[36] Revlon Run for Women

Race: Revlon Run/Walk for Women's Cancers 5K
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Location: Times Square to Central Park
Weather: 50s & Cloudy

Distance: 5K* (2.87Mi)
Bib #: 4227
Fashion:  2011 Revlon Run/Walk T-shirt, Red Nike Soccer Shorts & Nike+ Vomero 5s

Times

• Nike+:  26'05" (337.19 Cal; 10'08" Average Pace) 
• Clock: 28'30"

Fund Raising

• Goal: $300
• Total: $430! (Thank you, Everyone!!)
• Fundraising Progress: Please Donate Here!

[Packet-T-shirt Pickup]

Race numbers were mailed out two weeks prior to the event, giving me plenty of time to flex my creativity and decorate my bib with all the folks I would be honoring in the run. I used my evening off from work to head to the City and hit up the Times Square Alliance, one of the Revlon Run/Walk partners, so I could pick up my shirt early. Since I was running the race, I didn't want to carry any unnecessary weight (until all the free stuff after I finished). The ladies working the booth complimented my decorated bib, a nice little ego boost.

[Race Day]

Woke up early. Left early. Arrived early. Had a nice little lecture from a patron at McDonalds, but thankfully he was cheering me on at the same time. It was possible that he, too, was a runner at some given point in his life. He helped put a smile on my face and a little pep in my step. Got to Times Square and found myself overwhelmed. The TSA (Times Square Alliance) changed all the marquees in honor of the event. Everywhere I looked there was participant photos, Womentum, and tons of Revlon Red. It was great. Aside from the morning chill, arriving early certainly had its privileges. I managed to get in front of the stage for the opening ceremonies. Granted, this would later affect my run time, but what did I care? I had a front row space for Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Karen Duffy, Keysha Cole, Dr. Oz, Jimmy Fallon, and Nate Berkus. Took some shoddy photos and video with my iPhone, but it made me happy.

The National Anthem was sung by one of NYC's finest. I don't know what it is about a police officer singing which makes me all misty-eyed. Its the same thing is heading "Amazing Grace" (especially played on the bagpipes). The motivational speeches by the guests and sponsors were unbelievable. It broke my heart to learn that Karen Duffy, my MTV VJ Idol of my youth, was a cancer survivor and fighting another illness as well. It was inspiring to see her healthy and hosting the event, as a long time Revlon spokesmodel and event supporter. I would have hugged her if I could. She looks great. I also made two new running buddies, both first time racers and recent runners. Thank you so much, Elizabeth & Brenda, for fighting the chill with me. Too bad we didn't get on the marquee this year!

[The Course]

Unless I started all the way in the back of the pack on Times Square & 42nd Street, and counted part of the expo area after the finish line, the course was not 5K (4.62K). The jaunt up toward Central Park was easy enough, and the length across the bottom of CP was also enjoyable. It started getting tricky as the race started to snake through the park. I found it a little annoying that they only permitted use of half the road, and non-race participants were insisting on running in the opposite direction (and bitching about the race). There was a comment on the NYRR Facebook page which ruffled my feathers, citing Non-NYRR races like this one as a "taste of our own medicine" with regard to taking over the park. I fired back a comment because its races like these that inspire new people to take up running, raise money and awareness, and make friends.

I don't want to be a running snob like some people. I want everyone to enjoy it and share it.

Central Park doesn't belong to NYRR members, so they need to learn to share the playground with everyone else. I say this as a card carrying member of the NRA... I mean NYRR. ;) I may never become an elite athlete or win a race, but if I can motivate the gun shy runners like I once was, then I feel that I am doing my part to give back and expand the running community.

Though I wasn't able to catch up with any of the celebrity runners, I did enjoy the finish line entertainment by the Japanese Taiko (drum) band. It reminded me of mile 5 of the Princess Half, outside the Magic Kingdom ferries. Their taiko congregation was much larger, but something about those heavy drums makes me pound the ground much harder. The finish line came much quicker than I expected (as there is no way I can run a 5K in under thirty minutes let alone at 26 and change), but it was nice to be thrown right into the free goodies from the vendors. I snagged my Womentum medal and headed home.

[Archive] (From my 2011 EIF Page)

Support My Fight Against Women's Cancers
On Saturday, April 30th, I will be participating in the 14th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women. You can join me in the fight against women's cancers by making a donation on my behalf. Your donation will help fund important research into the cause and cure of women's cancers, prevention, education and support service programs. Every dollar will help bring us one step closer to a cure.

{ My Story }

January 2000.

Junior Year at UF.

I lost my Grandma Nina Peterson to Cancer.

