tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72560411884146689632024-03-05T18:44:50.477-05:00This Is My Faster!Running (and blogging) my way to marathon finish lines This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.comBlogger555125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-86031955882294291972019-05-04T12:04:00.001-04:002019-05-04T12:14:02.843-04:00More Than I Ever Imagined {London Marathon Race Recap}As race mornings go I woke up relatively late, which isn't to say I was rested since I tossed and turned for most of the night. But once I was up I got dressed quickly and then Sanya (my twin sister) and I were out the door.<br />
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We walked to Westminster station and took the tube and then the train to Greenwich station...<br />
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Then we commenced the walk to the start....<br />
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Which was longer than I thought it would be...<br />
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And then a little longer than that...</div>
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By the time we got to the Red start zone I was already tired (but still smiling)...</div>
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San wished me luck and I headed into the start area, found a patch of grass that wasn't damp to sit on and tried to "rest" my legs while I watched the elites take off...</div>
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But while I was there it started to drizzle cold rain and I immediately regretted giving San my rain jacket to hold. Fortunately San called me before it got to be too miserable and said she would meet me back at the Red start if I wanted the jacket. She was a total life saver! So I headed back and we stayed there for a few minutes until my start zone opened up...</div>
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Then it was time to go...</div>
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Once back inside the Red start I lined up with my fellow runners and we walked a bit and stood around some more while waiting to make our way to the start line. A lot of people were running for different charities and many people were decked out in costumes... some of which were more interesting than others...</div>
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As we got closer to the start I found the 6 hour pacers...</div>
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And the other 6 hour runners and I discussed the plan for the race with the pacers while we waited to walk the final stretch to the start...</div>
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My plan was to stick with or stay ahead of the 6 hour pacing group. I had an interval strategy in mind but it was a bit different from what the pacers were doing. I figured I could adjust my strategy to fit theirs as long as it would get me across the finish line in under 6 hours.</div>
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About two miles into the race I realized I was wrong. The pacers were running a bit faster between the inclines so that they could walk up the inclines (yes there ARE hills in the London Marathon). Other walk breaks were thrown in as well but they were not (or at least they didn't seem to be) very structured, so it was throwing me off. I'm usually pretty steady with my pace/mile so I decided to abandon the "stick with the pacing group" idea and just try to stay ahead of them.</div>
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San and I planned to meet at the NSPCC cheer points along the course so the first time I saw her was around mile 6...</div>
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I was feeling pretty good at that point (still able to smile) so after a quick picture I headed off again. Meeting up at the NSPCC cheer points didn't work out exactly as planned so the next meet up was planned for mile 13 at Tower Bridge. As I approached the half marathon mark blisters were really starting to bother me and I felt like I was struggling a bit... not how you want to feel with another half marathon to go. But the crowd build up as I approached Tower Bridge was great...</div>
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I saw San as I approached the top of the bridge...</div>
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Stopped for more pictures...</div>
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And to spray Biofreeze on my knee...</div>
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Then I took a cereal bar from her and headed off again. I was in pain (the blisters mostly but my left knee was also mildly tight), and tired, and hungry, and had no idea how I was going to make through the second half of the course.</div>
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Most of the second half was a blur. I saw San again at around mile 19 but I was so close to tears that I didn't stop. San asked <i>"what do you need?"</i> and all I could think of was <i>"I just need to finish"</i>.</div>
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If you've run a marathon before you know that it's more a mental game than anything else at this point. I had already seen the 6 hour pacer pass me, I had dropped my intervals to very short run:walk durations, and I was struggling not to cry. </div>
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But then I saw some of the messages that my family and friends had been sending me. Those messages honestly gave me the extra push I needed... and then I caught up to the 6 hour pacer!</div>
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When the pacer saw me he said <i>"I knew you could do it! Keep going and stay ahead of me!"</i> so that's exactly what I did. </div>
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The NSPCC charity I given me grandstand tickets for the finish line so Sanya was there waiting for me...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwvZCXFfTaZKJ4RB4ooUSnNeHCOVr1paozOwqD8CrQJ2b-Ji17McUauEKVALiWQeyuGjo7UcdGIzzbdvTQg4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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And I made it through the finish in my sub-6 hour goal time...</div>
