Chatham Turkey Trot and Energy Bits Winner!

First off I will start wit the Energy bits winner!!!!!! Amy McGrade!! Congratulations! Thank you to everyone that entered, I will be having another giveaway within the next couple of weeks so stay tuned!

Next my review on the Chatham Turkey Trot I ran on Thanksgiving! This is a little late coming but it will be top of mind in your brain for next year!

My mom and I signed up to run the Chatham Turkey Trot. This was the first race of the year for her since last year. She got out of running for a little bit but is back now and getting ready to run the Enchanted 10k with me in February and hopefully she will be up for running the Disneyland half with me this summer, her first half ever! So back on track.....The race started at 8am right in Chatham center. We live about twenty minutes away and left around 7. The race is an not timed so you do not have to pick up a number. The race cost was $15 and that included a race t-shirt and beverages at the end and through out the race. You also had to bring a bag of canned goods. The shirts are really cute at least I think so for kicking around in. I actually wore mine on Thanksgiving ha-ha!

When we arrived there were already many people there and we ended up getting a parking space right near the start/finish line. We brought our bag of canned goods and picked up our shirts and then hung out in our car until the start. It was a pretty cold day and a bit windy the race was right along the water. About 10 minutes before the start we got out of the car and moved right up to the front of the start. Because it was not timed I wanted to get the most accurate time for myself. The race started and I took off, my mom is a bit slower then me and we have found that running together just doesn't work for us. The beginning of the race was right along the water and was very windy but it was beautiful out. I was pretty bundled up and actually got hot during the race. The route is really nice a few hills but small ones and then you would go right down. The view was so pretty that the race just flew by the ocean and beautiful house, I always love when that happens! There were a few water stops along the way that were set up.  All of a sudden the finish line was right in front of me. The finish line however was a bit strange there was just a big orange cone and a man standing there holding his hands up to stop. Once again it was not a times race so that was ok. I waited for my mom to finish and then we headed to go get some breakfast! It ended up being a great run for both of us!

The race was a really good time, it was cold but we both had a lot of fun, and it is a great way to start off Thanksgiving day. You can also feel ok about eating as much as you want because you ran a race! I would highly recommend this race for anyone looking for one to run next year. It is laid back and fun, there were about 1,000 runners but it didn't seem over crowded! Also you can walk the race if you would like and it was dog friendly! A must do for next year plus you get a cute/silly shirt! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and can you believe Christmas is a week away!!!!!! I hope everyone is all done with their shopping and able to relax and enjoy Christmas lights and cookies and parties for the next week!

That's me in the hot pink!

QOTD: Did you run a Turkey Trot where you live?

Energy Bits Review and Giveaway!!!

A few weeks ago I was given a sample of energy bits to test out. I had heard a lot about these and was dying to try them. The idea of algae pills was a little weird but the nutrition and energy that they give you will make you want to try them. 

First a little about energy bits, they are a green pill made of 100% organically grown Spirulina algae and are all natural! You can eat them or chew them and are only 1 calorie per pill. They will fill you up before you exercise but will not make you cramp up but instead they will give you energy.  They are also incredibly good for you!

 

 

Here are some nutritional facts about energy bits, as you can see they are full of things that are great for you. Another fact is they are a Boston based company which I am a big fan of being an Massachusetts girl!

I was given a sample of them which was good for about two runs. I decided to swallow the pills instead of chew them I was not brave enough for that. I took about 30 pills before my seven mile run. The first time I used them I didn't feel much different. I thought to myself why am I not running super fast! My first few miles were much faster and I felt good but then I hit a wall. I think I went out too fast thinking the pills were going to be magical and make me run like am Olympic runner! The second time I used them and just went out at my normal pace, I felt great the whole time and did actually run faster miles and felt like I could go much further then I had originally planned.  One thing I didn't love was that I could taste the pills while I was running which I wasn't a fan second time I tried them I started of running with some gum and that masked the taste. I was a big fan of them after I tried them the second time. 

 

I am going to be giving away a sample of these as well to one lucky readers! 

In order to win you must Like my Facebook page as well as comment below on why you would like to win! I will announce the winner on Friday 12/13!

