Danielle Runs

lack of blogs...

2009-07-31T14:18:00.003-04:00

Not that I was ever Miss Super Blogger, but I was a little more consistant a few months ago...

welllllllllllllll after my 3rd Marathon this year, my left knee decided... that it had enough! I hate writing in my blog just to complain, because I like to think I'm a fun, optimistic, happy person. It was easier to just not write!

I have been walk/jogging 6-12 miles a week (mostly walking) and doing cardio via elliptical. I couldn't even imagine how it would feel to run over 2 miles straight. I hate that I'm not running, but I know I just need to rest my body if I ever want to attempt to run another marathon, or even half! It's funny when a 5k suddenly seems like a difficult task! I remember joking with one of my BFF's earlier this year that we'd never pay $30-$40 bucks to run 3.2 miles when we could get a huge medal and t-shirt for $50-$100 running 13.1-26.2 miles.... The only thing that is a joke anymore that I used to take being able to run 5k+ for granted! Big reality check for sure!

I'm hoping to stay off running for about another month, maybe attempt a 5-10k... if that goes well attempt training for the Columbus Half Marathon in October(I was planning to get a BQ time in the FULL marathon) if all goes well! On a very positive note, I have 10 toenails again ;)

I'm an auntie!!!!!!

2009-07-30T15:40:00.003-04:00

My sister Jolie in labor

Great Grandpa, Proud Momma, and Auntie!

First Car ride!

First look @ her... love at first sight!

awaiting baby Olivia's arrival!

Mom, Sis, and I

Baby!!

First Day home!

You are B E A Utiful!!!!!!

2009-06-18T16:53:00.003-04:00

Check Out....Operation Beautiful!

and

this video:

quiz time :)

2009-06-11T10:30:00.007-04:00

Borrowed this from Nickel for your thoughts ...

The things I've done are in italics

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (guitar hero!)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (races and marathons count?)
7. Been to Disney world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (rock band... haha)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea..(I worked on a cruise ship for 2 months, and have been on 15 cruises besides that experience)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch ..(if jumping on a pogo stick is an art)
15. Adopted a child (does my cat count?)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (I've seen it a few times from a boat)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train (Alaska)
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (maybe on spring break on the "strip")
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (mental health days?)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (we nursed one to health as a kid... loved him)
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (i was brave to not wear protective glasses. rebel!)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight (i lived in FL)
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (was a model for a few art classes... not nude!!)
48. Gone deep sea fishing (i spent most of the time puking due to sea sickness)
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (also a pukey experience.. might have been more of the rum punch than sea sickness though)
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (walked through movie sets while filming on the streets of Chicago - The Dark Knight)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (helped my fam)
58. Taken a martial arts class (my mom made me to protect myself)
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason..(thanks mr. dubs!)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter (to land on Hubbard Glacier in AK)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (American girl dolls)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar (a few times, but almost weekly in/on sushi)
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (nose/pinky)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person (from a plane)
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican (LOVE!)
82. Bought a brand new car (2008 accord)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (fishing)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Run/Walk with Ella Bella

2009-06-11T09:39:00.003-04:00

Here is a map of the run .

Don't have anything too exciting to share, I have been X-training and doing a lot of walking because 2 marathons in 2 weeks makes for a bum left knee. I haven't been to the Dr. yet and am trying to just let it "rest". I can go about a mile at an 8:30-9:00 pace until it start to ache. Pretty depressing, but maybe it's good to try other activities instead of a running fool?! naaaaaaahhh... but just trying to keep my head up ;) As long as I can still power walk and can still be active I'll be fine... in a month if I still can't run... then there's a REAL issue. I was thinking I might need to try out a wrap or brace for my knee, but like I said... I don't want to goto the Dr. yet because I don't think they'd understand if they don't run themselves. I need to google "Running Dr. Cincinnati, OH". Okay just tried that... and I got a whole lotta nothing!

Tomorrow is Friday woooohooo! As for weekend activities, My friend Dish is in from Chicago to visit her boyfriend in Cincy and we are going on a double date and maybe, no definately having a few drinks downtown. Saturday is errands w/ my Mr. Dubs and a hike through a local park, and probably a romantic date. Sunday we usually always go to my parents for a family dinner and I get to see my sister's baby bump grow. Every weekend we try to have 1 friend day, 1 date day, and 1 family day.

Movie and Wine with my Mr. Dubs... perfect way to end a Wednesday night :)

June 3rd - National Runner Day

2009-06-02T16:27:00.002-04:00

Hi (Mr. Boss),

As I'm sure you're already aware, tomorrow is National Running Day.

http://www.runningday.org/pdf/National%20Running%20Day%20press%20release_final.pdf (press release)

http://www.runningday.org/index.asp (website)

I was just wondering if the runners of M&M are being patronized with a free day off? It seems as if I run for 4-5 hours on a Saturday for training, that maybe I should be granted 8 hrs to run for National Running Day. Please let me know your thoughts.....

Sincerely,

Danielle

_____________________________

Real E-mail sent to my boss... do you think he'll dig it? haha

Thanks runninduff for helping me "funny" up my e-mail ;)

I love my Frenchton!

2009-06-02T12:41:00.008-04:00

my Columbus 1/2 Marathon Medal (October 2008)

Ella - 10 months old Frenchton (most recent pic)

The Frenchton is a "Designer Breed" they are 1/2 French Bulldog and 1/2 Boston Terrier. They are a fun breed. They have the French Bulldog's "Bat Ears" an a snot that is halfway between a Boston Terrier an a French Bulldog. They still snore and fart like a French Bulldog and Boston Terrier. But like they say, "The more a Frenchton snores and farts then you know you have a great Frenchton."

