Smurf Fingers

It's that time of year again- winter running!!   It is finally starting to get cold here- this week Jordan and I did a number of run's in the 30's and 40's.  I know it doesn't sound cold and really it isn't cold (especially since I'm from MN) but I'm used to running in the mid 50's to 70's here so it has felt cold!  My hats, gloves, pants, jackets and my purple "smurf" hands have appeared all of a sudden this week.  Jordan has recovered and has been able to run all week without injury (so GLAD!)  So back to the smurf fingers--> I have Raynauds which is  a vasospastic disorder causing discoloration of the fingers, toes and for some people even their nose and lips.  See further description below--

1. When exposed to cold temperatures, the blood supply to the fingers or toes, and in some cases the nose or earlobes, is markedly reduced; the skin turns pale or white and becomes cold and numb.
2. When the oxygen supply is depleted, the skin colour turns blue.
3. These events are episodic, and when the episode subsides or the area is warmed, the blood flow returns and the skin colour first turns red and then back to normal, often accompanied by swelling , tingling, and a painful "pins and needles" sensation.

Raynauds affects about 3-5% of the population and is more prevalent in young females (Like me!).  My hands luckily (although still annoying!) are only affected.   I have noticed that I have a reaction whenever I come in contact with anything cold.   I often have had my fingers turn white instantly from grabbing something out of the freezer.    I always have a more severe reaction when it is damp outside or when the seasons are changing.   And that happens to be NOW...

To combat my Raynauds when its cold I make sure to grab my mittens (I can't run in gloves- I need to have my fingers together to maintain as much warmth as possible) and use hand warmers.   It has been frustrating despite these methods to still have to occassionally stop runs due to my hands being extremely cold and painful.  I've had runs where I've tried running with my hands in my pockets or even behind my back to get them out of the wind-- I look like a dork and it doesn't usually help.   I also try windmills -- swinging my arms in circles or blowing through my gloves to warm up my fingers- which still looks quite dorky, but seem to be more effective.  Calcium channel blockers (which causes dilation of the blood vessels) are a common drug to treat Raynauds and I was trying this method when first diagnosed my sophomore year of college (I had my sports physical and I remember being concerned at this time as my hands had become "smurf" like and painful that year when exposed to the cold).  However as a side effect I was getting severe headaches and wasn't able to run or function because of the severity of them.  I ditched the medication and have been managing with warm mittens and handwarmers.  I've found excellent mittens-- Lil Sport (  http://www.lillsport.com/ )  to work extemely well for me.   I get a new pair every year.  My good friend Joe has also nicknamed me LilSport!

It was actually warm on this run and I didn't run with gloves-- It was in the 50's.  It had been raining all day and we started in a light drizzle which of course turned into heavy rain!  The trail next to us was completely flooded and of course Jordan still ran in it and I ran next to him getting splashed.  Pretty sure Jordan probably thought I was strange as I replied "I like how it feels."  Although my fingers look painful in the picture they weren't.  When it's damp my fingers also turn colors, but if the temperatures are reasonably warm they don't get painful.

Jordan after one of our rainy runs claimed he must of weighed 300 pounds after the run.   He must of ingested a lot of GU's on the run ... :)  And he didn't share...!  

Two other exciting things that happened this week

1.  We saw the National Christmas tree which is located in the norteast quadrant of The Ellipse near the White House.  This tradition has occured since 1923.   Smaller trees representing the U.S. states, District of Columbia and unincorporated territories of the United States around the National Christmas Tree are referred to the Pathway of Peace.  It was incredible!   

2.  I lost the big toe nail on my right foot- again.  This is the third time this year.   The second toe nail is about ready to follow suit.   My feet are incredible.  Incredibly gross!  I have never had a pedicure and I don't know if I ever will.  I would feel horrible having somebody touch them, I don't think there's much hope for improving the appearance of my toes and nails unfortunately!
                                                                                                        

Pull-Up Update!

This past week has been a recovery week.  Typically in a recovery week my coach incorporates general strength sessions and conveniently my new pull-up bar has been a great addition into this routine.  Pull-ups are addicting as I've discovered- I have been doing them daily!!  I can complete 5 pull-ups  now (and YES I'm proud of that!).  Our friends have also been testing their pull-up ability! We have discovered a pull-up bar is a great way to entertain friends - hey want to come over and check out the pull-up bar?....

