Last Saturday I raced in the long course of the Cinco du Mayo Duathlon. It was a 5k, 20 mile bike, and a 5k run. I was NERVOUS!
The running was no problem, but I literally pulled my bike down for the hooks in the garage, filled the tires, and raced. Not really an ideal situation when you actually want to do well at something. Oh well I guess, not much I could do about that. I really really need a road bike. My poor bike is about 12 years old, still works, but it wasn't great.
I just signed myself up for the TriFitness triathlon club which meant I got to have my bike in the tri clubs designed area. It was nice to chat with a few members that I'll hopefully get to train with over the summer. It definitely calmed my nerves to hang out and talk before the race.
The first 5k went really well, I ran just over 8 minute mile pace, which felt pretty hard, the course was hilly! The 20 mile bike was very hilly and hard! I didn't really know what I was getting myself into, I probably should have checked out the courses elevation. It was pretty brutal, I wished for bike shoes and a road bike about 50 times while I was out there. You basically bike a 10 mile square around a lake twice, The second half of that 10 miles was WINDY. I felt like a sail. I was slow, I felt like I was going as fast as I could but I just didn't have the equipment or the skill to do any better. It was a bit frustrating. I just kept reminding myself that I'm lucky to be able to just hop on a bike and ride for 20 miles because a lot of people aren't able to do that. I believe I was the second slowest 20 mile biker out there. Oh well, at least I know next time I can improve.
The final run wasn't stellar, I forget how hard it is to get your legs back after biking for an hour and a half. It took till about the 1.5 mile turn around till I felt like I was running again. My right foot was completely numb for 2 miles, it was really annoying and weird. My second 5k ended up being about 9 min per mile pace. Not stellar but I was able to pass a few people so I was happy with that.
Overall it wasn't an awesome race, but I'm happy I did it, it can only go up from here!
My final time was 2:25.57.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
The season thus far
I really do suck at this blogging thing.
Instead of fretting about I'm just going to move on. Here's a brief synopsis of the last few races I have done.
Birkie ~ Feb 23, 2013. 3:59.39.1
This race went surprisingly well for the lack of training I did. I started off training well in Dec, and then, do to lack of snow in January, I rarely skied. Then I managed to get out a half dozen times in Feb before the race. It was a very slow year due to about 5-8 inches of free snow over night. I opted to get my skis waxed by Gear West and they were crazy fast! I was flying by people all over. I will be getting my skis waxed by them in the future.
I felt great throughout, although I was cramping really bad pretty much from 25k till the end. And I FINALLY get to move up a wave! Wave 4 here I come! I beat the cut off by about a minute, the last few years I've missed moving up by about the same time so I'm very happy! Maybe 2014 will be the year I can get my act together and train seriously enough to get in wave 2. We shall see.
Another funny note, my TC marathon time (3.59.36) is almost exactly the same as my Birkie time.
Lake Johanna 4 mile ~ March 23, 2013. 33:01
After the Birkie I decided to sign up for the MDRA Spring Series races. This was a series of 6 races between March and May. This was all before mother nature decided that Minnesota wasn't getting a spring this year. Oh well, c'est la vie. Luckily my friend donated us their treadmill since it rarely got any use at their house. It got plenty of use between March and today, let me tell you. Without it I would have been screwed.
So anyways, I hadn't done any running outside or any speed work so I wasn't really sure how this race would go. I just wanted to go out and run fast and have fun. It was a cold day (30s) but no snow on the road and sunny. I actually felt awesome and ran faster than I've run in awhile. Just over 8 minute mile pace. I was pumped!
The second spring series race was suppose to be the MDRA 7 mile the next weekend but I skipped it. The week before we were all really sick and both the girls had strep throat, it was pouring when I woke up to get ready for the race so I opted to stay in bed. I'm happy about that decision!
Fred Kurz 10 mile ~ April 13, 2013. 1:39.29
3rd race in the series. Winter still isn't over. It snowed 5 inches a few days before this race. And since it's run on the Luce Line trail in Wayzata which isn't plowed it was going to be a slow and snowy day. It was 30s and overcast for the race. Which isn't horrible but not ideal. I actually felt pretty good considering this was my longest run this year. I probably could have gone even faster but it was really hard to get good footing, there was a trampled down snow path on the trail but that also meant that it was pretty much ice. I wish I had cleats! I really wanted to look around at all the ponds and beautiful houses along the trail but had to only focus on my feet which was kind of sad. I'm glad I did it, I had fun!
