I DID IT!

I DID IT! I ran my first half marathon.  I have had a wide range of emotions flowing through my mind the past few days, that it's hard to know where to begin with this post.  I can't believe that something that I worked so hard for for so long is now over.  

Before the Race
The few days before the race, I was a nervous wreck.  My stomach was in knots constantly, I was having a hard time eating and sleeping.  I did three 4-5 mile runs the week prior to the race, and they all went so badly that I was convinced that I couldn't do 13.1 miles.  I had gotten into the mindset of "whatever... I'll try my best but I'm probably going to fail".  Thursday evening I ran into the owner of a local running store, who gave me some words of advice: run your own race.  I really listened to him, and slept better that night than I had all week.  I still had a hard time "carb-loading", because honestly I'm just not used to eating that much.  I was eating in two hour intervals, pretty much anything and everything, for three days straight.  I felt bloated and weighed down and I was terrified that something like the Old Weth 10K was going to happen again.   The night before the race I stopped eating around 9 pm, and was so anxious that I didn't fall asleep until 12:15 am.

Race Day
I set my alarm for 4:55 am, for the race start time of 8:00 am.  I wanted to be certain that I was awake, well fueled, and ready to go.  It was lightly sprinkling when I awoke, which then turned into a steady rainfall.  Disappointing weather, but luckily all my long training runs had been in rain, so I was not worried about the rain altering my running state of mind.   I downed two cups of coffee as well as an avocado and some baked potato.  I headed over to Bushnell Park at 6:45 am, where the festivities were well underway.  Around 7:30 I got in line for the restroom, which, by the time I was in and out, left me with EIGHT minutes to get to the starting line! I quickly warmed up, and rushed to the starting line with one minute to spare.  I'm glad it ended up this way, so I didn't have time to process what was about to happen.  The host was getting everyone pumped up and playing awesome music, then the gun signaled and we were on our way.

During the Race
As I had mentioned, I was a nervous wreck, with a lot of emotions coming and going.  The first few minutes of the race I was very teary eyed, quietly crying while running.  I seriously just couldn't believe that the day had come that I had been anticipating for 5 months.  
The first mile mark came and went, and I saw that I was at a much slower pace than I had anticipated.   I had been training at around a 9:15 minute mile, and I was running the race at about a 10:00 minute mile.  I was surprisingly okay with this, after all, I had set NO time goals, I just wanted to cross the finish line after running the whole thing.  At about mile 1.5, the full marathon group and half marathon group went separate paths.  At this point it thinned out a little and I got into my groove.  
I opted to not run with my running/water belt, so I made sure to grab a cup of water or gatorade at each station, which by the way- are very hard to run through!  There was also Gu available at two stops, as well as live music/DJs at seven different points throughout.  We also passed four fire houses, and all the firefighters were lined up outside, honoring a fallen fireman from Hartford who had passed the week prior.  It was very emotional to see them, and a lot of runners ran to give them hugs/high fives.
I kind of zoned out in my headphones and didn't really focus on running during the first six miles, and before I knew it I was running under the halfway marker.  I felt amazing, no pain, no stomach aches, feeling well hydrated.  I took my first Gu down at that point, and continued to push through.  The rain was still coming down and I was still freezing! I couldn't believe there were some people wearing shorts and tank tops... I was in long pants, long sleeve (two layers!) gloves, and a hat!
Mile 7-10 were through West Hartford and Elizabeth Park (where I participated in the Red Dress Run), so I knew there would be a few hills involved.  Normally, I'd bump up my music and power through the hills, but... my iPod stopped working at this point.  It had gotten so wet that it began to malfunction.  So I tried to power through the hills with no music- definitely not the same!  After that, it was all flat, and we were in the homestretch.  Somewhere around mile 11.5 my right foot and knee started to really, really hurt.  I was wincing in pain, and kept thinking "you could stop and walk..." but I seriously could not let myself do that.  
Soon enough I saw the 12 mile marker and I started to cry.  I was crying partially because I was in pain, freezing, and soaking wet, but I was mostly crying because I was about the cross the finish line.  I was running through the city that I love most, with hundreds of people that I didn't know cheering me on.  I was about to finish something that I had put my mind to three years ago, only to be interrupted by two of the most painful surgeries ever.   I was ending twenty weeks of dedication to something that I never though was possible.   I picked up my pace in the last half mile, and I crossed the finish line at 2:12:29, whimpering, crying, shivering, and in disbelief that I ran the ENTIRE way.  It felt absolutely incredible and somewhat indescribable.  

