Fitting Remarks: Best (or Worst) of My Racing History Link Up!

Guess what? It's my first link-up..I hope you participate!

So, on the "50 States, 50 Marathons" tab, you can see a map of the marathons I have completed. As I approach my 17th marathon, I have been reflecting on my previous races and I thought it might be fun to put together 16 questions based on my 16 marathons. I'm hoping you will link up and share your own "Best (or Worst) of My Racing History!"

Now, I know most people don't necessarily have 16 marathons to pull from, so please pull from ANY race distances- 1 mile, 5k, half marathon, whatever you want to share!

The link up icon and code are at the bottom of this post. All you have to do is copy and paste the html code onto your blog for the above link-up picture!

Rules? 
You can answer as many or as few as you would like, or you can add your own questions! Then comment on the blog with a link to your post with the answers. If you don't have a blog, feel free to just answer them in the comments. It definitely does not have to be about marathons-it can be any race distance! Just tell me about your Best (or Worst) Racing Experiences! Looking forward to reading them.

Best Finisher's Shirt  
I'm going to go with the Newport Marathon. Their finisher's shirt was a zippered long sleeve. It's army green, so not my usual color choice, but it's perfect for a fall run and I end up wearing it way more than I thought I would.  

Otherwise I would go with the Berlin Marathon finisher’s shirt. I sported that shirt on #FinisherShirtFriday so it's clearly one of my favorites.

Worst Finisher's Shirt
The oversized green t-shirts from the Marathon-to-Marathon in Iowa were pretty hideous.

However, the shirts from Twin Cities Marathon 2005 were pretty bad as well. I ran that marathon with my sister and we were definitely at the back of the pack. By the time we got to the finish, only XXL cotton tees were left. It was basically a dress on me and the pee yellow was not my best shade.

Best Finish Line 
Twin Cities.  It gets me every time. I absolutely love the grandeur and beauty of coming over that last hill on Summit and seeing the capitol below- the colors, the people, the noise- it's so amazing.

The second best finish line would be at the Berlin Marathon. Finishing under the Brandenburg Gate was pretty darn cool.

Best Overall SWAG/Gear
I’m sure the best gear is at Boston, but I haven't run it yet, so I'll have to go with the Flying Pig marathon. Their expo had a lot of really cool gear. Every year they give every participant something unique- this year it was a waterproof bag, which we have used camping and my husband used it tubing with some buddies. I just loved how they carried the pig theme throughout the whole race. It was cute.

Best Crowd Support 
Berlin was definitely great, but like I mentioned in my recap of that marathon, not everyone cheered for you if you weren't from their country. I think I'll go with Twin Cities. I mean..best spectators ever, right? 

The Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA also had pretty great spectators.

Hottest Race 
I have run a lot of HOT marathons: Chicago 2007, Go! St. Louis in 2011, and the Marathon-to-Marathon in Marathon, Iowa. The first two were complete and utter disasters.  However, even though my time didn't show it, I ran the Marathon-to-Marathon a lot smarter (read my recap here). I adjusted for the heat and didn't fall apart.  The St. George marathon was also warm (in the 80's when we finished) but you start very early and at altitude so it didn't feel as bad.

In terms of actual temperature, I think Chicago and the Marathon-to-Marathon both were nearly 90 degrees when I finished.

Coldest Race
 The coldest marathon I ran was the Grand Rapids, MI marathon. I think the high temperature was in the mid-30s, but what made it crazy cold was the wind. I actually lost a contact lense at this race it was so windy (this was pre-Lasik surgery). This is the only marathon that I have run in pants.

Most Beautiful Course: 
Tough call. The Big Sur Marathon runs along the Pacific Coastal highway and really is stunning. The St. George Marathon runs through the breathtaking Snow Canyon and other amazing sites in the southwest. However, I might have to go with Twin Cities on this one. The fall colors are just too pretty...AND it's my hometown race. What can I say? I'm biased.

Hilliest Course 
Big Sur was probably the hilliest. St. George had a ton of hills in the first half and then a lot of downhill in the second half that really tore up my quads.

