[53] Another Pantheon Goddess

Being F-AB-ulous in Osaka! 2007

Had I followed the United States' Track Team's success at Track and Field World Championships in Osaka, Japan (2007), I would have known who Kara and Shalane were long ago. Admittedly, at the time I had just spent four days interpreting for the Jamaican Team, so I was obsessed with watching them crush the US and Japan! The following summer, I moved to Tokyo and a week later, the Beijing Olypiad took place. Again, I followed Jamaica with wild interest and my own country and country of residence with mild interest.

Earlier in the year, I talked about Nike TC elite runner and 2010 NYC Marathon Debutane, Shalane Flanagan. While Shalane was rocking the streets of the Five Boros, Kara Goucher was reveling in her debut as a mother. However, as the Apple of the Big Apple's eye started to fade and spring rolled in with the Boston Marathon in tow, Kara's name started cropping up everywhere as the recent mom in the midst of a comeback. Looking at pictures of Kara during her pregnancy and postpartum, she still looked better than I have in years. By the time she trotted into Boston, she was in racing shape and ready to smash Bean Town to tiny bits.

Neither being an elite athlete or a mother is easy, and within weeks of giving birth to Colt, Goucher was getting back into the swing of things and now she's on the fast track to the Olympic Trials. Talk about a great way to shed baby fat! Like Shalane, Kara is a member of the Oregon Track Project by Nike, and also debuted at the New York City Marathon, but two years prior (2008). What gives Kara an extra mark or two in my books (besides having a name that starts with Kar-) is that she's only a year older than me. Granted, Kara's been running since she was a child, but I can identify with her more as she is a runner in her thirties.

Lookin' great, Girl! (c) RW

As for my obsession and quest for the Nike SportWatch+ GPS, I am completely throwing Kara under the bus with her May 2011 cover of Runner's World. Being a Nike+ geek (nearly two years running, ha ha), I've been pining for this hot ticket item, but with the mixed product reviews, I firmly remained on the fence for a months or so. Then this issue of RW found its way into my mail box, and that was the end of it. Kara, I adore you, but you owe me $179.99 + tax!

What has me really curious is what the Nike Campus in Portland is like. It isn't exactly a place one can go on a vacation or tour (or can they)? Initially, Kara was an elite track runner who later expanded her scope to included halves and fulls. I wonder how she passes her day. While I'm chained to a desk, how many miles is she running? What's her training menu like? What kind of music populates her playlists? Does she commute to work by running (or does she drive)? I've never been to Oregon. Maybe I really should have applied for that Nike Run Reporter casting after all... Hmmm..

Recently, Kara released her own take on running for women. I am so excited to delve deeper into the psyche of an elite runner, and learn to improve myself as a runner. Honestly speaker, I've always leaned toward the fiction genre over nonfiction when it came to reading. However, in the last year, I've taken to throwing non-fiction into the reading mixture. Looking over my ever evolving reading list and my goals as an individual who runs, I decided that if I am ever graduate from novice level, I need to read more books (not limit myself to magazines) about the sport. Flicking through, it looks light which is always a promising sign for summer reading. 


Read Up on Kara

• Running 101: Class is in Session (Runner's World; May 2011)
• Goucher balances motherhood, training for London (Sports Illustrated)
• Mind Gains (Runner's World; March 2010)

Love her laughing with her baby bump & hubby, Adam! (c) AMR

If I ever become a lean, mean mother runner, I hope I can an ounce or two of Kara's positivity to keep running (jogging, ambling, crawling) as much as I can!

[51] A Lil Pip in My Step

Pipsqueek's dirty little secret: trails and rails.

With the Royal Wedding in the history books, Pippa Middleton's moved onto greener pastures. Literally. In the wake of recent breakup and where do we find her? Competing and completing duathalons and triathalons! In the last month alone, she participated in the GE Blenheim Triathalon (June 4th; Woodstock, England)  and the Highland Cross 2011 (Jine 18th; Invitational Duathalon; Kintail to Beauly, Scotland).

