Today I was a spectator.

For the first time today I went to a race to be a spectator. My friend Amanda and her boyfriend Jeff were running their first marathon. 

The Minneapolis Marathon was beautiful today. I grabbed my two little boys and all of their toy band items. I mean.... As a spectator you need to make all the noise possible right? We had a tambourine, maracas, a flapper and two drumsticks. We were a three man band.  Actually... I really think the runners appreciated it because I felt this marathon was rather quiet in the cheering department. 

We jumped in the mix at mile 18. There was a convenient turn around at my 19 or so snd we were able to see our friends twice; lending support and cheer two times! 

At mile 20 I ran about a block with Amanda. Hoping that the little extra boost would send her just a bit further.  She looked great! I was so happy to be there for her. 

After she passed us at mile 20, we headed to the finish line. We packed up our red wagon and hurried as fast as we could. Thank goodness for the red wagon or my kids would never have made it! 

At the finish line we were able to cheer her on as she crossed that beautiful finish line of her first marathon! Jeff had finished about 45 minutes before her so he was there too! 

She did it. All the hard work and training. She is inspiring. I am happy I was able to share that moment with her!  

I will definitely watch an event again. Of course I was green with envy. But someday I will complete that marathon of my own!! 

Great work Amanda!!

Badassery

 

I have to laugh at this word. 

The urban dictionary defines badassery as :

 

Engaging in seemingly impossible activities and achieving success in a manner that renders all onlookers completely awestruck. 

 

Another definition has this word as:

 

Actions or characteristics regarded as formidably impressive.

 

I recently posted on Instagram about my run in 26 mph winds and used this term.  I must have heard it from another fellow instagrammer or blogger, but nonetheless after posting it I laughed out loud!  What an absurd word!  And, how hilarious at the same time.  

 

After busting my ass out of my comfort zone at 8:24/mile I did feel like a bad ass and this term fit nicely! 

 

Oftentimes, we are led to believe that it's not ok to post about our recent work-out or something that makes us feel like a bad-ass.  I say post on people!  Do whatever it takes to make yourself feel good.  If it makes you feel good, keep doing it.  Chances are you're inspiring others to do the same. It might just be that one post that gets just ONE person off their butt to be more active. 

 

I know that I personally look to my friends on social media for daily inspiration.  Post on my peeps!!  Keep that badassery coming!! It just makes me want to be that much more bad ass!

 

Have a great Wednesday!

 

Confessions of a Dental Hygienist!

As many of you may know, I am a full-time Dental Hygienist!

I thought this was a great opportunity to tell you a bit about my career, since I'm always blogging about running. 

Let me start out by saying I love my job!  No. Really!  I love my job!  It's not often people can say that they truly love their job.  I don't mind going to work and rarely have a bad day.  I am social by nature and enjoy meeting new people and making new friendships.  My patients are all really amazing.  I'm not lying... they really are amazing! Ok, most of them! 99.99 % of them.  :) I am blessed to work in a progressive and comprehensive office with a boss that treats me like an equal.   I have fantastic coworkers and work is FUN!

Without going into all the details, I take an avid interest and have studied comprehensively periodontal disease, which in turn helps me transform even the most diseased mouths!   My patients are treated like members of my own family and I enjoy hearing about their lives.  My hope is that they enjoy their experience and I sprinkle enough in about their dental health too!

Many people HATE the dentist.  Loathe it!  Shake just thinking about it!  Do anything in their power to avoid going!  Well... HA!  I've got news for you..... there are a few things that we as dental professional dislike as well.  In no particular order:  

1:  In order for us to see in your mouth, you need to open.  WIDE!  Not a slight pursed lips open... like a flip top.  Imagine the Reach dental guy who's head flips back... well not that wide... but WIDE.  You want me to do a good job? I need to see.  It doesn't happen often, but there are patients who just refuse to open their mouth.  I've never quite figured it out!

2: Trust me.  I know you're lying to me when you say you floss and you don't.  I can tell that from a mile away!  I'm not kidding. I KNOW!  And.... for me personally.... it doesn't bother me if you do or you don't floss.  I'm not your mother. I'm not going to babysit you and yell at you when you don't floss. I ask because I care and want to help you help yourself. If you tell me you don't floss, it's okay. Really! It's ok.  I try to help you find ways to better care for you mouths.

3: Crowns.  They are expensive.  They are a necessity for many.  I have seen thousands of them.  They are fantastic.  But thanks for letting me know you have one! :)  See pic below.  This applies to front fillings as well.  I know they are there.  wink wink 

4:  Tardiness.  Need I say more? There is usually a very good reason for coming to your appointment late.  It is unavoidable in some situations.  This is for the CHRONIC tardy person.  Do you realize that it's impossible for me to do a good job and stay on schedule when you're late?  It's not in my nature to NOT do a good job, therfeore your tardiness affects every patient left in my schedule.   Please be courteous of my time and I will be courteous of yours :) 

Check the blog again soon.  I'm thinking I like the confessions of a Dental Hygienist!  Thoughts?

