Addison Athletic Booster 5K

I ran the Addison Athletic Booster 5K Saturday. It was a nice, slightly windy day to run in the country.

When the horn went off, I found myself in the middle. I was between the fast and the slower packs with no one close by. I have run this race multiple times and the course is always the same. No mile markers out of the course, so I didn't even look at my watch.

I thought I did well on the hills in the beginning half of the race. The later hills got me. The younger girl that kind of close to me started to really separate from me on one of the last hills. She just kept getting further away from me. The second to last turn, I knew I had runners closing in on me. A volunteer was at the corner and I could hear him tell whoever was behind me 'good job'. I was trying my best to keep them behind me.

The last stretch of road on the course goes from flat to hill. When I was running up the hill, I could hear footsteps behind me. Making the last turn, I heard a female talking right behind me. I knew that I didn't want her to pass me. I started sprinting towards the finish line. I heard her say 'good job' to me as I was running away. I crossed the finish line in 28:38. I placed second in my age group and was the fourth overall woman. The woman behind me ran with her husband and finished about 5-10 seconds after me.

I thought I did enough build up on hills on my weekly runs. I was wrong. I should probably start running hills/incline every week. I want to power up the hills, not get tired on them.

Hot Chocolate Hustle 5K

I ran my first race of the 2016 season Saturday. I wasn't planning on running it until a friend told me too. I wasn't scheduled to work that morning, so I sent in my entry form.

The morning was a chilly and the roads were dry. No snow on the ground this year like last year. I ran the race in an Oiselle long sleeve shirt, Oiselle jacket, Oiselle roga long shorts, compression socks and gloves. My legs were a little cold, but warmed up after the race started.

For the first race of the year, I had no goals. I just wanted to finish and try to have fun. I passed a younger runner during the first mile, but was unable to catch the group in front of me. I ran the first mile in 8:27. I was running alone during the second mile until two ladies caught and passed me. I wasn't able to keep up with them. Shortly after the ladies passed me, a man caught and passed me too. I was keeping a good pace until I developed some stomach cramps during the second mile. I tried to not let them bother me too much. I don't think I slowed down, but I may have.

Before finishing the race, the course turned right into a subdivision. We had to run around a small block before running to the finish line. When I turned the corner into the subdivision, my watch said 24:xx. I was happy with the time, but I knew I needed to speed up if I wanted to finish under 27 minutes. When I left the subdivision and was running toward the finish line, people watching were yelling for a man behind me. I didn't know how close he was, but I didn't want him to pass me. I ran as fast as I could to the line. I stopped my watch at 27 minutes. According to the official timer, I finished the race in 26:59. I placed second in my age group.

I was happy with my first race of the year. I'm happy my friend urged me to sign up and run. Running is a joy and I need to always remember that.

Fall Into Fitness 5K

I ran my final race of the year Saturday, Fall Into Fitness 5K.

It was a nice, warm and sunny day to race. I ran in a stocking hat, long sleeve Oiselle shirt, Oiselle shorts, compression socks and shoes. My hands were a little chilly at the start of the race, but they eventually warmed up.

I ran in a group for the about 2 miles of the race. Then like always, I started to slow down as they kept up their pace. I was running behind a boy, who happens to be my next door neighbor's grandson, every time I would get right beside him, he would sprint ahead. We played this game for practically the entire race. The last four blocks he pulled ahead for good and I was unable to catch him.

I thought I ran a good race. I was very happy to run 26:24, which placed me first in my age group. It was also my fastest 5K for the year by 23 seconds. I guess all of the intervals that I have been doing has paid off. Or that the course was very flat. Either or, I'm still pleased with my race.

Closing the book on the 2015 racing season makes me happy. I can just run for fun. Not worry about my mileage and recharge for the 2016 racing season. I hope that next year, that I can lower my half marathon times.

