What the Heck is Challengeville?

So...what's the big whoop about these silly little e-certificates that show up all over Instagram and sometimes on Facebook? Why would someone ever run 48, 93.3, 150, 200+ miles just to earn an intangible award? Why do runners have a mileage ticker at the end of their instagram post with the weird #oldguyrunning hashtag?

Graphic from Old Guy Running

Well, I'll tell you what it means to me, and likely what it means for a handful or more of the Challengeville participants. 

I'm a little more than a recreational runner. I don't just put on some Target running shoes and head out the door for a jaunt around the neighborhood. I love me some gear! I love reading people's reviews about their favorite running/compression socks, why they can't live without their GPS/heart rate watch and strap, their opinions on the very best hydration system, whether it be a handheld bottle, a fuel belt, the perfect hydration pack, or just hiding water bottles in discreet locations. I read about their preferred fuel and hydration sources...  the list of these options could go on forever!! I read about shorts and tanks....and shoes, oh my goodness the shoes! And then I shop. I buy what I've decided is the very best for me! I use training plans to give me some direction... long runs, short runs, speed work, whatever the case may be. There is some very dedicated planning to the type of running I do.

But, on the same coin, I'm not an avid racer. This past year I've been blessed with opportunities to run a handful of races. I've enjoyed them, and I'll always race some of my favorites or hit up a bucket list race, or try out a new one with a friend for fun, but as far as chasing down some serious time goals and earning all the bling... I don't think that's for me. That may change down the road, but for now, 5 or so races in a calendar year may be just about right!

That's where Challengeville comes into play.

Graphic from Old Guy Running

I heard about this freaking awesome group over a year ago while following a girl on Instagram. She was logging 150 miles for the title of Bigfoot! It was amazing to watch, and I wanted in on this. I started stalking the hashtags used and uncovered this wonderful community of runners just plugging away on the streets, trails, track, and treadmills trying to "claim their fame" in the form of an e-certificate. I'll admit, I thought it was a bit goofy at first and I considered not doing it, or at least not posting the cert when I was done. I chose the Tinman challenge first. 93.3 miles for the month and aiming for an even 100. I was sure I could do it, my training plan mileage suggested, it was in the bag with a little dedication. At the time I was training for a race I wasn't even sure I'd be able to do, but just in case, I was going to work for it.

The last day of July rolled around and I had spent nearly every other morning running the streets of my neighborhood and the local high school track and I chased down my first Tinman and locked in my 100 miles. Holy. Crap. I did it!!! I have never been so proud of myself as I was in that moment. Then I understood the draw to these little certificates that are lovingly generated by Old Guy Running himself. He is proud of his program, and he should be.

Each certificate I've been able to earn and July 2015 mileage goal met... and June goal failed!

See, Challengeville isn't about speed or crowds, although you can make it about that. It's not necessarily about PRs and tec shirts and medals (though maybe one day a component of this may be included =D). Challengeville was created to be better for yourself, push yourself, drive yourself. Do something maybe you've never done before. It's perfect for the recreational runner just looking for the motivation to push themselves out the door each day. It's perfect for the racer, who will be running the miles anyway, so may as well reward yourself during the months leading up to the big day. It's also perfect for someone like me, who dabbles a little in the racing scene, but enjoys a challenge that makes me better for just me (and let's be real, it's FREE!) I almost enjoy a mileage challenge better than a PR goal.

Graphic from Old Guy Running

In Challengeville I can run a 17:00 mile if I want/need to and plug away, not worrying about being the very last person coming into the finish. There won't be any police cars behind me and clean up crews picking up the course as I determinedly make my way to the finish of my goal. Racers and walkers alike, tend to finish the "race" within the same days as one another. In Challengeville I can also be the fastest runner that ever lived, and the end success, I would imagine, still feels the same. I consider myself a "middle of the pack" runner and I'm elated at the completion of each challenge!

 BUT WAIT

There's more to Challengeville than a mileage goal. It's the community. I mentioned within the hashtags lies one of the most supportive online running communities you'll ever find. Within these hashtags I have found friendships that I hold dear. Comradeship of like minded people after the same goals as me, though we may get there differently. They have acted as my mentors, my guides, my friends, and my family for more than a year. They have given to me more than I will ever be able to pay back. I hope to inspire people the way they have inspired me. Long before I joined Run Eat Tweet AZ, before I met up with Aravaipa trail running group, before I finally agreed to an MRTT run, and before I was paired up with my sweet buddy Jaylee through the I Run 4 Michael program, I had Challengeville. They were my very first running family.

