tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918819319266117192024-02-01T22:06:25.175-08:00JennRunsUSAAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-9416198847308291102016-12-31T15:59:00.001-08:002016-12-31T16:15:37.653-08:00A Personal New Year's Resolution: To Be Me.<img id="id_dd34_4c44_b470_a8dc" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaKouJ5EwajVeRNd3Dh8eFuZMp3YntGtJnoIDq88k4Yyw19OqdwbS0t7nVEMbWUgR1Pm8Jltxn2U8yntiumcZuNVHmL5urpkEjkVWU3mkw4zxlZaiF2drDVl2sP1ny0EJt4ErL5WhbZA/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">For my entire adult life I have made resolutions and never kept them. A few of those years I even opted out of making them so I wouldn't have anything to break. Before I go into this year's resolution, I need to provide a brief background. </span><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I'm 34 years old. I'm in a solid relationship and have a decent job. I'm healthy and happy. But this may throw you off because I said I was happy. I also have depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><b>Depression</b>. I was diagnosed when I was in college. A "chemical imbalance" as they like to say. I've seen my fair share of pyschiatrists, psychologists, and dabbled in the medication department. I discontinued all of it because I literally couldn't afford it and taught myself to manage independently. While doing so I ended a previous engagement (beneficial to both of us in the long run), made some horrible decisions, and bounced from state to state searching for happiness. I still battle depression but thanks to my outlets of running & yoga, and the supportive people in my life I know how to navigate through it. I may burst into tears for no apparent reason and I may be unable to get off the couch for days hiding from the world, but I'm fighting it and winning.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><b>Anxiety</b>. My anxiety comes off as being shy. When I meet new people or am even around family and old friends I constantly beat myself up. "Nobody wants to be around me because I don't have anything interesting to say" or "I've put on a few pounds so I don't deserve to go out for drinks" are just a few phrases that circle my never-ending thought process. It's EXHAUSTING.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><b>Self-esteem</b>. I think everyone battles self-esteem issues at some point in their life. It's basically a given when you're in middle and high school and we assume as adults it won't effect us anymore. Maybe it's true for some, but for me it has been a struggle. I've battled disordered eating because of it. At just 12 years old I would only allow myself 6 baby carrots for an entire day and then a very small dinner when my family sat down to eat in the evening so nobody would catch on to what I was doing. Other times I would go on a binge after depriving myself of calories for so long. I am no longer at these extremes, but I am still a work in progress. Self-worth is very important in caring for yourself, and I want to get better at it. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">With that background, I can move onto my resolution. One I know I can keep and HAVE to keep: Take Care of Myself. In every single way possible. What exactly does this mean?</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">This means I will truly honor my feelings. I will say no (very hard for me to do) to situations, people, and events that are not beneficial to my soul and well-being. I will not exhaust myself, within reason, to make everyone around me happy. In 2016 I felt left out with certain 'friends' and dwelled on it for so long that it physically hurt. I will always be there for anyone who needs me, but I also have concluded that not everyone is meant to be your friend and that's completely ok. I don't ever hate anyone and friends do come and go, and sometimes come back again better than before. I've learned it's not about how many friends you have, but the quality of the relationship. I'm ready to embrace all current humans in my life, ones who may have disappeared and will come back again, and those I have yet to meet. And if I say "no" to something or leave an event early it's nothing personal. I'm just taking care of myself and still love you all the same. :) </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">This resolution also means I will learn to be extremely mindful. I love the word 'mindfulness' and it resonates with me everytime I see or hear it. I will try to be mindful with whatever I'm doing. One example of this means putting my phone down more often (it won't be 100%, I'm only human!) while I'm eating or having conversation with people without distraction. Social media has been a powerful influence in my life. I've been inspired, met great people, and made connections I may not have made without it, but I can honestly say I need to be more present and put the tiny device down more often. Mindfulness will allow me to determine more easily when I'm tired, when I need to cry, or go for a run. I will be more aware when I am full while eating, or need a nap, a bubble bath, time alone, and in general what my needs are throughout the day. I will journal more often and remind myself of the amazing qualities I was given. I will learn to respect myself. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I want to focus on laughing a lot more. Exploring and opening my heart and mind to new opportunities. Take advantage of all the things life presents to me, the great and the ugly. I truly believe if I do these things I will genuinely become happier than I already am. I want to be the best friend, co-worker, daughter, niece, grand-daughter, cousin, aunt, sister, dog mama and especially future wife that I can possibly be. By keeping up with this resolution I also hope to experience freedom from my personal struggles so I can live an amazing life. I deserve that. Don't we all?</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">My final day of 2016 has been incredible and exactly what I needed. I started my morning attending yoga and winning a full month of unlimited yoga at my studio. I had brunch with Brad and we laughed a lot during our conversation. We cleaned our little apartment and bathed the dogs to start the new year fresh. I'll end the year spending time with my family. It has been perfect and exactly what I needed THIS day. I plan to do more of this in 2017. One day I may need extra sleep, and the next I may want to spend all night out socializing. Whatever and whoever each day presents I will be all there. Mindful and present. But most importantly I will be ME. Raw, kind, supportive, open, forgiving, accepting, free, and unapologetically ME. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I wish everyone who made it to the end of this (and even those who did not!) an extremely Happy Year 2017. May it be healthy, magical, and everything you dream it to be! </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-82251240158948116472016-12-07T18:37:00.001-08:002016-12-07T18:37:08.745-08:00A Christmas Story Run Race Recap<span style="font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Arial Narrow" color="#283593">So many great things to say about this race as always. This was our second year running and basically our Christmas kick-off celebration! But for real, you need to just go to Cleveland and experience it for yourself!</font></span><div><span style="font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Arial Narrow" color="#283593"><br></font></span></div><div><img id="id_6000_55ca_377c_d52f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMMI9ANX8U4xrt_gckBAp8NaOoM9Djpjxz5v6RVsy3poeSp3DGXdso0BApbndAf8Jrc1vd1sF3gEsS9ZO-Zgr-vCwfOOKsHeAV1kA72-W6u1q0nX6Zo4vsnjN-D2ywvUN_DxMs_uTZk4/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 346px; height: auto;"></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593">Packet pick-up is nice and easy at the Rennaissance Hotel downtown. If you don't stay at the hotel there is a HUGE parking lot across the street with easy access to it.l and many hotels in the area within a few miles of the race. This year the actor who played Randy was signing autographs inside the hotel.</font></span></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593"><br></font></span></div><div><img id="id_7c04_5d6e_b451_7bf8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicZkKrH1W6ceuZKGhAUgOW8_g3us6_vUws4XaVRQDKsUZHibyFOKs450uO-quiGY955o1IDajfIr5JhybHZvYw7mEo6onLDM83uaDaicCwu8w0OmznwIa0IlvP6ekN95FoGzgW_kCG0U/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593"><br></font></span></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#283593" face="Arial Narrow">After grabbing our packets we went to the "A Christmas Story" house (free one time admission with race entry!) where we actually witnessed a sweet proposal inside by the Christmas tree! The house is interactive so you're allowed to touch things (even the leg lamp!) which makes for great photos.</font></span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#283593" face="Arial Narrow"><br></font></span></div><div><img id="id_d34f_4df2_43ad_9d0f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKjV_0QjwT-7w_igOvz5dLXfN3GMiKyDeVBHt-mb2yhPgEmQc8oU_W2A0Kgk7p8tGvqf1dtVmnSD_7TUZN_OWmkaRCqyr8rnDDgfgwJrjM3UrXY2pMSWhUBE2YhyphenhypheneiSfsscVq7RmnyBo/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#283593" face="Arial Narrow"><br></font></span></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_adba_2175_ecf3_24ac" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8j1asy2_9yTp9eot8TRqxneUdPqoIouNhNu8lvylhKcsCZxoiSDKysdQflMWq5ARXT-BHSxJcpfH8uzfDOiIW-hMazcZeLvfvT94roJvn42cbuUh3O3T2Foe78tmwpGO_IQiLEJD43U/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b2cd_1c3b_c1f1_bb8c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDXcEuzdf_OGHzBa8JXOQHeaF_RTfoMvT9hBPKXRdGvMXpsVm2Kw-LHvVgqwZORooEF6sAWJi-8oPz6wejyMwGFzq9vxziaDX8G15PfTDOYQSX4ecKQYEhDTbTeQB_wjCLiSl79MKEn8/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593">There's also a neat museum across the street of items from the movie and we always spend some time inside their gift shop to get a yearly souvenir. This year we got a leg lamp ornament, haha!</font></span></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593"><br></font></span></div><div><img id="id_26f_66b4_8450_fb7a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifu2vtToOBSLXh7nLkBqgmmtoDwuX7tO4XDVYp1Yb8HHNxeSubZgFaLu0tZEXGZ2eIdnlDkzcQxVqQUfBE9UIpzdqzTZUcZN9vQkbcFN71NtkyzPRKom6HEEGXlM4b_z0t1Fjz6Rf4wA/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><font color="#283593"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The race had </span><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">a 9am</a><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> start which meant it was a little warmer and we got to sleep a little longer. Here are a few pre-race photos. So many people have asked where we got our shirts. We just found them on Etsy!</span></font></div><div><font color="#283593"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></font></div><div><img id="id_4640_3c78_558c_1417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmeYN50DkBoPLIsAtCJYEZwQthca-IEgytjRQ024BVzV8qcwpPcGxL4DpTWGXogTUyjfDFtOWlK5FHv313IYN_hklSVBQhtoSd60TosJ2ZeSSCJ5Ottl3PCoXU6WZ6hgSschgFO3O3vo/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <font color="#283593"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></font></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_cc3e_fe89_53c1_b5be" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvUSgV-7yacs0q3pb7V6hmV9RBSkEPktDdFsltJnQADcBxXLcd9z19iP4B-PdriSw3ISCstL-3Gp-hBwdsPuTCCLvo-jouHrp6L_Jkpnuff7XvuAk7zN6O10CQMEhP8IlaPyMHSlEnsI/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><div style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593">The race is mostly flat so beginner and family friendly. There is a bridge you cross twice that brings some elevation. Every mile marker has a quote from the movie which is great and gets you reminiscing a bit.</font></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_7329_8c_9480_7e2b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw-NCUtmXhTeCLv7KMwkHe_DAZjsPPfgI8DW4tGNJrNc8myFv7INujFJvR84QU6t4ZiENyYNFe4CTGz-xzWtB1HDDYkcV9s6Q5bx6lf-MloCCZu-U3D89lJ4dGC0t7fydBa4SxySWk20/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593">The race gives you a choice at registration to run the 5K or 10K. The 5K finishes at the Christmas Story House and they bus you back downtown. The 10K runs past the house and loops back to the starting area. We always run the 10K and there's a great view of the city as you run back over the bridge during mile 5.</font></span></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593"><br></font></span></div><div><img id="id_6578_f62f_c521_85c5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQIUfJOCuTPZBOFnGHIb2mvDYwQmgzgj3HZw1zYetJpxbQOViJgnNP8dzngoyZttFOuXC9o-eDK-MMrXbOPiwmrqz5zbCeSy_5Ep8FzWauCw0Uxx7bymyEjX0BTptm_oJXT5FhjcB5Ig/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593"><br></font></span></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_d8ca_c92_70eb_583b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1vStD36jKTrbMVyC0mVZ6q5Y-9RwOA16DbmoRARRh0wfI0Fxo78lqA4iTT-B1CsV0bqk2l5rIkQvrjJbFe7gmgRRUcAa9jm6A1BIj64fdsRwhIFVnM3dDXRPlXD-O5j2FQf1xHiOuDA/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593">At the finish you are presented with a "major award" and Ovaltine!</font></span></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593"><br></font></span></div><div><img id="id_6894_4285_85bd_5561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTrX3yG-LPOAJSjp4mMAdyGdfCwf0942SxLTIpTV81IQhC9meX7ZbCHEbUc8lMLwNOmr8PwsSTaucK5_TWkni7C_A_iF0dbnRyJ21H7kbESGsaLYnVuBT1Byprw6gpIe7GSUZ8SrLXKk/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593"><br></font></span></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_60c5_9bf2_ec9d_5f9d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlDgCxfyOHWiki9jjFUQugcmRm-bCPofuGSIbBzGB4v3zKghCzEb_oFSZpbzn2ivWO5w2NQvpo4QUCg57ldVFzj0NVEzJv0W1I6zGZdMU-7ZDuHNmduShjdqgs3VTpw0tvoa11zWSfZ8/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593">The medal this year! </font></span></div><div><img id="id_a945_3ad5_31fd_991d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAEYkKMu1VQ0lLHd66h-9xuaGJIN1PKnvkvW_-KKNsS5nZaMmbCD-fxJT2e1bYfk50QCwcI6-f01b7XU_aV8bJy4Fyp_uCkbx-7tvt_kNBQD9RSlVeR9sgzyz7fTO7ssdUskokRnIyeU/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593">This was last years themed medal so I'm pumped to earn another one next holiday season!</font></span></div><div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593"><br></font></span></div><div><img id="id_be4c_9eb5_e26f_13a0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszb8UaGgaosChOcMrObO5T4yi5Q5_IDFNVj5rJ7RuPp0A2zlFZS-dByCha0st9hxk9Xoo9jhTXAKYxgSTJ1ff3aCqfd1yUkY4xpXQM3JAjI04xuHjUmzo1SGzpP50avxqgIfew6_LRw0/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593"><br></font></span></div><div><br></div><div><div style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#283593">Any other fun holiday races to run in the country? I'd love to hear about them!</font></div></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-78239118259636869992016-11-28T10:55:00.001-08:002016-11-28T10:55:53.971-08:00Stocking Stuffers for Runners<font face="Gill Sans">Christmas is HEERRRRRREEE! I love this magical time of year. To celebrate Cyber Monday (which I prefer over in-store shopping ANY day) I've put together my top 5 favorite stocking stuffers with some discount codes as well! Stockings are my favorite because you can get really creative with them. So here are my favorite items I've used over the past year for your favorite runner:</font><div><br></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Gill Sans';">1. </b><a href="https://nuunlife.com" id="id_fce_f2ef_21fc_15c9">Nuun Hydration</a><b style="font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="#454545" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody">:</font></b><font face="Gill Sans"><b> </b>A variety of flavors that are all delicious. These little tubes are the perfect stocking size and while you can buy them at stores (like Whole Foods), Nuun's website has them for 20% off on Cyber Monday using code OPTOUTSIDE2016 plus free shipping!</font></div><div><img id="id_b39d_9977_7c80_2c1c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoS3VrDfEuRQHzKbsdeprouNF-0u-rxMtAzqiEJvLamkcEBvUzu4dAVy7v0JufS6mtKGzy2zItqTXI_gMCZdO4d7OLzp3ZmQlxnHauDUrMeHMeMOFDT8SgHCpXwy3U_GGkeIQ5Dm-KVog/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <b><br></b></div><div><br></div><div><font face="Gill Sans"><b>2: </b></font><a href="www.sparklysoul.com" id="id_2783_a4b8_23fa_64cd">Sparkly Soul Headbands</a><font face="Gill Sans"><b>: </b>These headbands are the best investment I ever made! I have a very thick head of hair and these headbands keep my locks in check and out of my face. They stay put for the duration of marathons so that says a lot. If you've never tried them, check out their website and use coupon code CYBERMONDAY for 20% off any single item! </font><img id="id_18b_d05_4b23_8d98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy07PP7VmE97xZcXFjxreQ-mSZWclCBCDA-gNykbZTcLSxHWLyYlRzmdKcr9gHR3n2w2GWHjzIGgQjstGfAJdWxTZiJORvbeZIWoKXxS7uLhUHHyry4ptxhkWAh-OJQy5n2Tif3opmF8/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </div><div><br></div><div><font face="Gill Sans"><b>3. </b></font><a href="www.clifbar.com" id="id_56f3_3a43_28b8_8eed">Clif Bars</a><font face="Gill Sans"><b>: </b>These bars are one of the only snacks that fill me up and don't mess up my stomach before or during runs. Tons of flavors for all tastebuds. My favorite is the chocolate peanut butter...But I ate it before I took this picture :) </font></div><div><img id="id_8b22_6c83_1198_b3a0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozUKNL0w7O-W7A3ZDFCXnprlM2uIWgHGpE3GZONuIQLEMW_KrS-nqeyZdVeuoA4MT123YQfK8cnreOAsEBi5UKO6B5bbxG4avZR8ywsRDOETgqZziC6l838LfdW9lYkpopX605WGYku8/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><font face="Gill Sans"><b>4. </b></font><a href="http://yourlifelessordinary.com/milemarkings" id="id_233e_c84f_2f0f_178c">Mile Markings</a><font face="Gill Sans"><b>: </b>I love this family owned business. They create affordable and customizable tattoos for motivation during runs and races. Perfect gift for a runner you know! Use my code MILE5 for 25% of your order.