Monday, November 29, 2010

1st Annual runwithjill Turkey Trot RR

I'm not really sure if I've mentioned that I have been having this little annoying heel problem for the past many months??  Well, if not I deeply and sincerely apologize so let me summarize:  My heel hurts, I've barely run  in 8 months.  I know, shocker!!  Speedwork?  Practically zilch, unless you call a handful of mile repeats at once MP "speedwork."

There must be about a half dozen or so Turkey Trots happening around Denver on Thanksgiving day, the biggest being the United Way 4-miler in a very popular running area called Washington Park ("Wash Park" known to us locals).  I've done this race a few hundred times in the past - when my daughter was little, we used to go and run/walk with friends.  One time my girlfriend from Iowa (Hi Meg) was here visiting and I think 9 of us smashed in my Honda Pilot to get to the start.  Fun memories, that turkey trot holds.

But I didn't do it this Thanksgiving; the daughter now thinks running is a death sentence, the only running child I own wasn't in the mood, no friends I knew were doing it and though I could easily have gone alone, as I have done with various races past, I couldn't justify paying the bucks to go run a very slow race (hahah, threw that slow pace thing in there for you, Kovas!).  But there was a 5K at the uber-cool gym I go to put on by the personal trainers (well, it was once uber-cool, but the novelty of it's grandiosity has waned and I now find many irritating flaws...like how many of the digital lockers never work, or at least two of the stellar treadmills are always broke) - and it was free!  Free + Jill-in-need-of-some-sort-of-speedwork meant it was time to bribe my neighbor, Jim, to join me.

Wake up Thanksgiving morning, ready to race..... to a balmy 9 degrees. 

Call me a pansy if you wish.  It does not matter that I grew up in Iowa, where lawns have been known to stay white for an entire 6 months and that I now live in Colorado, the mecca of winter sports - I just do... not... do... cold... well!  I'm not sure when this I-hate-to-be-cold problem started - I used to LOVE to ski but one time going up a ski lift, my toes got so cold and my core was shivering so badly - it took days of countless hot chocolates and scalding showers to thaw out and that was it, I was done downhill skiing.  Haven't skied in ages, have no plans of ever doing so again.  Snowshoeing, where I can constantly keep moving is another story...but not skiing. 

So I send Jim an email: I'm out.  Too cold.  Pansy.  Whatever.  Thankfully, he concurred so no guilt on my part.  Whew.

So what's a cold weather pansy girl gonna do?  Hello treadmill!!!  I know most have a hatred for the thing (except for Emz - my happy treadmill buddy) but I really don't mind it.  I especially love it's convenience (my basement).  So I decided it was time to enter the first ever "runwithjill Turkey Trot 5K" - here's me, jockeying for a pre-race front row position (remember that room, Marcia??).  I don't know what pace I can run a race anymore.  The 5K has always been a huge mystery to me pace-wise, and I honestly think it's one of the worst lung-sucking races ever invented.  Aside from the 10K.  Or the mile.  So considering all I've been through these many, MANY months, I was ok with anything my legs and lungs could produce; I just wanted a number - any number.  And for the heel to cooperate.  So I set the treadmill for random inclines between 1 and 4 and away I went.  Started out a bit too slow (whooa, that never happens in a paid-for race) so played with the pace here and there and by the end, I was doing a 7:31 pace and feeling mighty fine (and thankful I didn't decide beforehand I needed to do a 10K).

Goal #1 accomplished, I got me a number: Official runwithjill Turkey Trot 5K time: 23:51
Avg pace: 7:41
AG placement: 1st
Overall female: 1st
Overall placement: 1st
Post race food:  As much turkey (deep fried and smoked, thanks to my brother) as I could shove in my mouth!

Goal #2 accomplished: Absolutely no heel pain.

All I can say to these two accomplishments is Praise the Lord, MIRACLES DO EXIST!
This was not a PR, but as much as I detest pretty much avoid the 5K, this time isn't that far off....if we count it post-children era (I used to run sub-21's...but that was a looooonggg time ago).  And yeah yeah yeah, this was a treadmill vs enduring the brutal outdoor elements....whatever, I was happy with the time.  And stoked my heel didn't choke.  No race t-shirt, no medal around my neck, no congratulatory hugs, but the reward was better than all those combined - my confidence was starting to creep out of the mud pit it's been lurking for some time now and I began to start thinking of all the possibilities out there waiting for me in 2011.

