On Sunday, I ran the Capitol Hill Classic 10K in Washington, DC. This is a very family oriented race because it is the primary fundraiser for a local DC school. This is going to be a very short report. On Saturday, I swung by the Pacers at Logan Circle to pick up my packet. The whole process took less than a minute. I grabbed by bib, safety pins, cotton t-shirt, and plastic bag.
The race started at 8:30am. This in my opinion is amazing! I left my apartment at 7:40 and was at the start at 8:05. Hubby dropped me off. I walked over to the start and did a bit of light stretching. I decided to experiment with not wearing a hydration belt during this race. In hindsight, not a wise decision but isn’t that why it’s called experimenting.
Look a Park… I don’t know which though
So the race started with some announcements (which I couldn’t quite hear). Then at 8:30am on the dot we were off. There were people of all ages and skill levels out. It was nice to watch families running together. The first 2 miles go past the Capitol and through the Capitol Hill neighborhoods. This was truly beautiful like the kind of urban neighborhood featured in movies. You know the one where the girl lives despite the fact that she’s someone’s assistant/intern and you know could never afford that.
There was a water stop at mile 2.5ish, then we proceeded to run past the Armory and to RFK stadium. Here’s the only part that I found disappointing… we then ran a little over 3 miles around the RFK Stadium Parking Lot. Yep we did a lap around the parking lot. Moving on. After we exited the parking lot we ran back the way we came. This time uphill. In the end, it was a nice local race for a great cause.
I finished with a time of 1:17min. This was not a PR, nor was it close. It was one of those days where I just wasn’t feeling it. So I let go of my time goals and just ran to finish. After I finished, I took a water bottle and walked about a mile past the Capitol to get to the metro. There were closer metro stops but it was a beautiful day.
A little lite sightseeing
Did you do any racing/running over the weekend? Do you ever participate in races as part of your training? What’s your go-to race fuel? Do you hate running through parking lots too?
So apparently, May is the month of 10Ks for me. I happen to find myself signed up for 3 this month (and one half marathon). How did this happen? I’m not 100% sure. This is not a distance that I am particularly fond of nor do I have a lot of experience running. My last and only 10K was in November, which I signed up for as a shake out run before the OBX Marathon. 10K for me has always been the weird distance where it’s not quite a fast run but you don’t have to pace like a half marathon.
How did this happen? I don’t know….
Most of your are probably thinking it’s 6.2 miles. What’s the big deal? Well you would be right. That’s like a normal long run, I just so happen to be doing it with a larger running group. The cool thing about these 3 races is where each is located. These are just a jog around suburbia (which are fine!).
The first race is on Sunday. I’m doing the Capitol Hill Classic 10K. Originally, I was signed up by my family. They somehow know a person who has a child at the school. (See how much I was paying attention?!?) Anyway I was signed up. Due to a conflict, none of them can now attend, but I still can. So looks like a fun family run has turned into me trying to get speed through this race to get a better QT for Disney Wine and Dine in November. Another great thing about this race besides it being a great fundraiser for a local school… you right around the Capitol. If you couldn’t already tell I love the monuments and historical buildings in DC. Running the Capitol… isn’t new I did it on Wednesday. But I still find absolutely surreal every time. It doesn’t get old for me.
Oh Look the Capitol! I’m still working on selfies… & yes that’s my hair.
The second race coming up is the BOLDERBOULDER. I decided to run this race back in January. The hubby and I were planning to visit our Colorado friends (couple responsible for introducing us) in February for a “ski weekend.” Well things were booking up quickly and would be super expensive. That’s when my home girl RockyMtnPearls (said Colorado Friend) starting talking about this cool 10K she and her husband ran last year. She told us about how pretty CO is in the spring and that we would have a great time doing more outdoorsy activities. So I let her pick when we would visit… Memorial Day weekend or February. She picked Memorial Day weekend. So all 4 of us will be running the BolderBOULDER. Hubby is a runner and Amy’s husband the Robster runs as well. So the 4 of us will be obnoxiously decked out in Red, White, and Blue to run a 10K at high altitude. (we’ll see how that goes…. I heard there’s a slip n’ slide and lots of beer stops!)
