30. Run 30.

17/30: Capitol Hill Classic

O.M.G.  I am so SO happy to have wrapped my 7 weekends of racing — an amazingly fun streak — this weekend.  BRING ON THE WEEKEND OFF! {well sort of, I still have to train}

Blurry/pretty cam!

Top things about this race:

1. It was 10K.  Dude, let’s do more 10Ks — great distance, out and backs, love it.  I can see why so many race weekends are starting to add the 10K option for runners.
2. MICHELLE!  Hello?!  How many more times do I have to say it in call caps on this blog?  BRFs are hard to come by.  Happy to have mine with me A LOT during the spring season!
3. I loved the logo for the shirt.  It’s going to look adorbs in my quilt.
4. Great on course support!  There were very enthusiastic water volunteers who were so nice.  There were also 3 water stops which was awesome.
5. Great location.  Super easy to get to from Michelle’s house.  After the race I saw a lot of people walking back to Union Station for the ‘tro so that’s all around win.

I have to say, I’m REALLY disappointed with how this race was organized and the course.  I ran this race in 2011 when I lived at C and 3rd {I literally walked out my door to the start line} and it was a great course out around RFK back down the hill and then back UP which was fun and challenging.  This year, we ran around the neighborhood, past the Supreme Court and then down to RFK — THROUGH THE PARKING LOT.  Ugh.  It was seriously the worst course I’ve ever run.  So disappointed. 

The start and finish were a cluster.  We started 15 minutes late  because too many people were in line for something — I think it was a combo back check, packet pick up issue.  Which was totally unfair for those of us that planned ahead and were on time.  Then at the end the line for water and food was all the way around the park.  Michelle and I gave up and got our own snack at the corner store.  Then we immediately went to tasty girl brunch at Matchbox, so it was a net win.

All in all, it was a good morning, but I might hang up my CHC dancing shoes after that experience.

Huge thanks to EVERYONE that ran with me and cheered for me during this AMAZING spring season!  It was the bomb.com/win and I love you all so much for it.  Bring on summer and fall — MY FAVS!

How were your spring races?

16/30: The Delaware Half Marathon

I cannot believe that I’m tracking ahead of my goal.  I have 16 races complete and I’m not even halfway through the year.  I had so much fun this weekend, it really shouldn’t be allowed.

Top things about this race:

1. AKP!  Doing races with Katinka is probably the best idea ever.  She is truly one of the dearest friends I’ve ever had and we had so much fun covering these miles that they literally flew by. {even though I walked most of them}
2. Gorgeous course!  Dude, Wilmington is my new favorite city.  We ran through a beautiful state park, a few gorgeous neighborhoods and beside the river — I can’t wait to go back next year!
3. The race was so well organized.  There were literally two guys, Joel and Wayne, that orchestrate the whole thing.  They were as a sweet as pie as were all the volunteers {of which there were many} and the local police that came to handle traffic.
4. It was probably well organized because they field is so small.  2,000 runners TOTAL {marathon, half, and TWO RELAYS} toed the line on Sunday.  It was so nice not to fight the crowds and run a little more intimate race this season.
5. The swag was off the chain.  As you can see from that picture the after run food was amazing:  pizza, soft pretzels, ice cream sandwiches.  Not pictured:  champy, pasta salad and huge bottles of smart water.  We also got a tech tshirt, hat, beer glass and tech hat.  Amazing.

I went into Sunday’s race with a little trepidation.  I took the week after the marathon off completely with traveling and work.  We hit the start corral on Sunday after I only got 5 ish hours sleep {from a wedding I was at in PA the night before!} and we did some serious running until mile 5 when it was clear that everything from my waist down was so over running it wasn’t funny.  I didn’t have any pain or cramping, it just felt like I was dragging huge logs along with me.  I also had intense stomach pains {not like before, different ones} that Dr. Mom diagnosed as exhaustion.  I actually don’t disagree with her this time.  I am SO TIRED lately that I’m making silly mistakes and bonking 5 miles into a 13 mile race.  No matter, Tinka trotted with me while I power walked the remaining 8 miles and we still finished in 2:42 — 2 minutes better than our princess half and only 20ish minutes off my best half ever.  Needless to say I was pretty pumped.

