Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Inspirational Runners - Simon Whitfield Edition

Right about now we are in the midst of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. I love it! Watching these impeccable athletes - talk about motivation. Last post I wrote about Caster Semenya, the South African 800-metre star. This time I need to write about a Canadian - I'm Canadian - Simon Whitfield is Canadian.


Simon Whitfield is a triathlete. He swims 1.5km, cycles 43km, and runs 10km. There is a teeny tiny part of me that thinks I could complete a triathlon someday...if I could swim. 


In Sydney (2000) Whitfield won the gold medal. I actually remember watching this event, or at least a re-cap of this event, and feeling so proud to be Canadian. The race finish was just so epic, I had to find it and post it here - "Simon Whitfield Wins Gold". At 1.26 on the video, Whitfield is in third place. At 2.17, he is in second place. By 2.49, he's tied for the lead. The race gets a bit intense around 3.44 as Whitfield falls back a bit, but at 4.33, he flies past Stephan Vuckovic of Germany to win GOLD! In Beijing, he won silver. If he medals in London, he'll be the only triathlete to win a medal in three summer Olympic games. Whitfield was the flag bearer for the Canadian Olympic team - fitting as 2012 is likely to be Whitfield's final Olympic games; here's hoping he goes out with a bang!


Whitfield completed his first triathlon at age 11. I can just imagine how that went..."O, you just completed a triathlon? O, you're only 11? No big deal, really!" AS IF! Another "No Big Deal, Really" topic - Whitfield's Training Schedule: 7.5km swim, 100km bike ride, and a 40km run. Like I said, no big deal, really. HOLY CRAP!


If I didn't think this dude was cool enough, I just read in the brief biography on his website that he donates regularly to charity. He runs and donates to charity. I run and donate to charity. At the very least, you should donate to charity too. 

Friday, July 27, 2012

Marathon Cupcakes: Banana Peanut Butter with Apricot

Apparently all the rave in food networks right now is strange ingredients for cupcakes. My last cupcake post contained a recipe for Sweet Pea Cupcakes with Goat Cheese Icing - strange indeed. This time around, I'm sharing a Cupcake Wars  inspired recipe that is a little less strange, but still atypical in my opinion.

Banana Peanut Butter Cupcake with Apricot Filling and Toasted Marshmallow Frosting

Cupcake:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 large ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
Heat oven to 350F. Place liners (12) in muffin pan. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add sour cream and vanilla extract. Slowly beat in eggs, one at a time. Combine dry and wet ingredients and mix well. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 20 minutes or until tops are golden brown and toothpick placed in centre comes out clean. Remove from muffin tin and place on wire rack to cool.


Filling:
2 (6oz) packages dried apricot
1 1/2 cups water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Place apricots and water in a small saucepan and let stand, covered for 2 hours. Simmer for 20 minutes on very low heat until apricots are soft. Puree in a food processor. Add lemon juice and sugar blending with numerous on/off turns. Add more sugar for a sweeter filling. 


For a How-To on a few different ways to fill the cupcakes, I'm linking you to Annie's Eats.


Frosting:
2 egg whites
2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients in the top of a double boiler. Heat to 160F, stirring frequently. Pour into electric mixer and whisk at a gradually increasing speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. Frost cupcakes and then torch or place in oven on broil until toasty brown. 


Now you may be wondering what connection these scrumptious cupcakes have to running. Bananas provide the much needed potassium that muscles use to perform efficiently. When you run, you sweat and when you sweat, you lose potassium. Peanut butter is one of the best sports food in existence, packed full of the protein your muscles need to properly function. Apricots are especially beneficial to female runners (like me) because they are rich in iron. Without the proper amounts of iron, the body becomes weak and tired. As for the marshmallow frosting - well - I've got nothin' there...just YUM!



Thursday, July 26, 2012

21K Training Schedule

A few posts back (21 Weeks to 21K) I talked about the training schedule that I was following. Since then I've surpassed the repetition of the first week and become fully immersed in 19-week plan. I was also sick for a week and a half and am currently attempting to get myself moved. While I was sick, I wasn't running because that's just a no-no say the experts. Now that I am moving, I'm spending a lot of time packing and unpacking. I don't have time to run; I make time to run.

