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Today's guest post comes from Amy at Running Escapades.

Hello Running Kellometers readers! I am happy to be guest posting today while Kelly is off studying for her exam.

As I've mentioned before, I am knee-deep in my studies right now. This next month I'm not going to be making as many updates so I've asked for the help of some fellow bloggers both in Chicago and from Team Oiselle to help out with some guest posts that will be coming up in the next few weeks. Special thanks to all of you that are helping me out during this crazy time!

In the spirit of today, Pepper wanted to share her excitement of all the Beggin Strips she hopes to get today!

There has been a lot of chatter over recent days/weeks/months with some athletes coming forward about doping and other scandals being released.

• Women's shot put gold medalist stripped of her title days after receiving it (Source).
• Lance Armstrong has been pinpointed in one of the largest doping rings in history (at least, that has been discovered). This included names of several other cyclists who have admitted to using performance enhancing drugs.
• Christian Hesch confessed to using EPO (performance enhancing drug) to compete and win road races for cash throughout the globe.

The Boring Runner recently put a post together asking if you would use it and under what situation. This question and post got me pretty fired up. Maybe it is the way I was raised, or maybe it is my need to always follow the rules... But I really don't see why someone would ever, under any circumstances, use a performance enhancing drug. I know there are various types of drugs that do different things, but I think it is shameful and deceiving.

In the case of Christian Hesch, he admitted to using and the whole thing seemed very cash-motivated. He did a lot of road races, won a lot of money, and even screwed over a friend in publishing his confession to make sure he earned more money. Our society is driven by greed in many ways and I believe Christian Hesch did what he thought was necessary to win the cash that he wanted. I'm sure as he continued to get away with it, it became easier. (You can read Christian's New York Times article confession here and an article about his friend's perspective here.) I though this interview on The Trailer was really interesting, hearing things directly from Hesch, live and unedited. This whole Christian Hesch thing is like a train wreck. I'm so disappointed with the situation, but I just have to read all the articles and listen to all the interviews. He says that he acted alone, but it just seems more logical that he would have others with him. In my opinion, it is much easier to do something you know is wrong, if someone else is also doing it.

As you probably have figured out, I really love running. During the Olympics, it became evident that not many others around me love running or take it seriously. They just assume people are doping and that is why they are fast (this was actually brought up a couple times in conversation). I feel incidents like this taint the purity of the sport. I know in previous years there have been several doping incidents in the sport of Track and Field. I know there are strict doping tests but some athletes continue to get away with it and I'm not quite sure how (if you can find an article describing this, it would be helpful). I mean, some of those that won medals were previously suspended for doping. Is it like prison where you serve your time and come out and get to come back? Should there be more severe consequences for any kind of doping to help "clean up" the sport (kind of like a zero tolerance policy).

But then again, I feel the lines that constitute doping are not always black and white. Or are they and I'm misled by the circus of the Lance Armstrong investigations? Is the world of performance-enhancing drugs constantly changing with different technology available?

This is a topic that really intrigues me, and I'm interested to hear what you have to say. Do you think that the lines for doping are black and white? If not, please explain. What do you think the image of Track and Field--is it tainted by doping? If you have any suggested articles or books on this topic, I'm interested to know more.

Sorry for the text-only post folks, but I don't want to use any images due to copyrights.

As some of you may know, I've completed 1 marathon in my lifetime. It is a difficult distance, no matter who you are and how long it takes you to complete it. When some of my friends decided they wanted to run a 50k, the thought of that distance is unbelievable to me. I didn't get the chance to see my friend Kate during the marathon, so I thought I would help support her during this beast of a distance. The Chicago 50/50 was a looped course (10 mile loop to be completed 3 times for the 50k) so I could stay in one spot and see them go by a few times. I packed up my general store and headed downtown.

sleepy eyes, ready to go!

When I arrived, I had just missed the start and the temperature were freezing. (But perfect for running 50k.) I headed to the start line anyways to investigate and figure out my strategy. I was having trouble converting their estimated pace and placement on the course to a time frame, so I just waited at the start for awhile because I didn't want to miss them! When I saw the bright yellow FNRC shirts, I was jumping up and down, knowing it was them. I took some quick photos before hopping in with them.
They looked great and were feeling great after loop 1. I ran with them a little bit, got some more pics and tried to exert some of this energy everyone always says I have. :)

Self portrait on the way back to the start.

After arriving back, I waited in my car and tried to stay warm. There were plenty of port a potties at the start (that were replenished with TP) so that was helpful. I did a quick post to the running group to give everyone an update before heading back out.

When arriving at loop 3, some of the smiles and energy had faded. They had over 20 miles under their belts and they were starting to feel it. I tried to be positive without being too energetic as I headed out with them (into the headwind) of the last loop. I ran with them until the next aid station where I waited for them to come back before running back with them. The excitement was gone and the pace was speeding up. The feeling of just wanting to be done was in the air. They all finished with smiles on their faces and talk of this whole 50k thing being a "one and one" type of thing. I was happy to have gotten the chance to share in such a monumental event for these runners!

FN Done

The Chicago 50/50 has been going on since 2000. It is obvious that they know what they're doing as the race is pretty well-organized. As the course is looped, there are officials keeping track of everyone's loops as there isn't a timing pad. The aid stations were well stocked with water, Gatorade, and lots of real food (cookies, chips, pretzels, pickles, bananas). Kind of says something about the impact of real food versus the chemicals in the synthetic stuff. (This next training cycle, I plan on giving more real foods a try to help give me energy and settle my stomach.) The only spectators on the course were those folks at the aid stations and fellow runners. There is definitely a huge sense of camaraderie among the ultra distance, and everyone is so cheery, respectful, and friendly towards other runners. It isn't serious and all about the pace, and every person for themselves... it is about completing something that not that many people would attempt to do. I would say that I would run this race, but I don't plan on ever tackling an ultra. I'm happy with the marathon distance and don't have the desire to go beyond... :)


Have you ever completed an ultra distance? Do you know folks that have? Have you ever been to spectate an ultra race? Did you have the same sense about the race?

