It's The Weekend...

I am WICKED excited for this weekend!!! After having a fantastic time at The Falmouth Road Race on the Cape last weekend, I am following it up this weekend with the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Providence, RI.

Woo hoo!!

Now when I orginally set out with my plan for 2012, this race was not on my list.

Buutt....

then Runcupcake (aka Samantha) and The Fit Bee (aka Colleen) got to me! :P

Yes, I succumbed to peer pressure and signed up. Okay okay, there was a Leap Year/Day sale going on and I couldn't resist.

And as the weeks and months dragged on - more social media friends started signing up and now it is gonna be a Fitfluential party up in here!

So I really cannot wait to see these lovely ladies tomorrow for dinner and to meet many face-to-face for the first time ever!!

Then on Sunday we dominate ... we run the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon!

I am wicked excited to try and keep up with my fast friends - Colleen and Robin - both elite elite runners! I am ready to be pushed.

This weekend will be awesome! And this race will be number 18 of the 24 I have signed up for in 2012.

Bring it!

One Month Til...

... the big 3-0!! I don't have dire panic over turning 30. I mean it really doesn't change anything in my life - except that I end up in a new division in my road races ;) - but other than that it is just another birthday.

And for those that don't know I am NOT a big fan of celebrating my birthday ... except in 2010 when Tori proposed the night before it.

So maybe it's just entering a new decade that is giving me reservations about my birthday or society's common response  of freaking about getting older that has me questioning the day.

But when I sit and really think about why this birthday is so different from the others - one things come to mind:

HEALTH!

I am in the best shape I have ever been in and getting more comfortable in my own skin.

I am ready to enter this new chapter in my life - fit, healthy and happy.

If you had asked me when I turned 21, what I thought would be going on in my life at the age of 30 - I would NEVER have imagined I would be where I am today. It wouldn't have seemed like a realm of possibility.

But now, I am entering this next phase with a wife, two pups, a fulfilling job, wonderful friends, supportive family and a more positive outlook on life.

Wow! How could I have any reservations about what awesomeness my 30s will bring?

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I am wicked excited for what I have planned on my birthday weekend.

On the Saturday (September 15), the wife and I are taking part in the Warrior Dash in New Hampshire. My first and her third. I am sooo excited to finally cross this off my Fitfluential Fitness Bucket List. :)

Then on Sunday (September 16), I am hosting my very own 5k in my neighborhood. I am psyched. I really wanted to celebrate in a fun, unique and fitness based way. I thought what better way than to get my friends and family out running/walking before enjoying a good BBQ. :)

Since everyone doesn't live in the Boston area, I also created a virtual runner option. That means you would set up your own 3.1 mile course near you place of residence and send me the results.

I decided to add a charity element to the day as well. I am vying for a charity bib for the 2013 Boston Marathon and the fundraising goals for non-qualified runners (which I am) can be lofty. So the $15 registration fee for in person and virtual runners goes straight to my fundraising fund.

Additionally, every person that registers (in person or virtual) will receive a Finisher's Medal! OOhhh race bling! ;)

If you want more information about the birthday 5k, it's sponsors or to register please click here.

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So come on world, bring on the 30s ... I'm not scared of 'em!

Falmouth Road Race - 8/12/12 - 58:10 (8:19 min/mile)

There were and still are so many emotions wrapped around this one race that it took me a few days to process them all ... also we finally moved into our new apartment on Monday so I have been busy settling in. The Falmouth Road Race is an internationally known event. Runners come from ALL over the world to participate. It is crazy to think the race started 40 years ago with just 92 people participating in the first race. 92! Because this year, 2012, the 40th anniversary there were over 12,800 people registered to run. Now THAT is a successful race.

The race is so popular there is a lottery in place to get a bib to race. Well, unless you are one of the 5 guys that have done all 40 Falmouth Road Races or one of those world-famous Olympic types coming to win! :) If you aren't chosen in the lottery, you can still get a bib by participating with a charity team.

Either way, it is an EXTREME honor to experience a Falmouth Road Race

I have spectated many a Falmouth Road Race. My dad and uncles were all big runners in the 90s and early 2000s so I was in attendance at a fair number of Falmouth Races, but never participated. Why would I have? We all know I didn't pick up the running bug until 2005. Before that, running was as gross to be as brussels sprouts. ;)

But this year it was different.

