9 down 3 to go (AKA the Underwear Race)

Early last Saturday morning, the 29th, a few hundred of us gathered in Rock Creek Park in DC to run in our undies. It was a bit chill, but there were lots of us sporting our undies over tights, leggings, or other shorts. There were racers in capes, with an underwear covered wagon, and many signs of love and support for those who have battled and are battling with colorectal cancer.

I was hard to miss in those orange tights.

For me, this race felt different then a lot of other races. Maybe it was the location, maybe it was that I didn't have a timed goal going into the race, or maybe it was the purpose of the UNDY 5000 race series. The team that puts the UNDY 5000 together at the Colon Cancer Alliance did an absolutely wonderful job making the race a celebration of a community coming together to conquer something, seemingly, small while working through the trying, testing fight of battling cancer. The energy was one of celebration for those who have battled and won, support and cheers for those who continue to fight, and a joining of community and understanding for those who lost loved ones because of the disease. It really seemed like a small community race, even though there were almost 300 racers. Other racers cheered on those they passed and on the way back up the rather large, daunting hill, that was the last leg of the race someone was stationed at every turn applauding and giving us all a helping hand up the hill. 

Our Race Team!

I ran the race with my youngest sister, the Tumbler (she volunteered at the ZOOMA Annapolis back in June,) and I came to a realization while we were on the second half of the course. While we were running, I realized I really do enjoy racing along side other people I know. Racing with a friend. Pushing each other and having a great time all at once. Now, I think I realized this a while ago (when I started a Saturday morning women's running group last month maybe) that I run better, more efficiently, and enjoy my solo runs more, when I run along side someone else every so often. In a race, I realized on Saturday, I find it more enjoyable to race together with someone at little slower then what I think my pace is and enjoy the journey of the race together instead of blazing off (and probably going a bit to fast at first) and racing solo. As I told my sister, I would rather run with her at her pace then run the whole thing a little faster on my own. So if you have a race and don't want to race alone, I would love to race along side you. And if you are too fast, then I will try and keep up! 

UNDY 5000 Course Map

The Politician and PT raced too!

The UNDY 5000 really was a wonderful race. The weather was great; a bit chill while we were standing around, but it was perfect racing weather for me. I really don't like it when it's too hot. Or hot at all. Running through beautiful Rock Creek Park, the course took us down past a little stream and through a mostly wooded area all on pavement. As I mentioned before, the course went downhill at the beginning, but uphill at the end. Most of the course was seemingly flat with little changes in elevation, but that last hill was a BIG one. It just seemed to keep going and going. Getting to the top of the hill and then turning to see the finish line was a really great accomplishment. Then I saw the clock. I PRed! (Got a personal record.) By about half a minute. That was quite exciting. Running with a buddy really does help!

Both the Politician and PT raced on foot. Though, PT did get carried a bit from time to time. The Tumbler and I walked back to meet the group and joined them back to the finish line and as we grew closer to the finish, the Politician broke into a run, he was wearing his fast shoes after all, and crossed the finish at a sprint. PT crossed with the Dad and that was quite a cute sight!

She loves to hold hands when she runs.

So my stats for this race: I ran in 32:27 for a 10:27 min per mile average. I was 97th out of 293 overall and 25th of 70 in my age group. I was definitely excited about bringing down my 5K time. I'll break 30 minutes one of these days!

PT held this sign for about 3 minutes...

They had a great spread for post race food. Waters were readily available (and were handed out as we crossed the finish,) PopChips (who doesn't like those,) Rice Crispy Treats, Fruit Snacks, bananas and oranges. I think there were some granola bars too and I feel like I'm forgetting something...

