tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23782754124479971702024-02-18T18:48:11.870-08:00Run Freckles RunFreckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.comBlogger486125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-44219614276743000232021-11-23T14:58:00.005-08:002021-11-23T14:58:34.159-08:00Getting Back At It<p>After the joys of not one but TWO long-term back issues this year, I'm trying my best to come up with a plan that keeps me active as well as injury free. Just before last Monday, I hadn't picked up a weight in several weeks, so I'm sticking with a straight-forward lifting plan. No complicated movements or anything high impact. I'm also keeping my weight relatively light. Nothing over 15-20 pounds depending on the movement. </p><p>Here's how my week of strength building looks at a glance:</p><div><b>Monday: </b>Legs<br /><b>Tuesday: </b>Back/Biceps<br /><b>Wednesday: </b>Chest/Triceps<br /><b>Thursday: </b>Glutes<br /><b>Friday: </b>Shoulders<br /><b>Saturday: </b>Total Body (though I'm thinking of switching it to a core specific workout)</div><p style="text-align: left;">Each of these workouts are usually about 30 minutes (as long as I don't fudge around) and follow the rule of reducing the number of reps with each set, while increasing the weight. So for example:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Parallel Squats</i></p><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Set 1 (15 Reps): 10 lbs<br />Set 2 (12 Reps): 12.5 lbs<br />Set 3 (8 Reps): 15 lbs</i></div><p style="text-align: left;">In the past, this has proven successful for me, I've just majorly reduced the weight this time around. It's important to me that I do better with form and comfort with weights rather than put myself through yet another injury this year. </p><p style="text-align: left;">My cardio is not being neglected either. I pair each of these strength workouts with time on the Peloton bike. I never exceed 30 minutes. However, I do try to find slower rides with heavier resistances so it's not like I'm doing hardcore cardio workouts every day. I haven\"t yet come up with a good routine in that regard, but I'll definitely figure it out. </p><p style="text-align: left;">And if you didn't think that was enough, I like to do yoga each day. I think it's been a great addition to my routine in the past. Lately, it's been beginner type stuff for about 10-20 minutes each day since more advanced poses can aggravate my back right now. Though, on Sundays (my rest day) I'll usually go 45+ minutes. Right now, I do classes from Peloton, my favorite instructors being Anna and Aditi.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Now that I caught you up on what my current fitness routine is, here's what today looked like:</p><p style="text-align: left;">I started the day with a ride (Robin's 30 Minute Pop Ride from 11/19/21)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://peloton.shorthandstories.com/instructor-picks-2019/assets/xrJkrhKZTH/robin_arzon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://peloton.shorthandstories.com/instructor-picks-2019/assets/xrJkrhKZTH/robin_arzon.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">I shortly followed it up with Back & Biceps. Here’s a clip (Don’t come at me about the song choice, it was on my playlist today):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q65Hve20cKA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">And finally, an easy 20 minute flow (Anna's Focus Flow from 10/4/21):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media0.giphy.com/media/6l423lwnEAp2xYERVD/giphy.gif?cid=82a1493boh7qtb7id8xvssxlns316gys0jn2r5v1gqg9ifss&rid=giphy.gif&ct=v" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://media0.giphy.com/media/6l423lwnEAp2xYERVD/giphy.gif?cid=82a1493boh7qtb7id8xvssxlns316gys0jn2r5v1gqg9ifss&rid=giphy.gif&ct=v" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Now, you're turn!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Do you pair cardio and weights? Or do one or the other on specific days?</b></li><li><b>What's your favorite Peloton ride?</b></li><li><b>Do you do yoga? Do you consider it a workout or more of a recovery?</b></li></ol><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-87073922499804053662021-11-23T06:57:00.021-08:002021-11-23T07:16:40.451-08:00Hello? *echos* Hello...hello...hello...<p>Holy shit, y'all! It's been a minute. Okay, but like maybe over 4 years. </p><p>I kinda always thought that I'd end up back here, but not in the way I have returned. </p><p></p>So let's recap...<div><br />In January of 2017, my husband, Peter, and I packed up all our things and moved from Maryland to California. Talk about shock to the body and mind. It has taken me quite some time to adjust to the move. YEARS.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2uSpHl3cEoHd8WKSooXUumSO0tHXVEMnBGw0vGY54XOfBUBFiQ94nAKLfvJEDgEOQHk-qMQvAiVMw1pT-qCTPv6GZTJE2DebP6xz-ABLTbuTqfmK5VxdX7QV9gzdwhpGrv3oU54vjVXwb7UgDTFxeHaJpQ50uQqzWzS9opI0XIgEgIDR8o2ZUE5ORiw=s900"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2uSpHl3cEoHd8WKSooXUumSO0tHXVEMnBGw0vGY54XOfBUBFiQ94nAKLfvJEDgEOQHk-qMQvAiVMw1pT-qCTPv6GZTJE2DebP6xz-ABLTbuTqfmK5VxdX7QV9gzdwhpGrv3oU54vjVXwb7UgDTFxeHaJpQ50uQqzWzS9opI0XIgEgIDR8o2ZUE5ORiw=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>My running habits decreased DRAMATICALLY. To be honest, I thought moving to southern California would've actually increased my drive to run, but it did just the opposite. I have run a few races here and there, but I haven't actually run since September, and before that...well...it was MONTHS. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsk7LXRWzeJlEFF84EPdOYm0kRWK0wQOf6UZjjn8OA3QF_SKpcaZVQc7GF6eSvnZ1SdC6CgrcGzFPgBR0IbIxnaCT7Yk9-iJu2WVatIB8D9RnvoEVkYT8H1_lNcpGGE57zZQkaRtAAsZyO0kBfIfknotBH6aRgSoeINXcyZwC_ZG2ZQ5zzjGiC1jSOqg=s1800" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsk7LXRWzeJlEFF84EPdOYm0kRWK0wQOf6UZjjn8OA3QF_SKpcaZVQc7GF6eSvnZ1SdC6CgrcGzFPgBR0IbIxnaCT7Yk9-iJu2WVatIB8D9RnvoEVkYT8H1_lNcpGGE57zZQkaRtAAsZyO0kBfIfknotBH6aRgSoeINXcyZwC_ZG2ZQ5zzjGiC1jSOqg=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><div>I have worked in several gyms over the past 5 years. I first started as a front desk rep at a local Orangetheory, but decided to use my personal trainer certification to actually coach fitness classes. So I left Orangetheory and had jobs at Crunch, University of California San Diego, Cooper Fitness, and F45. I am still working with most to some degree, even if it's just a subbing opportunity. <br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYXwFh3bl1ON2sTjx4PI2Fnh8AZVvR4aa9UKs5HLqjNb6RS3Rveom_7lFzIQYMnbn5aiyl_W0Wrgd4Grg5I5tMngfyBgqMlevaAjjAbG-m_noECEq5lONH2sMNEIoZ7oM3zrT2WZ8JjsXBQm0O5ueiz3k4_qFPADQc70WiG7LQq1xk4h-ku5JXDPywew=s708" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYXwFh3bl1ON2sTjx4PI2Fnh8AZVvR4aa9UKs5HLqjNb6RS3Rveom_7lFzIQYMnbn5aiyl_W0Wrgd4Grg5I5tMngfyBgqMlevaAjjAbG-m_noECEq5lONH2sMNEIoZ7oM3zrT2WZ8JjsXBQm0O5ueiz3k4_qFPADQc70WiG7LQq1xk4h-ku5JXDPywew=w305-h400" width="305" /></a></div><br /><div>I've steered away from the MLM life. I honestly thought being a part of a health and wellness company that aligned with what I wanted to be was going to be perfect, however, it ended up having damaging effects on my mental health. <br /><div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1RI426sYJbtbHl5abN8d1pJntlfd4Iy2HwywOL3NUrwUCkQ5YSjCBZXi_v5xPxRGl_GC2IKD0HJy9iy0boGCQFZImhWOTJijIF5MSd39Yj6A4K_M-ykExmRhWAeDb2RiQIPMTX0FkNXTqc2vFnKKMyrmmx1PrD-6b6PaN3abHfLyfs5qg3LZUPFTqkQ=s2048" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1RI426sYJbtbHl5abN8d1pJntlfd4Iy2HwywOL3NUrwUCkQ5YSjCBZXi_v5xPxRGl_GC2IKD0HJy9iy0boGCQFZImhWOTJijIF5MSd39Yj6A4K_M-ykExmRhWAeDb2RiQIPMTX0FkNXTqc2vFnKKMyrmmx1PrD-6b6PaN3abHfLyfs5qg3LZUPFTqkQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've become certified in several areas of fitness. In just the last year, I pursued and completed both a 200 hour yoga certification and spin certification. My goal is to get a Personal Training certification with NASM on top of the one I currently hold with ISSA. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjywhzJplskpXZGiegQO7UXWQzePjrsvvL_YNULlrSwynlD6reDpfd6McrZ3DhhcM8fbekImzoMlO94Whf_zM-4I4qMgcVm70ejDTmpH0jg3xi854HOB0s7yp8iivEmJm6EQLWr_0d-tfsZjmSPLkhid5HvXWoOzkmaqb9sSurgU0o-z20C6XKZnO9UJw=s1062" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1062" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjywhzJplskpXZGiegQO7UXWQzePjrsvvL_YNULlrSwynlD6reDpfd6McrZ3DhhcM8fbekImzoMlO94Whf_zM-4I4qMgcVm70ejDTmpH0jg3xi854HOB0s7yp8iivEmJm6EQLWr_0d-tfsZjmSPLkhid5HvXWoOzkmaqb9sSurgU0o-z20C6XKZnO9UJw=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I've physically hurt myself A LOT over the past year. I have suffered a couple of pretty bad back injuries. I've had to go to physical therapy and a chiropractor religiously to get myself back to where I was and although I am feeling a lot better at the time of writing this, it's going to be an ongoing battle to keep my back healthy as I age.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsoGanC7fWVcPgEsjG3C0yvVFH40HVFSTn-Q-8McGukfuyg-7FnHlKw7Ih-J3jNBMbmlvMwWkPjiRUS3einfjV80j1SxRU7DtfLl8_1fmLDGmrgJxoJBfdH4UMEaXRJZ2oAKsm4UWIzEv2NQtSk_6pwhbuF43HKSKOC32X-OsNkYQgxm0hGk7RGpzuCA=s960" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsoGanC7fWVcPgEsjG3C0yvVFH40HVFSTn-Q-8McGukfuyg-7FnHlKw7Ih-J3jNBMbmlvMwWkPjiRUS3einfjV80j1SxRU7DtfLl8_1fmLDGmrgJxoJBfdH4UMEaXRJZ2oAKsm4UWIzEv2NQtSk_6pwhbuF43HKSKOC32X-OsNkYQgxm0hGk7RGpzuCA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I've become a hardcore Peloton fan. Having the bike not only led me to get my spin certification, but it's been a great way to keep myself moving when my back has been damaged. It was the only exercise I could do when my back was at it's worst. My favorite instructors are Cody, Kendall, and Robin. </span></div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQOWfpPUSxqzVCDpOqic5yQWoQUzbLVOQBk4k1RUMkVcHEwMRhD0uI2v8sstDDsAyxnmADTh7J20Yy5DSVGLbYoNQlcTEn7IOSR4C-8a87iMgUKvG4bg9er-ZDqLnN_35CpmQwjY2wT0Qd0-nO-15ovJGWb4fF0J01qBanC3wTaAZOByADxPIDjekJmw=s1440" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQOWfpPUSxqzVCDpOqic5yQWoQUzbLVOQBk4k1RUMkVcHEwMRhD0uI2v8sstDDsAyxnmADTh7J20Yy5DSVGLbYoNQlcTEn7IOSR4C-8a87iMgUKvG4bg9er-ZDqLnN_35CpmQwjY2wT0Qd0-nO-15ovJGWb4fF0J01qBanC3wTaAZOByADxPIDjekJmw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I briefly streamed on Twitch since we got both a Switch and PS5 during the pandemic. My favorite games to play were Tetris 99, Mario Maker 2, and Fall Guys. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOefb2i0SL97qIzxBgze2AVFCEMrxw-mGtHEW9FTooQrRbYAUec5ldagL0aErJDc1ZtB1DM0cLnhq2iffYAoEU2VOm55KU6AZRN3_w3Bs9g9LadWbLRY-wVlbgNrCAAMRhQOtnfIzkSowJvaP2aerV2w6H46gRnD1qZKom2Cllm5vMetmJBPLuLV5JUA=s960" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOefb2i0SL97qIzxBgze2AVFCEMrxw-mGtHEW9FTooQrRbYAUec5ldagL0aErJDc1ZtB1DM0cLnhq2iffYAoEU2VOm55KU6AZRN3_w3Bs9g9LadWbLRY-wVlbgNrCAAMRhQOtnfIzkSowJvaP2aerV2w6H46gRnD1qZKom2Cllm5vMetmJBPLuLV5JUA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /><div>But that's been my life in a nutshell!</div><div><br /></div><div>While I can't be too certain on whether running will become a part of my life again and share those race recaps, I can for sure say that sharing any part of my physical fitness journey and workouts with you will be the biggest part of this blog. My goal is to not only talk about what I'm doing, but share with you things you can do too. Ideally, I'd love to teach virtual classes like I had during the pandemic. Whether it be spin, strength, or my favorite MMA-style workout class. </div><div><br /></div><div>And while I am not the same person when I left this blog 4 years ago, I'll keep most of my old content up as it shares some great memories of past races, training, and recipes. </div><div><br /></div><div>So yeah...glad to be back! Let's be friends again. :) </div><p></p></div></div><br /></div></div></div><br /><br /></div><br />Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-76952975455417657842017-05-20T11:07:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:28.253-08:00She emergesIt's been months since I've updated.<br /><br />I'm now a San Diegan.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWr1HeL7xfG2uE1Or2N6aF1eDQv0pJMIXkFyR9E8pM1SpG_HSL7hd7MVW_YRzVzxzFlQTIlYt8lC7A-2-bUvDdO_10c0xCNg5D_NcWUoty7vzWl6GtFE1a2bjQ9jqxSqhyphenhyphenUsIWx8zZv0/s1600/16708712_1643653165930060_3584844319132136415_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWr1HeL7xfG2uE1Or2N6aF1eDQv0pJMIXkFyR9E8pM1SpG_HSL7hd7MVW_YRzVzxzFlQTIlYt8lC7A-2-bUvDdO_10c0xCNg5D_NcWUoty7vzWl6GtFE1a2bjQ9jqxSqhyphenhyphenUsIWx8zZv0/s320/16708712_1643653165930060_3584844319132136415_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I'm working at a gym.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcZgOiUfZVOIU62o9qqfcQdecebEv5Yq4A1o8uMrD5Z7ak8gvQo6FY1TZQNEV84ndkyWIbxBH7VRHCXeg8aFKNYDex8CkVsE_1A4UQkYncXxSvD3b-jpVmFJA2umRn4SUG72gdoTgJag/s1600/17349947_10209303141715421_4731253964474018402_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcZgOiUfZVOIU62o9qqfcQdecebEv5Yq4A1o8uMrD5Z7ak8gvQo6FY1TZQNEV84ndkyWIbxBH7VRHCXeg8aFKNYDex8CkVsE_1A4UQkYncXxSvD3b-jpVmFJA2umRn4SUG72gdoTgJag/s320/17349947_10209303141715421_4731253964474018402_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm training for a bikini competition.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVLD0CNFEjQLHJ2foRy7g-WfOjejRYR0mryV-orbY082uv4id5IxHSxaRQ12In1fyOIRtJ40P2Xq1bsj4y8Uq13vZmz8bcQSO12l6DV4lI4dPpKh6XE8ndewDV9wtCadgZoGZlejjaUU/s1600/18491438_1681732392122137_2769525976677449145_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVLD0CNFEjQLHJ2foRy7g-WfOjejRYR0mryV-orbY082uv4id5IxHSxaRQ12In1fyOIRtJ40P2Xq1bsj4y8Uq13vZmz8bcQSO12l6DV4lI4dPpKh6XE8ndewDV9wtCadgZoGZlejjaUU/s320/18491438_1681732392122137_2769525976677449145_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><br />Then I ran this half marathon that I did not train for today...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKtJY4OEVkKACrQUVrUeCKpolScso2ugWeEWqBRAyzgMTdGz9zLIf253UA1W4zXDjfNNxqXX6q-6TpcVAhdczOs_eCVEh_YtQxPeuSeh6VZ9BnidmrKrlNy2T5RBvMEuGh7szCyoChFg/s1600/IMG_6757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKtJY4OEVkKACrQUVrUeCKpolScso2ugWeEWqBRAyzgMTdGz9zLIf253UA1W4zXDjfNNxqXX6q-6TpcVAhdczOs_eCVEh_YtQxPeuSeh6VZ9BnidmrKrlNy2T5RBvMEuGh7szCyoChFg/s320/IMG_6757.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><br /><br />So obviously, an update is in order to explain WHERE THE HELL HAVE I BEEN!Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-91617256396228950422017-01-29T17:58:00.000-08:002021-11-21T11:42:28.542-08:00Race Recap: The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - Part 3Moving and traveling across country is tough! Doing a video blog proved to be a lot easier for me during this time in my life!!!<br><br><center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-t4BDlqhdck" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM25ki_Qemr4qWEwvay9m2XXdvo253aDKCCYRVbn2dnC069t-N0jLzj8XKQ9_AoLvj9oQm34oex8pFR7KBIuP0VoIKo2IeI65mNgBFfK8xQn0lhbDKUVuigAWIm2p6gfX3F6RJD4F4ak/s1600/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSECHARACTER21_20170108_7919129788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM25ki_Qemr4qWEwvay9m2XXdvo253aDKCCYRVbn2dnC069t-N0jLzj8XKQ9_AoLvj9oQm34oex8pFR7KBIuP0VoIKo2IeI65mNgBFfK8xQn0lhbDKUVuigAWIm2p6gfX3F6RJD4F4ak/s400/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSECHARACTER21_20170108_7919129788.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANA8IJxZ-NibtUG_AOKRtxEbeRpZ944TigrmJ2tEJ-dcAZoRiUbggfTJFy9pMryW9cY3zeW39jnqVCj1dIOGsf1EJDLnVwyj0hfnaiLeMyHG-oNYwcy40p67Jxefv8PFiv_L2MJpIZ9U/s1600/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSECHARACTER24_20170108_7918639770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANA8IJxZ-NibtUG_AOKRtxEbeRpZ944TigrmJ2tEJ-dcAZoRiUbggfTJFy9pMryW9cY3zeW39jnqVCj1dIOGsf1EJDLnVwyj0hfnaiLeMyHG-oNYwcy40p67Jxefv8PFiv_L2MJpIZ9U/s400/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSECHARACTER24_20170108_7918639770.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y6ySd3hNOxxyCEGeveQNCwc-_opNWcL-mSasqvqs5GF-ui5aRCwF2m-JwuAqLRxLweVmsgqIWdlpuvS-iYE9QY71dnbxTaFC7aV8ycHAmaScuswubX7jccirDq_C7hr9I8ANJT6-B7I/s1600/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSECHARACTER28_20170108_7918202778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y6ySd3hNOxxyCEGeveQNCwc-_opNWcL-mSasqvqs5GF-ui5aRCwF2m-JwuAqLRxLweVmsgqIWdlpuvS-iYE9QY71dnbxTaFC7aV8ycHAmaScuswubX7jccirDq_C7hr9I8ANJT6-B7I/s400/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSECHARACTER28_20170108_7918202778.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUU9LuVqMJYNS1maFHDM7UCHPDuYb3-kRB1SPwlMY9rvfBuwBybmxv-eC5IkUL6UjsNMGhCE4xeYqsNuXxPO9kY-K7dYfqDk0ImiKczMBLnlsZU6KHTp-XA8hudZZ0kqXM79QpulmxH8/s1600/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARAMEDALBACKDROP2_20170108_7919501143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUU9LuVqMJYNS1maFHDM7UCHPDuYb3-kRB1SPwlMY9rvfBuwBybmxv-eC5IkUL6UjsNMGhCE4xeYqsNuXxPO9kY-K7dYfqDk0ImiKczMBLnlsZU6KHTp-XA8hudZZ0kqXM79QpulmxH8/s400/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARAMEDALBACKDROP2_20170108_7919501143.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjKrRL1yL05QtV8kx6EDKrPS_GC7qa13D3eQWlBssPfJhH1E5CmtwN5HD02nc4gjOeoafD9IKelA8efLm_wCQDx0lJgcwED_7Uw8f80EAYPDkjVQgbvMGVw8DagiZIITHpETaLeCAZDE/s1600/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSEACTION7_20170108_7917834533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjKrRL1yL05QtV8kx6EDKrPS_GC7qa13D3eQWlBssPfJhH1E5CmtwN5HD02nc4gjOeoafD9IKelA8efLm_wCQDx0lJgcwED_7Uw8f80EAYPDkjVQgbvMGVw8DagiZIITHpETaLeCAZDE/s400/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSEACTION7_20170108_7917834533.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-60844807490551474462017-01-26T11:58:00.000-08:002021-11-21T11:42:28.750-08:00The Goodbye RunThis was my "Goodbye Run" at the C&O Canal.<br /><br />Though some may say that the canal is flat, boring, and repetitive, I find it beautiful and adventurous. I've logged thousands of miles on this path in the past 5 years so it is needless to say I've gotten to know the area very well.<br /><br />I know it so well that I can point out which tree stump, campground or rock marks a mile in any direction where I start.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2MA2nCMsIcmDkBx75mXfUR9ZqKkvwTILGTfKx2tLl5XlVELNH4YwftPUwM2-wrYedT3cAWq4-nBWy3VPHDOorNrcvd3DhcLkuQh2c0Y7Dg_g65l265Pvrvp0MKa8cepcUpdcO6SkjlI/s1600/20130323_123705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2MA2nCMsIcmDkBx75mXfUR9ZqKkvwTILGTfKx2tLl5XlVELNH4YwftPUwM2-wrYedT3cAWq4-nBWy3VPHDOorNrcvd3DhcLkuQh2c0Y7Dg_g65l265Pvrvp0MKa8cepcUpdcO6SkjlI/s400/20130323_123705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The canal helped me grow from running 3 miles to 50 in those 5 years. I remember running my first 10k in Williamsport thinking I was so badass then! But in a year's time, I was able to run my first marathon from Clear Spring to Taylor's Landing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aei7S2vx5BDS4VH7J-uVuz8qYJZ5F-BHmDQgBcJ4HhftBjFneW1hvYePBLEgx_AgtSzW5EOu_LxN4Zf9QXZDn9CvjtVJx1WsxVg32_hZnEDYYiWNxxMuQYkWByN4e7Iwz8QKxA0aR2s/s1600/20131026_124700+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aei7S2vx5BDS4VH7J-uVuz8qYJZ5F-BHmDQgBcJ4HhftBjFneW1hvYePBLEgx_AgtSzW5EOu_LxN4Zf9QXZDn9CvjtVJx1WsxVg32_hZnEDYYiWNxxMuQYkWByN4e7Iwz8QKxA0aR2s/s400/20131026_124700+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />However, that was still a far cry from where I ended up just over a year ago. I ran 30 miles in preparation for the JFK 50.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8G1gN318aEaM4DdgiKzSuEHAx32Kh5taih3lJpcULa3qq-6ZYHDUpoFXgDjblQvAk0O59bxxQsx3HmYQyESZW4GxUcDGSJdraZrpbKxbxsnK2oUXoThWN4D3c6SAYNAMtREWuysge37Q/s1600/12182916_10205620623494767_2321850176661646258_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8G1gN318aEaM4DdgiKzSuEHAx32Kh5taih3lJpcULa3qq-6ZYHDUpoFXgDjblQvAk0O59bxxQsx3HmYQyESZW4GxUcDGSJdraZrpbKxbxsnK2oUXoThWN4D3c6SAYNAMtREWuysge37Q/s400/12182916_10205620623494767_2321850176661646258_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YEowV3HazfTMaZYAz6q9EcuXCsBrdG0CoYy2yYRd0qwvqjZjBBom10dbyD6Pfw10qy81P8lMz_9v9i8MQaHE6Ev4Vq5B85WFRtElsrjtqBy9DWCudeVsSE8aaNOmA_WljbvWvFlO7S4/s1600/2015jfk50FinishLine-133-ZF-9928-07293-1-001-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YEowV3HazfTMaZYAz6q9EcuXCsBrdG0CoYy2yYRd0qwvqjZjBBom10dbyD6Pfw10qy81P8lMz_9v9i8MQaHE6Ev4Vq5B85WFRtElsrjtqBy9DWCudeVsSE8aaNOmA_WljbvWvFlO7S4/s400/2015jfk50FinishLine-133-ZF-9928-07293-1-001-009.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br />Not all my runs on the canal were perfect, however. There were days it where flooded and prevented me from going far.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixo0fDuJZGf0mmcNPq6SBoV7IGN53Jl6ZcBfVm0zzOGuGb604ByoutqhvRc43HVpZDlJlzmZE9zDEBh0zC23SoNcproOgHJVOgTPuRMCzLmYaJ-8aTlIv4VUvoRLhyphenhyphenaUiyTmYjsIBXXB8/s1600/20140517_095320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixo0fDuJZGf0mmcNPq6SBoV7IGN53Jl6ZcBfVm0zzOGuGb604ByoutqhvRc43HVpZDlJlzmZE9zDEBh0zC23SoNcproOgHJVOgTPuRMCzLmYaJ-8aTlIv4VUvoRLhyphenhyphenaUiyTmYjsIBXXB8/s400/20140517_095320.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Or it would get icy and the concrete portion of the canal at Big Slackwater would be very dangerous.