Quadraman Fun Run Recap

The Quadraman Fun Run was a 2.02 (one loop) asphalt run and walk held on Saturday, February 8, 2014, at Bear Creek Park benefiting David Hartsock. This was the first run that I have organized (with the help of some other ladies). I will have another post later on how to organize your first fun run, but for now, this is about the Quadraman.

As a quick synopsis, David Hartsock was a tandem instructor at Skydive Houston. While on a routine tandem skydive with his passenger, both parachutes malfunctioned on opening. In order to save his passenger's life, he threw his body underneath her body so that he could take the full impact of the ground when they crashed. He is now quadriplegic. Due to recent trips to the hospital, we decided to organize this run to help him out with medical expenses. For more details, read this post. 

We got to the park early to set up and I immediately noticed how full the parking lot looked. I saw all of the boot camp military groups doing their exercises. We set up and one soldier came to talk to us about what we were doing since we were all in the same area. They were doing physical tests and we wouldn't overlap; however, didn't know that more groups would show up later. Oh well. 

There were 21 people there to run, walk, or volunteer. I was so happy to see Kris and his family, because it's been far too long. We also had about 9 virtual runners doing their own 2 miles away from Houston. I'm still waiting on pictures...ehhh hemmm.

We gave everyone their bibs, put on super cool super hero capes that Jenn made, took the mandatory starting photos (oh come on, this is my first organized run), and got ready on the start line. Jenn blew the horn on her phone, but Dave was already off and going. So, we started. Thankfully, the military guys who were crowding around us waited until we took off to start their test. I also want to note that they parted like the red sea for us to run by them.

Our table ready for runners and walkers.

Remington, my superhero...well, I think that's what he tells himself.

Kate showing off her cape.

                         

Becca getting ready to run.

 The group minus Jenn.

Thumbs up for Brokeback. 

Remi and I in a rare photo of us running together. 

This is a sequence of Caroline and Patricia in their hopping fun run.

And now back to normal runners.

Kate's husband, Chris took this picture where he was stationed. He was supposed to go to the mile marker to set up photos and a water station. He didn't make it there even though he drove. Yes, I had to mention this!

This is my favorite photo of the day. 

Look! One leg.

It was so amazing to see Kris out here walking.

Evan, Keith, Tanya, myself, and Remington were leading the pack. Most people were walking, but that's okay. Evan was an immediate front runner. He even stopped at the bathroom and still came in first place. Showoff! I ran with Tanya to keeping her going until the mile marker. After awhile, I left her to finish off the run since she wanted to walk the rest of the way (she ended up not and I was so proud of her). Keith finished second and I finished third (I think that's the first time I ever finished third and I will take it). Maybe it's the start of the winter olympics and that I got third, but I may have a goal to at least get on the podium for one race. 

All in all, it was a nice run (or walk if that was your preference) for a Saturday afternoon. We raised $3,050 total for Dave and we couldn't be happier. We plan to do even more next year. If you missed the cutoff time to donate, you can make a payment to his paypal account at quadraman@comcast.net. Every donation helps him out! Please also visit his journal webpage about his experiences at Caring Bridge.

I now what to thank everyone that came out (or Virtual Runner) to run or walk the Quadraman Fun and everyone that donated and/or signed up (but couldn't make it). Without you, this day wouldn't have been possible. Thank you to Elizabeth Svoboda for providing autographed copies of her book, What Makes a Hero? featuring Dave (see review here).

Congratulations to Evan Pollino for being the first to cross the finish line. 

Congratulations to Patricia Gore for being the top fundraiser. 

Again, I have to thank Griff's Irish Pub for letting us host our raffle night the week before and thanks to all of the people who donated prizes for that night, including Syraya Horton, Kandace Heimer, Kirsten Hardmant, and many more.

From the raffle night...it's no wonder some guy thought we were twins. 

Thanks to Extremetix for helping with the webpage and selling our tickets. And of course, thanks to those three other lovely ladies who helped put this together. Love you girls. 

