(59,1,'2014-10-26 05:26:00','2014-10-26 09:26:00','In our modern, advanced, intelligent society, I\'m <b>shocked</b>&nbsp;to see that we\'re still so susceptible to fear-mongering and mass ignorance. I\'m sure we all know...<br /><blockquote>\"Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.\"</blockquote><b>We have been wrong before.</b>&nbsp;We believed the Earth was flat. We believed cigarettes were healthy. We believed diet soda was <i>actually a healthy alternative</i> to regular soda. Today, we seem to believe \"GMO\'s\" are creating un-killable man-eating weeds, turning our soil toxic, and poisoning our children turning them into mutants.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">My question is:</span> </b>Do you<b> know </b>why you<b> hate \"GMO\'s\"?</b> Do you even <b>know what they are?</b>&nbsp;<i><u>Really?</u> </i>If you use your noggin for a minute and try to see through the mob-mentality hysterics...I\'m sure you\'ll be surprised.<br /><br /><b>Let me clear something up right now:</b>&nbsp;I\'m <b>not</b> Pro-GMO. I\'m <b>not</b> Anti-GMO. <u>I\'m Anti-Ignorance.</u><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><u><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1T3YejlVA8/VEyEBRrgCXI/AAAAAAAAK2Q/s9Rf1U__NxM/s1600/gmomg.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1T3YejlVA8/VEyEBRrgCXI/AAAAAAAAK2Q/s9Rf1U__NxM/s1600/gmomg.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></u></div><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>Get Educated. </b>Let me teach you a few things...</div><a name=\'more\'></a><b><br /></b><b>I really can\'t stand all the nonsense I see on Facebook.</b>&nbsp;I see people blindly re-posting all kinds of anti-GMO propaganda (yeah, I used that word) and I can\'t help but think... <i>do you even KNOW what you\'re saying by sharing/re-posting that?</i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDs_S80JcYc/VEnlTbITrgI/AAAAAAAAK00/7rgtuvPZfjU/s1600/meme4.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDs_S80JcYc/VEnlTbITrgI/AAAAAAAAK00/7rgtuvPZfjU/s1600/meme4.png\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Fear-mongering, scare tactics, and a gross misunderstanding/lack of <b>actual</b>&nbsp;<i>facts</i>&nbsp;has skewed things to the point where there\'s a veritable <b>war</b>&nbsp;on GMO\'s...and we may very well look back on it with immense regret. <b>I\'m going to do my best not to ramble. </b>Let\'s take this step by step.</div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">First...What IS a \"GMO\", anyway?</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b><br /></b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>Farmers face a lot of challenges. </b>Pests, drought, weather, and much more can lead to low crop yields. Farmers have to overcome it all - after all, <i>we\'re counting on them to feed us</i>. Well, people realized that many organisms possessed qualities that would be IMMENSELY helpful in our crops to combat these very problems - hence, GM seeds.&nbsp;<b>GMO</b>&nbsp;stands for \"Genetically Modified Organism\". Basically, scientists take a gene from an organism with the desired trait and put it into the DNA of the seeds of a crop farmers grow, like corn or potatoes.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mae0EMZLc8s/VEnkY_b_XYI/AAAAAAAAK0o/GELLyQJuWSk/s1600/corn_img.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mae0EMZLc8s/VEnkY_b_XYI/AAAAAAAAK0o/GELLyQJuWSk/s1600/corn_img.png\" /></a><b>Example: </b><a href=\"http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef130.asp\">BT Corn</a>. BT stands for <i>Bacillus Thuringiensis.</i><i>&nbsp;</i>Corn has MAJOR pest issues - pests that are killed by a toxin BT produces. Essentially, introducing specific BT genes into corn made the corn <i>produce that toxin</i>.&nbsp;<b>That\'s right</b>, <a href=\"http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/crops/00707.html\">toxic to <i>specific </i>pests</a>&nbsp;(mostly),&nbsp;not ALL insects, not animals, not humans.<br /><br />There\'s also GM crops that are&nbsp;<b>drought-tolerant</b>&nbsp;and,&nbsp;more famously, <b>resistant to pesticide.</b>&nbsp;They\'re even working on being able to fortify foods with additional vitamins they don\'t normally have! If executed properly, something like that could solve a lot of problems around the world.</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Ok...but...<i>they\'re bad!</i>...right?&nbsp;</span></b></div><table align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuyNOJBSyjo/VEnkOfa5qcI/AAAAAAAAK0g/NWjDXg81qdg/s1600/bill-nye-meme-1.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuyNOJBSyjo/VEnkOfa5qcI/AAAAAAAAK0g/NWjDXg81qdg/s1600/bill-nye-meme-1.jpg\" height=\"248\" width=\"320\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">science AND research</td></tr></tbody></table><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>Says who? </b>When I surf the internet and read all of the top results on GMO, Monsanto, and why everything to do with this topic is \"Bad\"...I see a lot of misinformation, scare tactics, and enough fear-inspiring trust-destroying buzzword combinations to make your head spin. There is a troubling lack of facts and peer-reviewed research associated with every claim I see that GMO\'s are bad/evil/destroying the world. See <a href=\"http://www.responsibletechnology.org/10-Reasons-to-Avoid-GMOs\">this</a>, <a href=\"http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/\">this</a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/eight-reasons-gmos-are-bad-for-you.html\">this</a> as examples.</div><b><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What claims are \"they\" making?</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b><br /></b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-GMO Corn caused tumors in rats</b></div><blockquote style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">There were so many issues with this \"study\", and it is&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2012/09/24/does-genetically-modified-corn-cause-cancer-a-flawed-study/\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">completely debunked,</a>&nbsp;yet&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/gmo-safety-zmgz13amzsto.aspx#axzz3H2L5KIKJ\">anti-GMO groups are still harping on it as fact</a>&nbsp;(yes, that was published well after retraction). Another anti-GMO site claimed GMO\'s<a href=\"http://naturalsociety.com/genetically-modified-foods/\"> caused liver/kidney damage</a>...but the \"review\" cited <a href=\"http://www.enveurope.com/content/23/1/10\">said itself that the tests were not sufficient to prove anything conclusive.</a></blockquote><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">-<b>Farmers are being sued when GMO pollen blows into their crops</b></div><blockquote style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>This is a big twisting of the truth. </b>There are famous cases this is based on (see <a href=\"http://decisions.fct-cf.gc.ca/en/2001/2001fct256/2001fct256.html\">this</a>, <a href=\"http://decisions.fca-caf.gc.ca/en/2002/2002fca309/2002fca309.html\">this</a> and <a href=\"http://scc.lexum.org/decisia-scc-csc/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/2147/index.do?r=AAAAAQAJc2NobWVpc2VyAAAAAAE\">this</a>). There are far less cases being brought up and going to court than many anti-GMO activist groups would lead you to believe. They\'re going after people violating patent law by saving/replanting seeds, not wind-blown pollen.</blockquote><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-GMO Seed-sellers are \"controlling and manipulating farmers\"</b></div><blockquote style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWSaeEknnUY/VExkXOFZC5I/AAAAAAAAK1Y/OBiyIdaPyfw/s1600/Handcuffed_hands_(line_drawing).jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWSaeEknnUY/VExkXOFZC5I/AAAAAAAAK1Y/OBiyIdaPyfw/s1600/Handcuffed_hands_(line_drawing).jpg\" height=\"128\" width=\"200\" /></a><b>Not quite.</b> These Genetically Modified seeds are, essentially, akin to a software developer creating a new program, or an artist painting a new picture - they retain the rights to profit from their new creation. The scientist may not have created \"seeds\", but they DID create seeds that have extra genes built-in. Copyright, trademark, and patent apply, even if it seems strange. The farmer agreed to these terms when they bought the seed. <b>Nobody held a gun to their head</b>&nbsp;- it was a choice.</blockquote><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-Monsanto et al are selling sterile \"Terminator seeds\"</b></div><blockquote style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">While it\'s true \"Terminator seeds\" (which do not grow back the next year) do exist, GM Companies have never actually put them to market. (that I know of)</blockquote><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-GMO crops are creating unstoppable pesticide-resistant super-weeds and super-pests</b></div><blockquote style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Pests and weeds are going to evolve and become resistant to our efforts just like the flu virus morphs and changes every year to resist the flu vaccine...but you don\'t see pitchforks and torches outside your local clinic or pharmacy, do you?</blockquote><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-Pesticides are destroying good soil, rendering it forever useless without GMO seeds</b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-There\'s collateral damage as a result of \"Roundup-Ready\" crops.</b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">The list goes on. These are just some of the many allegations being made. I\'m not here to refute them all, but I simply <b>had</b>&nbsp;to point out&nbsp;that some are, in fact, <b>incredibly false</b>.</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\"Label it! I HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!\"</span></b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZtOSc5jZUs/VExle-SrlPI/AAAAAAAAK1k/xDcXBAx3I9E/s1600/poison%2Blabel.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZtOSc5jZUs/VExle-SrlPI/AAAAAAAAK1k/xDcXBAx3I9E/s1600/poison%2Blabel.jpg\" /></a>This whole \"gmo\" labeling thing is such a huge deal right now...there are GMO labeling measures being fought for around the country...and food/drink/agriculture companies are pouring millions of dollars into the fight to squash it. <b>Why?</b></div><br /><b>Mandatory labeling accomplishes nothing.</b><br /><br />Labels are great - they allow us to have more information and, thus, make informed decisions. Sorry to break it to you, but <b>Mandatory GMO Labeling </b>wouldn\'t help us make <a href=\"http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09371.html\">any kind of decision we can\'t already make</a>. <b>People say they want to know</b>&nbsp;so they can know what they\'re putting in their bodies. <b>They want to know </b>so they can avoid foods they don\'t want. <b>They want labeling because...they WANT it!</b>&nbsp;And <b>other countries have it</b>, so why shouldn\'t <b>WE</b>?!<br /><br /><b>Know what ELSE other countries have? <u>Communism.</u></b><br /><br />Seriously, though - every argument FOR mandatory labeling I see is a lot of demands, a lot of ignorance, a lot of \"I THINK I know what\'s up\" and little or no fact / REAL good reason. Current U.S. Law requires labeling on new foods that have significant nutritional or allergenic characteristic, and the FDA has judged that, so far, there is no danger, health risk, or reduced nutritional value from GM foods. There are many \"Certified Organic\" and \"non-GMO certified\" foods labeled as such. So...all those \"informed choices\" you want to make? <b>You already can.</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>On the flip side,</b> all the arguments I see <b>against</b>&nbsp;mandatory labeling <a href=\"http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09371.html\">are based upon facts, research, and <i>real </i>reasons</a>. There would be a lot of cost involved in such an endeavor. Mandatory labeling hasn\'t exactly gone like a dream in other countries. Customers ALREADY have choices (as I said above). My favorite reason - mandatory labeling would imply some kind of health risk - you don\'t need to be a genius to imagine how <i>that </i>would pan out...it\'d be like slapping on a <b>poison label.</b></div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">There IS positive potential for GM foods</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kijVfPI_Cjw/VEx-noufnpI/AAAAAAAAK2A/ynqp5hDdLVY/s1600/GLOBE_DetailMap2.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kijVfPI_Cjw/VEx-noufnpI/AAAAAAAAK2A/ynqp5hDdLVY/s1600/GLOBE_DetailMap2.png\" height=\"158\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>I\'m no expert, </b>but given the technology GM foods could solve a lot of problems. Better pest resistance and less reliance on pesticides could mean it\'d be less expensive for farmers to...<i>farm</i>. Less crop loss due to pests means more people get fed. Genetic Engineering could lead to larger fruits and vegetables, feeding more people. Vitamin enrichment could solve critical vitamin deficiencies in other parts of the world. Drought-resistance could mean crops could be grown in far more places - <b>more people get fed.</b>&nbsp;All in all, GM foods could be a big part of the fight against world hunger and feeding an ever-increasing world population.</div><br /><b>And if we freak out and squash GMO\'s...we\'ll only have ourselves to blame</b>.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">TRUTH IS - We\'ve been doing this for centuries&nbsp;</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>Maybe not the same way</b>, but farmers have been \"messing with\" your food for a very long time. How do you think broccolini exists? Farmers have been doing their own (more crude and unpredictable) genetic modification for a very long time. Cross-breeding, selective breeding/planting, etc. <b>This is not a new idea</b>, just a new method. Why, all of a sudden, are we upset?</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Again, let me be clear</span> - I am <b>not</b>&nbsp;pro-GMO. I am <b>not</b>&nbsp;anti-GMO. I\'m simply remaining open-minded. I\'m forming my opinion and making my decisions based on <b>fact</b>, not fear. I\'m certainly <b>not</b>&nbsp;blindly following what everyone else tells me about GMO\'s. If YOU would like to be educated and sound a whole lot smarter when you talk about GMO\'s, you can visit any of these sites/read any of these studies:</div><br /><a href=\"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/study-linking-genetically-modified-corn-to-cancer/\">http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/study-linking-genetically-modified-corn-to-cancer/</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2012/09/24/does-genetically-modified-corn-cause-cancer-a-flawed-study/\">http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2012/09/24/does-genetically-modified-corn-cause-cancer-a-flawed-study/</a><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-we-trust-monsanto-with-our-food/\">http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-we-trust-monsanto-with-our-food/</a></div><a href=\"http://modernfarmer.com/2014/03/monsantos-good-bad-pr-problem/\">http://modernfarmer.com/2014/03/monsantos-good-bad-pr-problem/</a><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://genera.biofortified.org/viewall.php\">http://genera.biofortified.org/viewall.php</a></div><a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonentine/2014/09/17/the-debate-about-gmo-safety-is-over-thanks-to-a-new-trillion-meal-study/\">http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonentine/2014/09/17/the-debate-about-gmo-safety-is-over-thanks-to-a-new-trillion-meal-study/</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.popsci.com/article/science/core-truths-10-common-gmo-claims-debunked\">http://www.popsci.com/article/science/core-truths-10-common-gmo-claims-debunked</a><br /><a href=\"http://gmoanswers.com/\">http://gmoanswers.com/</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/09/10/19-year-study-of-trillions-of-meals-shows-ge-crops-do-not-harm-food-producing-animals-humans/\">http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/09/10/19-year-study-of-trillions-of-meals-shows-ge-crops-do-not-harm-food-producing-animals-humans/</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2408621/\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2408621/</a><br />http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm352067.htm<br /><a href=\"http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/09/10/19-year-study-of-trillions-of-meals-shows-ge-crops-do-not-harm-food-producing-animals-humans/\">http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/09/10/19-year-study-of-trillions-of-meals-shows-ge-crops-do-not-harm-food-producing-animals-humans/</a><br /><a href=\"https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233770770_A_decade_of_EU-funded_GMO_research_2001-2010\">http://ec.europa.eu/research/biosociety/pdf/a_decade_of_eu-funded_gmo_research.pdf</a><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>Please - be educated. </b>Know what you\'re talking about before you join a fight that could have major global impact later on. Be open, learn something, and contribute something meaningful to the discussion :).</div>','GMOMG! - Educate Yourself.','','publish','open','open','','gmomg-educate-yourself','','','2017-01-21 09:26:00','2017-01-21 14:26:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=59',0,'post','',1),(60,1,'2014-10-20 15:26:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Are Our Taste Buds Dead? Take A Hint...','','draft','open','open','','','','','2014-10-20 15:26:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=60',0,'post','',0),(61,1,'2014-10-16 11:56:00','2014-10-16 15:56:00','This has got to be the <b>single most frustrating thing</b> that has happened to me in recent memory.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjWZ6besTZQ/VD8xoVhjtFI/AAAAAAAAKvw/KeXo9vefYKs/s1600/brokenlegbeast.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjWZ6besTZQ/VD8xoVhjtFI/AAAAAAAAKvw/KeXo9vefYKs/s1600/brokenlegbeast.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">For those who may not have read, <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/the-beast.html\">I finished the Spartan Beast at Mt. Killington, VT</a> (their World Championship course)...but long story short I broke my knee in the process. Now, I\'m left with the aftermath - recovery, healing, and attempting to live daily life pretty much without the use of my left leg (for 6 - 12 weeks).&nbsp;</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Today marks the halfway point through my \"initial recovery\"...but man...<b>I\'ve about had it.&nbsp;</b></div><i>(Forewarning - some pictures in this post might be slightly...gross.)</i><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><br /><b>Injury sucks.&nbsp;</b> I really don\'t know how else to put it. For those who have had to deal with it, I\'m sure you understand. For those who haven\'t...<b>be glad</b>.<br /><br />For \"Average Joe\" an injury is a big fat inconvenience... but as a fitness freak and a runner this is about a million times worse. But...before I launch into a rambling tirade...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So, what actually HAPPENED?</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmsiirqE_RY/VD81dH-svGI/AAAAAAAAKv8/lee2h0KHzKQ/s1600/IMG_20140921_144024.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmsiirqE_RY/VD81dH-svGI/AAAAAAAAKv8/lee2h0KHzKQ/s1600/IMG_20140921_144024.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>The Beast </b>was about 16.5 miles long. I went up ~6,500 ft and down ~6,500 ft. I must\'ve done around 200 burpees (maybe more). <b>It took me 10 hours 16 minutes</b>. By the time I got to the very end - the Fire Jump - I was pooped. I\'m talking a level of honest-to-God <i><u>exhaustion</u></i> I didn\'t know existed. <b>I saw the finish</b>. I ran. I <i>leaped</i>. I <u>hurdled</u> myself over those burning logs like I was about to win the Boston Marathon. It was <b>right there</b>...I was FINALLY about to finish!<br /><br /><b>Unfortunately</b>, the last bit of strength I had went into the lift-off....and <b>I had nothing left for the landing</b>.<br /><br />Do me a favor - stand up (yes, right now) and jump. Notice how when you land you bend your legs and kind of shock-absorb yourself?<br /><br /><b>Yeah...that didn\'t happen for me.</b><br /><br />So, when I landed, my femur (thigh bone) took my full weight plus my momentum and hammered it directly down into my tibia (calf/shin bone). My \"medial tibial plateau\" (the top side of the tibia facing the other leg) cracked under the pressure.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdD77Hm-ZYo/VD87wNhWjLI/AAAAAAAAKw4/ttrrgWjwl4c/s1600/IMG_20140929_141814679_HDR.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdD77Hm-ZYo/VD87wNhWjLI/AAAAAAAAKw4/ttrrgWjwl4c/s1600/IMG_20140929_141814679_HDR.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>I now have a titanium plate in my left leg. </b>It has some lovely screws and elegant swelling to go with it. From date of surgery I\'m looking at 6 weeks until I can bear weight on the leg and an estimated 12 weeks until I\'m running races unrestricted.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So here I am.</span></b><br /><b><br /></b><b>In the grand scheme of things, </b>it could be a lot worse. I could have soft tissue damage (ACL, MCL, etc). My knee could be <i>really, really </i>damaged and require much longer to heal. I could be looking at <i>never running again</i>.&nbsp;<b>But it\'s not, it doesn\'t, and I\'m not</b>. I got lucky.<br /><br /><b>And instead of being grateful, I\'m whining.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Why? </b><strike>Because I\'m useless.</strike>&nbsp;Because I <i>FEEL</i> <b>useless</b>. I have to use crutches to get around, so I can\'t really carry things. Sure, I can throw on a backpack, sling my laptop bag and my lunch bag on...but then my balance is so whacked I fall over if someone breaths on me the right way. I can\'t do so many of the things I took for granted 4 weeks ago.<br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHLc2MqsTbQ/VD87mtM3JxI/AAAAAAAAKwo/FRxIUuFXfNw/s1600/IMG_20141007_125710263.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHLc2MqsTbQ/VD87mtM3JxI/AAAAAAAAKwo/FRxIUuFXfNw/s1600/IMG_20141007_125710263.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a><br /><br />I feel like an incredible burden on those around me - my friends and family who are helping me out <b>immensely</b>&nbsp;during this challenge. My poor wife...the \"in sickness and in health\" clause got invoked WAY before either of us expected.<br /><b><br /></b><b>And to top it all off, I can\'t run or work out!&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b>I am a runner, a fitness freak, and <b>a gym manager</b>. I go to work 5 or 6 days a week and stare at treadmills I can\'t run on. I see weights I can\'t lift. I see all my members doing what I want to leap up and do.&nbsp;<b>It\'s maddening</b>.<br /><br />It makes the little victories and the progress difficult to appreciate.<br /><br />My swelling has gone down. I can get through the day-to-day without painkillers (not even Tylenol!). I can rest my foot on the ground enough to balance myself (but no more weight than that).<br /><br />Yesterday I even had a major milestone: &nbsp;<b>I hit 90 degrees range of motion.</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cC_erJwY-1o/VD9BWPIF5gI/AAAAAAAAKxM/TamiEvC3c9U/s1600/IMG_20141015_110301762_HDR.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cC_erJwY-1o/VD9BWPIF5gI/AAAAAAAAKxM/TamiEvC3c9U/s1600/IMG_20141015_110301762_HDR.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>But as soon as I\'m done celebrating, its not long before I\'m reminded of the frustrations. Y\'know, when <b>I can\'t carry the coffee pot</b> to the sink to fill it with water.<br /><br /><b>I know this will pass.</b>&nbsp;Before I know it I\'ll be weight-bearing and then it\'ll be leaps and bounds and I\'ll be cycling, on the elliptical, and then back on the road. Until then, I need to focus on the progress, the little victories, and my rehab plan. I have to figure out how to workout once I\'m cleared to weight-bear.<br /><br /><b>Focus on the positives. </b>My leg and my body may have found their breaking point, but I can\'t let my spirit and my mind find theirs. I will come back from this stronger and smarter than before.<br /><br />After everything I\'ve been through, <b>nothing is going to keep me down.</b><br /><br />','Breaking Point ...Literally','','publish','open','open','','breaking-point-literally','','','2017-01-21 08:44:33','2017-01-21 13:44:33','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=61',0,'post','',0),(710,1,'2017-01-15 08:08:16','2017-01-15 13:08:16','This has got to be the <b>single most frustrating thing</b> that has happened to me in recent memory.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjWZ6besTZQ/VD8xoVhjtFI/AAAAAAAAKvw/KeXo9vefYKs/s1600/brokenlegbeast.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjWZ6besTZQ/VD8xoVhjtFI/AAAAAAAAKvw/KeXo9vefYKs/s1600/brokenlegbeast.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">For those who may not have read, <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/Beast2014.html\">I finished the Spartan Beast at Mt. Killington, VT</a> (their World Championship course)...but long story short I broke my knee in the process. Now, I\'m left with the aftermath - recovery, healing, and attempting to live daily life pretty much without the use of my left leg (for 6 - 12 weeks).&nbsp;</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Today marks the halfway point through my \"initial recovery\"...but man...<b>I\'ve about had it.&nbsp;</b></div><i>(Forewarning - some pictures in this post might be slightly...gross.)</i><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><br /><b>Injury sucks.&nbsp;</b> I really don\'t know how else to put it. For those who have had to deal with it, I\'m sure you understand. For those who haven\'t...<b>be glad</b>.<br /><br />For \"Average Joe\" an injury is a big fat inconvenience... but as a fitness freak and a runner this is about a million times worse. But...before I launch into a rambling tirade...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So, what actually HAPPENED?</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmsiirqE_RY/VD81dH-svGI/AAAAAAAAKv8/lee2h0KHzKQ/s1600/IMG_20140921_144024.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmsiirqE_RY/VD81dH-svGI/AAAAAAAAKv8/lee2h0KHzKQ/s1600/IMG_20140921_144024.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>The Beast </b>was about 16.5 miles long. I went up ~6,500 ft and down ~6,500 ft. I must\'ve done around 200 burpees (maybe more). <b>It took me 10 hours 16 minutes</b>. By the time I got to the very end - the Fire Jump - I was pooped. I\'m talking a level of honest-to-God <i><u>exhaustion</u></i> I didn\'t know existed. <b>I saw the finish</b>. I ran. I <i>leaped</i>. I <u>hurdled</u> myself over those burning logs like I was about to win the Boston Marathon. It was <b>right there</b>...I was FINALLY about to finish!<br /><br /><b>Unfortunately</b>, the last bit of strength I had went into the lift-off....and <b>I had nothing left for the landing</b>.<br /><br />Do me a favor - stand up (yes, right now) and jump. Notice how when you land you bend your legs and kind of shock-absorb yourself?<br /><br /><b>Yeah...that didn\'t happen for me.</b><br /><br />So, when I landed, my femur (thigh bone) took my full weight plus my momentum and hammered it directly down into my tibia (calf/shin bone). My \"medial tibial plateau\" (the top side of the tibia facing the other leg) cracked under the pressure.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdD77Hm-ZYo/VD87wNhWjLI/AAAAAAAAKw4/ttrrgWjwl4c/s1600/IMG_20140929_141814679_HDR.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdD77Hm-ZYo/VD87wNhWjLI/AAAAAAAAKw4/ttrrgWjwl4c/s1600/IMG_20140929_141814679_HDR.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>I now have a titanium plate in my left leg. </b>It has some lovely screws and elegant swelling to go with it. From date of surgery I\'m looking at 6 weeks until I can bear weight on the leg and an estimated 12 weeks until I\'m running races unrestricted.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So here I am.</span></b><br /><b><br /></b><b>In the grand scheme of things, </b>it could be a lot worse. I could have soft tissue damage (ACL, MCL, etc). My knee could be <i>really, really </i>damaged and require much longer to heal. I could be looking at <i>never running again</i>.&nbsp;<b>But it\'s not, it doesn\'t, and I\'m not</b>. I got lucky.<br /><br /><b>And instead of being grateful, I\'m whining.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Why? </b><strike>Because I\'m useless.</strike>&nbsp;Because I <i>FEEL</i> <b>useless</b>. I have to use crutches to get around, so I can\'t really carry things. Sure, I can throw on a backpack, sling my laptop bag and my lunch bag on...but then my balance is so whacked I fall over if someone breaths on me the right way. I can\'t do so many of the things I took for granted 4 weeks ago.<br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHLc2MqsTbQ/VD87mtM3JxI/AAAAAAAAKwo/FRxIUuFXfNw/s1600/IMG_20141007_125710263.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHLc2MqsTbQ/VD87mtM3JxI/AAAAAAAAKwo/FRxIUuFXfNw/s1600/IMG_20141007_125710263.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a><br /><br />I feel like an incredible burden on those around me - my friends and family who are helping me out <b>immensely</b>&nbsp;during this challenge. My poor wife...the \"in sickness and in health\" clause got invoked WAY before either of us expected.<br /><b><br /></b><b>And to top it all off, I can\'t run or work out!&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b>I am a runner, a fitness freak, and <b>a gym manager</b>. I go to work 5 or 6 days a week and stare at treadmills I can\'t run on. I see weights I can\'t lift. I see all my members doing what I want to leap up and do.&nbsp;<b>It\'s maddening</b>.<br /><br />It makes the little victories and the progress difficult to appreciate.<br /><br />My swelling has gone down. I can get through the day-to-day without painkillers (not even Tylenol!). I can rest my foot on the ground enough to balance myself (but no more weight than that).<br /><br />Yesterday I even had a major milestone: &nbsp;<b>I hit 90 degrees range of motion.</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cC_erJwY-1o/VD9BWPIF5gI/AAAAAAAAKxM/TamiEvC3c9U/s1600/IMG_20141015_110301762_HDR.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cC_erJwY-1o/VD9BWPIF5gI/AAAAAAAAKxM/TamiEvC3c9U/s1600/IMG_20141015_110301762_HDR.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>But as soon as I\'m done celebrating, its not long before I\'m reminded of the frustrations. Y\'know, when <b>I can\'t carry the coffee pot</b> to the sink to fill it with water.<br /><br /><b>I know this will pass.</b>&nbsp;Before I know it I\'ll be weight-bearing and then it\'ll be leaps and bounds and I\'ll be cycling, on the elliptical, and then back on the road. Until then, I need to focus on the progress, the little victories, and my rehab plan. I have to figure out how to workout once I\'m cleared to weight-bear.<br /><br /><b>Focus on the positives. </b>My leg and my body may have found their breaking point, but I can\'t let my spirit and my mind find theirs. I will come back from this stronger and smarter than before.<br /><br />After everything I\'ve been through, <b>nothing is going to keep me down.</b><br /><br />','Breaking Point ...Literally','','inherit','closed','closed','','61-revision-v1','','','2017-01-15 08:08:16','2017-01-15 13:08:16','',61,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/61-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(62,1,'2014-10-08 11:34:00','2014-10-08 15:34:00','It\'s been two weeks...it\'s finally time to talk about this. On September 20th, 2014 I did the single most challenging thing I have ever done in my life -<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The Spartan Race Beast at Mt. Killington, VT.</b></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9Pq39zt0sg/VDKYPeJq4uI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/4S7GScQIeGY/s1600/Beast-black.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9Pq39zt0sg/VDKYPeJq4uI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/4S7GScQIeGY/s1600/Beast-black.jpg\" /></a></div><b>The VT Beast.</b> I thought I knew...I thought I could take it like a champ. I thought I\'d be ready - <b>really</b>&nbsp;ready.<br /><br /><b>I had no idea...</b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b>Forewarning: this is going to be long. &nbsp;Here\'s the short version:</b><br /><b><br /></b>Some say this race was unnecessarily brutal. Others say it SHOULD be - its the VT Beast... its the World Championship! Whichever camp you belong to, one thing is certain - this is the most difficult Beast that Spartan has ever offered up for our masochistic pleasure. Many succeeded, but many did not. <b>This race broke people.</b> The victories were hard-won. The failures hurt (literally and metaphorically).<br /><br />Stats:<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-l4lZ2-65o/VDPE6rwmYrI/AAAAAAAAKjw/E8OQEh7Eywc/s1600/10534253_10205603262067258_7856677417406428934_n.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-l4lZ2-65o/VDPE6rwmYrI/AAAAAAAAKjw/E8OQEh7Eywc/s1600/10534253_10205603262067258_7856677417406428934_n.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"300\" /></a></div><br />Distance:<br />Spartan measured about 14 miles<br />everyone else measured about 16.5+ miles<br /><br />Elevation gain / loss I have at roughly 6,500 ft. <b>each</b>.<br /><br />Time: the top elite man finished in 3 hrs 23 min. The majority of \"normal\" people seem to have finished in 8+ hrs.<br /><b><br /></b><b>I\'ve run a lot of races this year - </b>about 32 at this point. <b>None of them</b>&nbsp;could\'ve possibly prepared me for The Beast.<br /><br />The Spartan Race people themselves didn\'t exactly help with this \"preparation\" thing either. There were a number of things Spartan Race did, (and didn\'t do) that set people up for failure. From allowing newbies/rookies to run in early afternoon waves (most had slim hopes of finishing / finishing in daylight) to not enforcing mandatory gear requirements (headlamps, glowsticks...even hydration packs), Spartan Race set many people up for a bad experience. Course safety was a concern as well - at a number of points spectators weren\'t exactly \"corralled\" away from runners behind caution tape. I distinctly remember actually having to meander THROUGH a crowd of spectators after the tractor pull to continue my race.<br /><br /><b>But overall</b>, despite the organizational shortcomings and the incredibly difficult course...this was still a great Obstacle Course Race. It challenged me, it pushed me farther than I\'ve ever been pushed before, and it taught me a lot. There was decent race support (hydration), there were medics everywhere, lots of volunteers, and I got a sweet (special) finisher\'s medal. <b>There\'s a video near the bottom of this post that you should watch.</b><br /><br /><b>Still interested? Read on...because there\'s more to it.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">For those who DON\'T know</span></b> - Spartan Race is an obstacle course race series. They offer different distances, the most popular and widely known being:<br /><br /><ul><li>Sprint (3+ miles, 15+ obstacles, red logo)</li><li>Super (8+ miles, 20+ obstacles, blue logo)</li><li>Beast (12+ miles, &nbsp;25+ obstacles, green logo)&nbsp;</li></ul><br />They have each of these distances all over the country (and world)...but Killington, VT is home to the mother of them all. The Beast at Mt. Killington is so big, so bad, so <b>brutal</b>...that it was made their World Championship event (hence why most times I simply refer to it as \"<b>The</b> Beast\"). The top of the top, the \"elite elites\" generally finish in the rough neighborhood of 3.5 hours (give or take a half hour). \"Normal\" people finish anywhere from 7 - 9 hours (typically). Newbies and the ill-prepared can typically take over 10 hours...or not even finish. That said, one of the most important things to take away from this post is<strike>...unless you\'re an \"Elite Elite\"</strike>:<br /><br /><b>This race is NOT a race - it is a <u>test</u>, and NOT everyone will pass -</b><br /><br />- just as with any test. Yes, I think this even applies to the top Elites...its just so damn <i>difficult, </i>it\'s a test for everyone that does it...it\'s just a different sort of test for them.&nbsp;And, just as with any test, with adequate preparation you can not only pass - you can exceed expectations and rise to the top of the class. <b>I, however,</b> just barely made it out of this thing. It took everything I had...<u>and more</u>. I was not as prepared as I should\'ve been and though I got my finisher\'s medal...I paid the difference.<br /><table align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc8YlNN_fvY/VDKgiW0OYyI/AAAAAAAAKjg/Dz7nMjxHEm4/s1600/DSC04755.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc8YlNN_fvY/VDKgiW0OYyI/AAAAAAAAKjg/Dz7nMjxHEm4/s1600/DSC04755.jpg\" height=\"300\" width=\"400\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo Credit - Kim Overstreet - Ragnarok Training - Lincoln, RI</td></tr></tbody></table><b>More on that later...</b><br /><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What can you say about The Beast?</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZvcVqcbLco/VDPJSZ13PFI/AAAAAAAAKj8/pzWQPNz8TVM/s1600/norm.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZvcVqcbLco/VDPJSZ13PFI/AAAAAAAAKj8/pzWQPNz8TVM/s1600/norm.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"213\" /></a></div>It\'s <b>probably</b>&nbsp;harder than any race you\'ve done before. <b>Yes, </b>even if you\'ve done The Beast before, this time, it will probably be harder. Norm Koch, the Spartan Race Director and Course Designer...well...though I understand he\'s a generally happy person that really enjoys life...when you\'re out on that course...I really though he <b>wasn\'t hugged enough as a child</b>. <a href=\"http://www.mudandadventure.com/norm-koch-spartan-race-director-qa-the-beast-behind-the-beast/\">He openly admits that he has set athletes up for failure and would rather be called a bastard (than congratulated for good design) when you cross (or don\'t cross) the finish line beaten, bloody and broken.</a><br /><br /><b>I definitely felt that sentiment. </b>But the man sure can\'t be accused of designing a wimpy, boring, or predictable course. <i><b>That\'s for sure.</b></i><br /><br /><b>I was, however, a bit disappointed </b>that many of the traditionally more challenging obstacles (rope climb, Hercules Hoist, ...2nd...Spear Throw...) weren\'t until very late in the course. I had hopes of my first successful rope climb that day...<b>didn\'t happen</b>. Speaking of disappointment...<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjXfAWH6FIg/VDS3pqNEYZI/AAAAAAAAKkY/WrLh_0t0qjs/s1600/my%2Bbad.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjXfAWH6FIg/VDS3pqNEYZI/AAAAAAAAKkY/WrLh_0t0qjs/s1600/my%2Bbad.jpg\" /></a></div><b>As far as my earlier comments</b>&nbsp;about Spartan Race setting people up for failure? There is typically (read: always) a \"racer packet\" that goes out maybe a week before the race listing all the important information for the day, any required gear, etc. This packet didn\'t go out until a few days (max) before the race. The packet listed a&nbsp;<i>working</i>&nbsp;headlamp, two glow sticks (that you can attach to yourself front/back) and your own source of hydration as&nbsp;<b>mandatory</b>&nbsp;gear. It was clearly stated that you would not be allowed to start without a hydration pack of some sort. It was also stated that if you came across a time cutoff and did not have a working headlamp or glow sticks you would DNF.&nbsp;As I understand it - <b>this did not happen</b>. I\'ve read many accounts saying that those who did not have headlamps were grouped with those who did. One person with a headlamp was made to wait at a checkpoint for people without. That person would then guide 3 lamp-less people through the remainder of the course. Given the very challenging terrain...<b>explain to me&nbsp;</b>how this is <b>safe</b> for those unprepared souls being guided or <b>fair</b> to the prepared participant made to guide? It was also made clear that a number of obstacles were to be closed at a certain point in time (for safety). It is incredibly unfortunate that one of these obstacles (Tyrolean Traverse) was late in the race. Right out of the gate, many people would not be allowed to participate in this obstacle due to start time and average completion time.<br /><br /><b>What bothered me most has to do with that last point</b>, however - that Spartan allowed people to<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcYqR1n_rmc/VDS2GZH2oVI/AAAAAAAAKkM/CeYv-BGOO9M/s1600/misc-you-dont-say.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcYqR1n_rmc/VDS2GZH2oVI/AAAAAAAAKkM/CeYv-BGOO9M/s1600/misc-you-dont-say.png\" /></a></div>register for early afternoon waves. Knowing this course was more difficult than in the past...knowing many of those people simply wouldn\'t have a chance to finish...how could they happily accept your money? When I registered (and perhaps I\'m remembering wrong), I don\'t recall having seen something advising me not to register for a late wave if I was inexperienced. Knowing I was green, I chose to register extra early (8:30 am \"confirmed\" start time). Maybe it\'s as simple as the old saying...<br /><br /><b>\"Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance.\"</b><br /><br />But, as I said, despite those issues, I did experience a pretty smooth registration process, relatively organized \"everything\", and good race support.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceY5h8zN7As/VDS_7CgCTsI/AAAAAAAAKlQ/AaW617EhR0Y/s1600/IMG_20140921_144024.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceY5h8zN7As/VDS_7CgCTsI/AAAAAAAAKlQ/AaW617EhR0Y/s1600/IMG_20140921_144024.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a></div><b>The medical situation was similar - \"mostly\" good.</b><br /><b><br /></b>On the final obstacle of the race - the Fire Jump, I landed funny and broke my left medial tibial plateau. <b>For the record - I finished under my own power (rolling over the timing mat - I did have help under the actual arch).&nbsp;</b>The journey from the finish line to the med tent was drawn out, slightly confused, and had its fair share of miscommunication. Eventually, after my knee had successfully had time to swell like a watermelon, I arrived at the med tent to be treated to warmth, cup-o-noodles, and ice saran wrapped to my leg. This, unfortunately (though, predictably) was the extent of what they could do for me. To their credit, I will say they did seem genuinely concerned for my well-being, <b>and I certainly was comfortable in the med tent. </b>So there\'s that.<br /><br />On a lighter note:<br /><br /><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Running with a TomTom GPS watch </b>may have <b>changed the game</b> for me.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQTfYl924ow/VDUhOObtfBI/AAAAAAAAKnI/oquJaKQ4IK4/s1600/Tom-tom-multi-sport.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQTfYl924ow/VDUhOObtfBI/AAAAAAAAKnI/oquJaKQ4IK4/s1600/Tom-tom-multi-sport.png\" height=\"155\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br />I ran The Beast with a <a href=\"http://www.tomtom.com/en_us/products/your-sports/\">TomTom Multi Sport</a> GPS watch. I usually run road races with Runkeeper on my phone, and I normally don\'t have any tracking at all (GPS or not) during Obstacle Races. This time, however, <b>I did</b>. I have to say, I think it made all the difference in helping me keep my sanity, helping me know where I stand, and helping me maintain proper calorie intake and hydration throughout the race. I love it, and it did really well for me, but I\'ll talk more about it in a dedicated review (which will come very soon).<br /><br /><b>Speaking of calorie intake</b>&nbsp;- when you\'re running a half-marathon that can take you 1.5 to 2.5 hours, eating some calories is important. Can you just <b>IMAGINE </b>how important, then, eating something during a 16.5 mile, 7+ hour event like <b>this</b> is? If you wait until you\'re thirsty to drink, or until you\'re hungry to eat...<b>it\'s already too late</b>. I packed a <b>LOT</b>&nbsp;of food for The Beast, and I ate nearly all of it. I also drained my 3 liter hydration pack almost 3 full times.<b>&nbsp;Proper calorie planning is a major key </b>to success in The Beast. Much of what I ate consisted of <b><a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/\">Health Warrior Chia Bars</a> - </b>they\'re stupidly tasty and have a TON of nutrients in them that your body will just soak right up, especially in circumstances like this race <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/01/ch-ch-ch-chia-health-warrior-chia-bar.html\">(see my review here)</a>. I love being part of <a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/our-tribe/\">The Tribe</a> - it\'s one more way I\'m able to help inspire and motivate people to get out there and <i>do something, </i>whether they think its crazy or not.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGeDwJoI4QU/VDS8cPRV0tI/AAAAAAAAKlA/Btp0F-fv5Iw/s1600/health-warrior-bar-banner.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGeDwJoI4QU/VDS8cPRV0tI/AAAAAAAAKlA/Btp0F-fv5Iw/s1600/health-warrior-bar-banner.jpg\" height=\"180\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>For all those wondering about the obstacles themselves...</b></span><br /><br /><b>The full obstacle list, in order, is as follows:</b><br />1. Under/Over/Under<br />2. Over/Under/Through<br />3. Sandbag Carry 1 (45 lb pancake)<br />4. Bucket Brigade 1 (~80 lb bucket carry)<br />5. Traverse Wall<br />6. Tarzan Swing (swim, rope climb, tarzan swing, swim)<br />7. Atlas Carry (~120 lb stone)<br />8. Barbed Wire Crawl 1<br />9. Log Carry<br />10. Log Hop / Balance<br />11. 7 Foot Wall<br />12. Vertical Cargo Net<br />13. \"Big Cargo\" (at the mountaintop)<br />14. Tractor Pull<br />15. Memorization Wall<br />16. Spear Throw 1 (This is about where I lost my Battle Buddies Heather and Geoff)<br />17. Inverted Wall<br />18. Bucket Brigade 2<br />19. Tire Pull<br />20. Sandbag Carry 2 (70 lb bag)<br />21. \"PlatinumRig\"<br />22. Tyrolean Traverse<br />23. Memory Recall<br />24. Rope Climb<br />25. Spear Throw 2<br />26. 8\' Wall<br />27. Barbed Wire Crawl 2<br />28. Dunk Wall<br />29. Pipe Traverse<br />30. Hercules Hoist (45 lb women, 90 lb men)<br />31. Big...Climby...Thing...<br />32. Monkey Bars (varying heights)<br />33. Fire Jump<br /><br />But honestly, the biggest and baddest obstacle of this entire race is not in that list: <b>The Mountain</b>. I\'m not going to give a ridiculous in-depth heartfelt recounting of all the obstacles - I\'ll let my video below do that for me.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/6pdUNQ9TFAA\" width=\"560\"></iframe> <b>The short version: </b>I was beyond pleased with myself that I succeeded in the Traverse Wall, the Tyrolean Traverse, and the Hercules Hoist. Very disappointed about the PlatinumRig, Rope Climb, and Monkey Bars, and so close it was <i>heartbreaking</i> on my first Spear Throw. The steep, never-ending climbs and steeper, muddy, treacherous descents were incredibly challenging. The technical trails through the woods could (and probably did) end many peoples\' races with the greatest of ease.<br /><br /><b>Running with a Battle Buddy (or two) is a REALLY GOOD IDEA. </b>I ran with these two nuts Heather and Geoff...they were pretty hilarious and kept the pain to a dull roar for the first 9 miles until I lost them (or...they lost ME?). hah. Either way, it was really good to run with them while I did. Check out Heather\'s blog over at <a href=\"http://www.relentlessforwardcommotion.com/\">www.RelentlessForwardCommotion.com</a>.<br /><br /><b>But, in the end, I did finish. &nbsp;Despite all the negative</b>, I did finish. <b>Despite woeful lack of preparation</b>, I DID finish. And despite breaking my damn knee and having absolutely no gas left in the tank...<b>I. Did. FINISH. &nbsp;</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtebSO3QKUc/VDTDNDKXUMI/AAAAAAAAKlo/VM2SIZdURus/s1600/IMG_20140924_200130838.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtebSO3QKUc/VDTDNDKXUMI/AAAAAAAAKlo/VM2SIZdURus/s1600/IMG_20140924_200130838.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large; font-weight: bold;\">I learned a lot during this race. </span>Some of it I\'ll be keeping to myself, but I will share this: Like I said before - this race is not a race...it\'s a <b>test</b>. Through enduring the trials and tribulations of this monstrous test...I learned a lot both in general and about myself.&nbsp;<b>The Beast taught me about me.</b>&nbsp;I learned what my body can <b>physically do right now, </b>and the difference between that and where I want to be.&nbsp;I learned just how important <b>hydration and calories</b> are to athletic performance. I learned about <b>fatigue</b>. About <b>willpower </b>and the strength of an <b>unbreakable, unshakable spirit</b>. About the value of teamwork, friendship, and camaraderie. I learned the <b>value of each moment</b> spent in training and preparation for any test life puts before you, be it schoolwork, children, marriage, or a physical endurance test such as The Beast. Not only that, I learned the value of each moment <b>period</b>, and <b>how quickly the winds of fortune can change</b> when you least expect it.<br /><b><br /></b><b>But, perhaps most importantly...</b>I learned that if you really want something bad enough you can <b>defy all odds</b> and rip it from the cold, greedy hands of Fate<b>.&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>It\'s incredible to think</b>&nbsp;that this time a year ago I was getting ready for my first half-marathon...and this time two years ago I had just barely begun my fitness journey and was still about 300 lbs...wondering if I\'d ever shrink below a 42\" waist pant.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NlnGgWJ74M/VDTEidSj2FI/AAAAAAAAKl0/kk4S1KWyHWM/s1600/impossiblekillington.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NlnGgWJ74M/VDTEidSj2FI/AAAAAAAAKl0/kk4S1KWyHWM/s1600/impossiblekillington.jpg\" height=\"266\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>Nothing is impossible. </b>Set a goal and <b>go get it! </b>I\'ll see you at next year\'s VT Beast.<br /><br />','The Beast','','publish','open','open','','the-beast','','','2017-06-23 06:42:41','2017-06-23 10:42:41','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=62',0,'post','',0),(63,1,'2014-09-17 22:46:00','2014-09-18 02:46:00','72 hours from this moment, this moment that I\'m writing this...\"the gun will go off\", so to speak, and I will begin what will be the most difficult race I\'ve ever run...The Vermont Spartan Beast. It will test me, it will try me, and it will push me to my limits. It will show me what I\'m really made of. And y\'know what I\'ve come to accept?<br /><br /><b>I must not fear.</b><br /><div><br /></div><div>I must not fear The Mountain. I must not fear The Beast. I just have to put one foot in front of the other and <b>do it</b>. It\'s JUST a hike up a mountain. A really long hike...up a really steep mountain...with lots of obstacles...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFaiP35bqKo/VBmZjgvkSZI/AAAAAAAAKU4/uuWAwnlLmP8/s1600/tired-looking-at-that.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFaiP35bqKo/VBmZjgvkSZI/AAAAAAAAKU4/uuWAwnlLmP8/s1600/tired-looking-at-that.jpg\" height=\"213\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><a name=\'more\'></a><b><br /></b></div><div><b>NO BIG DEAL, RIGHT?!</b></div><div><br /><u style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Right.</u>&nbsp;SO WHAT if this is the first time I\'m running something so challenging? SO WHAT if it\'s going to be at least 14 miles and 3 or 4 times up and down Mt. Killington? SO WHAT if I\'ve NEVER run for 7+ hours in one go? And SO WHAT if the weather is unpredictable?&nbsp;I will admit - the last couple of weeks have been kind of an interesting roller coaster ride and frankly...I panicked a couple of times this past week. I heard it was going to be super cold, and I panicked about dressing warmly enough. I saw new obstacles that I wasn\'t expecting, and I panicked that I hadn\'t trained for them. I remembered I STILL can\'t climb a damn rope...and I panicked.<br /><br />But in the end, none of it matters. I have trained, I have prepared, and <b>I am as ready as I will ever be. </b>Self-doubt and worry will get me nowhere. I have to remember -&nbsp;<b>I signed up for this.</b>&nbsp;I wanted it. I wanted that race, I wanted that experience, and I wanted that finisher\'s medal and the amazing sense of accomplishment that goes along with it. It\'s time to <b>go get it</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I suppose this mindset should apply to anything in life, really. Any race or competition you have coming up, any big exam (you signed up for the class, right?), any event or task at work (you applied for the job, didn\'t you?)...it\'s all the same. Fear, negative anticipation, dread, wild speculation and hype...none of it helps you swing on those monkey bars...none of it helps you climb up that rope or tackle that big mile-long hike up a black diamond trail...all it does is suck away your energy, your will, and your emotional strength. <b>So why give in to it?</b><br /><br />Suck it up, buttercup. Put on your big boy/girl pants and spartan the f**k up or don\'t go on the mountain to begin with. I mean, you have to climb over a 6 foot wall to get to the starting corral...<b>did you think this was going to be easy? </b>As a wise man once said (very recently) - \"<span style=\"background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, \'lucida grande\', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px;\">Every single person reading this can finish - if you chose to. You can DNF right now, three days early - if you chose to let it get to you.\"</span><br /><br />I have accepted what is coming, and I\'m ready for this. There\'s no room for fear, just total ass-kickery.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48o4tcZCeAQ/VBmfWOXgk3I/AAAAAAAAKVU/Suexh42FD3Y/s1600/IMG_20140810_150008684.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48o4tcZCeAQ/VBmfWOXgk3I/AAAAAAAAKVU/Suexh42FD3Y/s1600/IMG_20140810_150008684.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"235\" /></a></div>So when you start worrying yourself silly...just remember the little gem below from one of my favorite books (this is The Litany Against Fear...bonus points if you know what book its from)</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mu-UbW8ackU/VBoOrPwOQBI/AAAAAAAAKVk/IRD7F7OHkfM/s1600/litany-against-fear-killington.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mu-UbW8ackU/VBoOrPwOQBI/AAAAAAAAKVk/IRD7F7OHkfM/s1600/litany-against-fear-killington.jpg\" height=\"332.5\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div><b>See you at the finish line.</b></div></div>','Fear Is The Mind-Killer','','publish','open','open','','fear-is-the-mind-killer','','','2017-01-08 20:50:51','2017-01-09 01:50:51','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=63',0,'post','',0),(64,1,'2014-08-23 11:19:00','2014-08-23 15:19:00','As we get closer and closer...I can\'t believe I set myself up for this. September is going to push me to my limits. September is going to show me what I\'m really made of. September is going to show me exactly how far I\'ve come and what I can really do.<br /><br /><b>If it doesn\'t kill me first. </b><br /><br />September I face back to back to back weekends of pain...with a 5K kicker on the 4th weekend. And the hardest part of it all...the Coup De Gras...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-amillRsdPZg/U_dKh9NdWhI/AAAAAAAAJGk/wDslkdv3kXk/s1600/Spartan-Beast.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-amillRsdPZg/U_dKh9NdWhI/AAAAAAAAJGk/wDslkdv3kXk/s1600/Spartan-Beast.jpg\" /></a></div>On the 3rd weekend - Saturday, September 20th...I take on the Spartan Beast Vermont. 12+ miles of pain and suffering up, down, and all around Mt. Killington, VT.<br /><br /><b>What did I get myself into...</b><br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b>It\'s been a hell of a year so far</b>...and it\'s not over yet. With the Falmouth Road Race, 4 half-marathons, and my first outdoor Spartan Sprint behind me (which, by the way, was SUPER hard)...I now have September to look ahead to...<br /><br /><b>and lucky me, it\'s right around the corner</b>.<br /><br />So what, exactly, is so awful about September? <b>Let me break it down for you:</b><br /><br /><b>Weekend 1:</b><br />September 6th (Saturday) - Run to the Rock Half-Marathon in Plymouth, MA<br />(Sponsor - Cape Cod Nutrition Corner)<br /><br /><b>Weekend 2:&nbsp;</b><br />September 13th (Saturday) - BoldrDash Mud Race (5K Obstacle Race) in Exeter, RI<br />September 14th (Sunday) - Michelob Ultra Boston 13.1 (half-marathon) in Boston, MA<br /><br /><b>Weekend 3:&nbsp;</b><br />September 20th (Saturday) - <u>Spartan Beast, Vermont</u> (12+ mile obstacle race) on Mt. Killington, VT<br /><b> </b>(Sponsor - Health Warrior)<br /><br /><b>Weekend 4:</b><br />September 28th (Sunday) - Craft Brew Races 5K (5K and craft beer festival) in Falmouth, MA<br /><b> </b>(Sponsor - Sportclips Falmouth)<br /><b> </b><br /><b> </b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>&nbsp;</b></span><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>whoa.</b></span><br /><br />I\'ve had triple-booked weekends (here, here and here), I\'ve had back to back races in the same morning (here) but <i>this</i>...this is a whole n\'other animal. I do not recommend doing this. <br /><br />Best thing I can do is keep running, keep up my strength training, and make sure I\'m about as prepared as I can be. I guess if you see me still posting in October you\'ll know I\'ve survived. <br /><br />For once...I\'m speechless. There\'s really just not much more to say. Check out these videos for an idea of what I\'m up against.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/qeLbT3Os3fM\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/de9UaSTfb3s\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/KfO7VPe9ME4\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><br />See you on the other side.','September...There Is No Being Ready For This...','','publish','open','open','','september-there-is-no-being-ready-for-this','','','2017-01-08 20:51:20','2017-01-09 01:51:20','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=64',0,'post','',0),(65,1,'2014-07-05 12:27:00','2014-07-05 16:27:00','<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>What a relief to FINALLY be getting caught up on all these race recaps and product reviews! I pretty much always go in order, but for now I\'m delaying the BoldrDash Beach Race recap (lots of video to edit). I also usually like to have recaps up within a few days after the race...but if you\'ve read my <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/06/when-life-gets-you-down-surfacing-from.html\">most recent article</a> you know what\'s up.&nbsp; <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zc5lGJzQZwA/U7Af55da7uI/AAAAAAAAIAQ/oOnMyqK-iXI/s1600/IMG_20140504_111539298.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zc5lGJzQZwA/U7Af55da7uI/AAAAAAAAIAQ/oOnMyqK-iXI/s1600/IMG_20140504_111539298.jpg\" height=\"229\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />At any rate - today I have the distinct pleasure of talking about the race that began it all...and how things came full-circle one year later with a new PR :)<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Lovin\' L.I.F.E. 5K...</b></span><br /><br />This race was so early in my running career that I hadn\'t even created \"So THIS Is Fitness...\" yet! That said, I should do some explaining...<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxxJ-4xeU34/U7ce-lVwWkI/AAAAAAAAICE/YYrXDGD9Kpw/s1600/12400_605858926109550_962739796_n.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxxJ-4xeU34/U7ce-lVwWkI/AAAAAAAAICE/YYrXDGD9Kpw/s1600/12400_605858926109550_962739796_n.png\" height=\"313\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>Lovin\' L.I.F.E. is a charity 5K run/walk that benefits L.I.F.E.