Big Sur Marathon

Race That Took the Most Mental Strength 
Definitely the Marathon-to-Marathon  Running 26.2 miles on deserted country roads in very rural Iowa,  with virtually no spectators and only 200 total runners was a challenge.

Most Disappointing Finish 
I'll vote for Flying Pig because its still the most "fresh" in my memory. My training went so well for that race, yet I fell apart and ran a 4:11 when I had really hoped for something in the 3:4X's.

Best Start Line: 
Any start line where you get to wait inside is awesome, so that would include the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon, Steamtown Marathon, Grand Rapids, and it used to include Twin Cities. However, the St. George Marathon probably had one of the coolest start lines with bonfires, music, plenty of coffee/water, and more.

Most Organized 
Definitely the St. George Marathon. Absolutely flawless organization. 

Flattest Course 
The Chicago Marathon, the Marathon-to-Marathon in Iowa, or Berlin. They were all very flat.

Best Finish Line Food: 
St. Jude Memphis Marathon- They had pizza, chili, beer, yogurt, freezy pops, soda, and of course all the regular stuff like bananas, gatorade, etc. Just an amazing spread.

Coolest Medal:
Either Newport (handblown glass) or St. George (granite)

Most Emotional Finish
Gosh, they are all emotional. I suppose one particular emotional moment was at the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle marathon when I finally went under four hours. That's me in the corner there breaking down in tears.

I look forward to hearing about your Best and Worst race memories! Link up below.

1. erin at sweet sweat life  twitter: @erinklegstad Read her awesome post HERE
2. Hyedi at Finding a Balance twitter: @hyedi  Read her fun post HERE
3. Jennifer at Kinetic Fix twitter: @kineticfix     Read her unique post HERE

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Fitting Remarks: How People Know That You Just Ran The Twin Cities Marathon

Many of you just finished a marathon this weekend. If so, CONGRATULATIONS! You should be very proud.

Even if you don't mention it, I bet people know that you just ran a marathon...they know. 

How, you ask? 

Let me give you a few sure signs that you ran the Twin Cities Marathon this weekend, or any other marathon for that matter!

(On a serious note, you should really be very proud. This post is just for fun!)

• You are taking the stairs backwards. Better yet, you've totally given up on walking. You're taking the elevator. You've strongly considered renting one of those motorized scooters.

• Everything is a celebration! That extra cupcake? I'm celebrating! One more beer? But I'm celebrating!

• You're still hungry all the time. You still want to eat ALL THE THINGS!

• You have a few less toenails. 

• People at work want to see your blood blisters (true story- this happened to my friend! I saw them..they are impressive.)

• You can't stop talking about the marathon...."Oh, you went apple picking this weekend? Well, I ran a marathon. Let me tell you ALL about it!"

• '

• You can't even think about Mountain Berry Blast Powerade without getting queasy.

• You are enjoying leaving work without the need to fit in a run. You actually have time to run errands and cook dinner. Who knew there was a whole world outside of running?

• Yet even though you're enjoying this whole new world, you're already wondering when registration for TCM 2015 opens.

• If not TCM, instead you're spending too much time on www.marathonguide.com looking for your next one. (Here's looking at you Erin!)

• You're looking through the splits on your Garmin and reminiscing about every mile #sofun #ilovemarathoning

• You're getting choked up watching videos like this one (thanks Minneapolis Running for sharing!)

And...the number one way to know that you just ran a marathon...

• You're still wearing your medal. 

*A tip from the Right Fits- medals have a 24 hour grace period- unless this was your first marathon, then we can give you an extension...

Congratulations marathoners!  I hope you are enjoying your well deserved R & R!

Fitting Remarks: Mental Toughness for the Marathon Seminar at TC Running Company

Last Thursday night, I attended a seminar at TC Running Company about “Mental Toughness for Marathons.” It was presented by Kelsey Timm, who is a mental training consultant with the Center for Sport & Performance Psychology in Mankato, MN

I’ll do my best to quickly summarize what we talked about but I think you could benefit the most from attending yourself the next time they host it!  TC Running Company plans to bring the same group back in the future, maybe around Boston or Grandma’s Marathon time next spring. I recommend checking it out!

Let go of what you can't control...

