Run for the Dream Williamsburg Half Marathon

Ho-ly crap. How in the hell is it already June? Somebody please slow 2014 down. 

This year, I started off the month of June by doing a half marathon.

Before I begin my recap, I want to thank Flat Out Events for inviting me to come and run. It was much appreciated. 

The half marathon was in Williamsburg, VA. The drive took almost 3 hours and was beautiful.

Our first stop was the expo at the Visitor Center. It was pretty small, but had some cool gear. Plus, we got a shirt AND a pair of Swiftwick ankle socks when we picked up our bib. SCORE.

We stayed in the Governor's Inn. Ehh. I can't really say too much about the hotel. I got it on Priceline for $70 and, well, we got what we paid for. It was a very basic hotel room, not dirty or anything, just not super nice.

The race started at 7 AM. Usually, I'm not too excited for an early start, but since it was over 80 degrees that day, I gladly took it. 

I fueled up with the continental breakfast.

I usually take my oatmeal with goat's or almond milk, but they didn't have any so I just did instant maple brown sugar oatmeal with half a chopped banana and a drizzle of honey. Super sweet and super yummy. 

with a cup of black coffee and a hard boiled egg.

The hotel provided us with a free shuttle to the race start. Logistically, everything seemed to go pretty smoothly. I showed up 20 minutes until the start. Just enough time to use the bathroom and line up.

The race, especially compared to the Marine Corp Half Marathon I did last weekend, was pretty small. It only had 1463 runners. 

The course was really enjoyable! We ran through historic Williamsburg, did a few miles in the woods (Which I didn't know was coming but really enjoyed!) and ended up at the campus of William and Mary.

The course was pretty damn flat until we hit mile 8. Then the hills just kept rolling. Or at least it felt like that. I couldn't find an elevation chart online. 

There were plenty of volunteers and water stops. This is always good! 

The post race bash was a lot of fun, too!

The had bbq sandwiches (I actually found this weird an unappetizing....maybe that's just me though), nature valley granola bars, oranges, and bananas. 

Plus they had Shocktop (and Michelob Ultra) which is a better quality beer than you usually see at races.

We sat out in the sun, listened to music, had a couple of beers, and enjoyed ourselves before heading home.

The only things I wasn't too keen on was:

1) It didn't stop and start at the same location. I can't comment on how the shuttles ran because Joe came to the finish so I didn't ride it back, but typically I don't enjoy being shuttled. 

2) The GUs were handed out at mile 10. Personally, I fueled at mile 4 and 8. I think mile 10 is too little to late. 

3) During the last mile, I rounded a corner and saw the chute with spectators and thought that was it. I started busting out my sprint, just to round another corner and see that I was now in a stadium and still had to do one lap around.....with hundreds of people watching. Boo. I felt wronged. Haha.

All-in-all though, I really enjoyed this race and I'd love to come back and run it!

My time for the race was 1:53:25, which gave me an average pace of 8:39. Although it wasn't a PR, I was really happy with this race. My goal was to run strong and consistent, unlike the Love Rox Half Marathon I did in February where I was ALL over the place, and I accomplished this. Almost every single mile was in the 8:30s, even the hilly ones. I didn't start to feel like I was drained until the very last mile. The only thing I would try to work on was the fact that my last mile was my slowest. That's never how you want to end.

Marine Corp Half Marathon 2014

This race recap is long over due, but I think this is a really good race so  I am going to do one anyways. 

Last Sunday, I made the trip to Fredericksburg, VA and ran in the Marine Corp Half Marathon. 

This race holds a special place in my heart. 

It was the first half marathon I'd ever ran. 

My twin sister and I have ran it together for the past 5 years. Unfortunately, she moved to Charleston, WV this past winter and couldn't be there:-(

This is the race that I broke my foot in two years ago.

This year, I decided not to race. A friend in my office asked me to pace her and help her beat the two hour mark. 

As much as I love racing, taking it easy (for me) and enjoying the experience is pretty great, too.

This race is ALWAYS a good time. The expo is big. The race is organized reallllly well, has plenty of volunteers, and always starts on time. 

You start and finish at the same place, too. I really like this.  Shuttles sucks.

 This picture is of the Marines walking in the final runner. They were singing and marching with him the entire way. It literally brought some people to tears.

 You can just feel the patriotism around you. The commodore. The passion. 

While there is a KILLER hill at the end (the incline on your treadmill would be set at 12 to mimic that hill) and it's a little busier than I like my races, it's one I'll do every year. 

ANS 7th Annual 5K/10K Run Walk - My Review

 

In order to prepare for my first 10K, competitive one at least, I rested up on Saturday, took a light walk with my daughter and stretched. I got to bed early (got an extra hour of sleep due to daylight savings) and woke up bright and early at 6:30 to get ready.

 

2 cups of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal and I was ready to go!