<br /><br /><b>OK...so what is L.I.F.E.?</b><br /><br />&nbsp;L.I.F.E. (Living Independently Forever) is a unique non-profit program that has been serving adults with learning and intellectual disabilities for more than 20 years. It\'s this little assisted living community tucked away in Mashpee, and you\'d never know it was anything short of normal...which, I suppose, is the point. They do great work at L.I.F.E. supporting their residents and encouraging them to live life to the fullest - they even have an athletic program, and many of the residents participate in the Special Olympics! <b>Pretty great if you ask me.</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>And it\'s where it all started for me</b></span><br /><br /><b>Lovin\' L.I.F.E. 5K was the very first race I ever ran</b>, and I was SO out of my element. The race was in early May, and I had only gone for my first run at the end of March...saying I was new and clueless is an understatement. Nevertheless, I had been working out hard and had made major progress over the 8 months leading up to the race, so I figured I could handle it. I made sure to get out there, run, and be as prepared as I could. Overall, I would say I did an OK job, especially considering how little I knew. <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChJDxmcTCUs/UgxBopuEU4I/AAAAAAAAELA/5CzLuzNJeDw/s1600/IMG_20130505_110659_774.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChJDxmcTCUs/UgxBopuEU4I/AAAAAAAAELA/5CzLuzNJeDw/s1600/IMG_20130505_110659_774.jpg\" height=\"180\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>Race day came- and I felt ready. I was <b>so</b> pumped up and excited and I had my little cheering section there for encouragement. <b>I was gonna take on the world.</b> When it came time for the start, I lined myself right up at the front and was poised for the gun to go off (there wasn\'t a gun...just a \"GO!\").<br /><br /><b>Long story short</b> - I exceeded my own expectations. I was one of the leaders for a pretty decent portion of the race, ended up being one of the top finishers, and took 1st place in my age group. As I rounded the corner and saw the finish...I also saw the big L.E.D. clock with the time...and my jaw dropped...I was stunned with how well I did.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>One year later - another GREAT race!</b></span><br /><br />This year was much the same as last year - a large contingent of walkers, a lot of people out for a good time and a \"fun\" 5K...and a few people like me gunning for gold. I thought, considering my performance a year earlier, I might actually stand a chance at an overall podium finish...maybe even win the whole thing! I went out hungry for 1st place...it might be my only shot for a long time in a real race environment (spoiler alert: I\'m not THAT good of a racer). <br /><br /><b>The race began, and for almost a mile, I was in the lead! </b>Somewhere near the one mile mark, someone passed me<b> - </b>it was the guy that ended up winning. Come to find out...it was the SAME guy that won last year! That\'s ok though, I kept chugging along. Little by little, a few more people passed me along the way, but I kept on going...<i><b> </b></i><b>I was determined</b>. <br /><br />In the end, I came to the home stretch and I knew a PR was within my reach. I rounded the corner just like last year, saw the L.E.D. timing clock just like last year...and the afterburners kicked on to seal the deal.<b>&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbNSpNaGlxk/U7fpEKWCIHI/AAAAAAAAICU/6hNBg_DC9SQ/s1600/lovin+life+results.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbNSpNaGlxk/U7fpEKWCIHI/AAAAAAAAICU/6hNBg_DC9SQ/s1600/lovin+life+results.jpg\" height=\"228.8\" width=\"520\" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>I PR\'D! </b>I came in at 23:41 - 10 seconds off my Personal Record! <b>I came in 5th place out of 171 </b>and once again took 1st in my age group! I was SO happy - my one year race-aversary produced some stellar results and great memories. It was nice to have my mom and fiancee there to cheer me on and watch me finish, and during the awards ceremony the Race Director, Ian, even gave me a special little intro/shout out (he knew it had been my first race ever).<br /><br />All in all, I was THRILLED with the day. Lovin\' L.I.F.E. 5K is a GREAT local race, and I strongly recommend you register for it next year if you live in the area. This race holds a special place in my little fitness world, and I\'m sure no matter where I live I\'ll find an excuse each year to come back home for the first weekend in May to run this race. <br /><br />Everybody starts somewhere. Never forget where the journey began - you might lose sight of where you\'re going.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6q5J6E6lo0s/U7fu7FUkRcI/AAAAAAAAICs/jvB0JdDL0zc/s1600/neverforget.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6q5J6E6lo0s/U7fu7FUkRcI/AAAAAAAAICs/jvB0JdDL0zc/s1600/neverforget.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"381\" /></a></div>','One Year Of Running Races - Lovin\' L.I.F.E. 5K Recap','','publish','open','open','','one-year-of-running-races-lovin-l-i-f-e-5k-recap','','','2017-01-18 07:38:19','2017-01-18 12:38:19','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=65',0,'post','',0),(66,1,'2014-06-28 16:39:00','2014-06-28 20:39:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Sometimes <i>Life</i> feels the need to test you.</b></span><br /><br />The last few months have been one of those times. <b>It\'s felt a lot like this:</b><br /><b><table align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_fg18LkeB-4/U67GaAUcTfI/AAAAAAAAH-I/PibTJqTKO6w/s1600/Tough+Mudder+Mid+Atlantic+Facebook2.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_fg18LkeB-4/U67GaAUcTfI/AAAAAAAAH-I/PibTJqTKO6w/s1600/Tough+Mudder+Mid+Atlantic+Facebook2.jpg\" height=\"319.5\" width=\"480\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Yes, that is a pool of Ice Water.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></b><br />The last few months have been a little insane, and it all started with my triple-booked race weekend (<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/05/a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-1-herring.html\">here,</a> <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/05/a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-2-26-2-challenge-recap.html\">here,</a> and <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/05/a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-3-spring.html\">here</a>). Despite the fact that a number of things are off my plate, I\'ve managed to get buried by what IS still there - <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/anytimefitnessmashpee\">new job</a>, my upcoming wedding, the looming menace that is \"September\", and more. <b>This can, and DOES, happen to the best of us.</b> So <b>what do you do</b> when life keeps on knocking you down? What do you do when it\'s tough to keep up with your health and fitness? <b>How do you beat the <i>I don\'t have time</i> thing?</b><br /><br />...let me tell you a little story...<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Lately it\'s been tough to un-bury myself. </b></span><br /><br />That ever happen to you? I envisioned a quiet couple of months for the summer. I don\'t have many races scheduled (see calendar widget to the right), I\'m not traveling to Amherst to visit my <a href=\"http://www.deltachi.org/\">Delta Chi </a>chapter (I\'m their Alumni Advisor), and most of the wedding planning is done...should be relaxing, right? Lots of time to write race recaps, product reviews, be thoughtful and create original content, create a workout program, and just <b>relax</b>.<br /><br /><b>I was wrong.</b><br /><br />Instead, I got a little complacent, got a little lazy, and things started to pile up. I don\'t know what happens to YOU all when you start getting behind...but for me it\'s kind of like my brain wants to do everything at the same time...and nothing actually gets accomplished. <b>Which really only made the problem worse</b>. Then the panicky stress sets in and you\'re really just not gaining any ground. Here I am about 10+ articles behind (a combination of race recaps and product reviews), I\'m 48 days away from the wedding and running out of time to accomplish the last things on the list, and there\'s a whole <i>laundry list </i>of things I need to accomplish on top of that (including laundry!).<b>&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><b>How do you surface? How do you break out of the crazy and actually make some headway?</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><b><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrbs03J4ReA/U67fQiergDI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/JSKJgCvE4GU/s1600/Ice-Ice-Baby.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrbs03J4ReA/U67fQiergDI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/JSKJgCvE4GU/s1600/Ice-Ice-Baby.jpg\" height=\"214\" width=\"400\" /></a></b></div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Stop. Breathe. Don\'t Panic.&nbsp;</span> </b><br /><br /><b>You WILL get through this.</b>&nbsp;<b> </b>You just have to stop, breathe, and break it down into bite-sized pieces. Prioritize just like I walked you through in my <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/09/making-it-work.html\">time-management article</a>.You <b>can </b>get through it.<br /><br /><u><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Focus.</b></span></u><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MxCMT9t1Hw/U67l6g2VpNI/AAAAAAAAH-o/b9Y7vxci-_8/s1600/adhd-1.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MxCMT9t1Hw/U67l6g2VpNI/AAAAAAAAH-o/b9Y7vxci-_8/s1600/adhd-1.png\" height=\"282\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>It can be easy to get distracted<b> </b>and fall off from your super-productive timeline. This is an especially great challenge for me...as I have A.D.H.D. (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Basically...I start at \"apple\", I end at \"Optimus Prime rolling down I-95 Boston during rush hour\" and totally forget where I started and what happened in the middle. Picture the dog from \"Up\" - that\'s me. This is a large part of how I fell behind - I can spend hours accomplishing nothing...just running in place.<br /><br /><b>Through all of this, my workouts have not suffered.</b><br /><br />I had a workout program, I knew I needed to set aside an hour in the morning before the day got rolling, and I <b>got it done.</b> The problem happened when I completed that program. I didn\'t have anything else made up and ready to go...so <b>I kind of floundered for the last 2 weeks</b>. I ran a few miles as many days as I could...but I didn\'t have a program. I <b>certainly</b> didn\'t lack <i>motivatio<b>n </b></i>(If that\'s your issue, <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2013/07/conquer-the-truth-about-motivation.html\">read this now</a>), I just didn\'t have <b>direction</b>.<br /><br /><b>That\'s when my fitness fell off right along with everything else I wasn\'t getting done.</b><br /><br />So that\'s pretty much when I said enough is enough. <b>YOU CAN NOT </b>let your health &amp; fitness suffer...that\'s when it begins an ugly downward spiral.  I\'ve had to take time to stop, breathe, re-focus, and prioritize. I\'ve had to start trying to take things bit by bit and accomplish SOMETHING. <b>You can\'t do it all at once, </b>but if you start with one thing, you can move on to the next. Pretty soon, you\'ll break through and dig yourself right out of the ugly little pit you fell into.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1X2u_jJseiY/U67oU2k6RxI/AAAAAAAAH-0/ppGrHBPZgbA/s1600/TM-Arctic-Enima-Ice.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1X2u_jJseiY/U67oU2k6RxI/AAAAAAAAH-0/ppGrHBPZgbA/s1600/TM-Arctic-Enima-Ice.jpg\" height=\"247\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>And try to remember - you\'re not the only one stuck in that pit. You\'ll all get out.</b><br /><br />I guess what I\'m trying to say is - <b>try not to let it all overwhelm you.</b> Stop, breathe, don\'t panic, and focus. You can get it done AND find time for yourself. That said, you should start seeing more regular posts from me again. I have a few races coming up in the next two weeks that I\'m excited to share with you, and you\'ll FINALLY find out what the big deal is with September. Have questions? Email me or reach out on my Facebook Page. <br /><br /><b>You <u>Can</u> Do It. </b>','When Life Gets You Down - Surfacing From The Crazy','','publish','open','open','','when-life-gets-you-down-surfacing-from-the-crazy','','','2017-06-23 06:42:19','2017-06-23 10:42:19','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=66',0,'post','',0),(1237,1,'2017-06-23 06:42:19','2017-06-23 10:42:19','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Sometimes <i>Life</i> feels the need to test you.</b></span><br /><br />The last few months have been one of those times. <b>It\'s felt a lot like this:</b><br /><b><table align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_fg18LkeB-4/U67GaAUcTfI/AAAAAAAAH-I/PibTJqTKO6w/s1600/Tough+Mudder+Mid+Atlantic+Facebook2.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_fg18LkeB-4/U67GaAUcTfI/AAAAAAAAH-I/PibTJqTKO6w/s1600/Tough+Mudder+Mid+Atlantic+Facebook2.jpg\" height=\"319.5\" width=\"480\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Yes, that is a pool of Ice Water.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></b><br />The last few months have been a little insane, and it all started with my triple-booked race weekend (<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/05/a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-1-herring.html\">here,</a> <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/05/a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-2-26-2-challenge-recap.html\">here,</a> and <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/05/a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-3-spring.html\">here</a>). Despite the fact that a number of things are off my plate, I\'ve managed to get buried by what IS still there - <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/anytimefitnessmashpee\">new job</a>, my upcoming wedding, the looming menace that is \"September\", and more. <b>This can, and DOES, happen to the best of us.</b> So <b>what do you do</b> when life keeps on knocking you down? What do you do when it\'s tough to keep up with your health and fitness? <b>How do you beat the <i>I don\'t have time</i> thing?</b><br /><br />...let me tell you a little story...<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Lately it\'s been tough to un-bury myself. </b></span><br /><br />That ever happen to you? I envisioned a quiet couple of months for the summer. I don\'t have many races scheduled (see calendar widget to the right), I\'m not traveling to Amherst to visit my <a href=\"http://www.deltachi.org/\">Delta Chi </a>chapter (I\'m their Alumni Advisor), and most of the wedding planning is done...should be relaxing, right? Lots of time to write race recaps, product reviews, be thoughtful and create original content, create a workout program, and just <b>relax</b>.<br /><br /><b>I was wrong.</b><br /><br />Instead, I got a little complacent, got a little lazy, and things started to pile up. I don\'t know what happens to YOU all when you start getting behind...but for me it\'s kind of like my brain wants to do everything at the same time...and nothing actually gets accomplished. <b>Which really only made the problem worse</b>. Then the panicky stress sets in and you\'re really just not gaining any ground. Here I am about 10+ articles behind (a combination of race recaps and product reviews), I\'m 48 days away from the wedding and running out of time to accomplish the last things on the list, and there\'s a whole <i>laundry list </i>of things I need to accomplish on top of that (including laundry!).<b>&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><b>How do you surface? How do you break out of the crazy and actually make some headway?</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><b><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrbs03J4ReA/U67fQiergDI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/JSKJgCvE4GU/s1600/Ice-Ice-Baby.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrbs03J4ReA/U67fQiergDI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/JSKJgCvE4GU/s1600/Ice-Ice-Baby.jpg\" height=\"214\" width=\"400\" /></a></b></div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Stop. Breathe. Don\'t Panic.&nbsp;</span> </b><br /><br /><b>You WILL get through this.</b>&nbsp;<b> </b>You just have to stop, breathe, and break it down into bite-sized pieces. Prioritize just like I walked you through in my <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/09/making-it-work.html\">time-management article</a>.You <b>can </b>get through it.<br /><br /><u><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Focus.</b></span></u><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MxCMT9t1Hw/U67l6g2VpNI/AAAAAAAAH-o/b9Y7vxci-_8/s1600/adhd-1.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MxCMT9t1Hw/U67l6g2VpNI/AAAAAAAAH-o/b9Y7vxci-_8/s1600/adhd-1.png\" height=\"282\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>It can be easy to get distracted<b> </b>and fall off from your super-productive timeline. This is an especially great challenge for me...as I have A.D.H.D. (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Basically...I start at \"apple\", I end at \"Optimus Prime rolling down I-95 Boston during rush hour\" and totally forget where I started and what happened in the middle. Picture the dog from \"Up\" - that\'s me. This is a large part of how I fell behind - I can spend hours accomplishing nothing...just running in place.<br /><br /><b>Through all of this, my workouts have not suffered.</b><br /><br />I had a workout program, I knew I needed to set aside an hour in the morning before the day got rolling, and I <b>got it done.</b> The problem happened when I completed that program. I didn\'t have anything else made up and ready to go...so <b>I kind of floundered for the last 2 weeks</b>. I ran a few miles as many days as I could...but I didn\'t have a program. I <b>certainly</b> didn\'t lack <i>motivatio<b>n </b></i>(If that\'s your issue, <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2013/07/conquer-the-truth-about-motivation.html\">read this now</a>), I just didn\'t have <b>direction</b>.<br /><br /><b>That\'s when my fitness fell off right along with everything else I wasn\'t getting done.</b><br /><br />So that\'s pretty much when I said enough is enough. <b>YOU CAN NOT </b>let your health &amp; fitness suffer...that\'s when it begins an ugly downward spiral.  I\'ve had to take time to stop, breathe, re-focus, and prioritize. I\'ve had to start trying to take things bit by bit and accomplish SOMETHING. <b>You can\'t do it all at once, </b>but if you start with one thing, you can move on to the next. Pretty soon, you\'ll break through and dig yourself right out of the ugly little pit you fell into.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1X2u_jJseiY/U67oU2k6RxI/AAAAAAAAH-0/ppGrHBPZgbA/s1600/TM-Arctic-Enima-Ice.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1X2u_jJseiY/U67oU2k6RxI/AAAAAAAAH-0/ppGrHBPZgbA/s1600/TM-Arctic-Enima-Ice.jpg\" height=\"247\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>And try to remember - you\'re not the only one stuck in that pit. You\'ll all get out.</b><br /><br />I guess what I\'m trying to say is - <b>try not to let it all overwhelm you.</b> Stop, breathe, don\'t panic, and focus. You can get it done AND find time for yourself. That said, you should start seeing more regular posts from me again. I have a few races coming up in the next two weeks that I\'m excited to share with you, and you\'ll FINALLY find out what the big deal is with September. Have questions? Email me or reach out on my Facebook Page. <br /><br /><b>You <u>Can</u> Do It. </b>','When Life Gets You Down - Surfacing From The Crazy','','inherit','closed','closed','','66-revision-v1','','','2017-06-23 06:42:19','2017-06-23 10:42:19','',66,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/06/66-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(67,1,'2014-05-23 12:36:00','2014-05-23 16:36:00','<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>I know - <b>it\'s been a little while.</b> Life, a new/second job and planning a wedding apparently take a lot more time than I initially gave them credit for. <b>Time to get back on the horse.</b> <br /><br />Remember that weekend I ran 3 races in two days? Yeah...there was one more race I didn\'t talk about, and it was pretty fun.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOPnXFdfuTE/U33nkMOrhuI/AAAAAAAAHqQ/kfKtmeCZxRM/s1600/IMG_20140504_111731990.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOPnXFdfuTE/U33nkMOrhuI/AAAAAAAAHqQ/kfKtmeCZxRM/s1600/IMG_20140504_111731990.jpg\" height=\"297\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Spring Classic 5K! </b>What a cap-off to my crazy, double-booked, super-packed weekend.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I may have exercised poor judgement in planning my weekend...</span></b><br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />Running back and forth in Plymouth to two races wasn\'t the only reason the weekend was nuts...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>To pick up where we left off...</b> </span><br /><br />Team checked in at relay for 9 am start - check. Bolted across town for the 10 am 5K - check. Back across town to start my leg of the relay round-about 11 am - check. Placed 4th overall in the 5K (24:14), placed 2nd all-male team, 6th overall team (out of 57) in the relay (33:19 individual time, 4.37 mi). <b>Sweet.</b> Many a post-race libation was shared in celebration of our sweet sweet victory and the awesome medals we took home.<br /><br /><b>Aaaand then I hit the road to Amherst.</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SCpYlcubbo/U33sL9eukrI/AAAAAAAAHqc/QdkcZM_EkWM/s1600/Delta_Chi_Logo_Color.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SCpYlcubbo/U33sL9eukrI/AAAAAAAAHqc/QdkcZM_EkWM/s1600/Delta_Chi_Logo_Color.jpg\" height=\"130\" width=\"320\" /></a>I serve as Chapter Advisor to my college fraternity chapter at UMass Amherst. That night they just so happened to be holding an important ceremony...one which I REALLY should be at. So, of course, I went. <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/05/a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-1-herring.html\">In the first article about this weekend of races </a>I mentioned I originally hadn\'t even planned on any races...<b>this was why.</b><br /><br /><b>So I shot out to Amherst, </b>we had our night, and I didn\'t end up going to sleep until about 1 AM. <b>I then got up 4.5 hours later </b>to make the drive to Cambridge. So now, not only<b> </b>was I physically <b>POOPED </b>from running two races the day before...but I was also now running (literally) on 4.5 hours sleep.<br /><br /><b>ugh.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />Arrived in Cambridge a little over an hour early (as I like to do), and meandered my way to the number pick-up. Got a sweet tech tee AND a pint glass for signing up so early. I had bib #384...aaaand they were capped at 3500 runners. So yeah, I was a little early to sign up. hah. <br /><br />Ended up doing a LOT of wandering and time-wasting. Kiiind of my own fault. I had registered as a part of <a href=\"http://www.nespahtens.com/\">the \"New England Spahtens\" team</a> - they\'re a huge Obstacle Course  Race enthusiast group / team. The Spahtens, generally, show up IN  FORCE...<b>En Masse, </b>in <i>droves</i>, etc...whenever they show up to a race. More often than not they are the largest team present.<br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ_-83bXw9U/U35wUOqyynI/AAAAAAAAHq4/tKxQ37RpZLw/s1600/ne_spahtens_final1.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ_-83bXw9U/U35wUOqyynI/AAAAAAAAHq4/tKxQ37RpZLw/s1600/ne_spahtens_final1.jpg\" height=\"290\" width=\"320\" /></a><br />Naturally I assumed they would be the largest team at Spring Classic so I went off in search of the special \"largest team\" tent. I could not find it. Short answer was, I think it was pretty much just me and this other guy that actually ran Spring Classic for the Spahtens. <b>I didn\'t realize there were two obstacle races happening that very same morning</b>...so guess where all the other Spahtens were.<i> Whoopsie.</i> In the end I got my stretching in, used my Tiger Tail (review to come) and got to the starting corral in plenty of time.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I had forgotten what it was like to run a big race.</b></span><br /><br />It was jam-packed. Spring Classic 5K had even more runners than <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/03/5k-recap-smuttypalooza-pace-to-a-pint.html\">Pace to a Pint 5K </a>did, and you could tell. I couldn\'t even get into the corral until the gun went off and people started moving and making room. Once we were off, it was pretty crowded on the streets of the course - there was a lot of bouncing between people, slowing, speeding up, etc. Overall, despite the crowd I was able to maintain a strong pace. <b>It was pretty cool running through the streets of Cambridge - </b>traffic was stopped/blocked off and we got to run through major thoroughfares of the city! I love races like that...part of <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2013/10/achievement-unlocked-13-1.html\">why I enjoyed the Boston Firefighters\' 10K so much.</a><br /><br />In order to keep myself at a strong pace, I had to push hard through the lack of sleep and tired muscles. I tried picking people out of the crowd and pacing them, then I\'d pick someone else out and try to pass them. I repeated this process for the vast majority of the race. At one point I spotted a guy wearing a New England Spahtens \"drill shirt\" - he was the only other Spahten I had seen all morning...I <b>had</b> to catch up. I tried, but he was just too fast. I was now determined to find him post-race.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The effort required to keep running was immense.</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndI00k9Y8O0/U35zwp2MrGI/AAAAAAAAHrA/LKxn5La6i7Y/s1600/IMG_20140427_105721497.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndI00k9Y8O0/U35zwp2MrGI/AAAAAAAAHrA/LKxn5La6i7Y/s1600/IMG_20140427_105721497.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"262\" /></a>I was SO tired, SO exhausted...SO <i>worn out.</i>..but I wanted to <b>push</b>. I wanted to break 24 minutes. I wanted to end the stupidest weekend of my running career <b>strong</b>. At the time, I mistakenly thought my 5K PR was 23:57 (it was actually 23:51) - I was convinced a new PR was within reach if I just kept pushing.<br /><br /><b>Funny thing about a 5K</b>...a brief slow-down, a quick walk-break...can make such a difference in your official time. I had a rough idea of how far the finish was, and I pushed it. I pushed <b>hard</b>. <br /><br />I ended up sprinting it out at the end like I always do, and I got an official time of 24:24. I didn\'t PR, and honestly, I don\'t think I <b>really</b> expected to. Thinking it was within reach was probably just what I needed, at the time, to get it done with (to me) a respectable time. <br /><br /><b>Once I crossed it was all over</b> - the last two days caught up with me. My legs felt like jelly and politely informed me I was done exerting myself for a while. <b>Once I got to the beer table, my day got interesting again. </b>I ended up meeting this guy right here - Kevin. <b>The guy in the Spahtens shirt.</b> Found him. Ended up having a great conversation, several beers, and when the free beer ran out we continued our revelry at The Asgard (where the official post-race party was). Then later we went and watched a robot fight at The Middle East club a la BattleBots. I kid you not. I DID say my day got interesting, right?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Definitely a fun race.</b>&nbsp;</span><br /><br />If you\'re looking for a fun race, a great course, and an opportunity to run through some big city streets with 3499 other people...go run Spring Classic. They also have Winter Classic, and they\'ve just added Fall Classic. Same course, just different seasons/weather/conditions. Give it a whirl! <b>I can\'t promise you\'ll see a robot deathmatch</b>, but you\'ll very likely have a good time regardless. <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Oh...and...don\'t double-book yourself.</span></b><br /><br /><b>Do yourself a favor - learn from my mistake.</b> I may have gotten through it...but <b>good lord</b>...what an effort it took to coordinate, keep it straight, and make it work. I was lucky both the Herring Run Classic 5K and 26.2 Challenge Team Relay were in the same town just 8 minutes apart. <b>They easily could\'ve been across the state</b>. Then I would\'ve been out my registration money and potentially pissing off a sponsor. Keep your races straight and you\'ll thank yourself.<br /><br />Then again...I don\'t know many other people running 35+ races in a year. So maybe this isn\'t a common problem...','A Lesson In Double-Booking Pt. 3 - Spring Classic 5K Recap','','publish','open','open','','a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-3-spring-classic-5k-recap','','','2017-01-20 16:47:42','2017-01-20 21:47:42','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=67',0,'post','',0),(68,1,'2014-05-08 15:11:00','2014-05-08 19:11:00','<b>I love the feeling when you finish a race.</b> You see the finish line and get that burst of energy...and everything you have gets left on the pavement as you sprint on ahead to claim your victory (whether personal or overall). You cross the timing mat, you break the tape, you <b>get there</b>. The feeling of release, relief, and accomplishment on the other side of the finish line is <b>fantastic</b>...the joy and sense of satisfaction with the fruits of your effort simply <i><b>palpable</b></i>. Then you get to relax, have some water, have a banana, and chat with other runners...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEUjJDj5Rvc/U2osja9Id6I/AAAAAAAAHMg/ybdJ7fjZ8OI/s1600/IMG_20140504_111745870.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEUjJDj5Rvc/U2osja9Id6I/AAAAAAAAHMg/ybdJ7fjZ8OI/s1600/IMG_20140504_111745870.jpg\" height=\"221\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>Unless you\'re a genius like I was the weekend before last.</b><br /><br />Then you get to say a quick \"thank you, goodbye\" to the race director, wave to your friend that ran the race too, and shoot off across town to run the relay that your 5 friends have all been at for an hour and a half...<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b>Today\'s article will pick up <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/05/a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-1-herring.html\">where part one ended</a></b> - after I crossed the finish 4th overall at the <a href=\"http://www.plymouthrockracing.com/\">Herring Run Classic 5K.</a> Please, learn from my carelessness...unless you WANT a weekend like I had. Then go for it I guess.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">OK, so...wait, what?</span></b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22t0emFJ7yY/U2t1SKtYvNI/AAAAAAAAHOg/DYIrcWQoKdA/s1600/IMG_20140504_111755774.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22t0emFJ7yY/U2t1SKtYvNI/AAAAAAAAHOg/DYIrcWQoKdA/s1600/IMG_20140504_111755774.jpg\" height=\"241\" width=\"320\" /></a>Yeah...for those who didn\'t read <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/05/a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-1-herring.html\">\"A Lesson In Double-Booking Pt. 1\"</a> - first off...you should read that, but the short version is...I accidentally double-booked myself for races on Saturday, April 26th. I registered for the Herring Run Classic 5K (bib to the right) which I THOUGHT was April 19th, and the 26.2 Challenge (team marathon relay, bib above) which was on April 26th. As it turns out...I was wrong about the date for the 5K (it was the 26th too!)... Fortunately, the relay began at 9 am and the 5K at 10...and the starting lines were an 8 minute drive apart in Plymouth, MA...so I could make it work if I ran a late leg in the relay...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Which is exactly where we\'re picking up now.</b></span><br /><br />So...<b>I crossed the finish</b> at the 5K. Elation, joy, hurrahs, handshaking with the 3 guys that beat me, my buddy that came in 2 places behind me, and the guy I edged out at the 2 mile marker. The joy of the moment, however, was predestined to be short-lived - after allowing myself but a moment of reverie it was time to head&nbsp; back across town to the staging area/starting line of the 26.2 Challenge Team Relay.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>26.2 Challenge?</b></span> <br /><br />The <a href=\"http://www.262challenge.com/\">26.2 Challenge </a>is a 6 man Team Relay over a total distance of 26.2 miles (marathon distance). It was put on by 26.2 Productions - this race is their thing...it\'s what they do. This year they\'re putting on a 26.2 Challenge in Plymouth (MA), Newburyport (MA), and Philadelphia (PA). The one we participated in, as you are aware, is the Plymouth event. The starting line, finish line, and team festival area was in Cordage Park Plaza...a little off the beaten path in Plymouth, MA. The Race Director Steve is a REALLY nice guy - very helpful, personable and approachable. He actually found me and came up to say hi as he spotted me leaving the registration tent. Great way to start the day.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuP8Kaihc7g/U2uBid2qGMI/AAAAAAAAHO0/_-T787bT1zw/s1600/DSCN8996+(2).JPG\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuP8Kaihc7g/U2uBid2qGMI/AAAAAAAAHO0/_-T787bT1zw/s1600/DSCN8996+(2).JPG\" height=\"240\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>I arrived shortly after our 4th man began his leg of the relay. </b>The first three runners had all done really well in their leg (R to L - Terrence, JP, and Jesse). I talked with them and with Jimmy (the guy to my right) and decided I\'d do the next leg, making Jimmy the anchor.<br /><br /><b>What\'s the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchor_leg\" rel=\"nofollow\">\"anchor\"</a>? </b><br /><br />In athletics, the final leg of a relay is typically referred to as the \"anchor\". It is usually reserved for the fastest or most experienced member of the team. This person is the one who is responsible for making up ground/catching the leader or preserving the lead the team already has and widening the gap to ensure victory. Typically, you put your slowest man right before the anchor, who then comes in and smokes everyone. <b>Needless to say...</b>this described me and Jimmy perfectly. hah.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MH9u-j6--t8/U2uEd62ZWVI/AAAAAAAAHPA/1vYpy191W0M/s1600/DSCN8968+(2).JPG\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MH9u-j6--t8/U2uEd62ZWVI/AAAAAAAAHPA/1vYpy191W0M/s1600/DSCN8968+(2).JPG\" height=\"240\" width=\"320\" /></a>I took every moment I had to stretch, refuel and rehydrate. <b>I had done this before, </b>and I knew how to prepare and ensure success. <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/04/foolish-fools-dual-challenge-5k-13-1-recap.html\">The Fool\'s Dual Challenge</a> was still fresh in my mind - a 5K at 8 AM and a half-marathon at 9...If I could manage that, surely I could do a 5K then a 4.37 mile relay leg. Just a few key differences though...<br /><br />In the <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/04/foolish-fools-dual-challenge-5k-13-1-recap.html\">Fool\'s Dual Challenge</a> I made a point to go slow in the 5K - my goal was to get a decent time in the half-marathon and, frankly, to finish. I ended up doing so well I placed 3rd in my age group for combined time! This day, however, my goal was not to finish. <b>My goal was to compete.</b> I knew I\'d have a shot at a podium finish in the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/05/a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-1-herring.html\">Herring Run Classic 5K</a> given the small field. I knew my team had a shot in the relay considering how fast the other 5 guys are. Also...<b>it\'s a team effort</b> - nothing but my absolute best effort would suffice. <b>That said</b>, refueling, re-hydrating, stretching, and using my <a href=\"http://www.tigertailusa.com/\">Tiger Tail</a> (review to come) were all critical. Once that was complete...it was time...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>My Experience in the 26.2 Challenge - </b></span>&nbsp; <br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxTzCiiFMS8/U2uI2sCG46I/AAAAAAAAHPM/6cLjKgvdirk/s1600/DSCN9024+(2).JPG\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxTzCiiFMS8/U2uI2sCG46I/AAAAAAAAHPM/6cLjKgvdirk/s1600/DSCN9024+(2).JPG\" height=\"320\" width=\"240\" /></a></div>As I reached a point where I felt adequately prepared, I got ready to head to the starting line. We all knew about how long we expected each other to take, so I knew about when to be primed and ready. As we came within minutes of when we expected our 4th man to round the corner, I got my music playing, had <a href=\"http://runkeeper.com/user/dwmctague/profile\">Runkeeper</a> ready and waiting, and kept my eye out. Others on my team spotted him first (in the maroon long-sleeve shirt, pic to the right) and I stepped up to the starting line, finger poised over Runkeeper\'s \"start\" button. The team was fired up. I was amped. The crowd was cheering each finisher as they came in. As my teammate Alex crossed the finish line next to me<b> </b>I shot off like a rocket.<br /><br /><b>I was so ready to crush it.</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The course was great!</b></span><br /><br />As I\'ve come to expect from many races (especially those in coastal towns)...this course was beautiful. We were along the streets of Plymouth, went along a rail trail, popped out by the waterfront, and then looped back around to the rail trail. The course was pretty flat, pretty fast, and a lot of fun. The rail trail was a bit narrow, and the gravel had become a weird almost muddy mix...but it was easily overcome by simply keeping an eye out. The course was well-marked when out on the streets and it was damn near impossible to get lost. This was another non-standard distance...4.37ish miles...but it\'s easy to figure out why when you consider it\'s a marathon team relay consisting of 6 people (26.2 / 6?). While out on the course...I learned a valuable lesson that helped me earn a great achievement - <br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Relays are a different animal entirely...</b></span><br /><br />I\'ve run road races before...but this was my first team relay. I learned very quickly how different relays are from normal road races. I\'m sure track meet style relays are different...but in this relay...it was so spread out that you were really running your own race. When I started, nobody else did. As I made my way out along the course there were lots of runners...but I had absolutely no idea how I stacked up against them. I had no idea if they were the 5th leg like me...or maybe the 3rd or 4th leg...or maybe even the 6th leg! I had no way to gauge myself against others...so I was left with only one option - <b>go as hard as I can for my teammates.</b> In the end, that\'s what it came down to - <b>my team.</b> <b>My team</b> is what encouraged me to keep running when I wanted to walk.<b> My team </b>is what encouraged me to pick it up when I felt myself slacking and slowing down. <b>Four of my teammates </b>had already given their all and run hard in their leg...<b>I couldn\'t let their efforts go to waste.</b> One of my teammates was ready and waiting to seal the deal and carry us to victory...<b>I couldn\'t keep him waiting and make his job harder.</b><br /><br /><b>So I ran. Hard.&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbYzqXWe1fY/U2uTQQc0ZHI/AAAAAAAAHPc/Ax8snshIEw8/s1600/DSCN9053+(4).JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbYzqXWe1fY/U2uTQQc0ZHI/AAAAAAAAHPc/Ax8snshIEw8/s1600/DSCN9053+(4).JPG\" height=\"300\" width=\"400\" /></a> </div>As I came back in to Cordage Park Plaza I knew the finish was close (and so was Jimmy)...so I kicked on the afterburners, gave it everything I had, and rocketed on towards the finish. As I crossed, Jimmy took off like a rocket and the final leg had begun. I ended up finishing in 33:19 - a Personal Record pace of 7:38 /mile...that beat my previous best pace by 2 seconds per mile! I couldn\'t believe it...not only was this race over a mile <b>longer</b> than my previous best pace <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/09/what-is-good-enough-tavern2tavern5k.html\">(Tavern to Tavern 5K 2013)</a>...but I had <b>already run a race</b> before this one. Guess I was warmed up!<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The anchor did his job well</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPYsCOvct-4/U2uXnd0tWMI/AAAAAAAAHPo/UQbmmgjQjL0/s1600/262medal.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPYsCOvct-4/U2uXnd0tWMI/AAAAAAAAHPo/UQbmmgjQjL0/s1600/262medal.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"178\" /></a>We all went inside for a celebratory (free) beer, and a little over 20 minutes later we started looking for our anchor Jimmy. He finished in 25:07 - a 5:46 pace and a good enough leg to earn him 4th place overall individual runner! We had to get a timing issue fixed, and as a result we found out a little early that we were the 2nd place All-Male team! Once the full results were in, we found out that not only were we the 2nd place All-Male team (there were 7 team divisions) but we were also the 6th place overall team out of 87! We only missed 5th by about 3 minutes, but we were THRILLED with our performance! It was nice to walk away with a medal when, honestly, we hadn\'t really gone in with any expectations of greatness. We were a rag-tag bunch of guys thrown together into a team when I, on a whim, asked one buddy if he was up for it. Nice how things work out. <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Final/Overall Impressions?</span></b><br /><br />This race was a <b>ton </b>of fun and a great first experience with a team relay. I would do this race again in a heartbeat, and I absolutely plan on it next year. It was such a different experience, a totally different feel in the race festival area, and I love the team aspect of things - it gave me a whole new sense of motivation that I simply don\'t think I can replicate in a solo race. If you have an opportunity to run a team relay, <b>go for it</b>. If you live anywhere near Plymouth, MA...<b>run this race next year!&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><b>Oh, and honestly...</b>I don\'t think running a 5K before this relay hurt me. I DO wonder how I would\'ve done had I not participated in the 5K...but I\'m glad this happened. Next year I\'ll <b>probably</b> plan to not run anything else that day...and be a little more careful when registering for races. I very well could have been faced with a decision of having to choose...and that\'s no fun. <br /><br /><b>Then it was time to shoot out to Amherst, MA for an event with my college fraternity and...oh wait...I had another 5K the next morning...Good Lord...it never ends...<br /><br />More on that next time. </b><br /><br />','A Lesson In Double-Booking Pt. 2 - 26.2 Challenge Recap','','publish','open','open','','a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-2-26-2-challenge-recap','','','2017-01-21 08:43:01','2017-01-21 13:43:01','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=68',0,'post','',0),(69,1,'2014-05-02 12:28:00','2014-05-02 16:28:00','I had one of those sinking \"whoopsie\" moments a couple of weeks ago and learned a valuable lesson in double-booking oneself. As a result, I ended up running not one, not two, but <b>three races</b> last weekend.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxu6sl617_U/U2DXIN_AD1I/AAAAAAAAHDA/aRTzo_FfF1Q/s1600/PhotoGrid_1398855237122.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxu6sl617_U/U2DXIN_AD1I/AAAAAAAAHDA/aRTzo_FfF1Q/s1600/PhotoGrid_1398855237122.jpg\" height=\"332.5\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><b>That\'s right - </b>on a day I originally hadn\'t even planned to run a race at all, <b>I ended up running two</b>. Then I ran one<b> the next morning</b>. I\'m going to break this down in three articles because, frankly, I may have made <b>one</b> dumb move, but I ran<b> three</b> <b>awesome</b> <b>races</b>...and they each deserve their own recap. Today is all about the lead-in / how this happened...and the first race I ran - the <a href=\"http://www.plymouthrockracing.com/\">Herring Run Classic 5K. </a><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">How did this even happen? </span></b><br /><br />As many of you might be aware...I am slated to run a RIDICULOUS number of races this year. Currently, I am either committed to or registered for <b>33 races in 2014</b>...and frankly I expect to add a few more late in the year. <b>Why? </b>Because I can. I want to see how far I can push, and I want to show others that if I can go from where I was to a place where I can do this...<b>there\'s no reason</b> they can\'t reach their goals too. <b>One of those 33 races </b>is the Herring Run Classic 5K....which brings us to today\'s lesson...<b>&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><b><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1gb8b0FkqE/U2KiZwPy8pI/AAAAAAAAHEA/NkI6d3LEz1k/s1600/DSCN8795+(2).JPG\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1gb8b0FkqE/U2KiZwPy8pI/AAAAAAAAHEA/NkI6d3LEz1k/s1600/DSCN8795+(2).JPG\" height=\"240\" width=\"320\" /></a></b></div><br />As I approached Saturday, April 19th I was eagerly anticipating the Herring Run Classic 5K in Plymouth, MA. Just a couple of days out I decided to look at the event website...and that\'s when my heart sank - it wasn\'t scheduled for April 19th, like I thought it was...It was instead scheduled for Saturday, April 26th...<b>the same day</b> as the <a href=\"http://www.262challenge.com/\">26.2 Challenge</a> - a 6 man marathon relay! <b>CRAP.</b> Lucky for me they were both set to take place in Plymouth...and the start times were an hour apart...<br /><br /><b>It was a one in a million thing...</b>and it looked like it just might work. <br /><br />I was sponsored for the Herring Run Classic 5K...and honestly I wasn\'t interested in the headache of finding a DIFFERENT race to run in place of it...I\'m already pretty-well booked. I also wasn\'t about to leave my relay teammates high and dry - besides, that was the race I had actually MEANT to run that day...So I looked at times, I looked at Google Maps...<br /><br /><b>And it WOULD work.</b><br /><br />The short version is - I showed up to the 26.2 Challenge right smack at 8 am to get my team checked in and settled. We figured out our running order, got everybody set to go, and when 9 AM came, off went our first runner. I then said my good-byes and my good-lucks and hopped in the car for the 8 minute drive to the Herring Run Classic. That race was slated to begin at 10 AM - I figured I\'d run about a 24 minute 5K, take 5 minutes to wrap up, catch my breath, and thank the Race Director, then 8 minutes back across town with a 2 minute walk to the team area - by 10:40 I should be back and ready to go! I anticipated running the final leg of the relay, or maybe even the 5th if I got back soon enough (it WAS possible depending on how fast they all went). <br /><br /><b>Yes, this was LITERALLY </b>how I was thinking and processing it all that day to make sure it worked.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><b>What about the 3rd race, you say? </b>That one I had been registered for for quite some time...I just hadn\'t anticipated running TWO races the day before. Whoops.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So Let\'s Talk About The Herring Run Classic 5K!</b></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kDYVnrwRKeM/U2KSRfYNsJI/AAAAAAAAHDo/lcrTNGU7x4A/s1600/herring+run.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kDYVnrwRKeM/U2KSRfYNsJI/AAAAAAAAHDo/lcrTNGU7x4A/s1600/herring+run.png\" height=\"230\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br />The Herring Run Classic was a ton of fun! This race was put on by <a href=\"http://www.plymouthrockracing.com/\">Plymouth Rock Racing</a>...I have yet to be disappointed by an experience with them, and I doubt it\'ll happen any time soon. Plymouth Rock Racing, for those who don\'t know, is a small race company - it\'s pretty much one guy and his kids! They have all their own equipment and they do their own timing - this allows them to put on small races on courses you might otherwise not get to run! The Herring Run Classic was one of those races! The field was very small - just 21 runners crossed the starting line. This was, likely, due in large part to the fact they were competing with such a big race across town (26.2 Challenge).<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czD_1qVwlhI/U2Kix0ukoeI/AAAAAAAAHEI/qjb0Htepe0I/s1600/DSCN8895+(2).JPG\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czD_1qVwlhI/U2Kix0ukoeI/AAAAAAAAHEI/qjb0Htepe0I/s1600/DSCN8895+(2).JPG\" height=\"240\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>The small field had no ill effect on the race, though! The race began by the old Plimoth Grist Mill, went along the pavement on Court Street in Plymouth, and eventually you snaked your way to a woodsy area where the actual river is that the herring run through in Plymouth! Apparently Plymouth is home to one of the most active herring runs in the country...who knew?! <br /><br />The course was great - very scenic, not too many potholes and divots in the dirt road (though there were some), but it was DEFINITELY hilly as described. The way out was hilly, the way back was nice and, for the most part, downhill. Makes sense.<br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br /></span><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>How about my own experience in this race?</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l26tQR3prUw/U2Kf6HCLraI/AAAAAAAAHD4/knBMboXkCAQ/s1600/DSCN8900+%25282%2529.JPG\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l26tQR3prUw/U2Kf6HCLraI/AAAAAAAAHD4/knBMboXkCAQ/s1600/DSCN8900+%25282%2529.JPG\" height=\"240\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>I was feeling pretty good going into this race! It was my first race of the day, and it was a BIG day, so I was pretty amped up! I also remembered that Plymouth Rock Racing\'s events have the potential for small participant fields, so there was a shot I could get a podium finish! <b>Then I saw that guy...</b> yeah, that guy in the photo to the right. Wearing the neon. The guy was decked out in matching neon Brooks gear...he looked like he was sponsored by them the way he was decked out (not a bad thing...go you!). He looked like he meant business. I actually cracked a joke...something like \"guess I\'m not winning THIS one!\". By the time we finished...shocker...he won 1st place. <br /><b></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxIWz-znXIs/U2OJ5whyAMI/AAAAAAAAHEY/rKx8Zhbisi8/s1600/DSCN8889+(2).JPG\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxIWz-znXIs/U2OJ5whyAMI/AAAAAAAAHEY/rKx8Zhbisi8/s1600/DSCN8889+(2).JPG\" height=\"296\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>The course was good to me, though.</b> The beginning, as I said, was a bit hilly. That was a good challenge, but I\'m used to hills (and trying to train on them more often) so it wasn\'t that bad. Once we got into the woodsy park area I pushed myself a little more to maintain/improve my pace - I could tell I was up with the leaders and I wanted to keep it that way. I also saw my buddy (and brother Freemason from my lodge) Chris behind me - no offense brother...but I wasn\'t letting you get ahead of me ;).<br /><br />Once we hit the turnaround and I saw the leaders coming back at me I knew exactly what place I was in...and what I <b>COULD</b> finish in. I pushed it, and right at the 2 mile marker I broke away and pushed to the 4th place spot. I maintained my distance and widened the gap ever so slightly as we made our way back along the last mile. When we got within .5 miles there was even a police escort along the busy street! <b>How cool was that to run behind a cop car again :D</b>.<br /><br />As we got to the final corner and the home stretch, the Race Director (Craig) was there cheering you on and waving you down that last stretch of road to the finish line. I finished 4th place overall (out of 21) with a time of 24:14. Not too shabby :). <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Once again, Plymouth Rock Racing nails it</span></b><br /><br /><b>Craig and his team really know what they\'re doing!</b> Great course, well-organized, good people, and a fun race experience. There may not be a big ridiculous booze-filled post-race party...but <b>so what?! </b>Sometimes it\'s nice to go run a good race, have THAT be the focus, and enjoy a laid-back day of running. Maybe next time I can hit a local bar with the RD and grab a drink after the race is all broken down. That\'d be nice. <br /><br /><b>So in case you couldn\'t tell</b>...I HIGHLY recommend finding one of Plymouth Rock Racing\'s events and <b>registering for it</b>. You won\'t be disappointed :). Check them out at <a href=\"http://www.plymouthrockracing.com/\">www.PlymouthRockRacing.com</a><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>PS - see those sweet photos?</b></span><br /><br />I have added to my Rolodex of people :) I now count among my friends an up-and-coming photographer! She does lots of weddings and engagements, but had decided that sports is a good area to branch out into, and she\'s learning right alongside me! All of the actual photos (rather than clipart) in this article were taken by her! <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sees-The-Day-Photography/1422947037957688?ref=br_tf\">You can find Keri and Sees The Day Photography here. </a><br /><br /><b>And after alllll that...</b>I hopped in my car, went back across town and got ready for my leg of the 26.2 Challenge. Keri brought her camera and ran all over creation with me too! More on that tomorrow :)','A Lesson In Double-Booking Pt. 1 - Herring Run Classic 5K Recap','','publish','open','open','','a-lesson-in-double-booking-pt-1-herring-run-classic-5k-recap','','','2017-01-18 07:40:07','2017-01-18 12:40:07','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=69',0,'post','',0),(70,1,'2014-04-18 09:30:00','2014-04-18 13:30:00','This past weekend I had another running first...another thing crossed off of my \"Running Bucket List\" - My first mud run! <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wsvw6sxJABo/U05fgJqQ5TI/AAAAAAAAG-4/g5lFPLagYP0/s1600/IMG_20140413_214213231.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wsvw6sxJABo/U05fgJqQ5TI/AAAAAAAAG-4/g5lFPLagYP0/s1600/IMG_20140413_214213231.jpg\" height=\"297\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Frankly, I\'m shocked my bib (number) survived!</b> This past Saturday I ran <a href=\"http://www.runmassmayhem.com/\">Mass Mayhem</a> - a four mile obstacle race going up and down <a href=\"http://skiblandford.org/\">Blandford Ski Area</a> out in middle-of-nowhere Western MA. This race was SO much fun! Overall I have to say it definitely left a good impression on me, and left me hungry for more obstacle races! So how did it go? What happened? Just what is a \"real\" mud run like...and what do I mean by that? What room for improvement is there considering this was the inaugural run?<br /><br /><b>Let\'s chat...shall we?</b><br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Mass Mayhem... Where to begin?</b></span><br /><br />I cannot even begin to describe to you how much I have fallen in love with Health &amp; Fitness. As part of that, I fell in love with running, and now... Obstacle Racing! It\'s tough to describe...but at the end of the day I can just say...it\'s <b>so freaking FUN</b>! It\'s exhilarating! There\'s a certain rush you get, a certain sense of <b>success</b> and <b>accomplishment</b> when you\'re able to hoist yourself over a 6 foot wall just a little easier than last time...when you\'re able to do an obstacle you couldn\'t do before...when you finish just a little faster than you did last time...<br /><br /><b>But I digress.</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8e59QZE2p2w/UxcbZt_XbZI/AAAAAAAAGkE/wyY_Jt8TtEw/s1600/MassMayhemLogo.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8e59QZE2p2w/UxcbZt_XbZI/AAAAAAAAGkE/wyY_Jt8TtEw/s1600/MassMayhemLogo.jpg\" height=\"166\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Mass Mayhem</b> - This was THE FIRST Mass Mayhem, and as such there was a lot of success, a lot of new experiences, and some lessons learned / room for improvement (both for runners AND race team). I\'m sure the Race Director and his team learned a lot of lessons and filed away a lot of ideas for next time. <br /><br /><b>For The Basics </b>(<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/03/mayhem-time-to-get-muddy.html\">just in case you didn\'t see the pre-race breakdown</a>)<b> - </b>This race was put on by the Type-One team.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What is Type-One? </b></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnIEGcQiHmY/Uxcmj8m-y2I/AAAAAAAAGk0/rkmoYiQX88c/s1600/Type-One-Logo-White-Black.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnIEGcQiHmY/Uxcmj8m-y2I/AAAAAAAAGk0/rkmoYiQX88c/s1600/Type-One-Logo-White-Black.png\" height=\"141\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>Straight from <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/TypeOneLLC\">their Facebook </a>- \"</b><span>Type One was founded with the sole purpose and objective to increase public awareness and to find a cure through  research for Type One Diabetes.\"</span><br /><br />Prior to Mass Mayhem, Type-One had put on <a href=\"http://typeonerenegaderun.com/\">Renegade Run</a> twice - Renegade Run is another OCR they hold in Hingham, MA. Some races are for profit, some races donate their proceeds to charity - Type-One donates the proceeds of THEIR races to Type-One Diabetes causes...so while you\'re getting muddy and suffering you can feel good about that. <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Location, Location, Location.</span></b><br /><br /><b>With Obstacle Racing - location is everything...</b>Tyson and the Type-One team picked a great one! Your entire race can be predicated on your location - is it a ski mountain? Is it flat terrain? Is it moderately hilly? How about altitude - will there be snow? Man-made or natural pools of water? Man-made or natural obstacles? <b>All of these </b>can depend on your location. This race happened at Blandford Ski Area, a ski mountain owned and operated by Springfield Ski Club. In case you\'re wondering...Blandford is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. I thought I had a pretty good grasp of Western Massachusetts...I was wrong. It WAS a great pick thought - this mountain afforded Mass Mayhem some great advantages. <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EyED9Kuw3o/U0_AjAxMeXI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/0YWHLw0t-SM/s1600/Mass-Mayhem-Course-Map.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EyED9Kuw3o/U0_AjAxMeXI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/0YWHLw0t-SM/s1600/Mass-Mayhem-Course-Map.png\" height=\"348\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br />So here\'s the course, to the left. The dot at the bottom by the \"pump house\" is the starting line - the yellow line is the course. If you follow that line, you\'ll see we went up and down the mountain SIX TIMES. I saw markers on some of those slopes...black diamond. Here I thought I was gonna run right up it...but after a couple minutes of chugging away...I realized I had to just kinda power-walk up. <b>That\'s about how the whole race went. </b>Doing something like this on a mountain was a lot tougher than I had anticipated.<br /><br />Something I LOVED about Mass Mayhem that I don\'t think other obstacle races necessarily nail - <b>it had it all</b>. It had mud, water, even SNOW! There was a lot of different terrain to cover, and it made for a well-rounded course. The mountain itself was like an additional obstacle, which I liked. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Speaking of obstacles...