ENERGYbits are only available at ENERGYbits.com, and Jonathan (their Brand Manager) has shared with me that he'd be happy to connect anyone with a current ambassador to share a discount on a bag of bits - you can email him at jlevitt@energybits.com

Disclaimer:
Although I was given a sample from EnergyBits, these opinions are my own.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all have a great day and eat as much food as you want! Calories don't count on holidays so chow down!

Turkey Trot review and energy bits giveaway coming this weekend! 

Falmouth in the Fall Road Race Recap!

I ran the Falmouth in the Fall Road Race a few weekends ago in Falmouth, MA. This race is the same route as the Falmouth Road Race that takes place every summer with thousand and thousands of runners. I also run that race every year but sometimes I like to run the Falmouth in the Fall as well because there are only about 500 runners and it is easier to take in the scenery! It is a beautiful race route!

This race normally takes place the first Sunday of November and its normally a very cold day. For those who are not familiar with this race or the Falmouth Road Race, it starts in Woods Hole and ends 7.2 miles out in Falmouth Heights. The course is very hilly! The first three miles are rolling hills then it flattens out. At around mile six you start uphill again until the last few hundred feet of the race then a large down hill. The course is beautiful and is all along the ocean. The downside of this race is that you start in one place and end in one place therefore you have to be bused to the start line normally an hour or so before the start so there is lots of standing around.

I decided to do Falmouth in the Fall this year to get a better qualifying corral time for the Princess Half Marathon in Disney World. This summer I ran the regular Falmouth Road Race in 1:09 and knew I could beat that time in the fall so signed up. The race is only $20 and you don't get anything except a cup of chowder at the end but it is still a good time. When you sign up you have to include a self addressed envelope so they can send you your race number. Another thing I like since I sometimes don't like picking up my number unless there is a big race expo. 

 

 The week leading up to the race I was really unsure if I was going to run. I had been battling a groin injury from a previous half marathon as well as being a bit burnt out. I said all week I am not going to do it I am just going to give my number away, but deep down I knew that I would run. However I really did entertain the idea of not running for about a day. I took it easy all week training and I only ran maybe once or twice with low mileage. I felt good Saturday but when I woke up on Sunday I just felt sick to my stomach. The race wasn't until one so I ate and relaxed for a bit and then decided I was going to do it. My plan was for my mom to pick me up and she was going to drive me to the start line so I could wait in the car until the start, it was cold and rainy that morning.

I got to woods hole around noon so had about an hour or so to wait. My friend Liz who was also running decided to do the same thing and have her husband drive her to the start as well. Great idea on our part because it was COLD! We ended up getting out of our cars about ten minutes before the start, and then all of a sudden everyone was running. It was the most bizarre start there was no gun, no one telling you to go we all just started running. With this race however there is no timing chip in your bib so your time starts when the clock starts. I hadn't noticed this until right before the start so I told Liz we needed to get right in the front. We were not wasting any time.

The race started and every one charged out as well as myself so I needed to pull back a bit as to not fall apart. I was able to control my breathing and keep a steady pace. The beginning is always tough but then it completely flattens out so you can get some of your energy back. However you have to remember the last two hills at the end. One is gradual and then one smacks you in the face and you feel terrible no matter what. I always try to save energy for that last hill and tell myself once you are up it all you have to do is come down. However that is not the case. You go up this massive hill and then it flattens out for what seems like three miles and then you FLY downhill to the finish. But god I hate the hill!

I finished in 1:03 for 7.2 miles I was incredibly pleased with myself. The first time I ran this race I ran 1:28 in change. and even last year I did about that, so as you can image I was ecstatic when I saw that clock said 1:03! Good training really pays off! My ultimate goal is to run in under an hour which last year seemed unattainable but now is so close to being in reach! 

Overall I do love this race and the regular Falmouth Road Race. It is one of the more difficult race routes I have encountered but I just love it, and will continue to do it! 

The only complaints were the start and that there is no chip for timing. There are not a ton of people so it is easy to get our right when it starts but it still would be nice, it might shave off a few seconds right! Also there where not a ton of water stops maybe three if that. I didn't mind I only drank water once however it might bother some people. The organization of the race is good as well. If you do get bused to the start line there is a truck where you can check a bag. I have never done that so I a not too sure how it works. Other then that I highly highly suggest doing this race. If you don't get into the lottery for the regular Falmouth Road Race then do this race it is exactly the same with way less people. 