Oiselle meetup

I met up with a group of Oiselle Team Michigan members Sunday. We met for brunch at Sava's in Ann Arbor. A few of us already knew one another, so introductions were made. The conversation that dominated the brunch was running and when we were all going to meet up again. It sounds like a bunch of us are going to run some races together soon.

It was nice to meet a few of ladies from the team and we had a good time. Looking forward to the next meetup.

In the first photo, I have my hands on Andrea's shoulders for balance. I was standing on my toes to see over her head. I'm really not that tall. :)

Live Centred Half Marathon

I ran the LiveCentred Half Marathon Saturday. It was a cool and windy for the entire race. Just walking around before the race, my legs felt dead. I thought I cut back my running enough for the half, but I guess not. Besides running the half marathon Saturday morning, immediately after the half was my friend's memorial across town and following that my husband and I were celebrating our upcoming 14th wedding anniversary. So my head and heart weren't really into this race.

The race started and I was doing well. I ran the first mile in 8 minutes and was going at my pace. When we left the neighborhoods and got out into the country, we ran into a headwind for a couple of miles. The wind was really slowing me down as were all of the rolling hills of the country roads. I just kept my head down and kept running.

It seems like so many people passed me. When people passed me, they were rarely alone. It was always a group of people. I wanted to stay with all of the groups that passed me, but I couldn't. My legs couldn't go any faster. At the six mile mark, I was at about 56 or 57 minutes. Not bad. But on the back half of the course, I was dying. More and more people passed me and there was nothing I could do. I just kept telling myself, the faster I finish, the faster I can go to the memorial.

During the final mile, I was running uphill on a dirt road to turn left onto a paved one. While on the the small uphill, my legs said no more. I had to stop and walk up the hill. That was the first time in years I have walked during a half marathon. I couldn't believe it. As soon as I reached the top of the hill and stepped on the paved road, I started running again. I knew the walking slowed me down even more, but I didn't care. I just wanted to see that finish line. I continued running my slow pace and finally reached the finish line in 2:12:57. My worst half time of the year.

With this time, I know for the next half marathon to cut my miles even more leading up to the race. Maybe my legs won't be so dead before the start. Also I hope to have my head and heart in the race, but sometimes life happens. We can't always control everything in our lives. My time wasn't what I wanted, but I did finish the race and didn't get injured. So that is always a victory.

Wildcat XC 5K

I ran the Wildcat XC 5K Saturday in Pittsford, MI. The morning was a little cool because I actually wore a jacket before the race started. As the time got closer to the race, it started to warm up.

I stood right on the start line when we were told to go. A bunch of people sprinted ahead of me. My legs needed a short warm up before going to work. We ran down a huge hill and that is when I passed a bunch of runners. This course is a high school cross country course located in the next county over. The course is run on grass paths in fields, a wooded area and over grass. A short section of the course was flooded, so we were sent into a soybean field. I was thankful that I wore ankle braces because running over tractor tire ruts were making me uneasy. Running out of the field, a teen boy was just ahead of me. My goal was to run him down. I was able to catch and pass him shortly before the two mile mark. Once I passed him, a teen girl was ahead of me. My next goal was to pass her.

I crossed the two mile mark in 19:04. At that point, there were so many rolling hills in the huge fields that we were running in. I told myself that we only had a mile left and to go after this girl. I could tell that the girl was slowing down and I was gaining on her. On the flat parts of the course, I was running as fast as I could because I knew more hills were coming our way. With about 400m meters to go, I was actually about 3-5 feet behind the girl. When the girl heard me, she took off. We turned a corner to head into a wooded area and she created a big gap. I was unable to keep pace with her and the big hill coming out of the wooded area took a lot out of me. Heading out of the woods, we had to run on the property line of the school. The course turned us right and made us run up another hill to the finish line. I knew someone was behind me, but I didn't know how close they were. I ran as fast as I could and finished the race in 29:59. I finished second in my age group.

