The gauntlet has been thrown!

Firegirrl asked; What's a little competition amongst friends...and we answer - the key to meeting our goals!

"Whether it be a first 5 or 10k, marathon or just plain pushing it that extra mile we all have goals this fall. And with that comes competition, competition with ourselves and others, right?? So why not have a Traxee competition in the spirit of fall racing. Let's see who can PR, run that first race, make the extra mile. Have a favorite running partner who you always have a little friendly competition with? Online friend? Let's post our race result links here and start the smack talk and banter. Let's start bettering ourselves and inspiring others! Isn't that what running is all about anyhow? So who's with me?"

We are!

• Currently 5.0/5 Stars.

Tags: Traxee challenge

thanks!!! Posted by: firegirruns on Oct 20, 2010 at 09:42 AM

Congrats to firegirruns! And I absolutely love your enthusiasm. :) Posted by: pdancosse on Oct 20, 2010 at 02:53 AM

I am so glad that you popped in to say hello. It is so awesome that you are getting your daughter into this - heck the whole family. I love what you said about your friends and family being there to support you should you fall...but you didn't. Yes, you are a marathoner. be prepared to hear "You are crazy!" ;-) Posted by: bmoore on Oct 19, 2010 at 09:15 PM

HELLO!!!! I am so sorry I have not posted in so long! Kids, work, school, ect...you all know it. I just posted my, some what of a race report, but will say again, I AM A MARATHONER!!!! I completed Bay State Sunday and that was my only goal. To finish. To prove to myself that I wouldn't die if I ran 26.2! LOL Now you ask?? What to do now? Well what else! Run another one of course! I am addicted! I love this sport! I love the spirt of the people who partake in this sport. I love that my daughter has seen what I have been doing and now has been training with me. Also, my Husband, has now gotten on the wagon and signed up for a 5k. Now, let me get my boys to join in, and it can be a family affair! Lovin it! Hope you all have had a wonderful season, and I will try harder to get on here more often. Peace, love, joy! Happy running. :) Posted by: firegirruns on Oct 19, 2010 at 06:51 PM

Wow! I find it so hard to do my long runs WITHOUT kids - my time is basically my own. I really admire how you make it all work. Your race won't kill you ;-) you sound prepared, but does your hip hurt while you are running? My fall challenge is toast. I got back to training last week and I did fine for about 5 days - now I am alternating between limping from the tendonitis in my right leg, and hobbling from the tight calve muscle in my left. I guess I must be compensating without knowing it while I run. I am still holding out hope that I am actually going to be able to train up to 9 miles so that I can do the 10K in a decent time, but to be honest - I am not holding out much hope at this point. Such a bummer! Posted by: bmoore on Sep 27, 2010 at 06:11 PM

Well, two weeks from now I will, God willing, have finished my first half marathon. We have trained hard, and I feel prepared, although my hip is giving me some discomfort. I am going to the chiropractor, but so far it hasn't helped as much as it has in the past. I have been able to get through my long runs, but it hurts afterward. I am excited about the prospect of reaching this goal - one that I never dreamed would be attainable, but I am also ready to be finished so I can back off on those long runs. My daughter has band contests every Saturday, so our weekends have been quite busy. Working in a 2-hour run sometimes takes some creative scheduling! If this race doesn't kill me, I would like to do the Indy Half in May, and then continue to complete a couple a year. We shall see. How is everyone else doing with the fall challenge? Posted by: jstath on Sep 26, 2010 at 06:18 PM

Well OK, I respect your modesty, but I think its really an excellent achievement. ;-) Posted by: bmoore on Sep 06, 2010 at 08:53 PM

Beth- in fairness, I only placed once in my age group in a LARGE race (strangely enough, I won it-a one time freak event). But most large races I will never place (I'd me a mid packer like you), I can only place in the small or moderate size 5ks. Posted by: sbusse on Sep 06, 2010 at 04:01 PM