 

2013 race bibs place proudly on the fridge! I have one last race for 2013 the Turkey Trot in Chatham on Thanksgiving and then I think that will be it, unless I find a really awesome Christmas race! 

QOTD:What do you do with your old race bibs? 

Exciting News!!!

So I have a couple of things to tell you guys about!!! First off I was chosen to be a Sweat Pink Ambassador! I am so excited about this! 

 

Go check out the website www.fitapproach.com.

Their mission is...

"We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no strangers to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick."

Who wouldn't want to be part of such a great community of women! 

Next I have created a facebook page for my blog and I would REALLY REALLY appreciate if you LIKED it! Just click the like button in the right hand corner! 

Lastly I am happy to announce Bella is getting a baby brother!!!!

 

I still need to think of a name so if you can think of any good ones comment below! He will be here just before Christmas I can't wait! My mom is getting a little girl as well, his sister! We are so excited!

Cape Cod Marathon Relay Recap!

I have been so bad about writing my recaps I feel so behind! A few weekends ago I ran the Cape Cod Marathon Relay. This is a five person team relay that takes places during the Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth, Ma. This was not a race I had planned on doing but a friend of mine needed a runner for one of her teams, someone backed out so I decided to do it!

A little information on this race, it takes place during the Cape Cod Marathon Weekend, the weekend consists of a half marathon on Saturday a full on Sunday with the relay during the full. You also can do the half and the full back to back which is called the "Chowdah Challenge". It takes place through out Falmouth and finishes right on Main Street. A very pretty course but a bit hilly. 

We did the relay and had two teams. Each team had five girls on it and we had two cars to drive around Falmouth to each exchange. We met in Falmouth around 7:30 and headed over to the Larwrence School down the street to get our numbers, t-shirts and packets about the day.  We were asked if we had a two cars for each team because exchange 4 had a shuttle and we probably wouldn't make it to the exchange in time for our runner. We were a bit confused about this but figured we would figure it out as we went along. We then headed over to get our t-shirts which was a kind of cool because they were screen printing them when you told them which size shirt and color you wanted. This took up a bit of time but was different so I liked it. I also like the shirt and that it is long sleeved.

 

This helicopter was flying super low at the second exchange. It was neat but made me a little nervous!

The first runner started at the Lawrence School and had to run 3.05 miles and then finished at the Famouth Road Race finish. Then the next runner was off for 6.15 miles. I was the third runner so we headed over to my exchange I got my baton and was off. I only had to run 5.7 miles my course was pretty easy a few hills but nothing too bad. I felt pretty good during the whole run. When  I passed off it had been one of the shuttle exchanges this leg was 6 miles. We had to take a bus back to the parking lot and then go to the next parking lot to get another shuttle and go to the 5th exchange which was 5.3 miles. This shuttle thing got a little confusing and luckily the two girls who were running the 5th leg took off before I came in, in order to make their leg, because timing was tight. We headed over to the last hand off and one of the runners on our other team had already left. We waited for our runner to come in and get the 4th girl, they handed off the baton and we were off to the finish line to cheer everyone on! 

Overall it was a really great experience, and I am glad I did it. I had never done a relay before. It was a long day but very fun! The one thing that was a bit confusing during the race was you were not sure what side of the road you were suppose to be running on. I kept switching back and fourth because it wasn't clearly marked and all the roads were still open. I had just wished there was a bit more direction. Also the shuttle thing did get a bit confusing and if we hadn't had two teams we would have needed an extra car to get to the exchanges in time. Other then that I really liked the race, and I got to cheer people on and be a spectator which doesn't often happen!

 

 This was my team! 

 

This guy's team name was the best "Team Unicorn Sparkle Luke Skywalker"

My recap on Falmouth in the Fall will be up in a few days, I need to get caught up on all these recaps!

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!! This is my absolute favorite holiday, well I love all the Fall and Winter Holidays but I love candy and pumpkins and dressing up so this one might just be my favorite!

Last night we carved our pumpkins! Another one of my favorite things to do but I always feel like I am going to cut myself with the knife! Cutting into the top is not the easiest thing to do! But I love our pumpkins they are lit out on our front steps right now waiting for trick-or-treaters to come however I don't think any will :( 

Lastly this was my Halloween makeup! I didn't do anything just stayed home but wanted to try out doing this makeup so I did! I think Luke may have thought I was insane wearing this around the house but I don't care!!