 I've been reading up on the benefits of pull-ups- below is a list of 10 reasons to do chin ups from http://articles.elitefts.com/articles/training-articles/10-reasons-to-do-chin-ups/

• Chin-Ups are a closed kinetic chain exercise. Closed Kinetic chain exercises are much more functional than open kinetic chain exercises like the lat pull down.
• Direct strength transference of motor pattern. On most strength exercises the concentric is the upward phase and eccentric is the lowering phase. The lat pull down is the opposite of this, while the chin-up fits the mold of core lifts like the bench press and overhead press.
• Chin-ups work more muscles than machines. Big lifts equal big strength gains and big fat loss. They also release large amounts of anabolic hormones like growth hormone and testosterone.
• Brett Contreas in his own words, “When I conducted my EMG studies, I was shocked to find that the bodyweight chin-up led to the highest levels of lower rectus abdominis activation. It surpassed every ab exercise imaginable – even ab wheel rollouts and hanging leg raises.”
• Brian Dobson trainer of Ronnie Coleman and Branch Warren says “Deadlifts and chins built Ronnie’s back. Chin-ups are king for upper back development. Chin-ups are the upper body squat!”
• Special forces and other elite organizations use chin-ups as a testing standard.
• Chin-ups are a catalyst for bicep growth!
• Look at the back development of athletes like gymnasts that use chin-ups as their primary means of strength training in comparison to the physiques of basketball players that use lat pull downs. Physique enthusiasts envy the upper back development of gymnasts. Yet, very few feel the same way about basketball physiques.
• Assuming you are not wearing straps (which you should not be) chin-ups build great grip strength!
• Chin-ups force you to handle your own body weight, which is a crucial aspect of success in most sports!

                                          VERNON: 3                                             ME: 5

                                                                  JORDAN: 16


Not Pictured: BERT: 3 (no worries Bert- we will take one next time you come-- I am sure you will be back tomorrow as you're likely addicted too.  This next time I'm hoping you'll go all out - three really isn't that impressive ... I was slightly let down...  ).   My goal is to get to 10-- wonder how long that will take and am excited for this bicep growth to occur !

Progression #2

I just completed my second long marathon progression run of 2 hours and 45 minutes! It was another great day to run here Arlington- mid 40's and light winds.  I did my first hour of the run around 7 minute pace and did two consecutive 45 minute pace increases finishing today's run near 6 minute pace.   Overall a great workout and I'm pleased with my progress.  I didn't have the "punch" on my run today, but I'm healthy and progressing every week.  I completed 3 solid threshold workouts this week.   Today's run I did mainly on crushed gravel with exception of the final portion which I completed on the bike trail that ran parallel to the Georgetown Canal.  The canal and bike path were a little busy today, but not overwhelmingly so.   I actually appreciate the company and find myself more controlled and rhythmic the busier the trails are with people.  As I'm running hard I tend to find myself focusing more on maintaining good form and controlling my breathing (I always feel silly passing people huffing and puffing so I really focus on breathing controlled )  Today's run concludes my third week of training since completing New York!

Thumb marks the spot! Boo!!   Jordan had to stop today's run due to shin/peroneal pain and ended up walking the last 3 miles back to the car as I finished the workout!!  Hoping it's very temporary and nothing serious.  I'm a physical therapist so I better fix him.. no pressure, no problem!

Chocolate Outrageous GU- the real outrage was I forgot to take it with me on the run!   During the workout I went to grab the GU from the side of my sports bra (I should probably find a different place as sometimes the GU packet will leave me with gashes, but it's been my GU pocket for years). No GU however today as I last minute decided to wear a different sports bra and got sidetracked afterwards.  Every runner has their favorite GU- I prefer vanilla, chocolate or espresso-  I'm drawn towards the GU's that have 2x the caffeine.  I have tried the fruit varieties, but I'm not a fan-- too sweet!  I also love chocolate and coffee so to be honest I get a bit excited every time I ingest a GU.  It's like getting a candy bar or a coffee on a run.   Hydration wise I always have an interesting mix -- I prefer cytomax with Electroytle Drink tablets and a dab of Crystal light pink lemonade and sometimes a dash of sparkling water.   Today I added the dash.  Again I am always well hydrated throughout the day and am continuing to annoyingly have to pee constantly.  I guess it's an ok problem to have... 

