Race Training, Another Sick Cat, and Happy Dogs...

I have been trying to focus on training for my next half marathon that is coming up in just TWO days! Add a dash of work stress, and another sick feline, and a girl who is a total stress eater, (and ok, drinker!!) , has bad feet when training long distances, an 80+degree temperature day...and you wind up with someone who is not 100% sure about the outcome of her next half!

Yes, I will finish. I never expect a time, I just want to finish the race, get my medal, drink my beer, and lounge on the couch with netflix for the rest of the day!! It's all anyone can ask for, really!

I had a bit of a stressful situation at work this week, and in the middle of the ordeal, I was in our parking lot, where I witnessed a giant crow attacking a small bird. At first I thought it was a carcass, but the other little birds trying to attack the crow drew my attention. The little bird it had pinned down was trying to break free.

I'm a sucker for animals. I got emotional, plugged my ears, and closed my eyes. After a few seconds I had to try to save that bird, so I ran toward the crow yelling, and stomping! The little bird was free!

It hopped three times, went airborne...and it flew full speed... right into our office window...and promptly fell to the ground. It broke my heart.

I know it's nature and all, but I felt awful for that little birds demise. Totally ruined my day!

I've also been having the same issues with my last and only cat, who can't eat. She's back to the vet tomorrow to undergo anesthesia to look at her mouth, since just like my last cat, all of her tests revealed NOTHING is wrong, but she just can't seem to eat food, despite her interest in it! Stay tuned for this story.

Last year I had 4 cats, now I have just Fozzie girl. 

In happy news, the doggie pool is open, and these two have been enjoying it!

And these two participated in our bark for life event, to benefit the american cancer society. They are wearing their bandanas proud!

Being a Runner...

I love all of my bibs and medals!!

I've only been running for about 3 years now. I started at the urging of one of my best friends, who caught the bug. I did my first race, which was a relay where I earned a medal for a mere 3.2 mile run.

I was hooked! Running for a medal felt fantastic! I've since run countless races from 5k to 15k, and I have 5 half marathons under my belt (soon to be 6!!)

I don't consider myself fast at all. I run a half anywhere from a 10.9 to a 12.3. Sometimes on a half, I need to walk for a bit. I have issues with my feet, or I get overheated. For some reason, this - mixed with the fact that I have a slow pace makes me think I am not a "real" runner.

I recently offered to run a 5k with a coworker, who had never even walked a mile. She wanted to sign up for a half marathon and I encouraged her to start small. Sometimes you can have big dreams when you don't first take the small steps.  I told her I would run with her at her pace, no pressure.

Before we hit the one mile mark, she asked if we had run a mile. I said no...so we had to walk. I coached her through trying to control her breathing, because she felt like she was too out of breath. I encouraged her to get out of her head because I knew her mind was telling her to quit, because I'd been there.

In the end she did her first 5k at 44 minutes, and there were about 40 people who finished after us.

She was so thankful that I encouraged her, and helped her be the best that she could be. It felt amazing.

And...she wants to do another race!

We have already found our next one, an 8k (just under 5 miles) and this one...has a MEDAL! She is going to actually train for this one!

I read an article recently that stated "there are no slow runners". I guess I am beginning to believe this. Just because I don't blow past everyone on a race doesn't mean I am still not doing my best. And I am the only one I am competing with in the end!

If you ever felt the urge to run a race, do it! No one cares how fast you run. And you just migh be amazed at all of the support you get along the way from fellow runners...from the ones you pass, to the ones that pass you! It's a really neat community to be involved in. You shouldn't be intimidated, because in the end we are all out there for our own personal reasons!

Most of all...because we kind of like it!!

Giving Yourself A Break, Shouldn't Last Too Long...

For my Birthday/Christmas/New Year, I bought myself a Fitbit. Because I needed a kick in the pants. I mean...a BIG one!

I always take "time off" after my "last" half marathon of the season, to eat, drink, and be merry...usually it's just a few weeks, and I'm back to running and boot camp, like nothing ever happened.

I went to Florida after this last race, and then I pushed my time off so far that my gym trainer was actually texting me ideas to try to get me to come back to the gym. (I heart her!!)

