Author Archives: vfreile

Of course I fell. Now what?

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My foot slid out from under me as I skidded partway down my staircase Saturday afternoon.

The laundry basket I was hauling landed at the base of the stairs. I, fortunately only fell several steps before I managed to stop myself with my right foot. I laid on the stairs for a few minutes berating myself.

I cursed. (A lot.)

Ultimately, I got up and picked up the laundry. Then I sat down and rubbed my foot. The pain wasn’t bad, a blessing since the New York City Marathon is a week away. And you already know I’m concerned I’ll oversleep race morning.

But when I woke up Sunday, the top of my right foot and lower leg was throbbing.

Fantastic. Now what?

I rested up yesterday, only leaving my house for a trip to the grocery store. At my nephew’s suggestion, I tossed a bag of frozen peas on said ankle for a bit. Today, I’m wearing some KT Tape and compression socks at work. I plan to ice once I am home. It’s not swollen, but is tender. I’m thinking it will be fine by the weekend, but am worried it won’t be.

20131028-100110.jpgYep, I taped my foot. That’s where it hurts.

More than anything, I’m annoyed at myself for tripping and falling days before my marathon. I am kicking myself repeatedly for being so careless.

So I turn to you, fine friends of the interwebs. What should I do to make this tweak feel better? Do you have any tips for a klutz like me?

Race day nerves and nightmares

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The gun sounds and hundreds of runners start their 26.2-mile journey at a picturesque race course in central Pennsylvania.

Me? I’m running TO the start line, which is off in the distance of rolling hills and lush trees. I’m sprinting while pinning my race bib to my shirt. I drop half the safety pins on the ground as I go. I’ve also forgotten my Garmin watch and all of my race day fuel in my rush. It’s all I can do to get myself to the start line.

I can see the crowd moving further and further ahead of me as they head down the gentle slope of a hill. I trip over my feet and land on my face. I scramble forward, reaching the start a good 10 minutes after the last racers in the pack left the starting area.

I run toward the start line, which is already being dismantled by an overachieving race crew. Event organizers stop me, “You’re too late. You can’t run here today, at least not as part of this marathon.”

I gape at the man. What? How can that be? I. AM. READY. I might be late, I might look like a Mack truck ran me down, but I am here. And I want to run!

“Sorry lady,” The man shrugs. “Next time, be here on time.”

My heart is racing as I wake from the vivid nightmare. I bolt upright in my bed with a sheet tangled around my ankle. I’m panting as I look around the room.

Reality settles in and I realize, I haven’t missed anything. I say a small prayer and thank a higher spirit that big race is still over a week away.

20131023-085122.jpgMy handbook arrived! It’s getting real.

Like many runners, my worst fears take over as race day approaches. Mainly, I worry about oversleeping on race morning and getting lost on my way to the start line. Sometimes I worry about getting sick and being too ill to run.

Occasionally, I worry about tripping over another runner’s throwaway clothes, injuring myself as I start the race. (I saw this happen at the start of the Pittsburgh Marathon last spring. Yikes!) Sometimes, I wonder how it will go if I can’t use a port-o-let in the start area.

And there’s always the nightmare about forgetting to pack my sports bra in my pre-race overnight bag, leaving me without any support for 26.2 miles the next morning.

Wait, that one actually happened.

Thank goodness a friend drove the item to me at my pre-race hotel, saving me from my “efficient” self. Now, I triple-check everything before a big race.

Let’s face it, I’m not going to sleep the night before my marathon. I will toss and turn and get up to use the bathroom at least a dozen times. I know this, so I need to cope.

I do so by hydrating for 2 full weeks before a race and getting plenty of sleep race week. I cut back on my coffee (caffeine) intake and I rest my legs as much as possible.

20131023-085046.jpgThe finish area in NYC’s Central Park this week. It’s ready and waiting. Thanks to friend Liren Chen for the pic

To remind myself I’m not to only one with pre-race jitters, I asked a few good friends if they shared some similar concerns.

Meri told me that she typically gets nervous the night before a race. “I immediately realize I’m doing everything wrong – not enough hydration, can’t sleep and so on.” She said her friends and running partners typically talk her down or break up the anxiety with a joke.