Jodan brought home a Christmas tree this week!  This is my second  December without snow as I was out in Oregon last year during this time.  Despite enjoying training in Oregon.. it has been more ideal here as I'm not getting rained on every single run (yes it really does rain in Oregon all the time-- and I got dumped on every run for 3 months straight there).  I heard from my friend Paul that Minneapolis has finally got some snow!  I am headed home to Minnesota in a little over two weeks for Christmas-- I've never had a Christmas without snow and I am excited to be home for a week to see family and friends.  I am hoping its at least above zero :)   I'm thinking there's a small chance Minnesota might be 50 degrees....

Thanksgiving/Fall!

 Had a great fall today, actually both Jordan and I fell within 5 minutes of each other.    I haven't had a good fall like this in some time.   If you're going to fall it might as well be a quality fall.  We were running together easy and all of sudden I caught a root with my shoes and flew forward.  We were in the middle of a conversation and Jordan continued to talk until he realized I wasn't responding to him.  He looked back and there I was on the ground on my hands and knees.  Being the tough gal I like to think I am I had a few "tough" words and bounced up and started jogging again.    For a few minutes I was laughing/crying or something like that and then all of sudden Jordan was now laying on the ground stating "I swear I didn't fall on purpose."   Haha.  I think he did....

IRON GYM.. I LOVE PULL-UPS!  I was very excited about this recent purchase.  I can't wait to get ripped and into serious shape. Iron Gym is the multifunction training system that raises the bar on upper body exercises..  WOW!  Look at all it claims to be on its website--- >   pull up, chin up, build muscle, quick results, pull ups, dips, push ups, chin ups, exercise, exercise machine, inexpensive pull bar, pull bar, tone, strengthen, abs, arms, stronger muscles, tone arms, tone back, strengthen back muscles, strengthen shoulders, stronger shoulders & strengthen muscles. (Seriously its pretty awesome)

http://www.irongym.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1

Track workout in Rochester NY during Thanksgiving.  Super windy!!  Did 3 x3 minutes, 2 x 5 minutes, 3 x 3 minutes.  First track workout in months or years?   Took me awhile to get into a rhythm, but ended the workout feeling great.   Next time I plan to bring cool shades to fit in!  I actually like wearing sunglasses when I run, for some reason it makes me feel like I'm invisible... a bit weird, but true.    

Colorful run on the way to Rochester. It was cold.   Well it was 45 or 50.  I thought it was cold!!   Training went well while we were in Rochester. I completed my first 3 hour run since before Grandma's in June.  Felt great!   I was amazed at how hilly it was in Rochester.  Sooo many hills every direction!!.  My body is gradually getting used to running hills. I like running hills as I feel it is a great way to get running specific strengthening in.  Since moving from Duluth, MN in the summer of 2010 my running has been mainly on flat roads/trails.   Weather has been a little crazy this week back in Arlington.  This week I ran in 75 degrees, 60 and pouring rain and 40's and wind.  But still no snow! 

Finally meet Caitlin!   Dinner at the Country Club!! 



Special guest Andrew

 

Training is continuing to go well!   I am continuing to increase my mileage and have been completing some threshold workouts.  Jordan's friend Andrew ran with us last week before we left for Rochester New York for a few days for Thanksgiving.   Jordan and I did a 30 minute tempo run while Andrew did some easy light running.   I felt great.   My tempo was 10 seconds faster per mile than last week. I haven't had anyone consistent to run and train with since college. Having a consistent training partner is incredible! 

We also had an unexpected special guest on the run.  The highlight of this run was a man wearing a big backpack running easy on the path.  When we passed him we were into the tempo portion of the run.  To my surprise as we passed him he started running with us (or sprinting for him!).  We were running 5:30 pace at this time.  What is this guy doing I thought???   I figured he'd only last a minute running with us.   The man ran with us at least a mile at this pace and was inches away. I've never had anyone run this close to me, let alone a strange man with a backpack. I didn't really like it! I had a hard time staying focused during this mile as I and kept sneaking peaks behind at the man waiting for him to fade.  After a mile he fatigued and stopped running with us.   I wonder how many 5:30 miles the guy does in a day??!!  With the effort of the back-pack that mile was easily a 5:15.   Kind of impressed honestly...  but I hope we don't run into him again!

I made Andrew try out the tent, he lasted about 5 minutes before stating he was feeling a little light headed.   Little did he know we bumped the tent up to 12000 feet for him. Just kidding Andrew.... you're going to be a beast running now after those 5 minutes of exposure...