They have the same personalities that the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier have - there are only 2 speeds - "STOP and GO". They love playing with other animals and people. They are just a joy to be around and you will find yourself spending hours watching them - they definitely picked up the "Clown and Entertaining" characteristics of a French Bulldog.

They are born with little to no tail. They are very sensitive to the sound of your voice. They can be stubborn just like a French Bulldog, and they are very smart like a Boston Terrier, but they haven't quite decided if they want to do what you asked them to do.

Average weight is 20 - 25 lbs; height 12 – 15 inches. color: black/white, black brindle/white and red/white.

More info on Frenchton's!

can you guess who I'm related to in this picture?

New pics from my Dad's 54th Birthday party that he sent me this afternoon :)

I'm going to be an auntie

2009-06-01T17:45:00.007-04:00

My sister's baby bump!

Personalized bib I ordered for Olivia... exactly like the pink/green one!

my sister's naked bump!

silver necklace I got for my sister... I found a beautiful one @ Tiffany's I want to get her also that says "Mom" or "It's a girl" on the charm.

personalized 3 piece baby bag that will say Olivia in White!

I'm so excited to be an Aunt! It is finally all hitting me. My sister is Due July 21st with a baby girl named Olivia. My sister had her first shower last Saturday, and she has her 2nd one this Saturday which is going to be a huge party party with probably 30+ people. My Aunt is also throwing her a party! The pictures above are all things that I thought were unique and creative. I will be giving those to her at the "big" party along with a bunch of onesies and hair bows and a girly frilly newborn dress that will fill her baby bag!

I'm trying to figure out some more creative things to give her on the day she gives birth... or the week of. If you've been a mother or have ideas of something really creative.. will you share your thoughts?

I cannot wait!!! My sister's boyfriend has blonde hair, blue eyes, and the same build as my sister and I. I know Olivia will look just like me, and I cannot wait to spoil her on the weekends!!!

My Most Fun Run!

2009-06-01T10:46:00.015-04:00

Fireworks to start the race.. AAAAmazing!

Running to the Castle!

About to enter the castle... but had to get a pic w/ Cindy's Mice

Pro Pic exiting the castle, I also stopped by the Yellow cones and had a pic taken.

Pic w/ Donald!

Pirates on a ship

Pirates at the water station!

Photo Op w/ Pigglet

Wild west photo shoot... I about pulled a muscle here ;)

Magic Mountain or whatever this spot was?! See the 3:50 pace balloons?

The man in the pink tutu!

woohoo finish!!! i was teared up under my shades!

Chrissy and I showing off our "bling"

Nikki and I at after she finished!

My favorite marathon that I've ever run (out of 4 fulls, and a half) was the Walt Disney World Marathon. The Marathon was on January 30, 2009, I flew down with my best friend Nikki and was meeting my other best friend Chrissy (runnin duff) down there as well.

You probably wonder how I have pics from the entire race? I took my Blackberry with me on the run to capture it all. I took pictures and uploaded them to facebook as I ran so my family, friends, and co-workers that were tracking me online could feel like they were there with me!

My first marathon that I ran in March 30th 2008 (completely untrained and out of shape) I ran in 5:19 minutes with runninduff (race report) because she didn't want to run her first mary alone. Since this was my 2nd marathon and I didn't train much more than 15-20 miles a week indoor on a treadmill... time was not a concern... it was all about FUN and finishing faster than 5:19!

I stopped and took pics with about any character I could and since it is a camera phone, not a real camera.. you can't run and take a pic.. so I'd have to peek behind me to make sure no one would slam into me, stop, push the capture button, then upload to facebook as i started running again. (I got hell from other runners saying "are you really texting right now?!!?!" haha)

At mile 15ish? by Magic Mountain (the pic is above, you can see pacer balloons) I finally realized that the 3:50 pace group was about to pass me! I was in total shock... I never thought I'd be able to REALLY finish my 2nd marathon, or any marathon, under 4 hours... especially without proper training! I knew at that point in the race, that I was in no doubt going to finish under 4 hours!

This run was so fun because everyone that worked in the theme parks participated. The families that were down there observing treated you like they were your own and cheered you on. Since this race isn't running past people's houses and through neighborhoods, i heard that there wasn't much crowd support. WRONG! People that were early birds to the theme parks also participated in the fun and cheered! As most races, people dress up... some people went crazy for this run, i saw people dressed up as Minnie and Mickey Mouse... the funniest was a man in a tutu with pink tennis shoes. (there is a picture above) I highly recommend Disney as an option for your next marathon! We flew in Saturday afternoon, went to the expo, went to an Italian dinner, went to bed, got up and ran, checked out of our hotel, drove our rental car back 20 miles to the airport, and flew home. With all the chaos... it was still a very smooth trip. Nice hotels, organized race/expo, easy to navigate airport. Overall the whole experience was an A+!!

I ended up finishing in 3 hours 57 mins! After that day... I was hooked! A few days later I found out that I could qualify for Boston if I ran each mile 40 second faster!! My pace was 9:03, and Boston Qualifying time is 8:23 pace. It lit a fire under my sore little behind. I now had a new goal and wanted to learn all about pacing.

It has only been 4 months since that fire was lit under me... I have completed 2 more marathons both under 4 hours but not quite BQ time. I got totally off track about "my most fun run"... but that is a little tid bit about me, and that I'm an amateur for sure! But I'm learning bit by bit everyday. And I have one hell of flame under me and cannot wait to get to Boston in 2010 (crossing my fingers and toes)!