Another friend told me she’s had nightmares that she will be called into work race morning.  Some runner pals last week joked about getting lost on the course. Can you imagine?

I can!

Brooke said she has numerous unfounded concerns the week of any big race.

“The easiest thing to do is mentally reassure myself that it’s just that – an improbable fear,” Brooke said. “Once I start running it all disappears anyway, and I’m solely focused on the run.”

Another good friend Jen suggested I remind myself that I’m running because I WANT to run. “Race day is the reward of all my hard work!” she said. “The outcome doesn’t matter so just have fun!”

That’s solid advice, ladies. Thank you.

So in the next week, I’ll be hydrating, resting and packing. I’ll also be avoiding black cats, ladders and sidewalk cracks. Don’t judge me.

Tell me about your pre-race nightmares. Do you obsess for days before your big race?  What do you do to calm your nerves?

runDisney’s Tower of Terror 10-miler

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Saturday’s race was like none I’d tackled before.

For starters, we ran at night. We also tackled 10 miles in Florida’s heat and humidity.

But what really “made” the event? I ran, skipped and sashayed with Cinderella’s evil stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella.

That’s right! The zippy ladies bickered, hurled snide comments at Cinderella (and each other and some other runners) and chased each other, with me in tow. And they looked amazing!

Let me rewind. Last week, I headed to Walt Disney World for runDisney’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-miler.

I spent a few days in the parks with friends, visiting with our own Brooke and my dear friend Jen.

We headed to the race expo on Saturday, a self-inflicted move made in part to keep myself from spending too much money. (It worked!) There, I ran into pal Kelly, who runs Sparkle Athletic with several girlfriends. We started chatting, and before I knew it, I had agreed to run with Kelly. She assured me she wouldn’t be racing the 10-miler, which I greatly appreciated since the run fell the week between my two 20-milers in my training for NYC next month. (We won’t even delve into how crazy fast Kelly is…)

Fast forward to Saturday evening. I checked my bag, hit the port-o-lets and bid my friends and travel partners farewell. (They had all planned to race the event. So I took myself out if the mix as to not to be tempted to go too fast.)

20131009-155027.jpgThe gang: Aaron, Jen, Ray and me

I entered my corral and quickly found my racing partners Kelly and Carrie. I’d love to give you a play-by-play of the run, but truth be told it was all a blur!

Fireworks signaled the start of the 11,000-person race, and scared the bejeezus out of me to boot. Our happy group set off, including the lovely Krissy (an Oiselle teammate) and Megan. We parted from Krissy quickly since she’s a speedy speedster.

I’d love to be able to share a detailed run down of all the quips, zings and silliness we encountered on our run, but the race went by in a flash!

We laughed, we ran and we laughed some more. We stopped for each and every character stationed along the 10-mile course, and yet the entire race flew by. I didn’t even look at my watch until our last mile through Hollywood Studios.

20131009-160147.jpgThe gang’s all here, with villains from The Lion King.

“WHY ARE YOU SO FAST?” Drizella yelled to Anastasia around mile three. “What’s wrong with you and how did Cinderella trick us into this ball? It’s the worst. There aren’t any princes.”

20131009-161158.jpgOff with our (gulp) heads!

jafarPosing with Megan and Jafar (pic from Megan)

As we ran, the stepsisters graciously adopted me as a third and hurled “insults” my way as well. Anastasia (Kelly) repeatedly yelled out my name as we ran and as she hit the pavement, searching for a prince. Drizella (Carrie) accused me of being a mouse-sympathizer (aka, one of Cinderella’s friends). They chased each other, screaming and “cheered” for others as we ran.

20131009-161016.jpg“Move it people! There’s a ball to get to!”

I unwittingly started a game of tag just after mile four. oof! We dragged other runners into the game, laughing all the while. We heckled our way through the trail area as we entered the Wide World of Sports complex. We were thrilled by the bounce of the complex’s track and were spooked by several ghosts who weren’t ready to let us leave after posing for a photo.

“This is the worst champagne ever!” Anastasia yelled after downing a cup of lemon-lime Powerade at one of many water stations along the course. She hurled the cup with gusto and stomped forward. “The water?! Is it from Figi?”

The stepsisters also repeatedly reminded volunteers and supporters to cheer for all the runners. And they certainly let crowds know when they weren’t living up to their duties.