Oh and one last thing my new bike came!!!! 

My house looks like a mess in this picture however setting up this bike was my number one priority when I got home! I already went for a quick mile spin and I'm in love! Hopefully this will get me out of the running rut I am in!!! 

I will write more about my running rut and the race I did last weekend later on. Now off to watch scary movies for the rest of the night!!

QOTD: Does anyone have any good bike workouts that I should try out?! 

QOTD 2: What were you for Halloween?!

B.A.A. Half Marathon Recap!!!

A few weekends ago I ran the B.A.A. Half marathon being the third half marathon I ran in three weeks. This race was super organized and very fun and here is my recap about it! 

First off this is a somewhat difficult race to get into. It is a lottery system but you have to get online the second the registration opens and normally it fills up with in a couple of minutes. My brother went on 15 minutes after registration opened and it was already full.  So that is one thing to keep in mind if you do want to sign up for it. Get on right at the time they tell you to and make sure you don't have a slow internet connection! 

Once you do your registration you then will get and email saying that have received your registration and you will hear back shortly to see if you have gotten in. They then send you a conformation email that you are officially in. 

 

 So I did this back in July, and then didn't hear anything until about a month or so before the race. I hadn't looked anything up about getting my number or really what to do so I was glad when I got the email to confirm my address because they were sending my number and race information! I love when I don't have to go somewhere extra to pick up my number. I love running expos but getting your number sent to your house and the only thing you have to do is go to the race is great!

 

Info Packet!

 

Course Map, a bit hard but not too bad!

 

This is the stuff that came in the packet, it explained basically everything you needed to know about the day!

Finally it was race day, I got up around 4 and got my stuff ready and left by 5:30 to head up to Boston. I was planning on parking in the UMASS Boston parking lot and then taking the shuttle bus over to the race. There is limited parking over by Franklin park so this is what was recommended to do. My brother ended up getting a number from someone so I was going to meet him and his friends there, they were getting dropped off at the start.

It only took me about an hour to get up to Boston and parking was super easy to get to. I got right off the highway and then there where signs to park. I parked hung out in the car for a bit because it was cold and then hopped on a bus to head to the start line. The bus ride was about 15-20 minutes long. After we got dropped off I headed to the bathroom before the lines were too long and waited for my Brother. I could pick my t-shirt up before or after the race and decided to do it while I was waiting and then check my bag. The T-shirts are very cute and comfortable however they are unisex. I got a small and it is still very big on me but nice because I can wear something under it. 

 

I went over to bag check they were handing out white  plastic Adidas bags to throw your stuff in and then you were to put it under this tent that was marked off by number corrals. This was a bit strange and didn't seem super guarded, and everyone's bag looked exactly alike and there were tons!

I met up with my brother and his friends and then we headed over to the corrals. They were by time so you were to just get in wherever you felt comfortable. We headed over a little late and had to slip through the gate that was holding all the people in. I would say for anyone doing it try to get to the start line when they first start calling you or you will have to climb the gate or find a spot you can fit through.  However it ended up being fine.

 

There were four waves we were in the third and ended up starting about five minutes after the first start. I was very worried about this because it said in the race packet you needed to finish in 2:30 and that time started when the first runner crossed the start line. That is not true though the time was around 2:25 when I finished and there were many runners still behind me so don't let that scare you.

 

Then we were off! The race announcer kept saying as we crossed the start line take it easy in the beginning because there were hills at the end you needed to save yourself for. For once I listened, I took it easy starting out not letting the people around me intimidate me. The beginning of the race was pretty easy with lots of fan support. You headed along one road for about four miles and then went around a cone and headed back down the other directions then veered off. It was kind of run to run one way and have runners run the other way. I thought this was going to stink but I liked it. It happened later on in the race again too. It keeps you motivated to keep going.

Continuing on I didn't notice any serious hills just gradual ones, but taking it easy in the beginning was a good idea. I headed along and before I knew it I was at the dreaded mile ten which ended up being fine I felt great and pretty soon we were headed into the zoo which is close to the end. One part of the race I DID NOT like was when we were in the zoo we had to circle around and head out. At this point we had to all shuffle down this little dirt path. There were a lot of people so all of a sudden we came to a complete stop. Not the best thing! It shorted out quickly but wasn't the best when you are in a groove and almost done. Once you headed out of the zoo you hit the 20k mark and then an 800 yards to go mark and then a 400 yards to go mark. Between 800 and 400 yards seemed like a mile though not my favorite! But then we were done! Yay my 5th half marathon since May finished! I was so excited!