After the Race
I had intended to meet up with friends after the race and have some post-race adult beverages, but I was in pain and so cold that I just wanted to go home.  I grabbed a bagel and banana from the athlete food tent, and huddled with my mom and Kevin to try and warm up and eat.  I couldn't get any food down, so I took the food with me and headed home.  Once home I stretched a little and hopped into an Epsom salt bath, then lounged the rest of the day.  The following day I was incredibly sore, and spent the day waddling around and trying to stretch.  
I have been on a high since crossing the finish line.  I have broken into tears a handful of times since then, and still can't really describe how amazing it feels to have finished.
A few weeks before the race someone asked if I'd be running another half marathon or maybe a full marathon, and I said absolutely not.  Now... I can't wait to sign up for my next long race.  I've never had a better feeling than the one I had crossing that finish line.

A special shoutout to my running buddy, Emmylou and her mom Carolyn, who also had their first walk/strides the same day.  I dedicate all of my runs to Emmylou and couldn't have finished this without her and her family's support.  Also a shout out to Kerri who ran her first half marathon on Sunday! You go girl!

Stay tuned for my race recap (and infamous race photos- I don't think there will be any thumbs up photos though...) and also what I learned throughout this journey.

How did you feel after accomplishing a goal you'd been working towards for so long?

Have you run a half marathon? What did you feel as you were crossing the finish line?

One Month To Go!

Trying to capture how sweet my water belt is!

One month to go before the Hartford Half Marathon!  

As October 11th gets nearer, I'm getting more excited, and definitely more nervous.  I'm running a solid 27 miles per week right now, with my longest runs at 11 miles.  I truly cannot believe that I can run that far.  When I started my half marathon journey, I was struggling to run 2 miles- what a transformation! This week, I'll increase my long run to 12 miles, the same for the following week, then begin to taper.  I've begun practicing using Gu and other fuel during my runs (I really… really… do not like Gu) and I also got a sweet water bottle belt that I'm getting adjusted to wearing.  I've already picked out my outfit for the big day, a custom shirt that will honor my #iRun4 buddy!  My buddy Emmylou and her family are so strong and inspirational, and I seriously don't think I could get through my longer runs without thinking of them.

Tired legs

For the past month or so, I seriously have not slowed down.  Since I left my job, my schedule is all over the place and I am finding it hard to dedicate time to sitting down and writing.  I've been working "part-time", hunting for a condo, traveling a lot (California, Newport, Boston…), and just being generally busy.  I've been really enjoying only working part time, although I know it won't last for much longer.  I'm excited about a job opportunity I have coming up- more details later!

New places I've discovered on my runs- so peaceful

Post run- shoe and snack bar matching

 That's all for now- until next time!

How do you find a balance between work and hobbies?

Do you have any races coming up? Any other sort of activity you're training for?

Race Recap: Old Wethersfield 10K

HMF Old Wethersfield 5K & 10K
Registration: $40 (10K) includes bib, t-shirt, drinks, light food
Race Location: State Street, Old Wethersfield, CT
Packet Pickup: Day before at Fleet Feet WH, or morning of starting at 7 AM
Parking: Free parking in DMV lot
# of Participants: 10K- 615 people

Runners gathering nice and early!

Overview: What better place to run my first 10K race than in my own town, Wethersfield?  I was coming off of a rough few weeks, which involved less running than I would have liked, so I wasn't going into this 10K with high expectations.  All I hoped for was to run the whole way, and finish in under an hour.  I did both, but it was hard.

The morning festivities were well under way when I arrived at 7:45 to pick up my packet, which included an awesome bright orange t-shirt.  There was a DJ playing loud, fantastic music getting everyone pumped up for the race.  The 5K and 10K both started at 8:30 am, with the 5K doing one loop around Old Wethersfield, and the 10K doing two loops.  I usually run through Old Wethersfield at least once per week, so I was familiar with the area, which helped ease my nerves. 

Pre race selfie!