As I was changing my shirt in the parking lot, the woman who finished behind me congratulated me. She said that she was trying to catch up to me and that I had a good pace. I thanked her. After the award ceremony, door prizes were handed out. My name was called and I won an apple pie. Currently it is still sitting in the refrigerator untouched.

Hudson Booster XC Open 5K

I ran the Hudson Booster XC Open 5K Saturday. It was warm and sunny, but not humid. The course is the Hudson High School cross country course. It has many hills and is run over grass, dirt and sand.

When the race started, it felt like I was going slow. Running into the woods for the first time, I started catching up with others and passing them. Back in the woods is a downhill and a big sandy uphill. I did catch and pass a girl after reaching the top of the hill. Once we ran out of the woods, the course was flat for a bit. I told myself to go faster while it was so flat. I could actually feel myself doing that.

During the second mile, I caught up to a big group of girl high school cross country runners. They were walking, so I was able to pass all of them. Ahead of the cross country girls was a group of women runners around my age. I was disappointed I was never able to gain on them.

I was proud of how I finished the race. While I was running to the finish, a few people were cheering for me. Most the girl behind me was getting more cheers. I don't know how close she was, but I didn't want her to pass me. I ran as hard as I could to the finish line. I crossed the line in 29:13, which was eight seconds faster than last year. I did place third in my age group.

I have one more cross country race next week. This course is tough too. Can't wait to tackle it.

Panther XC Open 5K

I ran the Panther XC Open 5K Saturday. It was a very warm, sunny and humid morning. The temperature was at 75° before the race even started. It was just going to keep getting warming as the day went on.

This race was run on a high school cross country course. We had a little of everything: grass, dirt, trail, gravel and concrete. Also throw into the mix; a few hills.

I started the race near the front and was the second woman. Parts of the course were changed from last year. The parts that were eliminated were uneven and had holes all over. I was happy that it was changed because I didn't want to twist my ankles, but I always wear ankle braces when running on cross country courses. The grass that we ran over was thick and plush. It made it kind of difficult to pick up your feet. I ran over the grass that was already bent down due to the others ahead of me running on it.

I crossed the first mile in 8:50. I considered that good on a cross country course. It was during the second mile that a few people passed me. After running up a huge hill, a guy passed me. Immediately after the hill was a flat part of the course. I told myself to get going. I knew that there were ladies coming up behind me. Running into the woods, two ladies passed me. I wasn't too happy about that. I wanted to stay with the first lady that passed me, but she just started running away. The second lady that passed me was a 12 year old girl. I was able to stick to her. I ran in a straight line and she kept going from left to right. A few times I thought my legs were going to get tangled with hers. The young girl did a good job of holding me off for a while. She would speed up and create a gap. I would continue on my pace and catch up to her. Then she would speed up again and I would catch her. I finally passed her for good after a couple of times.

With less then a mile to go, I went around a curve and saw a purple shirt behind me. Another lady was chasing me down. Coming out the woods, she passed me on a long grassy straightaway. I wanted to keep up with her, but was unable to. I just knew I needed to keep up a good pace to stay ahead of the young girl I passed in the woods.

Coming out of the woods, we ran on the warning track of the high school baseball field. I loved running on flat gravel surface. No need to look down for fear of tripping over tree roots of rocks. Leaving the baseball field, we ran towards the football field on grass. Passing through a gate and down a hill to the football field, I just couldn't wait to cross the finish line. Coming onto the football field, the time clock read 29 minutes. I didn't realize it was taking me so long. I pushed myself to finish strong and crossed the line in 30:25. I was the fourth overall woman and I was second in my age group. The woman that was first in my age group was the overall winner.

The next two races will be run on cross country courses. They are tough, but I like the challenge of the course.

Kelly Carter 10K

I ran the Kelly Carter 10K Scholarship Run on Saturday.

The sun was shining and it was a warm day. Coming into the race, I had a bad night of sleep. I couldn't shut off my brain and got less then four hours of sleep. When it came time for breakfast, I wasn't hungry. I only ate half a Clif bar

When the 10K started, a teen boy took the lead and I was in second. I got excited because I heard footsteps just behind me on the left. I thought I would have someone to run with. That excitement didn't last long because the footsteps slowly faded away.  I was running alone again.