Now that I am back in the Boston area and addicted to running ;) I was ready to take the plunge and enter the lottery for a number to Falmouth.

Call it beginner's luck or destiny or whatever you want ... but I was picked! Woo! Let the tradition continue...

So this past Saturday, the wife and I headed down to the Cape - her first time ever being there - and was quickly met with a downpour. Why thank you mother nature! You shouldn't have!!

We breezed through packet pick-up and the expo - where I did pick up a nice bib holder!! :)

Thankfully it lightened up enough so that we could walk around Woods Hole, Falmouth and Yarmouth before calling it an early night. Originally the plan was to stay with a friend of mine, but that fell through so instead we had to rent a last minute hotel room ... for $335 for one night ... 45 minutes away from the race. Yyyyaaaaaaa - no!

But we made the most of it. I mean the room had a king bed that had me well rested for the race the next morning ... didn't help that it was the perfect spot for my 2-hour afternoon nap as well. :) One has to take the peace and silence when one can, right?

So Saturday night we grabbed an early dinner near the hotel and planned to get to bed nice and early since the alarm was going off at 5:30am on Sunday for the race ... but DAMN those Olympics. I got sucked into the track and diving and ended up finally going to bed around 11. Thanks to my nap I still woke up refreshed at 5:30am on Sunday.

We left the hotel around 6am to take the 45 minute trek to Falmouth, where the buses would jet me off to the Start Line in Woods Hole.

Well then enter a monsoon of a downpour. The wife and I sat in the car for an hour before there was enough of a break in the rain that I could dart for the port-o-potties and buses without drowning.

I made it to the Start area by 8:15 and got to just hang around in the rain until it was time to line up. With over 12,000 runners there was no cutting it close on getting to the right place at the right time. My corral (Corral 4) was supposed to start at 10:10am, but with the rain, which led to flooding, the start of the race was delayed.

 

We finally got the go ahead to start just as the rain stopped and the sun started to peak through.

Enter Humidity Stage Left.

Kim and I were both in Corral 4 and started the race together. Yay having someone to run with. :)

The Falmouth Road Race strongly advises runners NOT to use headphones or earbuds during the race so as a good rule listener I didn't bring my headphones. I was excited not to use them so I could really enjoy the energy from the crowds.

The wheelchair racers, elite runners and wave 2 were off and it was finally our time to step up to the Start Line - go Wave 3!

I had my usual pre-race jitters, but was just so excited to run THE Falmouth Road Race ... then we were off!!

It was a truly beautiful course. The entire way was lined with people, families, bands, sprinklers and water stations. Besides the ones the race provided, houses along the course set up their own water and fruit stands. It was amazing.

The Cape coastline is just a beautiful thing - even when still overcast at the start of the run.

Kim warned me that the first three miles were all rolling hills ... and she was right. At first I was nervous for the hills, but I have to say my Spin classes have really paid off in the leg strength department. I feel so much stronger now and can more easily attack the hills.

I felt good going into Mile Four. Kim and I cruised through the hills, but then she started feeling a pain in her side. Not good timing. She took Mile Four (which was finally flat) to try to stretch it out, but it started to slow her up.

I ended up continuing the rest of the race by myself. But with the crowds at Falmouth I didn't feel alone at all. Since your name is on your number, people were cheering for me and really keeping my spirits up as the humidity and temperature rose!

The crowds filled the entire length of the course and really made the experience. Where else, but along a race route are little kids excited that I gave them a high-five? Okay, one kid did diss me and pulled away from the high-five I tried to give him, but I tried to bury the sadness at that. ;)

But just after passing the 10k mark, it was time to get to the final hill of the course. The famous hill leading to the Finish Line. As I hit the 10k on the ground, I looked up and there were the world-famous Hoyts. I think any member of the running community knows the Father-Son team of the Hoyts, but if you don't you can learn more here.

They are one SERIOUS inspiration.