MDRA Mudball (SNOWBALL) Classic 4 mile ~ April 21, 2013. 38:34
Again mother nature is relentless. It snowed another 4-6 inches a few days before the race. This race is on the trails in Theodore Wirth park. Which usually means mud in April, well this year it meant SNOW, mud, cold water, ice, etc. Awesome, thanks. They shortened the course because apparently parts of the original course was under water. So it ended up being about 3.5 miles. From my time you can see that it was SLOW. I felt like I was running as hard as I could but it's a hilly course and near impossible to get your footing. I'd love to run this race another year when there isn't snow covering the whole course. It was a cold morning (27) but at least it didn't rain as expected. I had a blast though.
I'm really enjoying these MDRA races and I'm happy I signed up for the spring series to try some new races and to get myself motivated to train.
What's up next?
Cinco du Mayo Duathlon May 4
Moms Day 5 km May 11
Mississippi 10 mile May 26
Liberty Tri running relay team member half marathon June 8
Tough Mudder July 21
Skirt Sports 5 km July 28
I need to pick one or two tris to do as well. I'm running out of weekends in the summer though.
Instead of fretting about I'm just going to move on. Here's a brief synopsis of the last few races I have done.
Birkie ~ Feb 23, 2013. 3:59.39.1
This race went surprisingly well for the lack of training I did. I started off training well in Dec, and then, do to lack of snow in January, I rarely skied. Then I managed to get out a half dozen times in Feb before the race. It was a very slow year due to about 5-8 inches of free snow over night. I opted to get my skis waxed by Gear West and they were crazy fast! I was flying by people all over. I will be getting my skis waxed by them in the future.
I felt great throughout, although I was cramping really bad pretty much from 25k till the end. And I FINALLY get to move up a wave! Wave 4 here I come! I beat the cut off by about a minute, the last few years I've missed moving up by about the same time so I'm very happy! Maybe 2014 will be the year I can get my act together and train seriously enough to get in wave 2. We shall see.
Another funny note, my TC marathon time (3.59.36) is almost exactly the same as my Birkie time.
Lake Johanna 4 mile ~ March 23, 2013. 33:01
After the Birkie I decided to sign up for the MDRA Spring Series races. This was a series of 6 races between March and May. This was all before mother nature decided that Minnesota wasn't getting a spring this year. Oh well, c'est la vie. Luckily my friend donated us their treadmill since it rarely got any use at their house. It got plenty of use between March and today, let me tell you. Without it I would have been screwed.
So anyways, I hadn't done any running outside or any speed work so I wasn't really sure how this race would go. I just wanted to go out and run fast and have fun. It was a cold day (30s) but no snow on the road and sunny. I actually felt awesome and ran faster than I've run in awhile. Just over 8 minute mile pace. I was pumped!
The second spring series race was suppose to be the MDRA 7 mile the next weekend but I skipped it. The week before we were all really sick and both the girls had strep throat, it was pouring when I woke up to get ready for the race so I opted to stay in bed. I'm happy about that decision!
Fred Kurz 10 mile ~ April 13, 2013. 1:39.29
3rd race in the series. Winter still isn't over. It snowed 5 inches a few days before this race. And since it's run on the Luce Line trail in Wayzata which isn't plowed it was going to be a slow and snowy day. It was 30s and overcast for the race. Which isn't horrible but not ideal. I actually felt pretty good considering this was my longest run this year. I probably could have gone even faster but it was really hard to get good footing, there was a trampled down snow path on the trail but that also meant that it was pretty much ice. I wish I had cleats! I really wanted to look around at all the ponds and beautiful houses along the trail but had to only focus on my feet which was kind of sad. I'm glad I did it, I had fun!
MDRA Mudball (SNOWBALL) Classic 4 mile ~ April 21, 2013. 38:34
Again mother nature is relentless. It snowed another 4-6 inches a few days before the race. This race is on the trails in Theodore Wirth park. Which usually means mud in April, well this year it meant SNOW, mud, cold water, ice, etc. Awesome, thanks. They shortened the course because apparently parts of the original course was under water. So it ended up being about 3.5 miles. From my time you can see that it was SLOW. I felt like I was running as hard as I could but it's a hilly course and near impossible to get your footing. I'd love to run this race another year when there isn't snow covering the whole course. It was a cold morning (27) but at least it didn't rain as expected. I had a blast though.