I’m not at the point yet where I would advise against running a 10K, 2 10 milers, a half, a full and half in 6 weeks.  I would however, advise to take your rest and recovery VERY SERIOUSLY and keep up whatever nutrition regimen works for you. 

My spring season ends this Sunday at the classic with Michelle {a blessed 10K that I still might walk depending on how the week goes!} and then I need to get some fresh legs to PR in Annapolis!

How was your spring season?  And your run this weekend?

15/30: Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon

Hey guys, remember that time I ran a marathon?

Yeah, me too.

This one is going to be a little longer than normal since you know the distance was TWICE what I normally race and to be perfectly honest I’m so proud of myself and so happy about the race outcome I can’t shut up about it.

And I’m halfway to 30!!

Top things about this race:

1. The pace group was amazing.  If you are planning to hit your first- time marathon, Jeff Galloway, one of my running sherpas {and as it turns out dear friend of my pace group leader} says your only goal is to finish.  Since I didn’t want to end up on the fail bus AND since I started out with Marcela last year before heat stroke struck I knew this was in my future.  I redid my research and confirmed Marcela’s group was the group for me.  They did a 5:1 run walk ratio averaging a 12:30 minute/mile.  It was the perfect pace to get these miles done.  AND, we spent time getting to know members of our group {Stu in the front lost his wife to Lymphoma 2 years ago, and we all dedicated a mile to her; Pat {a repeat 5:30er from last year} got his cousin to run with him — his first marathon; Jackie, beside me, hit her first marathon goal like a champion!!}  This was our leader’s {in the bunny ears} 48 marathon.  Did you read that right?  48th!!!!  She was so positive and happy and motivational.  I wish she would run the remaining 15 with me.  She’s also just an all around awesome person and runner.  She remembered me from last year {“OMG” she said!  “How are you feeling?!  Did you know you’re going to finish this race today,” she exclaimed!}  I lined up the corral early and almost missed the pace team.  I was a nervous wreck until I found them — with good reason.  This would not have happened without them.
2. The city of Pittsburgh.  I haven’t talked too much about the greatest city in the world but my love for the city runs really, really deeply.  From growing up there to meeting some of my forever friends there to falling in love there to getting married there and everything in between it is the city that will always be home and will always have my heart.  To have one of my most recent dreams come true in that city was almost too much for me. 
3. I learned a lot about what I’m made of on that course.  I always ALWAYS balk when people are like “I left it all out there and I found myself” while doing X, Y or Z thing.  Marcela told us at mile 2 that the marathon doesn’t start until mile 20 and then you really learn what you’re there for.  I thought she was being glib.  But lo, when we rounded the corner for mile 20 the wheels fell off for me.  I hugged my pace group goodbye and promised them they’d seem me at the finish.  Then I settled in for a long and painful 6K walk.  Jackie, to her never ending credit stayed with me for about 2 miles before trotting off.  I thought a lot about what I was doing out there in the middle of Shadyside and Bloomfrield in spandex, what I was trying to prove and why.  I thought a lot about my training and what I’ve been doing to take care of myself to get me to the starting line and then to mile 20.  I thought about people I know and love dearly that can’t walk for a variety of reasons who would give anything to feel their feet throb and their hips ache, to cross that line upright and smiling.  And then I stated running again.  Because I learned in those 6.2 that I am tougher than sad and pain and sunburns.  And I finish what I start.
4. My parents and my husband were just a phone call away.  Around the time I was getting an education on what I’m made of I hit the mental wall.  I read that my hormones would be in a tailspin at some point that day and they decided to really hammer me from mile 20.5 - 24.5.  I was in a lot of pain {seriously my hips felt like they were going to detach my legs at the sockets for relief} and I started sobbing, which of course made it hard to breathe.  So I do what I do anytime that happens.  I called my mom who reminded me over and over that I was fine and that I was almost done.  Right!  You’re right! Then she activated the phone tree and I got a call from MB who told me how proud he was and that I was almost done and that I’m the fastest bear in Pittsburgh.   That, along with the pretzels at mile 23 were all I needed.  I settled back into my trot and finished the race just as I started, upright, smiling and running.
5. My dearest friends!  Especially those that were in Pittsburgh that came out to cheer {D, Steve — I love you forever and always}, were running the half that found me to wish me luck {Jenn, Missi — Phi love knows no limits and no bounds, clearly — CONGRATS!} and my countless friends far and wide that sent texts, emails, FB messages and tweets.  I have never, EVER felt more loved and supported.  Do not attempt your first marathon without telling everyone you know so that they can be there for you in whatever way possible.