As I made the final turn towards the last stretch of the hill, I felt such a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had finally been part of a family tradition of running The Falmouth Road Race. I had taken part in one of the most famous races in the world. I had done so without the use of any music or watch. I didn't pay attention to my pace or time at any point in the run and it felt awesome. I just let my feet hit the pavement and get in a groove. I took in all the sights, sounds and smells. I soaked up the energy and love and am storing it in my brain for whenever I am feeling blue.

I took one look at the crowds and kept going...

(Side note: I am pretty impressed with my ability to take a photo while running)

Then it was time to make the final push up the final hill...

Because once I made it over the hill it was literally all down hill from there ... and in front of me was THE image I always conjure up when thinking of The Falmouth Road Race - the GIANT American Flag before the Finish.

I couldn't wipe the smile off my face at seeing that sight ... and then the race was over!

Well that seven miles seemed to really fly. ;)

I officially finished in 58:10 (8:19 min/mile pace) ... I was 1,812 overall out of 10,612, 535 out of 5,419 females and 375 out of 1,293 in my division.

To say I was excited is an understatement. I still can't believe when these times and positions post that it is really my info. But, boy does it make my smile get even bigger!!

For one of the first times  - if not the first time ever - I remember the Falmouth Road Race having a medal at the end - it was to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the race. YAY RACE BLING!!

You know I love it!

Unfortunately, we didn't have a good post-race handle on things so the wife missed me finishing so after asking for help from some locals I was able to figure out a walking route to locate her and the car. We decided to avoid Cape traffic and leave ASAP.

So after changing in the Dunkin Donuts bathroom, it was time to compression, while riding home. Hello multi-tasking!

Thanks Cape for overall showing me a great time - besides that pesky rain!!

Would I do The Falmouth Road Race again? In a heartbeat. Will I do it next year? Only the lottery gods can tell. ;)

Face it Friday - Frustration OVER

I am human! I know folks it is a shocking revelation, but I am not always the perfect Weight Watchers member and I tend to think that is why you all can relate. We are human. Life happens. Then I realize "I Am Still Learning"!!

So a week ago today I stepped back on the scale for the first time in three weeks. We had been traveling each Friday to either Chicago for the Half Marathon or Maine for relaxation (not that I am complaining at all).

But I got on the scale on August 2 and was up 4 lbs since my last home weigh-in

July 13 - 155.2

August 2 - 159.3

(Note: I NEVER thought I would be upset/mad to see a 159 on a scale! Oh how times change...)

Well that was expected with vacation and taking advantage of stopping at all our favorite spots in Chicago. ;) But it was time to get refocused.

So on August 3, it was back to tracking. I was determined over the next 11 days to track everything (be a #trackstar), get 100oz of water each day, do a plankaday and hit all of my Good Health Guidelines.

At the same time I was starting full on Marathon Training...

so it was time! :)

Thanks to my ActiveLink I am wicked aware of my activity and motivated to top myself each day.

Well by Monday morning I was up to 60-something Activity Points, yet I got on the scale and nada.

Say whhaa?? Usually after a few days back on plan and that much activity, I woulda seen some movement but nope.

So it was time to bring in my reinforcements ... my #wwmafia crew (which is a group of WW Leaders and Receptionists that are the bomb biggity - yup I just used bomb biggity).

I asked for their advice and soaked it all in.

Because I can use all my WW Leader info on myself, but sometimes you need to hear it from someone else to get it to sink in.

So I kept on doing what I was doing:

*Eating 26 DPT a day

*Eating/Drinking all 49 of my Weekly Points

*Not touching my Activity Points

*Drinking at least 100oz of water a day

*Kept up my plank a day streak

I checked in again on Wednesday...

(Note: I am broke my own rule this week by weighing myself more than 2 times a week and I was upset with myself for doing that, but I got swept up in my own crazy!)

... and nada!

I started to look through my tracker and share with my most trusted WW Leaders and Receptionists to get their thoughts.

Common theme: water retention. Yup, indicator to me? Not able to get any of my rings off my fingers.

But I stuck with it!

I could've just given up and said Screw it! I'm having Chinese food but no! I trust WW and know it works.

I tallied up 111 AP this week - thanks ActiveLink for pushing me to light those darn lights up! ;)

So I got on the scale this morning and BAM. It worked.

Home Scale read 156.2.

WOO!

