TMI Tuesday: a Halloween Special
The cost of our Run + Refresh Retreat in Ogden is about to rise by $50 on November 1. You know you want to come meet some new BRFs and get your run on. Commit today and save yourself a little dough!
In case you are looking for a spooky (or not-so-spooky) costume, check out our past Halloween posts. But if you’d like to feel a little shiver up your spine, here’s a little TMI mystery. The details have been changed to protect the easily embarrassed….
It was a dark and stormy afternoon. I had just hit the 4-mile mark on my standard long run route and rounded the corner into the cemetery. It’s a great place to run, frankly. Quiet, for the most part, and full of interesting names and decorations. One of the resident’s family members put a rubber carp (or trout, maybe? I’m not an ichthyologist.) on his plot in lieu of flowers. Some graves were adorned with wind-driven whirligigs or the occasional plastic flower.
But there was nothing on Lolo’s grave.
I’ve run past her final resting place several dozen times. It’s a lovely spot under a tree, so she has shade in the summer, brilliant crimson leaves in the fall, and thin sunshine in the winter. On her headstone, I’ve left little stones and the occasional penny or nickel I’ve found on nearby sidewalks. They are always gone by my next long run, carried off by birds or kids or …. well. We can’t say for certain, can we?
The nearby residents, however, might be jealous of my affection for Lolo. And here is how I know.
A couple of months ago, on that dark and stormy afternoon, a rounded Lolo’s marker, took two more steps, and my gut became one giant cramp, the type that portends nothing good is about to happen. I dropped down to a clenched walk and, miraculously, made it to a nearby fast food emporium before the worst happened.
Weird, I thought. Then thought nothing of it, until it happened again the next week. And two weeks after that. I was not so lucky that last time and the result was TMMI = Too Much Messy Information.
I’ve switched energy gels. I’ve taken a hard look at my diet. But one factor remains the same: that spot just past Lolo’s grave. I’ve angered the residents and my gut bears their curse.
Today is Halloween, and my run will take me by that very spot. Should I pack treats to leave behind? Or hope an adult diaper won’t chafe? Or carry an extra treat bucket, just in case?
#283: 100-Mile Mommas Running for a Good Cause
Sarah and BRF Molly Williams convene for a convo with two remarkable mother runners who recently each ran 100 continuous miles to race money for charity. Julie Millen, a mom of five and founder of Joules Athletics, shares how the Joules Athletic Warrior 100 Miler evolved out of recovering from an injury as a way to honor a friend who had passed from gynecological cancer. Marvel along with SBS and Molly when Julie reveals she ran the first 87 miles around a ½-mile block—in the pouring rain; shiver when she talks about feeling a tap on her shoulder while running and hearing a friend say, “boomdiggity.” Tear up when Julie talks about why she gives back to the running community. Next, Molly and Sarah welcome Julie’s friend Emma Jeter and fellow 100-mile momma on the pod. Emma tells how she “originally sucked at running” and started by running two blocks—then walking those same two blocks back home. This homeschooler admits running is “a moment of refreshment” and that divine intervention was involved in her finding her best running friend. In her beautiful British accent, this Texas transplant extols the beauty of running—and talks about the silver lining in her community to Hurricane Harvey. No rest for these gals: They are running another 100-miler for a cancer charity in December.
In intro, Molly and Sarah reveal a scheme involving their next race together. The inspiring interviews start at 17:50.
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Panel O’BAMRs: Dry Shampoo
Over on our Facebook page, BAMRs galore started singing the praises of dry shampoos. Which made us wonder — which is the best?
We lined up a panel o’BAMRs, sent ‘em some products, and had them spray away. Here’s the nitty-gritty.
Our testers:
Sarah Bow, who has mid-back length curly hair.
Krista Rider, who has thick, long, curly hair.
Audrey Schaab, long, curly and dry/frizzy
Debbie Shurson, extremely long and wavy red hair that has never been dyed or highlighted
Nicole Neher, long straight hair
Genelle Tilden, long, blonde, fine but fairly thick hair, which tends toward the greasy side
Erin LeFevre, curly hair, and applying dry shampoo made her hair big, like ’80s style big!
Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo Clean Freak, Unscented
When I sprayed it in my hair, it left a residue that was hard to get out. Because I have curly hair, I do not brush my hair. With this product, I think brushing is probably necessary to redistribute the product. I also was hoping it would give me some shine. It just didn’t really feel like it was doing anything special for my hair. I would not use this product again. (SB)
I use dry shampoo almost every day. I really like that there was no scent and it was in cute packaging. However, it really didn’t seem to absorb the oil in my hair, which is the main reason I buy these types of products. I would not buy this product after trying it. (NN)
I think I like a little scent, so found the unscented a bit boring but not bad. The biggest negative for this one was it just didn’t soak up the greasies very well. I felt like I hadn’t really used dry shampoo; I eventually ended up throwing on a hat or a ponytail on days when I used this product. One positive is there isn’t really any buildup; perhaps on girls with less oily hair, this one might work well. (GT)
I really liked the smell of this product. I used it after I worked out during the day. My hair doesn’t get too sweaty, but I still want something to put in my hair after it’s been in a ponytail. This was great to use because I could spray it in my hair to give it a little umpf and it made my hair smell nice. I would use this product again purely to put in my gym bag to use after working out. (SB)
It made my hair feel soft and had a pleasant odor. Since my hair got so big during the application, I decided the best choice was to put it in a ponytail. I do that every morning when I wake up, and normally all the little hair and curls are sticking up all over the place. The Pssst! made my hair look like I had actually showered, let my hair dry, then put it in a ponytail. I will definitely use this product again! (EL)
I did not care for the smell at all. It felt very cool, almost wet going on. I liked this because it felt like it really freshened up my hair; however, it ended up that my hair felt a bit more dry and frizzy than I would have liked. I don’t know if I would use it again. In a pinch I’d say “yes,” especially if all I was doing was pulling my hair into a pony (which yes is most days, but still!) (KR)
I really liked how it felt going on. It felt cool, not wet, and seemed to dry my greasy patches a bit better. This one needed to be worked through my hair more and had to be held at a further distance from my head otherwise it showed up white on my hair, which is brown. This one was better for my curls and I didn’t get that frizzy feel or look. I was better able to manage the fly aways. I would definitely use this one again. Be aware it needs a little more working through than point-and-shoot-and-go. (KR)
This was probably my second favorite prior to this testing. It works well and absorbs the oilyness very well. It smells nice, too! Biggest downside is it leaves a lot of buildup behind. I don’t always mind that because it gives my fine hair some texture — but may not be good for girls with heavier or drier textured hair. (GT)
I use dry shampoo almost every day. I like that this product absorbed the oil in my hair and had a nice fresh scent. It’s better than ones I’ve used in the past. However, it has a little bit of a “white powder” look on your hair at first and it is not presented in a great bottle. I would use the product again. It was no frills but got the job done. (NN)
Batiste, clean and classic original
Hands down, My new favorite. I had never tried this brand before. It smells really nice and not overpowering, takes care of the greasies amazingly well- even post run sweaty hair is no match! Good as new! The thing I was most impressed by was how well it worked in relation to how little buildup it leaves! In my past experience with dry shamp, more build up=better grease control. But this one leaves my hair silky and not dry feeling, and absorbs the grease. I also love how powerful the spray is! It kind of just blasts my head, in a good way! I will seek out the Batiste as my first choice from now on. (GT)
This produced a nice amount of volume at the roots. This one has a more natural primary ingredient – rice starch vs. Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, in the Suave dry shampoo. Batiste has a milder fragrance. While I am likely to use up the remainder of what I was given, I am not likely to purchase this product. It comes in an aerosol can, which I avoid mainly for environmental reasons. I am leery of the ingredients. When I want dry shampoo, I’ll stick to my latest homemade recipe: adding cocoa powder to arrowroot powder for my darker roots. (AS)
TRESemme Fresh Start Volumizing
The odor was not pleasant. It made my hair feel sticky. And the application made my hair big. When I put it in a ponytail, it looked like I just woke up. All the little hairs and the crazy curls were sticking up everywhere. (EL)
It didn’t seem to dry up my oily hair and, on second use, it gave it a weird whitish hue. The smell, however, wasn’t bad (probably because of the grapefruit and tangerine peel) so I could at least give it a second shot. My issue with this product lies with the environmental ramifications TRESemme tests on animals and the first three ingredients are absolutely disgusting. Don’t get me wrong — I am not an “all natural” person, I believe in stabilizers so that I don’t have to keep my shampoo in the fridge. However, I believe science doesn’t have to use animals or animal byproducts, and it should be used to help make products safe and effective. (DS)
Did we test your favorite? Is there anything you’d like to add? Do you have thoughts on what we should test next? Please let us know in the comments!