 

ANS 7th Annual 5K/10K Run Walk

 

Seeing as though this was a very small race (held in Southern MD) I wasn't sure what to expect. I showed up 40 minutes before the 8:30 start time, grabbed my number and went inside to warm up. After a few runs around the gym and some stretching, I hit the bathroom and was ready to go. The gun went off at exactly 8:30.

 

I have to say, I was very disappointed with the course. Firstly, there were no cones. Nothing to block the cars speeding by at 55 miles an hour. We were running on a small shoulder. Not the most comforting feeling. Especially since I was in the front of the pack. No crowds to draw attention for the drivers.....

 

The course was also VERY hilly. I guess I cannot complain about this factor too much, but during my run I was cursing it with a bunch of four letter words.

 

Third, and most importantly, the course was poorly marked. Shortly after I passed the 5 mile marker I got geared up and put a little pep in my step. Then I came to an intersection with no sign! One sign on my left was marked for the 5K, so I choose that one thinking that the races might meet up. Almost half a mile after the turn a man in a truck pulled up beside me to let me know I was going to wrong way. I was super peeved. I bust a quick 180 and as I passed the intersection again I saw the crowd catching up....Only one man passed me due to that potentially fatal mistake.

 

I finished in about 51:40. (The official time hasn't been released).

While I'm irritated that I missed my goal of 50 minutes, I'm excited that I know that I can make it since I ran over 7 miles in 51:40! And I still got 1st place for females!

 

 

My first time with a medal that reads "1st" place. Kaitlyn and I were ecstatic! I had a great time!

 

I'm currenty relaxing on the couch with a Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale watching Sex and the City reruns. Perfect way to celebrate!

The Girl Who Baked Everything

 

A love a good 4 day weekend, especially when it is not expected. Due to Hurricane Sandy, school and work were canceled for Monday and Tuesday. Do you know what I spent the past 4 days doing.....not exactly running. The name of this blog should be changed to Pumpkin Junkie.

 

Saturday I was supposed to do a 50 minute tempo run. Every single family member ended up being busy though, and I couldn't find a sitter. I decided this meant that I should simply not stress, and spend some quality time with my daughter. We had a guest coming over for dinner. Remember the "pumpkin craze" I talked about in my last post...

 

I started with a huge crock pot of pumpkin chili and a batch of pumpkin cornbread muffins.

 

 

Paired with a Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale. It was perfection.

 

For dessert I made these Pumpkin Pie Biscotti with a cream cheese drizzle. A little bit of a mix between a biscotti and a scone. Pretty damn good.

 

 

I also made this Pumpkin Cheesecake which I brought over to my friends for her birthday. While I didn't get to taste it I'm told it was amazing!

 

And since I'm that crazy.....Pumpkin Pancakes for dinner the next morning:-) I made them with Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Baking Mix.

 

My training called for an 8 mile run on Sunday. I ate those delicious pancakes, got suited up, and was stopped in my tracks when I noticed how disgusting my daughter's bright red eye looked. A couple of hours in-line at the CVS Minute Clinic confirmed she had pink eye.

 

Seeing as though that's contagious for 24 hours, I wouldn't be dropping her at any body's house on Monday either.

 

I did manage to get a nice 5 miler in this morning. I tried to take it nice and easy, which was a lot easier with all the puddles and piles of leaves and debris that Hurricane Sandy left in my way.

 

After running, I continued my madness in the kitchen. I'll show you pictures tomorrow but I have to say from this one that today's creations put everything else to shame.

 

I caught him over the sink, frosting utensil in one hand, measuring cup with batter in the other, taking alternate licks.

 

The finished product was even better.

Fall is Officially Here (and the BEST Season)

It's been a busy last few weeks. I have sucked as a blogger. I've still kept up on all my workouts. I've been doing them at least 6x a week. I've continued to mix it up by doing different things. A few of this past weeks highlights:

1. Interval/Circuit Workouts. I have taken these from one of my favorite blogs, Peanut Butter Fingers. This girls knows how to put together a GREAT workout! The 10-to-6 Workout especially kicked my ass! If you are in a rut, or just looking for a challenging workout, please try it. The only thing I changed was that I went to 5.

2. 7 mile run. This past Saturday I asked the boy "how much am I running today?". He said "7" without hesitation. I delivered. I didn't time it because it is my longest run since coming back from my broken foot but it was awesome!

3. Trail Running! Last Monday I went to Leesylvania State Park to find a trail to run. I got JUST what I asked for. I found a 2 mile trail that was tough! More hills than I have ever experienced during a trail run. I did it twice (coming out for water before returning for the second one. What a hot, humid day!) and then finished the last two miles on a dirt/gravel path that went along the shore line of the Potomac River. I think I've found a new favorite place to run:-)

On a non-workout related note, Labor Day weekend has passed and (in my mind at least) Fall is officially here. My all-time favorite season!! The weather, the food, the activities, the clothes, the colors. It's just perfect. Here are a few of my favorite things:

PUMPKIN.

