my pace, the girls behind me wouldn't catch me. Just ahead of me was another boy. I was running him down until climbing the last small hill. After leaving the warning track, we were ran on the side of a hill which flattened out. We crested the hill and then ran down it. That is where the boy took off. I wanted to take it easy to make sure I wouldn't fall down the hill and land in gravel. Once I was off the gravel and back on grass, I ran as fast as I could to the finish line.
My finishing time was 28:59.05 and I was first in my age group. I didn't run this race last year because it was held the same day of another race that I ran. This course is tough and I think I will be back next year.
About an hour before the race started, I asked the volunteers about the course. One of the high school volunteers wasn't even sure of the course. She had to ask another volunteer to come over and answer my question. It would have been more helpful to have a map printed up of the course. After hearing a description of the course, I did a warm up on the first mile of the course. The first mile included surfaces of grass, gravel, dirt, rocks, roots and hills. One of the largest hills on the course is right in the first half mile.
The turnout of the race was small. The race director was pleased that a high school boys and girls cross country team from Toledo, Ohio drove up to run. When the race started, I found myself near the back of the small pack. I found myself in behind a couple of the boys from the cross country team. I decided to keep with them. I passed one of the boys prior to the big hill in the beginning on the race. When running up the hill, I was right behind another boy. I ended up passing the other boy at the top of the hill. I knew the boy would be right on my heels if I didn't surge away from the hill. I ended up catching up a girl shortly after the hill and passed her too.
Once I broke away from the two boys and girl, I was by myself. Heading towards the mile mark, the course took us through the woods. I was about to make the turn heading into the woods and I passed a girl standing on the side of the course. Her coach just ran out of the woods and over to her. I don't know if she had a cramp or what, but I heard her coach tell her to she needed to get going and head toward the woods. That meant the girl was now behind me. I needed to pick up the pace to keep her behind me.
Coming out the woods, we were running near an open field where spectators were standing. A woman cheered me on, then a few seconds later she was cheering on the girl I just passed prior to entering the woods. I knew she was close to me. For the second half of the course, most of it is on a trail through the woods. The course through the woods was winding. When I made a turn, I was able to see the runners behind me. They were close. I kept telling myself to keep up my pace. I passed the second mile mark in just over 18 minutes. I heard the volunteers shout out times for the runner behind me. I ran around a curve and took a quick peek to see where she was. The girl was about 10-15 seconds behind me. My goal for the rest of the race was to keep her behind me.
The last mile seemed to take a while. It seemed that way because we were running long stretches of straightaways in the woods. If felt like we were never leaving the woods. Heading out of the woods for the last time, we had a short and steep hill to climb. I didn't expect that at all. It was a momentum killer for me. I could feel myself slowing down a lot to climb that hill. Once I was over the hill, my legs didn't have much left to them.
We ran on the warning track of the baseball in the final stretch of the race. On the baseball field, you could see where everyone was. I knew as long as I held my pace, the girls behind me wouldn't catch me. Just ahead of me was another boy. I was running him down until climbing the last small hill. After leaving the warning track, we were ran on the side of a hill which flattened out. We crested the hill and then ran down it. That is where the boy took off. I wanted to take it easy to make sure I wouldn't fall down the hill and land in gravel. Once I was off the gravel and back on grass, I ran as fast as I could to the finish line.
My finishing time was 28:59.05 and I was first in my age group. I didn't run this race last year because it was held the same day of another race that I ran. This course is tough and I think I will be back next year.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Badwater Ultramarathon
Badwater Ultramarathon is a 135 mile race and is called 'the World's toughest foot race'. The course starts at Badwater Basin in Death Valley, California. The race ends at Whitney Portal. Temperatures can reach over 120° during the race. The 2012 Badwater Ultramarathon just took place earlier this week, July 16-17.Badwater is one of the longest and toughest ultras, but there was hardly any coverage of it. I checked Google news and it only had a few preview articles on some of the runners and photo essays. Seems like a race this big there would be more coverage. But sadly there isn't. I followed the entire race on twitter through AdventureCORPS and UltraChicksUnite. If I didn't follow them, I might have not known what was happening and who won the race.
