The MOTHERLODE Post…Four Races and One New Job later Update.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Its funny how the universe works. I have been meaning to post a blog update for some time now. I mean after these last few races even. But something always came up. Shocking I know…today, I woke up at my normal time, rolled out of bed and thought, this morning is the morning…and LOOK here we are.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Let’s kick this off with a few short recaps on the last four races I’ve done. Because there has been still running in my life.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Dog Day Trail 10k–September 2014
This was my second year running in this race. The race is actually a fund raiser for our local humane society. I had the privilege to run with a dear friend this year, who decided to make this race her first official 10k race ever. So it was extra special to be apart of that experience. Like always it is well organized, had a good turn out and the views! Holy views batman. The race course is apart of the OAT (Olympic Adventure Trail) out here in the PNW- Olympic Peninsula. The race starts on a wide fire access road, then hits a wide dirt trail as it heads into the trees. Eventually the trail turns into compact dirt/rock with a few roots here and there. But the views of the trees, mountains, mixed with the fall colors. This race is an awesome way to kick off the fall season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Crabfest 5k–October 2014
This 5k was a family fun run/walk organized to benefit our local community college girls basketball team. The 5k happens during our towns large Crabfestival weekend. So lots to see and do and oh yes EAT 🙂
Being that the weather on this day was not so great, I was floored at the turn out! The rain was pouring the entire time. To make things interesting, I decided to invite my twins to join me for this race. They excitely agreed to the challenge and hoped in our double stroller….bundled in clear plastic ponchos and blankets to boot! What better was to challenge your 5k time and get some cross-training in, then to push a double stroller with twin 3.5 year olds riding along. Even though the weather seemed against us, and the twins and I arrived a half an hour late to the race. We did complete it, soggy stroller, mom-runner, cocooned twins and all. My 5k time wasnt stellar, but I ran the whole thing enjoying the cheering of my twin supporters who would yell GO MOM GOOOOOOOOO, every so often. The best part of the race you ask? When we crossed the finish line, the entire basketball team had lined both sides and cheered for us…being that we started so late, we were the last to cross. But my girls LOVED it. They cheered WE WON MOMMA LOOK WE WON. I look forward to next year!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Spooky 12k–October 2014
The location of this trail race is a touch of a drive. But so worth it in my opinion. This race is located in Port Gamble, and begins in a wide open field, before sloping down into the tree lined trail. The entire course is a mix of wide fire access road, to dirt path and then single track trail with mud, root and rock. During the entire race, I had to will myself not to stop and take pictures. Because you would be stopping at least every 5 mins to snap a pic of the jaw dropping beauty. I was lucky enough to fall in line with two runners that were from the area and knew the trail well. We ran the last 4 miles together chatting about the area and other races the race organizers help put on. The people who put on this race, as well as nearly every runner that attended, were extremely nice, friendly and outgoing. I arrived to this race alone this year, and once I checked in, I didnt feel alone. The race t-shirts ROCK BTW, I mean really, they are some of the best Ive gotten. The spooky 12k is one I will look forward to doing and hope to add another race event they offer to my list of ones to do for 2016.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Turkey Trot 5k–November 2014
Another local race, just a 10 min drive from home. One of the great things about this race is that its proceeds benefits our local food bank! You also have the option when you check in and pick up your bib, to drop off food donation. What better way to clean out your cupboards for a good cause. The weather for this race couldnt of been any better. It had rained hard the day and night before. But the morning of the race, we had clear skies, it was a beautiful morning. The race takes part on a portion of the Olympic Discovery trail. Im not sure if it was the weather, or the wonderful people I met while waiting for the race to start, or what. But I was able to PR my 5k time with this race and snag the 2nd place ribbon for my age group! Being that there were a LOT of runners for the 5k portion of this race, I will take that as a major high five 🙂 Looking forward to December’s local 5k race.

Then there came work……………

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Towards the end of summer, beginning of fall my family and I were prepping for many things. The twins were about to enter their first year of preschool, my husband was settling in to his new job and I just set up a schedule to balance all of that plus sub in our local school district a few times a week. A few weeks into September and that all changed with a phone call from a teacher friend that works at our local high school. She basically asked if I would ever be interested in teaching full time again. I said well of course! At some point I would love to, esp if the assignment was right. I was then asked to come in and at least long term sub for the high school PE department, while they figured out what to do about the job opening. I agreed to sub for them. I mean how could I say no, we live walking distance to the high school AND it was to teach PE and Health Education. Two things I am passionate about!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Well one thing lead to another, and before I knew it a month went by and I was offered a contract. So long story short, I am now teaching full time in the PE/Health Education Dept at our local high school. Some days I can not believe I get paid to do what I do….other days I feel I dont get paid enough lol. Im stubborn and I like the challenge, even though I may whine about it…thankfully running sprinkled in and round my week and weekends helps a LOT. But it’s the interesting balance between those two feelings that keeps me coming back day after day.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

WHAT is Next in the WORLD of ME THE RUNNER/MOM/WIFE/TEACHER>>>?