The first 3 miles went very well, I was averaging a 9:00 minute mile, and felt good.  Around mile 4, I got a really, really bad stomach ache… as in I didn't know if I was going to throw up or something worse…  I thought through all of my options- should I stop? Should I just run to a bush and throw up? Should I flag down a police officer? As I contemplated my options I realized we had passed the 5 mile marker, and at that point I decided to just suck it up.  Also around that point, my high school marketing teacher was running next to me, so we chatted and I kind of forgot about my tummy.  The last mile I definitely slowed down, but I was still proud of myself that I wasn't walking.  I crossed the finish line at 59:49.  The second I crossed the finish line I booked it for the bathrooms, thinking I was going to get sick.  In all my years of physical activity and sports I have never thrown up from overexerting myself, so I think this may have been a combination of exhaustion, emotion, terrible eating a few days before, and lack of training.  I ended up placing 28/48 in my age group, 165/345 in the female division, and 399/615 overall.

Daniella! The best encourager and fellow iRun4 runner!

I had a bunch of friends running in this race, and it was really nice to see them throughout the run and give high fives and get encouragement.  This was a mentally challenging race for me, and I persevered through it and finished while completing my race-goals.  I'm proud of myself for not quitting even though I wanted to desperately numerous times throughout.

I will definitely be running this race next year.  The HMF does a great job organizing events and providing fun, energetic environments. 

Have you run the Old Wethersfield 5K/10K in previous years?

Do you prefer running on home-turf as opposed to races in other towns, or do you feel no difference?

When Life Happens...

Fair warning: this is long, includes lots of photos, and is emotional.

Wow.  First and foremost, I can't believe I didn't write a single blog post while in California.  I had every intention of doing so, but it fell by the wayside.  This trip ended up being one of the most amazing trips of my life, while also being one of the saddest.  

My grandmother was very ill and had just  gotten back from the hospital, which was the original reason I went out there- to a small town called Placerville, CA.  She ended up passing away the day I arrived back to CT, and the entire trip was filled with emotions and ups and downs.  My grandma was one of the most special people I've ever known, she gave everything she had to others, shared a dedicated marriage for 67 years to my grandpa (still living), and raised my mommy- one of the other most special people ever.  It was really hard to see her in such a different state of being than I ever had, but she is in a more peaceful place now.

In between visits to grandma, I managed to get to Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Los Angeles.  It was my first venture to Napa Valley, and it was fantastic.  I met my sister and her husband there, along with his parents (celebrating 40 years of marriage!); they're all Napa "regulars" so they showed me the ropes.  It was everything I thought it would be and more.  I'd definitely enjoy spending a few more days there in the future. 

We may or may not have pulled over to take touristy photos with this.

One of the many beautiful views

An awesome sign at a winery where you could fill in a blank if you so choose

View from where we stayed

Wine and lots of it

Sister selfies while sipping vino

Lake Tahoe is and always has been my favorite place on earth.  It is an hour away from Placerville, where I was staying, so my friend Nicole drove up from LA, picked me up, and we went to Tahoe.  We stayed in a fantastic little hotel, met the most incredible group of people, hiked, swam, ate, drank, laughed, star gazed, and enjoyed the scenery.  Every single time I leave Tahoe, I think, "why don't I live here?", and once again, that feeling has hit me.

Pulled on the side of the road for the first views of Emerald Bay

Nicole and I at Emerald Bay

At dinner one night… how can you not love this place...

After three days in Tahoe, Nicole and I set out on the road to LA.  It took us about 7 1/2 hours and lots and lots of Hanson Pandora to get there.  Once we arrived, we had a bite to eat with Nicole's boyfriend Jonathan- who happens to be one of my best friends from college.  He lives with another good friend of mine, Dan.  We were able to meet up with a few other friends the next night- it was really nice to see everyone, and made me miss the college days!  

I left from LAX to come home on Wednesday morning, only to have my flight delayed, then canceled.  Somehow I ended up spending the night in Charlotte, NC, and finally getting back to CT on Thursday evening.  I was registered for a race on Thursday evening, but I just could not muster up the energy to race.