Refreshe

Training the last week went great.  Legs are feeling healthy!  I completed my first long marathon progression to end the week with Jordan helping pace me; it definitely was one of my better workouts of the last few months.  I'm getting excited as I'm getting back into marathon shape!  Weather was great all week for training (tan line great even).  I love exploring the DC running area-- still can't believe how hilly it is here!!   I have been increasing my mileage on the roads/ pavement and have been responding favorable which is something my body wasn't handling a few months ago. Being comfortable and confident running hard on the roads is how I want and plan to enter the trials.

I am obsessed slightly with Sparkling water.   I didn't realize how obsessed until today.   I purchased 4 bottles yesterday at Target around 6 pm, by 3 pm the next day they were gone.   4 + bottles a day x 7 = 28+ a week.    I'm well hydrated.   Actually annoyingly hydrated.   Altitude increases frequency of urination as a side effect.  I already go like 10x a day.  Now 10x a day x 3 for altitude = 30x a day.  Ok not that much.... but close enough.

Tent Update:  I definitely am sleeping better than Colorado in the tent, but in Colorado I really wasn't sleeping at all.  The tent was at 5000 feet the first few nights and now has been increased to 6000 feet.   I slept really well at 5000 feet; actually better than I have in a long time.    Since it's been at 6000 feet, things have been more difficult..

"Expect to have nightmares and disrupted sleep at high altitudes. The brain functions differently in thin air and one result is increased nightmares or odd dreams. You will not sleep soundly at altitude. The best to hope for is rest and some recovery"

Disrupted sleep... check

Nightmares.... check

Odd dreams.... check

Still sleeping at 6000 feet..... check

Hoping.... check

 

Read more: How to Sleep on the Side of a Mountain | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_8406245_sleep-side-mountain.html#ixzz1eOQcKLDV

Starting week 2-- First 3 hour run next week since June.  Last week I did a 2.5 hour run.  It actually went well, but I can tell my body isn't used to running longer than 2 hours!

Training has Resumed!

Nov 14th  Back

Training started again today- so ready to get in "sick" shape as Jordan always says!  Today I ran at the Theodore Roosevelt Island -- only a mile from our place. "One of Theodore Roosevelt’s greatest legacies was his dedication to conservation. Today, this island stands as a fitting memorial to the outdoorsman, naturalist, and visionary who was our 26th President."   I did the workout on a gently rolling bike path that extends throughout the city that starts from the parking lot. Great view and popular place for runners...  not sure I was a great view... !!

The path!  Nice overcast day-- in the 60s again-- a bit warmer than MN- tomorrow MN is supposed to get 5 inches of snow.  I ran in a sports bra and shorts.... !!

 I ran on what's called the Mount Vernon bike trail

"While Roosevelt was campaigning in Milwaukee, WI, on October 14, 1912, a saloonkeeper shot him, but the bullet lodged in his chest only after penetrating his steel eyeglass case and passing through a thick (50 pages) single-folded copy of the speech he was carrying in his jacket. Roosevelt, as an experienced hunter and anatomist, correctly concluded that since he was not coughing blood, the bullet had not completely penetrated the chest wall to his lung, and so declined suggestions he go to the hospital immediately. Instead, he delivered his scheduled speech with blood seeping into his shirt.  He spoke for 90 minutes. His opening comments to the gathered crowd were, "Ladies and gentlemen, I don't know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot; but it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose." --Wikpedia

 Crazy^!

Survived!   I did 3 x 15 minutes at threshold today.  This is the longest workout I've done on pavement since June.  Legs held up on the pavement, very happy!!  One more day closer and ready for the Trials!

Recovery/Move!

 I typically haven't been sore after marathons.  I thought I might be sore after New York as I wasn't prepared for it as I have been for previous marathons, but I had little soreness the next day after. Whew, I was relieved until Day 2.... nevermind-- can't move!!  Monday I did a short recovery run with Jordan in Central Park (well we both ran there- I insisted he ditch me and my barely moving pace- I could hardly handle running with myself haha!). 

I flew back to Denver late Monday night and Jen Jones who is amazing picked me up and we drove back to Fort Collins.   Thanks Jen!   I packed my car, went to bed and drove home early the next day-- ALL DAY, 17 hours. The drive alone actually went fairly fast, but the last few hours it was raining and dark -- to be honest I was slightly hallucinating seeing things at this point ... but I made it home!

I packed the next two days, worked a day, saw friends and then flew out to DC Friday!  I have been traveling an exhaustive amount the past few months.    Happy to finally be settled somewhere! I have a new bedroom-- an altitude tent-- see below-  feels like camping (minus bears and smores) ..... the first night I woke up and really did think I was...