I crossed the mile mark in 8:30 and I could feel myself starting to slow down over the second mile. I told myself to get going. I ran the second mile in 8:30 again as I crossed the second mile in 17:00. The third mile, I really had to watch my footing. The road had new stone put down and on the side where I was running there were a bunch of huge cracks and holes. Since new stone was also put down, the grooves in the road were pretty bad. I had to make sure I was running in a groove, so I didn't trip. While concentrating on footing, I crossed the third mile in 26:xx.

The course took us across a busy intersection into a quiet neighborhood. In the past, there are usually volunteers at that intersection stopping traffic. When I ran up to the intersection, no one was there. I checked left, right and left again before stepping out. I saw a car coming on my left. I was thankful that they were slowing to turn right. There was a car to my right, but still a little ways down the road. I crossed the intersection safely.

Heading into the neighborhood, it was quiet. I only saw one vehicle on the road the entire time. Even crossing the fourth mile, I didn't see a volunteer until he spoke. The volunteer parked in a driveway and was leaning over a branch. He didn't say the time very loud, it just sounded like a whisper. Since it was so quiet, I don't even remember what was said.

I passed the fifth mile in 46:xx. As I approached an upcoming left turn, volunteers were standing next to a water table. I just saw them standing there with their backs towards me. They didn't even realize I was there until I was side-by-side with them. They asked if I wanted a drink, but by the time I asked, I was already by them. I didn't want to stop and turn around to get water. I just kept going. Running out of the quiet neighborhood and back to the busy street was better this time. There was a group of three guys sitting at the corner. They saw me coming and they all stood up and got in the street to stop traffic. I ran between two guys to cross the street and I said thank you to them. My race was almost over and I could feel it. I had to run through one more busy intersection with a stop light. I was thankful that when I ran into the intersection, my way had the green light.

When I turned the corner to head to the finish line, I could hear people at the finish line call my name. I picked up the pace and crossed the line in 57:15. One of the ladies at the finishing area joked and said 'last runner'. That is a joke between us because just a few years ago at a race a volunteer followed me on a bike because I was the last runner in the race. When I was crossing an intersection, the guy on the bike called out to the other volunteers, 'last runner, last runner'. I didn't make me feel too good. So when she said 'last runner', we just laughed. I was not the last runner on this day. I finished second overall and was the women's winner. It is amazing how far I've come in running in just a few short years.

My time wasn't the greatest, but that is due to the lack of sleep and food. I know I can do better. Onto the next race.

Run, Walk & Eat 5K

I ran the Run, Walk & Eat 5K Sunday. It was a cool, windy and sunny morning. The wind was blowing in our face every direction we ran in.

I got passed by a few people and I passed a few people as well during the first mile. I really didn't think I was going that fast because only a few people went by me. At the mile marker, a volunteer said 8:12.

Not bad. It wasn't as fast as my first mile during my last race, 7:30. Kind of wished it was. The second mile was run on streets through neighborhoods. I was hoping the trees and houses would block the wind. It didn't. I could tell I was going a little slower on this mile. When I reached the second mile mark, the volunteer said 17:05. With my daily runs going well with increased speed, I thought I could pick up the pace over the last mile.

I passed a guy who was doing the run/walk method. I would catch and pass him, then he would start running and pass me again. It happened twice, but I was finally able to pass and keep him behind me for good. But I was unable to keep a guy behind me. He finally passed me and ran away from me as we were approaching the third mile marker. When I passed the sign, my watch read 24:58. I told myself to run faster and finish below 27 minutes. I did pick up the pace and finished strong. I finished the 5K in 26:47 and placed 3rd in my age group. I believe that is the fastest I have run a 5K in a while. That made me very happy.