RUNNER ME-

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Race calendar still is plugging along, I have a handful of local races I plan on partaking it. Some with a stroller of twin ladies tagging along! I’ve accepted another contract to be a RAGNAR Relay Race Ambassador for the Pacific Northwest again. http://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage

So whether I am training, competing in a race or just teaching PE, I wear my RAGNAR gear with pride. I have over a 100 students currently who never heard of Ragnar before I became their teacher, now most of them are my best fans! So look out world, we have a young RAGNAR-NATION growing out here!

MOMMA ME-

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

The twins are about to celebrate their 4th Birthday in a few days! I look forward to this 4th year filled with more hair requests, outfit demands, questions about everything under the sun and lectures of why we dont do that to your sister…to cont.

WIFE ME-

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

The husband and I was been a unit for a little over 8 years now. And now that I am working full time, on top of us being parents to twins and a fur child (over-sized lab)….we are finding different ways to reconnect and be a team. I am in awe how this marriage thing works. Some days/months are really tough, while others are wonderful. But I think the constant is that we are still standing there, together. That alone should be what is important. I think sometimes we lose sight of that.

TEACHER ME-

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

So many goals! But I have to remind myself, and also what Im currently experiencing is…coming back into teaching after taking a few years off…well coming back is like having to do your first year of teaching over again….really. There are parts thankfully I dont feel like Im brand new at, while others its like day one again back in 2001 when I began my teaching career….but I plan on sticking with this. I plan on furthering my education in the field of physical education. I am honestly enjoying this job even with the bad days where I have doubt. I think everything happens for a reason. There is a reason this came to me, and I want to take it and run with it 🙂

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Look for a December post to come! There are two birthdays (the twins and my own) during this coming month, as well as at least one race. Maybe two…ha!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kell (@seelife3d)

Pizza PIZZA….

First before my spin on this pizza…lets get the crust recipe out of the way. Because I have gotten many questions about it alone. Let’s be honest, you can top it with whatever you like, so I know many just want the crust recipe.

Below the recipe, I will give pictures and details to my family’s favorite Chicken Veggie Spinach Pea Pesto Pizza, as well as some tips for building and cooking the pizza.

For the crust—

2 1/2 cups of crushed wheat flour

1/4 cup of toasted wheat germ

1/4 cup of milled flax seed

1 teaspoon of sea salt

1 teaspoon of instant yeast

1 cup of room temp water

1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus more for greasing the bowl

1 tablespoon of honey

1-2 teaspoons of mrs dash garlic and herb spices

Some like to have two bowls..one small with the yeast, olive oil, honey and water in doing its thing…and one large with the other dry ingredients mixed and waiting.

I like just one large bowl and one med bowl with a lid…I take the large bowl, put in the water, yeast, olive oil and then honey…whisk it. Then leave it be while I gather the other ingredients. I also prep my med bowl and lid, by spray then with some olive oil, then dusting them with the mrs dash garlic and herb spices. Set that aside, I add the flax and the wheat germ to the large bowl that has the water/yeast/olive oil/honey mixture…then fold in the flour till it gets sticky. Once a dough begins to form, I take a little extra flour, dust the counter (or baking sheet if you dont want to messy up your counter) and dump dough out. Knead until smooth about 8-10 mins.

Then place dough ball into prepped med dish, cover with lid. Set aside for at least 2-2 1/2 hours.

Once the time is up, flour your counter or kneading surface area again, and knead again for about 5 mins. Divide dough in half ( if you want to make two med sized pizzas) or leave whole, put back into prepped med bowl (yes I spray and herb dust again) and leave alone for 30 mins-1 hour…its decision time!

If I can, I will roll out dough and bake for dinner that day its made. If I cant. After the last 30 mins- hour, I then make sure its sealed tightly and I put it in the fridge till the next day. Dough will be good up to two days..so you have a touch of time if you dont want pizza that night.

HOWEVER please note- when taking a pizza dough from the fridge, you will want to leave it be for a 30 min rest. to kinda warm up a bit. Trust me its to help you more. But dealing with pizza dough after a night of it hanging out in the fridge is tough, it will most likely give you protest in you wanting it to roll out to a pizza shape and size…it will happen, so keep sweet talking it. But its not going without a fight. 🙂

On to the personal pictures of my own pizza building process….

Pizza dough that has risen twice and was put in fridge overnight. Left out for 20 mins to warm up again…I dump onto floured mats on my counter.

Roll out bigger then you think you will need.

Spray a light olive oil on pan, dust with cornmeal or my fav a little Panko breadcrumbs…

Lay rolled out dough gently into pan, move to fit. Take a fork and make marks to prevent bubbles forming in oven.
Bake at 425 for 10-15 mins till golden.
Prep remaining toppings at this time.

My secret with pizza making…I use tomato paste rather then sauce…trust me. It’s better 😉

Once dough is golden, taken out and build!

Be sure to leave small pockets of room for your toppings to get heat. To many topping will result in melting on top, crust burning and middle to be uncooked or not melted. So if topping on thick…leave pockets.
Once done, back in the oven it goes for another 15-20 mins till the layers are melted and looking good.
I think take it out. Turn the oven to 200, let it drop down to that temp. Cover the pizza in foil and keep it warm in the oven till dinner.
One helpful note…let pizza stand on counter for at least 5-8 mins before cutting. So that toppings do not slide off.
Enjoy!!