But, true to form with just about everything in my life lately (whaaaa), I had a miserable 13-miler on Sunday when the heel started screaming at mile 10.  Ah yes, the infamous mile 10 of hauntings past.  How could I have forgotten you?  Oh how I hate you - nothing's changed in your absence!  I stopped and stretched and cursed the heaves above repositioned my heel insert some, walked and talked a bit with a woman on the same trail who was having some knee pain,and amazingly, I was able to finish the remaining 3 miles relatively pain-free.

*sigh*

But this post isn't about that dumb Sunday longish run, this post was about my runwithjil 5K debut so let's just focus on that, pretend the 13 didn't happen, and repeat that 13 next weekend with much better results.  Ok?  Ok!!!

Holiday Gift Exchange update:
So far we have 53 partaking in what I am sure will be the highlight of your upcoming holiday festivities - the blog fest gift exchange.  53!!!   Word is spreading and I couldn't be more pleased (I think).  Still lots of time to sign up and spread the love, so please help me in seeing if we can get some sort of Guinness World Record blog holiday exchange going (bonus points to anyone who can tell me what that magical number is!! - Well, I'll just make sure to pair you up with yours truly - how awesome would that be??)  Tara (yes, she still exists believe it or not) and I decided during our swimwithjill session yesterday that we were going to have to down a few beers while we pick names to keep our sanity... we may be there awhile, any holiday beer recommendations?? 

Still time to sign up if you haven't right here 

All you across the vast blue oceans or up in the fozen Tundra-lands of Canada are also encouraged to participate.  We do not descriminate here.

I will list those participating in this exciting holiday gala mid-week, just to make sure I haven't left anyone out.  Could y'all do me a HUGE favor and email me: runlikeagirljp@gmail.com your home mailing address if I don't already have it?  I won't publish it on the blog, I just need to let your blog buddy know - you know, so they can send the gift.  I'll be glad to send y'all my address, in case you're eyeing those diamond earrings for me.  Or a trip to Fiji.
Here's a list of special comments worth mentioning:
- Lindsay wants someone "good."  Wave your hand if you're "good".
- Emz will not participate if she gets Kovas.  Ok, I completely understand, Emz.  Anyone want Kovas?
- Kovas claims to have an inside scoop that Emz is giving away her 50-miler belt buckle for her gift.  I am SO picking Emz as my exchange buddy - I just knocked off a 50-miler belt buckle from my bucket list - go me.  But I do take cash bribes if anyone else wants it.  Bidding starts immediately.
- Jill (onelittletrigirl) said people signed up last year and didn't follow-through (obviously, some other lame blog attempted this last year).  Oh how this hurts.  You signed up, you will participate.  End of story.  Got it?  Good!  I will hunt you down and stalk you 'til you die if you don't.
- Chris K. is the only one who doesn't understand the rules.  Go figure.
- Katie A. also wants someone "good".  Hum, this good thing is becoming a common theme....I'm going to have to check Santa's good list, I'm not sure any of us are on it.

Anyone else have any special requests like being a pain in the ass

I'm off to the gym to do a little cycling....got something on my plate this coming weekend which I'll share after - if I don't die.

Happy miles, friends!

55 comments:

Trish said...

Awesome post! And congrats on your Turkey Trot win ;)

Anonymous said...

Pansy! Shouldn't you be acclimated to 9 degrees by now.

KovasP said...

Runwitjill 5K? What, you from Joisey or sometin'?

And I was led to believe that everyone would be paired with me and I would be getting LOTS of presents. Especially EMZ who still owes me a shirt (that car is not drying itself, Em!).

Teamarcia said...

Hey that's my room!

Jason said...

Nothing like claiming a win in a race. Congrats. How did you celebrate your victory?

Off to check out this gift exchange. I don't want somebody good. I want somebody bad b/c then the gift will be good. wink, wink!

Beth said...

Congrats on your first place finish, honestly that is a very impressive time. Can’t wait to start the gift exchange!

Anonymous said...

hizzah to that race! sounds like a keeper, especially the no heel pain part :)

i don't know if you got me in this gift exchange but i definitely want in! sounds like it'll be a grand old time. especially since it means i'll get to check out more blogs...like i really need more to read *eyeroll* hahah!

Karen R said...

LOL! I'm glad to see you won 1st place overall for your own turkey trot :) But seriously, you are FAST!

And that is great that you did not have heel pain!

I forgot to mention that I want someone "good" for the exchange. I didn't know we could make special requests. But since we are at it, I'd like to review the income and expense statements of the person that is purchasing my gift :)

ajh said...

You are too funny. Love the comments about the exchange. I want someone who gives good gifts! Glad the heel behaved on the 5K! Glad it settled down on the 13 miler. It will be better!

Melissa said...

I just signed up for your exchange. FUN!!
Your 5K time is amazing!!