My webpage from the run that Disney made me to show my time and pictures. : http://www.mydisneymarathon.com/DANIELLEDUNCAN9642

P.s. my tradish pre-marathon dinner and WINE! :)

Dogs took me on a walk/jog

2009-05-22T16:36:00.004-04:00

Wednesday night I went out for my first run/walk after the marathon. I was puppy watching for my friend Steph and decided to take the girls for a walk!

as you can see... Gucci ran out of battery life before I made it home(see the green start)... I wanted to show you the crazy elevation in the hills. It's not called "Mt. Lookout" for nothing! I think it was probably a solid 4 mile walk/jog. Felt amazing!
My Pup Ella with her friend Rilee that I was dog watching before our walk. I may have, or may have not been holding a treat....

Professional Pictures from the Cleveland Marathon!

2009-05-20T16:39:00.001-04:00

The Spirit of the Marathon

2009-05-19T17:39:00.003-04:00

I'm so in love with this, my parents bought me the DVD last week and I just watched it. This moves me.

Videos from the Cleveland Marathon 2009

2009-05-18T15:58:00.004-04:00

Mile 6, feeling so stong!

Around mile 8.. feeling great!! This is why I run... the smile on my face and the way I was feeling at this time!

Mile 17 when I knew my knee was hurt... I just say "I just want to run it in 4 hours".

Finishing the Cleveland Marathon

2009 Cleveland Marathon Photos and Results

2009-05-18T09:53:00.012-04:00

Saturday morning before heading to Cleveland my mom surprised us with fun shirts!
Dinner @ an Italian Restaurant Osteria, Downtown Cleveland. Having my 2nd glass of wine... it's Tradish.. I cannot run w/o my wine!

within the first 7 miles of the Cleveland marathon, I made friends... in the white and green w/ dark hair is Lindsay running the 1/2 marathon, and on the bright pink w/ white hat is Dawn

Back group shot!

Medal!
after the race photo w/ the whole family in the fun "Team Danielle" shirts
Oh Mom... no photos ;)

wraps on my joints... my right knee and ankle gave me a pretty tough time but no worries.. i finished that sucker under 4 hrs!

(note* the elevation on 1k+ had to be up in my hotel room?!)

Results:

Distance MARATHON
Clock Time 03:58:43
Chip Time 03:57:52
Overall Place 818 / 9520
Gender Place 170 / 4973
Division Place 50 / 1042
Pace 9:04.5

Split10K 0:50:58 (8:12 pace)
Half 1:49:10 (8:19 pace)
Split30K 2:42:59 (8:44 pace)
Marathon 3:57:52 (9:04 pace)

My right knee started aching at mile 14.5... and as you can see... my pace got higher and higher. but I'm so glad I finished and can proudly claim that I'm crazy enough to run 2 marathons in 2 weeks under 4 hours :) (I'll shoot for Boston, 3:40 time, next time!!)

3rd time trying to qualify is the charm right?

Check other 2009 Cleveland Marathon Results HERE.

Happy Friday! TGIF!!

2009-05-15T09:40:00.013-04:00

I'm getting antsy! I cannot wait to run on Sunday. I never thought I'd feel unsore EVER again. I think I've honestly been sore for 10 days straight; the first 2 days after the marathon are always pretty sore... then I did "whatever" I did to my right calf and was limping around, then I got massage therapy which made everything sore all over... but that "hurt so good" feeling.

Today I feel 100% not sore! Woooooooohoooooooooo! 2 days with no pain... then. dun dun dunnnnn another marathon Sunday :) No pain, no gain?!

Last night my boyfriend, Mr. Dubs is what I'll refer to him as and I went to dinner with friends after playing hooky for his sand volleyball game... we figured drinking and hanging out with friends would be much more fun!

The weather was about 65 degrees and a gorgeous evening after a very rainy week, we took advantage of that and sat out on a patio and had drinks and shared a few apps. After we went back to our friend's place and watch The Office and opened up some wine that they've been dying to open since their trip to Napa a few years ago. The first one was Artesa Cabernet which I thought was delish, but then the 2nd bottle... HEAVENLY. It was called Chateau Montelena a red zin 2004... I mean I even like the way the name rolls of my tongue. Great company, the Office, and my heavenly glass of Zin. That's what I call a good night

Tomorrow morning we are headed to Cleveland! (4 hr commute) The WE includes my Mom, Step dad Mike, and Mr. Dubs. We are staying right where the race begins and ends at the Marriott downtown! I'm pretty excited for the 26.3 rock party @ the end of the race, and it's as fun as it sounds.

My little Ella Bella this morning, she doesn't like when I wake her up from her beauty sleep, teenagers I tell ya!

The shirt I wore when I ran the Walt Disney World Marathon in January.... I'm not that good at math, but I think that means I can drink 5 bottles of wine and not feel guilty Sunday night? ;)

1 day, 20 hours, 50 mins... until the Cle veland Marathon!!!

Track me @ the Cleveland Marathon

2009-05-12T17:08:00.008-04:00

4 days, 13 hours, 49 mins... until the Cleveland Marathon!

Feel free to track my run: http://live.doitsports.com/msg/MSG-signup.tcl?event_id=29

my Bib # 2393.

Fun Facts about the marathon on the Cleveland Marathon homepage:

very first "run" with the garmin

2009-05-12T16:38:00.002-04:00

picture of my test run w/ Gucci the Garmin (Gucci is such a lame name... but somehow it just comes naturally.. why? because I think it's funny that I spent that much money on a watch, and I don't even own a nice watch?! I must have a weird sense of humor...)

I hardly call 1 mile a run... but, my muscles are still repairing from the Flying Pig Marathon Sunday the 3rd... and I've been limping around since Tuesday after I pulled/strained/whatever the hell I did to my right calf.

