Racing
races
In less than two weeks nine Oiselle team runners are headed to the Windy City to race the Chicago Marathon. It might be the same finish line, but every journey is to the start is different. Laura Hugo just had her first baby in March AND this will be her first marathon, Melissa is running her 22nd or 23rd and chasing the Olympic B Standard, best friends Becky Leung and Sarah Chan are meeting up for fast racing and fun foodie adventures...meet the women heading to the starting line. And be sure to follow the Chicago Twitter list of Volée, Haute Volée and friends to get all the updates leading up to October 13th!
Kim Pearlman
Chicago, IL
Which # marathon will chicago 2013 be? 4th (first since having kids; was supposed to run nyuc in 2012, but Hurricane Sandy spoiled that; my last marathon was 2004)
Why chicago? Hometown
Which training program have you been following? Mix of CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) and Hal Higdon.
Are you training solo or with a group? With running buddy
What’s the best run you’ve had this training cycle? Great 17 and 20 milers and pr half-marathon in august
Toughest run you’ve had? 15 miler in july – too hot and humid; last 2 miles were brutal
Favorite long run outfit? Distance shorts, winona tank
Favorite workout outfit? Stride shorts, oiselle logo tee
When you do you arrive in Chicago? Here already!
Bringing a posse? Kids, husband, other family, friends (awesome!)
Which corral are you? Corral D
What are your A, B, C goals? (A) 3:50-3:55; (B) sub-4:00; (C) pr (beat 4:26 which was my 2004 time) – however, suffered a “ruptured plantaris tendon” in my right calf last week (4 weeks out), so, i may have to adjust my goals in the next couple of weeks.
do you have a racing mantra? for the marathon – “keep the pace, mile by mile”, and per my daughter, “this is my day to shine”
Pump up song? Currently, Katy Perry, “Roar”
Weird pre-race rituals? I run 2 miles around the park by my house the day before a race. Every. Time.
Most excited about? Being an example for my kids – a 40 year old, full time working, mother of two can still do anything she sets her mind (and body) to.
Most nervous about? (1) weather – hoping for cool temps and not unseasonable, unreasonably heat; (2) mental toughness; and (3) a healed calf!
If the race gods could grant you one wish on race day, what would it be? A confidence filled heart, a prepared and able body, and a quiet, steadfast mind (and when not being so serious – I hope I have some fun!)
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? Smile through it, you are almost there!
Post race celebration plans? Hugging my family and friends (while they help hold me up!) and if I can walk, congratulating teammates at the oiselle post-race party.
Atha Vermillion
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Which # marathon will Chicago 2013 be? #5!
Why Chicago? It’s such a great race and a bucket list race for me.
Which training program have you been following? My coach, Adam aka #coachevil keeps me on a great plan.
Are you training solo or with a group? Mostly solo but my running buddies, Alison and Paula have pulled me through some rough patches this cycle.
What’s the best run you’ve had this training cycle? A 9 mile run at goal marathon pace watching the sun rise.
Toughest run you’ve had? My last 20 miler in 90 degrees and high humidity.
Favorite long run outfit? Black oiselle distance shorts and Winona tank.
Favorite workout outfit? Rogas and Distance tee.
When you do you arrive in Chicago? Friday morning.
Bringing a posse? My husband who’s also my biggest fan.
Which corral are you? D
What are your A, B, C goals? Goal: PR! Other than that I just hope to finish strong and happy.
Do you have a racing mantra? BELIEVE
Pump up song? Currently my girls have me listening to Katy Perry’s Roar
Weird pre-race rituals? My daughters always write words of encouragement on my arm with a sharpie.
Most excited about? Visiting Chicago kid free!
Most nervous about? Racing
If the race gods could grant you one wish on race day, what would it be? To run pain free and blow my goals out of the water.
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? “You’ve got this!”
Post race celebration plans? Replacing all of the calories I just burned!
Amanda Scheer
New York City
Which # marathon will Chicago 2013 be? 4
Why Chicago? I have never been to Chicago so what better reason than to run 26.2 miles around the pretty spots! And I like flat races.
Which training program have you been following? I follow a program from the Capital Area Runners based in Washington, DC…I was a member of the club in college and continue to use their head coach, George. He’s great, it’s mostly online and phone but I go down to DC often for training runs.
Are you training solo or with a group? My training schedule is solo but I have fantastic, fast running friends who are willing to do my workouts with me.
What’s the best run you’ve had this training cycle? I ran an awesome 22 miler a couple weeks ago that really made me believe in my fitness.