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjlRPHyX7N6kXk5EyHRsiUPY36YNwc-VeBBtGe_wpJh6cHZeRaaMZQEESHW6CZi_aFE7wN2O-mIPIl8H7UllserD4GA-lCDEOG0NPGNpQmYbii8y_GcrIxQf82Y5VbVHZIKtYqE7bM8k/s1600/20131215_105718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjlRPHyX7N6kXk5EyHRsiUPY36YNwc-VeBBtGe_wpJh6cHZeRaaMZQEESHW6CZi_aFE7wN2O-mIPIl8H7UllserD4GA-lCDEOG0NPGNpQmYbii8y_GcrIxQf82Y5VbVHZIKtYqE7bM8k/s400/20131215_105718.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />There were also days the weather was perfect, but I managed to trip and bang up my knee (the day Peter proposed).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio27j8YlOOe8dKcsWGA_666waRbCgf3jPNoy3AuRA0xxtrYZno0PDt99X4onNole3_cgb0A7sQwfIXJhfp9H_d9Mv8NBk6dTlmiLw9PUU2zLQUM51Gs2xv_jCxBxOHnWkOQgyRGJqGBXE/s1600/20130928_094928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio27j8YlOOe8dKcsWGA_666waRbCgf3jPNoy3AuRA0xxtrYZno0PDt99X4onNole3_cgb0A7sQwfIXJhfp9H_d9Mv8NBk6dTlmiLw9PUU2zLQUM51Gs2xv_jCxBxOHnWkOQgyRGJqGBXE/s400/20130928_094928.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Speaking of Peter, once he started running, the both of us took many dates to the canal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SFCMzBE-eFfueblW1gINOzEcpMV1JvDy47bxtDeRTwIdBlxzJ6S7E9XResU_Z4V5soToUYzGn8sr3iX9lqNk92oyH7o6q8tKM9tdl1rbsIhJt4pdQyW1Dzh_4ZQHIcC1ITEq3MupdVc/s1600/20140322_114638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SFCMzBE-eFfueblW1gINOzEcpMV1JvDy47bxtDeRTwIdBlxzJ6S7E9XResU_Z4V5soToUYzGn8sr3iX9lqNk92oyH7o6q8tKM9tdl1rbsIhJt4pdQyW1Dzh_4ZQHIcC1ITEq3MupdVc/s400/20140322_114638.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It led him to run longer distances. He has now run 3 marathons, most of which were trained for on the canal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6tEQ9qR9MuIGvb_Hi__Cj9S1Rc_7wlwLl-pNsH7IRowQK4bXyxBDmdTSfLP38F_7pCqPtjGBKlkU2rQYExEeGs7gl07bVvWNpIm08kMkMyiLRYBrPtlYEbvwPqnQgDDKFdrorkSy38Y/s1600/IMG_4080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6tEQ9qR9MuIGvb_Hi__Cj9S1Rc_7wlwLl-pNsH7IRowQK4bXyxBDmdTSfLP38F_7pCqPtjGBKlkU2rQYExEeGs7gl07bVvWNpIm08kMkMyiLRYBrPtlYEbvwPqnQgDDKFdrorkSy38Y/s400/IMG_4080.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />The canal has become a part of who I am. So today, when I ran knowing it would be the last time I would be as a Maryland resident, it was very hard for me. The canal has become that friend that I've shared good times and bad. It has seen my laughter, my tears, my pain, and my victories. I've spent countless hours on this stretch of land. More than some of my friends have probably seen me! Though it may sound terrible, it's true and further proves why I will miss it so much!<br /><br />But life goes on. There will be more "canals" that I will find in San Diego, I'm sure. Also, I will come back to visit so it's not like I will never run here again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77z31Kda__d8SdRGttkpYNqOs3hrSIgi-e2_zng2GXIQzOOFSSkEDYL0CCrIjTQ8XdH51cT3wk3jFapvuB_Tl3y-9rYEirhbvR3i15HXnUyvf1eSLZimeqsJXhHOyefyChQ3atNpY1Qk/s1600/FB_IMG_1430595898716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77z31Kda__d8SdRGttkpYNqOs3hrSIgi-e2_zng2GXIQzOOFSSkEDYL0CCrIjTQ8XdH51cT3wk3jFapvuB_Tl3y-9rYEirhbvR3i15HXnUyvf1eSLZimeqsJXhHOyefyChQ3atNpY1Qk/s400/FB_IMG_1430595898716.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Still, it was almost as if it was my security blanket path. I felt very comfortable here and now I have to learn to trust another path with new people. Goodbye, comfort zone! But this is an opportunity for me to grow as a person. This will be a good thing.<br /><br />Anyway, here's some memories from my final C&O Canal run...until next time. Peace out!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvLdyJKAugVmwXDOiHw9C9DRmglB6DwEkJsO54ImnelFFt3xaByEOFFFF8F8Cx6IzC00AINDaJZAF782vWT3zmpOr5rh5lZX8F8FJ8luYBPYfgTu3f2ZiboIMqKPFsDBGTrMUnOPTFFk/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvLdyJKAugVmwXDOiHw9C9DRmglB6DwEkJsO54ImnelFFt3xaByEOFFFF8F8Cx6IzC00AINDaJZAF782vWT3zmpOr5rh5lZX8F8FJ8luYBPYfgTu3f2ZiboIMqKPFsDBGTrMUnOPTFFk/s400/IMG_1590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRaH40CnYfCTB8PokAqd-JVg71qojN0HqVBfxNSuXk7fvAZ5V0Z_n0qfTmdRZWTIskEbEsGFR_JEMEqAy9hrmRYN5ab4WPwxqkwWZ3N_Ux-UALEQzyIM9o1Hpu6vwB8h5sOpspGT8WOA/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRaH40CnYfCTB8PokAqd-JVg71qojN0HqVBfxNSuXk7fvAZ5V0Z_n0qfTmdRZWTIskEbEsGFR_JEMEqAy9hrmRYN5ab4WPwxqkwWZ3N_Ux-UALEQzyIM9o1Hpu6vwB8h5sOpspGT8WOA/s400/IMG_1589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xOCf8ru_T8KS8fQmG9eUAVDw-RcZvQdz7FdWMwItPIZ5u5PzI7Mts1kqscyDJ-u4eCOmYciM6Xzlf387UPLNFZTHOC-4fHzw910Sm77zMaUelUSRZAH_pzZ_7kp0Ruiw3eTJBpb8kJU/s1600/IMG_1599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xOCf8ru_T8KS8fQmG9eUAVDw-RcZvQdz7FdWMwItPIZ5u5PzI7Mts1kqscyDJ-u4eCOmYciM6Xzlf387UPLNFZTHOC-4fHzw910Sm77zMaUelUSRZAH_pzZ_7kp0Ruiw3eTJBpb8kJU/s400/IMG_1599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLuZK27GqyA6XVT9NXGGQuEPcWf4JRS75f8lfj21JfQYu3mzV7FmYst0kK-_UMoojCcHuCWoV3y99X2RazQa1z0-WQUzbSR72abL-rhnf7a0a5DZZ4FKoIW2d-in_FU2l8gafcBIxTqM/s1600/IMG_1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLuZK27GqyA6XVT9NXGGQuEPcWf4JRS75f8lfj21JfQYu3mzV7FmYst0kK-_UMoojCcHuCWoV3y99X2RazQa1z0-WQUzbSR72abL-rhnf7a0a5DZZ4FKoIW2d-in_FU2l8gafcBIxTqM/s400/IMG_1595.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ucN5OlWzK6g" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E5QZvw4MQDY" width="560"></iframe></center>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-44190904929369982722017-01-23T10:07:00.000-08:002021-11-21T11:42:29.041-08:00Race Recap: The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - Part 2On to day 2 of the marathon weekend!<br /><div><br /></div><div>After having an amazing 1st race, we were amped to get the ball rolling on our 10K. I had no idea what to expect for this one as I did not previously research the course, but I knew that Disney wouldn't let me down!</div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike the day before, this race started at 5:30am, 30 minutes earlier than the 5K. With that said, you would think that I would have either woken up at the same time, if not earlier. Ha! Peter and I actually overslept by a few. But it wasn't anything that threatened us from being on time. Thankfully, we both had our belongings laid out the night before.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LuzM47QLDitqmcYVzyZLUGVdaQmucR0BHvmChklpFADnJruvB-OUY2JfBVvlsmySNYhCWr-KYCRKccNbFwajlQQ-w8DiyAbBdmB89IbAM0-qmM3J8uqyIZCAfxux_5y4RBhs-4u8LLM/s1600/IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LuzM47QLDitqmcYVzyZLUGVdaQmucR0BHvmChklpFADnJruvB-OUY2JfBVvlsmySNYhCWr-KYCRKccNbFwajlQQ-w8DiyAbBdmB89IbAM0-qmM3J8uqyIZCAfxux_5y4RBhs-4u8LLM/s320/IMG_0004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span id="goog_1471175552"></span><span id="goog_1471175553"></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I LOVED my tank. I was so gracious that my old team at work had given this to me as a going-away gift. They know how much running is apart of my life and that I would be running in Disney just days after I left there for good. So I had to do them right and wear it. It fit perfect and I think I look great in yellow! ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>The race seemed to be about the same in size. I actually think there were fewer runners participating, but not by much. We were still in corral H and the start began much like it had for the 5k. Corrals were released in waves, only I think they went a lot quicker this time. Before we knew it, we were off!!</div><div><br /></div><div>This race, I remembered to use the bathroom just before getting into my corral. I also drank less that morning to avoid my full bladder because that was a huge downer from the day before. Running on a full bladder is super uncomfortable!</div><div><br /></div><div>But anyway, this race didn't go as I expected. Sure, I was feeling good, but the course was pretty bland. I mentioned something to Peter about it and another runner also commented on it in the same way. We were running on long, dark roads outside of Epcot with nothing more than some lit up mile markers an large TV screens playing music and video from time to time. I was a little disappointed in that aspect. I knew that we were going to be entering Epcot, which would make up for this, but I would have never signed up for the 10K to race alone. I would have been very disappointed as a runner that only did this race.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21TcgMBWFaaRKtfO1zNUT_zKIIreAl6WEub9QnjweP_iaW5yqcv5nVEXxfO2uJQjvQn2Brv2oxs_Fx3TxY1w8jBX-ArlmD40wg_rCg-uLyzBCaEESyfUwEfEyIjuS3nqbgADkBLYXN_k/s1600/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSEICON1_20170105_7917454527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21TcgMBWFaaRKtfO1zNUT_zKIIreAl6WEub9QnjweP_iaW5yqcv5nVEXxfO2uJQjvQn2Brv2oxs_Fx3TxY1w8jBX-ArlmD40wg_rCg-uLyzBCaEESyfUwEfEyIjuS3nqbgADkBLYXN_k/s400/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSEICON1_20170105_7917454527.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I expected, entering Epcot around mile 4 definitely made up for it. I had the same euphoric sensation as I ran through the park, music blaring, and me singing Let It Go at the top of my lungs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqMqpgj_HSuNHQ-aCUojirCb7Am95WceRuzVAonvh0ZfAqal19M1NUjKQ-JQVv-MhJ8OErn-Pae08S3q4R8xA9JgnLPL2c3vA58VQ7ou2RPl1C4vsRoh5eilwTsTMicDHM8UV_vh0OTA/s1600/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSEACTION23_20170106_396015879622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqMqpgj_HSuNHQ-aCUojirCb7Am95WceRuzVAonvh0ZfAqal19M1NUjKQ-JQVv-MhJ8OErn-Pae08S3q4R8xA9JgnLPL2c3vA58VQ7ou2RPl1C4vsRoh5eilwTsTMicDHM8UV_vh0OTA/s400/WDWRUNDISNEY_WDWMARACOURSEACTION23_20170106_396015879622.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br />Peter and I finished in an hour.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBMo7kFiZbvihJOt8sFEYHT6DQ__VDYywJq0y8Sv_AfGIQGQZazNOgMR-czFPe005xlCBN8jhUlxmGBRm-XWhloSGwz7k51BXk0jY5h7nl1XdjtrFotQR3SxPjsnWx_7MSxFHxSnyF5M/s1600/PhotoPass_Visiting_WDWRUNDISNEY_395808637128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBMo7kFiZbvihJOt8sFEYHT6DQ__VDYywJq0y8Sv_AfGIQGQZazNOgMR-czFPe005xlCBN8jhUlxmGBRm-XWhloSGwz7k51BXk0jY5h7nl1XdjtrFotQR3SxPjsnWx_7MSxFHxSnyF5M/s320/PhotoPass_Visiting_WDWRUNDISNEY_395808637128.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />Like I said, I would never run this particular race during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend unless I was doing it as a challenge. I mean, running through Epcot was great, but this race was basically the 5K with an extra 3 miles of running around dark streets.<br /><br />Sorry, I couldn't bring a more thrilling account of this particular race, but stay tuned! There is a surprising twist of events to come!</div>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-42413375795233408502017-01-12T11:44:00.000-08:002021-11-21T11:42:29.289-08:00Race Recap: The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - Part 1Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard that the Walt Disney World Marathon took place this past weekend. In fact, it blows my mind that it has already been a week since the 5K went down!<br /><br />Before this year, I had only participated in one RunDisney race: The 2015 Walt Disney World Half Marathon. I signed up when Peter and I decided that we were taking our honeymoon in Orlando. Actually, I almost didn't get to participate since it was technically sold out, but they later reduced the amount of Goofy Challenge registrations (Half and Full marathon) and opened up the field for more half only participants! You can read more about it <a href="http://www.freckledfitness.com/2015/01/race-recap-walt-disney-world-half.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcb2HXHfjLKRkPECOGtntyxKtay8zF02TOpHdKdAOrnbNXTuyDubf-4VWQol3e7EIkstFEVhXhPP8k-0ZYldAAE0PtU4cVw-b8qH9452Cpaz79RUvmKmlXmK0orLEWc9OlT_tgTYNvuQ8/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcb2HXHfjLKRkPECOGtntyxKtay8zF02TOpHdKdAOrnbNXTuyDubf-4VWQol3e7EIkstFEVhXhPP8k-0ZYldAAE0PtU4cVw-b8qH9452Cpaz79RUvmKmlXmK0orLEWc9OlT_tgTYNvuQ8/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /><br />Not long after our visit, it was quickly decided that we would be going back to Disney ASAP so I began saving up money immediately. But not only were we going to partake in a Disney race, Peter thought it would be great to sign up for the Dopey Challenge. For those of you who don't know what the Dopey Challenge entails, it's when you run all the races that are held during the WDW Marathon Weekend. That includes a 5k, 10k, half and full marathon. A total of 48.6 miles in 4 days!<br /><br />Honestly, I was not completely on board with this idea, BUT I would not let my own husband show me up. As soon as registration opened in March, we were signed up!<br /><br />So FAST FORWARD to January 4th.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovTaQ7bLG2PX8iwccQzQC80kHrkZIgn_txiFcQuRCJ68DG5IKvYYzBzotFle5hUmDHUpWef9vKDfuRy_L5pQ68GJFLdut7aUiHnBDHRYrPIecVwPZAxVdQh4yrqHZAsG5Yxms0rBSdYI/s1600/IMG_9894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovTaQ7bLG2PX8iwccQzQC80kHrkZIgn_txiFcQuRCJ68DG5IKvYYzBzotFle5hUmDHUpWef9vKDfuRy_L5pQ68GJFLdut7aUiHnBDHRYrPIecVwPZAxVdQh4yrqHZAsG5Yxms0rBSdYI/s320/IMG_9894.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />We flew out of Baltimore to Orlando and went straight to the expo. It was way bigger than what I remembered. Overwhelmingly big!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUevvBMP9G-09KaDPd8_pGOnaJbY_hx4zZCaqZbYAD3xU__tBlnWEaDImyrQEBjxP9KJ3T2DuUnsIldQgk2WHHXSKltYn5BME-RSr2bof1EDDgE0BZK4H83VnYM-SV7h4lBk0cnON5DQ/s1600/IMG_9905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUevvBMP9G-09KaDPd8_pGOnaJbY_hx4zZCaqZbYAD3xU__tBlnWEaDImyrQEBjxP9KJ3T2DuUnsIldQgk2WHHXSKltYn5BME-RSr2bof1EDDgE0BZK4H83VnYM-SV7h4lBk0cnON5DQ/s320/IMG_9905.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />We went to pick up our bibs, shirts, and then look around to see if there might have been anything that would have tickled our fancy, but we ended up being super frugal. Because we aren't currently working our normal 9-5 jobs, money is to be saved, not spent! So all I ended up getting was a Dopey Challenge magnet! Besides, we received a lot with our registration!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Dz6pSPnN4gzPcbIq3GIvRVAhHzNNOg-0Mic1wYhxcKFxx6OSusOgw7OKIKKMEulReOdtViSW5OMghqtDbPTmZAVm8PqsZnAZBuYxH4R7SJxnWlPmvgIqgym5VznciBD7vPmeZfPNG4/s1600/IMG_9934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Dz6pSPnN4gzPcbIq3GIvRVAhHzNNOg-0Mic1wYhxcKFxx6OSusOgw7OKIKKMEulReOdtViSW5OMghqtDbPTmZAVm8PqsZnAZBuYxH4R7SJxnWlPmvgIqgym5VznciBD7vPmeZfPNG4/s320/IMG_9934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Who needs more race shirts when they give Dopey Challengers 6!? As a challenger, you get the 5k, 10k, half, and full shirt. In addition, you also get the Goofy and Dopey Challenge shirts! I seriously never have to get another workout shirt. All these races have me set! I think they should start giving out shorts or sports bras.<br /><br />After the expo, we checked in for our hotel for the evening. We ended up getting the same place we had when we went on our honeymoon, but totally upgraded on the room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdz8UQrYthcXXKx7zSJm63VN07FIHdd49LFFLBsOTYVwoX1GeemNceZf4DnQemL2XaW10iAnPBx9ObbvzvJ0bA6PMQz7pw4uQaDVksjgjDUeRIS4fVcYGZV-wrRCMJEr9rUBactIEUF8/s1600/IMG_9907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdz8UQrYthcXXKx7zSJm63VN07FIHdd49LFFLBsOTYVwoX1GeemNceZf4DnQemL2XaW10iAnPBx9ObbvzvJ0bA6PMQz7pw4uQaDVksjgjDUeRIS4fVcYGZV-wrRCMJEr9rUBactIEUF8/s320/IMG_9907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQT2s6OF8OboJ46hCA5O6tJyAmAxBWTqWiV3E7rl7UmbyRh3Ppc9T0m6onpc2btPvvEcSpq0QVuYy9CBmn0dLePUwK3DWfyRUzu5dZeUzHwbalO428oeOaN0ijJUqmDUk6URLcZTarAo/s1600/IMG_9909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQT2s6OF8OboJ46hCA5O6tJyAmAxBWTqWiV3E7rl7UmbyRh3Ppc9T0m6onpc2btPvvEcSpq0QVuYy9CBmn0dLePUwK3DWfyRUzu5dZeUzHwbalO428oeOaN0ijJUqmDUk6URLcZTarAo/s320/IMG_9909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43CLWBeMypgZa2foz-Z43GfiqTj0eQgozbVMipGIWXEE22Tl7rdOiqJ9F35G074lD9qBXlHS7azQ7dRURAdbE2PnYc5nYcdujk3nfUrdc8xRFPK60r2O4-ofgfe6nBMzwqrlbHm1raXk/s1600/IMG_9910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43CLWBeMypgZa2foz-Z43GfiqTj0eQgozbVMipGIWXEE22Tl7rdOiqJ9F35G074lD9qBXlHS7azQ7dRURAdbE2PnYc5nYcdujk3nfUrdc8xRFPK60r2O4-ofgfe6nBMzwqrlbHm1raXk/s320/IMG_9910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1Ud7T_5qV0qJbYjUyweH8vvIokuMWrEPb1x7ExbzuxO7qoDOekvI1uvhQ-oPIvDrR_HTfDzklX2C4_OoJF7YtWaICbkDxhxUghT8kQIZIJmLYa_v0t9QaVqaWNm7S1ienOKvv44gR7I/s1600/IMG_9911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1Ud7T_5qV0qJbYjUyweH8vvIokuMWrEPb1x7ExbzuxO7qoDOekvI1uvhQ-oPIvDrR_HTfDzklX2C4_OoJF7YtWaICbkDxhxUghT8kQIZIJmLYa_v0t9QaVqaWNm7S1ienOKvv44gR7I/s320/IMG_9911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOQ5EHuTz7_JNvn671dlkseY6eWr1eA3ON_vrJ0DlDNW0M0Osg5_DUnIB_tRLSYnPH73B4mEa95eEY017NqdKpe392nP4SmaL9vS7A49p8psHEyZ16PHFueImlcpC2AUH4vRCD7cKLck/s1600/IMG_9912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOQ5EHuTz7_JNvn671dlkseY6eWr1eA3ON_vrJ0DlDNW0M0Osg5_DUnIB_tRLSYnPH73B4mEa95eEY017NqdKpe392nP4SmaL9vS7A49p8psHEyZ16PHFueImlcpC2AUH4vRCD7cKLck/s320/IMG_9912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />We also had an AMAZING view! We could see Epcot from our room and the fireworks from both Epcot and Magic Kingdom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8Z53XaCBp-OviIDVPycYW7ly6bobApCBgsg0R6aWCi6YOkT0tzVl0Ty59tLQvXtaOB6QmbbONHsK3P_6yoTcWNMgwsupFm-2rvj3KXR0gnHjvmjm9yoQdJnh-jdRK4LHqxGFPPNr77c/s1600/IMG_9954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8Z53XaCBp-OviIDVPycYW7ly6bobApCBgsg0R6aWCi6YOkT0tzVl0Ty59tLQvXtaOB6QmbbONHsK3P_6yoTcWNMgwsupFm-2rvj3KXR0gnHjvmjm9yoQdJnh-jdRK4LHqxGFPPNr77c/s640/IMG_9954.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><br />For those of you who want to know, we went to the B Resort Hotel & Spa. The room we had was the Signature Master Suite. Definitely recommend that place! They will do you right!<br /><br />Anyway, enough about the hotel! Back to the recap!<br /><br />We didn't go to any parks that night because for those of you who don't know, these races start really REALLY early. All of the races begin at 5:30am, with exception of the 5k, which begins at 6am. The race staff also encourages you to show up between 3-4am if you aren't being shuttled by a Disney hotel. This will allow you to beat the traffic and avoid missing the race! So getting up at 3am or sooner is not unrealistic at all! We got up at 3 and were out by 3:30.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0Wf28-uEZ6v_eg8-TfAMDNzuP15NT26TgDpwyqCH4GRdx0eqMOkl7BECLj9RBGoaM-1_JOG0UWuMUIFBN8ixaj8_eNQTmNWg_9NaTcpwCwhR7f6nTz6oyne-i66esLyqUEq_X8FT6Yw/s1600/IMG_9964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0Wf28-uEZ6v_eg8-TfAMDNzuP15NT26TgDpwyqCH4GRdx0eqMOkl7BECLj9RBGoaM-1_JOG0UWuMUIFBN8ixaj8_eNQTmNWg_9NaTcpwCwhR7f6nTz6oyne-i66esLyqUEq_X8FT6Yw/s320/IMG_9964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />When we arrived at the start, we had plenty of time to kill, so Peter and I stood in an incredibly long line to get pictures with Dopey.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lJSpW6CNfVg" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Worth it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FTsIaPeuQutkAHu49vYONtOp4X-aDNgaZd11wBcABTrrnnYByToevWHfN5nULhUav3Af-fyR_wz-mi9gBRzuRIRj5Mw-PXVkFlkzpapFb9bBRw5wfRWG0awk-eBuHAgJm7P2GJ6VIOc/s1600/IMG_9968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FTsIaPeuQutkAHu49vYONtOp4X-aDNgaZd11wBcABTrrnnYByToevWHfN5nULhUav3Af-fyR_wz-mi9gBRzuRIRj5Mw-PXVkFlkzpapFb9bBRw5wfRWG0awk-eBuHAgJm7P2GJ6VIOc/s320/IMG_9968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And after that long wait, we were able to hop into our corrals for an additional 30 minute wait. I feel like Disney is big on long waits. Haha! But it's a small price to pay for an amazing race! Seriously.<br /><br />We were in corral C, so once the gun went off, we had about 15 minutes or so until we were officially sent across the start line. They sent us off in waves rather than unleashing us all at once. These races are HUGE and I think they estimated about 12,000 runners. So in order to make sure we had a good race, they dismissed us every few minutes, just like most Rock n Roll races. Unfortunately, by the time we were given our start, I had to pee BIG TIME! But I wasn't going to stop off at a port-a-potty for a 5k. I figured I could handle it for 30 minutes or less.<br /><br />As soon as I started running, my bladder was really unhappy. I had my flip belt on and my phone inside was pressed right up against it. Every step I took, it felt like my phone pressed tighter against my bladder! I swore I was going to pee myself, but I managed!<br /><br />The first mile of the race was outside of Epcot on some of the streets surrounding the parking lot. It wasn't the most entertaining place to be, but they had to make it a 5k somehow without overcrowding runners by doing circles in the parks.<br /><br />It was all made up for once you entered Epcot! You were welcomed with Disney songs, character stops, and the feels (for me anyway). I belted out lyrics to my favorite songs, posed for a ton of photos, and forgot all about my urgency to use the bathroom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomoGm-QnKxheJSgNIyYK-Ycz2V-cTFTQBKL6WX6mR5UVdsS2Wo3tXvbtOAorg05g6YMNkZD6xNOnRRS6_FI8GPDMxFZPZ1MVe10uGCWMkaNJ1MIwzUt8iGqDlmM4zxADAvWXVcfcWoAw/s1600/15965201_1630292383932805_461920238712159825_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomoGm-QnKxheJSgNIyYK-Ycz2V-cTFTQBKL6WX6mR5UVdsS2Wo3tXvbtOAorg05g6YMNkZD6xNOnRRS6_FI8GPDMxFZPZ1MVe10uGCWMkaNJ1MIwzUt8iGqDlmM4zxADAvWXVcfcWoAw/s400/15965201_1630292383932805_461920238712159825_n.