And because I didn't want to bore you nice readers with countless pictures of the fun run, I decided to make a photo video. I chose Foo Fighters February Stars, because we all felt like stars out there running on a Saturday. Enjoy!

I leave you with a picture of my precious Remington tired after a lot of running that morning.

Poor guy only moved at the end of the night to go to the bathroom. 

Cycling Across the Pond, Part Deux

Sorry, this post is so late, but I have had a lot going on with planning the Quadraman Fun Run and starting my marathon training. My weeks have been filled with running, running, and more running. Plus, I started yoga again at the Yoga House Houston (falling in love with Kemetic Yoga) and four weeks of personal training from Suzanne at Workout Nirvana (see my review here). I had to make out a schedule for everything and force a rest day.

But anyway back to the post at hand.

Once again, I found myself cycling in England. I mean I have a bike if you recall just waiting there...calling my name from across the pond, "Kristi...I miss you...Kristi." So, Jim and I waited for a day when the parentals weren't with us and the day wasn't filled with rain and cold and wind.

And Saturday was the day. Jim had to get some glasses in Wetherby and the weather was actually kind of nice outside. Plus, we needed to stop by Sykes House Farm and buy some meat for the English Sunday dinner (which was on Monday, but who really cares). It was just the perfect opportunity and we couldn't pass it up. I didn't even care that I ran earlier that morning.

I had to get used to biking again. I've only done a few bike rides here and there since my surgery, but I was on my own bike. I also had to get used to the hills again. UGH! I forgot about the hills.

We decided to head down the old train tracks again that were turned into a bike and walk and run path. It's a total of seven miles roundtrip. I'm not going to lie, it was chilly, but at least it wasn't raining...yet. The sheep looked at us like we were crazy. It's almost like they knew something we didn't know.

I guess we should have checked the trail report for wind damage to trees. 

This is how you get through the obstacles on a bike ride.

You people are nuts.

We got to Wetherby, ordered his glasses, and stopped by a pub for a drink. I was happy to know they had some good craft beer and even Cask beers. I then turned my happiness to annoyed, because Jim has NEVER taken me here before. WHY? WHY OH WHY? Damn him. He now knows.

Drinking a delicious winter cask beer called the Winter Goat or something.

After our nice beer, we headed to Sykes House Farm for the meat.

Had to get a picture of me, my bike, and Wetherby.

Right after this picture was taken, that old lady said something to me. To this day, I have no idea what she was saying. Neither did Jim. It was a harsh Yorkshire accent and she was kindof incoherent. 

Slowly but surely, the rain started, but we couldn't feel it covered underneath the trees. It wasn't so bad until we got out of the farm with our purchased meat. It was sideways. If you recall from my last post, I didn't get introduced to running in the rain until really New Years Eve. Saturday was clear, but cold...oh so cold. So, I was hoping that the day would continue to stay rain free. Well, we should have watched the weather report. Would it have deterred us from going? Probably not. But still. We should have been more prepared.

Then, we got back to the big hill in town. Last time, I had to walk up it, because it was too steep and too many cars. But there wasn't any cars this time around and I decided to go for it. I ran up, so I can bike up it, too. I was so happy I survived it without stopping or dying.

All in all, it was a great Saturday ride with a great guy. And I'm now thinking about triathlons. I mean, I did running earlier that day, then biking, and then biking in the rain (that should count for swimming, shouldn't it?). Yup, I'm ready.

The Quadraman Fun Run is tomorrow at 8 a.m. Tonight is the last time you can register online. If you haven't registered or donated for the Quadraman, you still have time. Don't miss out in this inexpensive run for a good cause. And don't forget, we have a virtual run option, as well. Register at https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?siteID=3627&eventID=44905 or donate at https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?siteID=3627&eventID=47038. If you are donating to help a registered runner raise funds, then place their name in the Ticket Holder Name field.

