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My to-do list for the past few weeks (or months...) has including updating this blog with new posts. So as I scramble to get in a single entry before the calendar turns the page away from 2013, this is all I can get out. But I'll be back (hopefully soon!) with real news and recaps and life/running updates. Cheers to the New Year! Welcome 2014 and best wishes for a happy, healthy, successful year full of love and fun! 

13.1 for 2013

Happy New Year! This morning I kicked off 2013 by running 13.1 miles in the Liberty Half Marathon! It was quite an adventure and a really fun time. I am so excited and proud of myself for getting this new year off to a great start.

I wasn't ringing in 2013 at midnight as I was asleep in my cozy bed, but didn't really get a full, uninterrupted night of rest. Between the happy texts from friends and family, combined with weird dreams (very normal for me) I got in a few hours of shut eye before the alarm was ringing bright and early. I layered up, and I mean REALLY layered up, and prepared to hit the highway. Enter the morning's first snag: the layers of snow on my car requiring much scraping. We've had some really wicked weather over the past few weeks. It feels like the month of December resulted in more snow than the other 11 months of the year combined. Once my car was clear (and my GPS decided to cooperate) I was on my way.

my car - "under the weather"

The early morning drive to Liberty, OH was easy enough with very few cars on the road, but still a fair amount of snow, ice and slush. So it was slow going. I arrived at the rendezvous point around 8:15AM for a 9:00AM start time. (I only got "lost" once, and it was right at the end of the trip when I drove straight past the place and had to turn back around.) The half marathon was a 13.1 point-to-point race from West Liberty to East Liberty. The plan was to have all runners park their cars at the finish line, and transportation was to be provided to the starting point. EXCEPT the bus that was scheduled to drive everyone across the course broke down this morning. The race is only in it's third year, and the organizers did the best job they could at getting everyone corralled up and taken over to the start in cars. I was actually in the LAST caravan. The others in the car were nervous as we watched the clock slowly approach and then tick past 9:00AM. We knew we weren't going to make it on time and were afraid of what would come: either they would start the race without us and we would have to sprint to catch up, or they would hold the start for us and we would be faced with an angry mob of runners that were upset with our tardiness and having to wait outside in the cold.

They ended up holding the start (but no one seemed too angry - thank goodness!) As soon as we arrived we raced though check-in, clipped on our timing chips and hopped into the crowd. The race directors arrived a few minutes after our van and got the event started. It was just after 9:15AM. I was a bit frazzled at this point: worried that we wouldn't make the start, and thus wasn't really focused or "in the zone" as the race began. I remembered to take a few seconds to stretch, but the cold air had already hit me like a brick wall. As we took off I started up my iPod and it instantly started shuffling on me. So I guess the perfect playlist I had planned out the night before was out the window. No matter - the songs were still great and really kept me moving throughout the entire race.

One slight benefit to having the bus breakdown was that we got a much more personalized tour of the race course as our driver took us to the start. This was especially helpful as he called out landmarks and important course features to us. I know for a fact that I would have otherwise gotten VERY lost very easily. The course route was all on county (read: country) roads. As I mentioned above, we've received a TON of snow over the past few weeks. And since this is way out in the country, they weren't all really plowed. Let me rewrite that: they weren't really plowed at all. So the trek was slow-going. You had to be very careful and cautious in watching your footfalls. There was no straight racing up the street, but rather zig-zagging across the road looking for the least slick area. I was lucky in that I never slipped too terribly and did not fall down!

The first few miles I was able to keep running at a pretty steady pace. I was terrified of my timing and afraid that I would be passed by everyone, end up at the back of the group and get lost. Throughout the run I was always able to keep at least one person within my sights (even if they were a quarter mile ahead of me.) In the end I did not finish dead last! The mile markers were orange traffic cones along the route, most of which were accompanied by a post with the mile number on it. The first aid station came around mile 5. I was not especially hungry or thirsty, but I took a few sips of Gatorade and munched on a delicious Fig Newton.