</font></div><div><img id="id_b013_b2f7_e3cc_b659" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAW-cIBJn8UoW35b64_u0NpnRpGiEHjvpmv7uMY1V0Lq_873sO2c87TNyGuTOCvQ8KyvWi2ACdRRtY_fFIPS8dihGNlUeqCifPbDe2HeBb365YA9ACtLWSQkeMHLRw5h-mhHECiIJI-w/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><font face="Gill Sans"><b>5. </b></font><a href="http://procompression.com" id="id_fad1_e4ae_bab1_c10">Procompression Socks</a><font face="Gill Sans"><b>: </b>The best socks for running and recovery. They are colorful and festive, as well as comfy. Code CM44 gets you 44% off your purchase and free shipping! </font></div><div><img id="id_2286_c4f6_238d_8251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5ydFK14d-sz6F1pOimKME4jG9AYRXRVaqAyu-0rOZoY53mywCrHlmWO5l3BuAbPOZ8MZKtH9YtKe77DMAKzPM3L1HFHcmR9Gpp-6KT6uWF_KPMuYwnFdIU9x6Sa3xIznxfBDyqp3bQ8/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div>HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-2126705861268862462016-11-11T18:23:00.001-08:002016-11-11T18:23:17.544-08:00EQT 10 Miler Race Recap<div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans">My FAVORITE Fall race- hands down! If you live in Pittsburgh or want a Fall race but not a half or marathon, run the Pittsburgh EQT 10 Miler. This was my 3rd year in a row (sadly I missed the inaugural year) and each time the swag gets better. </font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans">Packet pick-up was smooth sailing. They started it a few days before race day so I picked up mine on Thursday after work. The race shirt was super nice- long sleeves and lightweight. I usually donate the little drawstring bags but this one I kept because it was better quality and had POCKETS! </font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_e0a4_9d35_f19_c091" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2H_j_egmBxMsapi6NGXsHU9vCvUdAs82WRFsHJ-2mdhWVPUW10aQ67_xLEaDRQ6LpnNC27mRjhGNCkeL3S5bwLnI6PC_6IhuiN376s_NlPGiCJWipozHA44lhducnbn4uGis0F2TOyCU/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans">They even threw in a sample of Rachel Ray's brand dog food which we've been giving to our pups as treats. As you can see, they hate it ;)</font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_66cc_6ea6_ca82_21ca" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzrT7aYFyuz2vZxGJ2btmV18TEzhRsRswIdx3YZxOwAEwoGJ5Ppt3GJt_s6DdRniHWwRkHl0o8CejGlHlctHybRVC5JMkk4P1eQk281nm_cRd6-P0_Uv3tTdbqosHVcYjDqeAqOcsXHQ/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div><font face="Gill Sans">This particular year the race happened to be on daylight savings, woohoo! Pair that with an 8am race start and I was in heaven. I woke up before my alarm and felt plenty rested. Of course I've been fighting a cold but you can't feel great at all of your races. I decided to wear my race shirt because I have been really chilly the last few years and needed something lightweight for when the sun appeared.</font></div><div><font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div><font face="Gill Sans">Brad was kind enough to wake up early and drop me off at the starting line (he's the best!). Have I mentioned I love living 3 minutes from downtown on race days?! Somehow, even living so close I made it to the starting line with only 30 secs to spare (don't ask, but I am a procrastinator!). Within those 30 seconds I squeezed in a pre-race photo opp, haha!</font></div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_e064_abd7_9b70_1e31" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc28SDuEpYmPCDVUtmSYs2WoAPUTUUBzPgmM6lO5u21kvPkGazu1_Ul-InyzHAfNxC0d589Gho3MirQnfOt1vj6tpo_8T2ypZy6_FoRZkKnEnZU3Zh-7aDIPuFcP8mkK4qq2mp7Fh_H9s/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans">Now onto the race. I love the 10 miler course. It's not super easy, but friendly for less experienced runners and the hills that are along the course aren't long at all. The last few miles through the Strip District and back into town are basically flat too. </font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_503_dcc8_5d15_690a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKe5mKqfbh40pkiD_K2U1M84Icc1GFsWLsucnDJYj0qKTbVHygOYaT3dTLky2yh76Gs-Ou7gDkXP7wfm4tljFjE_ztj5aY2YmGEaWtHVjWUFYCrI4lAvUyIqEKrDlmbMCbyCkWMaVVCw/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans">The fluid stations were about every 2.5 miles and the volunteers were enthusiastic and kind. My favorite part of the course? Running over the bridges. That's a trademark for Pittsburgh!</font><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_a46d_ef6c_b0a2_27ad" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKwKPIfff9XnOfvK9RzO_wVHGvq_EFTywq8Wpkm1SBPw1UwFPrpUDoZqRqZ7VaK4vtWVbx349g5IgVV3RJSKS0uksnEa9Lb5lihlMTDpufL0dKk6LG5yv84MTrsPOTe3SvyX23QZPajQ/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans">The finish is always full of spectators on Liberty Avenue and I was pumped to see Brad with our dogs at the finish line. I don't focus too much on race times but I ran a 2:03 for this race. </font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_79e3_632_ce63_5a29" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bfLDhg46oukOQWXVulhUKFqTsYsbRTXexAhyphenhyphenFOgX52c5EHyJKbKiju8Wm9FwQUJbgbLELLCJ6RpsnlPoc8w7OCqroUwmQcZIF21_aqViI-m-b0Utwn17nckrIxzTbM7mbe04Lfe90VM/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <font face="Gill Sans"><br></font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans">And how about my favorite, the bling!! </font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_d8c4_2aa7_65d7_b97e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQY4mF2O90yplk55kIQIoZDmR22g9gKTbMEdA-UaMx98XKbSsb5ih36a-uUtXCeLCQL4fOl9xJA_fL_LDclCQwD2RefSjNf0A0-OTBCCAeGvqZF5qksh6Hxvy0GIDlT-iAUgt8GtnmEos/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font face="Gill Sans">I am already looking forward to next year's race, so if you get a chance register for this one! It's the perfect Fall race to use as a training run or as a distance race that doesn't require the training for a full or half. </font></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-841339819744222542016-10-17T14:01:00.001-07:002016-10-17T14:01:33.630-07:00Pittsburgh Penguins 6.6K<span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The Pittsburgh Penguins 6.6K is a race that has been on my list to run ever since I moved back to Pittsburgh two years ago. Every October something prevented me from running except this year! I registered Brad and I a few weeks before the race and was super excited when my friend Lindsey decided to run too. </span><div><font color="#454545" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></font></div><div><img id="id_ffee_583a_7617_5603" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqooTMk4Ku91gQC2z9S5tDjQ98s-XFzi7RwjI2mVakvAy4qo5sfCSGfD8GsByR0beQGu48MVsCR-KEZDKoMd1-QOXmzPhCzitJZ60IAZDkIKgJTW6tO8YaGf6weF00e4WhjDuDe5QhME/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">{Photo from the race website}</span></div><div><font color="#454545" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></font></div><div><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" id="id_2119_c1cc_42c8_e5f2">On Friday afternoon</a><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> we headed out to Wexford to grab our race shirts and bibs. The race provided multiple times/locations throughout Pittsburgh to pick up packets, including on race day. I think it's great when races attempt to accomodate all runners' schedules and I have learned to appreciate this perk with my busy lifestyle. </span></div><div><font color="#454545" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></font></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">An email was sent a few days before packet pick-up with a virtual goodie bag. I absolutely love when races do this because virtual bags are environmentally friendly and don't include things I would typically just throw away when I get home. This email included great coupons from ProCompression, Reebok, Fleet Feet Pittsburgh, and True Runner. We headed into the Health and Wellness Pavillion and easily picked up our bib, timing chip, and t-shirt. There were plenty of friendly volunteers to prevent long wait times so we were in and out within minutes. </span></div><div><font color="#454545" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></font></div><div><img id="id_c005_56ea_c168_9f99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSNbQRwX9pCQncca-TI8jFnEGXk_rL3etH2je0l-xOwBTNywJBEIwQ9M7dyaKNHYGvpWCpfzX2uXJsKy6UXx91GciSh9qN2_RLAiGFVnkSj8mFwgmKl4GHjRicgdbmDs6fbNhb5F33yw/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </div><div><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I personally love the t-shirts. Brad wished they were yellow but those were reserved for the walkers. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I also love timing chips unique to races. I collect them and wish more events did their timing this way with a race specific design.</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_d0d8_5817_dab0_f6f1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiQhnLry0-_SyMAulAu-IIvV-BV9Y2jmGiArNnvhPy1G_jkwKdMBhXb6huN3j5Cn2b6t2jER2VQsPqMFNLaoGYlLG49DjCNRLkXKEHOsZ5cA2NNDnjHGo8fTGibBOXdtS0ixDvnQJdMc/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Race morning was an early one (aren't they all?). Lindsey met at our place and around </span><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">6:45am</a><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> we drove the 5 minutes to get downtown. I love living so close to the city!</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Parking was convenient at a garage between the start/finish line. We got there with enough time to snap a few pictures and make a bathroom stop. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_7da_8f3b_eaf5_9817" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCjIp2eEG4FgoSoeows0oTB3hRTM8S4mSEg46h8YbQZ_76xHQeUllltgHWHPuX3ca8z_z6JgC7Zf4kD1GgAKFR27_T6ds_jOvNQ8kngIah1Bsmk2Yle_ZBtOq3VUzwQKvGkoO7J7Q2sI/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I looooved the course! We all did actually. I run a lot of races in Pittsburgh and this course was much different because it took runners across the Smithfield Street Bridge, onto back roads in the Southside, across the </span><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="address" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">10th St.</a><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> Bridge, and through the Armstrong Tunnels leading back to PPG Paints Arena. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_c128_d15_2e2d_9368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32EAfhDHLXM0msVETVH55xzzkiD9nblJAAtC1C-WDMI3faPOgbgZiceTCxlppBs9UeIDy-vdDbm4bL308E-JPT7caubZbSUc-c9z3vXZPi158OQH0ZWuU3mfDXJo35anOoxUM1X_MUJo/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">{Photo from the race website}</span></div><div><span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Best part, high-fiving Mario Lemieux as we crossed the finish line!!</div></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6cf5_3e35_28dc_f4d7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PSCBj38lyfxl7zRfReJzjKK8P3z9YhDxWFxDcEeLdkbqRvqgPqe-w5WUK5zdp0tTod0l9NLgFOIgdEtSmvfYmerVjmP6eUSoynOzQTtofFAh0IYjKTiWAEZuese2pwe39X7xwHezsGY/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I've realized during my last few races a few things I have been doing wrong when running. I really don't care how fast I run a race, but I also haven't pushed myself to full potential. Brad and I have literally been practicing longer strides and picking up the pace a bit. It's been working and thankfully Brad and Lindsey helped me push the pace during this race. I fell apart during the last mile but overall ended up with a 10:02/mile pace which is the fastest race I've run in AWHILE! It felt so good :) </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_9dcf_95b9_f7ef_9ab3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyqX4rv5Y1Ikzt6MuIyAfQbqDCqVpQedUXOjzDI5_yKAnU58F7H0cgBsmk3b9fre1jk7rgHOONGozbNu1WyNXRgDPyeqgenJcuWnUdCpWS3ljB0w-q7B4JtDD_TiT6u58nmQKauebWYI/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">After we got our medals (and bananas!) we admired the Stanley Cup and had waffles for breakfast at Waffles Incaffeinted off Carson Street. Perfect little Sunday Runday in the burgh!</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_76d0_33f_ce0c_8399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb7zf4yOMiOb7pVC7zyC-UAId_oGQYfBY_R6q-OioUfM9zNqvnVZlnxcm3Yni9rBURbCyHC9lDUvSspimvkOOWYEvfZLN9MMPb71NOi9tACuzf1W263uR7cYOt50tnQf2YRf5wqq2HEE/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div><br></div><img id="id_3900_8328_b74e_98fc" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS09J3_MYrESggi9nGv7sndWdLAFaz-F_upDsqYOThqVKe3hpuCOrBIDt6lkvS_w_HGKaiJYyqWYeh3XKQEPi6RbYRKNJUU1EuIAokcbDdZ-nZoAiyNkv3p6Oyk9iV5OjUkHwPfpU3hKk/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <div> <span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-87428764852244067682016-10-12T14:13:00.001-07:002016-10-12T14:13:38.436-07:00My First Ragnar Trail RelayBack in 2012 I was asked to join a Ragnar Relay team in the Adirondacks and then I ran again in 2013 for Cape Cod. Those two experiences were placed in my life when I needed a boost with running motivation. Earlier this month, after a 6 month running "funk" I ran my first Ragnar Trail Relay in New Jersey for the NYRR's! Another life-changing experience!<div><br></div><div><img id="id_d7f2_b1be_54fc_af4e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UjPJ9uiR2oTZabUvexQSVu-HjJpz8QsIwTsv4uMl1ZJeYLeBDMvkNLMjegQzQSZKMNzzK5CBb6Hvs_tsAvGs5OICH2TpcehlmEdBSB77OUzRf0_g72Fv2Ql0vFflrsKgUomT3DoL2_Y/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>If you love trail running, camping, the outdoors, and friends, run one!! We ended up with crazy cold and wet weather, but still had a blast! Here is a view of our campsite before other tents arrived:</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_275e_8bc5_df21_8567" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXbfCQXL7_TuU2jOWMN4aUphs0ue8egiBp99AhVnLJ6TsN2jiffSX_NGuM9oN5CKbUT6ESh5aVVsGlAXpOUNeGRjE7zVS_gOQAPO0drPXO6azZcGL_r_VNOoGRPDGZTqX9nHEFfZkYf0/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>Our start time was around 9:30am and each runner runs 3 different loops. A red (longest), yellow, and green (shortest) loop. I was on a team with 6 other runners so we had to come together and pick up the extra legs. I volunteered for an additional night run which brought my total mileage for the weekend to 21.5 muddy, wet miles. The next two photos are from the red loop which was my final run of the weekend.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9e4b_4117_f700_403d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPlSgXtpy00x7EQYwpTP892gVRZ6C6w8cGFrJFeFMjjMCo9FH__UJYU7lOzfowKvWQfmD2h-v-DLMj9eZcx9L19uJXS1AEvWuCDxGOhPIWptsyvEnSVRABoezyDH2eOdyYmv9zCkQe-4/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_488e_e126_4d3e_f24c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVADWOZxLzw0T8a5X9gKcJZji2HN49FoT_Cp23kyCbqWauoW3de4eBhBYqpOig00LWfiLdJKm9f7_LmcppevwdTmisblz5DWDSqL-NKo9UkawrvZJiuvFPCb_wmIIIs4bJ3ZoJ_euZdY/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>Those trails are no joke, especially in the dark! One tip, if you plan to run one of these, bring an extra headlamp or bright flashlight. I was able to see so much better at night using a seocnd light. </div><div><br></div><div>One of the things I loved about this race was that we had a home base. During the traditional Ragnar Relay everyone lives in a van and you honestly don't sleep much. We all were able to get a few hours of sleep in our tents between runs which was a great bonus. I also love that Ragnar Village has so many things to do: Bonfires, Salomon shoe trials, goodies, food, massage, and so much more! You can also hang out near the transition areas with your team to cheer on all of your teammates! </div><div><img id="id_58b2_7583_6f04_f766" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I8dpLMBBHeaVqVVeivluKLDRknMlhMqn4e4j8qBnf20E4jwSTxvVheE3pzlKIKVi7vwtlrp1lF5BWreTLGi63dFx3DzmO_NhPpRbjbRhYVRWeFnkizayms9ctzAVFACnV_PGcckFBvo/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>Was I sore at the end of this weekend? YES! Was my heart full of adventure and friendship? ABSOLUTELY! I wish I could afford to run them all the time!</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b893_8b4e_770e_96ac" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4F4AwoacPkc6eVqRgFppx5QwAHq1EzdZhsjRZstb8nuppXAuiiQea1fp1HvQB9n4fAwZU5Jz3ewGFOnEFdV39Ju88ujNuAxxkSBfzKt3Pk5TxC643tPtMR29CM5cgLfGunIZYOIxDJ0/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>Did I mention the unique medals? Not only do they open beer botttles, but all of the medals placed together create a Ragnar message on the back that always connect you to your team. Love! </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f870_9c63_c046_f108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUfEnMBh4NN8Zs0R7doG0Rjb3Lb-nncPXi56luvbvz5t_hHEFGUgUDQ1O_G47cb2ImbnVo73xhRiNdOaUgPChjRfEniMOg4Bp72Wct5aBF0riOfIADNhbjfdXS-ZVmF3eoKxoLh52NsI/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_4c24_41d1_3239_f8ac" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0lEUSPqSjafrlUwWIAKp7_fPqm8EE3AFjDKuqJP8VMuiXAS0cWy5FsCAQTaXsqWQVuSpUFdgfjEowvX0SRnV5tY7a-TgR-X_siKiUf2W7G3TllnGZd-PRhYO5zeUU35h2Bk5k18nZwA/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-28043192709251404192016-05-02T15:28:00.001-07:002016-05-02T15:28:20.353-07:00Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend The Pittsburgh Marathon weekend is by far my most favorite weekend of the year related to running. I have finished as a marathoner in 2009 and 2014, and as a half marathoner (with Brad for his first half!!) in 2015. This year I signed up for the Steel Challenge which included running the 5k on Saturday and either the half or full on Sunday (in my case the half).<div><br></div><div><img id="id_8bc9_fdb9_cf8d_7637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlosRFPswbyZXVUX-tzuXgs8e2BLBtov8THLnzX93RyvuoD6k_89eLL5948VL99IS9QSkWEndML2Rk2OWxaZuhYvxxHz8rbmK8oerilAdKE2iwk6akL9SHoljxBBDnFH1KYSfzc1cE-M/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>On Friday after work Brad and I headed down to the expo at the convention center. I finally got to meet Elle! We follow eachother on Instagram (@ellej8200) and she was volunteering at bib pickup that day. After chatting a bit I picked up both bibs and browsed around the expo. I ended up buying some Hoka trail running shoes (nervous and excited about this purchase), tried AboutTime protein pancakes from a Pittsburgh based company (DELICIOUS!), shopped at Fresh Factory for Pittsburgh gear, and enjoyed all the amazing vendors that were there!