Then we got our awesome medals!

This is a terrible picture but I will add it anyway! After the race you enter an area that has some water, Gatorade and food, however once you leave that area and go to get your bag you are not allowed to enter it again. I thought this was a bit strange since you wanted to get your stuff to stay warm but that's ok. I grabbed a few waters and Gatorade and headed to get my things. In the bag area there was only one way in and then once you got your bag they checked your number on your bag with your bib on your way out.

I then met up with my brother hung out for a bit and then started to  head back to my car. 

 

The line for the bus back was wicked long so my brothers friends nicely offered to give me a ride back so I can't say how long that took to get back. 

Over all I loved the race and will do it again next year. However in 2014 I plan on doing the distance medley. They have a 5k, 10k and half and you get a medal for completing all three, and you know how I like medals! Now off to watch the Red Sox!

Go Red Sox! Boston Strong! 

 

QOTD: Who do you want to win the World Series??!!

 

 

Six Things Saturday!!!

I had hoped yesterday to do a Five Things Friday however it just didn't happen! So today I will write a Six Things Saturday!

First off I just completed three half Marathons in three weeks!!!! Something I never in my life thought I would ever do. Making it 5 total since May! I never thought I would run one half marathon let alone three back to back! It is something I am incredibly proud of!

 

I have now come to realize though I am burned out and need a small break! I am not one for taking day's off that are not scheduled days off, however it has been brought to my attention by myself, my legs (ha-ha!) and my friends that I need to take a couple days off from running! So I have decided to take this ENTIRE weekend off, and I might try to find a spinning class to take next week and start a new running schedule!

I have recently moved (only across town!) and this is what my morning runs look like...

 

If knowing you are going to run by this for about a mile in the morning or afternoon doesn't make you want to get up and go then I don't know what will!

How can I do a six things without talking about my sweet Bella!

 

I was watching TV a couple of nights ago and looked down to see these little legs sticking out from the blanket! If only I had a video of this because that little tail was wagging like crazy! She just melts my heart <3

Next, I LOVE this time of year! Fall and Halloween are beyond my favorite! If everyday were Halloween I would be a happy camper! I mean not only can you dress up and wear crazy makeup but hello all that Candy...it is just amazing! I wish I lived in the movie Hocus Pocus (minus the witches trying to kill the children but you know what I mean!) I also love Pumpkins and the chill in the air where you don't have to wear a huge jacket but a nice comfy sweater, and the changing colors of the leaves it is just great! Everything about fall is my favorite!

Lastly Swirlgear is offering 10% off until October 31st! Also 10% of all proceeds and sales will be donated to Bright Pink. Bright Pink is a national non-profit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women while providing support for high-risk individuals. Use Code "Pink" at Checkout! Also you do not have to buy something pink the offer is good for all items! www.swirlgear.com 

 

There clothing is so cute and comfortable so go get it and help out a great cause!!

I will be doing a recap of my past race the B.A.A. Half marathon soon so check back!

QOTD: What fun things are you doing this weekend?

Harwich Cranberry Harvest Half Marathon Recap!

This past weekend I ran the Harwich Cranberry Harvest Half Marathon in Harwich, Ma. Let's just say this was by far my worst half marathon to date. I started out way too fast and then just felt awful from around mile nine to the finish. I decided last minute to sign up for this race and although it went bad I am glad I did it. This half marathon is part of the Cape Cod Half Marathon Trilogy which also includes the Hyannis Half Marathon, which takes place in February and the Johnny Kelley Half Marathon which takes place in May and both are in Hyannis.

I decided to sign up for this race last minute because I was not going to do it at first I had a half marathon the weekend before and the weekend after so I thought it would be too much, but then thought just do it! I kept checking the website to see if I could get a number the day before the race at number pick up and finally found out I was able to. I headed down to number pick up on Saturday which was at the Harwich High School just off the highway very convenient. I had read that if you signed up the day before then you were not guaranteed a t-shirt however when I got there I was able to get one. My number was 776 which I was surprised because I thought there would have been more runners.