I hoping my increased pace on my daily runs will help me get faster. I would love to run 5K's in 25 minutes again. I'll keep doing the work and see what happens.

iRun for Kassie 10K

I ran the iRun for Kassie 10K on Saturday.

It was a cool, cloudy and windy day. It rained most of the day and night before the race. The 10K race goes from paved streets to dirt roads. With everything being wet, I knew the dirt road would be soft and squishy.

Before the race started, they asked for all of the 10K runners to come to the front. It really doesn't matter where everyone lines up. Besides a 10K, a 5K is also run. Both races start at the same time. When the race started, I found myself near the front. Only four other girls and ladies were ahead of me, along with a bunch of guys. The 5K/10K are the same until the 5K turnaround.

I looked at my watch when I reached the mile marker, it read 7:30. I didn't realize how fast I was running. Shortly after that was the 5K turnaround. When the front running ladies reached that point, three of them made the turnaround. That meant only one lady was still running the 10K and was in front of me.

The 10K course goes from city streets to country dirt roads. Country dirt roads have wonderful rolling hills. I thought I ran the hills well. I kept my head down and just looked about 5-10 feet in front of me. I always do that to make sure I don't run in potholes. I always keep my head down on hills because I don't need to know how much farther I have to go before reaching the top of the hill. Once I got over the hill, I increased my pace on the straightaways. Or at least I hope I did.

This course is just an out-an-back, so when I was getting close to the turnaround, the leaders were passing me on the left coming back. Everyone was friendly. We all waved, gave thumbs up and said good job. That is the nice thing about small town races. As the leaders were passing me, I counted that seven people were ahead of me, six males and one female. When I reached the turnaround, I stopped quickly at the unmanned water table to pick up a small cup of water. I started running again after picking up the glass. That is when I saw two other ladies coming towards the turnaround. I didn't realize other runners were that close to me. I kept going to avoid being passed by one or both of the other ladies.

Around mile 4 or 4.5, that is when I heard footsteps getting closer to me. Very soon, one of the ladies behind me was beside me and then quickly in front of me and running away. I wanted to keep close to her, but she was so fast. The gap between us grew so quickly. With that lady passing me, I was still the third woman. I didn't want to be passed again. I decided to keep my pace going to hold off the other woman.

Only two mile markers were put out on the course. When I reached the marker that read 5 miles, my watch read 44:xx. I knew I could finish the race strong. I just kept saying just two more hills then it is all downhill. I got up the hills well and passed some of the 5K walkers near the end. Running from the street to the track, the race time was being displayed on the football scoreboard. When I stepped on the track, the scoreboard read 53:xx. I was happy, but I just wanted to be done. I thought my pace around the track was good and I came into the finishing line strong. I finished the race in 54:46 and was 3rd overall woman, 2nd in my age group and 9th overall.

I thought it was a good race. I wish  I was able to keep up with the lady that passed me after the turnaround. There isn't a lot of 10K races in the county, so anytime I can run one, it is fun. Onto the next race.

Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon

I ran the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon on Sunday.

The weather was awful. It was pouring down rain. It was cold, 50°, and the wind was blowing at 20 mph. While lining up to run the race, my teeth were chattering and my hands were numb. I wore a poncho over my jacket, shirt, singlet and shorts. The poncho kept the top of me dry, but my shorts, socks and shoes were soaked.

When the race started, I didn't know how I was going to do. I was cold, but so was everyone else. A couple of miles into the race, my hands warmed up. The poncho wasn't long enough to cover my arms, so I rolled up my jacket sleeves. The sleeves were already wet by then, but it did feel nice to get the wet sleeves off my forearms.

I thought I was keeping a steady pace throughout the race. I was running 9 minute miles, which is good on this tough course. Last year the hills killed me on the course. This year, I didn't think they did. The two biggest hills are located before mile 8 and 12. The hill at mile 8, I got up it pretty well. After cresting the hill, I was able to pick up the pace and keep going. The hill at mile 12, took a little bit more out of me. I was able to run up the hill, but my legs were very tired at that point. I wanted to get up that hill and be able to pick up the pace going into the finish line. My thoughts and legs weren't on the same page. I did the best I could and ran as fast as I could. I crossed the finish in 2:08:42. That time is three minutes faster then last year's race and a minute quicker then this year's Glass City Half Marathon.

