Sole Sistas of the 618

Friday, March 29, 2013

BATD on March 23, 2013

2^nd BATD

- Saturday, March 23 2013 at 9:00 am

Trophies

A little cold weather didn’t send The Sole Sistas back into hibernation, nope! Approximately a dozen Sole Sistas and 5 guys from the Hub Club, (LOL, see explanation in paragraph below) showed up in Ozark, IL on Saturday, March 23, 2013 to run the BATD.

Fellow Sole Sista, Lindsay Gamster, was the hostess with the mostess of this event. She did a fantastic job. It was very well organized, the course was amazing and well marked, and her volunteers did a great job too. See our Q&A with Hostess Lindsay below.

The website says:

“This 5K run will push you to your limits both physically and mentally. You will encounter tight trails, open fields, creek crossings, steep hill climbs, log crossings, and other natural obstacles found at no other race in Southern Illinois.”

Sole Sistas representin’

Lindsay Gamster – Hostess – 2^nd BATD and Placed First Overall Female

Teresa Hobbs– 2^nd BATD

Beth Sutton – 2^nd BATD

*Marybeth Davie – first race ever and 1st BATD

Rachel Grant – first BATD

Jennifer Murphy – volunteered to work

Christine Burtis – Placed First in her age group – 2^nd BATD

< Christine Burtis, her husband and her boys all got first in their divisions, Way to represent!>

Heather Morris – 1st BATD

*Kylie Fox (Beth’s future niece) – first race ever and first BLMJ

Haley Steinmetz (Beth’s future stepdaughter)- first BLMJ

Shout out!

There were some gals from Saline County that Sole Sistas want to give a shout out to: Brittany Hodson, Stacy Knight, Maura Williams and Jennifer Parks (left to right in picture). It was their first BATD. They rocked it from their fun socks to their finishing times. Maura took first in her age group too. Awesome job gals!

Future of Sole Sistas

One of the great things about our running group is being a role model to the next generation, and getting them involved in an active lifestyle. We always like it when our Little Sistas come and participate. Haley Steinmetz (Beth’s future stepdaughter) and Kylie Fox (Beth’s future niece) ran in the Bad Little Mama Jama. The night before race the girls laid out their outfits and cold weather gear. That night, they also decided they needed to do jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, etc. to help them get ready for the race. I woke the girls up around 6:30 a.m. They were sleepy but they weren’t complaining. It was cold the morning of the race, but the stayed bundled up, I called them “Blanket Ninjas.” They were very excited about the race and it was so cute watching them do their stretches right before the race. This was the first “Bad Little Mama Jama” race for both of them. It was Kylie’s first race ever. Haley’s first Kid K was Oct 2012.

Hub Club

We are working on a name for the group of guys (boyfriends, husbands, future husbands, friends etc) who run with us. For now, or at least for this weekend, we affectionately called them “The Hub Club”. <We are open to suggestions>. The guys who were representing last weekend were: David Morris (Heather’s husband), Randy (Beth’s fiancé), Israel Burtis* (Christine’s Husband), Mike Grisham (Beth’s future uncle-in-law) and Grant Gamster (Lindsay’s husband) didn’t run, he was in charge of operations.

*Israel took First Overall in his age group.

For more Pictures, scroll down to the bottom

Q&A with Lindsay

SS = Sole Sistas (Questions asked by Beth Sutton)

LG = Lindsay Gamster

SS: How did this race come about?

LG: I got back into running in January 2012 when my youngest son was 1year old. I had a few pounds to lose but mostly just missed the feeling of competition. I ran a lot in my early 20s and was pretty decent and wanted to feel good about something physical again. The BATD was actually my husband's idea. He thought "we have all this beautiful land and trails, why not have a race out here?" Also, it is a very difficult time to be a small business owner, so our business, Vitamin T Sun Spa, sponsors the race and receives the much needed race proceeds.

SS: How would you describe this race?

LG: Very difficult. Much harder than any other 5k I know of. Several ppl have commented that it is tougher than the Warrior Dashes. The ridiculously steep and long hills in the BATD set it apart from any other course I've ran.

SS: How long is it?

LG: Just over a 5K. 3.2 miles by GPS.

SS: How many were registered?

LG: 80 ppl pre-registered and we ended up with right around 100 total runners on race day, including the kids race.

SS: How many registered last fall?

LG: Not as many.

SS: What do you get with registration?