</b></span><br /><br /><table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--B8uSLHMt7M/U0_GBOnVbsI/AAAAAAAAG_g/JWTB-7qKNno/s1600/-d8159d57f98aa7fd.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--B8uSLHMt7M/U0_GBOnVbsI/AAAAAAAAG_g/JWTB-7qKNno/s1600/-d8159d57f98aa7fd.jpg\" height=\"266\" width=\"400\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo from MassLive.com</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Let\'s talk about those. </b><br /><br />I\'m pretty sure they said there was about 20 obstacles. <b>I wasn\'t exactly counting as I ran the course</b>, but there WAS a GoPro on my head, so I got footage from my perspective of the entire race. <br /><br /><b>On the Mass Mayhem website there is a \"course description\" page. </b>On it, they give the image of the course I used above and a \"sneak peek\" of some of the obstacles we can expect on the course. They all did appear, just took me a second to match up the \"sneak peek\" description on the site to the actual obstacle on the course. I\'m not entirely sure I remember the \"Mayhem Web\"...maybe it didn\'t manifest in quite the way they imagined? Who knows. <br /><br />Before I go into the video and my experience with the obstacles themselves...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Overall Impressions?</b></span><br /><br /><table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqmWK1ECrqw/U1AbUjj03VI/AAAAAAAAHAc/G5Dr1JDrLh8/s1600/IMG_20140412_125009536_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqmWK1ECrqw/U1AbUjj03VI/AAAAAAAAHAc/G5Dr1JDrLh8/s1600/IMG_20140412_125009536_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Me and Tyson, the Race Director</td></tr></tbody></table>Overall, I had a ton of fun! There were a lot of great things about this race! I have to give major credit to Tyson and the rest of the race organizers - this race was VERY well put-together. These guys had everything covered from soup to nuts. Registration was a snap, there was good pre-race info so we weren\'t left guessing, on-site help was plentiful and it was easy to find everything we needed. Race-day check-in was easy too, and the racer packet was even neatly organized into a labeled zip-lock bag with some aspirin in it for after the mountain had its way with you. The race and all the waves (as far as I know) started prompt and on-time, and the course was NOT over-crowded. One of the things that bugged me about the Fenway Spartan Sprint was how LONG I had to wait for some of the obstacles. No worries of that sort this time! VERY short waits, when there were any. There were also plenty of goodies for racers, including PLENTY of water and bananas, more than enough finisher\'s medals, a free beer, and (LOTS of) food was available for purchase. There was even a big area to hose off after the race! Thanks!<br /><br /><b>As far as obstacles go,</b> overall I was happy. I didn\'t feel like they were crazy hard - as a matter of fact, I was able to complete all of them! Without cheating or skimping! The obstacles were well-built, which is important, and kind of no-frills, which is perfectly fine. They don\'t need to be fancy - they need to be FUNCTIONAL.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEZbWAYSLQk/U1Ab2PT7DvI/AAAAAAAAHAo/I5jPw_OSDi4/s1600/IMG_20140412_114722402_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEZbWAYSLQk/U1Ab2PT7DvI/AAAAAAAAHAo/I5jPw_OSDi4/s1600/IMG_20140412_114722402_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a><b>I suppose the only improvements I would like to see </b>for next time, in terms of obstacles, would be some more challenging/difficult obstacles...and honestly? Just plain <b>more</b> obstacles. I liked that there was some trail running in-between, and I certainly appreciate that the mountain itself (and our six ascents and descents) was an obstacle in and of itself...but it felt like there was even more running in-between than there was in <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/01/blizzard-blast-recap-my-season-breakdown.html\">Blizzard Blast.</a> That said, I\'m not sure where or how they would include more obstacles. I almost feel like in order to include more they\'d have to put them on an ascent or descent, or maybe on a narrow section of path they may not have wanted to stick an obstacle in. None of those options would be unheard of...but I\'m sure it would be a bunch more work. At any rate...just a thought, and I heard some other more seasoned racers say similar things (about more obstacles).<br /><br />In a way, it\'s nice that the obstacles weren\'t insane or so tough I couldn\'t do some - <b>that makes the race accessible.</b> It brings Obstacle Racing to more people! Some super-hardcore events might scare people away, or make some people think it\'s out of their reach...but Mass Mayhem? People can <b>do</b> Mass Mayhem. That doesn\'t mean it\'s EASY...it means it\'s <b>do-able</b>.&nbsp; <b>Again - </b>I am not by <b>any </b>means saying it is wimpy. Climbing that mountain 6 times SUCKED (in the best way possible) and I certainly feel like I earned that finisher\'s medal you see right there. I think everyone else that crossed the finish line will say the same. Just a thought :)<br /><br />I tried to run the course as much as I could, and I tried to get through the obstacles as quickly and efficiently as I could...but there\'s only so much you can tolerate <b>running</b> up a black diamond ski slope, so in the end, I power-walked a little more than I originally intended. I also took a little more time and care on some obstacles than I initially envisioned. At the end of the day, I finished in about 1 hour 16 minutes (official time is incorrect). I\'m pretty happy with that for a 4 mile OCR - if that were a standard 5K distance OCR I would\'ve finished in under an hour. I\'m happy :) and again, I definitely feel like I earned that finisher\'s medal (and beer). Speaking of beer, I MAY have ended up hanging out after the race finished...for about 5 hours...haha. The race cultivated a great sense of camaraderie and there was a friendly atmosphere - I was in a group photo pre-race with some members of the <a href=\"http://www.nespahtens.com/\">New England Spahtens OCR Team / Enthusiast Group,</a> and I found them after the race! Below is me with Chris, Michelle and Nicole. I also had a nice chat with Heather, a fellow <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/nespahtens\">Spahten</a> who runs <a href=\"http://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/\">Relentless Forward Commotion</a> (check her out!).<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uH9xaJhk_xU/U1ApAHDrmxI/AAAAAAAAHBg/SbmJig1FqZk/s1600/IMG_20140412_144608466_HDR.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uH9xaJhk_xU/U1ApAHDrmxI/AAAAAAAAHBg/SbmJig1FqZk/s1600/IMG_20140412_144608466_HDR.jpg\" height=\"260\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>If you read no further,</b></span> know that it was a GREAT experience! It was a great event put on by some great people that was well-executed and benefited a great cause! What more can you ask for?! I HIGHLY recommend you check out their Renegade Run event in Hingham, MA and get yourself in line for Mass Mayhem when it comes back next spring! I know I\'m pretty pumped for it :)<br /><br /><hr width=\"300\" /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>SO, let\'s talk <u>details</u> - THE OBSTACLES! And my personal experience with them.</b></span><br /><br /><b>I won\'t bore you with 45 minutes of mountain-climbing video</b>, but suffice it to say...I spent a LOT of time climbing up and down that damn mountain. Let\'s break down how this course went - I\'ll mention all the obstacles in order. I\'ll also include video - I won\'t show you EVERY obstacle...just some of my favorites :)<br /><br /><b>I mentioned there was a lot of mountain climbing, right? </b>I swear, I felt like that first hill took FOREVER. In all reality, looking at the video, it was about 5 and a half minutes of going up. Felt like more. So after that first huge ascent and descent, what did we run into first?<br /><br /><b>The Classic Over/Unders</b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/6NtUa5ax5J4\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br />Pretty standard in Obstacle Racing world - 4 foot wall to go over, about 3 foot something-or-other (sawhorse, here) to go under. I enjoyed it :). Every time i come across a four foot wall I get excited because I know I can practically throw myself over it :D I like how the guy that blew by me clearly didn\'t understand the concept of \"over / <i>under</i>\". <br /><br />After getting through that, it was a run up another nasty hill, back down a hill and on to -<br /><br /><b>Another staple of Obstacle Racing - the 6-Foot Wall</b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/CmVtzROSzLU\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><b>Three of them.</b> This is another pretty standard obstacle, and one of my favorites! <b>Why?</b> It\'s a great gauge, for me, of my progress. Each time I\'ve come across a 6 Foot wall, I\'ve been able to hoist myself over it more easily. The other two obstacle races I\'ve run, I only came across one at a time...in Mass Mayhem there were <b>three in a row</b>! I DID have to take a quick breather before the third wall here...but I was able to get over all three AND <i>carefully</i> lower myself down the other side...not just drop like a stone. Turns out that was a wise choice - I heard over medic radios later in the race that a number of people were getting knee injuries because they dropped (hard) into the mud on the other side of those walls. Please, if you\'re doing an obstacle race (or even just a regular trail run) exercise a little caution.<br /><br /><b>After the walls </b>there was a barbed wire crawl, and I had to get REALLY low in my military crawl for that! Even so, it caught my shirt at one point. Had to work for that obstacle. A little after that (and up an incline) there were some wooden crosses like you\'d see in a video of Normandy beach on D-Day (not super-tough). Next? Up more hill to get to...<b> </b><br /><br /><b>The Monkey Bars</b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/4HT-ZNWgrNA\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><b>THIS. I was so happy about. </b>Again, this is not an unusual obstacle - many many obstacle races have this. This isn\'t even any kind of super-hard or out-of-the-ordinary monkey bar...like ascending and descending...or made of beer kegs...<br /><br /><b>So WHY am I posting the video?</b> Because I actually DID it this time! I\'ve never been able to really do monkey bars. During the Fenway Spartan Sprint I got halfway through and had to drop to the floor - I was slipping thanks to some sub-par gloves. This time? Nailed it. <br /><br />Next was a partner carry (you switched off in the middle) which I did not do (and was told to skip) since I was not running with a buddy. That was kind of a bummer, not gonna lie. I guess I didn\'t really want to carry someone I don\'t know, so in the end I guess that\'s OK. That led directly to three incline walls with rope to help you up them. I <b>may </b>have just run directly up the first one. Then down a pretty good decline and around the corner to a classic balance beam series (nothing awful). After QUITE a bit of running down the mountain...<br /><br /><b>Ladies and Gentlemen...we have found THE MUD.&nbsp;</b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/QnOUgiZRvr0\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><b>So</b>...Remember that part where I said I\'ve never done a real \"mud run\" before? Yeah...this is one of those things that was just 100% missing. It was fun! Not, like, insanely <b>challenging</b> or anything...just fun. That\'s the point, right? Have fun? OK good - Mass Mayhem achieved it.<br /><br />After that, there were two 8 foot walls connected by a cargo net over the top - yes, you crawled across. Back up the mountain and another 5 minute hike later (yes, really) we got to a water pit we had to wade through. Nothing awful, but it was INCREDIBLY cold. Another couple of minutes of hike up to a climbing wall straight up-and-down, another couple of minutes of hike to a cargo net up-and-down, and then the descent began again. There was a big drainage tube to crawl through - again, nothing really hard. More descent (like, a LOT more) and we then reached the last video I\'ll show...<br /><br /><b>The Tunnel</b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/wStvUntdfF8\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cswqkIsiz3g/U1AlvVL1tiI/AAAAAAAAHBE/P7qF4huu59M/s1600/IMG_20140412_152511121.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cswqkIsiz3g/U1AlvVL1tiI/AAAAAAAAHBE/P7qF4huu59M/s1600/IMG_20140412_152511121.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a></div><br /><b>Just in case you hadn\'t had enough mud</b>, here\'s where you can get a healthy helping. You had the choice to go through one of two tunnels or the trench on  the outside. The only difference, really, was the tunnels were covered  in plywood and the open trench was not. Oh, and some rocks. Ok...LOTS of rocks... I found that out once I got a few feet into the tunnel. I was <b>very </b>careful not to lose my bib on this one - thus my knees and forearms suffered. Nothing bad, just some scrapes and bruises. I\'d rather that than lose my bib.<br /><br />\"The Tunnel\" is also presumably where Chris (one of the Spahtens I hung out with post-race) got this lovely gash on his arm. Did I mention there were rocks in there? <b>Don\'t worry</b> - he was ok. He didn\'t seem all too upset about the \"injury\", I think he was more peeved the bandage wouldn\'t stay on it. Frankly, I\'m not surprised...he was covered in mud! <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QraiXxwEbyc/U1AnPdNVulI/AAAAAAAAHBU/ouNyTExpPmU/s1600/IMG_20140412_113241508.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QraiXxwEbyc/U1AnPdNVulI/AAAAAAAAHBU/ouNyTExpPmU/s1600/IMG_20140412_113241508.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"181\" /></a></div><br /><b>After almost 10 minutes of ascent</b> we reached a rope swing kinda thing - it was like&nbsp; swings at the playground, except the \"seat\" was hovering close to the ground and you stood on it. There was a rope overhead to steady yourself with. That was kind of challenging. We then ran aaaaaaaalllll the way down the mountain again and got to \"the frog pond\". It was a pond kinda thing in a massive pit (looked like a fenced in asteroid crater in the middle of nowhere) with about a good foot and a half of muck at the bottom you sank into. After that, we ran down the mountain to the last obstacle...<br /><br /><b>A sled hill!</b><br /><br />Because <b>come on</b>...that\'s just plain FUN! <br /><br /><b>So there you have it. </b>My experience in the first Mass Mayhem 4 mile obstacle race! Like I said, I had a ton of fun. I highly recommend it. <br /><br /><b>Will I be seeing you out there at the next one? :)</b>','D. I.R. T. Y. - Mass Mayhem Mud Run Recap','','publish','open','open','','d-i-r-t-y-mass-mayhem-mud-run-recap','','','2017-01-18 07:41:14','2017-01-18 12:41:14','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=70',0,'post','',2),(71,1,'2014-04-11 14:15:00','2014-04-11 18:15:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>\"I can\'t believe I just did that!\"</b></i></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VteV8kQRa0/UzAluwpZPoI/AAAAAAAAGs4/5mGik_RUbOk/s1600/Fools_Dual_Logo_2013.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VteV8kQRa0/UzAluwpZPoI/AAAAAAAAGs4/5mGik_RUbOk/s1600/Fools_Dual_Logo_2013.png\" height=\"165\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>This past Sunday I ran the YuKanRun.com Fool\'s Dual Challenge. </b>It was a 5K at 8 AM and a half-marathon at 9 AM.<b> A combined 16.2 miles. </b>It is the farthest I have <b>ever</b> run in one morning, and my greatest challenge to date. I was exhausted. I was sore. I was hungry as all hell...<b>but I did it.</b> Not only did I do it, but...well...I guess you\'ll have to keep reading to find out ;)<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />All I can say is...<b>WHAT A DAY!</b> I still can\'t believe I did that, and everyone I\'ve told so far looked at me like I was a nutball. For those of you who read <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/03/im-getting-foolish-5k-13-1.html\">my pre-race article about the Dual</a>, you know what I\'m talking about. For those who didn\'t catch that, let me give you a brief breakdown:<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUh7z0JC77c/UzAoBtLqR_I/AAAAAAAAGtI/Qu15w0TGh-s/s1600/yukanrunlogo.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUh7z0JC77c/UzAoBtLqR_I/AAAAAAAAGtI/Qu15w0TGh-s/s1600/yukanrunlogo.png\" height=\"111\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>The <a href=\"http://yukanrun.com/\">YuKanRun.com</a> Fool\'s Dual Challenge was a dual race put on by a race company called...you guessed it...YuKanRun.com. Their \"thing\" seems to be, well, making people run a LOT in one morning. \"Oh, you just finished a 5K? Go ahead and run a half-marathon!\" \"Oh, you had a nice mile run, you say? Go do a 5K, then grab a drink and run a half...<b>then</b> we\'ll talk!\"<br /><br />The race director, Craig, is a very nice guy - I went back and forth with him via email a bit. I have to say, he and his team put together a very good race! Well-organized, well-run, and FUN! <br /><br /><b>So, what\'s the deal? How did this work?</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEeO5Gx2044/U0fYoc0I9aI/AAAAAAAAGyo/ZWzY22Vwg_g/s1600/IMG_20140406_075941_661.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEeO5Gx2044/U0fYoc0I9aI/AAAAAAAAGyo/ZWzY22Vwg_g/s1600/IMG_20140406_075941_661.jpg\" height=\"335\" width=\"400\" /></a><b>Basically</b>, it was dual races...<i>and that was the challenge. </i>At 8 am the 5K began. See that neon yellow person on the runners\' right of the starting line? That\'s me. Go ahead, zoom in. I finished in 25:21. I then had about a half hour to relax, stretch, lose layers, refuel...do whatever I needed to do to get ready for the half-marathon. At 9 am, the gun went off and the half-marathon started. There\'s your dual race, and there\'s the challenge.<br /><br /><b>I was worried about the 5K, not the half-marathon.</b><br /><br /><b>I said this in my pre-race article</b>, but I\'ll say it again - The 13.1 was not my big concern - it was the 5K! When I go into a race, I go in with a certain mindset, approach, and set of expectations for my performance based on the race distance. A 5K is a VERY different mindset and approach than a half-marathon! I usually run out of gas and \"leave it all on the pavement\" when I run a race, no matter the distance...so having a half-marathon to deal with a half-hour after finishing a 5K...<b> that was MY challenge.</b> I had to make sure I paced myself and didn\'t go balls-to-the-wall in the 5K. A minute or minute and a half on my 5K time meant a lot more physical exertion, and could be the difference between great success and wild failure in the half-marathon. <b>I had to pace myself</b>. I had to try very hard to monitor my speed and keep myself under control. <b>It was tough</b>, but I had to remind myself over and over...<b>today is not a PR day, today is about finishing.</b><br /><br />With that mantra in mind, I ran two successful races, ran the farthest distance I\'ve done in one morning, and achieved a big accomplishment! <b>More on that in a minute ;)</b><br /><br />So, again...in my pre-race article I talked about the courses for the races. The 5K was, indeed a loop. On our approach driving to the race, we went up this gnarly hair-pin twisty steep hill, and Megan goes \"good thing you don\'t have to run on this road! It\'d already be blocked off.\"...guess what? <b>I had to run down it.</b> Thanks, babe. hah.It was a nice course though - classic rural New England, and not too bad difficulty-wise. The half-marathon course was just as advertised - a 6.5 mile out-and-back with a nice little loop for a turnaround. The elevation chart provided was also accurate...but I didn\'t realize exactly what it meant...more on that later.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Let\'s talk about the experience.</span></b><br /><br /><b>To be honest, I don\'t remember much of the 5K run.</b> It was such a big morning and there was so much going on...it\'s all a blur. As we were leaving after the races, Megan pointed out \"race\" signs that had designated the course for runners, and I completely had no recollection of running on those roads! Weird. I remember pacing myself. I remember making a point to not go too hard, but still run a strong, respectable pace. I remember crossing the finish, seeing my time...and being a bit disappointed...but I knew it had to be done to achieve overall success. It\'s just all so BLURRY!<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-CWPgk1Zo/U0fhz9x9RLI/AAAAAAAAGzE/uW9WVTA1czo/s1600/IMG_20140406_090031_426.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-CWPgk1Zo/U0fhz9x9RLI/AAAAAAAAGzE/uW9WVTA1czo/s1600/IMG_20140406_090031_426.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><b>In contrast, I remember the half-marathon vividly</b>. The picture to the left is right after the starting line - for some reason Runkeeper started before I actually began the race, so when I tried to \"start\" it when the gun was about to go off...it was already running! I had to scramble to stop, delete, and restart it, so for about the first .1 miles I was trying to start up my run. Once I got that taken care of, however, things went well. I remembered \"today is not a PR day\", and that thought carried me through and helped me not over-exert myself. Another thought flying through my head was one word - <b>Endure</b>. That was particularly poignant given I was running 16.2 miles total. And, of course, the shirt...<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\">It was the same shirt from the Hyannis Half - \"NO Limits - I Can, I Will\"</a>.&nbsp; <br /><br /><b>This race was all hills and headwinds! </b>I guess it didn\'t really click in my head when I looked at the elevation chart...I\'m so used to running on Cape Cod that I was NOT mentally prepared for the hills I encountered! Thanks to Insanity: The Asylum...I knew how to handle it though! Haha...lean forward and do high-knees! Those headwinds...I have never experienced anything like that! It takes so much more effort to run against that! I managed, though. Every once in a while I had to refocus, recenter, and renew my efforts. I also had to occasionally fix my form - pull my elbows in towards my body, stop doing the loopy-leg dance...just generally tighten it up. I didn\'t run with a pace band this time (like I did for Hyannis) because, as I said...it was NOT a PR day...so I had to monitor my pace the \"old-fashioned\" way.<br /><br />I had no urge to go to the water stops along the first half of the race - I had my own hydration source, and I\'d hydrate on my terms, when I was ready. I managed my water pretty well, but I did top off towards the end (people at the water tables were VERY nice). They also gave out energy gels along the course! I got a Gu Salted Caramel on the way out and a Clif Shot citrus on the way back! Hey, that\'s two less of my own I had to use, so I\'m not complaining :). <br /><br />I got a little bit of a surprise when I got to around the 6-mile mark...I saw the \"Entering Rockport\" <span></span>sign! Again, this was just me being oblivious to the world and it not \"clicking\" when I looked at the map of the course...but I distinctly remember thinking to myself <i>\"we\'re seriously running all the FREAKING way to Rockport and back?!\"</i> <b>Yes, Darrell...pay attention next time.</b> The scenery WAS nice though - classic rural New England the whole way. <br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znlGtLvpR8w/U0fmF6l_uAI/AAAAAAAAGzU/IAJAn6ZtWys/s1600/4332-500h.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znlGtLvpR8w/U0fmF6l_uAI/AAAAAAAAGzU/IAJAn6ZtWys/s1600/4332-500h.jpg\" /></a><br />The last half of the half-marathon was tough. Once I passed the turnaround (which was a nice little loop of road, not a hairpin turnaround) I started talking to myself in restaurant terms... <i>\"7 miles...10.1 all day\"</i> - literally just how it sounds - I had 7 miles down, and had run 10.1 all day (thanks to the 5K). I kept saying that each mile to remind myself to stay strong, run hard, and realize just how far I had actually gone...and how far I will have gone once I finish. To think...the accomplishment I was about to make by not only running two miles farther than I ever have...but to do it <b>strong</b>...<a href=\"http://runkeeper.com/user/dwmctague/activity/285722002\">something I failed to do on New Year\'s Eve Day when I ran 14 on a whim</a>. Damnit...<b>I prepared for this</b>, and I was gonna <b>SMASH IT!</b> Once I got to the 10 mile mark...I knew I had a <b>real</b> opportunity to come in at about 2 hours - if I could keep it strong I might even meet or beat my sub-2 hour PR from the Hyannis Half! I just had to achieve 9 minute miles... <b>Then the last two miles happened.</b><br /><span></span><br /><br /><b>The last two miles were especially tough.&nbsp;</b> <br /><br />At that point...I had gone 14 miles in total. My body was tired. I was mentally tired. My little mental boosts of \"you DON\'T need to stop, you\'ve GOT this\" were starting to wear thin. The people cheering along the race course began to be very important. Seeing others chugging along also became important to me - usually I tune everything out and run my own race, but I had to know, at that point, that others were struggling and fighting along with me. I saw others taking walk breaks just like I was. I saw people who I passed earlier pass me. I passed some who had flown by me earlier...it was just one big fight to the finish. <br /><br /><b>The last mile was the worst.</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQIok7aF6AU/U0fbJH3tG-I/AAAAAAAAGy0/uxvnu1vL5o4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110207_296.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQIok7aF6AU/U0fbJH3tG-I/AAAAAAAAGy0/uxvnu1vL5o4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110207_296.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"254\" /></a>At just past the 12 mile marker for the half (15.1 overall) I started really feeling it in my right hamstring and left calf. My muscles were starting to let me know just how hard I had worked that morning. With about .6 to go, I think, my left calf cramped. <b>Just once</b>. Just to say hi. Just to challenge me. I had to stop, stretch my calves, and hit the pavement again. <b>I refused to be beaten</b> this close to the end. I had worked WAY too hard to nuke my time and limp over the finish. I did everything I knew to keep a calf cramp from happening...and kept on chugging. My left calf and the bottom of my right hamstring threatened to cramp for the entirety of that last half-mile...but I kept going. I could SEE the finish, and it was gonna feel good.<br /><br /><b>And it did.</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9rK603SsRA/U0fqnG5I1OI/AAAAAAAAGzc/Qaba3necSsk/s1600/IMG_20140406_110210_516.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9rK603SsRA/U0fqnG5I1OI/AAAAAAAAGzc/Qaba3necSsk/s1600/IMG_20140406_110210_516.jpg\" height=\"155\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>I finished the half-marathon in 2:01:55!&nbsp;</b><br /><br />Considering all the hills and headwinds I had to deal with, I\'m pretty happy about that! Oh, and there\'s that whole \"ran a 5K first\" thing too. <b>I was thrilled! </b>After finishing, I literally said out loud <i>\"I can\'t believe I just did that!\"<b>&nbsp;</b><b> </b></i>I then proceeded to stretch and eat A TON...I was so sore...but I could actually function! I was a <i>wreck </i>after the Hyannis Half...I was pooped, I was discombobulated and couldn\'t think, I was sore, and my legs almost didn\'t wanna work. After this...I felt pretty good actually.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMIAusZUCEg/U0fvdPkCf3I/AAAAAAAAGz8/OTxsFKXGbMg/s1600/IMG_20140411_070915785.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMIAusZUCEg/U0fvdPkCf3I/AAAAAAAAGz8/OTxsFKXGbMg/s1600/IMG_20140411_070915785.jpg\" height=\"263\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Oh...Remember that big achievement I mentioned earlier?</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I PLACED 3RD IN MY AGE GROUP FOR COMBINED TIME!</span></b><br /><br />With a time of 25:21 in the 5K and 2:01:55.1 for the half, I had a combined 2:27:16.1 for the Dual...and clinched 3rd in the Male 19 - 29 age group by a commanding 19 minutes! They had a classic podium for winners for a photo op...but I don\'t have any photos from that. Why, you ask? <b>The timing was messed up</b>. My 5K results for some reason didn\'t register, which meant I also didn\'t show up in the Dual results - it was as if I had only run the half-marathon! I figured this out after the fact, and was pretty bummed. I realized, though, that <b>this was in no way the race\'s fault - it was the timing company.</b> I shot an email to the Race Director and submitted a timing error request with the timing company, and they were both super-helpful in getting it fixed! My official results now show up, and I can say that I officially snagged 3rd in the Male Open Age Group! The Race Director is even sending me out my age group award since, due to the error, I didn\'t get it AT the race! That\'s very nice of him :)<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">There were some cool people and parting gifts too!</span></b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzr8KpEcCT4/U0fyMeKgVqI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/STLs5ImhIT4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110909_893.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzr8KpEcCT4/U0fyMeKgVqI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/STLs5ImhIT4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110909_893.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"299\" /></a>In the picture above you can see the finisher\'s medal - pretty sweet medal! My 3rd half-marathon, and my 3rd finisher\'s medal. It even has a nice ribbon, complete with the race company\'s logo on the back. They also were nice enough to include a 13.1 sticker for my car! I\'ve been meaning to get one of those... I also got a sweet string sackpack (actually well-built!) and a runner\'s visor (for doing the Dual). Oh, also...<br /><br /><b>I got to (re)meet Nicolas - the Perfect Fuel guy!</b><br /><br />Within a few days (I hope) I\'ll have a product review up for <a href=\"https://www.perfectfuel.com/\">Perfect Fuel</a>. It\'s a performance chocolate, and I had it before both the 5K and the half-marathon. <b>I love it</b>. I think it tastes great, I like the idea and the science behind it, and I feel like it helped me in every run/race I\'ve used it in! Look for that article soon.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Overall, a great day and big success!</b></span><br /><br />I\'m SO pleased with my overall performance and just the day in general! This was the greatest challenge I have taken on yet - I went in with a strategy/gameplan...<b>and it worked!</b> I did well, I pushed my limits, and I achieved what I wanted - I may not have placed in the 5K or the half-marathon individually, but I achieved a combined place...which is fine by me :) I also learned...I was wrong - I said that it was NOT going to be a PR day...but once again it didn\'t \"click\" - I gained a new distance PR - 16.2 miles! Chalk that up to a win.<br /><br /><b>*Bonus* - </b>I took some video for my buddy Rick who\'s vlogging as part of his Falmouth Road Race training this year - you can see the video below! <iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/gQXc2sDAjHg\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><br /><b>So What\'s The Moral Of The Story?</b><br /><br />I strongly recommend checking out www.YuKanRun.com and looking into their races! they\'re a ton of fun, a great challenge, and a great way to try something new and see just what you can do! <br /><br />Just remember - If I can do crazy things like this, <b>so can you.</b> Pick a race, register, and take the plunge! You\'ll be amazed with what you can accomplish :)','FOOLISH! Fool\'s Dual Challenge 5K & 13.1 Recap','','publish','open','open','','foolish-fools-dual-challenge-5k-13-1-recap','','','2017-06-23 06:43:25','2017-06-23 10:43:25','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=71',0,'post','',0),(800,1,'2017-01-21 08:42:42','2017-01-21 13:42:42','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>\"I can\'t believe I just did that!\"</b></i></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VteV8kQRa0/UzAluwpZPoI/AAAAAAAAGs4/5mGik_RUbOk/s1600/Fools_Dual_Logo_2013.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VteV8kQRa0/UzAluwpZPoI/AAAAAAAAGs4/5mGik_RUbOk/s1600/Fools_Dual_Logo_2013.png\" height=\"165\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>This past Sunday I ran the YuKanRun.com Fool\'s Dual Challenge. </b>It was a 5K at 8 AM and a half-marathon at 9 AM.<b> A combined 16.2 miles. </b>It is the farthest I have <b>ever</b> run in one morning, and my greatest challenge to date. I was exhausted. I was sore. I was hungry as all hell...<b>but I did it.</b> Not only did I do it, but...well...I guess you\'ll have to keep reading to find out ;)<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />All I can say is...<b>WHAT A DAY!</b> I still can\'t believe I did that, and everyone I\'ve told so far looked at me like I was a nutball. For those of you who read <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/03/im-getting-foolish-5k-13-1.html\">my pre-race article about the Dual</a>, you know what I\'m talking about. For those who didn\'t catch that, let me give you a brief breakdown:<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUh7z0JC77c/UzAoBtLqR_I/AAAAAAAAGtI/Qu15w0TGh-s/s1600/yukanrunlogo.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUh7z0JC77c/UzAoBtLqR_I/AAAAAAAAGtI/Qu15w0TGh-s/s1600/yukanrunlogo.png\" height=\"111\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>The <a href=\"http://yukanrun.com/\">YuKanRun.com</a> Fool\'s Dual Challenge was a dual race put on by a race company called...you guessed it...YuKanRun.com. Their \"thing\" seems to be, well, making people run a LOT in one morning. \"Oh, you just finished a 5K? Go ahead and run a half-marathon!\" \"Oh, you had a nice mile run, you say? Go do a 5K, then grab a drink and run a half...<b>then</b> we\'ll talk!\"<br /><br />The race director, Craig, is a very nice guy - I went back and forth with him via email a bit. I have to say, he and his team put together a very good race! Well-organized, well-run, and FUN! <br /><br /><b>So, what\'s the deal? How did this work?</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEeO5Gx2044/U0fYoc0I9aI/AAAAAAAAGyo/ZWzY22Vwg_g/s1600/IMG_20140406_075941_661.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEeO5Gx2044/U0fYoc0I9aI/AAAAAAAAGyo/ZWzY22Vwg_g/s1600/IMG_20140406_075941_661.jpg\" height=\"335\" width=\"400\" /></a><b>Basically</b>, it was dual races...<i>and that was the challenge. </i>At 8 am the 5K began. See that neon yellow person on the runners\' right of the starting line? That\'s me. Go ahead, zoom in. I finished in 25:21. I then had about a half hour to relax, stretch, lose layers, refuel...do whatever I needed to do to get ready for the half-marathon. At 9 am, the gun went off and the half-marathon started. There\'s your dual race, and there\'s the challenge.<br /><br /><b>I was worried about the 5K, not the half-marathon.</b><br /><br /><b>I said this in my pre-race article</b>, but I\'ll say it again - The 13.1 was not my big concern - it was the 5K! When I go into a race, I go in with a certain mindset, approach, and set of expectations for my performance based on the race distance. A 5K is a VERY different mindset and approach than a half-marathon! I usually run out of gas and \"leave it all on the pavement\" when I run a race, no matter the distance...so having a half-marathon to deal with a half-hour after finishing a 5K...<b> that was MY challenge.</b> I had to make sure I paced myself and didn\'t go balls-to-the-wall in the 5K. A minute or minute and a half on my 5K time meant a lot more physical exertion, and could be the difference between great success and wild failure in the half-marathon. <b>I had to pace myself</b>. I had to try very hard to monitor my speed and keep myself under control. <b>It was tough</b>, but I had to remind myself over and over...<b>today is not a PR day, today is about finishing.</b><br /><br />With that mantra in mind, I ran two successful races, ran the farthest distance I\'ve done in one morning, and achieved a big accomplishment! <b>More on that in a minute ;)</b><br /><br />So, again...in my pre-race article I talked about the courses for the races. The 5K was, indeed a loop. On our approach driving to the race, we went up this gnarly hair-pin twisty steep hill, and Megan goes \"good thing you don\'t have to run on this road! It\'d already be blocked off.\"...guess what? <b>I had to run down it.</b> Thanks, babe. hah.It was a nice course though - classic rural New England, and not too bad difficulty-wise. The half-marathon course was just as advertised - a 6.5 mile out-and-back with a nice little loop for a turnaround. The elevation chart provided was also accurate...but I didn\'t realize exactly what it meant...more on that later.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Let\'s talk about the experience.</span></b><br /><br /><b>To be honest, I don\'t remember much of the 5K run.</b> It was such a big morning and there was so much going on...it\'s all a blur. As we were leaving after the races, Megan pointed out \"race\" signs that had designated the course for runners, and I completely had no recollection of running on those roads! Weird. I remember pacing myself. I remember making a point to not go too hard, but still run a strong, respectable pace. I remember crossing the finish, seeing my time...and being a bit disappointed...but I knew it had to be done to achieve overall success. It\'s just all so BLURRY!<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-CWPgk1Zo/U0fhz9x9RLI/AAAAAAAAGzE/uW9WVTA1czo/s1600/IMG_20140406_090031_426.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-CWPgk1Zo/U0fhz9x9RLI/AAAAAAAAGzE/uW9WVTA1czo/s1600/IMG_20140406_090031_426.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><b>In contrast, I remember the half-marathon vividly</b>. The picture to the left is right after the starting line - for some reason Runkeeper started before I actually began the race, so when I tried to \"start\" it when the gun was about to go off...it was already running! I had to scramble to stop, delete, and restart it, so for about the first .1 miles I was trying to start up my run. Once I got that taken care of, however, things went well. I remembered \"today is not a PR day\", and that thought carried me through and helped me not over-exert myself. Another thought flying through my head was one word - <b>Endure</b>. That was particularly poignant given I was running 16.2 miles total. And, of course, the shirt...<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\">It was the same shirt from the Hyannis Half - \"NO Limits - I Can, I Will\"</a>.&nbsp; <br /><br /><b>This race was all hills and headwinds! </b>I guess it didn\'t really click in my head when I looked at the elevation chart...I\'m so used to running on Cape Cod that I was NOT mentally prepared for the hills I encountered! Thanks to Insanity: The Asylum...I knew how to handle it though! Haha...lean forward and do high-knees! Those headwinds...I have never experienced anything like that! It takes so much more effort to run against that! I managed, though. Every once in a while I had to refocus, recenter, and renew my efforts. I also had to occasionally fix my form - pull my elbows in towards my body, stop doing the loopy-leg dance...just generally tighten it up. I didn\'t run with a pace band this time (like I did for Hyannis) because, as I said...it was NOT a PR day...so I had to monitor my pace the \"old-fashioned\" way.<br /><br />I had no urge to go to the water stops along the first half of the race - I had my own hydration source, and I\'d hydrate on my terms, when I was ready. I managed my water pretty well, but I did top off towards the end (people at the water tables were VERY nice). They also gave out energy gels along the course! I got a Gu Salted Caramel on the way out and a Clif Shot citrus on the way back! Hey, that\'s two less of my own I had to use, so I\'m not complaining :). <br /><br />I got a little bit of a surprise when I got to around the 6-mile mark...I saw the \"Entering Rockport\" <span></span>sign! Again, this was just me being oblivious to the world and it not \"clicking\" when I looked at the map of the course...but I distinctly remember thinking to myself <i>\"we\'re seriously running all the FREAKING way to Rockport and back?!\"</i> <b>Yes, Darrell...pay attention next time.</b> The scenery WAS nice though - classic rural New England the whole way. <br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znlGtLvpR8w/U0fmF6l_uAI/AAAAAAAAGzU/IAJAn6ZtWys/s1600/4332-500h.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znlGtLvpR8w/U0fmF6l_uAI/AAAAAAAAGzU/IAJAn6ZtWys/s1600/4332-500h.jpg\" /></a><br />The last half of the half-marathon was tough. Once I passed the turnaround (which was a nice little loop of road, not a hairpin turnaround) I started talking to myself in restaurant terms... <i>\"7 miles...10.1 all day\"</i> - literally just how it sounds - I had 7 miles down, and had run 10.1 all day (thanks to the 5K). I kept saying that each mile to remind myself to stay strong, run hard, and realize just how far I had actually gone...and how far I will have gone once I finish. To think...the accomplishment I was about to make by not only running two miles farther than I ever have...but to do it <b>strong</b>...<a href=\"http://runkeeper.com/user/dwmctague/activity/285722002\">something I failed to do on New Year\'s Eve Day when I ran 14 on a whim</a>. Damnit...<b>I prepared for this</b>, and I was gonna <b>SMASH IT!</b> Once I got to the 10 mile mark...I knew I had a <b>real</b> opportunity to come in at about 2 hours - if I could keep it strong I might even meet or beat my sub-2 hour PR from the Hyannis Half! I just had to achieve 9 minute miles... <b>Then the last two miles happened.</b><br /><span></span><br /><br /><b>The last two miles were especially tough.&nbsp;</b> <br /><br />At that point...I had gone 14 miles in total. My body was tired. I was mentally tired. My little mental boosts of \"you DON\'T need to stop, you\'ve GOT this\" were starting to wear thin. The people cheering along the race course began to be very important. Seeing others chugging along also became important to me - usually I tune everything out and run my own race, but I had to know, at that point, that others were struggling and fighting along with me. I saw others taking walk breaks just like I was. I saw people who I passed earlier pass me. I passed some who had flown by me earlier...it was just one big fight to the finish. <br /><br /><b>The last mile was the worst.</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQIok7aF6AU/U0fbJH3tG-I/AAAAAAAAGy0/uxvnu1vL5o4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110207_296.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQIok7aF6AU/U0fbJH3tG-I/AAAAAAAAGy0/uxvnu1vL5o4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110207_296.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"254\" /></a>At just past the 12 mile marker for the half (15.1 overall) I started really feeling it in my right hamstring and left calf. My muscles were starting to let me know just how hard I had worked that morning. With about .6 to go, I think, my left calf cramped. <b>Just once</b>. Just to say hi. Just to challenge me. I had to stop, stretch my calves, and hit the pavement again. <b>I refused to be beaten</b> this close to the end. I had worked WAY too hard to nuke my time and limp over the finish. I did everything I knew to keep a calf cramp from happening...and kept on chugging. My left calf and the bottom of my right hamstring threatened to cramp for the entirety of that last half-mile...but I kept going. I could SEE the finish, and it was gonna feel good.<br /><br /><b>And it did.</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9rK603SsRA/U0fqnG5I1OI/AAAAAAAAGzc/Qaba3necSsk/s1600/IMG_20140406_110210_516.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9rK603SsRA/U0fqnG5I1OI/AAAAAAAAGzc/Qaba3necSsk/s1600/IMG_20140406_110210_516.jpg\" height=\"155\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>I finished the half-marathon in 2:01:55!&nbsp;</b><br /><br />Considering all the hills and headwinds I had to deal with, I\'m pretty happy about that! Oh, and there\'s that whole \"ran a 5K first\" thing too. <b>I was thrilled! </b>After finishing, I literally said out loud <i>\"I can\'t believe I just did that!\"<b>&nbsp;</b><b> </b></i>I then proceeded to stretch and eat A TON...I was so sore...but I could actually function! I was a <i>wreck </i>after the Hyannis Half...I was pooped, I was discombobulated and couldn\'t think, I was sore, and my legs almost didn\'t wanna work. After this...I felt pretty good actually.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMIAusZUCEg/U0fvdPkCf3I/AAAAAAAAGz8/OTxsFKXGbMg/s1600/IMG_20140411_070915785.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMIAusZUCEg/U0fvdPkCf3I/AAAAAAAAGz8/OTxsFKXGbMg/s1600/IMG_20140411_070915785.jpg\" height=\"263\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Oh...Remember that big achievement I mentioned earlier?</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I PLACED 3RD IN MY AGE GROUP FOR COMBINED TIME!</span></b><br /><br />With a time of 25:21 in the 5K and 2:01:55.1 for the half, I had a combined 2:27:16.1 for the Dual...and clinched 3rd in the Male 19 - 29 age group by a commanding 19 minutes! They had a classic podium for winners for a photo op...but I don\'t have any photos from that. Why, you ask? <b>The timing was messed up</b>. My 5K results for some reason didn\'t register, which meant I also didn\'t show up in the Dual results - it was as if I had only run the half-marathon! I figured this out after the fact, and was pretty bummed. I realized, though, that <b>this was in no way the race\'s fault - it was the timing company.</b> I shot an email to the Race Director and submitted a timing error request with the timing company, and they were both super-helpful in getting it fixed! My official results now show up, and I can say that I officially snagged 3rd in the Male Open Age Group! The Race Director is even sending me out my age group award since, due to the error, I didn\'t get it AT the race! That\'s very nice of him :)<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">There were some cool people and parting gifts too!</span></b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzr8KpEcCT4/U0fyMeKgVqI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/STLs5ImhIT4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110909_893.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzr8KpEcCT4/U0fyMeKgVqI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/STLs5ImhIT4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110909_893.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"299\" /></a>In the picture above you can see the finisher\'s medal - pretty sweet medal! My 3rd half-marathon, and my 3rd finisher\'s medal. It even has a nice ribbon, complete with the race company\'s logo on the back. They also were nice enough to include a 13.1 sticker for my car! I\'ve been meaning to get one of those... I also got a sweet string sackpack (actually well-built!) and a runner\'s visor (for doing the Dual). Oh, also...<br /><br /><b>I got to (re)meet Nicolas - the Perfect Fuel guy!</b><br /><br />Within a few days (I hope) I\'ll have a product review up for <a href=\"http://www.perfectfuelchocolate.com/\">Perfect Fuel</a>. It\'s a performance chocolate, and I had it before both the 5K and the half-marathon. <b>I love it</b>. I think it tastes great, I like the idea and the science behind it, and I feel like it helped me in every run/race I\'ve used it in! Look for that article soon.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Overall, a great day and big success!</b></span><br /><br />I\'m SO pleased with my overall performance and just the day in general! This was the greatest challenge I have taken on yet - I went in with a strategy/gameplan...<b>and it worked!</b> I did well, I pushed my limits, and I achieved what I wanted - I may not have placed in the 5K or the half-marathon individually, but I achieved a combined place...which is fine by me :) I also learned...I was wrong - I said that it was NOT going to be a PR day...but once again it didn\'t \"click\" - I gained a new distance PR - 16.2 miles! Chalk that up to a win.<br /><br /><b>*Bonus* - </b>I took some video for my buddy Rick who\'s vlogging as part of his Falmouth Road Race training this year - you can see the video below! <iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/gQXc2sDAjHg\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><br /><b>So What\'s The Moral Of The Story?</b><br /><br />I strongly recommend checking out www.YuKanRun.com and looking into their races! they\'re a ton of fun, a great challenge, and a great way to try something new and see just what you can do! <br /><br />Just remember - If I can do crazy things like this, <b>so can you.</b> Pick a race, register, and take the plunge! You\'ll be amazed with what you can accomplish :)','FOOLISH! Fool\'s Dual Challenge 5K & 13.1 Recap','','inherit','closed','closed','','71-revision-v1','','','2017-01-21 08:42:42','2017-01-21 13:42:42','',71,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/71-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(692,1,'2017-01-15 08:05:15','2017-01-15 13:05:15','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>\"I can\'t believe I just did that!\"</b></i></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VteV8kQRa0/UzAluwpZPoI/AAAAAAAAGs4/5mGik_RUbOk/s1600/Fools_Dual_Logo_2013.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VteV8kQRa0/UzAluwpZPoI/AAAAAAAAGs4/5mGik_RUbOk/s1600/Fools_Dual_Logo_2013.png\" height=\"165\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>This past Sunday I ran the YuKanRun.com Fool\'s Dual Challenge. </b>It was a 5K at 8 AM and a half-marathon at 9 AM.<b> A combined 16.2 miles. </b>It is the farthest I have <b>ever</b> run in one morning, and my greatest challenge to date. I was exhausted. I was sore. I was hungry as all hell...<b>but I did it.</b> Not only did I do it, but...well...I guess you\'ll have to keep reading to find out ;)<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />All I can say is...<b>WHAT A DAY!</b> I still can\'t believe I did that, and everyone I\'ve told so far looked at me like I was a nutball. For those of you who read <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/03/im-getting-foolish5k-131.html\">my pre-race article about the Dual</a>, you know what I\'m talking about. For those who didn\'t catch that, let me give you a brief breakdown:<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUh7z0JC77c/UzAoBtLqR_I/AAAAAAAAGtI/Qu15w0TGh-s/s1600/yukanrunlogo.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUh7z0JC77c/UzAoBtLqR_I/AAAAAAAAGtI/Qu15w0TGh-s/s1600/yukanrunlogo.png\" height=\"111\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>The <a href=\"http://yukanrun.com/\">YuKanRun.com</a> Fool\'s Dual Challenge was a dual race put on by a race company called...you guessed it...YuKanRun.com. Their \"thing\" seems to be, well, making people run a LOT in one morning. \"Oh, you just finished a 5K? Go ahead and run a half-marathon!\" \"Oh, you had a nice mile run, you say? Go do a 5K, then grab a drink and run a half...<b>then</b> we\'ll talk!\"<br /><br />The race director, Craig, is a very nice guy - I went back and forth with him via email a bit. I have to say, he and his team put together a very good race! Well-organized, well-run, and FUN! <br /><br /><b>So, what\'s the deal? How did this work?</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEeO5Gx2044/U0fYoc0I9aI/AAAAAAAAGyo/ZWzY22Vwg_g/s1600/IMG_20140406_075941_661.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEeO5Gx2044/U0fYoc0I9aI/AAAAAAAAGyo/ZWzY22Vwg_g/s1600/IMG_20140406_075941_661.jpg\" height=\"335\" width=\"400\" /></a><b>Basically</b>, it was dual races...<i>and that was the challenge. </i>At 8 am the 5K began. See that neon yellow person on the runners\' right of the starting line? That\'s me. Go ahead, zoom in. I finished in 25:21. I then had about a half hour to relax, stretch, lose layers, refuel...do whatever I needed to do to get ready for the half-marathon. At 9 am, the gun went off and the half-marathon started. There\'s your dual race, and there\'s the challenge.<br /><br /><b>I was worried about the 5K, not the half-marathon.</b><br /><br /><b>I said this in my pre-race article</b>, but I\'ll say it again - The 13.1 was not my big concern - it was the 5K! When I go into a race, I go in with a certain mindset, approach, and set of expectations for my performance based on the race distance. A 5K is a VERY different mindset and approach than a half-marathon! I usually run out of gas and \"leave it all on the pavement\" when I run a race, no matter the distance...so having a half-marathon to deal with a half-hour after finishing a 5K...<b> that was MY challenge.</b> I had to make sure I paced myself and didn\'t go balls-to-the-wall in the 5K. A minute or minute and a half on my 5K time meant a lot more physical exertion, and could be the difference between great success and wild failure in the half-marathon. <b>I had to pace myself</b>. I had to try very hard to monitor my speed and keep myself under control. <b>It was tough</b>, but I had to remind myself over and over...<b>today is not a PR day, today is about finishing.</b><br /><br />With that mantra in mind, I ran two successful races, ran the farthest distance I\'ve done in one morning, and achieved a big accomplishment! <b>More on that in a minute ;)</b><br /><br />So, again...in my pre-race article I talked about the courses for the races. The 5K was, indeed a loop. On our approach driving to the race, we went up this gnarly hair-pin twisty steep hill, and Megan goes \"good thing you don\'t have to run on this road! It\'d already be blocked off.\"...guess what? <b>I had to run down it.</b> Thanks, babe. hah.It was a nice course though - classic rural New England, and not too bad difficulty-wise. The half-marathon course was just as advertised - a 6.5 mile out-and-back with a nice little loop for a turnaround. The elevation chart provided was also accurate...but I didn\'t realize exactly what it meant...more on that later.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Let\'s talk about the experience.</span></b><br /><br /><b>To be honest, I don\'t remember much of the 5K run.</b> It was such a big morning and there was so much going on...it\'s all a blur. As we were leaving after the races, Megan pointed out \"race\" signs that had designated the course for runners, and I completely had no recollection of running on those roads! Weird. I remember pacing myself. I remember making a point to not go too hard, but still run a strong, respectable pace. I remember crossing the finish, seeing my time...and being a bit disappointed...but I knew it had to be done to achieve overall success. It\'s just all so BLURRY!<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-CWPgk1Zo/U0fhz9x9RLI/AAAAAAAAGzE/uW9WVTA1czo/s1600/IMG_20140406_090031_426.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-CWPgk1Zo/U0fhz9x9RLI/AAAAAAAAGzE/uW9WVTA1czo/s1600/IMG_20140406_090031_426.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><b>In contrast, I remember the half-marathon vividly</b>. The picture to the left is right after the starting line - for some reason Runkeeper started before I actually began the race, so when I tried to \"start\" it when the gun was about to go off...it was already running! I had to scramble to stop, delete, and restart it, so for about the first .1 miles I was trying to start up my run. Once I got that taken care of, however, things went well. I remembered \"today is not a PR day\", and that thought carried me through and helped me not over-exert myself. Another thought flying through my head was one word - <b>Endure</b>. That was particularly poignant given I was running 16.2 miles total. And, of course, the shirt...<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\">It was the same shirt from the Hyannis Half - \"NO Limits - I Can, I Will\"</a>.&nbsp; <br /><br /><b>This race was all hills and headwinds! </b>I guess it didn\'t really click in my head when I looked at the elevation chart...I\'m so used to running on Cape Cod that I was NOT mentally prepared for the hills I encountered! Thanks to Insanity: The Asylum...I knew how to handle it though! Haha...lean forward and do high-knees! Those headwinds...I have never experienced anything like that! It takes so much more effort to run against that! I managed, though. Every once in a while I had to refocus, recenter, and renew my efforts. I also had to occasionally fix my form - pull my elbows in towards my body, stop doing the loopy-leg dance...just generally tighten it up. I didn\'t run with a pace band this time (like I did for Hyannis) because, as I said...it was NOT a PR day...so I had to monitor my pace the \"old-fashioned\" way.<br /><br />I had no urge to go to the water stops along the first half of the race - I had my own hydration source, and I\'d hydrate on my terms, when I was ready. I managed my water pretty well, but I did top off towards the end (people at the water tables were VERY nice). They also gave out energy gels along the course! I got a Gu Salted Caramel on the way out and a Clif Shot citrus on the way back! Hey, that\'s two less of my own I had to use, so I\'m not complaining :). <br /><br />I got a little bit of a surprise when I got to around the 6-mile mark...I saw the \"Entering Rockport\" <span></span>sign! Again, this was just me being oblivious to the world and it not \"clicking\" when I looked at the map of the course...but I distinctly remember thinking to myself <i>\"we\'re seriously running all the FREAKING way to Rockport and back?!\"</i> <b>Yes, Darrell...pay attention next time.</b> The scenery WAS nice though - classic rural New England the whole way. <br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znlGtLvpR8w/U0fmF6l_uAI/AAAAAAAAGzU/IAJAn6ZtWys/s1600/4332-500h.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znlGtLvpR8w/U0fmF6l_uAI/AAAAAAAAGzU/IAJAn6ZtWys/s1600/4332-500h.jpg\" /></a><br />The last half of the half-marathon was tough. Once I passed the turnaround (which was a nice little loop of road, not a hairpin turnaround) I started talking to myself in restaurant terms... <i>\"7 miles...10.1 all day\"</i> - literally just how it sounds - I had 7 miles down, and had run 10.1 all day (thanks to the 5K). I kept saying that each mile to remind myself to stay strong, run hard, and realize just how far I had actually gone...and how far I will have gone once I finish. To think...the accomplishment I was about to make by not only running two miles farther than I ever have...but to do it <b>strong</b>...<a href=\"http://runkeeper.com/user/dwmctague/activity/285722002\">something I failed to do on New Year\'s Eve Day when I ran 14 on a whim</a>. Damnit...<b>I prepared for this</b>, and I was gonna <b>SMASH IT!</b> Once I got to the 10 mile mark...I knew I had a <b>real</b> opportunity to come in at about 2 hours - if I could keep it strong I might even meet or beat my sub-2 hour PR from the Hyannis Half! I just had to achieve 9 minute miles... <b>Then the last two miles happened.</b><br /><span></span><br /><br /><b>The last two miles were especially tough.&nbsp;</b> <br /><br />At that point...I had gone 14 miles in total. My body was tired. I was mentally tired. My little mental boosts of \"you DON\'T need to stop, you\'ve GOT this\" were starting to wear thin. The people cheering along the race course began to be very important. Seeing others chugging along also became important to me - usually I tune everything out and run my own race, but I had to know, at that point, that others were struggling and fighting along with me. I saw others taking walk breaks just like I was. I saw people who I passed earlier pass me. I passed some who had flown by me earlier...it was just one big fight to the finish. <br /><br /><b>The last mile was the worst.</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQIok7aF6AU/U0fbJH3tG-I/AAAAAAAAGy0/uxvnu1vL5o4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110207_296.