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Despite the blisters and the mid-race periods of discouragement, London was a pretty amazing marathon experience (nothing has topped Chicago so far, but it's pretty hard to beat running in the city that I love the most).</div>
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I made it through the race without injuries (just a few blisters), I ran for a charity that I love, and I'm absolutely proud of my sub-6 hour finish!</div>
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San met me at the family meet up area and we slowly walked towards Westminster station and back to the flat where we were staying.</div>
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After a long shower and gingerly tending to my poor blistered feet, we went out for a celebration dinner at Dishoom Indian restaurant... the perfect cuisine to end an amazing day!</div>
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Overall my London Marathon experience was incredible, more than I ever imagined it would be. I would do this race again for sure. In fact, if I could, I would do the London Marathon every Spring and the Chicago Marathon every Fall! But until life can accommodate that it's time to plan for the rest of the year. Up next... the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon!</div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-27187795275756058012019-04-18T19:09:00.001-04:002019-04-18T19:12:28.398-04:00London prep (and other life drama)...<div dir="ltr">
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So the London Marathon is in 10 days and training for it is pretty much done. I have one tapered long run left but at this point if I'm not ready I will never be ready so mentally I'm feeling ok. I definitely do NOT feel overtrained and I'm not dealing with any nagging injuries or lingering pain/discomfort (which I think is a great place to be going into race week next week). My flights are booked, accommodations are set, and I have a list of activities for the "touristy" side of the trip.</div>
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On a non-running related note... two days before the marathon I'm presenting at an international trauma conference...<br />
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<i>(I'm really excited about the opportunity to present a keynote lecture!)</i></div>
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So apart from wrapping up my training, preparing for all aspects of my trip and my presentation for next week, I've been spending a lot of time juggling various other life things. My baby turned 18 so I'm officially the mother of an adult. It's freaking me out a bit because time has really flown by quickly. She's off to college this Summer and I'm both excited for her and sad for me (it's going to be hard not having her around).</div>
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In anticipation of my impending empty nest syndrome I've been trying to plan the next few years of my life. I spent the past two years wasting my time and emotional energy. And then the past two months dealing with the emotions of that relationship coming to an end. So recently (after considering feedback from family and friends) I decided to <i>dabble</i> in the world of online dating.<br />
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So here's the thing about me and online dating:<br />
- I'm not looking for a hook-up so the "tinder" type sites were a definite NO.<br />
- I hate paying for things that don't provide a guaranteed return on my investment, so I avoided sites with a subscription fee that rivaled a monthly car payment.<br />
- I have already found the process to be exhausting and tedious.</div>
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Anyway, I signed up for a site that claims to "cater to professionals" and filled out a lengthy profile. After my profile details were reviewed and approved by the site administrators I started to get "matched" with men who were (apparently) an ideal fit for me.</div>
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Well. By the time I deleted the men who:</div>
<ol>
<li>Had several grammatical errors on their profiles</li>
<li>Had profile pictures that were not oriented correctly <i>(it's not that hard people!)</i><br /> </li>
<li>Answered <u>yes</u><u>,</u><u> definitely</u> to the "children in the future?" question </li>
<li>Had profile (or gallery) pictures with other women <i>(it could be their sister but how am I supposed to know that?!) </i></li>
<li>Looked like serial killers...</li>
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...there might have been about five potential "matches" left. I'm almost tempted to delete the account and request a full refund. However, I was advised that I need to "be more patient it's only been a few days". So instead I updated my profile a bit to provide a little more clarity...<br />
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I've already given up hope that this particular approach is going to result in anything meaningful but no one can ever say that I'm not clear about what I want.<br />
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Apart from my initial online dating disaster, life has also been busy with job hunting and binge watching Dexter on Netflix. </div>
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Next week this time I will be in London (maybe a guy worthy of me will be there), and a week from Sunday I will be finishing my 4th Marathon Major, and 5th full marathon! </div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">Have you ever tried online dating? (share your good and bad stories!)</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">What's the #1 tourist thing I should do in London next week?</span></i></b></div>