@runner4life I hear you. The last Half I did I actually slowed myself down in the first 3 miles - but then got paranoid and picked up the pace significantly. The only problem was the last two miles were murder. I just literally had nothing left. My time was OK - 2:02 but I was SPENT! Posted by: bmoore on Sep 01, 2010 at 05:08 PM

@sbusse: 2nd in your age group is awesome! God, I wish I could place in a race...just once and I would be happy. I am a solid mid-packer. Posted by: bmoore on Sep 01, 2010 at 05:05 PM

runner4life- that's my problem too! lol (except for shorter distances. Posted by: sbusse on Aug 31, 2010 at 04:50 PM

Registered for the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon. Takes place October24th!!!! This will be my second race, I have been training for about 4 weeks now, my goal is to finish in about 2hrs.I want to try to keep running between 9:15-9:30 pace, but usually when I start out running, I run 8:30-9:00min pace.lol i've got to slow it down. Posted by: runner4life on Aug 30, 2010 at 03:49 AM

That was supposed to say "2nd 5k this summer".... oops Posted by: sbusse on Aug 29, 2010 at 08:17 PM

@dn 5k this summer. ITB didn't bother me at all. Still went out too fast that forst mile. I wanted to go out at 8:10, went out at 7:56. End time was ok, but not great- 26:04, but it is a minute faster than my last 5k, and it was good enough for 2nd place in my age group. I really have to get another minute off and get better at pacing that 1st mile before this relay in Sept.! I have some work to do! Posted by: sbusse on Aug 29, 2010 at 08:15 AM

Oooh! Drizzling and 72! Now THAT"S an improvement! Perfect running weather! I think the relay sounds like tons of fun, and it sounds like you are running a pretty darn respectable pace. I REALLY want to hear how it goes on Saturday. Posted by: bmoore on Aug 25, 2010 at 10:23 AM

Decided since it was drizzling and 72 out, today would be my short, faster run. Despite 2 different injuries this summer, I ran my fastest 2 mile of the season (16:35) and aferwards I realized I could have run faster. I'm ok with that, respectable at this point. This should put me in a time in Sunday's 5k that I'm comfortable with in my training thus far, as long as I pace myself correctly and not go out too fast! Fingers crossed. This is my last 5k race before September's relay that I'm in with 2 men who are obviously faster than me. Posted by: sbusse on Aug 24, 2010 at 05:02 PM

Thanks, bmoore. So far, I'm really enjoying everything about it and hopefully it'll help me to one day run a marathon. Dream big, right? :) Posted by: pdancosse on Aug 23, 2010 at 07:12 PM

Good luck with Team Beach Body. I am familiar with these folks and what they do - they are a client of one of my clients - they're terrific! Posted by: bmoore on Aug 23, 2010 at 06:51 PM

I became a Team Beachbody coach because I really believe in this program based on what it's doing for me. You can check it out from my website if you'd like. www.beachbodycoach.com/pdancosse66. Thanks. :) Posted by: pdancosse on Aug 23, 2010 at 11:50 AM

Wow! Cutting your meds! That's awesome...mmm...I am going to look into this program... Posted by: bmoore on Aug 23, 2010 at 11:23 AM

Sorry to hear that you're getting the heat now but that's great that you don't get the humidity. I think it's worse than the heat itself. I'm loving P90X. I am definitely running a lot stronger now, my time keeps improving, and I feel fantastic. I'm only 2 lbs. from my goal weight, which I just couldn't seem to lose at the gym. I also have asthma and since starting P90X, I've been able to cut my med down to less than 1/2 of what I used to take. I credit that to Yoga X. :) Posted by: pdancosse on Aug 23, 2010 at 09:51 AM

God, I am so glad to hear that the weather is breaking. It's been absolutely miserable for you women on the East Coats. Ha! No we have your misery...but of course we never get quite as humid. How are you linking P90X? I am really fascinated by this because it kind of works on that same idea of working different muscle groups constantly to attain overall strength. Posted by: bmoore on Aug 23, 2010 at 09:38 AM