</div><div><img id="id_d425_18d2_38d9_e009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Me9yZGl9zwLB-KoYNxvcKQ7z3RT7TcOvHzLEmbxOy1OcS6Bv9H5ExAmyxW20d-y0KYaW_KhvUVUWCrl8LwpGlcwqVM0FmEI-I_7nffsGtt6izARvVC7oHeWHvMAUviAJIWFd0NTUHf0/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>On Saturday the 5K started near the Pirates' ballpark which is conveniently 2 miles from where I live. I literally rolled out of bed less than an hour before the start and met up with Elle where we decided to run together. </div><div><img id="id_70d6_c833_c98e_6642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCl83OQ8H51SPmUcf9mgicrzDZmX9fZkWc1d1mvJpLMEutvkBaZ1_SUq2lFbIV6LfOpuedb8NG7pEw924p9RL06GvUuNBqX-3O1aWbPwWLmPtrWxF_BgV5l3DPX8z957FNNQNyQJJDnM/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> We weren't trying to go crazy with pace to save our legs but we did end up running negative splits and I had an overall 5K time of 33:54. Afterwards we hung around the finish and saw lots of people we both follow through social media. I'm always running out of state and I never get to spend time with local runners so that was a lot of fun to connect with fellow Pittsburgh runners in person!</div><div><img id="id_212_6c8_a3b5_5f9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4weOz_q0q34TP3fCyAjaSUot4v05bcSVzngPKctakK9d_AMei2pzHUjKozKm2H4gP71dVGwHDypnI28j-J2pxrQnqLF_VBiFvyfL16Twi-MuiLhY0uWdwAC9F-jFB3va5wW_7OMQTnE/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>Sunday was half marathon day! I ran into my old neighbor Emily while waiting for the T to head into town. She was running her 3rd full marathon and killed it! Her uncle was running his 105TH marathon- can you even IMAGINE?! I met Elle outside of our corral to run together and her friend Alicia (they both run for Team RWB) also joined us. We took a few pre-race photos as it started to rain right before the start.</div><div><img id="id_9f43_42e0_cee_7271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_h9g4w1ZLwwTk-Iz3mjTRWCHqZwcNiI7Lms9jYXqLUUyx5qaye-waLG5-WcksFPZby3xVxC0qYX0SppEeGNI7lxARntj1V5rW0PWFFoe2WZlMfZ0eGiIKTSObW_iHSI8x1Mr-4tjm9M/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div><br></div><div>This race (like most of mine are), was all about having fun! It rained for the first few miles and then let up for the remainder of the race. One of the coolest parts of running the Pittsburgh Marathon and half is running over all the bridges and different neighborhoods. So much energy through the city with bands, fuel (beer!), and general crowd support. I saw my uncle in West End so we grabbed a photo and most of the on course port-a-potty lines were so long we decided to go in the woods. Hey, you do what you gotta do! <br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_1ab_796e_312c_27c0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwrsij0XnNCWe8vSCznsZyiXGwrirfA2F9PusEkr1HpXWYFOMejBneNpCw3yZk4TjOYK2u5Qkb0XShmPEYw_MaogSv5z__qhn-pW9h7ENWXrhPmwUzR2xW6XkHqqQ70NmAMlUTi_yL_w/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>We all were running with some sort of injury or nagging discomfort so it really helped to have us all motivating eachother at different points on the course. We finished in one piece and were super happy about that! </div><img id="id_c7bc_334e_4b15_18b9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztq5MBz-IfErUetUnVJsXPpX5IUToXaLUvgGnD-9f3rPKkuLNu2PcobE4yoqSaYwfMNmg-j-rR4wU_EXaZepcBYq7q1VSTY-bZTRELUPEvttnb_GEOZs1r65-h330Uv-T9uiXlItV-v0/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <div><br></div><div>After saying good-byes to Alicia, Elle and I picked up our Steel Challenge medal for completing 16.2 miles over the weekend. <img id="id_9545_2493_1ae2_eae7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mF4fu2m_0KYtUfyAhdsgF1cT7wt7O0ZeGUtVgoP_FdYKls8FR5OK610Y7hwDsGWGHVZpsnl-MPrVezDUxf3v5QWUaqUfCgEYGY-Zk94IO2G7x8YNy7pR3UAlJupsAYdtDGmnHxhKlZc/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> </div><div><br></div><div>The finish line festival at Point State Park is really great. The vendors and booths circle the entire park so even if you didn't run you have plenty to eat and do. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm already excited for next year and am contemplating tackling the full marathon again because I have really been missing the second part! Much thanks to Alicia and Elle for getting me through 13.1 miles with a smile on my face and for many of the pictures that appear on this post. You ladies ROCK!! </div><div><br></div><div>Congrats to all of the runners who participated in any of the races this weekend. Pittsburgh is not an easy course to run! And Pittsburgh Marathon, you hold an incredibly special place in my heart. I'm 100% sure many others feel the exact same way. :) </div><img id="id_e3a9_62fe_5c5a_844b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJKa7S2I6hG8n42K6od6AUH0RA0Qn-szTuTR3uZrzF1LVk8lWWC3MsmBlRkh6BweEDIm5S-MGIluYZcvgHhQOuUxIzPYNDi4VA1g-PjEtn5FoqlWdijRGOtpSVlW7dYrqlTsRTZvYIj4/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <div><br><div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-76927053363408206222016-04-20T07:49:00.001-07:002016-04-20T07:56:56.811-07:00Inaugural Star Wars Darkside WeekendHey Disney! I kinda looove your races! There is so much to tell from this past week so I'm going to use mostly photos to tell the story. <div><br></div><div>Brad REQUESTED to run the half marathon in Disney but when we went to register the challenge was sold out and we could only get into the 5k and half. It worked out well because we ended up staying with my parents who live an hour from Disney and spent time with them between running races.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Day 1 Wednesday:</b> We drove all night and dropped the dogs off at a kennel Wednesday morning. That day was used to hang around my parent's house in The Villages and nap. We had fajitas off the grill with all the delicious toppings for dinner.</div><div><img id="id_873a_aa00_842e_cd5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_NPP7kAT33JZ-8IPv-4cWuuxxyo4WtZwlrDCddOe4zsBpVR7RUD7bb8ERRjXQOozI3gayp8HKq2MRnntcmw5jmLhDd2O-KV5TKsCsfEusAqfZW823sgeZUBjWRpr9sleV4txucV8tM0/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Day 2 Thursday:</b> This day was all about packet pickup at ESPN Wide World of Sports. They are so organized and excellent at accomodating thousands of people. After the expo we went back to The Villages to have lunch on the water with my parents and take a little boat ride around Lake Sumter. Then it was to bed early because... Disney race starts :)</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_42cc_f6be_6fc5_c569" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVG4wtSPlyVKD2iHYi3Xw68oBn5NCtO_eXamKLuM57vgJMz1KMiyOTUf87IdlkadkRcPOvhZJwhgU90z9Y6mT60gk0d0qbyoyObN5k5-cAtLA1eoSEmSpav1HWHXbk_bQ3Zy2LOzB5KM/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f109_2281_5e02_60a1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKAMeKy9pWl7Bnf7QCEbtNMrdUjQd7J2MauhJF2mu-7r_ThDXsFrAfDM93Bez4JTlEG8RI3X8p9ZHyFVjUEMIgZScE-KsJIG7-NsKJrBH2zMGcBBcs4MTgHYhWlcE8k2kRZ3A4pxex_w/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><div id="wrapperid_3b88_f05d_d5f2_a95" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 297px; height: 527px; z-index: 100; top: 1642px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_3b88_f05d_d5f2_a95" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 329px; height: 527px; z-index: 100; top: 1642px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><img id="id_d17e_d905_6dc2_9c26" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7SBtN1MOnd2CCmVoDNySO5-BeindfBYXYV6Zqnr-0kCkCFCpbesnypg7t4JG2YR_vtjWN7lLJKCaYPTPjks6-aeh2Z91bpPM8k3hoYJvlTUFhwHs0AKGWBiBSU4ynar5qE9pAKZ0GOU/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e05f_eecb_8a44_e3ec" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCPHc1tuprBU30yHXYVle-VzStElY-5inUIlmixB6mpW6Jhi9nxF-0bq8nqUS0buW9Ckn8tD4J9tBS2DfX2Y-zldQq83Wxq9G5SU-sB0atROjMHjN4tiQhxfaOttnV8a2BMI6Mocntwk/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Day 3 Friday:</b> The 5K was great! It was my first time running that distance with Disney so it was a lot more crowded than I'm used to. We stood in a 30+ minute line to meet R2D2 (complete with all the noises) and decided not to wait for anymore after that due to running out of time. After the run we got our medals and decided to wait in a 45 minute line to meet Darth Vader. WORTH IT! After the race my parents took us on an awesome airboat ride and I got to hold an alligator!</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_29d6_e869_a55d_e868" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8ipWsN71zdIGE-v-DIP60cSq09wcRi6MvulJX0ofQ9L5olMToBV2ubsqUC-5VBfLkQYwjhSN2dNglNfLKOhFKjqNK3pRi-60DAkjXeOf5ZRN4Sptb2E9OP8KJ4HDmsufnhDHdakYhts/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_4ef1_2806_9fd9_5f0f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIMCXFP3V0_5vQXL4LYfUR_2fxJuxtFNKyZUV2yWAitt7dMlTRhbg4Slzh-GznLB_ridUdcm6_9RBVGgSksFMZbdZPHIQur3nOVXK8WmnLf0VQnAOw6cl74Yx7yorESzQYUbT0qAuVQE/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_566e_96a3_d3a5_a687" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxzl2K3W3OHXY4RmmD7iMkd8d_PjfnLrDJCV9UVVx73HsGn5FGZ3j1-tmx-LGtHkhE90Hba6n-lrooeaYHtsfTExkK4LNRSNCoaI5onYhn2wAyGIUnvKUSv5PikuzduM02KGX1oOtXA4/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b822_9e91_ec53_be9f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarHLr_QgCTnxy8ZPFI-R8PxUy9bfvEK37vjc0h-gNe-Ln_DGPG5rqI2V7MA6jlQ6Oim655pUM-kuqfHF7aW07GhidbnUyhbG3T-MRXnWIk-iOcKso9AdZuy1epJAvBHdS4iHuk9gsaxU/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_46ff_7468_ac10_1342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8U_Mk9Q6el91MrazFTQ8JTYiZyF8CwghlwWZkiwK1OYpvhXx0Irbe7uLaE3MviB12GF7x9tD8MMmwh8iIXx43q4uM6OklatR0iyLM78E9T-HJmMUGKLCJLJC6cIE7FTPjiVljhx5nTs/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e828_4a7d_a7d3_eff5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGBtr6hlbJAaGNCChv42SEuD0nlWGbGClWVJweBHykyx2W9hc976qrVCw7f2T65nc2HD_TPcXQ1dXUBGq-JCTBxDyCW63H7cciVawic2WJJcmDecRMu3Q56HRoEdQ2mRjHLEvHsG6fhA/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Day 4 Saturday:</b> We spent the day park hopping from Animal Kingdom to Magic Kingdom. The highlight of my day was getting the biggest hug from my favorite Tigger! </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_86d4_4bcc_1c91_8ba8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YrKcWVBZ_oOjdUMwz41fHIaKOmgUu6Ikc44BNLouf52h-RCwYXdhbBLv3QHUbgGSlcgKCPgoj3EOu_YwnC8s2v-neEB28er4kROTv9HwVyg5egbMVsINPGdKBKp8yZuQJEc8NxZp2qc/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_fff3_323c_3986_edf6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAKA7IfEtEgPN5sKJk8gKCUBGmkrnwGr86DaY0DefLW6zHQaro3hWyamW2GYyCl2U2RgAeQhqQitwKRkmm4qYLI4awVKkTnqMQDL7CrRWypuJtf7nnvV5aABrCOvdXZxohl-7ya8vPRY/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8796_d4ad_976f_398e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXujcDdiXiM78xlQSz1I0_Qzoy5F2VcKkcopegWSf1xfEQam27cdhlpHrlH4VTFQknk__lypYkOVC4Yqgm81S0RsM6NVP6JsPg7GJPPeGBo1xXYmRDdp5iBpjR8FU9nkkGiXH5ZQrycI4/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b022_95c4_1b13_29fa" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6nBYLhl_195UTlYii7UeMaudK9g0vrbzbXBFgaz-EoFIs6SuLj3NCx_VuGoyFUAlufOzAJMXIEVU4yh3j4E2DnF3WTEYWtMdPHyGaZazAozihIr4ICDwvv_xit6AeTMw53ToPYPhGGE/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Day 5 Sunday:</b> Our last full day in Florida was the half marathon. We arrived around 3:30am and were able to meet up with my friend I met on instagram Erica. We met once before but actually remembered to get a picture this time. She's awesome and I love running races in Florida because I get to see her! </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_aeea_280e_94f6_f6b0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHJu_XcSXpbXpG9YIAA3vYQUN05WXzHOV6vEPJBtY1PkAV_6kMWa1qCcrDWH_T0x-ClC0JFTNXHfM_54Zk7a8pTJtYKON6OJ6fwAkxPZxgIwm1pzL3RUKpbHwCDEq5kCn0PJAphNhZXI/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_a20a_5013_2a5c_4ebf" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqznKpzBm9ZLYSBUrz8PnFtrnqkMs_TfBdEMtqVzuwz0TsHWq-mBuDssjxe3QcNmRe39re7SPlJ7TKU7VZifnibRX39FWiwVMzm6vREd_bkzVhMAGGo-yC-io-kVFKhLGiAjPBzygpJE/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>We met lots of Star Wars characters along the course. They had so many out there so the lines were never too long. Brad had a really good time out on the course too. One thing about Disney races is they go really fast, even though we are out on the course so long to take pictures. </div><div><img id="id_6812_53e5_f5ac_6e42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrhMWMQytiXwAEhise64MwU6PNQRbvyO6t8FEwoSXVcEz7uhxjAZVhHAFL3DZ-u1QRdMTFeqcFxLmBIKFvWGwP7zGd7mgXbC63FSZzG8tI-QN29L0_JkRSGslTgRc7LDIYSje9nmnKAw/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_4a64_bd38_8405_29b0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4HLdFp2WejIWsMh5u4Bg2TtYhNGaCzoRJJLkUNWV2G7-rNuslz8ZDg8FiwlvMiKg6VuRGzqvmCfx6EW1VIsIWY1-jBhOCrvG9gnjyuzM_wYpENICwzLBeeX_cEChg5QXETkj8M-cero/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div><br></div><img id="id_4827_4b64_b424_5635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAZyCclq6VM-rbyB2xmKDM3r18JcCDAbH2FH_24merZlZJtrx8prqMB4d4d9-GXC2hb9aP3Ehsn6bV8zdhlkf2O2IcBp3up1FGxd8g6istLbchT6-T6SGZLVZcYhwebtv-K3USkPmZvw/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I really loved this race weekend for my 17th half marathon. I'm also soooo proud of Brad for completing his 2nd half marathon!!! Woohoo!! Words cannot even express how proud I am :) Thank you Disney for constantly putting on spectacular race events!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_4cb2_16b4_2efd_46a4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLndx7LHakGzLz9h1031SVV9Z-k-Kc2-VH1WUgGCTUbBnZ66XvFCdE0UzRFLgpZnX_8no9Szy_yvyKFLBXIL-f9fdp22ouHV0ifLy9bb_h93YX2onlW99SNDjJEbCE8uhhmrpnoM0DVJA/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-67784900151591826222016-04-11T19:00:00.001-07:002016-04-12T03:23:23.085-07:00Achilles Pittsburgh Race RecapAwhile back I heard about the Achilles Pittsburgh Hope & Possibility Race and ended up using my blog and instagram as a way to promote the race. I was pretty excited to have a few friends sign up to run (even one from as far as Philly!). <div><br></div><div>All week I was stalking the weather hoping the snowflake would disappear from my iphone, but it never did and we woke up on race morning to 32 degrees and snow. Brad and I arrived about an hour before the race but couldn't bring ourselves to get out of the warm car. </div><div><img id="id_d5cd_852d_3da0_dc75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-C2QLNtWV4rdgRqnHMfnsSCfgqP2cHYbBDekJs6kXR5VCHiF8sEANUqRwbZ0c_ijBoV863_uvuNZRxlvI7Knbv_yScsm9a3Y7mVNrzO251JvmiCOAyxjXhwm6RQKjHQR6P6m5JeI7h5E/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>About 30 minutes before the race we ventured outside towards the starting line where they had heaters outside under tents to keep runners warm and dry while waiting to run. I thought that was a great idea.</div><img id="id_8d53_953f_c79d_6e13" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSuF2u0HqrgRsEgIt2MmAnQdDeL1bQT5x8H2rd5-2BUJxqq0Zl3dS9VZFi3tFWiGKt73HVS9-jti9k9B8ybGggALbQ0DmUVstwYxVupvae_P3NVtKbhd0-tGAb0NzKt3_AkD4tHSKICc/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The race had lots of booths set up for an auction and information. </span></div><img id="id_22f9_4179_867b_8ea2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfwYnZs_I3Qp7HbMElv3sugh7bjl2WmGz8iT2fn6NwJ44cqyH5W33CKRR3DXFMaYV6Ci8avtRi13WnqEFCkwREFnvLBawhdnsNoZcIdXsHxl4fpycs-oxSEHdpNSSzgckUANpLhsE33g/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>Brad, my friend Maddy, and I headed over to the starting line of our first race, the 5k. Maddy and I were running the challenge so after the 5k we had a 10k about 15 minutes later.</div><div><img id="id_a4c_b17a_236d_76b1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_to6Gd4_Jo-8CN_di-JyG9bRqAJc7uzOZXuQ3bk8y_3FsGyTxFsqHcOjEtfnoyFJkviJLy2znLl3QmchyIhvnXwGY8ijO3JrO6xXbv0bJqNPgoUDzk4kkyKHUUSCHAiPn4wljeyrk_PU/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>Brad and I ran together for the 5k and my only goal was to avoid stepping in puddles. Within the first mile I stepped in a big old puddle and my shoe remained wet and cold for the rest of the morning. Offff course :) </div><div><img id="id_c692_bd6e_4015_916b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYzBxnnuplNcA5oU5gjspSalcv6rSv7jGc4h5yMRQb_fcthhEfg9kpqQrdTAqIed64u-k9Yi-bq1upxortpjRlHfYCYqhexFe3KRTJMhMbg2FjaDcVhAESuYnPt3_I_k3YyesWN2V9i0/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>The course was an out and back course starting from the North Park boathouse. I liked it because there weren't any crazy hills and they offered water near the turn around. One thing that was confusing were the mile markers. I had my Garmin so I knew exactly where we were, but the mile markers weren't labeled with the actual number of the mile we were on and there were other markers for the 10k mixed in. For someone who is new to racing this could be confusing.</div><div><br></div><div>After the 5k I chatted with my friend Kristen while waiting for the 10k to start. Then I said good-bye to Brad while he stayed warm in the car (I was definitely jealous!).</div><img id="id_4bc7_70d8_a5fe_6247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmynGxVKTj0z0YPCH7J4PPodGI6YKGW33JPfbw8oJn1fdXk18ZB1RYSus6L7qMcCW_mNvW0uBQRKLAWiqvPJTC9_CKjVPJZfL0GQSxiPG-rZ9NTQbtk9gR-bXJ7zBWW4oWQ6JJBCJ0g0/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>The 10k start was on an uphill and looped back to the boathouse before running the 5 mile loop around the lake. The weather seemed to only get worse with the wind blowing the snow so hard into our faces that it was hard to see. </div><img id="id_e2c1_5c0d_1c2b_4929" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxLZAkBgA81hFc0f2egk4c9wmgb9OLXkO2EeSHtN1QJpPNadqPNoCViUSY-xZWOBC-EqSEq6NIWq6u64ALMWSgJbJ95HkOS11aSBChKCJxtVxbsABwKoOB6OEpX1Jsgi0k4Vjqz5SsG0/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>I struggled with the 10k but I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one. Between my wet shoe and the wind I just had a hard time really pushing the pace. </div><img id="id_65fe_fd7d_90d5_6ee7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS92bfQdKUs2XkRbKx3pGdHTUc_UWHkmQbYwx2gPy8026fLa8dy-SQRVnvB6FlS65RVxWqoVLDASCVOCvDCLmZNAKQZzBAlVJ9nG8Ij6lLPU89trPj9FhRAT4FhmAlF-ofAl9XGtb29jc/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>I did it though and it was great seeing everyone at the finish! </div><img id="id_5c1d_f29b_68a4_6a1d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjt01UE7CW56Xk9r-BaxMVzTd9zMl4Eo3m1H48uBFGU6lVVNZwLkEkTkA0bvkU2BLkBmgrY577qC4jnTTIkJKSxH7TuXCIBTwjhM29tXDIty3OXu7HXUmbV03Cc_gSoqktnPtDQJowrQ/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>Maddy and I got medals for completing the challenge.