Graphic from Old Guy Running

Would you like to join this amazing group on instagram? Would you like to see just how far you can take your goals? Do you just need a little more motivation to get you moving? I promise you, you won't regret this decision. You won't regret this goal. Even if you don't complete it (heaven knows how many months I didn't quite get done in time) there's still more benefits to joining than not. So in the words of my friend Barto, Old Guy Running, "How much can you run in a month?"

Are you just not a runner, or you're not quite there yet? No problem, walk those miles with pride. The distance is the same whether you walk it or run it. Just get up, get out, and move! Go check out the website, look at the challenges, look through the hashtags, sign up for September! I think you'll be glad that you did!

Graphic from Old Guy Running

Run3rd 5k Race Recap

Where do I even begin with this race? What a great morning! First off let me start by saying, I had the great pleasure of running into Mindy Przeor, the race director, at a Jr. High city cross country meet, and what a sweet sweet lady! I could feel her excitement for this race while talking with her, that benefited the Mesa Public Schools after school running programs, which just made me more excited for it. If you visit www.run3rd.com you can read about how this all started! The idea/concept/movement of Run3rd is Sean Astin's.

Packet Pick Up was at Tribe Multisport in Mesa, AZ

Flat Runner!  Mikey (Sean Astin) will be at the race, surely Goonies was necessary.

This race was easy for me. It was close, I knew exactly how to get there (being directionally challenged, I was definitely excited about this), I could park at Red Mountain High School track parking lot, which had more than enough room, and walked down onto the track where the race was set to start.

Table full of medals!  Don't those look GREAT!

I walked through the small crowd searching for friends and familiar faces. I noticed a big crowd close to the start line and assumed it was the crowd around Sean, but didn't want to interrupt or push my way through. I wanted a picture with him, but I wasn't going to stress it too much. I located friends easily. First Laura, next Emily! I didn't know she was racing! On my way out to the car for a quick drop off of stuff I ran into Helly, Corine, Kristin and Jeremy! Awesome! I knew there were others coming I was hoping to meet, but I hadn't found them yet.

At the Starting Line. From left to right Emily, Helly, Corine

Emily and I stood around chatting for a bit and then I noticed that Sean was close to where we were, picking up his bib number. After just a smidgen of prodding from Emily I went over and waited for a chance to snap a picture with him. I was so excited!! It was the only opportunity I had as the day went on, so I'm super glad I took advantage of it.

Star Struck!!  I wanted to tell him all about Jaylee, but there just wasn't time!

It was time for the race to start! We all lined up.. runners, walkers, speedsters, strollers and children. This is the only part I was kinda worried about. I've seen some other kids dash runs and there are ALWAYS kids who end up tripping and falling and getting trampled at the very beginning of the race because they're right up at the front. I heard a kid or two got hurt, but it sounds like it wasn't too bad. I hope that was the case!  We heard some words from the Mayor and then from Sean, and then we were off!

Picture from Bert Jones Photography.  He donated his time and talent.  Thanks Bert!!

I had planned to go very slow. My hip had been bothering me the whole week and I had pain in my calf as well. The course started out by looping around clockwise on the track and then down along the high school and elementary school campus. About halfway through the first mile I looked down at the garmin and realized, I WAS NOT going slow!! In fact, I was going so fast! A 9:00 mile for me, right now, is very fast. But my hip didn't hurt at all, so I just decided to go with it. Just a little before mile 1 I ran into another friend, Olivia! I've been following her on instagram for a while and was excited to finally meet her in person. Her pace was matching mine so we stuck together! How stinking fun is that!

And we're off!  You can see my awesome Jailbreak socks! (Bert Jones Photography)

A little into mile 2 I was struggling to breathe so I walked for just a few seconds trying to get a couple deep breaths in and then I caught back up to Olivia. Just as we were about coming to the end of the third mile we also caught up to my friend Laura. That girl was cruisin'!! That last part was so funny. We're running and cheering for other runners and repeating Mikey's line from "Goonies" when they're down in the bottom of the well. I was laughing so hard! That does not help breathing, but it was so much fun! I finished that race with Olivia. I've never finished a race with a friend before, it was so so fun! I felt her reach for my hand as we were crossing the line, but I wasn't paying attention, hahaha! I bet those finish line pictures are gonna look so funky :P. I can't wait to see them!