I gave in and scheduled my first massage therapy session. Andy is his name... he doesn't specialize in the A.R.T. , Active Release Techniques like Benson said I should look into, but he is in the process of learning. He said he's worked on many pro athletes(I live in the land of the Cincinnati Reds/Bengals), and even a girl that is one of the fastest girls in Cincinnati that is in my running club/training group. I figured I'd give him a try! But Andy did recommend a great guy that does A.R.T. and I may try him out if I get a better insurance policy.

This being my very first experience with Massage Therapy, he told me that I will probably be sore for 2 days after our initial session tonight... and that I should come back on Friday night or Saturday morning before we make the 4 hour drive up north!

I have a bittersweet feeling right now..... I'm used to being excited. Hopefully after visiting Andy today... I will feel better.

garmin is here!!

2009-05-11T14:46:00.003-04:00

haven't figured out a name for it yet, but have been jokingly calling it my Gucci, because it's my new watch :)

Cannot wait to try this bad boy out!

not happy... strained calf..... ugh

2009-05-11T09:17:00.008-04:00

I believe I have a strained right calf... the Cleveland Marathon is THIS Sunday.

Realistically, is there anyway to run this? I mean I look like a freak walking down stairs, I don't run like a road runner through my office anymore. No one has to make fun of me for walking so quickly... ughhhhhhh. All I was doing was simply running up the stairs 2 days after the Flying Pig marathon... and about the middle of the steps I felt a sharp pain, kind of like a piece of glass was in my calf and it stunned me. I was feeling pretty good Saturday and cleaning got the best of me, I walked quickly down the stairs, and the sharp pain hit me again, this time pretty much making me limp all day Sunday and Today.

I'm in the dumps today, I'm in great shape, mentally prepped to run, I'm so excited....... yet... one little thing.. my right calf. What do I do?

I thought about trying to get in with my massage therapist? I've been icing 2 times a day (I know it should be 4), I've stretched, and have been using ibuprofen....???????

Marathon Pro Pics - Flying Pig Marathon

2009-05-07T14:46:00.001-04:00

who's hungry?!

finish swine.... yes Swine, not line. gotta love the flying pig!

Finish Swine Video.... look for the PINK!

2009-05-07T14:18:00.000-04:00

Toenails are for sissies?!

2009-05-06T15:36:00.003-04:00

I'm down to 7 toenails... that's hot!

Wonder when I can start running and wearing closetoed shoes? Maybe when my piggies don't have a heartbeat of their own? I'm googling "toenails falling off"... and hopefully finding my answer :)

Garmin on the way...

2009-05-05T17:32:00.003-04:00

2 marathons in 2 weeks... deserves a brand new garmin forerunner 405, right? right!!!!

it's on it's way and should be here by Friday :)

now for names... what should I name him/her?!

Registered for the Cleveland Full Marathon on May 17th 2009 (13 days)

2009-05-04T12:31:00.002-04:00

http://www.clevelandmarathon.com/

Flying Pig Marathon 2009 Results

2009-05-04T10:39:00.004-04:00

Date:
May 3rd, 2009

Bib #1148,
OVERALL 809 out of 4002,
division place 33 out of 267,
sex place 161 out of 1624,
6.8 Mile TIME 55:31,
12 Mile TIME 1:37:35,
13.19 Mile(half marathon)TIME 1:46:25,
19.7 TIME 2:45:41,
25.2 Mile TIME 3:39:49,
Finish TIME 3:48:40,
PACE 8:43.

I PR'd my Half and Full, although I didn't qualify for Boston, I have something to look forward to the rest of the year... Columbus/Chicago/Cleveland maybe?! :)

Here's a picture from the Cincinnati Enquirer : http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=AB&Date=20090503&Category=SPT&ArtNo=905030803&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr%3D14

flying pig spottings!

2009-04-30T14:48:00.003-04:00

Jess and I found the Flying Pig on the Square downtown on our lunch breaks. The Pig w/ the wings can be found between 12-1PM downtown. Jess and I did our last run before our marathon on Sunday!! Cannot wait... 3 more days!!!!!!!!

4 Mile Hill Run to hot dogs and beer

2009-04-23T15:15:00.004-04:00

Started out a crappy run... didn't feel it AT ALL. by the 2nd mile I was sprinting up the hills and at the front of the "pack" because after our short 4 miler the running group had a cookout w/ free hotdogs and beer!

... 9 days til the flying pig :) wooooooohooooooooo!

Saturday's 15 mile run

2009-04-13T15:58:00.005-04:00

Saturday I was supposed to do a 20 mile run, but instead I decided to chose my own ending to the route (see picture). The picture isn't accurate, it's the closest thing I could find to the route we ran, and I was too lazy to make one myself!

The reason for shortening the run... My Mom's birthday was on Saturday and we had tickets to see the Cirque Show @ the Aronoff Theatre. Then a full night of drinking! I usually need a nap after a long run, so I would have never made it if I did the full run.

My run was perfect, the weather was 50's and sunny. I ran with Pacer the entire way, I think he was a little sad when I told him I'm running home and not finishing our 20 mile route. I know I can run 20 miles and feel fully prepared for the Flying Pig. 19 days!!!!

wino.. you should probably be cut off when you think that this is artistic ;)

Mom's photoshoot of me on the stairs, she says one day I'll be happy w/ my muscular legs...

my dad Mike

rocking out!

very end of the night!