The last 10K of May is on May 31st. Originally my mother and I were signed up for the Zooma Half Marathon in Annapolis. Well sometimes life throws you lemons. My mom is having medical issues and after speaking with her doctor did not think a half marathon right now was a good idea. However, a 10K in 4 hrs is totally possible. So we dropped down to the 10K. We’ll still have a blast and enjoy going through Annapolis. I’m excited. I’ve heard a lot about Zooma races but have yet to experience one.
When life gives you lemons, it helps to have a daughter who usually has vodka.
Lastly, I leave you with the image I sent to RockyMtnPearls earlier today. Hubby and I have lots of drinks tickets from southwest that expire in August. Well guess what we’re flying out to Denver… Southwest! So we plan on having a great flight!
What are you up to this weekend? How do you feel about 10Ks? What’s your favorite race distance? Do you run at high altitude? Ever been drunk on a plane? Have you ever run a Zooma race? Ever drop down a race? (I have so many questions for today!!) Any 10K advice?
Fresh baked Lemon Meringue Pie!
Last Sunday was Mother’s Day. In honor of the occasion I made one of my mother’s favorite desserts. It was delicious and pretty if I may say so! . It was so good, I had to share with all of you! On a side note, lemons remind me of summer, so once that temperature spikes I love adding lemons to everything! It’s the pumpkin spice of summer.
Ingredients:
Filling:
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14oz.)
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup real Lemon Juice (not from concentrate)
zest of one whole medium size lemon (about the size of a tennis ball)
1 pre-baked or pre-made pie shell
Pinch of ginger
1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
Meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp of Cream of Tartar
1/4 cup of white granulated sugar
Instructions:
Pre-heat Oven to 325 degrees.
1. Prep your Pie Shell. Whether you are making your own or have pre-purchased one from the grocery store. I am a HUGE fan of the Gluten Free Frozen pie shell from Whole Foods. It comes 2 in a pack and it’s so easy to work with. Once prepped (baked) set aside.
2. Mix the Condensed milk, Lemon juice, vanilla, lemon zest together in large bowl. Gently fold in the egg yolks till fully blended. Then add your pinch of ginger.
3. Pour your lemony pudding like mix into your cooled pre-baked pie crust.
Check out that lemony goodness!
4. Making your Meringue. You will need a whisk and large bowl. Make sure the bowl is completely dry and has nothing else in it. Put your 3 egg whites in the bowl and add the cream of tartar.
5. Whisk! No seriously. This will take a while. You need to whisk the white until they are fluffy. What you’re doing is putting air molecules in the whites to fluff them up. So whisk until the white are WHITE and they look like Cool Whip.
6. Once they are fluffy, gradually add your sugar. Add a little at a time, then stop to whisk again. This will make the Meringue stiff.
Almost ready.
6. Our Meringue over yellowy goodness in pie and add a bit of “texture” with your whisk. (Make spikes so it looks pretty)
7. Bake for 13 minutes at 325 degrees.
Enjoy!! I personally think this is the type of dessert that should be enjoyed the day it’s made.
Spoiler Alert: It’s delicious! 🙂
There was a phrase my parents used a lot when I was growing up. They said, “Keep fighting the Good Fight.” For the longest time I didn’t know what they were talking about. I thought maybe that was a product of their New York Borough upbringing. Which I imagine looked something like West Side Story… Turns out I was wrong. The Good Fight is knowing when it’s okay not give in and just take what life gives you. It’s knowing that there is something out there worth fighting for. I decided to Fight the Good Fight.
On October 26, 2014 I will be running the Marine Corps Marathon with ALZ Stars to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of my grandmother Marie Ann Martin O’Day. My Nanna passed away in April of 2012. She had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for 9 years. Despite having signed a DNR when she was officially diagnosed she remained on this Earth for an additional 9 years. She looked like the woman whom she’d been her entire life, but she wasn’t that person anymore. Alzheimer’s took who she was away. Alzheimer’s took away the magnetic laugh, twinkle in her eye, and wicked sense of humor. It also took away her memories, hopes, dreams, and with that her connection to the one’s she loved.
