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

Party in the USA

I am getting ready to go off the grid for the next few days: NYC awaits!

My mother is taking me for my first ever trip to the Big Apple this weekend and I couldn't be more excited! We've got a hectic schedule ahead of us that includes sightseeing : a Broadway musical : delicious food : plus lots and lots of shopping!

Following my return from Manhattan I have a boom boom pow of marathons awaiting me: Columbus (fly to Charleston and then driving with SP to race in) Savannah (then fly to LA and heading up to) Malibu with B+J. Then I can breathe for a hot second and stuff my face at Thanksgiving (a holiday for which I am SO SUPER excited this year!) Oh and add Halloween back in there somewhere.

Fast forward to the holidays. And Santa baby I've already started writing up my XMAS list: lots of warm weather gear to help my tackle ... drum roll please ... GORUCK Scavenger: Hunt DC !!! So I actually did it. Took the plunge tonight and registered. And purchased a plane ticket. And booked a hotel.

Note to self: maybe try to show a little bit of self restraint while shopping in NYC this weekend. You've got lots more trips to pay for coming up soon!
So if I'm not on a plane or working - I guess I'd better be working out to keep in shape for all of these amazing events I've got on my calendar!

And if these little get-away vacations aren't enough to look forward to there's already the two Caribbean cruises I have booked for 2012. Heading south in January and May. But we all know there's still lots of time between now and then to book a couple more extravaganzas! Bon Voyage!

Fat Kid Moment

I've been having a few fat kid moments recently ... (make that fat kid DAYS)
My weekend was consumed with consuming fast food. And not fast running.
I devoured the following in less than 24 hours. By myself.
Yes that is a FULL size bag. Disgusting.

hello canker sores

But I found some motivation this afternoon.

Looks like it's back to the weight room for this little lady.
And I'm bringing my ruck with me this time.

Here's to ringing in 2012. Now to just figure out how to get the days off from work and book a flight + hotel. Next stop: our nation's capital city. GORUCK style.

Please note that I am not officially registered for the Scavenger ... yet.
But it is my new official obsession. Give me a few days to make the arrangements. I'll make it happen. Make it work. And then DO work.

Medal Diaplay Board

One really neat feature that comes from running races is receiving all of the cool finisher's medals. I've been collecting for quite some time now and I've been looking for a fun way to display them. I've simply kept them all strewn together in a decorative bowl on one of my shelves, but have been searching for a more creative decorating idea. My friend Sam created these cute display stands:

This past week I found what I have been looking for - allow me to explain. This month's ladies book club event took place at a local wine shop. (The company, our gossip and the lack of conversation about our awful book choice: wonderful. The wine ... not so great.) While the winery's homemade drinks weren't top notch, the atmosphere was fantastic and featured some really cool decor ideas. As I was paying I noticed something hanging on the back wall that caught my eye. I headed over and got a closer look at the amazing feature. It was a window shutter outfitted with many hooks, each of which held one of the winery's award medals (although I am not sure why they won so many awards with that awful tasting wine!) I loved how it looked and knew I had to copy the idea for my own.

I spent my Saturday down the block at an amazing local antiques mall and came away with a few more good finds than I was anticipating. In addition to the shutter I was searching for, I also purchased a cute vintage purse, a new outdoor bench for my patio and a lovely wooden armchair I have already re-upholstered (working with leather is tougher than it looks!)

The shutter came attached double-wide, so I unscrewed the two panels and am keeping one in storage in case it is needed for future use. I cleaned the piece down (super dusty, grimy and dirty) and then used my new favorite tool - the staple gun - to attach some light weight batting to the back of the shutter. I was afraid that after time some of the dirt I could not remove might permanently stain my white walls. And I am a renter. Yikes. I strategically laid my medals out on the board to determine their best placements. I took each medal and trimmed the ribbon down to a suitable length and re-stitched the ends back together. Then I simply screwed the little golden hooks into the board and hung all of the awards. Viola! Here are my finished results:

I am very proud of the piece - and very proud to display all the medals that mark some of the biggest accomplishments in my life! Next step: running more races to add additional medals to the collection! (And actually hanging it up ... sometime when my grouchy neighbor isn't around so she won't mind me hammering nails into the wall!)

