On the Run: MOTTEP LIFE Walk 10K 2015

Look at this amazing group of people!  I had the pleasure of spending Saturday morning with them on Belle Isle for the MOTTEP LIFE Walk 5K/10K.  It was a hot, humid morning but that didn't stop RUNdetroit Flight Club from coming out and giving it their all on the race course.  Flight Club members took OA male and female in the 5K, along with a few age group awards.  I took OA female in the 10K.  There were also several PR's earned.  And when one member was feeling the effects of the heat during the 10K, two others stayed with her.  Making sure she was safe and finishing together was more important than times and paces.  That's teamwork at its finest.  

I ran MOTTEP last year for the first time.  I loved that it was small and everyone (volunteers, supporters, runners) was so friendly and supportive.  That's what brought me back again this year.  It's also a charity race, with proceeds going towards Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program, and I like to participate in races that benefit local organizations.  

Last year the race was staged at Belle Isle Casino.  Due to a Red Bull racing event this weekend, it was moved to Flynn Pavilion and the course was modified slightly.  I got there early for parking and packet pickup.  The shirts are unisex cotton so they run large.  This year I ordered a youth medium and it seems to fit just right!  

I did my mile warm-up, followed by some activation drills (toe touches, air squats, walking lunges).  I got in a few strides.  Richard Bernstein, who has completed 17 marathons and is legally blind, gave a short speech.  We waited for traffic on the course to clear.  Finally the race started.  I was able to run the first mile and a half with my friend Roger, who was running the 5K.  My goal was to run a 6:45 pace.  I hit 6:45 exactly for my first split.  (Thank you, Roger!)  In that second mile, however, he started to speed up.  I kept up the pace until he turned off but then I slowed down a little once I was on my own.  Overall mile 2 was still ok (6:47).

After that I started to gradually slow down.  It was SO hot and I was nearing the stretch of island that is more isolated.  Plus, although it was a race, it didn't feel like one.  The leader was so far ahead that I hadn't seen him since the first turn.  I knew nobody was chasing me.  Motivation was dwindling.  I hit a windy pocket.  Mile 3 was a little slower (6:50).  I was surprised to see my friend Leah who was out running with Be Bold Crew. She cheered me on, which was a nice boost!

Around the 4-mile marker there was a little loop with a few course marshals.  Humans! They waved and clapped and gave me directions.  I would have even just taken the directions at that point.  I was so happy to see people!  Mile 5 (6:57) was definitely my hardest.  I was trying to tell my legs to run faster but they just wouldn't turn over.  The heat was getting to me.  I kept thinking about how I had more miles to run after the race so maybe I shouldn't push so hard.  But it was a race so I had to push!  It's such a mental game.

When I hit the 5-mile marker, I forced myself to pick up the pace.  I could tell the course was going to be short so I figured I only had one more mile.  I felt a sense of urgency to finish.  My legs were turning over and I was driving my arms.  I was going to finish strong!  I turned the corner for the final stretch and could see the finish line.  This was it!  I was pushing and then realized, "Damn, that's a long way!"  I'd like to say I kept running hard but it was a LONG stretch.  I ran past a couple of guys and they just looked at me.  5K finishers were walking past without a word.  I think a car rolled past me.  I thought I'd never get to the finish line.  Thankfully Coach Stefanie was there with her cowbell.  Once I heard her and saw the rest of the team I picked it up and finally crossed the finish line.  

The 5K runners excitedly shared their race stories with me and we cheered on the rest of the 10K runners.  Then we received our awards (a different medal).  The woman giving out awards was hilarious!  There was also a DJ who was playing theme music for each award recipient.  It was the best awards ceremony ever.  I think they need to hire themselves out for more events.  I'd love them at my next birthday party.