Around this time is where I started to falter. I was struggling with the cold - it was really eating through my fingers, despite wearing gloves. The temperature remained in the high twenties for the entire morning. But what really worried me were my eyes. While it wasn't sunny outside, it was quite bright with the light reflecting off all of the snow. It was also windy. And it was agitating my eyes. In fact, my vision even began getting blurry, especially in my right eye, and it made me really nervous. This is something I have never experienced during a race before and I didn't know what to do. Looking back, I think my contact might have just slipped out of place so that I couldn't see clearly, but the weather was messing with my mind and I thought it could be something much worse. I even considered flagging down the next car I could find and bowing out of the race.

But I didn't. I kept going.

The second aid station was right before mile 8. I took a few more sips of Gatorade, but didn't really want or need anything else. Then the race volunteer offered me hot hands! They only stayed warm for a little while, but it certainly helped to have something to grip onto to keep the circulation flowing in my fingers. Shortly after the aid station we hit the HILL. Straight up. I knew it was coming as our driver had called it out to us on the ride over, but it was still tough. I walked up it the entire way and was really quite winded at the top. But I made it.

hot hands = life-saver

The course itself was beautiful. I can't think of a more peaceful way to welcome the new year than running alone, out on the country roads, enjoying the glory of a gorgeous (albeit cold) winter morning. It gave me a lot of time to think and reflect and plan for the next 12 months to come. There were moments where the going got tough, but I kept moving. My music ended up really keeping me motivated and it seemed whenever I was in need of an extra boost of energy, the perfect song I needed came on. (Thanks Apple iPod: even though we've had our issues in the past, let's put those behind us and agree to work together in 2013. Deal?)

Overall I was very pleased with my pace, especially given the conditions. I was able to run when I could, walked when I needed to, and kept moving at a decent clip throughout the entire race! They had told us from the start that this was not a race you could hope to PR. In tracking my time on the course, I was hoping to finish in around 3 hours. I ended up crossing the finish line in just over 02:45 and was very happy with the results! A race well run! There were no medals at this event, but all runners received a cool finisher's mug.

Liberty Half Marathon - Finisher!

I am happy that I registered and completed another half marathon, especially so early in the year. It was definitely a different race from any other I have experienced before. The field was exceptionally small, the weather conditions were tough, but it was well worth all of the effort. If this morning is any indication of what's to come over the next year, 2013 promises to be an exciting adventure filled with fun and ultimately an overall great success!

Cheers to a new year and the racing adventures soon to come!

Racing the Clock

Guess who's back?

It's been 365 days since I last blogged. And what a year it has been! I am in a race against the clock to get one first (and final) post in for 2012. This year I completed one full marathon, one half marathon, two 5K races, one Tough Mudder, one GORUCK Challenge, and two GORUCK Scavengers. But overall, I feel that during 2012 running definitely took a backseat to living my life.

It was a year of changes and challenges. I lost focus for a bit and training slipped. I got sick. A lot. (In fact I was even sick this past weekend ... food poisoning.) There were certainly some very exciting times throughout the year. I took on new challenges at work, I moved (bigger place, lower rent, shorter commute = WIN!) and just generally survived. Don't get me wrong, it certainly wasn't a bad year, but nothing too stellar. Especially in terms of successful running accomplishments.

Enter 2013. I've been making plans. BIG plans. Some of them are actually kinda scary and intimidating plans. But I'm making them nonetheless. I am preparing an aggressive racing schedule. And an even more hard-core training regimen. I am bound and determined to make this my best year ever. I'm anticipating some more BIG and exciting changes in my life over the next few months (not ready to share everything just yet ... but hang around when I can hopefully make some announcements soon!) I have a renewed focus in my commitment to running. I hope to fill the next year's worth of posts chronicling my progress, exploring the exciting times to come, as well as reflecting on some excellent past experiences.

Stick with me. I'm in this for the long run.

Farewell 2011

So obviously I took some time off from blogging. Believe me when I say that I really wanted to write more often: I have more than enough to share each and everyday. But sometimes life gets in the way. And I would rather be out there living it than missing out. So here's my final post for 2011.