Toughest run you’ve had? The Philly Half was not my best performance, I know I had faster in my legs but my head got in the way.
Favorite long run outfit? Stride shorts and strappy bra
Favorite workout outfit? Rogas and Lesko bra
When you do you arrive in Chicago? Friday afternoon
Bringing a posse? My mom… she’s my marathon wing woman
Which corral are you? A
What are your A, B, C goals? A. sub 3:00, it’s my lifetime A goal – probably not happening here unless I have the best day of my life B. 3:05 C. Have fun and finish smiling
Do you have a racing mantra? Run the mile you’re in
Pump up song? Katy Pery’s ‘Roar’ is very catchy now, ran a race with a friend last weekend and she sang it all the way to the start… that memory will get me to the start too
Weird pre-race rituals? I always put my left sock/shoe on before the right, been doing it since high school
Most excited about? Seeing how fit I am after a great training cycle
Most nervous about? Not living up to my personal goals for race day
If the race gods could grant you one wish on race day, what would it be? Cool, crisp air
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? Hearing a friend or family member cheer for me is always a pick me up regardless of what they say… really anything but “you’re almost done” because that is not true at mile 20!
Post race celebration plans? A cheeseburger and a flight home, I have school Monday
Laura Hugo
Denver, Colorado
Which number marathon will Chicago 2013 be? My very first!
Why Chicago? I wanted a flat, sea level, high-energy fall race, and Chicago fit that perfectly. My husband’s family is also there, so we get to turn my race weekend into a mini family vacation.
Which training program have you been following? The Hanson’s Marathon Method beginner’s plan with a few modifications.
Are you training solo or with a group? I train with my 6-month-old son, Landon, in the baby jogger four days per week, and solo the other two.
What’s the best run you’ve had this training cycle? My latest 16-miler with final 10k at hard effort was the confidence boost I needed before mileage starts winding down.
Toughest run you’ve had? Tempo runs on Thursdays are my hardest workouts to get through mentally, especially the 10-milers.
Favorite long run outfit? Strappy bra, flyte tank, and roga shorts.
Favorite workout outfit? Lux layer to get me through the chilly warm-up, then it’s down to the strappy bra and stride short.
When you do you arrive in Chicago? Cutting it close with a Saturday morning arrival!
Bringing a posse? My son and husband are traveling with me, and we’ll have the majority of the Hugo family there once we arrive.
Which corral are you? C
What are your A, B, C goals? A Goal: To surprise myself with my performance, whatever that may be on race day. B Goal: Qualify for Boston (sub-3:35:00). C Goal: To finish!
Do you have a racing mantra? Not really a mantra, but since childbirth is still fresh in my mind, I find myself repeating that if I can endure 20 hours of labor, I can endure anything!
Pump up song? Lights, Camera, Action! by Mr. Cheeks.
Weird pre-race rituals? Preparing bottles for Landon via breast pump since he’s still nursing. Should be pretty interesting in a large crowd!
Most excited about? Crossing the finish line and accomplishing a goal I’ve set out to do twice before, but was unable to complete because of injuries and other health issues.
Most nervous about? Nutrition. The Hanson plan only called for 16 mile long runs, which took me two hours, 15 minutes, so I’m a little nervous about how I’ll sustain my energy and which foods/drinks will keep my stomach calm as three plus hours come and go.
If the race gods could grant you one wish on race day, what would it be? Perfectly cool, cloudy weather!
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? It’s just two more 5ks!
Post race celebration plans? I’m already excited about reuniting with Landon after the race, since it will be the longest time I’ve ever been away from him and he’s been with me for so much of my training. I’m also planning on attending the Oiselle after party, and am of course excited about that!
Melissa Gacek
White Bear Lake, MN
Which number marathon will Chicago 2013 be? Lost count…22 or 23? Should probably figure that out.
Why Chicago? Flat, near my hometown, fun city to go visit (and G-parent support/help for my kids!)
Which training program have you been following? Ron Byland
Are you training solo or with a group? Our team is MN RED, but I do a lot of the work solo (kids) and t-mill to survive and get it done
What’s the best run you’ve had this training cycle? I’m most happy with Bear Water 20-miler, just needed some confidence in doing a comfortable, solid long run with a strong finish. Did it at LR pace, not GRP, but as a marathoner for many years, it’s what I needed.
Toughest run you’ve had? One long run I did early on I had to stop almost 10 times, to stretch and what-not–just hated every minute of it. Hard on the confidence, but got back at it the next week and didn’t look back.