RAGNAR NWP 2014- …Where a van of 5 became a team.

Ragnar Racing Series holds a speciel place in my heart. Being asked last year to join a team, when I still so new and shiny to running. Arriving to my first Ragnar to notice, it didnt matter how new I was, what I looked like, or if I knew anyone or not there…because as soon as I loaded into our team van, I was bonded with people who like myself…loved to run. When we arrived to the starting line last year, we unloaded and found ourselves in a sea of happy, excited, smiling people. All who were supporting each other, regardless if they knew your name.

This year was no different. I drove one of the team’s van up, and within 10 mins of driving, you could already feel the team bond happening. We arrived to the starting line area, to see off runner 1 and van 1, and were smacked in the face with runner love from everywhere you looked.

We tattooed, van decorated, cheered on runner one, then it was off to find breakfast while van 1 began the task of follow and support thy runner. Once breakfast was done, we made our way to exchange six, where again to not be inspired by this huge crowd of runners, would just be wrong. It was hard not to keep a smile on your face or feeling the need to give a passer-by a high five. Everyone whether it was during the check in, safety meetings or just being given your Ragnar Relay Tech Tee, everyone was full of energy and giving off the vibe of we are united, we are runners.

Once the meetings were done, we had a little bit of down time to ready ourselves before the hand off. Being that we instead of being a van of 6 were a van of 5, we had formulated a plan of how to cover all said legs. Yes, we accepted the challenge of filling the missing runner spot. Not that we as a team didnt try to fill it first. There were many people looking for just one more runner. But no one really ever stepped up. Then there was brainstorming on how to cover the position. But when it all came down to the time to pack up and go to the race, it was apparent that the KISS method would work best. Van 2 took the challenge and it was GAME ON!

>

The downtime decreased while hanging out at exchange six, and before I knew it I was lacing up my shoes to run. What was funny was, once I was ready to go, I purposely stood near the announcer area so that I could hear our group number when called. But as runners came into the exchange, our number was never one of them. I just happened to look up, and saw our runner 6 beginning to come into the exchange…before I knew it I was off and running. Ready or not! Talk about an adrenaline boost!

As runner 7 on this team, I was assigned three legs, leg one was 3.9, leg two would be 8.7 and leg three was 6.3. To add to the mix, I also took runner 8(the runner position left open) middle-second leg as well, which was 7.7 miles. I tacked that on to follow my second leg, which ended up being around 17 miles.

Leg highlights and lowlights….

First leg threw me a curve ball, however if I would of looked at the race bible close enough, I may of caught the notation. But I purposely don’t look at the maps, or bible to closely, leading up to Ragnar. Not because I don’t want to know, but mostly due to not wanting to totally freak out, or allow my active imagination get the best of me. So one key element I missed about my first leg? Better half of it was all trail. Trail is awesome, don’t get me wrong, I think I would love trail even more then I do if it didn’t have the rocks etc everywhere..rocks hurt. The views along the way, truly not only beautiful, but really helped in distracting me from the stepping wrong on said rocks. I was thankful that leg one for me was the shortest. The heat of the day, rocks on said trail, and lack of having van support due to location of path. Left me a bit worn towards the end of the leg. It was however my best run time out of the four legs ran. But being that was my first leg, I knew it would be. Fun none the less. I was thrilled to see my van mates round the corner at the exchange as I was waiting to hand off the slam bracelet to our next runner.

Leg two-three combo…mentally I was ready for the distance. That isn’t what made me nervous about taking on such a long run. It was pace and environment. I knew with such a long distance for me as a runner, I needed to pace myself accord. Meaning, I would need to run slower, and run where I could feel myself run slower. That would be a challenge, but during the run I kept one ear bud in my ear, with my tracker gps going. At each mile it would tell me my distance, time and mile pace. I was able to adjust accordingly. There were some rough huge hills at the beginning and middle line of the second leg and two at the beginning of the third. By directing a lot of energy and focus on pace, I found that even walking a large portion of the hills during the third leg, I still was keeping with my overall pace goal for the run. All that being said, environment isn’t something when running a course, you can truly control…

Like holy hills and how much of your equipment/gear can go wrong. The start of the run, it was already dark out, and as I was running, my headlamp just wasn’t as bright as other runners. First I thought it was due to the bill of my hat, so as I ran, I fiddled with the light and the hat. Yep, didn’t matter. So once I saw my team van roll slowly by, and heard the shout of “how you doing, need anything?”…I quickly yelled my headlamp sucked ass. As I rounded a corner, I saw two teammates standing there, one holding her own headlamp. We made the switch and I was back to running, fresh and BRIGHT….much love being felt to my van. As I got close to the 5 mile mark, I began to get thirsty. No problem I thought, I had the hydro-pack ready to go. Took a sip from the tube…nothing. Tried again, and again…nothing. Thought to self, ok, not the end of the world, eat a blok and make due to the exchange, then get water before continuing on to the next exchange. Sounds simple enough right?