And the official Weight Watchers Lifetime/Employee weigh-in read .... 156.4!

WOO!

In range (153-157) and once again proving that WW works.

Now, for me ... this summer has been a HUGE adjustment. Not only are we in a new place and I am in a new job, I have now had to adjust to attending BBQs and having a social life. ;) Well going from working like 100 hours a week to not, I feel like a new member now (like I've written before). So now adjusting to social life and learning how to handle the delicate time of Lifetime/maintenance.

This whole summer has been a welcomed learning curve. I have learned to really keep my fitness up in the times of Happy Hours, BBQs and vacations.

Thankfully, I have a great support system that will not let me get too far off the deep end. They keep me in check and I would be LOST without them!!

So let's as a group just make it through these last few weeks of summer and move on ... to Birthday Season!

Oh darn... ;)

But moral of the story is: I Am Human ... and I am Still Learning!

Marathon Training - My 1st Track Workout

I was nervous before yesterday's workout. I have NEVER done a real track workout before. But my running coaches (Sarah and Joanna - yes a 1 month old is keeping me in check) had set up a plan for me and I needed to stick with it. What was even better was that there is a track right across the street from Sarah's house so I could have my coaches right in front of me - helping me along the way!

How can I not give it 100% with this lady cheering me on!

So we hit the track and it was go time - Sarah had her stopwatch and everything! ;)

We started off with 2 laps (800m) warmup jog and followed it up with a 100m sprint.

Once we finished that we headed to the shade and did some good stretching.

Then it was GO time.

Thankfully Sarah actually ran on our college track team so I knew to listen to all of her advice. The goal of the 5x800 workout was to stick with a certain pace the whole time. So after chatting with Sarah, the goal was to finish each 800m in about 4 minutes.

And of course I started out too fast. Oops! I finished the first 400 in 1:33 where I was really looking for a 1:52-ish time. So I slowed down the second lap and posted an overall 3:40ish for the first 800, which was pretty decent.

Following the first 800m, I was instructed to walk around the track once (400m) pushing the sweet lil baby Joanna to keep the muscles loose. I love doing what I am told.

PLUS let me tell you that adds some weight and difficulty to the walk ... which I welcomed. :)

As I continued the 800m intervals, I got more in tune with my pace and what a 1:50ish 400m felt like, which really made me feel good. I felt like I was becoming a stronger person and runner.

I was able to average between 3:40-3:50 for the remaining 4 800m loops and it felt awesome ... even with the pounding heat!

After the final 400m walk with Joanna, we did one final cool down 400m jog and hit the shade for some stretching.

The running coach seemed to approve my performance during my first track workout - PHEW! She is a tough coach that I don't want to let down. ;)

I owed her for coming up with a great workout so we had some chill time after ... with food of course!

But overall, I loved the change in my routine. It mixed up my normal long runs and I felt like I got a lot out of the time on the track. NOW I know what all those elite fancy runners are talking about when they go on and on about their track workouts. Granted I have only been through one so far ... but I survived ... I thrived ... and I will go back for more! :)

Marathon Training - 13 Miles

On Wednesday, I sat down with my BFF/trainer/running coach/new mom Sarah and we worked out a true Marathon Training plan for me. I say real because we actually wrote everything down from that day through November 3 - Marathon Day. Wow!

THAT made this whole journey seem really real. Yes I know the whole running and signing up for it made it real, but starting a true training plan makes it feel like it is happening ... as it is. :o)

My calendar for today read 14 miles. I was ready for it. I even had a good alarm set so that my butt would get up and run. ;)

It worked.

I was up and out the door by 6:15. I headed to my usual route around the Charles River. I checked the weather before I started and with humidity it was 90 degrees.

At that point, I made the decision that I would focus on the mileage rather than the time/pace of today's run.

I stretched and hit the pavement.

Oh, I could feel the humidity right off the bat. I knew I would be running a 9-something min/mile pace. Which again I was okay with.

I tried to get into the running groove I know and love, but it wasn't sticking.

Not sure if it was all the heat or what, but I couldn't get into a rhythm.

I had to run in my glasses because of my possible pink eye and that totally threw me off. I gravely DISLIKE running in glasses - yes this was learned about 2 minutes into the run. I alternated between running with the glasses on and with them in my hand. I just felt uncomfortable running without them on since everything just looked blurry. Not the safest thing so early in the AM.

