[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)

[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.

[28] Call Me Running Nose

Having suffered seasonal as well as household allergies for as long as I can remember, I am constantly looking for ways to alleviate by congestion. When it comes to running, steady breathing is especially important, and the last thing I want is to worry about a runny nose. Typically, I have waffled among over the counter allergy relief medications (preferably ones with 24 hour coverage), but the brand name versions tend to outclass their generic counterparts (both in effectiveness and price). While a Whole Foods a few months back, I picked up some Breathe Easy Tea by Traditional Medicinals, in a vain attempt to try something a little more holistic in regard to my nasal congestion. Unlike my other teas, this one tends to take a bit more preparation time: requiring 10-15 minutes steeping time while covered. I do like that it suggests adding honey to enhance the benefits because it is a tad on the bitter side. Taking a look at the supplement information, I found so many different herbs included in the mixture. It may take some getting used to, but until I can stomach three cups a day without honey, there will be some enhancement. The packaging is strong (coated on the inside to retain freshness) and informative (includes definitions; good for reading while waiting for tea to steep).

Polling my friends, I was surprised how many of them have recommended using a neti pot. Until they suggested using one, I have absolutely no clue was a neti pot actually was. I love swimming, but one thing I always hate is getting water up my nose, so the prospect of intentionally irrigating my sinuses by using a miniature tea pot or watering can is a little unappealing to me. Looking at images of how to properly use one, I couldn’t stop laughing. One cannot look sexy when marketing a NP. I’m sorry. Even the most attractive models just look silly with a spout shoved in one nostril and water dripping out the other. Dr. Oz recommended it on Oprah, but is that enough for me to rush out to the stores. Something about a ‘nose bidet’ just makes me chuckle which would make product execution tricky.

Meb wins the 2009 ING NYC Marathon (©New York Daily News/Associated Press)

Another option would be nasal strips. I’ve seen professional athletes like marathoner Meb Keflezigi rock out the breathing strip in the New York City Marathon and retired NFL Receiver Jerry Rice, but it makes me curious as to what Joe Schmoe Runner would look attempting the same fashion choice. Yes, it is intended to be a functional piece in sports, but its effectiveness has me puzzled. Maybe it is my fair skin, ease of burning, and personal vanity that would prevent me from employing such a device in public. Maybe I will give it a try at night sometime and see if my breathing improves.

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. The world comes back alive after the smothering cold of winter, but with it pollen, dust, mold, dander, and just about every other possible thing to make my nose miserable make considerable comebacks. I want　healthier, non-drug alternatives to help with my allergies. I remember reading in Alicia Silverstone’s The Kind Diet that cleaner, holistic eating results in healthier body function without the need to use medications. I have borrowed her book twice from the library, but I am getting closer and closer to buying it. I would rather have the NOOKbook version of it. However, it isn’t available in electronic format just yet (though I am happy to see that B&N finally has an electronic format request system). For now, I will keep religiously reading Alicia’s blog for all her tips, tricks, and recipes.

In the winter months, I had to contend with running with a runny nose, and I was at a loss for what to do. Do I stock up on tissues and hope I can dispose of them in a trash bin while on the run? Do I slurp it back and spit it out when no one is looking? Do I wear a layer I am not too fond us and use my sleeves? Do I swallow it back and allow it to fester in my system more? Sorry for the disgustingly vivid description, but this has been an issue I’ve been wrestling with since I’ve started running. I want to respect the world (and when racing the runners) around me, but I want suggestions that require little thought without being thoughtless.