First, we talked about issues that are within your circle of control and those that are outside of it. You have to learn to let go of all the things that are outside of your control and focus on the things you can actually control. You can focus on how you react to the things outside of your control but you can't spend precious energy stressing about them.

• Examples of things outside your control (in running): weather, spectators, course, stomach issues, cramps, logistics, injury, competition, traffic...

What you should spend your energy focusing on is controlling your APE!

      

   
                                                            A-    Attitude

                                                     P-    Preparation

                                                     E-    Effort   

Your "APE" consists of the three factors that you can control when racing- your attitude, your preparation, and your effort. You can control your attitude (positive mantras!), you can control your training (how well you've prepared) and you can control your race effort.

Tips for the starting line...

When you get to the start line, do not focus on the training you didn’t do.  Focus on the training you DID do. Think about the awesome runs that you had!

Train Your Brain..

• Use imagery- picture yourself succeeding.
• Run through your race plan in your head.
• Mentally prepare yourself to keep good form when the discomfort comes.

Overcoming Negative Thoughts:

• People must experience a 3:1 ratio of positive emotions to negative ones to flourish.
• Be aware of what’s going through your head.
• 70% of people's 60,000 thoughts a day are negative!
• Realize that you will have negative thoughts, but you will chose not to listen. 
• Replace the negative thought with a positive thought.
• Great athletes talk to themselves; they don’t listen to themselves (at least not the negative!)
• Focus on something motivating, something good, something positive.
• Work to reframe the negative into positive. "I can't do this"- change it to "I have trained for this. I am ready."

Mantras/Create Your Power Phrases

• Put your mantra somewhere you can see it. Write it on your arm! (This reminded me of the mental tips that Liz talked about in THIS INTERVIEW.)
• Come up with a mantra that works for you. "I am fit, happy, and in control." 

Discomfort is a part of running.

• Discomfort is part of pushing your body and doing your best in running. 
• Mentally strong runners learn to embrace the discomfort that comes with running
• Make discomfort your alley not your enemy.
• Don't avoid it; embrace it!

How will you use discomfort as information?

"This is how I know that I’m working hard."

How will you label your discomfort positively?

Name your discomfort and welcome it. Kelsey said a lot of her runners will name their discomfort after a "hot guy", and when the discomfort comes, you welcome your hot friend joining you on your run, 

"Oh, that's just Ryan Gosling joining me for a run. Hey Ryan!"

What positive emotions will you connect with discomfort?

"I’m pushing myself harder than most people can or will."

"This is just me getting closer to my goals." <-- love that one!

Welcome the discomfort, as you welcome the accomplishment.  

Discomfort is another challenge to overcome.

I apologize that this was sort of a hodgepodge of ideas that I kind of failed to make cohesive...but hopefully something will ring true for you.  Like I said, you'd be best off attending one of these seminars yourself and hearing it all first hand from the experts, rather than from my notes. 

Good luck runners! Think POSITIVE.

One other thing! You can now sign up to receive my weekly newsletter. Make sure you don't miss any posts by the Right Fits. Sign up is on the left-hand side of the home page. Thank you!

Fitting Remarks: You Know You're About to Run The Twin Cities Marathon If...

12. Your chafing has healed since your last big long run.

11. Your want to eat ALL the things.

10. You are relentlessly watching the10-day forecast (and therefore recognize all of Sven Sungaard's cardigans)

picture from Kare 11

9. You're practicing your safety pin skills. It's important to get that bib on just right!

8. You don't know what to do with yourself with all this free time during the taper.

7. Your friends are wondering what happened to you, as you have been living a bit like a hermit to avoid getting sick, making sure you're sleeping enough, eating right and not drinking. (Good job doing the right things during the taper- it will be worth it!)

6. You're drinking Powerade Mountain Berry Blast to develop a taste for it (per Nathan @Minneapolis Running's advice!)

5. You're printing out pace bracelets, practicing your mantras, and reflecting on your running journal.

4. You're handing out spectator guides to friends and family...and maybe strangers (!), letting them know when and where to cheer for you.