Time 

40:47

Pace 

6:35/mile (official results)
6:50/mile (Garmin results based on actual distance of 5.97 miles)

  

Fuel 

CLIF Mojo Bar, banana 

Tunes 

Nobody Really Cares if You Don't Go to the Party / Courtney Barnett

Dead Brains / Jessica Hernandez
Rattlesnake / St. Vincent
Random Name Generator / Wilco

Strangers / Langhorne Slim & the Law

Swell Content / Speedy Ortiz

Shake it Off / Taylor Swift

Deceptacon / Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas

The Innocent / Mayer Hawthorne

The Feast & the Famine / Foo Fighters

Runaway Baby / Bruno Mars

50 Ways to Say Goodbye / Train

Man / Neko Case

After the awards ceremony I changed my shirt and shoes, had a CLIF Shot and some water.  My friend Dave and I headed out across the MacArthur Bridge, down Jefferson, and picked up the River Walk.  I had another 9 miles to finish my long run.  We ran the first 3.5 or so together before Dave took a break.  I continued along the River Walk until I'd hit 4.5 miles and I turned around.  I was feeling really good.  Until I wasn't.  It was incredibly hot and there's no shade anywhere.  It was nice to catch a breeze along the water but it was hardly helping at that point. The last 2 miles were brutal, with the last .25 being so hard I actually stopped, unsure I could finish.  

When I finally got back to my car I saw Dave there.  It's always so nice to see those familiar Flight Club wings!  I was glad to know he made it back safely, too!   

All in all it was a great morning of racing and running.  I was happy to be with my RUNdetroit family.  

Happy legs, happy heart.

MOTTEP LIFE Walk Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the MOTTEP LIFE Walk giveaway!   I used random-ize.com to choose the lucky winner.  Congratulations goes to . . .

Good luck at the race, Roger!  I look forward to seeing you there!

On the Run: Wins for Warriors 9K 2015

Last Monday was Memorial Day and I was lucky to have a 4-day weekend away from work!  Brian and I really made the most of it - family wedding Friday night, RUNdetroit group run and Avalon on Saturday morning plus more family time later.  Sunday we went to a Tigers game followed by dinner at Green Dot Stables.  That alone would have made for an amazing weekend.

But it wasn't over yet!  Monday was the Wins for Warriors 9K.  There were several other Memorial Day races but we chose this one for a few reasons.  First of all, it was at Comerica Park.  Brian was excited about the opportunity to finish at home plate.  It was also a charity race benefiting veteran's mental health services, something I believe is overlooked and under-supported.  Plus the race was in Detroit, one of my favorite places to run.  I was looking forward to a new route through some of my favorite places.  

Wins for Warriors 9K Course Map

After we signed up we found out a few of our friends from RUNdetroit Flight Club also were running, as well.  Wahoo!  On race day we met at the store at 8am and carpooled to the park.  Packet pickup was super easy because the race was very small (only 349 participants).  The shirts were cool but unfortunately there weren't any smalls.  I'm not sure they even ordered them!  I'm glad Brian likes his because now he has two.

While we were waiting for the race to start, we took lots of photos.  

This is the best one - it showed up on several Facebook pages and Instagram feeds (such as Opportunity Detroit and Wins for Warriors).

One great thing about having the race at Comerica Park is that we were able to use the restrooms in the park.  ALL THE RESTROOMS!  Plus real sinks, hand dryers, and drinking fountains.  It was a dream.  

Before the race started there was an opening ceremony and then Justin Verlander did a video countdown on the big screen.  I was up at the front talking to people and didn't realize the countdown was going.  As the gun went off, I started my Garmin but had to fumble to turn up the volume on my iPod, clip it on my shorts, and find my gum - all while running.  By the third turn around the stadium I was settled in.  

I wasn't sure what pace I was going to be able to run.  I'd only raced one 5K road race since coming back.  My speed work has been 7:05 pace so I thought I'd start out there and see where things went.  I was a bit nervous but trying not to let it get it to my head.  Once I got to the Riverwalk I thought I'd be fine.