I will keep working to improve my half marathon times. I just need to figure out what works for me and what doesn't. Onto the next race.

Acres of Fun 5K

I ran the Acres of Fun 5K Saturday.

It was a warm and humid morning. It rained about 15-20 minutes before the start of the race. When the race started it was still very humid.

I started the race mid-pack and was behind a bunch of people. I was able to work my way around people and found a clear spot to run. I noticed that a girl stopped to tie her shoes just ahead of me. I knew that when I got right behind her she would stand up and start running. When I did get behind her, that is exactly was she did. I put my hands out to stop myself from running her over.

I was able to clear more people and found myself running next to an older lady. We were step for step for a while, then she started to pull away. When she pulled away, she didn't get too far. My goal for the race was to catch her. I ran a nice pace and thought it was even. I passed a few more runners during this time.

At the second mile, I was getting closer to the lady. I kept thinking to myself that I had less then 10 minutes to run, why not give it all? I ended up catching two guys and passed them. A man who I passed a while ago, passed me back for good. All the while this was taking place, I was gaining on the lady who pulled away from me the first mile.

A spectator was yelling to the runners, "one more corner, then it's all downhill." I loved hearing that. I knew that I needed to pick up the pace if I wanted to have a shot at that lady. After turning the corner, the lady was just head of me and the race was almost over. When I saw the time clock and finishing line, I picked up my pace. I was able to pull myself right beside the woman and then finally pass her. In the process of passing the woman, I was able to pull away from a guy that was right behind me. I saw the clock read 26:xx and I so wanted to finish with that time. I just fell short. I finished the race in 27:05 and placed second in my age group.

Once the race was over, I was thinking of places on the course where I could have gone faster and improved my time. That is the best thing about races, there are so many around where I live. Take what you learned in one race and apply it to the next one.

Addison Athletic Boosters 5K

I ran the Addison Athletic Boosters 5K Saturday morning.

It was a sunny and just a little bit of wind at the start of the race. Not too many people lined up to run the race. That is the best thing about a small town race.

When the horn sounded, I was near the front of the pack. Two guys, a teen boy and girl and two younger girls were part of the pack I ran with. One of the guys was leading the race, followed by the teen boy and girl. I was running next to another guy, but not for long. We made a right hand turn and he charged up the short incline. He got away from me. But I did stay with the teen boy and girl and the two younger girls. Not long after, I caught the youngest of the girls as she needed to stop and walk. Running down a nice hill, I caught up with the other young girl. She needed to tie her shoes. I kept going and thought if I stay where I am, it would be a good day.

The course made another right and the course went from paved road to dirt. The leading guy was getting away. The guy who I started next to, passed the teen boy and girl. As of then I was in fifth place overall. The dirt road has rolling country hills. I decided just to look ahead on the dirt about 10 feet in front of me. I wanted to make sure I didn't twist my ankles on any holes in the road or big stones. I would look up at the teens in front of me and I thought I was getting closer to them. I was behind them just a couple of seconds. Then the teens stop. The girl needed to walk. I passed them and kept going. After passing them, I could hear that they starting running again as they were kicking stones.

I passed the halfway point and the water stop in 13:XX. I kept telling myself keep going and I could finish third overall. The course just went around the country block near the middle school. When passing the halfway mark, we turned right and back on paved roads. As I was running alone, I could hear birds chirping and cows mooing. I could also tell that I passed a hog farm, as they all smell the same. As I would know, I lived on a hog farm for 19 years.