LG: Entered into the most awesome 5k trail race around! It's your choice whether or not to pay the extra $5 for a nice t-shirt. Not everyone wants race t's so we have it set up where you can choose to order one or not.

SS: What did top finishers receive?

LG: A super awesome bad ass trophy with a beast ripping it's shirt off! And even though I forgot to hand them all out during awards, winners also received FREE massage gift certificates at Vitamin T Sun Spa.

SS: What was the best time this race? Last Race?

LG: Sept 2012 best times:
Male 27:22
Female 27:39

March 2013 best times:
Male 26:42
Female 30:03

SS: When is the next one?

LG: Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 9 a.m.

SS: Any thing new to expect at the next one?

LG: We may change the trail just a bit - not sure yet

SS: Where can someone find info about this event? FB and website?
LG: www.vitamintsunspa.com, www.badasstraildash.com, Bad Ass Trail Dash on FB has the most info.

SS: Do you have a list and/or pictures of the people who placed?

LG: Pics will soon be up on the FB page and badasstraildash.com

SS: Want to give a shout out to anyone? Volunteers? Husband?

LG: My husband, Grant Gamster, put up with a lot of stress from me for weeks before the race. It is a lot of work to coordinate and plan these events. It makes it more difficult to participate in the race I'm organizing. So, yes, I would like to thank the greatest husband in the world and all my awesome volunteers that worked their butts off for me. I appreciate them all so much!

Don’t Miss the next one

If you haven’t ever experienced a trail run before, you need to go ahead and mark your calendars for the next race, Saturday, October 5, 2013. After I completed my first BATD in September 2012, I said “Now that I have bragging rights, I am NEVER doing THAT again.” But yet I was back out there last weekend, and I took 5 minutes off of my time. I WILL be back out there this October too and I am going to try do even better. It’s addicting, you will love it!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Fly with the Eagles Half Marathon on Feb 9, 2013

Some of our fellow Sole Sistas, Jennifer Murphy, Teresa Hobbs, Shay Henshaw, Candy Ticer, Lisa Garner and Holly Dunderdale ran the “Fly with the Eagles Half Marathon.” It was held last month on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Crab Orchard Refuge. I was only a spectator on this day, but me and my dog, Addi (RIP) showed up to cheer the Sistas on. It was an amazing turn out. I overheard some runners talking and they had traveled from Chicago, St. Louis and Evansville.

Fly with the Eagles Half Marathon Course Map

Participant's Hoody

Participant's Medal

With being in the midst of my training for my first River to River Relay race and also for my very first half marathon as well, I found myself extremely curious about how the experience was for our first timers. So I thought it would be nice to do a Q&A for the Sole Sistas of the 618 Blog.

The content of this Q&A is meant purely for entertainment and to discuss our common interests and goals. We are not professionals J

SS = SOLE SISTAS (questions were asked by Beth Sutton)

JM = JENNIFER MURPHY

SH= SHAY HENSHAW

• Deciding to Run a HM

SS: Was this your first HM?

JM: Yes

SH: Yep

SS: How did you know you were ready to run a HM?

JM: I didn’t know if I was ready, I just wanted to try a Half.

SH: A prayer and a dream . . . And another prayer.

SS: Why did you decide to run a HM?

JM: I wanted to see how my training was going…to give me an idea of “Do I change what I’m doing?” or “Keep what I’m currently doing.”

SH: “Blonde Jenn” made me do it.

SS: What was the farthest distance you had run prior to beginning your HM training? JM: I had only previously ran 10 miles.

SH: 9 miles

• Training

SS: What HM training advice/tips do you have for a novice runner?

JM: Build distance!! Go out and do a practice Half run. I went out one Saturday and practiced my Half routine, I only ran 10 miles. I noted what I had eaten for the week, dinner, breakfast, the clothes I was wearing, my mid race snack. I felt great!

SH: Don’t give up . . . Even when your sports bra does

SS: How long did it take you to train/prepare for a HM?

JM: I have only just started running back in Aug 2012. Started out training for a 5K. But then it just seemed we were pushing ourselves to more…..10K, then 15K, so the Half was next on my list.

SH: It was kind of a last minute decision. It was a test run for the half marathon in April.

SS: What is good way to stay motivated during your training?

JM: The best way to stay motivated I think is to run with a group or partner. Find someone who pushes you during your practices. Try different things…..sprints, hills, etc. Change your scenery.

SH: Run with other enthusiastic runners

SS: How do you motivate yourself to run on days that you don’t want to? Do you even have days like that?

