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?!