Running with Ella

2009-04-10T14:56:00.005-04:00

Still cannot figure out how to use http://www.mapmyrun.com/ very well... but I tried. I did 4 miles with Ella, then sprinted 2 miles alone. It was supposed to be my off day. I decided it was nice out (55 degrees) so I HAD to run. I live in an area called Mt. Lookout... there's a reason for the Mt. (see elevation chart below) I know it's not that bad... but it felt tough after running hills on Wednesday.

20 miles tomorrow.... I'm not feeling it at all. I just ate a full footlong sub... so I carbed up... I better run it! Wish me luck :)

Tonight I might go to a Red's game, and to dinner w/ a friend... :)

Ella after our run... she isn't happy about the flash when she's trying to nap.

Happy Almost Easter!!!!

Love my new shoes, and a beer or 4 after a run!

2009-04-09T17:19:00.010-04:00

Mizuno Wave® Inspire™ 5

Yesterday was my training group's (8.8) 9 mile midweek run. I tried to do it as hard as I possibly could, because I knew there was a sweet reward at the end... FREE BEER.

Started the run around 6:45 PM and I felt so motivated and energized. I love my new shoes!! They are like running on little bouncy clouds. It was about 55 degrees and no wind. I made it to mile 5 and was feeling pretty crappy because we had been running hills, and thank goodness for a yummy chocolate GU or I wouldn't have been able to keep pushing. Our trail went right past my apartment, that always seems to kill me... I always want to stop and pick up my lil running partner Ella(my puppy). The last two miles of the run were all up hill, I needed back-up, I got my ipod out of my running pouch(something like this and it fits my Crackberry!) and put on some jams. I danced (in my head)all the way to the bar!

The news channel 9 video tapped us running, I hope to see the video on TV or online. My running group has 800 total signed up to run, and in the "marathon" training group which I'm in about 50+ show up every week run, and maybe 70ish on the Saturday. I've been in 3 running groups, this being by far the best group ever!! Bob Ronker's Running Spot Training Group! There's a guy in my group that runs the same pace as me, we have no idea what exactly our pace is... we both don't wear a watch or Garmin... we joke that I have an "Armin" and when we get stuck at stop lights or traffic i'll pretend to pause it and restart it to keep our pace and go "beep" ;) I'm really excited because last night during our 3rd beer he said he'd run the flying pig marathon with me!!! wooooohooo!!! "Pacer" is his nickname. He actually turned around in the big crowd of runners when I yelled his name. Pacer is a 25ish y/o male that is prob about 200lbs(or so, im not good at weight) and 6'3... we definitely don't look a thing alike, yet have the same exact pace. It's interesting how people can be built so differently and run at the same pace.

Saturday is our 22 mile long run before we start tapering... I'm not feeling it at all, but once Pacer said he was excited and I better do it (there's an option to run 12) I decided I should do the long run... oh man hope he can carry me if I get tired. If there isn't crowd support or a medal at the end... 22 miles is awfully far to run for "fun". Fun seems to wear off for me around mile 15... so this will be a BIG test!

Today is a very special day... it is RunninDuff's 25th Bday!!! Love you ST!!!!

Projected Marathon Time

2009-04-07T12:49:00.002-04:00

Predicting Your Marathon Time
Actual 5k Actual 10k Actual 15k Projected Marathon
35:33 73:59 1:53:52 5:32:37
34:27 71:41 1:50:21 5:22:56
33:25 69:31 1:47:03 5:13:47
32:26 67:29 1:43:56 5:05:09
31:32 65:34 1:41:00 4:59:00
30:40 63:45 1:38:18 4:49:16
29:51 62:03 1:35:36 4:41:56
29:04 60:25 1:33:06 4:34:59
28:21 58:53 1:30:44 4:28:21
27:39 57:26 1:28:30 4:22:03
26:59 56:03 1:26:22 4:16:02
26:21 54:44 1:24:20 4:10:18
25:45 53:29 1:22:23 4:04:49
25:11 52:17 1:20:33 3:59:35
24:36 51:08 1:18:47 3:54:33
24:07 50:03 1:17:05 3:49:45
23:37 49:00 1:15:29 3:45:08
23:08 48:00 1:13:56 3:40:43 - I think this is where I fall... I would like to be Sub 3:40! cutting it close!!
22:41 47:03 1:12:27 3:36:27
22:14 46:08 1:11:02 3:32:22
21:49 45:15 1:09:40 3:28:26
21:25 44:25 1:08:21 3:24:39
21:01 43:36 1:07:06 3:21:00
20:39 42:49 1:05:53 3:17:29
20:17 42:04 1:04:43 3:14:05
19:56 41:21 1:03:36 3:10:49
19:36 40:39 1:02:31 3:07:39
19:16 39:58 1:01:28 3:04:35
18:58 39:19 1:00:28 3:01:38
18:39 38:42 59:29 2:58:47
18:22 38:06 58:33 2:56:01
18:05 37:30 57:38 2:53:20
17:48 36:57 56:46 2:50:44
17:32 36:24 55:55 2:48:13
17:17 35:52 55:05 2:45:47
17:02 35:21 54:18 2:43:25
16:48 34:51 53:31 2:41:07
16:33 34:22 52:46 2:38:53
16:20 33:54 52:03 2:36:43
16:07 33:27 51:21 2:34:37
15:54 33:01 50:40 2:32:35
15:41 32:35 50:00 2:30:35
15:29 32:10 49:21 2:48:39
15:17 31:46 48:44 2:26:46
15:06 31:22 48:07 2:24:56
14:54 30:59 47:32 2:23:10
14:44 30:37 46:57 2:21:25
14:33 30:15 46:24 2:19:44
14:23 29:54 45:51 2:18:05
14:13 29:34 45:19 2:16:29
14:03 29:14 44:48 2:14:55
13:53 28:54 44:18 2:13:23
13:44 28:35 43:48 2:11:53

Projected Marathon Time Link

The night I ran a 5k with no pants!