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQIok7aF6AU/U0fbJH3tG-I/AAAAAAAAGy0/uxvnu1vL5o4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110207_296.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"254\" /></a>At just past the 12 mile marker for the half (15.1 overall) I started really feeling it in my right hamstring and left calf. My muscles were starting to let me know just how hard I had worked that morning. With about .6 to go, I think, my left calf cramped. <b>Just once</b>. Just to say hi. Just to challenge me. I had to stop, stretch my calves, and hit the pavement again. <b>I refused to be beaten</b> this close to the end. I had worked WAY too hard to nuke my time and limp over the finish. I did everything I knew to keep a calf cramp from happening...and kept on chugging. My left calf and the bottom of my right hamstring threatened to cramp for the entirety of that last half-mile...but I kept going. I could SEE the finish, and it was gonna feel good.<br /><br /><b>And it did.</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9rK603SsRA/U0fqnG5I1OI/AAAAAAAAGzc/Qaba3necSsk/s1600/IMG_20140406_110210_516.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9rK603SsRA/U0fqnG5I1OI/AAAAAAAAGzc/Qaba3necSsk/s1600/IMG_20140406_110210_516.jpg\" height=\"155\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>I finished the half-marathon in 2:01:55!&nbsp;</b><br /><br />Considering all the hills and headwinds I had to deal with, I\'m pretty happy about that! Oh, and there\'s that whole \"ran a 5K first\" thing too. <b>I was thrilled! </b>After finishing, I literally said out loud <i>\"I can\'t believe I just did that!\"<b>&nbsp;</b><b> </b></i>I then proceeded to stretch and eat A TON...I was so sore...but I could actually function! I was a <i>wreck </i>after the Hyannis Half...I was pooped, I was discombobulated and couldn\'t think, I was sore, and my legs almost didn\'t wanna work. After this...I felt pretty good actually.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMIAusZUCEg/U0fvdPkCf3I/AAAAAAAAGz8/OTxsFKXGbMg/s1600/IMG_20140411_070915785.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMIAusZUCEg/U0fvdPkCf3I/AAAAAAAAGz8/OTxsFKXGbMg/s1600/IMG_20140411_070915785.jpg\" height=\"263\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Oh...Remember that big achievement I mentioned earlier?</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I PLACED 3RD IN MY AGE GROUP FOR COMBINED TIME!</span></b><br /><br />With a time of 25:21 in the 5K and 2:01:55.1 for the half, I had a combined 2:27:16.1 for the Dual...and <a href=\"http://racewire.com/html_results/3664_Fools%20Dual%20Age%20Group.htm\">clinched 3rd in the Male 19 - 29 age group by a commanding 19 minutes</a>! They had a classic podium for winners for a photo op...but I don\'t have any photos from that. Why, you ask? <b>The timing was messed up</b>. My 5K results for some reason didn\'t register, which meant I also didn\'t show up in the Dual results - it was as if I had only run the half-marathon! I figured this out after the fact, and was pretty bummed. I realized, though, that <b>this was in no way the race\'s fault - it was the timing company.</b> I shot an email to the Race Director and submitted a timing error request with the timing company, and they were both super-helpful in getting it fixed! My official results now show up, and I can say that I officially snagged 3rd in the Male Open Age Group! The Race Director is even sending me out my age group award since, due to the error, I didn\'t get it AT the race! That\'s very nice of him :)<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">There were some cool people and parting gifts too!</span></b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzr8KpEcCT4/U0fyMeKgVqI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/STLs5ImhIT4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110909_893.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzr8KpEcCT4/U0fyMeKgVqI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/STLs5ImhIT4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110909_893.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"299\" /></a>In the picture above you can see the finisher\'s medal - pretty sweet medal! My 3rd half-marathon, and my 3rd finisher\'s medal. It even has a nice ribbon, complete with the race company\'s logo on the back. They also were nice enough to include a 13.1 sticker for my car! I\'ve been meaning to get one of those... I also got a sweet string sackpack (actually well-built!) and a runner\'s visor (for doing the Dual). Oh, also...<br /><br /><b>I got to (re)meet Nicolas - the Perfect Fuel guy!</b><br /><br />Within a few days (I hope) I\'ll have a product review up for <a href=\"http://www.perfectfuelchocolate.com/\">Perfect Fuel</a>. It\'s a performance chocolate, and I had it before both the 5K and the half-marathon. <b>I love it</b>. I think it tastes great, I like the idea and the science behind it, and I feel like it helped me in every run/race I\'ve used it in! Look for that article soon.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Overall, a great day and big success!</b></span><br /><br />I\'m SO pleased with my overall performance and just the day in general! This was the greatest challenge I have taken on yet - I went in with a strategy/gameplan...<b>and it worked!</b> I did well, I pushed my limits, and I achieved what I wanted - I may not have placed in the 5K or the half-marathon individually, but I achieved a combined place...which is fine by me :) I also learned...I was wrong - I said that it was NOT going to be a PR day...but once again it didn\'t \"click\" - I gained a new distance PR - 16.2 miles! Chalk that up to a win.<br /><br /><b>*Bonus* - </b>I took some video for my buddy Rick who\'s vlogging as part of his Falmouth Road Race training this year - you can see the video below! <iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/gQXc2sDAjHg\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><br /><b>So What\'s The Moral Of The Story?</b><br /><br />I strongly recommend checking out www.YuKanRun.com and looking into their races! they\'re a ton of fun, a great challenge, and a great way to try something new and see just what you can do! <br /><br />Just remember - If I can do crazy things like this, <b>so can you.</b> Pick a race, register, and take the plunge! You\'ll be amazed with what you can accomplish :)','FOOLISH! Fool\'s Dual Challenge 5K & 13.1 Recap','','inherit','closed','closed','','71-revision-v1','','','2017-01-15 08:05:15','2017-01-15 13:05:15','',71,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/71-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(72,1,'2014-03-31 13:27:00','2014-03-31 17:27:00','This past weekend was<b> jam-packed</b> with <i>awesome</i>. Saturday I ran the <a href=\"http://runthecircle.org/wordpress/?page_id=403\" target=\"_blank\">April Fool\'s Four Miler</a> put on by the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a>, Sunday I did the Spartan Race <a href=\"http://www.spartanraceworkout.com/home.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Spartan 300 Workout\"</a> at Mohegan Sun...and right before the weekend started I got confirmation about a major development...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"245\" /></a></div>I\'m going to save the Spartan workout for another article. Today\'s story is all about the April Fool\'s Road Race and my big announcement... So, that said...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The April Fool\'s Four Mile Road Race Was A Blast!</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" height=\"320\" width=\"315\" /></a>I had a <b>ton</b> of fun at the race! There\'s so much to say about it! In order to understand a race like this, you have to understand the people putting it on - <b>The Winner\'s Circle Running Club</b>.<br /><br />I had read the information online, but somehow it didn\'t click until I got there - <a href=\"http://www.winnerscirclema.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Winner\'s Circle</a> <i>is a sports bar</i>. So this is a running club more or less based out of the bar. They meet at The Winner\'s Circle weekly for a run (and have a monthly meeting as well) and after the run...well...they have \"social hour\" at the bar! The club helps out with lots of local races...many of which they put on themselves! It also appears that they participate in USATF Grand Prix racing (look into if it you\'re curious).<br /><br /><b>I met a number of WCRC members</b> at the post-race party...and enjoyed a number of <i>libations </i>with them...and I have to tell you <b>they\'re a hoot and a half. </b>The group I was with was a bunch of older guys, and <b>man</b> were they a tough crowd! They joke and pal around just like I\'m used to with my college fraternity brothers - it felt like these guys had been buddies for decades. I have to say, I felt very welcomed by them - I was easily 2 or 3 decades younger than most of them, and I felt just as much a part of the conversation as any of them seemed to.<br /><br />I also (of course) made a point to meet the Race Director, Laurie. This woman was all. over. the. place. In a good way! I swear, I didn\'t see her stop moving until well into the post-race party, after most participants had left and it was down to the hardcore partyers and volunteers who finally got to relax. I have to give her and the WCRC folks a big hand for putting together a great race - well-organized, and a lot of fun! <br /><b><br />This was also the first time</b> I have <b>ever</b> had to do race-day registration. For some reason I wasn\'t sure up till the last minute that I was GOING to do this race, and by then it was too late for pre-registration online. I got there, walked in, filled out a form, and they handed me a bib. <b>It was that easy</b>. No hassle, no headache, no worries...<b>no nothing</b>! It was a breeze! I\'m not sure if this is how race-day registration USUALLY works, but I was impressed. Oh...speaking of the bibs...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" height=\"321\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>EVERYONE was #0! </b><br /><br />Hah. April Fool\'s, huh? <br /><br />Everyone\'s ACTUAL number was up in the corner - I was 844. Those bibs made for a pretty hilarious scene at the start and finish though. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So...Back To The Race...</b></span><br /><br />This was the 33rd running of WCRC\'s April Fool\'s race. After over 30 years of putting on the same race it\'s evident that it\'s survived so long because it\'s well-planned, well-executed, and fun for everyone. The course was an \"out-and-back\" - I\'m coming to appreciate them. I know I\'ve mentioned in other articles and recaps...but it\'s fun to start anticipating the turnaround as you watch the leaders come back at you toward the finish. It\'s also cool to see everyone else behind you after you go through the turnaround and head back towards the finish yourself. The course was VERY flat - no noteworthy hills or inclines to deal with. This was <b>definitely </b>a pleasant course and a fun run.<br /><br />I\'ve run a number of 5K\'s, 5 Milers, and 10K\'s...but I\'ve never before run a <a href=\"http://www.usatf.org/Home.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">USATF (U.S.A. Track &amp; Field) Certified</a> 4 mile race, so this was a bit of a different experience. Even though this race was about 1/3 longer than a 5K (4 miles vs. 3.1) I still tried to run it like I would run a 5K - hard, fast, and aggressive. I also tried to treat it  like a 5K as far as walking was concerned (meaning DON\'T walk if I can  help it). Overall, it went pretty well. I finished in 31:55.4 - 7:59  min/mile and 182nd of 825 overall (21st /41 Open age group)! Not bad for  four miles, and not bad for not having run all week! Not to mention my  lack of sleep the night before...I\'d say I\'m satisfied! <br /><br />As I may have alluded to earlier...the post-race party at The Winner\'s Circle was a ton of fun - everyone got two beer tickets...but people just kept <b>giving</b> beer tickets to me! And the WCRC guys I was hanging out with kept bringing beer to the table and sliding some my way! I wasn\'t about to be rude and refuse, of course...<br /><br /><b>So 5 hours later</b> I left The Winner\'s Circle. <b>HAH</b>. What a fun day! I <b>highly</b> recommend this race to anyone looking for a good time on an unusual distance. Again, BIG thanks to Laurie and the folks at the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a> for putting on a GREAT race!<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">While We\'re Busy <i>Thanking </i>people... </span></b><br /><br />Most races I have someone there to support me - a friend, family member, etc. For this race my aunt Dorothy came out! Her husband (my uncle Joe) is an electrician and owns Flanagan Electric out of Newburyport, MA. Flanagan Electric was my sponsor for this race. I tried to be clever with my shirt and keep it \"electrical\" themed...I thought I did ok with \"Wired To Run\". I\'m very fortunate to be sponsored for so many races this year - my sponsors (and some generous RD\'s) are <b>literally</b> the <i>only</i> reason I am able to run this many races, so a <b>big thank you </b>to Flanagan Electric and my aunt and uncle is in order for making this race (and a few more to come) possible! If you\'re up in that neighborhood and need some electrical work done, call 978-463-4330 - Flanagan Electric does both residential and commercial. <b>Who Knows...</b>maybe I can get him to put together a website and/or a Facebook page! 21st Century, <i>here we come!</i> <br /><br /><b>On the topic of Sponsors...</b><br /><br /><b>&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: large;\">ANNOUNCEMENT - I am a Team Armored Athlete!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" height=\"73\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>Just in case I couldn\'t consider myself one in the <i>traditional </i>sense before...<b>I am now officially a sponsored athlete!</b> I\'ve been picked up by www.ArmoredNutrition.com as one of their Team Armored Athletes! I am <b>beyond</b> excited to be a part of Team Armored and look forward to what will come in this new relationship! You can check out my profile on Team Armored here!<br /><br /><b>I do my nutrition shopping at a combination </b>of brick-and-mortar store and online store. One of my sponsors prior to Armored is a brick and mortar nutrition store - I love them to death! Both have their benefits, and I\'m not saying to stop going to the brick-and-mortar (not at ALL)...both have their place... <br /><br /><b>That said - I really believe in Armored Nutrition and what they have going on!</b> They\'ve got incredible, honest customer service that\'s only a live chat or call away and their shipping is LIGHTNING quick! They have 7 warehouses across the country, so they can ship orders to MOST places within one day. Couple that with their incredible effort to get it packed and shipped as fast as possible (often same-day) and its at your door before you have time to turn around! I\'ll have to do an article soon on the benefits of brick-and-mortar vs. online...hmm...anyway...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" height=\"180\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>Check them out! </b>Give Armored Nutrition a try and support my new team! Not only do they have kick-ass service and shipping, but their prices are actually pretty good too.<br /><br /><b>You can use coupon code \"RunArmored\" for 5% off your order</b> to give them a whirl! Let them know Darrell sent you!<br /><br />Look for me running for Team Armored in the future! Can\'t wait to take this on the road and see how it goes! <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s the moral of the story here?</span></b><br /><br /><b>Get Out Of Your Own Way! </b>If you work hard, strive for it, and <b>put yourself out there</b> you <b>WILL </b>get what you\'re working for! I went through the list - it looks like, so far, <b>I\'ll be running 32 races this year. </b>Why on God\'s green earth would I do that? <b>Like I\'ve said before - </b>It\'s all about showing that <b>it CAN be done! </b><a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\">If I can go from a hopeless 300 lb lump</a> on the couch resigned to a life of mediocrity and health issues to becoming a sponsored runner...<b>there is no reason Joe Six-Pack can\'t get off the couch and start getting healthy!</b> <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\">I\'ve said it before</a> and I\'ll say it a million times more - <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" height=\"263\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The Only Limits We Truly Have Are The Ones We Set For Ourselves.</b></span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Stop limiting yourself, </span></b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">get out of your own way</span>, <b>and go get it!</b></span> Happy Motivational Monday :)','April Fool\'s 4 Miler Recap & Team Armored','','publish','open','open','','april-fools-4-miler-recap-team-armored','','','2017-01-18 07:41:52','2017-01-18 12:41:52','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=72',0,'post','',0),(759,1,'2017-01-18 06:27:38','2017-01-18 11:27:38','This past weekend was<b> jam-packed</b> with <i>awesome</i>. Saturday I ran the <a href=\"http://runthecircle.org/wordpress/?page_id=403\" target=\"_blank\">April Fool\'s Four Miler</a> put on by the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a>, Sunday I did the Spartan Race <a href=\"http://www.spartanraceworkout.com/home.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Spartan 300 Workout\"</a> at Mohegan Sun...and right before the weekend started I got confirmation about a major development...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"245\" /></a></div>I\'m going to save the Spartan workout for another article. Today\'s story is all about the April Fool\'s Road Race and my big announcement... So, that said...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The April Fool\'s Four Mile Road Race Was A Blast!</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" height=\"320\" width=\"315\" /></a>I had a <b>ton</b> of fun at the race! There\'s so much to say about it! In order to understand a race like this, you have to understand the people putting it on - <b>The Winner\'s Circle Running Club</b>.<br /><br />I had read the information online, but somehow it didn\'t click until I got there - <a href=\"http://www.winnerscirclema.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Winner\'s Circle</a> <i>is a sports bar</i>. So this is a running club more or less based out of the bar. They meet at The Winner\'s Circle weekly for a run (and have a monthly meeting as well) and after the run...well...they have \"social hour\" at the bar! The club helps out with lots of local races...many of which they put on themselves! It also appears that they participate in USATF Grand Prix racing (look into if it you\'re curious).<br /><br /><b>I met a number of WCRC members</b> at the post-race party...and enjoyed a number of <i>libations </i>with them...and I have to tell you <b>they\'re a hoot and a half. </b>The group I was with was a bunch of older guys, and <b>man</b> were they a tough crowd! They joke and pal around just like I\'m used to with my college fraternity brothers - it felt like these guys had been buddies for decades. I have to say, I felt very welcomed by them - I was easily 2 or 3 decades younger than most of them, and I felt just as much a part of the conversation as any of them seemed to.<br /><br />I also (of course) made a point to meet the Race Director, Laurie. This woman was all. over. the. place. In a good way! I swear, I didn\'t see her stop moving until well into the post-race party, after most participants had left and it was down to the hardcore partyers and volunteers who finally got to relax. I have to give her and the WCRC folks a big hand for putting together a great race - well-organized, and a lot of fun! <br /><b><br />This was also the first time</b> I have <b>ever</b> had to do race-day registration. For some reason I wasn\'t sure up till the last minute that I was GOING to do this race, and by then it was too late for pre-registration online. I got there, walked in, filled out a form, and they handed me a bib. <b>It was that easy</b>. No hassle, no headache, no worries...<b>no nothing</b>! It was a breeze! I\'m not sure if this is how race-day registration USUALLY works, but I was impressed. Oh...speaking of the bibs...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" height=\"321\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>EVERYONE was #0! </b><br /><br />Hah. April Fool\'s, huh? <br /><br />Everyone\'s ACTUAL number was up in the corner - I was 844. Those bibs made for a pretty hilarious scene at the start and finish though. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So...Back To The Race...</b></span><br /><br />This was the 33rd running of WCRC\'s April Fool\'s race. After over 30 years of putting on the same race it\'s evident that it\'s survived so long because it\'s well-planned, well-executed, and fun for everyone. The course was an \"out-and-back\" - I\'m coming to appreciate them. I know I\'ve mentioned in other articles and recaps...but it\'s fun to start anticipating the turnaround as you watch the leaders come back at you toward the finish. It\'s also cool to see everyone else behind you after you go through the turnaround and head back towards the finish yourself. The course was VERY flat - no noteworthy hills or inclines to deal with. This was <b>definitely </b>a pleasant course and a fun run.<br /><br />I\'ve run a number of 5K\'s, 5 Milers, and 10K\'s...but I\'ve never before run a <a href=\"http://www.usatf.org/Home.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">USATF (U.S.A. Track &amp; Field) Certified</a> 4 mile race, so this was a bit of a different experience. Even though this race was about 1/3 longer than a 5K (4 miles vs. 3.1) I still tried to run it like I would run a 5K - hard, fast, and aggressive. I also tried to treat it  like a 5K as far as walking was concerned (meaning DON\'T walk if I can  help it). Overall, it went pretty well. I finished in 31:55.4 - 7:59  min/mile and 182nd of 825 overall (21st /41 Open age group)! Not bad for  four miles, and not bad for not having run all week! Not to mention my  lack of sleep the night before...I\'d say I\'m satisfied! <br /><br />As I may have alluded to earlier...the post-race party at The Winner\'s Circle was a ton of fun - everyone got two beer tickets...but people just kept <b>giving</b> beer tickets to me! And the WCRC guys I was hanging out with kept bringing beer to the table and sliding some my way! I wasn\'t about to be rude and refuse, of course...<br /><br /><b>So 5 hours later</b> I left The Winner\'s Circle. <b>HAH</b>. What a fun day! I <b>highly</b> recommend this race to anyone looking for a good time on an unusual distance. Again, BIG thanks to Laurie and the folks at the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a> for putting on a GREAT race!<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">While We\'re Busy <i>Thanking </i>people... </span></b><br /><br />Most races I have someone there to support me - a friend, family member, etc. For this race my aunt Dorothy came out! Her husband (my uncle Joe) is an electrician and owns Flanagan Electric out of Newburyport, MA. Flanagan Electric was my sponsor for this race. I tried to be clever with my shirt and keep it \"electrical\" themed...I thought I did ok with \"Wired To Run\". I\'m very fortunate to be sponsored for so many races this year - my sponsors (and some generous RD\'s) are <b>literally</b> the <i>only</i> reason I am able to run this many races, so a <b>big thank you </b>to Flanagan Electric and my aunt and uncle is in order for making this race (and a few more to come) possible! If you\'re up in that neighborhood and need some electrical work done, call 978-463-4330 - Flanagan Electric does both residential and commercial. <b>Who Knows...</b>maybe I can get him to put together a website and/or a Facebook page! 21st Century, <i>here we come!</i> <br /><br /><b>On the topic of Sponsors...</b><br /><br /><b>&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: large;\">ANNOUNCEMENT - I am a Team Armored Athlete!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" height=\"73\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>Just in case I couldn\'t consider myself one in the <i>traditional </i>sense before...<b>I am now officially a sponsored athlete!</b> I\'ve been picked up by www.ArmoredNutrition.com as one of their Team Armored Athletes! I am <b>beyond</b> excited to be a part of Team Armored and look forward to what will come in this new relationship! You can check out my profile on Team Armored here!<br /><br /><b>I do my nutrition shopping at a combination </b>of brick-and-mortar store and online store. One of my sponsors prior to Armored is a brick and mortar nutrition store - I love them to death! Both have their benefits, and I\'m not saying to stop going to the brick-and-mortar (not at ALL)...both have their place... <br /><br /><b>That said - I really believe in Armored Nutrition and what they have going on!</b> They\'ve got incredible, honest customer service that\'s only a live chat or call away and their shipping is LIGHTNING quick! They have 7 warehouses across the country, so they can ship orders to MOST places within one day. Couple that with their incredible effort to get it packed and shipped as fast as possible (often same-day) and its at your door before you have time to turn around! I\'ll have to do an article soon on the benefits of brick-and-mortar vs. online...hmm...anyway...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" height=\"180\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>Check them out! </b>Give Armored Nutrition a try and support my new team! Not only do they have kick-ass service and shipping, but their prices are actually pretty good too.<br /><br /><b>You can use coupon code \"RunArmored\" for 5% off your order</b> to give them a whirl! Let them know Darrell sent you!<br /><br />Look for me running for Team Armored in the future! Can\'t wait to take this on the road and see how it goes! <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s the moral of the story here?</span></b><br /><br /><b>Get Out Of Your Own Way! </b>If you work hard, strive for it, and <b>put yourself out there</b> you <b>WILL </b>get what you\'re working for! I went through the list - it looks like, so far, <b>I\'ll be running 32 races this year. </b>Why on God\'s green earth would I do that? <b>Like I\'ve said before - </b>It\'s all about showing that <b>it CAN be done! </b><a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\">If I can go from a hopeless 300 lb lump</a> on the couch resigned to a life of mediocrity and health issues to becoming a sponsored runner...<b>there is no reason Joe Six-Pack can\'t get off the couch and start getting healthy!</b> <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\">I\'ve said it before</a> and I\'ll say it a million times more - <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" height=\"263\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The Only Limits We Truly Have Are The Ones We Set For Ourselves.</b></span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Stop limiting yourself, </span></b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">get out of your own way</span>, <b>and go get it!</b></span> Happy Motivational Monday :)','April Fool\'s 4 Miler Recap & Team Armored','','inherit','closed','closed','','72-revision-v1','','','2017-01-18 06:27:38','2017-01-18 11:27:38','',72,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/72-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(697,1,'2017-01-15 08:05:40','2017-01-15 13:05:40','This past weekend was<b> jam-packed</b> with <i>awesome</i>. Saturday I ran the <a href=\"http://runthecircle.org/wordpress/?page_id=403\" target=\"_blank\">April Fool\'s Four Miler</a> put on by the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a>, Sunday I did the Spartan Race <a href=\"http://www.spartanraceworkout.com/home.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Spartan 300 Workout\"</a> at Mohegan Sun...and right before the weekend started I got confirmation about a major development...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"245\" /></a></div>I\'m going to save the Spartan workout for another article. Today\'s story is all about the April Fool\'s Road Race and my big announcement... So, that said...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The April Fool\'s Four Mile Road Race Was A Blast!</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" height=\"320\" width=\"315\" /></a>I had a <b>ton</b> of fun at the race! There\'s so much to say about it! In order to understand a race like this, you have to understand the people putting it on - <b>The Winner\'s Circle Running Club</b>.<br /><br />I had read the information online, but somehow it didn\'t click until I got there - <a href=\"http://www.winnerscirclema.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Winner\'s Circle</a> <i>is a sports bar</i>. So this is a running club more or less based out of the bar. They meet at The Winner\'s Circle weekly for a run (and have a monthly meeting as well) and after the run...well...they have \"social hour\" at the bar! The club helps out with lots of local races...many of which they put on themselves! It also appears that they participate in USATF Grand Prix racing (look into if it you\'re curious).<br /><br /><b>I met a number of WCRC members</b> at the post-race party...and enjoyed a number of <i>libations </i>with them...and I have to tell you <b>they\'re a hoot and a half. </b>The group I was with was a bunch of older guys, and <b>man</b> were they a tough crowd! They joke and pal around just like I\'m used to with my college fraternity brothers - it felt like these guys had been buddies for decades. I have to say, I felt very welcomed by them - I was easily 2 or 3 decades younger than most of them, and I felt just as much a part of the conversation as any of them seemed to.<br /><br />I also (of course) made a point to meet the Race Director, Laurie. This woman was all. over. the. place. In a good way! I swear, I didn\'t see her stop moving until well into the post-race party, after most participants had left and it was down to the hardcore partyers and volunteers who finally got to relax. I have to give her and the WCRC folks a big hand for putting together a great race - well-organized, and a lot of fun! <br /><b><br />This was also the first time</b> I have <b>ever</b> had to do race-day registration. For some reason I wasn\'t sure up till the last minute that I was GOING to do this race, and by then it was too late for pre-registration online. I got there, walked in, filled out a form, and they handed me a bib. <b>It was that easy</b>. No hassle, no headache, no worries...<b>no nothing</b>! It was a breeze! I\'m not sure if this is how race-day registration USUALLY works, but I was impressed. Oh...speaking of the bibs...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" height=\"321\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>EVERYONE was #0! </b><br /><br />Hah. April Fool\'s, huh? <br /><br />Everyone\'s ACTUAL number was up in the corner - I was 844. Those bibs made for a pretty hilarious scene at the start and finish though. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So...Back To The Race...</b></span><br /><br />This was the 33rd running of WCRC\'s April Fool\'s race. After over 30 years of putting on the same race it\'s evident that it\'s survived so long because it\'s well-planned, well-executed, and fun for everyone. The course was an \"out-and-back\" - I\'m coming to appreciate them. I know I\'ve mentioned in other articles and recaps...but it\'s fun to start anticipating the turnaround as you watch the leaders come back at you toward the finish. It\'s also cool to see everyone else behind you after you go through the turnaround and head back towards the finish yourself. The course was VERY flat - no noteworthy hills or inclines to deal with. This was <b>definitely </b>a pleasant course and a fun run.<br /><br />I\'ve run a number of 5K\'s, 5 Milers, and 10K\'s...but I\'ve never before run a <a href=\"http://www.usatf.org/Home.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">USATF (U.S.A. Track &amp; Field) Certified</a> 4 mile race, so this was a bit of a different experience. Even though this race was about 1/3 longer than a 5K (4 miles vs. 3.1) I still tried to run it like I would run a 5K - hard, fast, and aggressive. I also tried to treat it  like a 5K as far as walking was concerned (meaning DON\'T walk if I can  help it). Overall, it went pretty well. I finished in 31:55.4 - 7:59  min/mile and 182nd of 825 overall (21st /41 Open age group)! Not bad for  four miles, and not bad for not having run all week! Not to mention my  lack of sleep the night before...I\'d say I\'m satisfied! <br /><br />As I may have alluded to earlier...the post-race party at The Winner\'s Circle was a ton of fun - everyone got two beer tickets...but people just kept <b>giving</b> beer tickets to me! And the WCRC guys I was hanging out with kept bringing beer to the table and sliding some my way! I wasn\'t about to be rude and refuse, of course...<br /><br /><b>So 5 hours later</b> I left The Winner\'s Circle. <b>HAH</b>. What a fun day! I <b>highly</b> recommend this race to anyone looking for a good time on an unusual distance. Again, BIG thanks to Laurie and the folks at the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a> for putting on a GREAT race!<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">While We\'re Busy <i>Thanking </i>people... </span></b><br /><br />Most races I have someone there to support me - a friend, family member, etc. For this race my aunt Dorothy came out! Her husband (my uncle Joe) is an electrician and owns Flanagan Electric out of Newburyport, MA. Flanagan Electric was my sponsor for this race. I tried to be clever with my shirt and keep it \"electrical\" themed...I thought I did ok with \"Wired To Run\". I\'m very fortunate to be sponsored for so many races this year - my sponsors (and some generous RD\'s) are <b>literally</b> the <i>only</i> reason I am able to run this many races, so a <b>big thank you </b>to Flanagan Electric and my aunt and uncle is in order for making this race (and a few more to come) possible! If you\'re up in that neighborhood and need some electrical work done, call 978-463-4330 - Flanagan Electric does both residential and commercial. <b>Who Knows...</b>maybe I can get him to put together a website and/or a Facebook page! 21st Century, <i>here we come!</i> <br /><br /><b>On the topic of Sponsors...</b><br /><br /><b>&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: large;\">ANNOUNCEMENT - I am a Team Armored Athlete!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" height=\"73\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>Just in case I couldn\'t consider myself one in the <i>traditional </i>sense before...<b>I am now officially a sponsored athlete!</b> I\'ve been picked up by www.ArmoredNutrition.com as one of their Team Armored Athletes! I am <b>beyond</b> excited to be a part of Team Armored and look forward to what will come in this new relationship! You can check out my profile on Team Armored here!<br /><br /><b>I do my nutrition shopping at a combination </b>of brick-and-mortar store and online store. One of my sponsors prior to Armored is a brick and mortar nutrition store - I love them to death! Both have their benefits, and I\'m not saying to stop going to the brick-and-mortar (not at ALL)...both have their place... <br /><br /><b>That said - I really believe in Armored Nutrition and what they have going on!</b> They\'ve got incredible, honest customer service that\'s only a live chat or call away and their shipping is LIGHTNING quick! They have 7 warehouses across the country, so they can ship orders to MOST places within one day. Couple that with their incredible effort to get it packed and shipped as fast as possible (often same-day) and its at your door before you have time to turn around! I\'ll have to do an article soon on the benefits of brick-and-mortar vs. online...hmm...anyway...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" height=\"180\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>Check them out! </b>Give Armored Nutrition a try and support my new team! Not only do they have kick-ass service and shipping, but their prices are actually pretty good too.<br /><br /><b>You can use coupon code \"RunArmored\" for 5% off your order</b> to give them a whirl! Let them know Darrell sent you!<br /><br />Look for me running for <a href=\"http://www.armorednutrition.com/Team-Armored-Athletes_ep_45.html\">Team Armored</a> in the future! Can\'t wait to take this on the road and see how it goes! <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s the moral of the story here?</span></b><br /><br /><b>Get Out Of Your Own Way! </b>If you work hard, strive for it, and <b>put yourself out there</b> you <b>WILL </b>get what you\'re working for! I went through the list - it looks like, so far, <b>I\'ll be running 32 races this year. </b>Why on God\'s green earth would I do that? <b>Like I\'ve said before - </b>It\'s all about showing that <b>it CAN be done! </b><a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\">If I can go from a hopeless 300 lb lump</a> on the couch resigned to a life of mediocrity and health issues to becoming a sponsored runner...<b>there is no reason Joe Six-Pack can\'t get off the couch and start getting healthy!</b> <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\">I\'ve said it before</a> and I\'ll say it a million times more - <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" height=\"263\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The Only Limits We Truly Have Are The Ones We Set For Ourselves.</b></span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Stop limiting yourself, </span></b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">get out of your own way</span>, <b>and go get it!</b></span> Happy Motivational Monday :)','April Fool\'s 4 Miler Recap & Team Armored','','inherit','closed','closed','','72-revision-v1','','','2017-01-15 08:05:40','2017-01-15 13:05:40','',72,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/72-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(676,1,'2017-01-14 22:05:55','2017-01-15 03:05:55','This past weekend was<b> jam-packed</b> with <i>awesome</i>. Saturday I ran the <a href=\"http://runthecircle.org/wordpress/?page_id=403\" target=\"_blank\">April Fool\'s Four Miler</a> put on by the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a>, Sunday I did the Spartan Race <a href=\"http://www.spartanraceworkout.com/home.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Spartan 300 Workout\"</a> at Mohegan Sun...and right before the weekend started I got confirmation about a major development...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"245\" /></a></div>I\'m going to save the Spartan workout for another article. Today\'s story is all about the April Fool\'s Road Race and my big announcement... So, that said...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The April Fool\'s Four Mile Road Race Was A Blast!</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" height=\"320\" width=\"315\" /></a>I had a <b>ton</b> of fun at the race! There\'s so much to say about it! In order to understand a race like this, you have to understand the people putting it on - <b>The Winner\'s Circle Running Club</b>.<br /><br />I had read the information online, but somehow it didn\'t click until I got there - <a href=\"http://www.winnerscirclema.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Winner\'s Circle</a> <i>is a sports bar</i>. So this is a running club more or less based out of the bar. They meet at The Winner\'s Circle weekly for a run (and have a monthly meeting as well) and after the run...well...they have \"social hour\" at the bar! The club helps out with lots of local races...many of which they put on themselves! It also appears that they participate in USATF Grand Prix racing (look into if it you\'re curious).<br /><br /><b>I met a number of WCRC members</b> at the post-race party...and enjoyed a number of <i>libations </i>with them...and I have to tell you <b>they\'re a hoot and a half. </b>The group I was with was a bunch of older guys, and <b>man</b> were they a tough crowd! They joke and pal around just like I\'m used to with my college fraternity brothers - it felt like these guys had been buddies for decades. I have to say, I felt very welcomed by them - I was easily 2 or 3 decades younger than most of them, and I felt just as much a part of the conversation as any of them seemed to.<br /><br />I also (of course) made a point to meet the Race Director, Laurie. This woman was all. over. the. place. In a good way! I swear, I didn\'t see her stop moving until well into the post-race party, after most participants had left and it was down to the hardcore partyers and volunteers who finally got to relax. I have to give her and the WCRC folks a big hand for putting together a great race - well-organized, and a lot of fun! <br /><b><br />This was also the first time</b> I have <b>ever</b> had to do race-day registration. For some reason I wasn\'t sure up till the last minute that I was GOING to do this race, and by then it was too late for pre-registration online. I got there, walked in, filled out a form, and they handed me a bib. <b>It was that easy</b>. No hassle, no headache, no worries...<b>no nothing</b>! It was a breeze! I\'m not sure if this is how race-day registration USUALLY works, but I was impressed. Oh...speaking of the bibs...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" height=\"321\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>EVERYONE was #0! </b><br /><br />Hah. April Fool\'s, huh? <br /><br />Everyone\'s ACTUAL number was up in the corner - I was 844. Those bibs made for a pretty hilarious scene at the start and finish though. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So...Back To The Race...</b></span><br /><br />This was the 33rd running of WCRC\'s April Fool\'s race. After over 30 years of putting on the same race it\'s evident that it\'s survived so long because it\'s well-planned, well-executed, and fun for everyone. The course was an \"out-and-back\" - I\'m coming to appreciate them. I know I\'ve mentioned in other articles and recaps...but it\'s fun to start anticipating the turnaround as you watch the leaders come back at you toward the finish. It\'s also cool to see everyone else behind you after you go through the turnaround and head back towards the finish yourself. The course was VERY flat - no noteworthy hills or inclines to deal with. This was <b>definitely </b>a pleasant course and a fun run.<br /><br />I\'ve run a number of 5K\'s, 5 Milers, and 10K\'s...but I\'ve never before run a <a href=\"http://www.usatf.org/Home.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">USATF (U.S.A. Track &amp; Field) Certified</a> 4 mile race, so this was a bit of a different experience. Even though this race was about 1/3 longer than a 5K (4 miles vs. 3.1) I still tried to run it like I would run a 5K - hard, fast, and aggressive. I also tried to treat it  like a 5K as far as walking was concerned (meaning DON\'T walk if I can  help it). Overall, it went pretty well. I finished in 31:55.4 - 7:59  min/mile and 182nd of 825 overall (21st /41 Open age group)! Not bad for  four miles, and not bad for not having run all week! Not to mention my  lack of sleep the night before...I\'d say I\'m satisfied! <br /><br />As I may have alluded to earlier...the post-race party at The Winner\'s Circle was a ton of fun - everyone got two beer tickets...but people just kept <b>giving</b> beer tickets to me! And the WCRC guys I was hanging out with kept bringing beer to the table and sliding some my way! I wasn\'t about to be rude and refuse, of course...<br /><br /><b>So 5 hours later</b> I left The Winner\'s Circle. <b>HAH</b>. What a fun day! I <b>highly</b> recommend this race to anyone looking for a good time on an unusual distance. Again, BIG thanks to Laurie and the folks at the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a> for putting on a GREAT race!<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">While We\'re Busy <i>Thanking </i>people... </span></b><br /><br />Most races I have someone there to support me - a friend, family member, etc. For this race my aunt Dorothy came out! Her husband (my uncle Joe) is an electrician and owns Flanagan Electric out of Newburyport, MA. Flanagan Electric was my sponsor for this race. I tried to be clever with my shirt and keep it \"electrical\" themed...I thought I did ok with \"Wired To Run\". I\'m very fortunate to be sponsored for so many races this year - my sponsors (and some generous RD\'s) are <b>literally</b> the <i>only</i> reason I am able to run this many races, so a <b>big thank you </b>to Flanagan Electric and my aunt and uncle is in order for making this race (and a few more to come) possible! If you\'re up in that neighborhood and need some electrical work done, call 978-463-4330 - Flanagan Electric does both residential and commercial. <b>Who Knows...</b>maybe I can get him to put together a website and/or a Facebook page! 21st Century, <i>here we come!</i> <br /><br /><b>On the topic of <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/p/sponsors.html\">Sponsors...</a></b><br /><br /><b>&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: large;\">ANNOUNCEMENT - I am a Team Armored Athlete!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" height=\"73\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>Just in case I couldn\'t consider myself one in the <i>traditional </i>sense before...<b>I am now officially a sponsored athlete!</b> I\'ve been picked up by www.ArmoredNutrition.com as one of their Team Armored Athletes! I am <b>beyond</b> excited to be a part of Team Armored and look forward to what will come in this new relationship! You can check out my profile on Team Armored here!<br /><br /><b>I do my nutrition shopping at a combination </b>of brick-and-mortar store and online store. One of my sponsors prior to Armored is a brick and mortar nutrition store - I love them to death! Both have their benefits, and I\'m not saying to stop going to the brick-and-mortar (not at ALL)...both have their place... <br /><br /><b>That said - I really believe in Armored Nutrition and what they have going on!</b> They\'ve got incredible, honest customer service that\'s only a live chat or call away and their shipping is LIGHTNING quick! They have 7 warehouses across the country, so they can ship orders to MOST places within one day. Couple that with their incredible effort to get it packed and shipped as fast as possible (often same-day) and its at your door before you have time to turn around! I\'ll have to do an article soon on the benefits of brick-and-mortar vs. online...hmm...anyway...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" height=\"180\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>Check them out! </b>Give Armored Nutrition a try and support my new team! Not only do they have kick-ass service and shipping, but their prices are actually pretty good too.<br /><br /><b>You can use coupon code \"RunArmored\" for 5% off your order</b> to give them a whirl! Let them know Darrell sent you!<br /><br />Look for me running for <a href=\"http://www.armorednutrition.com/Team-Armored-Athletes_ep_45.html\">Team Armored</a> in the future! Can\'t wait to take this on the road and see how it goes! <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s the moral of the story here?</span></b><br /><br /><b>Get Out Of Your Own Way! </b>If you work hard, strive for it, and <b>put yourself out there</b> you <b>WILL </b>get what you\'re working for! I went through the list - it looks like, so far, <b>I\'ll be running 32 races this year. </b>Why on God\'s green earth would I do that? <b>Like I\'ve said before - </b>It\'s all about showing that <b>it CAN be done! </b><a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\">If I can go from a hopeless 300 lb lump</a> on the couch resigned to a life of mediocrity and health issues to becoming a sponsored runner...<b>there is no reason Joe Six-Pack can\'t get off the couch and start getting healthy!</b> <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\">I\'ve said it before</a> and I\'ll say it a million times more - <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" height=\"263\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The Only Limits We Truly Have Are The Ones We Set For Ourselves.</b></span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Stop limiting yourself, </span></b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">get out of your own way</span>, <b>and go get it!</b></span> Happy Motivational Monday :)','April Fool\'s 4 Miler Recap & Team Armored','','inherit','closed','closed','','72-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 22:05:55','2017-01-15 03:05:55','',72,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/72-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(675,1,'2017-01-14 22:05:50','2017-01-15 03:05:50','This past weekend was<b> jam-packed</b> with <i>awesome</i>. Saturday I ran the <a href=\"http://runthecircle.org/wordpress/?page_id=403\" target=\"_blank\">April Fool\'s Four Miler</a> put on by the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a>, Sunday I did the Spartan Race <a href=\"http://www.spartanraceworkout.com/home.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Spartan 300 Workout\"</a> at Mohegan Sun...and right before the weekend started I got confirmation about a major development...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"245\" /></a></div>I\'m going to save the Spartan workout for another article. Today\'s story is all about the April Fool\'s Road Race and my big announcement... So, that said...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The April Fool\'s Four Mile Road Race Was A Blast!</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" height=\"320\" width=\"315\" /></a>I had a <b>ton</b> of fun at the race! There\'s so much to say about it! In order to understand a race like this, you have to understand the people putting it on - <b>The Winner\'s Circle Running Club</b>.<br /><br />I had read the information online, but somehow it didn\'t click until I got there - <a href=\"http://www.winnerscirclema.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Winner\'s Circle</a> <i>is a sports bar</i>. So this is a running club more or less based out of the bar. They meet at The Winner\'s Circle weekly for a run (and have a monthly meeting as well) and after the run...well...they have \"social hour\" at the bar! The club helps out with lots of local races...many of which they put on themselves! It also appears that they participate in USATF Grand Prix racing (look into if it you\'re curious).<br /><br /><b>I met a number of WCRC members</b> at the post-race party...and enjoyed a number of <i>libations </i>with them...and I have to tell you <b>they\'re a hoot and a half. </b>The group I was with was a bunch of older guys, and <b>man</b> were they a tough crowd! They joke and pal around just like I\'m used to with my college fraternity brothers - it felt like these guys had been buddies for decades. I have to say, I felt very welcomed by them - I was easily 2 or 3 decades younger than most of them, and I felt just as much a part of the conversation as any of them seemed to.<br /><br />I also (of course) made a point to meet the Race Director, Laurie. This woman was all. over. the. place. In a good way! I swear, I didn\'t see her stop moving until well into the post-race party, after most participants had left and it was down to the hardcore partyers and volunteers who finally got to relax. I have to give her and the WCRC folks a big hand for putting together a great race - well-organized, and a lot of fun! <br /><b><br />This was also the first time</b> I have <b>ever</b> had to do race-day registration. For some reason I wasn\'t sure up till the last minute that I was GOING to do this race, and by then it was too late for pre-registration online. I got there, walked in, filled out a form, and they handed me a bib. <b>It was that easy</b>. No hassle, no headache, no worries...<b>no nothing</b>! It was a breeze! I\'m not sure if this is how race-day registration USUALLY works, but I was impressed. Oh...speaking of the bibs...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" height=\"321\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>EVERYONE was #0! </b><br /><br />Hah. April Fool\'s, huh? <br /><br />Everyone\'s ACTUAL number was up in the corner - I was 844. Those bibs made for a pretty hilarious scene at the start and finish though. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So...Back To The Race...</b></span><br /><br />This was the 33rd running of WCRC\'s April Fool\'s race. After over 30 years of putting on the same race it\'s evident that it\'s survived so long because it\'s well-planned, well-executed, and fun for everyone. The course was an \"out-and-back\" - I\'m coming to appreciate them. I know I\'ve mentioned in other articles and recaps...but it\'s fun to start anticipating the turnaround as you watch the leaders come back at you toward the finish. It\'s also cool to see everyone else behind you after you go through the turnaround and head back towards the finish yourself. The course was VERY flat - no noteworthy hills or inclines to deal with. This was <b>definitely </b>a pleasant course and a fun run.<br /><br />I\'ve run a number of 5K\'s, 5 Milers, and 10K\'s...but I\'ve never before run a <a href=\"http://www.usatf.org/Home.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">USATF (U.S.A. Track &amp; Field) Certified</a> 4 mile race, so this was a bit of a different experience. Even though this race was about 1/3 longer than a 5K (4 miles vs. 3.1) I still tried to run it like I would run a 5K - hard, fast, and aggressive. I also tried to treat it  like a 5K as far as walking was concerned (meaning DON\'T walk if I can  help it). Overall, it went pretty well. I finished in 31:55.4 - 7:59  min/mile and 182nd of 825 overall (21st /41 Open age group)! Not bad for  four miles, and not bad for not having run all week! Not to mention my  lack of sleep the night before...I\'d say I\'m satisfied! <br /><br />As I may have alluded to earlier...the post-race party at The Winner\'s Circle was a ton of fun - everyone got two beer tickets...but people just kept <b>giving</b> beer tickets to me! And the WCRC guys I was hanging out with kept bringing beer to the table and sliding some my way! I wasn\'t about to be rude and refuse, of course...<br /><br /><b>So 5 hours later</b> I left The Winner\'s Circle. <b>HAH</b>. What a fun day! I <b>highly</b> recommend this race to anyone looking for a good time on an unusual distance. Again, BIG thanks to Laurie and the folks at the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a> for putting on a GREAT race!<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">While We\'re Busy <i>Thanking </i>people... </span></b><br /><br />Most races I have someone there to support me - a friend, family member, etc. For this race my aunt Dorothy came out! Her husband (my uncle Joe) is an electrician and owns Flanagan Electric out of Newburyport, MA. Flanagan Electric was my sponsor for this race. I tried to be clever with my shirt and keep it \"electrical\" themed...I thought I did ok with \"Wired To Run\". I\'m very fortunate to be sponsored for so many races this year - my sponsors (and some generous RD\'s) are <b>literally</b> the <i>only</i> reason I am able to run this many races, so a <b>big thank you </b>to Flanagan Electric and my aunt and uncle is in order for making this race (and a few more to come) possible! If you\'re up in that neighborhood and need some electrical work done, call 978-463-4330 - Flanagan Electric does both residential and commercial. <b>Who Knows...</b>maybe I can get him to put together a website and/or a Facebook page! 21st Century, <i>here we come!</i> <br /><br /><b>On the topic of <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/p/sponsors.html\">Sponsors...</a></b><br /><br /><b>&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: large;\">ANNOUNCEMENT - I am a Team Armored Athlete!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" height=\"73\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>Just in case I couldn\'t consider myself one in the <i>traditional </i>sense before...<b>I am now officially a sponsored athlete!</b> I\'ve been picked up by www.ArmoredNutrition.com as one of their Team Armored Athletes! I am <b>beyond</b> excited to be a part of Team Armored and look forward to what will come in this new relationship! <a href=\"http://www.armorednutrition.com/Darrell-W-McTague_ep_54.html\" target=\"_blank\">You can check out my profile on Team Armored here!</a><br /><br /><b>I do my nutrition shopping at a combination </b>of brick-and-mortar store and online store. One of my sponsors prior to Armored is a brick and mortar nutrition store - I love them to death! Both have their benefits, and I\'m not saying to stop going to the brick-and-mortar (not at ALL)...both have their place... <br /><br /><b>That said - I really believe in Armored Nutrition and what they have going on!</b> They\'ve got incredible, honest customer service that\'s only a live chat or call away and their shipping is LIGHTNING quick! They have 7 warehouses across the country, so they can ship orders to MOST places within one day. Couple that with their incredible effort to get it packed and shipped as fast as possible (often same-day) and its at your door before you have time to turn around! I\'ll have to do an article soon on the benefits of brick-and-mortar vs. online...hmm...anyway...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" height=\"180\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>Check them out! </b>Give Armored Nutrition a try and support my new team! Not only do they have kick-ass service and shipping, but their prices are actually pretty good too.<br /><br /><b>You can use coupon code \"RunArmored\" for 5% off your order</b> to give them a whirl! Let them know Darrell sent you!<br /><br />Look for me running for <a href=\"http://www.armorednutrition.com/Team-Armored-Athletes_ep_45.html\">Team Armored</a> in the future! Can\'t wait to take this on the road and see how it goes! <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s the moral of the story here?</span></b><br /><br /><b>Get Out Of Your Own Way! </b>If you work hard, strive for it, and <b>put yourself out there</b> you <b>WILL </b>get what you\'re working for! I went through the list - it looks like, so far, <b>I\'ll be running 32 races this year. </b>Why on God\'s green earth would I do that? <b>Like I\'ve said before - </b>It\'s all about showing that <b>it CAN be done! </b><a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\">If I can go from a hopeless 300 lb lump</a> on the couch resigned to a life of mediocrity and health issues to becoming a sponsored runner...<b>there is no reason Joe Six-Pack can\'t get off the couch and start getting healthy!</b> <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\">I\'ve said it before</a> and I\'ll say it a million times more - <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" height=\"263\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The Only Limits We Truly Have Are The Ones We Set For Ourselves.</b></span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Stop limiting yourself, </span></b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">get out of your own way</span>, <b>and go get it!</b></span> Happy Motivational Monday :)','April Fool\'s 4 Miler Recap & Team Armored','','inherit','closed','closed','','72-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 22:05:50','2017-01-15 03:05:50','',72,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/72-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(674,1,'2017-01-14 22:05:46','2017-01-15 03:05:46','This past weekend was<b> jam-packed</b> with <i>awesome</i>. Saturday I ran the <a href=\"http://runthecircle.org/wordpress/?page_id=403\" target=\"_blank\">April Fool\'s Four Miler</a> put on by the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a>, Sunday I did the Spartan Race <a href=\"http://www.spartanraceworkout.com/home.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Spartan 300 Workout\"</a> at Mohegan Sun...and right before the weekend started I got confirmation about a major development...