Now----> onto my runs in California.  THEY WERE SO HARD.  I definitely did not get in 6 runs like I had planned, but I did my best.  Placerville is the most hilly place I have EVER been to, and it was literally uphill both ways, every time.  It was really challenging and awesome, and a nice change of pace to the flat CT routes I've been running.  The altitude is much higher, like 7,000 ft., where as CT is basically sea level.  I initially thought that this would make my runs easier, but afterwards, I felt as though it did nothing positive for me.  In Tahoe, we did some hiking/"trail running" that was also very hilly.

It doesn't look intimidating, but this hill went on for a solid half mile and was much steeper than it appears

My post running breakfast each morning

If I learned anything on this trip, it's that things don't always go according to plan, and you must accept that.  I planned to run at least six days out of the ten I was there, but life got in the way.  I'm known to panic and freak out of things don't go the way I expect them to, and this was a huge awakening that put everything into perspective.  I want to focus on the important in things in life, spend time with the ones I love, see the places that I feel best in, and experience everything this world has to offer- and if that means I have to miss a run or two, so be it.

What has been happening with you the past two weeks?

Have you ever had an awakening or epiphany like I did?  How do you normally handle life when it doesn't go according to plan?

Some Big News!

Hello! I've been MIA for the past week or so… and here is why:

I quit my job.  Nothing bad happened, I just was feeling unfulfilled in the position I was in.  I knew it isn't what I want to be doing, and I was feeling really conflicted about the whole thing for a while.  I had my last day last week, and now I am officially not working anymore!  It feels so weird, but also refreshing.  A lot of people have told me I am crazy for leaving one job without having another, but honestly, I'm okay with it.  I'm excited to have a lot of time to dedicate to running, and also to the long list of things I want to do in Hartford, around my house, and to be able to visit friends I haven't seen in a while.  I'll be going to California this coming weekend to visit my family, which is something I had been wanting to do for a while, so that's exciting!

I officially HATE seeing photos of me from races.  What am I doing with my arms?

Another piece of news:  I GOT MATCHED WITH A BUDDY!  I got the email from the iRun4 match directors and I squealed and jumped out of bed and ran a mile even though it was my rest day.  My buddy is Emmylou.  She is 1 year and 2 months old, and is from New York.  She is the most adorable, precious little girl, who has been dealt a tough hand of cards.  There is no definite diagnosis, but a myriad of genetic, physical issues, and suffering from seizures.  Her family seems amazing so far, she has two older brothers who take great care of her and parents who have dedicated so much time to doctors' appointments and every day care.  I am so excited to be able to dedicate all of my running to Emmylou and her family- their strength and will to get through every day truly has helped me during my runs to feel like I can do it!  You can read about Emmy here---> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emmylous-Journey/623730094358206?sk=info

Current snack obsession: smoothie and apple w/ almond butter

That's all for now… stay tuned this week for an update on my training schedule and my running plan for while I'm in California!

What's been going on with you?  Any exciting news?

Race Recap: Scottish Rite Freemason's 5K

Scottish Rite Freemason's 5K to Benefit Children With Dyslexia
Registration: $15, includes bib, t-shirt, snacks, and drinks
Race Location: 207 Deming St., Newington, CT
Packet Pickup: Only offered the morning of, starting at 7:30 AM
Parking: Free parking in lot adjacent to race location (2 minute walk)
# of Participants: Less than 100

Quick and easy check in

Past years' winning times!

Educational information about the Freemasons

Overview: I arrived around 8 AM to pick up my t-shirt and bib (I was #28).  There were not many people in this race, less than 100, so check in was a breeze.  I wandered around a bit and checked out the inside of the Freemason's facilities, read some history and what they are all about.  I did some warming up and stretching and also just some people watching… there were some serious looking runners here!  I was eavesdropping (oops) and heard some of the guys talking about their previous years times of 17:00 ish.  Which is crazy to me. 

Around 8:52 AM they gathered all the runners to the starting line, had a young gentleman sing our National Anthem (he was incredible!), said a prayer (I didn't know that the Freemason's were religious but, now I do), and gave general race directions.  Then… Rocky the Rock Cat (from New Britain's minor league baseball team) proposed to me.  Everyone stood around and clapped and it was super awkward, but I said yes.  So that's that…  Then the race started!