I was nervous to sleep in the tent mainly because my coach said to make sure that we "read all the directions so we don't die our first night in", thanks Chad ... !  I had a really difficult time acclimating in Colorado to altitude and that made me nervous about the tent.   Surprisingly I slept better than I have in a long time the first night in it.   I woke up with a bit of a dry throat-- but nothing as severe as Colordao (difficulty breathing, swallowing, pounding headache, numb and tingling fingers...  great memories !). 

The tent!   

Training starts tomorrow!   Excited and eager which I believe means I'm ready! I did two strength workouts and easy running this past week to recovery from the marathon.  Soreness is finally gone-go time again! 

ING NEW YORK MARATHON

Incredible city & Incredible race (tough)!!  I finished in 2:41:01, 19th female, 4th American.  Due to some hamstring and foot issues I wasn't able to prepare fully as I have for other marathons entering the race.  I entered without injury and came away injury free besides my hip which smashed into the ground as my legs buckled as soon as I stopped running at the finish.. OUCH!

This is the first time I have ever collapsed at the finish of a race. I started hyperventilating and two volunteers tried to whisk me into the tents.  After a few minutes when I caught my breath and my legs I was able to convince them I was fine.  The course was by far the hardest I've ever raced on-- amazing views, spectators and despite not bringing my "A game" I had a great race experience!  The support and assistance from ING was incredible and their hospitality much appreciated!

I made the UK newspaper!

This link is to an ASICs recap of the marathon-- again my fall made it in the video (about 60 seconds in, 30seconds in is another MN Erin Block Ward also being escorted from the finish)!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XdMWJKN4Lk&feature=youtu.be

http://www.flotrack.org/video/513161  Here's a link to an interview I did a few days before the race-- I haven't watched it yet :)

Chad and I at the VIP post race dinner!  So happy to have Chad out in New York.  The dinner was at the Essex and we saw Morgan Freeman roaming in the hallways.  No big deal :)

Another personI was very happy to have in New York the entire week I was there! Best tour guide ever-  besides getting lost in Central Park every day (thankfully it's really flat there-- this is a lie).... !!

View of Central Park-- great place to run or pretty much the only place to run in New York City, but still was amazing!

Colorado/Altitude Training

Altitude camp in Colorado for 18 days:

Colorado Springs

I drove to Colorado Springs (6000 feet) and arrived Friday the 18th of October.  I spent my first 4 days here.  I had a really difficult time adjusting to altitude.  The first night I couldn't breathe or swallow, I was miserable.  I slept a total of 4 hours the first two nights and woke up with my hands numb and my head throbbing.  I was ready to head home or to the hospital!  It took me about 5 days to adjust, but I did eventually.  My sore throat improved, but I did lose my voice while out there-- luckily I spent most of my trip in isolation so it wasn't an issue! 

 I ran the majority of my workouts while in Colorado Springs at the Garden of the Gods, which was absolutely stunning.   Jordan flew in Tuesday for 5 days and we ran in the Garden that day.  While out running Jordan was joking about seeing horses on the trail as we kept running past piles of horse droppings.  I am not a fan of horses (intimidating!!) and made some comment about how I really would hate if that happened.   SO of course about 5 minutes later we came upon 4 of them!!!!

Estes Park (7500-8000 feet)
I was here for 7 days, alone! Beautiful, great running in the Rocky Mountains.  It was HARD running at this high of altitude.  I averaged 13 minute pace while running in the Rockies one day.  My coach had told me to run 10 minute pace for recovery runs.  I was thinking that is going to be impossible to run that slow.... I was wrong....

 

Grandmas MN mile

Last minute I asked my coach if I could run the MN mile as we were working on a MaxV02 block before Philadelphia 1/2--

The result -- I ran Grandma's MN mile on September 11 in 5:07 and finished in 7th place.  I was at 2:20 at the 1/2 mile mark-- I was ALL OUT of all out at that point!   I enjoy racing in Duluth as my family and coach live in/near Duluth.  My grandma cheers (screams)  louder than anyone I know!   Great weekend with family and friends!

Coach Chad with wife Mimmu and Taavi and Iita

Love my family!!

Philadelphia Rock & Roll 1/2

Philadelphia Rock & Roll 1/2:
1:17:41 28th place

Getting back into shape!   Due to my hamstring injury I was just able to start tempo work the week prior to the race; I was still hoping to be near PR shape (nope!)--   I was happy to finish without injury and despite being out of race shape I still felt mentally engaged during the race and have been feeling stronger every week. 