Additionally, the brand new earbuds I bought at the expo for the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon kept falling out. They praise themselves on having the "lock" technique of the earbuds, but for some reason it just hasn't worked for me. They fell out during the Half and each run following that.

(Note: I got so frustrated today I almost threw them in the River then made sure to write a letter to customer service when I got home. Hopefully I can get the issue resolved.)

The first half of the run felt like it was 100% in the sun - as I took the turn around - it was like a new run started ... it was shady and had a breeze. Oh the breeze felt heavenly. ;)

I was feeling the humidity more and more as the run wore on. I unfortunately just wanted it to end. I kept counting down the miles one by one.

As I neared my car (I run a loop around the River), I spotted a sign for free water and just had to stop.

(Note: The Charles River is a 13-mile loop - the portion I did - and there were only 2 water fountains that gave out hot water. Not cool Boston. I tweeted Mayor Menino about it today. Hello 90 degrees in Boston and just 2 water fountains - boo!)

As I neared the 13 mile mark, I struggled in my head as to whether I could push on for the final mile or not.

I HATE not finishing what I started or accomplishing a goal, but I was feeling completely OUT of gas in my tank. So I made the executive decision to stop.

Ugh, I was wicked upset with myself for a few minutes then I had to get a grip. I ran 13 more miles than had I stayed in bed. I could've said Nah I'll do it later when it wasn't so hot. BUT NO ... I went out there and gave it everything I had.

So what did I learn today?

I relearned ;) that I need to listen to my body. I may not always be able to fulfill what the "training schedule" has planned, but I can give it all I have.

And...

Each run is a fresh start. I will get it next time!!

And ... RELAX!!

I cannot even begin to tell you how awesome my weekend was. Okay I can. But the main reason it was so great was because we had NOTHING planned. The wife and I took our first weekend away - weekend away ALONE - since moving to Boston ... and didn't make any plans for it ... besides getting out of the city. We used this last weekend as a belated Birthday celebration for Tori (she turned 32 on July 18) and headed to Camden, Maine. It is about three hours from Boston We rented a nice little cottage for a couple days - thank you LivingSocial ... and it was

GLORIOUS!!

We both had wicked stressful weeks so we were so looking forward to some downtime.

We were able to sneak out of town before noon on Friday (July 27) and headed North.

Camden is about 3 hours from Boston, but we took our time getting there. Camden is a cute little coastal town so I knew Tori would love it.

We got to our cottage and was greeted with this lovely view:

Peaceful.

After getting settled we headed down to explore the downtown ... and of course hit Happy Hour. It is vacation! ;)

After enjoying the local cuisine, it was time to get back to the cottage and call it an early night ... but not before testing out the jacuzzi, catching the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics and enjoying an adult juice box. :P

I was wicked excited to sleep in on Saturday - but ooohhh no! My body woke me up before 6am. Why thank you internal clock - way to kick in on my off days. Sheesh!

Saturday was a nice - take it as it came - kind of day.

It started off by me kicking some booty at mini golf! Don't knock the stance, I got not one, but TWO Hole-in-Ones during the 18 hole course.

After grabbing some freakin' awesome lunch at a local establishment (I had ribs for the first time in ages and they were finger lickin' good!!), we went off to try some local vino.

We ended up at Cellardoor Winery and took part in a tasting. We were able to try six different types of wine ... and NONE disappointed.

We left the winery with 6 bottles of wine ... shocker! :O)

After the winery, I took a nap. I cannot tell you the last time I took a nap ... and it was GLORIOUS!!

It was overcast on Saturday night, but that didn't stop us from enjoying a Sunset Cruise. Well, we didn't end up seeing a sunset, but  it was so serene and peaceful on the boat that I was okay with not seeing one. Plus, being on a boat makes the wife so happy that the trip was worth it just for that.

We went out on the Schooner Olad, which normally holds 22 people - but thankfully our trip had just six people on it - so it was nice and calming. :)

We got back to land at about 9pm so we just found a local pizza joint to hit up - the guy legit sounded like Mario from Super Mario Brothers - which entertained Tori to no end.