 

The following day the race started at noon. I wasn't too excited about that because it kind of took up the whole day but hey, what else would I have been doing ha-ha! I headed over around 11:00 with my mom got there around 11:30 and was able to park right near the start and finish line. I headed over to the start around 11:45 as to stay out of the cold as long as possible. We ended up starting within minutes, no standing and waiting for an hour which I like!  There are no assigned corrals, just pace markers so you go in the corral which you think is the best for you. I always try to move towards the front so I can start right when the gun goes off.

The course started off looping around a bit, we went up this road and then turned around and ran back down then looped around a bit more and were headed down another road that was pretty straight for a while. It was a bit hilly in the beginning, it seemed like we would go up a small hill and then flatten out and then go up some more, there wasn't much down hill. The course stayed like this for a while, there was nothing to crazy but it was a bit boring. There were not too many spectators, just a lot of people in cars angry because the race was holding people up on. Hopefully no one missed too much of the Patriots game!

I had started out too fast in the beginning like I had mentioned before which started to hurt me later on in the race. I realized after a few miles I was going to fast but a lot of people were passing me so I freaked out you know the "Oh god, I am going to be the last one to finish this can not happen!" was running through my mind. Once I got a grip I started to slow down a bit and take it easy. But then I hit mile 10, about three quarters of the way through I passed a man saying "Mile 11 at the top of the hill!" I was thinking we aren't even going up hill yet oh no! I had been warned of this hill however and thought it can't be that bad......man was I wrong! Going up the hill I kept thinking to myself I am going to DIE! Now had I started off at a normal pace this hill at this point would have been challenging but wouldn't have made me feel awful! Once I got to the top of the hill it was smooth sailing to the finish however I really needed to slow down. I kept thinking "Just walk for a minute it is fine you will feel better!" then I would tell myself "NO! YOU CAN NOT WALK! YOU ARE ALMOST DONE! NO WALKING!" I ended up not walking and just slowing down A LOT! which was probably slower then a walk ha-ha but I picked it up for the finish and finished strong!

I heard my mom yelling for me a the finish and then the announcer gave me a shout out which is always nice. Of course my mom's phone died as I was coming in and she was unable to get a photo.  Once I crossed the finish line I was handed my medal then there was some small bottles of water and Gatorade as well as some coconut water to take. My mom found me easily there were not a ton of people, once I found her I wanted to leave. I had seen my time when I finished and was not super happy 2:18....I took some pictures with my mom and then headed home.

 

Once I left I realized my time wasn't horrible, yes it was my worst time however I finished and that is all that matters! Overall I was happy I did the race but small town races are much different then larger races. It ended up being a bit more challenging then I had hoped it would be but that is ok. The harder it is the stronger you get right, and now I have a new medal to ad to my medal holder!

 

Tomorrow is the B.A.A. Half Marathon which I am so looking forward to but am a little nervous! Wish me luck! 

What races are you running this weekend?

 

Weekly Update!!

Happy Monday...well it is almost over thank god Monday's are the worst! So I wanted to do a weekly update of last weeks workouts and such.

As you may know I had a half marathon last Sunday the Rock 'n' Roll half marathon so I was going to take it easy this week. I ended up running 5.5 on Tuesday which went well I ran really fast but was pretty tired at the end. I was toying with running a local half marathon this Sunday (yesterday) so I wanted to take it easy with my runs for the remainder of the week. I then ran 4 on Wednesday which felt about the same as the day before and then decided to take Thursday, Friday and Saturday off. I was going to run 3 on Thursday but thought that three miles isn't going to do anything for me I am still going to be able to run the half on Sunday.

On Saturday I decided for sure to sign up for the local half that I had been thinking about, the Harwich Cranberry Harvest Half Marathon.  I laid low on Saturday preparing for my race Sunday afternoon.

The Race Started at noon on Sunday which I will do a recap of in a few days but I will go over something I learned from this race, since this was not my best race at all...In face I felt pretty bad when I finished by I finished and that is all the matters right...

Things I learned....

1. Don't start too fast! This was my biggest down fall during this race. I started off running way too fast, and was not feeling too hot around mile 10.

2. You are not going to be the last person so stop thinking that! I always freak myself out and when I see people passing me I think "OH MY GOD! I AM GOING TO BE THE LAST PERSON TO FINISH!" I will never walk during a race so I know that I will not be the last person in. 