Favorite long run outfit? Black distance shorts, filled with GU and TP, black strappy, Feetures socks, Asics Kayanos
Favorite workout outfit? Hi10 Bra or Strappy and Graphite Stride shorts have been my go-to speed outfit, Feetures socks, Asics DS Racers
When you do you arrive in Chicago? Thursday afternoon
Bringing a posse? Kids are with Gma/papa in Kenosha, hubby in tow
Which corral are you? AD
What are your A, B, C goals? 2:48 is 100% done, doable. 2:43:50-45 is 85-99% doable, 2:42:59 and better is the fall over, cartwheel and die with tears of joy goal.
Do you have a racing mantra? Run with grace (K8) and power; my legs are like strong, powerful pistons
Pump up song? Been really cranking out to Pink and sometimes the Glee soundtracks. Don’t judge, I was in musicals in HS.
Weird pre-race rituals? I like to use the “facilities” in one spot that isn’t a porta potty. And I always get up 3 hrs prior to start time.
Most excited about? Rooming with Sarah (Mac). Seeing what lies within us!
Most nervous about? Seeing what lies within us.
If the race gods could grant you one wish on race day, what would it be? The weather is cool and crisp, I feel amazing from mile 1, stick it out thru the middle and dig in and kill it thru 20- 26, and to see 2:42:59 on the clock.
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? DIG IN. Kill it, this is it, get it together, focus and go. Solid, strong, powerful finish.
Post race celebration plans? Hug, kiss my hubby, celebrate the amazing race and hug my babies! Eat salty foods and partake in bevys.
Sarah Chan Hartnett
Seattle, WA
Which # marathon will Chicago 2013 be? 3rd full marathon!
Why Chicago? The windy city is fast and flat with great potential for a PR. Plus, as a foodie, I’m looking forward to devouring some deep dish pizzas and Chicago eats!
Which training program have you been following? First 10 weeks were comprised of the Hanson Marathon Method and the last 8 weeks of the training cycle have been with the Hal Higdon intermediate marathon plan.
Are you training solo or with a group? Training solo.
What’s the best run you’ve had this training cycle? The second of two 20-mile long runs – my awesome friend, Lauren, acted as my bike Sherpa the entire way, carrying my fuel, refilling my water bottle, and providing fun conversation.
Toughest run you’ve had? The toughest run was the first 20-mile long run. Running in the mid-80’s along the beach in LA from Playa Del Rey down to Redondo Beach and back proved difficult. The heat and intense sweat, an unusual combo for this PNW gal, made it the toughest!
Favorite long run outfit? My all-time favorite shorts – the short Rogas (in my rainbow of assorted Rogas – diamonds are a girl’s best friend) or the new Flyte Shorts paired with a Winona tank makes for the perfect sweat-wicking, light-weight long run outfit.
Favorite workout outfit? Probably the same as my favorite LR outfit, but I love to mix it up with the Go Long tank, vintage Mesh Tank or Simplicity Tank, etc. My wonderful Oiselle-filled closet provides an endless assortment of combinations. Soon, with fall weather, comes the Lesley Knickers, arm warmers, and the new Flyer Jacket.
When do you arrive in Chicago? I arrive Friday afternoon!
Bringing a posse? Nope, just me, myself, and I this time. My hubby, Joe, almost always travels with me to all races, but this time is special because I’ve totally made it clear that he should stay for the UW-Oregon football game. As a Husky, he’ll have a good time watching my Ducks dominate (yet again). I’m looking forward to rooming with my BFF and teammate, Becky Leung!
Which corral are you? Corral C
What are your A, B, C goals? My A goal is just to PR! I’m aiming for a PR of sub-3:59 which I achieved at the 2012 Portland Marathon. B Goal: stay healthy and hydrated during the race – no shin splints, please! C Goal: Finish with a giant smile on my face.
Do you have a racing mantra? Keep on going no matter what.
Pump up song? Lately, I’ve loved Calvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding – I Need Your Love
Weird pre-race rituals? No matter what, I go to the bathroom before I leave the house no less than 3-4 times. Maybe that’s why I’ve never had to stop at a porta potty during any race? *knock on wood*
Most excited about? So excited to visit Chicago for the first time, complete my 3rd full marathon, room with my bestie, AND, of course, meet and hang out with my Oiselle team ladies!!!