I am a pumpkin freak. Everything that has pumpkin in it and is put in front of me, I will try. I was SUPER excited to find this number at the grocery store.

I am a fan of Blue Moons. They are just a fabulous, refreshing beer. When I spotted this, I had high expectations. Blue Moon delivered. Try it now.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes. Made my moi. Delicious goodness. Spread a little bit of almond butter, or go for plain old butter and syrup. You won't be disappointed.

TAILGATING

Now I should say "Football" but I can't fake it. I'm not a huge fan of watching a football game on TV. If the boy happens to have one on, then I'll watch it and I won't complain. It's just not something I'd put on if I was home alone. Going to the games though. Totally different story.

The first preseason game was especially fun because this little girl asked if she could come with me. I obliged and boy was I glad that I did. We had a blast!

Warming up while my dad cooked the food. Representing of course.

Hmmm.....junk food:-)

I made my pesto for the first time. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto. It was awesome. Thrown on some brown rice noodles with fresh peppers. So good. It was eaten with homemade turkey burgers and a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.

Once we were done stuffing our faces,, we headed to our seats.

Thanks to my Dad for the awesome tickets! (He was with us too!)

The day after Labor Day also brought an exciting change for our little family. Somebody started first grade. Holy crap. Where has the time gone??

She looked so beautiful and grown up and she is going to do great!

I absolutely LOVE this age. Seeing her grow and learn and form her own personality, opinions, etc. It's so awesome to watch and be a part of.

I'm sure the busy times will continue but I'm going to try to make sure I post more.

The Importance of a Rest Day

Thursday continued my obsession with the classes at my gym. I did "Ultimate Circuit" which is my favorite so far. There were only 3 people in the class so we were each able to receive the instructors attention. He really pushed us, corrected out form and encouraged us each individually. I was breathing heavier than I have in a LONG time. The only issue with this class is that it did have quite a bit of running in it. We were sprinting across the gym, up and down the stairs, etc. I know that I really shouldn't go back until I talk to my ortho about the situation but I reallllllly want to. There is another class that day, "Ultimate Conditioning" that I may try out instead. I feel like the name implies running though.

That night my good friend Ryan came over for dinner. Per our usual routine, we feasted...

Baked Chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and eggplant....and the yummy vino:-)

Simple apple crisp with a scoop (or two) of Fro Yo.

Friday I repeated my Monday class, Chiseled Physique. I swear, I have done more squats in the past 2 weeks than in my entire life.

I realized that I would not be having my daughter on Saturday morning, which never happens, and had every intention of taking advantage of it. The weather was supposed to be awesome this weekend. I did, however, have to be ready to leave my house at 8 AM for an obligation. No big deal, right? I'd get up at 5:30 and have plenty of bike riding time. As Friday drug on I got continually sore....by the time I went to bed Friday, I had decided that the bike ride may not be the best idea. I'd just see what time I woke up, how I was feeling and I'd base it off that.

I woke up at 6:45ish, knowing I'd missed my opportunity. Instead, I took a brisk 25 minutes walk to shake those stiff legs out. I am really glad that I did this. I think that it is REALLY hard to allow myself to rest. Even though I KNOW my body needs rest to recover properly, I beat myself up for NOT pushing it to the limit.

After my Saturday obligation I came home to find a certain handsome boy waiting for me. He was also kid-free. (Seriously, this is our first time without kids in 6 or 7 months) So we made it a date night:-)

We started out with Ray's Hell Burger. (Known for Obama's frequent visits and the fact they serve bone marrow). It was a pretty damn awesome turkey burger. Sweet potato fries hardly got touched.

Then we walked the streets of Arlington, popping into a few different bars.....The few miles I got into walking that day made me feel a tad bit better for my over-indulgence on these.....:-)

Blue Moon. Totally healthier because it has fruit in it.

Sunday morning I woke up and it was Farmer's Market time. I told the boy I was going to meet him there. Wanted to get another walk in. I walked up to the bank, then to the market, and I really enjoyed it. Walking is kind of providing me an mental outlet these days. Then we started shopping and errands....allllll day. I had intended to get a bike ride in.... By the time we got back to the house it was 5:00 PM and I felt every ounce of motivation leaving my body. I decided to, once again, just walk it out. As I power walked  I started to get those endorphins pumping......I walked the 2 miles to my mother's house and jumped on her bike. Awesome 13 mile bike ride! I could really feel the difference by skipping the intense workout on Saturday (and you don't have to do nothing, I like to actively rest. Between my morning walk and bar hopping I probably got close to 5 miles in that day.)

Today I had Chiseled Physique again. I wanted to get a nice walk and/or bike ride in but grocery shopping and Kaitlyn's swim class took precedent. Hopefully tomorrow!