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br />At one point I asked Peter "Is it weird that I'm kinda getting emotional?" He replied without any hesitation, "Yes."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg4pnTVqe6sgpFRBZLc7Bt6vHtH4cLnNegllQ980flTIJIs2b6ELOdBXIi1hFg94u5z6Hl2T1sX6_GfU-A-NoeADXS_BHvLZpgKCPjVBRHpBlDIn2eL8gqfYxbB6H4EhHN_iPeOZYiO4/s1600/IMG_9972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg4pnTVqe6sgpFRBZLc7Bt6vHtH4cLnNegllQ980flTIJIs2b6ELOdBXIi1hFg94u5z6Hl2T1sX6_GfU-A-NoeADXS_BHvLZpgKCPjVBRHpBlDIn2eL8gqfYxbB6H4EhHN_iPeOZYiO4/s320/IMG_9972.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />We finished the race in about 30 minutes, which was well-above what we are capable of, but we had to remind ourselves to hold back for the races ahead. We still needed to have plenty of fuel in the tank to get us through 3 more races. Especially the full marathon! It wouldn't be a true Dopey Challenge without finishing!<br /><br />But surprises were ahead that would make this weekend very unique!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8yVqQ-dxcupq2KB29OvvZ0N2ri_QG8AktXrK6kZM6vokd1ilctmJIUFnSvWHF_djJnnQEf1MhigzhX76hU-4wnyIqWNmmegmtu1LPS6inH1QZMlgwH8040cNJbDzGC-1-VAi_jrayxM/s1600/IMG_9974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8yVqQ-dxcupq2KB29OvvZ0N2ri_QG8AktXrK6kZM6vokd1ilctmJIUFnSvWHF_djJnnQEf1MhigzhX76hU-4wnyIqWNmmegmtu1LPS6inH1QZMlgwH8040cNJbDzGC-1-VAi_jrayxM/s320/IMG_9974.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Stay tuned for Part 2 where I go through the 10K, Half, and Full Recap!!!Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-51280371927944050652016-12-17T07:13:00.000-08:002021-11-21T11:42:29.624-08:00Recipe Time: Maple BBQ SauceWhen I was first introduced to this recipe in the <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/COREDEFORCE?referringRepId=959627" target="_blank">Core De Force</a> meal plan, I knew it would be one of the first things I made. It was so easy and surprisingly delicious for being a "healthy" recipe. We now make it regularly to have it with chicken, on pizzas or topped on burgers.<br /><br />Screw store bought! This is just as tasty and cuts out all the junk!<br /><br />I tried my hand at making a recipe video like you see on Facebook. As you can tell, I'm definitely an amateur. My camera stand kept losing grip of the cabinet! But, you gotta start somewhere!<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EXnXbNjNjc8" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><br />Here's a card you can download (click to enlarge) so you can save this to your go-to recipe arsenal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLXM7aSUo71IVoj_y66E2ZUwZaIoRYWL6O300w63mOWR-3KVZlNffdtONC4Kif3eanj20h_V_V5H6WHeP5KSs1s_aNbeuhHFuwuEN2IHJZh3ikMWqTvWQB1CVtwMAs00amq3tXyX3aTY/s1600/Maple+BBQ+Sauce.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLXM7aSUo71IVoj_y66E2ZUwZaIoRYWL6O300w63mOWR-3KVZlNffdtONC4Kif3eanj20h_V_V5H6WHeP5KSs1s_aNbeuhHFuwuEN2IHJZh3ikMWqTvWQB1CVtwMAs00amq3tXyX3aTY/s400/Maple+BBQ+Sauce.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Do you like BBQ Sauce?</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>What is your favorite way to enjoy BBQ Sauce?</b>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-80397733508612890042016-12-07T16:31:00.000-08:002021-11-21T11:42:30.056-08:00Spartan Up! New Announcements & A Giveaway!As we close out 2016 and reflect on the year behind us, I know that many are already already looking ahead in 2017!<br /><br />What are your goals?<br />What bucket list items are you looking to cross off?<br />Are you already scribbling down races on your calendar?<br /><br />Well, before you fill up every weekend, think about squeezing in a Spartan race. It's definitely going to be a big deal this coming year.<br /><br />Many of us runners LOVE our race bling! I know that I get amped when I see medal reveals for my upcoming races! And although the Spartan medals have always been cool, they decided to make an upgrade to their bling!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3SAJvJ7n3pc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3SAJvJ7n3pc?feature=player_embedded" ></iframe></div><br /><br />If you're a Spartan lover, you've gotta be one of the first to show this off to your friends! Even if you've never competed in a Spartan race, having this medal is a badge of badassery that you want to have on display!<br /><br />So, if you gotta have this race medal, you're in luck because season passes are available now! You now have 3 choices to choose from.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Trifecta Pass</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/spartanracer" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAnOe8E6pDpvic2YVVKuUhgoyWCBIkOKo4H9r6V0j3drUEgK42186u8uZNcyZevwxMGZVzKOK0cmYgjvgFfDuLi2OqsGR17oQqrAdvuu1YWtXPzyZtED4pnn39hYvqtElSabTR3buJC4/s320/spartan_triffeca_pass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>What you get:</b><br /><br />3 race codes, valid for calendar year (2017)<br />1 Spectator Pass (to be used with Race Code)<br />Free Bag Check<br />Valid for all heats (including Elite & Comp.)<br />Valid for Continental US<br />Race codes aimed at Sprint/Super/Beast, but can be used for ANY 3 events<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Open Season Pass</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://register.chronotrack.com/r/25098" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIO3uSCl918WJcGmfZ2wy1OCnnrET5-8p7vQnbPA-j0TOr8TcuKbGIOnlTOWTADpAMVl5_gIBx9qrrexdRxDZ2VcEJs6O-baVwjDcK_LwcuuQuIqWQhct7TvKG8to6rjDoMywoHV5Ycc/s320/open_pass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>What you get:</b><br /><br />Unlimited Racing during the Calendar Year (2017)<br />Free Spectator Pass<br />Free Bag Check<br />Guaranteed Entry to all events (not guaranteed heat)<br />Multi-Lap Discount<br />Valid on all Continental US & Hawaii Events<br />Valid for OPEN Heats ONLY<br />Upcharge for Elite (+$30) and Competitive (+$15)<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Elite Season Pass</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/spartanracer" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://spartanracemedia.com/images/GenericPass2016_300x250.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><b>What you get:</b><br /><br />Unlimited Racing during the Calendar Year (2017)<br />Free Spectator Pass<br />Free Bag Check<br />Guaranteed Entry to all events (not guaranteed heat)<br />Multi-Lap Discount<br />Valid on all Continental US & Hawaii Events<br />Valid for ALL heats (Elite, Comp. & Open)<br /><br />So if you have big goals for 2017 or know a Spartan lover, then these passes would be a perfect holiday gift for you, your friends or family!<br /><br />But that's not all! Spartan has given me a free race registration to give to one of my readers!<br /><br />Entering the drawing is easy!<br /><ul><li>Like Freckled Fitness on Facebook below.</li></ul><br /> <br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="80" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flindseyszakacscoach%2F&width=450&layout=standard&action=like&size=small&show_faces=true&share=true&height=80&appId" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="450"></iframe><br /></center><ul><li>Share this post (must be done publicly).</li></ul><center><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flindseyszakacscoach%2Fposts%2F1618911485070895&width=500" width="500" height="521" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></center><br /><div>I will be choosing the winner on Christmas Eve.</div><br />***Race registration code will work for any US Spartan Race in an open heat****Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-8302516011192596122016-11-24T16:35:00.000-08:002021-11-21T11:42:30.289-08:00Race Recap: The 2016 HCC Turkey Trot 5KBefore going deep into this recap, I need to make an announcement!<br /><br />This announcement is long overdue. In fact, I've been talking about this announcement for over 6 months on here. I was hoping to have shared it sooner, but there were a few things stopping us from doing so. Anyway, it is now safe to say that come February, Peter and I will be residents of San Diego, California!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSOIfkp1cVG22DuuxyM94QUIBhXm6_DfoE5HnBI7FkfuHoYEIP0mMlz-vhCf8xlvIEKi2PByi8HHEk_cIe21F4r3Izox2WfYmXNZYZYJPv1QQKSVQm628wdL0b3TqEAtnUXKuJjO9fRY/s1600/14195228_10207694605263015_4065147865204986010_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSOIfkp1cVG22DuuxyM94QUIBhXm6_DfoE5HnBI7FkfuHoYEIP0mMlz-vhCf8xlvIEKi2PByi8HHEk_cIe21F4r3Izox2WfYmXNZYZYJPv1QQKSVQm628wdL0b3TqEAtnUXKuJjO9fRY/s320/14195228_10207694605263015_4065147865204986010_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />There are many reasons why we decided to make this commitment, but the biggest reason is for my husband. He will be attending school in the spring to pursue one of his dreams! I, on the other hand, will be happy to leave the cold weather and sticky summer humidity behind me! :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOYjQxiFZzAO5D7WNQT_Qwk87QMC0wj_3svA4G_Ajv8t-lXeal_xrje3We8zkHCbT7jSuyqlYFXfTwJ4krd8pXHbysUp8I1E5oFJ01l-TWz2gVh2-3EtblxRaJn1dTZetLwhvQzepAt8/s1600/20150504_182340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOYjQxiFZzAO5D7WNQT_Qwk87QMC0wj_3svA4G_Ajv8t-lXeal_xrje3We8zkHCbT7jSuyqlYFXfTwJ4krd8pXHbysUp8I1E5oFJ01l-TWz2gVh2-3EtblxRaJn1dTZetLwhvQzepAt8/s400/20150504_182340.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><br />So with that said, today's 5K was extremely special to me. It would be my last race as a resident in the area. It also seemed appropriate that it would be my last here because it was my first 5K EVER back in 2009.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_rcg4eUZ6v7r34giSwof73xZ6SDtsV3KGMdmGKD-g-k9Cd9xkvy8lJqxtm8YtBr-T37dUhPCFBnZ45yvcUOksZ4hjW-zUPZ0Dh2LDgtFwqrA_LvgdN05HlxrugPP8_pPr0BqRGas-oY/s1600/IMG_7244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_rcg4eUZ6v7r34giSwof73xZ6SDtsV3KGMdmGKD-g-k9Cd9xkvy8lJqxtm8YtBr-T37dUhPCFBnZ45yvcUOksZ4hjW-zUPZ0Dh2LDgtFwqrA_LvgdN05HlxrugPP8_pPr0BqRGas-oY/s400/IMG_7244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Memory lane for sure!<br /><br />However, this year's race would be unlike the others because the course changed. I will say that I was a little disappointed in seeing the new route, but that would not keep me from participating.<br /><br />We arrived at HCC about 30 minutes to start and it was raining! It was cold too. The temperature I read was close to 40. Ugh! Thankfully, I did have one of my Rock n Roll marathon jackets with me. I didn't intend on wearing it, but it worked out to my advantage.<br /><br />I had decided prior to the start that I would run with Peter for this race. The competition was fierce and I didn't run myself to the ground, especially since I intended on doing a workout later in the day. So Peter and I would just stick together, get a decent time, and go home satisfied!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-PJQFdTHFDog8FFMq32ezAJRY-NzkgjJHVQSokoVXgFC68GCGcc1HC7rjXMBfFn1KZ6vSjr7-6VUCaQi089RauXVDbajXUIBQlJiWVi0YxWOi6bRUwcM4VuVl4T_hwjC89uMpI7e4Oo/s1600/15193572_10210058486810492_5592735292082436744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-PJQFdTHFDog8FFMq32ezAJRY-NzkgjJHVQSokoVXgFC68GCGcc1HC7rjXMBfFn1KZ6vSjr7-6VUCaQi089RauXVDbajXUIBQlJiWVi0YxWOi6bRUwcM4VuVl4T_hwjC89uMpI7e4Oo/s400/15193572_10210058486810492_5592735292082436744_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />When the race began, I stayed near my husband, matching the pace he intended to run. I didn't have my watch on me so I didn't have to check for pace. That was all on Peter. It was nice not having a constant reminder of how far I had yet to go and how fast/slow I was going.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FqoGbsSiV0pgBHkTJBl2tfBcFvcx2n26sTsK7-YnYZu9A37MEFMpndd6WN2DgaPsrCMA-av9aYxb6A0khwmBm5ltYAgAaYWWzy2OoMHM6_w9us2c__00WtmqQpokfncPXLNeNqNwKCU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-24+at+5.08.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FqoGbsSiV0pgBHkTJBl2tfBcFvcx2n26sTsK7-YnYZu9A37MEFMpndd6WN2DgaPsrCMA-av9aYxb6A0khwmBm5ltYAgAaYWWzy2OoMHM6_w9us2c__00WtmqQpokfncPXLNeNqNwKCU/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-11-24+at+5.08.49+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />The race started as it had in previous years. It would take a large loop around the college campus and circle back to the start. But after that first loop, that's where the course changed. Instead of going for a second loop, you were directed onto a newly constructed road called Yale Road. The reason I was disappointed in this change was because there was nothing to see. Just road and open land. It was also an out and back. You'd go out on the road a little ways and turnaround. Sure, I may do out and backs on the canal all day long, but in a race, I'm not a fan of this. On the up side though, you get to see the lead runners killing it. So as they passed, we were able to encourage them. At least, Peter and I were.<br /><br />About 2 miles in, or right around the turnaround spot, Peter and I separated. He was falling behind and told me to keep going. I was feeling good, so I did. I had no way to gauge my pace, so I was racing by feel.<br /><br />Coming back to the campus was nice because there was a nice downhill that took you to the end. I was able to gain a lot of momentum from that hill and it helped me speed up as I entered the school. That's when I finally saw my time for the first time. The finish line timer read 22:50.<br /><br />I was in disbelief. There was no way I finished in under 23 minutes and felt this okay. I wasn't sore. I wasn't breathing too heavy. In fact, I was running back to see Peter's finish.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 400px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BNNJ8VcD3pp/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">@szakacs.peter killing that 5k!</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A video posted by Lindsey (Run Freckles Run) (@runfrecklesrun) on <time datetime="2016-11-24T20:01:23+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 24, 2016 at 12:01pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br />He wasn't far behind either. He finished in under 25 minutes, but when he showed me his watch, we made a discovery. The race was short. According to his GPS, we ran 2.9 miles and that seemed to be what everyone got.<br /><br />Though I won't complain too much about this, I found it a bit silly that it could be under. I mean, it was an out and back. They could have simply changed the turnaround spot to be a little further out, am I right?<br /><br />But we weren't too upset about this!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwO9qnUxjkI4_Uo0zXXMh2kf1JNTBi_lWf2td7DRIBJFrUjxYH02uciI8gdKVhTTZ2oTKpoO51_M6YlpJyWsIK-FXT3FnlBXt5bibQUYR5W6Ps3su3b7RXluRNiFi_7OIGnp9nfMDZX40/s1600/IMG_7263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwO9qnUxjkI4_Uo0zXXMh2kf1JNTBi_lWf2td7DRIBJFrUjxYH02uciI8gdKVhTTZ2oTKpoO51_M6YlpJyWsIK-FXT3FnlBXt5bibQUYR5W6Ps3su3b7RXluRNiFi_7OIGnp9nfMDZX40/s400/IMG_7263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />It was honestly a great way to end our race season this year and in the tristate area. But it surely doesn't mean we won't come back and do some of these races again! I still intend on coming back and taking on the JFK once again! Maybe even as soon as next year???<br /><br />Anyway, I want to wish you all a fantastic Thanksgiving! Hope you all had the opportunity to spend it with those you love eating some of your favorite dishes. :) <script>fbq('track', 'ViewContent'); </script>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-55649778181401895322016-10-31T17:49:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:30.636-08:00Race Recap: The 2016 Niagara Falls International MarathonLast year when I attended the annual CFAR Christmas party, they announced the destination for their runcation. In 2016, that destination was Niagara Falls for a marathon that begins in Buffalo, New York and ends at the brink of the falls in Ontario. Yes, you heard me right! The race begins in the United States and ends in Canada. *MIND BLOWN*<br /><br />When I brought this up with my husband, it didn't take much consideration. A race like this is not something you just pass up. I mean, how many country-to-country marathons do they have?? I actually googled this and only found the Niagara Falls Marathon. So this race makes it to the bucket list without question. I also convinced my sister and brother-in-law to join us! None of us, with exception of Peter, have ever traveled outside of the United States, so it was time to expand our borders.<br /><br /><b>Training </b><br /><b><br /></b>I started my training during the first week of August, which gave me about 3 months to get ready. I cut down my typical marathon training schedule from 4-5 days of running a week to 2-3. This made me a little nervous since I thought this would hurt my times, but then again, I never started this training with the intention of really killing this race. Also, I had other fitness goals. I was following the <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BeastBase?referringRepId=959627" target="_blank">Body Beast program</a> to gain muscle and I wanted to keep that a primary focus 6 days a week.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIT7cYVhxujr-j6GWgkXfD2L6MqVSpc6K3Kf2bM02R4-59D_d7kEHVjeL31NDve2pPRCxIHqAi9lTFpmRQQsISJgR2eCxhpFYwOWqBkdq31So4IYbzHk5M7W6JiAK039utY1OCZDKoyo/s1600/14103019_10207564385727608_3268108898811220339_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIT7cYVhxujr-j6GWgkXfD2L6MqVSpc6K3Kf2bM02R4-59D_d7kEHVjeL31NDve2pPRCxIHqAi9lTFpmRQQsISJgR2eCxhpFYwOWqBkdq31So4IYbzHk5M7W6JiAK039utY1OCZDKoyo/s320/14103019_10207564385727608_3268108898811220339_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I also followed the <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BeastBase?referringRepId=959627" target="_blank">21 Day Fix Extreme</a> food plan to stay on top of my nutrition.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlWw8HnocLgeB1q78yCBhEG1bPGvQo9-MmCFwWUni9ezE9clcQ8NV1PVyPcOrloiTSmitIwLGS6vgFU0ig91VHnhEcYwOdSMGTN7TVc0s-frQ9VMafCYcuZDxDZFpgeArWWTzrdBDoNc/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlWw8HnocLgeB1q78yCBhEG1bPGvQo9-MmCFwWUni9ezE9clcQ8NV1PVyPcOrloiTSmitIwLGS6vgFU0ig91VHnhEcYwOdSMGTN7TVc0s-frQ9VMafCYcuZDxDZFpgeArWWTzrdBDoNc/s320/IMG_4608.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />I wanted to make sure I was keeping a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, proteins, etc. I kept out all snacks and processed foods. I also dramatically cut my alcohol consumption. I wanted to stay committed to my health so I could be stronger than ever!<br /><br />I didn't want to overdo running and doing Body Beast, so I stayed to my plan, even if that meant I may get slower in my pace. But to my surprise, I noticed that my times were actually getting faster and I was pushing limits that I never imagined possible Was this the strength training?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIHV1L4o2nAE-lboE95EbsD_-WLzZE6HMNruK1-pTWiTlnwyQwUq_CoOnBaSVszLr4ZnLHjTCAjyTgvdxlUD8TvrVmqczrOSWyxM6-8uk7N0sST_iG1QDwDo_iDCQns6RECr7dQZhuf0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+7.34.31+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIHV1L4o2nAE-lboE95EbsD_-WLzZE6HMNruK1-pTWiTlnwyQwUq_CoOnBaSVszLr4ZnLHjTCAjyTgvdxlUD8TvrVmqczrOSWyxM6-8uk7N0sST_iG1QDwDo_iDCQns6RECr7dQZhuf0/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+7.34.31+PM.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />My long runs were beating normal race pace times and then it hit me. <i>Am I at a point where I could break a 4 hour marathon?</i> Once the thought dawned on me...it stuck. I was going to train to run this race in 4 hours.<br /><br /><b>All Aboard</b><br /><b><br /></b>The runcation began early Friday morning. Our group of 40+ runners, family members, and friends met to take the bus into New York.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHqyuvzJv4ZOcgY59cM8bASV8Vip5zSviWm_UTsBJkMWbKiMKlRbBM32dziBNqd-v2LLxxvHipoZfpuKHlBSZd8MiUEqS3WhWfT5WV2go1im-J5SJI7HjiAQX1R2c5f54DT5XB7831Pc/s1600/IMG_5768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHqyuvzJv4ZOcgY59cM8bASV8Vip5zSviWm_UTsBJkMWbKiMKlRbBM32dziBNqd-v2LLxxvHipoZfpuKHlBSZd8MiUEqS3WhWfT5WV2go1im-J5SJI7HjiAQX1R2c5f54DT5XB7831Pc/s320/IMG_5768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Our first stop was at Watkins Glen State Park to have a Wegman's picnic. It was VERY cold so my lunch was devoured on the bus, but we did have plenty of time to hike through this beautiful area!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qliUIg5ZfzhV01bxw0HkqqUtIJVrh4ZLghNCJfusPbo55i_OZmI9RsRerz2h4_EbqnC4lCMYJUbA68epcxvKr5bI2Xd951KukIg-bA9x-ghs0DZfmxji44VbUj92EnEt1y_V64W-9JA/s1600/IMG_5771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qliUIg5ZfzhV01bxw0HkqqUtIJVrh4ZLghNCJfusPbo55i_OZmI9RsRerz2h4_EbqnC4lCMYJUbA68epcxvKr5bI2Xd951KukIg-bA9x-ghs0DZfmxji44VbUj92EnEt1y_V64W-9JA/s320/IMG_5771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Because I was extremely cold and water was everywhere, my Raynaud's did act up. After an hour, I had to return to the bus to regain feeling in my hands. Kind of a bummer, but I wanted to be in my best condition for the race.