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJtevBcc2KE/UzkA7O-M5YI/AAAAAAAAGvI/Dcg47jt5O_Y/s1600/aprilfools.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"245\" /></a></div>I\'m going to save the Spartan workout for another article. Today\'s story is all about the April Fool\'s Road Race and my big announcement... So, that said...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The April Fool\'s Four Mile Road Race Was A Blast!</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLnrixtZ-c/UzkDqY5H87I/AAAAAAAAGvU/j-IOdeDwxj8/s1600/wcrclgo3.gif\" height=\"320\" width=\"315\" /></a>I had a <b>ton</b> of fun at the race! There\'s so much to say about it! In order to understand a race like this, you have to understand the people putting it on - <b>The Winner\'s Circle Running Club</b>.<br /><br />I had read the information online, but somehow it didn\'t click until I got there - <a href=\"http://www.winnerscirclema.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Winner\'s Circle</a> <i>is a sports bar</i>. So this is a running club more or less based out of the bar. They meet at The Winner\'s Circle weekly for a run (and have a monthly meeting as well) and after the run...well...they have \"social hour\" at the bar! The club helps out with lots of local races...many of which they put on themselves! It also appears that they participate in USATF Grand Prix racing (look into if it you\'re curious).<br /><br /><b>I met a number of WCRC members</b> at the post-race party...and enjoyed a number of <i>libations </i>with them...and I have to tell you <b>they\'re a hoot and a half. </b>The group I was with was a bunch of older guys, and <b>man</b> were they a tough crowd! They joke and pal around just like I\'m used to with my college fraternity brothers - it felt like these guys had been buddies for decades. I have to say, I felt very welcomed by them - I was easily 2 or 3 decades younger than most of them, and I felt just as much a part of the conversation as any of them seemed to.<br /><br />I also (of course) made a point to meet the Race Director, Laurie. This woman was all. over. the. place. In a good way! I swear, I didn\'t see her stop moving until well into the post-race party, after most participants had left and it was down to the hardcore partyers and volunteers who finally got to relax. I have to give her and the WCRC folks a big hand for putting together a great race - well-organized, and a lot of fun! <br /><b><br />This was also the first time</b> I have <b>ever</b> had to do race-day registration. For some reason I wasn\'t sure up till the last minute that I was GOING to do this race, and by then it was too late for pre-registration online. I got there, walked in, filled out a form, and they handed me a bib. <b>It was that easy</b>. No hassle, no headache, no worries...<b>no nothing</b>! It was a breeze! I\'m not sure if this is how race-day registration USUALLY works, but I was impressed. Oh...speaking of the bibs...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-712oJgHdaYI/UzkIL0GdOII/AAAAAAAAGvg/jc_WeYt8zi4/s1600/IMG_20140330_234914371.jpg\" height=\"321\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>EVERYONE was #0! </b><br /><br />Hah. April Fool\'s, huh? <br /><br />Everyone\'s ACTUAL number was up in the corner - I was 844. Those bibs made for a pretty hilarious scene at the start and finish though. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So...Back To The Race...</b></span><br /><br />This was the 33rd running of WCRC\'s April Fool\'s race. After over 30 years of putting on the same race it\'s evident that it\'s survived so long because it\'s well-planned, well-executed, and fun for everyone. The course was an \"out-and-back\" - I\'m coming to appreciate them. I know I\'ve mentioned in other articles and recaps...but it\'s fun to start anticipating the turnaround as you watch the leaders come back at you toward the finish. It\'s also cool to see everyone else behind you after you go through the turnaround and head back towards the finish yourself. The course was VERY flat - no noteworthy hills or inclines to deal with. This was <b>definitely </b>a pleasant course and a fun run.<br /><br />I\'ve run a number of 5K\'s, 5 Milers, and 10K\'s...but I\'ve never before run a <a href=\"http://www.usatf.org/Home.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">USATF (U.S.A. Track &amp; Field) Certified</a> 4 mile race, so this was a bit of a different experience. Even though this race was about 1/3 longer than a 5K (4 miles vs. 3.1) I still tried to run it like I would run a 5K - hard, fast, and aggressive. I also tried to treat it  like a 5K as far as walking was concerned (meaning DON\'T walk if I can  help it). Overall, it went pretty well. I finished in 31:55.4 - 7:59  min/mile and 182nd of 825 overall (21st /41 Open age group)! Not bad for  four miles, and not bad for not having run all week! Not to mention my  lack of sleep the night before...I\'d say I\'m satisfied! <br /><br />As I may have alluded to earlier...the post-race party at The Winner\'s Circle was a ton of fun - everyone got two beer tickets...but people just kept <b>giving</b> beer tickets to me! And the WCRC guys I was hanging out with kept bringing beer to the table and sliding some my way! I wasn\'t about to be rude and refuse, of course...<br /><br /><b>So 5 hours later</b> I left The Winner\'s Circle. <b>HAH</b>. What a fun day! I <b>highly</b> recommend this race to anyone looking for a good time on an unusual distance. Again, BIG thanks to Laurie and the folks at the <a href=\"http://www.runthecircle.org/\">Winner\'s Circle Running Club</a> for putting on a GREAT race!<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TvWeuVbIQo/UzkLEf3wTCI/AAAAAAAAGvs/xlbsiMRQq64/s1600/IMG_20140329_111229243_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">While We\'re Busy <i>Thanking </i>people... </span></b><br /><br />Most races I have someone there to support me - a friend, family member, etc. For this race my aunt Dorothy came out! Her husband (my uncle Joe) is an electrician and owns Flanagan Electric out of Newburyport, MA. Flanagan Electric was my sponsor for this race. I tried to be clever with my shirt and keep it \"electrical\" themed...I thought I did ok with \"Wired To Run\". I\'m very fortunate to be sponsored for so many races this year - my sponsors (and some generous RD\'s) are <b>literally</b> the <i>only</i> reason I am able to run this many races, so a <b>big thank you </b>to Flanagan Electric and my aunt and uncle is in order for making this race (and a few more to come) possible! If you\'re up in that neighborhood and need some electrical work done, call 978-463-4330 - Flanagan Electric does both residential and commercial. <b>Who Knows...</b>maybe I can get him to put together a website and/or a Facebook page! 21st Century, <i>here we come!</i> <br /><br /><b>On the topic of <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/p/sponsors.html\">Sponsors...</a></b><br /><br /><b>&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: large;\">ANNOUNCEMENT - I am a Team Armored Athlete!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMcJUTO6bpI/Uzlk1F2zpcI/AAAAAAAAGwA/fuu0T6R6eqA/s1600/00_armoredlogo15.png\" height=\"73\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>Just in case I couldn\'t consider myself one in the <i>traditional </i>sense before...<b>I am now officially a sponsored athlete!</b> I\'ve been picked up by www.ArmoredNutrition.com as one of their Team Armored Athletes! I am <b>beyond</b> excited to be a part of Team Armored and look forward to what will come in this new relationship! <a href=\"http://www.armorednutrition.com/Darrell-W-McTague_ep_54.html\" target=\"_blank\">You can check out my profile on Team Armored here!</a><br /><br /><b>I do my nutrition shopping at a combination </b>of brick-and-mortar store and online store. One of my sponsors prior to Armored is a brick and mortar nutrition store - I love them to death! Both have their benefits, and I\'m not saying to stop going to the brick-and-mortar (not at ALL)...both have their place... <br /><br /><b>That said - I really believe in Armored Nutrition and what they have going on!</b> They\'ve got incredible, honest customer service that\'s only a live chat or call away and their shipping is LIGHTNING quick! <a href=\"http://www.armorednutrition.com/About-Us_ep_7.html\">They have 7 warehouses across the country</a>, so they can ship orders to MOST places within one day. Couple that with their incredible effort to get it packed and shipped as fast as possible (often same-day) and its at your door before you have time to turn around! I\'ll have to do an article soon on the benefits of brick-and-mortar vs. online...hmm...anyway...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3eBQN6O8vY/UzlnW6DVFiI/AAAAAAAAGwM/Dxyz96llP8w/s1600/runarmored.png\" height=\"180\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>Check them out! </b>Give Armored Nutrition a try and support my new team! Not only do they have kick-ass service and shipping, but their prices are actually pretty good too.<br /><br /><b>You can use coupon code \"RunArmored\" for 5% off your order</b> to give them a whirl! Let them know Darrell sent you!<br /><br />Look for me running for <a href=\"http://www.armorednutrition.com/Team-Armored-Athletes_ep_45.html\">Team Armored</a> in the future! Can\'t wait to take this on the road and see how it goes! <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s the moral of the story here?</span></b><br /><br /><b>Get Out Of Your Own Way! </b>If you work hard, strive for it, and <b>put yourself out there</b> you <b>WILL </b>get what you\'re working for! I went through the list - it looks like, so far, <b>I\'ll be running 32 races this year. </b>Why on God\'s green earth would I do that? <b>Like I\'ve said before - </b>It\'s all about showing that <b>it CAN be done! </b><a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\">If I can go from a hopeless 300 lb lump</a> on the couch resigned to a life of mediocrity and health issues to becoming a sponsored runner...<b>there is no reason Joe Six-Pack can\'t get off the couch and start getting healthy!</b> <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\">I\'ve said it before</a> and I\'ll say it a million times more - <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOLOwqzhF0k/UzlptV8FThI/AAAAAAAAGwY/RS8QvucfAa4/s1600/lyl-photo-collage.jpg\" height=\"263\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The Only Limits We Truly Have Are The Ones We Set For Ourselves.</b></span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Stop limiting yourself, </span></b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">get out of your own way</span>, <b>and go get it!</b></span> Happy Motivational Monday :)','April Fool\'s 4 Miler Recap & Team Armored','','inherit','closed','closed','','72-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 22:05:46','2017-01-15 03:05:46','',72,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/72-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(73,1,'2014-03-24 13:59:00','2014-03-24 17:59:00','In two short weeks I\'m going to be doing something VERY silly. <b>Foolish</b>, even. It\'s called the Fool\'s Dual Challenge, and it\'s going to be the greatest test I\'ve put myself through so far.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VteV8kQRa0/UzAluwpZPoI/AAAAAAAAGs0/NRUrM7Dadfk/s1600/Fools_Dual_Logo_2013.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VteV8kQRa0/UzAluwpZPoI/AAAAAAAAGs0/NRUrM7Dadfk/s1600/Fools_Dual_Logo_2013.png\" height=\"165\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>That\'s Right.</b> <a href=\"http://www.yukanrun.com/Fools-Dual.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Fool\'s Dual Challenge</a> features both Half Marathon AND 5K road races. <i>\"What\'s wrong with that?\" </i>you might ask? <i>\"Plenty of races feature more than one distance.\"</i> - you would be correct.<b> </b>But this is the Fool\'s Dual <b>Challenge</b>...so of course, I\'ll be running <b>both.</b> <i>\"So? There are race challenges that feature more than one race in a weekend! Disney, for instance! Dopey Challenge, anyone?\"</i> Yes, that\'s fair, there <b>ARE</b> challenges like that...but those are back to back days...<br /><br /><b>And this is back to back in the same morning.</b> <br /><br />Therein lies the key difference :)<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b>I\'ll probably hate myself for this</b>...but I HAD to do it! I mean, <b>come on!</b> What a unique concept! I\'ve never seen a race challenge that has you go back to back races <b>in the same day!</b> That\'s just silly! So of course, <b>I had to go for it</b>. <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Who would put this together? Crazy People?!</span></b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUh7z0JC77c/UzAoBtLqR_I/AAAAAAAAGtE/DN7hrmhmGx4/s1600/yukanrunlogo.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUh7z0JC77c/UzAoBtLqR_I/AAAAAAAAGtE/DN7hrmhmGx4/s1600/yukanrunlogo.png\" height=\"89\" width=\"320\" /></a>The race management company that put together this insane test of willpower and endurance is <br /><a href=\"http://yukanrun.com/\">YuKanRun.com</a>.Of course, with an idea this incredible and unique...<b>this is not the only race like this they do</b>. As a matter of fact, every race they put on is structured like this! YuKanRun.com is based out of Rockport, MA, and that\'s the general neighborhood in which it seems all their races take place (Gloucester, Rockport, etc). This is GREAT NEWS for runners...you\'ll get some stunning views along the race courses - this is something I\'m REALLY coming to appreciate as a runner. It seems YuKanRun.com really wants to offer athletes a new, unique challenge, but they cater to everyone! If you aren\'t quite foolish enough for both races back to back, you can do just the 5K, or just the 13.1! But I digress...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">How does this <i>work</i>...exactly?</span></b><br /><br />The morning of April 6th, 2014 I will show up at O\'Malley Middle School in Gloucester, MA (early of course) to pick up my packet. When 8 am comes, the gun goes off and we start the 5K. Once we finish, it\'s time to try to stretch, rest, recuperate, re-fuel, re-hydrate and find a port-o-potty...because once 9 am hits, the gun goes off and the half marathon starts!<br /><br /><b>Yes, that\'s right - the 5K starts at 8 am and the 13.1 starts at 9 am. </b>That means I\'ll have about a half hour to \"rest\". YIKES! I think that might be the craziest part of the whole thing - how close together these races are! Presumably, that means the only people who would be <b>crazy </b>enough to do this challenge are people that can finish a 5K in a half hour or better.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jpa_oCrNDw/UzA0fKTbRzI/AAAAAAAAGtQ/b0lOjua_ZI0/s1600/FoolsDualTshirtMockup.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jpa_oCrNDw/UzA0fKTbRzI/AAAAAAAAGtQ/b0lOjua_ZI0/s1600/FoolsDualTshirtMockup.jpg\" height=\"361\" width=\"400\" /></a><b>You get some pretty sweet swag for running, though! </b>All participants (5K, 13.1, and Fool\'s Dual Challenge) get this sweet shirt, 13.1 runners get a finisher\'s medal, and those doing the Challenge get what I\'m told is a <i>sweet </i>running visor. Not sure if I\'ll actually wear it running since I usually just go with a sweatband, but I\'ll proudly hang it from my medal rack (which I\'ve yet to buy/make...). <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What about the race courses themselves?</span></b><br /><br />I looked at the maps they offer online - the 5K looks to be a nice little loop...should be a very pleasant run with some great scenery! The half-marathon is an out-and-back course - both half-marathons I\'ve run were loops, so this should be interesting. I didn\'t take the time to try to do math on the elevation, but it looks like there\'s some incline to deal with - especially going to and coming back from the turnaround. We\'ll see how THAT goes! All in all, though, the courses seem to offer a great morning of running with some great scenery all day long.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I\'m not worried about the half-marathon...</b></span><br /><br />Believe it or not, the biggest challenge in this whole thing, I think, is going to be the 5K. I\'ve said before (and I imagine others feel the same) that when I\'m going into a race, I come into it with a different mindset and attitude based on the distance. I\'m mentally prepared for a 5K, so I go out running a 5K pace. If I\'m running a half-marathon, I go out mentally prepared for it, ready to endure the distance, pace myself, monitor my pace and time each mile and adjust accordingly...<br /><br /><b>But I don\'t know how to do two different ends of the spectrum in one day.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />This is TOTALLY new ground for me! I have to admit, I\'m a little worried I\'m gonna gas myself during the 5K and run out of steam during the half! As I think about the coming challenge, I look back on my experience <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\" target=\"_blank\">the weekend of the Hyannis Half-Marathon</a>. That weekend, I did something I thought was very silly - I ran the Frosty Knuckle 5K+ on Saturday and the Hyannis Half on Sunday - <b>BACK TO BACK RACES!</b> I knew I was going to have to pace myself and take it easy on the 5K that Saturday...I KNEW I had to...and I found myself going hard on the first mile. I had to force myself to slow down, and I <b>still</b> ended up placing 3rd in my age group! Yes, I know, I sound like a spoiled little whiner (wah wah, I placed in my age group!)...but honestly - I could\'ve blown my chance at a 13.1 PR the next day! Fortunately, I didn\'t...I got my sub-2 hour half.<br /><br /><b>The worry is, though...</b> If I had that hard of a time pacing myself in the 5K <i>the day before </i>the half...how am I going to do when they\'re <b>the same morning</b>? It\'s a mental thing - I\'m going in prepared to run a 5K...and I\'m afraid I\'m going to do my thing and <b>run a 5K</b>. <br /><br />What I need to do is run it like it\'s a 3.1 mile warm-up. Someone told me something very smart - <b>treat the 5K as if it were the last 3.1 miles of the half-marathon...</b>because that\'s where it\'s gonna either help me or hurt me. I have to very carefully monitor my pace, just like I would at the end of a half.<br /><br /><b>But I\'m rambling...</b><br /><br /><b>Suffice it to say - </b>this is easily going to be my greatest challenge to date. If you want to take this on with me, visit <a href=\"http://www.yukanrun.com/\">www.YuKanRun.com</a>. Only the crazy need apply for the challenge, but if you\'re interested in a fun 5K or a great 13.1, go for it! I\'ll let you know how it goes :)<b> <br /></b>Happy Motivational Monday, indeed!<br /><br /><br />','I\'m Getting Foolish...5K + 13.1','','publish','open','open','','im-getting-foolish-5k-13-1','','','2017-01-08 20:53:47','2017-01-09 01:53:47','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=73',0,'post','',0),(74,1,'2014-03-21 15:38:00','2014-03-21 19:38:00','Well that was a fun couple of weekends! Took a break from  half-marathoning (is that a word?) for a month and did a fun couple of  5K\'s!<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1klLWMlBucQ/UyWfOh67JnI/AAAAAAAAGno/Tjn-IxzXU7w/s1600/march5kbibs.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1klLWMlBucQ/UyWfOh67JnI/AAAAAAAAGno/Tjn-IxzXU7w/s1600/march5kbibs.jpg\" height=\"155\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>Smuttynose  Palooza 5K and Pace To A Pint 5K in the books! I guess I was having so  much fun I forgot to do a recap for SmuttyPalooza! And then didn\'t  manage to get this article posted till the following Friday... Whoopsie :).  Anyway...These races were just slightly different than other races I\'ve  run...in a few ways...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />So, like I said  - these two races were a TON of fun! There was a different atmosphere  about them than other races I\'ve run...Let\'s break it down race by race,  shall we?<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Let\'s talk about <a href=\"http://smuttynose-palooza.com/\" target=\"_blank\">SmuttyPalooza</a></span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xwLuTM6Gak/UymCf68HUUI/AAAAAAAAGqY/fYgwZNPzf74/s1600/smuttypalooza.gif\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xwLuTM6Gak/UymCf68HUUI/AAAAAAAAGqY/fYgwZNPzf74/s1600/smuttypalooza.gif\" height=\"146\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlTIroeWPvw/Uywp-m_K8UI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/4XPNyYpmBAc/s1600/eclipxshirtpic.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlTIroeWPvw/Uywp-m_K8UI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/4XPNyYpmBAc/s1600/eclipxshirtpic.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"181\" /></a><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">&nbsp;</span></b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">OH MY...SmuttyPalooza...</span></b><span style=\"font-size: small;\"> WHERE to begin... This race was a TON of fun. I ran this race for Natalie at <a href=\"http://www.eclipxhair.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Eclipx Salon</a> (in Salisbury, MA). Smuttynose Palooza was put on by <a href=\"http://www.locoraces.com/\" target=\"_blank\">LOCO Racing</a> - a \"for-runners by-runners\" race management company out of New Hampshire. It was up at Salisbury  Beach, which is actually where the Frosty Knuckle 5K+ was just a few  weeks prior! Not only that, but the course itself actually traveled  through Salisbury Beach Reservation along part of the same course Frosty  Knuckle used!&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHYEobdLSe8/UymDlBcdtDI/AAAAAAAAGqo/dB9E_pwjqv0/s1600/smuttypalooza+course.gif\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHYEobdLSe8/UymDlBcdtDI/AAAAAAAAGqo/dB9E_pwjqv0/s1600/smuttypalooza+course.gif\" height=\"245\" width=\"400\" /></a></span><br />I  have to say, it WAS a really nice course - the scenery was picturesque.  Salisbury Beach Reservation, as the LOCO race  company folks like to point out, is one of the most popular ocean  beaches in the state. There were LOTS of birdwatchers camped out with  their cameras and binoculars looking over the salt marshes....I can  safely say that\'s the only place I\'ve seen that in real life. It was  like something out of Discovery Channel.<br /><br />You can tell from the picture...it was an \"out-and-back\" course -  meaning you run out to a certain point, turn around, and run back to  where you started. Typically, \"Out-and-back\" courses can drive some  people crazy...but they don\'t really bother me all that much (maybe  because that\'s how I train). I also find it kind of fun to see the  leaders on their way back as I\'m almost at the turnaround...and I LOVE  running by 80 - 90% of the runners as I\'m on MY way back to the finish  line. An \"out-and-back\" course also allows you to know exactly where you  stand, so to speak, in terms of getting back to the finish. Oftentimes  on a \"loop\" course you can\'t really keep track of where exactly you are  unless you see a mile marker, and even then you can get \"lost\"  in-between mile markers...but once I hit the turnaround? I know <b>exactly </b>where I am and how far it is to the finish. The course was also incredibly flat, which I was thrilled about (I was shooting for a new 5K PR).<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mspxwqkiJZ8/Uyml8QGEeNI/AAAAAAAAGq4/DDPKvHmRUMU/s1600/IMG_20140308_082222428.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mspxwqkiJZ8/Uyml8QGEeNI/AAAAAAAAGq4/DDPKvHmRUMU/s1600/IMG_20140308_082222428.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>I was very disappointed with myself in this race.</b> I took a walk break. I took TWO very short walk breaks. I usually NEVER  walk during a 5K...one of my proudest moments was the first time I was  able to run 3 miles without stopping, and now I take pride in running  3.1 mile <b>races</b> without stopping...CONSISTENTLY. This day, I was  pushing myself very hard, and I think there might\'ve been a headwind or  something...but close to the 2 mile marker...I felt like I <b>had</b> to walk for a second...and as I did it...I said to myself I\'d be SO upset if <b>this</b> is what cost me a PR.<br /><br />I came in at 24:14...my 5K PR is 23:57. <b>I missed it by 17 seconds.</b> I knew it before I turned the corner and saw the big LED clock. I was pretty disappointed for a few minutes...but then I got over it because 24:14 is still <b>pretty damn good!</b><br /><br /><b>Remember how I said these races were a bit different?</b> Well, if you notice...the name of the race includes \"karaoke contest\". Once you finished the race and had some water and pizza outside...you go into the Blue Ocean Pavillion (entrance pictured above) for the beer (yay) and karaoke!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/aiEo4Dk2l8E\" width=\"560\"></iframe>As a sidenote - I\'ve learned&nbsp; that races and beer <b>generally</b> happen one of three ways - as a runner you either get no free beer, one (or two) free beer(s), or they just keep on pouring beer until it\'s either gone or the party\'s over. With a karaoke contest and a name like \"SmuttyPalooza\"...I think you can figure out which of the three it was (spoiler alert - 3rd option). It was SUPER fun. I definitely didn\'t do any karaoke, but those guys in the video above sure did...and MAN were they into it! The crowd went nuts when the music started playing for this one. <br /><br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxGoTB28hvY/UymDM56T6rI/AAAAAAAAGqg/B2sZAQIpAu0/s1600/IMG_20140308_082013377.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxGoTB28hvY/UymDM56T6rI/AAAAAAAAGqg/B2sZAQIpAu0/s1600/IMG_20140308_082013377.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a><br /><b><a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\" target=\"_blank\">When I was talking about Frosty Knuckle 5K+</a> </b>I mentioned Salisbury Beach looked like some kind of abandoned, creepy beach pavilion out of Zombieland or something, right? Check out that pic to the left. If you open it up and look, you can kind of get the idea. The area, specifically, that I was talking about was at the end of this street and to the right - right along the beachfront. It was WEIRD. I\'m sure it\'s very nice in the summer though...but with no people in the winter...creep city.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What About Pace To A Pint?</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDRo6vm2SWQ/UyRG-gsCPxI/AAAAAAAAGnA/WZklBFym6E0/s1600/pacetoapint10afinalol.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDRo6vm2SWQ/UyRG-gsCPxI/AAAAAAAAGnA/WZklBFym6E0/s1600/pacetoapint10afinalol.jpg\" height=\"193\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b><a href=\"http://www.wickedawesomeproductions.com/pace-to-a-pint/\" target=\"_blank\">Pace To A Pint 5K</a> was also super fun!</b> I ran this one for <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner </a>(it\'s right in town!), and wore, again, what has probably become one of my new favorite running shirts :). Supplement/nutrition stores DON\'T have to be ALL about muscle and bulk, y\'know! <a href=\"http://www.capecodnutrition.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">RUN CCNC!</a><br /><br /><b>ANYWAY - </b>this race was St. Patrick\'s Day themed, so just about everyone there was wearing green and ready to drink. Then there\'s me...in a bright orange tank.Guess it was easy for my friends and family to spot me! <b>This race was a little special for me...</b> Why, you ask?<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFiMoq2JaEY/UyxEPtNCyRI/AAAAAAAAGrw/r4T1HwLu0xo/s1600/IMG_20140315_114552726_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFiMoq2JaEY/UyxEPtNCyRI/AAAAAAAAGrw/r4T1HwLu0xo/s1600/IMG_20140315_114552726_HDR.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>MEGAN RAN!</b><br /><br /><br />I was SO stoked to have her out there with me! We may not have run side by side the whole time, but we were both out there slogging through it \"together\" :). We DID start together, and I was there to see her finish. It is SO nice to be able to share this fitness journey with her and to do things like this together. If your significant other is in it with you, ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT, and if they\'re not...encourage them to get into it! If you can do it, so can they! Why shouldn\'t they enjoy it with you? <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\" target=\"_blank\">Megan and I started this whole thing together</a> - not everyone does. My dad held out for a long time - for almost a year my mom was doing the workouts with us before he finally joined in. It\'s important to share something that\'s such a big part of your lifestyle. <br /><b></b><br /><b>I should probably get off the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soapbox\" target=\"_blank\">soapbox</a> now...</b><br /><br /><b>I\'m sure you noticed my bib number...13. </b>Lucky number 13. How about that, huh? The only bad luck I ended up having was at the start. Megan and I pretty much missed the boat on the starting corral thing...We had just switched her to a new phone, and we had never opened the Runkeeper app before (whoops). For some reason, it didn\'t want to log in for her, so she had to run without Runkeeper in her ear tracking her run :(. We DID manage to get her music playing by the time we crossed the start though. In the end, we didn\'t get into the starting corral until they were getting ready to blow the gun, so we ended up at the back of the pack. <b>Literally...the back of the pack.</b> We were in the back of just over 1,000 runners. Don\'t believe me? Below is the video my dad took of the start.<br /><b> </b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/FIZjym93OCI\" width=\"560\"></iframe><b>&nbsp;</b><br /><b>See? Literally, </b>1:14 after the gun, Megan and I get across. Remember that big crowd that started before me and save that for later... By the way, sorry about the finger in the cam - he just got a new GoPro and he hasn\'t quite figured out how to use it yet. <b>GOOD NEWS - </b>I\'ll be taking that GoPro on <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/03/mayhem-time-to-get-muddy.html\" target=\"_blank\">obstacle races</a> :)<br /><br /><b>Because we started this race in the back of the pack I experienced something I haven\'t dealt with since last year\'s <a href=\"http://www.finishatthe50.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Finish at the 50 10K</a> - </b>I had to fight through a crowd! I\'ve gotten into the habit of beginning a race as close to the starting line as possible. <b>I don\'t care</b> if 100 people blow by me in the first 5 minutes - it\'s worth it to me not to have to fight through a crowd, picking my way through the gaps. Doing that expends a LOT of energy, and with all the slow-downs and speed-ups you end up going AT BEST the average speed you really <b>want</b> to go anyway...it just takes more out of you to do it. Worst case, you blow a lot of energy and end up finishing the race slower than you could\'ve. UNFORTUNATELY, the latter is what happened to me. <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MH3P3PG8JpM/UyxQmNmJlTI/AAAAAAAAGsE/EReFCc7LRXw/s1600/pacetoapintbib.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MH3P3PG8JpM/UyxQmNmJlTI/AAAAAAAAGsE/EReFCc7LRXw/s1600/pacetoapintbib.jpg\" height=\"196\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>I ended up finishing in 24:24</b>, a 7:51 minute/mile average. Overall, that\'s not an awful time. It\'s almost 30 seconds slower than my PR, which is kind of a bummer, but at least I came in under 25 minutes. <b>Now, here\'s the fun part: </b>I finished 128th out of 1,024 overall, placing me in the top 11.7%. I came in 25th out of 84 in my age group (19 - 29). Remember that MASSIVE crowd that all crossed the starting line before me? <b>I passed the vast majority of them.&nbsp;</b> So much for UN-lucky number 13 huh? HAH.<br /><br /><b>What made THIS race different was the post-race celebration.</b><br /><br />You got a ticket for a free Harpoon beer. You were able to use that ticket at any of <b>9 participating bars. </b>For real? SO basically the post race party was one big bar crawl. It was a lot of fun! Two of my <a href=\"http://www.deltachi.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Delta Chi brothers</a> (college fraternity) met up with us too! <br />&nbsp; <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGcOjiGrW98/UyxUeuHxyzI/AAAAAAAAGsY/_ybXT6C4org/s1600/IMG_20140315_150829030.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGcOjiGrW98/UyxUeuHxyzI/AAAAAAAAGsY/_ybXT6C4org/s1600/IMG_20140315_150829030.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>What I\'m coming to appreciate about 5K\'s is...aside from the elites out in front...it\'s more of a party than anything. <b>5K\'s are a social event.</b> I\'m not diminishing the distance as a race, but honestly, most 5K\'s I participate in are more of a fun social event / party than anything else! Once I realized that, things like color runs, electric / glow runs, zombie runs, etc all made sense. It\'s <b>fun</b>. It\'s all about <b>FUN!</b> Those hundreds of people I passed and finished before? Most of them <b>probably don\'t care that they got passed</b>.<b> </b>Many of them <b>probably aren\'t bothered </b>if they come in over 30 minutes, or if they walk. <b>That\'s not what it\'s about for them</b>. Most people also typically choose a 5K as their first race, so they\'re out there making a huge accomplishment, and SO WHAT if they\'re \"slow\"...they DID IT. All of these people have embraced something that I sometimes forget as I get lost in the competitiveness of it all - <b>it\'s about having fun and enjoying the run.</b> <br /><br /><b>All of this makes me love the 5K distance even more.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />It\'s about <b>having a good time. </b>It\'s about <b>enjoying running</b>.&nbsp;<b> </b>It\'s about <b>doing it</b>. I need to make sure to remember that when I\'m out there. Why am I out there pounding pavement when I could be at work making money, or at home relaxing? <b>Because I enjoy it</b>. Running is my \"me time\". I need to let go of the competitive thing once in a while and just <b>go</b>. <br /><br />Speaking of which...I think I\'m gonna <b>go </b>right now. I just inspired myself to go run. Are <b>you</b> gonna get out there? It IS spring now, after all! HAPPY FRIDAY!','5K Recap - SmuttyPalooza & Pace To A Pint','','publish','open','open','','5k-recap-smuttypalooza-pace-to-a-pint','','','2017-01-18 07:42:11','2017-01-18 12:42:11','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=74',0,'post','',0),(679,1,'2017-01-14 22:08:11','2017-01-15 03:08:11','Well that was a fun couple of weekends! Took a break from  half-marathoning (is that a word?) for a month and did a fun couple of  5K\'s!<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1klLWMlBucQ/UyWfOh67JnI/AAAAAAAAGno/Tjn-IxzXU7w/s1600/march5kbibs.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1klLWMlBucQ/UyWfOh67JnI/AAAAAAAAGno/Tjn-IxzXU7w/s1600/march5kbibs.jpg\" height=\"155\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>Smuttynose  Palooza 5K and Pace To A Pint 5K in the books! I guess I was having so  much fun I forgot to do a recap for SmuttyPalooza! And then didn\'t  manage to get this article posted till the following Friday... Whoopsie :).  Anyway...These races were just slightly different than other races I\'ve  run...in a few ways...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />So, like I said  - these two races were a TON of fun! There was a different atmosphere  about them than other races I\'ve run...Let\'s break it down race by race,  shall we?<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Let\'s talk about <a href=\"http://smuttynose-palooza.com/\" target=\"_blank\">SmuttyPalooza</a></span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xwLuTM6Gak/UymCf68HUUI/AAAAAAAAGqY/fYgwZNPzf74/s1600/smuttypalooza.gif\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xwLuTM6Gak/UymCf68HUUI/AAAAAAAAGqY/fYgwZNPzf74/s1600/smuttypalooza.gif\" height=\"146\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlTIroeWPvw/Uywp-m_K8UI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/4XPNyYpmBAc/s1600/eclipxshirtpic.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlTIroeWPvw/Uywp-m_K8UI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/4XPNyYpmBAc/s1600/eclipxshirtpic.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"181\" /></a><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">&nbsp;</span></b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">OH MY...SmuttyPalooza...</span></b><span style=\"font-size: small;\"> WHERE to begin... This race was a TON of fun. I ran this race for Natalie at <a href=\"http://www.eclipxhair.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Eclipx Salon</a> (in Salisbury, MA). Smuttynose Palooza was put on by <a href=\"http://www.locoraces.com/\" target=\"_blank\">LOCO Racing</a> - a \"for-runners by-runners\" race management company out of New Hampshire. It was up at Salisbury  Beach, which is actually where the Frosty Knuckle 5K+ was just a few  weeks prior! Not only that, but the course itself actually traveled  through Salisbury Beach Reservation along part of the same course Frosty  Knuckle used!&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHYEobdLSe8/UymDlBcdtDI/AAAAAAAAGqo/dB9E_pwjqv0/s1600/smuttypalooza+course.gif\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHYEobdLSe8/UymDlBcdtDI/AAAAAAAAGqo/dB9E_pwjqv0/s1600/smuttypalooza+course.gif\" height=\"245\" width=\"400\" /></a></span><br />I  have to say, it WAS a really nice course - the scenery was picturesque.  Salisbury Beach Reservation, as the LOCO race  company folks like to point out, is one of the most popular ocean  beaches in the state. There were LOTS of birdwatchers camped out with  their cameras and binoculars looking over the salt marshes....I can  safely say that\'s the only place I\'ve seen that in real life. It was  like something out of Discovery Channel.<br /><br />You can tell from the picture...it was an \"out-and-back\" course -  meaning you run out to a certain point, turn around, and run back to  where you started. Typically, \"Out-and-back\" courses can drive some  people crazy...but they don\'t really bother me all that much (maybe  because that\'s how I train). I also find it kind of fun to see the  leaders on their way back as I\'m almost at the turnaround...and I LOVE  running by 80 - 90% of the runners as I\'m on MY way back to the finish  line. An \"out-and-back\" course also allows you to know exactly where you  stand, so to speak, in terms of getting back to the finish. Oftentimes  on a \"loop\" course you can\'t really keep track of where exactly you are  unless you see a mile marker, and even then you can get \"lost\"  in-between mile markers...but once I hit the turnaround? I know <b>exactly </b>where I am and how far it is to the finish. The course was also incredibly flat, which I was thrilled about (I was shooting for a new 5K PR).<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mspxwqkiJZ8/Uyml8QGEeNI/AAAAAAAAGq4/DDPKvHmRUMU/s1600/IMG_20140308_082222428.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mspxwqkiJZ8/Uyml8QGEeNI/AAAAAAAAGq4/DDPKvHmRUMU/s1600/IMG_20140308_082222428.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>I was very disappointed with myself in this race.</b> I took a walk break. I took TWO very short walk breaks. I usually NEVER  walk during a 5K...one of my proudest moments was the first time I was  able to run 3 miles without stopping, and now I take pride in running  3.1 mile <b>races</b> without stopping...CONSISTENTLY. This day, I was  pushing myself very hard, and I think there might\'ve been a headwind or  something...but close to the 2 mile marker...I felt like I <b>had</b> to walk for a second...and as I did it...I said to myself I\'d be SO upset if <b>this</b> is what cost me a PR.<br /><br />I came in at 24:14...my 5K PR is 23:57. <b>I missed it by 17 seconds.</b> I knew it before I turned the corner and saw the big LED clock. I was pretty disappointed for a few minutes...but then I got over it because 24:14 is still <b>pretty damn good!</b><br /><br /><b>Remember how I said these races were a bit different?</b> Well, if you notice...the name of the race includes \"karaoke contest\". Once you finished the race and had some water and pizza outside...you go into the Blue Ocean Pavillion (entrance pictured above) for the beer (yay) and karaoke!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/aiEo4Dk2l8E\" width=\"560\"></iframe>As a sidenote - I\'ve learned&nbsp; that races and beer <b>generally</b> happen one of three ways - as a runner you either get no free beer, one (or two) free beer(s), or they just keep on pouring beer until it\'s either gone or the party\'s over. With a karaoke contest and a name like \"SmuttyPalooza\"...I think you can figure out which of the three it was (spoiler alert - 3rd option). It was SUPER fun. I definitely didn\'t do any karaoke, but those guys in the video above sure did...and MAN were they into it! The crowd went nuts when the music started playing for this one. <br /><br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxGoTB28hvY/UymDM56T6rI/AAAAAAAAGqg/B2sZAQIpAu0/s1600/IMG_20140308_082013377.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxGoTB28hvY/UymDM56T6rI/AAAAAAAAGqg/B2sZAQIpAu0/s1600/IMG_20140308_082013377.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a><br /><b><a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\" target=\"_blank\">When I was talking about Frosty Knuckle 5K+</a> </b>I mentioned Salisbury Beach looked like some kind of abandoned, creepy beach pavilion out of Zombieland or something, right? Check out that pic to the left. If you open it up and look, you can kind of get the idea. The area, specifically, that I was talking about was at the end of this street and to the right - right along the beachfront. It was WEIRD. I\'m sure it\'s very nice in the summer though...but with no people in the winter...creep city.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What About Pace To A Pint?</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDRo6vm2SWQ/UyRG-gsCPxI/AAAAAAAAGnA/WZklBFym6E0/s1600/pacetoapint10afinalol.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDRo6vm2SWQ/UyRG-gsCPxI/AAAAAAAAGnA/WZklBFym6E0/s1600/pacetoapint10afinalol.jpg\" height=\"193\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b><a href=\"http://www.wickedawesomeproductions.com/pace-to-a-pint/\" target=\"_blank\">Pace To A Pint 5K</a> was also super fun!</b> I ran this one for <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner </a>(it\'s right in town!), and wore, again, what has probably become one of my new favorite running shirts :). Supplement/nutrition stores DON\'T have to be ALL about muscle and bulk, y\'know! <a href=\"http://www.capecodnutrition.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">RUN CCNC!</a><br /><br /><b>ANYWAY - </b>this race was St. Patrick\'s Day themed, so just about everyone there was wearing green and ready to drink. Then there\'s me...in a bright orange tank.Guess it was easy for my friends and family to spot me! <b>This race was a little special for me...</b> Why, you ask?<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFiMoq2JaEY/UyxEPtNCyRI/AAAAAAAAGrw/r4T1HwLu0xo/s1600/IMG_20140315_114552726_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFiMoq2JaEY/UyxEPtNCyRI/AAAAAAAAGrw/r4T1HwLu0xo/s1600/IMG_20140315_114552726_HDR.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>MEGAN RAN!</b><br /><br /><br />I was SO stoked to have her out there with me! We may not have run side by side the whole time, but we were both out there slogging through it \"together\" :). We DID start together, and I was there to see her finish. It is SO nice to be able to share this fitness journey with her and to do things like this together. If your significant other is in it with you, ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT, and if they\'re not...encourage them to get into it! If you can do it, so can they! Why shouldn\'t they enjoy it with you? <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\" target=\"_blank\">Megan and I started this whole thing together</a> - not everyone does. My dad held out for a long time - for almost a year my mom was doing the workouts with us before he finally joined in. It\'s important to share something that\'s such a big part of your lifestyle. <br /><b></b><br /><b>I should probably get off the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soapbox\" target=\"_blank\">soapbox</a> now...</b><br /><br /><b>I\'m sure you noticed my bib number...13. </b>Lucky number 13. How about that, huh? The only bad luck I ended up having was at the start. Megan and I pretty much missed the boat on the starting corral thing...We had just switched her to a new phone, and we had never opened the Runkeeper app before (whoops). For some reason, it didn\'t want to log in for her, so she had to run without Runkeeper in her ear tracking her run :(. We DID manage to get her music playing by the time we crossed the start though. In the end, we didn\'t get into the starting corral until they were getting ready to blow the gun, so we ended up at the back of the pack. <b>Literally...the back of the pack.</b> We were in the back of just over 1,000 runners. Don\'t believe me? Below is the video my dad took of the start.<br /><b> </b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/FIZjym93OCI\" width=\"560\"></iframe><b>&nbsp;</b><br /><b>See? Literally, </b>1:14 after the gun, Megan and I get across. Remember that big crowd that started before me and save that for later... By the way, sorry about the finger in the cam - he just got a new GoPro and he hasn\'t quite figured out how to use it yet. <b>GOOD NEWS - </b>I\'ll be taking that GoPro on <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/03/mayhem-time-to-get-muddy.html\" target=\"_blank\">obstacle races</a> :)<br /><br /><b>Because we started this race in the back of the pack I experienced something I haven\'t dealt with since last year\'s <a href=\"http://www.finishatthe50.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Finish at the 50 10K</a> - </b>I had to fight through a crowd! I\'ve gotten into the habit of beginning a race as close to the starting line as possible. <b>I don\'t care</b> if 100 people blow by me in the first 5 minutes - it\'s worth it to me not to have to fight through a crowd, picking my way through the gaps. Doing that expends a LOT of energy, and with all the slow-downs and speed-ups you end up going AT BEST the average speed you really <b>want</b> to go anyway...it just takes more out of you to do it. Worst case, you blow a lot of energy and end up finishing the race slower than you could\'ve. UNFORTUNATELY, the latter is what happened to me. <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MH3P3PG8JpM/UyxQmNmJlTI/AAAAAAAAGsE/EReFCc7LRXw/s1600/pacetoapintbib.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MH3P3PG8JpM/UyxQmNmJlTI/AAAAAAAAGsE/EReFCc7LRXw/s1600/pacetoapintbib.jpg\" height=\"196\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>I ended up finishing in 24:24</b>, a 7:51 minute/mile average. Overall, that\'s not an awful time. It\'s almost 30 seconds slower than my PR, which is kind of a bummer, but at least I came in under 25 minutes. <b>Now, here\'s the fun part: </b>I finished 128th out of 1,024 overall, placing me in the top 11.7%. I came in 25th out of 84 in my age group (19 - 29). Remember that MASSIVE crowd that all crossed the starting line before me? <b>I passed the vast majority of them.&nbsp;</b> So much for UN-lucky number 13 huh? HAH.<br /><br /><b>What made THIS race different was the post-race celebration.</b><br /><br />You got a ticket for a free Harpoon beer. You were able to use that ticket at any of <b>9 participating bars. </b>For real? SO basically the post race party was one big bar crawl. It was a lot of fun! Two of my <a href=\"http://www.deltachi.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Delta Chi brothers</a> (college fraternity) met up with us too! <br />&nbsp; <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGcOjiGrW98/UyxUeuHxyzI/AAAAAAAAGsY/_ybXT6C4org/s1600/IMG_20140315_150829030.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGcOjiGrW98/UyxUeuHxyzI/AAAAAAAAGsY/_ybXT6C4org/s1600/IMG_20140315_150829030.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>What I\'m coming to appreciate about 5K\'s is...aside from the elites out in front...it\'s more of a party than anything. <b>5K\'s are a social event.</b> I\'m not diminishing the distance as a race, but honestly, most 5K\'s I participate in are more of a fun social event / party than anything else! Once I realized that, things like color runs, electric / glow runs, zombie runs, etc all made sense. It\'s <b>fun</b>. It\'s all about <b>FUN!</b> Those hundreds of people I passed and finished before? Most of them <b>probably don\'t care that they got passed</b>.<b> </b>Many of them <b>probably aren\'t bothered </b>if they come in over 30 minutes, or if they walk. <b>That\'s not what it\'s about for them</b>. Most people also typically choose a 5K as their first race, so they\'re out there making a huge accomplishment, and SO WHAT if they\'re \"slow\"...they DID IT. All of these people have embraced something that I sometimes forget as I get lost in the competitiveness of it all - <b>it\'s about having fun and enjoying the run.</b> <br /><br /><b>All of this makes me love the 5K distance even more.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />It\'s about <b>having a good time. </b>It\'s about <b>enjoying running</b>.&nbsp;<b> </b>It\'s about <b>doing it</b>. I need to make sure to remember that when I\'m out there. Why am I out there pounding pavement when I could be at work making money, or at home relaxing? <b>Because I enjoy it</b>. Running is my \"me time\". I need to let go of the competitive thing once in a while and just <b>go</b>. <br /><br />Speaking of which...I think I\'m gonna <b>go </b>right now. I just inspired myself to go run. Are <b>you</b> gonna get out there? It IS spring now, after all! HAPPY FRIDAY!','5K Recap - SmuttyPalooza & Pace To A Pint','','inherit','closed','closed','','74-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 22:08:11','2017-01-15 03:08:11','',74,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/74-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(75,1,'2014-03-15 12:48:00','2014-03-15 16:48:00','SO just a quick update here. It\'s race day! Again. hah. Yes, at this point I\'m running 25 (probably more) races this year, so it seems like every other weekend is race day! TODAY is a fun one - <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qDRo6vm2SWQ/UyRG-gsCPxI/AAAAAAAAGm8/Fw6225QgGZM/s1600/pacetoapint10afinalol.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qDRo6vm2SWQ/UyRG-gsCPxI/AAAAAAAAGm8/Fw6225QgGZM/s1600/pacetoapint10afinalol.jpg\" height=\"192\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>Pace To A Pint! This\'ll just be a quick update (quick compared to some of my other posts...) about what\'s been going on, why I haven\'t been writing much, and how CRAZY life is about to get. <br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So THIS is new ground...</span></b><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&nbsp;</span></b> <br />Considering I only started running at the end of last March, and my first 5K ever was last May...I\'ve obviously never run a St. Patrick\'s day race before! This should be interesting! I\'ll give more details in the post-race recap (probably tomorrow) but for basics, it\'s a 5K race right at the Plymouth, MA waterfront! The race starts and ends right near Plymouth Rock, so there should be some great scenery along Plymouth\'s historic downtown area and waterfront. After the race there\'s a big post-race party - 9 pubs are participating! They really know how to get down with the get down at this race! Each runner gets a ticket for one free Harpoon beer, to be used at their choice of bar (figures they\'re not giving away tons of freebies on a St. Pat\'s race, huh?). <b>more on that later</b>.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I\'ve been a busy little bee lately...</b></span><br /><br />And as such, my posting has suffered! Life is crazy - volunteering for my college fraternity (Delta Chi), work, running, wedding planning...lions and tigers and bears OH MY! So, naturally, things fall by the wayside...including, unfortunately, my posting. That should be changing soon - and it simply HAS to...because I have lots of BIG updates to share!<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Oh, and a <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/running-playlist\" target=\"_blank\">playlist update</a>!</span></b><br /><br />So, I\'ve updated my running playlist - <b>I\'d like to repeat my disclaimer:</b> Just because it\'s on my running playlist <b>DOES NOT </b>mean I actually listen to it in real life. I\'m sure you\'ll figure out which songs I mean. As has been the case before, everything 146 BPM and faster is also on a special \"sprint\" playlist for 5K\'s and maybe 10K\'s. Check out the additions and let me know what you think! Some of them might not stick...just kinda tryin\' it out. We shall see. <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/running-playlist\" target=\"_blank\">You can see the full, updated playlist sorted by BPM here.</a><br /><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWPvK0Cwh3E\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">110 BPM - The All-American Rejects - Night Drive</a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWPvK0Cwh3E\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">126 BPM - Demi Lovato - Neon Lights</a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWPvK0Cwh3E\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">127 BPM - Nicki Minaj - Va Va Voom</a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWPvK0Cwh3E\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">128 BPM - Martin Garrix - Animals (Original Mix)&nbsp; </a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pCUuwgMbXA\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">128 BPM - Avicii - Hey Brother (Syn Cole Remix)</a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llyiQ4I-mcQ\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">136 BPM - Vengaboys - Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!&nbsp; </a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zbi0XmGtMw\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">136 BPM - Vengaboys - We Like To Party</a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC8N9WywIqY\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">138 BPM - Miley Cyrus - See You Again&nbsp; </a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5fBdpreJiU\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">139 BPM - The Killers - Somebody Told Me&nbsp;</a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvf--10EYXw\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">140 BPM - 3OH!3 ft. Katy Perry - Starstrukk</a>&nbsp; <br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qptFFT11eEk\" target=\"_blank\">140 BPM - Cascada - Just Like A Pill&nbsp;</a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k85mRPqvMbE\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">140 BPM - Crazy Frog - Axel F</a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elo9svwGg0c\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">142 BPM - System Of A Down - Violent Pornography&nbsp; </a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgFwiCApH7E\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">148 BPM - Basshunter - Now You\'re Gone&nbsp;</a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNXmKiEqVx4\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">158 BPM - Metallica - Ain\'t My Bitch&nbsp; </a><br /><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QewNZn871s\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">180 BPM - Cascada - Sk8er Boi</a><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So that\'s all for now.</b></span><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">I\'ll be sure to take lots of pictures today </span></b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">and give a thorough update tomorrow. Are YOU running today? Get out there and GET IT!</span><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\"></span>&nbsp;</b></span>','So What\'s Going On? (Playlist update included)','','publish','open','open','','so-whats-going-on-playlist-update-included','','','2017-01-15 08:04:42','2017-01-15 13:04:42','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=75',0,'post','',0),(76,1,'2014-03-06 12:51:00','2014-03-06 17:51:00','Tomorrow is Friday - another week coming to a close, and another race on the horizon for me. This morning, however, I\'m not thinking about Saturday\'s race...I\'m thinking about a race that\'s just over a month away. Why?<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8e59QZE2p2w/UxcbZt_XbZI/AAAAAAAAGkA/ZdZuukzrkPM/s1600/MassMayhemLogo.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8e59QZE2p2w/UxcbZt_XbZI/AAAAAAAAGkA/ZdZuukzrkPM/s1600/MassMayhemLogo.jpg\" height=\"166\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Mass Mayhem - </b>THAT\'S why. Mass Mayhem is going to be my first \"real\" mud run, and it\'s coming up really freakin\' fast... <br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b>So WHAT IS Mass Mayhem? </b>Oh, nothing major...just a casual 4 mile jaunt up a mountain through the mud. <b><u>hah.</u> Why don\'t we start at the beginning?</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><a href=\"http://www.runmassmayhem.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Mass Mayhem</a> - How \'bout the basics?&nbsp;</span> </b><br /><br />Mass Mayhem is an Obstacle Course Race. On the <b>most basic</b> level I could possibly describe it, I will be running on, over, through (and hopefully not <i>around</i>) a number of obstacles on my way up and down a ski mountain. The problem with the basic version is...<b>There\'s SO much more to it than that.</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnIEGcQiHmY/Uxcmj8m-y2I/AAAAAAAAGkw/NS4CX25WKxw/s1600/Type-One-Logo-White-Black.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnIEGcQiHmY/Uxcmj8m-y2I/AAAAAAAAGkw/NS4CX25WKxw/s1600/Type-One-Logo-White-Black.png\" height=\"141\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>One of the things I really like about Mass Mayhem is that <b>it\'s all to support a great cause.</b> Mass Mayhem is run by an organization called <a href=\"http://runmassmayhem.com/benefit/\" target=\"_blank\">Type One</a>. Type One\'s mission is to support research to cure type one diabetes. <b>Isn\'t that great?</b> They\'re partnered up with <a href=\"http://www.faustmanlab.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Faustman Lab at Mass General Hospital</a> - Dr. Faustman\'s work is being DIRECTLY ASSISTED by each and every registration for the Mass Mayhem event...I think that\'s pretty awesome! You know EXACTLY where they\'re donating money...and wouldn\'t it be cool to see, down the road, that Dr. Faustman found a cure? And by getting muddy that one time (or more times) you helped make it happen?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>OK, <span style=\"font-size: small;\">now that I have the warm fuzzies...</span> How about the course? </b></span><br /><br />The course itself seems a bit tougher than your average 3 - 4 mile obstacle race. <b>That isn\'t a bad thing!</b> <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIgl_GFOtUE/UxcktgOeHUI/AAAAAAAAGkc/swdHJvYNrgM/s1600/Mass-Mayhem-Course-Map.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIgl_GFOtUE/UxcktgOeHUI/AAAAAAAAGkc/swdHJvYNrgM/s1600/Mass-Mayhem-Course-Map.png\" height=\"348\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>From their own site:<br /><blockquote><i><b><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">\"Picture  this mountain with all it’s elevation changes, ski slopes, surrounded by  woods, full of a thousand of your new best friends, covered in mud,  trenches and tunnels, trails carved out, and obstacles constructed! What  could those spheres represent? What fun would it be if we showed you  the whole course?! Mass Mayhem is unlike any other race, so let your  imagination run wild!\"</span></b></i></blockquote>So <b>yeah...</b> Most other 3 - 4 mile obstacle runs I see don\'t happen ON A MOUNTAIN. Races like <a href=\"http://superheroscramble.com/events/new-england-2013\" target=\"_blank\">Superhero Scramble</a> and the <a href=\"http://www.spartanrace.