Team Unattached Running

GNG 10K

2009-04-26T08:52:00.001-05:00

Hello TU Runners!

Saturday’s Get in Gear turned out to be an ideal day for racing and spectating! The rain held off and the temps were perfect! Carly, Anne and I (along with Marty and Kirk) were so proud to see the TU racers cruising down towards us near Lake Street. Congratulations to Amy, Ann, Donna, Heather, Kari and Meg for your awesome races! You all looked so strong! I’m very proud of you all! Also, I believe this was another PR for Amy! Amy-you are on a roll! Congrats!

Here are the results:

	Overall out of 3419	Division	Gender out of 1766	Time	Pace
Amy Smith	269	4 out of 127	44	43:16	6:58
Ann Choi-Roloff	558	28 out of 363	115	47:58	7:44
Donna Devery	513	9 out of 239	104	47:16	7:37
Heather Vietz	2040	97 out of 239	756	1:00:19	9:43
Kari Lorch	232	2 out of 239	35	42:29	6:51
Meg Barrett	397	8 out of 127	73	45:34	7:20

The next team event is the Medtronic TC One Mile on May 7^th. It appears registration is still open if you are still thinking about running. For more information about the race details, please click http://www.mtcmarathon.org/OneMile/index.cfm. Go TU!

Deb

Go Carly!

2009-04-17T09:30:00.001-05:00

Let's give Carly a big TU send off as she is heading out to Boston! For those who do not know this, just over a year ago on one of our runs, Carly swore she was done running marathons. Carly, I'm so glad you had a change of heart since not only did you smash your previous PR at Chicago, here you sit, just a few days away from running Boston! Way to go! You earned this! Keep believing in yourself. I wish you all the best at Boston! Go Carly!

Deb

[Anne has provided a link below if you want to track Carly's race.]

Start Times Change for Get in Gear Events

2009-03-27T08:12:00.001-05:00

32nd Annual Rite of Spring!

Saturday, April 25

Thank you for registering for our Get in Gear events this year. Please make note of the following important changes.

Event Start Times Change...

In order to accommodate our inaugural half-marathon logistics we needed to make changes on our start times. Please note that the start times for all 2009 Get in Gear events have changed from the past year. New start times for all events are listed below:

Fit For Fun 2K 8:00 AM (previously 8:30 a.m.)

2K Fun Run 8:00 AM (previously 8:30 a.m.)

10K Elite Wave 8:56 AM

10K & Half Marathon 9:00 AM (10K start previously 9:30 a.m.)

5K Run/Walk 9:20 AM (previously 9:50 a.m.)

Half Marathon Info...

The Half Marathon has a 3 hour limit. Roads on the course will re-open to the public at Noon. Anyone on the course beyond that time will be directed to the sidewalks and our finish line area will start to be disassembled and open to traffic by 12:30 p.m.

All Half Marathon finishers will receive a commemorative drawstring backpack printed with the Inaugural Get in Gear Half-Marathon logo. This backpack is made out of recycled poly material.

10K Info...

There will be a 10K Elite Wave this year starting at 8:56 a.m. This wave will include the Top 3 Overall Males and Females and the Top 3 Masters Males and Females from the previous year and anyone that is contending for the prize money of both overall and masters.

The mass start of the 10K at 9:00 a.m. will continue to have a faster corral area that will hold all 10K participants with an elite bib number and runners that will be running fast enough to place in the top 50 males and top 30 females.

5K, 10K & Half Marathon Info....

All timed events will be using the disposable ChampionChip in 2009. Participants can choose to either keep the timing chip as a commemorative item with the Get in Gear logo or may choose to give up the chip for recycling at the finish line area. Instead of being forced to remove your chip immediately you will be able to cross the finish line and we will have water and Gatorade available for you at the finish line area.

Bus Shuttle Information....

Our popular bus shuttle staged at the VAMC (Veterans Affairs Medical Center) will begin at 6:45 a.m. to accommodate our time changes. Please consider this as an option as parking is not allowed at Minnehaha Park. More specific information can be found on our website.

Please check our website www.getingear10K.com often as updated information is being added consistently.

Thank you for participating in the 2009 Get in Gear events. We hope you have an enjoyable experience and look forward to seeing you on April 25th.

The Get in Gear Staff

GIG Hotline: 612-722-9004

Fax: 612-722-5414

Email: getingear@qwestoffice.net

Human Race Results!