<br /><br />After finishing at Watkin's Glen, we then set off for Niagara Falls in New York. I was excited to see this for the very first time and it did not disappoint!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup4hCsC1mLvpI4aFtn4lH7tp2Q4EcEGLu9HyrMmwv_iWGAs_y9ARQQ8cQeazuO1ALp0haTo-Pw1DtRE0EsGabaK3Tk2FX629iBVnpOVVxcxV_8d4FF4oTqG3-7LX0fkQ7OxpT1K3IhL0/s1600/IMG_5782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup4hCsC1mLvpI4aFtn4lH7tp2Q4EcEGLu9HyrMmwv_iWGAs_y9ARQQ8cQeazuO1ALp0haTo-Pw1DtRE0EsGabaK3Tk2FX629iBVnpOVVxcxV_8d4FF4oTqG3-7LX0fkQ7OxpT1K3IhL0/s320/IMG_5782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKgzVtGpJ7NA-2-1IDXW-4G7BSch0LZlQB6DyQVUFZZ_cOCewH1NRVlZzuiS0aZeN9EGZ5q_yYVb7BZ83Co2WGEKyyNI4EEGYaikVpQ3Os6kWSOwmLXwd5eSThJN37O1Xe-1rJ3pFZAY/s1600/IMG_5785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKgzVtGpJ7NA-2-1IDXW-4G7BSch0LZlQB6DyQVUFZZ_cOCewH1NRVlZzuiS0aZeN9EGZ5q_yYVb7BZ83Co2WGEKyyNI4EEGYaikVpQ3Os6kWSOwmLXwd5eSThJN37O1Xe-1rJ3pFZAY/s320/IMG_5785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Unfortunately we did not have much time to take in the sights since we did have a schedule to follow. We quickly picked up food and then headed back to the hotel we were staying for the night.<br /><br /><b>Oh Canada & The Expo</b><br /><b><br /></b>The following morning we were off to Canada for the expo!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6-PgmaEWv-fFY9WDtwXEjj7kE9Br4xXPqUPC5OGYXZHbzHVJsLOrrdPc9ahRlDdF-MLlspwqlSA7Yh0cMkFz_K-K4umZz-00ZNeTacu5yN9mk-iGvtNZ31T-HrCVAe2bsUukLo7Kv5Q/s1600/IMG_5775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6-PgmaEWv-fFY9WDtwXEjj7kE9Br4xXPqUPC5OGYXZHbzHVJsLOrrdPc9ahRlDdF-MLlspwqlSA7Yh0cMkFz_K-K4umZz-00ZNeTacu5yN9mk-iGvtNZ31T-HrCVAe2bsUukLo7Kv5Q/s320/IMG_5775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />We walked into customs like we owned the place and quickly realized this was not like talking to a cashier at your local grocery store. We strolled in with a smile like "Hello there! We're here to see your country and run a race!" They were like "I don't care. Where were you on the night of November 11th 1992?" Well, they weren't REALLY like that, but they didn't believe 40+ people were sharing a house. We had to prove it by showing them the website of the place we rented.<br /><div><br />Luckily, we made it through and were off to the Scotiabank Convention Center where we got our bibs and some free samples, like a full pack of back pain pills in French packaging!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUkOfHCTMzgQcjUCcQJXHw_dDhU-IlApRh_yCh-yJ1oE1nI_aCVH5SXNn6ywrQLFedlAFO-uAb6xcSfKiuRoyBth4pBGodwGSbPnSYTwD3cHCwKA4mb7fg235UG6vS_-vxcupfLK3C9o/s1600/IMG_5809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUkOfHCTMzgQcjUCcQJXHw_dDhU-IlApRh_yCh-yJ1oE1nI_aCVH5SXNn6ywrQLFedlAFO-uAb6xcSfKiuRoyBth4pBGodwGSbPnSYTwD3cHCwKA4mb7fg235UG6vS_-vxcupfLK3C9o/s320/IMG_5809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1USFtWVDu1HY4UuiY1BhrqdExaLg_cZNJetfQ6LjmlUfoR35IGMJcTLR-JTePHEEhGvnARiOikk5KgUPDpYeLcSL2BFUNpFUkPh5IT85DDtvYev3KXN3586wtFAnXjZeyRYFah9C3yc/s1600/IMG_5810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1USFtWVDu1HY4UuiY1BhrqdExaLg_cZNJetfQ6LjmlUfoR35IGMJcTLR-JTePHEEhGvnARiOikk5KgUPDpYeLcSL2BFUNpFUkPh5IT85DDtvYev3KXN3586wtFAnXjZeyRYFah9C3yc/s320/IMG_5810.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Following the expo, we headed out to see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side and I must say, Canada has the better view.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpW_2_5odVYY72c2x01A0b-jwqwo0zlG3TV9aECDRxwKM_Nr-C_xvfyAALW0gomWQXy3W2ui57fk2YXJthVXy5I-ptgqER6BwEpSqrId_g0VnDc9vNPaES9QwVs0H-wKuOQrrhq5ZfhQ/s1600/IMG_5796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpW_2_5odVYY72c2x01A0b-jwqwo0zlG3TV9aECDRxwKM_Nr-C_xvfyAALW0gomWQXy3W2ui57fk2YXJthVXy5I-ptgqER6BwEpSqrId_g0VnDc9vNPaES9QwVs0H-wKuOQrrhq5ZfhQ/s320/IMG_5796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXT3p_XpFYur6bAEhRhYnfgp0_F5kMoUWFKfV2GZZIv0CSpXksswYm40yp2P3CdpzuOfp3GkL1LNPLNUKGtin_n1bdXPel3BHrkzj6nkIpelK2M2qmW33zAu9m67uy8r6DbA8jkavSUz4/s1600/IMG_5799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXT3p_XpFYur6bAEhRhYnfgp0_F5kMoUWFKfV2GZZIv0CSpXksswYm40yp2P3CdpzuOfp3GkL1LNPLNUKGtin_n1bdXPel3BHrkzj6nkIpelK2M2qmW33zAu9m67uy8r6DbA8jkavSUz4/s320/IMG_5799.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Again, we had little time to do much being with a large group and having a set schedule, so after picking up a few gifts (I just had to get some Canadian maple syrup), we went to our new home for the night to eat a large pasta dinner with the crew.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVEgsQt6bc73PqXsNp6dyX_5jPUozsnAlW7HearUS_aASL6XoPX4oZv6Yraw8CML8_pWYUDUGj5x0QfD6jmrGkkG-h0pFlvoIjW8m0S7TsRw_eZ1T26nhjb6oKqLWpi1DeVIvip9OboU/s1600/14732144_1795712444019366_6700689257915760730_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVEgsQt6bc73PqXsNp6dyX_5jPUozsnAlW7HearUS_aASL6XoPX4oZv6Yraw8CML8_pWYUDUGj5x0QfD6jmrGkkG-h0pFlvoIjW8m0S7TsRw_eZ1T26nhjb6oKqLWpi1DeVIvip9OboU/s320/14732144_1795712444019366_6700689257915760730_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was a great time! We shared running stories and discussed our race day strategies. It was nice to hear how others prepare for a race. The recommendations helped me prep for my day. Especially since the weather was supposed to be heinous.<br /><br />After dinner, Ashley, Eric, Peter and I went back to our room and goofed around for a few hours. It's been a while since I've laughed like that. It was nice that there were no TVs and bad internet connections. It forced us to be more interactive with each other rather than let distractions get in the way.<br /><br /><b>Race Day</b><br /><b><br /></b>I woke up at 5:30am the following morning to get ready. I had oatmeal, eggs, and a banana. I also packed up some of my <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BBPEnergize?referringRepId=959627" target="_blank">Beachbody Performance Energize</a> to have right before the race.<br /><br />Though the race didn't start till 10, we had to catch a shuttle bus near the finish line by 7:30-8.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFL28BOLybeLUkI242DplsHfn4GMmlkMNoSq7UYKM9jl2uGAf6wbAdvO-4uVtP0Sy1tWVoeMapKA6CV9USsZj_11I9dD0U1fxuapxM5yvnUSRT8Slb3-g_qDNOHUuXY27FndhFv2tcJiU/s1600/14732304_1795713437352600_6627399876144646609_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFL28BOLybeLUkI242DplsHfn4GMmlkMNoSq7UYKM9jl2uGAf6wbAdvO-4uVtP0Sy1tWVoeMapKA6CV9USsZj_11I9dD0U1fxuapxM5yvnUSRT8Slb3-g_qDNOHUuXY27FndhFv2tcJiU/s320/14732304_1795713437352600_6627399876144646609_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I had no idea why we had to go so early, but it quickly became apparent. One, the bus driver got lost on our way back to the US. Two, customs is a lot slower when it comes to going back into the United States than it was coming into Canada. We sat on our bus for 30 minutes while other buses came and went. It was frustrating to us all! Finally, they told us to come in to check our passports and were on our way again. We managed to get to the start around 9:30. Just enough time to stand in line to go to the port-a-potties.<br /><br />We headed to the start after and I met up with a few of the CFAR members who anticipated a 4 hour finish time. They were going to be my guides. Most of them have been running much longer than myself and some have either hit a 4 hour marathon before or were just strong runners overall looking for the new PR. So I put all my faith into them to get me to the finish line.<br /><br />When the gun went off, I stayed close to this group. The pace felt slow, but I'm sure it's because I usually let my adrenaline get the best of me at the start. Their ability to keep it steady was good for me. It helped me conserve valuable energy that I would need at the end.<br /><br />For me, the first 5 miles flew by. I was able to remain conversational with two of the members of our group, Stephen and Linden. I looked at these men as wise runners who knew all of the ins & outs, tips & tricks, and runner hacks that I, the young grasshopper, needed to learn. So I was quite literally following in their footsteps.<br /><br />Mile 5 brought us to the Peace Bridge. This was also the gateway into Canada. In case you were wondering, they do not check your passports as you run into Canada. In fact, there didn't seem to be much security-wise as we ran over the border. It was surprising, but I'm sure that there was some way they were tracking it all. The bridge was also where the only decent hill is in the entire marathon. Other than that, the course is pretty much flat.<br /><br />Around mile 8 or 13 km (the race was tracked in kilometers), I began to feel blisters forming on the side of my left foot. It was the result of wearing new Brooks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHNN0BR1FPsNWeNJwsWqcyEIoqAhoggCpjl265Trxz9Vg97pekl-P_tqzw9m7U4sCwoVZ-RdyJqSnq8A22aOWLCWd1cnTIba11Ba5QT46MlTNvHVIGrKxSqFbyWOR7BtWZWABoeX7UTo/s1600/14889787_10208110557901571_4085201035506072136_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHNN0BR1FPsNWeNJwsWqcyEIoqAhoggCpjl265Trxz9Vg97pekl-P_tqzw9m7U4sCwoVZ-RdyJqSnq8A22aOWLCWd1cnTIba11Ba5QT46MlTNvHVIGrKxSqFbyWOR7BtWZWABoeX7UTo/s320/14889787_10208110557901571_4085201035506072136_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I had only run in them once prior to the marathon. My other shoes that I was going to wear were destroyed and caused me much pain following the Hershey Half. I had no choice but to buy a new pair. It didn't matter though. I could not let something as petty as a few blisters ruin my marathon. I was feeling good everywhere else. Until the the rain came.<br /><br />It started out light and was definitely something any runner could deal with, but as we ran along the Niagara River, the wind began to whip into us from the front or our right side. It was exhausting, but I still tried to remain optimistic.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LCpF1bbXFgFWx9-V5-XXbMGJ8sspQWiemthDJIzjgjXxD1WoZ4e5gbE_DBfxF5xNK7b6QrJEaJ7wJH5F7FaqFv4DCTlRZYxI7SB-29FYy_Kc3n-knkNJ8_5O28XcgGBkE1w1IpBeY10/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+7.57.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LCpF1bbXFgFWx9-V5-XXbMGJ8sspQWiemthDJIzjgjXxD1WoZ4e5gbE_DBfxF5xNK7b6QrJEaJ7wJH5F7FaqFv4DCTlRZYxI7SB-29FYy_Kc3n-knkNJ8_5O28XcgGBkE1w1IpBeY10/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+7.57.57+PM.png" width="242" /></a></div><br /><br />During the run, I kept refueling every 5 miles. I stored pieces of Cliff Bars on me and ate them as I ran. Around mile 15, it became very difficult to eat and breathe. I felt like I was using more energy to eat and it would take me several minutes to get down a few pieces. I could sense my energy was depleting, but I knew I had to run smart and force down some calories.<br /><br />Stephen began to separate from Linden and me as it was his intention to speed up during the second half. Linden and I did as well, but we did so at a slower rate. We didn't want to overdo it, but we were still looking for that 4 hour goal. We kept Stephen in our sights and the 4 hour pace group. It was our goal to slowly gain on them over the next couple of hours.<br /><br />At mile 20, I tried to eat again and it was nearly impossible. My hands were numb from my Raynaud's. I could barely operate my zipper on my HipsSister. I only ate 2 Cliff Bar pieces and thought <i>screw it</i>. It was too draining to even try to mess with it. In fact, I didn't bother putting my baggie back into my pack. I held on to it for the rest of the race.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtlFUglwG4_PrRGve0yYslc4rMDv2fdj8TXDK5bYFYf1xuweMBvgV3ft7R_yKcqZUQ3YK3X_wVbOSeZ8lgBlLUQntQx8maaNwILVEpaHa52GWy1Sfp6OrWwdx0NVf-mRpxpyXamv5nE8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+7.44.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtlFUglwG4_PrRGve0yYslc4rMDv2fdj8TXDK5bYFYf1xuweMBvgV3ft7R_yKcqZUQ3YK3X_wVbOSeZ8lgBlLUQntQx8maaNwILVEpaHa52GWy1Sfp6OrWwdx0NVf-mRpxpyXamv5nE8/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+7.44.36+PM.png" width="241" /></a></div><br />We passed the 4 hour pace group which brought my spirits up because if I could keep at this pace, I was going to get a sub 4!!! But 3 miles later, the negativity set in. I kept it to myself, but things were really beginning to hurt and I just desperately wanted to walk. However, we were already caught up with Stephen and giving up now would have been something I would have regretted. But Linden's pace increased once he saw Stephen and the two of them disappeared in front of me. I didn't try to replicate their pace. I knew what my body was capable of and it was keeping to the distance I was doing right then and there.<br /><br />I had no hard feelings towards them at all, but now, I was on my own. I would have to dig deep to maintain my effort for the remaining 5k of the race in my own head. And that 5k seemed like 50.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt2q1-DgnK1odOj4x2TcAEYPWCxZ69-VCOpHBrq_ABUoXMpxfgCgpbApg7zY9dNtvQZsl2ukXCBxV0FhqQsOB-tK9F0n9Xl81_LA4JZmGHNTIMqo9inCE_gcpJZT5tI9It8z7BK2XSrY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+7.42.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt2q1-DgnK1odOj4x2TcAEYPWCxZ69-VCOpHBrq_ABUoXMpxfgCgpbApg7zY9dNtvQZsl2ukXCBxV0FhqQsOB-tK9F0n9Xl81_LA4JZmGHNTIMqo9inCE_gcpJZT5tI9It8z7BK2XSrY/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+7.42.03+PM.png" width="242" /></a></div><br />I watched many runners just start walking. I kept considering the same for myself, but I knew if I started walking, restarting wouldn't have happened. So I just kept putting one foot in front of the other.<br /><br />At mile 24, I felt the mile 8 blister painfully pop. As much as it hurt and the others were getting extremely sore, all I could think was that there were only 2 miles left to go. I would have less than 20 minutes to suffer through this.<br /><br />Finally, mile 25 came and there was a slight uphill followed by an incredible downhill. One that would take you right to the finish. I couldn't have been more grateful. At this point, gravity could take the wheel and let me semi-rest. Once I reached the bottom, I saw the mist of the falls and I about crumbled. I was there. I was so close, but it seemed painfully far at the same time.<br /><br />I looked for my sister and brother-in-law who said they'd try to catch my finish, but when I crossed the finish line and heard the announcer say "sub 4," I was filled with emotion and could barely comprehend what was going on around me. I nearly broke down.<br /><br />I went from this...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh100RPyFu22eJuUppT7qvyYN9yJJ9llOzhFen1KDRTK-wDfwrpL-HAhThhqj8vG1UfkXXcrx-y2EF1KGAHcJcYrCoJOOOtzA8HnCKrPbFHY_vQ4xeR3NiG2nBjdIz9ltI-srw6MlnjWtw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+7.43.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh100RPyFu22eJuUppT7qvyYN9yJJ9llOzhFen1KDRTK-wDfwrpL-HAhThhqj8vG1UfkXXcrx-y2EF1KGAHcJcYrCoJOOOtzA8HnCKrPbFHY_vQ4xeR3NiG2nBjdIz9ltI-srw6MlnjWtw/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+7.43.21+PM.png" width="245" /></a></div><br /> To this in about 1 second.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzVdJe8Mlg3ExTdLqNhCFXB0Nne3d0Sp3817NSDXBuzQKkS9vw_RCRcr4_09UEGh7zvpR9N9OxpEHdD8au720pGGMcCu7rvsQuuYlTplRcWTziE7N3p0mmjixlg5kthzVSxkrD8YznG0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+7.41.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzVdJe8Mlg3ExTdLqNhCFXB0Nne3d0Sp3817NSDXBuzQKkS9vw_RCRcr4_09UEGh7zvpR9N9OxpEHdD8au720pGGMcCu7rvsQuuYlTplRcWTziE7N3p0mmjixlg5kthzVSxkrD8YznG0/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+7.41.43+PM.png" width="246" /></a></div><br />That's when I heard my sister call my name...as she was snapping photos my emo self.<br /><br />The volunteers wrapped me in my foil jacket with my medal and I was immediately flooded with pain. I don't think I have ever felt a heartbeat in my hamstrings, but in that moment (and the hours that followed) they were thumping. I felt like they were going to give out and I would crumble to the ground. But I just kept putting one foot in front of the other until I located my sister.<br /><br />We temporarily celebrated my finish, which shows unofficially at 3:58:53.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJPc2EWleL-mMX0saQVgM3KpK7AC0VMzrSX1TUl5oVhcDCxx-TIBjgjBRRcjwmrFincEv09CdIoqAagiRBfuM9-anw7r9AtL1k7Jrrr4YfMXr93u2YIXFhT5tM44HMNaRo5Gk9EyJWiU/s1600/IMG_5821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJPc2EWleL-mMX0saQVgM3KpK7AC0VMzrSX1TUl5oVhcDCxx-TIBjgjBRRcjwmrFincEv09CdIoqAagiRBfuM9-anw7r9AtL1k7Jrrr4YfMXr93u2YIXFhT5tM44HMNaRo5Gk9EyJWiU/s320/IMG_5821.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />They escorted me over to the massage tent where I got the best leg massage EVER. Unfortunately it did not solve my problem. On top of that, I was freezing from the wind and rain. I desperately needed to change out of my wet clothes, so I remained on the bus warming myself up in my clean comfy clothes. Unfortunately, that meant I missed Peter's marathon finish.<br /><br />Peter finished around 5:48, which to him was quite the accomplishment! Peter had a rough training season and was never able to do a long run over 17 miles and that was nearly 2 months prior to the race. Still, he managed to dig deep and finish! 2nd marathon accomplished for him!!! 5th marathon for me!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Hsp3KaMi65Z73kMtGlyczWsRw4mSrQgm7d7GAcXys8rYGeO42FpcUaWktbOCYp5qcKbYSp_ANZuWaJE9mTZTbxfX7onxHbyTai0gogFcNyyx8CvpuSkpJRQDxdPrOv7DIXbnzRZiCo/s1600/IMG_5824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Hsp3KaMi65Z73kMtGlyczWsRw4mSrQgm7d7GAcXys8rYGeO42FpcUaWktbOCYp5qcKbYSp_ANZuWaJE9mTZTbxfX7onxHbyTai0gogFcNyyx8CvpuSkpJRQDxdPrOv7DIXbnzRZiCo/s320/IMG_5824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />In just 2 months, Peter and I will be traveling for our next string of destination races. We are returning to Disney World to take on the Dopey Challenge in January! So our training is not quite over yet! But right now, we are taking a well-deserved break!!!<br /><br /><b>How many days do you run a week during marathon training?</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Do you add strength/resistance workouts to your training?</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>What race is a bucket-list must?</b></div><script>fbq('track', 'ViewContent'); </script>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-76479081885523136992016-10-18T15:39:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:30.844-08:00Race Recap: 2016 Hershey Half Marathon<b>One Medal to Rule Them All</b><br /><br />Another race in the books! The Hershey Half Marathon was my first official half in over a year! I kinda pulled myself away from the race scene this year because I simply wanted to keep it chill after the JFK 50. So after only 3 races under my belt this year, I decided to throw in a second round at Hershey. Especially since it lined up perfectly in my marathon training. However, there was little convincing when someone posted the “bling” on their Facebook several weeks ago.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="671" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FChocolateTownChallenges%2Fposts%2F1074638105946719%3A0&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></center><br />When I saw that bronze Reese Cup, I basically told Peter that we had to do the race. My first run in the Hershey Half didn’t have a medal near as fab!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8hmADCOgL_qlxLc0mJwVixLALCYDoYIeXlpGWXvHejAOSPHVRIP5ttuTEvoIlmb0xeBLsBVm2FWV9_mN6kxLe752GzLbVHl4mUolr28_aB3mKtjuo2CktfWKxk_O34LeSl3zFyL17OQ/s1600/1385669_10201004474493927_114337139_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8hmADCOgL_qlxLc0mJwVixLALCYDoYIeXlpGWXvHejAOSPHVRIP5ttuTEvoIlmb0xeBLsBVm2FWV9_mN6kxLe752GzLbVHl4mUolr28_aB3mKtjuo2CktfWKxk_O34LeSl3zFyL17OQ/s320/1385669_10201004474493927_114337139_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />So, it was decided that we were going to run for the medal. I mean, who doesn’t want a Reese Cup as a medal hanging on their wall!? I mean…unless you hate Reese Cups (which you should totally leave my page now if you do 😉 ).<br /><br />What’s great about the Hershey Half is not just the medal, BUT they include a lot of awesome swag! One of the biggest things they throw in is free admission for 2 to Hershey Park in the Dark. It’s no different than going to the park any other time of the year as most of the good rides are still open. Not to mention, you get the advantage of shorter lines, awesome decorations, people in costumes, and Halloween music. Did I mention that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays?<br /><br /><b>Packet Pickup & a Night at the Park!</b><br /><br />Anyway, we journeyed down to Hershey on Saturday afternoon and I must admit, I had some anxiety. I have been doing a "cut” which means that I am reducing my fats, sugars, and carbs as the last phase of my Body Beast program. So that means absolutely NO CHOCOLATE! This may seem sinful since I was going to the chocolate capital of the world, but I was going to do my best to keep my food clean. I even packed my lunch to ensure that I was getting exactly what I needed.