JM: I have had days where I haven’t wanted to run but I had committed my time with a partner or a group…..suck it up and go. I usually found that I felt better after the run.

SH: Everyday is a day like that. I just get myself started and then want to keep going once I get going. Adrenaline junkie, I know.

SS: What is your opinion of treadmill vs. outdoors?

JM: I think runs on a treadmill are easier than outdoors. On a treadmill you have the belt to propel your feet forward. When running outdoors, you are fighting gravity more. The ground doesn’t propel your feet forward, you do.

SH: Outdoors. Always outdoors.

SS: What is the number one tip you would give to someone training for a HM?

JM: Again, build your endurance by increasing your distance. Do a mock run; note what works and what doesn’t.

SH: Just focus on beating yourself, not others . . . Especially not “psycho blonde Jenn”

SS: What is your opinion of carb-loading?

JM: I believe carb loading should start 3-4 days before your race. (4g carbs for every pound of body wt)

SH: Makes me poop . . . just saying.

SS: What shoe do you recommend?

JM: I love the Asics Kayanos 19.

SH: Brooks . . . I mean Asics J

SS: How often do you replace your shoes?

JM: I keep a running log and I feel you need you replace shoes every 400-500 miles.

SH: Every 2-3 months

• Goals

SS: What were your goals for the half marathon?

JM: 1) Finish in an upright position 2) Finish under or around 2hrs.

SH: Not to die

SS: Did you achieve your goals?

JM: Yes, but was still disappointed with my time of 2:01:25. I didn’t wear the socks I had previously trained in. I passed every water station by and I didn’t eat my mid-race protein snack. At mile 9-10, I hit a “Wall”.

SH: Duh!

• Race Day

SS: What was the weather/temp like on the day you ran?

JM: I think it was around 32 degrees, very chilly, windy, and partly sunny.

SH: F#+%king cold

SS: What did you wear?

JM: I wore Kayanos 19, two pair socks, insulated running pants, insulated long sleeve shirt, T-shirt, gloves, I stuffed cotton in my ears, and wore a head band over my ears as well.

SH: Cold weather gear, but no gloves

SS: What did you carry with you?

JM: A mid-race protein snack (which I did not eat)

SH: iPhone . . . So I could call Beth while on the brink of death if necessary J

SS: What did you eat pre-race?

JM: Protein shake, oatmeal, peanut butter sandwich

SH: No carbs! J

SS: What strategies did you use on race day?

JM: Pre-Race? I kept telling myself “Breathe”. I was so nervous.

During? Nothing, I just kept telling myself, “You’re doing fine”

Post-race? Drank lots of water

SH: Pre-Race? Don’t cry.

During? Don’t fall down.

Post-Race? Don’t die.

SS: Did your strategies work?

JM: Somewhat, my body was so broken down from the Half.

SH: I am still here! J

SS: What would you do the same?

JM: Register

SH: Still would try not to fall down or die

SS: What would you do differently?

JM: I wouldn’t pass ALL the water stations, Eat my mid-race snack, and not change my socks the morning of the race. (I ended up with multiple blisters on my feet) LAY OUT YOUR STUFF THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR RACE SO YOU’RE NOT SCRAMBLING TO FIND YOUR FAVORITE SOCKS IN THE MORNING. BRING EXTRA CLOTHING FOR CHANGING CONDITIONS, LIKE RAIN AND UNSEASONABLE CHILLS.

SH: Don’t walk for more than 1 minute at a time . . . Even after 10 Miles. Otherwise the numbness quickly turns to stiffness.

SS: Would you do it again?

JM: Yes, I plan on running this Half next year and doing better than 2hrs.

SH: Yep, in April 2013.

SS: What did you eat post-race?

JM: Banana, oranges, recovery drink, and lots of water

SH: Not much. I felt like I was hungover and had the flu.

SS: Did you reward yourself with anything?

JM: Steak and shrimp (I was starving)

SH: Bragging rights J only bad asses can run half marathons J

Mistakes/Recommendations:

SS: Some common mistakes when running HM are: starting off way too fast, wearing the wrong clothing (ex cotton = chaffing), waiting until thirsty to hydrate and wearing new shoes. Any advice?

JM: Again, do a mock run. Note everything. I had changed my socks up the morning of the race and ended up with multiple blisters. Don’t pass the water stations without drinking.

SH: Don’t take it too seriously your first time, just have fun. Then set goals. Finishing a half marathon is a goal in itself.