I finally decided that I should actually show people who are supporting me what I am putting myself through. This way you can feel my pain, feel sorry for me, and donate to make me feel better!
Well, that kind of stinks; you're going to have to actually click on the image so that it enlarges in order to actually read my training schedule. I have faith in your clicking abilities, though; you'll be fine. This week has been a little messed up what with being sick and trying to move. Sunday, I was sick so no run. Monday, I ran 45 minutes instead of resting and apparently lost my iPod :( Do you have any idea how unmotivating it is to run without music?! Tuesday, I ran 40 minutes while watching Dr. Phil. Wednesday, I spent 5 hours after work packing most of what was left in my apartment so no run. Today, I'm supposed to Cross-Train, but since I'll be in Winnipeg until late Saturday which likely means no run, I'm going to do the 45 minute run today that I should be doing Saturday. Instead of resting tomorrow, I'll Cross-Train - or something. As long as I'm getting the accurate amount of running time in each week, I think I'll be a-ok!
Things stay pretty reasonable throughout August until I hit Saturday, the 25th at which point I have to run for a solid hour and a half. Mind you, I have done this already, before I was really following a training plan. My hope is that it will be reasonably nice weather - not too hot, not too cold or rainy - so that I can run outside. An hour and a half on the treadmill really doesn't sound all that appealing to me. An hour and a half running doesn't sound all that appealing either, but it must be done. After all, it's all for a great cause!
All of a sudden, 90 minutes doesn't seem all that bad when I look at the 110 minutes I have to run on September 1st. Once again, hoping for nice outdoor running weather. If not, though, I sort of look forward to asking the gals at Fitness Quest if I can use a treadmill for 4 times the allotted time. You see, the treadmills have a 30 minute limit (which I always exceed, but only by 15 or 20 minutes at this point and it's never really busy when I go to work out anyway). "Would it be alright if I use one of the treadmills for 110 minutes? I'm just training for a half marathon; it's no big deal really." Come on, I get to be conceited every now and again; running for 21K in a row is actually a really big deal - to me anyway ;) As you can see, the training schedule switches from minutes to kilometres in September. Currently, I can run 10K in about 90 minutes (not ideal, but fine by me) so my runs will actually get shorter (if I can maintain my stamina) come the middle of the month. I must also add that today is Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen. As you can see by the photo above, I love food - especially dessert. My boyfriend is on his way with a Cookie Dough Blizzard with my name on it right now! 
I feel the need to express my appreciation of the fact that Thanksgiving falls on a Monday - a.k.a. - a Rest Day! Bring on the stuffing (and I am referring to both definitions of the word). At this point I am also curious if I can run and trick-or-treat at the same time - doubtful. BUT, I could go dressed up as a marathon runner for Halloween...hmm...Now before you get all, "you're 28-years old and you still go trick-or-treating? That's outlandish!" on me, let me explain. Every year the Brandon University WUSC Club participates in the Brandon University Students' Union Halloween Food Drive. Campus clubs go around the city and collect non-perishable food items for the university's food bank. See - it's all for another good cause. 

Ok, I digress, back to running and marathon training. I included a pre- and post-workout photo a few blog updates ago. I definitely have the sweating like a pig part down. I also have the eating like a pig part under control. As for the looking like a fox part...we'll just have to see about that after I get a bit more running under my belt. 
In November, you will notice that one of the days - Saturday, November 10 - is highlighted in red. That's because Saturday, November 10 is my longest run leading up to the half marathon. I dread that day. I have nightmares about that day. I also doubt from time to time whether I will actually be able to run that far. When I first read through this schedule I wondered when I would run a full 21K in preparation for the actual race. To my surprise, I never actually run the full 21K during training. Apparently, you don't run a half marathon until you run a half marathon. Apparently, if you can run 19.5K there is little doubt that you can run the additional 1.5K. 

On Sunday, December 2nd, I'll be in Las Vegas running a half marathon. It is my goal to simply finish the race in the allotted time (4 hours). I'll be honest; if I finish dead last, I'll be a little disappointed and embarrassed, but then I'll snap out of it and remind myself that I just ran a half marathon. I'll remind myself that I ran 21K straight for myself and a cause that is so dear to my heart - WUSC's SRP. For me and for them, I will run!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Running Playlist - Do it Disney!