I'm tired of the talk about Pippa's posterior and the simple suggestions some sites give about swimming and pilates. Take one looks at the girl's arms and you can tell that she's a long time athlete. Training for distance running takes time. Throwing added challenges of cycling and swimming into the mix is by no means a simple task. I have yet to graduate to this stage of endurance racing, so I am blown away by Little Middleton's accomplishments. 

I would be curious to see what training program she follows and if she is a Nike+ User. Looking at some of the pictures of the Duathalon, it appears she is using the same Gray/Pink Nike+ SportBand and Nathan Sensor Pocket that I have. I am certain that if she does use the Nike+ system, I am sure there could be a possible surge in users for those who are obsessed with following the Royals. Surveying her running gear, I do like that she is properly geared up for the events she is participating, including small details like racing gloves. From what I can tell is that New Balance 860s are her running shoe of choice as she is wearing them at both events.

If Runner's World UK could land an interview with her, it might pave the way for a new wave of younger female runners. I would fork out $7.99 (£4.50) for that issue, maybe even extra if they can get her to do a cover. She would be an interesting "I'm A Runner" interview. Honestly, I am curious to see what endurance race she chooses to participate in next or who's worthy to make her play list.

Oh, and her 5K time during the Blenheim Triathalon?

25'30".

[Referenced]

• "PM Completes Grueling 50-Mile Duathalon" (US Weekly UK)
• "Pippa Middleton Charity Race Pictures" (PopSugar)
• "Her Royal Even Hotterness!" (DailyMail UK)

[39] Japan Run for Hope

Race: NYRR's Japan Run for Hope [ Gallery]

Distance: 04.0 Miles, 06.4 Kilometers

Date/Time: May 8, 2011, 8:30 AM
Location: Central Park, NYC [Course]
Weather: 53 Degrees, 72% Humidity, Wind 3 MPH, Fair.

Bib#: 8526

Corral: Silver (8000-8999)

[Times]
Clock Time: 50:23
Chip Time: 43:08 (Pace: 10'47”)
Nike+ Time/Splits: 44;20” (Pace: 10'58”; 425.49 Cal)

• Mile 1: 10:56 (10'56”)
• Mile 2: 20:57 (10'01”) *Fastest
• Mile 3: 32:59 (12'01”) *Slowest
• Mile 4: 43:53 (10'55”)

[Places]

Overall: 4,258/5,079
Gender: 1805/2,385
Age: 436/1,074
AG (Age Graded) Stats

• Time: 43:05
• Place: 1978
• Percentage: 44.66%

[Race Packet Pick-up]

This was my first time to go to NYRR HQ and check out their facilties. The process they have in place is quiet efficient and quick (plus, going mid-day on a Thursday helps, too). Within five minutes, I had my bib, tag, pins, and free t-shirt, and I was on my way out the door. I wanted to drop by the shop and finally pick up that blasted Sponge Bob Square Pants Bikini Bottom Track Club T-shirt, but they were closed. :( This will be one of my homework assignments for National Running Day on June 1st (also coordinated by NYRR).

[Race]

May was a lazy month for me. Minimal training, but lots of walking. I should have known better. Turns out, working a job and a half greatly minimizes my training time, especially with a busted treadmill and May showers all over the place. On top of that, a serious work related matter kept me up half the night before, so I was far from well rested, but I dragged myself out of bed and showed up anyway. 

Like many races, this one was a wave start, but before I even crossed the State gates, I knew I was no where I needed to be. The first mile was my warm up, mile two made my feel good, but when I hit mile three, I felt like an albatross was thrown around my neck. I pushed through and finished, but I was disappointed with my time. I stopped for a photograph at the "Finishers' Circle" before stocking up on free goodies, watching the raffle, and meeting the two guest Japanese Olympic Marathoners! Best quote from the finish refeuling station: "Sexy Green Tea for the Sexy People!" Yes, ma'am, I'll take a six pack, please!

Looking at the photos, I learned two things: 1) I must run outside more often and develop some sort of tan base before the Queens & Bronx halves this summer or I will die, 2) I should not wear white t-shirts with my severe lack of tan.


With Reiko Tosa (left) and Yoko Shibui (right)

[Meeting Japanese Olympic Marathoners!]