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Spartan Sprint</a> (comparable distance) are happening at <a href=\"http://www.newenglandsportspark.com\" target=\"_blank\">Amesbury Sports Park</a>...and while I\'m sure there will be some hills to run up...it is most certainly <u><b>NOT</b></u> a freaking <i>mountain</i>. <b>So we\'re starting off with a bang...</b><br /><br /><b>&nbsp;As far as obstacles go...</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><b><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHtpn0MPCjg/UxcmK9Fw07I/AAAAAAAAGko/bOJAsC6i_4o/s1600/Man-in-Mud-Photo.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHtpn0MPCjg/UxcmK9Fw07I/AAAAAAAAGko/bOJAsC6i_4o/s1600/Man-in-Mud-Photo.jpg\" height=\"266\" width=\"400\" /></a></b></div>Looks to be much of what you\'d expect from any worthwhile, self-respecting obstacle/mud run - things to climb up and over, things to crawl under, lots of pounding on your upper body and punishing your lower body...and <b>ample mud</b>. They list some events on their site, such as cargo net crawls, wall climbs, rope swings, etc, but they\'re keeping much of it a surprise for race day. Who knows...if we\'re REALLY lucky (hah) there might even be <i>snow </i>too. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So Where The H#*! Is <i>Blandford?!</i></b></span><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Funny you should ask...</span></b><span style=\"font-size: small;\">I said the same thing. B</span>landford, Massachusetts is PRECISELY...in the middle...of nowhere. Blandford is out in Western Mass about a half hour west of Amherst (home of my alma mater UMass). Not much around out there...Except for <a href=\"http://skiblandford.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Blandford Ski Area</a>. THAT is the site of this race. I asked the Type One folks why on Earth they picked <b>THAT </b>place...<br /><blockquote><i>\"<span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;\">One of the most  exciting aspects of obstacle course racing is locking down an amazing  location, and that\'s&nbsp;exactly what we\'ve been able to do with the folks  at the Blandford Ski Area.&nbsp; Runners are going to be climbing up the  mountain terrain across wooded areas and through the trails.&nbsp; The base  is located at 1,025 ft above sea level&nbsp;and the summit is located at  1,490 ft; a 465 ft vertical drop.&nbsp;&nbsp;We have a slew of new obstacles and  some old favorites that everyone will enjoy.&nbsp; Maybe we will even&nbsp;get  lucky with a late season snow, but if not, we do have full access to  snow making equipment!\"</span></i></blockquote><b>Wait...so there\'s snow no matter what?</b> Crap. OK fine.<b> Like I said</b> - this course looks just a BIT more challenging than every other OCR of this length I\'ve come across. <b>GOOD - I like a challenge.</b> <br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So...There\'s That...</span></b><br /><br /><b>This is it - my first \"REAL\" mud run. </b>At least it looks like I picked a doozie! I think I\'m going to go away pretty satisfied with this one, and I think it\'ll give me a good taste of what OCR\'s are really like. I also think this\'ll be a great preview of what I\'m getting myself into for some...bigger and longer OCR\'s...(more on that in a later article...)<br /><br /><b>And of course, </b>there will be finisher\'s medals, t-shirts, and a post-race party complete with beer...<b>because after something like that, </b>you deserve a beer (if you\'re 21+). &nbsp; <br /><br /><b>So, all of this begs the question...</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Why Not Join Me?!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYND2kQqI-0/UxhtTbuP4lI/AAAAAAAAGlI/TDlkkZ9-Ayo/s1600/massmayhemjoinme.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYND2kQqI-0/UxhtTbuP4lI/AAAAAAAAGlI/TDlkkZ9-Ayo/s1600/massmayhemjoinme.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>It\'s always more fun with friends, right?</b> I LOVE when people join me for races, and its even better when they join me in supporting a great cause! Come run Mass Mayhem with me in support of a cure for Type One Diabetes! <b>IF YOU REGISTER WITH COUPON CODE \"FITNESS\" YOU SAVE $20!!! </b>That\'s definitely the best coupon code out there right now. You also save an ADDITIONAL $10 if you\'re a student (college OR high school) or military (active OR retired).<br /><br /><b>So what are you waiting for?</b><br /><br /><b>Go to <a href=\"http://www.runmassmayhem.com/\">www.RunMassMayhem.com</a> and register! </b>You can also feel free to join Team \"So THIS Is Fitness...\" (search for it on the team selection screen). If you register, write on the wall of <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\" target=\"_blank\">My Facebook Page</a> and let me know! This is gonna be <b>FUN!</b>','MAYHEM! Time To Get Muddy','','publish','open','open','','mayhem-time-to-get-muddy','','','2017-01-18 07:42:30','2017-01-18 12:42:30','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=76',0,'post','',0),(77,1,'2014-02-25 17:22:00','2014-02-25 22:22:00','GOOD MORNING! And what a GOOD morning it is. I\'m still sore from <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\" target=\"_blank\">this past weekend</a>...a reminder of victories past. Lately I\'ve been starting my mornings a little differently and I wanted to share what that difference is.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Of1H9h8svrw/UwyNh_GFQ3I/AAAAAAAAGg8/Twkxo8TvmW0/s1600/cognitea.png\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Of1H9h8svrw/UwyNh_GFQ3I/AAAAAAAAGg8/Twkxo8TvmW0/s1600/cognitea.png\" width=\"400\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /> </a></div>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.cognitea.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>CogniTea. </b></a>That is the difference. Normally I\'m a coffee freak...I <b>love</b> coffee. I love its bold flavors, its delicious aromas, and how it kick-starts me to take on the day. There are things I <b>do not </b>like about coffee, however, so sometimes I have tea. But what about CogniTea?  <b>What IS </b>CogniTea? What\'s so special about it? I could say that it actually makes your brain work and helps you focus...but that would be a <b>gross understatement. </b>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Oh, where to begin...</b></span><!--more-->\r\n\r\n<b>I have been a coffee drinker for a long time.</b> Like I said, it\'s delicious, it\'s flavorful, it smells great, and it gives me a great kick-start to my day...<b>it wakes me up</b>. Oftentimes I\'ll even have a second cup, and maybe a <b>third</b>.<b> Problem is</b>...while the coffee might wake <b>me</b> up...it doesn\'t exactly wake up <b>my brain</b> the same way. I just get wired and jittery...its kind of a diminishing returns thing where after a certain point, I\'m not getting any more benefit and instead I\'m getting hyper and jittery and just generally unable to focus or concentrate on anything. Sometimes I like green tea, but it doesn\'t have nearly enough gas to power my day, and it doesn\'t really help me focus.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Enter CogniTea.</b> </span>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPC-ZwoFUw4/Uwy2tBQ0VoI/AAAAAAAAGiA/g_QrbNdnufs/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPC-ZwoFUw4/Uwy2tBQ0VoI/AAAAAAAAGiA/g_QrbNdnufs/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\" width=\"232\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a><b>CogniTea is different</b>. <a href=\"http://cognitea.com/products/cognitea#learn\" target=\"_blank\">You can learn all about CogniTea on their page</a>(which you should check out anyway), so I\'d rather not just say all the same things they say there. I <b>will </b>say, for a brief idea - CogniTea is an all-natural tea designed to help you think clearly, focus, and generally <b>help your brain function well</b>. It\'s not coffee, and it\'s not a regular tea. <b>It\'s brain fuel</b>.\r\n\r\nSo what makes CogniTea different? What\'s it taste like? <b>What\'s the big deal? </b>I mean, it\'s just <b>tea</b>, right?\r\n\r\n<b>False. </b>\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">To understand The Tea, you must first understand The Idea. </span></b>\r\n\r\nI\'ve had, at this point, many conversations with the founder of <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Cognitea\" target=\"_blank\">CogniTea</a> - Alex Kravets. I asked him where this all came from, and his answer was simple. He was relying on coffee and energy drinks to power himself through work, as many people do. The more he tried to fuel himself with those, however, the more jittery, hazy, anxious, and just generally <b>unable to focus</b> he became. He saw a need for something <b>more</b>. Coffee brought jitters, but green tea was too soothing. <b>There had to be a middle ground.</b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBnYA_2ZLxg/Uwy9OH4IQSI/AAAAAAAAGio/W_ohFrUo278/s1600/cogniteawings.png\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBnYA_2ZLxg/Uwy9OH4IQSI/AAAAAAAAGio/W_ohFrUo278/s1600/cogniteawings.png\" width=\"320\" height=\"172\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>CogniTea is about achieving your goals. </b>It\'s about reaching new heights, living life relentlessly, and making your dreams a reality. Sounds pretty big for a tea company, right? <b>It\'s about more than just tea</b>. Tea is just the tool to make it all possible. How?\r\n\r\n<b>Simple:</b> In order to achieve your dreams and reach your goals...you have to be able to focus and think clearly, right? You need to start your day properly? <b>That\'s what CogniTea is designed to do</b>. It\'s the key that unlocks your potential. Their slogan, which I smoothly borrowed for my <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\" target=\"_blank\">Hyannis Half Marathon</a> shirt, reads \"I Can. I Will.\". This tea helps you say it - and <b>mean it. THAT</b> is the idea.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So How Does It Help You Think/Focus/Achieve?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>It\'s all about the ingredients</b>.\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Organic &amp; Fair Trade Guayusa Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic &amp; Fair Trade Yerba Mate Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Peppermint Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Assam Black Tea Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Ginkgo Biloba</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Guarana Seed</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Stevia Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Goji Berries</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Panax Ginseng</li>\r\n 	<li>All-Natural L-Theanine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nSome of those stick out to me right off the bat - I\'m very familiar with Yerba Mate, Ginkgo Biloba, Guarana, Stevia, and Ginseng.  Yerba Mate, Guarana, Ginseng, and Ginkgo Biloba are all commonly used to help with cognition, memory enhancement and the like. The one that sticks out like a sore thumb in this list, however, is L-Theanine.\r\n\r\n<b>What the heck is L-Theanine?</b>\r\n\r\n<b>L-Theanine </b>is an amino acid found in green tea. In combination with caffeine and the other ingredients found in CogniTea, it is <b>proven to promote alpha brain waves</b>. What does that mean? Well...basically...<b>It helps your brain work better</b>. That is putting it SUPER simply, but that\'s pretty much the idea. This tea is literally designed to help you think clearly, focus better, <b> </b>and <u>get stuff done.</u> The combination is scientifically proven. <a href=\"http://jn.nutrition.org/content/138/8/1572S.long\" target=\"_blank\">You can find more details about the study here. </a>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgg5HI20UxY/Uwy9Gqo6ZPI/AAAAAAAAGig/YJHwDZklR1k/s1600/20140125160414-newintro6.png\"><img src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgg5HI20UxY/Uwy9Gqo6ZPI/AAAAAAAAGig/YJHwDZklR1k/s1600/20140125160414-newintro6.png\" width=\"400\" height=\"203\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nAlex researched very thoroughly to come up with this list of ingredients and consulted with tea experts to get the blend <b>just right</b>. What he got was a tea that achieves both his goal of mental clarity and a great taste too.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What\'s That, You Say? Tastes Great, You Say?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyk9ggwBf9c/UwzFe5roGEI/AAAAAAAAGi8/oOCNfZfrSZc/s1600/IMG_20140212_082957.jpg\"><img src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyk9ggwBf9c/UwzFe5roGEI/AAAAAAAAGi8/oOCNfZfrSZc/s1600/IMG_20140212_082957.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a>Why yes, <b>yes it does. </b>I\'m sure you noticed in the ingredients list \"Peppermint Leaf\". I will say,<b> </b>I am usually pretty picky about peppermint. When I like peppermint, I like it on its own - in gum, in mints, that sort of thing. I don\'t generally like peppermint and chocolate, I don\'t generally like peppermint ice cream, and <b>I don\'t do peppermint beverages.</b>\r\n\r\n<b>Then CogniTea happened.</b>\r\n<b> </b>\r\nI know, I sound soooo dramatic. Honestly though, this stuff is blowing my mind (no pun intended). I really don\'t normally do peppermint drinks, and I\'ve tried peppermint tea before - <b>I didn\'t like it</b>. I enjoy CogniTea. It\'s got a subtle peppermint flavor that is absolutely NOT overpowering. It\'s <i>just enough</i>. I happily drink this tea \"black\" - no milk/cream/lemon/sugar...no NOTHING. Just hot water and the tea. It tastes great on its own, probably due in part to the fact it includes stevia leaf - a natural sweetener. The only other tea I drink is green tea, and that\'s how I drink my green tea - \"black\". Honestly, the taste kind of reminds me of a pepperminty green tea. The tea has a gentle peppermint aroma as well. Smelling this tea, and tasting it, you wouldn\'t think it has the <i>cajones </i>necessary to propel you through your day...<b>but it does.</b>\r\n\r\n<b>How About Re-Steeping? </b>I personally tried re-steeping the same bag and I thought I was able to still get pretty good tea out of the 2nd use. The longer you leave it in, obviously, the less use you get out of the 2nd steeping. I asked Alex what he thinks about re-steeping the same bag, and he sounded like he himself prefers to just leave the bag in his tea while he drinks it - <b>no re-steeping for him. </b>He also hasn\'t yet done any studies about benefits of the first steeping vs. subsequent steepings, so its probably safe to say you\'re better off just doing it once.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Sourcing &amp; Fair-Trade </b></span>\r\n\r\nI know many people who actually <b>REALLY </b>care about this. <b>What is \"Fair Trade\"? </b>It\'s literally just that - fair. Farmers in far-off countries are justly and fairly compensated for the goods they provide instead of being taken advantage of. You can feel good about what you\'re drinking :). Sourcing is also important to many people - some like to know where it\'s coming from and some ingredients are apparently superior depending on which country they come from. CogniTea\'s ingredients come from all over the world. For specific countries for each ingredient I\'m sure the company would be happy to answer.\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Shut Up And Take My Money! </span></b>\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, right now it\'s not that simple. CogniTea is not yet available on store shelves. It\'s not even available for purchase on a website yet. <b>WHY NOT?!</b> CogniTea is still on the ground floor! Right now, as I mentioned waaaaaaay in the beginning, <a href=\"http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cognitea-productive-energy-for-mental-clarity-focus\" target=\"_blank\">CogniTea is currently in crowdfunding on IndieGoGo! </a>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtUE_-VBCBs/UwzNwG7EiAI/AAAAAAAAGjM/fBpHYtiWFwY/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtUE_-VBCBs/UwzNwG7EiAI/AAAAAAAAGjM/fBpHYtiWFwY/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"125\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So How Can I help CogniTea Become A Reality?</span></b>\r\n\r\n<b>You can help by telling everyone you know about CogniTea,</b> how great it is, and maybe <a href=\"http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cognitea-productive-energy-for-mental-clarity-focus\" target=\"_blank\">by contributing and making a pledge!</a> There are different reward levels on <a href=\"http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cognitea-productive-energy-for-mental-clarity-focus\" target=\"_blank\">indiegogo</a>, and most reward levels include tea! So, <b>essentially</b>, you can <b>pre-order CogniTea </b>by pledging to their crowdfunding campaign. You can also follow <a href=\"https://twitter.com/Cognitea\" target=\"_blank\">CogniTea on Twitter</a> and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Cognitea\" target=\"_blank\">\"like\" them on Facebook</a>. <b>I encourage you to do both</b>. I love the mission and the ideology behind this company, and honestly, I LOVE the tea itself. I\'d love to see this hit store shelves so I can go GET IT. Oh, and it\'s a local, Boston-based company, so I can feel good about helping a neighbor :)<b> Let\'s help make this a reality, ok?</b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNiT1hV8V4w/UwzZ9DuHX9I/AAAAAAAAGjc/Qq6hidNfTyg/s1600/DOG2.png\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNiT1hV8V4w/UwzZ9DuHX9I/AAAAAAAAGjc/Qq6hidNfTyg/s1600/DOG2.png\" width=\"400\" height=\"100\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Wake Up Your Brain - Cognitea Review','','publish','open','open','','wake-up-your-brain-cognitea-review','','','2017-01-14 01:02:19','2017-01-14 06:02:19','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=77',0,'post','',0),(602,1,'2017-01-14 01:02:19','2017-01-14 06:02:19','GOOD MORNING! And what a GOOD morning it is. I\'m still sore from <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\" target=\"_blank\">this past weekend</a>...a reminder of victories past. Lately I\'ve been starting my mornings a little differently and I wanted to share what that difference is.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Of1H9h8svrw/UwyNh_GFQ3I/AAAAAAAAGg8/Twkxo8TvmW0/s1600/cognitea.png\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Of1H9h8svrw/UwyNh_GFQ3I/AAAAAAAAGg8/Twkxo8TvmW0/s1600/cognitea.png\" width=\"400\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /> </a></div>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.cognitea.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>CogniTea. </b></a>That is the difference. Normally I\'m a coffee freak...I <b>love</b> coffee. I love its bold flavors, its delicious aromas, and how it kick-starts me to take on the day. There are things I <b>do not </b>like about coffee, however, so sometimes I have tea. But what about CogniTea?  <b>What IS </b>CogniTea? What\'s so special about it? I could say that it actually makes your brain work and helps you focus...but that would be a <b>gross understatement. </b>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Oh, where to begin...</b></span><!--more-->\r\n\r\n<b>I have been a coffee drinker for a long time.</b> Like I said, it\'s delicious, it\'s flavorful, it smells great, and it gives me a great kick-start to my day...<b>it wakes me up</b>. Oftentimes I\'ll even have a second cup, and maybe a <b>third</b>.<b> Problem is</b>...while the coffee might wake <b>me</b> up...it doesn\'t exactly wake up <b>my brain</b> the same way. I just get wired and jittery...its kind of a diminishing returns thing where after a certain point, I\'m not getting any more benefit and instead I\'m getting hyper and jittery and just generally unable to focus or concentrate on anything. Sometimes I like green tea, but it doesn\'t have nearly enough gas to power my day, and it doesn\'t really help me focus.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Enter CogniTea.</b> </span>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPC-ZwoFUw4/Uwy2tBQ0VoI/AAAAAAAAGiA/g_QrbNdnufs/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPC-ZwoFUw4/Uwy2tBQ0VoI/AAAAAAAAGiA/g_QrbNdnufs/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\" width=\"232\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a><b>CogniTea is different</b>. <a href=\"http://cognitea.com/products/cognitea#learn\" target=\"_blank\">You can learn all about CogniTea on their page</a>(which you should check out anyway), so I\'d rather not just say all the same things they say there. I <b>will </b>say, for a brief idea - CogniTea is an all-natural tea designed to help you think clearly, focus, and generally <b>help your brain function well</b>. It\'s not coffee, and it\'s not a regular tea. <b>It\'s brain fuel</b>.\r\n\r\nSo what makes CogniTea different? What\'s it taste like? <b>What\'s the big deal? </b>I mean, it\'s just <b>tea</b>, right?\r\n\r\n<b>False. </b>\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">To understand The Tea, you must first understand The Idea. </span></b>\r\n\r\nI\'ve had, at this point, many conversations with the founder of <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Cognitea\" target=\"_blank\">CogniTea</a> - Alex Kravets. I asked him where this all came from, and his answer was simple. He was relying on coffee and energy drinks to power himself through work, as many people do. The more he tried to fuel himself with those, however, the more jittery, hazy, anxious, and just generally <b>unable to focus</b> he became. He saw a need for something <b>more</b>. Coffee brought jitters, but green tea was too soothing. <b>There had to be a middle ground.</b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBnYA_2ZLxg/Uwy9OH4IQSI/AAAAAAAAGio/W_ohFrUo278/s1600/cogniteawings.png\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBnYA_2ZLxg/Uwy9OH4IQSI/AAAAAAAAGio/W_ohFrUo278/s1600/cogniteawings.png\" width=\"320\" height=\"172\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>CogniTea is about achieving your goals. </b>It\'s about reaching new heights, living life relentlessly, and making your dreams a reality. Sounds pretty big for a tea company, right? <b>It\'s about more than just tea</b>. Tea is just the tool to make it all possible. How?\r\n\r\n<b>Simple:</b> In order to achieve your dreams and reach your goals...you have to be able to focus and think clearly, right? You need to start your day properly? <b>That\'s what CogniTea is designed to do</b>. It\'s the key that unlocks your potential. Their slogan, which I smoothly borrowed for my <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\" target=\"_blank\">Hyannis Half Marathon</a> shirt, reads \"I Can. I Will.\". This tea helps you say it - and <b>mean it. THAT</b> is the idea.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So How Does It Help You Think/Focus/Achieve?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>It\'s all about the ingredients</b>.\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Organic &amp; Fair Trade Guayusa Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic &amp; Fair Trade Yerba Mate Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Peppermint Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Assam Black Tea Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Ginkgo Biloba</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Guarana Seed</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Stevia Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Goji Berries</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Panax Ginseng</li>\r\n 	<li>All-Natural L-Theanine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nSome of those stick out to me right off the bat - I\'m very familiar with Yerba Mate, Ginkgo Biloba, Guarana, Stevia, and Ginseng.  Yerba Mate, Guarana, Ginseng, and Ginkgo Biloba are all commonly used to help with cognition, memory enhancement and the like. The one that sticks out like a sore thumb in this list, however, is L-Theanine.\r\n\r\n<b>What the heck is L-Theanine?</b>\r\n\r\n<b>L-Theanine </b>is an amino acid found in green tea. In combination with caffeine and the other ingredients found in CogniTea, it is <b>proven to promote alpha brain waves</b>. What does that mean? Well...basically...<b>It helps your brain work better</b>. That is putting it SUPER simply, but that\'s pretty much the idea. This tea is literally designed to help you think clearly, focus better, <b> </b>and <u>get stuff done.</u> The combination is scientifically proven. <a href=\"http://jn.nutrition.org/content/138/8/1572S.long\" target=\"_blank\">You can find more details about the study here. </a>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgg5HI20UxY/Uwy9Gqo6ZPI/AAAAAAAAGig/YJHwDZklR1k/s1600/20140125160414-newintro6.png\"><img src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgg5HI20UxY/Uwy9Gqo6ZPI/AAAAAAAAGig/YJHwDZklR1k/s1600/20140125160414-newintro6.png\" width=\"400\" height=\"203\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nAlex researched very thoroughly to come up with this list of ingredients and consulted with tea experts to get the blend <b>just right</b>. What he got was a tea that achieves both his goal of mental clarity and a great taste too.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What\'s That, You Say? Tastes Great, You Say?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyk9ggwBf9c/UwzFe5roGEI/AAAAAAAAGi8/oOCNfZfrSZc/s1600/IMG_20140212_082957.jpg\"><img src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyk9ggwBf9c/UwzFe5roGEI/AAAAAAAAGi8/oOCNfZfrSZc/s1600/IMG_20140212_082957.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a>Why yes, <b>yes it does. </b>I\'m sure you noticed in the ingredients list \"Peppermint Leaf\". I will say,<b> </b>I am usually pretty picky about peppermint. When I like peppermint, I like it on its own - in gum, in mints, that sort of thing. I don\'t generally like peppermint and chocolate, I don\'t generally like peppermint ice cream, and <b>I don\'t do peppermint beverages.</b>\r\n\r\n<b>Then CogniTea happened.</b>\r\n<b> </b>\r\nI know, I sound soooo dramatic. Honestly though, this stuff is blowing my mind (no pun intended). I really don\'t normally do peppermint drinks, and I\'ve tried peppermint tea before - <b>I didn\'t like it</b>. I enjoy CogniTea. It\'s got a subtle peppermint flavor that is absolutely NOT overpowering. It\'s <i>just enough</i>. I happily drink this tea \"black\" - no milk/cream/lemon/sugar...no NOTHING. Just hot water and the tea. It tastes great on its own, probably due in part to the fact it includes stevia leaf - a natural sweetener. The only other tea I drink is green tea, and that\'s how I drink my green tea - \"black\". Honestly, the taste kind of reminds me of a pepperminty green tea. The tea has a gentle peppermint aroma as well. Smelling this tea, and tasting it, you wouldn\'t think it has the <i>cajones </i>necessary to propel you through your day...<b>but it does.</b>\r\n\r\n<b>How About Re-Steeping? </b>I personally tried re-steeping the same bag and I thought I was able to still get pretty good tea out of the 2nd use. The longer you leave it in, obviously, the less use you get out of the 2nd steeping. I asked Alex what he thinks about re-steeping the same bag, and he sounded like he himself prefers to just leave the bag in his tea while he drinks it - <b>no re-steeping for him. </b>He also hasn\'t yet done any studies about benefits of the first steeping vs. subsequent steepings, so its probably safe to say you\'re better off just doing it once.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Sourcing &amp; Fair-Trade </b></span>\r\n\r\nI know many people who actually <b>REALLY </b>care about this. <b>What is \"Fair Trade\"? </b>It\'s literally just that - fair. Farmers in far-off countries are justly and fairly compensated for the goods they provide instead of being taken advantage of. You can feel good about what you\'re drinking :). Sourcing is also important to many people - some like to know where it\'s coming from and some ingredients are apparently superior depending on which country they come from. CogniTea\'s ingredients come from all over the world. For specific countries for each ingredient I\'m sure the company would be happy to answer.\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Shut Up And Take My Money! </span></b>\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, right now it\'s not that simple. CogniTea is not yet available on store shelves. It\'s not even available for purchase on a website yet. <b>WHY NOT?!</b> CogniTea is still on the ground floor! Right now, as I mentioned waaaaaaay in the beginning, <a href=\"http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cognitea-productive-energy-for-mental-clarity-focus\" target=\"_blank\">CogniTea is currently in crowdfunding on IndieGoGo! </a>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtUE_-VBCBs/UwzNwG7EiAI/AAAAAAAAGjM/fBpHYtiWFwY/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtUE_-VBCBs/UwzNwG7EiAI/AAAAAAAAGjM/fBpHYtiWFwY/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"125\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So How Can I help CogniTea Become A Reality?</span></b>\r\n\r\n<b>You can help by telling everyone you know about CogniTea,</b> how great it is, and maybe <a href=\"http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cognitea-productive-energy-for-mental-clarity-focus\" target=\"_blank\">by contributing and making a pledge!</a> There are different reward levels on <a href=\"http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cognitea-productive-energy-for-mental-clarity-focus\" target=\"_blank\">indiegogo</a>, and most reward levels include tea! So, <b>essentially</b>, you can <b>pre-order CogniTea </b>by pledging to their crowdfunding campaign. You can also follow <a href=\"https://twitter.com/Cognitea\" target=\"_blank\">CogniTea on Twitter</a> and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Cognitea\" target=\"_blank\">\"like\" them on Facebook</a>. <b>I encourage you to do both</b>. I love the mission and the ideology behind this company, and honestly, I LOVE the tea itself. I\'d love to see this hit store shelves so I can go GET IT. Oh, and it\'s a local, Boston-based company, so I can feel good about helping a neighbor :)<b> Let\'s help make this a reality, ok?</b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNiT1hV8V4w/UwzZ9DuHX9I/AAAAAAAAGjc/Qq6hidNfTyg/s1600/DOG2.png\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNiT1hV8V4w/UwzZ9DuHX9I/AAAAAAAAGjc/Qq6hidNfTyg/s1600/DOG2.png\" width=\"400\" height=\"100\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Wake Up Your Brain - Cognitea Review','','inherit','closed','closed','','77-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 01:02:19','2017-01-14 06:02:19','',77,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/77-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(587,1,'2017-01-14 00:53:32','2017-01-14 05:53:32','GOOD MORNING! And what a GOOD morning it is. I\'m still sore from <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\" target=\"_blank\">this past weekend</a>...a reminder of victories past. Lately I\'ve been starting my mornings a little differently and I wanted to share what that difference is.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Of1H9h8svrw/UwyNh_GFQ3I/AAAAAAAAGg8/Twkxo8TvmW0/s1600/cognitea.png\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Of1H9h8svrw/UwyNh_GFQ3I/AAAAAAAAGg8/Twkxo8TvmW0/s1600/cognitea.png\" width=\"400\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /> </a></div>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.cognitea.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>CogniTea. </b></a>That is the difference. Normally I\'m a coffee freak...I <b>love</b> coffee. I love its bold flavors, its delicious aromas, and how it kick-starts me to take on the day. There are things I <b>do not </b>like about coffee, however, so sometimes I have tea. But what about CogniTea?  <b>What IS </b>CogniTea? What\'s so special about it? I could say that it actually makes your brain work and helps you focus...but that would be a <b>gross understatement. </b>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Oh, where to begin...</b></span><!--more-->\r\n\r\n<b>I have been a coffee drinker for a long time.</b> Like I said, it\'s delicious, it\'s flavorful, it smells great, and it gives me a great kick-start to my day...<b>it wakes me up</b>. Oftentimes I\'ll even have a second cup, and maybe a <b>third</b>.<b> Problem is</b>...while the coffee might wake <b>me</b> up...it doesn\'t exactly wake up <b>my brain</b> the same way. I just get wired and jittery...its kind of a diminishing returns thing where after a certain point, I\'m not getting any more benefit and instead I\'m getting hyper and jittery and just generally unable to focus or concentrate on anything. Sometimes I like green tea, but it doesn\'t have nearly enough gas to power my day, and it doesn\'t really help me focus.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Enter CogniTea.</b> </span>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPC-ZwoFUw4/Uwy2tBQ0VoI/AAAAAAAAGiA/g_QrbNdnufs/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPC-ZwoFUw4/Uwy2tBQ0VoI/AAAAAAAAGiA/g_QrbNdnufs/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\" width=\"232\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a><b>CogniTea is different</b>. <a href=\"http://so%20i%27d%20rather%20not%20just%20say%20all%20the%20same%20things%20they%20say%20there.%20i/\" target=\"_blank\">You can read all about CogniTea on their IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign </a>(which you should check out anyway), so I\'d rather not just say all the same things they say there. I <b>will </b>say, for a brief idea - CogniTea is an all-natural tea designed to help you think clearly, focus, and generally <b>help your brain function well</b>. It\'s not coffee, and it\'s not a regular tea. <b>It\'s brain fuel</b>.\r\n\r\nSo what makes CogniTea different? What\'s it taste like? <b>What\'s the big deal? </b>I mean, it\'s just <b>tea</b>, right?\r\n\r\n<b>False. </b>\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">To understand The Tea, you must first understand The Idea. </span></b>\r\n\r\nI\'ve had, at this point, many conversations with the founder of <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Cognitea\" target=\"_blank\">CogniTea</a> - Alex Kravets. I asked him where this all came from, and his answer was simple. He was relying on coffee and energy drinks to power himself through work, as many people do. The more he tried to fuel himself with those, however, the more jittery, hazy, anxious, and just generally <b>unable to focus</b> he became. He saw a need for something <b>more</b>. Coffee brought jitters, but green tea was too soothing. <b>There had to be a middle ground.</b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBnYA_2ZLxg/Uwy9OH4IQSI/AAAAAAAAGio/W_ohFrUo278/s1600/cogniteawings.png\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBnYA_2ZLxg/Uwy9OH4IQSI/AAAAAAAAGio/W_ohFrUo278/s1600/cogniteawings.png\" width=\"320\" height=\"172\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>CogniTea is about achieving your goals. </b>It\'s about reaching new heights, living life relentlessly, and making your dreams a reality. Sounds pretty big for a tea company, right? <b>It\'s about more than just tea</b>. Tea is just the tool to make it all possible. How?\r\n\r\n<b>Simple:</b> In order to achieve your dreams and reach your goals...you have to be able to focus and think clearly, right? You need to start your day properly? <b>That\'s what CogniTea is designed to do</b>. It\'s the key that unlocks your potential. Their slogan, which I smoothly borrowed for my <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\" target=\"_blank\">Hyannis Half Marathon</a> shirt, reads \"I Can. I Will.\". This tea helps you say it - and <b>mean it. THAT</b> is the idea.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So How Does It Help You Think/Focus/Achieve?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>It\'s all about the ingredients</b>.\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Organic &amp; Fair Trade Guayusa Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic &amp; Fair Trade Yerba Mate Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Peppermint Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Assam Black Tea Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Ginkgo Biloba</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Guarana Seed</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Stevia Leaf</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Goji Berries</li>\r\n 	<li>Organic Panax Ginseng</li>\r\n 	<li>All-Natural L-Theanine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nSome of those stick out to me right off the bat - I\'m very familiar with Yerba Mate, Ginkgo Biloba, Guarana, Stevia, and Ginseng.  Yerba Mate, Guarana, Ginseng, and Ginkgo Biloba are all commonly used to help with cognition, memory enhancement and the like. The one that sticks out like a sore thumb in this list, however, is L-Theanine.\r\n\r\n<b>What the heck is L-Theanine?</b>\r\n\r\n<b>L-Theanine </b>is an amino acid found in green tea. In combination with caffeine and the other ingredients found in CogniTea, it is <b>proven to promote alpha brain waves</b>. What does that mean? Well...basically...<b>It helps your brain work better</b>. That is putting it SUPER simply, but that\'s pretty much the idea. This tea is literally designed to help you think clearly, focus better, <b> </b>and <u>get stuff done.</u> The combination is scientifically proven. <a href=\"http://jn.nutrition.org/content/138/8/1572S.long\" target=\"_blank\">You can find more details about the study here. </a>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgg5HI20UxY/Uwy9Gqo6ZPI/AAAAAAAAGig/YJHwDZklR1k/s1600/20140125160414-newintro6.png\"><img src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgg5HI20UxY/Uwy9Gqo6ZPI/AAAAAAAAGig/YJHwDZklR1k/s1600/20140125160414-newintro6.png\" width=\"400\" height=\"203\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nAlex researched very thoroughly to come up with this list of ingredients and consulted with tea experts to get the blend <b>just right</b>. What he got was a tea that achieves both his goal of mental clarity and a great taste too.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What\'s That, You Say? Tastes Great, You Say?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyk9ggwBf9c/UwzFe5roGEI/AAAAAAAAGi8/oOCNfZfrSZc/s1600/IMG_20140212_082957.jpg\"><img src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyk9ggwBf9c/UwzFe5roGEI/AAAAAAAAGi8/oOCNfZfrSZc/s1600/IMG_20140212_082957.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a>Why yes, <b>yes it does. </b>I\'m sure you noticed in the ingredients list \"Peppermint Leaf\". I will say,<b> </b>I am usually pretty picky about peppermint. When I like peppermint, I like it on its own - in gum, in mints, that sort of thing. I don\'t generally like peppermint and chocolate, I don\'t generally like peppermint ice cream, and <b>I don\'t do peppermint beverages.</b>\r\n\r\n<b>Then CogniTea happened.</b>\r\n<b> </b>\r\nI know, I sound soooo dramatic. Honestly though, this stuff is blowing my mind (no pun intended). I really don\'t normally do peppermint drinks, and I\'ve tried peppermint tea before - <b>I didn\'t like it</b>. I enjoy CogniTea. It\'s got a subtle peppermint flavor that is absolutely NOT overpowering. It\'s <i>just enough</i>. I happily drink this tea \"black\" - no milk/cream/lemon/sugar...no NOTHING. Just hot water and the tea. It tastes great on its own, probably due in part to the fact it includes stevia leaf - a natural sweetener. The only other tea I drink is green tea, and that\'s how I drink my green tea - \"black\". Honestly, the taste kind of reminds me of a pepperminty green tea. The tea has a gentle peppermint aroma as well. Smelling this tea, and tasting it, you wouldn\'t think it has the <i>cajones </i>necessary to propel you through your day...<b>but it does.</b>\r\n\r\n<b>How About Re-Steeping? </b>I personally tried re-steeping the same bag and I thought I was able to still get pretty good tea out of the 2nd use. The longer you leave it in, obviously, the less use you get out of the 2nd steeping. I asked Alex what he thinks about re-steeping the same bag, and he sounded like he himself prefers to just leave the bag in his tea while he drinks it - <b>no re-steeping for him. </b>He also hasn\'t yet done any studies about benefits of the first steeping vs. subsequent steepings, so its probably safe to say you\'re better off just doing it once.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Sourcing &amp; Fair-Trade </b></span>\r\n\r\nI know many people who actually <b>REALLY </b>care about this. <b>What is \"Fair Trade\"? </b>It\'s literally just that - fair. Farmers in far-off countries are justly and fairly compensated for the goods they provide instead of being taken advantage of. You can feel good about what you\'re drinking :). Sourcing is also important to many people - some like to know where it\'s coming from and some ingredients are apparently superior depending on which country they come from. CogniTea\'s ingredients come from all over the world. For specific countries for each ingredient I\'m sure the company would be happy to answer.\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Shut Up And Take My Money! </span></b>\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, right now it\'s not that simple. CogniTea is not yet available on store shelves. It\'s not even available for purchase on a website yet. <b>WHY NOT?!</b> CogniTea is still on the ground floor! Right now, as I mentioned waaaaaaay in the beginning, <a href=\"http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cognitea-productive-energy-for-mental-clarity-focus\" target=\"_blank\">CogniTea is currently in crowdfunding on IndieGoGo! </a>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtUE_-VBCBs/UwzNwG7EiAI/AAAAAAAAGjM/fBpHYtiWFwY/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtUE_-VBCBs/UwzNwG7EiAI/AAAAAAAAGjM/fBpHYtiWFwY/s1600/IMG_20140225_085151123.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"125\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So How Can I help CogniTea Become A Reality?</span></b>\r\n\r\n<b>You can help by telling everyone you know about CogniTea,</b> how great it is, and maybe <a href=\"http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cognitea-productive-energy-for-mental-clarity-focus\" target=\"_blank\">by contributing and making a pledge!</a> There are different reward levels on <a href=\"http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cognitea-productive-energy-for-mental-clarity-focus\" target=\"_blank\">indiegogo</a>, and most reward levels include tea! So, <b>essentially</b>, you can <b>pre-order CogniTea </b>by pledging to their crowdfunding campaign. You can also follow <a href=\"https://twitter.com/Cognitea\" target=\"_blank\">CogniTea on Twitter</a> and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Cognitea\" target=\"_blank\">\"like\" them on Facebook</a>. <b>I encourage you to do both</b>. I love the mission and the ideology behind this company, and honestly, I LOVE the tea itself. I\'d love to see this hit store shelves so I can go GET IT. Oh, and it\'s a local, Boston-based company, so I can feel good about helping a neighbor :)<b> Let\'s help make this a reality, ok?</b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNiT1hV8V4w/UwzZ9DuHX9I/AAAAAAAAGjc/Qq6hidNfTyg/s1600/DOG2.png\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sNiT1hV8V4w/UwzZ9DuHX9I/AAAAAAAAGjc/Qq6hidNfTyg/s1600/DOG2.png\" width=\"400\" height=\"100\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Wake Up Your Brain - Cognitea Review','','inherit','closed','closed','','77-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 00:53:32','2017-01-14 05:53:32','',77,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/77-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(78,1,'2014-02-24 12:47:00','2014-02-24 17:47:00','What an INCREDIBLE weekend! I\'m still kind of in shock...words just can\'t describe how <b>elated</b> I am. This weekend I ran the Frosty Knuckle 5K+ AND the <a href=\"http://www.hyannismarathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Hyannis Half-Marathon</a>...<b>back to back days</b>.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--B0rrgmczaA/UwppIp5tN5I/AAAAAAAAGdg/jiE1WGiv4F0/s1600/runwkndnumbr.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--B0rrgmczaA/UwppIp5tN5I/AAAAAAAAGdg/jiE1WGiv4F0/s1600/runwkndnumbr.jpg\" /></a></div>Not only did I do well in both races...but I came away with a pretty big accomplishment in the 5K+ and a MAJOR accomplishment in Half-Marathon! If <b>I </b>can do this...<b>anyone</b> can. How did I do it? And how can <b>you?</b> Read on, and share in the journey!<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />This weekend, by all accounts, was probably <b>a really bad idea</b>. On Saturday I ran the Frosty Knuckle 5K+...then I ran the Hyannis Half-Marathon Sunday. That in itself could\'ve been passable...if it weren\'t for a few things... you\'ll find those as you read through...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Let\'s Talk About the Frosty Knuckle 5K+!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvySA8uyoHc/UwdHjD6XKRI/AAAAAAAAGbM/iZNE6aNHxsE/s1600/frosty_logo_MAIN-300x135.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvySA8uyoHc/UwdHjD6XKRI/AAAAAAAAGbM/iZNE6aNHxsE/s1600/frosty_logo_MAIN-300x135.png\" /></a></div><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnE9r_MfMP0/Uwp8FNIAdcI/AAAAAAAAGd8/U5bx_XVVEH8/s1600/IMG_20140222_104632950_HDR2.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnE9r_MfMP0/Uwp8FNIAdcI/AAAAAAAAGd8/U5bx_XVVEH8/s1600/IMG_20140222_104632950_HDR2.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"170\" /></a><b>Frosty Knuckle 5K+ was a blast!</b> I should start by thanking my friend Natalie at <a href=\"http://www.eclipxhair.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Eclipx Salon</a> for sponsoring me into this race! <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/EclipxSalon\" target=\"_blank\">Eclipx Salon</a> is her hair salon in Salisbury, MA (50 Elm St.) - the race was actually only about 8 minutes from her salon! Normally I do aim to sign sponsors that have something to do with health &amp; fitness, but I think it\'s also great to represent local / small businesses. <a href=\"http://www.eclipxhair.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Please be sure to give her site a look!</a> I\'ll be running more races for her later this year, so keep an eye out!&nbsp; She loved my shirt idea, by the way - \"Run Like A Beast, Look Like A Beauty\".<br /><br />It was a smaller race - the \"field\" (# of participants) was only 160 people. Smaller races are different - having a smaller \"field\" can provide for a different feel. I don\'t really know how to describe it... \"intimate\" isn\'t the right word...but it isn\'t the big song and dance that something like the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/08/and-then-i-ran-falmouth-road-race.html\" target=\"_blank\">Falmouth Road Race</a> is (with its 12,000+ runners) or even the Hyannis Half Marathon (with just under 3,000 runners). You get to see more of individual runners\' personalities, the groups that come having fun together, and even the event staff has more fun. <b>Whatever word you use to describe it </b>- I enjoyed it.<br /><br />Going into this race I was still riding the high from my MIRACULOUS <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/winter-warlock-recap.html\" target=\"_blank\">2nd place overall finish in the Winter Warlock 5K (Plymouth, MA)</a>. Between that and the size of the race...I may have gone a little harder than I initially intended....<b>whoops.</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">How I Set Myself Up For Trouble:</span></b><br /><br />My initial plan was more or less to take it easy - I knew I had my 2nd ever half-marathon the next day, I knew what my goal was for the half...and I didn\'t want to risk screwing it up by burning myself out the day before. <b>What ended up happening</b> was mile splits of 7:21, 8:09 (when I realized I had to SLOW THE HELL DOWN), and 8:48 (once I hit the sand).<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHVDMGumL8Y/UwqIfVUo5PI/AAAAAAAAGeY/EmhsUqBcNss/s1600/frostyknucklemap.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHVDMGumL8Y/UwqIfVUo5PI/AAAAAAAAGeY/EmhsUqBcNss/s1600/frostyknucklemap.jpg\" /></a></div><br /><b>Oh yeah</b>...forgot to mention...from just before the 3rd mile until pretty much the end...<b>we were running on the beach.</b> <b>SAND!</b> Good Lord...let me just tell you...this was the first time I had ever run on sand before...NOT FUN.<br /><br />OK...maybe \"not fun\" isn\'t the right way to put it...<br /><br />Running on sand was <b>incredibly challenging</b>. There\'s a reason my mile split dropped to 8:48 on the sand...its just so tough! <b>*PRO TIP*</b> If you\'re running on sand, do yourself a HUGE favor and run near the water, where the sand is wet and more firm. The dry sand is nearly impossible...it just moves underneath you so much - it\'s hard to get any propulsion! When you push off with your foot, usually the ground doesn\'t move and you go forward...but when the sand moves backward you get less forward movement for the effort you\'re giving. Running on the wet sand is a little better, but it still moves and dampens the effort you\'re putting out.<br /><br /><b>This is why I\'ve come to the conclusion that running on sand is EXCELLENT for training. </b>It\'s also why I\'ve come to the conclusion that <i>I don\'t think I want to run any more races involving sand</i>. Haha. Unless it\'s an obstacle race - then I\'ll just consider it another obstacle.<br /><br />I ended up doing pretty well all things considered. The race was a little over a 5K (3.3 miles) and I finished in 26:59, which is about 8:11 min/mile. I was pretty satisfied with that, especially considering I intentionally tried to slow myself down starting somewhere late in the 1st mile. <b>What really caught me off-guard</b> was when the race director Heidi started announcing age group awards...and got to the Male 19 - 29 age group...<b>and announced me as 3rd place!</b> My Mom (who was there) can tell you...the look on my face must\'ve been hysterical - I was NOT at ALL expecting that. The medal itself was pretty hilarious, but appropriate considering Frosty Knuckle is actually a beer (Google it).<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztz0A3KJlAE/UwqZ8qz1ftI/AAAAAAAAGew/58yyErXAcYo/s1600/IMG_20140223_195721959_HDR.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztz0A3KJlAE/UwqZ8qz1ftI/AAAAAAAAGew/58yyErXAcYo/s1600/IMG_20140223_195721959_HDR.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Yeah - it\'s a bottle-opener. Hah.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />The race was put on by Heat Event Management - Heidi (the Race Director) was SUPER nice and great to talk to - she said they do a LOT of trail runs, which is something I\'m looking to get into. She also mentioned that they happen in some really scenic places, which is a bonus. I definitely recommend looking into what they have to offer :) I LOVE local races. Another great thing about local races? ...sometimes they bring in LOCAL BEER! Ipswitch ale was there with a free beer for every runner :) So <b>that </b>was pretty great.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jxnpf4Lw60/UwtIbzA3KDI/AAAAAAAAGgs/Hmk4rutNt5Q/s1600/ipsalebrewery.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jxnpf4Lw60/UwtIbzA3KDI/AAAAAAAAGgs/Hmk4rutNt5Q/s1600/ipsalebrewery.jpg\" height=\"117\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>Quick side-note: </b>Salisbury Beach in the winter looked like something out of a zombie apocalypse movie. Think Zombieland...its got that creepy abandoned fun-house / boardwalk thing going on...it was odd. I wish I got a picture. Maybe when I go up in March for Smuttypalooza :)<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">On to the Hyannis Half Marathon!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKY7_wbGd3Q/Uwqpu6I_UbI/AAAAAAAAGfE/C2Fc3Nmv2_k/s1600/hyannis+half.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKY7_wbGd3Q/Uwqpu6I_UbI/AAAAAAAAGfE/C2Fc3Nmv2_k/s1600/hyannis+half.jpg\" height=\"351\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>This was the big race! </b>I\'ve been looking forward to this since before the new year! This was my 2nd half marathon ever, and I was going in with a goal. My first half - the <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2013/10/achievement-unlocked-13-1.html\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Marathon Half</a> - I had a rough idea, I was a little slower, and I was focusing on just <b>finishing</b>. I had a lot of hamstring and foot issues, I had I.T. Band issues, and I stopped to walk a lot as a result.  In the end, I finished in 2:09:29 (goal was to break 2:15:00).<br /><br /><b>Hyannis was different. </b>I had run more, trained more, and done long distances more. My obvious goal was to beat my old time. <b>My REAL goal was to break 2 hours. </b><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Sn-o8DbV4/Uwqz0ycT5NI/AAAAAAAAGfY/7P1bY37f1ZQ/s1600/IMG_20140223_095223017.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Sn-o8DbV4/Uwqz0ycT5NI/AAAAAAAAGfY/7P1bY37f1ZQ/s1600/IMG_20140223_095223017.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a><span></span><span></span><br />So I showed up in Hyannis ready to go. My timing was a little off and I ended up getting there with enough time to get my number and shirt, hit the restroom and stretch. I had planned on getting there early, but that didn\'t happen...so I had to fight off that awful \"rushed\" feeling. I managed to simmer down once I got to stretching though.<br /><br />For starters...(literally)...I couldn\'t even get in the corral! It was so packed full there was just no room! I wasn\'t the only one who had to sneak in once the gun went off, though. To be fair, it was partly my own fault - I waited until about 5 minutes before gun time to even GET to the start and I refused to go farther down the chute - I was right up at the 8 min/mile flag. What can I say...I wanted to be near the start line! There\'s something about having that big neon clock at the finish at least KIND of close to your actual time...<br /><br /><b>***REAL quick - </b>for those who don\'t know - gun time is when the starting gun goes off to when you cross the finish. Net time is from when you cross the start to when you cross the finish. In a big race, you might not cross the start right when the gun goes off - might take 30 seconds, might take 5 minutes. The big neon clock at the finish goes off of gun time...so by being close to the start line, my net and gun times are close and that big neon clock is ALMOST accurate.***<br /><br /><b>As far as the race itself</b> - It was a nice run through Hyannis - we went close to (if not IN) downtown Hyannis, through Osterville, Craigville, and Centerville. We didn\'t <b>quite </b>go as far as Cotuit. It was a nice tour of Hyannis.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLT_Q9f3WcM/UwrRrJFRQqI/AAAAAAAAGgM/x0Hv5SBW4yM/s1600/hyannismap.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLT_Q9f3WcM/UwrRrJFRQqI/AAAAAAAAGgM/x0Hv5SBW4yM/s1600/hyannismap.jpg\" /></a></div>I\'ve learned that it\'s all relative. I approach each different distance I run with a different mindset and a different target pace. When I\'m half done with a 5K I\'m just as pooped as I am when I\'m half done with a 10K. This is <b>almost</b> the same with a half marathon...but it\'s a little different. It may have been because I was trying to go much faster than my first half. It may have been because I ran a race the day before. It may have been because there were hills ALL OVER the course instead of mainly concentrated along a 3 mile stretch...or it may just be because 13.1 miles is a <b>long freaking distance</b>. Whatever the case, this race was tougher than my first 13.1. I may not have had injuries/cramps/issues like the last time...but that opened up a new set of challenges. <br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLl42a6iFNE/Uwq0bTotE3I/AAAAAAAAGfg/VVzpdiFQxj8/s1600/IMG_20140223_145512083.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLl42a6iFNE/Uwq0bTotE3I/AAAAAAAAGfg/VVzpdiFQxj8/s1600/IMG_20140223_145512083.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"297\" /></a></div><b>What challenges? </b>It was me, my preparation, and my mind. In general, I feel like anything over 10 miles is all mental, and today reinforced that for me. That\'s the front of my shirt right there. I wasn\'t sponsored for the Hyannis Half, so I wore my own shirt. It wasn\'t a giant logo...it was <b>motivation</b>. It was for me and for whoever saw it - it\'s what I believe and what I\'ve been saying all along. The front said \"NO Limits.\" and \"I Can. I <u>WILL</u>.\" - You can see the back up above - \"Success happens one mile at a time\". I was repeating these three little gems to myself the whole race, because they were <b>all true</b>. Every time I wanted to slow down...<b>stop</b>...take a walk-break...I DEMANDED more of myself and resolved to get to the next mile. Know what I figured out? <b>I didn\'t really need to stop.</b> I kept telling myself \"I Can. I WILL.\"...<b>and I did.</b><br /><br />I started feeling my quads after a while...I kind of want to attribute that to running the Frosty Knuckle. The Race Director DID say she\'s had people tell her how sore their quads are after that race...<b>whoops</b>. After a while, that led to me feeling just how much my legs really weigh. I was reminded that while I have lost a <b>ton</b> of weight...at 175 lbs I\'m still heavier than many runners, and picking those legs up with each step requires a <b>lot </b>of work. <b>Didn\'t matter.</b> <b>No Limits.</b> I powered through it. I didn\'t demand big crazy reaches out of my body...I did it one mile at a time. My calves started to feel like they wanted to cramp up on me. <b>I didn\'t allow it</b>. I Can. I WILL. I kept telling myself...<i>every little bit you can run instead of walk...every little bit you can keep going...it ALL matters, and it ALL gets you closer to your goal! </i><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZa5Y7cjqI/UwrM6BiActI/AAAAAAAAGgA/Za0LdGLP5e0/s1600/paceband.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZa5Y7cjqI/UwrM6BiActI/AAAAAAAAGgA/Za0LdGLP5e0/s1600/paceband.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"153\" /></a></div>At mile 11 an old friend caught up with me...<b>my left hamstring</b>. I realized if I tried to just blast <span></span><span></span>through it my time would suffer and it could get worse, so I stopped and stretched super-fast and got back in it. I took a couple extra 10 second walk breaks because I had the time. <b>And I kept going. </b>Nothing was going to hold me back - I was on track for a sub-2 hour half...and I was gonna <b>get it</b>.<br /><br />How did I know I was on-track? <b>I had a paceband. </b>What\'s a paceband? It\'s that thing right there! I found a site, I plugged in the time I wanted to finish in, and told it the distance I was running. It did the math and put it together into a wristband that said at what time I needed to be at each mile marker. I printed it out, cut it out, and...\"laminated\" it...with some scotch tape. For the first 8 miles I was 2 minutes ahead of target. After that I started to slow a bit, but I was on-track. I knew <b>for a fact</b> that I could do it. It also allowed me to make smart, informed, tactical decisions about \"walk-breaks\"...10 seconds of walking here and there helped me keep my overall pace up. I DEFINITELY recommend printing up one of these for your next race. Solid idea for sure.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So...How Did It Turn Out?!</b></span><br /><br /><br /><b>I DID IT! THAT\'S how it turned out! MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT - I BROKE 2 HOURS! Not by much, but I did it! I came in at 1:59:40 official time</b>. That\'s 9:49 faster than last time...almost 10 minutes off my time! I cannot BEGIN to describe how elated I am to have accomplished that! <b>ESPECIALLY </b>after having run that 5K+ the day before with that freakin\' <b>sand</b>.<br /><br /><b>The whole point of ALL of this...</b>all these races I\'m running this year...this site...