Uphill. Both ways.  I'm not even kidding.  I knew the neighborhood was hilly but MY GOODNESS!  There were A LOT of people walking within the first ten minutes, simply because I think the incline caught a lot of people off guard.  I powered through it though, and at the top of the hill I felt great.  It was a residential area, so there were some people out watching and clapping which was nice.  Mile 1 came with a water station and I was 8:49, which was great! After a couple in's and out's of col-de-sac's mile 2 arrived, with another water station.  Some more hills and more turns and we were in the homestretch.  I didn't look at my watch as I crossed the finish line so I truly had no clue what my time was.  I figured I'd just check the results when I got home.  After I grabbed a snack and said goodbye to my future husband, I started back to my car.  I passed a "results" wall and stopped and checked, figuring mine hadn't been posted yet- but it was! I came in 35th place, with a time of 27:42.  I also got 4th in my age group (out of 11… but still!).  I was pumped! I was running at a pace of 8:55, which I know I can do better, but I was still pleased with.

Post race floor sitting session

The course

Awesome t-shirt!!

Overall, I really liked this race.  The course was very challenging, the group running while small, was awesome.  Everyone was in great spirits, having a great time.  I will definitely run this race again. 

What I've Learned: Half Way Through Training

Monday marks the halfway point of my 20-week training plan for the Hartford Half Marathon in October.  I've learned so many things thus far, about running, myself, my neighborhood... and I'm excited for what's to come.  Thus far, the most valuable lessons I've learned are:

• I can do anything I put my mind to.  The biggest challenge for me was getting over the mental hurdle of "I won't make it past mile 3", simply because I had never run more than 3 miles.  Now, I can and have run 8 miles, without stopping.  Soon, that will be 13.1. 

Source

• SHOES. ARE. SO. IMPORTANT.  Honestly.  I knew it was essential to have a decent pair of running shoes, but I have learned SO MUCH about all the different styles, weights, and brands of shoes there are.  I have learned that I excel in a lightweight, wider toe area shoe.  I have always preferred Brooks, but am now open to try other brands, and have found Saucony works well for me.  I recommend going to Fleet Feet and having one of their awesome employees asses your running form and making suggestions based on that.

• Setting goals is FUN.  Throughout my training, I've set so many goals, and accomplished so many already.  Getting a mile in under 8:30, running five days per week, completing a 5K.  I have a list, and it gives me a rush of adrenaline crossing things off.

• Running is a time for me to decompress and take a break from real life.  I don't carry my phone with me... therefore I can't text, talk on the phone, go on Facebook, check the news, check my e-mail... nothing.  I'm disconnected from the world and I LOVE THAT.  I've really started to look forward to my daily runs, as a time to clear my head, not stress about anything, jam to music, and reflect on how far I've come.

  

  Peaceful, happy place!

• Icing and stretching are key.  I was so weary to even begin training for the half marathon, because of the surgeries I've had.  My feet still swell up on a regular basis, so icing, elevating, and stretching my feet is a crucial aspect of training for me.  I learned the hard way by not icing after my first "longer" run, that my feet will ache and burn and hurt if I don't take time after running to elevate and ice.

• Lastly, and probably most importantly (and most corny), I've learned that I am who I am and that is okay.  Before this half marathon journey, I always felt compelled to try and have the same interests as my friends.  Now, I have learned that it's okay to do things on your own, and that new friends will trickle in while doing what you love.

What is the most important thing you've learned about yourself through running?

A Week In Review… And What's Coming Up

Monday.  We meet again. 

Summary of the last weeks' workouts:

Sunday: 3 miles @ 9:12 pace

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: m.e.l.t.abolic class and 2 miles @ 9:10 pace

Wednesday: m.e.l.t.ed upper body and 3 miles on track: 400m @ 8:10 pace, 400m @ 9:10 pace, alternate for 3 miles (did this with my friend +Alyssa Barone ... it was nice to have a running buddy!)

Thursday: 3.8 miles @ 8:59 pace and kickball game

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 7.6 miles @ 9:10 pace

Week 9 brings light mileage increase: up to 24 miles for the week.  I really, really enjoyed last Wednesday's workout at the track, I felt like it was super beneficial and I plan to incorporate something relatively similar into each week.  I've got a 5K this weekend, on a particularly hilly course.  Hopefully it goes a little better than last time!  

Here is my last five days in photos:

My new running path discovery- Hartford's Charter Oak Landing! 3 mile loop right on the water!
I really enjoyed running this trail... I don't normally drive places to get my runs in, but I was in need of some calm, quiet scenery this past week.  It was a really nice "change of pace".... ha!