Team 5:30!

A few other awesome odds and ends from the race:

• The Pittsburgh marathon is organized, well marked and well staffed with volunteers.  At each neighborhood we were welcomed by on course support and tons of cheering and music.
• There were smiley cookies from EatNPark at the end.
• The medal is ridiculously large and awesome.
• I FEEL FINE.  I’ve been waiting to crash and cramp and sleep for 24 hours straight.  But I must be well trained because I’ve been able to walk fine since I finished.  I’ve flown 4 times since Sunday {including 5 hours after finishing the marathon} and I walked all over San Antonio to see MB graduate.  Some of it in platform wedges.  WIN!

How was your first marathon experience?

14/30: Nike Women’s Half Marathon

WHEW!  It has literally been a whirlwind week here.  I’m so excited to finally settle back in and share!  First up — the good {and the not so good} about the Nike Women’s Half Marathon!

Top things about this race:

1. MICHELLE DOMINGUEZ!  I cannot for the life of me understand how I functioned for almost 30 years without her.  She is such a great friend and such a PERFECT running partner for me.  Again I had some tummy issues and had absolutely NO GAS left in the tank {which was really scaring me with the marathon right around the corner} around mile 8 but she kept it real.  And fun.  PLUS it was her first Half Marathon.  I was so proud of her and so honored to cross the line with her.
2. 3 words:  Little Blue Box.  This was not my first but it was definitely one of my favs.  I thought I wouldn’t be into the necklace as much as I am {I had plans to remove the race charm, put it on my charm bracelet and ask MB for a new T&Co charm} but I’ve worn it a lot.
3. The course was familiar.  One of the best things for my new running anxiety is to the know the course.  Since it was literally the course for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler plus a 5K around the Capitol, I knew exactly what was going on, coming and how to manage.
4. Janny!  My mom flew in from Pittsburgh to see me run this race which was amazing.  Knowing she was there at the finish put a little extra pep in my step.  Plus we had a great post race brunch at my fav spot and got awesome pedicures in the afternoon.  Perfect Mommy/daughter day!
5. Team in Training.  I have to tell you that if you have even an inkling of signing up to raise money for LLS through the Team.  Do it.  Do it now.  Do it every season.  This is the first race that brought tears to my eyes at the finish.  I was so proud of the Team for raising so much money and so proud of myself for surpassing my own goals I got choked up.  Plus the on course support from my coaches {Skye!  You saved me just in time with that tiny water bottle!} was unbelievable!  In my fancy purple shirt I felt like I was part of something bigger and something important.  As a runner, especially in the wake of such tragedy in our community, that is a feeling I will never ever ever forget.

The few things I have negative to say about this race are much the same as they were for the Rock N Roll Half Marathon.  The on course support was really lacking {except for the TnT stations} and the start and finish were really mobbed and disorganized.  I felt very fortunate that I had special access to pretty much everything with TnT to avoid the crush and confusion of all those people.  I think that with the first running of the race these things are to be expected.  Like the Cherry Blossom and the Rock N Roll, I’m so glad I got to do iconic DC races, but I’m pretty sure that I’ll take my registration {and fundraising for TnT efforts} elsewhere next season. 

Unless of course the lure of that LBB comes calling…

Did you run the Nike Women’s Half or Full?  How was your experience?

The 30: Updated {Summer Season!!}

Marathon week is the best time to finish up my registration for the summer season!

I’m all registered for the Capitol Hill Classic!  One more race with Michelle!

And then of course the Zooma Annapolis Half Marathon.

I’m super excited about the Personal Best medal option.  My best half time so far is 2:32 which I know with the right hydration tactics I can definitely beat it.

Extra medal here I come!  Plus, Annapolis is one of my favorite cities!  This will be MB’s second weekend home and we are really excited to be surrounded by water and eat tasty meals together.  AND we get to babysit Arleigh!  Hooray!

Are you all registered for you summer races?