Allstate 13.1 Marathon - Boston recap

Last weekend my family and I set out for a weekend in Boston.  Our main purpose of the trip was for me to run in the Allstate 13.1 Marathon - Boston but we purchased tickets for a trolley tour of historic sites, harbor cruise and admission to a museum.  When we arrived to the hotel we were told that the room wasn't available so we couldn't drop Rocky so we could tour. We were all bummed but we still had a good time. We have already made plans to go back before the Spring to use the tickets.

After David and I took a swim in the pool/hot tub we hung out in the room. These two look quite comfortable, don't ya think?  We ordered take out from Ninety-Nine.  It was ok.  Nothing to write home about.  Then it was early to bed.  As usual it was hard for me to get to sleep because I was so excited about the race.

 The race had an early 7am start so when we arrived it was still dark.  We were a little confused as to where we should go.  The start/finish was at the Suffolk Downs Race Track but there were no signs posted nor did they mention in an email that the building would be open for use.  I was pleased to see that there were a boat load of port-a-potties. Once inside we were also allowed to use the restrooms.  Thank goodness we had the building because I am afraid of the dark it was COLD!! Hellllloooo Fall!!

A big thank you to the United States Marine Corp for presenting the colors during our National Anthem. 

I haven't had a race since June to test my progress.  We had a very humid Summer that kicked my butt. I expected to run around a 10 min/mi at best.  My plan was to do the best I could, listen to my body and not rely on my watch. I knew that the other runners would pull me along as well as my race day adrenaline so I needed to be careful to pace myself so I didn't hit the wall halfway through.  

 This is around mile 12.  I couldn't believe that I felt so good.  I read that if you train in the heat and humidity that it would payoff in the Fall but I really didn't know what to expect. The course was beautiful.  All but 4 miles of it was on a road that overlooks the ocean.  What a great way to keep distracted when your mind wants to quit. I just looked over my shoulder to watch and listen the waves.  It never fails to help my mind wander.

I finished strong @ 2:06 and an 18 min PR!!!! Woohoo!!

Give Your Sole was there accepting donations of used sneakers for a local charity.

 Allstate even provided massages after the race.  As much as I have been wanting to get a massage I can't get myself to get one after a race. Not only am I sweaty and stinky I feel bad subjecting those poor people to touching me in that condition. YUCK!!!

We even had a kick a** cover band to rock out! Oh, what is up with the free beer after races? What about Cosmos for those of us that do drink beer? ;)

All in all it was a fun race and I think I will do it again next year.  I have already signed up for their New York race in March 2013.

Next up, Runner's World Half & Festival in October.  It will be interesting to see what I finish with there.  The course is hilly and I will be running in their 10k the day before.

Do you get a massage post-race?

Do you drink beer after and does it help you to recover faster?

Do you train in the heat/humidity?

What improvements in your fitness have you seen because if it?

 

Happy Running!!

Another Mother Runner's 10 Running Questions Game

The two Mama's at Another Mother Runner, SBS & Dimity, started a cool game of 10 running questions.  I was invited to play by the awesome Lisa Runs For Cupcakes.  I read through the questions and they have really made me think about my goals and accomplishments.  I tend to fly by the seat of my pants in terms of goals.  They are not well thought out in terms of sitting down to think about what is going to be next. They usually come to me when I am not thinking about goals at all.  My accomplishments tend to get buried in the back of my head.  I am so busy moving forward  I don't stop to look back until a point in my training where I get frustrated and need to recall how far I have come to encourage myself.  Let the thinking begin!

1. Best run ever: It would definitely be my Half Marathon, Allstate 13.1 Marathon Boston, this past Sunday.  After a long, hot, humid summer, during which I was only able to achieve a pace between 10:15 - 11:15, I ran my race with an average pace of 9:37 (2:06 finish). Can you say major PR?!?!?! Whoohoo!! It felt so good to see what my body is capable after I trained hard and smart.

2. 3 words that describe my running: energizing, empowering, therapeutic

3. My go to running outfit is: My Addidas skirt and a singlet. I also only run with Fitsoks. Before I found this amazing product I got blisters on my arches and had to wrap my feet.

4.Quirky habit I have while running: If I am on a new route I will run around parking lots if I feel I will not meet my distance goal.  I don't like deviating from my mapped out routes by taking a loop on a side street.

5. Morning, midday, or evening: Morning

6. I won't run outside when it's: Raining AND dark. If it is one or the other I am good to go.

7. Worst injury and how I got over it:  No injuries.....yet!

8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: Smok'n guys is always a great rush but I think running in 95 - 100 degrees with 98% humidity makes me feel pretty badass.
 
9. My next race is: Sept 23rd Where the pavement ends.  I am only using it for crossfitness.  My next competitive races will be Oct 20th & 21st at The Runner's World Half & Festival.  I will be running the 10k & Half.

10. Potential running goal for 2013: I want to run a Marathon in the Spring to kick my 40th birthday in the bum and show my body that age is just a number.

Well, as my nephew would say, that's all I've got to say about that!

I am tagging the blogs below to play along but feel free to join in the fun and answer the questions too.

1. Run for your life
2. Meals & Moves
3. Sexy Mother Runner

Happy Running!!!

Dash 'n Splash 10 Mile Race & Giveaway

Hey everyone! Long time no blog. I realized the other day that I haven't posted a blog in about a month! WTH? How could I let this happen? If it's not blogged than life isn't happening, right??? ;)

Any who.... I have a great race and giveaway to tell you about. It's the Dash 'n Splash 10 Mile Race from 3W Races.  It is a 10 Mile virtual race that requires you to run through any type of water source, sprinkler, water spout, pool, river, ocean.  Whatever you have available, like these crazy guys @ 3W Races.

You can run the 10 miles 2 ways. 1 mile a day for 10 days (a water spot must be done each day) or 10 miles in one shot.  For $19.99 you will receive a bib & tshirt. Hurry on over to register.  The race is September 10th.

How cute are these shirts?!?!
The best part of this race is that the proceeds will be used to purchase a "push jogger" to be used by athletes in competition in conjunction with Athletes Serving Athletes. 3W Races rocks!!!

If you cannot participate in the race please consider donating to this worthy cause.

Now for the giveaway.  Leave me a comment telling me how you got wet during a run and you could win a free race entry.  No, being caught in a rainstorm doesn't count unless it was raining so hard it took your clothes off!  Hahaha! I will choose the winner at random from the comments.

Happy Running!!