We made another right hand turn onto the road that would lead us back to the middle school. I kept listening for noises behind me. I couldn't hear anything. Then out of nowhere, the teen boy came flying by me. I told him 'good job', but he didn't hear me as he had headphones on. I didn't know if the teen girl was right behind me, so I kept going and didn't look behind me.

Before turning into the middle school parking lot, the road inclines. When I started running up the incline, I just looked about 10 feet in front of me on the road. I didn't want to see how much longer I had to run up the hill. A few spectators and the race winner were standing on the side of the road giving encouragement. I finally made it up the long incline and turned right into the parking lot. I was then able to see the clock and knew I had to run faster. I crossed the line in 27:43. I was fourth overall and the first woman. I looked up last year's time when I got home and saw it was exactly the same as this year's, 27:43. Weird.

My goal since the Glass City Half Marathon is to lose weight. I have lost 3 pounds since then. I need to keep on this path and I know my times will keep dropping.

Glass City Half Marathon

I ran the Glass City Half Marathon Sunday in Toledo, Ohio.

Before starting the race, I met up with Jen and Emily N., who are also Oiselle athletes, and we had a few photos taken.

It was cool, but sunny for the start. The beginning of the race went well. I was hitting the mile markers like I wanted to. After passing the 10K mark, my race started to fall apart.  

It was like I hit a brick wall. All of my energy was gone and my legs got heavy. All I kept thinking was keep going and put one foot in front of the other. Another thought that popped into my head was that the reason all of my energy was gone and my legs were heavy, is because I am carrying some extra weight.

When I ran my half marathon PR in 2011 (1:55:18), I weighed a little less then now. My next half marathon is at the end of May. I don't want to have the same feeling today then. Also, that half marathon has more hills. Those hills take work to get up.

Running towards mile 13, Jen, who finished the half marathon in fifth place, was standing on the side cheering for me. It was easy to spot her in her bright yellow Oiselle sweatshirt. I ran into the Glass Bowl on the University of Toledo campus and finished the half in 2:09:34. Definitely not my best half marathon. Once I stopped running, my left foot hurt. As I'm typing this now, the pain has gone away. But I didn't notice it while running.

I met Jen, Emily N. and Emily B. at the post race party. It was nice to see them and congratulate them on their races.

I'll keep running everyday, but I need to eat better as well. If I can do them both, I'm sure my times will drop again.

1000 Meter

Ken Morris

Oiselle athlete, Lauren Wallace, won the US Indoor 1000m championship Sunday in Boston, MA. Wallace led the group for 600m before dropping back in the pack. Running towards the finish line on the last lap, leader Charlene Lipsey went out wide. Treniere Moser and Stephanie Brown were running toward the finish in lanes 2 and 3. Leaving lane 1 open, Wallace out sprinted Moser and Brown to the finish line in 2:40.42. Second place Moser and third place Brown finished in 2:40.62.

After the race Wallace said, "I knew that everyone was going to swing wide, that seems to be the tactic on an indoor track. Unfortunately, I learned that the hard way a couple of weeks ago in Birmingham. Last night when I was going over my race plan, I just decided to stay comfo in lane one. I knew there'd be a gap opening up, so I took advantage of the gap and gave it my all the last 50 meters."

Wallace went on to say, "It's unreal, it hasn't set in yet. The coolest part was running through the tape. I've never been able to do that before. The tape was really, really cool."

New Balance Indoor Grand Prix

Victah Sailer

The New Balance Indoor Grand Prix took place Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

Big winners of the night were the New Balance Distance Medley Relay team of Sarah Brown, Mahagony Jones, Megan Krumpoch and Brenda Martinez. The group set a DMR world record with a time of 10:42.57. The group ran a 1200m, 400m, 800m and 1600m. Nicole Tully of the New York All-Stars passed Brenda Martinez with two laps to go. Martinez was able to chase Tully down to set the world record.

Bernard Lagat's second place finish to Dejen Gebremeskel of Ethopia in the 3000m set a new master's world record. Gebremeskel won the race in 7:48.19 to Lagat's 7:48.33. Lagat lowered the world record by 13 seconds. The former record was 8:01.44.