Aside from a few random 3-4 mile runs, I had not worked out significantly for almost 3 months. Fitbit opened my eyes to my laziness! I also got off of my clean eating kick. And my pants had something nasty to say about that...it went something like...."bitch, you can't squeeze much more in here, can't you see that muffin top???"...)

It's NEVER easy to stay on a path of health and fitness. If it were, everyone would do it! My upside is that over that last few years instead of a "diet", or a set time of working out, I've finally decided that I have to eat well and be active to be happy. Not just with my weight, but in the way I feel when I do those things. I feel so much better when I run faster, or lift a bigger weight!

And now...it's just 137 days until my next half marathon.

Here's to the new year, and staying on a path that makes me happy

Older and Wiser!

I celebrated another birthday, internets! And I must say,  I heart my late thirties (ok..I'm now almost 40!)

Sure, sometimes..I still freak out that I may never be married again, and that I might die alone, with my cats, and/or dogs licking the eyeballs out of my lifeless body...but other than that, life is pretty great!

As usual, I took an extended leave from work to celebrate my birthday/use up all my leftover vacation time I didn't have time to take because I'm too busy at work.

My best friend in the world that got engaged and moved three hours away from me came up for the occasion with her fiance. I had a delicious dinner at a swanky restaurant with them and my other BFF who was my date. After that we went to the local pub for some drinks, and we did a throwback shot of tequila.  (I remember why I no longer do those now)

With just two hours left until the bars closed, my bff, her fiance and I headed to my favorite dance spot (the local gay bar which has the best DJ and the most awesome people) and I danced until I was dripping in sweat, like I actually knew how to dance. The perfect ending to the evening!

I rounded my time off of work out with spending some time with HS friend, Christmas shopping with my Momma, taking my semi-new dog on a 3 mile run (and he loved it!)

I also spent an entire day in my PJ's watching Netflix and drinking chardonnay! Not because I was so sore from all of that dancing or anything.

I'm pretty sure, it doesn't get much better than that!

Mr. Bohannon still wanted to play after our run, while I was ready to chill.

The Last Race of the Season???....

I was so caught up with my Disney vacation, and my new date that I never posted about my last race!

That, and the fact that it was just for "fun" and swag, and not for time, were both factors!

I did the Bernie Kosar Shuffle in Cleveland in October.

Sure, I don't like sports, let alone the BROWNS, and my Mom is a huge Steelers fan, and Bernie may be washed up for some people...but I am a sucker for a great medal. And an even bigger sucker for awesome swag.

It was raining, 30mph winds, and miserable. All of my friends that talked me into the race never signed up and it sold out. I luckily found two girls at work (that I didn't even know) and hitched a ride to the big city with them.

It was one of the most miserable runs due to the conditions (a level below canceling on the race advisory). And I've run at the beach in 90+ degree days, and in the snow.

That is a pretty sweet medal ..you rarely get a 5k medal, and well, it's glittery!! 

The swag was nice, a tshirt, medal, and a browns colored sweatband that may have saved my ears from freezing off!

Rest assured, we got a picture with Bernie, but letting the world see that would be a great injustice to all of us gals. It was a really rough day! But here he is right before we got our picture!

Half Marathon #5...and Being a Real Runner...

I still don't refer to myself a runner, despite the last 3 years of training, and all of my races. I think like most aspects of life, you see those that are better than you, and you try to compare yourself, or live up to their levels.

For instance, at most races, I consider the "real runners" to be the ones running around 30 minutes before the race even starts, while I just awkwardly stretch out my leg muscles 10 minutes before start time.

Some say, if you run...you are a runner. I'm trying to embrace this philosophy!

With that said, I had my final half marathon of the season! I did fantastic with my bronchitis, and food issues until around mile 7. I started to count down the miles at this point, which any runner knows...is never a good thing.

Around mile 10, my feet hurt so bad, the numbness turned back into pain, and I started walking/jogging until mile 12. I finally thought...the faster I run, the sooner this will be over!

I finished at 2:38. my best time ever was 2:30 so I was on track to beat that if not for my issues.

I still had fun, the course was beautiful, and I  am celebrating with one...or two glasses of wine while my feet are on ice.

The course is gorgeous!

medal number 12! I am in love with medals!

Speedy Feet Update....

I had my visit to the podiatrist, and turns out I have what is called Morton's Neuroma.  In short, my second and third toe bones are so close together that strenuous activity causes them to aggravate the nerves between the toes, causing a benign nerve tumor.