A bunch of guys had passed me right out of the gate but after a mile I was able to catch up and pass 2 of them.  Another guy with a RUNdetroit shirt caught up to me.  We were kinda going back and forth but not exactly on pace with each other.  Since the race was so small there wasn't really anyone to follow - just one guy in a red tank top way ahead in the distance.  It was a little lonely.  I was grateful for the fishermen and walkers out on the Riverwalk.

Just before the halfway point, a guy caught up to me.  We both told each other good job.  Then he said, "Hey I'm not trying to pass you."  (I thought, dude it's a race.  Isn't that the point?  haha!)  "I just need someone to pace with."  I was really grateful because it was at that point that my brain was kicking in and telling me that it was getting hard.  Not my legs but my head.  I needed company.  His name was Matt.  We ended up running the rest of the race together, chatting the whole time.  I was especially grateful when there wasn't a course marshall at a turn after the Riverwalk and we didn't know where to go.  (Thank you random spectators!)  And again when I felt like I was bonking out close to the 5 mile marker.  (Turns out that mile 5 was my slowest mile - probably the wind and nearly getting lost didn't help either!)  Had Matt not been running with me I wouldn't have enjoyed the race as much as I did.  I kept my pace even at the end to finish strong while he gave a huge kick to fly across the finish line!  

After crossing the finish line we were ushered down a tunnel onto the field level.  I ran down with Matt, the guy in the RUNdetroit shirt, and a couple of other guys who'd finished before us.   We got to run around the whole warning track to get our medals.  After that we were allowed to hang out down there as long as we wanted - sit in the stands, play in the dugout.  It was really cool.  

After everyone was done we took more pictures.  It was raining by that point so we headed up to get snacks and check results.  I finished 1st female and 7th overall!  There was going to be an awards ceremony at 11:00 (which seemed a long time after a 9:00 race start) but they let me take my award early.

Fox news was there reporting.  Check out this video clip to see a little more about the race.  Watch closely and you'll see me receiving my medal inside the stadium!

The snacks were good - water, perfect bananas, bagels, Whole Foods granola bars, and cookies (not everything vegan but my friends can vouch for their deliciousness).  There were several veterans' organizations with tables.  All in all it was a fun race - great course, perfect location, and friendly people.  Hopefully next year more volunteers will show up for course marshalling and they will have small tee shirts. I will definitely do this one again.  I had a hard time with fund raising (Running in my underwear?  Easy to fundraise!  Veteran's mental health?  Crickets.) but maybe next year I can generate a little more interest.  

Time 

39:30

Pace 

7:04/mile

Fuel 

Banana

Tunes*

My Hero / Foo Fighters

A Long Time / Mayer Hawthorne

Digital Witness / St. Vincent

Lazaretto / Jack White

Crawling to the USA / Elvis Costello

Kids in America / The Muffs

Sixteen Saltines / Jack White

Run Right Back / The Black Keys

Water Fountain / tUnE-yArDs

The Feast and the Famine / Foo Fighters

Gotta Get Away / The Black Keys

Felt / Garbage

Verlander's Instagram from the race.  That's me at the front!  The bad*ss guy on the far right won with a 5:08 pace.  He said he was going to "take it easy".

Did you run a race on Memorial Day?  Tell me about it!

On the Run: DEFF Unity Run 5K 2015

Three weeks ago I ran my first competitive race this season and did fairly well. I hadn't had a pacing plan, however, and was already looking forward to my next chance to run a faster race with even or negative splits.  

Just a few days later I received an email attachment at work about a 5K in Dearborn, just a mile and a half from my house.  The race was the DEFF Unity run, hosted by the three high schools in the school district - Dearborn High, Edsel Ford, and Fordson (DEFF).  The event is sponsored by the Anti-Bullying, Peer-to-Peer, and Diversity teams at the three schools. Proceeds for the event funded an annual Dearborn Public Schools Student Leadership Diversity Summit and a scholarship for students involved in the programs sponsoring the event.  It sounded like a great cause in my school district, the race was close to home, and I was looking for another chance to run a 5K.  Perfect!   I convinced Brian to run the race, too.