No longer did she enjoy fresh Boston Cream Donuts, Cross-stitching, or bowling. She became confused and more frequently than not didn’t recognize her own family let alone recognize herself. These were moments where she’d become disoriented. On one visit, I remember telling her I’d turned 21. “That’s not possible,” she said to me, “You can’t be 21, I’m 19.”
Without knowing, I watched her relive the horror of her parent’s death because I’d reminded her they’d died 30 years ago. To her they were still around and she didn’t understand why they hadn’t come to pick her up yet. From that moment on her parents were “on their way” or “on vacation.” On many visits she confused me for her sister or a friend. Eventually, she’d forgotten entirely about being such an intricate part in my life. That phase didn’t last long, by that point she’d lost the ability to speak.
Alzheimer’s disease is ruthless and without a cure. More people than we realize are effected by this on a daily basis. It’s not old-age or just forgetfulness. After watching the effects of Alzheimer’s first hand I now understand that a cure needs to be found.
Don’t believe me check out the facts. I love a statistic! source
Please help me raise funds to help advance research to discover methods of prevention, treatment and ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer’s. For more information check out my fundraising page.
I appreciate anyone who took the time to read this. I know that’s it’s a littler heavier than my usual post, however this is a cause that I feel so strongly about. On October 26, 2014, I have the privilege and honor of supporting this organization and running the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of my grandmother.
Have you ever run as a charity runner? Are you running the Marine Corps Marathon? What’s on your mind?
When I found out that Jeff Galloway would be doing a free seminar at the Navy Memorial. I jumped at the chance to go. I mean really, how could I not? It’s Jeff Galloway. In case you were curious he’s the Run/Walk/Run & RunDisney guy.
It was a great presentation that opened with remarks from the Marine Corps Marathon Race Director, Rick Nealis who was very welcoming and so down-to-earth. He also gave us a sneak peak at the upcoming MCM course. Spoiler Alert: There’s going to be a few changes.
Is that the new map of the Marine Corps Marathon or are you just happy to see me?
After the big reveal we watched a short video documenting the lives of 4 different runners of the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon. It was extremely moving and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.
Then Jeff Galloway began to talk. He started speaking about the benefits of running and how it, “changes peoples lives for the better and does so for the rest of their lives.”
Yes, I like to sit close to the front. Look it’s Jeff Galloway.
He discussed many of his tactics for running successfully.The most important would be his idea of having a strategy. When you have a strategy you are more likely to succeed. Makes sense right?
Bold Strategy… I dig it.
Magic Mile: His first was the Magic Mile. What is the Magic Mile you ask? Well it’s a realistic assessment of speed and pace during a race. You take your mile time and multiply it by 1.3. This will factor in a 30% decrease is speed as you run. This is your potential race pace. Then you add 2min per mile to get your training pace. According, to Jeff long runs set your endurance level and pacing is key.
Longer Long Run: There’s no need to be shaking in your Brooks on race day. According to Jeff (we’re on a first name basis now…) runners should be doing a 26 mile run before race day. That’s right, run it before race day with no shirt, medal, or orange slices…. (I’m a skeptic on this one.) But in this method, you slow your pacing and take time to heal.
Summer Precaution: When running in the summer months run 30seconds slower per mile for every 5degrees over 60. Jeff Galloway said he’s against puking. (I this thought… unfortunately I have ralfed on a few hot summer training runs. It’s wildly unpleasant.)
Run/Walk/Run: Okay so there’s apparently a few essential elements to the success of this. Break early enough to erase the fatigue. This will save your resources for the end. You may get passed in the early miles, but these are people you will be passing at the end. This method leads to a faster recovery time and less injury. (These is all based on runner feedback)
The Intervals:
9 min mile 4:1
10 min mile 3:1
11-12 min mile 2:1
13-14 min mile 1:1
15 min mile 1:2
16+ min mile 1:3
The intervals can also be shortened to aid in faster running. So these intervals could be broken down into seconds according to the ratio when you get to a very difficult part of the course. So for the 3:1, you could also do a 90sec:30sec or 45sec:15sec. There are options.