Who doesn't love Disney? I sure do! The super fun songs from classic Disney movies provide a nice change from typical running tunes. I've got songs from The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, Marry Poppins, The Jungle Book, Aladdin, Snow White, Pocahontas, Cinderella, Robin Hood, Lady and The Tramp, and Mulan. You recognise all of those right? Ok, then I have a couple songs from movies I've never heard of - The Monkey's Uncle and The Wonderful World of Color. Finally, I have the Mickey Mouse Club theme song and a sing-a-long song from the 1930s. Let's do something fun; I'll post the songs and you guess which Disney film they're from! I like games; don't you?

When you do as much running as I do, you quickly tire of the same old playlists which is the major reason I've decided to create and post these. I know how difficult it is to find good running music. Round 1 = Just Run. Now for Round 2:

Do it Disney

  • Circle of Life
  • Under the Sea
  • Hakuma Matata
  • I Just Can't Wait to Be King
  • Chim Chim Cheree
  • Spoonful of Sugar
  • Monkey's Uncle
  • Work Song
  • Minnie's Yoo Hoo
  • Be Our Guest
  • One Jump Ahead
  • Gaston
  • Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
  • Bare Necessities
  • Let's Go Fly a Kite
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo
  • Heigh Ho
  • Colors of the Wind
  • O-de-lally
  • I'm Professor Ludwig Von Drake
  • The Siamese Cat Song
  • Make a Man Outta You


There you have it Disney-loving runners - 22 songs at approximately 2.5 minutes each for a total of 55 minutes. That's a short, but good run and might be just enough Disney. I'll admit, as much as I love Disney, the songs start to all sound the same at a certain point of extended listening. This list should be just enough to keep you singing along and bopping your head while you run your heart out!

If these songs made you grin, how about making my day and donating to my run? - I'll sing you a Disney song ;)

What's your favorite Disney movie? song?




Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Inspirational Runners - Caster Semenya Edition

This WOMAN (the reason for the all-caps to follow) is incredible! Caster Semenya is a native of South Africa's Limpopo region which borders Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. When she started running seriously, Semenya didn't have a state-of-the-art fitness facility to train in; she didn't even have anything that came relatively close to resembling a running track. Semenya and other members of the Moletjie Athletics Club train through South African bush scraping and wounding their bare feet on brambles and thorns. 


In 2008, Semenya won the gold medal for her event (the 800-metre) at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India. That same year, at the African Junior Athletics Championships in Mauritius, Semenya won her second gold medal. She now held the South African record for the 800-metre. In 2009, she entered her first senior competition, the World Championships in Berlin. Semenya won the race by a two and a half seconds - flying past her competition. Like I said, SHE's (I'm getting to the all-caps) incredible!


Ok, here it is - the reason for the all-caps: 
Because of her impeccable race times and the interpretation by some that her physical appearance was somewhat "unfeminine", for the next two years, Semenya's gender was questioned. Wait, what?! Yes, you read that right. Semenya's gender was not only investigated by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), but it was smeared far and wide throughout the media. For two years, she was poked and proded, harassed and ridiculed. 


In 2011, her name and genitals were cleared by the IAAF and Semenya could "officially" compete as a WOMAN. She finished second at the Worlds in South Korea. 


Semenya is the favorite to win the 800-metre at the London 2012 Olympics. SHE will also be the athlete carrying South Africa's flag during the opening ceremonies. I typically cheer for my fellow Canucks, but in the Women's 800-metre, I'll be rooting for Caster!


I always end these Inspirational Runner blogs off with some wise words from the featured athlete. Throughout this entire ordeal, Semenya has been rather silent - and rightly so. I did find something that made me smile in an article I read in the New Yorker that was written during the time Semenya was banned from competitive running while the IAAF investigated her gender. With a smile on her face, Semenya told the reporter, "Now I just have to walk away. That's all I can do. Walk away from all of this, maybe forever. Now I just walk away."


Like Semenya, the students I am running my half marathon to support come from areas of Africa where sports are played bare foot in dirt fields. In spite of what we would perceive as insurmountable hardships, these students keep smiling and with our help will flourish! Please donate to WUSC's SRP and give these students a chance!