It actually turned out GREAT!!  This is my favorite running picture ever! (Bert Jones Photography)

Laura!! She PR'd!  Way to go Laura! She Runs 4 Annelise

Running the race with a friend is so much more different than running it alone. Sure I had just "met" Olivia, but I felt like I knew her from social media. Our world is so plugged in these days, and there's worry about people not connecting like before, but there's so much benefit from it also, and yesterday I reaped those benefits 10 fold. We cheered each other on and urged each other to push hard, even when we were tired. We finished that race strong and together. Man am I grateful for her. We both ran a sub 30!!

Olivia!!

Official Time from 4 Peaks Racing

After the race I located all my Run Eat Tweet AZ peeps and we got a couple of group shots. Boy do I love these runners. They have become good friends and I love having people I can talk running to and they just get it instantly.

Instagram: Olivia, Corine, Jeremy, Emily, Helly, Kristin

Photos from Jeremy

Later, as everything was wrapping up I even managed to get an autograph on the ribbon of the medal!

Thank you Sean and Mindy! (Thanks Kristin for the picture!!)

The back of the medal, and Sean's autograph! Can't wait to send this to Jaylee!

This race was so well organized! Mindy and Kris did such a great job. There was a water station close to the halfway point, plenty of snacks before and after the race, the course was a touch long (according to my garmin), but I'd rather long than short anyway. The volunteers were amazing as well! Anyone who is willing to give up some early hours of their Saturday morning to come hand out water and stand at turns to direct runners and cheer for us should get some mad props!! The little kids both running and volunteering were so stinking cute! I loved seeing them out there (even though I did almost plow one over who cut right in front of me and then stopped suddenly! YIKES!!)

Lego Jaylee goes on every run with me!

I'm hoping that this race becomes an annual thing. I really had an amazing time promoting it and running it. I would run it every year if it's an option! Thank you Sean Astin for your Run3rd concept. Thank you for sharing it with all of us! Thank you Mindy for having an idea of creating a race for it and seeing it through. It always means so much to me to run for a bigger purpose. Thank you to all the sponsors! Thank you Bert Jones Photography for donating your time and talent and providing FREE pictures! Thank you volunteers for the time you donated to help before during and after the race!  It was an amazing day!

I Run3rd 4 Jaylee always.  Today I ran for her whole family and for Sandoval! (Bert Jones Photography)

Mindy, Kris, Sean (Bert Jones Photography)

Startline Racing Race Recap

I ran my Startline Racing half marathon today. If you remember, I won an entry to any race put on by them about 25 weeks ago while attending a Run Eat Tweet AZ event in the summer. I sat on that for a long time trying to decide what to do and finally settled on the Going the Distance full Marathon slated for April 4th. Then in Jan I lost three weeks of training and decided to down grade to the half marathon.

Packet Pick Up.  You get the medal right away!

Race discount!  Thanks Startline Racing and Run Eat Tweet AZ!

 

I knew going into this race I wasn't really physically ready to run it. Training wise I was, but with the pain in my hip/lower back and even pain in my shin, I knew I would struggle a little. Also with the Arizona heat already making an appearance, but I was determined to do this race.

At the Start.  What am I getting myself into!

Let me pause here for a minute and talk quickly about the race directors of Startline. I reached out to them to let them know about my sweet buddy Jaylee. Boy do I love bragging about her and sharing her story. She's such a special girl and inspires me so much. They gave me an extra medal to send to her! Can you believe that! Jeff sent me an email saying to find him at the race and he'd hook me up. He happened to be at the food station at the end refilling waters when I saw him, let him know who I was and he said, oh yeah! We've got one all ready for you! I believe he was genuinely happy to do it, and that made my whole day!

Yes I run with a Lego representation of my sweet buddy Jaylee!

Back to the race. I came prepared to run with fuel (Sunrype fruit strips) that works better for me and an electrolyte (Cocogo) that hasn't failed me yet that is so easy on my stomach. I was nervous my intestinal tract would react the same way as Phoenix, but it didn't and that was the best thing that could happen. I figured I'd keep the Cocogo flowing through my bottle and make stops at the water stations to get my water. That worked like a charm. Isn't it great when plans work out! I think I was still a bit dehydrated, but through no fault of Startline Racing. I felt as though they were prepared for the heat with water/Gatorade stops every couple of miles. They even refilled my water bottle for me! Thank you!

Flat Runner!

I of course went in with the strategy to start slow and work up my speed, but of course I went out way too fast. I had no problem slowing it down though! Ha! I slowed down a little every single mile, the opposite of my plan, but eh, it was alright, I figured I'd do it. The course is run along a trail system of a wash or canal. While it was filled with desert plants that are blooming and pretty right now, they're an allergists nightmare. By mile 8 asthma hit, and I had to make deliberate efforts to continue to breathe as deeply as I could and out all the way. The feeling passed and I was able to continue, though I had a few more bouts of that. The other problem I had was hip/sciatic pain. It didn't hurt right away, but by mile 5 I could feel it, and it was just hurting more as I went. I expected it, but had hoped I would be able to ignore it better than I did.