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This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-54191037966449445102019-03-10T13:28:00.000-04:002019-03-10T15:08:00.569-04:00Current Status...For the first time in a long time I finished my long run this morning and thought <i>"I can probably get through London ok"</i>. The best thing about running in the London Marathon next month (apart from it being my 4th Marathon Major, and apart from the fact that I'll be running in a new country (which I love doing), and apart from the relative lack of humidity in London compared to Florida), is the very generous course time limit of eight hours.<br />
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This morning's run started a lot later than normal for me. Not only because the cruelty of Daylight Savings Time robbed me of an hour of precious sleep, but also because I checked the humidity levels at 4am (when I normally get up to get ready for my run) and realized how much Mother Nature seeks a B+ in this area (i.e. humidity in the high 80s). Since the humidity levels were going to fall during the day I decided to sleep in a little more... and boy did it pay off. Not only was I better rested for this morning's run, the weather was awesome and I got through 14 miles!<br />
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I relieved myself of the pressure of hoping for a marathon PR a long time ago, especially with the way training has been going, but I still want to have a better finish time than my last few marathons. And while that's still possible (if I'm to believe my <b>VDOT O2</b> Calculator app)...<br />
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...there's also comfort in knowing that I won't have an unmanageable course time limit to contend with.</div>
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Plus, it helps that Garmin boosts my self-confidence with occasional race predictor and "Current Status" updates...<br />
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Despite my (current) productive training status, I've only stuck to my training plan about 84% because of various runs or cross training activities I've missed. I've also had to make revisions to the plan to remove the emphasis on speed work (which to be fair was not really working to improve my speed anyway) and focus more on endurance...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd5SvK1S1jPJU0LCXk1mW0qlT9XMCQAdHOOTXJ0yIq-crUV9SCwyXsW2kojb3SLt2LuR_m6mZpEWTG6VgxY8p6bD_IVZ8H6JjlU-lEItfy7_Q4CdNaJllGupx7QRcKhyphenhyphensC-PZ3wfCLKzh/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-03-10+at+1.45.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="828" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd5SvK1S1jPJU0LCXk1mW0qlT9XMCQAdHOOTXJ0yIq-crUV9SCwyXsW2kojb3SLt2LuR_m6mZpEWTG6VgxY8p6bD_IVZ8H6JjlU-lEItfy7_Q4CdNaJllGupx7QRcKhyphenhyphensC-PZ3wfCLKzh/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-03-10+at+1.45.29+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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(It's going to be above 90% by the end of training ๐)</div>
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The other aspects of the London trip are slowly coming together as well. Airfare and accommodations are confirmed and there is some semblance of a "plan" for a few things to do while I'm there. My twin sister is planning to come too which will be great because she's been to London a lot more than I have. I told her she isn't allowed to get annoyed when my pre-marathon anxiety turns into pre-marathon moodiness (which is a lot worse than my "this is just my personality" moodiness), to which she sent me a very non-committal straight faced emoji ๐. So we'll see how that goes I guess. </div>
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I'm not excited about the trip yet, but I'm hoping I will be. The more things fall into place training-wise, and the closer I get to my trip dates, the more I hope I'll be looking forward to everything about the racecation. It's the LONDON MARATHON after all! Only 7 more weeks to go before the big day!</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">How often do your deviate from your training plan?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">Do you use race predictor apps/calculators?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Do you get pre-race moodiness too? What do you do to calm your nerves before a big race?</span></i></b></div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-42636853417388538012019-02-23T10:06:00.001-05:002019-02-23T10:06:34.544-05:00Time Heals All Injuries...Training for a marathon is hard. No matter how many times I start a training plan and put my heart, soul, dedication, and commitment of time, energy, and resources into it... something inevitably goes wrong... and my training falls apart.<div>
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This training cycle is no exception.</div>
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I've spent the past few days trying to figure out why I'm so upset that things aren't happening according to plan. Especially since I've always had a "Murphy's Law" type relationship with running (i.e. something will probably go wrong). One would assume that if I know something is likely to go wrong, I would lower my expectations, adjust my hopes and goals, maybe don't believe that "everything will be fine this time" right? </div>
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Wrong.</div>
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Instead, I allow myself to dream of perfect runs with decent paces. I imagine the miles getting easier to complete. I plan months in advance and adjust my entire life to accommodate my marathon training, all because I believe (naively) that it will be worth it; that this training cycle will be different.</div>
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But it never is. All my marathon training cycles include the same soul crushing, heart breaking disappointment. Though the extent of the disappointment always varies... and yes, I know time heals all injuries... this particular set back has derailed me.</div>
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I tried not to focus on the pain during my long run this morning. I tried to stay in the moment and just focus on one interval at a time. But increasingly each interval felt daunting, each step more painful, each breath more difficult. </div>