Mike Morton won the men's race in 22 hours 52 minutes 55
seconds. Morton just missed the course record held by Valmir Nunes just by over a minute. According to a short article from Outside, the temperatures were about 10° cooler then normal, only 109° F. Finishing behind Morton was Oswaldo Lopez in 23:32:28. Third was Zach Gingerich in 25:49:40. Harvery Sweetland Lewis III was fourth in 26:15:31 and rounding out the top 5 was Mark Matyazic in 26:24:42.What the Outside article doesn't mention is who won the women's race. The women's race was won by Sumie Inagaki of Japan. Inagaki's time was 29:53:09. She is also the world record holder for 48 hours. Coming in second was Pam Reed in 29:53:09. Maggie Beach was third in 33:31:04, fourth was Hannah Roberts in 34:26:35 and fifth was Heidi Perry in 35:49:58.
This year's Badwater race had 89 finishers out of 96 runners.
2012 Badwater Ultramarathon results:
1. Mike Morton, 22:52:55
2. Oswaldo Lopez, 23:32:28
3. Zach Gingerich, 25:49:40
4. Harvey Sweetland Lewis III, 26:15:31
5. Mark Matyazic, 26:24:42
6. Philip McCarthy, 26:52:01
7. Marco Farinazzo, 27:59:58
8. David Pioskonka, 28:31:50
9. Kurt Lindermuller, 29:21:12
10. Terry Sentinella, 29:40:24
11. Sumie Inagaki, 29:57:50
12. Dean Karnazes, 29:57:50
13. Jonathan Gunderson, 30:19:00
14. David Eadie, 30:24:22
15. David Jones, 30:33:19
Photo Credits:
Morton: Ian Courless/Talk Ultra
Inagaki: Ron Jones
Thursday, July 19, 2012
5Pointz
I was reading Graffiti New York last week while in between books. I received the art book at Christmas because I love creative graffiti. The book has a chapter named the Five Boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and State Island.While I was on a page about Queens, it had a photo of 5Pointz. I've heard about it and seen it on TV only recently. 5Pointz is an outdoor space where graffiti artists can legally paint on the walls of a factory building. Artists from all around the world come to Queens to paint on the walls.
In October, I will be running a 50 mile race in Pennsylvania. My husband and I are planning to travel to New Jersey after the race to visit his uncle. While in New Jersey, we usually take the train to New York City to visit. I figured while visiting the area, we could make a stop at 5Pointz. The last time we visited NYC, I only took photos of graffiti while we were riding tour buses. Tour buses do not stop. There was so much graffiti that I wanted to get closer to and photograph.
When I was looking up information about 5Pointz online, I came across an New York Times article about it. The building owner, that the artists paint on, decided to raze the structure and replace it with two residential towers. According to an article from The Guardian, 5Pointz is unlikely to continue far beyond 2013. Good thing we are going to New York this fall. I will be able to see all of the graffiti before the buildings are torn down.
Photo Credit: wikipedia.org
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Books read in 2012
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling Winter Season: A Dancer's Journal, Toni Bentley
Chasing the Runner's High, Ray Charbonneau
The Perfect Mile, Neal Bascomb
Cleopatra, Stacy Schiff
The Carrie Diaries, Candace Bushnell
Summer in the City, Candace Bushnell
Forgotten, Cat Patrick
Deja Dead, Kathy Reichs
Pretty Little Liars, Sara Shepard
Flawless, Sara Shepard
Perfect, Sara Shepard
Unbelievable, Sara Shepard
Wicked, Sara Shepard
Killer, Sara Shepard
Heartless, Sara Shepard
Wanted, Sara Shepard
Twisted, Sara Shepard
Ruthless, Sara Shepard
Fairy Tale Interrupted, Rosemarie Terenzio
The Help, Kathryn Stockett
Pronto, Elmore Leonard
Riding the Rap, Elmore Leonard
Raylan, Elmore Leonard
The Coffin Quilt, Ann Rinaldi
A Life Without Limits, Chrissie Wellington
Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, John Le Carre
Eat and Run, Scott Jurek
Clearing Hurdles, Dan O'Brien
Currently Reading: The Sugarless Plum, Zippora Karz
Up Next: Library trip or Kindle purchase
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
Kelly Carter Scholarship 10K
The weather was really nice for the race. It was in the 70s and the humidity wasn't too high. The race also started an hour earlier then it did last year. The race was delayed while the clock was put into place. The 5K runners started first and five minutes later, the 10K runners started.