RACE RECAP: Festival Foods Granddad Half Marathon

FINISH TIME:  1:59:00

Last Saturday, May 2nd was my second half marathon!  IT WAS AWESOME! 

Now, not all of it was awesome.  It certainly got tough in spots, but here's my recap! 

I was excited to run this race as it took place in my hometown of La Crosse, WI.  The start of the race starts on top of the bluff.  My dad used to take me here when I was a little girl.  I haven't been to the top in years!!  It's hard to see the view, but above is a picture of me at the overlook.  

Another great addition to my race morning was meeting my new running friend Lindsey!   She goes by Glitter Girl on the Run on Facebook and her blog is http://lbarnes94.wordpress.com/

Give her a shout-out if you can! Right from the start I could tell we were going to get along great!  The bus ride to the top was so fun getting to know her!  She is amazing!  It was her 37th half marathon and her 5th year in a ROW doing this particular race!

Me and Lindsey at the lookout!

Saturday, really couldn't have started out more perfect!  The temperature was 58 degrees at the start and the breeze was just right.  I had the typical race nerves as always.  Thankfully, I had eaten a small pre-race snack so at least I didn't feel like I was going to lose my stomach.  There were ample porta-potties.... which as runners..... we all know we need.  ME?  You ask?  I only had to visit 4 times before the race - and in true "Gina" fashion each and every time it felt like I was going to pee my pants.  I'm not sure why I need to visit the incredibly smelly porta-potties so many times before a race.  But, I've learned to just embrace them; stink and all!

The starting line at the top of the bluff

Truth be told, I was nervous about the 2 mile downhill.  I kept hearing my running friend's voice in my head.  "Negative splits Gina!  Negative splits!"  The run down was surprisingly easy.  The descent was gradual until the last .2 miles and that's really when the hill went on a steep decline.  Unfortunately, I didn't do well maintaining my splits.  My first two miles were 8:34 and 8:10 - much faster than I had hoped I would go out.  At the bottom of the hill we leveled out and my third mile was 8:17.  Still the voice in my head was saying " Negative splits... negative splits."  I was able to slow my pace to 9:07 for the 4th mile.  This was a bit more my speed.  I knew that if I could keep that pace or just a bit faster I would PR with my goal of sub-2:00:00.  

I had fun during the race running through all of the streets I was so familiar with.  But I was very excited to come up on mile 7.5 to see my family. The race ran right past my parents home so my boys, my parents and some other family were their waiting for me!   My boys ran out and gave me big hugs!  It was a great sight because it gave me that boost to go a bit further!

At mile 8 I met up with another girl running, we chatted a bit and it was a welcome chat.  She gave me the extra motivation to keep going because she took my mind off the fatigue that was starting to set in.  As I came up on mile 10, the mental game started.  I knew that I had "just" a 5K to go.  I knew that I could do it, but I was cutting it close on time and had to maintain 9 minutes miles at the end to finish below 2 hours.  I gave it all that I had left and just ran! 

Mile 11.5 was fantastic. The local hockey rink had made a huge snow pile at the edge of the street and were lobbing snowballs our way. I grabbed two and smashed them over my head and onto my arms.  Hallelujah!  How cool was that and it gave me a great boost of energy.  Mile 12 was the hardest.  I could see the finish line, I could hear the music.  I ran under the iconic blue bridge and seriously dug deep!  I HAD to finish. I mile left and my Garmin said 1:49:48. It was this mile where I actually threw up a bit. Yup - in my mouth.  Lovely isn't it?  But, hey the things runners do! 

The finish chute was amazing.  I was a complete blur.  I threw my hands in the air and even did a fist pump. I was there!  My PR was seconds away!  I didn't see my family... but I knew they were there.  The announcer called my name and I sprinted across the finish! 

In an earlier blog post I talked about the finish line.  Few things in life give you that rush.  I was mentally and physically exhausted.  I earned that finish line. I earned that medal.  I can't wait to earn my next one! 

I DID IT!!

The Mississippi behind me!

The RUNFIE!

Taking a RUNFIE doesn't mean your too into yourself!

I lean on my Instagram, Facebook and blogging community for support, friendship, laughs, advice; just about anything running related.  It's these men and women that continue to inspire me every day. Without the connections I have made via social media, somedays my workouts wouldn't get done.  Somedays, I often wonder if I would still be a "runner."  (my best running friends aside, who inspire me to bust my butt everyday as well)  wink, wink

It frustrates me when I hear comments from others who are being satirical about how they can't forget to post their workout on social media so that everyone can see.  Sometimes, I've even heard comments from veteran runners on social media sites saying things like why don't you JUST RUN and stop posting about it every single time on social media.   I've even heard things like " real runners don't need to post selfies. "  The list goes on and really.... I shouldn't be bothered by what everyone else thinks.  But sometimes, I just am!  I work hard.  I work VERY HARD.   

