Call Me Crazy!

Call me crazy.
No really, go ahead and call me crazy. I promise not to get offended.
On second thought, keep this in mind as you are reading this post:


Now that I think about it, every major race I have trained for in my life has terrified me. That’s how I know it was worth every second – pain, sweat, tears and sometimes even blood, but also joy, a sense of accomplishment and pride. 

And remember that one time I said I was going to take it easy in 2012 and stick to this schedule? Yeah, me too. That was a nice thought while it lasted.

I committed myself to [A Different Kind of] Race. And it terrifies me. So, it must be worth it, right? [Note to Duane: You only said you would come to my house and beat me over the head with a rubber chicken if I signed up for a crazy 50-miler or ultra distance. It’s all in the details.] 

It is The Gauntlet. And per Greenswell’s race site, “The Gauntlet is designed to challenge with the unexpected during this event. The event features water, mud, sand, heat, obstacle racing, trail racing, physical challenges and mental challenges.” It is “more than just a challenge. It is the advanced course at the school of hard knocks. It teaches us that we’re capable of defying our limits. Some take on the Gauntlet without great skill – none will finish without great pride.” 

I’m focusing on that last sentiment, “Some take on the Gauntlet without great skill,” that’s me. There will be swimming (thank God I can already do that) and I have six hours to finish a 10 mile course. The real fun? The obstacles and challenges will not be identified prior to race, but there will be sneak peak opportunities prior to the event. Its best I not know ahead of time anyway?!

What are the chances I will look like these ladies when I am done?

What in the #$&% are they carrying?!?!

The [main] problem? I have to train for this (clearly, see above), and I don’t have as much time to do so as I would like. So blogland – your advice is needed! I’m not expecting miracles, but I would like to finish the course in less than six hours and complete all of the obstacles (you can skip them without penalty, you just won’t have pride).  

Here is the training schedule I put together. It’s based on Hal Higdon’s plan for a 15K

I start today. By the way. I’m going to the gym right after work. No ifs, ands or buts about it. I’m serious. 
What do you think? Am I crazy? Is this doable? Would you make any mileage alterations? 
Thank you so much for your opinions and advice.
Until the next mile marker,


     

Ohio’s Pace Per Mile Report for Week of April 23, 2012

You can also listen to my report on Pace Per Mile, the 1st Place for Endurance Radio HERE.





Hello Ohio! This is Sara from wordstorunby.com reporting on the Ohio race scene for Pace Per Mile RadioWe have plenty of exciting events coming up as the spring racing season kicks into high-gear.

First off is the Cougar Challenge 5K Run and Walk at the Bridgeview Golf Course in Columbus on Saturday, April 28 at 8:00 a.m. This run/walk will have special appeal to Central Ohio runners because it will take place on a unique venue: the picturesque Bridgeview Golf Course located on Agler Road next to Alum Creek. The rolling 3.1 mile course will take runners over and between course fairways on a path that will provide a few climbs, fast grassy downhills and a flat finish around the driving range. The looping course is also spectator friendly. This event, sponsored by the Staff Advisory Council of Columbus State, supports book scholarships for Columbus State Community College students. The cost of books is a significant and an often overlooked cost of attending college. Your participation will help to provide book scholarships so all students can “cross the finish line” of their education. The cost is $20 from now through Friday and $25 on race day. Find out details and register on the Columbus State webpage. 
  
And, since we are the Buckeye State, Join the Ohio State student-athletes in the third annual Running with the Buckeyes 5K on Sunday, April 29 at 10:00 a.m. presented by the Athletic Training Club at OSU. Proceeds will go to the Advocates for Injured Athletes and to the AT Club at OSU. Walkers and runners of all ages and experience level are welcome. Registration includes a free t-shirt, goody bag, and raffle entry. Registration is $15 through this Friday at 11:59 p.m. and $20 on race day. The 3.1 mile course begins and ends in the Fred Beekman Park located on the outskirts of The Ohio State University. The top 3 male and top 3 female finishers will receive a choice from an assortment of prizes. All participants can enter in the raffle of memorabilia autographed by OSU players and the Columbus Crew, gift cards to area businesses, and more!Find out the details and register at Active.com
Greenswell is hosting the Spring for SIDS Duathlonon Sunday, April 29 at 9:00 a.m. The event takes place at Battelle-Darby Metro Park in Galloway, just outside of Columbus. I frequent this park often and it is my favorite in Central Ohio. On a side note, the trails are not without their fair share of hills, dips and ravines so watch your footing! The event benefits the Sudden Infant Death Network of Ohio in the memory of Corbin Hastings. Fifty percent of event proceeds will go to the SIDS Network of Ohio. Two duathlon distances will be offered. The Short consists of a 2 mile run, 11.2 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. The Long distance consists of a 2 mile run, 22.4 mile bike and 6.2 mile run. Participate as an individual or with friends as a relay. You can find more details and register at www.greenswell.com.

Finally, the Cap City Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and Commit to Be Fit 5K are coming up sooner than we think – May 05! Corral times have now been posted under Event Detailson the Cap City web site. There are six corrals: A, B, C, D, E and 5K. Half and Quarter participants will be assigned to A-E. All 5K participants are the in Corral 5K. Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon participants should load into the corrals by 7:40 a.m. 5K participants should load into the corral by 8:00 a.m. 5K participants should enter the corral from Rich or Main Streets. See the website for specific corral assignments. 

That’s a wrap for today. Until next time, you can find me at wordstorunby.com. Drop in to say hello, share your racing stories or offer feedback. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for listening to Pace Per Mile Radio and see you at the next mile marker. 