By using this method runners gain control and can make strategy changes mid-race. He also stipulated that you feel great when you run. But it’s more than just the endorphins. Running turns on circuits for a better attitude, higher energy and overall empowerment.
At this point Jeff started taking questions from the audience. What do you do when the first few miles are very congested? Any advice for 55+ first-time marathoners? How do you fuel? Any racing tips? What are your recovery tactics?
I particularly enjoyed his thoughts on race starting. If you employ the Run/Walk/Run method start at the back of your corral, walk on the side/grass/sidewalk, prepare for the walk, and use your wits. Don’t just stop in the middle of the course. If you have the chance now but it’s 20seconds before the break, stop now.
He also discussed fueling which is always interesting to me. Test everything before race day. Too much carb loading the day before can lead to carb unloading on race day. Drink 8 glasses of water the day before. Avoid salty, high fiber, and high fat foods. During the race consumer 2-4oz of water for every 2 miles. Keep sodium levels up & ingest sugar for the brain every 2ish miles. These could be the common runner items like GU or more simple sugars like sugar cubs, Gummy bears, or life savers.
A few people asked about coming back from injuries. But I feel like that more of what a physical therapist or doctor should be discussing.
He reviewed a few exercises to increase speed like a cadence drill which using your natural progression of footsteps to increase speed by running 30sec splits and trying to add an additional footstep into each set.
For more information on Jeff Galloway and the methods mentioned , click here.
How you choose to use your walk break is up to you. But I think it would be more of a dance break.
Do you ever do planned intervals while running? Do you do unplanned intervals while running? What’s your fueling style before a race? Do you like learning of new techniques?
Looking for a smaller more locally oriented race that still has great course support and crowds? Well you should probably check out the Frederick Half Marathon. I originally signed up for the Frederick Half Marathon because it’s nearby my parents house and it was part of the King Crab Challenge. The King Crab Challenge is a 3 race challenge that includes the Frederick Half Marathon, Baltimore 10 miler, and Baltimore Marathon/half Marathon. In return for running these 3 race you get a sweet Maryland themed backpack, 3 shirts, and 3 medals. What can I say, I love a themed challenge.
King Crab Challenge you say? Yeah I’ll run 36.2 miles for a backpack. That sounds reasonable.
When I arrived at the expo on Saturday, I could tell this was smaller race. This races tagline reads, “A Big Time Race with Small Town Charm.” The expo was held at the Frederick Fairgrounds. We journeyed up on Saturday morning and grabbed my bib/shirt. There were a few small vendors set up at the expo but it wasn’t huge to do like the Baltimore Marathon expo.
The Course of the Frederick half Marathon
On to the main event…. I woke up bright and early on Sunday and prepped to head out. We left a little later than I would of liked but it was okay. Unfortunately, a lot of other people were a little late too so the exit to get to the Fairgrounds was backed up. We started waiting at the exit at 6:15am. We didn’t park until 6:50am. So I had 10 minutes to find a restroom and get to the start. The restroom lines were insane. Now it’s 6:59am the Anthem has been sung and the crowds are moving toward the start. I run from the restroom, throw my jacket at my family, grab my hydration belt, and say adios to the fam. Then I notice that one of my bottles is missing…. Panic moment. Oh well the show must go on.
So thus begins my run to the starting line. When you hear the gun go off and you’re not in a corral there’s a moment of panic that runs through you. Then you put on your big girl panties, get over yourself and start running.
Time to get over myself
Since I had been dealing with a few issues with my IT Band and knee I thought it best to take it easy during this race. I employed a 3:1 run/walk ratio. The race started with a nice steady crowd as we powered through the first mile and I choked down a plain GU. There were nice cheer crowds at the very start and then it thinned. We bordered a highway for the first mile while making our way into the downtown area using a roundabout way. There was a well stocked water stop then we approached Mile 2. Between 2 and 3 we ran through the downtown market street area and I was feeling great. The course was super hilly but I was actually having a great time just taking in the sights and rocking out to my music.