I'm really enjoying these MDRA races and I'm happy I signed up for the spring series to try some new races and to get myself motivated to train.
What's up next?
Cinco du Mayo Duathlon May 4
Moms Day 5 km May 11
Mississippi 10 mile May 26
Liberty Tri running relay team member half marathon June 8
Tough Mudder July 21
Skirt Sports 5 km July 28
I need to pick one or two tris to do as well. I'm running out of weekends in the summer though.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Limbo
I feel like I'm stuck, this in between seasons thing is taking a tough toll on me. I'm having a really hard time finding the motivation to wake up at 5 AM to go run, when it's cold and dark, and I'm really not training for anything at the moment. I have ski races coming up in February and hopefully before that as well, and I know I need to keep my endurance up. I'm just having issues getting my butt out there.
I have been doing a lot of strength training and crossfit type workouts, so I feel strong but I MUST start running and rollerskiing. Starting this weekend!
If anyone wants to buy me a new or used treadmill I'd love you forever. As much as I hate running on the treadmill at least I could be in my nice warm basement watching DVRed shows and cranking out a few miles!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
TC Marathon Race Recap
Best marathon time since 2003. When I was a lot younger and without children. I still believe I can beat my PR but it wasn't in the cards for Sunday. I felt great though out the whole race, had some minor aches and pains but nothing that made me slow down too much. I held a pretty consistent per mile pace around 8:45-9:30 throughout the whole race.
It was really nice to have someone to sit and chat with pre-race in the Metrodome, which definitely kept the jitters at bay, so thanks for that Shelley! You kicked butt and I'm so happy you were there to start with me! I started far in the back which was a little annoying because I was dodging people left and right, but it was also probably a good thing to keep my pace in check. I have a tendency to start out too fast.
I ended up catching up to another friends around mile 11 and stayed with her till around 18 where she stopped to use the bathroom, I was hoping she'd catch back up so we could help each other finish this thing but I knew I couldn't slow up because I was already cutting my time goal pretty close. Thank you Kristie for helping me along on my least favorite miles, 13-20! I kept trucking along, I was so happy to see the bridge crossing into St Paul! As much as I was happy to be on my home turf I still was dreading the long gradual uphills and Summit Ave, which after running 20 some miles seems to last FOREVER!
I felt really strong on those hills though, I was passing people left and right, and the streets were lined with people cheering. It was amazing. Last time I ran this race in 2008 it poured rain for the first half of the race, and I was amazing with how many people were out cheering that day, but it was nothing compared to yesterday. I love the spectators, the signs, the kids! I hope you all know how great you all are and how much we all needed you! Thank you! Especially thanks to all my friends that made it out to cheer, I didn't get to see you all but I appreciate you all so much.
I passed mile 23 with 30 minutes to spare to break 4 hours. So I pushed the pace as much as I could, I just kept telling myself that my mind is stronger than my body, and that all the pain was in my head. And that 3 miles is nothing! My legs kept protesting but I blocked it out as much as I could, I topped the hill near the cathedral and could see the finish line and I just tried to fly down the hill as fast as I could. With .2 miles left I looked at my watch and had 2 minutes to go. I kicked it into another gear and hoped for the best. I stopped my watch at 3.59.36 and almost started crying, I DID IT! Finally after almost a decade I broke 4 hours again!
Someday I'll break my PR too!
But now it's on to training for the Birkie, and hopefully breaking some other goals along the way.
I just turned 31 and feel amazing, life is good!
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| Down the hill to the finish! |
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| Flying towards the finish. |
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| Post race war wound. |
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| All done and Happy! |
Saturday, October 6, 2012
TC Marathon
So the big race is Sunday!! I've been looking forward to this since I signed up for it back in I don't know, March? Training has been long, hard, and for most of the summer insanely HOT, but I feel well prepared, and about 85% healthy so I'm confident I can have the race I want.
My time goal? 1st to break 4 hours, I've done it before but it's been since 2003. 2nd goal is to PR, which I also did back in 2003 with a time of 3:48.40. So ultimately I'd love to run a 3:45. It's going to be COLD at the start, 30 something degrees, I'll take that over super hot any day but I haven't trained much in the cold so we'll see what challenges that brings. It made my outfit selection a little rough since I've had my outfit picked out since June.