20131009-160755.jpgDon’t mess with us

I can honestly say I’ve never had such a fun time running a road race. Carrie after the race said she couldn’t recall ever taking her race character so seriously before. She also giggled that they drew me into character as well.

Thank you, Kelly and Carrie, for an incredible run! I laughed so hard I nearly cried and I loved every moment, even in the crushing unseasonable Floridian heat. Can’t wait until my next runDisney event!

20131009-160350.jpgWe did it!

Have you ever run a night race? Have you chased others, or heckled running partners, along a course? Do you know which villain I portrayed?

Recipe Box: Gingery Butternut Squash Soup

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Autumn is my favorite season.

I love the cooler, crisp weather, the vibrant hue of fall leaves, my birthday and pumpkin everything.

But it also means some of my favorite fresh veggies are in season. It’s time to pick apples fresh off the tree at your local apple orchard. And to rejoice the return of the butternut squash.

Here’s my favorite fall soup recipe, adapted from my favorite cookbook Simply in Season. It’s beyond simple and absolutely delicious.

What you will need:
2 medium onions (chopped)
2 Tbsp. fresh ginger (peeled and minced)
2-3 apples (peeled, seeded and chopped)
1 butternut squash (peeled, seeded and cut into cubes)
4 cups vegetable broth
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
parsley
20131001-072648.jpgChopping the onions
Sauté onions in a large pot with in 1 Tbsp. of olive oil. Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper. (cook until onion is translucent.)
20131001-072824.jpgAll of the butternut and apple!
Add apple, butternut squash and veggie broth to pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until squash and apples are tender. (It takes about 25 minutes on my stove.)
20131001-072956.jpgMash, mash, mash!
If you like chunky soup, use a potato masher to mash the apples and squash (like me!) OR you can purée in blender until smooth.
Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!
20131001-073639.jpgMmm, dinner!
What’s your favorite harvest meal? Are you a butternut squash fan like the chicks? Tell us about your fave fall recipes in the comments!

PR!

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I’ve been chasing my best half-marathon time for nearly two years. Finally, last weekend I smashed through the barrier.

Let me tell you, it was well worth the wait.

I actually never intended to race the Rochester half marathon last weekend. I has planned to use the course as a 13-mile training run as I prepare to run the NYC Marathon in November.

But I couldn’t find my training partner at the start of Sunday morning’s race. I lost another in the crowd near the toilets. Fortunately, I ran into colleague and friend Ben, who had trained for six months to run his first-ever half marathon.

We agreed to at least to start the course together. I told him I’d drop back if I felt like I was pushing too hard.

That was my plan, anyway. But it never happened!

We set off at a decent clip. Our first mile was around a 9:15 minute pace. I assume our second was the same. I stopped looking at my watch for a few miles and just ran.

Ben and I chatted for much those first 5 miles – about his training, his family, my family, the supportive online running community and racing strategies. When I looked at my watch again, I saw we’d just finished our fifth mile at a 8:50 minute pace. And our sixth, seventh, AND eighth!

The miles were ticking by. We both felt fantastic!

We pushed each other along as we ran. Ben brought a handheld water bottle with him and I grabbed liquid at each water stop, took a swig and sprinted to catch Ben.

I sure didn’t want to let Ben down on his inaugural race, so I matched his pace. My lungs were clear, my legs felt strong. Onward!

Around mile 10, with a 5K to go, I realized that not only was I going to set a personal best time, we were on track to break the two-hour mark. This milestone was a long time coming for me, as I’d aimed for and missed it more than once over the last two years.

My dearest friends have witnessed this – more than once, my bid for a sub-2 half ended closer to the 2:05 or 2:10 mark because I started out too fast.

But not Sunday.

We zipped past runners along the river path. We enjoyed the view of Rochester’s skyline from the University of Rochester’s river campus. We cursed the slight ramp that led us up to the Ford Street bridge.

That last mile flew by. As we ran down South Plymouth Avenue, the wind pushed us backward. I grunted. Ben grinned.

“Let’s finish this thing,” he said to me as we approached Frontier Field. We stepped up our pace and sprinted in to the finish.