Downtown Frederick’s Market Street has cute small town charm
I bumped into my parents cheering at mile 3. They had gatorade and water. It was glorious. Miles 3-4 were 100% downhill. We continued to run through more cute small town areas and there were lots of people cheering on the streets. We even went through their high school around mile 6. Around 7 I ran into my family again. They were really amazing course support.
Hanging around mile 5ish
After the first half of the race we began to run more through residential areas. There were beautiful classic homes that looked like they should be in magazines. I loved the part of the course. Around mile 8 I started to slow down. The intervals still felt good but the hills were starting to get to me. (Next time I’ll look at the elevation chart before the race… not after).
Around mile 10 you could catch a small view of the mountains. I think… I’m not totally sure what those large “hills” were. After mile 10, I slowed. The hills got me. However, I used the 3:1 interval to motivate myself to keeping running. That was until the steep hill at mile 12.5. When I first saw the hill I let out an audible, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” But, I still trudged up the hill and ran the rest of the way in!
End of the road highlights. At this point it all blurs together
Using the 3:1 ratio and just running to enjoy myself, I ran a 2:47:25. That’s right I ran my fastest half marathon in the last 4 years, by just running to enjoy myself. Afterward, I had no knee or IT Band pain. It was a glorious race day and I thoroughly loved running this race. The crowds were wonderfully supportive and the race organizers did a fantastic job with supplying enough course support. Another awesome part of the Frederick Half Marathon were the “unofficial” stops that were organized by communities. There was a jelly bean stop, cookies, bananas, water, and lots of other goodies being handed out to runners from residents of Frederick. Overall, it was a very welcoming run and I really enjoyed. I forgot how much fun it can be to run a race solo every once in a while.
No one was more surprised with my time than I was.
That’s the face of a very very happy lady!
Thanks fan & hubby I couldn’t of done it without you!!
How was your weekend? Have you ever had to run through the start of a race? Have you run a half marathon or are you training for one? What do you look for when choosing a race? Have you ever had a terrible race morning? Does your friends or family act as your course support?
Last night it occurred to me while updating my shuffle that I have certain songs I prefer strongly over others. When running I often look forward to these songs on my shuffle and I’ve come to fondly refer to them as my “Power Songs!” They give me a boost and I’ll push through for the song! For the sake of condensing this post I’ll keep it to my top 5, which is hard because I have about 150 purposely selected songs on my shuffle. Bottom line to me… I love some of my songs more than others.
So maybe I don’t love all the songs on my shuffle equally.
My first power song is kind of unexpected. I discovered it’s awesome cadence while running the Run for the Parks 10K last November. I ran one of my fastest 10K’s in recent history and since that moment it’s been a staple on all my running playlists. (And who doesn’t love some good country?) So for your listening pleasure: Brad Paisley – American Saturday Night
No one is proud to be a child of the 90s. If you say you are you’re lying. But I grew up in the late 90’s and early 00’s.There are few things I hold with esteem from the 90’s. This was a decade of grunge, plastic furniture, those weird little tiny buns, and so many butterfly clips! But I do love me some 90s club music. Did I ever go to a club in the 90s… No. I was 13. I didn’t even go to one of those Elk’s Club dances apparently they were too mature. But nonetheless I love this stuff and I blame the Spice Girls, Jock Jams and all the strange candy I consumed. Here goes Crush – Jellyhead. (I also think this song may be in the movie Clueless)
So this next one I probably like because it mixes 2 of my favorite running songs… It’s a MashUp!! But neither of the artists sing this version. This song is fantastic because during the chorus I always have the urge to pick up the pace a bit and it just makes me happy. I can’t help but smile when this song plays and sometimes I’ll pump my fist in the air. (what do you expect I grew up in NJ?) Click Below for Americano/Dance Again performed by Kate Hudson.
It wouldn’t be a proper power song list without a little Pitbull. Personally, I would say every Pitbull song could be considered a power song. This song has great rhythm and for a few minutes makes me feel like dancing instead of pounding the pavement. I also can’t help that I love me some K$sha. Here is Timber by Pitbull ft. K$sha.
Who’s ready for some girl power? I’m obsessed with the remix version of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream. It’s the appropriate amount of fun beat and “young forever” mentality that I love. I can’t help but want to push it when I hear this song.