Karbach Running Club

Karbach Brews Running Club kicked off their first running event Last Thursday night, January 30, 2014, at 5:45 p.m. (well, we didn't really start until 6 p.m.). Karbach has really stepped up in the Houston exercise community with their Karbach Brews Cruise and now this! Since I had such a fabulous time biking with the Karbach bike team, I couldn't pass this up at all.

On a side note, I'm loving the fact that my city is starting to become a biking and running type of city. Yes, we are having major problems between the cyclists and drivers, but we are working on it. I'm also loving that there are more and more breweries in and around the Houston area.

The 3 mile-ish run starts at the brewery around 6 p.m. every Thursday evening and then ends with a cold Karbach beer. Um...YES PLEASE. It only costs $10 to join the club and you get a shirt after five runs. I love free stuff and I loved the bike shirts, so I'm sure it will be really cool.

I met my friend Joanne up there and we ended up meeting new people whom I'm hoping to add to my running friends list. Too funny, but Joanne and I realized at the same time talking to a new person that we met at the brews cruise. So, that's another positive nod in Karbach's direction; helping us meet new friends.

Finally, it was time to start running. Adam announced the path and I wished I listened better, because I completely forgot later on when I dropped back with the slower runners.

Must remember that everyone will probably leave me and I will need to know how to get back.  

We started out heading towards 290, which is a very busy freeway even at 6 p.m. We got stuck at alot of lights at the beginning and I lost Joanne early on in the run. However, the run was relatively easy and nice paced. I even met up with my other friend, Miguel and we ran the whole time together. It was nice having him there to pace with me.

At the end, I couldn't remember where we turned off since we went passed the brewery, but some nice ladies took the lead from me and we sort of followed other people. Eventually, we made it back to the brewery and they had a finish line for us runners to cross. How cool was that? But the best part about the run was getting a free beer and pint glass. Even better since Joanne couldn't drink that night and gave me her free beer. Woohoo!

Adam telling us to go take a picture.

Check out Miguel. I hope to do many more runs with him, because he has my pace. 

While taking a picture of Miguel, somehow I was volunteered to take the photo of the group. I didn't think my iphone was that great, but it did its' job. And I got in the picture, too. 

Thank you Joanne and Miguel for a great run. 

We met Bob who gave us advice on triathlons (we are so doing this) and about a bike ride next month hosted by another Houston brewery called No Label. 

This was a great little run for my Thursday evening marathon training (oh you didn't know I started my marathon training...fo shame) even though it wasn't a full 3 miles; it was 2.80 miles. I had just under a 10 minute mile the first mile, but that didn't last. All in all, I can't wait for next week and have officially added it into my marathon training. My only complaint is that this is at 6 p.m. off of 290. I'm hoping that during the summer months, they will move the time up so it won't be so hot and easier for us to get there.



By the way, if you haven't registered or donated for the Quadraman, you still have one week left. Don't miss out in this inexpensive run for a good cause. And don't forget, we have a virtual run option, as well. Register at https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?siteID=3627&eventID=44905 or donate at https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?siteID=3627&eventID=47038. If you are donating to help a registered runner raise funds, then place their name in the Ticket Holder Name field.

What Makes a Hero?

Normally, I talk about posting book reviews on my blog, but I never get around to doing it (except for Tackling Life being the exception). I guess there's just too much activity going on with me (when I'm not injured) that I forget. Well, not this time. Mainly because this book applies to my recent turn at organizing my first fundraiser fun run (read more here).

A friend of mine posted on Facebook about this article written in Discover magazine by Elizabeth Svoboda. I was immediately intrigued, because it was about David Hartsock. 

Of course, I went to the store to pick up my copy immediately. I then found out there was a book and this article was just the summarized version of the book. Yes, I bought it and here is my review. 

Overall, I enjoyed the read. I'm not going to lie, it is not my typical book. It's alot of science and reminded me of books I read during college. However, those books were stuffy. What Makes a Hero? had the author's own input and stories in each chapter whether she was talking about what she was seeing or something she did.