Wethersfield Cove- in my town.  Photo courtesy of +Molly Daly :)

Delicious veggie burger on toast!

Salad and avocado toast

My new 'do... I let my boyfriend's niece spray me with color hair paint... good thing it washed out ASAP

Coming up this week: I have my runs scheduled, a few classes to take at m.e.l.t., a kickball game Thursday, and some other interesting things happening...

Stay tuned! 

What does your week of workouts look like? Any races this week?

The best part of your weekend was ___________.

2 Year Surg-iversary and goals

Today marks TWO years since I had my first surgery on my feet.  

It's interesting to see how my outlook on fitness and exercise has changed post surgery.  Before I had surgery, sports, running, and physical activity really came naturally and easily to me.  Granted, my feet hurt constantly, but I had full range of motion and I could balance.  Now, two years after surgery, I struggle daily with balance, I can't bend my toes on my left foot hardly at all (making planks, push ups, lunges, etc. very difficult for me), and have a hard time with landing on impact on my feet.  My trainer at the gym consoled me a lot (thank you for that) with these woes by saying "Linley, they shaved off part of your BONES, they put in 3 screws in each foot, it's like you're walking on two new feet, you need to learn about them and get reacquainted with them".  I try and remind myself of this all the time, because I do get frustrated that now I have to work really hard for things that used to come so naturally to me.

In trying to remain positive and not focus on my frustrations, on my one year surg-iversary, I made a simple list of goals that I wanted to accomplish- get back into shape, lose the weight that I had gained, be able to do 10 pushups, run a mile, and focus on eating better.  I have done everything on that list- and more.  My two year surg-iversary goals (for the next year) are these:

• finish half marathon
• run a 5k in 25 minutes or under
• stop worrying about the way my scar looks
• pending the half marathon completion, contemplate full 
• be able to hold a plank for 5 minutes

I plan to accomplish my goals by continuing to work out 6 days per week- increasing and extending the length of runs and strength work, properly fueling my body, staying hydrated, and channeling positivity.

Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful that I am even able to run after theses surgeries, it has just been a longer adjustment period than I anticipated.  I feel better every single day, and am having a great time pushing myself to see what I can accomplish.

Have you had a surgery that altered your life and goals completely? How did you handle it?

How do you deal with accepting that your body may not be able to function the way it once was?

What are your fitness goals for the next year? How do you plan to accomplish them?

Thumbs up to race photos

I got an e-mail on Monday morning from the Red Dress Run/HMF with a link to photos of the race.  You could type in your bib number and photos of you taken during the race would come up.  So, I followed the links, and burst out into really, really loud laughter when I saw the 14 photos of me.  Apparently, I subconsciously run with my thumbs up.   Almost every single photo from that race, I've got not one, but both thumbs in the upright position.  I seriously have NEVER noticed this.  Also in one photo, my tongue is sticking out.  [side note: when I auditioned for the competition dance team in high school just before my freshman year, the coach said "you've made the team, but you have got to keep your tongue in your mouth while doing your leaps!".  It doesn't hang out, but gently rests on my lower lip, ha! It's like a focus/concentration thing for me... always has been, and I guess always will be!]

I kind of look like I'm operating a video game controller while bawking like a chicken... no?

It's weird how seeing photos of myself running has affected my running since then.  I looked through all 14 photos, noticing different things about my form, arms, posture, face, hands, feet... everything.  I made a short list of things to try and focus on during this weeks runs, so I can be constantly improving.  Here are some examples of what I noticed:

• Feet: I've always been pigeon toed, but since I had surgeries, it has gotten worse from trying to compensate due to pain.  Try to focus on keeping feet more turned out
• Tongue: keep that sucker in
• Posture: keep shoulder blades back, no hunching over, no matter how tired!
  

I am not one to care at all what I look like, or what people think of me, but it was interesting to see myself from another point of view.   I'll be curious to see if I feel differently or improve my time with my focus shifting more to my form.  

What tips and techniques do you have to someone trying to improve their form?

Do you like to see photos of yourself from races? Do you ever purchase them?