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There were moments (so many of them) that it took all my energy not to stop and cry. Indeed, towards the end I wondered what was the point? Why bother continue a run that's difficult and both physically and emotionally exhausting? But the reality is when I started the long run I committed to completing it. I committed to giving up other things that are important to me (like sleep, and binge watching shows on Hulu) so that I can train. I believed that training is important... even when it's difficult. </div>
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Marathon training seems to come so easily for others. I know I'm not the only one who has gone through difficult training cycles, but I don't know many people who have struggled as much as I have, or who have gotten injured as many times as I have. Maybe that's because people rarely talk about the pain they are in, and social media/ blog posts only reflect when things are going well... maybe.</div>
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A part of me wishes I had a time machine that could take me back to the beginning of the training cycle, before everything started, and just change the course of history so that the training mistakes were never made. Or maybe I could go back to the start of training with the knowledge that "I will get injured again" so that I'm not as derailed when it happens. Or I can stop training, like I knew I should have, when the warning signs of injury showed up. Or maybe just not start training in the first place. </div>
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But... time heals all injuries... and now I can only hope that time will pass by quickly.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">Have you ever been injured during your marathon/half marathon training?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">What's the worst injury/set back you've had to deal with during training? </span></i></b></div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-26146405431893691802019-01-27T12:17:00.000-05:002019-01-27T12:17:23.621-05:00January Is Almost Over...<div>
We are 27 days into the new year and, apart from the fact that at times I feel like I'm having an existential and midlife crisis rolled up into one mega emotional roller coaster, 2019 has been going ok so far. </div>
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For the past several months <b>training for London</b> has been dominated by <b>fundraising for London</b>, which I'm happy to report went well and I met my fundraising goal last week!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLz2bhPhdPcH6YXeK9rrZuD6Yf7DJQ4nrhdOqzKekUQ7jMmIn_nH1rG9F-Y1YA2yuzZ6E6_c86Jt_LT8Eu2as5IYXqwtZMmxB5Ebw4nJ84KBu2OamWVoVtCUmlR8jF80Jlq-PWAsxdTaq/s1600/IMG_3576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="451" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLz2bhPhdPcH6YXeK9rrZuD6Yf7DJQ4nrhdOqzKekUQ7jMmIn_nH1rG9F-Y1YA2yuzZ6E6_c86Jt_LT8Eu2as5IYXqwtZMmxB5Ebw4nJ84KBu2OamWVoVtCUmlR8jF80Jlq-PWAsxdTaq/s640/IMG_3576.jpg" width="546" /></a></div>
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Now I can focus on <b>traveling to London</b>. I'm going to confirm my hotel and airfare by the middle of next month so I'm not too worried about that part yet. If you've ever run the London Marathon (or know the area well) please feel free to comment with your thoughts on the best area(s) to stay. If you can add restaurant recommendations as well that would be great ;)</div>
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London Marathon training has been... <i>different</i>. My plan has me running based on duration not distance (so my long run is usually listed as "x minutes" instead of "x miles"). At first I was skeptical because distance training has been my comfort zone. But <strike>I've embraced it</strike> I'm embracing it and trying to trust the process. Unfortunately I had to skip a few days because I had the flu and today I was supposed to do the Miami half marathon (but skipped that because my knee has been bothering me). Despite those deviations from the plan training is going <strike>well</strike> ok...<br />
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<i>(This is what the first seven weeks looked like)</i></div>
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I've also scaled back on the CycleBar rides (which I'm kind of sad about) to focus on London training...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xQtbEznJuKrCY0i-jVolR6lu3thy75ydqywIuLdgAkQfFNoZhe7g_DQHf2lo5H1OkycJtac2WOowdnqQl2uL83KySZkmmlWrHAnUMdoRJrQPusoue9N7kI4fGY2fIwPUtJE5pe78pQyQ/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xQtbEznJuKrCY0i-jVolR6lu3thy75ydqywIuLdgAkQfFNoZhe7g_DQHf2lo5H1OkycJtac2WOowdnqQl2uL83KySZkmmlWrHAnUMdoRJrQPusoue9N7kI4fGY2fIwPUtJE5pe78pQyQ/s640/Image-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's still my go-to cross training option but I need to start swimming and conditioning so I'm only going to CycleBar 3 times a week now (not the typical 6-7 times I was doing before). Once marathon training is done I'll be back at it. </div>
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2019 is going to be a major year in many respects. Not just because of London (though that's part of it), but because it will be a year of change. It will bring the start of a brand new chapter for my daughter as she heads off to college and embarks on adulthood. It will bring me to a new city and a new job. It will bring more travel... especially to different countries/cities (one will be London (obviously) and one will be a solo/mental health trip - destination TBD).</div>
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2019 will also bring different adventures/experiences as I aim to "try something new" every month (one of my goals for this year). I still haven't figured out what my January "new thing" will be yet (even though January is almost over) but hopefully I'll get to try something new within the next 4 days :)<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">What are your goals for 2019?