Friday, July 20, 2012

Marathon Cupcakes - Sweet Pea

I recently started watching Cupcake Wars, a reality baking show on the Food Network. As I comfied (I'm an English Major; I get to make up words) myself on my futon and began streaming the latest episode of my new television addiction, I was thrilled to find that the show's theme was the L.A. Marathon.

Honestly, the best part of the sweat and the stink and the pain is the FOOD that I can eat without gaining a pound. I pretend to wonder why I'm not losing any weight while doing all of this constant exercise, but I know exactly why I'm not; I'm a glutton. It doesn't help that after a cardio session the human body craves sugar (I'm not making that up; my doctor said so) and I have a ridiculous sweet tooth. Enter marathon-themed cupcakes!

Pea Cupcake with Goat Cheese Frosting

Cupcake:
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups peas, pureed
2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
Blend eggs and sugar until well mixed. Add oil, vanilla, lemon juice, and peas. Mix. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix. Bake at 375 F for 14-16 minutes or until a cake tester (you could use a toothpick) comes out clean. Set aside to cool. 


Frosting:
2 cups (15 ounces) fresh goat cheese
3/4 cup (6 ounces) cream cheese
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Blend cheeses well first and then add sugar. 


Peas are one of the most nutritious leguminous vegetables rich in phyto-nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants.

Don't knock 'em until you try 'em!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Running Playlist - Just Run

If you are like me, you can't run without good music to keep you going. After spending countless hours searching for and adding songs to to my running playlists I've decided it's high time that I share them. I'd like to thank Julie at Peanut Butter Fingers (absolutely love the name of her site, by the way) for the inspiration not only to write this series of blog posts, but also for some really great tune suggestions to add to my lists!


I have a bunch of specialised lists to share with you folks, but I'll start off with something quite generic that contains songs that most people are likely to recognise. For fun's sake and because every list needs some kind of title, I'm calling this playlist, Just Run.



  • M.I.A. - Paper Planes
  • Night Like This - Shawn Desman
  • Boom Boom Boom - Venga Boys
  • Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys
  • Give Me Everything - Pitbull
  • Firework - Katy Perry 
  • All of the Lights - Kanye West
  • Grace Kelly - Mika
  • My Body - Young the Giant
  • Jump - Flo Rida
  • Tightrope - Janelle Monae
  • Raise Your Glass - Pink
  • She's the Blade - Sugarcult
  • Freaky Girl - Shaggy
  • Some Nights - Fun. 
  • Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
  • You're a Superstar - Love Inc.
  • Pump It - Black Eyed Peas 
  • Omobolasire - Prozzak
  • Ohio (Come Back to Texas) - Bowling for Soup
And there we have it - 20 songs at approximately 3.5 minutes each for a total of about 70 minutes - not enough time to run a half marathon, but enough time to get a good run in none-the-less.

My top pick from this list would have to be "My Body" by Young the Giant. The first time I actually made it to 5K was thanks in large part to fact that this song came on when I thought I was finished. The lyrics, "my body tells me no, but I won't quit cause I want more," gave me the motivation I needed to push myself to that 5K mark.

Another point of interest attached to this list involves "Night Like This" by Shawn Desman. I saw him live at a local club. When he performed this song, he grabbed my hand, stared into my eyes, and had me sing along with him! I haven't washed my hand since. I joke. I kid. But really now, the man is f-i-n-e. If he was waiting for me at the end of the half marathon, perhaps my time would increase a tad! A girl can dream, right?!

Speaking of dreams, if you like this playlist how about a donation to make some realistic dreams come true for students in refugee camps.

Is there a song on this list that is connected to a memory for you? I'd love to hear about it!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Monkeys Don't Wear Shoes; Stupid Humans!

If you've been reading my blog you know that I am planning to run the half marathon in my Vibrams. I decided to write a blog post about the benefits of FiveFinger running because EVERY time I wear my Vibrams in a public place, I get the most ridiculous comments from people who have no idea what the purpose of the shoes is.

People say things like: "Those look like monkey shoes." - O, really?! That is definitely the look I was going for. I am so glad you noticed...or not - monkey's don't even wear shoes, idiot! What is even worse is that when you type "monkey shoes" into Google, the first images that come up are of Vibrams. I also commonly get laughed at and not in a nice, those-are-so-cool way. No, typically, it's in a those-are-completely-ridiculous way. Once again, thanks are in order because, you know, I wear them to make a fashion statement, not because of the natural movement benefits or anything like that.