Tears of Joy

A few weeks ago I raced in the Columbus Great Prostate Cancer Challenge - Dash for Dad 5K. And it was an awesomely amazing experience!

My father is a prostate cancer survivor, and my mother has worked in the medical field for 31+ years helping to fight against this disease. So needless to say this race really hit home and meant more to me than any other run I have ever completed. And being the girl that I am - naturally I cried during the event.

Sure I have cried during races before. I cried during DC. I cry at almost every race when I cross the Finish Line (always brings tears of joy!) And this race was no exception. The main difference: it was also the first time I ever cried before the race even started. Let me explain.

Early on a beautiful Sunday morning I made my way towards the course's starting point. I only got lost once (silly GPS) but a nice lady gave me directions (after a police officer had given me incorrect directions.) Walking up to the arch made of light blue and white balloons I was filled with lots of different emotions. I was excited and nervous - as I get before the start of every race - but I was also a little bit lonely. My father's cancer played such a major role in my life and this awful disease has affected so many people across the world. I wished for nothing more than to have my family by my side but I knew that it just couldn't happen. I knew I was racing in representation and celebration of the ones I love so much. I even made a bib that I pinned on the back on my shirt to share my feelings with others. (I got lots of compliments throughout the race!) I also wore my prostate cancer awareness pin on my chest. The pin is engraved with the word "daVinci" which is the name of the robot that performed my father's surgery. Keeping it close to the heart.

As we all lined up the event coordinator hopped on the microphone and gave us some directions regarding the course and safety precautions. Then he handed it over to a prostate cancer survivor to share a few words. This is when I lost it. My eyes brimmed with tears and I definitely got choked up. It was a beautiful morning and I was surrounded by so many amazing people - all there fighting for the same cause. And I knew that many many miles away (he happened to be in Brazil that particular day) that my loving father is alive and well and has beat that battle with cancer. So very very blessed.

And then I raced. I ran my little heart out. We ran through a suburban part of the city weaving in and out of neighborhoods and only spent a few moments on a major roadway. I ran and ran and ran. Doin' it and doin' it and doin' it well. One HUGE aspect that definitely kept me going was my music. I created a special "Dad" playlist on my iPod that made me feel extra inspired to keep moving. It featured songs that are special to me and my father, or songs that remind me of him and my family. Read below for the complete list of songs.

J'en ai marre - Alizee
Baby Girl - Sugarland
Breakfast at Tiffany's - Deep Blue Something
Only the Good Die Young - Billy Joel
Elvis Ain't Dead - Union of Sound
Hey, Soul Sister - Train
Hey Jude - The Beatles

This music kept me motivated and encouraged me to continue even when I wanted to stop. One of my main goals for this particular race was to break 30 minutes. And I came SO close. I knew that I had lined up my song playlist perfectly to end with The Beatles "Hey Jude." The part that starts with the "na na na" hit perfectly - right as I turned the corner up the final stretch to the end. As the Finish Line came in sight I amped it up - only to see 30:00 tick past on the time clock. I just missed it and didn't make my goal time. But I kicked it out all the way through and finished just after with a still awesome time!

I ran back under the arch of balloons, was handed a bottle of water and stumbled over out of the way to catch my breath. One thing I had struggled with for much of the race - and took me a little while to recover from post-race - was the fact that I had begun crying so early on during the event. I was physically and emotionally choked up and that led to more difficulty catching my breath. But recover I did. And then I made my way back past the Finish Line and helped to cheer on other runners and walkers as they completed the race.

It was a fantastic experience in which I am so happy to have participated. My family, we are some of the lucky ones. My dad is still here and shares his love with us each and every day. I was so happy to be able to celebrate his survival and the many many more happy years to come!

Note: the first song on my playlist is in French. I do not know what it means nor the translation. I do not speak French. Neither does my father. But he loves this song anyways. Oh, well!