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<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">What's your favorite memory from 2018?</span></i></b>This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-46031314491926994972018-10-20T17:00:00.000-04:002018-10-20T19:01:28.744-04:00My Cycle Bar Charity Ride!!!Today was my CycleBar charity ride for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), and it was incredible!!! We got to Cycle Bar Pines a little early, checked in and got ready to greet everyone...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2jYomBfplUH2dxXg5EvWU-W-uumJU-TsNvE2jY3bJGqBikmaeY6H62dcMAm_NEdzRrCDebVnWTXsYTArb94-LDb574D9LQYOXCS-tAYuWqgmG8VsS7radB2EEI0AFyBgNEE069QszVuE/s1600/IMG_2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="561" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2jYomBfplUH2dxXg5EvWU-W-uumJU-TsNvE2jY3bJGqBikmaeY6H62dcMAm_NEdzRrCDebVnWTXsYTArb94-LDb574D9LQYOXCS-tAYuWqgmG8VsS7radB2EEI0AFyBgNEE069QszVuE/s640/IMG_2019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once people started arriving they got hooked up with CycleBar bottles and spinning shoes, and we all hung out until class started...</div>
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Inside the studio everyone got their bikes adjusted to the right height and started warming up for the upcoming spinning session...</div>
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There were lots of family, friends, and friends of friends who came out to support...</div>
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Some even drove over an hour to come and cycle for the cause...</div>
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We filled about half the studio...</div>
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The music and energy were phenomenal! Cyclestar Jerry (our instructor) always creates an epic playlist and this time was no exception! He was even gracious enough to include song requests that my friends made in advance :)</div>
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We did an awesome 45 min full body workout (we did arms too) riding for an wonderful cause. I'm so grateful for everyone who came out...</div>
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(and to all those who donated and supported in other ways)</div>
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The event would not have been possible without the support from my CycleBar Pines family and friends, including Jerry and Amanda...</div>
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Cassie and Alison helped me rally the troops at work and brought other family members and friends to come out and ride...</div>
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The love and support was just magnificent! I'm truly grateful for everyone who came...</div>
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Afterwards a few of us indulged in a post-workout treat...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzt71U3kunOWf6y9ko7LVWvendFjiLeTtm4ozHtiDBb0tudRFX1XwyEjN17yWGy2PBORrx6U1wO2X91Vy8q9Pza_6sopCTtBjjUw_zQni_WL2v5cTp8AHrwO3a72HazCP3GNmh8lUSMDc/s1600/IMG_2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzt71U3kunOWf6y9ko7LVWvendFjiLeTtm4ozHtiDBb0tudRFX1XwyEjN17yWGy2PBORrx6U1wO2X91Vy8q9Pza_6sopCTtBjjUw_zQni_WL2v5cTp8AHrwO3a72HazCP3GNmh8lUSMDc/s640/IMG_2018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">(and then we headed out for the rest of our Saturday)</span></div>
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Not only was the event itself a great show of support, but the donations made to the NSPCC (in person and online) have brought me so much closer to my fundraising goal for this incredible charity!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwyhRAKJDuAjSxXj48p-eSMwBeEBLGSNdAJCQUy8kw3rmXBy41ptpVfPZ8E3RZ9yoijCS8NB2pVVdLdVCmHbLlgDpFBtKG3w2BOq9y7x1Q-NRudLxbnVCRThw9oon2BYntHGEUQ5tX4mQ/s1600/Image-1-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1125" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwyhRAKJDuAjSxXj48p-eSMwBeEBLGSNdAJCQUy8kw3rmXBy41ptpVfPZ8E3RZ9yoijCS8NB2pVVdLdVCmHbLlgDpFBtKG3w2BOq9y7x1Q-NRudLxbnVCRThw9oon2BYntHGEUQ5tX4mQ/s640/Image-1-3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">THANK YOU!!!</span></i></b></div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-29691997697373807112018-09-03T13:44:00.000-04:002018-09-03T13:44:01.646-04:00Labor Day Recap...The weather has really sucked this weekend. When it wasn't hot and humid, it was raining. So basically no great running weather. I've been doing a lot of shorter mileage runs recently and convincing myself that I can "make up" for the reduced mileage by doing extra CycleBar classes (I have a Ragnar Relay in 10 days so we will see if that actually proves to be true).<br />
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The extra CycleBar classes included a double workout yesterday...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHWuh5yS7WtLRxQ1ZAzrSMSt1rnLIWx8BZnDBS8HBcvXvcymO4kzeYKR1CoDHPt2Q8jzHdyaqhG-LJQGn99o_8kfUpmvlIaDBRVrbblNbUOdH8SLKaQTOg1JTaCvFtyfxLXDheymaILjc/s1600/IMG_1383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1041" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHWuh5yS7WtLRxQ1ZAzrSMSt1rnLIWx8BZnDBS8HBcvXvcymO4kzeYKR1CoDHPt2Q8jzHdyaqhG-LJQGn99o_8kfUpmvlIaDBRVrbblNbUOdH8SLKaQTOg1JTaCvFtyfxLXDheymaILjc/s640/IMG_1383.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>