Thanks, bmoore. I'm getting there. I've been training with P90X for almost 3 months and it has helped a lot. Now, I'll be continuing with another round of P90X but I'm going to incorporate more running into the cardio workouts since the intense heat is moving out and that perfect running weather is coming. Posted by: pdancosse on Aug 23, 2010 at 03:11 AM

Oh - THAT"S a good one, and I identify especially with it. I actually remember the first time I ran 8 miles and exactly the route I ran more than 15 years ago. I remember writing it in my running log and being amazed at how it boosted my total weekly mileage for the week. Never before had I imagined that I could run so far...it made me feel so powerful! Posted by: bmoore on Aug 22, 2010 at 12:23 PM

I'm aiming for 8 miles this fall! This sounds like fun. Posted by: pdancosse on Aug 22, 2010 at 12:17 PM

I will probably follow a similiar schedule this week that I would give to a XC girls team before a meet with the an adjustment to my injury. Probably will try to get one fast run or moderate speed work in early in the week, Friday for a slow run to loosen up and Saturday off except for stretching. I know what you mean about the pacing for longer runs; it can be difficult when you get into anything over 5 miles, especially since your body feels differently on diffferent days and even at different parts of the run. I know some people (I've never really been able to) have a way of learning to pace themselves by the pattern of their breathing and how it works with their steps. Posted by: sbusse on Aug 22, 2010 at 08:58 AM

Looks like a lot of people are in focus time right now. One glance at my Trax Log and I can see the benefits of doing regular weekly speedwork and moving to a 5-day a week schedule (from 4) as I move into serious training. I am still a ways away from being able to meet my goal of doing the 10K on a hilly course in under 58:00 - but progress is definitely emerging. I seem to be having quite a bit of trouble pacing - even with the Garmin. I think I will specifically work on this when I do my first training run on the actual course. I have a hard time holding back and end up feeling pretty spent around mile 5. Posted by: bmoore on Aug 21, 2010 at 03:43 PM

Mmm...does your schedule call for a taper this week? More rest? I think you should try to take it a little easy if you can. The stress of the race might cause re-injury. I will be really interested to hear how you do. You just may surprise yourself! Posted by: bmoore on Aug 21, 2010 at 03:40 PM

I have one week until my 2nd 5k of the summer. Had some minor injury setbacks and I'm wondering what this week will bring as far as training time before my race on Sunday. I've been hoping to be in the mid 25s or better for this race, and now, coming back, I may have to adjust that goal to mid-low 26s :(. Oh well, I guess my new focus will be the 5k relay in September for a better time. Posted by: sbusse on Aug 21, 2010 at 01:53 PM

Hey 800runnergirl...no fair hiding in the bushes ;-) What are YOU running for? Posted by: bmoore on Aug 20, 2010 at 06:50 PM

YAY Kassi and Joyce! WTG!!! What a great day for you. So I guess the next burning question is....when's your next race? ;) Posted by: firegirruns on Aug 19, 2010 at 07:39 PM

I am in!! Sounds fun and inspiring. Posted by: 800runnergirl on Aug 18, 2010 at 04:40 PM

Whoo Hoo! Yeah! I am so elated for you - and wasn't it like one of the best experiences of your life? Great performance - now I KNOW you are totally hooked! Yo Joyce? What's up girl - you need some pops too!! Posted by: bmoore on Aug 15, 2010 at 04:43 PM

First official run is in the books! It was great. I placed 15th out of 25 for my age group with a 22.28 time for the 2 mile and 217 out of 295 overall. And it was my best ever 2 mile time!! It was awesome! Capped of the day with my 25th high school reunion. My fab friend Joyce is one of my biggest inspirations. Who, by the way, had an AWESOME 6 mile race! Race results are posted at RunPerryCounty.com under the Schweizer Fest Road Run Posted by: Kassi on Aug 15, 2010 at 03:44 PM

Kassi, how was your first race? Hope it was a wonderful experience for you!! Posted by: PlanetSaturn on Aug 15, 2010 at 08:21 AM