The Doc was confident that with anti-inflammatories, strategic icing after activity, and some fancy (and expensive) shoe inserts, I would be fine to run my relay, and possibly my upcoming half marathon. If not, he would treat me with cortisone injections right before my race. No fractures, and I didn't have to stop running!

After one run in with my fancy inserts, I developed blisters on the back of my heels because they cause my shoes to fit differently. I didn't have time to break them in slowly, so, I had to forgo the inserts for my 5.5 mile leg of the Akron Marathon relay.

As luck would have it the night before the race I developed bronchitis!! But in true form, and against my Momma's wishes...I pushed through and ran for my team...(ok, and maybe I have a problem admitting defeat!). I even had a 10:14 pace, my average is 9-10, so I was really surprised at that because I felt like I was running in slow motion, and I had a hard time breathing.

The upside? My feet held out for me, and I got my awesome medal. I heart medals!

I visit the foot Doc at the end of the week for my follow up. I am thinking I may need to see him after my half as well, since I won't be able to use the inserts this close to the big race. But I'm more worried about my horrible cough. 

After my half marathon, I'm jet-setting off to Orlando for vacation with one of my oldest friends, where I will celebrate the end of my official race season by drinking large quantities of wine, enjoying Disney (for the first time), the beach, and a week's worth of girl time!

I Got 99 Problems and My Feet are One....

The older you get, the more you realize your Mother was right. No matter how old you are, you never FEEL old. But eventually, your body tries to chime in and remind you that you are no longer that indestructible 16 year old you may still feel that you are in your heart!

I have been experiencing foot pain since my last half marathon in May around mile 8. It felt a bit better after a week or so, but then started to get worse when I ran more than 3 miles, or worked out for an hour.

Now they hurt all the time. It's my toes, and the area just below them. When I am active, after about 15 minutes, my toes feel numb.

I was fitted for shoes at a running store which made my feet feel like they were on clouds, but after a couple of weeks they hurt again. (there is no way in that short time I'm logging 200 miles to wear my shoes out)

So, I am finally going to a podiatrist/orthopedic surgeon. I found a guy that use to work for our Cleveland Cavaliers...he must be good!  He will probably be use to someone who does not want to quit being active, while trying to fix whatever ails them.

I still have a 5.5 mile relay, a half marathon, and a 5k to run before my "season" is over. I do not want to quit before I'm finished.

Fingers crossed this is going to be an easy fix that won't leave me sidelined for my upcoming races!

A Fourth Half Marathon...

Bees are the city's theme..so I loved my swag!

I remember when I thought doing "A" half marathon was crazy. But once I did, I caught the bug, and I have been doing various races here and there, mostly, just the distances that will earn me medals.

Only four weeks of training for the fourth half marathon, but I felt great! The night before the race, my new boot camp trainer actually called me to wish me luck, and asked me to let her know how it went. I mean,  she is not my personal trainer. This kinda made me feel awesome!

My alarm was set for 4:30 am because I was worried about parking, so what time did I get up...5:52!!! I left the house in a mere 10 minutes with a lot of "F" bombs, and had to eat my breakfast in transit.  Not a great start to the day but I made it in time, and found parking, plus my bff was there to send me off!

For the first time in my half marathon history, it flew by! I wasn't counting the minutes, and when another mile marker came up I said to myself "I still feel great!" I told myself I wouldn't stop or stretch until the 8 mile mark. Then around mile 9.5 my foot started to really bother me. It had been hurting off and on during training, but not so bad.

I finally had to start walking/jogging vs. my normal pace. I was trying to push it for a while, and I reminded myself that I'm not in this to prove anything to anyone but me, and I wanted to finish on my own two feet! I didn't want to sustain any long-term injuries!

In the end, I added about 20 minutes to my usual time, and ended at 2:50.  I attribute the pain to street running and the road being slanted. I train on the towpath trails, or treadmill, and it's always even. I'm spending the rest of the day icing and elevating in hopes to pick back up running next week!

On the upside, for the first time after a half, the rest of my body feels great! I am not stiff, or sore like usual, just the damned foot. So, progress was made!

I aim to make up those extra minutes on my fall half marathon!

I mean, how cute is this bee medal? 

Change IS Good...

