Revel Race Report

On the bus to the top of the mountain

I found out Sunday a week before the Revel Marathon that we could sign up for the race since it had sold out.   We were on the wait list for the Revel Full Marathon in Las Vegas and I honestly had forgotten about putting my name on the list.  My boyfriend and I are doing the Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa in June and we had to submit a qualifying marathon time before May 2^nd.  When we found out Revel was sold out we signed up for a small marathon in Long Beach.  We really didn’t want to go out of town to race but we didn’t have any other options.  Sunday before the Revel race we got an email that we could sign up so rather than go to Long Beach we decided to sign up for the local race and stay in town.  Revel is a downhill run from the top of Mount Charleston down to North Las Vegas.  This run has a massive elevation drop of over 5,000 feet.  While we had not been doing training specific to this race we had been doing lots of up and downhill runs.  Each weekend in preparation for Comrades Uphill run we have been running Red Rock loop, which has both up and downhill sections that are pretty steep.  I was a little excited when I realized the Revel race was a Boston qualifying race.  I am a pretty good downhill runner and my qualifying time was only 3:55 so I was hopeful I could qualify.  I have qualified in the past but it was never a good time for me to do the race since it always conflicted with one of my Ironman races.  I figured I would have to do better than a 3:55 since Boston now has the three-tiered entry process and the faster your time is the more likely you are to get in.  My boyfriend and I set our race goal at 3:40 and this would also give us a good placement at the Comrades race in June. 

Race morning the temperature on the mountain was predicted to be in the 30’s.  We bundled up and got on the bus with the herd of people trying for a PR and/or BQ.  We got to the top with plenty of time before the race, we had about 30 minutes before the race started.  We got some coffee and then stood in line for the bathroom.  I told my boyfriend to get his stuff together while we waited in line because he hadn’t pinned his number, started his music, put his hat and put his watch on all the stuff you should do well before the start time.  He kept saying we have plenty of time.  When we got to the front of the bathroom line we had 8 minutes before the start and he still had to do all that stuff and we still had to drop off our morning cloths bags.  He was still pinning on his number and putting hat and glasses on as the gun went off.  We were 2.5 minutes behind the start group and needless to say I was a bit annoyed.  Thankfully your time starts when you cross the line but we still had hundreds of slow people ahead of us.  The first half of this race is the steepest so my pace was faster than normal.  I find running downhill too slow hurts worse than running at a faster pace.  The problem is that between mile 6-8 my quads started feeling the downhill running and I still had a long way to go.  It worried me and I wondered if I would be able to sustain my pace.  I knew the last 6 miles could be brutal since there was not really a downhill and I would be tired and very sore by that point.  By the halfway point I was on target for a 3:30 marathon but I knew the last 5-6 miles would be slower so I was still thinking it would be a 3:40.  The last 3 miles was brutal physically and mentally.  A small portion was into a major headwind up a slight incline.  I was barely going to make 3:40 and as I was approaching the finish line I had to practically sprint to make the 3:40 time.  I qualified for Boston with 15 minutes to spare!  

I haven’t done a lot of marathons in my life in fact I have done more Ironman races than marathon races.  If I remember right this might be my 7^th marathon that I have done and I have done 12 Ironman races.  Today the day after the race I am more sore than after any Ironman races I have done.  People think a downhill run would be great but the reality is that it really beats up your body.  My quads, back, and shoulders are so sore from this race.  I don’t recall ever being this sore after a race and I have done 50 mile runs, Ironman races, 8k swims and paddled the Molekai channel in Hawaii.  This soreness tops any of those!  I only hope it doesn’t last too long because we have a race to train for that is in June! 

My dog didn't care that I ran 26.2 miles she
still wanted her walk!

My event in June is going to be EPIC.  The Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa is the oldest and largest ultra marathon in the world.  I am also raising money for a great organization that helps animals in need.  The Nevada SPCA helps so many homeless animals and they are a non-profit.  I volunteer there running and walking dogs.  The shelter is currently undergoing a major and much needed remodel.  The money I raise will be used to purchase treadmills, splash pads, agility equipment and training for the dogs.  Splash pads in the new courtyard will be a great addition for the dogs to keep cool in the summer and have fun.  The treadmills will be great for the summer, when it gets too hot in Las Vegas to walk all the dogs.  Agility is a great way for some dogs to learn and work their brain and body getting much needed physical and mental stimulation.  So far I have raised just over $2,000 and am hoping to raise $3,000. 

