Jordan Valley Triathlon

A couple weeks ago, several members of my family competed in the Jordan Valley Triathlon. This annual triathlon is a local event hosted by the East Jordan Ambulance Association. All the funds raised support the East Jordan EMS department. The triathlon was a sprint distance event, starting with a .3 mile swim, 20 mile bike and concluding with a 5K run.

Start of the swim (looks cold, I am glad I didn't have to get in)

My brother, Ben, was competing but because he hurt his knee skiing this winter he has not been able to run. He asked me the night before to do the run portion of the race. My mom was also competing but was planning on taking her time and enjoying the scenery, until she saw her arch nemesis in her 50 and up age category and then had to get serious. The highlight was that my sister was competing as well. This was her first triathlon (maybe her last too...) and she came in first in her age group, congrats Mara!

It would be a miracle if my mom could keep her eyes open for a picture

Ben did really well coming out of the water and into the first transition. Because of his bummed knee he has picked up his bike training and rocked through the bike course, coming in first into the second transition, where I had to pick up... Everyone looked a little confused as to why the first place rider was passing off to a recreational runner.  Either way, everyone had a ton of fun and it was great to support a local cause.

Ben is pretty serious about these things...

Ben was like a celebrity at the triathlon and seemed to know everyone. I always love watching him compete and am so proud of everything he has accomplished with his triathlons. He competed in the Kona Ironman World Championships last October and I wish I could have gone. I am hoping he will qualify again so I can make it the second time around. He also has a blog about his triathlon endeavors, check it out here (his most recent post is about monster trucks. It isn't about triathlons but it certainly is entertaining...).

Traverse City Bayshore Marathon Results

If you remember from last week's post, my mom ran the Traverse City Bayshore Marathon on Saturday. It was her first marathon and although she doesn't exactly enjoy running she has it in her head that she wants to complete an Ironman Triathlon. For her to work towards that goal she needed to see if she could even run the distance required for an Ironman and she did! She has been competing in triathlons for several years now along with my brother. He has competed in three Ironmen including the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii! Hello, excuse for a vacation!

Alright, back to my mom and her marathon on Saturday. She finished! I ran the last five miles with her while my brother rode his bike. She was tired and hurting when we joined her and we did everything imaginable to distract her, including singing songs, telling jokes, and reciting the story of the Little Engine that Could, to push her through those last miles. She crossed the finish line a bit behind her goal time of four hours and fifteen minutes. Her time was 4:22:33 and was fourth in her age group out of fifteen. (I say its not to shabby for an old lady...)  Check out the results here.

We made 'fun' signs to hold out to all the runners, hoping it would distract them for a few moments. We received a few priceless reactions. Some people had blank stares (maybe they were to tired to understand or read), while others couldn't stop laughing as they ran by. Either way, it was entertaining for us to hold them and cheer on the marathoners. Congrats to everyone who ran... or walked!

It was inspiring witnessing everyone crossing the finish line. I now want to run a marathon and would like to start training and hopefully compete next spring!

Traverse City Bayshore Marathon

Tomorrow is an important day for my mom. She is running her very first marathon. 26.2 miles at 50-some years old, I think, is an accomplishment anyone would be proud of. She will be running in the 29th annual Traverse City Bayshore Marathon. My entire family is going to support her and I am planning on running the last 6 miles with her (which is plenty long for me..) The marathon is an out and back course along the water, which should be beautiful. I hope the weather is cooperative for all the runners. Check out the course map here. Everyone wish her luck!

Look forward to the results and some pictures from the race next week. Enjoy your active weekend!

"Life is short... running makes it seem longer."

-- Baron Hansen

Spring into Running

It is a fabulous spring day here. The trilliums have bloomed, and the leaves are opening up, meaning it is a perfect day for a run outside. After being cooped up all winter inside the gym it feels great to get out. Whether you are training for a marathon (like my mother), running for fun, or need an excuse to get outside, take the time to enjoy this beautiful spring day.

Are you sick of those dreaded 60 minute runs on the treadmill where you see little results? Instead try an interval run of 2 minutes jogging followed by 30-60 seconds running fast or sprinting and repeat 5-8 times. This type of workout burns fat much more efficiently than monotonous single speed runs and makes the time go by quickly! Bonus: your metabolism stays active for longer after these types of workouts than long distance runs. Enjoy the beautiful weather with a new type of cardio workout.