2009-04-07T12:24:00.006-04:00

I'm in the Jazzercise outfit (black/teal/purple) Running through a grave yard! I had a backpack on that you can kinda see with my pants in it. It was SOOO cold!

my competition ;)

the party!

finally dug up some pictures from the Costumed Race, Run Like Hell 5k in Cincinnati.

18 mile run... I mean 16 mile run.

2009-04-06T12:10:00.008-04:00

This Saturday was our 18-19 mile group run with my running group. It was a gorgeous day to run, at 8AM we started our run, it was about 50 degrees with a perfect breeze, and the sun peaking through the clouds. Within the next hour the sun was fully out, 60ish degrees, birds chirping, everyone seemed to be out doing things in their yards, washing their cars, taking their dogs for a walk, just anything to be outside. I loveeeeeeee Spring!!!

I knew we were running pretty close to my apartment, so I decided to take a little detour and go pick up my favorite running partner, Ella! (see above map & doodles)It worked out perfectly because I could go change into a t-shirt and replace my sweaty hat. I was feeling pretty tired, but my lil' partner made the rest of my run fly by! Right when I went back on to our running path my "pace" group was just passing by. It worked out really well. My run was awesome, and I didn't have to worry about taking Ella on a walk after the long run. I wish I had a Gamin to check my pace. The last 4 miles of the run with my pup were fast, I ended up passing my pace group(or the group of people that I recognize as a pace group). I would guess that I was at about a 7:30-7:45 pace during my run.

Yesterday I got some new running gear for the Flying Pig Marathon at Dick's Sporting Goods... I think I found my new obsession... Under Armour compression running pants. They felt so good, I ended up putting them on as soon as I got home, and wearing them the rest of the day!

I also got a bright pink UA sports bra tank (so my family can spot me.. okay okay because it's Pink!) I also resorted back to my trusty Wave Mizuno's, (not the fancy, more stylish ones that I was oh-so-excited about in previous posts), and my favorite socks, SmartWool running socks.

I'm geared up, trained, and ready to run... 26 days...

my favorite little but mighty running partner!

weight gain during marathon training

2009-04-03T12:41:00.007-04:00

I thought I was crazy when I stepped on the scale the other day. I have gained 11 lbs. since December!!!!!! (I don't want to sound like a typical girl...)

all my Small workout pants are overly tight, and my Mediums are fitting semi snug too... I do not think I'm fat by any means... but I look/feel thick compared to what I looked like pre-training. I'm not happy about my new shape, but am happy about feeling like I'm in great shape, and that I am a running machine. I feel confident for my first time that I will finish a marathon, usually it's like "i think i can do it, but i dont know?!"

I did a google search... look what I found... whew.. I'm not going crazy:

Question: Why Am I Gaining Weight During Marathon Training?
I thought I would lose weight when training for a marathon, but I actually have gained weight! Why is that?

Answer: You're not alone. Some marathoners-in-training hope to lose weight during their training, but they're surprised when they actually gain a few pounds or hit a weight loss plateau. One explanation is that as you're training, you're building more muscle mass, which is denser than fat. So while that may translate to an overall weight gain, your body fat percentage has decreased and you're more toned than you were before.
Also, you may have been increasing your calorie intake without realizing it. Keep in mind that running a lot does not give you carte blanche to eat whatever you want. The basic principle for weight loss still applies: You must burn more calories than you consume. To lose a pound, you have to burn, through exercise or life functions, about 3600 calories.

With all the calories you burn by running, some people are surprised when they don't lose weight during marathon training, but they forget that they're inhaling a quart of ice cream and a dozen Oreos for a snack after their run. Make sure you stock your kitchen with healthy foods, so when the "post-run hungries" hit, you'll be prepared with nutritious foods, not empty calories. It's normal to feel hungry when training for a marathon. Just try to stick to healthy foods and snacks.

It's also helpful to track your food intake in a training journal. It will make you think twice about the foods you're putting in your mouth and also help you figure out what foods work best for you.

Another area where long distance runners get into trouble is drinking too many calories. Just because you're training for a marathon doesn't mean that you need to constantly drink sugary sports drinks. While it's important that you replace electrolytes during your long runs, you don't need to constantly have a sports drink at your fingertips the rest of the time. Stay away from fruit juices and regular soda since they also add a lot of calories to your diet, but don't make you feel full. Plain water is fine for staying hydrated during the week.

If you've been eating a nutritious diet and you still find that you're gaining weight, try not to focus too much on that number on the scale. It could be inaccurate since our weight does fluctuate depending on what time of the day or month we weigh ourselves. Pay attention to other measurements such how your clothes are fitting, how toned you feel, body fat percentage, or inches lost. And if you really want to lose weight, remember that healthy weight loss takes time. Even with all the running that you're doing, you should not aim to lose more than a pound a week. So, try to be patient.

Foto Friday - Mini Heart Marathon 15k

2009-04-03T10:22:00.008-04:00

I don't think I mentioned that the Mini Heart Marathon was essentially running from my WORK to my HOME, and then back to WORK... I think this made the race mentally hard, because I make this drive daily!

i felt terrible, last .3 miles of the 9.3 mile race... 2 thumbs up? sarcastic?! (no one usually feels good at this point)

do you spy the hotpants?!

my face is priceless!
crossing the finish line @ 74 mins. (clearly not happy about my time!)

www.Athlinks.com

2009-03-30T11:34:00.002-04:00

I found a few of my races, and made an account:
http://www.athlinks.com/racer.aspx?rid=48706165

It's such a cool concept! You just type your name in, and the website finds different races you may have run/biked/swam in.

heart mini marathon 15k results

2009-03-30T10:54:00.010-04:00

I hate to be Debbie Downer, but it was my worst race I've ever run... I was negative when I woke up, I didn't even want to go. (it was rainy/windy/30ish degrees)

I woke up so late that I didn't eat breakfast, I ended up eating a GU in the car. I forgot my ipod at home. I wore brand new running shoes. I ran alone.