On race morning, I ran to the start for my warm-up (1.5 miles).  There were several events that morning - a 1-mile race for elementary students, a 2-mile race for middle schoolers, and 2 5K races (adult and high school age).  Ours didn't start until 10:30 so I was able to sleep in.  I hadn't gotten any information about the course beforehand and assumed it would be through the neighborhoods around Ford Field where the race started.  Well, we all know what happens when you assume.

The race was not on the roads at all.  Unbeknownst to us, Brian and I had just signed up for a trail race, which we found out at the grassy start line as the course was being explained to us.  I looked down at my Fasttwitch racing flats and thought, "Oh sh*t."  And then I laughed.  Because I had to.  Pacing plan went out the window.  This was my first trail race in almost two years.  Anything could happen.  Time to just go with it and have fun!

With an "On your mark, get set, GO!" we were off.  We started off on the grass, instructed to keep picnic tables to our left and the Rouge River to our right.  The beginning of the race was in Ford Field Park.  I was leading through the park until we hit the Rouge River Trail.  At this point I was passed by Don, another teacher in the district.  I was relieved to have someone to follow, considering I had no idea where we were going and the course wasn't all that well marked.  About a mile in I was itching to pass but the trail is narrow and I didn't see an opportunity to make my move.  

As we neared the halfway point we were instructed by a volunteer to turn left.  Don was still in the lead.  Suddenly we ran into another runner who'd been behind us.  We'd gone the wrong way!  We were in the turn-around loop so we just turned around and ran the other way.  This put me in the lead and allowed me to pick up the pace.  I knew where I was going this time, so that helped, as well.

As I exited the trail back into the park, I almost went the wrong way again.  At the last second two young volunteers noticed me (they'd just been lolly-gagging around instead of paying attention) and pointed me in the right direction.  From there the course took me up a steep grassy hill where I slowed down because there were no markings as to where to go next.  This is where Don caught up and passed me.  I chased him across the top of the hill to where the flags were (I didn't see them!).  Then it was down the hill, up and down a smaller hill (at this point I passed him again), and across a grassy stretch to the finish.  

After finishing, I cheered on the rest of the racers (of which there were only 18 total - it was a tiny race!).  Brian finished his first trail race in 27:29 and loved it.  One of the best parts is that the Rouge River Trail is just a mile and a half from our house and we didn't even know it was there!  Even though it wasn't what we expected for our race that day in some ways it was even better!

Time 

22:55

Pace 

7:23/mile

Fuel 

Banana

Tunes*

Get Ready / Mayer Hawthorne

Rattlesnake / St. Vincent

I Love It / Icona Pop

Cadillac, Cadillac / Train

The Feast and the Famine / Foo Fighters

Runaway Baby / Bruno Mars

Sabatoge / Beastie Boys

*I wouldn't normally listen to music for a trail race.  I didn't know it was a trail race and then when I realized it was the field was so small I figured it would be okay.

I actually received the wrong medal.  The back of mine says "One Mile Walk".  My first OA award and it was wrong.  (So just don't turn it over!)

After we got our awards I headed to the Rouge River Gateway Trail (paved) for the rest of my long run.  I needed another 6 miles to get 10 total for the day.  It was really hot by then but much of the trail is shaded, so that helped.  I usually prefer to run earlier in the day but wanted fresh legs for the race.  Had I known it was a trail race, however, I may have planned things a bit differently.

Brian and I had a lot of fun with this race.  Hopefully next year - year 3 - they will make some improvements.  More volunteers on the course and/or better markings would be a huge help.  I got off course a few times!  (True, I am known for getting lost in races but still...)  Dearborn schools publicized the race within the schools but not much to runners outside of the district.  The trail is beautiful - like a mini, no-frills Flirt with Dirt - so hopefully next year it will attract more runners.  I offered to help and will do so again next year.