I got a new trainer at my gym for my boot camp classes. I don't much like change, but I'm trying to embrace it!

Our classes are more challenging, which after a year, we all needed! More faced paced, no fringe, non-stop, awesomeness! She even throws in some tabata classes here and there!

The best part, is that she is also a nutritionist. She gave us the option to submit food journals, for a "prize". She looks them over, and gives us suggestions on what to change. Of course, I jumped on board! I have been stagnant despite 2 a day work outs (runs and boot camp) because I wasn't tracking my food! (I workout all the time, I can eat what I want!!)

After 3 weeks of being back to journaling I'm down 5 pounds!

I'm most excited about the introduction of protein shakes after my workouts. After only one week I can already see my muscle definition!

One week until my 13.1 that I only took 4 weeks to train for. I'll be OK, but I won't be breaking any personal records!

Only You Can Kick Yourself In The Pants...

There is nothing like jump starting your race training like signing up for a half marathon that you have to run in just four weeks!

I can't pass up a good medal!

I needed to get out of my fitness slump! Sure I attend my boot camp classes 4 days a week, and I've been running here and there short distances, but I was kind of just going through the motions, maintaining.

My first half of 2014 wasn't scheduled until October, so I was taking it pretty easy.

As luck would have it, just four weeks before race day, 50 spots opened up on a half marathon I was interested in, and so....here goes nothing!

I love medals!

I'm back in training mode...which is where I thrive! Two a day workouts? Yes, please! Logging 20+ miles a week? OK!

I'm exhausted, I miss food that is bad for me, hours of netflix on the couch, and wine,  (except for Friday's...those will still be MINE!)  and it feels like all I do is run, shower, go to the gym, shower, prepare my meals, sleep, and start all over.... but this is the kind of stuff that makes me tick!

I successfully made it through my first week of kicking processed foods again, and while I sometimes feel like yelling at people for being able to eat what I can't...I know that in another week, I won't even miss it!

I missed race season more than I thought I would. I think I'm officially a runner!

Run, Run, Rudolph!!

The high on Saturday in the Cleves was 24. I don't know the official weather at 8 am, but my official opinion is, it was "fucking cold". I wore long johns under my running tights, and a long sleeve tech tee, and a running jacket, a hood, gloves, and smart wool socks. I lost feeling in my buttocks almost instantly. I didn't dress up but there were some creative costumes.

My favorite was a girl dressed as one of the Bumpass' hounds, she had on a dog face cap, and carried a turkey.

My race swag. 

Luckily we got a ticket to tour the Christmas Story House another time, because the line was ridiculously long, and the cold was even worse after working up a sweat!

We didn't have to wait in the mile long line for a ride back to our start line, because my bff scored us a ride to the big city, who also came to pick us up from the finish, and then took us to brunch! I mean, does it get any better?

There were a lot of walkers. Strollers. Kids. People wearing boxes. And, ICE on the road...so we didn't get to really compete for time. Our 5k time was 34 minutes. Not our best, but pretty good considering. But it was for fun, and we didn't mind. 

This is clearly, my new favorite medal!

And since the cold has descended upon us, and everyone loves pet photos, here is what the animals have been up to.

"Somebodies sleeping in MY bed". Mr. Magoo has also started to enjoy the sweater bed I made. Fizzgig is unimpressed. This is cat territory.

 This was a few minutes later...if you can't beat 'em...join 'em!

I guess I need to make more sweater beds. 

A Christmas Story...RUN!

You know the movie, you either love it, or hate it. I happen to love it.

I also do not live not very far from the actual house that the movie was filmed in.

So, it's not time to hang up those race shoes just yet....there's one more this weekend!

 Christmas Story Run. 

You get to run to the Christmas Story house.  You also get free admission to tour the house, a long sleeve leg lamp shirt, rich, chocolate ovaltine, a viewing of the movie on public square, and the opportunity to win your very own LEG LAMP!

But the major award is the medal!

Best Medal...EVER!

Virginia Beach Rock n' Roll Half Marathon...

I am home from the amazing high that vacation brings!

The convention before the race was exciting! I entered a contest, and won a spot on the Geico race team...which just meant that if I wore their swag for the race, I'd get a free massage afterwards. I didn't wind up doing it, and I also didn't see one person wearing any of those bright green gecko shirts. But I have a cute running shirt for around town now!