At first, I was bogged down with the information and was ready to give up. I couldn't really wrap my head around the concept of altruistic behavior. But then, the author applied her theory to real life events and I started to get it. The book caught me like a fish on a hook. I was in to it and wanted to know more. I liked reading about the different programs going on throughout the country that I never even knew existed. I especially liked the ones that involved training kids to be more compassionate and/or heroes in that sense.

And it wasn't just stories about David, but other people, too. People I never heard of before. Some I actually saw on the news, but most I didn't. I will admit that some of the programs seemed out there, but I guess what works for them. It wouldn't work for me.

I really loved the Real Life Superheroes group in New York and made me think about what I can do on a smaller scale then beating up bad people in the middle of the night. I loved that the author took that experience and delivered care packages to homeless people. You immediately see why it can be a questionable act, because some people truly don't deserve that niceness. However, she preserved when she doubted her idea and was yelled out horribly by a man. And it turned out pretty great and rewarding in the end. I'm a skydiver, but I wouldn't have the balls to go to a very bad area of San Francisco during my pregnancy to deliver care packages to homeless people. So, I commend the author for having that type of strength and it does make a hero.

I also loved the concept that we as humans CAN train ourselves to be heroic; we don't have to wait until someone falls on the train tracks to test whether or not we have it in us to save that person. The author shows activities and programs that can help you change your mind so to speak.

But in all actuality, I won't know how I'm going to react until it happens. I think that is the only thing that I as a reader can't take away from the book. I don't know how scared or hurt or freaked out I'm going to be unless I'm there. So, I leave you with this quote from the book, which was from a popular movie about non-conforming in today's society (Dead Poet's Society), "If you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it?- Carpe -hear it? - Carpe, carpe diem." So, no matter what I do in any situation, I can listen to the heroic people in this book.

Because this book talks about my friend, we are giving out a signed copy of the book (by Elizabeth herself) to the highest fundraiser and the winner of the Quadraman Fun Run. And if you haven't registered or donated, click on the links below. We do have a virtual run and a Quad Trot for the kiddoes.

Register for this easy and inexpensive run at https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?siteID=3627&eventID=44905. Everyone is encouraged to raise funds for their run. Donate at https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?siteID=3627&eventID=47038. If you are donating to help a registered runner raise funds, then place their name in the Ticket Holder Name field.

My Introduction to English Rain

First off, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Years. May your goals, challenges, resolutions, adventures, what nots be everything you hoped it would be and that you keep up with whatever you decide. Me, I'm not doing my normal goals and one word posts like here and here. I know things I want to try and learn for 2014. But I just don't feel it necessary to write it down here. I will say that I've already started working on learning to like scotch during my holiday vacation in England before the New Year and even had a shot of Glenfiddich at midnight.

This wasn't my first scotch. 

We all had a shot, but I only had a couple of sips. I'm not there yet.

But back to the post at hand.

I want to preface the rest of this content with I have experienced rain in England before many times (and even some snow). I have also experienced running in the rain here in Houston. In recent runs, the rain hit, while I'm running and then it's miserable, hot, humid, and full of bugs. So, I typically avoid it like the plague.

However, England is different. You can't just avoid the rain. And I wanted to exercise since my diet consisted of Quality Streets, Mallows, some caramel thing, minced pies, beer, and whatever else came in to my eyesight that looked delicious (and there wasn't much that didn't).

So, I got out there and ran on New Years day, New Years Eve, and the previous Saturday. All three days were cold, windy, and/or rainy. Saturday was the only day where the rain didn't come down, but it was the coldest and windiest day. I was bundled up like a day for snowmobiling instead of running. I didn't care. I wanted to run.

Jim and I planned the route using googlemaps; Pax Inn was my turnaround point for each run.

For Saturday, I roughly ran two miles. I do not know my time running and it was my shortest route. Although, I did run up both hills instead of walking them and they are big hills.

This doesn't look steep, but it is very steep. I burned a great deal of calories on this hill. See road for rain.