As we crossed, I could see the clock had a number that began with a “1.” Success!

km 092213 marathon sptsVic at the finish (photo by colleague Kris Murante)

I finished in 1:58:45 – my personal best half-marathon time by exactly FIVE minutes. That previous PR, set in October 2011 in Toronto, needed to come down.

Hey, if its going to happen…why not go big?

I wholeheartedly believe that Ben and I were meant to run together Sunday morning. We tripped into one another at the start. We fell into a steady pace easily and at times, ran in sync, our feet slapping the pavement in perfect rhythm.

Congratulations to us both! I can’t wait to see what our next race brings.

Everyone loves a PR! Tell me about yours in the comments!

Running with the Amish, again.

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Last weekend, I headed back to my hometown in Pennsylvania to visit family and friends and run a half marathon through rural Amish Country.

Does this sound familiar? It might, because last spring I ran a half marathon through Amish Country with a childhood friend Wendy, and we had a blast. Shortly after running that race, the Garden Spot half marathon, I decided to register for its fall counterpart, the Bird-in-Hand half marathon.

What a great call!

Lancaster, Pennsylvania is Amish country. Home to many in the Pennsylvania Dutch Amish and Mennonite community. Many in the county’s Amish community love to run and are quite fast.

Saturday’s race was FILLED with Amish men and women, most of whom run in Amish clothing. That means men run in black pants and suspenders and women wear long dresses and aprons. (and of course, sneakers)

20130910-155448.jpgAn Amish man and woman fly by. Yep, they are running.

My friend Kyle came in for the race. As we headed to the race site Saturday morning we were treated to a pretty spectacular sunrise. And thank you mom, for driving us in and cheering us on!

20130910-155734.jpgLancaster County sunrise

We arrived early. We wanted plenty of time to park and use one of the slew of portajohns waiting for runners. (There were more than 60 and lines were short. Thank you, race organizers! You understand!)

20130910-160125.jpgHot air balloons inflating at the start

I also had the chance to meet my Oiselle teammate, Michelle, who was making her race debut as a member of the brand’s running team. (I made mine last week at an 18-miler in Watertown, NY, where I PRed!)

Oiselle, pronounced “wa-zell” and means “bird” in French, is a women’s running apparel company that encourages women athletes to push their limits, take chances and just be your amazing self. Michelle and I last month were both named to Oiselle’s Volèe team (That’s “flier” in French) and represent the brand. Side note: I love everything about this company. The gear, the women behind it and the women representing it.

bihbirdsBirds in Bird-in-Hand!

We were both excited to meet, and to race in our singlets for the first time! Can’t wait to run with you again, Birdie!

The race itself was a stunning, but hilly course. Kyle and I used the event as a training run for our fall marathons. Since I really pushed myself last weekend in Watertown, I knew I have to take it easy this weekend.

Kyle and I chatted as we ran, and ran. We spotted quite a few Amish men and women passing us by. Here’s my fave pic, snapped mid-stride.

20130911-082746.jpgRun!

Here are a few highlights from the race:

– About a dozen hot air balloon launched just before the race began. This was incredibly beautiful and the balloons entertained us for the first few miles of the hilly, rural course.

20130910-155414.jpgHands down, my fave pic of the race

– Running with Kyle, because hello, she’s awesome! And we can comfortably chat while enjoying the scenery.

– All the water stations were manned by Amish children. Boys and girls cheered as they handed out water and Gatorade to thirsty runners.

– A mid-race cheer and high-five from my teammate Michelle! We spotted each other near the mile 5 turnaround. In our matching singlets, we each cheered for each other. “Fly birdie!” As Kyle said, it was “absolutely stinkin’ adorable.”

There were many fans along the route, both human and animals. We thanked many children and volunteers as we ran. Those lovely Amish girls cheering at mile 11 on the one-lane bridge will also forever hold a place in my heart. Kyle and I cheered back. How often do you have the chance to interact with such simplicity and joy?

As we rounded the bend to the finish, I spotted my mother, then high-tailed it across the finish line where family friend Carole was cheering!

20130910-155555.jpgPost-race with Kyle, who PRed by 12 minutes! Rock on lady!

Yes, those medals are real horseshoes. Yes, they are insanely heavy. Yes, I nearly toppled over when it was placed around my neck by little Amish girl. Yes, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I can’t wait to run this course again next fall… and I’ll plan ahead this time so I can really fly! (are you in, Kyle? Michelle?)