2009-03-24T19:30:00.001-05:00

Hello TU Runners:

Preliminary team results for the Human Race are posted. TU finished as follows:

Open: 6^th

Masters: 4^th (18 seconds from 3^rd)

Grand Masters: 2^nd

I’ve provided the link below for full results, along with the circuit rules for those who want a better understanding of the scoring process. Please also note the changes for 2009.

I’ve noticed Collegeville is a new team for the open class for 2009

Great job everyone!

Deb

http://www.usatfmn.org/

http://www.usatfmn.org/team-circuit-rules

Changes for 2009:

New Scoring System for 2009:

a) Points awarded based on the number of teams competing at each race. If nine (9) teams participate in a race, the first place team will receive nine (9) points, 2^nd place will receive eight (8) points, and so on, until the 9^th place team receives one (1) point. Every complete team will be award at minimum one (1) point. The minimum winning point total for open teams will be five (5) points, for masters, four (4) points, and for grand master's, three (3) points, regardless of number of teams that officially score.

Example:

Race #1
Open Men (11 teams)
1. Team A - 11 points
2. Team B – 10 points
3. Team C – 9 points
11. Team K – 1 point

Master's Women (2 teams)
1. Team A – 4 points
2. Team B – 3 points

b) Each team will be allowed to discard the lowest score earned throughout the circuit. If the team circuit is composed of ten (10) races, the end of the year totals will reflect the nine (9) highest places earned.

c) The final USATF Minnesota Championship Race in 2009 will count as double points.

Definition of the Open Scoring Team
An open team will consist of 5 scoring members for distances under 15 kilometers. For distance of 15 kilometers and over, a scoring team will consist of 3 scoring members.

There is no change in the definition of the masters and grand masters scoring teams.

Human Race Recap

2009-03-23T20:47:00.001-05:00

Hello TU Runners,

We started the 2009 racing circuit with a bang! Congratulations to all of you! I love the emails that have been shared so far! I have to say, I was so touched to see the sea of pink at the starting line! We looked so awesome! I was very much honored to be there with all of you. To me, being at the start line was the most awesome moment of the day. However, there were many awesome moments! Please feel free to share a moment that you had as well.

A special congrats to Kari, the recipient of the Golden Shoe Award! Kari absolutely tore up the roads! Way to show that you can still run FAST past 40! Way to go!

I want to recognize Amy for her PR blazing run! Amy-you rock! Way to run out there! I'm very happy for you! I think this year is going to be a year of PR's for you.

Carly-I was so impressed with your run knowing that you were on the tail end of a cold that strapped you all week from running. It's almost impossible to come back and race hard afterwards. You toughed it out and nailed a solid run! Now get better since Boston is on the horizon. Congratulations!!!

I'm very happy and honored to see we have grand masters team! So hats off to Carolyn, Corrine and Lori! You three inspire me! I really admire how fit you all are!

Carolyn-Fantastic run, especially after running 18 miles on Thursday. How did you do that? Congratulations!

Corrine-You are so fit and ran one heck of a race. I congratulate you on placing 2^nd in your division! Yahoo!

Lori-You ran a fabulous race! I'm so glad you are part of this team! Congratulations on a great race!

Helen-I'm so happy you are part of this team! You always make me laugh and I had a blast walking to the start line with you! You ran an excellent race. Congratulations!

Meg-I hope you all have had a chance to watch Meg run at some point in time. Meg-You are a very efficient and pretty runner. Can I get some lessons? Fabulous race!

Ann-You are always so encouraging and I want to say that you ran an awesome race considering you did not feel the best. Sometimes it's the runs that do not go that great that say more about your mental toughness! Way to tough it out! BTW-Ann also ran 18 miles on Thursday!

It was awesome to see you finish Heather! You had a big smile on your face and that just made my day! Way to run and special thanks from me for cheering me on during the race. You really gave me that extra boost to make it to the finish line. Congratulations on running a fabulous race!

Janelle-One of our distance specialists, I know you do not prefer to run these short races, (she prefers to run a 50k instead!) but I think you proved you can run them! Way to go!!!

I also want to thank Pam and Donna for all your cheers along the way! I think I can speak for all that we really appreciated it very much! Thank you!