3. Run your own race! I know I am not going to win...well I might...haha...however I am not going out there trying to be the best one. I am running for me and only me and doing the best I can.  I need to remind myself of this because sometime I get carried away in how other people are running around me or oh that person is running faster then me I should speed up. It is not about them it is about me, and no matter how I finish or what my time might be I finished and that is all that should matter.

Two more exciting things from last week....

My boyfriend finished my medal hanger! Note I did the painting and the lettering and all the glitter but he helped me with the knobs and hanging it on the wall and I couldn't be happier about it and can't wait to fill it up with more medals!!!!!!

 

Lastly I woke up this morning to a nice surprise on twitter....I was picked as the Swirlgirl of the week by Swirlgear! 

 

I was so excited!! What a great way to start a Monday! Go check out Swirlgear, they are a great company and their runnings clothes are so comfortable! 

That is it for now Harwich Cranberry Harvest Half Recap coming soon!!

Providence Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Recap!!!

I ran the Rock 'n' Roll Half marathon in Providence, RI this past weekend. This was my third half and I think I am ADDICTED!!!! Here is my recap of the race!!

The race was on Sunday, packet pickup was on Saturday with the expo but I wasn't able to make it. It said on the registration that there was no number pick up the day of, however there is a solutions tent by the start line where you could get your number the day of the race if there was no way to get there Saturday and they even had blank waivers if you forgot that.

Sunday morning I left at around 4:30 with my friend Liz, she was running the 5k so we decided to go up together. The morning was very foggy and when we arrived in Providence it was still dark and there were not many people around. We ended up parking right at the bottom of the hill before the finish line and walked up to the lawn area where everything was set up and headed to the solution tent to grab our numbers. We picked up our numbers which was super easy and got our t-shirts and goody bags and then decided to go check our clothing it was FREEZING out so I had on many layers!

 

These were the shirts for the half marathon which I loved! And they had woman's sizes!!!

Next we headed over to bag check which was also so simple we used the Rock 'n' Roll drawstring bags they gave you put our things in, tied it up and we were good to go! I love when things are easy! After that we headed over to the port-o-potties which where pretty much everywhere and then headed over to our corrals because we were going to start soon!

 

Pre Race photo!

I was in Corral 6 they did the corrals by the first number on your bib, Liz was in Corral 3 so we parted ways, we were about to start!!!!!

 

The race started at 7:00 and I crossed the start line around 7:10 and was in corral 6 so they got everyone moving pretty fast which was nice because waiting around is the worst! The 5k runners were all mixed in with the half marathon runners which I liked.

The race started uphill everyone around me was complaining and then someone said "just wait this is nothing!" Now I don't mind hills but I got worried after hearing that! At around mile 2 the 5k runners headed in a different direction and we were off to finish the half, and then the hills came first gradual and then there was a HUGE one I thought to myself is this ever going to end, I can't make it but after that it was smooth sailing!

 As you may know there is  also band at every mile of the race which was so nice, it was something to look forward to. Also the water stations seemed to be right after the band so you always knew there was one coming up soon if you had just passed a band. There was also a lot of supporters through out the route cheering you on which is so nice during a race and really keeps you going. 

Once we got around mile five we were pretty much passed the hills except the one up to the finish line and at that point too the relay runners were switching which I had none about but forgot. This was a cool part of the race because first you get to run with a drum stick but also if you didn't feel like you could do the half yourself you could be part of a team which was really neat.

The race went by really fast and before I knew it I was finishing I felt pretty good most of the race but at mile ten got a pretty serious cramp but worked through it and felt great finishing. There were tons of people at the finish line, and once your crossed the finish line there was tons of water, chocolate milk, powerade, power bars and bagels. Then all the runners (21+ of course!) got a free beer!

After I crossed the finish line I went to go get my checked bag which again was super easy! Then headed over with Liz to get our well deserved beer!

 

Overall it was a great race I ended up getting a PR of 2:12:29! Everything was so easy to get to and the number pick up was not a problem at all if you couldn't make it to the expo. Parking was a breeze as was bag check! I was very impressed with the organization of everything! I will be back next year to run again for sure!

 

Local Harwich Cranberry Half Marathon this weekend recap to follow!!!!