Mud Run Recap

Mud runs are not created equal. They are organized by different groups and companies. My husband, Seth and I ran the 5k Panda-Monium mud run created by Legend Race.

We arrived at the race early Saturday morning, it was foggy and slightly raining. It was off the beaten path and literally behind the Lowes Home Improvement store in Pittsboro. It was a mixture of woods, brush, trail and mud. Lots and lots of muddy puddles and ponds that we walked, swam and crawled through. Between running the trails were all sorts of obstacles. The race started with climbing over a wall, then balancing on a plank to climbing a one-sided rope ladder. We flipped tires, carried sand bags, crawled through mud under barbed wire, shot paintball guns, climbed over rocks, did burpees, pushups and then finally climbed one last wall, and slid into a muddy pool of water.

It was a mild day, but the running and obstacles made us plenty hot. The mud puddles were almost refreshing. When I talk about mud, I'm talking about the mud you find in the South- orange clay. When we crossed the finish line; we were covered in it.

I found the race challenging and exhilarating. I loved having my husband by my side to lend me a helping head over a wall or a mountain of mulch. I will definitely do it again, but there are some things I will do differently.

1. Wear swimmer's ear plugs. Unfortunately, I got an ear infection after the race. Most likely due to dirty water in my ear.

2. Take the afternoon to rest. After we got home from the race, it was back to work taking care of the kids and doing activities. I think a restful afternoon would have helped my body recoup faster.

I did do some things right to prepare for the race that I will remember to do again.

1. Wear tight fitting or dry wicking clothes and not my new running shoes.

2. Interval training. I would run a mile, lift weights and do several burpees and then run a few more miles.

3. Focus on upper body weight training. About a month before the race, I was practicing chin ups, hanging in a chin up position and other arm exercises.

4. Carb Loading- Enjoying a nice spaghetti dinner the night before the race.

Have you participated in a mud run? What would you do differently or the same?

A Passion for Running; A Passion for Pink

If you would have told me ten years ago that I would run a 5k, I would tell you that I'm not a runner, but if you told me that I would run at least one 5k every year I would know you were crazy. I never had a passion for running before I had my boys. I went to the gym lifted some weights and got on the elliptical, but just don't ask me to run. I don't know exactly what happened. I think it might have something to do with giving birth naturally (2x), and then feeling like you can run a marathon.

I started small with the Running Mate program as I pushed my son in the jogger. Every day, a little bit, each time until I was running 3 miles. The program encouraged me to sign-up for a 5k to set a goal for myself. I chose the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k. 

It wasn't a random decision. I knew I wanted to run for something that had meaning. Like the young mom I knew who died of breast cancer, or my Aunt who battled breast cancer with chemo and surgeries, and my own scares of cysts and lumps. It was a disease that affected some many people in my life, and I wanted to make a difference. 

It gave training for the race a whole new meaning. When a steep hill would cause me to slow down, I would remember to keep running for those who couldn't. I would imagine myself running proud in my pink t-shirt inwardly cheering for those fighting for their life.

This year will be my 3rd time running in the Susan G. Komen race on June 14, and this time I have partnered with Cary Heise at Vend Raleigh. We are organizing a team of walkers, runners and sponsors within our community to help raise awareness for breast cancer and money for research.

A special thanks to our sponsors Green Pea Baby, Inked Custom Apparel,  Triangle Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center, Mickey World Travel, North Raleigh Family Eye Care, Fitness 19 Cary, Pam Nogle with It Works! and Hedoepaper.etsy.com  for being our team sponsors. 

Interested in being part of the team as a walker, runner or supporter? Click here to Join the Team

See you at the race!

Unraveled, a book review

Secrets intertwined with relationships begin to unravel in Heidi McCahan's riveting debut novel Unraveled. McCahan takes readers inside the close-knit community of Emerald Cove, Alaska; a port town similar to her childhood hometown and parent's bed & breakfast. McCahan weaves a realistic tale of love, friendship and choices. When heroine Lauren Carter returns to her hometown to plan her wedding, she is faced with the people she has left behind- her parents and their struggling business, an aging grandparent, and a past love. Lauren must choose between keeping her secrets hidden or coming clean to those she loves.

My favorite story elements included a family-run bed & breakfast, a relay race, a kayaking adventure, a second chance with a past love, and most-importantly God's abundant grace. I had a chance to talk with the author and ask her a few questions about writing her first book.

Author Heidi McCahan

Rachel: Is there an inspiration behind the book? 

Heidi: "The concept of a reunion romance appeals to a lot of readers. Who hasn't wondered about “the one that got away” ?

Rachel: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Heidi: "I hope my readers will hear a message of hope and that the Lord can redeem anything, even the huge messes and seemingly unforgivable things we've done."

Rachel: Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Heidi: "Two things come to mind. First, join a group of other writers. Whether it’s online or in person, find people who are writing consistently and figure out a way to read and comment on one another’s work. You’ll stop feeling like you are going at this alone, you’ll experience tremendous growth as a writer, and you’ll learn to accept constructive criticism. Secondly, I follow a blogger named Jeff Goins and he once said, “stop waiting to be picked”. To me, this means start writing and don’t worry about when or how or if you’ll publish it. Write something every day and if this is your dream, never, ever give up."