Here are the results at a glance:

Name	Time	Pace	Overall out of 984	Gender out of 415	Division
Lori Ayres	39:24	7:56	452	104	14 out of 38
Meg Barrett	36:46	7:24	345	68	9 out of 45
Ann Choi-Roloff	39:11	7:53	443	99	16 out of 76
Carolyn Fletcher	37:35	7:34	374	79	8 out of 38
Deb Humphrey	36:18	7:18	326	63	10 out of 42
Carly Kohler	34:17	6:54	254	38	10 out of 76
Kari Lorch	33:19	6:42	220	31	7 out of 42
Janelle Melgeorge Anderson	35:40	7:10	302	58	7 out of 65
Amy Smith	34:52	7:01	278	48	6 out of 45
Helen Taylor	39:41	7:59	462	109	12 out of 42
Heather Vietz	46:20	9:19	698	217	33 out of 65
Corrine Watson	41:07	8:16	516	128	2 out of 14

Please let me know if I missed anyone or made any mistakes in the results.

Next up is the GNG on April 25^th. Anne sent out an email last week that had the details about registration, along with the TC Mile. Please make sure to register ASAP as these races do tend to fill quickly.

I'm already looking forward to our next race. You are all the best!

See you soon.

Deb

Quote of the Week from Ann Choi-Roloff

2009-03-15T13:53:00.001-05:00

Ann, I hope you don't mind me adding this to the TU blog, but it is a fantastic message as we all face TC1 mile registration, upcoming marathons, and the struggles of daily life!

"The only way out...is through." - Trent, my 2:30pm Bikram Yoga Instructor Yesterday

We all have those moments in life when "time stands still" and they often come at least suspecting times.
Sometimes they come at really odd moments, such as your Saturday Bikram Yoga class.

Yes. Really.

The moment is as clear as the sweat that was profusely dripping from my body. I was really feeling the effects of the high heat and humidity of the room. After coming out of an intense back bend pose, the teacher, Trent, said ""The only way out...is through."

At that split second, the dizziness in my head came to a screeching halt.
It was exactly what I needed to hear to get me through the rest of the session.

Naturally, it made me think about the challenges we face as runners.
And this brings me to an experience that I had this week that made me "face my fears."

Cheesy, I know, but stick with me.

I DREAD running one mile races.
I will gladly run 26.2 miles over the piddley mile.

But somehow I find myself at the start line of these one mile races, dry-heaving and all.

I was talking with a friend this past week about the upcoming TC 1 mile on May 7. I told her that I would run the race, but would NOT run in the speedy USATF wave- even if my life depended on it!

She told me point blank that I was being ridiculous.
She was right.

Avoiding something that intimidates you is a weakness.
And surely, the only way out...is through.

With trembling fingers on coincidently (?) Friday March 13th, I signed up for the USATF wave at the upcoming TC 1 mile.

Now I turn the table to you and sincerely encourage you to try something this running season that you have avoided in the past because it intimidated you.

It could be to engage in more speedwork this training season.
It could be to run a really FAST 5K.
It could be to tackle that monstrous hill at Trail Mix.
It could be to do a triathlon.
The list goes on.

Whatever it may be, take control of it.
Don't let it control you.
And being extra bold, make it public.
Nothing like telling others of your intentions, brings your accountability to a stronger level.

Ok. Now that everyone knows that I will be running the USATF wave at TC 1 mile. Make sure that I somehow don't meander into the mass general wave!! ;)

Take it to the next level, BLM Run Club.

Windows Live™ Contacts: Organize your contact list. Check it out.

Happy Birthday, Barbie!

2009-03-10T21:04:00.002-05:00

Hey ladies,
Our favorite mascot, Barbie is celebrating her 50th birthday this week. I never would have guessed that she was a Grand-Master! Here's a great article for some fun Barbie Trivia...

Run Schedule, Week of March 9th, 2009

2009-03-10T20:40:00.003-05:00

Hey Arctic Foxes,
With today's weather the new name still fits! Hopefully in a couple of weeks we can drop the "Arctic" part of the name and just become the foxes (although it doesn't quite have the same ring to it).

Thursday night is ON! Meet at Dunn Brothers at 6 PM to run our favorite part of the Minneapolis Marathon course. Post your comments on the blog or e-mail me to let me know if you plan on making it!

A few weeks ago we ran a "new" route from Dunn Brothers, across the greenway and through downtown. The general consensus was that the course was fantastic, so we're planning on doing it again this weekend. The (approximate) course map is below...