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And another double workout today (including an endurance ride)...</div>
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And on Saturday I started off September with a short, slow, and steady 4 miler...</div>
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My training really hasn't ramped up for the Fall season yet. For most of the Summer I've tried to stay (and mostly get back into) the groove of regular workouts. CycleBar has been a life saver because I'm not a fan of running outside when it gets as humid as it does in South Florida. And this month I restart swimming so that will also help me improve my overall fitness level. Right now I'm just maintaining...</div>
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One of these days I'm going to do an indoor swim + outdoor run + CycleBar ride for my own version of a mini triathlon ๐.</div>
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In addition to training, I also have my London Marathon fundraiser planning to do. I started fundraising about a week ago and I've been able to hit my first milestone!</div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Only 75% to go!!!</span></h3>
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I have an exciting fundraising activity scheduled for October also...</div>
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(I can't wait to share all the details with you! Stay tuned!)</div>
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If you haven't already, please take a moment to check out my fundraising page -- make a donation -- share the link:<b> <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thisismyfaster">LeAnne's London Marathon fundraiser for NSPCC</a>.</b></div>
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And don't forget to come back to the blog and check for updates on the CycleBar Charity Ride fundraiser (scheduled for next month)!</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">How has your Labor Day weekend been?</span> <span style="color: #20124d;">Are you having good weather?</span> <span style="color: #660000;">I hope so!</span></i></b></div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-85199911371778506082018-08-26T12:37:00.004-04:002018-09-03T13:47:38.362-04:00London Marathon Here I Come!Next on my World Marathon Majors bucket list is the <i><b>2019 London Marathon</b></i>! It will be my 4th WMM and 5th marathon (so far). It will also be my first time fundraising for a big event...<br />
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I've been trying to get into London for years (much like most of the marathon running community who want to complete all of the majors - Chicago, Boston, New York, London, Berlin, & Tokyo). The growing demand for lottery placement combined with my affinity for a slow running pace (which rules out any chance of me getting in based on time) has resulted in zero success in getting a spot in the marathon. So for 2019, in addition to entering the lottery (again), I applied to run with some of the charities.<br />
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And I got in...<br />
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I'm not just excited that I got selected for a charity spot (that in and of itself is pretty awesome), but it's the type of charity I will be running for that is most exciting for me.<br />
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I've been a Pediatric Trauma Nurse for over 13 years and worked in various ways to care and advocate for pediatric trauma patients. One special "sub-population" that's close to my heart are those children affected by child abuse. I have spent the most recent years of my profession developing guidelines on child abuse, collaborating with other professionals across the country to improve the way in which we evaluate and advocate for these children, and presenting at national conferences on increasing our awareness of child abuse.<br />
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For the 2019 London Marathon, I will be running for the only charity that actively works to prevent child abuse in the UK...<br />
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The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (<a href="https://www.nspcc.org.uk/"><span style="color: #38761d;">NSPCC</span>)</a> has a long standing history of advocating for children who have been abused, and recently providing education and resources to minimize the risk of abuse. The stars aligned perfectly to allow me to combine my passion at work with my passion for running.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">"EVERY CHILDHOOD IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR"</span></b></div>
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And so the fundraising campaign begins! Even though the London Marathon is seven months away, all my planning starts now. I'll be putting together my training plans and working on travel logistics towards the end of the year, so for right now I'm going to focus solely on fundraising. That's where I need your help!<br />