I was struggling through this race also. There is an almost 7 mile stretch of straightaway running, and then you turn around and run back 4 of those miles. I had heard this, but figured since most of my routes are repeats and I get bored on them, but can zone them out well, I figured this wouldn't be a problem. I was mistaken. I THINK that if I wasn't experiencing the pain, I may have handled it better, but it is what it is.

The route.  Don't be fooled by the blue, there is no water in there.

 At mile 8 when I started having a hard time breathing and running I texted my husband, almost in tears, that I was struggling. A few minutes later he texted me back with this! That pushed me over the edge and I cried for a minute. But of course it made it harder to breathe so I quickly composed myself and pressed on.

Man I'm lucky I have him!

I finally reached the turn around somewhere around mile 9 and was having a hard time with my get up and go. And then this sweet gal came up behind me and said, come on, you got this! Pace with me. And so I ran with her. We chatted a little, we swapped names, quickly talked about our goal for the race and then we ran side by side for I think almost a mile. She was convinced I could still get a PR, I was quite certain that was gone. She cheered me on in my suffering and was my voice of confidence when I didn't have one at that point, and then I had to walk. My hip was aching and my breathing was getting hard again. But I didn't let her out of my sight. I kept pushing.

I figured I wasn't grabbing a PR but I could try to get as close to my original time if I really tried hard. I picked up the pace. If this girl thought I could do it, then maybe I could. With 2 miles left I caught up to her and she flashed me the biggest smile and shouted something like "go get it!" I was delirious, so I'm not quite sure. I thanked her, as meaningfully as I could gasping for air and took off. It was still a run/walk, but at as quick a pace as I could muster. I passed the last water stop and I heard her shout again and it just made me smile! I passed another girl who I had had the privilege of chatting with the first couple miles of the race and gave her a thumbs up and good job and joked that I was dying and not a quiet runner (I was vocally suffering ;)). She laughed and told me I was a great runner, and that just helped push me a little more.

Official Results from Startline Racing website.

Now I come to my most favorite part ever. My sweet children have been homeschooling themselves on Harry Potter lately and each of them had a stick (wands) in their hands when I turned the corner to cross the finish line. They were shouting and laughing, but I couldn't understand what they were saying. Turns out they were shouting "expecto patronum" to help me go faster! Hahaha, bunch of little weirdos! 

My great boys the night before the race.

My sweet daughter the night before the race.

Most supportive husband the night before the race.

The boys' wands the night before the race.

I grabbed something to eat, went and sat with my family for a bit to stretch and rest and then got up to find these two gals who helped me so much on the course. I could not find them anywhere! I roamed through 3 times, but seemed to have missed them. I hope to follow their lead one day and am able to offer that kind of support to someone on the course one day who needs it. I am continually amazed at how wonderful complete strangers are to one another. It blesses my life each and every time I run into one of these givers.

Man it was HOT!! So glad that's done!

 

So, again, it wasn't quite the race I'd have liked to have, BUT it was still a good time. Each time I run, I learn new lessons. So today, I'll log away my lessons and remember them for next time. Would I do another Startline Racing event? Yeah, probably, just probably not on this course . Time to recover a little and get ready for my next race, the Run3rd 5k next week!

Why Would I Ever Run Sick?

I ran a 5k yesterday morning with a virtual racing team that was started here in Arizona, called Arizona Virtual Running, so there's a pretty good amount of locals who run the race. It seems insignificant, but it was a very important race for me. It meant enough for me to run it with a sinus infection and upper respiratory illness, in the cold, and with the wind.

Last year it was my first race I ran for me. I struggled so badly. I had just started running again a few weeks before and was just praying for at least one of the three miles in the 9's. I fought like crazy to get at least one (9:46). The rest were in the 10's. I finished last year with a distance of 2.81 (there was a gigantic puddle at the halfway point, so the distance was shortened) and on track to have a 5k in 32:09.

This year I wanted to see how far I could push. I have already gotten a non racing 5k in 26:56, I wanted to know if I could do it again, and then I got sick. I didn't care how miserable I was, I was running this thing. I finished at a distance of 3.02 on track to complete the 5k in 27:55!!! One of my miles was in the 8's (8:47). The others might have been as well, but when we turned around at the halfway, we turned right into a headwind!! I was so frustrated! I pushed as hard as I could, but my lungs and chest just couldn't get back below a 9, though I was close, I was struggling physically to push myself to the end. At one point with the end in sight I stopped for just a moment trying to breathe better, but realized if I just get it done, I'll be done. Mentally, I was as strong as ever. I pushed everything left in the tank out to finish this thing strong.