Meet at Dunn Brothers at 8 am. The course is a little over 14 miles. Carly is planning on going early to run the Get in Gear course to make the run into a 20 miler. I'm thinking of joining her...if anyone else is interested let us know.

See you all soon,
Anne

Modified Around Town
Find more Runs in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Twin Cities Marathon!

2008-10-05T17:48:00.003-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TCM RUNNERS!

In the 10 mile...
Amy held back and met her goal of running SLOWER than 8:00 pace
Donna looked great in her TU pink jersey finishing at 1:18 (great job!)

In the marathon...
Mary Keilen blew by us so quickly that we hardly saw her...great finish at 3:30
Ann looked stunning in her TU pink. While she didn't hit her goal time, she toughed it out and finished at a great 4:01!

Congratulations to our TU runners!

Also of note...
Chris Grossinger, who at mile 25 looked like he had just jumped into the race
Nathan, who finished with a 5:30 minute PR and tears in his eyes
Jared, who finished first in his age group at 3:20
Steve English who passed us with a huge smile on his face (as always)
Nick Cross who did his best to block us out, but couldn't resist the cowbell.

Spectating...
Kirk, Mike and Marty who shamed at least 10 runners into abandoning their walk for a run,
Carolyn, who caught the eye of the Star Tribune reporter (look for her in tomorrow's paper)
Deb and I who worked the cowbells to exhaustion...my arm still hurts :)

A great day all around.
Great job to everyone!

Pre-race planning (for the rest of us)

2008-09-30T20:35:00.005-05:00

There's a lot of planning necessary before running a marathon, but sometimes it's more difficult to plan how to WATCH a marathon.

We have two TU runners running TCM this year. Ann Choi-Roloff and Mary Keilen

Ann is planning on running a 3:40 starting with 8:20 miles, then dropping down to 8:10 miles. She'll be wearing the official TU pink sports bra.

I'm not sure what Mary's race plan is, but she said she will be wearing a light blue visor and sun glasses and probably light blue top with black shorts.

Other "runners of interest" running TCM events
Amy Smith - 10 mile, targeting 8:00 miles
Steve English - marathon
Nathan Campeau - marathon

One week after TCM a bunch of us are heading to Chicago...
The Chicago Marathon has a method to track runners, but to make it easy you should register ahead of time to keep track of everyone...

From the Chicago Marathon website:
Runner Tracking
If your family and friends would like to follow your progress as you cover the Chicago Marathon course, be sure to have them sign up for Online Runner Tracking. Spectators can electronically track multiple runners along the race course by receiving real-time updates via e-mail or text message throughout the race. Updates will be received as runners cross the 10K, halfway (13.1 miles) and 30K checkpoints, as well as the finish line. To register, visit chicagomarathon.com.

The TU runners (and some of their race numbers) are:

Amy
Anne 2427
Carolyn 5145
Carly
Deb 2819
Meg

And don't forget
Kirk 1030
Marty
Mark Johnson
and
Cory Smith

I'll try to get more race numbers for anyone who is interested.

2008-09-30T20:25:00.001-05:00

Hello TU Runners!

Yesterday was the St. Kate’s 4k CC event. As I was driving to St. Kate’s, I was thinking about how happy I was that we had a full team to run this meet. I was planning to sit this one out since I felt I needed a break from racing.

It was a cloudy, cool morning, with a light mist, the kind of weather that truly signifies that the cross country season has arrived. Just the day before, Marty and I went to watch the Griak Invite and I could not help think about my college days running cross country. There is only one thing that comes to my mind about CC and that is PAIN! This was confirmed as I watched the Women’s Gold division cross the finish line. There was one woman that really stood out. Her face looked as though she just sliced her finger with a knife! One by one they came flying down the hill with expressions of sheer agony. I was in pain watching them! To make matters worse, as Marty and I were walking back to our car, the finish line appeared like a war zone. Bodies were everywhere. Some were flat on their backs in pure exhaustion. Some were still bent over and it appeared like they were not going to move anytime soon. Some appeared as if they were going to puke. In fact, I think I had the dry heaves more in cross country than any other event I can think of! Yes, cross country is painful!