Due to the Tohoku Earthquake in March, Japanese marathoners, Reiko Tosa & Yoko Shibui, were unable to compete in upcoming races in Japan. They were invited to compete as ambassadors of Japan, and both finished in the top four (Shibui 1st; Tosa 4th). After the awards ceremony, many Japanese participants and supports went over to take a photo with Toda & Shibui. I screwed up my courage, ran into one of my students (and her parents), and managed to get my picture taken with them! Both women were surprised when I asked in Japanese. I suspect they were bracing themselves to speak in English!

During the awards ceremony, they were also holding a raffle. The grand prize being a trip for two to Japan! I nearly died when they called out "Silver... Eighty-five... twe----lve." So close and yet, so darned far! Thankfully, the prize when to a young twenty-something who had never been to Japan, so bittersweet as it may be, I am happy the prize will go to someone who may fall in love with Japan like myself!

[Second Verse, Same as the First]
My second attempt at this route will be the Celebrate Israel Run by NYRR & the JCRCNY on Sunday, June 5th. They are using the exact same route, counterclockwise from the band shell, up the east drive, across at the 102nd Street transverse, down the west drive and finishing on the 72nd Street transverse near the band shell. I need to amp up the training, especially outside on changing elevations.

[2012 NYC Marathon 9+1 Progress]

One down. Eight to go. Next up? Volunteering at the American Heart Association's Start! Wall Street Run on Tuesday, May 17th.

[27] Lifestyle Makeover Icon

My sister, Susan, has been one of the pillars of my weight loss support. Over the last year and a half, she has cheered me on, run a 5K with me, and even ChEARed me on at the Disney Princess Half-Marathon last month. After I finished the Princess Half, I received a text from my sister saying that I inspired her to give running a try, and congratulating me on finishing my second half. I never thought I would inspire anyone to do anything to be perfectly honest. 

Unfortunately, she also witness the straw that broke this camel's back at Christmas 2009, the comment that lit my motivation ablaze:

"Karen, you are the slightly heavier, yet still gorgeous older sister..."

with my gal pal Andrea (left) in photography class (summer 2009)

The words hit me like a gun shot. I saw red, and not only beause it was on Christmas Day after dinner. I had a Japanese friend over for a 'nice, American family Christmas', and I was humiliated in front of him. I remember taking a beer and sitting outside on the porch, ready to cry on a beautifully sunny, Florida afternoon. At that point, I had just started using Nike+, and I remember returning to New York and hitting the icy roads nearly every morning purely out of frustration and anger. In 2010, I ran 401 miles. When I looked at my 2010 Nike+ Rundown on Nike Running, I realized that I nearly ran the length of my homestate of Florida (445 miles). Only 13.1 of this was the Nike Women's Half-Marathon. Paired with the CAIFR and the Resolution 5K, that was still less than 19 miles worth of racing (18.69 miles to be exact). The remaining 382.31 miles were training. That's a lot of training, but I have to beat that this year.

Regardless, sometimes I feel my motivation waning. I want so desperately to reach 130 pounds, but I am worried that the perfectionist in me simply pushes too hard sometimes. I've tried Weight Watchers several times over the last ten years, but the most successful (and healthiest) weight loss took place when I lived in Japan. I had 'The Beast' (my red, granny bike from Jusco), and later 'Belle' (after Beast kicked the rust bucket), and rode them all over Tottori from Spring til Fall. I miss the convenience of having bike paths, superwide sidewalks, and bike racks everywhere.

Though I am close to White Plains, I can't seem to find a bicycle route I feel comfortable taking to WP. After the recent passing of marathoner, Sally Meyerhoff, who was hit while riding her bicycle, I am concerned about riding with the traffic. New York drivers make my crazy enough when I am behind the wheel! I may just have to suck it up and try discovering a  safe route. The construction on I-287 at the entry of WP from Anderson Hill Road is still in full effect, and I haven't really paid attention to the pedestrial potential of that area. Three things are certain: I will need a good helmet, a sturdy back pack, and a solid bike lock. Oh, and sun screen (SPF 50+), so four things. I am trying to figure out how to get to other nearby haunts sans four wheel drive, but again, lack of sidewalks and crazy drivers are making it difficult.