Race Recap: HMF's Red Dress Run For Women

Well everyone, I can finally say I have completed my first 5K RUN! As I've mentioned, I have walked in several, and I have done the distance on my own, but never in a race!  I've got mixed feelings about how I did…. Read on!

Red Dress Run For Women 5K
Registration: $30, includes bib, t-shirt, and bangle bracelet
Race Location: Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, West Hartford, CT
Packet Pickup: I opted for the day before, at Fleet Feet Sports in West Hartford.  Was in and out in 5 minutes. Alternative was to pick up the morning of.
Parking: I ended up scoring a sweet street spot, but there was a lot about 5 minutes away with shuttle transportation.
# of Participants: 1200 women (no men allowed!) there was also a kids race, which had about ~60 kids

Reppin' Rebel IPA! 

Overview: I arrived around 7:45 to ensure parking and plenty of time to get a grasp on my surroundings.  I have been to Elizabeth Park numerous times, so I was familiar with the park.  In the rose gardens, there were vendors and tents set up: baggage check, registration, HMF "store", various gyms, physical therapists, food vendors, etc.  I checked a bag with ease, and there were four volunteers watching bags throughout the race.  

The kids' run was first.  There was a 100M, 1/2 mile, and 1 mile.  I thought this was an awesome event, and a great way to get children involved.  Parents (male and female) were allowed to run with their kids.  There were definitely some cute kids, wearing capes like superheros!  The kids race started at 8 am and was over in about 15 minutes.

I made my way after the kids' race over to the starting line.  There were DJ's and a host, who got everyone pumped up.  The founder of the Hartford Marathon Foundation, Beth Shluger, was there to offer words of wisdom, as was the record holder for this course (whose time was in the 17 minute range!).  It was nice to hear their words, and honestly, it calmed me down a bit.  

The race started right on time, and I honestly kind of blanked out for the first mile or so.  There were just a lot of people in a little area, and I found that I kept getting stuck behind people who were walking the 5k.  That irritated me but I let it go! The course wound through residential neighborhoods, and there were residents out front with their children cheering us on, giving high fives, and one even had their sprinkler on for us!  It was really nice, and made me feel really connected with everyone.  As I passed mile 1, my time was 9:14.  There were a few slight hills throughout, and by mile 2 I was at 18:32.  I finished with a time of 28:50.  I was really displeased with my time, but still tried to remain proud that I had even finished!  Overall, I placed 198th, out of 1200.  Not too shabby- but I know I could have done better!

Post race, I ventured to some of the booths, and was APPALLED to find a booth about "anti-running".  They had t-shirts for sale that said "Running Sucks" and "Run Later" and had boxes of donuts on the table.  Supposedly, they were aiming to "save your joints" and don't run, but what's the point of having a booth at a RUNNING RACE? I did NOT care for this, and I don't understand this.  HMF, WTF?  The other booths were great.  There were free strawberry parfaits, and protein bars, both of which were delicious.  Bakery on Main had a booth with complimentary bars as well, I'll be trying that one tomorrow!  I purchased a t-shirt, and got a free HMF pint glass! Woohoo!   

Then, I met up with my friend Tracy.  Tracy ran this course in 20:35- her new personal record! She placed 1st in her age group, and 8th overall… OUT OF 1200!  I was so proud of her and am so inspired by her.

All my sweet swag!

Post race breakfast! SO good!

Fruit

Much needed after waking up at 6:50 on a SATURDAY.

Overall, the energy at this race was great.  I liked that it was women only, and everyone seemed really supportive of one another.  Even the police officers and volunteers throughout the course were cheering us on!  I will definitely run this race again.

What's your favorite 5k race?  How did you do in your very first one?

What's your pre race and post race routine?

Stretching is KEY!