I guess we all have our reasons as to why we put ourselves through such agony, but there is one thing that makes cross country stand out as a runner and that is the emphasis of team. It’s the main reason I ran the sport in college. There is a bond that is created in cross country that is very special. There is something magical about it. As I watched the college women warm up for the race, I noticed that each “team” warmed up together, stretched together, and cheered together and so on. When the race started, one could not ignore the sheer dominance of the U of MN women’s team. I was told they have 55 runners and I believe it! They ran in packs! It had to be very intimidating to the other teams! However, whether your are a team of 55 or a team of 5, the one thing that remains the same is the bond you create with each other. We are all in this painful event together.

As I was warming up with the TU team for St. Kate’s (Pam, Anne, Amy, Donna and Julia), I also knew cross country season had arrived since the ground was wet! I think it only took five strides before my shoes and socks were completely soaked! However, what I noticed the most was that the bond was starting. The TU women pulled together as a team. Everyone warmed up together, they went to the bathroom at the same time, they changed into their spikes together, and they all walked to the start together. As I was watching the team run the race, I have to believe that it made it just a little bit easier to be out there for each of them knowing their teammates were also out there suffering! It was great watching each one finish with such will and determination. Then everyone came together to share their experiences. It was awesome to hear the stories.

I then realized how much I missed not being a part of it and it reminded me of why I like to run cross country. So to Pam, Anne, Amy, Donna and Julia: You are warriors! I applaud you for your sheer guts and determination to run an event that to me is very painful. You pulled together as a team! I am so proud of you all! Team results are at the following link: http://www.usatfmn.org/usatf-mn-st-kates-2008

The next CC race will be a 5k run in Eagan on October 11th. The race starts at 10:00 am. Please find information at the following link: http://www.raceberryjam.com/wildcat.html

It will be a bit more challenging pulling a team together since many of us will be running Chicago. So please consider running this event if you are able. Also, recruit anyone that you feel would be interested in joining the team. So far, I believe Pam, Julia and Donna expressed interested in running.

I want to close with a statement made by Julia after her race, which was “I feel like I’m going to puke”. I could not help but smile when I heard that statement. Yes, cross country has arrived.

Take care,

Deb

A Return to Cross Country

2008-09-22T21:14:00.008-05:00

From Team Unattached Running

Posted earlier today...Deb's recap of the Ft. Snelling 5X5

TU opened up its first race for the Cross Country Circuit with the Fort Sneling 5 x 5k. Everyone performed outstanding considering the humid conditions we all had to endure. A special thanks to Pam and Anne for running a double 5k. One was hard enough to run in that humidity, so I commend you both for stepping up and tacking the double! The team scored third in the open and second in the master’s divisions. We brought home some very interesting “Karate Man trophies”. Maybe Anne and/or Amy can give a better description of the trophies. I believe the feet and arms are moveable! CONGRATS to all and thank you for making the first CC run fun and eventful! Here is the link for the official results: http://www.raceberryjam.com/indexrr.html.

Our trophy, Pike Island Pete, will make the perfect companion to Golden Shoe Barbie.

From Team Unattached Running

Congratulations to everyone for a race well run!
As a result of her tough running at both City of Lakes and the Ft. Snelling 5x5 Pam is the recipient of Golden Shoe Barbie! Congratulations Pam!

Get in Gear Recap and TC 1 Mile Planning

2008-04-27T16:04:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a race...if you normally run in Sibera! Runners of the Twin Cities annual right of spring were peppered with snow flakes and ice pellets AND got the chance to run into grueling winds on Ford bridge.

Mother Nature threw all she had at Team Unattached and we fought back! Running the Get In Gear 10k for Team Unattached were Abby Albright, Amy Smith, Carly, Carolyn, Deb, Donna, and Meg (Did I miss anyone?). From where I was standing everyone ran a great race. Women's Results. Congratulations to Team Unattached for another great race. Standings for the Race Series aren't posted yet, I'll update the blog once they are.

I was merely spectating yesterday but I was amazed once again by how great our pink singlets and NEW TU race t-shirts look! They look so good, in fact, that both got picked up in photos and posted on the photo pages at the USATFMN website. Notice Carly and Deb modeling their TU wear.

We can only bask in our successes for so long before planning for the next ones...
The next race in the series is the TC 1 Mile on Thursday, May 8th at 6:50 PM (although there are multiple waves...more on this later). This is really a great race. The opportunity to run through the streets of downtown Minneapolis doesn't come around very often and it's a great chance to get a good estimate of your fitness level. Plus they normally have really cool t-shirts.