Have you run a rural race? Have you ever run with the Amish? Is this event now on your bucket list? (and they have a 5K too!)

Sport Hooks: A review and giveaway

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I love to organize. Just ask my husband.

I make piles and lists. Lots of lists. And as you know, I also collect some goodies in baskets.

A few weeks back, I shared some photos of a few of my favorite medals. Then, many of you were kind enough to share some photos of YOUR special medals.

Last month, I received an beautiful medal rack from Marcey at Sport Hooks. The five-hook rack is stunning, and made of a heavy medal, so I am absolutely loving how durable it is.

20130901-192419.jpgMy new medal rack, freshly-installed by yours truly!

That’s right! I found our drill and used it for the first time – all by myself – to install the rack. It literally took about a minute. Easy peasy! The lengthy process for me was deciding where it would go. Once up, I decided to display some of my fave medals — the rest remain in ye ‘ole medal basket.

20130901-192517.jpg

Part of what I love so much about this rack is the woman behind the design. Marcey is a runner like you and me — though she’s a marathon maniac, having run 86 marathons since 2000. Now that’s an incredible accomplishment! Let’s give Marcey a huge hand!

As she collected bling in the past decade, Marcey said she realized she needed a medal display that was both functional and stylish. Thus, Sport Hooks was born!

Sport Hooks by Heavy Medalz has been in business for seven years and offers 1-hook, 3-hook, 5-hook and 10-hook displays. Her designs transcend all sports — running, swimming, triathlons, gymnastics, dance, martial arts, softball, golf. The list goes on and on!

crew-5

Click here to see Individual sport medal rack options.

And click here to learn about the team sport medal rack choices.

And the company also makes some unique medal racks, specifically for IRONMAN triathletes and fans of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, as well as runDisney fans! Others have inspirational quotes or distances.

All of her displays are quality and beautiful conversation-starters.

Here are a few of my faves:

IronmanIronman 5-hook medal display

RnR-5-hook-BlackRnR 5-hook medal display

boston-bust-5hkChasing Boston? Then this rack is for you!

Sport Hooks has generously offered one of you lucky Scoot readers a five-hook medal rack of your choice! Any sport, any style. Can’t beat that! To enter, click on the Rafflecopter pic below. Giveaway runs through Sept. 11.

rafflecoptersporthooks

Click the pic to enter

Disclaimer: I received one Sport Hooks medal hanger for review. All words and opinions are my own. Giveaway prize donated by Sport Hooks.

Chatting with Aga and ESPNW

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Last week, I had a coveted weekday off. And what did I do? Lunch with a friend, shopped for groceries, and oh, I chatted with tennis pro Aga Radwanska.

Say what?

Yep, you read that correctly. Last month I won the opportunity to chat with Aga, through ESPNW’s 98 Days to Shine contest. Let me just say, I love so much about this contest. It combines my love of photography and with my love of sports.

But more than anything, this summer I’ve enjoyed watching how it gave women athletes a forum to showcase their strength, beauty, courage and determination, and to support one another.

My photo submission back in July depicted a hero, and I featured an image with Joan Benoit Samuelson, a pioneer in women’s distance running. (See below)

20130826-193544.jpg

My prize was a spiffy ESPNW shirt, and a google hangout with Aga.

20130829-145832.jpg

We’d been trying to coordinate for about a month, but everything came together late Thursday and with help from technology-savvy friend, my Google hangout chat with Aga moved forward Friday morning.

For those who don’t know much about Aga Radwanska, she’s a 24-year-old tennis phenom from Poland, who has taken the tennis world by storm. She’s currently among the female players in the world and was runner up to Serena Williams in in her first grand slam championship match at Wimbledon last year.

This week, Aga is playing at the US Open in New York. We chatted face to face – well, via computer screen anyway! I was armed with a listing questions, but knowing she was facing one of her biggest matches of the year, I asked her how she prepared for the big week.

Don’t be surprised: she relaxed! Aga and her younger sister Urzula, also a tennis pro, spent time in New Haven, CT. Aga said Connecticut was “nice and calm” and allowed her to take time off the court in the days leading up to her next Grand Slam match, in the hustle and bustle of New York.