My first mile I felt good, but before I hit the 2nd mile mark, I started to sound like a horse... my shoes felt like they had bricks in them... I'm not sure what it wrong with my new fancy shoes, but I think I like my older cheaper style better. I was cussing in my head the entire race, I didn't have nutrition, Advil, or my ipod to keep me going. By mile 6 I was ready to pass out, I started walking up the highest elevation on the course and walked to the side to ask the Medical peeps to hook me up with ANYTHING with Sugar. I was so dizzy! I took the O.J. and chugged for a bit then made up a story in my head that it was magic super man juice and that this will save my race. Fortunately I made it to the top of the hill just in time for my super juice to kick in. So I got to fly down the hill and pass all the people that passed me while I was nearly passing out/walking up the hill. I know that tiny bit of the race that I walked was going to mess up my entire run... I kept repeating I drank the magic juice, i now have super powers in my head... and other crazy thoughts to just try to stay positive. I passed mile 7... WHEW... I didn't think I'd even make it that far... 1 more mile left.... STRAIGHT UP A HILL... I just kept looking for crowd support and people cheering and the finish line. The weather was so rainy/windy/cold... there weren't that many supporters. I decided to say a few words to a guy next to me so I could have anything to think about but my negativity. I had a half mile left and finally saw the finish line... I wanted to quit, I was just done... my superman juice failed me and I was on E. I just kept going... the last .3 of the 9.3 ...one of the coaches from my flying pig training group tapped my on my shoulder... YAY finally... someone to keep me going... I was at this point about to faint... he just talked me through it, and we crossed the line at 1:14:01.

After the race I ate a banana and had an energy water, and couldn't believe I actually finished in an okay time, for how bad I felt, and nearly passing out. I was still really mad at myself for preparing right, staying in the night before, training groups, new music on my ipod... but not remembering to EAT breakfast, bring my ipod, wear comfy shoes!?!?? I should have at least ran it at a 7:30 pace(from my weekly runs with the training group)! not 7:58. Oh well... NEXT year I'll know what NOT to do :)

I feel very lucky to have my friends, runninduff, and family cheering me on through texts, emails, and messages... thank you!

Results:

bib#4658
name:Danielle

overall: 540
division place: 28 , out of 330 25-29 y/o women
women: 116, place out of 1624
10k time: 49:09
first mile: 6:50
last mile: 7:27
final time: 1:14:01
average pace: 7:58

Article from the Cincinnati Enquirer about the race: "Hip and back problems made 2008 pretty much of a “waste” for Chris Reis. He’s hoping to get back on track on 2009.

Reis took a big step on that journey Sunday with a win in the 15-kilometer Heart Mini-Marathon. Reis ran the course, most of which was on chilly, wet and windswept Columbia Parkway, in 49:03 – far below the times with which he won three consecutive Heart 15-k before sitting out last year’s, but still somewhat satisfying.

“I’m getting there,” the 27-year-old Delhi native said. “This wasn’t the greatest day for proving your fitness.”

Reis finished exactly a full minute ahead of Chris Herren. Last year’s winner, Brian List, finished third at 50:19.

They dealt with temperatures in the 30s, intermittent rain and swirling winds that never settled on one direction. "

heart mini marathon 15k 3/29/09

2009-03-27T17:03:00.002-04:00

Goal is 1 hour and 10 mins....

crossing my fingers!!

Course: http://www.heartmini.org/documents/CourseMap.pdf

Elevations
(ft above sea level)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fountain Square 551
2K turnaround 529
5K turnaround 578
10K turnaround 564
15K turnaround 513

blisters...?!

2009-03-20T11:28:00.005-04:00

I ran about 9 miles with my training group on Wednesday in our "hill" run workout in my new Mizuno's and awesome new Smart Wool sox. I have a huge/deep blister, and have a 17 mile run tomorrow morning at 8AM. How do I run the 17 miles with my blister? it's popped, opened, and "drying out". I know this is gross.. but I seriously need advice.

Did I get it from the new shoes? were my socks not good enough? or was it hills and my new faster pace? all of the above?!

(yes I took this at work, notice the mat for my chair, if my co-workers caught me...how funny would that be!)

I feel like I have "broken in" feet, with calluses and thick skin... you name it.

Proof: I ran 2 marathons, and 1 half with only 1 or 2 tiny blisters on the tips of my toes.

Why now am I getting blisters on my arches? It's only happened recently, 2 wks ago in my old Mizuno's on a 14 mile run, and this week on a 9 mile run in my new shoes?

-slightly annoyed

25 year olds stress... not just mine.

2009-03-11T11:30:00.001-04:00

friend (11:30:12 AM): alright got another starbucks
friend (11:30:14 AM): thats how stressed i am
friend (11:30:23 AM): 2 ventis before noon

.... to be cont.

ordered new shoes :)

2009-03-10T13:19:00.003-04:00

Mizuno Wave Creation 10's... I'll give you a full report when I get them in 3-5 days! I cannot waittttttttt :)

this is what sold me:

"This was the most comfortable shoe I've ever run in." — Megan Kurtz, 25, Allentown

"They had outstanding support and were surprisingly lightweight." — Jillian Barber, 29, San Diego

Foto Friday

2009-03-06T16:19:00.004-05:00

On Vacation -my sister(L) and bff Nikki (R) in the BVI's December 2008

I'm famous... didn't ya know?!