Righteous! You WILL conquer! Posted by: bmoore on Aug 15, 2010 at 04:49 AM

Kass, you know how proud I am of you!!! I will be there to give you a good luck hug tomorrow! Kass and I have been fabulous friends for over 30 years - we've cheered together, played tennis together, partied together, cried together, laughed together, eaten lots of popcorn together, and now we can add running to that list! She has amazed me this summer by adding mileage very quickly. She's only been running about 6 weeks, and can already run 5 miles! I think I was still struggling to get 2 miles at that point. Tomorrow when she runs her first race, I will be running the 6 mile (with the nasty hill) that I have been anxious about. And then we will celebrate our accomplishments at our 25 year class reunion! Run on, Kass!! Love ya! Posted by: jstath on Aug 13, 2010 at 05:53 AM

Yay Kassi! I am so excited for you! A short race is an excellent way to stay motivated and you are so right - at this point, don't worry about pace - or even any of the formal training stuff; just get out there and enjoy yourself. Obviously you are already hooked, but I just know you're gonna be even ore so once you've experienced a race. Let us know what happens on Saturday! We'll be sending you "cool thoughts!" Posted by: bmoore on Aug 12, 2010 at 05:28 PM

I just starting running June 28th. I've worked my way up to 5 miles, but at a slow pace. I'm running in my first race on Saturday. It's a 2 mile, flat course, but I'm excited! We've had extreme heat and humidity with triple digit temps so it will be challenging from that stand point. I really want to work on pace, but I think I should wait for cooler weather. Posted by: Kassi on Aug 11, 2010 at 09:23 PM

WTG lonestarmom! I feel the same. You are very brave to go back and try again. This site is a great place for related info, friendly advise and motivation. Feel free to hit me up anytime if you need any help getting started. I have 3 kids myself and have the same issues as you face. Great to see you here. Happy Running! Posted by: firegirruns on Aug 08, 2010 at 06:56 PM

Oh it is sooo hard to find time for training when the kids are home! I know a lot of moms right now who are counting the days! ;-) I think it is incredibly brave to go back to that race and try again. What a great goal, and to me the half marathon is the perfect distance race. Just when it starts to get ugly - you're across the finish line! Keep us updated on how its going! Posted by: bmoore on Aug 07, 2010 at 11:31 PM

I am new here. I am training for a 1/2 marathon. It is in Feb 2011. I ran this same race in 2009 and did poorly so I want to run it again and be more prepared and rock it. I'm trying to get what workouts I can in, and once my kids are back in school it should be a little easier to do. Posted by: ldslonestarmom on Aug 07, 2010 at 07:03 PM

I am getting B.O.R.E.D. I am smack in the middle of my training and feel llike I need to mix it up. Any ideas? Posted by: firegirruns on Aug 07, 2010 at 04:22 PM

OK you guys! I'm sending out a wake up call to all our Fall challengers! How is everyone doing? Even though my official training start date won't be here for about 3 weeks, I am trying to get myself on a regular 5-day a week training schedule that includes a solid interval workout at least once a week. I went out to the track this AM under foggy skies and 65 degrees - perfect - and ran 4 X 400s. I kinda screwed up with my Garmin on one set, but my fastest set looks like 8:01! The most interesting thing is that I think I am running my recovery sets too fast - about 9:30 - 9:40, but it feels right to me so I'm not going to worry too much about it. What's everybody else doing? Posted by: bmoore on Aug 07, 2010 at 04:17 PM

Excellent! What a great birthday present to give yourself! Ha, ha, it's funny how we're all kind of a little skittish of saying our dreams out loud, isn't it? Posted by: bmoore on Aug 04, 2010 at 10:51 PM

Hello! Sorry to chime in so late. I would like to add, that I am also shooting for a first. I will be running the Bay State Marathon in Oct. I will be running with an inspiring and fun loving group of women I have known for long and short. I am going in with the mind set of having fun and hoping to just finish (but maybe secretly hoping to finish in less than 4 hours...shhhh) :). I have wanted to achive this goal for quite awhile, but never really had the guts to do it, until one of my oldest friends posted a few races on my FB wall earlier this year. Kind of like a "ok lady, here's your kick in the butt." LOL Well, it just happened that the first one she posted was the Bay State, and "just happens" to be on my 40th birthday! I caved, and before I could talk myself out of it, I registered. Game on. It has been a good training season thus far, but a hot one. I look forward to "training" with you all and will be virtually cheering you all on from the sidelines. :) I wish you all good health and happy running. :D Posted by: firegirruns on Aug 04, 2010 at 05:47 PM