Well I began to fish around my hydro vest pockets, looking for where I normally stash bloks and chews, (all while still running mind you) and came up empty handed. Then it dawned on me, I never put the bloks I brought for this long legged night time beast of a run into the vest…At this point I was very THANKFUL I was alone, in the dark, running…because I shared with the night, some very colorful language of how I really felt about the situation I was in. My legs were on auto pilot and kept running, while the rest of me was pissed and slightly worried about the situation. It seemed my van could sense I was in need. Because a mile later, they appeared with another slow roll by check in (a good portion of both legs, it wasnt safe nor wide enough for team vans to pull over. So they made a point to pull over and wait where they could. Or turn around a slowly drive pass me and check in that way. being that it was so late at night, thankfully there was little to no traffic on the streets, other then vans for other runners) at which time I was able to give a low down to the situation. I was told they would be pulled over up ahead where it was safe and we would deal with the gear issues. Half mile or so later, I saw them on the side of the road. As I came up to them, one teammate began fiddling with my hydro vest back, trying to get the tube and bladder to work. While another teammate fed me bloks and made me drink water. At that moment, my brain was fuzzy with trying to watch the runners ahead, fighting the urge to just keep running, and to just chew, drink , chew drink. Once the hydro-vest was fixed I was on my way again. I left my teammates completely and whole heartily thankful for them all at this point. Because without them, I would of been royally in a bad situation.

As I entered the first exchange to this double legged run, I was feeling pretty good. I had 8.7 or so behind me in miles, and was looking at another near 8 miles to go. I entered the exchange, to see in the dim lite area one of my teammates. He smiled and asked how I was doing. I quickly yelled back, “GOOD! but I would love a buddy in 2-3 miles or so” and continued running. The second leg of this run had a good little section of down hill in the beginning. I was thankful for it, along with the street lights. So I made my best to recover while going down hill and stretch. My GPS app chimed in my ear that I had gone 12-13 miles and as I rounded the next corner. Poof! a van mate was standing there, headlamp on and ready to roll. I was floored. I couldnt tell you if the entire van was along side the road, or if it was just him. Because honestly I saw him and was THRILLED. He began to run along side me for another half mile, then we walked some. Because by mile 14 I was entering my next plan for this long run. Which was interval the heck out of the remaining distance. Because you will be tired and you still need to run a little over 6 miles in your fourth leg of the race later that day…so be smart and interval. So that is what we did, intervals and taking in the night sights.
Entering the last two miles of the run, my teammate and I came up to another teammate waiting along the road. They high fived each other. He departed to the van, while she and I took off down a little trail to a pedestrian foot bridge over Fidalgo Bay. At which point I will never forget what we said when we stepped foot on the bridge in the darkness of night/early morning…”holy crap what is this thing?!?”…but we kept moving, from the bridge that seems to go on a long time, to a trail where we pasted what we think was some sort of pissed off critter who had had enough of runners going by. To passing the one mile left to go sign, which left me grinning like a fool all the way to the exchange. Where I was able to hand off to my teammate and walk to the van, attempt with grace (more stumble and look like a shaking idiot) to change out of some of my damp clothing. I was freezing. But boy was I a happy, tired and hungry camper 🙂

My fourth and final leg was not my most stellar 10k time. But I tried to remind myself after it was overall that I had just ran 17 miles earlier in the day, so hey I was a bit tired lol. During the leg, I really tried to just enjoy the run, the area we were running in.

As well as I made a point to say good morning and great job to all the runners who past me on the course. I wogged (faster then walking, slower then running) along, snapping pictures, mentally just taking it all in.

I’m so proud of the team and how we were able to again complete another Ragnar Relay. Weather couldn’t of been better, there were no injuries really, and everyone was still standing, smiling and high five-ing each other at the end. But one thing I can honestly say is this year, my van rocked my socks off with support during the legs. I think everyone in our van could say that. You not only never really felt alone (for long anyways). But to be offered the constant support that was as simple as a honk and cheer every couple of miles, to a do you need anything yell, to even a your going to stop right here and eat/drink this, then you can continue..command. Our van started out as five individual runners, but left Ragnar as a team.

Would I do another Ragnar? YES, so much so I wish I could take the offers to fly to races and run them with friends! But unless I all of a sudden obtain a nanny and a private plane…I don’t believe that will be happening.

HOWEVER I will be signing on again to be a member of the Ragnar Relay’s Ambassador Team, for this upcoming season. I will promote my heart out for them, because the experience this relay gives, whether its here in the PNW or anywhere across the country at any of their relays…It is a unique, challenging, push yourself to your limits and beyond, make long lasting friends experience….

I will end this blog post, with a Facebook post from a fellow Ragnar teammate who summarized his Ragnar exp…and the man has had many… “Ragnar is a once-a-year religion, a 196 mile pilgrimage from the mount of “I Can Do This” through the valley of “What Was I Thinking” and up to the summit of “Look What We Did!” It’s you and 11 disciples, bringing the Good News about carb-loading, caffeine, and carefully timed visits to the Honey Bucket. Ragnar is the worst and best thing you can do to your legs, all day and all night and all day again. Ragnar will remind you of the worshipfulness of sleep.’

On to the next!

~K
————-

The one, thee only…. NODM…

NODM, otherwise known as The North Olympic Discovery Marathon. Which is held out here on the Olympic Peninsula every June.