Okay so here’s where the Miami influence must really kick in. I am obsessed with the song. It really picks me up when I need. It’s also not 100% English. It’s Spanglish. Anyone remember when Ricky Martin was sooo popular that he did the World Cup’s official song. I do!! I also loved him. I think I still do. When I hear this song I imagine that I’m in the Olympics and if I just Go Go Go… America will win. Yeah I know, but whatever gets you through!
What are you power songs? What is your playlist must have? Do you craft elaborate fantasies in your head while running about certain songs or is that just me…?
Rise and Shine! Let’s run a Half Marathon! More specifically let’s run the Nike Women’s Half Marathon through the streets of Washington, DC. We got up bright and early at 4:45am to catch a metro and take the Orange line from Arlington into DC. We left around 5:45am which is a little earlier than we would have because I wanted to get there in time to catch the Half Fanatics photo.
Half Fanatics Photo with a tiny Capitol building in the back… can you see it?
Afterwards, we fought our way through the crowds to get to our “wave.” While waiting for the start we took more pics and I downed my first GU of the day, plain in case you were curious. I consumed another at mile 5 and one at mile 10ish… Salted Caramel and Espresso Love. YUM! My friends and I decided that if we were doing this together then matching t-shirts were a top priority. The front said “And She Ran Happily ever After” and the back said, “Proof that a pair of shoes can change your life!”
What an amazing starting area and a massive sea of people.
First off this course is majestic. Yes, Majestic. That is what the emcee said. I kid you not. It’s amazing. You run through some of the most beautiful and iconic parts of Washington, DC. It’s truly breathtaking. I run through the city often and I must admit they picked a fantastic route.
Looking to run 13.1 miles around Washington, DC…
National Archives, Newseum, and Capitol. We also ran by the National Gallery and a few others…. If I was Nicholas Cage I would of detoured to steal the Constitution but alas not enough time.
Necessary photo op
Course Support was on point and the weather was perfect. Overall it was a great race. The first 2 miles led us through DC around the Capitol. Then we turned off toward the Washington Monument through a tunnel. Inside the tunnel they had these awesome drummers. You could literally feel the energy.
Eerily long tunnel but they pumped it full of drums which made it kind of awesome
Once through the tunnel, the Washington Monument was in site! You could also grab some oranges. I’m not 100% sure where they came from but my slice was delicious! (So in summary, I will eat oranges on a race and not even question where they come from)
Want me to stop during a race … have oranges!
So here is where I digress. At this point in the race my knee was already bothering me. Not just my knee though, a new torture arose, my IT Band. To all runners who suffer from IT Band issues… how do you do it? That was excruciating. So that was a new hell of which I was unfamiliar. I could of dealt with the knee alone, but when you add the 2 together… Holy HELL Batman. Not Cool & OUCH!
OH Look the Washington Monument
Then exactly when I needed it my husband surprised me! That’s right. He showed up on his bike with water, gummy bears, and peeps. 3 of my favorite things in the entire world. I am a very lucky lady.
Hubby who surprised me on course! (Amazing Moment)
I also believe my friends were super excited too. Mainly because of peeps though.
From here we continued running. We passed the often forgotten WWI Memorial, which is one of my favorites. My great-grandfather earned his US Citizenship fighting for the United States during WWI. He was a Portuguese immigrant.
WWI Memorial. If you stand in the center you can hear yourself echo but no one else can.
At this point we swung around the Lincoln Memorial, ran over the Arlington Memorial Bridge, bumped into my hubby again, ran back over the bridge and started running toward the Kennedy Center.
We’re off to see the Wizard?
By now we’ve reached the 10K point and I’m in pain so we pull over for a stretching break.
It’s a stretching party! And a Sam-wich! HA!
After our stretching party that took place just shy of mile 7, we continued onto Hains Point. Here is where a person could easily loose their mind. It’s a little over three miles of blah. People are loosing steam and just stopping directly in front of you. We switched to a 2:2 minute interval rotation and Justine gave me her IT Band wrap. This helped so much. We pretty much kept a version of these interval splits for the remainder of the race.
It looks pretty on the outside, but it’s soul crushing on the inside.