Me and sis got this sweet milk mustache pic at the convention

And then, it was RACE DAY!

I was ready to go!

We set our alarms for 4 am. My sister couldn't believe it. She has never gone to a race, let alone a big one! we got up early so we could drive a bit out of the way to take a shuttle to the start line, so we didn't have to worry about walking or parking, which wound up being the best decision ever.

It was so nice to have my sister there with me for the experience, I usually race alone, and having someone with you just enhances your experience.

getting into the zone before the start..

The temperature was 92 and humid. Don't ask me what the heat index was, probably over 100. I hadn't trained in that sort of heat, and I was worried about it. I was also concerned that I hadn't pooped. I dunno about you, but more than running 13.1 miles, the idea of running full of poo scares me way more. I don't think non-runners understand the importance of a bowel movement. Everyone thinks it is a joke, but it is very real. 

My pace group taking off!

We had a wave start, which was a first for me. Usually the fast people get the fanfare, and the rest of us walk slowly til we reach the start line. I liked this change, because we all got the countdown, and it was not as congested when we took off. 

The first 5 miles were cake. It was all along Atlantic Avenue, so we could sneak a peek at the ocean in between hotels. The sunrise glistening on the ocean, along with all the supporters, and bands was so motivating, it was beautiful! 

Then the first hill, a bridge over Rudee's Inlet. 

For someone who trains flat, this is daunting. So, I walked it. I was doing good at around an 11mm pace, and I was afraid of my time, but I had to keep in mind, finishing was my goal. 

That's about the time the heat really hit home. I took advantage of every water and gator aid station, as well as my own water I had in my belt. I bought a cooling bandana, so I got it wet and started to try to cool off my neck and face.

Hearing all the sirens, and seeing all of the "downed runners" along the road, reminded me that my goal was finishing. I didn't need to break any PR's this time. It was HOT!

Mile 8. It. Was. Hot. My face was on FIRE. There were a lot of people outside their houses with hoses, and sprinklers. A few volunteer groups with rags soaked in ice water. (heaven!!) I just thought, I'm over halfway there. The rest is a breeze!

We ran through the naval aquatic base, which was awesome because I thought there would be some men in uniform.. and I didn't want to look like a wuss. They had pitchers of water to refill our water bottles, and pots and pans full of ice cubes! I grabbed some, and thanked them profusely, and wrapped the ice in my bandanna and used it to try to cool my face and neck. 

Getting back to pace is a struggle. I slowed down. 

Mile 10. ONLY 3 MORE MILES!!  There were some people on bikes that rode along us for a while, and as they said "if you can run 10 miles, you can run 3". Yes. This is true! 

But mile 10 is around the time that my being hot turned into being cold. I got goosebumps, and seeing that it was ridiculous hot, I knew it wasn't a good sign. I had to stop worrying about my pace, and focus on the finish.

Luckily there were a few cooling buses along the route, and one was just up ahead. I veered off and spent a few minutes inside an air conditioned bus stretching and reading inspiring texts from my friends that urged me to keep going!

I got back out on the course, and was faced with that bridge again, which I walked. At the end of the bridge was the boardwalk. The final 2 miles, all along the ocean. 

Amazing! 

I crossed the finish with all my wits about me. A lot of pain in my hamstrings, exhausted, covered in sweat, and right my ankle was killing me, but I didn't stop. And I didn't push past my limits to prove anything, and I finished strong. 

Finishing at the beach=awesome! Third half under my belt=priceless!

My official time was 2:57. My run keeper time was 2:52, which I stopped when I got on the cooling bus, and should have stopped when I took a potty break..But under 3 hours was my ultimate goal this time, and I squeaked by! I had a 2:20 my last half, but I'm happy to have finished this one on my own two feet!

I spent the rest of the day doing this...

By the way, did you see my bling? A sparkly starfish? Priceless!

This was a great race, a great course, and so well executed! I'm already considering centering my next year's vacation around running it again! 

Feeling Like a Real Runner...

Why do cats enjoy your smelly shoes?...

In adding to my pre race fears, my body has felt like complete shit this past few weeks.

My feet, and my knees have just started to seriously hurt. Not the usual, I've been running more, so of course I'll experience some discomfort. I mean, just walking kills my knees, stairs are the worst, and my toes have been feeling numb on runs, and ache constantly.