Was to be my first half marathon, but turned out to be my third. NODM is based here in my home town, so how can one say no to participating in something in their backyard?!? The time of year alone screams for you to get outside. The race is a large event for our town, and is organized and ran well by the community.

Another plus to this race, I have ran nearly the entire half marathon course a few times. As well as half of it close to a hundred times. This would be my first race, where I was very familiar with the course. Which turned out to not only relax me on race day, but gave me a def confidence boost.

The half marathon starting line began near a community soccer field, surrounded by a few houses and farmland…with a beautiful view of the Olympic National Park. There were shuttle buses that runners had an option to catch to the 10k, half and full marathon starting lines. Which was really nice to have the option to use, I was able to just hitch a ride into town, walk to the bus stop, get on and relax.

Starting line area, we all lined up, listened to opening announcements from race officials, then waited for the gun to go off. Waiting the few minutes for the gun/horn to go off wasnt to hard. Lots of friendly runners around to chat with, as well as HOLY VIEW. From the mountain range, to the farmland around us. The sun and fog beginning to lift…needless to say there was lots of distraction from wanting the start to just happen.

Gun went off and we started to run. The beginning of the course was flat and nice, twisting along farmland and near old olympic hwy. Lined with runner’s families, friends and our awesome community supporters cheering everyone on. After two small hills, the course turned and we began running on just the olympic discovery trail…lined with trees..no cars to see. Which I really enjoyed. Its nice to run along and see all sorts of birds, flowers etc.

By mile 4-5, most of the runners had thinned out, into a spaced out line. We all plugged along. I chose not to listen to music during this race. So it was kinda fun to run along, being passed or passing people and listening to various conversations, pep talks, grunts and cheers. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It also helped that nearly every few miles, there were water/aid stations. Volunteers stood around and lined the trail, cheering and passing out drinks as we passed. Even though I have my hydro vest on, and declined the drinks. It was still nice to get the five highs and cheers as I passed.

The day was fairly toasty as the morning wore on, so as we neared the water, I think a lot of us cheered! The last 5 miles of the race, runs along the water. So not only are you being cooled down by the sea breeze, but the view will distract you! From the seals, otters and bald eagles, to the ships in our port and Coast Guard helicopter flying by. Lots to keep your mind busy and look at as you run.

Nothing beats coming around the corner, seeing the crowd on both sides of the trail and the finish line. I think mentally I was telling myself “dont fall….dont fall! keep going, focus on the finish line, dont spaz out!”. Once across the finish line, you are surrounded by race volunteers handing you drinks, giving you a medal and walking you to the bag drop area to claim your bag. Honestly all of that was a blur, because I found for me, right after a long run, Im still fairly zoned out, my body still feels like its running. I remember being really thankful for all the volunteers to tell me what to do and show me where things were. That rocked!

Once medal and drop bag were claimed, I wandered over to the live music and food tent. The spread at the food tent was INSANE. From the basic bagels and fresh fruit, to assortment of muffins, croissants, nuts, pretzels, different cookies and spreads…as well as different drinks. So many choices! Which for this lady was not only fun, but helpful. I met up with my twins and husband and took the twins to get a few snacks from the tent. They loved getting to choose what they wanted. My family and I enjoyed the snacks and the live music was really fun and festive to listen and dance too.

My goal for this race was to keep a steady pace, so that when I approached a hill, I could slow, run up it, recover if needed, and then gain speed again. I knew there would be at least two points of the race where I would stop and walk the hill portion. I was ok with doing that, and planned on making up the time lost, during the flat parts of the race. My personal goal (because lets be honest, we all have them) was to cross the finish line at least at 2:30. My last official half marathon race I received the time of 2:35, so coming in at 2:30 I thought was a safe goal to have. This race I came in at 2:15. Looking back over my splits after the race. I saw that I ran the first 3-4 miles way to fast. And by mile 4-5, I was going a lot slower then I have in months. However from mile 6 on to the finish line I was able to recover and maintain an even pace. Lesson learned- slow down at the beginning! resist the urge to go with the flow of runners!

Looking forward to next years race…debating on if 2015’s race will be the full marathon race for me…it being my first, I think it could be a perfect fit 🙂

Rhody Me This….

Rhody Run 2013 http://www.rhodyrun.com/   was burnt into my brain as being a tough hill fest gut buster. No joke. So when friends and fellow running club buddies asked what I thought about said race, my response was always- fun with huge hills!….Needless to say, I registered to run in this race hoping just to do a tad bit better then I did last year.

I hitched a ride with a few other runner friends, and after we picked up our packets, we were able to leisurely walk by to our car, get bibs on, take off the sweatshirt, grab a snack etc. Then we headed back to the field near the starting line. Weather day of was clear. Showed up a bit early, which is good. Parking is awesome, but as everyone arrives to either run or support the runners and watch/cheer, driving around can get a little frustrating. Also, getting there early insures you to be able to pick up your race packet with out to much of a line…and very little of a line at the porta-potties! A fresh/clean porta potty is like JACKPOT. Seriously. 