I of course had to try the jacuzzi out again before heading out on Sunday.

Once again my internal body clock woke me up before 7am on Sunday ... so we were off early.

We grabbed our Dunkin Donuts, played some Phase 10 and packed up since we had to check out by 11am.

The great thing about driving home was that we could stop off anywhere we wanted on the way back.

So as we left Camden just before 11am - and the rain that was predicted for the whole weekend finally started to fall - we decided to make a pit stop in Ogunquit on the ride home.

Ogunquit is one of my favorite spots in Maine ... and quickly becoming one of Tori's as well. :)

So we stopped there for lunch and a quick walk on the beach - we also called this "delaying the end of vacation." :P

It was finally time to head home. Despite some traffic, we made it home before 5pm. Thank goodness. When we got home from Chicago, it was almost midnight.

The pups were excited to see us when we got home and in a snuggly mood, which made coming home just a little easier.

Even though our vacation was about 48 hours along, it was EXACTLY what we needed. Just a weekend for the two of us to get away and hang out with each other ... and RELAX!!

I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to do these sorts of adventures now ... and having built-in puppy sitters in the house!! ;)

Chicago On My Mind...

It's pretty interesting that we are heading back to Chicago for a weekend almost six months to the day that we left. We packed up the Uhaul and headed back East on January 29 and are now heading back to Chicago on July 20 ... it's funny how the world works. I also never thought I would be looking forward to this three days in Chicago as much as I am.

And I have running to thank for it to be happening at all!! :)

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Last year, the Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon marked my second-ever half and the first since February 2006 ... and to make it even more special - it was the longest race I was doing (August 2011) after having major back surgery (January 2011). Yes, less than eight months after half of my L4-L5 disc removed, I was planning on running - no dominating - the half marathon.

And I did ... well in my opinion I did. I cut about 8 minutes off my time from the first half in February 2006 and the Rock n Roll in August 2011.

Here is the recap from last year.

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Unfortunately, the wife has suffered an injury and will be unable to run on Sunday, but thankfully she has enough other fun things planned to make the trip worth it. :)

I'm not sure why we picked such an early flight on Friday (5:50am), but it does give us three whole days in Chicago as a result.

Friday will be the day to really see as many people as possible since I will be crashing early on Saturday night.

We will be able to have breakfast with her old coworkers (a Friday tradition when she worked there), hit up the expo as soon as it opens, I can tour the new offices at Wrigley that were happening just after I left and meet as many friends as possible for Happy Hour.

Ooohhh I am smiling just thinking about all the smiles, hugs and laughter that will take place tomorrow. :)

On Saturday, the wife's parents are making the roughly 2.5 hour trek from their home to come meet up with us in the city. I think this is the longest the wife has gone without seeing her parents in quite some time so it is great they can come up and meet us.

Then Sunday is the big day!! The race starts at 6:30am and I'm hoping to get there nice and early and maybe even spot some of my Twitter friends and old coworkers that I know are running as well. Plus I just love milling around in the pre-race excitement. :)

Now I just heard that the start should be about 81 degrees. Boo! Really I am okay with it, but I know it will be too hot to wear my Superman socks that I now love so much. Well, they will still make the trek out there ... just in case!

After a cool down and some Dunkin Donuts, we will take the rest of Sunday easy ... and of course hit up the Weber Grill restaurant before heading to the airport. It is now a post Chicago Half Marathon tradition! ;)

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My goal is to run a PR - which is currently 2:05.40 - and run my first sub 2 hour Half Marathon. Now I know the heat will play into how I run so I am not going to push myself to a limit that might cause me harm. BUT I am going to give it everything I have on that course. :)

While taking in the scenery as well. The course is all through the city of Chicago and along the Lake - one beautiful beautiful course.

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I am also excited to see how being down about 17 lbs between the two Rock n Roll half marathons impacts my times...

It wasn't til I looked at these pictures side by side - July 2011 vs. July 2012 - that I can see how big of a difference 17 lbs can make. That is the same fuel belt in both pics, but as you can see on the left I couldn't wear it any lower because of my weight.

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So to all, I hope you have a fantastic weekend and I cannot wait to update you all on how this weekend goes for me.