You can support me by going to my Razzo Run For Fido Page.

 Run For Fido

Thanks for all your help and support!

Run For Fido!

Coach Cyndee

Does Your Dog Have What It Takes?

Lilly's first day of work at a cancer
infusion center

I was looking for a running partner last August when I was looking for a new dog.  I had recently lost my beloved dog and running partner and I was devastated.  I wanted to rescue another dog and was looking for a young dog that had potential to be a good runner.  As a volunteer at the shelter I run lots of the dogs.

One of the workers who knew me well suggested a dog that recently became available for adoption.  She had just been spayed so she was in the back and I didn't meet her yet.   He brought her out to meet me and my dogs and we met the sweetest dog we had ever met.  She was older than I wanted but once I met her it didn't matter.  I took her home and named her Lilly.  She was 6 years old and some sort of husky/retriever/ lab mix but who really knows she's simply beautiful.  So I started out running her very slow and she took to it right away.  As I got to know her I was amazed at how well behaved, sweet and an all around great dog she was.  I knew she not only had potential to be a good running partner but she had something more. With her temperament I thought she would make the perfect therapy dog.  She loves people and it seemed to be the perfect job for her.  I decided to go through the Michaels Angels Paws Therapy Training Program with her and she past with flying colors.  She now has a job and a purpose and a home with an owner that loves her and would never give her up.  Michaels Angels gives us a list of jobs that they need dogs for and we can choose what will be best for her.  

If you think your dog has the potential to give back and be a therapy dog then I highly suggest contacting Michaels Angels Paws.  They are always in need of therapy dogs to do work around the Las Vegas area.  It is a class that takes 6-weeks and meets once a week.  

Michael's Angels Paws

Run For Fido Important Update

As race day grew closer I was feeling confident in my effort to run 12-hours and 55-60 miles while raising almost $3,000 for the Nevada SPCA.  A week before the race, while on a training run, I fell and broke a bone in my hand/wrist.  I was upset but figured heck its my hand I can at least still run.  That was until I went to see the orthopedic doctor and he said I broke the worst possible bone in my body and the hardest bone to heal properly because of low blood flow to that area.  He was very adamant that I should not run the 12-hour run this weekend or run at all for about month to prevent further damage to the bone.  If I don’t listen to him I run the risk of needing surgery, which is a very difficult surgery to do and recover from.  Needless to say I am not running this weekend or at all for at least a month. 

Run For Fido is not dead since I have a 56-mile run I was planning to do in June.  I will continue my fundraising efforts through June and that race.  The good news is that I have more time to meet my financial goal of $3,000.  You can still follow my adventure on my Run For Fido Facebook page and lets face it this has really turned into quite an adventure!

Thank you for those who have donated and supported me, I will be running in no time at all.  The dogs, NSPCA, and I appreciate your support.  If you know me well you know my determination is relentless!

Thank You!

Coach Cyndee

Simple Tips To Staying Safe When Running

For the most part running is a relatively safe sport, but there can be a few things to be aware of.  If your like me most of your running is done alone.  I am usually running with my dogs but not always another human.  Over the past 20 years of running I can honestly say I have only had a few scary things happen but it only takes one bad situation to put you in danger.  Most of my scary situations involved off leashed dogs rather than people.  In either case carrying a few essentials could save your life or the life of your pet if your dog is running with you.  A few years back I was out early with my dogs and several off leash dogs attacked my dogs.  My dog that wasn't friendly with other dogs (except my other dog, she loved him) fought back and didn't get hurt but my other dog Tigger wasn't a fighter and they attacked him.  I was helpless and couldn't get the dogs off him for what seemed like forever but I'm sure was only seconds.  If I  would have had my stun gun I think I could have kept them back because many dogs are terrified just from the sound of it.  Needless to say I carry one now along with mace.  