<br /><br />The first thing we did when we arrived in Hershey was go straight to packet pick-up. That’s were we got our shirts, coupons, bibs, and park tickets. We also got awesome reusable Hershey Park bags. I'm all about free grocery bags! We've got tons!<br /><br />Afterwards, we dropped our stuff off at the hotel, then quickly went back to the park.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxRy65r3A5doDsJVtJMcyzusXLBzJ7ijcpiu3gf5j1S0DnFAQk_s2dx6_YzWts6lSl1IdPijXzPqydWKqBXd09DW1c-EA2kclOsauGBsLnwVgXJHSkT8HRrpX_BkuQHjjpa8ItJpSyCg/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxRy65r3A5doDsJVtJMcyzusXLBzJ7ijcpiu3gf5j1S0DnFAQk_s2dx6_YzWts6lSl1IdPijXzPqydWKqBXd09DW1c-EA2kclOsauGBsLnwVgXJHSkT8HRrpX_BkuQHjjpa8ItJpSyCg/s320/IMG_4736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Like I mentioned, when you go to Hershey in the off season, lines are way shorter. In fact, I don’t remember the last time I ever went to Hershey during their open season, but I do know that wait times exceed an hour on most of the coasters. This year, we were on and off rides like that! We mainly stick with the biggest coasters too. And I will be the first to tell you that I do fear them. Don't get me wrong! I do love them! But they also give me so much anxiety! ESPECIALLY FAHRENHEIT and The Storm Runner.<br /><br />Here’s Fahrenheit. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/57rUn7WUbV4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/57rUn7WUbV4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />Storm Runner is one of those rides that go zero to 60 in like negative 10 seconds.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y9ATVrK_Y_I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y9ATVrK_Y_I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />I feel like my soul is literally sucked out of me when that coaster shoots off into the sky! Oh, who am I kidding! I have no soul! Ginger! Still, I have to close my eyes during the initial take off otherwise I can’t comprehend what the hell is going on.<br /><br />We also got to try one of their newer coasters, Sky Rush which I also couldn’t handle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2UEKXMN3IZ0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2UEKXMN3IZ0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />Anyway, after a great evening at the park, we headed back to the hotel to eat dinner and rest up for the race.<br /><br />Can I mention how much I loved that my husband got a room with 2 queen beds!? I sure love Peter, but I do love the times where we can sprawl out! We really need to upgrade to a king sized bed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNiFDjPse9WsjnciftdbFPvjnEDL7qVInbCT4ZDkuolfPyhyphenhyphen04Yd-J1PbSZ-KWMF35R8YGTaThW5zDrmcXh1YgwyEAVoRk4GxmR1kG-hrYrfoukOAQZJQbbQbj9wWLebD3ejNKkmuEIc/s1600/IMG_4743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNiFDjPse9WsjnciftdbFPvjnEDL7qVInbCT4ZDkuolfPyhyphenhyphen04Yd-J1PbSZ-KWMF35R8YGTaThW5zDrmcXh1YgwyEAVoRk4GxmR1kG-hrYrfoukOAQZJQbbQbj9wWLebD3ejNKkmuEIc/s320/IMG_4743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Race Day</b><br /><br />After sleeping EXTREMELY well (not sure if it was because I slept alone...haha), we got up, ate breakfast and headed out.<br /><br />Take my advice: Never wait until 6:30am to go to the race...even if your hotel is 5 minutes away. You WILL NOT make it on time. There's only 1 entrance to Hershey and thousands of runners were trying to get in. We didn't get to park until after 7:20 (race starts at 7:30) and had to make a long walk/jog to the start.<br /><br />It was the first time in nearly 5 years of running that I did not make a race on time. Runners were still funneling through the start line by the time we made it, but we were at the back of the pack which put us at a disadvantage.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRWu_OkNmSgCM5wRpOaoaK-K5HaE9uGqLGRQ4jvtftiVajEHixSa06SYwLNuH49T1QXPVMUgsx30amqsnAOpI3mtauEgicJbgaQyz4ouXZK-cHyFEl1wjgg6HgpPGRfpPGYM_OsDdioM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+7.33.24+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRWu_OkNmSgCM5wRpOaoaK-K5HaE9uGqLGRQ4jvtftiVajEHixSa06SYwLNuH49T1QXPVMUgsx30amqsnAOpI3mtauEgicJbgaQyz4ouXZK-cHyFEl1wjgg6HgpPGRfpPGYM_OsDdioM/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+7.33.24+PM.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I was looking to PR at 1:45, but I was starting with a 9+ minute pace since the slower runners and walkers owned the road. I had to creatively weave myself through and it was like this for about the first 2 miles. It wasn't until mile 3 that I finally caught up with an 8 minute pace. If I wanted to get 1:45 though, I knew some of my miles would have to be in the 7 minute range. That scared the crap out of me! But miracles can happen! In fact, I began to run around a 7:50 pace. But some did climb to 8 from time to time simply because there were some killer hills (I did not train for hills like this), but overall, after mile 3, 7:50 became the average pace.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrptX6b1iKlXbvJjhCeg5C_0LMNEgog2yKWaVx91a4S8evXVQSFtYj8buR6kJDL90uzm-WNxvhxl3ewwB1MDJVWT-SJKDt5kJkR_jAGHGO-NUZ63g0OqP6pCAWomljqb3rQ2Zd1_WX7A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+3.35.14+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrptX6b1iKlXbvJjhCeg5C_0LMNEgog2yKWaVx91a4S8evXVQSFtYj8buR6kJDL90uzm-WNxvhxl3ewwB1MDJVWT-SJKDt5kJkR_jAGHGO-NUZ63g0OqP6pCAWomljqb3rQ2Zd1_WX7A/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+3.35.14+PM.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />When I reached mile 6, I wasn't sure if I could quite keep up with my goal. I was going to give it my all, but my feet and legs were aching! I was not used to road running since I primarily trained on the canal these past several weeks. My shoes were also worn out. I've had them since before my marathon in March!<br /><br />Thankfully, there was a lot to look at in the park and a lot of positive course support to distract me. I was taking high fives when I could and tapping handmade signs that advised I could push for a power up. Oh and I think it's worth mentioning that one girl was listening to Sexy Back on her phone. That got me pumped. Haha.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPJyRme1ShU1qEra_1P4Q2T322y5cM-Az7k5jLnadva8CQ0iPlc7Me3qZ8Zz1OPRPN7zofBCICK1o8IbgkXXHgNjD4wHqwerIcocoAUL7GS0L8-7S3sJ5dd5qMl5_l4IHKEW-yF529bs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+7.31.50+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPJyRme1ShU1qEra_1P4Q2T322y5cM-Az7k5jLnadva8CQ0iPlc7Me3qZ8Zz1OPRPN7zofBCICK1o8IbgkXXHgNjD4wHqwerIcocoAUL7GS0L8-7S3sJ5dd5qMl5_l4IHKEW-yF529bs/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+7.31.50+PM.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br /><br />Once I hit mile 12, many runners around me were beginning to walk. As much as I wanted to join them, I tried to be that voice of encouragement and let them know they had just a little further to go. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it didn't. I know that in the past, it has helped me so I try to return the favor when I can.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXjrp14Kt1y256qzbQyIUyg9e8O_XsEnswplvpgZZQv_9vpilib7HOmV8B03Z62I0TKAam3jcP-3nl-D1f2z02b-9j0QgWUZOyhh0Akd-A37CFbB4qaFIb5vu81_82MaacS9WKL775gg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+7.31.39+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXjrp14Kt1y256qzbQyIUyg9e8O_XsEnswplvpgZZQv_9vpilib7HOmV8B03Z62I0TKAam3jcP-3nl-D1f2z02b-9j0QgWUZOyhh0Akd-A37CFbB4qaFIb5vu81_82MaacS9WKL775gg/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+7.31.39+PM.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />As I rounded the stadium and darted towards the finish line, I watched my time tick to 1:45. My watch showed that I already ran 13.1, but there were still a few tenths of a mile in the race itself that I had to cover I knew it was unrealistic for me to cross the finish line within a minute.<br /><br />I may have missed my goal PR, BUT I knew I could still get one. And I was worth running for.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5us-d0ejR8t8zwVYG8EzUwEOSMAUSCdEce96kNHqsMa0AzBKGPNsJ76pKQQX6lVPpJF9Hg4qHH9g_FBsKdZ9LpRlIh-hwFaOkKfvkxITMPCJj-VxW_OIqsosGahu-PEpI3ESArvSXa0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+7.33.36+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5us-d0ejR8t8zwVYG8EzUwEOSMAUSCdEce96kNHqsMa0AzBKGPNsJ76pKQQX6lVPpJF9Hg4qHH9g_FBsKdZ9LpRlIh-hwFaOkKfvkxITMPCJj-VxW_OIqsosGahu-PEpI3ESArvSXa0/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+7.33.36+PM.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>I crossed the finish line in 1:46:23. The Chocolate Town Challenge Facebook Page even caught it live. I'm about 20 seconds in!<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FChocolateTownChallenges%2Fvideos%2F1134266573317205%2F&show_text=0&width=400" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="400"></iframe></center><br /><br />I didn't relax for long. I still had Peter to wait for. So I rounded the stadium and waited for him to make his entrance into the stadium.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFp4JA7xPAelk0olbvWfMetSXVEXhxeSwR3wyOdmrsn79DvSt0ReIkRlM288AOdvNDsKBz4UGLije6jNnbtGyq0jjtkqiUaoWEzYwQSxobTJjZVsZMWWsRV3OYGOiTx9ddImWjbmQGW9E/s1600/IMG_4766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFp4JA7xPAelk0olbvWfMetSXVEXhxeSwR3wyOdmrsn79DvSt0ReIkRlM288AOdvNDsKBz4UGLije6jNnbtGyq0jjtkqiUaoWEzYwQSxobTJjZVsZMWWsRV3OYGOiTx9ddImWjbmQGW9E/s320/IMG_4766.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Despite some of the pain and injury he had this race season, he finished his 3rd half in 2:13.<br /><br />We were both very pleased that we now had the medals we set out for!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3CMUSPHalPX0Jylsmvv9hlt6PMb3EfEBNCx0gxdkIQ80H5xT9pDX5014dib1jx6UtvCMVxvyO2NA9Na8kbQXnOecSwHp0kMQbOC9_GKlRzZWUAmHR7IbKQ6qHq0EWNUG8h7ybugkTxA/s1600/IMG_4771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3CMUSPHalPX0Jylsmvv9hlt6PMb3EfEBNCx0gxdkIQ80H5xT9pDX5014dib1jx6UtvCMVxvyO2NA9Na8kbQXnOecSwHp0kMQbOC9_GKlRzZWUAmHR7IbKQ6qHq0EWNUG8h7ybugkTxA/s320/IMG_4771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I think I was more entertained with my superman heat blanket.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0rwt0lbdkteLFERJ1C_Xby4kmIMMviYkNA3XLgftwRKIW9MbTt-FwE5G2JIQCwGpSdjN-_50hn1OTov4NNc2cGh4D3uU-lnyp_Sl-uRXCC7PnXYy6qrxfXBuBcXQRSeSCgt2D1CqfbY/s1600/IMG_4767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0rwt0lbdkteLFERJ1C_Xby4kmIMMviYkNA3XLgftwRKIW9MbTt-FwE5G2JIQCwGpSdjN-_50hn1OTov4NNc2cGh4D3uU-lnyp_Sl-uRXCC7PnXYy6qrxfXBuBcXQRSeSCgt2D1CqfbY/s400/IMG_4767.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />So now that the race is over, we turn our sights on the Niagara Falls Marathon which is now less than 2 weeks away. Training has gone well and I'm kicking myself for saying this, but I am aiming for a sub-4. It's my 5th marathon and I'm looking to turn it up a notch. Especially since I anticipate my next marathon (The Walt Disney World Marathon) to be pretty low key. But whatever ends up happening, I just pray to finish pain free! It's been a good year for that! *knocks on wood*Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-25014745302619675902016-06-21T17:43:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:31.416-08:00Race Recap: The 2016 Nick Adenhart 5KTHIS WEEK! This is the week I will be able to tell you everything! The reason I don't update as much and the reason why I am so excited for the future! It's a valid excuse as to why the blog has hit the back burner! So if you've been sticking with me...<b>THANK YOU</b>! I know that I may have lost a following due to my absence, but it is all for good reason!!!<br /><br />Anyway, I am still going to stay on top of my race recaps because they are a huge part of this blog.<br /><br />Just over a week ago, I decided to randomly sign up for the Nick Adenhart 5k. Originally, I wasn't going to do it. In fact, I wasn't going to do more than a couple of races this year, but nostalgia hit me with this one. I have always done really well in it and I know that this could be the last time I could (more on that this week, I promise!). So I put down my $20 because hey! It was only $20! Also, it is so close to where I live and I have run this route dozens of times. I know this course like the back of my hand. Hell, a road on the course is named after my family!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOujmC21NBVjQ3fsvGAAzlRz8_9eC1HHyjKAIop_MCQgU8pxErcpDM6we9rnc4m7V7HAxYbzMokdI33um4Xie5zMd9cil1rtJzcKwsdDJZZKtTEzLsW4-N9P8s4xjIuIHGPx2fYpWplmg/s1600/20140517_085823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOujmC21NBVjQ3fsvGAAzlRz8_9eC1HHyjKAIop_MCQgU8pxErcpDM6we9rnc4m7V7HAxYbzMokdI33um4Xie5zMd9cil1rtJzcKwsdDJZZKtTEzLsW4-N9P8s4xjIuIHGPx2fYpWplmg/s320/20140517_085823.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britner Ave!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This is the first race out of my 30+ that Peter couldn't make it! He has supported me more than anyone, but he had plans to go to Annapolis that day so I was on my own for this one. Fortunately, I had a TON of friends participating! So I did not feel alone at all! But with that being said, not a lot of pictures were taken!<br /><br />I came into the race with a few goals in mind. I wanted to get a PR, I wanted that PR to be within 20-22 minutes, and I wanted to earn a age group award. Though I had the belief that I could accomplish all of this, I was a bit skeptical of my high expectations. I was coming off of 22 Minute Hard Corps' Hell Week, which was BRUTAL.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwv5GdpWk0rVdXbGxKjsADKpVS8y-Lt9oW6cvkYOWY3E4eCm2ntHzUGI4FqlP6mROINy6APd2OJYUl0IaaS1GqxZs0cxnWMOFcc-exmMAt-Rf_hrUBMQxOvATXUlL9X0u6dpGuXnJlDA/s1600/IMG_7816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwv5GdpWk0rVdXbGxKjsADKpVS8y-Lt9oW6cvkYOWY3E4eCm2ntHzUGI4FqlP6mROINy6APd2OJYUl0IaaS1GqxZs0cxnWMOFcc-exmMAt-Rf_hrUBMQxOvATXUlL9X0u6dpGuXnJlDA/s320/IMG_7816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I was sore, grumpy, and tired all week. I also only ran a total of 2 miles that entire week so I wasn't sure if my body was capable of getting the time that I wanted. Still, I prepped that morning the best I could. I did a warm up lap (which I never do before a race) and I drank my Beachbody Performance Energize about 30 minutes before the start.<br /><br />At the starting line, I was a bit ansy since I set the bar high for myself, but I was trying to hold the adrenaline for the last bit of the race.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguF8QcErH1s59mTKN7hvL92MRYW0duVnX_7No-ixVWIa4HeS7Q7dbNAykU6Ycom_itID0QookncU5DHXmbaECLuncJm-cYB6KayhyphenhyphenSU7g5aPYfHgqADhQRh0cP8ZXoxhLtmBedJyJKN6M/s1600/IMG_7936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguF8QcErH1s59mTKN7hvL92MRYW0duVnX_7No-ixVWIa4HeS7Q7dbNAykU6Ycom_itID0QookncU5DHXmbaECLuncJm-cYB6KayhyphenhyphenSU7g5aPYfHgqADhQRh0cP8ZXoxhLtmBedJyJKN6M/s400/IMG_7936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I am guilty of starting out too fast for about any race. I wanted to keep in mind the previous 5ks I have done and how awful I would feel during that last mile due to a fast start. I wanted to maintain rather than drain myself. So when the gun went off, I started out as if I were alone. As if it were any typical Saturday morning run.<br /><br />It was a little intimidating seeing a whole mess of people pass me left and right, but I knew that they were starting too fast. They were letting the excitement pulse through them like I would have and it took everything for me to just let them go.<br /><br />Within about a half mile, I was already catching up with these people. They were now settling into the rhythm as I was hitting mine. I kept counting how many girls I could see in front of me because I knew where I wanted to place. Ideally, I wanted to be first in my age group, but I would have been satisfied to be in the top 3. Just under mile 2, I passed the last girl I could see. I wasn't sure where that put me, but as long as I could stay ahead, I was happy.<br /><br />Once I hit mile two, that's when things began to get rough. The sun came out, the temps began to rise and the sweat began to pour. My legs felt a bit uneasy, especially as we made it through Williamsport Park. There's a section of trail that goes behind the park and towards the baseball field, which is a very steady uphill. Right before you connect with a road, this little trail takes a steep incline. Seriously, it is the shortest distance of a hill ever, but with how steep this baby was, it wore me out. Then, once you hit the road, you are greeted with your last uphill. Again, it was nothing too terrible, but I was feeling the burn. I could feel my exhaustion coming through from the Hell Week I just finished and the lack of mileage I put in.<br /><br />That's when I glanced at my watch. I just hit mile 3. I was in the 21 minute zone. I needed to kill it to hit my goal. So I sprinted the last .1 to the finish line.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRa8VOIllL3M_mQSobPvHFi6ycB4GFoDBiAFNBd7-oVbiXWrMF31K_UkfokpCEIVMUxbl7hWZDhRIpTPrHpzs5A9aMx2QHigth5foARJE5JKnK826ezObWCtM1qjb_cQP2Zfo20u0rc4/s1600/IMG_7939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRa8VOIllL3M_mQSobPvHFi6ycB4GFoDBiAFNBd7-oVbiXWrMF31K_UkfokpCEIVMUxbl7hWZDhRIpTPrHpzs5A9aMx2QHigth5foARJE5JKnK826ezObWCtM1qjb_cQP2Zfo20u0rc4/s320/IMG_7939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Ehhh...does that count for being within the 20-22 minute goal? I mean...it WAS in the 22 minute range! Oh who cares! I'll take it! It was nearly a minute PR and I hadn't run a 5K in nearly a year! Not too shabby for signing up just a few days prior!<br /><br />I placed 2nd in my age group and 5th woman overall! I was proud of myself. I felt strong!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN1d69WorzRmFA9JPr-hLWAZDjRTDyluCQD7WGqH8Tcmb1jGx6ChnOIcb11j-2QKXdlznIgJYeed9xJ-nPR4s4zY_XNLbQfZC9Vl4Dp8JD9UqZv5Znlfc2WSglT1gK4TtsUk-LRNleRk/s1600/13434854_10154329416334455_2606070574727146883_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN1d69WorzRmFA9JPr-hLWAZDjRTDyluCQD7WGqH8Tcmb1jGx6ChnOIcb11j-2QKXdlznIgJYeed9xJ-nPR4s4zY_XNLbQfZC9Vl4Dp8JD9UqZv5Znlfc2WSglT1gK4TtsUk-LRNleRk/s400/13434854_10154329416334455_2606070574727146883_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Several of the CFARians were there, as well. Most of which who also placed in their age groups.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5eSN06F0cdNT-mikxjaGGOdkLgoYp7YS1D0Zhyphenhyphen39eJ73f1HUl-Pm0iZsL-ys6OXB9hvdF3HqPlfWdEh00dcdWSI7RtLzUb-8ptwkwKtqbkjuKRpvfJrNDmc3sidVdv6zMQm1Aad1eNY/s1600/13442214_10208385340884842_1631810610285820303_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5eSN06F0cdNT-mikxjaGGOdkLgoYp7YS1D0Zhyphenhyphen39eJ73f1HUl-Pm0iZsL-ys6OXB9hvdF3HqPlfWdEh00dcdWSI7RtLzUb-8ptwkwKtqbkjuKRpvfJrNDmc3sidVdv6zMQm1Aad1eNY/s400/13442214_10208385340884842_1631810610285820303_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />So all in all, it was a great day for a race and I am happy that I decided to just do it! The Nick Adenhart 5K will always hold a special place in my heart. It represents so much about the small town in which I grew up in and if ever given the opportunity in the future, I would definitely run it again to support a past schoolmate.Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-91416488829129777622016-05-09T16:01:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:32.618-08:00Race Recap: American Odyssey Relay Race 2017 - Part 2CONTINUED FROM PART 1<br /><br />I was somewhat revved up for my second leg because I was very familiar with area. I actually ran the same route before while marathon training in the past. I liked having this advantage against other runners who were strangers to the area.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvdmhiwh64ays_QmXF1CivjRRjYNxcYgCXUMXSlxnTzBBqagecvq3xouXTQ5ImHsfquknwTuXDCwBlLA-5vxEUdzQj1CSipPgFCLGfpPnASS6fJyuBHc6XHgV9RwN6yffiAyxtnsv4AM/s1600/IMG_5536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvdmhiwh64ays_QmXF1CivjRRjYNxcYgCXUMXSlxnTzBBqagecvq3xouXTQ5ImHsfquknwTuXDCwBlLA-5vxEUdzQj1CSipPgFCLGfpPnASS6fJyuBHc6XHgV9RwN6yffiAyxtnsv4AM/s400/IMG_5536.JPG" width="223" /></a></div><br />Once Bob came into view, I was pumped and ready to get some kills (the number of people you pass in a relay). He handed over the slap bracelet and I shot off into the streets of Boonsboro, resuming my 7 minute range pace.<br /><br />I was pretty floored that I was able to pull this off. Last year, I can't recall ever seeing times like these. In fact, I can't recall seeing paces like this in any run/race I have been involved in recently. I was passing other participants left and right. In total, I had 8 kills and 0 deaths! I finished with a time of 26:21 and distance of 3.40.