“My biggest goal is always The Grand Slam,” she said. “Of course wherever you go you want I win.”

She’s quite proud of her accomplishments but knows hard work nets results.

“On one hand, it’s hard to get to the top, but it’s harder to stay there,” Aga said.

She trains hard. Aga said she spends about five ours each day training – two hours of tennis in the morning followed by 90 or so minutes of fitness training, then another 90 minutes of tennis each afternoon.

“It’s still fun, but sometimes it is hard,” Aga said. “You’re tired, exhausted, but you know you have to do it. Sometimes you just have to push yourself.”

We chatted about my sports history – swimming, rowing and running – and how they molded me int who I am today. We also chatted about her background, her love of exercising with her sister and how she prepares for the “big match.”

Spoiler: She tries not to think about an upcoming match, but instead listens to music before playing.

I also asked Aga about her image in the 2013 edition of ESPN’s The Body Issue. I you haven’t seen it, click here. To me, its such an incredible photographic feat each year and features images of elite athletes in the buff. Always tastefully done, the issue leaves me mesmerized by the athletes’ bodies, and inspired to improve my photographic skills and to head to the gym.

When asked to participate in the 2013 issue, Aga said she she needed to consider it for several days before accepting. She said she enjoyed the experience – and would do it again if asked. And, Aga said, she appreciated how supportive her family was of her decision.

Leading up to a match, Aga said she tries to put then task at hand out of her mind. Instead, she said, she plugs in and listens to music.

And as I write this, Aga’s US Open journey is well underway! Aga already won her first two rounds of play as she strives to win the US Open title next week. Her third round is today! Good luck Aga!!

Her advice to all aspiring athletes? Work hard. Set goals and work steadily toward those goals.

What questions would you ask Aga? Have you participated in ESPNW’s 98 Days to Shine contest? It’s not too late as it ends this weekend!

More “Chick on Chick” action: The Jess Chronicles

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Ready for the fourth installment of Chick-on-Chick interviews? I am!

In case you missed earlier installments, you can rewind (and click on the names) to learn more about Brooke, Meri and Bec.

jessicaJess and her Bug

Jess and I haven’t actually met in person…yet! But Meri has never led me wrong with a friendship connection, so when she suggested I chat with the lovely Jess, I did. A beautiful friendship was born!

Vic: You’re a new mom! Aside from the handsome boy we all adore, how has your life changed since he was born?

Jess: Gosh, how has it NOT changed? Besides the obvious things, like weekends filled with play dates, early mornings (and really early bedtimes!), and needing to attend to his needs 24/7, I think my perspective has completely shifted. I don’t get hyped up about the little things quite as much, which I think is a good thing! I can be high strung, so it’s good to have him as a reminder of what’s really important.

Vic: What do you like to do when you ultimately get some time to yourself?

Jess: I love to shop! I go down to Union Square and get an iced coffee then kind of wander around. Inevitably I’ll come home with something for Bug. Baby Gap owns me!

I get a couple hours to myself when he goes to bed, too, so I’ll catch up on celebrity gossip and DVRed shows, or cuddle with Mister Jess. Or read! Reading is up there, and I don’t get to do it often enough anymore.

Vic: Time seems to fly away from me too. Which chick did you meet first and how did you meet her?

Jess: Meri was the first chick I met. We started talking online due to a shared love of writing and then met for real at Comic Con down in San Diego in 2010 (which is kind of hilarious because we are definitely not the Comic Con demographic). But I remember that moment of seeing her in the airport and running toward her clear as day! We hugged for about ten minutes. It was very romantic. 😉

Vic: That sounds so dreamy. And I have had similar encounters with Meri in airports. By the way, am I the only one you haven’t met in person? We must rectify that!!!

Jess: I haven’t met Bec either! But yes, we must rectify it SOON!

Vic: Tell us more about your love of dance! Did you train and take lessons as a child? What is your fave dance style?

Jess: I did take lessons when I was little. I did ballet with my cousin, Charity, and dabbled in tap and jazz. But I think when it comes to dance, I’m just a free spirit. As much as I would love to be an accomplished dancer prancing around on the stage of “So You Think You Can Dance”, choreography and I just never really mixed. I have to do my own thing!