Video link to the finish of the race    http://www2.brightroom.com/75736/119

Ready to Rock & Roll !

I have just resumed training due to a hamstring injury.  I was unable to run for two weeks and actually to help me forget about my injury I bought myself a present......   love it!!  Have been riding my Bianchi the last two weeks!!

I'm feeling healthy and have had 3 consistent weeks of running-- Uffda did I really feel out of shape the first few days running again! 

-- My next race will be:

http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/philadelphia

Happy to have the support of IAM (Institute of Athletic Medicine) helping me reach both my career and running goals!

Jen Houck: Going the distance
At age 27, Jen Houck is hitting her stride—literally. The physical therapist at the Institute for Athletic Medicine (IAM) in Burnsville is a promising young marathon runner with her eyes on the ultimate prize: competing in the Olympics.
Her latest race, Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth on June 23, was her best yet; in the women’s field, Jen was the top Minnesota-born finisher, the second American finisher and the fifth female finisher overall with a time of 2:33:01. She beat her previous personal best time by a full minute. Up next, the New York Marathon, a half-marathon in the fall and then on to the 2012 Olympic trials in January.
“The goal is always to continue to improve, and I feel that I will,” she says. “I don’t feel that I’ve plateaued yet, and I’m driven to find out what my potential is.”
Jen says her passion for running dovetails beautifully into her job at IAM.
“It gives me the balance I need,” she says. “I like running, but I also like coming to work where running doesn’t matter. I love my job! I love helping people.”
But that doesn’t mean that while she’s at work, the runner in her is ignored. Jen says her co-workers have been encouraging in her racing career.
“Sometimes, I get into a race last minute, and everyone’s been so accommodating to make that happen,” she says. “Two months into this job, I was already burnt out. I was working full time and running 100 miles per week. My supervisor was willing to let me cut back on my hours. I was afraid it would be, ‘We hired you for full time so, if you can’t make it work, good-bye.’ But instead, it was, ‘Let’s work with you.’ I’m amazed at how supportive everyone at Fairview is.”
Steve Bauman, Jen’s supervisor, says he and the IAM team are happy to do everything they can to help Jen reach her full potential.
“We know that this is her time to shine as a competitive runner, and we make every effort to support her,” he says.
Jeffrey Vrudny, IAM Director, adds that Jen’s running career makes her a great advocate for IAM’s services.
“Physical therapists are often looked to as fitness experts, and Jen is a shining example of fitness,” he says. “Her personal experience with endurance training gives her instant credibility with her patients. Additionally, because of her success as a runner, Jen has friends in the running community spread throughout the Twin Cities. This gives her a natural platform to talk about her career with the IAM.”
Jen chuckles as she remembers coming home from her first marathon in Boston. Back at work the next day, she was, as she says, “a zombie.
“I was walking around, seeing patients all morning and finally looked up to see this huge banner they’d made that said, ‘Congratulations, Jen!’ and my finish time. I said, ‘Did you just put that up?’ They said, ‘It’s been up all day!’ You don’t get that everywhere you go.”
She adds, “I look forward to going to work, and not everyone can say that.”

New PR at Grandmas!

Great weekend at Grandma's Marathon! I completed my first athlete press conference, spent time with my family and friends and set another PR in the marathon!  Duluth is a great city and it was special to have set a new PR in front of so many friends and family there to support me!  This photo is me sprinting to the finish (I have never finished a marathon feeling so strong)!  I finished in 2:33:01 for 5th place in the women's field!

Here is a link to a story before the race

http://www.marathonguide.com/news/newsviewer.cfm?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Elive2run%2Ecom%2FMarathonGuide%2Fnews%2Fstories%2FGra%5F110616%5F2%2Ehtml

And post race

http://topics.areavoices.com/2011/06/18/houck-inspired-by-comforts-of-home/



Mizuno Running USA

I'm actually on a Poster!

USA 25k Road Championships

5th Place at the US Champs!

USA 25k Road Championship News

In the women’s race, Pritz took charge from the start and cruised to a three minute win over her Hansons-Brooks teammate Dot McMahan (Rochester Hills, Mich.). Jeannette Faber (Somerfield, Mass.) took third in 1:28:48 and Kristen Zaitz (Broomfield, Colo.) and Jennifer Houck (Bloomington, Minn.) rounded out the top-five in 1:29:16 and 1:30:06 respectively.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!   Follow my life filled with running, brownies, and family as I get ready for the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials!  Thank you to Jordan for helping me get a website going!