Well, we're a pretty friendly (and sympathetic) bunch...let's just say we'll encourage you! ;-) Excellent choice in Hal Higdon's plan. You are going to be amazed at how well his program works! Mind if I post it in a Gallery (if I can get it in there?) Posted by: bmoore on Jul 31, 2010 at 11:06 AM

I guess if I say it in public, I will be held accountable. I am going to run the Evansville Half Marathon on October 10. The link the the training that I plan to use is http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/halfinter.pdf Posted by: jstath on Jul 31, 2010 at 10:52 AM

Ah yes, our old friend "overuse." Sounds like it's time for the handy-dandy bag 'o frozen peas or better yet, a cold water plunge and some Advil....and rest. Posted by: bmoore on Jul 31, 2010 at 10:38 AM

I think it might have been yoga combined with some seasonal best runs. Last Friday I took 15 secs. off my mile pace. Monday was another drop. I started working upper body Monday night. Had a decent run Tuesday. Tuesday night was yoga. By Wednesday night my right hip muscles felt pretty sore and painful, hurts to the touch as well. Pain hasn't gotten worse OR better, so I guess, even though I felt okay while I was doing everything, it was a bit too much work on the muscles. I think I have a level II strain. :( Posted by: sbusse on Jul 31, 2010 at 10:27 AM

Aaack! Injury! sbusse, what happened? Posted by: bmoore on Jul 31, 2010 at 10:04 AM

Go hockeymom! Isn't it amazing the difference proper hydration makes. That thing they tell you in school about our bodies being 95% water just tells you how much of a difference it makes to our performance. I am sooo excited for you running our first race ever. Just remember to run YOUR race and don't let the excited around you get you off your game. Visualization of the race you want to run really helps. Posted by: bmoore on Jul 31, 2010 at 10:03 AM

Ooooh tross, my heart skipped a beat when I read your post! I am so excited for you. I have never gotten up the nerve to run a full marathon. I started training for San Francisco and then chickened out and ended up running a half instead. Go girrl! I look forward to hearing how your training goes and ultimately - the BIG DAY! Posted by: bmoore on Jul 31, 2010 at 09:53 AM

UGH! Just as my training was bringing my pace down, I injure myself. Still, I was trying to hang on with easy, slow runs to loosen up, what I thought, was just sore muscles, to no avail. It's clear it's not just soreness. I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and take a few days rest. I HATE having a setback right after progress!! I have 3 5k races planned for the next 3 months and I was really hoping to get faster and stronger. Only time will tell....... Posted by: sbusse on Jul 31, 2010 at 07:38 AM

I am training for the St. Jude Marathon in December. It will be my first marathon and I am nervous and excited. I started training in January for a half, just to see if I could run that far. My 40th birthday is approaching and I decided why not go for the marathon. I am up to 14 miles on my long runs and I love it! Posted by: tross on Jul 31, 2010 at 06:50 AM

I am currently on Week 5 of the C25K program. I want to run the Pink Ribbon Run on Oct 2nd. It will be my first race. Posting this is a bit intimidating...makes it official. hmmmm...my goal is to finish! In order to do that I've implemented some of your suggestions, the main one being more hydration. It has made a big difference. That and I have added biking on my DOR with the C25K program. Posted by: hockeymom3229 on Jul 30, 2010 at 09:35 PM

OkeeDokee - so I have settled on a 12 week training program that fits my schedule. Truth be told, I probably don't need the full 12 weeks, but I figure sticking to a specific schedule will keep me motivated. I got this from Cool Running and it looks pretty do-able. The important thing is going to be for me to do the interval workouts if I'm gonna make that pace goal. Here's the URL to the workout in my Gallery: http://www.traxee.com/album/48 Posted by: bmoore on Jul 30, 2010 at 09:09 PM