A few days ago, my beautiful Seester, tweeted an awe-inspiring post by Ms. Bitch Cakes with regard to her first outdoor run in NYC. You have no idea how high my envy meter spiked simply by looking at her before and after photo in the banner. Before I even started reading, her story hit me straight through the heart. Having struggled with my weight and food since college, it was interesting to see a true Weight Watchers Succcess Story. I know that Jennifer Hudson is the current face of WW (and she looks stunning), but being a celebrity spokesmodel still makes her type weight loss feel like a lofty, unattainable goal at times. Admittedly, while I was still on WW Online, I prematurely wrote about my future success, hoping that posting it on my victory wall would keep me motivated. Alas, that approach failed miserably.

Reading through her blog, I was blown away by the sheer depth and painstaking organization of it. There is certainly no shortage of information! I love her use of charts, tracking programs, technology (Yeehaw for Nike+ Users!), snapshots, and most importantly her weight loss progress photos. Her information based format jolts the geeky girl in me awake and shows me the potential of what is possible. In a word... Wow. That's all I can say. I'm woman up and admit my jealousy for her outstanding organizational skills, great photographs, stay put makeup, and entry into all those NYRR races I've been too chicken to participate in! However, I will not short change her victories at all. I shall aspire to work as hard as I can to become a foxy lady.

I may not be able to upload such soul bearing photos (largely in part because I work in a conservative, private school), but I would like to start making friends with the mirror again. I think it is high time for me to go through my photos of the last eight years, and start picking out ones to show my journey. I recently ordered a digital photograph from the two half-marathons I ran as well. Although they are only four months apart, you can see the difference in my weight (roughly fifteen pounds). I will upload them once they arrive. I did realize that I need to start running outside more, as I am pale like Casper the Friendly Ghost! I refuse to hit the tanning bed, so I better hit the road for a little Vitamin D, and give the treadmill a rest for a little bit.

[22] Addition to the Pantheon

Beautiful & Bronzed in Beijing (©2008; Reuters Photos)

Oh, Shalane Flanagan. Girl, you can run. Call me a bandwagon jumper, I don't care. Despite representing the US in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, I had no idea who the Bronze Medalist was until she graced the cover of Runner's World Magazine (Back Story, November 2011) prior to her debut at the 2010 ING New York City Marathon. Even then, I had just started reading RW and glanced over her article with mild interest. I think this was largely in part to her being on the cover, but her article being tucked somewhere near the back of the magazine. Though I participated in the Continental Airlines International Friendship Run on the day before NYC 2010, I sipped my morning coffee and watched the race from the comfort of my living room the following morning.

While I waited for the race to begin, I flicked through my RW magazines, and realized that Shalane was hanging out on my coffee table and gearing up on my TV simultaneously. So I watched with rapt attention and tracked her split times on my iPhone using the 2010 ING NYC Marathon iPhone App ($3.99). The excitement of watching the race eclipsed the fact that I was lounging slothfully on my couch in my pajamas while the masses were either hitting the highways of the five boroughs and cheering the runners on. I felt guilty for about thirty seconds, then I opened a window to get some fresh air... and promptly closed it again. Let's just say my non-denominational guilt was gone with the November wind.

With Hubby at 2010 NYC Finish Line (©Associated Press)

Nike Diva & RW Cover Girl (November 2010)

Watching NYC for the first time was an informative experience. Both the men's and women's divisions were outstanding, and the commentary provided was rather educational. Being a novice runner, there was unfamiliar jargon, but being alone on my couch meant I could yank up definitions on my laptop without being crucified by more seasoned veterans. Even now, I am still learning names of injuries, prevention and training methods, and I can't name most of the elite runners out there, but I am perfectly okay with that. Of course, with the women's division, I found it amusing that the commentators analyzed Shalane's choice of apparel for her debut. They liked the selection of a fuller bottom lycra short, knee-high compression socks, sleeves,  gloves, and the high ponytail. It was a "classic throwback". Shalane was the belle of the ball-- Cinderella, but much, much faster. Hey Disney, if you want to do another Annie Lebovitz "Dream Portraits" Series, pick Shalane as your Cinderella. Try inviting her to run in the next Disney Princess Half-Marathon (or any of the ESPN Endurance Races). 