On New Year's Eve, I decided to add more mileage by running a different route. I also used my new Runtastic app on my iphone to track my route. Even though it was drizzling and cold, I said hello to other runners and walkers out there. It made me feel apart of the community. I could also tell that I was getting slightly faster just in a couple of days. I ran 2.78 miles for 41 minutes. Extra steps were added, because I ran passed Jim's house not remembering that his brother's car was in the driveway. So, it wasn't great, but it's something. I burned 376 calories.

New Year's day was a different beast all together. When I woke up, there was no rain. But I was hungry and we made a big breakfast full of black eyed peas for good luck, eggs, and toast. So, I had to wait an hour before I could head out. As soon as I felt ready to go, the rain hit. I said, "Screw it, I'm going." I put on Jim's big windbreaker and headed out. I added a slightly different route for more mileage. The few people walking for a reason looked at me like I was crazy. I think I may have hit the crazy zone. I wore my glasses to give me eye protection, but it didn't help...like at all. I never got warm and I hit so many puddles of water, which drenched my shoes. My total mileage was 3.60 miles (mainly because I got lost on the way back home) at 55:12 minutes. My first mile went from 13:40 minutes on NYE to 13:20 minutes on NY day. I also noticed that I only stopped twice for a quick walk.

When I finally got home, I was soaked to the core and cold. But I felt like a BOSS! There was nothing that could take away from that feeling and quite possibly made it worth it. Although, next time, I will wear anti-fog goggles.

Here is what I looked like when I walked through the door in which both my boyfriend and stepfather laughed at me as soon as they saw me.

I was so happy my phone survived, because my pockets were soaking wet.

At times, I had to take off my glasses, because I couldn't see and everything was too wet to wipe them down. 

I had the top part of the jacket open so I wouldn't get so hot. It's awesome. 

Since it's a new year, why not help someone out, which will make you feel good inside.

Come join us on February 8, 2014, at 8 a.m. at Bear Creek Park for the first annual Quadraman Fun Run. It's a two mile run and the best thing is that it's only $10. If you can't be in the Houston area on that time, don't fret. We set up a Virtual Run for the same price. Just make sure to send us your pictures about your run or organized run. We will also have a Quad Trot for the younger participants ages 2-10, which is a 444 ft run.

Register for this easy and inexpensive run at https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?siteID=3627&eventID=44905. Everyone is encouraged to raise funds for their run. A special gift will be given to the top fundraiser. Donate at https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?siteID=3627&eventID=47038. If you are donating to help a registered runner raise funds, then place their name in the Ticket Holder Name field.

So, please come out and show your support to help our friend called David.

Like our Facebook page for updates on the fun run and fun facts or visit Dave's Caring Bridge site for updates on his progress.

End of Year Review...No Fancy Title

For the last two years, I have created a list of all the things I accomplished for the current year. I will say this year was far less than normal, but I still did some great stuff. So, let's look shall we.

1. Ran in some new races, including the Rodeo Run, the Color Run, Green 6.2, and my personal favorite, the Jingle Bell Run. Too funny, I just noticed that all but one of these runs listed were completed with Sara by my side.



Sara and I , the Snow Princesses

2. Went to my first ever Yoga Retreat with JL and had one heck of a road trip to there and back home. Check out posts here and here. 

   

   Namaste, Y'all.

3. Performed aerial acrobatics, including the trapeze (which I loved) and ropes (from the On the Horizon post). Through this activity, I met a blogger named Beth from Houston when I was trying to show Jim the kinds of moves I learned in my trapeze class. She actually had the same teacher as myself and we bonded over monthly food outings. Check out her blog here and read about the first time I ate grasshoppers.  
4. Joined Foodie Pen Pals for a couple of months and met another blogger (check out her blog here) named Mary who has now become a real friend. Although, we haven't met yet in person, but we talk via email almost every day.  So, I think that is bucketlist item of connecting with someone on the blogosphere officially CHECKED.
5. Had a meatless day twice a month for every month of 2013 (from the On the Horizon post). October was hard for me since I was recovering from foot surgery and had limited options as to what I could eat or prepare myself. I know that I had one meatless day, but I can't remember if I had two. However, I had so many meatless breakfasts and lunches and then salmon for dinner. So, I count it.
6. Met Meb Feflezighi. 