At the start of the race, I just wanted to establish a good pace for myself. Off of my right shoulder was a female runner. My goal was to keep her behind me and then put some distance between us. I heard her footsteps through the half mile. By the end of the first mile, I didn't hear them anymore. I didn't want to waste time looking around in case she was still right beside me.
Besides keeping the other women in the race behind me, I wanted to keep the guy ahead of me close. I was about 5 seconds behind him through the first two miles. Heading to mile 3, we had a hill to climb. Coming up to the hill and over the hill, the man in front of me was starting to get away. I ran through the third mile in 25 minutes. I worked on my pace and trying to keep my splits even.
A water station was just before the mile 4 mark. The man in front of me grabbed a cup of water and walked through the station. Once he finished drinking, he started running again. I knew then it was my chance to catch him. I worked the entire fifth mile running him down. It felt like I was running faster, but I wasn't sure. I worked on my form and was using my arms more. The gap between us was shrinking.
When I ran through the fifth mile, the volunteer called out 43 minutes. I was pleasantly shocked. I ran that last mile in 8 minutes or so. I was on pace to tie my PR or hopefully setting a new one. I continued to pull the guy in. He was about 15 feet ahead of me. I ran as fast as I could during the final stretch. I missed catching the guy by less then five seconds. If we had a little bit longer to run, I think I would have caught him. After the race, the guy said he could tell I was getting closer. Because of me, he ran a PR. I'm glad I helped him run his best race.
I finished the 10K in 54:16 and placed first in my age group. I missed tying my PR by 71 seconds. But I did improve on my time from the first 10K of the year by 28 seconds. I was told by some friends that I was the second woman to finish the race. I knew that couldn't have been right. I told them that I was behind two other ladies. They were a ways ahead of me. I just thought that they already finished. What happened was they got lost and ran extra miles. If those two ladies didn't get lost, I would have been the fourth woman overall and placed second in my age group. I felt bad for them, but the course was marked very well. I hope next time they will pay more attention to the markings on the course.
At the start of the race, I just wanted to establish a good pace for myself. Off of my right shoulder was a female runner. My goal was to keep her behind me and then put some distance between us. I heard her footsteps through the half mile. By the end of the first mile, I didn't hear them anymore. I didn't want to waste time looking around in case she was still right beside me.
Besides keeping the other women in the race behind me, I wanted to keep the guy ahead of me close. I was about 5 seconds behind him through the first two miles. Heading to mile 3, we had a hill to climb. Coming up to the hill and over the hill, the man in front of me was starting to get away. I ran through the third mile in 25 minutes. I worked on my pace and trying to keep my splits even.
A water station was just before the mile 4 mark. The man in front of me grabbed a cup of water and walked through the station. Once he finished drinking, he started running again. I knew then it was my chance to catch him. I worked the entire fifth mile running him down. It felt like I was running faster, but I wasn't sure. I worked on my form and was using my arms more. The gap between us was shrinking.
When I ran through the fifth mile, the volunteer called out 43 minutes. I was pleasantly shocked. I ran that last mile in 8 minutes or so. I was on pace to tie my PR or hopefully setting a new one. I continued to pull the guy in. He was about 15 feet ahead of me. I ran as fast as I could during the final stretch. I missed catching the guy by less then five seconds. If we had a little bit longer to run, I think I would have caught him. After the race, the guy said he could tell I was getting closer. Because of me, he ran a PR. I'm glad I helped him run his best race.