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmQMhjygAvmlF2r1m1q7JJzNoVNnVWOmaYSOQE_WZxfYRMEa3AJEquJt8YCF425lShfjOjvzSow9MKH3E2GLfahgvp975_zJUHINgmJ0mFyITkL6NPg_lX0XlEq8WBhnQlfmXmmX1NSk/s1600/IMG_5532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmQMhjygAvmlF2r1m1q7JJzNoVNnVWOmaYSOQE_WZxfYRMEa3AJEquJt8YCF425lShfjOjvzSow9MKH3E2GLfahgvp975_zJUHINgmJ0mFyITkL6NPg_lX0XlEq8WBhnQlfmXmmX1NSk/s320/IMG_5532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I tried to hang on to the energy my runner’s high gave me, but I began to tire quickly. It was now after midnight and I was spending many of the remaining transitions in the van catching some shut eye. It was hard though as there was always something going on. Between driving from one destination to the next and teammates prepping their runs, there wasn’t much time for remaining quiet and keeping still. I turned into grumpy ginger and tried to keep that part of me to myself. I think I did okay. ;-)<br /><br />Anyway, we ended up finishing our 2nd round of legs at about 2 am. That's when we went to a nearby hotel and crashed for about 2-3 hours. While we had a few hours to sleep, Van 1's runners got so much less just before us. We had shorter distances in our second leg while they rested in the hotel. They had some long sessions on the canal for their 3rd and final leg and since that was our time to rest, we were fortunate to get so much time.<br /><br />We all rolled out of bed around 6 and were on the road shortly after.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrW8XzthYVdYI5pL8h6M4XuD5uiUO4rX1CRQ2vXB3AsK47COQFhIFGhyTmLnTPcrA91dKh61xqMAJr8BuDTYnvb5ZA5XzxqT1y66as1nCrfOPv0VRTBkaGWmkdcDScLiT0Yr3N-D99Eg/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrW8XzthYVdYI5pL8h6M4XuD5uiUO4rX1CRQ2vXB3AsK47COQFhIFGhyTmLnTPcrA91dKh61xqMAJr8BuDTYnvb5ZA5XzxqT1y66as1nCrfOPv0VRTBkaGWmkdcDScLiT0Yr3N-D99Eg/s400/IMG_5537.JPG" width="223" /></a></div><br /><br />We had about an hour-long ride until we would arrive at the final van transition in Poolesville, MD.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhBhWCNZCJsRjp1ARBvdzLHUCfLFnfcel80HMJ2Ap4muudiCt8zlHDw9pVbdOEecPLfqEBr-lnPc5kgjTB5TjO-V7eacXatIHi1HoNb_86aGcw2Vuz-iMZKLNELcgF6WFELyjFxaKnWY/s1600/IMG_5538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhBhWCNZCJsRjp1ARBvdzLHUCfLFnfcel80HMJ2Ap4muudiCt8zlHDw9pVbdOEecPLfqEBr-lnPc5kgjTB5TjO-V7eacXatIHi1HoNb_86aGcw2Vuz-iMZKLNELcgF6WFELyjFxaKnWY/s320/IMG_5538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was confident that I would be able to stay up with an 8 minute pace, as I already decided a 7 minute pace was pushing it at this point. When you've already run 2 legs at a pace which you're not normally programmed to do, you're tired and sore. You're legs have not recovered since the run you had just hours before.<br /><br />My stomach was also acting up at this point, which really irritated me. I went out of my way to pack food that my body was used to, but for some reason, my stomach was like “Nope, not today!" So although I gave myself a few hours between the time I ate and the time I was projected to run, my stomach burned the whole time. I could have blamed it on nerves, but honestly, I was way too tired to be nervous. At this point, I just wanted to get my run done and start the recovery process. So believe it or not, I was thankful when I saw Bob come into view. Still, my stomach was objecting.<br /><br />No sooner than I was tagged to go, my legs were fighting back. For once, I think my mind was working in my favor rather than my body. My legs were nagging about how tired they were, but I begged them to work with me for this final stretch. I KNEW I could do awesome, but I had to have a constant argument between my legs, my stomach, and my brain. I pushed them the best I could.<br /><br />About a mile in, my van rolled up next to me to cheer me on. All I could say was "This sucks!" What I thought was going to be an easy 4 miler, ended up being hilly. Based on the elevation map, I thought it was going to generally be downhill, but it was pretty consistent with hills until the last mile. That was when I began catching up with another runner.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zlBxaw7m2aAnHy_woZ5EHbIPPJWyOgH7M2kqZGEAmkoEr1V770onBkWdWUY-7XXa-EXiIF71ii0JLy5O8JCn1xJ1eV74HnQ8KCwdu05vrr8WEMlJqo_JkzbxU3Zoyrt-1J5_8MvSnmI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-09+at+6.31.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zlBxaw7m2aAnHy_woZ5EHbIPPJWyOgH7M2kqZGEAmkoEr1V770onBkWdWUY-7XXa-EXiIF71ii0JLy5O8JCn1xJ1eV74HnQ8KCwdu05vrr8WEMlJqo_JkzbxU3Zoyrt-1J5_8MvSnmI/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-05-09+at+6.31.51+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />I had high hopes at this point that I could get a kill, but as we rounded the last turn, he caught site of me and sprinted down the hill. Though I had a pace within the 7 minute range, I could not muster enough strength to catch up and pull ahead, so I let him fly. That didn't mean that I wouldn't still push it to the end though. I sprinted with newfound energy and passed off to my teammate, Kirsten.<br /><br />And like that, I was done my part in the Odyssey.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiku_7ioNijLZxgJI3Rzm3vjNC6HgIOn_kRB5uivxDDsvvwyjo8QgHnZejCkb6CIleacr0nqz1UM2syVmhbiUZ9juitNx1U3V8LpcHjW7Ds1e8ScjuAHFRkJWvMRnZdkOP-1N5PcnnKzjg/s1600/IMG_5549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiku_7ioNijLZxgJI3Rzm3vjNC6HgIOn_kRB5uivxDDsvvwyjo8QgHnZejCkb6CIleacr0nqz1UM2syVmhbiUZ9juitNx1U3V8LpcHjW7Ds1e8ScjuAHFRkJWvMRnZdkOP-1N5PcnnKzjg/s320/IMG_5549.JPG" width="179" /></a></div><br />Most of the remaining legs took place on the C&O Canal and for those of you who have read up on me for a while now, you know that I LOVE running the C&O where I live. So needless to say, I loved seeing areas which I have not run myself and took lots of pictures.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzWBzlKqaLREdFhskh51XPKsiXfuS_HL5678Nq7TrA3kW5YsetyrhIGnhefhjfoS9Uu-FJfOtrtfg8tmdWcwcyGZ8HneugVFTGfLuI9YIBQA9lBzdSS5ni7XgeIYOlTX7XJSRIPrCK8I/s1600/IMG_5543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzWBzlKqaLREdFhskh51XPKsiXfuS_HL5678Nq7TrA3kW5YsetyrhIGnhefhjfoS9Uu-FJfOtrtfg8tmdWcwcyGZ8HneugVFTGfLuI9YIBQA9lBzdSS5ni7XgeIYOlTX7XJSRIPrCK8I/s400/IMG_5543.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaDD2e8aI-IU7c2nA7xZTITS0460Fh7sDIvdKorm6SQg3qhjMIx8hU8RMt-YzElHnDfjI5V5AzRG61S_Oy0oTt17cizSmn2yUHxTbthVQ-B1R78UlgjOLXvpzoEmn7dVr-gHSA6aKY0w/s1600/IMG_5545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaDD2e8aI-IU7c2nA7xZTITS0460Fh7sDIvdKorm6SQg3qhjMIx8hU8RMt-YzElHnDfjI5V5AzRG61S_Oy0oTt17cizSmn2yUHxTbthVQ-B1R78UlgjOLXvpzoEmn7dVr-gHSA6aKY0w/s400/IMG_5545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmTFEh2o19zwglit-NCDIv92LKlPO2TcCiGzbnBhlyfDHZMnAR1scj3aY5QA7MVs3rc0Gxva7PMB01hfkoFkmBRSFM94Mce-GQ5jdjW3Vb7N8DNTcHTaWVyyViAFmUN2Tjbd2JE0T9eI/s1600/IMG_5553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmTFEh2o19zwglit-NCDIv92LKlPO2TcCiGzbnBhlyfDHZMnAR1scj3aY5QA7MVs3rc0Gxva7PMB01hfkoFkmBRSFM94Mce-GQ5jdjW3Vb7N8DNTcHTaWVyyViAFmUN2Tjbd2JE0T9eI/s400/IMG_5553.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The final leg took us off the canal and into the heart of DC.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9ocIxcSpLEtZI-PFwchmgMwlFkA1A-reBZ653ZyBMNU1ZSJAYDP3C_kIQa1u_Q0MIWp_c1XnIA3_j8t83tT0yCsdTHspuoltQaw7aLFlEBGEpqX5gtTSmWLxGeDyUwykerJrbpTVJEA/s1600/IMG_5563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9ocIxcSpLEtZI-PFwchmgMwlFkA1A-reBZ653ZyBMNU1ZSJAYDP3C_kIQa1u_Q0MIWp_c1XnIA3_j8t83tT0yCsdTHspuoltQaw7aLFlEBGEpqX5gtTSmWLxGeDyUwykerJrbpTVJEA/s400/IMG_5563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />All of our team met up for the first time since the final transition between vans a few hours later, while our final runner, Chris made his way towards the finish line. We waited on the street for him so, as a team, we could cross the finish line together.<br /><br />Chris came a lot quicker than I thought. I guess with the hustle of getting to the finish line and seeing the other teammates waiting for us made time fly. So as soon as he reached us, the entire team crossed the finish line with him and quickly took a finish line photo prior to other teams rolling through.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9sBJ3ba04nbPS_n_sBgGawZFfLThqpkhy6FPg6a9Roy8wBdKXN9ZWSfM9nCzIwcE-4EYn0NoQ0rTqvVy6L4Otl7-FNNC_CC2bav5tHukoImtsw1V6eXo3MflXw9ChlnKKL7_8XemzJo/s1600/IMG_5566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9sBJ3ba04nbPS_n_sBgGawZFfLThqpkhy6FPg6a9Roy8wBdKXN9ZWSfM9nCzIwcE-4EYn0NoQ0rTqvVy6L4Otl7-FNNC_CC2bav5tHukoImtsw1V6eXo3MflXw9ChlnKKL7_8XemzJo/s400/IMG_5566.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The results!<br /><br />Our team finished in 26:32:26! That was 2nd out of 34 in the mixed division. We placed 7th out of 94 teams overall! So, to say the least, I think we KICKED ASS! Oh and I think I should add that we won Best Team Name. If I haven't already mentioned it, it was Green Leggs and Hamstrings. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a8be6EKfggmNTtnh83fmilZ5fbiMmU_6Bx7rbsdomqYNP6oHs8udo6ZlAt7CNPRvT7Z8k7HfxWeIiZlD4MDyiAsGVPXdKWKJkOQDxzDPAx5gHvX3EvOyUChsZt6jiln-PKJ5Jo1FngY/s1600/IMG_5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a8be6EKfggmNTtnh83fmilZ5fbiMmU_6Bx7rbsdomqYNP6oHs8udo6ZlAt7CNPRvT7Z8k7HfxWeIiZlD4MDyiAsGVPXdKWKJkOQDxzDPAx5gHvX3EvOyUChsZt6jiln-PKJ5Jo1FngY/s320/IMG_5565.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway, I felt that this year far exceeded last year. I had a lot more fun and felt that my performance improved a lot!!! Our team just really seemed to mesh and we all seemed to go beyond performance expectations! It was pretty killer! There's one thing about running a race alone, but working as a team to accomplish 200 miles is beyond anything you feel alone. Celebrating with others and also sharing struggles over the course of 26 hours is unlike anything else. :)<br />Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-17630490824932225972016-05-06T15:27:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:32.949-08:00The Lumo LiftSo I found this little do-dad called the Lumo Lift! <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bgyVvEIxd1w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-10511883147231236972016-05-02T15:35:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:33.540-08:00Race Recap: The American Odyssey Relay Race - Part 1Happy Monday, my friends!<br /><br />After a very eventful weekend, I am now able to tell you all about my experience at the American Odyssey Relay Race. This was my second year taking part of the event with team Green Leggs & Hamstrings and although I have had my running highs and lows over the past few weeks, I was completely surprised about how well it went! So let me rewind back to the beginning to give you the details of our adventure!<br /><br />For those of you not familiar with the American Odyssey, this race very much resembles that of a Ragnar Relay event. This one, however, takes place on a 200 mile course from Gettysburg, PA to Washington, DC.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiijddvEH9dLExfja4fOsceDcuEWWEEYKKBftvM7rPWgcoz4YAH-MpQ8wziUTUl5TLpziywE_-uvzP6XxwaZusN5UUetz7e4PCDGphBpoaos5jIANNhhevgVwlu5JP65DZloeBaH4imvQ/s1600/The-American-odyssey-relay-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiijddvEH9dLExfja4fOsceDcuEWWEEYKKBftvM7rPWgcoz4YAH-MpQ8wziUTUl5TLpziywE_-uvzP6XxwaZusN5UUetz7e4PCDGphBpoaos5jIANNhhevgVwlu5JP65DZloeBaH4imvQ/s400/The-American-odyssey-relay-map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Each team consists of 12 runners (or less if you wish to compete as an ultra team), who take turns running a "leg" of the course. Each runner will run a leg, then repeat the cycle until each has had 3 runs under their belt.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK-Qy4m2bhnAH-OznnWLBeSNniLUuai_C3rZmz-_kupIxTblDEA9jr79o3sK-KtL79vHZAAJ2KKBfunf6YkyAuAON-IE5__FyGNL8mUM94KpZwVz4lJ_CjTbICHbia7Y9Ygiu6bcDdjM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-02+at+6.26.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK-Qy4m2bhnAH-OznnWLBeSNniLUuai_C3rZmz-_kupIxTblDEA9jr79o3sK-KtL79vHZAAJ2KKBfunf6YkyAuAON-IE5__FyGNL8mUM94KpZwVz4lJ_CjTbICHbia7Y9Ygiu6bcDdjM/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-05-02+at+6.26.21+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Depending on the average speed of your runners, that will determine your starting time. Runners that are running at a slower pace will run earlier in the morning, while your faster-paced runners will begin later. This will end up allowing many of the teams to finish in generally the same timeframe so we can celebrate in DC together.<br /><br />Despite having a 10:30 start time, Peter and I were up at 5am on Friday going through the same motions we always do. Though I was going to be going on an adventure that required me to run a total of 12 miles with little to no sleep, I still did my scheduled 22 Minute Hard Corps workout. Crazy? You betcha!<br /><br />After breakfast and packing up some final items, we shuttled our dog, Beta to a friend's to stay while we competed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji11suqmeaNYCeTnjj_YqD1kBGTffnDP7APOtjuI5SrgqB5HBGIBwaBXVXDAh30uhqaiPZSROc-L1mQaR0cHLPisk8QgP1fJCzavzM6VCXk9Dz0jtQhB1rkKbzSKXHnf_9b9K8si6kjYg/s1600/13124692_10206759883535556_3658014199827743204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji11suqmeaNYCeTnjj_YqD1kBGTffnDP7APOtjuI5SrgqB5HBGIBwaBXVXDAh30uhqaiPZSROc-L1mQaR0cHLPisk8QgP1fJCzavzM6VCXk9Dz0jtQhB1rkKbzSKXHnf_9b9K8si6kjYg/s400/13124692_10206759883535556_3658014199827743204_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><br />Once she was settled, I drove Peter to Waynesboro, PA to meet up with the team. Peter was actually replacing a runner who had been ill. Though we had him down as an alternate for a while, it wasn't until early last week that we found out that he was going to be running.<br /><br />Peter was in Van 1, which consisted of 6 runners total. These were our teammates who were running the first 6 legs of the course and starting at the 10:30 time. Because I was the 7th runner and in Van 2, I didn't need to stick around for their portion of the race. I actually went home after dropping him off since I had several hours before I started my trek with the 6 members of Van 2.<br /><br />I took this time to eat lunch and go grocery shopping (I did not want to go grocery shopping after all this was done). I left at 1 to meet up with a fellow teammate, Chris, and we ventured out to Waynesboro, where we would pack into our own van and begin our legs.<br /><br />As runner 7, I was the first one up in our van. Once van 1 completed their first 6 legs, runner 6 would hand off to me and I would be on my way. Needless to say, my race nerves turned on. Food wasn't settling and I felt like I had to pee even if I had just gone. Still, I would attempt to use the nerves to my advantage and run the leg pretty quickly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JThZ1RcEkaDRza5vogsV95J1gCdwhSQINnAtg2G3cEhz9EiXNsz_ALcbsWetY9mkwvkh64qWfO9Ju5rLbXmTOiXK6LuVwmGq9IOTD2Johin9Qdb-iHtyvX1OSxqc7p9IDjPCT2_qtLM/s1600/13124736_10206758088290676_7019203224408281941_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JThZ1RcEkaDRza5vogsV95J1gCdwhSQINnAtg2G3cEhz9EiXNsz_ALcbsWetY9mkwvkh64qWfO9Ju5rLbXmTOiXK6LuVwmGq9IOTD2Johin9Qdb-iHtyvX1OSxqc7p9IDjPCT2_qtLM/s400/13124736_10206758088290676_7019203224408281941_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><br />It was actually my longest leg, almost 5 miles. It was probably my most difficult leg as well. Though this one started with a 1.5 mile downhill, the next 1.5 miles was uphill, while the remaining steadily went downhill. I had no idea what this route looked like, but regardless, I was going to push the best I could despite my lack of hill training.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU9mQBhpCOcFRBbu1VK9R77xddt-oZcOdcw9kkOr7JSwZPew6umZjWZ4T5t_F59WEPzTT3D7ahKOjcvRYo1xgt9ubgXZNptyxXqNu7yVr8DiC04J7_3NKOgLHLr6ldLEQPohEq9l-Ed4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-02+at+6.22.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU9mQBhpCOcFRBbu1VK9R77xddt-oZcOdcw9kkOr7JSwZPew6umZjWZ4T5t_F59WEPzTT3D7ahKOjcvRYo1xgt9ubgXZNptyxXqNu7yVr8DiC04J7_3NKOgLHLr6ldLEQPohEq9l-Ed4/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-05-02+at+6.22.21+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />When I saw our 6th runner, Bob, emerge from the fog that afternoon, I went into race mode. It was my time to shine. I grabbed the slap bracelet and went on my way.<br /><br />I flew through the downhill portion, pushing a 7 minute pace for the first mile. My confidence was roaring because I felt I could keep up with this pace with no problem. That was until the downhill went flat. I actually had to work for my pace at that point. It wasn't long either until I saw the dramatic incline. That's about the time my van drove past me. While they were cheering me on, I pointed them to the hill ahead, basically saying how much that was going to suck.<br /><br />As my support drove off in comfort, I pushed as hard as I could up the first hill, which never seemed to end. My pace dropped in the second mile from 7 minutes to about 7:30. The next mile was even worse, ending with a 9:30ish pace due to the fact that I had to walk one of the hills to catch my breath.<br /><br />Fortunately, I was able to redeem myself once I crested the series of hills. I was able to catch back up with my 7 minute range pace and push through to the end. I ended with a distance of 4.75 and time of 37:28.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawJVnfGfryuI0Zsk48s1h4-ZmQLCFt4NJSaDV-bzRMC8UG7fOVEJv8DQJ2odvyLr4QGgehjYqbfHrGft8irQo9AFalZx7Z8GjH6fiyf43VAsWabCMaHcb-072v8nr5cJ_0ZDSTQaG_Xs/s1600/13082483_10206758088370678_7034225502320839468_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawJVnfGfryuI0Zsk48s1h4-ZmQLCFt4NJSaDV-bzRMC8UG7fOVEJv8DQJ2odvyLr4QGgehjYqbfHrGft8irQo9AFalZx7Z8GjH6fiyf43VAsWabCMaHcb-072v8nr5cJ_0ZDSTQaG_Xs/s400/13082483_10206758088370678_7034225502320839468_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><br />The only thing that ran through my mind was "If I could have pushed through to another quarter mile, I could have broke 40 for my 5 mile time." That would have been a 2 minute PR. Guess I will have to prove myself in the future.<br /><br />The benefit to being runner #7, is that I could relax while the other runners in my van took their turn. My nerves were no longer shot and I had a few hours before I needed to be ready for my next leg.<br /><br />Once our van completed our first set of runs, we were in close proximity of my house, so we traveled there to eat, shower, and play games while Van 1 took over for a couple of hours. We ordered pizza, played Fibbage (highly recommended), rolled sore muscles with our sticks and foam rollars, while watching John Mulany stand-up on Netflix. It was a nice time to decompress and ready our bodies and minds for the next round.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm6MZ1FSWY1X14EBeJy1TV8-VlwcbRY2s7-Xc47zH3c6n4mpwKqj9xQj9xVQi4jXK0wnB-oq5fs1W1FSuKSimlNB1FpbH4ArsWJgNMVdK-Fa0xVxZo-aP6kCN1W8sJqMcTDDehi4Cljw/s1600/13118871_10206759301361002_2347784314011400143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm6MZ1FSWY1X14EBeJy1TV8-VlwcbRY2s7-Xc47zH3c6n4mpwKqj9xQj9xVQi4jXK0wnB-oq5fs1W1FSuKSimlNB1FpbH4ArsWJgNMVdK-Fa0xVxZo-aP6kCN1W8sJqMcTDDehi4Cljw/s400/13118871_10206759301361002_2347784314011400143_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running shoes every where!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />But time flies when you're doing a relay race and before we knew it, it was 10:30 and we had to head out to Boonsboro High. It was going to be my turn to run around 11, so I had to be ready regardless of the fatigue that was setting in.<br /><br /><br />TO BE CONTINUED...Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-46775374705307750162016-05-02T14:50:00.000-07:002021-11-23T15:34:45.691-08:00Recipe Time: Breakfast PizzaOne of my favorite dinners really isn't dinner at all! It's breakfast!!! So when you breed these two meals together, you create what I like to call Brinner! Although waffle sandwiches or eggs and potatoes hold a special place in my heart, breakfast pizza takes the cake...or should I say pancake! Hardy har har!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh262l7fOrFcxx1DXlegx9VCOoM9ULHP-1HxZ1EDgfTfudE0gjcZtXaWQwJcDeCrQhyphenhyphen7IPFNRmdDDykry9_n_sRpNuYM5NyBxG_Pani58y7e_H3NcrQu7Bji3ICl0BVY9MCZhBkB1JiT9w/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh262l7fOrFcxx1DXlegx9VCOoM9ULHP-1HxZ1EDgfTfudE0gjcZtXaWQwJcDeCrQhyphenhyphen7IPFNRmdDDykry9_n_sRpNuYM5NyBxG_Pani58y7e_H3NcrQu7Bji3ICl0BVY9MCZhBkB1JiT9w/s320/IMG_5732.JPG.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />For this recipe, I used eggs from my mom and dad's chickens! Talk about the best eggs ever! Also, you may have noticed that I have pita bread, which is not gluten free. That's for another time, but yes, I am having gluten again. Not much, but every now and then, I will have it. But again, more on that one later.<br /><br />For now, check out my Breakfast Pizza recipe and try it for yourself! It's super easy and SUPER yummy! Also, 21 Day Fix approved! :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGY2SfKNyJu2dH1uL3AoDNNAOMdeNaVQkCYsEdKnHQd0H67yJA2D1vCKmEaGZYHibVhXrmkS7Q-5FFH5Le5VrTzuPMFXig91MrX62xK4Po6JeIqx8h007tQj3gJlqMrSzheAGKEWYkgSk/s1600/IMG_5741.PNG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGY2SfKNyJu2dH1uL3AoDNNAOMdeNaVQkCYsEdKnHQd0H67yJA2D1vCKmEaGZYHibVhXrmkS7Q-5FFH5Le5VrTzuPMFXig91MrX62xK4Po6JeIqx8h007tQj3gJlqMrSzheAGKEWYkgSk/s400/IMG_5741.PNG.