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I need some fundraising ideas! My fundraising page through JustGiving is live: <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thisismyfaster"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">LeAnne's 2019 London Marathon fundraiser for NSPCC</span></b></i></a>, so please check it out, donate (any amount helps), and share the link if you can (I would really appreciate it!).<br />
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But I also need suggestions for other ways I can raise money (please leave a comment below if you have any).<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Have you ever run the London Marathon?</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">If you've been to London... what's your favorite place to eat? And favorite thing to do there?</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">What are some of the best fundraising ideas you've seen (or tried yourself)?</span></i></b>This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-69023124068764626322018-05-20T12:55:00.001-04:002018-05-20T13:03:30.955-04:00The Happiness Project...Too often I've found myself faced with disappointments. Whether that be with performance, or pace, or how my legs feel during/after a run etc. I know that's not unique to me as a runner (we've all been there at one point or another) but I've definitely dealt with them often and, it seems, with increased frequency recently.<br />
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To be fair, it is entirely possible that my unwavering commitment to elevated expectations is directly proportionally to the frequency with which I am disappointed. And some would say that an "expect nothing" philosophy would unburden me of the daunting weight of unmet goals. But if I approached my running (or my life) with that view... <i>what would be the point?</i> Yes, I want to be happy with my running, but I am most happy when I meet the running goals I set for myself.<br />
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That being said... I decided to cancel the Chicago Marathon this year.<br />
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The decision was not easy (although I have to admit it became a lot easier when I remembered how much I suffered with blisters during Summer training last year). But once I made it... and cancelled my hotel reservation... I was sure it was the best decision for me.<br />
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The reality is my body needs a break and I refuse to have another disappointing marathon experience. I've trained hard for all of the marathons I've done and my current statistics do not contain the type of motivation and encouragement I need to start training for another one (at least not right now):<br />
# of full marathons completed: <b>4</b><br />
# of marathon training cycles with injuries: <b>3</b><br />
# of marathon finishes over six hours: <b>3</b><br />
# of marathons where I got injured on the course: <b>3</b><br />
# of times those injuries included my left knee: <b>3</b><br />
# of times I cried after the marathon was over: <b>2</b><br />
# of times I cried <i>during</i> the marathon: <b>4</b><br />
# of marathons I still want to complete (Plan A goal): <b>22</b><br />
# of marathons to reach my Plan B goal: <b>9</b><br />
# of marathons to reach my Plan C goal: <b>3</b><br />
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The 2018 Chicago Marathon would have been my 5th marathon and a good option for a marathon PR (since everything about the event is amazing)... but I need a break.<br />
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So instead of focusing on a Fall full marathon I've decided to focus on a Fall half marathon and aim for a PR at that distance. This goal is now the mission of my Happiness (running) Project for 2018. On my way to achieving a half PR, I've also decided to throw in a 10K PR, a 15K PR, some goals for strength training and swimming, and an optimistic (while still being healthy) goal range for weight and body fat %.<br />
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I've got 7 months to get all that done... <i><b>let the challenge begin!</b></i><br />
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Training restarts next week (as in the week starting on Monday May 21st) and I've tentatively created a diverse plan for myself as a starting point to what the rest of the year is going to look like. There are a lot more cross training activities included in the plan (each one with a different goal) and I'm limiting my running days to 3 days per week. I'm still going to do my group runs with my running BFFs Mimi and Suzanne as they train for Chicago, but I'll do less mileage for the long runs (since I'm focusing on a half marathon PR).<br />
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2019 will come with its own set of goals (and yes, I'm already planning for what next year will look like), a lot of which will depend on if I get into the London (or Tokyo) marathon. I'm really hoping for London since it will give me more time to train and would be less likely to disrupt my revised goals/plans for 2018. Because I always have a Plan B... I contemplated trying to get a marathon PR at Big Sur if I didn't get into London (but I revised those thoughts when I read the course description... I'm not a fan of hills right now). Then I thought about the New Jersey marathon (which is the same weekend so training would be the same), or even the Prague marathon (on the first weekend in May).<br />