   

   Meb was super sweet and we became totally besties after this...until the restraining order was signed. LOL!

7. Got in to swimming as a way to exercise without hurting my back. I could feel myself getting stronger, but I haven't been in awhile. Hmmmm....need to change that soon.
8. Visited Chicago to check off another major bucketlist item of mine...watch a game at Wrigley Field. I also ran where other marathoners run during the Chicago Marathon.

   

   My brother and I supporting the Astros in hostile territory. 

9. Visited a new state, Tennessee (from the On the Horizon post). I roadtripped with a great guy to my bucketlist town of Memphis where I stood in the same room as Johnny Cash or where Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot. I got to see my uncle and watch a playoff game. I also learned that new beers open up to you when you visit a Flying Saucer out of state. It was a wonderful and moving trip. When I think of Tennessee, Arrested Development's song plays in my head.

   

   Another beer counted to my plate and the best photobomber ever. He introduced me to the third beer that night from Abita called Abbey Ale that I have never seen before. 

   

   That's me...Walking in Memphis. I had this song playing in my head.

   

   Jim and I at Central BBQ, which I highly recommend. It's also right next to the Lorraine Hotel. 

   

   I still prefer Texas BBQ over Memphis BBQ.

   

   My baby having crawfish for the first time. So proud of him.

10. Tried out Virtual Personal Training with Suzanne and loved it.
11. Did my first ever Critical Mass bike ride with Evan. I've done two more since then and even deviriginized JL. That's right, I went there.

    

    Waiting at the light for the mass to start rolling again.
    
    

    

    
    

    This was how JL was introduced to the mass.

12. Walked up and down 15 flights of stairs and sometimes twice in one day.
13. Rode to the Karbach Brewery (first time there) for the Brews Cruise with another biking group, the Karbach Biking Team. I haven't been back since this ride, but it's not because I didn't like it. Things have happened and I'm hoping to change this next year.

    

    Evan and I at the first stop drinking some Karbach. 

    

    I'm finally at the Karbach Brewery.

14. Found another biking group called Crucial Matter (R.E.P.) where I have met some fun people and gone on some fun bike rides, including the popular taco bike rides. Who doesn't love tacos? Communists...that's who.
    
    

    

    TacoKeto is a popular stop.

15. Hiked in the Muir Woods with Jim, Ashley, and Matt, but we didn't see any apes rising up against the humans. This was not exactly what I referred to in the On the Horizon post), but I will take it.

    

    All four of us survived the massive trek upwards.

16. Drank all 200 beers at The Flying Saucer and got my plate hung on the wall (from the On the Horizon post). Go check it out next time you are downtown; it's on the second floor ceiling. Thanks to everyone that helped me along the way.
    
    

    

    It took me 2 years and 2 months to get it! 

    

    Thanks to Jim for coming up with the best plate slogan ever.

17. Mastered the art of beef stew (from the On the Horizon post). I no longer make it from the McCormick's packet and I'm okay with this. I'm tackling a French recipe next.
18. Received my CHL (from the On the Horizon post) finally to the happiness of my stepdad. I am continuing my gun education with some awesome tactical training classes, which I love.
19. Put together my first gingerbread house with Sara albeit it was weird being the only adults there without kids and I so didn't like having the frame already built.

    

    Yummmm...candy...gingerbread...houses.

20. Rode my bike in the Chelsea Memorial Bike Ride to honor someone who was killed by a car. 

    

    Chelsea Norman's ghost bike as a reminder that we all have to do our part to share the road.

Normally, I have some kind of final activity for the year at the end of the post; however, I didn't really do much that warranted its own paragraph. So, I will end this post with my first time ever organizing a fun run for Saturday, February 8, 2013. It's just a two mile run at Bear Creek Park. It's cheap ($10) and we have a virtual run option if you can't make it. I hope that everyone can join or donate to help out a great friend of mine. Check out the post here for more information on why we did this.