3. You've scheduled your post marathon massage...and pedicure! Your feet are nasty!

2. Men- you've given up shaving to "build up testosterone" before the race; then you can feel really fast when you shave the day before the race (** Please note- this is not scientifically proven...)

1. You can't have a conversation without somehow mentioning the fact that you're running the Twin Cities Marathon this weekend.

Any others?

Good luck TCM runners, I hope you have a great race day!
I'll be cheering for you around mile 4, 15, and 24 with cowbells, signs, and music!

Fitting Remarks: My Minneapolis Fall Bucket List 2014

I had such a fun time with my Minneapolis Summer Bucket list that I decided to put together one for fall. Fall is much shorter of course, so my list is shorter as well.

Here goes!

1. Go camping at one of the many local campgrounds.

This should have been on our summer bucket list, but it wasn’t. To make up for that, it's now on the fall bucket list and I’m hoping we can accomplish it. We have a weekend set aside before it gets too cold to do so.  

Many moons ago, we had a great time together just the two of us in the Boundary Waters for a week (Dustin claims that was when he decided he was going to propose<-- aww!) 

So we have all the gear from that trip; it’s time to put it to use! We also haven't ever gone camping with Matilda (the dog). At some point, we'd like to take her to the Boundary Waters with us. We know that she behaves really well in a canoe, but we just need to make sure she doesn't mind the tent! 

2. Spend the day at a pizza farm.

I had such a fun time doing this in July that I just have to do it again in the fall.

3. Pick some honey crisp apples! 

This is the last season to go to Fall Harvest Orchard. Unfortunately, it will be closing due to the death of one of the owners (so sad...) The family is keeping the orchard open one final year. There are plenty of other apple orchards in the Twin Cities area, but this was definitely one of my favorites. I'm very sad to see it go! 

I did just read that they are already almost out of apples though, so we might have to head to a different orchard this year. According to Sidewalk Dog, there are several orchards that allow dogs. We are thinking about checking into Sponsel's or Deardorff's. Any recommendations? 

4. Make apple crisp or apple pie.

Leading off of #3, I need to put those apples to use. As a kid, I never wanted cake for my birthday; I always wanted peach or apple pie. I still love pie more than cake!

5. Carve a pumpkin.

Last year, we had the pumpkins and the carving kit, yet we never carved our pumpkins...

6. Make a stop at Oktoberfest at Gasthofs

I went to Gasthof’s a whole lot more when I was in college (man, there were some crazy nights in the basement of Gasthof’s back in the day…) They hold one of the best Oktoberfest festivals in the Twin Cities. 

Details: September 19th to October 11th: A Bavarian bar and eatery in Northeast Minneapolis that pitches a massive tent and brings in the picnic tables for a celebration of Germany. They’ll have traditional German beer like Hacker Pschorr, Paulaner, Spaten and Warsteiner. Food options include brats, smoked pork chops, BBQ ribs, german potato salad, sauerkraut, soft pretzels and apfelstrudel. There will be live polka music and dancing, too. No cover charge. Bring your own beer mug or buy one of their 1/2 liter mugs. Tokens are $6. Location: 2300 University Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55418

**There are plenty of other Oktoberfests too-Harriet Brewing's Raunchfest or 612Brew's Oktoberfest...probably others as well!

7. Get lost in a corn maze OR drink apple cider (or a beer?) around a bonfire...

Fall is short, so I combined this one into an "either-or," as I'm not really sure I'll be able to accomplish either. I don't think you can burn leaves within Minneapolis proper, so I need to make a friend in the country quick. Or find a corn maze. Sever's Corn Maze seems like the best option...

8. Spend a crisp fall day in Stillwater.
As close as Stillwater is to the city, we don't make it there very much. I'm sure the foliage would be beautiful on the drive and then we could spend the day shopping or eating our way through this charming town.

9. Rake leaves.

This one will be easy...and Dustin will be happy if I help!

10. Attend a local soccer game.

This is on the list because my friend Gina is coaching her daughter's team. I am sure it is just adorable so I figured I should go catch one of the games and cheer for her!

11. Cheer for Twin Cities Marathon!

This one will be easy. I love cheering at TCM. I'm already brainstorming some new signs for this year!