In the meantime, Brian and I will have to get back to the River Rouge Trail this summer to take a break from the pavement - especially since it's right in our own backyard!

For anyone familiar with the Dearborn area, you can see where the Rouge River Trail is located.  I only ran on a small portion of it for the race but will run the whole loop this summer.

Do you enjoy running or racing on trails?

Winners for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk Giveaway

I was going to wait until tomorrow to announce the giveaway winners but I was too excited! The 4 race entries for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk go to Julie Long, Stephanie Kapanowski, Michelle Trachsel, and Jessica Wright.

Congratulations!!  Please email me (mandasuz1@hotmail.com) to claim your entries. Thanks to everyone who commented on the post and shared the contest on Facebook.  The Arthritis Foundation is very appreciative of the extra publicity!

For those of you who didn't win, I hope you'll decide to sign up anyway.  It's going to be a fabulous race!  My husband will be there running it, along with many of my RUNdetroit friends.  Unfortunately, I won't be walking or running after all.  In the interest of my injury, I decided that cheering for people will be my smartest option.  Look for me on the course and at the finish line with a cowbell and a smile!  I'll be cheering for you!

*I used http://random-ize.com/pick-from-list/ to choose the winners.   

Jingle Bell Run/Walk Giveaway

Are you ready for the holiday season yet?  Well ready or not, here it comes!  It's not even Thanksgiving yet and Starbucks has been serving Christmas Blend for 2 weeks, you can hear Christmas music around the clock on WNIC, and Detroit had it's tree-lighting ceremony in Campus Martius park last night.  Yep, tis the season!  You can't fight it so you may as well just go with it.  

Or better yet, RUN with it!  This year, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5K and 10K is coming to Detroit on Saturday, December 6th.  A national event, it has been named one of the "Most Incredible Themed Races".  Dress up in all your festive holiday gear - Santa hats, reindeer antlers, crazy socks.  Don't forget the jingle bells!  There are even prizes for best costumes.  I'm sure the people-watching will be great!  

The race is a fundraiser in support of the Arthritis Foundation.  You can register as an individual or with a team.  The honoree this year is Emi Werschky, a 7-year-old with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.  It's awesome that the race can support her and others to help find a cure!

One of the best parts about the Jingle Bell Run this year is the course.  In the past this race has been held in Northville and Bloomfield.  I've never run it.  Now that it's in Detroit, however, it's a not-to-be-missed event!!  It covers all of my favorite running spots - Dequindre Cut, Campus Martius, Riverwalk, Woodward Avenue, Comerica Park, and Greektown.  RUNdetroit designed the course so naturally it would be awesome!

Course map by Justin Craig, RUNdetroit

Check out the video below to see a few highlights from the course.

After the race you can warm up at the post-race party, hosted by Hard Rock Cafe, where you can enjoy a free beer and some other goodies.  Medals will be awarded to top finishers in 13 age groups.  

On these cold days, races are great excuses to get you out the door for your run.  When it involves a fun theme and a good cause, all the better!

I'll be doing the 5K for fun (maybe even walking, depending on my hamstring).  

Now, here's the really good part!

How would you like to run or walk the Jingle Bell Run for FREE?  In the spirit of the season, I have 4 (that's right - FOUR!) entries to give away from the Arthritis Foundation.  

For a chance to win, here's what you need to do:

1. Post a comment below answering the following question: What is your favorite Detroit winter/holiday memory? (1 entry)

2. Share this post on Facebook and let me know you shared it. (1 entry)

3. Start following Vegan Road Runner on Facebook if you don't already. (1 entry)

All entries must be received by Wednesday, November 26th at 8pm.  I will randomly choose 4 winners.  Winners will be announced on Thursday, November 27th.

Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 9:00am
Event Website: Jingle Bell Run 5K Run/Walk - Detroit

Good luck!

Mustache Dache Winner

Thanks to everyone for your comments on mustaches!  The lucky winner is Kacey!  Congratulations!  I will contact you with a coupon code from RUNdetroit.  For those of you who didn't win, head on over to Detroit Runner's blog for another chance to win.  Or sign up anyway.  It's such a fun race!

And check out this year's race shirt designs that were revealed this week.  Sa-weet!

Date: Saturday, November 8th
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Event website: http://mustachedache.com/detroit/

Mustache Dache Giveaway

http://mustachedache.com/detroit/

Do you love running along the Riverwalk?  Do you love a nice cold beer after a hard run? Most importantly, do you love mustaches?  If you answered YES to one or more of these questions then you'll want to sign up for the upcoming Mustache Dache, hosted by RUNdetroit!  The event was so much fun last year - great course, fun swag, and a fantastic after-party outside of Atwater Brewery.  Plus the race supports Movember, so what's not to love about this race?  

I ran it last year and had a fabulous time!  (Read my post here.)  This is easily my favorite 5K.  I hear this year is going to be even bigger, better, and hairier than last year!  If you haven't already signed up, don't wait too much longer!  It sold out last year and people were begging to get in! 

But wait!  Before you do, here's your chance for a FREE entry into the Dache!  To win, simply leave a comment about mustaches (Love 'em?  Hate 'em?  Favorite type of 'stache?  Best celebrity 'stache?) either on this post or on the Vegan Road Runner Facebook post by 11:59pm Thursday, October 16th.  For an additional entry, share the Facebook post on your own wall.  I'll put all names into a Starbucks bag and the lucky winner will be announced on Friday.

Good luck!

Date: Saturday, November 8th
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Event website: http://mustachedache.com/detroit/

On the Run: Cupid's Undie Run 2014

This past Saturday I participated in my first Cupid's Undie Run, a 1-mile charity run on Valentine's Day weekend that raised money for The Children's Tumor Foundation. I hadn't been planning on doing the event but was gifted a free entry about 3 weeks ago (thanks to RUNdetroit) and couldn't turn it down!  I went to work promoting the event on my Facebook page and was able to raise $600.  Dan Gilbert of Quicken Loans promised to match donations over $500 so that's actually $1200 towards the cause - wahoo!  (In fact, Detroit raised over $200,000)  Everyone who ran got a tee shirt and bag.  For fundraising I also got undies and a big plush robe.  

The run was at 2pm with a party in the Fillmore from 12-4.  When I walked in I felt a little bit like I was stepping into Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge. It was quite a scene! I was a little nervous because I didn't go with anyone.  Thankfully RUNdetroit was one of the sponsors so after I checked in I found my way over to their table to hang out. Before long I ended up seeing another friend from the Saturday group runs who also was there on her own.  We were both so happy to find each other!

Although the temperature only reached 20 degrees by run time, the sun was shining and the streets were dry.  It definitely could have been worse!  The crowd was really pumped up and adrenaline was high so that helped, too.  We had to wait outside for about 5 minutes and then we were off!  It was a nice route down Woodward, around Grand Circus Park, up Broadway, past Comerica Park, and then back to Woodward. It was nice and quick and definitely the most fun mile I'd ever run!  I think I laughed the whole time. I must admit, it felt pretty exhilarating to be running through Detroit in your underwear on a cold February day!  But don't worry - I won't make it a habit.  (haha)

Check out this short video to get a taste of what the Undie Run was all about.

Afterwards I went straight back into the warmth of the Fillmore to collect my clothes. The party continued until 4pm but I didn't stick around much longer.  As much fun as it was to run in my skivvies, a hot shower and cozy pjs were calling!

Would I do Cupid's Undie Run again?  Most definitely!  It's a fantastic cause and so much fun!  

Have you done or would you do the Undie Run?