Recap of 2012: Where it all began

July 21, 2012 Columbia's Muddy Buddy

Chicago, IL

Christy Howerton and Beth Sutton drove to Chicago to run their first "Mud Run." For those who are not familiar with mud runs, it is a race of varying distances with the common theme of obstacles and mud pits. This particular race was 4.5 miles with 10-12 obstacles. It was on this journey north that vision for the group began. During the long drive and some group texting, the group was named: Sole Sistas of the 618.

Columbia's Muddy Buddy 2012

Mud pit

Rope wall obstacle

Beth Sutton (left) and Christy Howerton (right) with their much earned medals.

Slippery mountain <it was sprayed down with laundry detergent>

August 4, 2012 Marion High School's Summer Scorcher 5K in Marion IL

*This was the first 5K race for Jennifer Murphy and Beth Sutton.

Pre- Race Photo
Left to right: Christy Howerton, Shanna Usher, Beth Sutton and Jennifer Murphy

Beth Sutton documenting her first run while running.

Jennifer Murphy headed back in towards the finish line.

Post-race photo

Post-race breakfast at Cracker Barrel

T-shirt from the race

August 18, 2012 Color Run

St. Louis MO

Glenda Wilburn is to thank for this race making it on our roster. She is the one who initiated everything. Others who ran this race are Beth Sutton, Christy Howerton and Amy Kulik-Jenkins (baby in her belly and all).

St. Louis MO Color Run "The Happiest 5K on Earth"

Left to right: Amy Kulik-Jenkins, Beth Sutton, Christy Howerton and Glenda Wilburn.

Christy Howerton and Beth Sutton lining up in the starter's gate

Left to right: Glenda Wilburn, Christy Howerton and Amy Kulik-Jenkins

Post-race: thousands gather and shower each other with color packets.

Post-race festivities (see the Arch in the background??)

August 18, 2012 Night's Shield

Marion IL

No pictures were taken at this race. Sole Sistas who ran were:
Teresa Hobbs, Shay Henshaw, Jennifer Murphy and Beth Sutton.

September 7, 2012 Carterville Twilight Run

Carterville IL

* We completed this race just in time to escape the torrential downpour. We made a break for it and took cover in the Carterville Community Center.

Left to right: Shanna Usher, Christy Howerton and Beth Sutton

Christy Howerton

Beth Sutton (too funny)

September 8, 2012 Bad @$$ Trail Dash

Tunnel Hill, IL

*This 5K will push you to your limits both physically and mentally. You will encounter tight trails, open fields, creek crossings, steep hill climbs, log crossings and other natural obstacles. The hostess with the mostess, Lindsay Gamster and her husband hosted this event. In January 2013, Lindsay joined our Sole Sistas Facebook group. We are very glad to have her in the group. She is inspiring and a rock star when it comes to running. We are hoping to have a big Sole Sistas showing at her 2nd event in March 2013. If you are interested in signing up, go to: vitamintsunspa.com/races.php.

Left to right: Teresa Hobbs doing her military pose, Jennifer Murphy, Beth Sutton and Shay Henshaw.
Not pictured: Heather Nyberg & Christine Burtis.

Jennifer Murphy gettin' durrrty and scratched up

It's a family thing: Jennifer Murphy and Sister Heather Nyberg with Heather's son

September 13, 2012 Town and Country Days 5K

Eldorado IL

*This race happened shortly after the group expanded to Saline County. It was a great turnout.

Front row, left to right: Tiffany Bickett, Allison Sisk, Jennifer Murphy,
Krystal Henson, Heather Morris and LaTisha Patton
Back row, left to right: Lori Brooks, Olivia Bradley, Beth Sutton, Shay Henshaw,
Sam Hathaway and Teresa Hobbs

September 15, 2012 Crab Orchard Black & Orange 5K in Crab Orchard IL

Left to right: Beth Sutton, Jennifer Murphy and Shay Henshaw

Jennifer placed

This was her water bottle trophy

September 29, 2012 Saluki 5K

L-R: Shanna Usher and Christy Howerton

Carbondale IL at SIU

September 29, 2012 Warrior Dash

St. Louis MO

*Warrior Dash is another mud run. Beth Sutton was the only Sista to participate in 2012, but there are already 12 girls signed up for 2013.

Beth Sutton - Post-race about to snarf down some Lotawata Creek

October 6, 2012 Gold's Gym 5K

Marion IL

Front row, left to right: Christy Howerton, Jennifer Murphy and Haley Steinmetz
Back row, left to right: LaTisha Patton, Shay Henshaw, Heather Nyberg and Beth Sutton

Haley Steinmetz, age 11, crossing the finish line of her first road race.