If you're going to be out there on Sunday, and if you live anywhere in the Metro area I hope you are, this is what I'm going to look like for the majority of the race. I plan to start with a white long sleeve shirt that I hope to throw away around miles 6-10. So look for me! And cheer loud! All those runners out there appreciate it so much, and we need it!
The skirt is from Team Sparkle, on loan until after the race. So if nothing else look for the pink sparkle skirt!
Just so you all don't worry I will also be wearing a headband and gloves, I do not need frostbitten fingers again!
Good luck to all those running and have so much fun out there!
My time goal? 1st to break 4 hours, I've done it before but it's been since 2003. 2nd goal is to PR, which I also did back in 2003 with a time of 3:48.40. So ultimately I'd love to run a 3:45. It's going to be COLD at the start, 30 something degrees, I'll take that over super hot any day but I haven't trained much in the cold so we'll see what challenges that brings. It made my outfit selection a little rough since I've had my outfit picked out since June.
If you're going to be out there on Sunday, and if you live anywhere in the Metro area I hope you are, this is what I'm going to look like for the majority of the race. I plan to start with a white long sleeve shirt that I hope to throw away around miles 6-10. So look for me! And cheer loud! All those runners out there appreciate it so much, and we need it!
Just so you all don't worry I will also be wearing a headband and gloves, I do not need frostbitten fingers again!
Good luck to all those running and have so much fun out there!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
10 Running Related Q & A
About 6 months ago I came across a great book and running community. I can't even remember where I first found them but I am so happy I did. Sarah and Dimity are very inspiring people, and there blog posts are great; funny and inspiring. Being a mother is hard, trying to be an athlete or a runner, or just trying to keep yourself in shape and sane, is even harder. They make it easier, they make you feel like you're part of a community of people that care about you. When my alarm goes off at 4:30/5 AM all I have to do is think about the book, there blog, or them out running at the same time and it gets me out of bed.
So thank you, you have inspired me and kept me going when I want to stop. I can't wait to see you in 3 short weeks at the TC Marathon!
They asked mother runners to post answers to these 10 questions. So I'm playing along, feel free to do the same!
1. Best run ever: I have been running since I was 10 so this is a pretty loaded question. One of my favorite runs was back when I was a freshman in college. I had 3 floormates that I would run with at 6:30 AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We went out for a run (I don't even remember the distance) and it was POURING, I'm talking water dripping in my eyes so I could barely see. It was a blast, all I remember is splashing in puddles and pushing each other under waterfalls off of roofs. Who knew running in the rain could be so much fun. Ironically a recent training run comes in at a close second. I ran 18 miles in a complete downpour. It didn't stop raining the whole 3 hours I was out running. I guess I must really love to run in the rain. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" right?!
2. Three words that describe my running: freeing, fun, me
3. My go-to running outfit is: skirt sport running skirt, tank top, sunglasses, asic running shoes.
4. Quirky habit while running: I don't really think I have one. I never run with music, don't use a GPS, but must have sunglasses. I rarely run without my dog, Kali (she's trained through 4 marathons with me.)
5. Morning, midday, evening: morning, early, too early. I wish I could run at 7 AM every morning especially now that it doesn't get light out until about then. Unfortunately I need to start by about 5 AM.
6. I won’t run outside when it’s: It would have to be pretty bad. I don't own a treadmill and don't have a gym membership so outside it is. I've ran in negative temps, pouring raining, etc. If you ask me it makes me feel alive to get out there. How much more badass can you get by getting out there in rough weather.
7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: IT band issues plagued me through my first marathon but since then I've been pretty lucky. I'm pretty smart about not overdoing it.
8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: Anytime really. Most of my friends think I'm crazy for running and training as much as I do so just hearing there responses when they hear about my training makes me feel pretty kick ass. I just love getting out there and sweating, and hurting, and pushing through it.The most badass I have ever felt was probably after the Tough Mudder.
9. Next race is: Twin Cities Marathon (part 2!) I'm so excited to run this again, and hopefully get to run with Sarah along the way! City of Lakes Loppet and then the Birkie (XC ski races) follow that, and then Tough Mudder again in July!!! Most fun event I have ever done.
10. Potential running goal for 2013: More triathlons! My goal is Ironman Wisconsin in 2014, and if that doesn't work out it will definitely be Half Ironman Boise in 2014.