But dancing makes me happy, in any capacity. I have such a strong emotional connection to music and I think dancing is an extension of that.

Vic: Aw, I love it. How did you meet your husband, Mr. Jess? Through dance? How long have you known each other?

Jess: We met online in an AOL chat room. Seriously! This was eleven years ago before Match and eHarmony and basically any other kind of dating website. And neither of us were there to date anyway. It was just all very random and kismet-y, right place at the right time, etc. I have an entry in my journal from that first night we “met” where I said I was going to marry him, and lo and behold, I did!

Vic: That was so meant to be! You have what many fashionistas would consider a dream job! Please tell is about what you do and why you love it.

Jess: I’m a product developer for a makeup company, which basically means that I get to create some of the makeup shades and kits that people eventually see on shelves (and hopefully buy). It’s what I went to school for, although I focused on apparel there. Then I did an internship at another local cosmetics company and fell in love with the industry, and eventually ended up at my current company.

Sometimes I look at my job from afar and think, “whoa, this is pretty cool!” It’s definitely a unique industry, and I also love that it’s female-dominated. Seeing so many successful women around me really inspires me.

Vic: That is pretty inspirational. 🙂 What feat are you most proud of in your post-college life?

Jess: I’m proud of the fact that I left home at 19 to go to college in a different state (my mom is probably crying reading this, haha. I love you, Mom!). I’ve dealt with anxiety and panic attacks for most of my life, so looking back I’m like, “how the hell did I do that?” I’m proud of the fact that I got through some of my roughest years anxiety-wise, and that I didn’t give up on staying in California with Mister Jess. Just overall, given the (often self-imposed) obstacles I faced, I’m really, really proud of the life I’ve built.

Vic: As you should be! So… what fitness accessory can you not live without and why?

Jess: My Fitbit! This will surprise no one, as I have mentioned on the blog and our Twitter how obsessed I am. I freaking love that thing and I get upset if I forget to put it on. It’s so fun to see how many steps I’ve taken at the end of the day, how many calories I’ve burned, how many stairs I’ve climbed. I feel like such a bad ass!

Vic: You ARE a bad-ass! But what, if anything, would you change about yourself?

Jess: Definitely my anxiety. I mean, it’s certainly taught me things and I think I’ve grown from my struggles with it, but I feel like even when I have no reason to be anxious, the thoughts just pop up and I can’t control them. That’s the most frustrating part about it, that thoughts just come without permission and then they kind of take root there. I think about when Bug gets older, is he going to see me struggle with it? Will that affect him in any way? I want to protect him from it, but at the same time it’s such a part of me that I know I won’t be able to 100%.

Vic: You’ve definitely grown over the years. We all do! Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Jess: Given how fast this year has gone, that’s right around the corner! I don’t know where I’ll be…maybe in the ‘burbs. Hopefully I’ll be writing. I’ll be the mom of an almost-10-year-old (ack!). Still dancing, of course. And happy. I definitely see myself being happy.

There you go! That was the chronicles of our own Jess. Is there anything more you’d like to ask Jess? Anything you want to know for future Chick interviews? If so, let us know in the comments!

The Color Run vs. Color Vibe

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It’s time for the results of our good-natured color throwdown!

Remember back in the spring when we told you I would run several color-themed 5k races in western New York this summer? Ah yes, we’re going back a few months.

The Color Run and Color Vibe both graciously offered me entries to run each event. Although the color was theirs, all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed both events, but let me say its rather tricky to compare two colorful 5k races that I ran in different cities and in different weather conditions.

You may recall that when I ran the Color Vibe back in April, the sky opened up on the runners. It hailed, it snowed and it was darn windy. As a result, few stuck around for the after party. (Was there one? I don’t actually know.)

after4yes, that’s snow (Color Vibe)

Last weekend, I headed to Buffalo, NY with my friend and colleague Tina for The Color Run and Tina’s first-ever 5k.

I blogged specifically about Saturday’s race on my work blog. (Click HERE to read)

tina blueThe blue color zone along Lake Erie (The Color Run)

So let’s try a comparison breakdown of the two races:

Participants:

Both events touted thousands of runners (8,000 or so for the Color Vibe and 10,000 for The Color Run, according to race organizers.) Both figures seemed a bit inflated, but I’d certainly agree that thousands of people took part in each event. Let’s just say both races were crowded, but it was never overwhelming. Race organizers knew how to move the crowd.