Start reading Unraveled today and escape to Alaska.

TrySports...A Perfect Fit

Trying out the new athletic store, TrySports.

I felt like a kid testing out my new shoes as I ran on the track around the TrySports store located at the University Mall in Chapel Hill.  My new shoes felt incredible as I passed by the wall of socks, all the colors, sizes and comfort imaginable. Then there was the women's athletic apparel with a wall dedicated solely to fitness bras and around the bend the yoga section with apparel, mats and accessories.

                         

Yoga section

 A few more steps on track, I spotted the fitness equipment section. They have everything you would find at a gym available to purchase. The neat thing was the variety of Crossfit equipment, TRX gear and basic free weights and benches not to mention the different treadmills and ellipticals. Then I spotted him; my son Aiden (5) on the rowing machine just talking with the sales associate, Amy and rowing while his little brother Liam (2) stood watching the water whirl around in the rower.

Fitness Equipment

I was glad the boys were having fun while I found my perfect fitting running shoes. TrySports offers customers their signature service of finding the perfect fit. In just 5-steps, you can attain perfection in running or walking shoes, a shoe refit, a fitness bra or on your ride.

They also carry men's athletic apparel and triathlon gear- suits and goggles. They have a large road bike section for the cyclist enthusiast. It's equipped for repairs and other needs-- spinning shoes, pedals and apparel.

Running, Yoga and Fitness Equipment are the core offerings at TrySports, but making sure their customers find perfection within their sport is the heart of the store.

The general manager, Thijs, at the Chapel Hill store walked (and a little running) me through their 5-Step to a Perfect Fit for Running Shoes process. Thijs began asking me questions about my running. How many miles? How often? Location? Injuries? My answers helped Thijs get an overall idea of the type of running shoe I needed, but it was time to divulge into the science of the process. Next Thijs measured both of my feet-- length, width and arch length. I learned that my right foot is slightly longer.

The third step analyzes your arch by using the Footbalance scanning technology. It shows you how your arch and your foot supports the weight of your body.

The fun fourth step starts on the treadmill. Thijs fitted me in a neutral stability running shoe and had me run for a couple of minutes. Using their Dartfish Video Software Technology, Thijs analyzed my running gait and stride. He determined that my right foot turned slightly inward when it touched down. This was a problem that could be corrected with a stability shoe. I was one step closer to reaching perfection.

                      

The final step was selecting a shoe. Thijs brought out Brooks and Saucony shoes. They both provided the stability I needed, but provided it differently. Thijs told me to pick the shoe that felt the most natural. I circled the track testing both shoes, and decided on the Saucony Guide 7.

All shoes come with inserts, but TrySports takes perfection to the next step and offers their customers inserts specially molded to fit their feet. Whether you purchase the inserts or not, they want you to decide if the customized inserts enhance your perfect fit.

Finding your perfect fit is just the beginning in the perfection process. Community events are the arms of TrySports as they reach out to the community and offer free yoga sessions, TRX and strength training classes, run groups, and bike rides and clinics.

I went back to the fitness equipment section to find my boys smiling. Amy informed me that Aiden rowed for 11 minutes, and now they were both ready to run the track again. With my perfect shoes in-hand, I corralled the boys once more and headed home.

*I walked around in the shoes for 2-days to properly break them in before testing them once again on the treadmill. Yes, it was still there. Perfection in every stride.

TrySports Chapel Hill

A special thanks to Thijs and his team for showing me the store and helping me find my perfect fit at the Chapel Hill store. For those who live outside the Triangle, perfection can be found at other TrySport locations in Charlotte, Wilmington and Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Fitness, Faith & Family

I have been writing FitTriangleMom.com for over a year. I have seen my readership grow and most importantly I've heard how it has encouraged you to run a 5k, exercise more regularly or eat healthy. It has also challenged me in my workouts, trying new things and seeing amazing results. This year, I want to go deeper in my fitness quest, but also achieve a better balance with family and most importantly my faith. 

 

My faith in God is the driving force behind everything I do, and this year I want to make it apparent in everything I do, especially my blog. I have been married for nearly 13 years to my best friend and, God has blessed us with two wonderful boys who keep our lives busy with soccer, t-ball, school and everything in between. Sometimes I feel like it's a juggling act keeping all these balls in the air, but it's my faith in God that gets me through. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13.

 

To start off my New Year I have resolved to do a few things. Most importantly I'm going to finish the book, "Love on the Run" which I started in October. I'm going to diligently write it nearly every day until it's finished then fervently pursue having it published. It's been a goal of mine for awhile, but this year I'm going to make it happen. So you might see less posts from me for awhile, but I'll be back.

I also resolve to run 3 races this year-- my tried and true Komen race in June and a few others, improve my time and maybe a mud run. I hope to have a large team running with FitTriangleMom for the Komen race and raise lots of money and awareness for breast cancer research and awareness. This cause is so near and dear to my heart with family members and my own scare as well.

I resolve to eat healthy on a regular basis and workout at the gym at least 3x a week.