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="therecipewizprintwrapper" id="Breakfast-Pizza"><style>#therecipewiz {width:95%; padding:8px;} #therecipewiz{border:#E1E1E1 solid thin;}#therecipewiz #printbutton{float:right; cursor:pointer; margin:-8px 0px 0px 0px;} #therecipewiz #rechead img{float:left; margin:0px 8px 0px 0px;}#therecipewiz #recbody{padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;}#therecipewiz div.title{ font-size:18px; font-weight:bold; margin:5px 0px 1px 0px; padding:0px;}#therecipewiz div.byline{ font-size:12px;}#therecipewiz div.subtitle{ font-size:16px; font-weight:bold; margin:10px 0px 5px 0px;}#therecipewiz div.summary{font-style:italic; font-size:14px; margin:5px;}#therecipewiz .ingredient{ /*width:46%; float:left;*/ display:block; margin:5px 0px 5px 15px;}#therecipewiz .instruction{ margin:5px 0px 5px 15px; display:block;}#therecipewiz .time{ margin:5px 0px 5px 15px; display:block;}#therecipewiz .clear{clear:both}</style><br /><div class="hrecipe" id="therecipewiz" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/Recipe"><span id="printbutton" onclick="printDiv('Breakfast-Pizza'); return false;">print recipe</span><br /><div class="item" id="rechead"><img class="photo" itemprop="photo" onclick="window.open('','Recipe Image' );" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFNGWDXaDiXtB_I2LFn_aSY0VtMphoDixLgpYUTHwEM0rCZzmtg_TwKsBb-w7KNtpxEebAOuoZjvWjwsMTQmGACactwQdbQVXoHcPLh-vJO35-TzN391VYrtPthZssCz180PYxU4IMN4/s320/IMG_5734.JPG.jpeg" width="100px" /><br /><div class="recabout"><div class="title fn" itemprop="name">Breakfast Pizza</div><div class="byline">by <span class="author" itemprop="author">Run Freckles Run </span><span class="published" datetime="2016-05-02" itemprop="published"> May-2-2016<span class="value-title" title="2016-05-02"></span></span></div><div class="summary" itemprop="summary">21 Day Fix Conversions: 1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1/2 Green, 1/2 Blue</div><div class="clear"></div></div></div><div id="recbody"><div class="subtitle">Ingredients</div><ul><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">2 large </span> <span itemprop="name"> eggs</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="name">Salt & pepper to taste</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 piece </span><span itemprop="name">whole wheat pita bread</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">2-3 tablespoons </span> <span itemprop="name"> crushed tomatoes</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">Pinch of </span> <span itemprop="name"> Italian seasoning</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/8 cup </span> <span itemprop="name"> shredded mozzarella</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/8" slice </span> <span itemprop="name"> diced onions (optional)</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/8" slice </span> <span itemprop="name"> diced peppers (optional)</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">6 </span> <span itemprop="name"> julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes (optional)</span></span></li></ul><div class="clear"></div><div class="subtitle">Instructions</div><div itemprop="instructions"><span class="instruction">1. SET oven to broil.</span><span class="instruction">2. BEAT eggs, salt and pepper in small bowl until blended.</span><span class="instruction">3. HEAT coconut oil in 7 to 10-inch nonstick omelet pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Tilt pan to coat bottom of the skillet. Pour in egg mixture. </span><span class="instruction">4. PUSH cooked portions from edges toward the center with inverted turner so that uncooked eggs can reach the hot pan surface. CONTINUE cooking, tilting pan and gently moving cooked portions until no visible liquid remains.</span><span class="instruction">4. PLACE egg omelet onto the pita bread with a spatula. </span><span class="instruction">5. MIX crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning and spread on top of the egg omelet. Add cheese and desired toppings.</span><span class="instruction">6. BROIL pizza in the oven until cheese melts and crust of the pita bread begins to brown. Remove from oven and cut into desired slices and serve.</span></div><div class="clear"></div><div class="subtitle">Details</div><span class="time preptime">Prep time: <time datetime="PT5M" itemprop="prepTime">5 mins </time><span class="value-title" title="PT5M"></span></span><span class="time cooktime">Cook time: <time datetime="PT20M" itemprop="cookTime">20 mins </time><span class="value-title" title="PT20M"></span></span><span class="time duration">Total time: <time datetime="PT25M" itemprop="totalTime">25 mins </time><span class="value-title" title="PT25M"></span></span><span class="yield">Yield: <span itemprop="yield">1 serving</span></span></div></div></div><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1469018338997482107%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-XReQD4bTtGI%2FVyfI8pTX0aI%2FAAAAAAAAlaU%2F9lAuh13AeZEwIASlVL-xFFZpPK7f1i0vACLcB%2Fs320%2FIMG_5732.JPG.jpeg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=UQjt1KBcKLJE&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 252px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1469018338997482107%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-XReQD4bTtGI%2FVyfI8pTX0aI%2FAAAAAAAAlaU%2F9lAuh13AeZEwIASlVL-xFFZpPK7f1i0vACLcB%2Fs320%2FIMG_5732.JPG.jpeg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=UQjt1KBcKLJE&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 252px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1469018338997482107%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-do3EuBsnePA%2FVyfI8R4rxCI%2FAAAAAAAAlaQ%2FMFZYFz-KT7cQw45Jh00vw_lYMlFLt03KQCLcB%2Fs320%2FIMG_5734.JPG.jpeg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=UQjt1KBcKLJE&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 528px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1469018338997482107%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-do3EuBsnePA%2FVyfI8R4rxCI%2FAAAAAAAAlaQ%2FMFZYFz-KT7cQw45Jh00vw_lYMlFLt03KQCLcB%2Fs320%2FIMG_5734.JPG.jpeg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=UQjt1KBcKLJE&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 528px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-75803084475318077402016-05-01T15:51:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:33.872-08:00Recipe Time: Slow Cooker Pasta FagioliIt's been a while since I have posted a recipe! So here's my try at a 21 Day Fix Approved soup!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2u_nO9zJc6WSB9r4gUv0sgCYLXetXBJ945UJRBR3LE3EoJvN0gcZPOpbadAifb3Kzie-CdM440sRZd9Vd3vV_lwCI1-X4mvWojVs5INDA2gxWd-DzaSP_dYUtrLWPRzOVTYPno_L3wk/s1600/IMG_5722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2u_nO9zJc6WSB9r4gUv0sgCYLXetXBJ945UJRBR3LE3EoJvN0gcZPOpbadAifb3Kzie-CdM440sRZd9Vd3vV_lwCI1-X4mvWojVs5INDA2gxWd-DzaSP_dYUtrLWPRzOVTYPno_L3wk/s400/IMG_5722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I made my own version of pasta fagioli. I was quite impressed by how good the soup turned out, considering I had to BS some of it. You will also notice I don't use the traditional pasta that is required in this recipe. That's because my grocery store doesn't have it. So brown rice pasta will have to do!<br /><div><br /></div><div>Try it yourself and let me know what you think!!<br /><script type="text/javascript"> function printDiv(e){var divToPrint=document.getElementById(e);newWin = window.open("", "printwin"); newWin.document.write(divToPrint.innerHTML); newWin.print(); newWin.close(); }</script><br /><div class="therecipewizprintwrapper" id="Slow-Cooker-Pasta-Fagioli"><style>#therecipewiz {width:95%; padding:8px;} #therecipewiz{border:#E1E1E1 solid thin;}#therecipewiz #printbutton{float:right; cursor:pointer; margin:-8px 0px 0px 0px;} #therecipewiz #rechead img{float:left; margin:0px 8px 0px 0px;}#therecipewiz #recbody{padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;}#therecipewiz div.title{ font-size:18px; font-weight:bold; margin:5px 0px 1px 0px; padding:0px;}#therecipewiz div.byline{ font-size:12px;}#therecipewiz div.subtitle{ font-size:16px; font-weight:bold; margin:10px 0px 5px 0px;}#therecipewiz div.summary{font-style:italic; font-size:14px; margin:5px;}#therecipewiz .ingredient{ /*width:46%; float:left;*/ display:block; margin:5px 0px 5px 15px;}#therecipewiz .instruction{ margin:5px 0px 5px 15px; display:block;}#therecipewiz .time{ margin:5px 0px 5px 15px; display:block;}#therecipewiz .clear{clear:both}</style><br /><div class="hrecipe" id="therecipewiz" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/Recipe"><span id="printbutton" onclick="printDiv('Slow-Cooker-Pasta-Fagioli'); return false;">print recipe</span><br /><div class="item" id="rechead"><img class="photo" itemprop="photo" onclick="window.open('https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ_6XwoIH3ys-yodHqFKcycNSy5OjxshRKCniFklINboGV0K9hHDmKs2-y2Eo35AGehzXQP3EHx-3jvYf3jLZiVn47JaEdW2cn9nIlaQua8zzLcH4FXxNFCWEvlYOWFxMPIPEraQa71Y/s320/IMG_2847.jpeg','Recipe Image' );" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ_6XwoIH3ys-yodHqFKcycNSy5OjxshRKCniFklINboGV0K9hHDmKs2-y2Eo35AGehzXQP3EHx-3jvYf3jLZiVn47JaEdW2cn9nIlaQua8zzLcH4FXxNFCWEvlYOWFxMPIPEraQa71Y/s320/IMG_2847.jpeg" width="100px" /><br /><div class="recabout"><div class="title fn" itemprop="name">Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli</div><div class="byline">by <span class="author" itemprop="author">Run Freckles Run </span><span class="published" datetime="2016-05-01" itemprop="published"> May-1-2016<span class="value-title" title="2016-05-01"></span></span></div><div class="summary" itemprop="summary">21 Day Fix Conversions: 1 Yellow, 1/2 Green</div><div class="clear"></div></div></div><div id="recbody"><div class="subtitle">Ingredients</div><ul><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 1/2 cups </span> <span itemprop="name"> crushed tomatoes</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 6 oz can </span> <span itemprop="name"> tomato paste</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">4 cups </span> <span itemprop="name"> vegetable broth</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 </span> <span itemprop="name"> onion, whole</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 tbsp </span> <span itemprop="name"> fresh parsley chopped</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 1/4 cups </span> <span itemprop="name"> garbanzo beans</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 tsp </span> <span itemprop="name"> Italian seasoning</span></span></li><li><span class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 cup </span> <span itemprop="name"> dry brown rice shells</span></span></li></ul><div class="clear"></div><div class="subtitle">Instructions</div><div itemprop="instructions"><span class="instruction">1. In your slow cooker, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, onion, parsley, garbanzo beans, and Italian seasoning</span><span class="instruction">2. Let cook on high for 3 1/2 hours.</span><span class="instruction">3. Add dry pasta and let cook for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until shells are cooked through.</span><span class="instruction">4. Top with chopped fresh parsley and grated cheese of your choice (optional) and serve.</span></div><div class="clear"></div><div class="subtitle">Details</div><span class="time preptime">Prep time: <time datetime="PT15M" itemprop="prepTime">15 mins </time><span class="value-title" title="PT15M"></span></span><span class="time cooktime">Cook time: <time datetime="PT4H" itemprop="cookTime">4 hour </time><span class="value-title" title="PT4H"></span></span><span class="time duration">Total time: <time datetime="PT4H15M" itemprop="totalTime">4 hour 15 mins </time><span class="value-title" title="PT4H15M"></span></span><span class="yield">Yield: <span itemprop="yield">5</span></span></div></div></div></div>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-58761446992321052862016-04-30T08:13:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:34.076-08:00Update from the American Odyssey RelayIgnore how bad I look. 2 hours of sleep is not flattering.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZyKoOwGdoL8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZyKoOwGdoL8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br /><br /><span id="goog_1156208348"></span><span id="goog_1156208349"></span><br />Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-22669845457429228542016-04-25T17:48:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:34.495-08:00Vlog #3: WDW Marathon Weekend RegistrationWhoa! Another video blog?<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XZ8kWihphKM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br />Don't forget to check out the featured post to your right and try to win a FREE race registration!!Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-70475294038403763022016-04-20T14:56:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:34.701-08:00My Second Vlog Ever!So I suck at updating. I also suck at Vlogging! ENJOY!!! <br><br><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WVgox5C5mWI" width="420"></iframe></center>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-44651871498121942612016-04-12T18:20:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:34.906-08:00The Spartan Agoge & Free Race EntryIt's been a while since I've done a giveaway and I want to give you yet another opportunity to get a FREE Spartan Entry! But first, check this out!!!<br /><br />If you want to get Spartan Fit for a race near you, this is the book that will help you get there in 31 days!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/spartanfitbook" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJTTCv7iIzIlXClet3Hx9LcH2IrNAHI-leCb5uufXzV6qUzTnBlN7T4T_oy6hzk0HV3pnEQrbQvj-BS7zczggiaHazrN5KgwhhlHGZ-WdffHD7pgeUOv152lrRzUuKVTkdzYl7xLBCXY/s640/spartanfit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm all about workouts that change your body quickly and effectively without the use of a gym! If you haven't noticed, I am a workout at home gal!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOfG3lnT73eZf0Ca094k48YserTOMpKnEbUeRUVbrSsimXZA4j-kkSJl9BQi4vgsVQHAPhYPTXEPySxoQKqviah_Fuh53LQ_vGmyQb22qdJ9TthYqsxqgtoSq8MN0eCz-6T8klRfdUd4/s1600/IMG_4282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOfG3lnT73eZf0Ca094k48YserTOMpKnEbUeRUVbrSsimXZA4j-kkSJl9BQi4vgsVQHAPhYPTXEPySxoQKqviah_Fuh53LQ_vGmyQb22qdJ9TthYqsxqgtoSq8MN0eCz-6T8klRfdUd4/s320/IMG_4282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Also, no equipment is needed with this month-long plan. So all you need is this book and a mind of determination!<br /><br />This plan will improve your strength, flexibility, edurance, and speed. Everything you need to take on the Spartan races that take place across the world! Find your race <a href="http://www.spartan.com/en/race/find-race" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Spartan Fit! will be released on August 2nd, but you can pre-order it here!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/spartanfitbook" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-pBSui7SDibSGAAOjnolwZuNlAoxjUBq6tHD131ZxCHLf7k11wU27sYFzniI2JGvIq_8oo_ZOAT4Sr6hDor2ya4GeFR461ijwEHs2QEoJS4Zwi56SZSdUR2i_JvNJXp-Eh-pHlMSRoU/s640/spartanbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you don't know which race to chose? Well if you think you've got the endurance, consider if you have the mental capabilities as well!<br /><br />Say what!?<br /><br />This year, a new challenge, the Spartan Agoge, will take place in Pittsfield, VT. What makes this race stand out from all the rest is that it incorporates not just physical strength, but it exercises your mind as well! The Spartan site says,<br /><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">Most people will need to undertake months of training and self-discovery to earn this coveted achievement." </span></span><br /><br />Whoa! They mean business!!<br /><br />But if you think you can handle it, here's your chance!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://bit.ly/spartanracer"><img src="http://spartanracemedia.com/Digital_728x90-Endurance.jpg" height="79" width="640" /></a></center><br /><br />Also, to get you pumped up, I'm giving you the chance to sign up for any Spartan race for 10% off. Use the promo code <b>SPARTANBLOGGER</b> at check out!<br /><br />To add, I am giving away a free race entry to any Spartan race in the continental US to one of my readers! Here's how to play: Like, comment, follow, share on social media platforms and check it off on the rafflecopter widget below! The more you share, the more chances you have to win!<br /><br /><center><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d623ab166" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d623ab166/" id="rcwidget_ufxgcvqc" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></center><br /><br />I will announce the one winner on Friday, April 29th!<br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1469018338997482107%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lgZZtD9X1GM%2FVw2Zf3DV4FI%2FAAAAAAAAlWY%2F8kUvXXrryyMd08P2Xl3a_Xl1MAgsgfPyQCLcB%2Fs320%2FIMG_4282.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=UQjt1KBcKLJE&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 416px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1469018338997482107%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lgZZtD9X1GM%2FVw2Zf3DV4FI%2FAAAAAAAAlWY%2F8kUvXXrryyMd08P2Xl3a_Xl1MAgsgfPyQCLcB%2Fs320%2FIMG_4282.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=UQjt1KBcKLJE&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 416px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-71100051926501281452016-04-11T16:51:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:35.114-08:00Skinny Leg Syndrome Today at 5am, I began Day 2 of 22 Minute Hard Corps. That meant it was my first time trying the Resistance 1 workout. Like yesterday, I filled up my cup with the Energize Powder and went to it!<br /><br />Just as I did P90X3, I am putting my focus on the strength portion of the program. I want to build muscle definition more than anything! I am tired of being "so skinny." It gets old! I want to put some muscle on my bones and fit into my jeans again! And by "fit into my jeans," I mean fill them in because they are baggy around my toothpick thighs. See Exhibit A below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_-PINGCGR2juBsy4aOmLXbx-EwhJY7TqOJWj3OQuZn02Sng5-xsUfUowOmS-tJu75zo8dC-N7G5p4hBL58nsioAjOMmjvjmThgW7YJHAgMLiOeAFxCBa6oiYDs5NTTn6DxXm7ECFOXY/s1600/thumb_IMG_3614_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_-PINGCGR2juBsy4aOmLXbx-EwhJY7TqOJWj3OQuZn02Sng5-xsUfUowOmS-tJu75zo8dC-N7G5p4hBL58nsioAjOMmjvjmThgW7YJHAgMLiOeAFxCBa6oiYDs5NTTn6DxXm7ECFOXY/s320/thumb_IMG_3614_1024.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br />In Resistance 1, there are push-ups, pull-ups, squats, sit-ups, and more! I am trying to master form and get deep into the moves so I can get the best results! If you half-ass it, you are only making it easy on yourself and the results won't be as killer! And I want to grow the muscles I already developed from doing P90X3, not lose them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjhVpS_g6c9ICpnY-OmcfGRZ9DshhLP7y9-3NtYCHIjxZJajRlZXRLOflZKkxS4Y7nOYoO90bQgy-99FkKAIK0lOSaINNuD5uXymJ-zq1TV7RIsLIMAwZQtX8pBqybuRBzJfRyBiEHQg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-11+at+6.05.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjhVpS_g6c9ICpnY-OmcfGRZ9DshhLP7y9-3NtYCHIjxZJajRlZXRLOflZKkxS4Y7nOYoO90bQgy-99FkKAIK0lOSaINNuD5uXymJ-zq1TV7RIsLIMAwZQtX8pBqybuRBzJfRyBiEHQg/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-04-11+at+6.05.56+PM.png" width="316" /></a></div><br />Tomorrow I intend on going live on my personal Facebook so you can see just how crazy these 22 minutes really are! If I do, I will post the video on here. I have been including videos on SnapChat since it's easy, but I think it's time to take my videos to a wider mass of peeps!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxzwPmlyXmkdL9uBhj5oSeU4IEcZebROYnKlgD4cKPvRiYjVBQj4kSCWYLp9ilolvx5RKtsjf9pGNICLpOSYA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />I do believe I will get a run in tomorrow afternoon as well. I am trying to return to my normal running schedule... at least until the Odyssey Relay is said and done. Then, that will be the end of my 2 year training season. I don't plan on resuming another training plan until August either. I sure learned my lesson from this last string of races! I can't imagine I will ever go that hard for that long again. The injuries and the exhaustion was a bit much for me! But, that doesn't mean I am not looking forward to future marathons! My next is slated for October! :)<br /><br />Anyway, hope you all had a joyous Monday! I know I did. Keep rocking this week, my friends!<br /><br /><br /><b>What part of your body would you like to see more tone?</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Do you suffer or have suffered from toothpick legs? If you were able to overcome it, how did you go about it?</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Do you use snapchat? Add me! My username is RunFrecklesRun :)</b>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-63307898651469990362016-03-21T15:44:00.000-07:002021-11-21T11:42:35.740-08:00Race Recap: The Rock n Roll DC Marathon - Peter's Perspective<i>The following race recap was written by my husband! It was his first marathon and I felt that having this race described in his perspective would give a better recap than I could have given! So without further ado...Peter, take it away!