12. Get SCARED at the Soap Factory's Haunted Basement

We have tickets to go to this with a few friends and this year it sounds even scarier than ever! The theme is "UNHINGED." Everyone must wear a mask...why? so we can't tell who our friends are?

source

13. Use my new immersion blender to make an autumn soup/bisque. 

Remember when I won an immersion blender at the silent auction at the Taste of the Nation HotList? Well, its still in the box. I haven't used it yet, but fall soups should be the perfect time to break it in.

14. Come up with a creative dog costume for Matilda

 Maybe a martini glass? 

source

Kissing booth? She does like to give kisses...

source

15. Eat lutefisk/attend a small town church supper.
This was on my summer list and I didn't make it happen, but people are telling me it's much easier to find a good church supper in the fall/winter. Any recommendations?

16. Run a night trail race.
Like this one. I think that there is a bonfire at this race so I could perhaps fulfill #7 at the same time!

17. Go to the MCAD Art Sale.
This art sale is only held once a year, the weekend before Thanksgiving. We are always looking for new art for our house and I have never been to this event.

18. Grow a mustache for Movember.
Just kidding. Hopefully. That would not be a good look for me.
I do look forward to the return of Dustin's beard:

...and I hope to participate in the Moustache Run this year! Register HERE.

19. Anniversary/Birthday Celebration!
October is a special month as it includes both my birthday and our wedding anniversary. My fall bucket list would not be complete with a mention of celebrating these two occasions in style!

20. Set a marathon PR at the OBX Marathon in early November!
Pretty please marathon gods....I have been training so hard! 

I know that this isn't something that I'm doing in Minneapolis, but all the training has been in Minneapolis, so I'm keeping it on my fall bucket list!

I'd love to end the fall on a strong note with a smart and strong race in North Carolina. After my disappointing performance at Flying Pig, I'm going to be conservative and not set my expectations too high. But I can't help but hope....


Tell me...what did I miss? What is on YOUR fall bucket list? Please share in the comments!

For more great ideas, check out the CityPages 50 Reasons Why We Love Fall in Minnesota

Fitting Remarks: A Reflection on my 2014 Minneapolis Summer Bucket List

Labor Day has passed us by, so I suppose I should concede that summer is on it's way out... It doesn't officially end until September 22, but I figure it's time for me to reflect upon my summer bucket list and see how I did. Here we go!

1. Leave  a note for the elf on Lake Harriet. Come back later and search for a personalized response.

Done! I left him a note on a Sunday and came back to see what he had to say a few days later.

I asked him what the secret is to becoming a faster runner like him. He told me below...

The secret to speed is to be a maniac! Good to know. I'll get right on that.

2. Take an outdoor yoga class with the Yoga Garage

Sort of...I wasn't able to take a class with Meggan as the instructor because her Wednesday night class conflicted with the strength conditioning for runners class I took at the Calhoun Beach Club. I was, however, able to take a special morning yoga class with Luminous Yoga with Meggan as another participant!

I also fit in another one of Emily's (of Luminous Yoga) regular classes last Tuesday. It was lovely! Tonight is your last chance for outdoor yoga with The Yoga Garage on Isles (Wednesday at 6:30 pm).

3. Bike to SeaSalt Eatery

Done! We did this over Labor Day weekend.  The line for food was crazy long, but it was worth it. I loved my shrimp tacos and we also shared some pickled herring.

I think I get bonus points as we also made it to Sandcastle on Lake Nokomis this summer (Doug Flicker's joint). We had never been here before and stopped by for lunch after checking out the Wiener Dog races on Labor Day weekend.

4. Stand-up paddleboard

Sort of...We paddleboarded quite a bit at the cabin this summer...

...but never in Minneapolis, which is a  bit of a fail, especially because we even bought one of THESE to pull the boards behind our bikes. We'll be ready for next summer I suppose!

5. Spend an afternoon on the Relaxation Station

Done! I definitely accomplished this at the cabin this summer. But the new star of the lake was the fun station. Not quite as relaxing as the relaxation station but it’s good to know we have a station for every necessary cabin emotion...