At the Color Vibe, the first group of runners didn’t begin until about 10-15 minutes after the appointed race start time, which on a normal day wasn’t a big deal. But the temps had dropped to the 30s and the skies were dark, Plus there was confusion about the start time, so we actually waited about 45 minutes for the race to begin.

colorfunLindsay, Deb and Charlotte running through campus (Color Vibe)

In comparison, The Color Run started at its appointed start time, though it took Tina and me an extra 20 or so minutes to reach the start area after the the first runners set off. (We actually watched the first folks finish!)

waldoA sea of white shirts. Can you spot me? (The Color Run)

Round 1 goes to The Color Run

Color Zones: At both races, we ran through four color zones.

Color Vibe participants were doused with color packets right out of the gate. I loved that idea – get runners with a burst of color right from the start! Unfortunately, I wasn’t ready for it, so I basically missed the first of four color zones. (My fault, not theirs.)

pinkThink pink! (The Color Run)

The Color Run seemed to have more volunteers throwing powered color on participants, so it was hard for anyone to get past a zone without a hint of color.

That said, in any color race, ASK the throwers to hit you with color if you want to be covered. They will oblige.

If you want minimal color, try to zip past and dodge the throwers. Stay in the middle, where other runners act as a color buffer.

Round 2 is a draw

The course: Obviously this will vary greatly from race to race. My suggestion for all future color event participants is to pay attention to the 3.1-mile course you will be running.

The Color Vibe was entirely housed on the campus of a local community college. It’s a smart move because its self-contained and doesn’t require race organizers to close roads and divert traffic. That said, the route includes a large amount of parking lots… which also means less event parking.

The Color Run’s route was a refreshing surprise to me. You guessed it, I didn’t check out the course before the event because I knew I’d be walking much of it. The 5k course started in Buffalo’s Canalside Park, next to the First Niagara Center and followed some downtown roads and lakeside roads, into a marina along Lake Erie and back.

colorrun2Along Lake Erie (The Color Run)

Because of its location, The Color Run route seemed far more picturesque.

Round 3 winner: The Color Run

Race swag: Entry to the two races are pretty much the same. $45 for the Color Vibe and $50 for The Color Run.

With the Color Vibe entry, I received a race shirt (which I wore for the run), one color packet, sunglasses and Boston bracelets, a thoughtful gesture by race organizers as we ran several days after the Boston Marathon bombings.

The Color Run entry included a race shirt (again, I wore it), a race headband, a color packet and some stickers.

Both events sold a number of other products. The Color Run organizers repeatedly threw swag such as race socks and bags into the crowd.

Round 4 winner: Color Vibe

After party: Both events hosted pre-race and post-race parties, which included music, dancing and a celebratory atmosphere.

Because of the wintry weather at the Color Vibe, most participants ran for their cars and shelter after finishing the course. Few people stuck around to sing and dance in the snow and hail. (Gee? Why?) and most volunteers apparently abandoned their post-race posts. I heard there was a photo booth, but never found it. I spotted bottles of water in a pile, though no one was handing them out.

I never saw a big-post race color throw take place by the stage. Instead, participants doused each other with packets of color at or near the finish line. We still had fun, but couldn’t help but wonder if I’d missed something.

after2Our own color throw (Color Vibe)

The Color Run’s after-party was a huge event. The weather was perfect, thousands of people danced to the music and we watched three separate color tosses take place in the 30 minutes after we finished our race.

20130820-143026.jpgA color throw at the Buffalo after-party (The Color Run)

Volunteers passed out Kind bars and offered a water bottle for thirsty runners.

Round 5 winner: The Color Run

colorizedI’m an oompaloompa (The Color Run)

Both events were a blast, though different. All of my running partners were a joy! And I love how color events are untimed races, geared toward beginners. The events aren’t about winning, but the joy of running.

But overall, the top winner was THE COLOR RUN. Congrats to the Happiest 5K on the Planet!

What Color event is your top choice? What stood out to you to make that event better than its competitors? Tell us in the comments!