<b>all of it</b>...it\'s to encourage, to motivate, and to show that <b>it <u>can</u> be done.</b> I was 300 lbs at the end of 2012! I had been a big guy <b>my whole life</b>. And here I am running back to back races and achieving amazing things like a sub-2 hour half marathon in the process! <b>ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! </b>Is this real life?! I literally would\'ve laughed out loud if, back then, someone tried to tell me this would happen...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-YOUducNeI/Uws8a0XiYCI/AAAAAAAAGgc/IUc3WDad9FQ/s1600/aftert25front.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-YOUducNeI/Uws8a0XiYCI/AAAAAAAAGgc/IUc3WDad9FQ/s1600/aftert25front.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>It goes back to what I said</b> in the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\" target=\"_blank\">Lose Your Limits Challenge article</a> - the only limits we TRULY have are the ones we set for ourselves. The human body is an amazing thing - given time and training it will do <b>whatever</b> you ask of it. It will change shape. It will get faster. It will endure longer. You just have to have the confidence and stamina to make those changes happen. Tell yourself exactly what I put on that shirt for me and everyone that could see it - <b>NO Limits. I Can - I <u>WILL</u>. </b>And remember - <b>Success happens one mile/km/lap/rep/pound/day at a time.</b><br /><br /><b>Honestly...</b> If I can do this, <b>anyone can. </b>You <u>WILL</u> get there. Just keep going :)','NO LIMITS. Frosty Knuckle 5K+ & Hyannis Half Marathon Recap','','publish','open','open','','no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis-half-marathon-recap','','','2017-01-20 16:47:41','2017-01-20 21:47:41','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=78',0,'post','',0),(678,1,'2017-01-14 22:08:11','2017-01-15 03:08:11','What an INCREDIBLE weekend! I\'m still kind of in shock...words just can\'t describe how <b>elated</b> I am. This weekend I ran the Frosty Knuckle 5K+ AND the <a href=\"http://www.hyannismarathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Hyannis Half-Marathon</a>...<b>back to back days</b>.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--B0rrgmczaA/UwppIp5tN5I/AAAAAAAAGdg/jiE1WGiv4F0/s1600/runwkndnumbr.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--B0rrgmczaA/UwppIp5tN5I/AAAAAAAAGdg/jiE1WGiv4F0/s1600/runwkndnumbr.jpg\" /></a></div>Not only did I do well in both races...but I came away with a pretty big accomplishment in the 5K+ and a MAJOR accomplishment in Half-Marathon! If <b>I </b>can do this...<b>anyone</b> can. How did I do it? And how can <b>you?</b> Read on, and share in the journey!<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />This weekend, by all accounts, was probably <b>a really bad idea</b>. On Saturday I ran the Frosty Knuckle 5K+...then I ran the Hyannis Half-Marathon Sunday. That in itself could\'ve been passable...if it weren\'t for a few things... you\'ll find those as you read through...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Let\'s Talk About the Frosty Knuckle 5K+!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvySA8uyoHc/UwdHjD6XKRI/AAAAAAAAGbM/iZNE6aNHxsE/s1600/frosty_logo_MAIN-300x135.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvySA8uyoHc/UwdHjD6XKRI/AAAAAAAAGbM/iZNE6aNHxsE/s1600/frosty_logo_MAIN-300x135.png\" /></a></div><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnE9r_MfMP0/Uwp8FNIAdcI/AAAAAAAAGd8/U5bx_XVVEH8/s1600/IMG_20140222_104632950_HDR2.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnE9r_MfMP0/Uwp8FNIAdcI/AAAAAAAAGd8/U5bx_XVVEH8/s1600/IMG_20140222_104632950_HDR2.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"170\" /></a><b>Frosty Knuckle 5K+ was a blast!</b> I should start by thanking my friend Natalie at <a href=\"http://www.eclipxhair.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Eclipx Salon</a> for sponsoring me into this race! <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/EclipxSalon\" target=\"_blank\">Eclipx Salon</a> is her hair salon in Salisbury, MA (50 Elm St.) - the race was actually only about 8 minutes from her salon! Normally I do aim to sign sponsors that have something to do with health &amp; fitness, but I think it\'s also great to represent local / small businesses. <a href=\"http://www.eclipxhair.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Please be sure to give her site a look!</a> I\'ll be running more races for her later this year, so keep an eye out!&nbsp; She loved my shirt idea, by the way - \"Run Like A Beast, Look Like A Beauty\".<br /><br />It was a smaller race - the \"field\" (# of participants) was only 160 people. Smaller races are different - having a smaller \"field\" can provide for a different feel. I don\'t really know how to describe it... \"intimate\" isn\'t the right word...but it isn\'t the big song and dance that something like the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/08/andtheniranfalmouthroadrace.html\" target=\"_blank\">Falmouth Road Race</a> is (with its 12,000+ runners) or even the Hyannis Half Marathon (with just under 3,000 runners). You get to see more of individual runners\' personalities, the groups that come having fun together, and even the event staff has more fun. <b>Whatever word you use to describe it </b>- I enjoyed it.<br /><br />Going into this race I was still riding the high from my MIRACULOUS <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/winter-warlock-recap.html\" target=\"_blank\">2nd place overall finish in the Winter Warlock 5K (Plymouth, MA)</a>. Between that and the size of the race...I may have gone a little harder than I initially intended....<b>whoops.</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">How I Set Myself Up For Trouble:</span></b><br /><br />My initial plan was more or less to take it easy - I knew I had my 2nd ever half-marathon the next day, I knew what my goal was for the half...and I didn\'t want to risk screwing it up by burning myself out the day before. <b>What ended up happening</b> was mile splits of 7:21, 8:09 (when I realized I had to SLOW THE HELL DOWN), and 8:48 (once I hit the sand).<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHVDMGumL8Y/UwqIfVUo5PI/AAAAAAAAGeY/EmhsUqBcNss/s1600/frostyknucklemap.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHVDMGumL8Y/UwqIfVUo5PI/AAAAAAAAGeY/EmhsUqBcNss/s1600/frostyknucklemap.jpg\" /></a></div><br /><b>Oh yeah</b>...forgot to mention...from just before the 3rd mile until pretty much the end...<b>we were running on the beach.</b> <b>SAND!</b> Good Lord...let me just tell you...this was the first time I had ever run on sand before...NOT FUN.<br /><br />OK...maybe \"not fun\" isn\'t the right way to put it...<br /><br />Running on sand was <b>incredibly challenging</b>. There\'s a reason my mile split dropped to 8:48 on the sand...its just so tough! <b>*PRO TIP*</b> If you\'re running on sand, do yourself a HUGE favor and run near the water, where the sand is wet and more firm. The dry sand is nearly impossible...it just moves underneath you so much - it\'s hard to get any propulsion! When you push off with your foot, usually the ground doesn\'t move and you go forward...but when the sand moves backward you get less forward movement for the effort you\'re giving. Running on the wet sand is a little better, but it still moves and dampens the effort you\'re putting out.<br /><br /><b>This is why I\'ve come to the conclusion that running on sand is EXCELLENT for training. </b>It\'s also why I\'ve come to the conclusion that <i>I don\'t think I want to run any more races involving sand</i>. Haha. Unless it\'s an obstacle race - then I\'ll just consider it another obstacle.<br /><br />I ended up doing pretty well all things considered. The race was a little over a 5K (3.3 miles) and I finished in 26:59, which is about 8:11 min/mile. I was pretty satisfied with that, especially considering I intentionally tried to slow myself down starting somewhere late in the 1st mile. <b>What really caught me off-guard</b> was when the race director Heidi started announcing age group awards...and got to the Male 19 - 29 age group...<b>and announced me as 3rd place!</b> My Mom (who was there) can tell you...the look on my face must\'ve been hysterical - I was NOT at ALL expecting that. The medal itself was pretty hilarious, but appropriate considering Frosty Knuckle is actually a beer (Google it).<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztz0A3KJlAE/UwqZ8qz1ftI/AAAAAAAAGew/58yyErXAcYo/s1600/IMG_20140223_195721959_HDR.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztz0A3KJlAE/UwqZ8qz1ftI/AAAAAAAAGew/58yyErXAcYo/s1600/IMG_20140223_195721959_HDR.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Yeah - it\'s a bottle-opener. Hah.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />The race was put on by Heat Event Management - Heidi (the Race Director) was SUPER nice and great to talk to - she said they do a LOT of trail runs, which is something I\'m looking to get into. She also mentioned that they happen in some really scenic places, which is a bonus. I definitely recommend looking into what they have to offer :) I LOVE local races. Another great thing about local races? ...sometimes they bring in LOCAL BEER! Ipswitch ale was there with a free beer for every runner :) So <b>that </b>was pretty great.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jxnpf4Lw60/UwtIbzA3KDI/AAAAAAAAGgs/Hmk4rutNt5Q/s1600/ipsalebrewery.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jxnpf4Lw60/UwtIbzA3KDI/AAAAAAAAGgs/Hmk4rutNt5Q/s1600/ipsalebrewery.jpg\" height=\"117\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>Quick side-note: </b>Salisbury Beach in the winter looked like something out of a zombie apocalypse movie. Think Zombieland...its got that creepy abandoned fun-house / boardwalk thing going on...it was odd. I wish I got a picture. Maybe when I go up in March for Smuttypalooza :)<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">On to the Hyannis Half Marathon!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKY7_wbGd3Q/Uwqpu6I_UbI/AAAAAAAAGfE/C2Fc3Nmv2_k/s1600/hyannis+half.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKY7_wbGd3Q/Uwqpu6I_UbI/AAAAAAAAGfE/C2Fc3Nmv2_k/s1600/hyannis+half.jpg\" height=\"351\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>This was the big race! </b>I\'ve been looking forward to this since before the new year! This was my 2nd half marathon ever, and I was going in with a goal. My first half - the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/10/achievement-unlocked-131.html\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Marathon Half</a> - I had a rough idea, I was a little slower, and I was focusing on just <b>finishing</b>. I had a lot of hamstring and foot issues, I had I.T. Band issues, and I stopped to walk a lot as a result.  In the end, I finished in 2:09:29 (goal was to break 2:15:00).<br /><br /><b>Hyannis was different. </b>I had run more, trained more, and done long distances more. My obvious goal was to beat my old time. <b>My REAL goal was to break 2 hours. </b><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Sn-o8DbV4/Uwqz0ycT5NI/AAAAAAAAGfY/7P1bY37f1ZQ/s1600/IMG_20140223_095223017.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Sn-o8DbV4/Uwqz0ycT5NI/AAAAAAAAGfY/7P1bY37f1ZQ/s1600/IMG_20140223_095223017.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a><span></span><span></span><br />So I showed up in Hyannis ready to go. My timing was a little off and I ended up getting there with enough time to get my number and shirt, hit the restroom and stretch. I had planned on getting there early, but that didn\'t happen...so I had to fight off that awful \"rushed\" feeling. I managed to simmer down once I got to stretching though.<br /><br />For starters...(literally)...I couldn\'t even get in the corral! It was so packed full there was just no room! I wasn\'t the only one who had to sneak in once the gun went off, though. To be fair, it was partly my own fault - I waited until about 5 minutes before gun time to even GET to the start and I refused to go farther down the chute - I was right up at the 8 min/mile flag. What can I say...I wanted to be near the start line! There\'s something about having that big neon clock at the finish at least KIND of close to your actual time...<br /><br /><b>***REAL quick - </b>for those who don\'t know - gun time is when the starting gun goes off to when you cross the finish. Net time is from when you cross the start to when you cross the finish. In a big race, you might not cross the start right when the gun goes off - might take 30 seconds, might take 5 minutes. The big neon clock at the finish goes off of gun time...so by being close to the start line, my net and gun times are close and that big neon clock is ALMOST accurate.***<br /><br /><b>As far as the race itself</b> - It was a nice run through Hyannis - we went close to (if not IN) downtown Hyannis, through Osterville, Craigville, and Centerville. We didn\'t <b>quite </b>go as far as Cotuit. It was a nice tour of Hyannis.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLT_Q9f3WcM/UwrRrJFRQqI/AAAAAAAAGgM/x0Hv5SBW4yM/s1600/hyannismap.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLT_Q9f3WcM/UwrRrJFRQqI/AAAAAAAAGgM/x0Hv5SBW4yM/s1600/hyannismap.jpg\" /></a></div>I\'ve learned that it\'s all relative. I approach each different distance I run with a different mindset and a different target pace. When I\'m half done with a 5K I\'m just as pooped as I am when I\'m half done with a 10K. This is <b>almost</b> the same with a half marathon...but it\'s a little different. It may have been because I was trying to go much faster than my first half. It may have been because I ran a race the day before. It may have been because there were hills ALL OVER the course instead of mainly concentrated along a 3 mile stretch...or it may just be because 13.1 miles is a <b>long freaking distance</b>. Whatever the case, this race was tougher than my first 13.1. I may not have had injuries/cramps/issues like the last time...but that opened up a new set of challenges. <br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLl42a6iFNE/Uwq0bTotE3I/AAAAAAAAGfg/VVzpdiFQxj8/s1600/IMG_20140223_145512083.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLl42a6iFNE/Uwq0bTotE3I/AAAAAAAAGfg/VVzpdiFQxj8/s1600/IMG_20140223_145512083.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"297\" /></a></div><b>What challenges? </b>It was me, my preparation, and my mind. In general, I feel like anything over 10 miles is all mental, and today reinforced that for me. That\'s the front of my shirt right there. I wasn\'t sponsored for the Hyannis Half, so I wore my own shirt. It wasn\'t a giant logo...it was <b>motivation</b>. It was for me and for whoever saw it - it\'s what I believe and what I\'ve been saying all along. The front said \"NO Limits.\" and \"I Can. I <u>WILL</u>.\" - You can see the back up above - \"Success happens one mile at a time\". I was repeating these three little gems to myself the whole race, because they were <b>all true</b>. Every time I wanted to slow down...<b>stop</b>...take a walk-break...I DEMANDED more of myself and resolved to get to the next mile. Know what I figured out? <b>I didn\'t really need to stop.</b> I kept telling myself \"I Can. I WILL.\"...<b>and I did.</b><br /><br />I started feeling my quads after a while...I kind of want to attribute that to running the Frosty Knuckle. The Race Director DID say she\'s had people tell her how sore their quads are after that race...<b>whoops</b>. After a while, that led to me feeling just how much my legs really weigh. I was reminded that while I have lost a <b>ton</b> of weight...at 175 lbs I\'m still heavier than many runners, and picking those legs up with each step requires a <b>lot </b>of work. <b>Didn\'t matter.</b> <b>No Limits.</b> I powered through it. I didn\'t demand big crazy reaches out of my body...I did it one mile at a time. My calves started to feel like they wanted to cramp up on me. <b>I didn\'t allow it</b>. I Can. I WILL. I kept telling myself...<i>every little bit you can run instead of walk...every little bit you can keep going...it ALL matters, and it ALL gets you closer to your goal! </i><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZa5Y7cjqI/UwrM6BiActI/AAAAAAAAGgA/Za0LdGLP5e0/s1600/paceband.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZa5Y7cjqI/UwrM6BiActI/AAAAAAAAGgA/Za0LdGLP5e0/s1600/paceband.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"153\" /></a></div>At mile 11 an old friend caught up with me...<b>my left hamstring</b>. I realized if I tried to just blast <span></span><span></span>through it my time would suffer and it could get worse, so I stopped and stretched super-fast and got back in it. I took a couple extra 10 second walk breaks because I had the time. <b>And I kept going. </b>Nothing was going to hold me back - I was on track for a sub-2 hour half...and I was gonna <b>get it</b>.<br /><br />How did I know I was on-track? <b>I had a paceband. </b>What\'s a paceband? It\'s that thing right there! I found a site, I plugged in the time I wanted to finish in, and told it the distance I was running. It did the math and put it together into a wristband that said at what time I needed to be at each mile marker. I printed it out, cut it out, and...\"laminated\" it...with some scotch tape. For the first 8 miles I was 2 minutes ahead of target. After that I started to slow a bit, but I was on-track. I knew <b>for a fact</b> that I could do it. It also allowed me to make smart, informed, tactical decisions about \"walk-breaks\"...10 seconds of walking here and there helped me keep my overall pace up. I DEFINITELY recommend printing up one of these for your next race. Solid idea for sure.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So...How Did It Turn Out?!</b></span><br /><br /><br /><b>I DID IT! THAT\'S how it turned out! MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT - I BROKE 2 HOURS! Not by much, but I did it! I came in at 1:59:40 official time</b>. That\'s 9:49 faster than last time...almost 10 minutes off my time! I cannot BEGIN to describe how elated I am to have accomplished that! <b>ESPECIALLY </b>after having run that 5K+ the day before with that freakin\' <b>sand</b>.<br /><br /><b>The whole point of ALL of this...</b>all these races I\'m running this year...this site...<b>all of it</b>...it\'s to encourage, to motivate, and to show that <b>it <u>can</u> be done.</b> I was 300 lbs at the end of 2012! I had been a big guy <b>my whole life</b>. And here I am running back to back races and achieving amazing things like a sub-2 hour half marathon in the process! <b>ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! </b>Is this real life?! I literally would\'ve laughed out loud if, back then, someone tried to tell me this would happen...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-YOUducNeI/Uws8a0XiYCI/AAAAAAAAGgc/IUc3WDad9FQ/s1600/aftert25front.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-YOUducNeI/Uws8a0XiYCI/AAAAAAAAGgc/IUc3WDad9FQ/s1600/aftert25front.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>It goes back to what I said</b> in the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\" target=\"_blank\">Lose Your Limits Challenge article</a> - the only limits we TRULY have are the ones we set for ourselves. The human body is an amazing thing - given time and training it will do <b>whatever</b> you ask of it. It will change shape. It will get faster. It will endure longer. You just have to have the confidence and stamina to make those changes happen. Tell yourself exactly what I put on that shirt for me and everyone that could see it - <b>NO Limits. I Can - I <u>WILL</u>. </b>And remember - <b>Success happens one mile/km/lap/rep/pound/day at a time.</b><br /><br /><b>Honestly...</b> If I can do this, <b>anyone can. </b>You <u>WILL</u> get there. Just keep going :)','NO LIMITS. Frosty Knuckle 5K+ & Hyannis Half Marathon Recap','','inherit','closed','closed','','78-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 22:08:11','2017-01-15 03:08:11','',78,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/78-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(673,1,'2017-01-14 22:05:39','2017-01-15 03:05:39','What an INCREDIBLE weekend! I\'m still kind of in shock...words just can\'t describe how <b>elated</b> I am. This weekend I ran the <a href=\"http://rutraceseries.com/frosty-knuckle-5k/\" target=\"_blank\">Frosty Knuckle 5K+</a> AND the <a href=\"http://www.hyannismarathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Hyannis Half-Marathon</a>...<b>back to back days</b>.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--B0rrgmczaA/UwppIp5tN5I/AAAAAAAAGdg/jiE1WGiv4F0/s1600/runwkndnumbr.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--B0rrgmczaA/UwppIp5tN5I/AAAAAAAAGdg/jiE1WGiv4F0/s1600/runwkndnumbr.jpg\" /></a></div>Not only did I do well in both races...but I came away with a pretty big accomplishment in the 5K+ and a MAJOR accomplishment in Half-Marathon! If <b>I </b>can do this...<b>anyone</b> can. How did I do it? And how can <b>you?</b> Read on, and share in the journey!<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />This weekend, by all accounts, was probably <b>a really bad idea</b>. On Saturday I ran the Frosty Knuckle 5K+...then I ran the Hyannis Half-Marathon Sunday. That in itself could\'ve been passable...if it weren\'t for a few things... you\'ll find those as you read through...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Let\'s Talk About the Frosty Knuckle 5K+!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvySA8uyoHc/UwdHjD6XKRI/AAAAAAAAGbM/iZNE6aNHxsE/s1600/frosty_logo_MAIN-300x135.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvySA8uyoHc/UwdHjD6XKRI/AAAAAAAAGbM/iZNE6aNHxsE/s1600/frosty_logo_MAIN-300x135.png\" /></a></div><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnE9r_MfMP0/Uwp8FNIAdcI/AAAAAAAAGd8/U5bx_XVVEH8/s1600/IMG_20140222_104632950_HDR2.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnE9r_MfMP0/Uwp8FNIAdcI/AAAAAAAAGd8/U5bx_XVVEH8/s1600/IMG_20140222_104632950_HDR2.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"170\" /></a><b>Frosty Knuckle 5K+ was a blast!</b> I should start by thanking my friend Natalie at <a href=\"http://www.eclipxhair.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Eclipx Salon</a> for sponsoring me into this race! <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/EclipxSalon\" target=\"_blank\">Eclipx Salon</a> is her hair salon in Salisbury, MA (50 Elm St.) - the race was actually only about 8 minutes from her salon! Normally I do aim to sign sponsors that have something to do with health &amp; fitness, but I think it\'s also great to represent local / small businesses. <a href=\"http://www.eclipxhair.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Please be sure to give her site a look!</a> I\'ll be running more races for her later this year, so keep an eye out!&nbsp; She loved my shirt idea, by the way - \"Run Like A Beast, Look Like A Beauty\".<br /><br />It was a smaller race - the \"field\" (# of participants) was only 160 people. Smaller races are different - having a smaller \"field\" can provide for a different feel. I don\'t really know how to describe it... \"intimate\" isn\'t the right word...but it isn\'t the big song and dance that something like the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/08/andtheniranfalmouthroadrace.html\" target=\"_blank\">Falmouth Road Race</a> is (with its 12,000+ runners) or even the Hyannis Half Marathon (with just under 3,000 runners). You get to see more of individual runners\' personalities, the groups that come having fun together, and even the event staff has more fun. <b>Whatever word you use to describe it </b>- I enjoyed it.<br /><br />Going into this race I was still riding the high from my MIRACULOUS <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/winter-warlock-recap.html\" target=\"_blank\">2nd place overall finish in the Winter Warlock 5K (Plymouth, MA)</a>. Between that and the size of the race...I may have gone a little harder than I initially intended....<b>whoops.</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">How I Set Myself Up For Trouble:</span></b><br /><br />My initial plan was more or less to take it easy - I knew I had my 2nd ever half-marathon the next day, I knew what my goal was for the half...and I didn\'t want to risk screwing it up by burning myself out the day before. <b>What ended up happening</b> was mile splits of 7:21, 8:09 (when I realized I had to SLOW THE HELL DOWN), and 8:48 (once I hit the sand).<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHVDMGumL8Y/UwqIfVUo5PI/AAAAAAAAGeY/EmhsUqBcNss/s1600/frostyknucklemap.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHVDMGumL8Y/UwqIfVUo5PI/AAAAAAAAGeY/EmhsUqBcNss/s1600/frostyknucklemap.jpg\" /></a></div><br /><b>Oh yeah</b>...forgot to mention...from just before the 3rd mile until pretty much the end...<b>we were running on the beach.</b> <b>SAND!</b> Good Lord...let me just tell you...this was the first time I had ever run on sand before...NOT FUN.<br /><br />OK...maybe \"not fun\" isn\'t the right way to put it...<br /><br />Running on sand was <b>incredibly challenging</b>. There\'s a reason my mile split dropped to 8:48 on the sand...its just so tough! <b>*PRO TIP*</b> If you\'re running on sand, do yourself a HUGE favor and run near the water, where the sand is wet and more firm. The dry sand is nearly impossible...it just moves underneath you so much - it\'s hard to get any propulsion! When you push off with your foot, usually the ground doesn\'t move and you go forward...but when the sand moves backward you get less forward movement for the effort you\'re giving. Running on the wet sand is a little better, but it still moves and dampens the effort you\'re putting out.<br /><br /><b>This is why I\'ve come to the conclusion that running on sand is EXCELLENT for training. </b>It\'s also why I\'ve come to the conclusion that <i>I don\'t think I want to run any more races involving sand</i>. Haha. Unless it\'s an obstacle race - then I\'ll just consider it another obstacle.<br /><br />I ended up doing pretty well all things considered. The race was a little over a 5K (3.3 miles) and I finished in 26:59, which is about 8:11 min/mile. I was pretty satisfied with that, especially considering I intentionally tried to slow myself down starting somewhere late in the 1st mile. <b>What really caught me off-guard</b> was when the race director Heidi started announcing age group awards...and got to the Male 19 - 29 age group...<b>and announced me as 3rd place!</b> My Mom (who was there) can tell you...the look on my face must\'ve been hysterical - I was NOT at ALL expecting that. The medal itself was pretty hilarious, but appropriate considering Frosty Knuckle is actually a beer (Google it).<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztz0A3KJlAE/UwqZ8qz1ftI/AAAAAAAAGew/58yyErXAcYo/s1600/IMG_20140223_195721959_HDR.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztz0A3KJlAE/UwqZ8qz1ftI/AAAAAAAAGew/58yyErXAcYo/s1600/IMG_20140223_195721959_HDR.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Yeah - it\'s a bottle-opener. Hah.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />The race was put on by Heat Event Management - Heidi (the Race Director) was SUPER nice and great to talk to - she said they do a LOT of trail runs, which is something I\'m looking to get into. She also mentioned that they happen in some really scenic places, which is a bonus. I definitely recommend looking into what they have to offer :) I LOVE local races. Another great thing about local races? ...sometimes they bring in LOCAL BEER! Ipswitch ale was there with a free beer for every runner :) So <b>that </b>was pretty great.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jxnpf4Lw60/UwtIbzA3KDI/AAAAAAAAGgs/Hmk4rutNt5Q/s1600/ipsalebrewery.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jxnpf4Lw60/UwtIbzA3KDI/AAAAAAAAGgs/Hmk4rutNt5Q/s1600/ipsalebrewery.jpg\" height=\"117\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>Quick side-note: </b>Salisbury Beach in the winter looked like something out of a zombie apocalypse movie. Think Zombieland...its got that creepy abandoned fun-house / boardwalk thing going on...it was odd. I wish I got a picture. Maybe when I go up in March for Smuttypalooza :)<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">On to the Hyannis Half Marathon!</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKY7_wbGd3Q/Uwqpu6I_UbI/AAAAAAAAGfE/C2Fc3Nmv2_k/s1600/hyannis+half.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKY7_wbGd3Q/Uwqpu6I_UbI/AAAAAAAAGfE/C2Fc3Nmv2_k/s1600/hyannis+half.jpg\" height=\"351\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>This was the big race! </b>I\'ve been looking forward to this since before the new year! This was my 2nd half marathon ever, and I was going in with a goal. My first half - the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/10/achievement-unlocked-131.html\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Marathon Half</a> - I had a rough idea, I was a little slower, and I was focusing on just <b>finishing</b>. I had a lot of hamstring and foot issues, I had I.T. Band issues, and I stopped to walk a lot as a result.  In the end, I finished in 2:09:29 (goal was to break 2:15:00).<br /><br /><b>Hyannis was different. </b>I had run more, trained more, and done long distances more. My obvious goal was to beat my old time. <b>My REAL goal was to break 2 hours. </b><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Sn-o8DbV4/Uwqz0ycT5NI/AAAAAAAAGfY/7P1bY37f1ZQ/s1600/IMG_20140223_095223017.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Sn-o8DbV4/Uwqz0ycT5NI/AAAAAAAAGfY/7P1bY37f1ZQ/s1600/IMG_20140223_095223017.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a><span></span><span></span><br />So I showed up in Hyannis ready to go. My timing was a little off and I ended up getting there with enough time to get my number and shirt, hit the restroom and stretch. I had planned on getting there early, but that didn\'t happen...so I had to fight off that awful \"rushed\" feeling. I managed to simmer down once I got to stretching though.<br /><br />For starters...(literally)...I couldn\'t even get in the corral! It was so packed full there was just no room! I wasn\'t the only one who had to sneak in once the gun went off, though. To be fair, it was partly my own fault - I waited until about 5 minutes before gun time to even GET to the start and I refused to go farther down the chute - I was right up at the 8 min/mile flag. What can I say...I wanted to be near the start line! There\'s something about having that big neon clock at the finish at least KIND of close to your actual time...<br /><br /><b>***REAL quick - </b>for those who don\'t know - gun time is when the starting gun goes off to when you cross the finish. Net time is from when you cross the start to when you cross the finish. In a big race, you might not cross the start right when the gun goes off - might take 30 seconds, might take 5 minutes. The big neon clock at the finish goes off of gun time...so by being close to the start line, my net and gun times are close and that big neon clock is ALMOST accurate.***<br /><br /><b>As far as the race itself</b> - It was a nice run through Hyannis - we went close to (if not IN) downtown Hyannis, through Osterville, Craigville, and Centerville. We didn\'t <b>quite </b>go as far as Cotuit. It was a nice tour of Hyannis.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLT_Q9f3WcM/UwrRrJFRQqI/AAAAAAAAGgM/x0Hv5SBW4yM/s1600/hyannismap.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLT_Q9f3WcM/UwrRrJFRQqI/AAAAAAAAGgM/x0Hv5SBW4yM/s1600/hyannismap.jpg\" /></a></div>I\'ve learned that it\'s all relative. I approach each different distance I run with a different mindset and a different target pace. When I\'m half done with a 5K I\'m just as pooped as I am when I\'m half done with a 10K. This is <b>almost</b> the same with a half marathon...but it\'s a little different. It may have been because I was trying to go much faster than my first half. It may have been because I ran a race the day before. It may have been because there were hills ALL OVER the course instead of mainly concentrated along a 3 mile stretch...or it may just be because 13.1 miles is a <b>long freaking distance</b>. Whatever the case, this race was tougher than my first 13.1. I may not have had injuries/cramps/issues like the last time...but that opened up a new set of challenges. <br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLl42a6iFNE/Uwq0bTotE3I/AAAAAAAAGfg/VVzpdiFQxj8/s1600/IMG_20140223_145512083.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLl42a6iFNE/Uwq0bTotE3I/AAAAAAAAGfg/VVzpdiFQxj8/s1600/IMG_20140223_145512083.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"297\" /></a></div><b>What challenges? </b>It was me, my preparation, and my mind. In general, I feel like anything over 10 miles is all mental, and today reinforced that for me. That\'s the front of my shirt right there. I wasn\'t sponsored for the Hyannis Half, so I wore my own shirt. It wasn\'t a giant logo...it was <b>motivation</b>. It was for me and for whoever saw it - it\'s what I believe and what I\'ve been saying all along. The front said \"NO Limits.\" and \"I Can. I <u>WILL</u>.\" - You can see the back up above - \"Success happens one mile at a time\". I was repeating these three little gems to myself the whole race, because they were <b>all true</b>. Every time I wanted to slow down...<b>stop</b>...take a walk-break...I DEMANDED more of myself and resolved to get to the next mile. Know what I figured out? <b>I didn\'t really need to stop.</b> I kept telling myself \"I Can. I WILL.\"...<b>and I did.</b><br /><br />I started feeling my quads after a while...I kind of want to attribute that to running the Frosty Knuckle. The Race Director DID say she\'s had people tell her how sore their quads are after that race...<b>whoops</b>. After a while, that led to me feeling just how much my legs really weigh. I was reminded that while I have lost a <b>ton</b> of weight...at 175 lbs I\'m still heavier than many runners, and picking those legs up with each step requires a <b>lot </b>of work. <b>Didn\'t matter.</b> <b>No Limits.</b> I powered through it. I didn\'t demand big crazy reaches out of my body...I did it one mile at a time. My calves started to feel like they wanted to cramp up on me. <b>I didn\'t allow it</b>. I Can. I WILL. I kept telling myself...<i>every little bit you can run instead of walk...every little bit you can keep going...it ALL matters, and it ALL gets you closer to your goal! </i><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZa5Y7cjqI/UwrM6BiActI/AAAAAAAAGgA/Za0LdGLP5e0/s1600/paceband.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdZa5Y7cjqI/UwrM6BiActI/AAAAAAAAGgA/Za0LdGLP5e0/s1600/paceband.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"153\" /></a></div>At mile 11 an old friend caught up with me...<b>my left hamstring</b>. I realized if I tried to just blast <span></span><span></span>through it my time would suffer and it could get worse, so I stopped and stretched super-fast and got back in it. I took a couple extra 10 second walk breaks because I had the time. <b>And I kept going. </b>Nothing was going to hold me back - I was on track for a sub-2 hour half...and I was gonna <b>get it</b>.<br /><br />How did I know I was on-track? <b>I had a paceband. </b>What\'s a paceband? It\'s that thing right there! I found a site, I plugged in the time I wanted to finish in, and told it the distance I was running. It did the math and put it together into a wristband that said at what time I needed to be at each mile marker. I printed it out, cut it out, and...\"laminated\" it...with some scotch tape. For the first 8 miles I was 2 minutes ahead of target. After that I started to slow a bit, but I was on-track. I knew <b>for a fact</b> that I could do it. It also allowed me to make smart, informed, tactical decisions about \"walk-breaks\"...10 seconds of walking here and there helped me keep my overall pace up. I DEFINITELY recommend printing up one of these for your next race. Solid idea for sure.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So...How Did It Turn Out?!</b></span><br /><br /><br /><b>I DID IT! THAT\'S how it turned out! MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT - I BROKE 2 HOURS! Not by much, but I did it! I came in at 1:59:40 official time</b>. That\'s 9:49 faster than last time...almost 10 minutes off my time! I cannot BEGIN to describe how elated I am to have accomplished that! <b>ESPECIALLY </b>after having run that 5K+ the day before with that freakin\' <b>sand</b>.<br /><br /><b>The whole point of ALL of this...</b>all these races I\'m running this year...this site...<b>all of it</b>...it\'s to encourage, to motivate, and to show that <b>it <u>can</u> be done.</b> I was 300 lbs at the end of 2012! I had been a big guy <b>my whole life</b>. And here I am running back to back races and achieving amazing things like a sub-2 hour half marathon in the process! <b>ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! </b>Is this real life?! I literally would\'ve laughed out loud if, back then, someone tried to tell me this would happen...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-YOUducNeI/Uws8a0XiYCI/AAAAAAAAGgc/IUc3WDad9FQ/s1600/aftert25front.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-YOUducNeI/Uws8a0XiYCI/AAAAAAAAGgc/IUc3WDad9FQ/s1600/aftert25front.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>It goes back to what I said</b> in the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\" target=\"_blank\">Lose Your Limits Challenge article</a> - the only limits we TRULY have are the ones we set for ourselves. The human body is an amazing thing - given time and training it will do <b>whatever</b> you ask of it. It will change shape. It will get faster. It will endure longer. You just have to have the confidence and stamina to make those changes happen. Tell yourself exactly what I put on that shirt for me and everyone that could see it - <b>NO Limits. I Can - I <u>WILL</u>. </b>And remember - <b>Success happens one mile/km/lap/rep/pound/day at a time.</b><br /><br /><b>Honestly...</b> If I can do this, <b>anyone can. </b>You <u>WILL</u> get there. Just keep going :)','NO LIMITS. Frosty Knuckle 5K+ & Hyannis Half Marathon Recap','','inherit','closed','closed','','78-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 22:05:39','2017-01-15 03:05:39','',78,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/78-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(79,1,'2014-02-19 14:24:00','2014-02-19 19:24:00','<b>Not even a blizzard could stop what was going to happen this past Sunday.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />In the wake of a blizzard I, and many like me, showed that classic \"yankee can-do attitude\" and dug ourselves out so we could go run a race. I in particular am VERY glad I did.<br /><br /><b>The human body, mine in particular, continues to amaze me. </b>At every turn I think I\'ve reached the mountain top, and <b>at every turn I am surprised once again</b>. This time, it was on Old Sandwich Road in Plymouth, Massachusetts. <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWMAgrWH38Y/UwSh-nmNBWI/AAAAAAAAGYA/V4-PdbC4k2g/s1600/winter+warlock+logo.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWMAgrWH38Y/UwSh-nmNBWI/AAAAAAAAGYA/V4-PdbC4k2g/s1600/winter+warlock+logo.png\" height=\"236\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>This race was very cool, very different, and taught me a lot. Someone upstairs also saw fit to bestow upon me a HUGE achievement/milestone. Read on and share in it with me!<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5YYjE33iI4/UwS4r9UweBI/AAAAAAAAGaE/_hqsZIdEP8c/s1600/IMG_20140216_070204.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5YYjE33iI4/UwS4r9UweBI/AAAAAAAAGaE/_hqsZIdEP8c/s1600/IMG_20140216_070204.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"305\" /></a></div><a href=\"https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Plymouth/2013Winterwarlock10K\" target=\"_blank\">Winter Warlock</a> was a different race indeed. There was a 5K and a 10K - I ran the 5K. I almost upgraded last-minute to the 10K, and BOY am I glad I didn\'t. For starters, I hadn\'t prepared for a 10K and wasn\'t in the right mindset...but for another...I might not have achieved what I did. I suppose I should start by thanking my friends at <a href=\"http://www.capecodnutrition.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner </a>for sponsoring me for this race (and four more this year!). Check them out in Plymouth and Easton if you\'re around - they\'re a great  supplement / nutrition / health store with a very knowledgeable staff -  worth the trip for sure. I drive all the way from Falmouth to go there! If it weren\'t for <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\" target=\"_blank\">CCNC</a> sponsoring me I wouldn\'t have chosen, registered for or run this race...and I wouldn\'t have had the achievement I did. <br /><br /><b>More on that later.</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Why is Winter Warlock So Special? </span></b><br /><br /><b>Plymouth Rock Racing, for one. </b>Craig, the Race Director / President CLEARLY has a passion for running, runners, and putting on great local races. Plymouth Rock Racing has a TON of races in the Plymouth area and he sounded excited about ALL of them as he was speaking via megaphone at the starting line (and when I talked to him individually before/after the race!). He was even dressed in running gear - seemed like he wanted to run his own race instead of...running it! Hah.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynr64GxPWkw/UwStQuLnmRI/AAAAAAAAGY4/uhyEK8lVctU/s1600/dsc01587.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynr64GxPWkw/UwStQuLnmRI/AAAAAAAAGY4/uhyEK8lVctU/s1600/dsc01587.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"266\" /></a>One thing Craig likes to do at Winter Warlock, since it\'s a relatively small race, is test out new technology. I think that\'s pretty cool! The new tech Plymouth Rock Racing tried out at this year\'s Winter Warlock was a new timing system called \"Race Splitter\" - it used iPads / iPhones and, shockingly enough, did NOT involve a giant mat you have to run over to start/finish the race! I have to admit...that part threw me off a little bit. Not like I\'ve been running for a long time, but I got very used to the mats and the guy on a computer next to it and all the beeping as people finish. Instead, the RD\'s two sons were manually punching peoples\' bib numbers into the iPad as they finished. Not sure how this tech would work on a much larger scale (or if it would even be feasible), and not sure how accurate and consistent it is (in terms of people crossing the finish), but it was definitely cool to be part of a trial run. Hah...I got jokes today...<br /><br /><br /><b>\"Stop blabbing and tell me about the race!\"</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDnUKHG6yrI/UwSr39L7M9I/AAAAAAAAGYY/fHlfuDcUKEg/s1600/dsc01533.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDnUKHG6yrI/UwSr39L7M9I/AAAAAAAAGYY/fHlfuDcUKEg/s1600/dsc01533.jpg\" height=\"266\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><br />The race itself was very cool. Just look at that scenery! That\'s what I got to stare at as I ran my 5K - it\'s enough to make me wish I ran the 10K, and to make me want to run the <a href=\"https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Plymouth/OldSandwichRoadRace\" target=\"_blank\">Old Sandwich Road Race</a> Half-Marathon in June (too bad I\'m already running the <a href=\"http://www.active.com/newburyport-ma/running/races/newburyport-river-run-1-2-marathon-and-5k-2014\" target=\"_blank\">Newburyport River Run</a> 5K). As you might gather from what I just said - this race took place in Plymouth, MA on Old Sandwich Road. Old Sandwich Road is the oldest dirt road in the country in one of the oldest towns in America. The road is actually pretty well-maintained, not too many ruts and potholes. I wore my trail shoes that day expecting a snowy mess, and I was <b>infinitely</b> glad I did - whatever parts of the road weren\'t covered by snow were dirt. I firmly believe if I were in my regular running shoes I would\'ve had far less traction and wouldn\'t have performed as well.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><b>Speaking of my performance...</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXzVR2_WAj0/UwSvOZB7gmI/AAAAAAAAGZM/VMeCtvii8nI/s1600/IMG_20140216_110415662.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXzVR2_WAj0/UwSvOZB7gmI/AAAAAAAAGZM/VMeCtvii8nI/s1600/IMG_20140216_110415662.jpg\" height=\"640\" width=\"259\" /></a>Remember that big huge amazing achievement I mentioned earlier?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I HAD MY FIRST PODIUM FINISH!</b></span><br /><br /><b>I came in 2nd place overall! Are you freaking KIDDING ME?!?! </b><br /><br />This was SUCH a different experience for me! I am NOT that fast, and I\'ve kind of accepted that until I drastically improve my form, my stride and my pace I will not be coming in top of a race...maybe placing in my age group if I\'m lucky but certainly not overall podium! I made sure to thoroughly enjoy this rarity as it was happening.<br /><br />There was a \"lead car\" - a police cruiser leading the race. For the first half of the race, I was in front...<i>in first place</i>...so it was me and the cop car out in front of me leading the way.<br /><br /><b>That. Was. Cool.</b><br /><br />I think I like being out in front. No crowds, no competition, no \"I have to go faster than that guy\"...no urge to keep up and get worn out...<br /><b> </b><br /><b>Once we got to the turnaround I was no longer in first place.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />There was a guy trailing me for the better part of that first leg of the race, and as we got to the turnaround and I took a nice wide turn, he practically stopped on a dime, spun in place and took off. He then steadily crept further away from me towards the finish. Since it was an \"out and back\" course, we were running by everyone behind us on the way back to the start/finish...I knew then that unless I screwed up big I had clinched second place. There was a solid group close behind us, but many of them were running the 10K, and would be continuing past our 5K turnaround - the next person running the 5K was far enough behind that if I kept my pace I could do it. <b>So I did.</b> I didn\'t stop, I tried not to look back, and I just kept on chugging along.<br /><br /><b>Funny thing happened - </b>when I got to the end of Old Sandwich Road there was a couple of cops set up to keep an eye on traffic so we could get onto the main (paved) road and get back to the start/finish at the country club...I got there and I literally looked at the cop, pointed left and right, and put my hands up like \"which way do I go?\". <b>I have never been in front before</b>, I\'m usually following everyone else to the finish! What a weird experience. <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPytFze3FyI/UwS-MKh4BfI/AAAAAAAAGaY/g_EnN1LLrWs/s1600/IMG_20140216_104002_987.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPytFze3FyI/UwS-MKh4BfI/AAAAAAAAGaY/g_EnN1LLrWs/s1600/IMG_20140216_104002_987.jpg\" height=\"312\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>At the finish I heard my name over the megaphone and I went under the big goofy inflatable finish - I then had a trophy and a $10 <a href=\"http://www.marathonsports.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Marathon Sports</a> gift card stuck in my hand as my prizes. <i><b>Prizes?!</b></i> Cool. <br /><br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyQN8OvgVXQ/UwSzzbgxq_I/AAAAAAAAGZk/iU8Cr48VHCY/s1600/IMG_20140216_104547119_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyQN8OvgVXQ/UwSzzbgxq_I/AAAAAAAAGZk/iU8Cr48VHCY/s1600/IMG_20140216_104547119_HDR.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"219\" /></a>I had to go find the guy who got me at the turnaround. Wasn\'t hard...there were only three people at the finish...the Race Director, my fiancee, and him! His name is Chris Housley. Nice guy, too...aside from that whole \"passing me\" thing. hah. Maybe I\'ll run into him (or by him) at another race this year!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2R8yv9RYnA/UwS2GPgD3-I/AAAAAAAAGZw/nYX7glsczXk/s1600/IMG_20140216_105319154_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2R8yv9RYnA/UwS2GPgD3-I/AAAAAAAAGZw/nYX7glsczXk/s1600/IMG_20140216_105319154_HDR.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"216\" /></a>I then went and found the guy who came in 3rd. His name is Sean Sullivan, and Winter Warlock was special for him too...<b>it was his first race!</b>&nbsp; Congrats to him on coming in 3rd place in his first ever race...that must be HUGE encouragement. My first race I was shocked to see my time and to place in my age group...placing overall must\'ve been nice. I <b>DEFINITELY</b> hope to see Sean at some more races this year! Hey Sean! Check out my <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/01/blizzard-blast-recap-my-season-breakdown.html\" target=\"_blank\">Blizzard Blast recap article </a>for a list of races I\'m running...let me know if you\'re running any of those!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>I feel like this recap is appropriate for Hump Day.</b> Take the lessons of my most recent race to heart and use them to help you get over the hump...whatever hump it is you\'re trying to get over. Motivation, encouragement, progress...<b>whatever.</b> There are little victories and big achievements everywhere, and you only reach them if you can get over the hump, whether its mental or physical, and get to the finish.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEOGwOGmmQ8/UwS_T3L0TvI/AAAAAAAAGak/2badE9SqBiU/s1600/IMG_20140216_181415394.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEOGwOGmmQ8/UwS_T3L0TvI/AAAAAAAAGak/2badE9SqBiU/s1600/IMG_20140216_181415394.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div>','Winter Warlock Recap','','publish','open','open','','winter-warlock-recap','','','2017-01-20 16:47:51','2017-01-20 21:47:51','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=79',0,'post','',0),(794,1,'2017-01-20 16:47:51','2017-01-20 21:47:51','<b>Not even a blizzard could stop what was going to happen this past Sunday.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />In the wake of a blizzard I, and many like me, showed that classic \"yankee can-do attitude\" and dug ourselves out so we could go run a race. I in particular am VERY glad I did.<br /><br /><b>The human body, mine in particular, continues to amaze me. </b>At every turn I think I\'ve reached the mountain top, and <b>at every turn I am surprised once again</b>. This time, it was on Old Sandwich Road in Plymouth, Massachusetts. <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWMAgrWH38Y/UwSh-nmNBWI/AAAAAAAAGYA/V4-PdbC4k2g/s1600/winter+warlock+logo.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWMAgrWH38Y/UwSh-nmNBWI/AAAAAAAAGYA/V4-PdbC4k2g/s1600/winter+warlock+logo.png\" height=\"236\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>This race was very cool, very different, and taught me a lot. Someone upstairs also saw fit to bestow upon me a HUGE achievement/milestone. Read on and share in it with me!<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5YYjE33iI4/UwS4r9UweBI/AAAAAAAAGaE/_hqsZIdEP8c/s1600/IMG_20140216_070204.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5YYjE33iI4/UwS4r9UweBI/AAAAAAAAGaE/_hqsZIdEP8c/s1600/IMG_20140216_070204.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"305\" /></a></div><a href=\"https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Plymouth/2013Winterwarlock10K\" target=\"_blank\">Winter Warlock</a> was a different race indeed. There was a 5K and a 10K - I ran the 5K. I almost upgraded last-minute to the 10K, and BOY am I glad I didn\'t. For starters, I hadn\'t prepared for a 10K and wasn\'t in the right mindset...but for another...I might not have achieved what I did. I suppose I should start by thanking my friends at <a href=\"http://www.capecodnutrition.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner </a>for sponsoring me for this race (and four more this year!). Check them out in Plymouth and Easton if you\'re around - they\'re a great  supplement / nutrition / health store with a very knowledgeable staff -  worth the trip for sure. I drive all the way from Falmouth to go there! If it weren\'t for <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\" target=\"_blank\">CCNC</a> sponsoring me I wouldn\'t have chosen, registered for or run this race...and I wouldn\'t have had the achievement I did. <br /><br /><b>More on that later.</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Why is Winter Warlock So Special? </span></b><br /><br /><b>Plymouth Rock Racing, for one. </b>Craig, the Race Director / President CLEARLY has a passion for running, runners, and putting on great local races. Plymouth Rock Racing has a TON of races in the Plymouth area and he sounded excited about ALL of them as he was speaking via megaphone at the starting line (and when I talked to him individually before/after the race!). He was even dressed in running gear - seemed like he wanted to run his own race instead of...running it! Hah.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynr64GxPWkw/UwStQuLnmRI/AAAAAAAAGY4/uhyEK8lVctU/s1600/dsc01587.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynr64GxPWkw/UwStQuLnmRI/AAAAAAAAGY4/uhyEK8lVctU/s1600/dsc01587.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"266\" /></a>One thing Craig likes to do at Winter Warlock, since it\'s a relatively small race, is test out new technology. I think that\'s pretty cool! The new tech Plymouth Rock Racing tried out at this year\'s Winter Warlock was a new timing system called \"Race Splitter\" - it used iPads / iPhones and, shockingly enough, did NOT involve a giant mat you have to run over to start/finish the race! I have to admit...that part threw me off a little bit. Not like I\'ve been running for a long time, but I got very used to the mats and the guy on a computer next to it and all the beeping as people finish. Instead, the RD\'s two sons were manually punching peoples\' bib numbers into the iPad as they finished. Not sure how this tech would work on a much larger scale (or if it would even be feasible), and not sure how accurate and consistent it is (in terms of people crossing the finish), but it was definitely cool to be part of a trial run. Hah...I got jokes today...<br /><br /><br /><b>\"Stop blabbing and tell me about the race!\"</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDnUKHG6yrI/UwSr39L7M9I/AAAAAAAAGYY/fHlfuDcUKEg/s1600/dsc01533.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDnUKHG6yrI/UwSr39L7M9I/AAAAAAAAGYY/fHlfuDcUKEg/s1600/dsc01533.jpg\" height=\"266\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><br />The race itself was very cool. Just look at that scenery! That\'s what I got to stare at as I ran my 5K - it\'s enough to make me wish I ran the 10K, and to make me want to run the <a href=\"https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Plymouth/OldSandwichRoadRace\" target=\"_blank\">Old Sandwich Road Race</a> Half-Marathon in June (too bad I\'m already running the <a href=\"http://www.active.com/newburyport-ma/running/races/newburyport-river-run-1-2-marathon-and-5k-2014\" target=\"_blank\">Newburyport River Run</a> 5K). As you might gather from what I just said - this race took place in Plymouth, MA on Old Sandwich Road. Old Sandwich Road is the oldest dirt road in the country in one of the oldest towns in America. The road is actually pretty well-maintained, not too many ruts and potholes. I wore my trail shoes that day expecting a snowy mess, and I was <b>infinitely</b> glad I did - whatever parts of the road weren\'t covered by snow were dirt. I firmly believe if I were in my regular running shoes I would\'ve had far less traction and wouldn\'t have performed as well.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><b>Speaking of my performance...</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXzVR2_WAj0/UwSvOZB7gmI/AAAAAAAAGZM/VMeCtvii8nI/s1600/IMG_20140216_110415662.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXzVR2_WAj0/UwSvOZB7gmI/AAAAAAAAGZM/VMeCtvii8nI/s1600/IMG_20140216_110415662.jpg\" height=\"640\" width=\"259\" /></a>Remember that big huge amazing achievement I mentioned earlier?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I HAD MY FIRST PODIUM FINISH!</b></span><br /><br /><b>I came in 2nd place overall! Are you freaking KIDDING ME?!?! </b><br /><br />This was SUCH a different experience for me! I am NOT that fast, and I\'ve kind of accepted that until I drastically improve my form, my stride and my pace I will not be coming in top of a race...maybe placing in my age group if I\'m lucky but certainly not overall podium! I made sure to thoroughly enjoy this rarity as it was happening.<br /><br />There was a \"lead car\" - a police cruiser leading the race. For the first half of the race, I was in front...<i>in first place</i>...so it was me and the cop car out in front of me leading the way.<br /><br /><b>That. Was. Cool.</b><br /><br />I think I like being out in front. No crowds, no competition, no \"I have to go faster than that guy\"...no urge to keep up and get worn out...<br /><b> </b><br /><b>Once we got to the turnaround I was no longer in first place.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />There was a guy trailing me for the better part of that first leg of the race, and as we got to the turnaround and I took a nice wide turn, he practically stopped on a dime, spun in place and took off. He then steadily crept further away from me towards the finish. Since it was an \"out and back\" course, we were running by everyone behind us on the way back to the start/finish...I knew then that unless I screwed up big I had clinched second place. There was a solid group close behind us, but many of them were running the 10K, and would be continuing past our 5K turnaround - the next person running the 5K was far enough behind that if I kept my pace I could do it. <b>So I did.</b> I didn\'t stop, I tried not to look back, and I just kept on chugging along.<br /><br /><b>Funny thing happened - </b>when I got to the end of Old Sandwich Road there was a couple of cops set up to keep an eye on traffic so we could get onto the main (paved) road and get back to the start/finish at the country club...I got there and I literally looked at the cop, pointed left and right, and put my hands up like \"which way do I go?\". <b>I have never been in front before</b>, I\'m usually following everyone else to the finish! What a weird experience. <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPytFze3FyI/UwS-MKh4BfI/AAAAAAAAGaY/g_EnN1LLrWs/s1600/IMG_20140216_104002_987.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPytFze3FyI/UwS-MKh4BfI/AAAAAAAAGaY/g_EnN1LLrWs/s1600/IMG_20140216_104002_987.jpg\" height=\"312\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>At the finish I heard my name over the megaphone and I went under the big goofy inflatable finish - I then had a trophy and a $10 <a href=\"http://www.marathonsports.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Marathon Sports</a> gift card stuck in my hand as my prizes. <i><b>Prizes?!</b></i> Cool. <br /><br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyQN8OvgVXQ/UwSzzbgxq_I/AAAAAAAAGZk/iU8Cr48VHCY/s1600/IMG_20140216_104547119_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyQN8OvgVXQ/UwSzzbgxq_I/AAAAAAAAGZk/iU8Cr48VHCY/s1600/IMG_20140216_104547119_HDR.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"219\" /></a>I had to go find the guy who got me at the turnaround. Wasn\'t hard...there were only three people at the finish...the Race Director, my fiancee, and him! His name is Chris Housley. Nice guy, too...aside from that whole \"passing me\" thing. hah. Maybe I\'ll run into him (or by him) at another race this year!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2R8yv9RYnA/UwS2GPgD3-I/AAAAAAAAGZw/nYX7glsczXk/s1600/IMG_20140216_105319154_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2R8yv9RYnA/UwS2GPgD3-I/AAAAAAAAGZw/nYX7glsczXk/s1600/IMG_20140216_105319154_HDR.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"216\" /></a>I then went and found the guy who came in 3rd. His name is Sean Sullivan, and Winter Warlock was special for him too...<b>it was his first race!</b>&nbsp; Congrats to him on coming in 3rd place in his first ever race...that must be HUGE encouragement. My first race I was shocked to see my time and to place in my age group...placing overall must\'ve been nice. I <b>DEFINITELY</b> hope to see Sean at some more races this year! Hey Sean! Check out my <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/01/blizzard-blast-recap-my-season-breakdown.html\" target=\"_blank\">Blizzard Blast recap article </a>for a list of races I\'m running...let me know if you\'re running any of those!