Hopefully you've already registered, if not it's not too late! Click here for registration information.

There is a question I don't have an answer to. Which wave should we run? I don't know, but I'm going to find out and I'll let everyone know when I do.

If you plan on running, let Deb or I know. I'm hoping we can field a team for the race...

See you all soon,
Anne

by the way, I posted a Boston summary blog over at my personal blog... tvsnacks.blogspot.com for anyone interested...

Don't Mess with TU

2008-04-06T12:25:00.002-05:00

*Thanks to Gene Neimi for the great photos!

Tough Run

2008-03-30T13:19:00.002-05:00

Today I joined a few of the guys for a morning run at Fort Snelling. It was actually warmer out than I thought so I was looking to place my gloves in the pockets of my running pants. However, I came to a realization that I had my running pants on backwards since I could not find my pockets! I announced to a few of the guys that I had my pants on backwards as if I was just wanted to get it out there before any snickering began. However, I should not have said anything, because they probably would not have even noticed. I attribute this lapse in judgment and putting my pants on backwards to losing a few brain cells at my Saturday morning run.

Yesterday I went for a run in the Eagan/Apple Valley area with a few other TU runners: Anne, Pam, Carly, Janelle and Amy. We were all there to help Anne with her last 20 mile run in prep for Boston. Most of us met at Jensen Lake since we were going to run 15 of the 20 mile course Anne had planned for the run. I was excited because since I live in Apple Valley, it was a short drive; however, I also knew that the run was not going to be an easy one. This wasn’t going to be the nice, leisurely run you find on the parkways in Minneapolis/St. Paul. This run was going to be one loaded with hills. Not just little bumps like the hill between Calhoun and Harriet. We had a few that were almost a mile long. I wish I would have counted the number of times we were running either up or down hill.

Anne picked up Janelle and met the rest of us at Jensen Lake and we proceeded on our journey for the next 15 miles. Right from the start, all I could think about was how I just did not feel right and that this was going be one of those runs I just couldn’t wait to get over with. I was trying really hard not to focus on how I felt and the hills that were ahead of us. What helped me through it was the fact that I was running with some great friends who like to tell stories!

As we continued on our up and down journey, I was still feeling like crap and was doing everything I could to not think about it, but I found myself fixating on getting to the to that first water stop. Anne told us it would be at 6 miles so I kind of knew about where it would be, but it wasn’t getting to us fast enough. I was starting to get a little cranky. I finally saw a little blue cooler ahead that Kirk put out earlier for us (Thanks Kirk!) and it was like I won the lottery! I was so happy to just be able to stop for a few minutes and slam down some refreshing Gatorade!

I was content to just stay there a bit longer, but we were soon on our way. Once again, my first thought was the next water stop at Anne’s house, which would be at about 10 miles for most of us, about 15 for Anne. However, to get to that point, I also had to think about the monstrous hills ahead! The mile long hill on Diffley was daunting! I tried not to look up, but I did and immedailry became crankier. All I could think about was getting up that darn hill! Of course, you get to the top, you have a short rest and then you had another hill to deal with. This was the course we ran! There was never a reprieve from the hills! Crankiness settled in and consumed me.

We arrived at Anne’s house and I found myself smiling! The crankiness subsided as I was gulping down my nice, cool glass of water from the coolest pink glass that Anne handed me! However, it was very short lived since we were immediately out the door for our final 5 miles.

The “crankies” were back and at this point, I just wanted to get done with the run. I was feeling weak and tired and I knew that we had to finish going up about another ¾ mile long hill. As much as I wanted to finish, I also wanted to avoid that hill at the end! I was hoping Anne would steer us a different direction, but then it dawned on me, there was no other way, unless we went through the trails and that wasn’t going to happen since the trails are not quite ready yet. I just found myself consumed with thinking about the hill at the end.