Ran my first long training run forever. I kind of wanted to see where I was at with distance and speed so I ran 8.6 yesterday morning. I did do some ice afterwards but the knee feels great (I think the foam roller is really helping) so...onward. Probably going to start training at least once a week on the race course when I get back from vacation. Posted by: bmoore on Jul 29, 2010 at 08:09 AM

Ha ha. Well I can see that I am a little outnumbered here- everyone training for marathons and the such, whereas I'm just trying to get faster! :) Either way, good luck ladies. Posted by: sbusse on Jul 28, 2010 at 10:39 AM

Hi Everyone! I wish you all much success with their goal(s) and training and hope that we all accomplish what we have set out as our goal/commitment with a smile and injury free. What a way to finish out 2010, eh??!! My goal is my first marathon this November, 2010 and I hope to finish in under 4 hours. I am also trying to begin a training program that will move me into the ultra-running phase (specifically for trail running). That training program is a work in progress as I write .. Smile, enjoy, and always stop to enjoy the view .. remember if you can’t run fast (I can’t) then just run farther ........ Posted by: PlanetSaturn on Jul 28, 2010 at 09:07 AM

@BMoore...NYC is my dream race! I am just happy I got in on my first try. Training is key for me. I think I get pretty jazzed up at the start too so I have to catch myself and remind myself to slow down. I never run before, I just stretch. For me racing is about having a great time. I soak it all in and have fun. I encourage people along the route, say thanks to the volunteers and wave and smile at the spectators. Hope that helps! Good luck in your next race. Posted by: gspaulding on Jul 27, 2010 at 06:25 PM

My goal is to finish a 10K! I just did a 5K so now I am training for a 10K. I would love to increase my pace as well. We will see!! Posted by: kristenhays on Jul 27, 2010 at 06:21 PM

ospaulding I am so excited for you. I don't think I will ever run NY, but it looks so amazing - What do you guys think is the single most important thing to do on race day to ensure success? Pace? Emotional control? Training? I tend to get very jazzed at the beginning of a race and go out too fast - typical of someone who doesn't race much anymore. Do you warm up with a jog? Looking for some suggestions here to put in my head and start to visualize. Posted by: bmoore on Jul 27, 2010 at 05:54 PM

I am!! Let's see I am returning this fall after an injury in the Spring that took me out of my marathon. I am now scheduled to complete the Disneyland HM in Sept, Army Ten Miler in Oct and the big one....NYC Marathon in Nov! I am hoping to PR in all but most of all in the NYC Marathon. I am going back home for that marathon. NOthing like a NY crowd to energize you through a tough race. My current PR is 4:49 and I am hoping for a 4:30 or better. It's been a rough training season with the heat in Northeastern PA but I am pushing through it! Posted by: gspaulding on Jul 27, 2010 at 11:53 AM

1) Beth- yes you can! Just listen to your body and train smart. 2) My first goal is my second 5k this summer at the end of Aug. I ran my first one in June (after 2 1/2 yrs away from racing) and then, I planned on running 26s. I went out too fast in the first mile and wound up running a 27:00. Now with more training under my belt, for the end of Aug. I would like to be in the mid 25s or better. After which, I will set my goal for my Sept. 5k, which I think might be a relay- so more pressure since it's a mixed team and I'm the only female! Posted by: sbusse on Jul 27, 2010 at 10:52 AM

I'm running a 10K in November. My first 10K ever and the first 2 miles are straight uphill. Posted by: runfatgirlrunblog on Jul 27, 2010 at 10:41 AM

Hi everyone! OK, so here's my goal (and it's a tall one). I have signed up for a November 10K - my first race in nearly two years. I am currently running a 9:30 mile. I am going to train to achieve an average 9:15 with a goal of finishing this race in under 58:00. I'll be choosing a training plan soon which I'll share with you guys. Yikes! Can I do this without getting injured again? :-0 Posted by: bmoore on Jul 27, 2010 at 10:07 AM