6. See a bear

Fail. No bears. My spellcheck changed that to beers. There were plenty of beers this summer, but no bears.

7. Make it to a Twins Game. Bonus Points- take a Nice Ride bike to get there. Extra Bonus points: Get on the kiss cam!

 I did this twice- once with my work team and once with Dustin in the Legends Club. No bonus points though. That would have been pretty awkward to get on the kiss cam with my work team, right?

8. Go to a church supper in a small town- preferably a lutefisk dinner

Fail. I had planned to go to strawberry festival in Little Cannon Falls, but we had the wrong weekend and missed it completely. I did, however, participate in a small town 5k! That should count for half a point, maybe?

9. Catch a pike or another “big” fish. (A Muskie would be bonus points!)

Fail. I don't even think I picked up a fishing pole but I did put a worm on a hook for one of my nephews. That should count for something!

10. Eat something on a stick at the Minnesota State Fair.

Not quite. Dustin and I made our yearly trek to the fair (read all about it HERE), but I never actually had anything on a stick. Even if I had tried, I sure couldn't have eaten as many items on a stick as THIS GIRL <-- holy cow, that's impressive! But I did get a full fair experience, minus the actual something-on-a-stick.

12. Attend a summer concert at the Lake Harriet bandshell

Done. We walked over there a few weekends ago for some music. It was so lovely! Sometimes I forget how beautiful Lake Harriet is, but this was a timely reminder.

13. Pick a winner of Best Jucy Lucy between the 5-8 Club and Matt’s Bar.

Done! I went to the 5-8 Club for the first time a few weekends ago. I have to admit their Jucy Lucy was really good. It's such a tough call, I don't know which one is better! I think they are both awesome. So maybe I didn't actually pick a winner, but at least I have tried them both and can have an opinion.

14. See an outdoor movie in the park.

Fail...I had high hopes of going to see Back to the Future at the Linden Hills park in August, but something came up and it didn't fit in my schedule.  I'll have to try again next summer!

15. Lawn bowling at Brit’s Pub
Fail...This just never happened. Next year!

16. Go to the Mill City Farmer’s Market

Fail, though I did make it to the Linden Hill Farmer's Market multiple times. 

FYI, you can now bring your dog to the Linden Hills Farmer's Market, which is new from last summer. Our neighbor's food truck, Hot Indian, often makes an appearance there. If you haven't tried this food truck, you should!

17. Have an ice cream date at Sebastian Joe’s

Done! We walked over to the Linden Hills location last Saturday night after fully recovering from the capitol run. Dustin had the ginger ice cream and I had the Open Street's Cycle-delic (mango, chocolate chips, sea salt, raspberry). Yum!

18. Go to an old-school drive-in...

19. Go to Taylors Falls and the Franconia Sculpture Park!

DONE and DONE! Read all about it in THIS POST. We combined these three items into one lovely summer day.

20. Run a trail race

DONE, DONE, and DONE. And maybe more this fall --> I am registered for THIS RACE and one of THESE

21. See the Lake Creature!

Fail...we never met over to see Minnie the lake creature on Lake Powderhorn. Sorry Minnie...

22. Visit Isles Bun & Coffee

Done! 

We headed here after the City of Lakes half marathon for a quick lemonade and a puppy dog tail (to celebrate Dustin's sub-1:30 PR!) Sugar overload....Dustin went with the big cinnamon roll and the unlimited frosting, I did a puppy dog tail.

23.  Visit Wild Rumpus bookstore

Done! No pictures, but I did stop by here a couple of times when we were in the area, but not with my nieces or nephews (which would have been more fun...) If you have young kids or neices/nephews, take them HERE, they will love it!

24. Bonus: Pizza Farm!

Done! Read all about it HERE. I'm pretty sure this will be on my fall bucket list as well, as it was a lot of fun.

Well, there you have it- my reflection on my summer bucket list!

I think I did pretty well, but there were some things I didn't fit in that I really wish I would have. I suppose there's always next summer. Stay tuned for my fall bucket list, coming soon!

**As summer comes to a close, did you squeeze in everything you had hoped to? Please share in the comments!  

Please share any fall or winter bucket list items that you think I should add to my upcoming list!