Here are some safety tips for you when you are running:

• Carry pepper spray or mace.
• Carry stun gun and/or whistle/noise maker
• Use a leash that goes around your waist so your hands are free if you run with your dogs.  Always keep your dog on leash, you never know if other dogs may not be friendly and don't want your dog running up to another dog or chasing after a rabbit or chipmunk.  
• Carry your phone for emergencies.  I use a small hydration pack that my phone fits in.
• Keep music turned down so you are more aware of your surroundings and if its dark don't use headphones.
• Wear reflective gear if you're running in the dark and make sure your dog has it too.
• If its dark outside try and stay on busier well lit streets.
• If you encounter an off leash dog most times a loud foot stomp and NO will keep them away but always stop running if you see one because they may want to chase you.  
• Change up your running routine by running at different times and taking different routes.
• Always let someone know when you're headed out for a run.
• Run with Fido, strangers don't know if your dog is friendly or not so you may be less of a target if you have a dog with you.  My dog doesn't like strangers and will bark if someone comes too close.  Most people stay far away from me if she's barking! 

Running is an easy way to stay in shape.  Just make sure you and your pet stay safe when doing it.

Donate To Help Me Help The Dogs At Nevada SPCA
DONATE HERE

How To Start Running With Your Dog

If you have wanted to start running with fido now is time to get started.  If both of you are just starting an exercise program then you both need to start slow.  Starting with a walk/run is the best way to get into better fitness without getting injured.  Dogs as well as humans need to begin a running program by gradually building their mileage each week.  I typically recommend starting with a 20-minute walk/run 4 times a week.  When you are starting you can begin with a 1- minute jog and a 3- minute walk repeating this throughout the run.  When this gets easy try increasing it to a 2/3 and then 3/3 and 3/2 and so on.  Eventually you will be running continuously.  Increase the total time each week by about 10% and every 3^rd or 4^th week give yourself an easier week if you feel like you need it.  As your miles get higher you will definitely need the easier week. 

Always watch your dog for signs of fatigue and alter your run if needed.  Remember each dog is different and some will progress faster or slower depending on their current health, age and their breed.  If your pup is very overweight then they may need to work into the program slower.  If you pup is older you will need to be even more aware of any signs of stress or fatigue.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Be aware of the weather and adjust your training accordingly.  If its hot then do your exercise early in the morning before the sun comes up or late when the sun goes down.
• As workouts get longer carry water for you any your pet.  You can use a camelback and carry a collapsible water dish for your mutt.
• If you’re running on trails work into it very slowly because the trails can hurt your dogs paws.  You dog will need to build up toughness on his feet to run trails so you have to start with very short runs.  Some breeds such as cattle dogs, border collies, and sporting dogs are better at trail running than others.
• Adjust your workout based on how your dog is feeling.  Dogs like humans have bad and good days.  If you planned a 5-mile run and
  
  
  
  you can tell your dog isn’t 100% that day then adjust your plan and take him/her home and go back out to finish your run. 
• Run them in shifts if you have more than 1 dog.  If I am scheduled for a 10 mile run sometimes I will take one dog for 5 miles and then take the other one for the remaining 5 miles.  
• If your dog is at a healthy weight then on the days you run longer you will need to increase their food intake.  Just like humans when they run they are burning calories and to maintain their healthy weight they will need more calories.  If your dog is overweight you won’t need to do this until they reach a healthy weight. 
• Always check with your vet before beginning any program.  Your vet knows your dog and will be able to give you advice based upon your dogs breed, age and health.
• Use the right equipment such as a waist belt with leash to free your hands when running.  I use a one and it goes around my waist and then I use regular slip leads for the dogs.  One time the collar I was using was slightly too big and was bumping my dog on the shoulder.  I didn’t realize it until she started running funny.  Little things like this that may bother the dog are important to look for.  You will find a leash or harness that works best for you.  If you are running at night both you and your dog should wear reflective gear.  They make lots of different types of reflective gear for both humans and dogs.  
• Make sure you have good running shoes that are fit professionally at a running store.  A good running store will analyze your gait and recommend the right shoe for you. 
• Don’t run your dog right after you feed them.  If I am running first thing in the morning I feed my dogs about 30 minutes after the run.  Larger breeds can be prone to bloat so it is extremely important to adjust feeding times based on when you run.  You could give them a little snack but not a full meal.  Just imagine how you would feel running after a large meal. 
• Take a rest day.  I typically take two days off from running each week so my dogs do too.  I walk them  on non-running days and play games with them to keep them stimulated. 