These last few miles all kind of blur together. My leg/knee was killing me and all I could focus on was not laying in the soft looking grass and making dirt angels.
I could of lived at Hains Point and made a lovely home for myself… but apparently that wasn’t okay.
Finally we come out of Hains Point and start heading back to the finish. We’re almost there. (I think) Right before mile 12 we pass a wharf. Who knew there was one in DC? The smell left something to be desired. But then what do my wandering eyes appear! A Chocolate Aid Station. I’d heard about these!
Was I hallucinating? Is this real life?
So much chocolate.
I tried a piece and immediately spat it out. Sorry I’m not sorry. But the smell was perfect to counteract the wharf… After our chocolate zone break we were back in the tunnel! The drums still played and thankfully it was less congested. This part was actually quick enjoyable. Since most of it was a downhill we rode the momentum till we came out the other side.
Today… WE RUN!
There was one more aid station before the finish. We came back the way we entered the tunnel, but instead of going around the Capitol again we cut through a side street. It almost felt like a shortcut so mentally it was the perfect boost. Here’s where the intervals end and the jog to the finish begins. The finish line is in site and all I can think about is how proud I was of myself for pushing through and digging deep to finish the race.
But wait…. the clock says 3:12:??…. didn’t we cross at 13:?? Could we still pull off a sub 3 hour half marathon. So adrenaline kicked in and while were still 50ft from the finish, I start yelling to sprint!! That’s right we kicked it in strong and finished in 2:58:34!!! I had promised RockyMtnPearls that we would do a sub 3 and we did it!!
Half Marathon done and Tiffany’s in hand!
Love these girls!
My only con of this whole race were the atrocious lines at the finisher area to do anything… So many lines. I gave up and ordered the finisher shirt online. I’m happy they gave us that option.
Official Finisher Medal/Necklace credit: RockyMtnPearls
I also didn’t think I would like the finisher necklace as much as I do. This is a medal that you can wear any day you want. I like it cause I can use it to remind myself of what I am capable of accomplishing.
This was a fun race, in a great city. I loved running it with my best friends and I’m so happy everyday that we all somehow found running whether it was in middle school (justine and myself) or after graduating college (christine and amy).
Have you ever run a race with Nike? Did you run this one? Do you ever wear your medal after the official race day? What’s one thing that can make or break a race to you? Does your IT Band ever burn with the fire of a thousand suns?
After today I’ve decided that Nike never does anything small. Nike has an all-or-nothing mentality. But before we get to the Nike Women’s Half Marathon Expotique, let’s chat a bit about Girlie Weekend!! My friends and I came up with the brilliant idea several months ago to all get together and run the Nike Women’s Half Marathon together. Well that weekend is here!! YAY!!
Who’s excited?!? This girl!
We had an awesome dinner on Friday night and caught up. Then we hit the town on Saturday for the expo and a day of shopping. We walked from Clarendon in Arlington, VA down to the Georgetown Waterfront to get to the Expotique. This was roughly a nice leisurely 2 mile walk.
In case you were confused about what was going on at the Georgetown waterfront, signage was pretty clear
Use the #WeRunDC and you could show up on the social media board!
The Expotique was very well done, but as expected the lines were insane. There were lines for everything. Take a photo… line. Want to try Nuun… line. Want another photo… line. Want to make a sign… line. After awhile I was over it. But not before making signs, taking pictures, and sampling Nuun! If there was anything else to do, I had already lost my patience.
Wait on-line for an official photo-op. Nah, we’ll make our own!
I missed the memo: Yours truly picked “May the Course be With you” and LOVED it!!
After playing in the expo we headed to the official Nike store which just so happens to be up the street. It’s here where you can find your name on the official NIKE wall.
Not the wall but I had to throw this in. It was on a 20ft tall!
We then headed into the store and stocked up on some gear. I found a Nike Goddess tank because I’m obsessed with this year’s logo and a fun t-shirt. Turns out the t-shirt I liked the most was men’s….. eh… C’mon I’m a DC local. Could this not be more perfect?