Things I learned from race #9:

1. Cheap tights from Target are incredibly comfortable to run in. I had no idea. This was actually one of my most comfortable running outfits. Who knew!
2. Bike riders, who are usually at the park on Saturday's I'm sure, can be quite rude to those racers taking up their bike space. There were times they made me feel like I was going to be run over!
3. Racing with the family and friends always makes for a more enjoyable race for me. I truly enjoy the community aspect of races. 
4. The stories from the survivors and their smiling face of accomplishment at the end of the race were absolutely inspiring. You truly never know what someone has really been though. 
5. Fall weather has always been my favorite, but I didn't realize how wonderful it is to run in!

*Quick note: coming up with 5 things is really getting tough! I didn't think it would get this hard. What did you learn from your last race?*

If you still want to donate, you can do so at the Colon Cancer Alliance by going my participant page and clicking the"Donate to Sarah" button on the right side. I understand this will be open till the end of the year!

We are really looking forward to the next race, Run for Your Lives Zombie 5K obstacle course at the end of October. This is going to be a great time! I'm trying to figure out how to get pictures of this one...

Join me in Support of the Colon Cancer Alliance

This weekend people will be running through Rock Creek Park in DC this weekend in their boxers and underwear in the Colon Cancer Alliance's UNDY 5000.


This weekend's race, the Undy 5000, is a great way to get the word out about colon cancer. In a way that the whole family can be involoved!

If you want to register, or join our team, you need to do so by Thursday at 7 pm by visiting our team page here. Donations are also welcome if you want to support the Colon Cancer Alliance by going my participant page and clicking the"Donate to Sarah" button on the right side.


If you donate by Thursday and post (in the comments here) the costume idea you would like to see (remember this is a family undy race) I will do my best to put that together for me to wear for the race Saturday morning. (Do a quick image search to see what others have donned for the Undy 5000!)

Also, we are going to be running with our two jogging strollers and I will any "Survivor...," "In Honor of," "In Memory of" signs on the strollers for those loved ones who have battled with colon cancer. Just let me know if you have someone to add.

Thanks! And I can't wait to share the photos from this race!


Thank you for your help and support spreading the facts about colon cancer!

For more information about colon cancer and the work of the Colon Cancer Alliance visit www.ccalliance.org

AMR 10 Running Related Questions

The wonderful ladies at Another Mother Runner, Dimity and Sarah, started this 10 question game and I felt urged to join in. They are hoping this goes very viral so I thought I would help them out! You should too! 

1. Best run ever: This is by far the hardest question for me. I don't think I have had that run that is head and shoulders above all my other runs. My best race would have to be the Valentine's 5k in Lewes, DE, also known as the Frostbite 5K. It was the first time I ran the whole distance without stoping. (Maybe because it was so cold and if I slowed down I would freeze.) I felt really great after that run. Like I could accomplish anything because I was crazy and ran in the freezing cold. I think part of it was rounding the corner to the finish and hearing the Politician and the Dad cheering me on. The Politician was so excited! That is something I won't ever forget. 

2. Three words that describe my running: Release. Therapeutic. Empowering.

3. My go-to running outfit is: Vibram Five Fingers, Skirt Sports Gym Girl Ultra in Black Vinyl, and if it's a race day a Ut Prosim/ Montani Semper Liberi Shirt

I still have some if you want one!

4. Quirky habit while running: There are times, I'm sure, that I look like I'm having problems running. For example, when a fantastic song starts up and I begin "boogieing down" or fist pumping the air. I'm sure that looks really great. 

5. Morning, midday, evening: Morning, morning, morning. My day seems to flow so much better when I am up and out before the kids get up. Just a bit of time for me to get the day started. 

6. I won’t run outside when it’s: I haven't found weather yet I won't run in, but I have been lucky. Though thunderstorms with intense wind and rain do not appeal to me, I would be hitting up the bike at the gym on those days.

7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: I'm still working on my left knee/hip strain from before the Pittsburgh Half. I just started some physical therapy for it which is loads of fun let me tell you. I'm sure it hasn't been helped by carrying the Enforcer on my left hip. He's a big guy!

