Pensacola Half Marathon 11/11/12

This was by far my favorite race ever. It was perfect. From the pick up packet at Crown Plaza to the post race party, it was fabulous. This was so much better than the last half I ran. The weather was chilly and windy, but was better than Louisiana humidity!! It was in the 50s when we started, but warmed up to upper 60s and low 70s for end of half. I woke up at 4:30 that morning. I'm not really even sure if I slept! I took a Claritin D by mistake the night before! I meant just to unwrap it but was talking to Rae and Dan and swallowed it!!! I was preparing my clothes and running gear and just forgot what I was doing!! I was in the Courtyard Marriott lobby by 530 after stretching. I ate a banana from the goodie race bag the hotel gave me! I loved that and it was helpful bot to worry about what i would eat pre-race. They even had peanut butter for me when I asked! I drank three sips of delicious coffee. I'm always careful how much I drink, but wanted a few sips of my mojo! I met up with my rockstar friend Mandy Bradley who ran the FULL course, and we headed to the start line! It was there that I ran into my old boss Udo who was also running the half. He is from Germany and we always had that in common-I lived there for years and loved it there. It was so good seeing him!

The pink sunrise was surreal and the pre-race devotional inspiring. Mile 1 is always my worst mile and I loathe it. I almost want to sprint it just to get it over with. I am not sure if that will ever change. My body was like-are you really doing this? We ran towards Bayfront Parkway, over a pink sunrise,
and I could see the beach and bridge to my right. We turned left onto Scenic Highway-which is a slight incline all the way! I knew this, but I was feeling it! I was so glad I had a breathtaking view on Scenic because the hill was sucking the life out of me. I really was feeling good all the way to mile 8! I passed up a beer table, a Santa Claus, and a dancing man with a bell and sombrero. On Summitt Blvd. if you do not know, Pensacola is HILLY and although I loved going down the hills, the beast hill on mile 8 was my biggest challenge to date. It was really a big hill for a runner who has only experienced flat Louisiana! You couldn't see the end of it. That was the only time I had to slow down to a jog and walk for a minute, then jog, walk. I believe this lasted for 2-3 minutes but felt like eternity. The high school band there was awesome though and they were having so much fun! Great placing for
them. All the aid stations were amazing! I passed up the beer stop but did partake in some GU and a nice guy gave me a flag and I gladly accepted it. After the beast of a mountain, I continued and turned on Palafox where the race ended in downtown Pensacola. My family met me and I loved all the hugs and kisses they bestowed upon me. This race was amazing. I think I want to run it every year! It was highly organized and just awesome! I made a new PR of 2.37. I'm not the fastest, but I'm okay with it! I also did not post too much about it but I had been sick for two weeks with a chronic sinus infection and was still feeling it. This race was special in every way. I ran with a special friend. I had my family with me. I was in my hometown. Most importantly, I ran for my dad-a Veteran who 6 years ago reminded me Veteran's Day was right around the corner. He passed away after it-close to Thanksgiving. I also ran it for all the people who couldn't run. And the crazy part is- 24 hours later I am thinking already about my next one...

My first half! 10/14/12. Gulf Coast Half

First half marathon! It was a humid one!! I met my friend Mandy there and was so excited to just RUN. Flat flat flat and hot hot hot! The route started in Fontainebleau Park, then 190, then towards the lakefront. We went down streets on the lakefront i had never been down...I loved all the fans and cheerleaders yelling my name! I was really doing well until mile 7. I think I was overheated and had to slow down. I finished in 2.43. I was fine with that because honestly it was so humid and I wasn't sure if I'd make it.
A great sense of accomplishment! I have to say I almost teared up at end. I was surprised to see my friend Laura with my family jumping up and down with a poster in hand. I'd never ask anyone to come watch and wait for me running....I think especially with the heat how hard it would be! I even asked my husband not to come so early with the kids. But they were all there. That meant the world to me. I'll never forget that.

Running has changed me

About 4 weeks until my first half marathon. I am super excited. I have kept up my three weekly runs and somehow have managed to meet all of my goals. It is hard fitting it all in and I could have never done it without
my husband. I feel stronger and feel invincible when I run. I always feel good when I finish and even found a way to sneak it in during Hurricane Isaac. It is unbelievable how mental running is. I have run on rainy days, hot days, long teaching days, and just feeling bad days. I have a great running buddy who I've been blessed to do my long runs with. She has been a sidekick and together we have grown and enjoyed some challenges

Gulf Coast Half Marathon October 14th.

Pensacola Marathon Half November 11th.