It's been a banner year. 3 5K races, 4 half marathons, 4 fulls marathons, 2 GORUCK Challenges, plus a ton of miles and hours of training logged in between. I have been very blessed to have recovered strongly from some rough personal times in 2010. I grew closer with those who are most important to me: my family and true friends. I grew as an individual and continued to flourish in my professional work. Thanks to everyone for their amazing love and support. It's a good life.

As we approach 2012, I am so excited for the many challenges and opportunities that await me. Although we never know quite what to expect, you can be sure that I am always up for the race.

In this new year I am making a few resolutions. (Please ignore my true dorkdom. Sadly this is my real life people.) First, I would like to floss more often. Second, I vow to battle dirty dishes and get them into the dishwasher ASAP rather than letting them pile up in the sink. GROSS. Third, I am going to make it a priority to attend Mass each week. The Lord has truly blessed me and given me so much in my life, I can certainly give Him an hour of my time each week to thank Him for all that He has done. Finally, I am going to continue training and racing and further improve my blogging abilities. I know life keeps me busy, but I want to keep everyone updated on my life. (Plus I got this sweet new iPad for XMAS ... and being technically challenged I am still trying to figure it out ... like where is the spell check and how can I add links and videos?)

Even as I write this post I already have exciting times to look forward to: in a few hours I board a flight en route to Washington DC to meet with my Team 3. Tomorrow, we will explore our nation's capital together and live it up at the GORUCK Scavenger: Hunt DC. Ecstatic doesn't even begin to describe my level of excitement right now. I can think of no better way to ring in the new year than surrounded by fellow GRC-er's partaking in some good livin'.

So as we turn the page on 2011, let's cheers to an amazing year. One filled with smiles and miles. And if 2012 really does mark the end of the world, let's party like there's no tomorrow!

Apple Victory

In case anyone was holding their breath awaiting my next post (sorry I'm so slow!) ... I am alive and well and have an additional three marathons under my belt! Yay I survived (barely.) Life has been super crazy busy but I wanted to quickly put out an update. I promise to post again soon about each of my respective races from this Fall to recount all of the fun. This is of course baring the fact that this is the holiday season when we are all at our busiest. Add in there my insane workload (plus my new promotion at the office! EXCITED!) and my life is not going to get any less crazy until ... February (maybe.) Yikes.

but ... IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT development !!!

Anyone who has read my posts understands my long-withstanding battle / hatred against my iPod. To be frank the things sucks. It didn't work for Malibu 2010, Cincinnati 2011, and this season it died 3 songs into Savannah 2011 and wouldn't even turn on before Malibu 2011. It is the bane of my running existence. But today marks a MAJOR VICTORY against the hated unreliable gadget. My iPod has been RECALLED !!! This means that Apple will send me a new one for FREE !!!

I am unsure as to which generation of Nano I will be issued as a replacement and I am positive that all of my songs and playlists will be erased, so this endeavor will take some work on my part. So I might have to struggle with the ancient iPod Mini for a few weeks while my Nano is replaced (or resort to workouts in silence ... shudder) but it is definitely going to be worth it in the long run (and for my long runs!) And to really "stick it to the man" (as my mother would say) the icing on the top of this cake is the fact that I never paid for my Nano. My brother passed it on to me when he upgraded to the iPod Touch a few years ago. (He has since moved on the the iPhone.) In addition my father has an old Nano he was planning to give to me (as he too has upgraded to the Touch) but his Nano is eligible under the recall! This means we get TWO free new iPods. Although I can hardly consider them "free" because I have certainly paid with all of the pain and hassle of dealing with my current hunk of junk.

goodbye ... and good riddance. you will NOT be missed

And the irony of it all? The reason the iPod Nano is being recalled is because the battery can overheat and catch on fire. Really, Apple? Really?