I finished the 10K in 54:16 and placed first in my age group. I missed tying my PR by 71 seconds. But I did improve on my time from the first 10K of the year by 28 seconds. I was told by some friends that I was the second woman to finish the race. I knew that couldn't have been right. I told them that I was behind two other ladies. They were a ways ahead of me. I just thought that they already finished. What happened was they got lost and ran extra miles. If those two ladies didn't get lost, I would have been the fourth woman overall and placed second in my age group. I felt bad for them, but the course was marked very well. I hope next time they will pay more attention to the markings on the course.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Breaking Bad
The new season of Breaking Bad starts this Sunday. I was really looking forward to watching it. Now I can't.I won't be able to watch the premiere because I'm a DISH Network subscriber. DISH Network dropped AMC on July 1 after deciding not to renew its contract "due to the channels high costs compared to their relatively low viewership." Thanks a lot.
I've been a fan of Breaking Bad and AMC's other popular show, Mad Men, since the first episodes. I will be keeping up with the show via episode recaps, message boards and months later when the DVDs appear on Netflix. Even though I will know what is happening, it won't be the same as watching it.
I'm very disappointed, as is my husband who is also a fan of Breaking Bad. But that's life. You don't always get what you want.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Totally Trials fashion show
Some of my Oiselle teammates went to Eugene, Oregon to meet up back in June. Unfortunately, I was unable to join them. The Oiselle ladies hung out, went to the Olympic track and field trials, went running together and were part of a fashion show.Oiselle held a 'Totally Trials' fashion show on June 29. Besides the upcoming line of clothes being featured. Oiselle had some big name guests at the show as well: MC Hammer and his son, Booby. Check out the videos and photos below of the 'Totally Trials' fashion show. There are so many items I want to have in my wardrobe.
http://www.kval.com/news/local/MC-Hammer-hosts-fashion-show-in-Eugene-160979625.html?tab=video&c=y
http://www.eugeneweekly.com/blog/mc-hammer-and-his-son-booby-oiselles-totally-trials-fashion-show
http://www.eugenepulp.com/photos/Oiselles-fashion-show-with-MC-Hammer-and-Booby-Hammer--161115435.html?tab=gallery&c=y&img=2
Photo Credit: Oiselle facebook page
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Breaking Pointe
I'm thankful that I watch The CW network. If I didn't, I wouldn't have known anything about Breaking Pointe. The CW ran so many promo ads for it. Breaking Pointe is a reality series that followed the ballet dancers at Ballet West in Salt Lake City, Utah. The season finale was last Thursday. The show only had six episodes. I hope that the show gets renewed for another season.I became a fan of ballet back in 2004. I photographed two local dance companies for an assignment. I focused on ballet. The photos were beautiful. About a year after taking the photos, I called one of the studios and was invited to come back. I went back to the studio and photographed ballet and other classes as well (i.e. hip hop, jazz and pointe). I kept going back until the fall of 2010. My free time schedule changed after I increased my running mileage and started running ultra marathons. Even though I haven't been at the studio, my love for ballet remains the same.
What I love about the series Breaking Pointe is the behind the scenes stuff. I love the footage of the dancers at rehearsal. I love the dancers backstage, getting ready for the final shows of the season. The reason I love it is that is how I saw the dancers when I was photographing them. I was with them at rehearsal in the studio. I was with them at rehearsal at the theater. I was with them backstage when they danced at their final recital of the year. Not too many people get to see that side. I knew how much hard work went into their shows. The dancers made it look effortless. Even though it is anything but.