Aimee said...

This whole post just cracked me up!
We used to do the Mile High Turkey Trot too until it became a 100,000 person race! Seriously, there is just not enough room for all of those people around Wash Park!!
We did our own Turkey Trot on the TM too! It wasn't awesome, but it was something! I'm glad your run was pain free and I'm hoping your next one will be pain free too...no 10 mile haunting!

Raegun said...

This is a great post all 'round. Congrats on your AG win in the Turkey Trot, LOL. That is an incredible time! I'm really looking forward to the gift exchange.

Unknown said...

Yeah, I want someone REALLY bad. Really bad.

Jill, I was going to email you about the heel stuff and it sounds like things are going WELL so I won't!! As for me, I'm off to swim and pool run. Does that kind of spell it out?

Nice job on your Turkey Trot and I'm glad you're keeping warm on the treadmill...keep moving forward, Girl!!
xoxo
meg

2 Slow 4 Boston said...

I personally like running on a treadmill, in my basement, in front of a TV. Convenient. Maybe I should start my own race like you, I've never come in first before.

Pining for Pinterest said...

I would be on the treadmill too!!!

Happy Feet 26.2 said...

1st all around - you my friend are AWWWEEESSSOMME! Seriously, that is a great 5k solo time after 8 months of no speed. You should be totally excited about that.

Maybe the 5k is your new distance???

Great post - enjoyed it.

Kate Geisen said...

Wow...I'd be thrilled to maintain that pace for a mile, let alone a 5k. Yea you!

ShutUpandRun said...

Special request: If you get me, you cannot send a gag gift like a woopie cushion, pair of underwear, Depends or fake dog crap.

One Crazy Penguin said...

Dang, if Beth takes all of those off the table then I'm not going to know what to get her....

Jenn said...

Ha ha Jill! Congrats on the Turkey Trot! I should have done that. Perhaps a Jingle Bell run! Joe was kind enough to hang a big mirror on the wall next to my treadmill so I can pretend I'm in a race and I'm trying to beat the chubby girl to my left..lol!!

Your writing ALWAYS cracks me up! I just look SO forward to your posts!

BYW- You DO have possibilities for big things in 2011. Glad your confidence made a tiny appearance there! Perhaps Santa will bring you some orthotics, or insurance or a prosthetic leg....Kidding! I am constantly thinking of you and praying that your heel decides to cooperate and you can get back to doing what you love-pain free SOON!

I'll email my address! Have a good night!

Katie A. said...

I was just going to invite you out to go snowboarding with me and Ari in Tahoe. There goes that invite!
I'm already tired of being cold, and its not even December yet. And we don't get snow. And the coldest ever gets here is the 20's - I'm the real pansy.
NICE WORK on the 5K! Whoo hoo! Love that you got first - you're such a sandbagger.
Okay, got a bit sick on the way home from the grocery store when you called. Then the evening went to shit. I'll try again tomorrow since I'm sure you're not up and wanting to chat.
Wish I could partake in the beer drinking-name picking with you and Tara! Damn all those miles betwee us!
Okay, this is long enough. Chat tomorrow!
Love ya! xoxoxoxox

The Green Girl said...

Aw, congratulations on your Virtual Turkey Trot and I'm thrilled to hear you got a nice run in!

Generation X (Slomohusky) said...

whoo hoo on the heel!

Nathan said...

You SWEPT that race! I love a podium finish :D

Very funny!

Jennifer said...

Great deal on the heal! Super good 5K time, (only in my dreams....) Like Meg I want someone really, really bad. (We have lots of coal left over from our iron pour, he he...)

C2Iowa said...

Beer - from fort collins, co --- 1554 by New Belgium (buy local)

I had no idea that we could request someone "good"; what about naughty? lol

Nice job on the 5k and your placements. Too bad the race directors did not plan on awards!

Marlene said...

I love the runwithjill style turkey trot! Got to love the 1st place finish! And WOO-freaking-HOO for no heel pain!!!

Lindsay said...

Congrats on winning the race!! Pressure is on for next year... Will you maintain your championship title?!? The suspense, already.
This thing has a signup deadline? Lawd if you don't give me a name soon my person won't see anything til valentines day. I'm a bit of a procrastinator ya know...

Abby said...

Brent and I talked about doing a local turkey trot, and then decided that we couldn't rationalize spending a combined $70 to run 5 miles - in the rain.

Glad to hear your indoor trot was a success!

Terri said...

Ok, totally not good here. But, I am kind of a fun gal, anyway! If I were male I'd be a mushroom! Fungi. Get it?? :) Yes, I'm a nerd. Love the indoor turkey trot - I'm wimpy about cold weather, too!