The start of the race was smooth, but slow due to the amt of people and the size of the road you first run on. But as you hit your first mile, things begin to open up. Last year I experienced the hills as a major issue. Because the ones on this course are not huge, but not small either. I focused a good portion of my recent training runs to have some hill work. So I do believe that helped with this race. The course rolls along, going around a few corners, then down and Uppppp, then flat then down and uppp then dowwwwwn… course info here- http://www.rhodyrun.com/course-info.html

While you plug along the course, its inspiring to see such a huge turn out in the community support. Lots of homeowners, families lined the course, offering water, or just holding a garden hose to spray a runner down if they were asked. It was a wonderful feeling to be running along, hearing cheers from people, as well as 80’s music “eye of the tigar’ blaring from home stereos.

I really felt like the race went by way to fast this year. It was a drastically different experience then I had last year. Instead of wondering when it would be over, I was enjoying myself. Paced even in the beginning, slowed down for the first major hill, even walked the tail end of it…gained speed on the flats, recovered on the down hills, but kept the pace even, then picked it up at the end to finish strong. That was my plan, and that is what i stuck too. The result- I felt really good. I was exhausted, or wishing to sit down and die. HA! one year, major changes! Last years time was 1:37. This year was 1:15.

As you cross the finish line, you turn in your time chip, then are motioned to a fenced in area. This is where your given your t-shirt, check results from the race, grab your free beer, snacks and chat with fellow friends and finishers.

Overall, great race, family friendly course, for lots of walkers as well as runners big and or small. 🙂

 

A little OAT never hurt anyone….

I found out about the OAT Run actually last year, after the fact. Quickly made a mental note to catch a chance to run it this year. And well we had success. Yep, not sure there is a huge number of people, crazy enough to make their second trail run ever, a half marathon…. So hi, nice to meet you, I’m a bit off my rocker ;)….Thing is,  I like challenges. I dislike being told I cant do something (within legal reasons of course). With this one I was told basically, “it would be to much for you”. Now, I know the friend that told me that, it was coming from a good place. I respect them more then they know, I soak up their running stories, wisdom, and advice on what to work on. I file everything away and think about things during the times I run alone. I’m a thinker, always have been. It may sometimes appear that things are going in one ear and out the other. It’s not. REALLY. So, being told that, I excepted the challenge. I knew this half marathon would be hard, I knew I would have to be more mindful. I wasn’t nervous about the distance, but I was nervous on the technical side. Its trail, you got to look down, plan your footing so to speak. Being that I’m one, who when out in nature, could be found stopped dead in her tracks with her mouth hanging open. Saying “Holy shit! look at this beautiful view!”…Me focusing on just whats in front of me is hard lol

 

My goals for this race were- look down, stop and take pictures, enjoy it, don’t worry about everyone else, and DON’T FALL…as much. I had really no time goal in mind, never been on the course so why would I. I reminded myself, Im still a newbie to running. Its only my second trail type run. While I have gained confidence with running distance, the type of course, location, people around, maybe a chance of an animal, still gives me a bit of doubt. But I registered, trained when I could, and decided what will happen, will happen. Morning came and I loaded on a shuttle bus, and bumbled down the road to the starting line….nerves on high alert.

 

Note- when Kell’s nervous, she rarely talks. Yep, I’m totally in my head where its safe, until the nerves settle. While hanging out at the starting line, everyone had about 15-20 mins to kill.

The awesome race directors wanted to make sure everyone that was in line for the porta-potty, actually got to use it. Not only that, but I’m sure dealing with a pile of drop bags, people hiking up the hill to do business, getting questions, and taking pictures all aided in the start delay. Which was nice, most of the runners not in line for something were hanging out, talking etc…I was listening, smiling (trying too), nodding, trying to breathe.

 

Eventually everyone got arranged for the start, and we were off. There were a good number of runners participating in the half. A larger number I learned later, would be participating in the 12k, that would begin on our course later in the morning.I made a point to start in the way back of the group. The idea of having a large group behind me, as I try to tell myself to run faster done a trail, in all honesty freaked me out. That and I didn’t want to piss anyone off! Any chance I got, if someone came up behind me, I would get over when it was safe. The amazing thing was during the race, a few people did that for me! HA! which was a nice little push in the confidence dept. I would like to also note how nice everyone was!! That is definitly a highlight to running in races in this area. Everyone for the most part is super nice and very polite 🙂

 

A dear friend stuck near me the entire race, which was extremely sweet and very confidence building in itself. The best part was we have run a lot together before, so she knew when to push and when to leave it be. It made it a heck of a lot more fun too also have a friend near by. Many of our mutual running friends are faster, more experienced trail runners as is she. So I felt honored that she cared enough to hang back with me. We chatted nearly the entire race, took pictures, cheered on runners that past by as we went. It was really a great trail run experience. However………not so great you ask? My lack of water. I was a bit more dependent on the two aid stations then I wanted to be. I was wearing my hydro-vest filled with it!! So the issue? Well, lets just say I did a mistake that you read about not doing….I tried something new.