Carrie - 1 : Apple - 0

So I am cramming a full work week into two days (plus logging a few weekend hours on the laptop today) and then will be rushing down to my parents' home on Tuesday evening. I will attempt to draft some ridiculously genius and witty posts over the next week ... but when I am not helping to prepare to host nearly 40 family members I will probably be in a turkey coma. I love Thanksgiving.

Please enjoy the below photo my brother sent to me yesterday. That's my little dog. And yes that is in fact the left rack from a three-point buck.
(Don't let the cuteness fool you. She is pure evil in dachshund form.)

my little hunter : Madeline

How to Run a Marathon

I will be back in action tomorrow racing in the Nationwide Columbus Marathon!
Since I have done a couple of these before I figured I might share some advice.

How to Prepare and Run a Marathon:

1. Select the race you would like to run. And then actually register.

2. Choose a race distance, location and time of year that are appropriate. Don't jump into 26.2 if you have never raced 13.1. And there is a good reason Houston holds their marathon in January while Cincinnati's event is in May.

3. Develop a training program and stick with it! Your body needs to get accustomed to running and running and then running some more. Do a long run every week. Complete at least one 20+ mile run before the actual marathon. Log miles outside on the roads and pavement where you will be racing.

4. If possible register with a friend or two. You do not need to run side-by-side for the entire event but it is so helpful and encouraging to stand at the start together and then cross the Finish Line knowing that they are there cheering you on. Or engage friends to support you out on the course as you race.

5. Attend the Race Expo to help get you mentally prepared. Spend time stopping at all of the fun booths and talking to vendors. Get your questions answered about the race event. Pick up your bib and t-shirt. Snag lots of free goodies!

6. Create an awesome rocking playlist that will keep you motivating and moving throughout the race!

7. Be well prepared the night before the event. Know what you are going to wear. (Never wear anything new for the first time to a race.) Have all of your stuff placed out where you remember it all: race bib, gear check bag, iPod, plus simple things like a photo ID, car keys, house keys, some cash, etc. You don't need to feel rushed or in a frenzy the morning of the race - because you will probably already be a ball of nerves and excitement.

Columbus 2011

8. Plan your route to the starting line. (For Columbus I luckily live only a few blocks away - thus my walk to the start is my warm up and the walk home is my cool down. And I never have to worry about parking!) Know that many streets will be shut down and parking could be tight. If all else fails simply follow the hoards of folks making their way there.

9. Eat well the days before and the morning of the race. Don't try anything too new or crazy with your diet. You will need carbs and protein to keep your energy levels going. And lots and lots of water. Hydrate hydrate hydrate!

Other notes: Know that the starting line and the first few miles will be absolute chaos. You don't simply put tens of thousands of runners together in the same small space right before one of the most major events in their lives and expect everyone to be calm and rational. Try to keep composed and maybe meet a new friend. Remember that they are just as excited (and crazy!) as you are and the running community is one of the nicest in the world. Don't try to go out too quickly. You will see some folks try running full speed right out of the gates. Which is almost near impossible because you need to be dodging the crowds. Believe me when I say this: the pack will thin out. Then simply - HAVE FUN! You trained for this. You can and will accomplish it! I read the most amazing quote the other day:

"Run if you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up."

I think this sums it all up. Do what you signed up to do: complete a marathon! Best of luck and know that I am so proud of all of the amazing runners accomplishing great things out there! And more than anything else you should be proud of yourself. No matter what your finishing time and no matter what the circumstances: you are a marathoner!

"Dead last finish is better than 

did not finish which is infinitely greater

than did not start." 

[I saw this quote during one of my first ever marathons ...

and it has stuck with me ever since!]

Now ... because you all know me you are well aware that I am not the best runner in the world. I enjoy it and love the sport more than anyone could ever know but still not exactly top notch. And of course I do not always follow my own advice. (Those who can not do: teach.) So being the sarcastic cuss that I am: I have created a few counter points to those listed above. Enjoy!

How to NOT Prepare and Run a Marathon:

1. On a whim register the day before or the day of a race. Or simply bandit run. And if you're a girl always make sure to race during the wrong time of the month. Extra fun.