Knowing my body, I knew that it was unusual to experience this onset of pain, and I pinpointed it to the purchase of my last pair of running shoes.

I was dreading long runs, so..I finally bit the bullet...er, I mean credit card, and went off to my local running specialty store for an evaluation.

I knew I wouldn't be paying $60-$70 bucks for shoes, which I am use to. Frugal me hated the thought. After all, I have already shelled out a pretty penny for the race, and my plane ticket, and my fun money.

But the me that wants to not cause permanent damage to my body, and finish my half marathon, said "go for it, mastercard don't mind, and you are worth it".

First things first. My running shoes...are not even running shoes.

Upon evaluation of me, it was decided that I over pronate. This caused my big and second toes pain, because they were doing all the work, and the shoes I was wearing did not stabilize them properly.

I'd have never run around like that in a department store, I'd likely wind up on YouTube. At a specialty store, you feel right at home with all the other running "nerds".

They told me that the store is the "Cheers" for runners, and to come in any time to talk about running.

After my consultation, I left with a new pair of shoes that felt like I was running on clouds. I instantly had to test them out, even though I had gone to the store after my trip to the gym.

I'm so attached to them, that they will be boarding the plane with me vs. riding in the underbelly with all that low-class luggage.

Pre-Race Jitters? I Got This...

I'm not the least bit worried about my upcoming half marathon in Virginia Beach in 16 days.

But that kind of worries me.

I haven't been putting miles in like I should be.

Especially outdoor miles.

But this ain't my first rodeo, it's my third. 

But what I'm doing differently this time is I'm more cross-trained. I do my boot camps, and my short runs (ok, mostly indoors...) but I'm not following a training schedule like I did with my last two half's.

People are trying to scare me. Trying to psyche me out.  Asking me all sorts of questions about being ready because I haven't been doing all the miles.

I have come to dismiss these people's worries because they have never run a half marathon before.

I mean, where is their licence in running? I know what to expect. I know it's hard. I know it will be painful.

But then, I have never been in business to be the fastest, my enjoyment of running a half comes from running the 13.1 consecutive miles and finishing.

It's about the experience of the race, the enjoyment of every mile run, and the (cute and sparkly starfish) medal I receive at the end.

In closing, don't let other people squash your dreams. No one knows your potential but you. People who could never accomplish what you can, will try to psyche you out.

Prove them wrong.

Press on.

Live your dream, and enjoy the feeling you have when you finally accomplish your goal!

For me, in the end...I get to spend a week with my sister, having quality time, and enjoying the sand and sun... and my running a half marathon is just the icing on the cake!

My Fitness Journey Video....

I've only been working on completing a video on my weight loss and starting to run,  for close to a year.

I have changed it so many times that I finally had to just ask myself if "self, do you think you are making the next Titanic, or a stupid youtube video".

 When I need inspiration, I love to look for inspiring weight loss, or fitness videos online. Knowing so many other people have made such changes in their own lives always inspires me to keep going.

So if I can inspire just one person, like so many have done for me, all the hours I spent making this less-than-stellar video will have been well spent.

Training Just Got Serious!...

It's just a bit over a month until my next half marathon. In Virginia Beach. I'm not worried that I can't do it, because I've done it twice. I know what to expect, and I know my body well enough to know when to take it easy and when to push myself, and how it feels to run for 13.1 miles.

I have spent the last 8 months since my last half marathon focused on strength and core training, more than running.

This added training has actually made running easier for me! That is, when I run. 

I've been pretty lax about my running for a few months now. I've only gotten in a few miles here and there, vs. my usual runs 5 days a week... and the ones I've had, have been on the treadmill. 

My gym is right near the parks I like to run in. So, this weekend, after a class I decided I was already sweaty and gross, and I just needed to get out there.

And then it all came back.

I had forgotten what an outside run brings to the table. Not just the unknown terrain, that challenges my body, but the being outside. Battling the elements. Taking in the amazing scenery that I am so lucky to live so close to. Being inspired by other runners. Listening to my favorite songs, that just have a way of igniting a passion in me that makes me want to go just a little bit further. Just a little bit harder. Just a little bit more.

I am going to finish that half marathon in Virginia Beach. And more importantly, by doing so, I am going to make myself proud.

I am focused.

I'm dedicated.