I felt the pace quickening since I believe we could all smell the finish, but that also meant that flippin’ hill was quickly approaching ahead. Once we turned on Pilot Knob, you could see the enormity of it! I could sense that it was going to be a dash at the end and I did everything I could to stay with the gazelles I was running with, but my worn out body could not keep up. I just resorted to getting to the top at a pace I knew would get me there still standing. Once I got to the top, I knew it was downhill to the finish so I just fired up everything I could and started running like a mad woman down the hill. I got up to Carly and then we both dashed downward in perfect rhythm! We finally reached Anne and Amy right at the finish and I was never happier to be done with a run. WE FINISHED!!! As we all gave each other the “high five” and were telling each other what a great run it was, as I turned towards Carly, she had that look of a baby who was about to burst out into a hysterical cry! Then all of a sudden Carly blurted out “I hated that run! I mean I know it’s good for me, but I still hated that run”! I could not help but burst out in laughter since I knew at that moment exactly what she meant. That will be a moment in time I do not believe I will ever forget. I’m still laughing about it now! Thanks Carly for being so brutally honest! It was a tough run for me too!

What I have learned through my years of running is that sometimes you have those runs you absolutely hate and wish you would have stayed home and read a good book instead. However, it is the friends you run with that help you through these tough runs. I could not have made that distance on that course alone. So I say with all sincerely to my friends: THANK YOU for helping me through a very tough run. I will end by saying that we started the day supporting Anne on her 20 and to me it appeared Anne could run the entire course again. So Anne – You are ready to face the hills at Boston. We all wish you the best!

Have you met Golden Shoe Barbie?

2008-03-21T08:37:00.000-05:00

Last fall we ran our first official race as the new Team Unattached. After the race Deb came up with the great idea of having a traveling trophy awarded to one of our team mates after each race. She dubbed it "The Golden Shoe Award" and asked for ideas for what the trophy should be.
A week later Carolyn presented us with the perfect trophy. Barbie dressed in our team colors!

Since then Barbie has been spending her time traveling between the ladies of TU. After each race the current holder of Barbie gets to make the very tough decision on who the next recipient will be. The decision is purely subjective, Barbie can go to a person with a big PR, someone who overcomes tough conditions to finish the race, someone who shows up when the team really needs them, the reasons go on and on. The only rules about awarding Golden shoe Barbie is that it must happen immediately following the race and you have to explain how you made your choice.

Congratulations to everyone on a great Human Race (see the next post for Deb's post race recap)! Keep your eyes on the blog for more info about our next race, the Earth Day half marathon.

Anne

Race Recap - The Human Race

2008-03-21T08:08:00.000-05:00

Hello TU Runners!

We had a fabulous turnout at the Human Race this past Sunday and at the post race celebration at O’Gara’s! You all ran so impressively!!! I hope each one of you is proud of your accomplishment, and if things did not go the way you wanted, just know you are supported by your teammates and that things are OK. Racing is never an easy thing to do, but if you try and do the best you can, no matter how you feel that day, you cannot ask anymore from yourself. So hold you head high, think positively, and forge ahead! I also want to thank those who came out to watch and support us! THANK YOU!!!!!

It was awesome to see our team support for one another before, during and after the race. We were a sea of PINK! Wasn’t it awesome? I was very honored to be a part of it.

The Golden Shoe Award went to Carly Kohler for setting a huge PR!!! Congrats Carly! More importantly, I chose Carly because I happen to know personally that she has been working very hard for this race. So Carly-hats off to you!

For those new to the Golden Shoe, this award is given by the person who last received it to the person they choose at the next race. It is very subjective and it’s up to the person giving it to decide which person they want to receive the award. If you have not seen the Golden Shoe, I think Anne or I can get a picture out on the Blog.

The team results are out and I have attached the information we received from USATF below. TU took 5^thin the Open division and 4th in the Master’s Division. WAY TO GO TU!!! I'm so very proud of you all!

Next up we have the Earth Day Half Marathon in St. Cloud on April 19th. Please let Anne or myself know if you plan to run the race. Registration information is located on www.usatfmn.org.

My sincere thanks to all of you for a great kick-off to the season! I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Deb

Human Race Info

2008-03-14T17:02:00.000-05:00

Hello TU Runners:

The 2008 USATF MN Team Circuit is about to begin! YAHOO! The first race will be the Human Race 8k this Sunday. I know a number of you have already registered, but if you have not registered, and plan to run, you can access the information by clicking on the "Human Race" link on the right side of the blog.

Please make sure you are also a member of USATF. You can get your USATF number at www.usatfmn.org.