Run the Mall take the Capitol. (Sounds about right)
After the expo, we headed to Alexandria for a delicious brunch and to hit the Lilly store for our Coloradan RockyMtnPearls who is deprived of Lilly out west. Then we swung by the Tanger Outlets for some shopping and MORE Walking!!
Dinner was a nice home cooked meal by our lovely hostess. She made homemade turkey meatballs and pasta, which was delicious!!
Tomorrow AM bright and early we’ll be running through the streets of DC! If you couldn’t tell I’m excited and a little nervous. So until then….
What’d you do today? Ever covet the men’s race shirts? Do you have an outlets addiction too? Do you love races when they take place in your city?
As spring race season approaches, I like to take inventory of what I have and what I may need to stock up on. Everyone has their race day rituals, superstitions, and must haves to get them through! Here are my Must Haves!:
Glide– If I could coat myself head-to-toe in this stuff I would. Correction: I do. Some people chafe and some don’t. I chafe. That’s it. I actually have a scar from a sports bra that didn’t agree with me after 15 miles. I don’t make that mistake anymore.
Thorlo ‘Experia’ Socks – These socks are amazing. Before I started using them I got blisters if I ran more than 8 miles. Now my feet have amazing cushioned padding for my whole run. Some would say it’s weird that I have a sock preference but after losing lots of toe nails and having blisters under blisters, I think it’d be weird if I didn’t have a sock preference.
You think having a favorite brand of socks is crazy? Let’s talk when you have 4 toe nails.
Nathan Hydration Belt – Want to look cool in front of all your friends… don’t become a runner! I rock my Nathan Hydration Belt for most races. It’s like a Batman utility belt and did i mention it’s bright pink!!
Hat/Sunglasses – My eyes are extremely light-sensitive. No really. Without shades or a hat (sometimes both) my eyes will tear up and burn.
McDavid Knee Wrap: I have a wonky knee. There’s a history of knee issues. Occasionally, it will just give out. (That’s always fun!) When I run with this band it makes falling less likely.
It’s more funny than painful at this point. At least to me….
Nuun – Nuun!!! I asked at last year’s MCM Expo apparently it’s pronounced “noon.” I happen to like most of their flavors but the Cherry-Limeade and Lemon Lime are the best.
New Balance 870V3 – I’ve discussed how I’m in love with my sneakers before right?!? Well I can’t stop. They are fantastic. I was always a Nike or Brooks girl. But after getting fitted again last fall, I was told I needed additional room in the toe box. I am a shoe addict and also have Brooks Ravenna 5 & NB 890s
I’m sure you’re admiring my super purples Zensah Compression Sleeves!
Fuel – GU. Salted Caramel, Espresso Love, or Plain – There was a time when I could handle almost any GU flavor you threw at me. That was until I ran a marathon last November. During the training I tried out lots and learned what I do and don’t like. I also learned that anything you have after mile 20 of the marathon is forever tainted. (sorry vanilla bean)
RoadID – I run with a RoadID. After fainting at the finish of the Seaside Heights Half Marathon, I purchased this. I have my hubby’s contact, my mom, my allergies, and my mantra. It’s really helpful.
Yup, that’s probably about what I looked like.
Garmin 405 – My Garmin has been with my since 2009. I’m impressed every time I use it that 5 years later and it’s still rocking. I originally “borrowed” this from my mom while I was in college. And well I don’t think she’s ever getting it back.
Shuffle with Yur Buds – When I run a race alone I need my music. Sorry to those of you who hate people like me but, it’s what I do. However, I do not use it if the race is very specific about it like the Cape Cod Marathon or if I’m running with a group.
Picture ready? Yes, I will wear some Tinted moisturizer, Waterproof Mascara, Waterproof Eye Liner, and chapstick on race day. I also recently discovered waterproof clay based shadows as well. Listen, I’m not covered in makeup but a small non-comedogenic amount works for me.
Who doesn’t want that glow?
I know that I am over prepared. I feel like that kid from Christmas Story. Once you’re in a situation where you need something and don’t have it, your perspective changes.
Over prepared much? yeah….
What do you consider your must haves? Think of something I missed? When’s your next race? Do you also obsess over some of these products as much as I do?
BikeRunBake 