And most importantly, I am just another girl, setting goals for myself, because no one else is going to do it for me.

Running the Shamrock...2013 Race Season Starts!...

This St. Patties day, I did not partake in any celebratory drinking. No green beer. No bar. Not a single glass of wine. But, it was all for good reason... I had a race to prepare for, and a medal to earn!

Instead, I spent my Saturday drinking water like it was my job, sticking to my "diet", and watching "Frankenweenie". (cute movie btw)

The course was described as "challenging, hilly, our hardest course". Normally, I like to stick to "easy" and "flat".

I was a bit worried about my performance, because I have been killing myself in the gym every day, and I usually like to take a few days off before a race. But I have a schedule, and I stuck to all my training.

And have I mentioned, I don't train on hills?

Plus this guy knew I could do it...

It was indeed, challenging. I had anticipated on a normal 9 miles, to finish in an hour and a half. This one, I thought, as long as I'm not over 2 hours, I'll feel great about it. 

You don't understand this disclaimer, until after you run the course. But damn, it makes you feel good when you do!

The hills? They were massive. And never ending. The best surprise was at the bottom of the worst/longest 2 mile hill, (that was so wind-ey and steep you couldn't see an end, so I kept my eyes down) when my BFF came bounding out from the trees to run with me!!

She came to run the hardest part with me! If it weren't for her I'd have walked the whole thing and felt defeated. It was so full of awesome!

When she left me just past the crest, I had just 3 miles to go. And as we like to say...Anyone can run 3 miles!

Those miles that she assured me were "easy"? Were mostly hills as well. Just when you got to the top of a hill, you had a slightly smaller hill, until... another hill!

About a mile and a half later I saw a girl bringing me water at a water station, that I was going to pass...(I don't wear my glasses/contacts running) and it was her again!! Telling me to "kick its' ass!!" 

Then, at the finish? She was there again to yell my name, and to tell me to pick it up and finish strong!

A good friend, might come to cheer you on, but a best friend will come and run "bandit" with you so that you don't give up!

And given that I have NEVER had any race support on any of my races, it meant the world to me!!

Did I mention it was a blustery 32 degrees, wet, and snowy? 

In the end, I  finished at 1:45:27. A 11.19 minute mile. I can run a flat 15k in an hour and a half, so I expected to finish at 2 hours, due to the course. I outran my anticipated time, which is a win to me!!

Last season, I couldn't have done it. I would have finished far slower! I would have walked all the hills vs. at the very least, slow jogging 99% of them. All the extra training I have put in, is actually working! 

Whoda thunk?

Since I burned over 1,100 calories just from my run, and stayed away from alcohol, I treated myself to a non-24 day challenge treat of a chicken pot pie from my favorite grocery store. And I loved every.. last... tidbit!

So, what did you do this St. Patty's day?

Cupid's Undie Run..CLEVELAND!

Let's face it, runners are awesome. We like to do something, and we get to raise money doing it! We over doubled the $50,000 goal for our city to benefit children's tumor research. Go, Cleveland!

We made the news!

I've done a lot of runs, some serious, some fun. And this one was really well organized. There were a ton of photographers, plenty of staff to answer questions, easy bag drops/pick up, free parking, pre and post race party in a heated tent, and, of course, lots of alcohol available to get you nice and "warm" before running in 28 degree weather in your skiivies!

 

Best race swag ever! T-shirt, bag and goodies came with registration, skiivies were for hitting a fund raising goal.

 

 

The best part about only running one "mile-ish" is we did it in 8 minutes. My long runs are at about 11 minute miles. So, not only did I have a blast, help kids, and spend a fun day with my friends, I got to say I ran an 8 minute mile!

 

If this race comes to your city GO! It is so much fun! The people that gathered on the streets to cheer us on were the best! We were like a mobile running party, everyone was having a great time, and I only wish it were longer. Except, my legs were numb at the end of the run...so it wouldn't be a good idea!

 

Of course, our hilight was the firemen in their firemen underwear, and firemen hats, running with their fire hose. You gotta love a man in uniform...even if they are out of it.

 

And, I won't lie, you can't be packed in a group of 800+ people without checking out all the guys' packages in their underwear. It made me giggle like a school girl!

 

It's all for a good cause! Anyone can run (or walk) a mile...so, do it!