On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink: Katie’s story
So many mother runners are already aware of breast cancer, including our own Katie, that it seems almost like overkill to devote October to becoming even more aware. Yet breast cancer remains the second leading killer of women and there are more than 3.1 million U.S women who have been or are currently being treated for it. Most of the women in the Tribe have been affected by breast cancer, as a patient or as a sister, daughter, mother, or friend.
We’d love it if you’d wear pink Wednesdays this month (yes, a few of us at Team AMR are Mean Girls fans). We’ll be reminding you on Tuesdays because, honestly, who can’t use a reminder? When you wear your pink tomorrow, take a picture of yourself and join us over on Facebook. We have easy-to-use profile picture overlays to show your support for BAMRs with breast cancer, increase awareness, and drive conversations. If you like to DIY your own overlays, click here.
Speaking of Katie, who has been writing about her running after breast cancer journey, this week it’s her turn….
Well, I did it! I ran the Denver Rock N Roll Half Marathon last week! My 10-month long training plan (with about 8 weeks of time off due to surgeries and procedures) paid off and I can’t wait to do another one next spring! In case you guys don’t know the secret, I figured out the key to getting through your first half/marathon/10K, whatever distance it is. Go find an amazing BRF to run it with you! My friend Jill, who you’ve seen before in my blog posts, said yes without hesitation when I asked her a few months ago if she wanted to run it with me. Not only did she pace me the entire time but she kept me entertained with stories and didn’t mind when I couldn’t talk back.
Here we are at the starting line: 6:58 a.m.
It was a gorgeous, blue bird day in Denver and the temps were perfect: 38 degrees at the start then it warmed up to about 50 by the time we crossed the finish line. The crowd was jazzed up and we saw friends along the way, including Coach MK cheering all the BAMRs on at mile 12! My favorite part of the race was when I looked over and saw Dan and our girls standing there, with huge smiles on their faces. I totally broke race code and almost took 10 runners out as I ran over to give them a hug. I hope they look back in 10 or 15 years and remember that moment — the one where they realized that Mom is OK. I don’t look the same as I used to, but I’m a stronger and healthier version of me, transformed by cancer.
Crossing the finish line.
October, as we all know, is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I remember participating in my first Susan Komen race in Kansas City 15 years ago when my Mom was diagnosed. Last year, all of our family and friends did the walk with us in Denver. It’s amazing what can happen in 365 days. I beat cancer, my hair grew back, and I ran my first half marathon at the age of 40. There’s a lot to be grateful for.
Lots of pink supporters last year at the Susan Komen Race!
Dry Martini: So. Much. Running. Around.
It has been just stupid busy around these parts lately. That seems to be one of the features of living in a place with significant winters. Our goal is to cram as much into autumn as we can because soon the ice will come and we will spend as much time as humanly possible around the wood stove sipping tea.
While I enjoy both the stupid busy times and the wood stove times in their turn, right now, I’m getting a little winded from all of the stuff going on right now. This is where my mental training kicks in. I’m drinking my NUUN, speaking out loud to myself in the third person, and saving energy on the downhills. Like a mother runner does.
The bedlam started in September with the AMR Retreat in Spokane. It was, as the kids say, all that and a bag of chips. I don’t know how much more I can add, other than point out there’s a retreat next spring in Ogden, which I’m contemplating flying out for because the race alone sounds divine. Hanging out with all of those BAMRs would be substantial icing on an already delicious cake, ya know?
I didn’t choose the BAMR life, the BAMR life chose me.
Travel across these United-ish States is always drains one’s time and patience. For Spokane, my flights out West were as on-time as a human could hope. Coming back home, thanks to a tower fire in Phoenix and a ground stop in Las Vegas, I wound up spending an unanticipated night in the Denver airport with Coach Amanda (who I seem to spend a lot of time in hotel rooms with) and getting back to Albany by way of Chicago. Total first world problem (and I got to visit with a friend from college who was willing to haul his heiner to the Denver airport) but it did steal about 24 hours from an already packed week.
Badass at Wineglass runners waiting for the start.
It was packed because that next weekend was Wineglass. How I love Wineglass! Corning, New York, is a little gem of a town and the Museum of Glass makes my heart go pitter-pat. To say nothing of the race, which is run like a Swiss watch and winds through some lovely towns. And it is on this course in 2017 where I earned my new half marathon PR!
*cue brass fanfare*
I knew from the moment BRF Lisa and I stepped on the bus that took us to the start that there would be no better opportunity to PR than that day. My training had been strong and included more miles at race pace than I can count. The weather was perfect for me, which means it was lousy — about 40 degrees and damp. The course is one I know quite well at this point and is mostly forgiving. My belly was behaving because I’d popped a pre-emptive Immodium. And, frankly, I was tired of coming *thisclose* to pulling off a PR but letting my own brain get the best of me.