Bib & Chip Etiquette

Whether you are a seasoned runner or new to the game we all need to know the correct etiquette to follow when it comes to race day. Two very important factors that play a big role at these events are race bibs and timing chips.

For any running novices participating in an upcoming race, my first suggestion is to attend the pre-race packet pickup event. This way you can get everything prepared plenty ahead of time to avoid any last minute race-day confusion (like I experienced with Emerald City ... oops!) The folks at these events are running veterans and representatives from the companies organizing the race so they are extra knowledgeable resources and more than helpful when it comes to answering questions.

In your pre-race packet you will receive your race bib, timing device, fliers for running related activities, plus free goodies like samples or tee-shirts.

Here are the best directions to follow when it comes to bibbing up on race day. A race bib serves many purposes. Mainly it works to identify you as a race participant (note: a legal race participant ... and not a bandit.) Many race bibs now also feature your name which is cool because it allows fans to support you by name (I love hearing "Go Carrie!") Race bibs are to be worn on the front and center of your clothing. This way you can receive directions while you are out on the race course. Often times there are multiple types of bibs for a single race (differentiable by color) to indicate which distance you will be running (for example: half marathon vs. full marathon.)

 Wearing a bib on your front will also allow race day photographers to be able to snap pictures and identify you based upon your bib number: later sending you photo proofs by e-mail. If you plan on wearing multiple layers on race day please keep your bib placement in mind: it needs to be visible at all times. Ensure you have four safety pins. Attach the race bib to yourself while standing up (I've made the mistake of pinning it on while sitting in the car ... didn't work so well.) Be sure to also fill out all of the medical and emergency contact information on the back of your race bib in case anything unexpected should occur during the race. One final note on race bibs - they will often have a separate gear check tag flap attached to the race bib. Please REMOVE the bag check flap before attaching the bib to yourself. Nothing screams amateur more.

Many times a race bib will also hold your timing chip. The directions below are for the most commonly used type of timer - I fondly refer to them as "D" timers because of the shape which they make. Remove BOTH strips of the timing chip and tear along the perforation to separate the two pieces. (The one piece features instructions - take a look and read them!) The portion with your bib number printed on it is meant to be looped through the laces and fitted to your shoe. Sometimes you will be given an actual chip instead of the foldable "D" tag. Make sure to follow instructions on race day because you might need to snip it off and return it to the race organizers after you cross the finish line - and you definitely don't want to spoil your race day celebration by getting charged because you accidentally forgot to return a timing chip! Remember that the chip's purpose is to record your time - so that you know how FAST you ran!

Now that the boring facts are out of the way ... let's talk some fun about bibs.

As mentioned in (many) of my previous posts I am a big nerd. I love math, numbers, etc. So oftentimes during races I will play a little game to keep my mind distracted and think about something other than running. I try to find other runners with the bib number closest to my own. This is best played on courses where you take an out and back route - that way you have other racers running directly past you. I will also try to find the lowest bib number (it can be super hard to find the highest ... especially in races with huge fields of runners) or try to find the craziest number combination (666 = bad luck!)

And on a very random note: I seem to always find myself assigned a very low bib number. And I have no idea why! My last name is near the beginning of the alphabet, but not by that much. And I do always register fairly early. But for some reason I was under the impression that the lowest numbers were reserved for the best runners. And judging by my races times this certainly is not true!

Happy bibbing and timing and racing and running!

twentyfour

wow. wow. wow. It seems I have been out of touch for (more than just) a little while. But I'm back with lots of posts coming to catch everyone up to speed!

There have been a lot of things I have accomplished and a lot of things that I have learned in the past few weeks. I have even further confirmed that I am an interval runner. I proved to myself that running with music truly improves my performance. I have slacked off (as usual) with my training and have seen the (lack of) results. I have accepted the fact that I am a fad-chaser: that is I can dive whole-hearted into something only to lose interest very quickly (reads: failed at C90X and spending time at the country club.) But I also have proved to myself that I really do love running (it's funny how I forget so often!) So here's to keeping up-to-date and getting back in shape on the road to success!