Nitmos said...

I grew up in the cold and I still hate it. I don't do much treadmilling but I don't begrudge anyone who does...probably the smart one anyhow!

Emz said...

9 degrees?! holy crap.

And I'm such a child ----- I cannot read "trot" and not laugh my ass off. weird.

So does anyone WANT Kovas?! Just curious.
my email: queenofjean[at]gmail[dot]com.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I love this, I am going to have my own races now after reading this, I am going to be the most decorated athlete under my roof, sponsors will be fighting for my attention with the amount of victories

Does that mean I should retire if I get second place in a race of one?

Generation X (Slomohusky) said...

trot? emz makes me smile.

Peggy said...

This post was so cute! Glad you won the Turkey Trot =)

elaine said...

So, what must I do to be your treadmill buddy? I would like to apply for the job--very impressive resume, even running inside when the weather is perfect outside, which, um, right now--it is not. (see blog)

Julie said...

Damn it! I want to trade my 5k time for yours:) Awesome job speedy lady! It has got to feel so good to take first place for your age group....congrats!

I sent you a text but will e-mail you too.

Have a great week Jill! Hugs:)

Andrew Opala said...

congrats on the AG first place!

DRog said...

9 degrees!
now THATS more like it...more like MN sota weather:)

Just LOVE you and also now EMZ for making me LOVE the treadmill. Cant tell you how much this means to me. Earlier this year end of May and beginning of June my whole attitude toward running on the TM changed. today I did 6 TM miles after spinclass and loved it. I still need to get outside....but that I love the TM for me is huuuuuuuuuuge. Thanks for THAT. and kicking me in the butt yesterday did help me too:)

D

Anonymous said...

I would give you a hard time for not running outside when it was 9, but I blew off my Turkey Trot because it was 8. I did however go out at 4P when it had warmed up to 16 (not counting the 20 MPH winds), and run the killer workout you prescribed for me. BB

HappyTrails said...

Gotta love these mornings when you look at weather and it shows "Feels like -2000 degrees"! Too many more to come... Glad you are running some and winning some high profile races, too!!!

...the only running child I own wasn't in the mood LOL on that one!

Chris K said...

Hmmmmmh, I just posted about my pea brain and we now have further proof. I would be happy to get Kovas, God knows I've given that guy enough crap this year that I should send him an awesome gift. Or, I can get you so I save myself the shipping cost :-)

Mark said...

It's good to hear about your heel getting better.

Irene said...

You won! Yay!

Ironically, I feel the same about skiing. Used to do that all the time, now I'd much rather watch it on TV... Something about cold? Fiji sounds about right. :)

Anonymous said...

Wow- willing to kill for me :) Wooohooo!!!

Listen, if we are given the open door to be picky pains in the asses than I will take full advantage...I work in a middle school, therefore I do not need anymore candles or mugs. No candles. No mugs. :)

Katie said...

I, too, have raced myself on the treadmill. I adore my treadmill. I would prefer to run outside on trails, but the reality of my current situation (having a newborn and toddler) means without the treadmill, I wouldn't be able to run at all. Given my passion (or addiction depending on your point of view) for running the treadmill is my best friend (after my hubby of course). ;)

Tim said...

I used to run. Sigh.

My days in freezing cold weather are numbered. I can't take this 6 months of tundra anymore. I was thinking of moving to Colorado, but if it's 9 degrees there...

Adam Culp (Crazy Floridian) said...

Nice job on your Turkey Trot, and no heel pain...SCORE!!!

Next year you will need to open it up as a virtual race.

Molly said...

A speedy, pain free run....can it get any better?! Great job chickie : )

misszippy said...

What a win! Ok I think I must special request chris k

Heather said...

Those comments at the end made me laugh! funny bloggers :)

Black Knight said...

Great and funny post. I like the runwithjill Turkey Trot 5K, indeed a fast "race" with a 4'46"/km on a treadmill: very very good.
1st ... 1st ....1st... but you forgot to say that your 23.51 was the record of all the "Runwithjill Turkey Trot 5K"!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Great job on the no heel pain trot!! (And making it 10 before it started acting up.)

The special requests are so funny. I guess I should be pickier but I just like to surprise anyone with some happiness...oh gee, that sounded so lame!

Amanda@runninghood said...

okay, now I must figure out who this Kovas is that everyone is talking about. :) Love your personal Turkey Trot victory! :)

The Boring Runner said...

NICE! NO PAIN!!!!! that is so awesome. I totally would have done that indoors too. No sense slipping on some sidewalk and screwing up your heel even more!