 

Before hoping in the car, to drive with friends to the bus pick up. A friend of mine gave me powder to throw into my vest bladder. It was suppose to help you during a run. I figured, for this race I needed all the help I could get! Esp with settling my nerves…So I threw it in the vest bladder and off we went….MAJOR NO NO. I’m sure its a wonderful substance, maybe best to drink well mixed with water in a bottle. I got the pleasure to experience it, not mixed well, from my drinking tube….out on mile 4ish. See my hydro vest bladder has the tube connection at the bottom. The tube then comes up and attaches to your shoulder, then swings around and clips across your chest. When I took a sip, I received a mouth full of water, thick with powder…..What I think happened was the powder add in, settled to the bottom of the bladder (I didn’t shake the thing a bit prior to the start of the race enough!) meaning I would not be able to drink it. Tasted like chalk. I tried a few times to get past the taste and couldn’t do it. So I focused on trying to get a good amount, quickly at the two aid stations along the course. Sounds like a good plan right? Well considering on a normal day I drink about a gal of water a day, not having the freedom to drink anything when I wanted, then to have a very limited amt of time to drink something on the course…wasn’t good. 

 

Cresting the last hill and seeing the tents and finishers come into view. I noted something was off. I felt really off. I was tired, which was expected, I was enjoying myself, making most of the moment. But felt internally off balance. I remember mentally noting to get water, food, something asap, to see if that would help shake the feeling. I was distracted for a short while as I crossed the finish line. Hearing the cheers of fellow finishers and friends. That was an amazing feeling! My friend then I crossed the finish line, and were immediately surrounded by our friends. Everyone was a buzz with what they each experienced on the trail. I felt a bit bad, for within a few minutes I was having a very hard time focusing on what they were saying. Trying to maintain smiling and nodding, I began to scan for where a tent was to get something to drink! Once located, and I got a few gulps down me, I began to feel much better. Lesson learned stick to liquids you know while running a race!

 

Another highlight to this awesome trail race? The AFTER PARTY BBQ!!!! Yes they feed you as well peeps! We were bused back to the shuttle pick up location from the morning, and could see and smell one great bbq going on. Everyone dropped off their stuff and heading to either the beer or food line. Both which were free with race entry. Once you had your beer and food, you had your choice of a fire-pit to sit around or various tables. Food never tasted so good, and BBQ is one of my favorites :). The beer wasn’t half bad either, bonus-you were able to keep the pint glass!

Totally recommend people to check this half marathon trail race out. Next year will be their third race, so keep your eyes peeled for the April date to be announced. http://oatrun.org/          

Feeling like you need something sooner? Well the organizers of the race just announced a full marathon option they will be hosting in Sept. http://greatoatrun.org/

Oats and more…..OAT Half Marathon story and catch up….

Ever do a race, finish and then feel lost? Because its done? Well that’s where I was hanging out for the week after this race.
href=”https://seelife3d.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/20140513-061432.jpg”>

<a
When you build your confidence up, show up, run and finish….I dont know, its like then you have withdraw lol

So, have a written anything about my second trail race (and run on a trail) ever? Nope, not yet. Family, teaching, life in general has been throw up major road blocks. But it is coming soon. So to the small group (one?) of peeps out there wondering…Im working on it, in my head, and will soon dump here for all to see, read, laugh and well prob say “huh.”

However tis’ the season of races. Because I had to shift gears and focus on the next race coming up….Rhody Run this weekend.

Me, myself and I plugging slowly along. I was more cautious on this race. My goal was not to fall as much as the last trail run. Although my face wasnt showing it, I was having an awesome time!

Did someone say COOKIES?!?!?!?!?

Peanut Butter-Dark Chocolate Chip-Oatmeal- Flax Cookies….

And that is pretty much the entire ingredient list for the recipe. I kid you not. 

I came across the original recipe a few weeks ago, and doubted the taste. I mean no flour or butter? Who doesnt love butter in a cookie?

But I wrote down the recipe, added some spice notes and ingredient add ins I knew would make it taste even better, then sat it aside for the my baking day.

Below is the recipe, followed by some pictures for your viewing pleasure. 

Note- the original recipe stated it made 16-20 2″ cookies…I made small ones about 1″ or so and ened up with about 60 cookies. We like bite size or two bites and done cookies in these parts. Also in terms of finding good portable snacks I can take running, these work being bite size.

 

Preheat oven to 350

I use a silicone baking liner on my cookie sheets when baking. Parchment paper would work as well. I normally use a set of two mats and two cookie sheets. So that as one is baking, I am putting dough on the other.

Baking Time- 9-11 mins…I baked mine for 10, then let sit on the sheet outside the oven for a mini. They will appear soft, but will firm up if given the time. TRUST THE PROCESS 🙂

 

1 cup of Peanut Butter…I used chunky.

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 cup old fashion rolled oats

1/4 cup milled flax seed

1 tsp baking soda

2/3 cup chips…I used dark chocolate.

 

In a separate bowl mix oats and baking soda…set a side

In a larger bowl, blend PB, brown sugar, vanilla, the spices, eggs and flax seed until smooth…about 3 mins.

Stir in chips of choice.

Fold in oatmeal/soda mixture.

Using to small spoons, drop cookie dough (about 1″ mounds) onto cookie sheet.

 

Bake for 9-11 mins…should come out of oven golden brown. Let stand for a mini or two before transferring to a cooling rack. 