I resolve to have a better attitude about things and read a Psalm everyday to get me in the praising mood.

I resolve to put faith and family first.

Until next time (I have a book to write).

Happy New Year!

Running & Writing...A Race Worth Finishing!

I did it! I submitted a pitch and the first chapter of my book Love on the Run to Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write contest. Over 500 submissions were received, and now I wait to hear if I'll be one of the 50 to be chosen to submit a completed manuscript. The complete manuscript will be about 85,000 words. Yes, 85,000 words. It's a little daunting. I've been writing a little bit more since I submitted my first chapter a week ago, but I still got a long way to go. It's hard scheduling in time to write with my already busy stay-at-home mom schedule ( you know what I mean). Then I realized that writing is a lot like running.

When I first started running, I started slow, but steady. A little bit each day. I had a goal to run a 5k. I had never run a 5k before, but it was a goal I wanted to accomplish. My goal is to finish writing this book whether I win the contest or not. I have started several books, but for some reason or another I never finished them. Things, life, etc. got in the way.

This time will be different. I'm setting a goal to write a little bit every day. It's like I'm training for a race. I need a finished manuscript to submit to publishers. I've partnered with other writers and you to keep me accountable. I learned in my early days of running that accountability is the key to a successful finish. You need people cheering you on, and telling you that you can do it. Remember when you were a kid, and teachers/parents would say "If you put your mind to it, you can do it!" They were right.

Trying a new workout, running a race or just choosing to eat healthy can be scary if you've never done it before, but once you try you'll be happy you did.

I could use a little cheering. You can read my submission at Love on the Run and share your feedback. I'm cheering for you in whatever race you're in. Comment below, and others can cheer for you too!

So You Think You Can Write part II

As I promised, I want you to meet Heidi Blankenship. She's a local mom of 3 boys, a blogger and an inspiring published author. Raised in Alaska and recently transplanted in the South, Heidi blogs about her family life and the journey of publishing her book.  You can learn more about Heidi at HeidiMcCahan.com. Heidi's currently writing a romance novel for Harlequin's "So You Think You Can Write "contest. I invite you to read her submission "Love Finds You in Tokyo" and make a comment. Writers need readers and their feedback.

I'm still piecing together my story "Love on the Run," but I'm going to need your help. My heroine has a best friend, but she doesn't have a name. Can you help me name her? Just leave a comment below with your idea for a name. I'll pick the winning name on Friday. Thanks for your help.

Day 2, Moving forward...

Day 2 was a different kind of challenge. Cardio. This time it was intense. I'm in my last week of training for the Komen Race for the Cure 5k on Saturday and my goal is to run the entire race. I'm new to the whole running/racing thing and a 5k is a challenge for me. So I did it, just about. I ran the first 2 miles, walked a little bit and then ran the rest of the way. I did it on the treadmill too, so it was a little different then running on pavement, but I feel more confident. I hope to get one more 5k in before Saturday. Tomorrow is my rest day.



Cardio/Abs

Ran 3.1 miles
Stretched for 5 minutes
2 sets of 20 ab crunches

Racing for the Cure

It starts with a story and then ends at the finish line. For some it begins with feeling a lump while showering or getting that unwanted call. For me it's a loving Aunt, a strong mother, and my own scare. My Aunt Rachel found a lump in her breast. It was cancer. A fellow MOPS mom was having complications after giving birth; it was breast cancer. I had a large mass in my left breast. What could it be? For each of us the road was uncertain.

Aunt Rachel found herself having many chemo treatments followed by a full mastectomy. She is in remission now.

The MOPS mom fought a hard battle. They didn't discover the cancer until it was too late. She died. I remember reading the email from her family. The tears rolled down my face as I imagined her husband and her three small children without her. It was surreal,  a young mother dying of breast cancer. It wasn't a disease for the old or the unhealthy, it effected everyone.

My scare began with a cyst that wouldn't stop growing. I scheduled to have it surgically removed. When the doctors operated they discovered it was more than a cyst, but a large mass. A biopsy was done, but thankfully it was benign. A scar on my left breast reminds me of that scare plus yearly visits to my doctor.

Last year was my first time running in the Komen Triangle Race for the Cure event. It's not just a race; it's a celebration for the women in our lives who have been effected by breast cancer. Some of them survivors and  others who fought courageous battles to the end, yet for both of them a time of remembrance.

Pink and white tents cover the front field at Meredith College, a bounce house in one corner and stage with a band performing on the other. Runners in pink shirts, tutus and knee high socks crowd around the starting line. It's a sea of pink. The adrenaline is rising and the gun shot is heard and off we go. I remember thinking about Aunt Rachel, the MOPS mom and myself during the run. They stayed the course on their own race, and now as if the baton was handed to me, I would carry their name and their memory to the finish line.

Yes, someday soon; there will be a cure to breast cancer!

*This year (June 14, 2014) I'm teaming up with Vend Raleigh Mompreneurs and organizing a team of moms, sisters, and friends. We are also partnering with local businesses to offer team t-shirts. Visit Team Vend Raleigh Mompreneurs to join the team. Email Rachel to become or learn more about becoming a sponsor.