I made her a two-fold promise: 1) Be a good girl. 2) Finish school no matter what. I refused to let her down. It's been eleven years since I lost one of the greatest people in my life. Left with so many questions about my family's history and her fantastic cooking secrets, I can't help but wish I had asked those questions before it was too late.

I haven't fundraised like this since high school, but I won't let that stop me. In my previous races, the names and faces were unknown and my donations were anonymous. I raced for pride, better personal records, and the free swag. This time I run for Nina, not myself. I'll run through the streets of NYC, knowing she's watching over every step.

Any assistance you can give, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated. I refuse to mourn her loss. I'd rather celebrate her life.

All My Love,

Karen

(Participant ID# 1201323)

Friends & Family I Run For:

• My Grandma Nina (January 2000)
• My Uncle Gaetan (November 1999)
• My Aunts Celine, Claudine, & Pierette
• Pat's friend, Midge
• Meghan's Aunt Diane
• Kim's Cousin, Michelle
• Taryn, Dana & Alexia's Mother, Annette
• Rusty's Uncle Don
• Allyson's Family: Aunt Diane, Aunt Lucy, Cousin Sharon, & Grandma Dunsford
• Sister Julie Reineke 
• Alison's Niece, Sydney
• Nicki's Grandma Betty & Aunt Joan
• Danielle's friend Louise C.
• Tom S.
• Rusty's former roomie, Randy E.

[35] Cherry Blossom 5K

Race: Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K
Date: Sunday, April 3, 2011 (Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!!)
Location: National Mall, past Honest Abe, over the Arlington Bridge and back. (Hotel: Residence Inn Arlington: Capital View)
Weather: 60s & Sunny

Distance: 5K
Bib #: 23,932
Division: Female 30-34 (41/266)
Fashion:  Adapt JP+ T-shirt, Red Nike Soccer Shorts & Nike+ Vomero 5s

Times

• Chip: 31'11" (10'03" Pace)*New Personal Record!
• Nike+:  31'37" (337.19 Cal; 10'08" Average Pace) 
• Clock: 31'18"

[Race Packet Pickup]
Packet pickup and the expo were located at the National Buidling Museum. It was efficiently arranged with racers going inside and immediately to the second floor for packet pickup. Runners circulated through the second floor, and emerged on the first floor at the Expo. I found the process rather smooth, and I got a free mini-tour of the building's interior for free. Try as I may to avoid shopping, I wound up with a bag full of goodies, including a "Inspired to Run" Dry T-shirt & shorts by Mizuno, Baltimore 5K Under Armour Shirt (Thanks, Mom), Balenga running socks, a white New Balance running skirt, and a Saucony reversible pull over.

[Race Day]
The weather was brisk, but the sunshine and the cherry blossoms awaited. Taking the metro to the National Mall, I was sleepy but excited. It was colder than I expected, but I was certain that it would warm up by the time it came to run. I enjoyed the official start of the 10 Mile race from the start line, and watched as wave after wave of runners flew by. Initially, I wanted to sign up for the 10 Miler, but I chickened out when I saw the two hour twenty minute time limit. I was rather uncertain if I could meet the pacing requirement, so I opted for the 5K instead. At least, I now know that it is possible for me to complete ten miles within the time limit (albeit it a close shave).

The 5K race was fun and without any particular rhyme or reason for the starting order, I moseyed up toward the front (hence the eight second time difference between the gun time and my chip time). Everyone was out for fun, but it was clear that the 5K didn't receive as much support at the 10 miler run. Timing was by batch times, and thankfully RunPix made it rather interesting to review stats at the end. I will say that I am disappointed that there wasn't a single official photographer anywhere on the course. It made me feel as if I wasted my money and energy traveling down to DC. I've run several other 5Ks, and they had race photography. It sort of cheapened the moment.

Personally, I ran my best 5K (up to that date), including a new personal best for the mile (per Nike+). The sunshine and the cherry blossoms were just the motivation I needed to pound it out. I got a little tired as I crossed the Arlington Bridge for the first time, but thankfully the fuel station awaited on the other side. I did have a little trouble with one of my shoes, and had I not stopped to take it off and fix it, I may have had an even better time. I anticipated finishing at around 35 minutes which would have given my mother plenty of time to prepare her camera and wait for me. However, I shocked us both when I started hauling in at the 30 minute mark, and crossing at just past thirty-one.

Thirty-WONderful is more like it. It felt great, and I was glad I could share DC with my Mom.

[18] ING-sane Entry

While working on my health goal on Lululemon's goaltender, in the 5 Year Health Goal, I indicated that I would run the NYC Marathon by November 2015. I haven't got the slightest idea what possessed me to write that, but it just came out. Last year, I never thought I would even dream about running a half-marathon, but as of last week, I logged my second one with a time better than I originally expected.