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Currently our host, Chris Nicholas, is running across the United States (Washington D.C. to Los Angeles) to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  Chris is running by himself (unsupported) with a jogging stroller along route 50. He averages about 30-40 miles a day and is over 1/4 of the way through his journey to date. He is currently in Missouri! Follow Chris at Pace Per Mile and visit Run and Finish to make a donation to help support this wonderful cause today. 





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Ohio’s Pace Per Mile Report for Week of March 19, 2012



You can also listen to my report on Pace Per Mile, the 1st Place for Endurance Radio HERE. 



This is Sara from wordstorunby.com reporting on the Ohio race scene for Pace Per Mile Radio. This week, we’re welcoming in spring, which is always exciting for me because it means the running and racing season will be picking up all across the country. Although, here in Columbus we have been experiencing record breaking highs in the low 80’s, which is a little warm for running, but the sunshine just can’t be passed up!


The Cleveland area is charging into spring on Saturday, March 24 with the Charge into Spring 5K and 1 Mile Walk, benefiting the St. Mary’s Work Camp Group. The Work Camp Group is a national organization that works to repair homes of the poor and elderly throughout the country, while providing youth and adults with stewardship and fellowship opportunities. The race starts at 8:15 a.m. at St. Mary’s of Berea in Berea, Ohio. Online registration is $20 and closes at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 23. Race day registration is $25. Active Runner in Strongsville will donate a brand new pair of running shoes to Overall Winners and $25 gift cards to the Overall Age Group Winners. Visit www.hermescleveland.com to register.

Back in Columbus, the Greenswell Wellness in the Woods Series is presenting the Sharon Woods Metro Park run on Sunday, March 25. Particpants can chose from a 2 mile, 5K or 8K course ranging from $20 to $30 in pre-registration fees. Race day registration is also available. The goal of this series is to provide a culture of healthy living by organizing a series of walks and runs at various metro parks. Sharon Woods Metro Park, located in Westerville, has an earthen, crushed limestone and paved trail for runners and walkers. Children under 12 years of age and retired seniors 60 years of age and older can participate for free. Leashed pets and strollers are permitted for this series. Please visit www.greenswell.com for additional details and to register in advance.

Finally, the 2012 Athens Marathon and Half Marathon is taking place on Sunday, April 1 at 9:00 a.m. The course runs along the banks of the Hocking Canal, which connects the river by the same name with the Ohio River in southeastern Ohio and unfolds along a gorgeously scenic route that takes runners from the green, tree-lined campus of Ohio University on an out-and-back trail along the canal. Southern Ohio is absolutely beautiful (I know from camping there frequently) and a bit hilly too, but this course promises to be flat and fast! Given the warm temperatures we have been experiencing, this might be a perfect time to get out and enjoy one of the most beautiful areas of the state.

Gatorade, water and medical stations will be approximately every three miles. The miles are well marked and all races are held on the Hocking Adena Bikeway. This is a USTAF certified course, which closes six hours after the race start. Post-race massages will be available and cash prizes will be given to the men’s, women’s and Master divisions; wreaths from Greece will be given to the marathon winners. There is NO race day registration so register online at www.athensmarathon.comby Saturday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m.

That’s it for this week’s Ohio Pace Per Mile State Report. Until next time, you can find me at www.wordstorunby.com for more information or to share your race-day stories. Thanks for listening to Pace Per Mile Radio and see you at the next mile marker. 


 


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Never miss a state report again! FOLLOW Pace Per Mile and Words to Run By on Twitter. Plus, stay up to date on endurance news, giveaways, contests, tips and training advice. Also, LIKE Pace Per Mile and Words to Run By on Facebook. 





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Ohio State Report for Week of January 09, 2012

Ohio State Report for Week of January 09, 2012
You can also listen to my report HERE.
This is Sara from wordstorunby.com reporting on the Ohio race scene for Pace Per Mile Radio.
Are you ready to party like its 1999? I am! This week I am featuring the Greenswell Wellness in the Woods Race Series. And, from now until January 31, each race is only $19.99! Don’t miss out on these exciting races at an ultra-low price.
Greenswell is a lifestyle company that brings individuals, families, and health professionals together into a community working in partnership to combine education, resource information and event activities to inspire its members to achieve a healthy and whole life.  
The 2012 Wellness in the Woods series is also designed to bring together individuals and entire communities for healthy activity and a renewed sense of connectedness at local Metro Parks. The series helps to showcase the wellness activities available at the Metro Parks such as running, walking and hiking. The goal of the races is to help create a culture of healthy living by implementing walks and runs at various parks in and around Central Ohio.
The 2012 race schedule is as follows:
03/25: Sharon Woods 5K
04/22: Glacier Ridge 5K
05/13: Blacklick Woods 4 Miler
06/10: Blendon Woods 5K
07/22: Scioto Audobon 4 Miler
08/12: Three Creeks 5K  
09/16: Olentangy Trail 5K
10/14: Highbanks 5K
11/4: Battelle Darby 5K
You can also find out more details at www.greenswell.com and register at active.com, but hurry these prices won’t last long! I ran the Scioto Audobon race last year and really enjoyed it. The races are smaller, but still provide course support and finishers awards. I really enjoy running in the Metro Parks so this year I plan to run the Glacier Ridge 5K and Battelle Darby 5K. Both should be challenging with some hills thrown in!
This is Sara and thank you for listening to my report on upcoming Ohio races. As always, you can contact me at wordstorunby.com and on Facebook or Twitter for more information. I would love to hear your race-day stories or feedback. Thanks for listening to Pace Per Mile Radio and see you at the next mile marker.