Jennifer Murphy and Haley Steinmetz - our two medalists

October 12, 2012 Color Me Fall - Color Run 5K Herrin IL

*This was a first for Southern Illinois: Christian Life Center in Herrin hosted a 5K Color Run. Beth Sutton was the only Sista to run this race.

Color Run at Christian Life Center in Herrin IL

October 13, 2012 Candy Corn Run

Carmi IL

*This was our first race to have a business sponsor us. Travis Gholson, a chiropractor in Carmi donated shirts to every Sole Sista who attended this run. We had a great turnout and it was Lindsay Ledbetter and Marci Allen's first 5K run ever.

Left to Right: LaTisha Patton, Samatha Hathaway, Lori's Mama, Jennifer Murphy, Teresa Hobbs, Marci Allen, Janet Bixler, Heather Nyberg, Christy Howerton, Lindsay Ledbetter, Olivia Bradley, Beth Sutton and Travis Gholson.

Marci Allen crossing the finish line of her first 5K.

Lindsay Ledbetter crossing the finish line of her first 5K

Just finished - Tiffany Bickett

Lori Brooks

Re-enacting a high five for the camera: Lori and Marci

Mmmmmm . . . nanner

Jennifer modeling one of the Sole Sistas jackets

Stolen from Facebook

Medalists: Jennifer Murphy, Teresa Hobbs and Olivia Bradley

October 20, 2012 Integrated Health's Boo Run 10K and 5K in Harrisburg IL

This was the first 10K race for quite a few Sole Sistas.

Pre-race photo
Front Row L-R: Gracie, Brittney, Allison Sisk, Jennifer Murphy, Heather Morris, Christy Howerton and Shanna Usher
Back Row L-R: Shay Henshaw, Stephanie Dowdy, Beth Sutton, Trish Cossey, Teresa Hobbs, Marci Allen, Samantha Hathawy and Heather Nyberg

The 10K-ers:
L-R: Shay Henshaw, Beth Sutton, Samantha Hathaway, Jennifer Murphy, Heather Morris and Shanna Usher

Complimentary chair massage - Beth Sutton

Marley modeling the Sole Sista Race Day Shirt

Medalist: Jennifer Murphy

Medalist: Samantha Hathaway with her daughter Marley

Beth Sutton completing her first 10K. Her goal was anything under 1:06:00
Nailed IT!!

Chilly willies: Jennifer Murphy and Beth Sutton

All the medalists from the different age groups and races.

November 10, 2012 Tiger Run 5K

McLeansboro IL

* Marci Allen has traveled afar to come to the runs that we invite her to, this was one that she invited us to. It was also Sarah White's first 5K ever. She did amazing! Great job, sis.

Pre-race photo, L-R: Sarah White, Jennifer Murphy, Beth Sutton, Jackie Halley, Teresa Hobbs and Marci Allen.
I believe Teresa is trying to prove that she can do other poses beside her trademark military pose.

Sarah White did not pee her pants, she was just showing her clumsy side.
Note: Teresa is doing her trademark military pose again.

L-R: Sarah White, medalist Teresa Hobbs and medalist Jennifer Murphy

Stolen from Facebook. Sole Sistas are proud of you the two of you, too!

Teresa Hobbs receiving her medal.

Jennifer Murphy receiving her medal.

November 17, 2012 Herrin Turkey Run 5K &15K Herrin IL

* First 15K for everyone. Good job girls!! Way to represent the Sole Sistas of the 618.

Left to right: Christy Howerton, LaTisha Patton, Jennifer Murphy,
Shanna Usher, Shay Henshaw and Teresa Hobbs.

November 24, 2012 Saline County Reindeer Run 5K in Harrisburg IL

* Last race of the year. Let's start with giving a shout out to Olivia Bradley. She helped put this race on and she did an awesome job. We love that she wore her Sole Sistas race day shirt and ended up in a dozen pictures in the Money Stretcher. Woot, woot - great exposure :)

Pre-race photo
Back Row, L-R: Jennifer Shapmire, Christy Howerton, Teresa Hobbs, Marci Allen, Trish Cossey,
Beth Sutton, Olivia Bradley and LaTisha Patton.
Front row L-R: Mikaylah Shapmire, Jennifer Murphy and Brittney Cossey.