The only downside was all of the travel and expo-ing. But we work with what we have.
The trick, I discovered, was getting at least three race pace miles (but no faster) under my shoes so that I could use them as leverage. By mile four, I didn’t want to betray the promise of those miles. By mile eight, my lingering protestant guilt wouldn’t let my mind laugh off the work I’d done. I was on track for a sub 2:30, which is huge for me, but everything finally caught up with my legs at mile ten or so. I knew I could still PR, mind, just not break the 2:30 barrier because my legs would simply not cooperate, regardless of hydration and Gu.
Still! My 2:32 finish was amazing and hard and deeply rewarding – and made getting out of the car after the two hour drive home a challenge. But let’s focus on the amazing.
Me and my Wineglass medal, post-race.
Speaking of amazing, it’s still hard to fully understand that at this time last year I had just finished my last 20 mile training run for the New York City marathon. And this year, I’ll be going back to NYC on marathon day on November 5.
No, I’m not running 26.2. You are a love for even suggesting it.
Instead, I’m volunteering at the finish line — but not at the time when all of the runners who get all of the love will be crossing it. I’m taking the 6-10 p.m. shift, which is when runners like me finally end their marathon day.
This time last year, on the Staten Island Ferry on my way to the NYC marathon start.
Which isn’t to say running a marathon isn’t hard for every runner. But there is something about starting in the very last wave — the one that doesn’t even launch until nearly lunchtime — knowing that you won’t even get to Manhattan before the sun starts to set, much less finish in anything like daylight. These are the runners who get pushed onto the sidewalk because the city needs to re-open the roads. The ones who only see random clumps of spectators rather than noisy packs. By the time they make it to the final turn in Central Park, the finish line celebration will be all packed up.
I’ll be there, though, and will make as much noise as I can as I hand out heat sheets and water bottles. I know how much those kind faces meant to me.
Speaking of that marathon, I know we have some BAMRs taking a bite out of the Big Apple. I’m hosting an informal get-together where we can talk race day or, if that causes too much agita, about something soothing. There will be some light swag. We’ll get together at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 4. Send an email adrienne@anothermotherrunner.com for the location and so that I have an idea how many goodies to bring.
And just for planning purposes, I’ll be heading to hawk AMR merch at the Philly Expo later in November, too. More details soon.
Question for the BAMRs: Is your fall crazy-busy, too?
#282: Real Moms Run Milestone Races
In this epic episode, Sarah and co-host Amanda Loudin chat and laugh with four mother runners who chose to celebrate banner birthdays or anniversaries with running races! First up is mom of four Angela Rodriguez, who is fete’ing turning 40 by running her first marathon. Listen as Angela and Sarah bond hard at being rule-followers when it comes to training plans. Next is Malia, who chose to celebrate her 40th by running 40 races in the year following her bday. She shares how the scheme came to her while running a race on her birthday last October, knowing she wanted “more of ‘this’” in her life. Malia talks about the importance of doing races with family members and friends, including a tale of how she ran every step of a half-marathon with a posse of 10 gal-pals. Find out how doughnuts figured prominently in her year of races—and gain great racing advice from Malia. Then comes Kim who, get this, ran 40 marathons by her 40th birthday after only taking up running at age 30. This fitness/strength instructor opens up about how the Boston Marathon bombing profoundly changed her perspective on running. Kim tells the wonderful tale of her 40th marathon—and how it was the birthday party this Yankee Doodle Dandy had always longed for. (Complete with Diet Sunkist and Swedish fish.) Last but most definitely not least is Holly, who tells of marking her 25th wedding anniversary by holding a 25K race—and baking 25 pies to share at the finish line! There’s lots of talk of pies (be prepared to drool along with SBS) and some about running. Finally, find out what “KTMA” stands for and where it’s engraved.
In intro, Sarah shares tales of badassery in the final stretch of her marathon—and a chilly local pond. The super-fun interviews kick off at 12:02.
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*If you’re digging our podcasts, we’d be super-grateful if you’d take a minute (because we *know* you have so many to spare!) to write a review on iTunes. Many thanks.
**Also, the quickest way to get our podcasts is to subscribe to the show via iTunes. Clicking this link will automatically download the shows to your iTunes account. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. We’ve also joined the Acast podcast network, download their app to hear our podcast and many others like it!