2. Washington DC. Unknown distance and period of time. December 31. All while wearing my ruck weighted down with 5 bricks. GORUCK: Hunt DC #caseinpoint

3. Run occasionally. Or sometimes not at all. Log a total distance of less than 19 miles in the month before the event. Do most of it on a treadmill.

4. Register alone. Stand at the start alone in a sea of thousands. Leave the Finish Line with nothing but your pride and finisher's medal.

5. Rush to the Race Expo on your way home from work. Speed in and out and back to your car in less than 20 minutes. Talk to no one. Get a t-shirt that is cute looking but smells funny. Confirm that the race timing chip is an alien-like device you have never seen the likes of before.

WTF (???)

6. Create an awesome rocking playlist that will keep you motivating and moving throughout the race! And then don't charge your iPod so that the battery dies the morning of the event. Or even better just forget the entire thing at home.

7. Moderately prepare before an event. Lay out some of the stuff you might need. Plus some stuff you probably won't need. Don't really do any laundry for a few weeks to confirm you have nothing decent to wear.

8. DC. March 2011. Wait for over an hour outside the gates of a closed Metro station. In the freezing cold. Make it across the starting line well after the race has begun feeling super rushed.

9. Eat entirely too much Chipotle.

best bib ever : buy one get one free burrito !!!

So I kid ... but in all seriousness I am super excited to be competing in my fifth marathon tomorrow. Looks like the weather is going to be absolutely GORGEOUS! I don't know exactly what to expect from my performance because unfortunately I have been more closely following my second list of instructions rather than the first. But no matter what happens during an event when I get out there are hear the crowds cheering and feel the adrenaline rushing and hearing my heart pounding and my legs beating away on the pavement - and then I see that Finish Line - that's when I remember why I run. And why I love it.

commit. train. believe. achieve.

Best of luck to all those racing this weekend! See you in 26.2!

And if all else fails simply follow these words of wisdom:

Hurts So Good

Back in action! And lots of little notes to catch up with you all!

Let the panicking / mass waves of excitement / craziness that is my pre-planning commence: I am running the Columbus Full Marathon this coming Sunday ... yes as in 5 (!) days from now. I received my final instructions confirmation e-mail the other day and it sent a shock wave through me - wait am I actually running another marathon? And in less that a week? Ahhhhhh !!! (More freaking out the ensue in the following days. Be prepared. You've been warned.) 

NYC was fabulous! My mother and I truly enjoyed our trip and I fell in love with the city. Defintely will be returning in the future for some more fun.

bright lights. big city.

lady liberty

occupy wall street protests. no comment.

never forget.

This morning started off a little bit rough with a commute that lasted almost 2 HOURS (!!!) due to a terrible crash and hazardous spill. Yikes! Mix that with the unpleasant experience of getting hit on by a creepy man at a gas station (all before 7:30 am) and I knew it was going to be a long Tuesday.

Tonight was a super fun-filled evening of gossiping with the girls and carving pumpkins. I made a bat ... it turned out kinda cute with a little bit of a gimpy wing. Oh well.

 

And now to the real pain ... but oh oh how it hurts SO good! I am back in training and have made it to the gym TWICE (that's Monday + Tuesday = everyday so far this week!) in the morning and hit out some awesome workouts. It's been running to warm up followed by an intense weight series. (Stayed tuned for more details on my weight training and hopefully even some video.)

5:15 am wake up call

While I am extraordinarily stoked that I am back to building some serious muscles I am thoroughly NOT enjoying the dull aching pain that comes along with it. My arms hurt. My ribs pinch when I laugh. And, good gracious, do my thighs burn like fire. If I can just soldier through a few more days (and then run a full marathon ... and then recover) I know that it will get easier.
I just have to keep reminding myself.

But once I am sitting - I am down for the count. And don't even think of mentioning stairs to me. Ouch! Guess I just gotta keep myself moving!

Blog inspiration: Hurts So Good : Love me some John Cougar Mellencamp