Now to the point of this rambling, WHY I WEAR VIBRAMS a.k.a. Your Barefoot Education:

In short, Vibram FiveFingers fit and assist the natural form and function of the foot. The benefits of running barefoot are supported by scientific research (even Harvard says so) and there is significant evidence that training shoeless allows for faster and farther running with fewer injuries. Of course, it's ridiculous to just toss out the running shoes we've been using forever and take to the streets bare foot - BUT - Vibrams provide the protection our feet need while also providing the closest sensation to the natural act of being bare foot. I bet that's exactly why monkey's don't wear shoes; they've had it right all along. Stupid humans! Vibrams allow us to land on our forefoot rather than our heel, resulting in optimum balance and less impact. Trust me, you'll definitely notice the muscle strengthening they provide in your feet and lower legs.

To get more specific, the Vibram FiveFingers I run in are called Bikila's; they are designed to provide the most natural running experience of all the Vibram brands. I actually just realised this fun fact recently which led me to the further realisation that it's no wonder my transition from bulky, unnatural running shoes to Vibrams was so slow and painful at times. Perhaps I should have done a tad more research and started with a brand that allowed for a slightly lesser "learning curve" for my body. No sense in dwelling on the past...forward ho! I actually need a new pair (which is how I found out what brand I'm actually wearing) so soon to be charged to my credit card are these fine specimens:
I can't wait to break them in! 

Now that you have your Vibram education, you should consider trying out a pair. Also, rather than considering it, you should just go ahead and make a donation towards the 21K that I will be running with my Vibrams! 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Inspirational Runners - Fauja Singh Edition

In keeping with my weekly Tuesday blog post featuring inspirational runners I am going to talk about Fauja Singh - the world's oldest marathon runner. Singh is currently 101 years old and recently ran his last full marathon.


Are you kidding me?! Dude's been alive for a century and he's still running marathons?! I would kiss this man's feet; even if they stink as bad as mine do after a run, I would still kiss this man's feet.


Singh is originally from India and currently resides in Ilford, East London. He ran his last full marathon, the Virgin London Marathon, in 7 hours 49 minutes and 21 seconds. In his gender category, Singh finished 36,687th out of approximately 37,500 runners. Singh is now retired from full marathon running, but plans to continue participating in shorter runs from 5km to half marathons. 


Seriously?! If a 101 year-old man can run a half marathon without dying, surely I can...right?!


In 2011, Singh set the Guinness Record for oldest man to complete a marathon in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. In 2012, he broke his own record. Sadly, the Guinness Book of Records will not recognise his achievement because age-related events need to be verified with a birth certificate which Singh does not have. Admittedly, however, Singh had no idea that the Guinness Records even existed until he was told about them. He is quoted as saying: "My job is to run and I will continue to do that. Recognition by any book or agency will not affect my spirit towards running" (Daily News and Analysis, India).


Singh's biography is entitled Turbaned Tornado and it attempts to capture the centenarian's marathon spirit. Singh began running at age 80 after the death of his wife (if he can start at 80, I think I can start at 28) and trains every day, running at least 10 miles. Singh was a torch bearer in the 2004 Athens Olympics and hopes to once again bear the Olympic torch in the upcoming London Games


Wise words from Fauja Singh: "Be grateful for everything you have, stay away from people who are negative, stay smiling, and keep running." ... and donate to Brandy's cause to keep her running! (Ok, maybe I made that part up, but I'm sure Fauja would approve of you supporting me.)



Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Inspirational Runners - Kim Slater Edition

On July 8th, Kim Slater began her trek to run the equivalent of 29 marathons over 45 days; personally, I think she's insane! To raise awareness about the controversial expansion of the Alberta oil sands and society's dependence on fossil fuels, Slater is running the proposed route for the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline which is set to start near Jasper, Alberta and finish near Kitimat, British Columbia. That's 1,170 kilometres. Uh...I thought 21K was a lot! 


As she goes along, Slater plans to stop and talk to the people living in the communities located along the proposed pipeline route. She hopes to raise questions in addition to awareness and get educated on all aspects of the issue. The pipeline would carry an average of 525,000 barrels of petroleum per day through the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. In the long run (pun intended), Slater is hoping to pressure Canadian federal leaders to create a national energy strategy. 