</div><div><img id="id_de28_9c9f_282a_b6ec" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB9kV-_Gdggiq97a90lrWdJVg_euIvumnrSori7BpIUN48FuT5wDjnaYuufzwWcJcCGUlChvOKJJUUfjHLEEyXngv8-1rjYZwSbVa_G66rczJEM-8KrCxjN_NIPtBxzgXYsbRYezljyo/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>I had to take a picture of the frozen, snow covered bagels! Who would have thought the weather would be like this for an April race?! </div><img id="id_8ba5_c406_bf5e_912" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D2iJGtrT4G4XBR3gPJNhfcL7uXLMFJGygtFfKH7iOQOdHb6C-AMy6I_xp2_LfZpo2qvUD4m7mi94ciCk78VfrYO7GtGZyFH8KSME9kMmHRGz2GTw_aoqzUx-hZBhv19vEFZjZjrUvaY/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>Overall I thought the race was great. Nobody can control the weather and I thought they did everything they could to keep things going in a timely manner and keep the runners warm. I would love to run it again and it's for a good cause! </div><img id="id_43f3_b326_316a_295c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsn2tzak5QAE_U4wn7wujm2WVzE804IhlGx0_Nl7iE4XCEFdJ9Q1eUE9QS58C738SJnFH5SDH-fRfdh5Ry2voeZj_eRuJjhTmgts1oyiRanU4Ker7-4igWa4g8hvGRgp6vKKFLgclaU4/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;">Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-20898271882148991402016-03-15T20:06:00.001-07:002016-03-15T20:06:46.317-07:006 Reasons to Run Local & Achilles Pittsburgh Race<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am a huge fan of traveling to races. I love to see new sights and experience different places. But sometimes, it's really nice to run a race at HOME. Home sweet wonderful home.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I haven't had much time to run in Pittsburgh lately because I'm either working weekends or traveling to an out-of-state race. I was so excited when this race popped up and I decided to register for the Achilles Hope and Possibility Race on April 9, 2016. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_fca0_8acb_71f0_e362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWIxM91Tu4G6sGxc_YcZ0OrY2M5zhqVnaKhNgg03xHLeB6bIk6fgX-EHGNcdj3LUEr9Bos3JhNPIWo8-iG9k5LnhZeuIhMF2vR7DxBX4eA-oF0rt171z5n1iffCi6v52s34kCp0QWi0g/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Below I've listed <b>6</b> reasons to run local races, specifically this one:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>1. Close to Home. </b>Who doesn't love to sleep in their own bed and wake up to a normal routine? The Achilles Pittsburgh Race is located in North Park. Bonus: You don't have to fight traffic to get downtown or park. You might even live close enough that you could sleep in...winning!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>2. Hometown Swag. </b>I love race swag. T-shirts, medals, coupons! But honestly, a lot of races provide local coupons and if I'm from out of town I don't typically have time to use them when visiting. If your local race hands out a swag bag, you are more likely to use the items specific to your city because you live there. The Achilles Pittsburgh Race provides a t-shirt (guaranteed if you registered by March 13, 2016) and a cool medal if you sign up for the 5k/10k challenge! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>3. People you know. </b>You're more likely to run into someone you know at a local race. Or you can more easily convince friends/family to join you...maybe even volunteer! The Achilles Pittsburgh Race provides volunteer opportunities and different race distances for every level, even beginners. They have a virtual race, 1 mile fun walk, 5k, 10k, and 5k/10k challenge. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>4. Familiar course. </b>Sometimes you're lucky and a local race provides a course along your regular running route. The familiarity can help calm nerves and enjoy the course without any crazy surprises. The Achilles Pittsburgh Race is at the North Park Boathouse in Allison Park. Many people I know run the 5 mile loop around the park and may find comfort in having an idea about what the course will be like on race day. </span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_4562_c2de_485b_889c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TiHapLzJJ7Aaxc0xqNfbWyIiLsXYzMXrWoRe39UXoBXAFq7NJ_Jc7HKWBF6V_6_DpFNGYSB_kYC08zXZxMkSUm8tqHXb_unzIsRU5g4zguPWiru2NObfpjYeGLiI9SXyQYofIw9JQG4/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(5k and 10k course maps from www.achillespghrace.com)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>5. Benefits local organizations. </b>Hometown races may support local charities or organizations that are familiar to your city. The Achilles Pittsburgh Race benefits the Pittsburgh Chapter of Achilles International in support of athletes with disabilities and to increase awareness for adaptive sports.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>6. Awards. </b>Local races are typically much smaller so the chances to place higher in an age group or even WIN are greater than a well-known 5k or huge marathon. The Achilles Pittsburgh Race provides awards to the top 3 overall male and female finishers of both races and medals to the top three finishers of each age group. Participants who complete the 5k/10k challenge earn a finishers medal! </span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_7f8f_e787_6c86_267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8f8fxn-vpD3Iz3eqlGXJQrUR4xWsQ52n38Rx0S1YD2hAO8PMPGYLpovMLMZTV0pEDKEj5sCdyh39oVCOQ015uJNCDYr9I-pQwAiIVvHawzQDTjq4qyJoKT6fZaP9MqcIS1i2qURzsqM/" alt="" title="" style="width: 240px; height: auto;"></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(www.achillespghrace.com)<br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So many great reasons to run a race in your town! If you'd like to run local, consider registering for The Achilles Pittsburgh Hope and Possibility Race on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 9am. Bring your family and friends and get outside! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You can use the code 'JennRuns' for 10% off your registration on the website:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.achillespghrace.com</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I will be out there running the challenge and I really hope to see some familiar faces on race day! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Happy running!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jenn :)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-45190631836115296372016-03-14T03:50:00.001-07:002016-03-14T03:50:46.656-07:00State #16 Arkansas: Little Rock Marathon<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I honestly can't believe I'm writing about my 20th marathon. 11 years of running marathons and I made it to #20 in Arkansas!</span><div><img id="id_ae8d_1bb8_35ab_3d75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVj0axWy60Ot5Mu8XmXB3BZplTD6rZPu3Kxm_zKtDpb3yC35bah1Lb6eas0UFv-9SzdPVgnJ8r_be59rE7fgFrI1ss-ZgN-FP7zOK4r7qivHeGxekWhRK-TASWJm5Jbum7t-nKXH8Eas/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was beyond excited to have Brad and our dogs along for this trip. We made the 14 hour drive from Pittsburgh to Little Rock on Friday. I think we lucked out with the best travel dogs ever. They slept most of the trip (we did not, haha). </span></div><div><img id="id_205c_9fef_aa9d_b1fa" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sC9ayoSQHwf0qddRej_KkM6th3nxSmWb8zAZIBbDk9Cxpf_QLWH3snBy0iO1WjvFkS-9OSxQwIfE4pGs0Qnu22h9K1QF7Z_xefFVgTu10K4k1bZBvFya8bWkmHfmevan0J6SZ9Cfols/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We left at 2:30am and got down to Little Rock in time for the expo and to get my race packet. If I wasn't so exhausted I would've stayed longer because they had sooo many great vendors to check out, but it just wasn't happening this trip. I loved how they decorated with this years slogan of "Game On". </span></div></div><div><img id="id_d000_a544_6c3d_b194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAmhBplQ8N9pMCsnlmQAsf_rwetKzK9Pg-IR5NzNPE4ukDraVSCiJsGUy9ofcCew7y8LFX4YF4gYQpQu3T0v-LaVs12sOyTGhS1flQVbxeGFJUKKZmkQTZiGaFI9hMpvBLnWuIgb9Ffo/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div>We checked into our hotel, grabbed showers & food and it was lights out! </div><div><br></div><div>The next morning I made it to the starting line with a very energetic crowd. The starting line tossed these balloon dice into the crowd before the start and got everyone pumped!</div><img id="id_a928_42f9_c5e6_3a6b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicbYGctXRKgKFuZfFB0Vycsah0d6fPoDrLso-7ookM-rwJwKBKSgEXFR91nt-iQ78eBvw7TIej61zGRwsoOdhYosni3cC48BUgrKjbtUQnUkJiIiIyNMajhyFQ3NyPgky1hsAae622DI/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>I ended up running the 5k 12 seconds faster than the one in Alabama. Progress is progress! </div><img id="id_2df2_78fe_8618_354c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7nHmy4uzoeNAoePj-47XZt8gxYCrMHRcu0x2n3F4Xy2qEbL13PPg5n1JByqOYWUGuLnm-ptcqS1bo6Ev4RftSA0bZAAYAtWkPnrm8CGeT3CzE0mYdRdB2y2Iu0imxlJhSoSHCVSvD1U/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>After the race Brad and I had Waffle House fir breakfast. If you've never had them and you're down south, GO! I've been eating there ever since I was little. </div><img id="id_53bf_6cbb_f70f_6e6b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu8TDRJp5roG5WYyPqpiBiYJAlbsC2aJId5QAqhWGBBckiaA566PGfvfR516Ku_Of2XLNNrR-rVA22c75jDWuzKfkKlYmQ1MDdQkX-ZpzqjImjlydsi1TxM58FYcoNWZEExKBWIP7Zpw/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>My cousin goes to school about 45 minutes away from Little Rock so I picked her up so she could spend the rest of the weekend with us. We all took the dogs walking along the riverfront area which is so clean and beautiful. </div><img id="id_5d39_a3c9_5c72_9675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V45J5-F3zyySE14iWcWHJK_D5YqFIztxxV3rMr66thLvbq_thcq4-PdTDrF_j6dCpH9r1Gku7Q-zhjFi8NdwW2_awv3mZOhPobGF68Vj_Fzt95ecaT5j6tDqxgPSfdccpQBzjjOh8CE/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>With my cousin Mckenna. </div><img id="id_a81d_fe35_ce7_4460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH60xqj4v9oQFfS6cCzrqyXhlhlW7aA2ul4V_QuqOh6R2gXhjopfTuGZ89ySTWSL6gLb1Cc_cqAGgvtoD_DQIw9UcbPVSJGEQcKG_wutoAsO-hlRK2dBgwa8uEzjHVyeoKd3jXyp1UA4/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>We walked all over this neat bridge that has two levels. </div><div><img id="id_457b_1549_6a54_203f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnKIx3NG15wgfjhsqtr5ZZC8kgMnR7L8VoO31YuMJRF12gfrNZ2m_i-gM-iM2NvzYF9_vKzD4Ks4aJS_gNqvGnr6NnT4wluAlGyRBcJFnX53QcrDIE4lNr3y5nrGoS4DFWwQ2mtQ8pKk/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>My little family.</div><img id="id_331e_4734_41e7_5ce8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNjJEWU4hSyy681vGOb984LRiU74dDrpXIh8Vj_cCss2BHvhztBHJys7LFTKi4rOqntfahaxzti3x1Nms8VDRXTg4qaXWBuVi4OccOlD7cdb1c8ddrh1yTRJXEU_bZYz7XGpJDFcBdyo/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>We lucked out and found a dog friendly restaurant downtown so we had dinner on the patio of Dizzy's. </div><img id="id_7155_6acc_eac4_c213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmebDC_O9PdXoVrFQNuGkWhH467WdjKxCbZSRDkeLFG1GYl4ohZW5IXz4ecgc1dxURgUA5yOTXsNIgy6PZ3D5yBqfpm6TzTuNiC8LKFAueuZkE-7wbMjRebmDgQAuhZA52DFF7E-JAioI/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div>After dinner we headed back to the room so I could go to bed early. People who travel with runners are pretty awesome. They put up with our crazy schedules of running to expos, early bedtimes, and talking nonstop running.</div><div><br></div><div>Now the marathon...lets just say we will keep this part pretty short. It was a scenic course, but it was so HARD. I'm sure I took over the legal limit of ibuprofen and if I never run a hill again in my life I will be happy. I now understand the reasoning behind the 8 hour time limit! I felt as though a toe in my right foot was going to crack in half and My right hip was inflamed the whole second half.</div><div><br></div><div>I met a reat nice runner, Melanie, and we finished the last 7-8 miles together. Thank goodness for her! When I crossed the finish line I found Brad and cried into his shoulder due to pain and relief. I got my finishers medal and another medal for running the 5k/marathon combo.</div><div><img id="id_b834_7cea_8a45_9d7b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2T9f6vHanOHhXp0KMP3Rhy_QgYNN5N5zli3nFm1z_ygaukkOedjED_iFkNJClOPCR5ZHfGS3oM0czORNOUV5IIzlytAPSL3R3U0jKgtkE6anLoQkTr84PycL6lLY2xo_qPFoaL2r2wY/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>We met up with Mckenna. </div><div><img id="id_1788_2284_1ab7_68ab" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsPaAzodiLzHFRfaAOzGAkSg_WzktuyzE8XwjZLrynXs6cBdAaofKxeHuXVOm_vdpcixKKlI7c46u_Pr4CJXFOLNBZWSmXbVhAC6pRoEChcKjMh_eA-5ajMf5nxC3pS-ZJ82DB0SIwSE/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>And took more pics.</div><div><img id="id_3e67_a363_2c14_117b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBhb3HnuQvij47rQNJtO-AITQJaWTHKHp9hCCUjwnIIWDno-5zIXXXwwIqoDbjDKxdS9x4Xh8VURFwi0lCz3EitXcVMjB5BLrRCZvwrk0HhgzyftQ2Trku8wGp3wmdfsrjfGqIt_pN0I/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>Now this medal business. Little Rock does not disappoint with their race bling. This medal is HEAVY and the size of my head. When I got back to Pittsburgh I weighed it on my aunt's food scale. Over 2 pounds!</div><div><img id="id_cccb_5c74_9597_8f44" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAurMDre3SRFSDvXOhGvTB81EnB0UXqG2b7m88DLpJtlikGDBU3m51G0WB6XhVpkcSUn10DCeTvmFge60iyK-InROJYrkk5yPHGwQkty4JSzTEcxOHkXEAaibj6bQvXcHtWqhAa2nM8I/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>Even though I ran a terrible time (like my worst ever) I did enjoy my time in Little Rock. I had a bad race but most definitely would run this one again. I probably won't run a marathon 3 weeks before it again though :) Hooray for state 16! And congrats to all the runners that weekend! </div><div><img id="id_d4d9_4367_ad67_519a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXSRIOMv_h9eWAGnuupHzw8EwkuFTgCxyOyyzI8EDL-1tRgXSN8Ir6XtIiqwMQ4finXdpww8p4ZWTlX4OAhn9VsjMWg9Q3eo8jANIaqlaTDDOaUikBDkbKrcsZRKTmkvl83IBf7Bo8yw/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-25789008642957163672016-02-26T03:42:00.001-08:002016-02-26T03:42:21.017-08:00My First Marathon (2005)<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My first marathon was kind of an accident. I didn't contemplate running one for months and then register with excitement. I didn't train for 20 weeks learning how to run long or fuel properly. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was in my final year of undergrad in the Spring of 2004 when I decided I wanted to try something new. I heard about Team in Training through a pamphlet in the mail and after attending an informational meeting I was signed up to raise money to fight blood cancers and participate in an olympic distance triathlon in 5 months.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_dc45_5a68_afda_12f0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzYTg7aT6gA6OOF9JAD2YHHL89HbIpPPUG4spiX1iM9uvHuUDdGwzRRDV3vLUS-u-m5qeCLmpseMR_KSuKeKJyPpsB5tjqMpPyPAElV0MNAPkvt2pie21i2QkcEdFOLFbheqc4Fbexkw/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I purchased a bike and with the help of my brother (a very talented cyclist) I learned how to ride and trained with my team on transitions, swimming in open water, and everything else that goes with triathlons. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A few days before the race my team and I flew to Orlando to get situated and prepare for the race. I remember checking into my room at the hotel and literally as I turned around to walk to the room I saw 3 of my teammates with devastated looks on their faces. The triathlon was cancelled. Hurricane Jeanne was about to hit Florida and there was no way the officials would allow us to compete in the event. If you google that hurricane, the first sentence that appears is: <i>Hurricane Jeanne was the deadliest hurricane in the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season.</i></span></div><div><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></i></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_a3b5_5d7c_699d_8340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xPnQT0Fi7nI75yaodO26OBXW8r1ssPOV-KokCdKV2NChNIBCxTNN1TJGeMzH2oZzuin7DLzx5XG2MKD-Q727EhUQcBmZYh-T-CeCPXQFQU6bxEim-VVe-j0LqdeEKEDzWwaX-mXR6Do/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As quickly as we landed, we were put back on a plane and evacuated from the state back to Pennsylvania. We were all so crushed. I worked HARD to raise money for an organization, and that was before the convenience of social media. I worked hard at training too. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Back at school I was pretty grumpy. So many people knew about the race and I was afraid they thought I scammed them out of money with their donations because I promised an update after the event. Well TNT decided that we would get a chance to compete in an event and sent us a list of different races that year to choose from. The next triathlon was almost a year away and I couldn't wait that long. I had no desire to ride my bike 100 miles. So a marathon it was. The New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon in February 2005.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I registered through TNT and that was that. I had 5 months until the race and kind of pushed it to the back of my mind. I graduated in December and decided to take a semester off before grad school. When February rolled around I kind of remember running 5 miles a few mornings a week on my parent's treadmill in the basement. I never even met my new team until the day I boarded a plane to go to New Orleans. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The 2 days leading up to the marathon I remember walking ALLLL over the city in some cute boots that were pretty uncomfortable. I tried shrimp, gumbo, jumbalaya. I remember the day of the race wearing a new pair of cotton shorts I had never worn running. I had some cute pink Nike shox to run in. And I had a single Powerbar for the entire race. Obviously I had never done this before.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The morning of the race my teammates handed out garbage bags claiming they would keep us warm at the starting line. I went along with it.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_fe60_dc78_5261_6a4f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiMF7Xds2zMpHFwwDYS9JXseFpFyGERe01yzpNlJvA8xyragSEEh6DOCtuu520jz306DbNkppIskdEcoiDoWpujQS49aaWOw1ynthfj_Mvj7hlpvIJSQ7xfyYaqSokJPI1PbrsGE-L3w/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When the race started I got really excited. The streets were lined with spectators and the energy from the crowd got me pumped to run. I ended up running with one of the mentors for the first half of the race adopting his plan: run to the water stations, then walk through them for 2-3 minutes. The plan was working and I survived 13.1 miles. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At the halfway point my knees started to ache and I ate my entire PowerBar at a water station. I told the guy I was running with to go ahead because I was slowing down. I kept up with the race plan but I was beginning to hurt. I was also hungry but sick to my stomach at the same time. I know I took handfuls of snacks from spectators along the course for temporary energy. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our team coach, Chris, found me somewhere around mile 20 and decided to run with me til the end. We stopped numerous times to stretch on the sidewalk and he basically saved me on that course. He talked me through every mile and told me I would be a marathoner that day.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The finish line was inside the Superdome (a few months later Hurricane Katrina came through). I can absolutely still picture what it looked like as we entered the Superdome. Crowds of people lined the stretch of pavement leading up to the finish line. Complete strangers cheering, music blasting and an announcer said my name right before crossing the finish line. And someone captured that exact moment, when I realized I just ran 26.2 miles! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_1d3_f334_583b_5fb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkxVbowaZ8kC7u30EkKEZC6ELYIMzDH0kNUMt-J2XCl1UZ8sbjwcDw6j6jZV9-Dh8sYT0BlwBhsornEMm9CxvtMUMN-XuDtyEx-AZDRJqJLgoWHNViu2JrWaaSu73cbTzRfzxBPEe6ko/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I didn't know I would get a medal when I finished and you better believe I wore it out on Bourbon Street that night! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_1cbf_b92e_b482_7724" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrV9Yy7ns8ONeakCj1vrIvRBye2ctHAHP0PA3N1RTvuD5FVH3wuuE9ccwm69uPo190942oNI08O6k4hR0bbLpYYe8Ufu_do0v1Ev0ZKIB43YAmb4k6CrpwBAT3ZMCbZVwPzAdXWTHckY/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That race. The race that changed my entire existence on this earth and I didn't even know it at the time. In 11 years I have finished 19 marathons (soon to be 20!), 16 half marathons, and have run in 15 different states.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have run on 2 Ragnar Relay teams...</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_15b3_b191_41e7_51a6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRU8f1Nr3PfyyVRLCOqgA6cXpTokyvaTXEKGbFHEv7bUBCEvsRvwtrAeArVAlcM99bi3L_BGYR8WIcux_NxEvq7EE6Whyphenhyphenjn4HS49FGGhhfrWxWauMfZPsETDcKVwV0XrrS8lh833JDL4/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And eventually trained with Team in Training again to complete a triathlon in D.C.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_8541_2e3b_f9a8_644a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvw5QLqXmyRBXwXYuZ03PAU5Lqgyv8zxTyu-Nv_rVWX9Ubx0LxvsXKO_ACDIdLN47TLCKrLOKbYMwnFF6tCMcI10NA-MU59p3qwycSXIZMXzYSSiCcol45V4Ett596iKj0jF3LA_Yfco/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Through running I've raised $6,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and $600 for Team Red White and Blue. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I had one DNF (did not finish) at a marathon in 2013...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_9741_f757_f349_742b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mR0UAxKQChOOOK2ekPW4Wfk3E7yr4IdBaGinTVp7C-jsDgnBqulaLcuytkxtTggwZbs6ShseInjD7CYyE3ZEQ6gTud5t8PPFDbdJA0Njs8PbNMD5idr_G8GsuoI2vePirUz-7OF-ZFA/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And I started a blog and was selected as a Nuun Ambassador for 2015. I've met awesome people. Traveled to places in the USA that I would never have considered visiting before running. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_f8a5_bc95_bfb7_e4c5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHw8EfxmfTEagwFWaCMWlMvnW2TwsgBoYFtUqRsmzt39Qv-xv3amsdGyHu1W38BbQt1iT6Yhd6Jrr7h6tlMyPJDi7SoLghllbiRcSwU70hhBQBOqIAamB_geYB0xV0FC1VjqG8x_hwJE/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Running has changed my life. I feel good about myself when I run and when I accomplish things related to the sport. I enjoy reflecting every year on my running story. And I love adding to it.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_8604_2e20_d880_e519" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-zFlAAWQ7mGmhqYS-BWaKzMQOvAbwIgAhjE-pkhWt9tKVI1h_COUQdDVgBj_6avKP2pYsVhEv5eUXKS-H6ZjhjK2U5RWKtNRUcCYy0i4BcaHsuG4mbzWDV3TcqDCzHhry10rX91DckY/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My 50+ medals hang between 3 racks in our bedroom. I wake up and see them every morning. Each one a reminder of a race, a special story, and amazing people that I hold very dear to my heart. Pick out any medal and I can recall vivid details of that race. All because a hurricane canceled a triathlon back in 2004. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-14978042040493729032016-02-21T16:44:00.001-08:002016-02-22T14:18:16.760-08:00Purple Chicken RecipeDinner. It's a struggle for me because after a long day of work I don't feel like standing in the kitchen creating a yummy, healthy meal. Luckily Brad enjoys good food and does a lot of the cooking (winning!). I wanted to share this inexpensive, easy, and delicious recipe that we have so fancily (new word?) named "Purple Chicken". <div><br></div><div>You will need 5-6 ingredients from the grocery store:</div><div>- chicken breasts (3-4)</div><div>- zucchini</div><div>- squash</div><div>- vegetable oil</div><div>- grated parmesan cheese</div><div>- Ken's Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f434_3098_524_f46" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwC0G53HkNpqmBYWbafxfm_YCxSCJIg9JujstuN4wT20TcfXFbqiNcGCZLa-5GiDtVAE_OZdQ8cp2DoTKeWDBaQ14LKZQzVukCGNDhb0fHPSm6O2dfEjikVQLEp1A4w7ywVbp6BMUUxRc/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>What I love about this is you can prep the food the night before. First butterfly the chicken (optional, but it absorbs the dressing better), place it in a container and poor the Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette dressing over the chicken to marinate overnight.</div><div><img id="id_9915_68e4_8025_f77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO37lfK7sU8GAHpSC_kfBDnuIzE5e0GYiTbo069cM4VC56fGXfTf6AOwcNPGmsMIZbEIe9u2P-OPWNKpI2k17uH5QVTwH9Rlh0jVi-6Wlph48hAgMMTmGRhF4_EpezroYuJuZIe0WVZQ/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div>Cut the zucchini and squash into chunks and store in a container in the fridge. </div><div><img id="id_19c8_c498_51eb_7a24" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOGhuq6v6m98q2_k0lsbD7_cdoP7TNr03WE5s24aKpboD69L11xgJpXFIkFTbaY9O05Axhk3BPFOO12NT5CuL6q_04hDRtpOcLj91RKFFq-DYChMz2NFOGpEm8jWCsx2v22qQhvscFEw/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>The next day when its time to cook preheat the oven to 375, place the chicken in a glass pan and cook for approximately 45 minutes. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6da9_41d0_3e42_d8b2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe8_KBVjxuDYUpcs8DrMlIIHRnAomL4L73CXDX0ZGeT_okC8wUC6TbGQakGJB-ECSf16r-dqai2FDX4g7Wc6gLI-5jcxYxnPI8SZEbYl4UkwBGaaokiady-gumHa9z11LpWRBePnc6Os/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>About 20 minutes before the chicken is done cooking, put vegetable oil (we use a little less than a tablespoon) in a pan on the stove over medium heat, sprinkle pepper over the vegetables and cook until golden brown. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9c3d_26d5_2104_5da2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgthB6BoaX8MxUqQK3nx7Yvc7G5BLn9i4070R0lZDDxGVobtyWPTNoB425ewxRzlcsgPYKKA8koEI1tvU3TyNyGFK4b4bovKsP_EFwFSR6Q3OMSaonLD3RsvS1Tl534NlPJvioXoFP4k/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Once the vegetables are cooked, sprinkle parmesan cheese over them until the cheese melts. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ffa7_3fd8_a0f6_923e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQsPu8rm6pC41Zdm1UKFEzlZxn-1a40W6xOMGtma24C5fhiSVVwx8hyphenhyphenV0JspgVIbMhptYdz31yVVjYl_Rgna9qrVxFFEojYa2MnuuY_omeAw8h-Cce_m79ZrmeboitSPteVPhhaA8d4Y/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>That's it! Once the chicken is done you are ready to eat. It is delicious and your house will smell amaaaazing.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6eed_eb51_2ed_1b29" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNDph9bWlgFOtUOhfSP_xT3Hv1NrLczdAVsKqWtWrHtzjubk5sEQn-JccZRTf7LwHCxyJI5V-QZt6YD3W4i6XKdlxtLKUEUvDydPtCo_jMNIRWwUe1Kny2iUMMiV44fUuADta4Z2rV-8/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>And if you're lucky, someone will do the dishes too :) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_447a_df64_3332_fd8c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh0NKLOslwiGHUCO9tKOO_g6PYde218ONAyKXZHQsNrmelym2Q7HDfed0LNTyEv_MHgi-wSN308amRzA8E0XL42ZYjlGs3aMyreqLudKJPLKoWeEDlcUDSJkdIh8otpNGZzLniiF6o20/" alt="" title="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>Hope you enjoy this meal, it is one of our favorites. Let me know what you think! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-83785088071955464742016-02-18T04:14:00.001-08:002016-02-18T04:15:36.158-08:00State #15 Alabama: Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAwlJSDHBxTVtGQ_tIDnEEkYjCHBHkSD4UZj8sooIgGYVvfCb0jXvcbEKm_QrmrjRKQ38dnpN3TQohoBaQ6KaawK1AU-GuUxFjwt9tXiXRdHe5BCL5CjCwQEaEcTHKoH3NvlaS2-eLP4/s640/blogger-image-1756890635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAwlJSDHBxTVtGQ_tIDnEEkYjCHBHkSD4UZj8sooIgGYVvfCb0jXvcbEKm_QrmrjRKQ38dnpN3TQohoBaQ6KaawK1AU-GuUxFjwt9tXiXRdHe5BCL5CjCwQEaEcTHKoH3NvlaS2-eLP4/s640/blogger-image-1756890635.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I came to Alabama to run my 19th marathon and 15th state in my quest to run a full marathon in all 50 states! I took travel plans to a whole new level of crazy. I woke up at 3am Friday and drove 12 hours solo to Birmingham! I will fly, but I don't jump at the opportunity so if I feel I can make the drive you better believe I will. And I did.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bwhXudaX9R63kl85i-5b-N_8OqK79PuChHE1quqGbmBbBFZUs3uDB6Co0UYCtSJZSGkNlqB66Z-a-J2UwCs8AQpf5jW2hrr92h6x81iI2dtHFrKXBJHc-Yw-46gCygtd0CO4lpKy6MY/s640/blogger-image-1130724957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bwhXudaX9R63kl85i-5b-N_8OqK79PuChHE1quqGbmBbBFZUs3uDB6Co0UYCtSJZSGkNlqB66Z-a-J2UwCs8AQpf5jW2hrr92h6x81iI2dtHFrKXBJHc-Yw-46gCygtd0CO4lpKy6MY/s640/blogger-image-1130724957.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">First on the agenda was straight to the expo at Boutwell Audotorium. It was a nice size and I felt like I could breathe and walk around freely. Maybe the crowd came later but it wasn't busy when I was there. They provided lots of great vendors and I said I wouldn't buy anything but that was a lie. 3 shirts later...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPW4gEtKVNJLvDpWfdVx2wKJW-8y6Eojh2Btexok0p2DXttcoFZT-gqJ2_bqtJYeahNX8corVbwtdv1TJZDZ_RIM6gHyHaUSED8VVExRuSgBZD3cRbqBvpatdWLy1ba3nxgrsGTJsWRU/s640/blogger-image--1300923593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPW4gEtKVNJLvDpWfdVx2wKJW-8y6Eojh2Btexok0p2DXttcoFZT-gqJ2_bqtJYeahNX8corVbwtdv1TJZDZ_RIM6gHyHaUSED8VVExRuSgBZD3cRbqBvpatdWLy1ba3nxgrsGTJsWRU/s640/blogger-image--1300923593.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Probably some of my favorite race swag to date because I've never had a cape and M&M's are my favorite candy. Plus you didn't have a million papers of coupons flying all over the room because they did a virtual race bag for those items.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7_0JhsiY1M4ZZFW-5KI0sgnhC5ppTbWUhoE0-8asixGLMOLukNX1oRcK37Ei1BHhebm7LPBDd7SN4PvuZwPhJv9p_AVfwsxXGIO9fT2Lh9JIv_elCJxPm70z7O0vybT1I9uLM7IJRXg/s640/blogger-image--885529442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7_0JhsiY1M4ZZFW-5KI0sgnhC5ppTbWUhoE0-8asixGLMOLukNX1oRcK37Ei1BHhebm7LPBDd7SN4PvuZwPhJv9p_AVfwsxXGIO9fT2Lh9JIv_elCJxPm70z7O0vybT1I9uLM7IJRXg/s640/blogger-image--885529442.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After the expo I checked into my hotel. I literally unpacked all my things and laid out running stuff for the next 2 days. And then I slept for 9.5 hours. In a big giant bed that never felt so relaxing! :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Next morning I arrived at the starting line of a VERY cold 5k! I didn't pack well so I wore shorts and Procompression socks to save my pair of pants for the marathon. I looooved this 5k! The majority of the course was flat and it wasn't too crowded. Lots of little kiddos running which was great. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpS_ycsGTwiDH11oojaSnGLRuZNL0BLbtpGxBZbAKg86Q1rABSQ4_yFR8yapmDIINm09_IQzbAdKtFyiY6c_ln3OcrAuxKjYnORkxaCXzQEJjeRkstz5IDM5tUyNQKgV7tb0srVM4ndk/s640/blogger-image--1293317727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpS_ycsGTwiDH11oojaSnGLRuZNL0BLbtpGxBZbAKg86Q1rABSQ4_yFR8yapmDIINm09_IQzbAdKtFyiY6c_ln3OcrAuxKjYnORkxaCXzQEJjeRkstz5IDM5tUyNQKgV7tb0srVM4ndk/s640/blogger-image--1293317727.jpg"></font></a></div></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lots of capes flying around!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9B2xnlbZ2h5zDFGGpJanXufjlEaMobvee5zESuqXtpUCk8UHCii2Ts0qS82RlOu4v-tRKDJEDxTTxx0eXXnUrlclUuujud1Kb2pET1u8aVnlit3oDRD58nXJug9GVNVEM1K4Cn6iZGc/s640/blogger-image-343882101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9B2xnlbZ2h5zDFGGpJanXufjlEaMobvee5zESuqXtpUCk8UHCii2Ts0qS82RlOu4v-tRKDJEDxTTxx0eXXnUrlclUuujud1Kb2pET1u8aVnlit3oDRD58nXJug9GVNVEM1K4Cn6iZGc/s640/blogger-image-343882101.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We got a cute super hero medal at the finish too. I didn't stick around because I was freezing and needed a hot shower ASAP.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYy2yKdJs0FYZ-YGYgCTnP51s8gtyRAKGrPo-N5RpM-s73H7Znmf15ROTBON8Rn-MmA99c0Ttgv6rL1BPuhFGmYxsa10tuH8HQKxXaQBCYr7JJ7uvpCnp71pRljIfmE1jN_ckEaAl_Gdc/s640/blogger-image--1918086747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYy2yKdJs0FYZ-YGYgCTnP51s8gtyRAKGrPo-N5RpM-s73H7Znmf15ROTBON8Rn-MmA99c0Ttgv6rL1BPuhFGmYxsa10tuH8HQKxXaQBCYr7JJ7uvpCnp71pRljIfmE1jN_ckEaAl_Gdc/s640/blogger-image--1918086747.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For the rest of the day I watched some of the Olympic Marathon Trials and hung out with another 50 states runner, Rebecca. We had dinner and talked running for hours! So fun and glad I met a new friend to hang out with during the trip.</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The next morning I met up with Rebecca before the race. It was soooo cold again! I almost didn't bring my cold gear but was really glad I did! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sbZnC7MriIj0bk6OtwCuZRRqVCpC3ZUPDaChWTGJdusx41j4b7qCmtkN3SYrCL7sV0YWFs1S370rKXFZRC2xjcsqNRReltXZdx2YXRUgiu72eli6C52S5QBaMOuN2L8gc0bZLCb3SI4/s640/blogger-image-1949860862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sbZnC7MriIj0bk6OtwCuZRRqVCpC3ZUPDaChWTGJdusx41j4b7qCmtkN3SYrCL7sV0YWFs1S370rKXFZRC2xjcsqNRReltXZdx2YXRUgiu72eli6C52S5QBaMOuN2L8gc0bZLCb3SI4/s640/blogger-image-1949860862.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I also wasn't feeling well and literally could barely stomach water. I sipped some Nuun and became really nervous that I would crash at some point during the race. Any other marathoners look at this sign during a race and wonder why you didn't sign up for the half? Haha, I do every time but then am so happy I ran the full! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWKVRGzKoMDHTTseMK_DNJnbp_DuVTHSwwJiEQgfbRz48StRTQ4JnNYC8T5dOJzNdcm-TyBkpo4FYXMGrDziwrVXwIa5psrGBy9HDsTfnfEHW53xMAqRlCTVzUofTpL0539kTXnwGynY/s640/blogger-image--1535255285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWKVRGzKoMDHTTseMK_DNJnbp_DuVTHSwwJiEQgfbRz48StRTQ4JnNYC8T5dOJzNdcm-TyBkpo4FYXMGrDziwrVXwIa5psrGBy9HDsTfnfEHW53xMAqRlCTVzUofTpL0539kTXnwGynY/s640/blogger-image--1535255285.jpg"></font></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I really liked the course and it was 2 loops. I always get nervous about courses like that because I'm afraid I will get bored, but I really liked this one. The only thing I would change is more spectators. I feel like a lot disappeared for the second loop! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFrYKSbTdj-l-3ojtjgMsW8vi4s1IojbLEB9cgNGPGZ0q1uYb6KvVJb0Aw3OdmPoHhwP9Oy7O7FFES_jReM-1PMxQ0t9EK87K68YEVUvAymONOlDPd0e7IFZ1mZwXVx93ev8_zpHjlgQ/s640/blogger-image--873326213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFrYKSbTdj-l-3ojtjgMsW8vi4s1IojbLEB9cgNGPGZ0q1uYb6KvVJb0Aw3OdmPoHhwP9Oy7O7FFES_jReM-1PMxQ0t9EK87K68YEVUvAymONOlDPd0e7IFZ1mZwXVx93ev8_zpHjlgQ/s640/blogger-image--873326213.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I did end up crashing soon after mile 20. I made it to that point pretty strong and ended up slowing wayyyyy down. I just had nothing left in me so at that point I was just surviving. Taking all gu and sports drinks offered to me. I crossed the finish line freezing, with swollen hands, and burning quads in 5:30:30. But also a big smile on my face because I finished my 19TH marathon!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPFGxs0PP_sb1PC9Wkqbh4xcBOGlwk_a8D5uI5ocVjcvTA6KURZKZ-fsju4UXEzqxveConBhOnHBsLi_1eeZ-Vnyz9RgCU3-DqbP1CTljXW8gzEDR-XshyphenhyphendT2sNzGF_AXprcGZZtEDiU/s640/blogger-image-1196095010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPFGxs0PP_sb1PC9Wkqbh4xcBOGlwk_a8D5uI5ocVjcvTA6KURZKZ-fsju4UXEzqxveConBhOnHBsLi_1eeZ-Vnyz9RgCU3-DqbP1CTljXW8gzEDR-XshyphenhyphendT2sNzGF_AXprcGZZtEDiU/s640/blogger-image-1196095010.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After crossing the finish line I couldn't eat anything. I went back to Rebecca's hotel that was near the finish line to chat about the race and snap a pic with our medals. She ran a super speedy PR that day!! How awesome! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePwww7c6R9xtYP1KQ6k34SjtJajPSMyF3_6fU8Isy34fc8nNOBUMCIZC9tQSSPD3-iXfQTelyxc1g2xpTy6XPPU3adUvUmcWO7YhqUBhQObkLTj1IBK2E4soa__QEIng_yaWLc4N6HBE/s640/blogger-image-226688726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePwww7c6R9xtYP1KQ6k34SjtJajPSMyF3_6fU8Isy34fc8nNOBUMCIZC9tQSSPD3-iXfQTelyxc1g2xpTy6XPPU3adUvUmcWO7YhqUBhQObkLTj1IBK2E4soa__QEIng_yaWLc4N6HBE/s640/blogger-image-226688726.