To my Chicago friends, I cannot wait to see all of you!! Be ready for lots of hugs... :)

VERT Sasquatch Trail Race (2.35 mi) - 7/15/12 - 18:59 (8:05 min/mile)

So this was my first ever trail run. Let me tell you: I have GAINED a TON of respect for people that do trail running ALL the time. WOW! It is quite a workout... I figured it was safe to kick off my first trailing running adventure with a race that was short - 2.35 miles seemed like nothing ... PRIOR to running it. ;)

I was HONORED to have the privilege of being asked to be the Captain of Team Slumbrew for the event and of course I jumped at the chance. Not only do I love their beer ... but I also LOVE the people behind it. Drink local folks ;)

They even hooked us up with these awesome tech shirts for the run...

Team Slumbrew had 12 awesome people on it. I only knew two of the people beforehand, but think we all clicked pretty well. :)

Racemenu did the timing and had awesome chips that went on the shoes. 

The run was set into three separate waves since the paths were pretty tight. Our team was in Wave One.

Like usual I didn't bother to look at the course beforehand so I had no idea where the start was or what to expect. Sometimes I kind of like the unknown of a race course since I practice on the same course all the time and know the ins and outs of it.

But anyway, we all lined up on the field across from the Stone Zoo and all of a sudden the gun went off and it was go time.

I was actually having some technical difficulties at the beginning of the race so I decided to forego listening to my music or my Runkeeper during this run. Also, I thought C'mon it's only 2.35 miles - that isn't that much.

WOAH!

2.35 miles on this trail run was MUCH different.

We started my running along the road before we headed into the woods and proceeded to run vertically for about 2 miles.

Wow.

All I kept thinking was thank GOODNESS I Spin. I got myself down into more of a squat and run barreled up the hill as best as I could. But, it there were so many rocks/tree branches/other people to watch out for.

It was definitely more of a workout than I had expected, but it was a good burning for sure. It made me realize how strong my legs have actually gotten over time.

Thanks to Alain from Racemenu for yelling at me to "smile already" so I could get this great action shot!

I was definitely breathing heavily and cursing under my breath before and after this was taken. ;) This was just after what I figured was the half way mark.

I finally looked down at my Runkeeper once I saw the long awaited downhill come into view. We were just shy of 2 miles and I was ready to be done. It was in the mid 90s and I was sweating up a storm.

I hit the downhill and just felt like a kid running free down a hill without any sort of brakes. Normally I can reel myself in on a downhill, but not this time. All I focused on doing was NOT falling down the hill and taking out the people in front of me.

Once we got to the bottom of the hill, we STILL weren't done. C'mon people. We had to sprint around the field and then would be done.

Wow! This race honestly felt wwwaaayyy longer than 2.35 miles, but it proved once again how much stronger I am thank I give myself credit.

I crossed the line at 18:59 (8:05 min/mile pace) and was 111th out of 444 and the second finisher on Team Slumbrew.

What an accomplishment.

Go Team!

We rocked it!

I even won an award - cuhlearly, not for my speed or lack there of. But for being a social media nut - Facebook and Twitter - about the race and the VERT Race Series. :) I was so surprised and honored. I got a cool VERT mug with the Slumbrew logo on it. :)

It was great to hang out with some of my twitter buddies in person:

George and I have crossed paths on Twitter, Untappd, Foursquare and on the road at races, but it took til this race to finally chat!

The same with Lexi - lots of social media, but had yet to meet in person. I wanted to thank her and her husband for giving me this sweet Untappd t-shirt!! :)

So thank you all for making my first trail run a success.

It is Wednesday and my ankles still hurt - so I know I need to keep practicing to get used to it. But, I will definitely do it again!!

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Have you participated in a trail run/race before?

Wordless Wednesday

Boy have I missed Wordless Wednesday ... well here goes!

The cutest little lady to my join my life - Ms. Joanna Grace Gilligan. SWOON!

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I HEART compression sleeves ... especially after a 12-mile run. Who likes that my Weight Watchers ActiveLink looks like a beeper?? :)

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PROOF: I wore a bathing suit - 2 different ways - in public! HUGE Non-Scale Victory...

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Everyone needs some meditation time...