Wish my dad was here to see me run. I know he would be proud of me. I think of him often when I'm running on a beautiful full moon, since we had a discussion under one before he passed. I like to pretend be is beside me running sometimes:-). Back in his military days, I can see him doing those runs.

I never thought I'd run two half marathons this year. Honestly, you won't see me running a full. I have other goals though and am excited about it!

Shorts Run June 2012

Out of all the the races (since 11/11), this one was my favorite. It also seemed my most challenging even thought it was shorter than some of my other races This was my B plan race-the Abita Hill Race was postponed-refund check in mail. I really wanted the challenge of hills but
was worried about the humidity so was relieved actually to hear it would be held later in the year! I hear Abita Hill course is beautiful and look forward to running it. Meanwhile, I signed my family up for the Shorts Race with my running buddy Mandy, a 1/2 mile race followed by a 4 mile race, supporting our local firemen.

Bradley, about to turn 7, was so excited as we had been talking race talk for a while. We even did a practice run the night before and I gave him three tips for his first race:
*Jog it steady-don't sprint this one!
*if you get tired and want to walk some, DO IT!
* if you leave your dad (who was running his FIRST race too)-just follow the other runners!!!!! ---worried
Mama here.

Bradley ran the 1/2 mile in 4.30 coming in maybe 3 seconds behind #2 runner boy. He was not "Chick'd" so is happy about that (slang for when a girl
Passes you up-we just learned this one) I was so proud of him!!! He said it was not hard and wants to do it again-my runner boy!

Rae was incidentally in the stroller being pushed by my runner hubby telling him to "Go faster Daddy!"
-she said next year she wanted to run one!

The 4 mile course was a square that started in front of Varsity Sports, went down Marigny, the Trace, lakefront, and up a couple of side streets to return to Varsity Sports, where the firemen awaited with the big spray hose. I started off with a fast mile under 10 minutes, better than usual. However, the sun came out mile 2 and 3 full force while I was running the lakefront and I felt the humidity----and felt dehydrated. Those miles were slower for me-about 11 1/2 to 12 minute miles. What kept me going was seeing my husband at the end of mile 1 and mile 3.75. He was snapping pics and the kids were cheering me on. Mile 4 came and went quickly and I ran directly under the spray and it felt great! I didn't want to keep going, even though the finish line was a minute away.

My time-about 46.58.
Weather-started off overcast and then sun came out and humidity soared
Favorite moments-when I saw the rainbow in the picture my husband snapped and when my boy found out he came in 3rd place in his age division.
Regret-never wear black! What was I thinking?

Bottom line-it was a family fun race and it was nice to have them there! Can't wait for the next one.

Raffle Race. 5/13/12 Mother's Day Weekend. A HOT ONE!

When I signed up for this 5k, I never
Thought to check
To see if it was a shaded route! It wasn't! Hottest race to date and although I made a new PR, it was so very humid and challenging! It was all concrete and I have done
mostly trail except for the CCC. My first mile was awesome! It was a little over 9 minutes and I felt great! The 2nd mile started off a
Little slower as the full sun was in my face and I was feeling overheated. The 3rd mile I reunited with my friend Mandy and we both agreed there was no shade lol. I did finish in about 32 minutes, which is my fastest 5k to date. My goal is just to run one in 30 minutes. Louisiana humidity at it's best!

Victory for Vicki 4/28/12

This was a short run but a personal and somber run Vicki passed away 4/13 after a battle with cancer
Leaving behind four children from ages 2 to 11 and her devoted husband. When my friend Mandy told me about this race in her neighborhood, Vicki was still fighting and the race was to raise money to help her family with medical bills and cancer research Although I didn't personally know her, I felt her spirit and saw her family on race day I ran this race reflecting on how many people i know who have battled cancer. I look forward to running this race next year. All of
the proceeds went to cancer research. I can't imagine how that family must have felt losing their mother, wife, and more. I was proud to be a part of this. Having lost my uncle and dad to
Cancer and suffering my own scare after Rae was born, it hits close to home. If I could have just one wish, I would wish for a cure for cancer.

Crescent City Classic 4/7/12

On April 7th, 2012, I ran the CCC! My time was not as great as my last
10k, but I had such a great time! I finished in 1.13 opposed to my last one that was 1.07 but it was so crowded and congested I am okay with that. I loved the run through the French Quarter. I enjoyed the orange slices, sprinkler teases, and beads given to me by the locals. The cool morning ended up quite humid, but I enjoyed the rush and the run! Can't wait for the next one!