The final record of the night was set by Jenny Simpson in the Two Mile. Simpson pulled away from the field to win the race and set an American Record with a time of 9:18.35.

Other winners from the night were Matthew Centrowitz in the men's 1000m with a time of 2:17.00. Trell Kimmons was the 60m winner in 6.51. Treneire Moser beat training partner Mary Cain to win the 1000m in 2:37.86. New Zealand's Nick Willis won the Mile in 3:51.61. Newly signed Oiselle pole vaulter Mary Saxer won with a height of 14-9. Chaunte Lowe won the high jump with a leap of 6-2. Ryan Whiting was the winner of the shot put throwing 70-3.75.

Hot Chocolate Hustle 5K

I ran the Hot Chocolate Hustle 5K Saturday.

It was 18° with a feel of 9°. I decided not to run with pants. They just felt too bulky. So I ran in an Oiselle Oynx jacket, Oiselle Bird of a Feather long sleeve, Oiselle Long Rogas, stocking hat, gloves and compression socks.

When the race started my legs and toes were numb. Eventually my left toes warmed up, but not my right toes or legs. My hands did get warm, so I popped the top off the gloves and unzipped my jacket.

I ran 8:25 for the first mile and was keeping pace with a large group. After passing the mile mark, I was running stride for stride with another lady. I like running with her during races because our pace is similar. We stuck together for probably the entire second mile. Then with a mile or less to go, she and another lady started pulling away. I finished the race in 27:05. I was first in my age group and was the 14th overall woman.

I was disappointed that I wasn't able to stay with the two other ladies. But this was the first race of the year and there is nowhere to go but up.

Oiselle meet up

Photo courtesy of @ajbgillespie

I drove up to East Lansing Saturday to meet up with a few Oiselle ladies.

I had lunch with Lauren, Andrea, Alicia, Anne and Courtney at the Michigan State Hall of Fame Cafe. I've had dinner with Andrea and Alicia before, so I was excited to meet Lauren, Anne and Courtney.

Everyone comes from a different running background and it was fun to talk about goals and upcoming races. I love how running and Oiselle bonded us quickly.

Hope to see all of these lovely ladies again soon.

Fall Into Fitness 5K

I ran the Fall Into Fitness 5K Saturday. It was my final race (#15) of the 2014 season.

It was a chilly and windy day. As I was sitting in my car removing all extra clothing, it started to rain. That rain turned into a rain/snow mix shortly after. Standing at the start line, I was just thinking about running this race as quickly as I could so I could get back into my car.

After a few brief announcements, the starting horn went off. I took off and was able to find a nice race pace. I was happy to be able to stick with a few guys for the first mile of the race. But I wasn't sure it was actually a mile or more. The miles were not marked. I thought they were in previous years, but not this year. Since the miles weren't marked, I didn't even look at my watch.

Having run this race for the past three years, the course hasn't changed. I knew where I was on the course and how many more streets were left. I did pass a few people with probably a mile to go. But then a huge group of guys and ladies passed me. The guys in that group weren't guys that I already passed. My goal was to hang with them for the final six blocks, but they ended up running away.

With four blocks to go, another lady ran up beside me. It was the lady that I beat to win a race earlier in the year. I stuck with her and we ran side-by-side for two blocks. Then she ended up pulling ahead of me. With a block to go, I was able to see the finishing clock. It read 26 minutes. When I read that I actually thought I was running faster. Maybe I should actually look down at my own personal watch and look at the time. That might give me the boost I need to kick myself into gear sooner. Live and learn. The lady I beat in the earlier race finished 9 seconds ahead of me. I finished in 26:35, placed 3rd in my age group and was the 13th overall woman.

I'm happy that the racing season is over. I have had a great year. I won five races this year and placed in my age group in most of them. I'm looking forward to a couple months off from racing as I started my season back in late January. Can't wait to see what the racing season of 2015 brings.