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I drove home super early the next morning and arrived home to a wonderful surprise from Brad! He really is the sweetest :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EWoOv4ARR92aLvlnZ2xy23zEVhETWsfU7mNXCsQaDzQIzm-HXjnFEaTEuDsPXlAR3aw6B7W3drZGMqYkRGR2wMCiuO1tO-hqHeMDGzYlLVA2cUfGoXUo_bXGnkI82Vxp8fGi2LD9qes/s640/blogger-image--462618484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EWoOv4ARR92aLvlnZ2xy23zEVhETWsfU7mNXCsQaDzQIzm-HXjnFEaTEuDsPXlAR3aw6B7W3drZGMqYkRGR2wMCiuO1tO-hqHeMDGzYlLVA2cUfGoXUo_bXGnkI82Vxp8fGi2LD9qes/s640/blogger-image--462618484.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Overall it was a great weekend. I love meeting new running friends and traveling to new states. I would definitely recommend the Mercedes Marathon for anyone looking to run in Alabama! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev0xIM0aktP4fUVCwpa-UB6pDMlNxZhBG4BMEP4bOts6d5Vpfap2ikDOEv5wCxY8ZLoo3QPOCjEwxpKXUT3sWYqGGQSMVt3s7va6Z78Fn7ZocpLv-2X0Q1I_CcdqfcfLyH3dutagIoDk/s640/blogger-image--1386729678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev0xIM0aktP4fUVCwpa-UB6pDMlNxZhBG4BMEP4bOts6d5Vpfap2ikDOEv5wCxY8ZLoo3QPOCjEwxpKXUT3sWYqGGQSMVt3s7va6Z78Fn7ZocpLv-2X0Q1I_CcdqfcfLyH3dutagIoDk/s640/blogger-image--1386729678.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Next marathon is Little Rock in Arkansas in less than 3 weeks and hoping to get a short run in tomorrow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Happy running! :) </span></div></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-70328956032374849582016-02-07T18:14:00.001-08:002016-02-07T19:43:32.140-08:00Virtual Nuun Year Dash 10KI have participated in a lot of races but one type I have never tried is a virtual race. That changed on Saturday when I completed the first ever Nuun Year Dash! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAT4-u0jKkxzxg8a3fTRjrLCyHk3MCvY8NaE2JiClq1soDza5ZaOaYsl-ndr6pGiJsFNjSgSNjzDYALKK2d0gRY_7efyWGA3NzeWathG-B9Coc8jsbucS_YPHtVg6oTSaRz7U0oGP2Pk/s640/blogger-image-1678566536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAT4-u0jKkxzxg8a3fTRjrLCyHk3MCvY8NaE2JiClq1soDza5ZaOaYsl-ndr6pGiJsFNjSgSNjzDYALKK2d0gRY_7efyWGA3NzeWathG-B9Coc8jsbucS_YPHtVg6oTSaRz7U0oGP2Pk/s640/blogger-image-1678566536.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I signed up for the run back in December so I almost forgot about it until I was notified that race packets were in the mail. I was so excited to see what participants would get! Isn't race swag the BEST?! <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nuun was pretty awesome about sending an email to track the package so I</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> stalked the mail the day it planned to arrive. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbm6C4MzICRo5oeFy5Qq9b2yT8uMr3xJO5ITXea6ilks3xQf1SeAZmozbt1oBlYGivZmpvrmLtaX3zxzGGi0qL0tpT584zrxH9N1PZCNRe5FfxC1bwfcW-Pn6HY18xvIW-uYFmPXBfcg/s640/blogger-image--967863185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbm6C4MzICRo5oeFy5Qq9b2yT8uMr3xJO5ITXea6ilks3xQf1SeAZmozbt1oBlYGivZmpvrmLtaX3zxzGGi0qL0tpT584zrxH9N1PZCNRe5FfxC1bwfcW-Pn6HY18xvIW-uYFmPXBfcg/s640/blogger-image--967863185.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">The packet arrived about a week before the event and they sent out a shirt, bib (with pins), Nuun tattoos, a race medal, and samples of their hydration tablets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-7EPdS3C05HPNXPXgH9XrBNQuolbu640v7mtqAnFb1tS6qJwpoGI6wpePJ2SUZBdSK91A7DpiRk0o9sBNOIbrSYPK69KE6UgHEIiDE32HKEdbBVtovxh3DvI_VMFy4niRll4CSDfNsw/s640/blogger-image--160386627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-7EPdS3C05HPNXPXgH9XrBNQuolbu640v7mtqAnFb1tS6qJwpoGI6wpePJ2SUZBdSK91A7DpiRk0o9sBNOIbrSYPK69KE6UgHEIiDE32HKEdbBVtovxh3DvI_VMFy4niRll4CSDfNsw/s640/blogger-image--160386627.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">If you've never run a virtual race, here is a quick breakdown of how this particular one worked. Nuun sent out an email to runners to make a profile in order to submit their times and race photos for chances to win prizes. Then runners could choose to run either a 5K or 10k from February 5-8. The best part is running any time you wanted at any place. Indoors or outdoors. Solo or with friends! </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNd7ZWSR3KEhHyrkM4mPq8NxvmRw3L7lMjTFrptPxHOd4OGf5z_4uwbjf4m2EiXJmhN7bxloekUTxXNwbPn_hpC_Qyf6nuHxCtip5StwiIYWuNLfGIpuUjVmy73AvnaSTrYbJBhnPX50/s640/blogger-image--1517966338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNd7ZWSR3KEhHyrkM4mPq8NxvmRw3L7lMjTFrptPxHOd4OGf5z_4uwbjf4m2EiXJmhN7bxloekUTxXNwbPn_hpC_Qyf6nuHxCtip5StwiIYWuNLfGIpuUjVmy73AvnaSTrYbJBhnPX50/s640/blogger-image--1517966338.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">After hydrating with some Nuun it was time to head out for the run! This virtual race was so convenient for me because I worked all weekend so I squeezed 6.2 miles in after work on Saturday evening. Brad decided to run with me so we ran along a trail near the Ohio River close to our apartment. I was pretty exhausted from work and with a marathon in 8 days we decided to run nice and easy. The temperature was dropping as we ran but overall it was a perfect day and the views of Pittsburgh as the sun was setting were more than perfect. Yes I wore my race bib :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_Paax794VuG_49nX1avxW6Ore-MaBIW9H1Hq-iK50cF1Sb0cKLMCn0au_IdEJ-4aax4UWrZgCag1ps6lKluCpMqaNcv5SUIlk2C2Sc18AKyAQhaNaYqvyUZJw6sPUxe4cAJ-lMh6oIQ/s640/blogger-image-233490711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_Paax794VuG_49nX1avxW6Ore-MaBIW9H1Hq-iK50cF1Sb0cKLMCn0au_IdEJ-4aax4UWrZgCag1ps6lKluCpMqaNcv5SUIlk2C2Sc18AKyAQhaNaYqvyUZJw6sPUxe4cAJ-lMh6oIQ/s640/blogger-image-233490711.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">While running I started thinking about the pros/cons of a virtual race and thought I'd share:</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">PROS</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-no early race starts</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-flexibility to run when/where you want</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-the race won't be cancelled due to bad weather </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-your choice to run indoors or outdoors</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-receiving happy mail with your race packet</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-freedom to design your race route</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-price is comparable to small local races, sometimes even cheaper</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-social media connection with other runners</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-choice to run solo or with friends</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">CONS (not too many)</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-no spectators cheering you on</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-the risk of your race packet getting lost in the mail</div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">-no hydration stations (can you tell I dislike carrying fluids when I run? I promise, I'm working on that)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtUOSlVJE594-hlKFon2Ebne-rU9UxqldAN-QAGJoaL3F-tV5Q-Yg7Yiwmk6pGzNPK45aQJXpZCXmNbMKxsNHEeG-X5oxDaUvF27Pp3Ohnq4PY8mlNZ79TYJYK9VD2s3DpWv5SCU7nuk/s640/blogger-image--1717926623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtUOSlVJE594-hlKFon2Ebne-rU9UxqldAN-QAGJoaL3F-tV5Q-Yg7Yiwmk6pGzNPK45aQJXpZCXmNbMKxsNHEeG-X5oxDaUvF27Pp3Ohnq4PY8mlNZ79TYJYK9VD2s3DpWv5SCU7nuk/s640/blogger-image--1717926623.jpg"></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Overall I really enjoyed my first virtual race. Much love to Nuun and FitFam for a great virtual event! Rumor is another one will happen this year so I'll be sure to share it with you when I know! :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZyVvqmqRAy_qVmghVDgTg_rwHGOwnUsE7R1rqGxQV_BI0biU-OrCPQGGucKLc-KPmReZI4nw3cJjMr72UDJw69iYyLP8HId0MklRnSDhwWCkWEo2T7z-HoIkNVWtKkqVLJQF65c8gTg/s640/blogger-image-1907466464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZyVvqmqRAy_qVmghVDgTg_rwHGOwnUsE7R1rqGxQV_BI0biU-OrCPQGGucKLc-KPmReZI4nw3cJjMr72UDJw69iYyLP8HId0MklRnSDhwWCkWEo2T7z-HoIkNVWtKkqVLJQF65c8gTg/s640/blogger-image-1907466464.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Congrats to everyone who ran and please share your thoughts on virtual races and any of your favorites!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxh6uZEazcB2O8FMH7mu7_blJJhijhrbaM8_bYgxdpWYS8Hbam5WsDPlDAi8xhfxE_HAb-eilPOELp0kAc4AhmrxOGSiZFpafwMQSaeD1wJQGVQ3pc3dwNNY-Dl2sWARFDmwWVeib7EOk/s640/blogger-image-805796051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxh6uZEazcB2O8FMH7mu7_blJJhijhrbaM8_bYgxdpWYS8Hbam5WsDPlDAi8xhfxE_HAb-eilPOELp0kAc4AhmrxOGSiZFpafwMQSaeD1wJQGVQ3pc3dwNNY-Dl2sWARFDmwWVeib7EOk/s640/blogger-image-805796051.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy running, friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-48063919887601794582016-01-20T08:20:00.001-08:002016-01-20T08:41:38.391-08:00My Almost 50KI <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">never expected my first 50K to be cancelled. I lived in Clearwater for 13 months and the winter was uneventful. This was the ideal place to tackle a new distance.</span><div><br></div><div>In my head I had everything planned the way it would go. I'd pick up my race bib, sleep 8+ hours, run a sunny and bright race, and take some beautiful beach pictures with my gorgeous starfish medal. I'd come back to Pittsburgh an ultra marathoner! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kJY3Ip7IjzfnRz1ESRAbVHp0WiTYqo4PgwlocDpLhTsQyRwKOL7uAK30MNswvRODr2aIGrJ5t0OGNu2FoHeLmSshFBokfshPiDUsrAYylIokFlq6aN7dZnCat9f0dRDBG_-gKueHrzQ/s640/blogger-image--1861352503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kJY3Ip7IjzfnRz1ESRAbVHp0WiTYqo4PgwlocDpLhTsQyRwKOL7uAK30MNswvRODr2aIGrJ5t0OGNu2FoHeLmSshFBokfshPiDUsrAYylIokFlq6aN7dZnCat9f0dRDBG_-gKueHrzQ/s640/blogger-image--1861352503.jpg"></a>(Me with everything going according to plan)</div></div><div><br></div><div>Well mother nature brought in a perfectly timed storm that rocked the area in just a few short hours. The race director had already announced the evening before that the start time would be delayed an hour. I woke up in the middle of the night to the sounds of wind and rain causing my anxiety of what the next day would be like to increase rapidly. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ39tRDjhXuCLE5Q52URmU6X1u9LWzec-cDR1gxHiYxOt2UH4uA78rXY8dMFgPxeYLSp1JYa47rPyqXhQZQBIVrYq6epW2wlGj_SOpzNe6wbUoQCFGncLtT2t8qczK_-D1T3noo0Ik_nk/s640/blogger-image--183439705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ39tRDjhXuCLE5Q52URmU6X1u9LWzec-cDR1gxHiYxOt2UH4uA78rXY8dMFgPxeYLSp1JYa47rPyqXhQZQBIVrYq6epW2wlGj_SOpzNe6wbUoQCFGncLtT2t8qczK_-D1T3noo0Ik_nk/s640/blogger-image--183439705.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There went my 8+ hours of sleep. No big deal, I've run marathons on less. Arriving at the starting line the winds were slowly picking up speed but overall it looked like the day would work out. Rain had stopped and the sun was peaking through clouds in the distance. I was ready and nervous and excited.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTi5SZ2xuBbelM9WUKaqiOldUMCqBv-rIj7nPyX9HI8L7vwbU7BAszkjvdTnFifkGxcG3-zhecSISoQdibnXF9f2S4e3xYycEuBpQi2avhHGIVRVyoy2fkuBkLQ5HBcvC44Zy85-liqs/s640/blogger-image-1301378613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTi5SZ2xuBbelM9WUKaqiOldUMCqBv-rIj7nPyX9HI8L7vwbU7BAszkjvdTnFifkGxcG3-zhecSISoQdibnXF9f2S4e3xYycEuBpQi2avhHGIVRVyoy2fkuBkLQ5HBcvC44Zy85-liqs/s640/blogger-image-1301378613.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I decided to have Brad spray me with sunscreen and in the process I realized 1 minute before the gun went off that my garmin was laying on the bumper of my car (I removed it so it wouldn't get greasy with sunscreen)!!!!!!!!!! Sprinting through the parking lot in a full blown panic was completely NOT part of the plan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I raced back to the start and realized they hadn't started on time. As I was in the process of meeting my instagram friend Erica for the first time in person (which was over a year in the making!) the race director was announcing that the 50K and marathon were cancelled due to flooding on the course. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just like that. I was crushed. Did not expect that at ALL. None of us did. We were told we would be running the half marathon course only. And then within a couple minutes the race began. I cried at the starting line. But I don't care because it's how I was feeling and I'm not apologizing for how I feel (a New Year 's Resolution). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So off we went. I had to work out a LOT of emotions during that race. In a sense, I dealt with a bit of a loss. I love running so much and I love races. I don't run for time, I run for the experience and I felt like I was getting jipped out of my experience. But it wasn't just me. There were first time marathoners and 50 state marathoners who had goals just like me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl78p2izRzObzkaW5o9rFb9MUiOvfCLEzzqu0CRQ63Ns8wlc7z_ddgNM4fbimU4VQeuDC2ftMAeiIOef5cFvrVRkbG4wtW4tLFP1ZN5lT52mVn1H31VlmR3NDC0oZL1AJKv081mjMFZAg/s640/blogger-image--930381784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl78p2izRzObzkaW5o9rFb9MUiOvfCLEzzqu0CRQ63Ns8wlc7z_ddgNM4fbimU4VQeuDC2ftMAeiIOef5cFvrVRkbG4wtW4tLFP1ZN5lT52mVn1H31VlmR3NDC0oZL1AJKv081mjMFZAg/s640/blogger-image--930381784.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Check out the trees in the picture. The winds picked up and everyone on that course fought for every single step. Emotionally it was draining. At times I thought I was moving forward but I'm pretty sure I stood still. PATIENCE. Patience was needed to complete this race. Sand blew in our faces, the wind literally tripped me a few times and some runners fell. There were no mile markers either because they could blow away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But those views. Oh those gorgeous Clearwater views. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UZgDh_NmUVbVys68a4TzSgBgJAXXwcckgsr9_bVCsKQoGUDHuCk3Z0g8cioNL-Z37gr4uePVfoviIqUfN6OgG4MVgZI8Ht592QWxt8Hsvrs8GpyYO60UlppV2drRcLQMPXyQzG0qqA4/s640/blogger-image--1589070347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UZgDh_NmUVbVys68a4TzSgBgJAXXwcckgsr9_bVCsKQoGUDHuCk3Z0g8cioNL-Z37gr4uePVfoviIqUfN6OgG4MVgZI8Ht592QWxt8Hsvrs8GpyYO60UlppV2drRcLQMPXyQzG0qqA4/s640/blogger-image--1589070347.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I managed to finish my 16th (unplanned) half marathon. After 13 miles I was ok with it. I said it before on social media and I'll say it again. Safety is priority at these events. When the announcement was made that those distances were cancelled some runners actually booed the race director. I was embarassed for them. There's no one who wants a race to go on that they just poured their life into for the last year to create more than a race director. He did everything he could to put on a great race and succeeded with flying colors. After the race they posted on facebook what we actually dealt with on the course:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6f7SOaYy6TLv15OZtJxBIAwPus8l-hsA9YmA0L6WGsrmXVgUK5GawoDhQnLwDtwT0DgejqH37Uh0TXJl5-VeN8ZPGmn4N_VpcwTw-UgWDzJBufWwz_RjIPtANwqHsRRWHdHDMUo6HD-k/s640/blogger-image-1536448626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6f7SOaYy6TLv15OZtJxBIAwPus8l-hsA9YmA0L6WGsrmXVgUK5GawoDhQnLwDtwT0DgejqH37Uh0TXJl5-VeN8ZPGmn4N_VpcwTw-UgWDzJBufWwz_RjIPtANwqHsRRWHdHDMUo6HD-k/s640/blogger-image-1536448626.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When I crossed the finish line and was handed a 50K finisher medal (because that's what was on my bib) I cried HARD into Brad's shoulder<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. It confirmed that my shot at this 50K was over. And I didn't want a medal I didn't earn. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLCmifNdSqORocqC094wQviONSDK2RcB0GCrrG6yhblXCXOdxrU9eNkW-DqcbSj2ZE3wqaF1lHtbMrXWCD7Ee4sTMbnPKsn2Iuiwci9ImolGIJUP1WWte1BsVo93Doi1Yk-2DRvQD6EY/s640/blogger-image--2070513877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLCmifNdSqORocqC094wQviONSDK2RcB0GCrrG6yhblXCXOdxrU9eNkW-DqcbSj2ZE3wqaF1lHtbMrXWCD7Ee4sTMbnPKsn2Iuiwci9ImolGIJUP1WWte1BsVo93Doi1Yk-2DRvQD6EY/s640/blogger-image--2070513877.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(From snapchat)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So let me tell you what I learned. First off I'm emotional and I have to get things out before I can move on. I did that and now I am completely ok. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I GOT TO RUN. One day I may not be able to, but Sunday was not thay day. I still ran a half and I love distance running! I got to meet a new running friend. I have a pretty crazy story to tell. I get to come back to Clearwater and try this 50K again! I ran with AMAZING views. And after contacting the race director I was able to pay shipping so they could send me one of the half marathon medals they had leftover so I could proudly display the distance I conquered. And I plan to donate my ultra medal to an organization that gives race medals to sick children in the hospital. All winning in my book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No things didn't work out as planned, but that is life. Just another example of how running makes us tougher and teaches us life lessons when we aren't expecting it. I appreciate these lessons and I appreciate the gift I have to travel and run all over the country. Everything is in perspective and next time something like this happens I will deal with it better. Thanks for all the love on social media and support from Brad, my family and friends. Time for the next adventure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWjjWaZqSF_7VbFV0Lr-BLIC2RD2fskUomKwEsbJLaVgLHr2BSRT0zuiYoGnajd3Lbd8jtupUZXq3ARggs0_yXCo2fDYmojx_IjOtwKUFUZvyXBWii_gLMBEDFcGq2oU68Ii33Nk96GA/s640/blogger-image-443827972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWjjWaZqSF_7VbFV0Lr-BLIC2RD2fskUomKwEsbJLaVgLHr2BSRT0zuiYoGnajd3Lbd8jtupUZXq3ARggs0_yXCo2fDYmojx_IjOtwKUFUZvyXBWii_gLMBEDFcGq2oU68Ii33Nk96GA/s640/blogger-image-443827972.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div></div></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-1181030506833713362015-12-31T05:43:00.001-08:002015-12-31T05:44:35.406-08:002015 Favorites & Plans for 2016<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As 2015 wraps up, I like to look back on my year in running and the races I completed. This past year wasn't about time goals, but getting back into a routine and having a healthy relationship with running so that I enjoyed every race/run. I feel like I accomplished that. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Most of my races fall in the second half of the year when I decided to run races more consisently again. Here are my favorites:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">FAVORITE MEDAL:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Morgantown Half Marathon</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I loved it because they gave all runners a West Virginia state quarter that fit into a slot on the medal after you completed the race and I thought that was unique.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OG8Mm175eGq0NQdYPICGA_YrY971FBcv5Y8MR1gTG1jLgR1ThkST3Le5Hmx3VDBsZ076-wcTEDidlM4WxEs5lBUsWjfTVgzgi9Dmoioi4UecMew6VKVq0l4SIPjeMyyUjGJIR89IgjI/s640/blogger-image-173002165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OG8Mm175eGq0NQdYPICGA_YrY971FBcv5Y8MR1gTG1jLgR1ThkST3Le5Hmx3VDBsZ076-wcTEDidlM4WxEs5lBUsWjfTVgzgi9Dmoioi4UecMew6VKVq0l4SIPjeMyyUjGJIR89IgjI/s640/blogger-image-173002165.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">FAVORITE RACE SHIRT:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pittsburgh Half Marathon</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I love it because of the color (pink) and it's been comfortable to run in by itself or with layers. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8m_IpNcl0KtGH67gAs8Xu8g7eD9XlfF0v_Cyi8olB6DJwufw4OkVE6tzphjkpq69_npVW-aq-HxvKFOeww2juHYqNVec64pkmOrY2HvVDfpJJxev_1LscQ1Lh2XPDABIeXxOijoGpiA/s640/blogger-image-1983124667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8m_IpNcl0KtGH67gAs8Xu8g7eD9XlfF0v_Cyi8olB6DJwufw4OkVE6tzphjkpq69_npVW-aq-HxvKFOeww2juHYqNVec64pkmOrY2HvVDfpJJxev_1LscQ1Lh2XPDABIeXxOijoGpiA/s640/blogger-image-1983124667.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">FAVORITE RACE COURSE:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pittsburgh Pirates 5k</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I enjoyed the course that started on the Roberto Clemente bridge and finished with a lap inside PNC Park. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWBfoo8n3mscYPyW6j7yVN5XO6VcAiNKAMLZ4Upw6J-G5_MLfzuktUM8DWHJFBSnXUtmxm0EdnswuLJh9lYJxlSz_y9U2l6jYsJ_nve0hBLJrdMOW0M_tg3SG-7rwIaMJoeuqGikgqvU/s640/blogger-image-1757338273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWBfoo8n3mscYPyW6j7yVN5XO6VcAiNKAMLZ4Upw6J-G5_MLfzuktUM8DWHJFBSnXUtmxm0EdnswuLJh9lYJxlSz_y9U2l6jYsJ_nve0hBLJrdMOW0M_tg3SG-7rwIaMJoeuqGikgqvU/s640/blogger-image-1757338273.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">BEST CROWD SUPPORT:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pittsburgh Half Marathon</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pittsburgh always wins this category. They advertise so much for this race that you feel like the whole city is out there cheering you on and you can't help but smile! </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9KX1M-TUxD9jbo-mmZ8mXxpAYBJBc8vGF5YfN6EfXzq5Xo5jwikVhKII-1YmnQevKXf4UU5_BfFlWa2fVvypfnVQ45dKRqoudgnXhgYuhNOTf0BTn8si1CjBkhwK-HQIrErA5Qxpynk/s640/blogger-image-1827771825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9KX1M-TUxD9jbo-mmZ8mXxpAYBJBc8vGF5YfN6EfXzq5Xo5jwikVhKII-1YmnQevKXf4UU5_BfFlWa2fVvypfnVQ45dKRqoudgnXhgYuhNOTf0BTn8si1CjBkhwK-HQIrErA5Qxpynk/s640/blogger-image-1827771825.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">FAVORITE THEMED RACE:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A Christmas Story 10k</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Everything Christmas, enough said! </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiWJvOlI8o89gISTatTVseB1frOoxxyqnackE09B4piTI0G7Zt36CrGbc2ZBHctyoSaTzSMOzmeiTQ3TW1LbxllgEhehDhDjfXUPm80YA8t-DKFlqvxkmCpq6UOZGOVVyEGct810hG2Y/s640/blogger-image-1796021764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiWJvOlI8o89gISTatTVseB1frOoxxyqnackE09B4piTI0G7Zt36CrGbc2ZBHctyoSaTzSMOzmeiTQ3TW1LbxllgEhehDhDjfXUPm80YA8t-DKFlqvxkmCpq6UOZGOVVyEGct810hG2Y/s640/blogger-image-1796021764.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">MOST ORGANIZED:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Runner's World Hat Trick </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I would expect nothing less from the people at Runner's World to have a well put together weekend. I had plenty of info through emails before arriving. Parking, expo, race start/finishes, medals, post race food, speakers, schedule, and the course were all very organized. For a multiple race event with so many activities going on in a short period if time, it allowed everyone to attend as much as they wanted without missing out on other things! </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpaIeM5cNMrAzC-MXaEirTHR1vNJjl-T_mMVNli6e2CKOATskn37z6NK5v7Aw7u54FKZjUcJqTzOmzAP-2X-MUOl-PuC16oqpxLNn5uUAAgT4auOLvfrcBJvQkePOLHOQpNaaWV5Jvvk/s640/blogger-image-534496419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpaIeM5cNMrAzC-MXaEirTHR1vNJjl-T_mMVNli6e2CKOATskn37z6NK5v7Aw7u54FKZjUcJqTzOmzAP-2X-MUOl-PuC16oqpxLNn5uUAAgT4auOLvfrcBJvQkePOLHOQpNaaWV5Jvvk/s640/blogger-image-534496419.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">FAVORITE POST RACE FUEL:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A lot of Pittsburgh races give Eat 'n Park smiley cookies at the end. I don't ever buy them but I will eat one after a race! </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIE2oN1xOsEglEhU8VHGP8y-_yEsFzxGuS9VhBZdOgP1vw2HqYo9w_9v6HJhYOvKkOlFzKy3GiytsTiS6a9kXN2HC_tRNlYt5od05GnfAXNAVfEEdf49yYOrdFGR2ytQK9BYXK7GYksw/s640/blogger-image--112740450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIE2oN1xOsEglEhU8VHGP8y-_yEsFzxGuS9VhBZdOgP1vw2HqYo9w_9v6HJhYOvKkOlFzKy3GiytsTiS6a9kXN2HC_tRNlYt5od05GnfAXNAVfEEdf49yYOrdFGR2ytQK9BYXK7GYksw/s640/blogger-image--112740450.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">FAVORITE SWAG:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A Christmas Story 10k</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They provided a fun race shirt, free photos, discounted food coupons, nice sized medal, drawstring bag, and FREE admission to the house/museum from the movie!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qPBChrK48LLOQZBv9T_Vvl3yHL7izb4GGqThdwKHMHtl3LI_VYg9sk5FKt7pYCO5S7EVJconVdipw2s1wb9D29zz2AkjbzsbM9P_kmVh1oexEunjWaG6-SapomNoNeincXLLXJFSH-A/s640/blogger-image--1702129111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qPBChrK48LLOQZBv9T_Vvl3yHL7izb4GGqThdwKHMHtl3LI_VYg9sk5FKt7pYCO5S7EVJconVdipw2s1wb9D29zz2AkjbzsbM9P_kmVh1oexEunjWaG6-SapomNoNeincXLLXJFSH-A/s640/blogger-image--1702129111.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">FAVORITE OVERALL RACE:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Runner's World Hat Trick</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I left that weekend on cloud nine and couldn't stop talking or thinking about it for weeks. It was an awesome celebration of all things running and any race that has me feeling like that for weeks did a fantastic job.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnlNxs-XPt3SOaXlfZxVWwc-sZ_JmpsJ9Dyqgpkaco_P9-3QwMlfShQTuxD7dok6X4s_ZCAIpKoDSOogdoUM1ikmbLvug7wPAm8l-1kJgX86zN7s0rdQRD86eTuD2kXd-KQyo3pVULHY/s640/blogger-image-681776163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnlNxs-XPt3SOaXlfZxVWwc-sZ_JmpsJ9Dyqgpkaco_P9-3QwMlfShQTuxD7dok6X4s_ZCAIpKoDSOogdoUM1ikmbLvug7wPAm8l-1kJgX86zN7s0rdQRD86eTuD2kXd-KQyo3pVULHY/s640/blogger-image-681776163.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Plans for for 2016? I am so excited to be chosen as a Nuun Ambassador</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-0J4leBDXCyXkwx6dOLbialsOwmMG16XjrPZGVxs3QZ-esJ4brnADuoCpzE4Rg9IwXQKBce9VQcnuJ81oaP2kMHNwCcFePJmc3PadwHjJePOD4-HHR2R4Ym1LLUcBRZMAjduV8KWyD0/s640/blogger-image-1856586711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-0J4leBDXCyXkwx6dOLbialsOwmMG16XjrPZGVxs3QZ-esJ4brnADuoCpzE4Rg9IwXQKBce9VQcnuJ81oaP2kMHNwCcFePJmc3PadwHjJePOD4-HHR2R4Ym1LLUcBRZMAjduV8KWyD0/s640/blogger-image-1856586711.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And I have a variety of races lined up:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">January 17th: Clearwater 50K (yikes!)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">February 5-8th: NuunYearDash (virtual run)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">March 12th: Rock 'n Roll USA 13.1</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">April 14-17th: Disney Darkside Challenge (5k & 13.1)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">...and LOTS more to come!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wishing everyone a healthy and happy new year and may all your running dreams come true!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Happy running,</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jenn</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-43500840847630725852015-12-11T17:47:00.001-08:002015-12-14T18:53:06.774-08:00Wreaths Across America 20156 weeks ago Brad and I were discussing how to celebrate his birthday this year and he came up with the best idea...volunteer to lay wreaths in Arlington National Cemetery. It just so happened to be on the exact date of his birthday so we booked a hotel and made the plans official! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKK-7NpP72GyJzYULlDQ6hERKOe21R-bphww_jhLsPyOLlEnJGTWEcBne2DQwh7ZNYFJmebp3q6Nn1fQPTEA-hOTbqh8QA6Ahmq5LdZVsD010BFcLGauWZ1GWfu8YeLxPm9mbd9Pnxc0/s640/blogger-image-1068993278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKK-7NpP72GyJzYULlDQ6hERKOe21R-bphww_jhLsPyOLlEnJGTWEcBne2DQwh7ZNYFJmebp3q6Nn1fQPTEA-hOTbqh8QA6Ahmq5LdZVsD010BFcLGauWZ1GWfu8YeLxPm9mbd9Pnxc0/s640/blogger-image-1068993278.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We drove into D.C. Friday afternoon and checked into our hotel conveniently located near the National Mall. I lived in the area for about 7 years after college so was excited to come back and see the monuments again! We decided to have dinner down at the National Harbor where a big, beautiful Christmas tree was displayed and changed colors every few minutes- our favorite was of course the red, white & blue tree.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcYn_ptv-LiUNOVr2CiYRjpzslVwkCVChMLggPUYHnLesYLfmF_3RSc2I0fgO2npZeH3fUsgsxhSfVaSadvn0vSN8SUcHt5b6QjKnjGT5wvJM1n-vMHoTcUEcr8VQaLWiCggfnAvLtz0/s640/blogger-image-431380522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcYn_ptv-LiUNOVr2CiYRjpzslVwkCVChMLggPUYHnLesYLfmF_3RSc2I0fgO2npZeH3fUsgsxhSfVaSadvn0vSN8SUcHt5b6QjKnjGT5wvJM1n-vMHoTcUEcr8VQaLWiCggfnAvLtz0/s640/blogger-image-431380522.jpg"></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We had dinner at an Italian restaurant called Fiorella. Yummy food, cool atmosphere. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdYiNDT6wjmj3cqx9e2QrUyRxXvyfNzv2HLsf_9KPTEDFnYLgjskHAI7pAgpgZnPi6iGKpjrdvpfj1hc75N5O3EeErAn4Y1TrrgI6DMPTjEZEgMD67O5cNFfZnKKMOJiVYGcmai2Yy2I/s640/blogger-image-1106170562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdYiNDT6wjmj3cqx9e2QrUyRxXvyfNzv2HLsf_9KPTEDFnYLgjskHAI7pAgpgZnPi6iGKpjrdvpfj1hc75N5O3EeErAn4Y1TrrgI6DMPTjEZEgMD67O5cNFfZnKKMOJiVYGcmai2Yy2I/s640/blogger-image-1106170562.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We relaxed at the hotel and went to bed early because the next day would be a long one. We were up at 5am and at the cemetary by 6:30 to make sure we were able to see all of the events. We had a perfect view of the crowds, bagpipes, and trucks of wreaths entering Arlington. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZnF1GFGwU6jsNhAzWMigXApU9AiYILiKUMrEC5EpwNLWGXfsWNzI96yqE7rKnnoli2ntp0QGYOFDnu7FmMzRnsqgqYMiALdGyZYLiPTWCMDgCqglJgDglz6EQURgM0OemUydvWtIXqA/s640/blogger-image--229145903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZnF1GFGwU6jsNhAzWMigXApU9AiYILiKUMrEC5EpwNLWGXfsWNzI96yqE7rKnnoli2ntp0QGYOFDnu7FmMzRnsqgqYMiALdGyZYLiPTWCMDgCqglJgDglz6EQURgM0OemUydvWtIXqA/s640/blogger-image--229145903.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We headed into the cemetery with everyone else and lined up at one of the many trucks placed at different sections of the cemetery. They briefed the crowd on where and how to place the wreaths. After another 30 minutes or so the trucks opened and we were each handed a wreath to place at a grave in the designated section. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclako-g16N8N0u7m7ZgbjI6x8GN7CI2-IcEwarN_r0_kXgZztgTnpnh8RYjHWRqsyvqpLkpHAN7enF4OYay3OYdOkSkrgOC-sybC52mifngyAIfpFWKcH7oPVC9_F_JAKxgtkJU3krVo/s640/blogger-image-528211850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclako-g16N8N0u7m7ZgbjI6x8GN7CI2-IcEwarN_r0_kXgZztgTnpnh8RYjHWRqsyvqpLkpHAN7enF4OYay3OYdOkSkrgOC-sybC52mifngyAIfpFWKcH7oPVC9_F_JAKxgtkJU3krVo/s640/blogger-image-528211850.jpg"></a>What a humbling experience. It was beautiful to see so many volunteers out there. Brad and I worried we wouldn't even be able to place one wreath (due to the high volume of volunteers predicted) and we ended up getting back in line 4 more times to place a total of 5 wreaths each, taking the time to read the stone and visit for a few minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON2OZbqzTjayQULyE6FnaSsbGhOotFXM5mk-tvvk_XF1otdW2WHjtTRWHRU8ltoKefttzIILGuMjc2e3PnqdonEddLuEhqiJLoTjZUDEq0FtYGRKy_iKx-8Tv3m6h_CNHdz11AWWlQ5o/s640/blogger-image--679157227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON2OZbqzTjayQULyE6FnaSsbGhOotFXM5mk-tvvk_XF1otdW2WHjtTRWHRU8ltoKefttzIILGuMjc2e3PnqdonEddLuEhqiJLoTjZUDEq0FtYGRKy_iKx-8Tv3m6h_CNHdz11AWWlQ5o/s640/blogger-image--679157227.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The cemetery beautifully decorated with wreaths:<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemQJJpiZyr8NAM3KvYDUCvJ9-y3k-pvoHR5Rh1V4l3voaArQVJDNb2u-JLGY6r-E4zvvZSFs5LJ6H8ICOMU8vduNGphT264jRhHNKZBwC_nUgmH8Nu1WQjmFD1HgqHrdAnugDnXEp5cg/s640/blogger-image--725172337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemQJJpiZyr8NAM3KvYDUCvJ9-y3k-pvoHR5Rh1V4l3voaArQVJDNb2u-JLGY6r-E4zvvZSFs5LJ6H8ICOMU8vduNGphT264jRhHNKZBwC_nUgmH8Nu1WQjmFD1HgqHrdAnugDnXEp5cg/s640/blogger-image--725172337.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent a total of 7 hours at Arlington that day. It was amazing to watch so many people come out and honor the fallen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After leaving the cemetery we took a nap at the hotel and later had dinner and visited the White House and Capitol Christmas trees. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfKTd2Bj73Blu1xZkUVCIq7aDer9im6cyxmrNwJqJuzmKyOTcBYszDH3lz-r60N71YFEjhlpkXhZUWOsG8d3yUTsrbWuBISjZW3sRNju6QYHRLVLdTxfxWNDw7UX9b-JLJWEJeNFY3oI/s640/blogger-image-737214513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfKTd2Bj73Blu1xZkUVCIq7aDer9im6cyxmrNwJqJuzmKyOTcBYszDH3lz-r60N71YFEjhlpkXhZUWOsG8d3yUTsrbWuBISjZW3sRNju6QYHRLVLdTxfxWNDw7UX9b-JLJWEJeNFY3oI/s640/blogger-image-737214513.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course I had to run my most FAVORITE running route before we left on Sunday. I used to run the National Mall a lot when I lived in the area and it's still my favorite. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUJpnEpC1zyX4Dhfb1Yrr7_-_-e16uiE_C11BOHTSEJg5A_bSph1rhIOLjqFXpjKtW3IonIXuQQ1g3RtjPiyqJHUjuDL88Lr4gCNI3XebnpWfUyd9K__GgPh4IDQsUorTz4M-DP-qksc/s640/blogger-image-1634449156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUJpnEpC1zyX4Dhfb1Yrr7_-_-e16uiE_C11BOHTSEJg5A_bSph1rhIOLjqFXpjKtW3IonIXuQQ1g3RtjPiyqJHUjuDL88Lr4gCNI3XebnpWfUyd9K__GgPh4IDQsUorTz4M-DP-qksc/s640/blogger-image-1634449156.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QZNv9QNobv8Oq6rjTr4uwwu1XrPqcQJrSJHM-hDcpN_hDuwupqed9SR59wDVEWekfPU7pbZAdhJtk8MN6C5g2x8afrXgvkqgfDqHWqID0EWSI8ValtAeYrYG1Zs9Zs-BxSWhorTsysY/s640/blogger-image--1301347572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QZNv9QNobv8Oq6rjTr4uwwu1XrPqcQJrSJHM-hDcpN_hDuwupqed9SR59wDVEWekfPU7pbZAdhJtk8MN6C5g2x8afrXgvkqgfDqHWqID0EWSI8ValtAeYrYG1Zs9Zs-BxSWhorTsysY/s640/blogger-image--1301347572.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a wonderful weekend, couldn't be any happier to celebrate Brad's birthday with him in DC. </div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_4yJOxVsIP08OWbNAGXhC7hyT6RXt21A5c2Q8XD_hWfYp-3C7qA-hyN3uU_wAHdkqSvX6fPz9T9gerKKBm9cLyB76xBublX3d_Yi5-H6M_y9KazwdWxiRf8vNLwZumVD1ofpahLcvXM/s640/blogger-image-1504906146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_4yJOxVsIP08OWbNAGXhC7hyT6RXt21A5c2Q8XD_hWfYp-3C7qA-hyN3uU_wAHdkqSvX6fPz9T9gerKKBm9cLyB76xBublX3d_Yi5-H6M_y9KazwdWxiRf8vNLwZumVD1ofpahLcvXM/s640/blogger-image-1504906146.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-23265229497394184162015-12-06T13:48:00.002-08:002015-12-06T17:11:30.651-08:00A Christmas Story 10KIf you love Christmas and the movie A Christmas Story, I highly suggest you head over to Cleveland, Ohio one year to participate in this festive run! Brad and I drove the 2 hours to Cleveland late Friday morning after I finished a 5 mile run at home. We headed straight to the Renaissance Hotel for packet pick-up where everything was labeled and easy to find. We luckily arrived so early that we didn't have to stand in any lines, but they had A Christmas Story playing in the room on a big screen if you did have to wait.<br>