Why is it wrong to share with others?  Because I do sometimes care what people think of me... I post very little about my running on my personal Facebook page.  God forbid someone doesn't approve.  I do figure that if some of my friends want to be involved,  they will like my RUN gina RUN page or my Instagram account.

My point is: for me personally, taking selfies, i.e: RUNFIE'S doesn't mean I'm vain.  I enjoy the connection, the accountability, the support that these pictures do for me.   They connect me with other like-minded people from around the globe...people I otherwise wouldn't have met without social media.  I truly love my online community.   I'm not going to stop posting RUNFIE'S anytime soon.  Thank you to all of my online friends who do the same!  I've enjoyed getting to know just a small picture in your life and will continue to enjoy it everyday.  Continue to give me support. I will continue to show you mine!  

This picture above has been one of my highest likes and commented on posts from Instagram! :)

Until we "SEE" each other again!  RUNFIE ON!!  

You Might Be A Runner If......

The Granddad Half-Marathon is only a week away!

I am anxiously awaiting half marathon #2.  The race is next Saturday in my hometown of La Crosse, WI.  My first half-marathon last October I ran with a "pre-stress fracture," which ultimately lead me to REALLY injure myself.  Consequently, I was forced into taking 10 weeks off from my training.  I took a "doctor-ordered" much needed break to heal.   Currently, I am running much smarter and not pushing my limits quite as much.  Lesson learned. 

However, here are a few of my crazy obsessions the last few days: 

You MIGHT be a runner if you've checked the weather forecast 14 times in ONE day.  

You MIGHT be a runner if you've already planned your outfit for all of the weather conditions you MAY encounter race day.

You MIGHT be a runner if you've checked the event website 14 times in ONE day, just making sure you know ALL the details.

You MIGHT be a runner if you're stressing over your sleeping conditions the night before the race. * I have two small children that will be sharing my room race-day eve.  Lord help me!

You MIGHT be a runner if the ONLY day during the week you get to wear REAL clothes, you still wore comfy shoes so as to avoid any unnecessary blisters.

I am very excited for this race.  It will literally run one block from my childhood home and I know the course very well.  I have never run this particular race before, but the event course is a very familiar driving route for me.  My parents and some other family will be there to support me along the course and I couldn't be more excited about that.  

However, I have not registered yet.  I can register up to the night before at the race expo and that is what I plan to do.  The registration fee is $70, which in my opinion is a bit steep!  But it's only money and I love running, so I'll get over that.  However, 70% chance of thunderstorms that day is making me crazy.  

 This will be my mantra on race day

I have run in the rain before.  It's not ideal and yes you actually do feel like a bad-ass.  But, I'm not jazzed about having to run in the rain.  I am crossing my fingers that 7 days out the weather will change.  Here's to hoping. 

Do you think I'm crazy for not running if it's raining? 

Finish Lines

The Finish Line is Just the Beginning

 Running means different things to different people.  Every runner has their own personal journey.  They have the "why" behind the "reason" that they run.  For me there are a variety of reasons.  None resonate with me more than crossing that finish line.  

It's a feeling that no one can take away from you!  Only you cross that finish line!  And... suddenly as you cross that line the hardships and struggles that got you to that point are all washed away.   When I cross the finish line, I am overcome with so many different emotions!   I have laughed, I have cried, I have nearly thrown up, I have passed out -- does getting caught by a friends husband count right before I passed out?  Truth be told..... the emotions go crazy at the finish line.  But there is nothing better than the amazing joy that I feel after crossing that finish line.  The adrenaline rush is like no other.  The pain getting there, completely wiped away.  It is one of THE most satisfying journeys I have ever taken.  ( Aside from the obvious ones like having my children, my wedding etc. )

Here are a few more thoughts that cross my mind at the finish line:

1:  Where's my medal? Oh Medal? Where are you? I'm a bling-whore if you haven't already figured that out.  If there's not a medal on the race, chances are I'm probably not running it.  I know that sounds silly, or maybe not... but that shiny piece of medal hanging on that ribbon is SO worth the miles!!  I promise once you have one around your neck you'll definately want more!

2:  Water!  I want WATER!!  

3:  OMG!  I'm DONE..... that took FOREVER!

4:  I'm so TIRED!  

5:  Oh please lord.... tell me that I didn't wet my pants. AGAIN!!!  ( oh the joys of child birth)

5: When can I do this AGAIN!  

My point is, cross that finish line.  No matter your distance. No matter your pace.  Get your butt to that finish line.  I PROMISE you will not be disappointed.  

This post was inspired by a fellow bloggers message about the rewards we reap from running.  If you haven't visited Wendy's blog.... do so.  She's got great posts and inspiring messages. :)  http://oldrunningmom.blogspot.com/