A few weeks ago I turned 24. There wasn't too much celebrating on my part. Twenty three was not such a great year for me. It started off on a bad foot and went downhill from there. I lost a lot of things - including myself for a little while - and struggled day-to-day. Those 365 days were marked with very little forward progress. Some yes - but overall very little. It was like I fell so far behind in living my life that the extra efforts I have expended working super hard have only just gotten me back to the place I started from. Oh well - that's life. Even if you take 2 steps forward and 1 step backwards you are still making progress.

Thank you my ever-loving and oh so supportive family and friends. You all helped to get me through a very dark time. I am sorry if I wasn't there when you needed me - I needed to take some time off to find myself again.
But now I am back - and shooting towards becoming better than ever!

The past is in the past and I am putting it behind me.
I am bound to have 24 be the year I make things happen.

The question isn't who's going to let me. It's who's going to stop me.

Cheers to my best year ever (thus far!)

[135 : 0 : 0 : 32.4 : 57.15]

Emerald City

This Labor Weekend I officially kicked off the start of my Fall 2011 racing season. First up was the Emerald City Half Marathon!

The race took place in Dublin, OH (think Dublin ... Ireland ... Emerald Isle ... Emerald City ... etc - not too far of a stretch!) I picked up my race packet earlier last week. I was SO excited to find a really cool race day tee shirt included in our swag bag. It is a women's fitted tee (major plus because many races simply feature a uni-sex shirt - reads: a men's shirt - boo) and this one was in an amazing bright lime green color. SCORE! Random note to any novices: NEVER wear the shirt you got for a race to the actual race. The coolest style is to wear the shirt from the exact same race ... but last year's version. If you didn't run the previous year's race simply wear some of the other shirts you wore while training. DO NOT wear the current year's shirt - it screams
"I DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM DOING!"

cool cool swag

Pre-race started off a little bit rough for me. For some reason ... (cough cough : hangover) I slept the entire day before the race and thus my evening sleep schedule was thrown off a little bit. "Hello Midnight!" Add in there the late night phone call from a sobbing best friend I needed to console - and I was a little bit tired come 5AM on race day. And I think my grogginess contributed to the pickle I found myself in upon arriving at the race site. Running clothes: check. Race bib and timing chip: check. Hat to deal with the rain: check. iPod: check. iPod armband and headphones: check ... err ... SHOOT! So I did remember to charge my iPod. And even loaded an entire new running playlist. I brought the darned thing with me but had no way to listen to it! I think that with my previous race days screw ups with this thing it must be God's way of telling me that I am not meant to race with tunes. (My fighting argument back: but I PR when I have my music!) So I was a little bit tiffed to have to race in silence ... yet again.

on the kitchen counter : right where I had forgotten it

An additional factor adding to my tiredness was the weather. It had lightninged and thunder stormed all night and was still raining on race morning. Once I reached the race site I made a quick bathroom break and headed towards the starting line. The race organizers announced that they were very closely monitoring the weather to determine whether or not the start of the race would need to be delayed. Luckily the biggest cell of bad weather just missed us and we were able to start off promptly at 7AM.

The route was a simple out and back and included both half and quarter marathon distances. The race map took us out a series of country roads and into a park. For over half of the race we were running on paved trails through fields that took us in and out of the woods. It was a truly beautiful morning - the rain stopped exactly as we began running - and a cool breeze rolled in. It was certainly lovely weather for running compared to the previous few days 100 degrees temperatures. I could definitely tell the reason the race is called the Emerald City Half Marathon - because we were surrounded by beautiful greenery as far as the eye could see! It was a very relaxed and calm run. The pack certainly thinned out after the first few miles and I ran in solitude for the majority of the race.

I firmly decided that I definitely enjoy smaller races compared to the bigger event productions. Smaller fields of runners lead to a more genuine and homey feel - everyone is so sincere and welcoming. There is less anxiety and it generally leads to a calmer race day experience. The one factor I do have to give to the larger races is that the stress and excitement and crowd energy generally contribute to my speed and help me to race faster.