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>I feel like this recap is appropriate for Hump Day.</b> Take the lessons of my most recent race to heart and use them to help you get over the hump...whatever hump it is you\'re trying to get over. Motivation, encouragement, progress...<b>whatever.</b> There are little victories and big achievements everywhere, and you only reach them if you can get over the hump, whether its mental or physical, and get to the finish.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEOGwOGmmQ8/UwS_T3L0TvI/AAAAAAAAGak/2badE9SqBiU/s1600/IMG_20140216_181415394.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEOGwOGmmQ8/UwS_T3L0TvI/AAAAAAAAGak/2badE9SqBiU/s1600/IMG_20140216_181415394.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div>','Winter Warlock Recap','','inherit','closed','closed','','79-revision-v1','','','2017-01-20 16:47:51','2017-01-20 21:47:51','',79,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/79-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(80,1,'2014-01-28 14:40:00','2014-01-28 19:40:00','I\'ve been trying out something new, and after lots of training trials and game-day performance, I\'m ready to let you all know what I think.\r\n<h4><b>Health Warrior Chia Bars</b>.</h4>\r\nIf you\'ve seen <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SnuffyDX\" target=\"_blank\">tweets from me</a> that say #PoweredByChia...this is what I was talking about. There\'s been quite the \"superfood\" craze lately, and chia seeds are part of that. I\'ve been trying these out to fuel myself for runs, workouts, and life in general, and I\'ve got lots to tell you. In order to tell you about Health Warrior\'s Chia Bars, however, first the question must be asked...<!--more-->\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What the heck is Chia?</b></span></h3>\r\n<b>Healthy. That\'s what.</b> Now that I\'ve gotten that out of my system, let me REALLY answer my own question:\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-620 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chia-seeds-300x190.jpg\" alt=\"Chia Seeds\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\n<b>You may have seen it</b> in a little tube on a point-of-sale display at your local \"health food\"/ nutrition store, you may have seen the word \"chia\" thrown around in \"health food\" packaging, or you may have heard people talking about the newest greatest thing - <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_hispanica\" target=\"_blank\">CHIA</a>!\r\n\r\n<b>Chia is a little tiny seed, and it\'s been around forever. </b>The reason it\'s such a big deal now is that it\'s a superfood, and people are just now catching on to it - it\'s becoming mainstream.\r\n\r\n<b>So what\'s a <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfood\" target=\"_blank\">\"superfood\"</a>? </b>The word itself is just a marketing term companies throw around to say something has a wide berth of health benefits - as far as I can tell it\'s not actually a word nutritionists, doctors or dieticians have put out there. I\'m ok with it though - it\'s just a descriptor and it DOES apply here so frankly I don\'t care where it came from.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<h4><img class=\"size-full wp-image-623 alignleft\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chiaseedshw.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior black chia seeds\" width=\"206\" height=\"279\" /><b>Chia seeds ARE pretty packed with nutrition...</b></h4>\r\n...for how small of a seed it is, anyway. <a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/superfoods/\" target=\"_blank\">As Health Warrior describes on their site</a> - one 16 ounce bag (1 pound) of their chia seeds is equivalent to:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>10 lbs of salmon (Omega -3 Fatty Acids)</li>\r\n 	<li>3 lbs of tofu (protein)</li>\r\n 	<li>4 lbs of milk (calcium, I\'m assuming? They talk about strong bones with that one)</li>\r\n 	<li>4 lbs of oatmeal (fiber)</li>\r\n 	<li>15 lbs of broccoli (magnesium)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<b>That\'s an awful lot of work for one pound of little tiny seeds to be doing.</b>\r\n\r\nHealth Warrior uses those amazing, hard-working, nutrient-dense little seeds to make their Chia Bars.\r\n\r\n<b>So now that we\'ve covered those bases, we can look at...</b>\r\n<h3><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s in these Chia Bars?</span></b></h3>\r\n<b>These things are pretty amazing. Let\'s take a look at the label.</b>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-619 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chia-nutrition-300x111.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior Chia Bar nutrition facts label\" width=\"300\" height=\"111\" />\r\n\r\n<b>See that?!</b> These bars are 100 calories each (similar to other fitness \"nutrition\") and pack an awful lot into that little space. 1000mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, 4g of fiber (16% daily recommended intake), 4g of plant-based whole-food protein, and they make it taste good with just 5g of sugar.\r\n\r\n<b>But wait - </b>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-621 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chiabaringredients-300x140.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior chia bar ingredients\" width=\"300\" height=\"140\" />\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><b> It\'s all-natural and...well...healthy!</b> That 5g of sugar comes, primarily, from the organic agave syrup! <b>NOT </b>high-fructose corn syrup. <b>NOT </b>\"sugar\". <b>NOT aspartame, sucralose, fructose, or any \'ose\'</b>. Look at all the other ingredients - brown rice syrup, organic cashew butter, organic this, organic that...it\'s all organic and natural! These things are <i>really </i>healthy! The label also makes a point to say that it is soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and 100% vegan. They get it done and take care of a lot of peoples\' dietary needs/restrictions. It SEEMS to me to be the case that this would also qualify as paleo-friendly, but I\'m no pro on paleo, so I\'ll have to look into that a little more.</div>\r\n<b>So </b>we know what they\'re made of, and we know the health benefits...but there\'s another important question to ask:\r\n<h3><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-624 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chiaunbox-235x300.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior chia bar unboxing\" width=\"235\" height=\"300\" /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Do They Taste Good?</span></b></h3>\r\n<b>YES! </b>At least, I think so. These chia bars are offered in a variety of flavors - <a href=\"http://shop.healthwarrior.com/\" target=\"_blank\">they are usually sold one flavor to a box</a>, but my friend Brad at Health Warrior was kind enough to hand-pack and send me a variety box so I could try them all! They have: Coffee, Acai Berry, Banana Nut, Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Coconut. I have to say, my favorites are Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, and Coconut. They\'re ALL really tasty, don\'t get me wrong, but those ones are all tied for first place.\r\n<h4><b>I swear, the flavors are crazy good!</b></h4>\r\nIf they were colors, they\'d be the most vibrant, saturated hues of the color possible - that\'s the best way I can describe how the flavor really nails the description - the Banana Nut REALLY tastes like banana nut bread, the apple cinnamon smell and taste evokes memories of my favorite apple cinnamon oatmeal and baked goods growing up, the coconut tastes like every yummy coconut dessert I\'ve ever had...<b>I don\'t know how they do it while keeping it so healthy and natural</b>, but these things are basically a pre-race dessert for me!\r\n<h3><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Texture</span></b></h3>\r\n<b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-627 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_20140128_083305030-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior chia bar unwrapped\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" />I feel like texture is important to touch on with this product. </b>These bars are, primarily, made with little tiny seeds, after all, and you CAN tell when you\'re eating it. The texture is <b>not </b>offensive, let me be clear on that. Think of it, in a small way, like when eating popcorn - sometimes a little piece gets left behind in your mouth and you find it later. Sometimes I find a chia seed floating around my mouth once I start my run. I do not mind this at all - it\'s still wrapped up in some of the flavor-y goodness of the bar, so it\'s like a little flavor nugget left behind in my mouth. <b>I kinda like that</b>.\r\n\r\nPlease note that this does <b>NOT </b>happen every time, only sometimes. I\'m sure if you have your bar with some water that would likely eliminate that occurrence completely. I have a feeling this is kind of my fault as I tend to fly through it and not necessarily chew thoroughly. <b>Again - this is NOT a negative</b>, just something to be aware of. I happen to like it, and for the health benefits / fuel quality I\'m getting, I\'m more than happy to \"deal\". That aside, overall, the texture kind of reminds me of a soft, chewy granola bar. <b>No points are deducted in the \"texture\" and \"mouth-feel\" department.</b>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Performance</b></span></h3>\r\n<b>I. Felt. GREAT. </b>I\'m not going to take you through each individual run like I did with <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/09/review-fitaid.html\" target=\"_blank\">the FitAid review</a>, but after trying these bars a dozen times I can say with absolute certainty that I felt great when powered by these bars for a run, workout, or my day in general. I usually have a bar about 15 to 20 minutes before I begin my run/workout/whatever, and it gets me through my workout like a champ - when I might otherwise feel the need to stop, walk, or take it easy, instead I keep on truckin\' like a boss. For longer workouts, like a big distance run, I do tend to re-fuel after about an hour, but you should do that anyway - 100 calories isn\'t going to get you through a half-marathon, no matter HOW nutrient-dense it is.\r\n\r\nI went on a variety of run distances with this from 2 miles through half-marathon distance. Some were races, some were just my own regular workouts. I also used these for a pick-me-up on a regular day and felt great and really energized. These little bars are a great way to give your body what it craves to fuel it through a workout or through a normal day as a regular part of your daily health and nutrition.\r\n<h3><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-625 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/fuel-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Fuel meme with chia bar\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Health Warrior Chia Bars - the verdict?</h3>\r\nThere\'s no two ways about it - Chia is a great way to fuel yourself for whatever is coming your way, and Health Warrior\'s Chia Bars are an <b>EXCELLENT </b>vehicle to get it. I HIGHLY recommend that you find them, get them, and give them a try. You can order from <a href=\"http://healthwarrior.com/\" target=\"_blank\">the Health Warrior website</a> or find the bars at <a href=\"http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/\" target=\"_blank\">your local Whole Foods Market</a>. They\'re working on expanding, and I hope <a href=\"http://www.marathonsports.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Marathon Sports</a> (one of my <b>favorite</b> running stores) starts carrying it soon. If you have any questions, PLEASE reach out and ask! You can get me at Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com or use the contact form at the bottom of the page. Also, if you haven\'t already, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/sothisisfitness\" target=\"_blank\">please \"like\" the \"So THIS Is Fitness...\" Facebook page</a> to keep up with everything going on - I post there a LOT more frequently than I do on this site.\r\n<h4><b>Now go get some Chia Bars! :)</b></h4>','Ch-Ch-Ch-CHIA! Health Warrior Chia Bar Review','','publish','open','open','','ch-ch-ch-chia-health-warrior-chia-bar-review','','','2017-06-23 06:41:32','2017-06-23 10:41:32','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=80',0,'post','',3),(628,1,'2017-01-14 10:55:22','2017-01-14 15:55:22','I\'ve been trying out something new, and after lots of training trials and game-day performance, I\'m ready to let you all know what I think.\r\n<h4><b>Health Warrior Chia Bars</b>.</h4>\r\nIf you\'ve seen <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SnuffyDX\" target=\"_blank\">tweets from me</a> that say #PoweredByChia...this is what I was talking about. There\'s been quite the \"superfood\" craze lately, and chia seeds are part of that. I\'ve been trying these out to fuel myself for runs, workouts, and life in general, and I\'ve got lots to tell you. In order to tell you about Health Warrior\'s Chia Bars, however, first the question must be asked...<!--more-->\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What the heck is Chia?</b></span></h3>\r\n<b>Healthy. That\'s what.</b> Now that I\'ve gotten that out of my system, let me REALLY answer my own question:\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-620 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chia-seeds-300x190.jpg\" alt=\"Chia Seeds\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\n<b>You may have seen it</b> in a little tube on a point-of-sale display at your local \"health food\"/ nutrition store, you may have seen the word \"chia\" thrown around in \"health food\" packaging, or you may have heard people talking about the newest greatest thing - <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_hispanica\" target=\"_blank\">CHIA</a>!\r\n\r\n<b>Chia is a little tiny seed, and it\'s been around forever. </b>The reason it\'s such a big deal now is that it\'s a superfood, and people are just now catching on to it - it\'s becoming mainstream.\r\n\r\n<b>So what\'s a <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfood\" target=\"_blank\">\"superfood\"</a>? </b>The word itself is just a marketing term companies throw around to say something has a wide berth of health benefits - as far as I can tell it\'s not actually a word nutritionists, doctors or dieticians have put out there. I\'m ok with it though - it\'s just a descriptor and it DOES apply here so frankly I don\'t care where it came from.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<h4><img class=\"size-full wp-image-623 alignleft\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chiaseedshw.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior black chia seeds\" width=\"206\" height=\"279\" /><b>Chia seeds ARE pretty packed with nutrition...</b></h4>\r\n...for how small of a seed it is, anyway. <a href=\"http://healthwarrior.com/what-is-chia/\" target=\"_blank\">As Health Warrior describes on their site</a> - one 16 ounce bag (1 pound) of their chia seeds is equivalent to:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>10 lbs of salmon (Omega -3 Fatty Acids)</li>\r\n 	<li>3 lbs of tofu (protein)</li>\r\n 	<li>4 lbs of milk (calcium, I\'m assuming? They talk about strong bones with that one)</li>\r\n 	<li>4 lbs of oatmeal (fiber)</li>\r\n 	<li>15 lbs of broccoli (magnesium)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<b>That\'s an awful lot of work for one pound of little tiny seeds to be doing.</b>\r\n\r\nHealth Warrior uses those amazing, hard-working, nutrient-dense little seeds to make their Chia Bars.\r\n\r\n<b>So now that we\'ve covered those bases, we can look at...</b>\r\n<h3><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s in these Chia Bars?</span></b></h3>\r\n<b>These things are pretty amazing. Let\'s take a look at the label.</b>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-619 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chia-nutrition-300x111.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior Chia Bar nutrition facts label\" width=\"300\" height=\"111\" />\r\n\r\n<b>See that?!</b> These bars are 100 calories each (similar to other fitness \"nutrition\") and pack an awful lot into that little space. 1000mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, 4g of fiber (16% daily recommended intake), 4g of plant-based whole-food protein, and they make it taste good with just 5g of sugar.\r\n\r\n<b>But wait - </b>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-621 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chiabaringredients-300x140.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior chia bar ingredients\" width=\"300\" height=\"140\" />\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><b> It\'s all-natural and...well...healthy!</b> That 5g of sugar comes, primarily, from the organic agave syrup! <b>NOT </b>high-fructose corn syrup. <b>NOT </b>\"sugar\". <b>NOT aspartame, sucralose, fructose, or any \'ose\'</b>. Look at all the other ingredients - brown rice syrup, organic cashew butter, organic this, organic that...it\'s all organic and natural! These things are <i>really </i>healthy! The label also makes a point to say that it is soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and 100% vegan. They get it done and take care of a lot of peoples\' dietary needs/restrictions. It SEEMS to me to be the case that this would also qualify as paleo-friendly, but I\'m no pro on paleo, so I\'ll have to look into that a little more.</div>\r\n<b>So </b>we know what they\'re made of, and we know the health benefits...but there\'s another important question to ask:\r\n<h3><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-624 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chiaunbox-235x300.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior chia bar unboxing\" width=\"235\" height=\"300\" /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Do They Taste Good?</span></b></h3>\r\n<b>YES! </b>At least, I think so. These chia bars are offered in a variety of flavors - <a href=\"http://store.healthwarrior.com/category/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">they are usually sold one flavor to a box</a>, but my friend Brad at Health Warrior was kind enough to hand-pack and send me a variety box so I could try them all! They have: Coffee, Acai Berry, Banana Nut, Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Coconut. I have to say, my favorites are Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, and Coconut. They\'re ALL really tasty, don\'t get me wrong, but those ones are all tied for first place.\r\n<h4><b>I swear, the flavors are crazy good!</b></h4>\r\nIf they were colors, they\'d be the most vibrant, saturated hues of the color possible - that\'s the best way I can describe how the flavor really nails the description - the Banana Nut REALLY tastes like banana nut bread, the apple cinnamon smell and taste evokes memories of my favorite apple cinnamon oatmeal and baked goods growing up, the coconut tastes like every yummy coconut dessert I\'ve ever had...<b>I don\'t know how they do it while keeping it so healthy and natural</b>, but these things are basically a pre-race dessert for me!\r\n<h3><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Texture</span></b></h3>\r\n<b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-627 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_20140128_083305030-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior chia bar unwrapped\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" />I feel like texture is important to touch on with this product. </b>These bars are, primarily, made with little tiny seeds, after all, and you CAN tell when you\'re eating it. The texture is <b>not </b>offensive, let me be clear on that. Think of it, in a small way, like when eating popcorn - sometimes a little piece gets left behind in your mouth and you find it later. Sometimes I find a chia seed floating around my mouth once I start my run. I do not mind this at all - it\'s still wrapped up in some of the flavor-y goodness of the bar, so it\'s like a little flavor nugget left behind in my mouth. <b>I kinda like that</b>.\r\n\r\nPlease note that this does <b>NOT </b>happen every time, only sometimes. I\'m sure if you have your bar with some water that would likely eliminate that occurrence completely. I have a feeling this is kind of my fault as I tend to fly through it and not necessarily chew thoroughly. <b>Again - this is NOT a negative</b>, just something to be aware of. I happen to like it, and for the health benefits / fuel quality I\'m getting, I\'m more than happy to \"deal\". That aside, overall, the texture kind of reminds me of a soft, chewy granola bar. <b>No points are deducted in the \"texture\" and \"mouth-feel\" department.</b>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Performance</b></span></h3>\r\n<b>I. Felt. GREAT. </b>I\'m not going to take you through each individual run like I did with <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/09/review-fitaid.html\" target=\"_blank\">the FitAid review</a>, but after trying these bars a dozen times I can say with absolute certainty that I felt great when powered by these bars for a run, workout, or my day in general. I usually have a bar about 15 to 20 minutes before I begin my run/workout/whatever, and it gets me through my workout like a champ - when I might otherwise feel the need to stop, walk, or take it easy, instead I keep on truckin\' like a boss. For longer workouts, like a big distance run, I do tend to re-fuel after about an hour, but you should do that anyway - 100 calories isn\'t going to get you through a half-marathon, no matter HOW nutrient-dense it is.\r\n\r\nI went on a variety of run distances with this from 2 miles through half-marathon distance. Some were races, some were just my own regular workouts. I also used these for a pick-me-up on a regular day and felt great and really energized. These little bars are a great way to give your body what it craves to fuel it through a workout or through a normal day as a regular part of your daily health and nutrition.\r\n<h3><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-625 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/fuel-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Fuel meme with chia bar\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Health Warrior Chia Bars - the verdict?</h3>\r\nThere\'s no two ways about it - Chia is a great way to fuel yourself for whatever is coming your way, and Health Warrior\'s Chia Bars are an <b>EXCELLENT </b>vehicle to get it. I HIGHLY recommend that you find them, get them, and give them a try. You can order from <a href=\"http://healthwarrior.com/\" target=\"_blank\">the Health Warrior website</a> or find the bars at <a href=\"http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/\" target=\"_blank\">your local Whole Foods Market</a>. They\'re working on expanding, and I hope <a href=\"http://www.marathonsports.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Marathon Sports</a> (one of my <b>favorite</b> running stores) starts carrying it soon. If you have any questions, PLEASE reach out and ask! You can get me at Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com or use the contact form at the bottom of the page. Also, if you haven\'t already, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/sothisisfitness\" target=\"_blank\">please \"like\" the \"So THIS Is Fitness...\" Facebook page</a> to keep up with everything going on - I post there a LOT more frequently than I do on this site.\r\n<h4><b>Now go get some Chia Bars! :)</b></h4>','Ch-Ch-Ch-CHIA! Health Warrior Chia Bar Review','','inherit','closed','closed','','80-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 10:55:22','2017-01-14 15:55:22','',80,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/80-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(1240,1,'2017-06-23 06:43:29','2017-06-23 10:43:29','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Wow...</b></span><br /><br />So much <i>happened</i>&nbsp;in 2014... Not just for me, but for a lot of people I know.<br /><br />2013 was a year of change. 2014 was a year of testing the waters, challenging ourselves, pushing the limits...<br /><br /><b>and shattering them to bits.&nbsp;</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibuGl7zIgdQ/VKKVKXW3utI/AAAAAAAASPo/6fJlQuPN5bQ/s1600/Screenshot_2014-01-01-10-38-44-1-1.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibuGl7zIgdQ/VKKVKXW3utI/AAAAAAAASPo/6fJlQuPN5bQ/s1600/Screenshot_2014-01-01-10-38-44-1-1.png\" height=\"123\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>Just what kind of change can you accomplish in a year? How far can someone come? This is my opportunity to look back and reflect...to appreciate the people I met, things I did, and how far I<i>&nbsp;</i>came...and to believe in what I can do in 2015. The Year Of The Conqueror is coming, but first I have to appreciate Limitless 2014.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Where to even begin...</b></span><br /><br />2014 saw a newly-fit 25 year old man eager to take on the world. I had lost 125 lbs, I had crushed my 5K PR, and I had run my first half-marathon. I wanted to see what this new body could do...<b><i>what could possibly be next?</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b>Everything.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GohdK5fFaCc/VKKVyVLIU4I/AAAAAAAASPw/ww1vE7147Hc/s1600/IMG_20140729_180448643_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GohdK5fFaCc/VKKVyVLIU4I/AAAAAAAASPw/ww1vE7147Hc/s1600/IMG_20140729_180448643_HDR.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a></div>I took it upon myself to show just how much someone can accomplish when they set themselves to task. I ended up becoming <i>pretty </i>busy. I ran everything from 5K to half-marathon (6 of them!) and did a BUNCH of Obstacle Course Races (<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/the-beast.html\">including The Beast</a>...yikes!). By the time it was all said and done I had registered or otherwise committed for 37 races, and anticipated that I\'d do 40 by year\'s end. I would\'ve gotten there, too, if it weren\'t for <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/breaking-point-literally.html\">breaking my knee</a>&nbsp;(break was race 32, did 2 more post-injury).<br /><br /><b>That break was a game-changer for me.</b><br /><br />Why? <b>I got married this year!</b>&nbsp;My wife, Megan, is very understanding about this whole \"fitness\" and \"running\" thing...but the weekend I went to Killington and broke myself at The Beast was different. The \"in sickness &amp; in health\" clause got invoked in a big way, and not only could I not run...or workout...I couldn\'t even <i>walk</i>&nbsp;for 6 weeks. Megan had to help me with virtually everything.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRfld-0RBtg/VKKXgTrhUjI/AAAAAAAASQM/1gGPWNlAgFQ/s1600/crutch.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRfld-0RBtg/VKKXgTrhUjI/AAAAAAAASQM/1gGPWNlAgFQ/s1600/crutch.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"178\" /></a></div><br /><b>I got a taste of what life is like for a lot of people.</b><br /><br />A lot of members at my gym come through the door battling something that is physically hindering their ability to take care of their health and fitness. For many of them, their malady is <i>not </i>going away &nbsp;in 6 - 12 weeks like mine did. While I can never fully understand what it\'s like to live your life like that, I got a sample...and I can appreciate how hard it is. <b>I am inspired</b>&nbsp;by the people that battle through this every day, especially those I see at my gym...<br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Oh...and, I started working in Fitness full-time!</b></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWR6ZvQovQo/VKKX4RVypOI/AAAAAAAASQU/AKSew8EmdMI/s1600/AnytimeFitness.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWR6ZvQovQo/VKKX4RVypOI/AAAAAAAASQU/AKSew8EmdMI/s1600/AnytimeFitness.jpg\" height=\"75\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />I made a major life-change / career-shift and left the restaurant I had been at for 3 years (and my half-baked long-term plan) and became the Club Manager at an <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/AnytimeFitnessMashpee\">Anytime Fitness near me</a>. The people I\'ve met and the opportunities that have opened up for me have been life-altering. I\'ve met so many people with so many stories...it\'s mind-blowing. I\'ve seen people come to tears in the face of a major achievement. I\'ve seen people spit in the face of adversity and begin their journey despite mountains of deterrents. I\'ve seen people go from self-loathing to self-loving. <b>It\'s simply incredible,</b>&nbsp;and I consider myself so fortunate to be a part of these peoples\' fitness journey. <b>They</b>&nbsp;inspire <b>me</b>&nbsp;to continue on and reach higher.<br /><br />2014 also saw some great professional relationships established. I was sponsored by so many different groups for my racing journey, and I\'m taking a great relationship with <a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/\">Health Warrior</a>, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a> and <a href=\"https://www.perfectfuel.com/\">Perfect Fuel</a> into 2015.<br /><br />I can\'t wait to take on my next challenge. The Year of the Conqueror is coming. What did YOU accomplish in Limitless 2014...and what will you conquer in 2015?','2014 - Limitless','','inherit','closed','closed','','52-revision-v1','','','2017-06-23 06:43:29','2017-06-23 10:43:29','',52,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/06/52-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(81,1,'2014-01-27 13:57:00','2014-01-27 18:57:00','<a href=\"http://www.smithfestruns.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blizzard Blast winter obstacle race</a> was this past Saturday, and I have to say...I had a ton of fun! This was only my second obstacle race, and it was VERY different from the other one (<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/11/aroo-spartan-sprint-fenway-recap.html\" target=\"_blank\">Spartan Sprint Fenway</a>). There were some big differences from a \"traditional\" OCR that made this event really fun and unique, and there were some <i>particular </i>moments of success that I\'m going to hold on to for quite some time. <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUZplu8Ssf8/Us9yWaEOJsI/AAAAAAAAGL4/--Q4XF_eJ5A/s1600/26639_320972704676948_1386258176_n.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUZplu8Ssf8/Us9yWaEOJsI/AAAAAAAAGL4/--Q4XF_eJ5A/s1600/26639_320972704676948_1386258176_n.png\" height=\"189\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>In the spirit of Motivational Monday, we\'ll take a look at the race, the experience and I\'ll also announce the rest of my season that I\'m committed to so far! So far I\'ve only run two races this year...and so far there are 19 more! Read on to find out what they are, and why Blizzard Blast sealed the deal and gave me the OCR bug!<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b>Blizzard Blast</b>...where to begin...<br /><br />Well, I suppose the biggest difference between this race and every other obstacle race out there would be the SNOW. It\'s kind of hard to miss that one. Usually when I\'m talking about OCR\'s (Obstacle Course Races) the terms \"OCR\", \"Obstacle Race\" and \"Mud Run\" are interchangeable...but that certainly doesn\'t work here. Believe it or not, this race actually <b>wouldn\'t work</b> if it were warm enough for mud - there are a number of obstacles designed for snow (which I think is great). I was talking to the race director Fred a few weeks prior to the event (nice guy!) and he was very concerned there was going to be a warm spell and a lack of snow - I totally understand that worry having run the race! Fortunately, Massachusetts got about a foot of snow dumped on it c/o a conveniently timed blizzard. <br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4uIQfxoJII/UuZJfQhIwDI/AAAAAAAAGNk/KcjPCqZI3gc/s1600/IMG_20140125_105149747_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4uIQfxoJII/UuZJfQhIwDI/AAAAAAAAGNk/KcjPCqZI3gc/s1600/IMG_20140125_105149747_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a><b>As far as the race-day experience goes - </b>overall I\'d say it was a great experience. My mom went with me to spectate and cheer me on (it\'s always more fun when someone goes with you!). We showed up at the designated off-site parking area an hour and twenty minutes before my heat and took the shuttle to the venue. I have a feeling the parking thing is going to be a recurring theme with obstacle races - I suppose it makes sense considering the type of venue you have to have for this sort of thing. This event was held at <a href=\"http://www.fouroakscountryclub.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut, MA</a>. A golf course ended up being a pretty great place to hold a snowy obstacle race, and you\'d never know it was a golf course if nobody told you (and you didn\'t know you were at a country club). <br /><br /><b>Registration was easy </b>(as it should be) and we breezed through and hung out inside the country club. I ended up meeting a pretty cool guy - Jim from Edible Endurance. More on that in a later article. We also ran into my cousin John, which neither of us were expecting!<br /><b><br /></b><b>I proceeded to the starting area </b>when my heat was up, and the very first thing I noticed after the gun went off was how <b>incredibly different</b> it is to run in the snow. I\'ve never run in the sand before (I will soon...) but from what people tell me about that, running in the snow is pretty similar. It was strange to have the ground moving underneath me, dealing with the slip-factor, and navigating the bumps, lumps and mounds of packed snow vs. untrodden powder. That in itself added a 3.1 mile long obstacle to this race. I\'m definitely glad I wore trail shoes for this, and I\'m sure I\'ll continue to thank myself for wearing them in future OCR\'s.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCwjaVLIl1c/UuZN1iYIc2I/AAAAAAAAGN4/wSgk71-yGHI/s1600/IMG_20140125_121623101_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCwjaVLIl1c/UuZN1iYIc2I/AAAAAAAAGN4/wSgk71-yGHI/s1600/IMG_20140125_121623101_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><b>There were a number of both natural and man-made obstacles</b> - lots of climbing over things, a few balance-walks over walls, rocks, etc. There was a lot of trail running, which I liked - I felt like there was more actual <i>running </i>in this race than there was in the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/11/aroo-spartan-sprint-fenway-recap.html\" target=\"_blank\">Fenway Sprint</a> (which you may or may not like). I\'m coming to find that depending on how many obstacles an event packs in to their distance, there can be hardly any running...the jury\'s still out on which way I prefer.<br /><br /><b>As far as obstacles go</b>, I have to say two of my favorite obstacles had to be the two sled hills. I learned something that day...sledding backwards holding on to a saucer for dear life is exhilarating (haha). I most certainly did NOT stay on the beaten path with that one...neither did a lot of other people though. There were some wall-walks, over-unders, a few wall-climbs, and a very interesting monkey bar setup made from empty beer kegs...that was the ONE obstacle I couldn\'t do. That\'s ok, I took my 5 snow angel penalty and moved on. <br /><br /><b>I think my most memorable moment</b> from this race would have to be the 2 mile marker. The 2 mile mark was a 6 foot wall. As is often the case, there was a slight bottleneck. I waited patiently for the people there to navigate the wall, and they could tell I was waiting...from a distance...and figured out I planned to get a running start. They motioned me to go ahead, and I did. I promptly jogged up and hoisted myself up on top of the wall, and the guy trying to figure it out on the right side said \"Yeah...that\'s what I was gonna do...then I realized I\'m a pussy.\" - I definitely had a smile on my face as I was jogging away from that one, not because I was doing better than he thought he was, but because I was <b>doing it</b>, and doing it well.<br /><br />I will say, I <b>did </b>get lost on the course for a minute. I\'ve read some stories of people getting lost on a race course before and I COULD NOT for the life of me understand how you could <b>possibly</b> get lost on a race course. I now do. It was <i>not</i> their fault, by the way...it was totally on me. They said to stick to the yellow caution tape as it was the boundary for the course and marked the trail...aaaand when the trail took a hard right turn I cruised right by it. I think that little detour added about 5 minutes (maybe more) to my time, but that\'s OK - I learned a valuable lesson...listen to the race emcee. <br /><br />Oh...did I mention that one of the last obstacles was a <b>Christmas tree carry</b>? Yeah...get up to that one and there are two signs, one on each side of the course. Left side - \"good news, only 0.25 miles left!\" Right side - \"Bad news - Christmas Tree Carry!\". I asked one of the volunteers if it was for the whole .25 miles and he confirmed my fear. I figured out REALLY fast that the best way to carry a pine tree taller than I am and still be able to run is across the shoulders (a lesson I learned from the Fenway Sprint - both hands across your back is generally best for a sandbag carry...or in this case a tree). There were some people dragging theirs, some people trying to figure out a good way to carry it, and I saw some pairs of people helping each other carry their trees team-style...and then there\'s me jogging past them with a tree on my back. I actually heard a few of the people I passed make a comment as I went by of \"wow\" or \"damn\" or other similar exclamations either under their breath or out loud. <b>Again, I smiled as I jogged on.</b> To add on to the fun, the carry was across a very wide open space, and hurricane-force winds decided to kick up halfway through it, making the tree act like a giant sail...so THAT was fun...<br /><br />I had another <b>great </b>moment of self-satisfaction...at the end of the Christmas tree carry you had to put your tree back where you got it...on the other side of a tall wall. While others were trying to figure out the best way to get their tree over the wall, I promptly flopped mine down off my back, picked it up, and hurled it over the wall with the greatest of ease. The others standing there just kind of looked at me sideways, and the volunteer standing there said \"nice throw!\". <b>Again, </b>I smiled as I jogged away.<br /><br />The last obstacle was some mountains of snow you had to go up and over, and I sailed through them with that finish-line-in-sight adrenaline burst. I actually ran into someone right over the finish line because I was so amped up on momentum! Got my medal and proceeded to enjoy a post-race beer. While I was standing there with my mom I even ran into a friend - a member of <a href=\"http://www.marinelodge.org/\" target=\"_blank\">my Masonic Lodge </a>(Chris Qubeck) came up and found me! He\'s the one in the picture up above. We found my cousin after the race too.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBNJdWNBaPY/UuZSbMkOF9I/AAAAAAAAGOA/axmibwvqtGM/s1600/IMG_20140127_061642190.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBNJdWNBaPY/UuZSbMkOF9I/AAAAAAAAGOA/axmibwvqtGM/s1600/IMG_20140127_061642190.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>All in all, I\'d say this was a great experience! </b>I had a ton of fun, and I learned new things about my body and my abilities. This was such a unique event, and I STRONGLY encourage anyone and everyone reading this to run it next winter! You won\'t find anything else like it around here, that\'s for sure. The race company, <a href=\"http://www.smithfestruns.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Smithfest Events</a>, also has another race - Panic in the Dark - it\'s a nighttime obstacle race (headlamp required!). I\'m looking forward to checking that out. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So, how is this a Motivational Monday post?</b></span><br /><br />Did you notice how many times during this recap I mentioned jogging away with a smile on my face? During this race, <b>I was \"that guy\"</b>. I have NEVER been \"that guy\". I was running by people who were walking, who were huffing and puffing. I was motoring on when they were resting. I was running with a tree on my back while they were struggling to walk with it.There were so many moments of success, so many smiles of self-satisfaction...of <b>accomplishment</b>...<br /><br /><b>I was the guy I looked at in my first races and said \"you\'re nuts\". </b><br /><br />This race sealed the deal for me - <b>I am now an OCR fiend.</b> I love it! I love the feeling of accomplishment when I haul myself over a 6 foot wall. I love the satisfaction when I come out the other side of an obstacle unscathed, and I even appreciate the moments where I fail an obstacle, analyze how it went, and learn how to approach it next time (as I take my penalty burpees/snow angels/whatever). <br /><br /><b>It\'s all about progress.</b> <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s about getting out of your own way and just <i>going for it<b>.</b></i></a> If I can make this change, go the distance and accomplish things like this...<b>anyone can</b>. Seriously! Try it! Find a race, register, and train. The human body is a pretty amazing thing - it\'ll do whatever you train it to do, it will go the distance. As long as you train, fuel and prepare properly... when you keep asking more and more it will <b>perform for you</b>. It will not happen overnight. It will not happen in a week. Over time, if you keep plugging away at it, you\'ll be able to go farther, go faster, jump higher, last longer. You\'ll be able to get over that wall without taking ten fingers (a two-handed boost from someone). You\'ll cross the finish line and feel like a million bucks because <b>you did it, you conquered it, you have achieved success.</b> That guy that called himself a pussy at the 6 foot wall? He wasn\'t a pussy...<b>he was out there doing it</b>. And next race, he\'ll have a little easier time getting over that wall. Progress.<br /><br /><b>You can do this.</b><br /><br />Below is my season so far for this year. If I\'m currently sponsored for a particular race I\'ll list the sponsor as well. Some sponsors are \"silent\", and don\'t want any advertising...they just want to help me spread the message that if you <b>lose your limits</b> you can make it happen. Pick a race. <b>Join me</b>. Let\'s tackle this thing together.<br /><b> </b><br /><ol><li><b> </b>34th Annual CCRR Winter Fun Run - 1/5/14 - Bourne, MA (SportClips Falmouth)</li><li>Blizzard Blast - 1/25/14 - Dracut, MA - (Silent Sponsor)</li><li>Winter Warlock 5K - 2/16/14 - Plymouth, MA (Cape Cod Nutrition Corner)</li><li>Frosty Knuckle 5K+ - 2/22/14 - Salisbury, MA (Eclipx Salon)</li><li>Hyannis Half-Marathon - 2/23/14 - Hyannis, MA</li><li>SmuttyPalooza 5K - 3/8/14 - Salisbury, MA (Eclipx Salon) </li><li>Pace To A Pint 5K - 3/15/14 - Plymouth, MA (Cape Cod Nutrition Corner)</li><li>YuKanRun.com Fool\'s Dual Challenge - 4/6/14 (Silent Sponsor)</li><li>Mass Mayhem 5K OCR - 4/12/14 - Blandford, MA (Silent Sponsor)</li><li>Herring Run Classic 5K - 4/19/14 - Plymouth, MA (Cape Cod Nutrition Corner) </li><li>Spring Classic 5K - 4/27/14 - Cambridge, MA</li><li>BoldrDash Beach Race - 5/3/12 - Westerly, RI (Silent Sponsor)</li><li>Lovin\' Life 5K - 5/4/14 - Mashpee, MA (SportClips Falmouth)</li><li>Newburyport River Run 5K - 6/1/14 - Newburyport, MA (Eclipx Salon)</li><li>Falmouth Flag Day 5K - June \'14 TBA - Falmouth, MA (SportClips Falmouth) </li><li>Superhero Scramble 5K OCR - 7/6/14 - Amesbury, MA</li><li>Narragansett Summer Running Festival Half-Marathon - 7/13/14 - Easton, MA (Cape Cod Nutrition Corner)</li><li>Falmouth Road Race - 8/17/14 - Falmouth, MA </li><li>20th Annual Run To The Rock Half-Marathon - 9/6/14 - Plymouth, MA (Cape Cod Nutrition Corner)</li><li>BoldrDash Mud Race - 9/13/14 - Exeter, RI (Silent Sponsor)</li><li>Michelob ULTRA Boston 13.1 Marathon - 9/14/14 - Suffolk Downs, Boston, MA (Silent Sponsor)</li></ol><b>That list is still growing, by the way. </b><br /><br />Get out there and accomplish something great! If I can go from where I was to where I am now running all those races on that list (and more!) then there is <b>NO reason</b> you can\'t do the same! <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\" target=\"_blank\">Lose your limits, change your life.</a><br /><br />See you on the other side.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>','Blizzard Blast Recap + My Season: Breakdown','','publish','open','open','','blizzard-blast-recap-my-season-breakdown','','','2017-01-18 07:45:08','2017-01-18 12:45:08','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=81',0,'post','',0),(672,1,'2017-01-14 22:05:33','2017-01-15 03:05:33','<a href=\"http://www.smithfestruns.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blizzard Blast winter obstacle race</a> was this past Saturday, and I have to say...I had a ton of fun! This was only my second obstacle race, and it was VERY different from the other one (<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/11/aroo-spartan-sprint-fenway-recap.html\" target=\"_blank\">Spartan Sprint Fenway</a>). There were some big differences from a \"traditional\" OCR that made this event really fun and unique, and there were some <i>particular </i>moments of success that I\'m going to hold on to for quite some time. <br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUZplu8Ssf8/Us9yWaEOJsI/AAAAAAAAGL4/--Q4XF_eJ5A/s1600/26639_320972704676948_1386258176_n.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUZplu8Ssf8/Us9yWaEOJsI/AAAAAAAAGL4/--Q4XF_eJ5A/s1600/26639_320972704676948_1386258176_n.png\" height=\"189\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>In the spirit of Motivational Monday, we\'ll take a look at the race, the experience and I\'ll also announce the rest of my season that I\'m committed to so far! So far I\'ve only run two races this year...and so far there are 19 more! Read on to find out what they are, and why Blizzard Blast sealed the deal and gave me the OCR bug!<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b>Blizzard Blast</b>...where to begin...<br /><br />Well, I suppose the biggest difference between this race and every other obstacle race out there would be the SNOW. It\'s kind of hard to miss that one. Usually when I\'m talking about OCR\'s (Obstacle Course Races) the terms \"OCR\", \"Obstacle Race\" and \"Mud Run\" are interchangeable...but that certainly doesn\'t work here. Believe it or not, this race actually <b>wouldn\'t work</b> if it were warm enough for mud - there are a number of obstacles designed for snow (which I think is great). I was talking to the race director Fred a few weeks prior to the event (nice guy!) and he was very concerned there was going to be a warm spell and a lack of snow - I totally understand that worry having run the race! Fortunately, Massachusetts got about a foot of snow dumped on it c/o a conveniently timed blizzard. <br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4uIQfxoJII/UuZJfQhIwDI/AAAAAAAAGNk/KcjPCqZI3gc/s1600/IMG_20140125_105149747_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4uIQfxoJII/UuZJfQhIwDI/AAAAAAAAGNk/KcjPCqZI3gc/s1600/IMG_20140125_105149747_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a><b>As far as the race-day experience goes - </b>overall I\'d say it was a great experience. My mom went with me to spectate and cheer me on (it\'s always more fun when someone goes with you!). We showed up at the designated off-site parking area an hour and twenty minutes before my heat and took the shuttle to the venue. I have a feeling the parking thing is going to be a recurring theme with obstacle races - I suppose it makes sense considering the type of venue you have to have for this sort of thing. This event was held at <a href=\"http://www.fouroakscountryclub.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut, MA</a>. A golf course ended up being a pretty great place to hold a snowy obstacle race, and you\'d never know it was a golf course if nobody told you (and you didn\'t know you were at a country club). <br /><br /><b>Registration was easy </b>(as it should be) and we breezed through and hung out inside the country club. I ended up meeting a pretty cool guy - Jim from Edible Endurance. More on that in a later article. We also ran into my cousin John, which neither of us were expecting!<br /><b><br /></b><b>I proceeded to the starting area </b>when my heat was up, and the very first thing I noticed after the gun went off was how <b>incredibly different</b> it is to run in the snow. I\'ve never run in the sand before (I will soon...) but from what people tell me about that, running in the snow is pretty similar. It was strange to have the ground moving underneath me, dealing with the slip-factor, and navigating the bumps, lumps and mounds of packed snow vs. untrodden powder. That in itself added a 3.1 mile long obstacle to this race. I\'m definitely glad I wore trail shoes for this, and I\'m sure I\'ll continue to thank myself for wearing them in future OCR\'s.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCwjaVLIl1c/UuZN1iYIc2I/AAAAAAAAGN4/wSgk71-yGHI/s1600/IMG_20140125_121623101_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCwjaVLIl1c/UuZN1iYIc2I/AAAAAAAAGN4/wSgk71-yGHI/s1600/IMG_20140125_121623101_HDR.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><b>There were a number of both natural and man-made obstacles</b> - lots of climbing over things, a few balance-walks over walls, rocks, etc. There was a lot of trail running, which I liked - I felt like there was more actual <i>running </i>in this race than there was in the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/11/aroo-spartan-sprint-fenway-recap.html\" target=\"_blank\">Fenway Sprint</a> (which you may or may not like). I\'m coming to find that depending on how many obstacles an event packs in to their distance, there can be hardly any running...the jury\'s still out on which way I prefer.<br /><br /><b>As far as obstacles go</b>, I have to say two of my favorite obstacles had to be the two sled hills. I learned something that day...sledding backwards holding on to a saucer for dear life is exhilarating (haha). I most certainly did NOT stay on the beaten path with that one...neither did a lot of other people though. There were some wall-walks, over-unders, a few wall-climbs, and a very interesting monkey bar setup made from empty beer kegs...that was the ONE obstacle I couldn\'t do. That\'s ok, I took my 5 snow angel penalty and moved on. <br /><br /><b>I think my most memorable moment</b> from this race would have to be the 2 mile marker. The 2 mile mark was a 6 foot wall. As is often the case, there was a slight bottleneck. I waited patiently for the people there to navigate the wall, and they could tell I was waiting...from a distance...and figured out I planned to get a running start. They motioned me to go ahead, and I did. I promptly jogged up and hoisted myself up on top of the wall, and the guy trying to figure it out on the right side said \"Yeah...that\'s what I was gonna do...then I realized I\'m a pussy.\" - I definitely had a smile on my face as I was jogging away from that one, not because I was doing better than he thought he was, but because I was <b>doing it</b>, and doing it well.<br /><br />I will say, I <b>did </b>get lost on the course for a minute. I\'ve read some stories of people getting lost on a race course before and I COULD NOT for the life of me understand how you could <b>possibly</b> get lost on a race course. I now do. It was <i>not</i> their fault, by the way...it was totally on me. They said to stick to the yellow caution tape as it was the boundary for the course and marked the trail...aaaand when the trail took a hard right turn I cruised right by it. I think that little detour added about 5 minutes (maybe more) to my time, but that\'s OK - I learned a valuable lesson...listen to the race emcee. <br /><br />Oh...did I mention that one of the last obstacles was a <b>Christmas tree carry</b>? Yeah...get up to that one and there are two signs, one on each side of the course. Left side - \"good news, only 0.25 miles left!\" Right side - \"Bad news - Christmas Tree Carry!\". I asked one of the volunteers if it was for the whole .25 miles and he confirmed my fear. I figured out REALLY fast that the best way to carry a pine tree taller than I am and still be able to run is across the shoulders (a lesson I learned from the Fenway Sprint - both hands across your back is generally best for a sandbag carry...or in this case a tree). There were some people dragging theirs, some people trying to figure out a good way to carry it, and I saw some pairs of people helping each other carry their trees team-style...and then there\'s me jogging past them with a tree on my back. I actually heard a few of the people I passed make a comment as I went by of \"wow\" or \"damn\" or other similar exclamations either under their breath or out loud. <b>Again, I smiled as I jogged on.</b> To add on to the fun, the carry was across a very wide open space, and hurricane-force winds decided to kick up halfway through it, making the tree act like a giant sail...so THAT was fun...<br /><br />I had another <b>great </b>moment of self-satisfaction...at the end of the Christmas tree carry you had to put your tree back where you got it...on the other side of a tall wall. While others were trying to figure out the best way to get their tree over the wall, I promptly flopped mine down off my back, picked it up, and hurled it over the wall with the greatest of ease. The others standing there just kind of looked at me sideways, and the volunteer standing there said \"nice throw!\". <b>Again, </b>I smiled as I jogged away.<br /><br />The last obstacle was some mountains of snow you had to go up and over, and I sailed through them with that finish-line-in-sight adrenaline burst. I actually ran into someone right over the finish line because I was so amped up on momentum! Got my medal and proceeded to enjoy a post-race beer. While I was standing there with my mom I even ran into a friend - a member of <a href=\"http://www.marinelodge.org/\" target=\"_blank\">my Masonic Lodge </a>(Chris Qubeck) came up and found me! He\'s the one in the picture up above. We found my cousin after the race too.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBNJdWNBaPY/UuZSbMkOF9I/AAAAAAAAGOA/axmibwvqtGM/s1600/IMG_20140127_061642190.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBNJdWNBaPY/UuZSbMkOF9I/AAAAAAAAGOA/axmibwvqtGM/s1600/IMG_20140127_061642190.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>All in all, I\'d say this was a great experience! </b>I had a ton of fun, and I learned new things about my body and my abilities. This was such a unique event, and I STRONGLY encourage anyone and everyone reading this to run it next winter! You won\'t find anything else like it around here, that\'s for sure. The race company, <a href=\"http://www.smithfestruns.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Smithfest Events</a>, also has another race - Panic in the Dark - it\'s a nighttime obstacle race (headlamp required!). I\'m looking forward to checking that out. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So, how is this a Motivational Monday post?</b></span><br /><br />Did you notice how many times during this recap I mentioned jogging away with a smile on my face? During this race, <b>I was \"that guy\"</b>. I have NEVER been \"that guy\". I was running by people who were walking, who were huffing and puffing. I was motoring on when they were resting. I was running with a tree on my back while they were struggling to walk with it.There were so many moments of success, so many smiles of self-satisfaction...of <b>accomplishment</b>...<br /><br /><b>I was the guy I looked at in my first races and said \"you\'re nuts\". </b><br /><br />This race sealed the deal for me - <b>I am now an OCR fiend.</b> I love it! I love the feeling of accomplishment when I haul myself over a 6 foot wall. I love the satisfaction when I come out the other side of an obstacle unscathed, and I even appreciate the moments where I fail an obstacle, analyze how it went, and learn how to approach it next time (as I take my penalty burpees/snow angels/whatever). <br /><br /><b>It\'s all about progress.</b> <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s about getting out of your own way and just <i>going for it<b>.</b></i></a> If I can make this change, go the distance and accomplish things like this...<b>anyone can</b>. Seriously! Try it! Find a race, register, and train. The human body is a pretty amazing thing - it\'ll do whatever you train it to do, it will go the distance. As long as you train, fuel and prepare properly... when you keep asking more and more it will <b>perform for you</b>. It will not happen overnight. It will not happen in a week. Over time, if you keep plugging away at it, you\'ll be able to go farther, go faster, jump higher, last longer. You\'ll be able to get over that wall without taking ten fingers (a two-handed boost from someone). You\'ll cross the finish line and feel like a million bucks because <b>you did it, you conquered it, you have achieved success.</b> That guy that called himself a pussy at the 6 foot wall? He wasn\'t a pussy...<b>he was out there doing it</b>. And next race, he\'ll have a little easier time getting over that wall. Progress.<br /><br /><b>You can do this.</b><br /><br />Below is my season so far for this year. If I\'m currently sponsored for a particular race I\'ll list the sponsor as well. Some sponsors are \"silent\", and don\'t want any advertising...they just want to help me spread the message that if you <b>lose your limits</b> you can make it happen. Pick a race. <b>Join me</b>. Let\'s tackle this thing together.<br /><b> </b><br /><ol><li><b> </b>34th Annual CCRR Winter Fun Run - 1/5/14 - Bourne, MA (SportClips Falmouth)</li><li>Blizzard Blast - 1/25/14 - Dracut, MA - (Silent Sponsor)</li><li>Winter Warlock 5K - 2/16/14 - Plymouth, MA (Cape Cod Nutrition Corner)</li><li>Frosty Knuckle 5K+ - 2/22/14 - Salisbury, MA (Eclipx Salon)</li><li>Hyannis Half-Marathon - 2/23/14 - Hyannis, MA</li><li>SmuttyPalooza 5K - 3/8/14 - Salisbury, MA (Eclipx Salon) </li><li>Pace To A Pint 5K - 3/15/14 - Plymouth, MA (Cape Cod Nutrition Corner)</li><li>YuKanRun.com Fool\'s Dual Challenge - 4/6/14 (Silent Sponsor)</li><li>Mass Mayhem 5K OCR - 4/12/14 - Blandford, MA (Silent Sponsor)</li><li>Herring Run Classic 5K - 4/19/14 - Plymouth, MA (Cape Cod Nutrition Corner) </li><li>Spring Classic 5K - 4/27/14 - Cambridge, MA</li><li>BoldrDash Beach Race - 5/3/12 - Westerly, RI (Silent Sponsor)</li><li>Lovin\' Life 5K - 5/4/14 - Mashpee, MA (SportClips Falmouth)</li><li>Newburyport River Run 5K - 6/1/14 - Newburyport, MA (Eclipx Salon)</li><li>Falmouth Flag Day 5K - June \'14 TBA - Falmouth, MA (SportClips Falmouth) </li><li>Superhero Scramble 5K OCR - 7/6/14 - Amesbury, MA</li><li>Narragansett Summer Running Festival Half-Marathon - 7/13/14 - Easton, MA (Cape Cod Nutrition Corner)</li><li>Falmouth Road Race - 8/17/14 - Falmouth, MA </li><li>20th Annual Run To The Rock Half-Marathon - 9/6/14 - Plymouth, MA (Cape Cod Nutrition Corner)</li><li>BoldrDash Mud Race - 9/13/14 - Exeter, RI (Silent Sponsor)</li><li>Michelob ULTRA Boston 13.1 Marathon - 9/14/14 - Suffolk Downs, Boston, MA (Silent Sponsor)</li></ol><b>That list is still growing, by the way. </b><br /><br />Get out there and accomplish something great! If I can go from where I was to where I am now running all those races on that list (and more!) then there is <b>NO reason</b> you can\'t do the same! <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/12/lose-your-limits-challenge-2014.html\" target=\"_blank\">Lose your limits, change your life.</a><br /><br />See you on the other side.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>','Blizzard Blast Recap + My Season: Breakdown','','inherit','closed','closed','','81-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 22:05:33','2017-01-15 03:05:33','',81,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/81-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),