The race start is 1:20 pm. Let’s try and meet as a team prior to the start at about 1:10 on the south side of Summit. This race usually has two start lines on Summit Ave. The women normally are on the right side as you face the road for the start so let’s try and meet at this location. The forecast is for a high of 41 degrees – partly cloudy. Perfect race conditions! For those that ran the CC circuit, I think we can get away with wearing our singlets with maybe a long sleeve underneath. I may wear longer shorts or Capri tights. We will have to see what factor the wind may play as well. For those new to the team, just look for the women in PINK!

After the race, I hope you will all join in the celebration at O-Gara’s Pub located at 164 Snelling Ave. in St. Paul. This will be a great opportunity to meet your teammates and celebrate our first race together as a team! Anne and I will talk briefly about the team and the race circuit and I will have the TU sport bras available. The cost is $18.00 if you want to purchase one (see photo below). There will also be drawings for some cool Nike Gear!!!

Please let me know if you have any questions. I’m looking forward to seeing you all Sunday!

Take care,

Deb

New Additions...

2008-02-28T21:42:00.001-06:00

Not only is our team growing in leaps and bounds, the blog has a few new additions...

1. At the right you'll see a list of "who's on the team". While it's a very distinguished list, it isn't difficult to see your name in pink. Just register with USATF and send your number to Deb. Then she'll put you on the official roster and we can get you on the blog.

2. A Team Unattached mission statement. Deb worked on capturing what Team Unattached is all about. I see our team as a fun, encouraging atmosphere to expand your training and racing. A place to help you reach that new level while having a great time. Do you have any ideas on how to improve the mission statement? It takes all of us to make Team Unattached, I'd love to hear what others think the team is about...either send Deb or myself an e-mail or just comment to the blog with any ideas.

Don't forget to sign up for the Human Race. I think you save a few bucks if you register by March 1st. Make sure you plan to attend the post race team meeting at O'Gara's. First round is on me!

Welcome to the 2008 Road Racing Series!

2008-02-19T19:52:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone!

The 2008 USATF MN Team Circuit is quickly approaching! I thought it would be a good time to send out some information about the circuit and to hopefully entice you to participate in some or all of the races.

To kick-off the 2008 Circuit, I first want to express my sincere gratitude to all those who participated in the 2007 USATF CC Circuit. I believe I can speak on behalf of everyone that it was an ABSOLUTE BLAST!!! Team Unattached performed exceptionally well considering it was either the first time some even ran cross country or it has been a LONG time since you ran on grass. TU has also started a fashion trend in team uniforms and I believe we currently are the envy of all the other racing teams.

Ok, it's time for some official business. USATF requires everyone to be registered as a team and as an individual. I have registered our team and we are officially registered as 30-408. You may need to put this number, along with our name 'team unattached" on some of the registration forms. I am an officer of TU, along with Anne Walztoni and we will take care of the roster and any communications with the USATF officials. You can access a list of clubs at www.usatfmn.org, click on clubs on the left and then club listing on the right. You will also need to obtain a USATF number, which can also be obtained on www.usatfmn.org. You will need this number to participate in the circuit.

The 2008 races are listed below. We can field open, masters and grand masters teams. If you are interested on how the scoring works, please go to www.usatfmn.org, click on distance running on the left, then team circuit on the right.

Now for the FUN! Anne and I want to invite you to our first meeting to take place immediately after the Human Race 8k at O'Gara's Pub located at 164 Snelling Ave. N. in St. Paul. It will be a great time to celebrate your race and talk about any other official business we have concerning the team and/or the circuit. The 2008 racing bras will be available for purchase if you are interested. More details about the racing bras will be made available soon. We will also be holding a drawing for awesome NIKE gear. You must be present to win so please come join us for the fun!

You do not need to make a decision for all the races right now. You can run whatever races fit into your schedule. However, I will need to know if you are planning to run the Human Race 8k on March 16. I will also need you to provide me with your USATF number. You will each need to individually register for the 8K and you can obtain the information at the following link

http://www.tslevents.com/TSL/Event/Default.aspx?EID=72 (You can also click on the races noted in www.usatfmn.org or listed to the right here on the blog to obtain information about registration).

Please let Anne or I know if you want to be a part of Team Unattached, even if you cannot make it to the first race or to our first meeting. We also encourage you to forward this to anyone you think may be interested in joining the team. We hope you will be part of TEAM UNATTACHED and we are looking forward to an awesome 2008!

Thanks everyone!

Deb and Anne