I started off strong and was improving my time mile by mile. PR thoughts swam in my head. And then I started to slow down. I was listening to my body and taking it at a slow pace. I did not try to push through the pain or totally wind myself too badly. I walked. A LOT. And I was quite content to do so.

I took it slow and crossed the Finish Line with a decent but not fantastic time. The race day medal was HUGE and made for a really cool souvenir.

The race's after-party also featured some scrumptious treats. I have been absolutely famished over the past few days so I definitely needed to refuel.

asiago cheese bagel = heaven. love.

This race was a great way to jump start my Fall racing series. It was a good gauge to benchmark where I am currently at in my training and to point me in the right direction to perform really well in my (many) upcoming events over the next few months. I certainly know that I need to continue to improve my speed, endurance, musculature, flexibility and stamina. I have re-dedicated myself to my running and I am committed to training hard.

As I was driving away from the race I followed a car out of the parking lot. The make and model to be exact? A Chevy Malibu. I swear it's a sign. Off to Cali in just a few shorts months! (But so many miles to accomplish in between!)

see you in November

Closing note: although I was without my music, there is one song I have recently heard a lot on the radio. It was one of the last songs I listened to as I was driving to the race on Sunday and it stuck in my head as I was running. In fact it helped to get me through a lot of miles. Sort of a morose message but I like it all the same. I am not dying young - I am living.
If I Die Young - The Band Perry

[134 : 13.1 : 13.1 : 13.1 : 37.85]

Work Hard : Play Harder

From reading my previous posts most people know:
(1) I am a runner.
(2) I work hard.
(3) I love my job.

And I am very lucky to work for a company that allows me to celebrate my love for running in a very cool way. The A&F Challenge is taking place next Thursday on September 8th and I will be participating in the event's 5K run. All proceeds raised will go to The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute to help support the fight against cancer and work to find a cure.

The night promises to be filled with a ton of really great activities. The price of admission includes drinks (beer wine and non-alcoholic beverages) plus an amazing menu filled with lots of tasty treats! (I eat food from our cafe all the time and it is delicious.) There are cool events including the 5K run / walk and 20 mile bike ride. There are lots of activities for kids and families. And two spectacular bands will be giving live performances: Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, plus Matt & Kim. Be sure to check out this video for more details!

The event will take place in New Albany, Ohio near Columbus - where ANF's Home Office is headquartered. It promises to be a fun time filled with the smiling faces of nice, smart, friendly people. Plus everyone who registers also gets a free tee shirt ... that the boys on my team made! Join in the fun or make a donation to help this amazing cause. Come support the fight against cancer.

The harder the challenge. The greater the reward.
Play Hard. Accept the Challenge. Live the Tradition.

Back to the Streets ...

Run Around Town: Oxford Edition

I attended college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. It is the place where I first discovered my love for running. This weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to return back and I celebrated with a long(-ish) run on Sunday morning. Follow my (we'll call it) 6 miles (give or take a little bit) as I retrace the steps of my past along the best streets in the world.

"To think in such a place, I led such a life."

early morning gardens

gates to the university

high street - leading uptown

RSC : where i spent MANY hours

NAC

second home

one of the best views in the world

map of the city

cool statue outside my former home / workplace

302 logan lodge ... love.love.love.

memories and life lessons in growing up

LG's future home : can't wait to visit (!)

hometown classic : walk-up version

brickstreet : home of the ever-loving gina

beautiful st. mary's

legendary skipper's and b&d : morning version

king library : don't study too hard

much needed fuel

iconic beta bells

so many memories in BE's room

MU seal at the hub

stepping on the seal (!)

upham arch

kiss your sweetheart at midnight

 

stalking an oxford squirrel

laws hall : MY business school

EGB : @SP got your text right as i was running by

gates to farmer

new business school: movie star material

pulley tower

many many miles logging laps at cook field

making me feel  SO OLD

freshman dorm: tappan hall

sophomore dorm : porter

1977 dodds hall : where my parents met

incredible weekend filled with incredible people. feeling very very blessed.

[132 : 6 : 6 : 24.75 : 24.75]