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With the race bib, every runner receives free admission to the A Christmas Story House and Museum. Brad and I had so much time that day we decided to head over to see it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxhekfSJJN4tmyqSorj7ddm_qOhAf0SwAVyCmImhnF_n-oz9Yt3wNGSZrmtJSqDOsgtbN39l-H_Fv2yMxK7e8lwHYaW_OzHoFnSS-F0Gh2wvBk8byWovxdMRunE37Gx7rDRzPzxB7GlU/s640/blogger-image-338040801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxhekfSJJN4tmyqSorj7ddm_qOhAf0SwAVyCmImhnF_n-oz9Yt3wNGSZrmtJSqDOsgtbN39l-H_Fv2yMxK7e8lwHYaW_OzHoFnSS-F0Gh2wvBk8byWovxdMRunE37Gx7rDRzPzxB7GlU/s640/blogger-image-338040801.jpg"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The house is in the middle of a residential neighborhood and we paid $5 to park in someone's driveway (parking can be scarce if it is crowded, but we were lucky and got there when it wasn't too bad). You enter the gift shop first to get your tickets for the tour and museum and wait for the next tour to begin. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6GVt2z1MLgC3yl5YtH6pYww50EgpWA0fQ7WhyyFPWIEKuyBvTAmrDLim0AisBeSHnWYlhiKWIx2o3yV6dDP-sEvTEv573e37_Ru_yaWxBDp99elQSY05DJbi49nvHwyg2w-Zp5ToWtU/s640/blogger-image--2089244686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6GVt2z1MLgC3yl5YtH6pYww50EgpWA0fQ7WhyyFPWIEKuyBvTAmrDLim0AisBeSHnWYlhiKWIx2o3yV6dDP-sEvTEv573e37_Ru_yaWxBDp99elQSY05DJbi49nvHwyg2w-Zp5ToWtU/s640/blogger-image--2089244686.jpg"></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">While waiting we browsed the shop which had any and everything from the movie you could think of! Since we just finished cleaning out our apartment of things we don't use, we settled on an ornament. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Once the tour started they took us and a group of people across the street and allowed us to walk all over the house and take pictures. I took a lot but will only post a few because you have to go see it in person to really experience the house! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r3bRa7SipOujgJh0fqXsubT1QdIdZFM5mKlsbH3BECbGrLXe28tUm3fZBRfwu8pB2C-qgbkZG7L6dZfB06T8NlVCoLKIAEH46kcC1A8MbW9bZSV0570TEtGOUOxOs8jtHCroiWZOaUw/s640/blogger-image--1524287065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r3bRa7SipOujgJh0fqXsubT1QdIdZFM5mKlsbH3BECbGrLXe28tUm3fZBRfwu8pB2C-qgbkZG7L6dZfB06T8NlVCoLKIAEH46kcC1A8MbW9bZSV0570TEtGOUOxOs8jtHCroiWZOaUw/s640/blogger-image--1524287065.jpg"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">After touring the house there is a museum full of photos and props from the movie to check out. It was a great visit and we probably spent 1-2 hours there total. We were pretty hungry by the time we finished and decided to hit up a restaurant we had heard of that's famous in Ohio call Melt Bar & Grilled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwbFH_KZOLB7upAw1Q65UJP36KzMYei4d9XiU89Wqum-szHIu7nGJEyNX8UbzKq-BMo_LuLS-J01U0LDdl640jlL9ii5ZAGTqv9-ywny_40U4iSu0b1dR8RGaxESkwthf5dGFrlPImVo/s640/blogger-image--491934690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwbFH_KZOLB7upAw1Q65UJP36KzMYei4d9XiU89Wqum-szHIu7nGJEyNX8UbzKq-BMo_LuLS-J01U0LDdl640jlL9ii5ZAGTqv9-ywny_40U4iSu0b1dR8RGaxESkwthf5dGFrlPImVo/s640/blogger-image--491934690.jpg"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Let me just say, come HUNGRY! They have a menu full of every grilled cheese combo you could think of and the portions are massive. They also decorate the place with the ugliest plastic lawn decorations that makes for a fun atmosphere! I ordered a mac 'n cheese grilled cheese (don't judge my prerace food choices!) and couldn't even come close to finishing. Brad had a bacon grilled cheese and loved it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m2Vvgfsrp3h3vBb9n58LPusepSOBPe7B-WxGzCXouqG5vodt0n8VQDMmcLBnPenE5pC-1R-I8bKN_jFPNEHxSsbq6S7l_lCfhveZMHa6OP-fYJ2YyyIPt_OGSlCyQ0dh6A2hCyTa_Z0/s640/blogger-image--778168613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m2Vvgfsrp3h3vBb9n58LPusepSOBPe7B-WxGzCXouqG5vodt0n8VQDMmcLBnPenE5pC-1R-I8bKN_jFPNEHxSsbq6S7l_lCfhveZMHa6OP-fYJ2YyyIPt_OGSlCyQ0dh6A2hCyTa_Z0/s640/blogger-image--778168613.jpg"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">After filling our bellies we relaxed at the hotel for the remainder of the evening. Thanks to our meal, we literally didn't eat for the rest of the day or the next morning before the race and ended up feeling just fine. Never want to do that again though haha. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The temperature on the morning of the race was about 36 degrees, but we layered well and felt comfortable. Parking was plentiful and easy to find close to the start of the race near the Hard Rock Cafe. Many runners gathered inside the Tower Center near the start line to keep warm and use bathrooms. It was nicely decorated with a huge Christmas tree so we took a few prerace photos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33zHTvOnjHbUQ0PqJ253Nm_iqwPwr7p4XRJbEQ01-iHEq2Lt-eqJhYKB_JRczpuBHnSkYBS7gweQiPipsLct37rdc53BEtLyYMs2hSZsALl8-UNsgmu8UCUgu08VcoNLtWYpLta_FHkM/s640/blogger-image-208228948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33zHTvOnjHbUQ0PqJ253Nm_iqwPwr7p4XRJbEQ01-iHEq2Lt-eqJhYKB_JRczpuBHnSkYBS7gweQiPipsLct37rdc53BEtLyYMs2hSZsALl8-UNsgmu8UCUgu08VcoNLtWYpLta_FHkM/s640/blogger-image-208228948.jpg"></a>The course had a few small elevations and a huge bridge to cross that allowed for a nice view of the city. The 5K finish line was at the Christmas Story House but we ran the 10K and continued on back to the original starting line. The race was family friendly and we saw tons of strollers and even dogs running (if only we had known!). They had one water stop that you passed twice and each mile marker was decorated with movie quotes! Also, the race website says the distance is "approximate" so if you are looking for a certified course this is not for you. My garmin said 6.15 miles at the finish line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">We stopped to take lots of pictures and required a bathroom stop too, so this wasn't a race we were aiming to run for a specific time, just fun and for the experience. When we crossed the finish line they had snacks including cups of Ovaltine and we were given our medals while the movie played on a big screen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwgm44XhxITBjWdSDAFagqROwFF9xthfhM30BnyTNKi9KVrLWxOdIKrdMRa127aumlCYypQ5sBhH1uLG_dlPi672hZTUjFXYo3WRMspaBFf7TEK2s5zeIMAi6Cc0ke9nxn32F461RWIE/s640/blogger-image--333531042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwgm44XhxITBjWdSDAFagqROwFF9xthfhM30BnyTNKi9KVrLWxOdIKrdMRa127aumlCYypQ5sBhH1uLG_dlPi672hZTUjFXYo3WRMspaBFf7TEK2s5zeIMAi6Cc0ke9nxn32F461RWIE/s640/blogger-image--333531042.jpg"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Overall I have great things to say about the race! The website even offered post race showers for runners at a specific location, something I am loving and finding more races are offering for out of town guests. Even Brad said he loved the race! He is not a fan of running but participates so we can do things together (wonderful guy!). Definitely a race we would both do again and plan to make a yearly tradition!🎄</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-28312401592543083942015-07-22T18:43:00.000-07:002015-07-22T18:43:03.692-07:00Social Media Words Can Hurt<br />
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When I started this blog almost a year ago, I did it to share my love of running and hold myself accountable to live a more healthy lifestyle. Well I failed. I wrote only twice before this post and have completed sporadic bursts of the healthy lifestyle I aspire to live. </div>
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When I moved back to Pittsburgh 368 days ago, I was emotionally drained from previous years of an unhealthy relationship, without a job in my field that continued for 9 months, broke, and had lost my desire to run. It was just gone, and I was fighting to keep it alive. I plan to address that issue in another post.</div>
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Naturally, if you run and eat a lot, then stop running and continue to eat like a runner, you will gain weight. That is unless you have a super awesome metabolism. Which I do not. And I gained weight. It's not a secret, and I clearly am reminded of it every single day. Sometimes hourly. It destroys me inside and I can seriously drain myself emotionally and beat myself up about it so bad that I no longer have the energy to go run. Weird right? I know. But this how it is right now. I hate it.</div>
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Earlier this week I traveled out of state with my boyfriend and cousins to celebrate another cousin's Army graduation. A fun-filled couple of days with people I love soooo much. Naturally I posted photos on social media of our adventures, although not without hesitation due to my insecurities.<br />
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First comment on the above photo: "Jenn, YOU GAINED WEIGHT". Printed just like that. Nothing else. </div>
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I literally died inside temporarily. A simple photo I shared completely crushed me. I shed a few tears alone in the hotel bathroom, thought a few things about not being good enough, pretty enough, etc. Then built myself back up, then pulled myself back down. Just horrible. Nobody deserves to go through that. </div>
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Almost immediately after that comment, I received private messages, texts, a phone call, and other friends commenting on how beautiful I looked and to ignore people like that. My boyfriend reminded me how much he loved me no matter what and that I was perfect. I couldn't believe it. It's weird to say, but I was shocked to see that people still cared about me even though I gained some pounds. My opinion of others never ever changes no matter their size, shape, etc. I love my friends and family because of who they are no matter what they look like on the outside, and if someone told me that they think the things I say to myself I would hug them and tell them to stop thinking that way and that they are beautiful no matter what. And I would mean every single word. </div>
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Words are powerful. They can be so inspiring but also hurtful. Some people have a thicker skin than others, and everyone has internal battles they fight daily, hourly, or by the minute. Be kind and respect others. Just because someone runs doesn't mean they will be tiny. Runners come in all shapes and sizes and ages and colors and backgrounds. One of the things that attracted me to the sport was that anyone could do it. There's no size, age, or time limit to participate. We all fall off track for whatever reason and I think when you have amazing support you're able to get right back on track. </div>
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I realized I have that. So even though that comment hurt so bad, I was given back some of the confidence I lost. Confidence to believe in myself, confidence to get back on track, and confidence to live my life and surround myself with POSITIVE PEOPLE ONLY. Be kind to others, but more importantly be kind to yourself. Don't let anyone tear you down. Because if I would've allowed that comment to affect me any longer than it did I would have missed out on some pretty special moments with some very special people in my life❤️<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA8uJDLdGpHS1jAA8wL8QG2U4vFmPbVAAKQaArfJzVwVCDv9fGO4gH3WcCDMUSl95ZdMxLHB05P9xSSUtwUxtFcWyu0ByjdP9IIB-DlB-tgiEjE_qvPVzQGAUOwPwKE-dQh7_Keimfj8/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA8uJDLdGpHS1jAA8wL8QG2U4vFmPbVAAKQaArfJzVwVCDv9fGO4gH3WcCDMUSl95ZdMxLHB05P9xSSUtwUxtFcWyu0ByjdP9IIB-DlB-tgiEjE_qvPVzQGAUOwPwKE-dQh7_Keimfj8/s320/image.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-35531174277346816652014-12-31T12:11:00.000-08:002014-12-31T12:12:05.228-08:00Favorites of 2014<span style="color: #a64d79;">Looking back I consider 2014 to be a "slow" year as far as the number of races I participated in. I lived half of the year in Clearwater, Florida and the second half has been back in my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Due to the big move and financial reasons I haven't been able to race as often as I like to.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Still, 2014 was a great year and I completed 8 races, two of which were marathons and one was the 13th state in the quest for all 50! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">As I have been reflecting on this past year, I decided to write a post about my favorites from the races I completed...so here it is!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">FAVORITE MEDAL EARNED: </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">This goes to the Gasparilla Half Marathon in Tampa. I thought the medal was the most unique I earned and the details are pretty awesome.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_nWT2NeuciPQv-oaB_2FP0xaMIKlI4HeFJkalPjzNGZg_ez4G0Hg9ZnraOZKj1GTUEOSDm6QDZxErdVKi1O5V25JYQ02cNuEJJxW4yL2Wj6ZKwPius0JHhiHbwLUmD9BKQV7lWnP9Eo/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_nWT2NeuciPQv-oaB_2FP0xaMIKlI4HeFJkalPjzNGZg_ez4G0Hg9ZnraOZKj1GTUEOSDm6QDZxErdVKi1O5V25JYQ02cNuEJJxW4yL2Wj6ZKwPius0JHhiHbwLUmD9BKQV7lWnP9Eo/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #134f5c;">FAVORITE COURSE: </b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Walt Disney Half Marathon! Why? It's flat and you get to visit with your favorite characters along the course. If your goal is to run a Disney race, I highly recommend it! I've done the marathon and half and plan to run them as often as I can.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">BEST CROWD SUPPORT:</span><span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span></b><span style="color: #a64d79;">I may be biased because Pittsburgh is where I live, but this marathon<b> </b>by far has the best crowd support. EVER. I've run this race twice and have yet to be disappointed. The energy of this city is contagious with people covering the many bridges you cross, handing out snacks (beer!), and just overall providing much needed support through the monster hills you tackle during this race.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuPfXAlI4kRG2LNBVUvAshR_bBC6h2jdojnN9ikwo227Vdy21oEPN1qrxm8vMLejJSGQTKCtOUtWd5QSspN1YrGCzuye1cjsexH_Me5WwQALaZjMfiRgZfhppZ06pCUV8X-Aj7C7123U/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuPfXAlI4kRG2LNBVUvAshR_bBC6h2jdojnN9ikwo227Vdy21oEPN1qrxm8vMLejJSGQTKCtOUtWd5QSspN1YrGCzuye1cjsexH_Me5WwQALaZjMfiRgZfhppZ06pCUV8X-Aj7C7123U/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="279" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-weight: bold;">FAVORITE RACE SHIRT: </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">The Clearwater 5 Miler gave all participants a super cozy long sleeve t-shirt. I love cotton shirts so that's why this shirt topped my list.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1MZZIrLpC12FcMgC1zQBxxgoU__Hhn_2PPpMFSg4IDqOT12ZJd2xqT9xKRBxA-thuAaTCr4TFyEQYA39vEh7RpiY071Hit-RHDTWd4buVOcR6bvt07bJvri-t7CX9OUmK5F_1saRoqI/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1MZZIrLpC12FcMgC1zQBxxgoU__Hhn_2PPpMFSg4IDqOT12ZJd2xqT9xKRBxA-thuAaTCr4TFyEQYA39vEh7RpiY071Hit-RHDTWd4buVOcR6bvt07bJvri-t7CX9OUmK5F_1saRoqI/s1600/image.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-weight: bold;">FAVORITE POST-RACE FOOD: </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">Always important, but St. Louis had awesome snacks after the marathon. Ice cream sandwiches and their famous fried ravioli. No pics, but you can visualize the deliciousness :) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-weight: bold;">OVERALL FAVORITE RACE: </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">The Pittsburgh Marathon wins this category! The time of year (May) is great for this race in the city. The bridges are so much fun to run over. The already mentioned crowd support rocks. I could spend hours at the expo. The race size is perfect and I never feel crowded. The medal design always represents the city well. I could go on and on, but just trust me and run this race in 2015 and earn the title of "Runner of Steel". </span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">I hope everyone has a wonderful transition into the new year! See you in 2015!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03654487340012438973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991881931926611719.post-72775477368270684572014-09-01T07:30:00.002-07:002014-09-01T07:30:46.496-07:00My First Post: Why I Decided to Blog<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">My First Post: Why I Decided to Blog</span><br />
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It is quite trendy to blog these days, especially when it comes to exercising, diets, or my favorite topic, RUNNING. There are so many different people from all over the world documenting their experiences and somehow we feel connected to them through writing and pictures on the Internet. Reading others' blogs can be inspirational and motivational. You find new workouts, relate to daily struggles, try new recipes, and even make new friends that you may physically meet up with one day. It's a pretty cool concept and I decided to give it a whirl.</div>
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But what are my reasons for deciding to start a blog? One of my reasons is the one that many people expect to hear. I want to document my journey of races, training, and reaching my life goal of running a marathon in all 50 states. I frequently start a journal of my running, but then I lose the notebook or forget to write in it. I can't add pictures to a notebook as easily either. So maintaining a journal online suits me. If I misplace a photo I can locate it on my site. And it won't take me long to type out an entry when feel like writing or a topic is on my mind that I want to share.</div>
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The second reason I decided to start a blog is more personal. I know on my blog I can write whatever I want. I can portray that everything in my life is easy with happy photos and positive posts. And trust me, there will be a lot of those! But I decided a long time ago that if I was to put the happy moments online, I also wanted to put the difficult ones as well. I've been talking about a blog for more than a year now, but I decided this is the time to launch it. So my real reason for this blog is to share my positive experiences and struggles with depression, nutrition, and exercise. I have struggled with depression for years now. With it comes fluctuating weight and fluctuating motivation to do my favorite activity, running. I don't look like your typical runner, or what society views runners to look like. I struggle with eating, training consistently, and have days where I can barely get out of bed, let alone run.</div>
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This blog is the beginning. The beginning of a change I have tried to make over and over again. I hope this blog helps to hold me accountable and inspire others who may go through similar situations.<br />
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My goal: to be a well-rounded, healthy person. Yes I love to run, it's my favorite activity, but I also want to use strength training, swimming, yoga, and other activities to fuel my health and to become a stronger runner. I want to develop a bag of tricks for days when I struggle to get out of bed or don't have the motivation to stick to the plan. I want a healthy body and mind, and a balanced lifestyle.<br />
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I hope for this blog to be fun, probably random, but importantly honest. I don't expect many to read my posts, but I hope that one day I will look back at the beginning of this journey and see how far I've come. So here's to new beginnings and welcome to JennRunsUSA!</div>
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