One more reason for me to love Lady Shalane, is that she trains at the Nike Campus in Beaverton, Oregon. Like I need another reason to give Nike more of my money. I hope she qualifies for the 2012 London Olympics, so I can cheer for her from my couch again. As for 2011 NYC, if she runs it again this year, I may be tempted to hang around in one of the boroughs and see if I can catch a glimpse of her! If I can make it into 2012 NYC, I hope she is there.

P.S. While I was the Starbies, I discovered that Shalane is a Tweeter. I thought it was a rather long shot to tweet some praise, but when I woke up this morning, I found this little surprise! Perhaps telling one Olympic athlete that they've replaced another helped. ;)  I have been Re-Tweeted! <3 This makes for a very happy morning!

Read up on Shalane:

• Shalane and the Marathon (Running Times, September 2010)
• "There are Times & Places to Hurt" (ING NYC Marathon/Running Times & Runner's World Special)
• Flanagan Follows the Plan (ING NYC Marathon/Running Times & Runner's World Special)
• Flanagan Makes a Splash at NYC Debut (Sports Illustrated, Notebook, November 2011)
• The Killer Inside Shalane Flanagan (Runner's World, April 2011)

[20] Destination Running - Japan Edition

After Summer Program finishes, I'll be throwing myself onto a 12 hour flight to Japan as soon as possible, and looking forward to roughly two weeks worth of relaxation... and running?! Unfortunately, August is as beastly in Japan as it is here in the US, especially where stifling humidity is concerned. Naturally, searching for races to participate in this time are impossible with the exception of the Hokkaido Half-Marathon at the end of the month (when I need to be back in the US).

Being a Nike Geek, I checked out the Nike Running Club Japan site, as well as the Nike Running Japan Facebook page. Thankfully, there are several Nike Stores, including Harajuku (Tokyo), Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Osaka. Nike Harajuku has a girls' night run which looks really cool, as does Nike Fukuoka. From what I gather from their homepages (as I am being lazy about translating at the moment), like the US clubs, the Nike+ Run Clubs in Japan are also free. Looks like I have yet another reason to kick up my training and language learning up a notch! Of course while I am in Tottori, I will make a loop of the city, and try my best not to stop at Mos Burger or Mr. Donut while I am out!

When I lived in Japan, I loved watching the Nippon TV 24 Hour Charity Telethon. In previous years, a famous comedian would run 100+KM over the course of 26 hours!! That can't be right... can it?! That's the equivalent of two ultra-marathons in just over 24 hours! Most recently, Ayako Imoto (from Tottori!) and Harumi Edo are two women who took the challenge on and completed it! I remember watching them and being completely floored. Simply watching them triumph over their pain, and pushing themselves in the name of charity was inspiring. At the time, running wasn't even a thought in my head, but I told myself if I ever became famous, I would willingly subject myself to such torture in the name of charity-- provided I could have all my friends flown to Japan and have Arashi (or better yet, Masaharu Fukuyama) waiting for me at the finish line. Thank goodness, I live in obscurity or I might have to put my money where my foot is!

Once summer gets closer, I'll need to start planning where I intend on visiting and running. Summer in Japan is hot and humid, but my running clothes will dry out quickly in the heat. I'll just make sure I pack items I am not too fussed about leaving behind, just in case. I have some old t-shirts that are on their last threads, but that's about it. I doubt I will buy any gear while I am in Japan unless they have the Nike+ GPS watch available by then, but most likely, I'll just use my SportBand+ & HRM+ and tag the runs later. I have an inkling that the Nike+GPS may not work on runs outside of the US, but I could be mistaken. I will need to research that a bit further. It would be awesome to be able to map my runs while I am abroad. It might encourage me to lace up while on vacation!! As much as it would pain me to buy gear while in Japan, I may have to buy one shirt from Nike if I participate in the run clubs, and have it personalized while I am there.

So much to think about! I better get planning... and running!!