Before you get all huffy, I know. Although I've run the equivalent of a full marathon by completing two halves, it is not the same as running a full marathon in one go. The New York Road Runners have paired up with ING New York City Marathon to provide an incentive program to run and volunteer for races. Their 9+1 Program is quite appealing. Run nine NYRR races and volunteer for one within a calendar race year, and one is guaranteed entry in the 2012 NYC Marathon.

After registering for the Japan Run in May over the weekend, I starting going over the 2011 race calendar. In a perfect world, where I can find people willing to trade weekend shifts with me, I would like to register and run the following races to meet my 9 race requirement:

1. 05/08: Japan Run (@9AM; 4Mi; Central Park) *Registered 3/5
2. 06/25: Front Runner's Pride Run (@9AM; 5 Mi; Central Park)
3. 06/26: Achilles Hope Possibility (@8:30AM; 5Mi; Central Park)
4. 07/16: Central Park Conservatory (@9AM; 4Mi; Central Park)
5. 08/27: Harlem 5K (@8:30AM; 5K; St. Nicholas Park, Harlem)
6. 09/17: Fitness Magazine (@9AM; 4Mi; Central Park) or 09.24: Fifth Ave Museum Mile (Various)
7. 10/30: Poland Springs Marathon Kick Off (@8:30AM; 5Mi; Van Cortlandt Park)
8. 11/20: Race to Deliver (@8:30AM; 4Mi; Central Park)
9. 12/10: NYRR Jingle Bell Jog (@9AM; 4Mi; Prospect Park, Brooklyn)
10. 12/31: Emerald Nuts Midnight Run (@12AM; 4Mi; Central Park)

I would love to sign up for the Queens Half or the Bronx Half, but I am not too sure about my endurance during the summer time for such a long distance. Queens falls right smack in the middle of Summer Program, so I am 99.9% sure it is out of the question, but there is a possibility for the Bronx Half. I have to be back at work by 4PM on 8/28 anyway, so I think I may be able to squeeze this one in. I would prefer avoiding the Midnight Run in Central Park unless I can find someone to run it with me, but most of my friends in the area go home for the holidays, so it might be a tad lonely. Plus, I need to volunteer for one of these races as well.

I guess it will really boil down to how well I can manage my time. I may have to make some sacrifices if I am serious about getting into the 2012 NYC Marathon. Also, I am planning on registering for the Disney Wine & Dine Half on October 1, 2011, so I am going to have to be rather crafty with my schedule changes. Looks like I am going to have to work on my negotiation skills. ;) It seems I have found a creative outlet for dealing with my rejection from grad school and my failure of the JLPT. It will be a ton of work, but it will be a very healthy lifestyle in 2011!

[17] Spring Race Schedule

Race: Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K
Date: Sunday, April 3, 2011 @8:40AM
Location: Washington, DC

Distance: 5K [ Map ]
Gear: iPhone/ Nike+GPS (No Headphones)
Fashion: Disney Princess 1/2 Tech Shirt

Notes: Currently searching for a hotel along one of the subway lines, so I don't have to pay an arm & leg for something in the downtown area. Mom is coming to hang out with me and see the cherry blossoms, so I have to find something for Friday afternoon until Monday morning. The Health and Fitness Expo is only on Saturday, so if I can manage to get into town on Friday by lunch time, then we'll have time to explore and rest up before and after pick up on Saturday. Currently, trying to see what events will be held that weekend, so we can maximize the time together.

Initially, I intended on running the 10 Mile, but I was unsure of meeting the pacing requirement. My 15K split from the Disney Princess 1/2 was 2:05:00, but I would need to fit in another kilometer and hope I can finish it in under two hours twenty minutes. If I can improve my pacing over the next year, perhaps I will try it next year.

Race: Japan Run @Central Park [ Details ]
Date: Sunday, May 8, 2011 @8:00AM

Location: Central Park, NYC

Distance: 4Mi
Gear: Nike+ SportBand & Polar WearLink+
Fashion: Cherry Blossom 5K Tech Shirt

Notes: Last year, this event was scheduled on the same day as the Japan Day Festival in Central Park, this year, both events are pushed up to May, but are held on separate days. I'll finally be able to put my NYRR membership to use and start working toward getting into the NYC Marathon for 2012. I may need to run more short races between now and then, so I can meet their requirement. I will need to either sort out accommodation for the night before or brace myself for a very early start on Sunday morning. If I can stay over the night before, I can pick up my race packet without making a second trip to the city.

Either way, I will need to sort out public transport and parking, so I don't have to stress out at the last minute. Hopefully, the weather will be gorgeous by then!