Store in an airtight container…should be good for up to a week…if they last that long!

Chickpea Blonde Brownies

Quick recipe post because they are that good!

What you will need:
1 can of chickpeas (15oz), rinsed and drained.
1/2 cup chunky PB
1/3cup sugar free maple syrup
1 TB vanilla
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4tsp baking soda
1/3 cup white chocolate chips
1 TB mini chocolate chips
Cooking spray
8×8 pan
Preheat @350
Bake for 25 mins

Mix all but chips into food processor
Fold in white chocolate chips
Spread into sprayed pan
Sprinkle with mini chips
Bake for 25 mins
Take out, sprinkle with sea salt (pinch)
Let cool completely then cut
Makes about 16-20 servings

Smooth cookie dough like batter ready for the baking pan!

Life…the ongoing saga…

After receiving a handful of emails and comments on Instagram over the last few months, asking whats going on? what happened to ya? Hellllllooooo? We know your running! 🙂 I thought I would finally sit down and post a quick update.

Yes I am alive! Shocking I know haha. Life just a little busier then normal, between being a momma, wife and runner…well lets just say my brain began to shut down. So here it is, about 4 or so months have past, and yet no post. MUST CHANGE I tell you.

I should write a whole post on the adventures of substitute teaching! But I will keep it short and say, yep this lady is indeed back in the teaching game. Well as much as they will let me depending on the day and demand for said sub. But I can say I TOTALLY love it. Like really LOVE it. It doesnt feel like years have gone by since Ive had my own classroom. I hope that great things will come from this, I have fingers and toes crossed.

Other news, running…oy. I was so serious with my first half training….I stuck to the training graph, did what it said etc etc. This time around not as much. I have since my first half marathon back in Oct, been able to keep up the pattern of running a low mileage, then medium mileage and then long run, each week. So Im proud to say I have that. Since Feb, I have focused on really trying to incorporate two days into my week, where I workout with weights. Nothing fancy, just kettlebell, some floor work and maybe the bosu ball if the mood strikes. I feel that has helped some in over all toning, Im sure if I added three days vrs the two, I would see better results. However, I noticed trying to skip a rest day or trying to do to many double workouts, just had ended up with me being grumpy and exhausted. Must have BALANCE! still have momma and wife duties to complete on a daily basis. SOOOOOOOOOOOO needless to say, am I training right now, yesss, however its not very black and white and by the book. Food factor….still doing my thing. My MFP followers have been the best support buddies a gal can have. I have had a few more treats here and there. But I am more confident and comfortable in my food choices now. That is HUGE. I have made a point to look in to, research so to speak, different ingredients, recipes and such, that i can change or tweak to benefit me pre and post run. Work in progress with the diet, but IMO that is good, sticking with the same gets dull. Have to change it up, keep your body guessing!

Races…
Since the New Years Day race, the next one up was St Patty’s Weekend. The race was a local 5k or 10k. Many friends and fellow running peeps signed up for the 10k. I however signed up for the 5k. This would be the last 5k sign up I planned on doing (still that is the plan), all because I felt the need to run the 5k again and see the time difference from last year…Last year being my first time running it. Last year I ran the 5k in 34:30mins. So my goal was to beat that, personal goal was to get under 30 mins.

I started the race way to fast, which is normal for me (bad kelly BADD Kelly), unless I have a friend pacing me, I just kinda go. I knew this time I started fast, and thought hold it, dont slow, dont get faster, hold this. I had this on repeat in my head the whole time. I was thankful that the course for this race was on a well known trail/path. The local running club has been meeting every Sunday and running it. I knew pretty much every inch of the course I was to run. I felt that was to my advantage, because I didnt have to wonder about distance, or get distracted with the location. For the first time during a race, I was actually very serious. 

At the turn around point and a new sentence entered my head…those who run know this statement…its the just keep moving, you cant stop now…no shut up inner voice, stopping for a sec is not an option lol. I held the pace, hoped that I wouldnt puke, and continued onward to the finish line. Crossed the finish line with a time of 28:20mins. Once crossed I was thrilled! Ended up taking first place in my age group even!!The natural high kicked it, and I proceeded to slow jog a mile cool down, which felt amazing.

Whats next for this newbie second year runner???? 

Well the OAT Half on the 26th..http://oatrun.org/

Not going to lie…nervous as hell. I know I will finish, just not sure in what state I will be crossing the finish line in. This race is totally out of my comfort zone and will be a challenge of sorts. But I will do this! Im thankful to have a friend or two that will be joining me on this adventure…and why yes there will be pictures!

Following the OAT will be the Rhody Run 12k  http://www.rhodyrun.com/

This will be my second year running it. Im really excited to see what progress I can make on this race…that and how many holy HILL! I may be screaming during the run 🙂

Then comes the NODM in June! http://nodm.com/

This will be my second official half marathon race. I going into the race more confident this year about the mileage, planning on enjoying this awesome marathon weekend in my home town.

July is RAGNAR NWP! http://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage

I had an amazing experience running Ragnar last year. So much so I became an Ambassador for them. This year has been wonderful, and Im looking forward to meeting more Ragnar peeps this summer!