Most nervous about? I’m really most nervous about the unknown physical impacts that I can encounter during the marathon. The most nervousness comes from unavoidable conditions like shin splints that make or break runners. They come at the worst times.
If the race gods could grant you one wish on race day, what would it be? No shin splints AND no tripping and falling!
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? Keep going! Only 6 more miles until beer, deep dish pizza, and ice cream!
Post race celebration plans? Oiselle afterparty, stuffing my face with the most delicious foods, and sightseeing (hopefully!)
Rachelle Kuramoto
Atlanta, GA
Which # marathon will Chicago 2013 be? Marathon #2 (First Chicago)
Why Chicago? My wonderful in-laws live in downtown Chicago – right on the race route! For years, I’ve heard them tell tales of this amazing event, and after running the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in Chicago last year, I got the itch to give it a try. Add to it, last February, I ran my first marathon in Tallahassee and ended up qualifying for Boston – so rather than going 14 months between Tallahassee 2013 and Boston 2014, I thought I’d make Chicago the delicious, sweet cream in the marathon oreo.
Which training program have you been following? RunCoach (via Atlanta Track Club) – it’s a six-day a week plan that includes track, tempo, threshold and maintenance runs, and a day of cross training – which I call yoga.
Are you training solo or with a group? Solo, unless my dog (Runner Pup) counts. I have the occasional early morning run with a friend, which his always a treat.
What’s the best run you’ve had this training cycle? Hands down, anything I ran in Colorado. Probably the 16’er that took me into the mountains and then back down (attached a photo of the path with the email) to a breakfast date with the best husband in the world to eat the best huevos in the world.
Toughest run you’ve had? A couple of weeks ago, I did a 16 mile run with some friends, coming off a week of respiratory infection. We had an easy 4, followed by 12 at about a 7:30 pace. I wheezed the whole time and felt like I was sucking wind! Seriously demoralizing, and the only run this cycle that truly has left me tired. Fortunately, the trail was gorgeous and my running partners were awesome.
Favorite long run outfit? My old, really well broken in stride shorts, strappy bra and stripy tank. When it’s cooler, I swap in my leslie knickers and add arm warmers. I look like Rainbow Bright because it’s got navy, pink and orange all represented, but I’m comfy and fits so well! Of course, I top it off with my favorite white hat from a trail race I love because nothing else contains the girl-fro quite as well.
Favorite workout outfit? Probably have to say the same as above, but I also love my orange rogas!
When you do you arrive in Chicago? Saturday morning
Bringing a posse? Heck yes! My husband, 11 year-old son, 8 year-old daughter and my mom who is meeting us in Atlanta from Orlando to fly up. When we get to Chicago, we’re planning to hook up with my in-laws, two cousins (one who is running), and aunt and uncle from Minnesota! We’ll have Chicago, Minneapolis, Orlando and Atlanta all represented! I figure half of the spectators will be cheering for me (grin). No pressure.
Which corral are you? B
What are your A, B, C goals? I try not to get too wrapped up in goals… it freaks me out. If I’m forced into total honesty, though, my A goal is around 3:25 (a 6 min PR), B goal is sub 3:30, C goal is to BQ again for 2015.
Do you have a racing mantra? A few. Before and just as I start, it’s to ‘be thankful and give it to God.’ When I get tired and want to lean on that proverbial wall, it’s ‘the faster you run, the sooner you’re done.’
Pump up song?I have a great spotify list that has all kinds of pumping up for when I race! I love Awolnation, Sleigh Bells, Kanye West, Talib Kwali, Hives, Fall Out Boy
Weird pre-race rituals? I think I check my alarm clock four times before I go to sleep. It’s probably not all that weird but it helps me sleep.
Most excited about? Spending time with my family in Chicago and (at this point) being done with training for a few weeks, so I can sleep in until 6:00! Besides that, I love seeing a city on foot, and can’t wait to experience all of Chicago that way! Oh, and getting to meet all my Oiselle sister birds is going to be awesome!
Most nervous about? Not running well and ending up feeling badly about my family coming all the way to Chicago to support me.
If the race gods could grant you one wish on race day, what would it be? A bliss run with no pain in my hip, no walls and swfit, light feet. Oh, and slightly overcast (no rain) 50-degree weather all morning.
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? I love you, mom/shel/honey!
Post race celebration plans? A special 15-year anniversary dinner date with my husband at Blackbird (after a salt bath, beer and Oiselle celebration party!)
Alison Hulsey
Birmingham, AL
Which # marathon will Chicago 2013 be? #12
Why Chicago? flat, fast, and fall weather!