Why was this so significant though? I spent this whole year fighting for myself. I pushed my limits mentally and physically. I dealt with pain, frustration, injury, and doubts. I tried new things and succeeded. I tried new things and failed. But I never once gave up on myself and what I wanted. I feel like this race marked my succession on a job well done (though I'm not actually finished).

Then, I "met" this cute little 3 year old a couple weeks ago. I am a member of the "I Run 4 Michael" community on Facebook (this link will take you to their website). The admins pair runners with buddys (children and adults) with disabilities and give us the opportunity to build relationships with each other and the families and dedicate our runs, workouts, whatever we choose, to our buddy. Well after waiting for 19 weeks I was paired with the most amazing little girl! Her desire to fight astounds me and the love of her family and friends to support one another is simply heartwarming and amazing. Let me introduce her to you using the words of her mother Paige:

Jaylee suffered an in utero stroke during my pregnancy that left her with severe brain damage. At 4 months old she had her first seizure and she was immediately diagnosed with epilepsy after an EEG.. (those were controlled with medications) but at 7 months old she had her first infantile spasm.. I don't know if you know much about those but they are pretty devastating and very hard to control. None of the treatments controlled Jaylee's spasms and before we knew it she was having hundreds of seizures a day (her neuro now thinks she was basically seizing all day every day).

Jaylee was being seen here in Indiana at the Children's hospital (Riley) in Indianapolis but they were continously unable to control her seizures. We watched Jaylee slowly drift away. Due to illnesses, medications, and the  number of seizures she was having.. she was losing any and all the progress she had worked so hard in her many therapies to reach. At 1 1/2 she lost all head control, her ability to swallow, her ability to bear any and all weight on her legs, and she was starting to lose her sweet personality ( I forgot to mention that Jaylee is the HAPPIEST, sweetest little thing in the entire world).

Desperate, we took her to Cleveland Clinic in Ohio for another opinion in July of 2013. The neurology team there presented Jaylee's case and in January of 2014 we got a call from her neuro that she was a candidate for a surgery there where they would remove the bad (right hemisphere) part of her brain as a last resort to control her seizures. We went ahead with the surgery. Jaylee had only a 50% chance to come out seizure free but we couldn't stand to watch her suffer the way she was for another day.

Today, Jaylee is 269 days seizure FREE! :) (as of Nov 23, 2014)

Jaylee has Cerebral Palsy, Schizencephaly, Encephalomalacia, quadraplegia, cortical blindness in both eyes, global developmental delays, and she underwent a hemispherectomy (that I mentioned about) and the entire right hemisphere of her brain was completely disconnected. She has a feeding tube and her way of getting around is in a very blinged-out pink wheelchair!

Her medical diagnoses list is long but she is the happiest little girl. She LOVES to swim and she loves music and being around family and people.  She smiles and laughs constantly :) She goes to school 5 days a week and she loves it! Words can't really describe how amazing she is or how much she means to me. I don't think I could ever love anyone like I love her!

Runner Buddy Brag Alert:  I get to run for this amazing girl, every day. She also spent this whole year fighting for herself. I believe wholeheartedly that she wanted to be here on this earth. She wanted to be with her loving family as long as she could, and now I have the great honor to have her in my life. This weighed on my mind heavily as I struggled to get through this race. This race was not only for me, but also for Jaylee. Though our struggles are different, and there's a 30 year difference in age, she inspires me and already helps me want to be even better and work even harder and love my family more.

So while running sick was not entirely the smartest decision I've ever made and bucks against what I've learned about resting and recovering and listening to my body, if there ever was a day to throw caution to the wind, yesterday was that day.

Thank you to everyone who's ever supported me, loved me, strengthened me, and given me constructive advice. I'm not done fighting and have so much left to give. Sweet Jaylee fights everyday as well and I will do whatever I can to support this sweet little girl who inspires me so much. Thank you Jaylee for being in my heart, on my mind and in my waterbottle pouch (in lego form of course) as we ran this race together and crossed that finish line together. Both of my medals (last year's and todays) will be shipped to you after Thanksgiving as a reminder to always fight as best we can.
(The picture at the end is Laura, my new friend. She's an I Run 4 runner also and lives here in Mesa. She runs for Annelise who lives in Australia!)