Slater has raised $15,000 to cover the costs of her endeavour - a support vehicle, waste vegetable oil for fuel, and food. So, I thought $5000 and 21km was pretty impressive, but I have nothing on the Marathon Slayer. 


You can follow her incredible journey on Band Together BC: Hold Hands Not Tar Sands


Like Kim, I am running for social change - advocating for a cause very near and dear to my heart. Education WILL change the world - one student at a time and I will tell people how important their support is - one kilometer at a time! Wise words from Kim Slater: "Running is the simplest way forward..."



Monday, July 9, 2012

21 Weeks to 21K

In 21 short weeks, I'll be in Las Vegas, Nevada running 21km. It's going to be great - maybe - and maybe I won't die. I've been reading The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training by Dawn Dias. In fact, I'm following her training guide because she had never run a day in her life (well maybe as a child) before she decided to run a marathon (a full one I might add). It's slow and steady, but not easy by any means. The basic structure is Sunday: short run, Monday: rest, Tuesday: short run, Wednesday: a bit longer run, Thursday: 45mins - 1hour Cross Training (which means something that is low-impact like biking, weights, core - pretty much anything that does not require incessantly pounding the pavement and having my shins scream out in protest), Friday: rest, Saturday: long run (a.k.a. Hell Day). That is repeated every week until week 19 at which point I do short runs Monday and Tuesday and rest every day after that until the marathon on Sunday.  

So that's the running part...
...now for the fundraising part.

A few days ago I needed $150 to hit the $1000 mark. I promised that I would post an embarrassing photo of myself post-workout once I reached that landmark. I launched my second fundraising idea - Pennies for Progress - and asked people to help me collect enough pennies to cover each kilometer of Africa's continental border. That's 30,557 pennies! When you ask for pennies, you're pretty much guaranteed to get other coins as well. A friend of mine pulled this jar of coins from the back of her closet and delivered it to my desk. There was over $200 in that jar which put me over the $1000 mark. With online and personal donations in addition to honey sales and coins collected so far I've raised $1080 dollars! You can see the financial breakdown associated with each aspect of my fundraising efforts here. You can also add to my fundraising efforts there




Alright, I am done digressing. Here is the pre- vs post-workout photo. Hopefully you get some idea of the sweat and stink emanating from me in the second photo! 

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Inspirational Runners - Kathrine Switzer Edition

I've decided to start some "Special Edition" posts in 21K for Change and Inspirational Runners is one of them. This first post is dedicated to Kathrine Switzer. My friend, Barbara, posted that photo on my facebook wall and this idea to showcase phenomenal runners stemmed from there. 


Kathrine Switzer is the first woman to run the previously male-only Boston Marathon. In 1967, as she run down the marathon course, Switzer was physically attacked by the race director for wearing official bib numbers in the race. In 1972, after 5 years of advocating by women to be eligible to run the race along side the men, the Boston Athletic Association officially allowed women to enter the race. Jock Semple, the man who had attacked Switzer just 5 years earlier, was allowing women to run the Boston Marathon, but only if they could meet the men's qualifying time of 3 hours 30 minutes. Seven women ran the Boston Marathon in 1972 and the rest is history. In 2012, more than 10,000 women ran the Boston Marathon. 


Switzer was the women's winner of the New York Marathon in 1974 and achieved her personal best time of 2:51:37 in the Boston Marathon of 1975. (Seriously?! A full marathon - 42K in 2:51:37?! I hope to finish 21K in that amount of time!) 


At the age of 63, after a three-decade rest from long distance running, Switzer ran the Motatapu Icebreaker, an off-road marathon in New Zealand in 2010. 

Switzer works as a television broadcaster and has covered all of the major marathons in North America as well as the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. She won her first of several Emmy awards in 1997. Switzer is also a best-selling author and renowned public speaker. Her memoir, Marathon Woman won the 2008 Billie Award for journalism. 


I'm going to leave you lovely readers with words of wisdom from Katherine Switzer, words that I plan to add to my list of things to remember while running when I feel like I am going to die: "It's about women who can endure the distance with belief and bravery, and every day are empowered by their efforts."