I have been running with dogs for nearly 10 years.  I run with my own dogs and I run dogs at the Nevada SPCA.  It makes my run much more enjoyable and the time goes by much faster when you have a dog with you.  They also don’t complain like your human running partners!  Follow my journey on my Run For Fido Facebook page and donate to help me raise money for the amazing dogs at the Nevada SPCA!   

https://www.razoo.com/story/Mld7af

Coming Out Of Her Shell

Running With Pacer And Lilly

I adopted Pacer two months ago when I lost my dog Tigger.  Tigger was my first dog as an adult and boy he was the most loyal dog anyone could have had.  I was devastated and coped with my loss my getting another dog right away.  I have always ran with my dogs so I wanted a dog that would hopefully be a good running partner.  Since I volunteer at the local no-kill shelter, where I run dogs there, I had a plenty of options.  A few days after I lost Tigger this terrified, skinny mixed breed mutt became available for adoption at the Nevada SPCA.  I was volunteering Thanksgiving Day and I went to her kennel to meet her.  She tried to hide in the corner of the kennel to get away from me or anyone.  As I walked toward her trying to leash her she was shaking uncontrollably.  I got her on the leash and took her outside and she still was terrified.  She was a medium size mixed breed most likely a hound type or some sporting breed.  I thought that if  she could overcome her fear she would be an ideal pup to be my running buddy.  The next day I came back with my two dogs to meet her.  The meeting was uneventful and she still seemed very timid.  She was very underweight and she was 10 months old.  I decided to take her home, it was her adoptable birthday the day after Thanksgiving.  She perked up a little bit when she got into my house and was still shy but not as bad as she was at the shelter. 

 

The first few times we went for a walk or a run she was terrified to be outside. It was like everything was new to her and I don’t think her previous owner had introduced her to anything during her short life.  She was always looking around worried and any loud sounds really freaked her out.  Cars scared her, barking dogs scared her, motorcycles terrified her, and people scared her.  She didn’t want to sniff anything, she just wanted to get back to the safety of the house.  We would see birds, chipmunks and rabbits on our walk and my other dog was always curious.  Pacer seemed uninterested and only wanted to get home.  I was surprised because I thought she was a sporting breed and would instinctively be interested in these critters. 

Tigger The Love Of My Life

 

At Bootcamp

Each walk and each run she slowly started to notice things dogs notice and she was losing her fear of the world.  It’s now been two months and she doesn’t seem afraid of much on our runs.  She loves to run and is relaxed and calm when we are running and she is always looking for critters on our runs and walks.  She has gained a tremendous amount of confidence in just 2 months.  She is still afraid of new people so introductions have to be done very carefully. 

In the evenings she is a clinger and loves to be right by my side and when we sleep she has to be touching me.  She’s become such a love I am so happy I found her.  She is probably the most athletic dog I have had.  She can run 8 miles and still have energy to burn.  In researching the type of hound she may be I think she might be an English Foxhound.  These dogs are tireless and full of energy just like her.  She has a lot of the characteristics physically and in her personality of a Foxhound. 

I am always amazed when someone wants to get a puppy and do not do their research.  The man who dumped her at the shelter said he didn’t have time for her and didn’t want her anymore.  He was overwhelmed and I can understand but unfortunately he didn’t do his research before getting a cute little puppy.  She is the type of dog that needs a very active family or she will be destructive and become uncontrollable.  That is just what happened with her and he didn’t socialize her with people or pets for the 10 months that he had her. 

She is making huge strides and will be a great companion for us.  Right now she can be a pest if she hasn’t had adequate exercise. I run her regularly, play ball with her, and take her to bootcamp.  When we run her head is high and mouth is relaxed, ears are back and she’s focused on the job of running.  She loveswe4r5c it and I love having her with me!