The cast members of Breaking Pointe are unsure if the show will be back for a second season. I really hope the show does get picked up for another season. Ballet is a wonderful art form that not too many people see in person. If ballet is on television, it can be seen by many more people. That can help ballet grow so much more.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Books read in 2012
I really liked Dan O'Brien's book, Clearing Hurdles. But any book about running and track, I'll like. I found out while reading the book that Dan was adopted, flunked out of University of Idaho and lost his scholarship. After losing his scholarship, he had some brushes with the law, including a DUI. O'Brien went back to college at Spokan Falls Community College and eventually back to University of Idaho. From there O'Brien went on to win three decathlon World Championships and the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
For the next book I read, I can either wait until I get paid to purchase a book for my Kindle. Or go to the library and check out a book. I haven't decided yet.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling
Winter Season: A Dancer's Journal, Toni Bentley
Chasing the Runner's High, Ray Charbonneau
The Perfect Mile, Neal Bascomb
Cleopatra, Stacy Schiff
The Carrie Diaries, Candace Bushnell
Summer in the City, Candace Bushnell
Forgotten, Cat Patrick
Deja Dead, Kathy Reichs
Pretty Little Liars, Sara Shepard
Flawless, Sara Shepard
Perfect, Sara Shepard
Unbelievable, Sara Shepard
Wicked, Sara Shepard
Killer, Sara Shepard
Heartless, Sara Shepard
Wanted, Sara Shepard
Twisted, Sara Shepard
Ruthless, Sara Shepard
Fairy Tale Interrupted, Rosemarie Terenzio
The Help, Kathryn Stockett
Pronto, Elmore Leonard
Riding the Rap, Elmore Leonard
Raylan, Elmore Leonard
The Coffin Quilt, Ann Rinaldi
A Life Without Limits, Chrissie Wellington
Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, John Le Carre
Eat and Run, Scott Jurek
Clearing Hurdles, Dan O'Brien
Currently Reading: Library trip or Kindle purchase
Up Next:
For the next book I read, I can either wait until I get paid to purchase a book for my Kindle. Or go to the library and check out a book. I haven't decided yet.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling
Winter Season: A Dancer's Journal, Toni Bentley
Chasing the Runner's High, Ray Charbonneau
The Perfect Mile, Neal Bascomb
Cleopatra, Stacy Schiff
The Carrie Diaries, Candace Bushnell
Summer in the City, Candace Bushnell
Forgotten, Cat Patrick
Deja Dead, Kathy Reichs
Pretty Little Liars, Sara Shepard
Flawless, Sara Shepard
Perfect, Sara Shepard
Unbelievable, Sara Shepard
Wicked, Sara Shepard
Killer, Sara Shepard
Heartless, Sara Shepard
Wanted, Sara Shepard
Twisted, Sara Shepard
Ruthless, Sara Shepard
Fairy Tale Interrupted, Rosemarie Terenzio
The Help, Kathryn Stockett
Pronto, Elmore Leonard
Riding the Rap, Elmore Leonard
Raylan, Elmore Leonard
The Coffin Quilt, Ann Rinaldi
A Life Without Limits, Chrissie Wellington
Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, John Le Carre
Eat and Run, Scott Jurek
Clearing Hurdles, Dan O'Brien
Currently Reading: Library trip or Kindle purchase
Up Next:
Monday, July 09, 2012
Friday, July 06, 2012
Books read in 2012
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling Winter Season: A Dancer's Journal, Toni Bentley
Chasing the Runner's High, Ray Charbonneau
The Perfect Mile, Neal Bascomb
Cleopatra, Stacy Schiff
The Carrie Diaries, Candace Bushnell
Summer in the City, Candace Bushnell
Forgotten, Cat Patrick
Deja Dead, Kathy Reichs
Pretty Little Liars, Sara Shepard
Flawless, Sara Shepard
Perfect, Sara Shepard
Unbelievable, Sara Shepard
Wicked, Sara Shepard
Killer, Sara Shepard
Heartless, Sara Shepard
Wanted, Sara Shepard
Twisted, Sara Shepard
Ruthless, Sara Shepard
Fairy Tale Interrupted, Rosemarie Terenzio
The Help, Kathryn Stockett
Pronto, Elmore Leonard
Riding the Rap, Elmore Leonard
Raylan, Elmore Leonard
The Coffin Quilt, Ann Rinaldi
A Life Without Limits, Chrissie Wellington
Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, John Le Carre
Eat and Run, Scott Jurek
Currently Reading: Clearing Hurdles, Dan O'Brien
Up Next: Library trip or Kindle purchase
Thursday, July 05, 2012
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