8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: I finished my first run in the rain. There is something about getting out and doing something that goes against smart logic (sure let's go out in the rain at 6 am, good times,) that just gives me an I can accomplish anything attitude for the day. 

9. Next race is: Undy 5000 in DC to Support the Colon Cancer Alliance. Check out my race schedule here.

10. Potential running goal for 2013: I haven't even thought about 2013 yet! I would like to do another half marathon, maybe the ZOOMA Annapolis. I have been thinking about one of the Disney Half Marathon's too. I would love to dress up for a race like that!


Now it's your turn! Answer the questions yourself on your blog and post a link in the comment's below (and on Dimity's or Sarah's questions, links are above.) Don't have a blog? Feel free to link to your Facebook note, send me an email or even leave your answers in the comments! 

Impossible => I'm Possible

Wow, nothing like a good quote to get you thinking, right? I came across this gem while wasting time on Pinterest (one of the great time sucks of the modern age.) Since reading it, I can't seem to get the phrase out of my mind. I don't think I have used the word "impossible" unless I was telling myself "it's not impossible."

How often do we feel that even the simplest task are impossible? What about the phrase "I can't?" I feel like all too often I hear myself saying "I just.... can't" usually in response to an everyday hiccup when I'm at the end of my rope. Where did this attitude of defeat come from? "It's impossible, I just can't, I will never be able to." It carries over from those daily road bumps into my long term goals, or lack of those goals. I can become defeated before I even begin.

True, there are things I will not do because I know there are limitations because of my skill set and on my time due to responsibilities and previous choices that dictate most of my day to day life. I won't sing on Broadway in my twenties (playing Annie is out,) being an Olympian isn't in my life path, and having a spin 'n span house for more then twenty minutes won't be happening this year. But, I can belt out "Tomorrow" and "It's a Hard Knock Life" to my kids and they might clap, I can push myself to finish a race a few seconds faster and raise my arms high across the line, and I can enjoy a clean home for a few minutes. With a shift in perspective on location/stage/arena, I can feel like I accomplished things I thought to be "impossible."

"Can't" is a bad word in our house. Whenever I hear my kids using it, we try to change the phrase around to "I can ____, but I need some help." Asking for help is a difficult thing, even for kids who may require a lot! But as adults, us moms in particular, there is a barrier where we feel we didn't accomplish the task if we receive assistance. Sometimes it seems easier just to not start in the first place. It can feel so overwhelming and daunting. When you don't start, you can't fail right? But you won't grow, you won't learn, you won't succeed. And the personal joy of succeeding, even after setbacks and course alterations, is a priceless feeling.

There are so many stories about people overcoming situations that seem impossible. So You Think You Can Dance? often has guest dancers with disabilities. AXIS Dance Company, a company comprised of dancers with and without physical disabilities, has been featured on multiple seasons. There was a contestant on The Glee Project this year who is blind with a powerful singing voice and he was able to pick up choreography faster then some of the other contestants. Then there is always the inspirational story of Helen Keller. These people have overcome what others would think of as impossible and achieved.

Recently, I keep coming back to how this pertains to running specifically. In the beginning, it's easy to say I can't run a marathon, 5 miles is impossible for me, or running a mile yeah, no. The hard part is getting up early or heading to the gym when you would rather relax at home. Pushing yourself to be better. Urging your body forward. (Forward is a pace!) Finding motivation when you feel down. My sister-in-law, who recently started running, mentioned in passing that she "can't run more then three miles." And right now, that is probably partially true. Going out and running many miles straight, at a pace that feels faster then walking, isn't the smartest idea when just starting out. Start small, increasing your distance in a smart way (following a training plan is a great idea,) and overtime (ah, patience) you will find yourself in mile 4 and ready to go more. If that's what you want. You have to want it and you have to choose to put in the time or it won't happen, but just because you haven't, doesn't mean you can't. 