Thanksgiving Day 10k Cincinnati

My mom and I boarding our "mother/daughter cruise"

best feeling in the world!

Ella my little nugget of love... I can't get enough!

not so good at the "blog"

2009-03-06T15:43:00.009-05:00

I have nothing really to write today... or ever. But I want to start blogging, as you can tell.. I have all pictures.. not much writing. So I figure the first few blogs are going to suck (bare with me while you're reading... if anyone actually reads).

This is my running partner Ella, 1/2 French Bulldog 1/2 Boston Terrier.

flying pig group run marathon schedule march 2009

GU me!

2009-03-02T10:08:00.014-05:00

I did the craziest thing on Saturday morning... I finally decided to join the Saturday morning running group. (this was very hard for me, because my Friday night social life had to take a hit)

At 7:30AM my alarm went off (no hangover this Saturday morning!!), I hit snooze up until I had to throw a hat, gloves, and running shoes on... and was out the door w/ a banana in hand for my quick breakfast on the drive over the bridge to KY(about a 6 mile drive). I went for a 14 mile run with about 50 people or so in this running group. It was 23 degrees out and windy... and we ran from Newport's purple bridge up around Eden park/Mt. Adams(Cincinnati, OH) and back to the purple bridge in Newport, KY!!(picture below) I decided to run in the 8 minute pace group... and by the end was at the 8:30ish pace group... needless to say I got done in about 1:50? (I really need to get a garmin) I couldn't believe I did it, without it being a race.. no medal or support at the end... There were muliple times where I just wanted to stop and sit on the curb and open two GU packages, one vanilla bean, and one chocolate outrage and go at it like a delicious sundae... but I didn't! I guess what pushed me to keep going was to know that I could eat whatever I wanted the rest of the day guilt free, and the fact that I was running next to a really fun guy in my running group (we happen to be the only two at same pace). After this run I feel like... I'm officially a running freak!

This picture is the closest thing I could find to our route:

P.S. wear good socks, not "cute" ones that claim to be for running... I knew better!!:

Good Stuff

2009-02-26T09:43:00.001-05:00

This was written by a guy named Brett who writes columns for The Plain Dealer, a newspaper in Cleveland, Ohio.
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 70 in August, so here goes:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the
present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'.
You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It is never too late to have a happy childhood.
But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life,
don't take 'no' for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy
lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion.
Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness, except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words:
'In five years, will this really matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

2 9. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of whom God is,
not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative--dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile
and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Walt Disney World Marathon 2009

2009-02-13T12:37:00.003-05:00

2009 Disney Marathon

2008-04-08T10:31:00.004-04:00

2009 WALT DISNEY WORLD® MARATHON
DATE: Sunday, January 11, 2009.
TIME: 6:00 AM

this is the course map: http://adisneyworldsports.disney.go.com/media/dwws_v0220/en_US/pdf/08MarathonCourseMap.pdf

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mickey's not going to know what hit him!!! PINK PANTS ARE COMING!

ing georgia marathon pics!!

2008-04-04T15:57:00.000-04:00

ING Georgia Marathon 2008

2008-04-02T18:21:00.002-04:00

ING Georgia Marathon w/ Runnin Duff!!

2008-03-25T12:38:00.003-04:00

blisters

2008-01-28T23:00:00.000-05:00

almost a 14 mile weekend!!

2008-01-27T17:14:00.000-05:00

From daniellerunsblog

great run today.. minus the blisters i gained from wearing new socks.

i wonder if there is an easier way to get them to heal... or at least not to work. would superglue or duct tape help? just a tought!??!

a run w/out my Nike+

2008-01-26T19:06:00.000-05:00

From daniellerunsblog

I'm supposed to be getting my new Nike+ in the mail on Monday... I can't wait :)

R.I.P. Nike+

2008-01-23T09:58:00.000-05:00

Had to mail my Nike+ back to the guy I bought it from because it died. It never worked right to begin with. I cannot wait to receive my new one in a few days!!!

my daily views in Chicago

2008-01-22T22:04:00.000-05:00

Decided to share pictures I took today/yesterday from my PDA on my way to work and on the way home! I live by the Lincoln Park Zoo, I work downtown by the Sears Tower, and I workout @ Bally's in Lincoln Park.

Notice the "L" (above ground subway train), and the chilly temperature!

When I get off my bus.. walking to work.

This morning when I was walking down my street to my bus! SNOW!

This is where I do all my thinking and dreaming... I miss running outside so bad!

this is where I run when it's above 45 degrees:

I doubt I'll ever make it back out on the bike/running path along Lake Michigan before I move to Florida... BUT, there are all kinds of trails in Lakewood Ranch, FL! (also a great running club: www.lakewoodranchrunningclub.com)

run # 3....

2008-01-22T08:08:00.000-05:00

my battery is low on my BRAND new sensor... this run was really 7.5! *edit* here's the picture:

run 2

2008-01-17T21:50:00.000-05:00

my sensor doesnt work correctly so I've been taking pics too:

oooh The Challenge...

2008-01-16T12:50:00.000-05:00

my 1st time using nike+

2008-01-16T11:37:00.000-05:00

Danielle Runs

2008-01-05T13:47:00.001-05:00

testing... 1.... 2.... 3.

Halloween Run... after the run and popping my Dolly Parton balloon boobs!

My Cousin Amanda and I after running the Jingle Bell Run 5k.