Which training program have you been following? My coach Lori Strand (Samford University track coach) and her husband Scott Strand designed a program for me and my training partner. Lower mileage this time around.
Are you training solo or with a group? training with my friend and post-collegiate athlete, Kristina Vaughn
What’s the best run you’ve had this training cycle? 22 miler a couple of weeks ago. The weather finally cooled off in AL!
Toughest run you’ve had? 8x 1000's on 60 sec rest.
Favorite long run outfit? Oiselle strappy bra, flyte shorts, and 50/50 tee post run.
Favorite workout outfit? Oiselle Lesko bra, Winona tank, Stride shorts.
When you do you arrive in Chicago? Probably Saturday mid-morning.
Bringing a posse? My bf, Browan Lollar (taking off from tour to come cheer me on! :) )
Which corral are you? A
What are your A, B, C goals? A. Break 3:00 (not quite there yet, but hoping Chicago will boost that confidence needed to meet this goal in the spring) B. Finish under 3:10 and PR C. Finish under 3:15 and know that this is the start of many more good training cycles to come!
Do you have a racing mantra? Pain is weakness leaving the body...
Pump up song? "Sugar Dyed Honey Pants"- St. Paul and the Broken Bones
Weird pre-race rituals? Baby aspirin and warm bath race day morning.
Most excited about? Meeting the Oiselle Flock.
Most nervous about? Pacing myself through the race.
If the race gods could grant you one wish on race day, what would it be? Sunshine and 45 degree weather.
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? "I have a large coffee waiting for you at the finish line!"
Post race celebration plans? Hanging with my bff, training partner and, of course, team OIselle!
Becky Leung
Portland, OR
Which # marathon will Chicago 2013 be? #3
Why Chicago? Bucket list race of mine! Have always wanted to run Chicago since I completed my first marathon.
Which training program have you been following? My coach, Melissa Hill, created an awesome and challenging marathon training program for me.
Are you training solo or with a group? I run most of my weekday runs solo in my suburb neighborhood, along the waterfront in Portland, or in Forest park. On the weekend, I do my long runs with one of my best friends, Clarissa!
What's the best run you've had this training cycle? Probably my 20 and 22 miler, and my mid week 5.78 trail race for the Portland Trail Series.
Toughest run you've had? My 19 miler because my body was stiff and exhausted.
Favorite long run outfit? Rhody Mio Mesh tank top with Lesko Bra and black Roga short.
Favorite workout outfit? Begonia Winona Tank, Boise Bra, and Flyte Short!
When you do you arrive in Chicago? I arrive on Friday in the late afternoon.
Bringing a posse? Just myself but rooming with Sarah Hartnett and also hanging out with one of my best friends and marathon training buddy, Clarissa!
Which corral are you? Corral C
What are your A, B, C goals? My goal A is to have fun, B is to feel amazing, C is to PR. If A and B happens, C will be the cherry on top.
Do you have a racing mantra? Go Fast. Take Chances. (of course!)
Pump up song? Katy Perry's Roar
Weird pre-race rituals? No gluten/dairy day before and morning of, line up my Oiselle clothes night before, eat sweet potatoe as race morning meal and then Picky Bars Smooth Caffeinator right before race. Receive special cheering/love note from my wonderful boyfriend. Kiss/virtual kiss my boyfriend.
Most excited about? Finally running my bucket list marathon, seeing my Oiselle marathon birds and cheering friends, chowing down on the best Chicago food, and saying I ran marathon #3!
Most nervous about? Unpredictable weather.
If the race gods could grant you one wish on race day, what would it be? Perfect weather, no tummy problems, no injuries, and a PR!
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? "Ryan Gosling is waiting for you at the finish line with a 6 egg omelette and pancakes!"
Post race celebration plans?
Chowing down Ryan Gosling's 6 egg omelette. Just kidding. Chowing down with my besties and partying with Oiselle! Calling my boyfriend and telling him all about the marathon!
Rebecca Pattee
Redmond, wa
Which marathon will Chicago be? Chicago will be my 2nd marathon. My first was marine corps marathon last year.
Why Chicago? I've heard amazing things about the energy of the race and the crowd support is supposed to be unlike any other marathon. For the full marathon distance, I love big races.
Training program? I am following a customized program that my coach creates and updates on a weekly basis. I love that my workouts are updates based on how the previous week went and that it's not a one-size-fit's all plan.