If you feel yourself starting the phrase "I can't," finish it with the word "yet." You're right, at this moment you may not be able to complete the task in the manner you hope to eventually. But with time, training, help, patience and sometimes a little bit of imagination it's not impossible.

A Few of my Favorite (Running) Things

To make me feel like a real running blog, I decided it was about time for a favorite things list.

So here it goes with my Top Five:

1. Vibram Five Fingers



One of my 3 pairs currently in rotation. Welcome to Crazy. 

• You may have heard of the barefoot or minimalist movement. There are about a thousand books you can read about it and people will love to tell you how great it is for you (if they like it themselves) or how it causes more problems then it solves (if they think the idea is dumb, or tried it and hated it, or are scared to try it or any number of things.) I have never run in traditional running shoes. And from what I understand if you are going to transition from a traditional shoe to a barefoot/minimalist shoe you should start at the beginning. You will run differently in a minimalist shoe. If I try to run with a heal strike in my Five Fingers I can feel the pain straight to the top of my head, not pleasant. But I love to feel the ground beneath my feet. I'm sure I trip and fall just as often (maybe even a little less) then I would in "normal shoes." People either love them or really don't like them at all. There doesn't seem to be much of a middle ground, but they are one of my favorite shoes to wear when doing anything athletic from running and walking to biking to yoga and Pilates. They are my go to shoe. 
2. LUNA bars
• I just discovered these and they are my newest favorite thing. Before an early morning long run when I need a little bit of fuel, these site really easy on my stomach and are great to have after a tough late morning workout too. I am not a fan of protein bars or diet bars or anything that doesn't taste like real food. LUNA bars are more like a grown-up granola bar. They are made for women (though you guys can have some too if you ask nicely) and are each under 200 calories. If you are trying to cut out sugar though, these do have a bit of that. I have tried a few so far and my favorites are the ones with nuts, White Chocolate Macadamia and Vanilla Almond. I wasn't a big fan of the Carmel Nut Brownie or the S'Mores because they both tasted more like a health bar then I would have liked. My next tasting adventure will be the LUNA Minis which are only 80 calories and could be a great midmorning snack!
3. Run Keeper

• Great mobile app! It is a GPS based app that tracks your speed and distance on your outings. You can change the settings to alert you when you have reached a certain time or distance among other things. It has a coaching feature as well if you are looking to do intervals. The service also has a website and sends you emails when you complete a workout. (I'm sure there is a way to turn that off, but it doesn't bother me so I haven't touched it.) Oh and did I mention that it's free from iTunes?
4. AMR - Another Mother Runner
• The more I read from Another Mother Runner the more I like the pair of ladies that started this amazing online and on the run community. They have inspired me to keep moving forward and also have got me thinking on ways to bring the movement message to others. 
• I love listening to podcasts more then music when I run and the AMR ladies do a 30 minute podcast which is great to listening to on those morning runs. I can get a few miles in by the end of the podcast and I feel like I have just had a conversation with some girlfriends. I haven't been able to find other female running podcasts that I like (if you know of one, would you share?) 
• For more on why AMR is a favorite thing check out my post "I choose it for me."
5. Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallet
• I really don't like those upper arm contraptions to put your phone or mp3 player in and this wrist wallet was just what I was looking for. Mine is a simple gray, but the website is full of fun colors and patterns. There are two different sizes a regular and a BIG. The regular size only has one zipper pocket while the BIG has an additional hooded pocket that fits my iPhone in its case. I can carry around a few bucks, the clicker for my car, an id, a credit card (in the zipper pocket) and my phone (in the hooded pocket) as needed when I go out for a run. It does take a little getting used too as the phone can be a little heavy at first. I wear the wallet a little higher up my arm then right at my wrist. The husband has one as well, but he doesn't like the weight of his phone on his wrist. We use them not only for runs, but anytime we go out and don't want to carry a purse or a wallet in a back pocket. Very handy!

There we go! My current five favorite running related things. 

What are your favorite things right now?