So thank you, you have inspired me and kept me going when I want to stop. I can't wait to see you in 3 short weeks at the TC Marathon!
They asked mother runners to post answers to these 10 questions. So I'm playing along, feel free to do the same!
1. Best run ever: I have been running since I was 10 so this is a pretty loaded question. One of my favorite runs was back when I was a freshman in college. I had 3 floormates that I would run with at 6:30 AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We went out for a run (I don't even remember the distance) and it was POURING, I'm talking water dripping in my eyes so I could barely see. It was a blast, all I remember is splashing in puddles and pushing each other under waterfalls off of roofs. Who knew running in the rain could be so much fun. Ironically a recent training run comes in at a close second. I ran 18 miles in a complete downpour. It didn't stop raining the whole 3 hours I was out running. I guess I must really love to run in the rain. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" right?!
2. Three words that describe my running: freeing, fun, me3. My go-to running outfit is: skirt sport running skirt, tank top, sunglasses, asic running shoes.
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| after a very HOT 12 miles |
4. Quirky habit while running: I don't really think I have one. I never run with music, don't use a GPS, but must have sunglasses. I rarely run without my dog, Kali (she's trained through 4 marathons with me.)
5. Morning, midday, evening: morning, early, too early. I wish I could run at 7 AM every morning especially now that it doesn't get light out until about then. Unfortunately I need to start by about 5 AM.
6. I won’t run outside when it’s: It would have to be pretty bad. I don't own a treadmill and don't have a gym membership so outside it is. I've ran in negative temps, pouring raining, etc. If you ask me it makes me feel alive to get out there. How much more badass can you get by getting out there in rough weather.
7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: IT band issues plagued me through my first marathon but since then I've been pretty lucky. I'm pretty smart about not overdoing it.
8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: Anytime really. Most of my friends think I'm crazy for running and training as much as I do so just hearing there responses when they hear about my training makes me feel pretty kick ass. I just love getting out there and sweating, and hurting, and pushing through it.The most badass I have ever felt was probably after the Tough Mudder.
9. Next race is: Twin Cities Marathon (part 2!) I'm so excited to run this again, and hopefully get to run with Sarah along the way! City of Lakes Loppet and then the Birkie (XC ski races) follow that, and then Tough Mudder again in July!!! Most fun event I have ever done.
10. Potential running goal for 2013: More triathlons! My goal is Ironman Wisconsin in 2014, and if that doesn't work out it will definitely be Half Ironman Boise in 2014.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
summertime craziness
I'm busy, that is all I can really say about my life right now. BUSY!
Summers are always busy in the Kutzke household but this summer has been even crazier than normal.
I became the Minnesota State Fair Homebrew Competition Organizer which occupied pretty much half of July and all of August. We were on vacation for a lot of June so as soon as we got back from Oregon and Washington I went straight to work with that. Plus on top of that I've been running my own daycare, training for my 6th marathon, and I just completed my first triathlon.
It's been a whirlwind. I enjoy being busy and I especially enjoy training and doing new things, but I'm really looking forward to taking a bit of a break. Granted as soon as my marathon is over I have the City of Lakes Loppet and Birkie to get ready for. And I just signed up for the Tough Mudder again which is taking place in July. And I plan on doing at least 2 or 3 more triathlons next summer as well.
Who am I kidding, I'll rest when I'm dead.
I need to post about my triathlon, it was a great time and I have so much room for improvement it will be fun to work on my weaknesses over the winter (namely SWIMMING!)
Summers are always busy in the Kutzke household but this summer has been even crazier than normal.
I became the Minnesota State Fair Homebrew Competition Organizer which occupied pretty much half of July and all of August. We were on vacation for a lot of June so as soon as we got back from Oregon and Washington I went straight to work with that. Plus on top of that I've been running my own daycare, training for my 6th marathon, and I just completed my first triathlon.
It's been a whirlwind. I enjoy being busy and I especially enjoy training and doing new things, but I'm really looking forward to taking a bit of a break. Granted as soon as my marathon is over I have the City of Lakes Loppet and Birkie to get ready for. And I just signed up for the Tough Mudder again which is taking place in July. And I plan on doing at least 2 or 3 more triathlons next summer as well.
Who am I kidding, I'll rest when I'm dead.
I need to post about my triathlon, it was a great time and I have so much room for improvement it will be fun to work on my weaknesses over the winter (namely SWIMMING!)
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