Training solor or with group? I've done most of my runs solo but I always like squeezing in a run with friends when I can. I've also done some of my long runs with the Green Lake Running Group. Having company for those really long runs helps take the mononoty out of the long run.
Best run this cycle? My 20 mile long run through the Phoenix Park in Dublin. I arrived in Dublin on a Satirday and I was dreading the thought of tackling a long run on my vacation. The first few miles were really hard since I was tired from jet lag but after mile 5, the miles flew by and I ran much faster than my usual long run pace. The change of scenery was also nice since at this point in training, I'm usually suffering from burnout.
Toughest run? I was almost finished with a morning 7 mile run when I fell flat on my face on the sidewalk and split my lip open. I got up and walked myself to the ER to get some stitches and had to get my teeth checked out since I messed them up. At the ER, I asked the doctor if I could run later that day and he shook his head and laughed about us crazy runner.
Favorite workout - long run outfit? My outfits are the same, with the addition of some accessories for long runs. This simmer, I ran almost exclusively in my long Rogas and my flyte tank or mesh tank. For long runs, i wore my Nathan running backpack which holds all my gels and over 60 oz of water.
Chicago arrival? Thursday night
Posse? My sister and her boyfriend live in Chicago and they'll be out there cheering for me.
Corral? G
What are your goals? Main goal is to finish with a smile on my face. I'd also like to beat my first marathon time of 4:49
Racing mantra? I love the Oiselle mantra "heads up, wings out."
Pump up song? lose yourself by eminem
Weird pre-race rituals? I love to check my twitter feed to see if anyone else is awake
Most excited about... running my first marathon in my oiselle singlet and meeting new team members
Most nervous about... an injury or illness before the race
Your request for the race gods? please make the weather be 55 and overcast
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? I have a cupcake waiting for you at the finish line.
Post race plans? Hanging out with my sister and the oiselle team.
Sarah Mac Robinson
Seattle, WA
Which # marathon will Chicago 2013 be? Lucky #3.
Why Chicago? I love Chicago, I could picture living there in a heartbeat. And I loved my experience running my first marathon there in 2009, even though I swore I'd never do another marathon again after it. Three years later... I'm back.
Which training program have you been following? My coach, Tom Nohilly, writes a workout and a long run every week. Basically it's a text coaching relationship.
Are you training solo or with a group? Too much running alone. Lone wolf has just become the lonely wolf. Can't wait to race in a pack!
What's the best run you've had this training cycle? My last 22 with fast finish, it was incredibly tough, and I was amazing to see myself hitting all the splits.
Toughest run you've had? The 8 mile race pace workout I couldn't finish. Mentally I'm still getting over it.
Favorite long run outfit? The weather is always changing, but no matter what I need my Distance Shorts. On the best days I just get to go Strappy Bra on top. I'm a sun worshiper.
Favorite workout outfit? Flyte short and High 10 bra. Look fast, feel fast, run fast.
When you do you arrive in Chicago? Wednesday afternoon! I'm setting up base camp nice and early. Rented a sweet South Loop apartment on AirBnB.
Bringing a posse? My husband arrives on Friday evening and I'm rooming with Melissa Gacek!
Which corral are you? American Development Program.
What are your A, B, C goals? My A goal is 2:42:33 (that's a BIG one), B is to PR (sub 2:54), C is to finish the beast with joy in my heart no matter what.
Do you have a racing mantra? Stolen from a Jasyoga session - I breath in: I Am. I breathe out: Here Now. My little rabbit brain wants to see what's ahead and obsess over the unknowns. I have to reign my mind in, remind myself that I only have control over is the step I'm taking, the breath I'm breathing.
Pump up song? Rainbow Connection, as performed by the Muppets
Weird pre-race rituals? Find 3s everywhere. Lay out EVERYthing the night before, bib pinned on uniform. Set 3 alarms. Earbuds in as long as I can manage to pump calm beats to my brain. Oh, and mascara is a race day must.
Most excited about? The moment the gun goes off. I just want to get this started!
Most nervous about? All the things can't control.
If the race gods could grant you one wish on race day, what would it be? A great PRP (pre-race-poop), perfect weather, and the miraculous ability to drink out of those damn paper cups.
What do you wish someone would yell to you at mile 20? THIS IS IT. And I hope Owen is yelling, "You're ahead of pace! Relax, focus!"
Post race celebration plans?
Ideally, I'd like to both napping and devouring a steak at the same time. In reality, a delicious nap and then heading out for our rad joint party with Granato Racing! #birdsandbros