The Macmillan pace calculator is a funny thing. Have you ever used it before? I know it isn't an exact science but it sure is a nice guide. Based on my 5k PR (22:53), it says I'm capable of a 1:45 half marathon. Considering that is what I was working towards earlier this year, it is nice to know that a computer program has my back, in addition to all of my friends and coach. The calculator also gives projected paces for long runs, mid-week runs, and tempo runs. If you aren't sure what your tempo pace should be, this site is a great guide/start.

I think it is interesting that I ran a better time at Zooma than I did at the Rock N Roll half that I worked my tail off for. It is funny how detrimental heat and self destruction can be. Running a 2:02 at Zooma while having a fun, easy going, and conversational race really gave me the mental boost that I didn't know I was looking for. I haven't been training as hard because of my exam, and I just went out there to run a fun race. (Fun is relative here because no one was having fun on that giant hill.) I worked hard for a 1:45 and I feel like now that goal is achievable. My next goal race is the F^3 Half Marathon and I'm really looking forward to it. I think that I'll be able to PR without a doubt and hopefully get something in the 1:4X range. I just know I can do it. :)

Have you run a race where things turned out better than you expected?

Last night we canceled our Thursday night group run for the first time ever. The weather conditions were actually dangerous with lightening and high winds, so we decided it wasn't smart to be out there. Despite the weather conditions, we still had 6 people (including me) come for the run, hoping things would clear up by the time they got there. I think that is pretty outstanding and shows the dedication of the runners in our group. Rain or shine we will be out there! With the desire to still get our sweat on, I headed to the gym with Amanda and Genevieve. We were able to get adjoining treadmills and had fun running and then doing some planks together.

Don't be jealous of my photography skills...

I really love this running group. Do you usually run in the rain or hit the gym?

I need to talk to all of you about an important topic--my opinion of pumpkin flavored things! Fall is my favorite time of year for many reasons: cooler temps, beautiful scenery, Thanksgiving food, so many amazing races, aaaaand pumpkin flavored everything. Is it just me or does the marketplace seem flooded with all things pumpkin? I'm not complaining by any means, this is simply an observation.

Coffee is something I just can't get through my day without. Pumpkin coffee is something I have to have all the time during the fall (and even into winter). No negotiation. Here are my thoughts on the pumpkin coffees that I've tried.

By far the most famous fall drink, it is available in September through the winter. When I first started to like coffee, these were a must. When I had a Starbucks in my old office building, these were a special treat. I don't know if they've changed their recipe in recent years, but either way, it just doesn't do it for me anymore. They are expensive (over $4 for a small) and not really worth it, in my opinion.


I only discovered that this existed last year and that is when the elusive PSL at Starbucks began to loose it's luster. The Pumpkin flavored coffee is much milder while still having that delicious pumpkin flavor. I think it even has more "spice" to it than normal brews, something that gives it a little extra "umph" so to speak. You can add sugar and/or milk yourself, according to how you like your normal coffee. The price is much more in my range (coupons are always available and the small is about $1.25). Also, there are Dunkin Donuts pretty much everywhere (except in Seattle, I think).


For experiment purposes, I decided I absolutely needed to pick up a Caribou Coffee pumpkin latte on my way to work today. Traditionally, I'm a fan of Caribou over Starbucks because of Caribou's plethora of dark chocolate options compared to Starbucks. (Plus, I think Starbucks can be much more hype and brand recognition than actually delicious products. But that might just be me.) It definitely had the strong coffee/latte  flavor, but I still enjoyed it. However, for the price tag of over $4 for a small, this isn't a treat that I will be getting all that often.


I discovered this gem last year when I had a 30% off Kohl's coupon (yes, Kohl's sells K cups). I can never pass up something pumpkin flavored so I had to give it a try. As far as K cups goes, it was (and still is) delicious! It is similar to DD with the more mild coffee flavor while still giving you the needed caffeine that comes with coffee. They also sell these at Target (where you can find a great deal using coupons and your 5% off Target card), and I imagine other large grocery store chains as well.


Since these coffee creamers are heavily sweetened it can sometimes be easy to overdue it, especially if you're pouring it out of a bottle versus opening one of those mini cups at the gas station. For every day at the office, this is basically how I get through the fall with money still in my wallet. Free coffee at the office + on-sale-with-coupon coffee creamer = a delicious and satisfactory combination. I haven't found the differences between brands to vary the taste. They are sweet and they taste like pumpkin. Is there anything else we need? I didn't think so.


Have you tried any/all of these options? What is your favorite fall beverage? If you don't Instagram your coffee purchase, did it even happen?

As I have mentioned a few times before, we have a rowing machine in our basement. My husband's aunt and uncle were going to get rid of it and asked if we wanted it. We agreed and I've enjoyed it ever since. I really love it for cross training as it keeps the impact on the knees and feet low as you're working out your arms and back. I think it helps with toning in general, especially if you don't always have time to lift weights. Now that rowing is part of some cross fit workouts, it is definitely getting more press and most gyms have a few machines. I highly recommend checking it out, if you haven't already. Our glamorous rowing machine is pictured below. It has seen better days, but it gets the job done.

I have been using it for the past year, not really thinking much about form and just trying to mimic the form of those on Biggest Loser. However, it never once occurred to me to look up correct rowing form on YouTube until Monday.