</i><br /><b><br /></b><b>The Night Before</b><br />We set off the day before the race around 1 pm.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknik0ha6yiuLUAlIqzwh47HOf5hRQnoa6jMQzRzl51W2DZhbasaHIqy_soeG1Y_QB7Rbgfouu6x5XiTpE55SdWNgqjqoY7cEDqKAfain31bE0Zm0f1QcQ-LuGSnDdfZKyiW7qceNtjQc/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknik0ha6yiuLUAlIqzwh47HOf5hRQnoa6jMQzRzl51W2DZhbasaHIqy_soeG1Y_QB7Rbgfouu6x5XiTpE55SdWNgqjqoY7cEDqKAfain31bE0Zm0f1QcQ-LuGSnDdfZKyiW7qceNtjQc/s320/IMG_3610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Going into the city was a bit of an experience (normally, we do not have any trouble); however, we had GPS trouble which caused delays getting to the expo. We were supposed to arrive around 3, but due to some missed exits and congestion, we didn’t really arrive at the DC armory until around 4.<br /><br />The expo was pretty neat with the Rock and Roll memorabilia. Vendors were also all around handing out their free samples and wears. One notable vendor I came across was Glukos. They have a variety of nutrition packs that were displayed: gels, gummies, tablets and bars. It was nice to look at what from a race participant perspective. As a spectator in past events, I didn't really appreciate the value of expos.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwC5N0u8_6WKlteuyeLciQx375zcsp0YKIiOHxX9IhdPPVs_LsvEvHtrubAuW4KMGUItBLqGpGA-eAouKq3eMAxiVRqEI5fUOfPHNYl-WBF5HnB2PlTTkpYJ_L8Ue8JICFJ6hOTFLne9M/s1600/IMG_3614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwC5N0u8_6WKlteuyeLciQx375zcsp0YKIiOHxX9IhdPPVs_LsvEvHtrubAuW4KMGUItBLqGpGA-eAouKq3eMAxiVRqEI5fUOfPHNYl-WBF5HnB2PlTTkpYJ_L8Ue8JICFJ6hOTFLne9M/s320/IMG_3614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />After trying out several samples, and purchasing a few items, I was relieved to finally arrive at our hotel at around 5. The Capitol Hill Hotel was nice and quaint in a quiet area of DC.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1j-xdY1Cf_N5pUxIGIIabfBmti9tNEiQ-2P6EEh9Zgr7ZZpb9cJvvq0DFCchKQflo1Fvka5FbE8J8JRv0J3Hatp6DhGgmahCVBsh-LuMPJcgxDch0HxXqfzUMfEMIQuy9lwjFExB91w/s1600/IMG_3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1j-xdY1Cf_N5pUxIGIIabfBmti9tNEiQ-2P6EEh9Zgr7ZZpb9cJvvq0DFCchKQflo1Fvka5FbE8J8JRv0J3Hatp6DhGgmahCVBsh-LuMPJcgxDch0HxXqfzUMfEMIQuy9lwjFExB91w/s320/IMG_3615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09dNU_2bXUe9dcSeNSGL9rR6NsILYcSCJYEWCyP6WJX6A6oaTXp5pWYoZexUGdA12ntdHx20fYgqVMpF0IIzld6bAncv9BZkmNTm2LOCKKYkSwsTJbMGMgCFzoN5Wy52S1JK2YPgMGk4/s1600/IMG_3619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09dNU_2bXUe9dcSeNSGL9rR6NsILYcSCJYEWCyP6WJX6A6oaTXp5pWYoZexUGdA12ntdHx20fYgqVMpF0IIzld6bAncv9BZkmNTm2LOCKKYkSwsTJbMGMgCFzoN5Wy52S1JK2YPgMGk4/s320/IMG_3619.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VkIGBSsL98-X89uZxsv-T12UpReEIrAyvMbFKHuBtwNvJCr8MCR7oylrnjqevoG3JW-X5bpeuZSdfEz0kC5LRXDxfRLfFWQJu2kjjVefwD9dZfbRKOFhEcuzMj-lWFJ8ValtezLnHII/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VkIGBSsL98-X89uZxsv-T12UpReEIrAyvMbFKHuBtwNvJCr8MCR7oylrnjqevoG3JW-X5bpeuZSdfEz0kC5LRXDxfRLfFWQJu2kjjVefwD9dZfbRKOFhEcuzMj-lWFJ8ValtezLnHII/s320/IMG_3620.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Earlier in the day I researched a place for dinner and set my sights on We, The Pizza, a nice little restaurant which was only a 5-minute walk from the hotel.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkOTwbbkbA6clfEHaRV3MDzyVDIgm-JGJNj6eo4hxP7i6gEHQTTNNxWEqqYeEEYWe4ANZDW4XpRb9YMHST0SShBrH4VGRZkEls7RoUWiubBGElsGH3xv5pMuCBBnlKaxlPQvxpr8KqzE/s1600/IMG_3624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkOTwbbkbA6clfEHaRV3MDzyVDIgm-JGJNj6eo4hxP7i6gEHQTTNNxWEqqYeEEYWe4ANZDW4XpRb9YMHST0SShBrH4VGRZkEls7RoUWiubBGElsGH3xv5pMuCBBnlKaxlPQvxpr8KqzE/s320/IMG_3624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Lindsey and I devoured most of a large double pepperoni, which was a decent size. I also enjoyed a nice cool Blue Moon (well deserved after my battle with traffic all afternoon). Afterwards, we hit up a dive bar just down the street called Tune In. We took some time to enjoy some drinks. Lindsey had 2 margaritas, while I enjoyed a beer and a White Russian.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQwdQlMNeFDGqOWqRZvryDM7qkp1CqsTGrygL5I_-HQUwta04EYXqSF-jRGpJ1FOlZ9V69jgWqwMuGUgMhx7lykc1OHSF-0CmY_W5PQpk6EpbBF34S_IzUdOoKxWXxdjXHW4jPntO3hw/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQwdQlMNeFDGqOWqRZvryDM7qkp1CqsTGrygL5I_-HQUwta04EYXqSF-jRGpJ1FOlZ9V69jgWqwMuGUgMhx7lykc1OHSF-0CmY_W5PQpk6EpbBF34S_IzUdOoKxWXxdjXHW4jPntO3hw/s320/IMG_3623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />After getting a little tipsy, we headed back to the hotel room. From there, I watched some TV while Lindsey did some freestyle yoga. She talked me into doing some poses to get me loosed up for the race. So in my drunken stupor, I agreed and did some poses. It was definitely fun and opened me up to doing yoga again.<br /><br />After that, we ate our leftover pizza and headed to bed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFj6P-yY95X0qAj7laextlPtcbEDW215HZ_B8ZoxpLG4Zvb6mdWn21H3fevzAfYia_OHOfOXTbgEtoBsB2Joj79X_1YGzOz9wffSvqv-g7Ig0ate2QhpS4W1-g5_0-YiW7heCS3cI4Kk/s1600/IMG_3627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFj6P-yY95X0qAj7laextlPtcbEDW215HZ_B8ZoxpLG4Zvb6mdWn21H3fevzAfYia_OHOfOXTbgEtoBsB2Joj79X_1YGzOz9wffSvqv-g7Ig0ate2QhpS4W1-g5_0-YiW7heCS3cI4Kk/s320/IMG_3627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I had some knee pain from driving earlier causing some discomfort while I slept. It did cause some concern about my performance the next day.<br /><br /><b>Morning of the Race</b><br />The morning realistically started at about 4 am. I started stirring and going in and out of consciousness and my mind started to fill with thoughts about the race. I was a spectator/photographer for Lindsey at this exact same race two years ago, so all those memories started to flood in.<br /><br />At 5:30 am, our alarms went off and we began to get dressed. We headed down for breakfast, which was supposed to be served at 5 am since this was an official hotel for the DC Rock and Roll. As we made our way down, I noticed a good number of runners in the lobby. I assumed they were just hanging out, so we made our way over to the other building where breakfast was supposed to be served. As we came across the breakfast room, it was locked so we returned to where we saw the runners earlier. It turned out that was where our breakfast was being served. There was some fruit, instant oatmeal, orange juice, and some breakfast cake. Not the breakfast of champions, but we made due.<br /><br />Next, we checked out and headed to the finish line, as with this marathon, the start and finish are not the same (I am sure the logistics of closing roads in a major city has some influence on that) . By now, it was about 6:45 and roads were starting to close as we got closer and closer to the parking lot located at RFK stadium more. Thanks to the direction of DC’s finest we made it to our destination, parked, locked up the car, and made our way to the metro. That's where we were whisked away to the start line.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13POB7Ti-Cm7PHRZCT4TxN4oAc4mcIn07RRZUvWFPyC0IEQKTIRS1RC2XS2mvpaMAfQHuSmQMjhhbVRe7WIPQF82FoIs0eEbcPt08NtwDZ1NTclfUT6Wa9lrlX1Bidim-nzNQlQrCUJ4/s1600/IMG_3631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13POB7Ti-Cm7PHRZCT4TxN4oAc4mcIn07RRZUvWFPyC0IEQKTIRS1RC2XS2mvpaMAfQHuSmQMjhhbVRe7WIPQF82FoIs0eEbcPt08NtwDZ1NTclfUT6Wa9lrlX1Bidim-nzNQlQrCUJ4/s320/IMG_3631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>The Start</b><br />As we emerged from the metro, a familiar scene set in. The start was setup just as it was two years ago right outside the IRS building. Music was pumping and runners everywhere! They were already releasing runners in corrals and at the point of our arrival, corral 5 was setting off. Lindsey and I were in corral 16 so we had time as we made our way to our spot. At that point I realized, “Oh wow! I am doing this!” I never got nervous before races in the past, but now it hit me. This race was going to be my initiation to being a marathoner! All of the winter training, all of the injuries, and all of the frustration was for this moment right here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOyDJvoc4kmygnhfnkkbBphDWKnOgR-hBYsuJbm7zkjTBQvYMgbLKV3_vrK_dr0BRBY-hRlf_EUjWuWU-3hcAuw_70Ebd1P3urHHHq__mtQd5UP0AxjLnHMFu_RR5B3FZxEbcJyBpdDc/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOyDJvoc4kmygnhfnkkbBphDWKnOgR-hBYsuJbm7zkjTBQvYMgbLKV3_vrK_dr0BRBY-hRlf_EUjWuWU-3hcAuw_70Ebd1P3urHHHq__mtQd5UP0AxjLnHMFu_RR5B3FZxEbcJyBpdDc/s320/IMG_3638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />About every two minutes another corral was being released. Although we were 10 corrals back when we arrived, in no time we were also set free into a massive pack of runners ready to tackle this half/ whole marathon. <br /><br /><b>The First Half</b><br />Off we went, passing by the Washington monument, going across bridges circling other monuments and seeing sights of DC. You really don’t get to appreciate it all if you are driving by them,<br /><br />The biggest hurdle, which everyone talks about, is the hill at mile 6. I will proudly say that I ran the whole thing! It was definitely intimidating but conquerable.<br /><br />As we progressed hour by hour, everything was going swimmingly. I had no pain, I maintained a decent pace about at about 10:00/mile and sometimes even venturing into the 9:30s. We were running all hills at this point too. Lindsey, however, kept a close eye on me the entire time to make sure I wasn't pushing too hard.<br /><br />We passed through neat neighborhoods and shops, while spectators crowded all around. A new band and aid station at every mile definitely helped to keep me motivated. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhGAo9PEG-OAjc5uBXBXfV87UsLWYJc6TvHrEjctXGGbjI7sPjOnDpjEY0qMuQrMkKBEKKGJv1qWo4e_pFLSomT5ykrZsnnYQ0E-I2C2G7uCc7bFoY4wHoy9GeTw_4cW9oU1vXvkofyQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-21+at+6.32.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhGAo9PEG-OAjc5uBXBXfV87UsLWYJc6TvHrEjctXGGbjI7sPjOnDpjEY0qMuQrMkKBEKKGJv1qWo4e_pFLSomT5ykrZsnnYQ0E-I2C2G7uCc7bFoY4wHoy9GeTw_4cW9oU1vXvkofyQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-03-21+at+6.32.34+PM.png" width="219" /></a></div><br /><br />Around mile 9 was the Glukos aid station. I was given a gel tube and a pack of their orange gummies. I downed the gel tube and saved the gummies for later knowing I would need the fuel. I just didn’t know how bad I already needed them. That lesson was about to be learned.<br /><br />Three miles later we reached the mile 12 split where the half marathoners made their way to the finish line and the marathoners continued their adventure. It was a bit of a tease and I will admit it was a bit tempting to just finish early, but this was another challenge I needed to conquer.<br /><br /><b>The Second Half</b><br />After the mile 12 split, it was no-mans land. During the first half I tried to note who was wearing the red bibs (marathon bibs) and the blue bibs (half marathon bibs), but now you could really see how many of the earlier participants were half marathoners.<br /><br />Because the amount of runners died down, the lines for the bathrooms were non-existent! So it was also a good time for a bathroom break. What a relief!<br /><br />Things went well until mile 14. At that point we hit some uneven road surfaces and my right hip told me it didn’t like it. At that point, I started to manage my pain by backing off walking for a few minutes. Even after the road surface improved, it was too late. My hip wasn’t having it. So I took my time through the aid stations and picked my battles when it came to which areas I was going to run. Hills were out of the question by mile 18. It was going to be flats and downhills only. That's about the time I realized I had no energy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIObWhC5moQYMS1ei5cSUJ61J94igWZPSSHY2i7WOrWfKRNd436drqMQfpvMPbMv70cCWScO4kfnk3pjHZ2hXAteSnD6RWFbZUpSZchMclXFT9x4GZYLinkUeloJhvcUeGI_vqKq0-tlw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-21+at+6.34.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIObWhC5moQYMS1ei5cSUJ61J94igWZPSSHY2i7WOrWfKRNd436drqMQfpvMPbMv70cCWScO4kfnk3pjHZ2hXAteSnD6RWFbZUpSZchMclXFT9x4GZYLinkUeloJhvcUeGI_vqKq0-tlw/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-03-21+at+6.34.21+PM.png" width="233" /></a></div><br /><br />My less than ideal breakfast and my gel from earlier was all that I had! I needed to fuel! So I dove into my Glukos gummies and ate only half the pack as I feared that my stomach would not take well to them. Thankfully, the people at Glukos knew what they were doing and I was able to digest them pretty well.<br /><br />For the remainder of the race, it wasn’t a battle of the milage, but it was a battle of managing my hip and fuel needs. I continued to walk hills and some flats (not proudly). As we made into the last few miles, Lindsey and I started making short term goals: “Run to that light post” and “Try to run partially up this hill.” It helped me prove to myself that I was not out of this race. It kept my spirits up even though my mind started to work against me. Then...it happened. I hit “The Wall.”<br /><br />I am not sure what triggered it, but I was overcome with a feeling of hopelessness and all energy was zapped (you know, as if you ran into a wall). I knew that I needed to draw forth all my energy to overcome this. I had no breath at this point, so I started concentrating on that: getting my lungs pumping again.<br /><br />My overall goal for the race was four hours and thrity minutes, but at about half a mile left, the 4:40 pace group pasted us.<br /><br />“SHIT!” I exclaimed.<br /><br />Lindsey couldn’t help but laugh and a few other runners who heard me did as well (I couldn’t blame them since I laugh about it now over a week after the marathon). I knew the end was near but my hip wasn’t getting any better.<br /><br /><b>Finish Line</b><br />We came to the last corner of the race; a sharp left turn and an uphill (really at the end!!!), but as Lindsey said to me countless times during training, “Nothing to it but to do it.” We picked it up again and charged for the finish line.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBrgT2TzB0IkbvrCRSTyspAW3tabam5oCdE4w-8dDET9Boop8r6ZARcYK1ISWrA33pqzyqWlnocfpmKtEfE9pdvKxRNmC-4B_7b9gRTu5DgAO4L2COS1WIYt7TRmzHoqWUYvNi-MNcjg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-21+at+6.36.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBrgT2TzB0IkbvrCRSTyspAW3tabam5oCdE4w-8dDET9Boop8r6ZARcYK1ISWrA33pqzyqWlnocfpmKtEfE9pdvKxRNmC-4B_7b9gRTu5DgAO4L2COS1WIYt7TRmzHoqWUYvNi-MNcjg/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-03-21+at+6.36.08+PM.png" width="245" /></a></div><br /><br />The spectators were there in the masses. Runners that already finished were walking around with their medals, recovery treats and the most coveted item of all (to me anyway): the marathon finisher jacket. Lindsey had one from the San Diego marathon last year and I stared at it for the whole last month of training hanging by the door of our house. I had to have one and now, I was earning it.<br /><br />As the course funneled in, I grabbed Lindsey’s hand and said “You kick my ass during training. I kick your ass on race day” and we crossed the finish line in a sprint. That was the end. It was over.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2S-12oYalux3k1qiDYhOeEufJzR2axfNCwf3hvwWCks0cFysCheLQmxBusUbFqWsA_YPb-WnljcqPFFLb3MKiIGj92qv7UIOKfFZCk1JuAC9brU9yeWnIJsBuZkxGFM2cp_UyufnEKZc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-13+at+4.28.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2S-12oYalux3k1qiDYhOeEufJzR2axfNCwf3hvwWCks0cFysCheLQmxBusUbFqWsA_YPb-WnljcqPFFLb3MKiIGj92qv7UIOKfFZCk1JuAC9brU9yeWnIJsBuZkxGFM2cp_UyufnEKZc/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-03-13+at+4.28.57+PM.png" width="217" /></a></div><br /><br />We made our way through to get water, chips, fruit, chocolate milk and various other replenationing goodies, but I zeroed in on my finisher jacket. We found the stand where the jackets were being distributed and I got my XL jacket (I like to be confortable so I wear my clothes baggy). That was it and at that, I realized what happened to me and how I was acting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoM_e69PK66UVW7kmQB3dFVLOtkCwxvBBVpBCQWW_06eBFMmYTXk3rpSlfAgwsY-wyFwWOPbY_-9dhs9UIXF7AMYyurPA_fmVTFZLzszxDDh9zcsFlToBjHrgk2Eut1jVajVcVJHdt-Y/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoM_e69PK66UVW7kmQB3dFVLOtkCwxvBBVpBCQWW_06eBFMmYTXk3rpSlfAgwsY-wyFwWOPbY_-9dhs9UIXF7AMYyurPA_fmVTFZLzszxDDh9zcsFlToBjHrgk2Eut1jVajVcVJHdt-Y/s320/IMG_3644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Normally, I am pretty cheerful and friendly, but during the course of the race, I became quiet and unsocial. So as we sat and stretched, I took the time to try to re-center myself. I was now realizing exactly how Lindsey would feel after her marathons, doing her “grandma walk.” Now, it was my turn.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbDUeSt6KNdhtFRK3F3CD3iD2Hmnb3Ku07wwvric1Gr_Th4dZvFSEeb6IBedsI7dGQbayDGJsBRfCDQ5QIP0D6Brm1hUxMdflmqqHmEORY_TMOEZB5IQTrYvM8F5YU_7p_U8njdnDYDU/s1600/IMG_3646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbDUeSt6KNdhtFRK3F3CD3iD2Hmnb3Ku07wwvric1Gr_Th4dZvFSEeb6IBedsI7dGQbayDGJsBRfCDQ5QIP0D6Brm1hUxMdflmqqHmEORY_TMOEZB5IQTrYvM8F5YU_7p_U8njdnDYDU/s320/IMG_3646.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />We must have parked as far away from the finish line as possible because the walk felt like it went on forever, but we made it and with a much better experience of getting out of the city, we were on our way home.<br /><br /><b>Celebration</b><br />We met up with some local runners that also participated in the race. We ate, talked about the run, and discussed how this run compared to other events. My only closest mileage to this was when I ran 23 miles of the JFK with Lindsey. It was good to hear from them about how this event compared to others and the future plans that my newfound friends were looking to compete in.<br /><br /><b>Recovery</b><br />Recovery wasn’t too terrible actually. I took the day after the race off from running, but still made it a point to be up and around as possible. The following week, I tallied 9 miles for the week, which was way better than I thought! Knowing how I lose fitness from too much rest after previous half marathon races, I knew I can’t take too much time away from running.<br /><br /><i>All in all, it was a great race for both Peter and myself! I am unbelievably proud of him! He and I finished just under 4:47, which means he beat my first marathon time from when I ran the Rock n Roll DC in 2014!!! I really don't think that either of us could have asked for a better day!!!</i>Freckleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12739376866410280261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2378275412447997170.post-27834265017695892692016-03-12T19:22:00.000-08:002021-11-21T11:42:35.950-08:00Sorta Silent SundayRace recap to come on this one! But it won't be written by me! Just wait and see!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LThArTJmA-UJ76l1x_UkNo9ZhmKGofm2k7rZsdpr2LiVqS4CI30PEeJfnRNQTvIAtDNU9dsIJoZ7jR5L0FqYkmjO2p7IQoLCUTfHx-li6ag8Aobbws_wrxifFFiXt3HG5pnVh7kGsJ0/s1600/10658825_10206354482960795_2305264560723888576_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LThArTJmA-UJ76l1x_UkNo9ZhmKGofm2k7rZsdpr2LiVqS4CI30PEeJfnRNQTvIAtDNU9dsIJoZ7jR5L0FqYkmjO2p7IQoLCUTfHx-li6ag8Aobbws_wrxifFFiXt3HG5pnVh7kGsJ0/s320/10658825_10206354482960795_2305264560723888576_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtwrKFfHMcsvjfe5byho4kBWhFqqntDEwy8zVBNEf7_oEA4M-l7qdF7i2krSihWVkXxMEOr6Pz8JnPCgHVBz6MBilBqns9eYbGOvr2GNKJewQfU8JWeErbtivM4YDQ_YANye3J1-p9jc/s1600/10265474_10206356751857516_3048926763333594107_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtwrKFfHMcsvjfe5byho4kBWhFqqntDEwy8zVBNEf7_oEA4M-l7qdF7i2krSihWVkXxMEOr6Pz8JnPCgHVBz6MBilBqns9eYbGOvr2GNKJewQfU8JWeErbtivM4YDQ_YANye3J1-p9jc/s320/10265474_10206356751857516_3048926763333594107_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy6OwaQgduqHzEn9ZL3LMifTdwCKErgvtkSSMQYtcxQvhOpdC3_8XsUvuJzOS-hcu8devyledVSyVa05xsfiVmLtXeTUBcxpi3FUm8dxNGHY92hLldJQaW6OWCoJQAO52rbBmXG3ov9I/s1600/12805913_10206356123281802_5490779685379054430_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy6OwaQgduqHzEn9ZL3LMifTdwCKErgvtkSSMQYtcxQvhOpdC3_8XsUvuJzOS-hcu8devyledVSyVa05xsfiVmLtXeTUBcxpi3FUm8dxNGHY92hLldJQaW6OWCoJQAO52rbBmXG3ov9I/s320/12805913_10206356123281802_5490779685379054430_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXMxzSM9VVTYqpQL8eJEh9sDzpCvXcYQgQnhUyrX4XCthzJcUXULET0ahFY6_MH4EK5oTwmlinysG5Rif7SskBx2VkOPqInLN0R5wikGLZbggHhJ0J3hJ-ZRVbYl25UECOCWslyEhgJk/s1600/12829450_10206355525906868_7777362463231515522_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXMxzSM9VVTYqpQL8eJEh9sDzpCvXcYQgQnhUyrX4XCthzJcUXULET0ahFY6_MH4EK5oTwmlinysG5Rif7SskBx2VkOPqInLN0R5wikGLZbggHhJ0J3hJ-ZRVbYl25UECOCWslyEhgJk/s320/12829450_10206355525906868_7777362463231515522_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5ROVQcYjThwL5uZH85S37SL9xLXkvYsOQFrsGycSuTtzKEzLdl15jccK3m50xmx6KQtY4ozGd9oPWefJLvQ_EWpUwOp1wqM59_L8LcIu5PsAHtgpfAnrlDPpa04YwGcRucYRe004wlI/s1600/12828497_10206357012984044_8546522147799753467_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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