Warming up and stretching is very important and key to having successful runs.  It took me a long time to get a grasp on this.  For a long while, I would skip stretching after a run because "I didn't have time" or "I didn't feel like it".  Now that I've increased my distances a bit, I see how pertinent stretching is, and if I skimp on stretching after a run I certainly feel it the following day.  Stretching and warming up are crucial to preventing injury.  Here is a glimpse into my pre and post run stretching/warming up routine:

Pre-Run
-20 jumping jacks
-40 leg swings per leg- 20 front to back, 20 side to side
-20 walking lunges per leg
-2 minute warm up- jog at a slow pace, usually around ~10 min mile pace, from my front door to intersection (where I begin my routes)

Post-Run
-5 minute cool down- I usually walk to the end of my block and back after I get home from a run
-The following stretches for 25-30 seconds each (on each side):
-Hip flexor: kneeling on the ground, place one leg out in front at a 90 degree angle (knee/ankle aligned).  Gently press weight forward onto that leg, to feel a stretch in the opposite hip area.
-Standing calf: facing a wall, place toes of one foot upright against the wall, with your heel on the ground.  Lean gently into the wall until you feel your calf muscle stretching.
-Quad: standing on one foot, bend the other leg at the knee, bring behind you, and hold with your hand. 
-Sit and reach: probably the first stretch anyone learned how to do! Your basic sitting on the ground, bend one leg at the knee, and reach for the other foot.
-Foam Rolling:  I know I am not the only person who despises my foam roller.  It works wonders, however. I try to incorporate it daily, but that's nearly impossible, because I really hate it that much.

I really like this article about post run stretching.  It's simple, and easy to understand.

I have my first 5K tomorrow.  Surprisingly, I've never actually RUN a 5K race.  I've walked in several, and I run the 5K distance often, but never in a race!  It's the Red Dress Run for Women, in West Hartford, CT.  Stay tuned for a full recap on Monday!

Other things happening:
-My new summer league kickball team had our first game last night, and we won!  We've scheduled a team "practice" on Sunday afternoon, more like a fun kicking session!
-I have orientation at a new fitness studio called m.e.l.t. on Sunday morning.  I purchased a Groupon for a three week trial.  The workouts are only 30 minutes long, so I'll be curious as to how effective they are.

What is your pre run and post run routine like?  What are your thoughts about stretching?

What is your favorite distance to run?  Why?

The most exciting thing planned for your weekend is ______________.
Happy Friday!!

Week 7, Monday, and meal prepping failure

Today is the start of week 7 of my 20 week half marathon training plan.  This week begins 5 runs a week vs. the 4 that I've gotten used to doing.  It's wild to think that two months ago, I was averaging 6 miles a week, and now my weekly mileage will now be 20+ miles per week.  I think often of places that are 20 miles away from my house, and how I could run there over the course of a week.  Examples:

• From my front door to my favorite winery in CT is 15.74 miles.  I could run there, and get started on my way home, in one week's runs.
• From my front door to Bradley International Airport is 20.17 miles.  I could run and get on a plane with no belongings in a week.
• From my front door to my friend Nicole's apartment in Santa Monica CA, is 2912 miles.  It would only take me 146 weeks to run there!

Right, you get it, I'm excited about running a lot more. I have my first 5k race coming up this Saturday.  My friend Tracy (who is an incredible inspiration!) will also be running, but she is at like a 6:30 minute mile, while I'm at 8:47... so we plan to meet up after!  I'm aiming for a 26:30 minute time, but I'll honestly be happy with whatever.  My parents are out of town this weekend, so I'll be going by myself, unless I can drag the boyfriend with me (it's at 8 am...).

Today is not only the start of week 7 but it is also Monday.  I loathe Mondays.  I've concluded that there is nothing worse than setting your alarm for Monday morning on Sunday night.  It makes me sad and grumpy, especially after a long weekend.  I spent the weekend down in Old Lyme at boyfriend's beach house.  It was fun, but we didn't really get any alone time.  It was also his birthday on Saturday, and as a gift I got him.... a... SKYDIVING package! It's been on my bucket list for a long while, so when he mentioned a few weeks ago that he'd like to go, I jumped all over it (ha! Jumped! See what I did there?).
 

Course map for the 5K this weekend, it's through a rose garden!

View from my bedroom at the beach this weekend :)

Also this week I am trying to get a grasp on "meal prepping".  Not something I do often, but with how busy my schedule has been lately, I feel like I'm eating out way too often and probably not making the smartest choices.  I need to really start taking some time once a week and plan out meals rather than think last minute about what to make.  I always end up unsatisfied!

Shout out to my loyal reader Kristin Kendall on her 26th birthday tomorrow!!!! Love ya!

What does your week look like in terms of runs? How many? How many miles? Any races?

Have you ever been skydiving? What was it like?

Any suggestions for quick, easy, vegetarian meals that are delicious?