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I still haven't decided.<br />
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One thing I do know is that the next time I start training for a full the goal will be to PR (not just finish), and as a result the choice of event will be significantly impacted by course difficulty, weather, and the potential for an overall amazing race experience. Training for "lucky marathon #5" will also be designed to my specific needs... which I'm about <strike>90%</strike> 75% sure I'm fully knowledgeable of.<br />
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Anyway, for right now my focus is on getting stronger, faster, and healthier... and earning my half marathon PR. All that's left to do is pick a goal race (in December).<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">What does the rest of 2018 look like for you?</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">Have you ever had to start from scratch with your training?</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">What was your favorite half marathon?</span></i></b>This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-63821153438034475782018-05-15T20:30:00.000-04:002018-05-15T20:33:08.298-04:00I'm A Runner of Steel!!!! {PGH Marathon Race Weekend Recap}I got to PGH late Thursday night (05/03) so there wasn't much to do except head to the hotel and go to bed. I stayed at one of the race hotels so they had all the frills for the runners checking in...<br />
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Once I got enough sleep, I was off to the race expo for packet pickup and other fun stuff on Friday morning...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7OcbVLT5t7Tw95-OjeL3T0YTdTxbEhw4e6Snf8r05XMhFwl7ehXJGybl2Q3U2PgccebazKD8YMGAaB033LAXH1zJM0nj4fFMH8hwQUknmA02icf5iNrrBt78_BEqRvyBCc4qc155U_HO/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7OcbVLT5t7Tw95-OjeL3T0YTdTxbEhw4e6Snf8r05XMhFwl7ehXJGybl2Q3U2PgccebazKD8YMGAaB033LAXH1zJM0nj4fFMH8hwQUknmA02icf5iNrrBt78_BEqRvyBCc4qc155U_HO/s640/IMG_0231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last year I ran with a group during a work related Pittsburgh trip and met Tonya, who I was happy to see again at the expo...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA42qHkhb7geO2curwtLX34tmER-dbE8O-XXrfnBXPmpk2iWD1IfJQ3IHoSVc7TW3jupgGspFGVRQM6MPydJV-S6uU7KMGKO-PFHsQhv0v2RX_BjA1H3xSapjOJkMv2WEcvTU6wzkYbRgb/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="479" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA42qHkhb7geO2curwtLX34tmER-dbE8O-XXrfnBXPmpk2iWD1IfJQ3IHoSVc7TW3jupgGspFGVRQM6MPydJV-S6uU7KMGKO-PFHsQhv0v2RX_BjA1H3xSapjOJkMv2WEcvTU6wzkYbRgb/s640/IMG_0248.JPG" width="620" /></a></div>
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We spent time walking around the expo, checking out the different vendors, and shopping. By the time I was done I had collected quite a few race goodies...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGG1UpZOvzkydFiwCy2aAWNWkSrLkzx91RljE4GmpZKVlrNKcItxcAf1eyRxCBXaBnTUfx72efgJnkNuXLO8o-PQXcvSDQpEbGiy8IiNj81bjihUoznX9iyrrpFr63vTiBdNMpTDHqypU/s1600/IMG_0246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="640" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGG1UpZOvzkydFiwCy2aAWNWkSrLkzx91RljE4GmpZKVlrNKcItxcAf1eyRxCBXaBnTUfx72efgJnkNuXLO8o-PQXcvSDQpEbGiy8IiNj81bjihUoznX9iyrrpFr63vTiBdNMpTDHqypU/s640/IMG_0246.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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[<i>there may or may not be a few tops and a medal rack not featured here </i>๐]</div>
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Then it was time for the PGH Marathon VIP Reception (and Official Blogger Meetup) on Friday night...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFLhC-JSaUeZSsPt1cDhvvhNFFLH3D2Cy4pzpe6HA-mn92yULZDiylHpPhxjjxopyhU11z6fVsdSQ3RQlurFpCqtaB8HmoO8VheeuUAaj0ikEw_uPbQ6v8q0w9sXESauLi_IwNxFmJ3A3/s1600/IMG_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFLhC-JSaUeZSsPt1cDhvvhNFFLH3D2Cy4pzpe6HA-mn92yULZDiylHpPhxjjxopyhU11z6fVsdSQ3RQlurFpCqtaB8HmoO8VheeuUAaj0ikEw_uPbQ6v8q0w9sXESauLi_IwNxFmJ3A3/s640/IMG_0264.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JcTfG9B4t-e7Xhy9z-ciCpDYHnYUcuGSjfAJ-b_kNVlMW7ubiKBXOkuHhK-mCXYIyvbzxm50tunQJn_2nxHOIDO_x7yDf9W9765_EglOG4vkjjeVDVZ6PstX43UopkSBahOxQX_WHmIU/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JcTfG9B4t-e7Xhy9z-ciCpDYHnYUcuGSjfAJ-b_kNVlMW7ubiKBXOkuHhK-mCXYIyvbzxm50tunQJn_2nxHOIDO_x7yDf9W9765_EglOG4vkjjeVDVZ6PstX43UopkSBahOxQX_WHmIU/s640/IMG_0271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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(we took serious pictures also I promise)</div>
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I also had the pleasure of finally meeting Erin, who was my main PGH Marathon contact as an official blogger for the race...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENpPTb9pAoRh6HRUQ1pudvrb_g076oDkAcyhTRJbwfqQOCoGG2ZTKqBb7fALe12FLRw89vuowBqxRa3JnClhqZzpBCcoXDZRLAbZCO_8Ove8cox5Iqr5w2bB1KzqueiLccC0S72oUx8eB/s1600/IMG_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENpPTb9pAoRh6HRUQ1pudvrb_g076oDkAcyhTRJbwfqQOCoGG2ZTKqBb7fALe12FLRw89vuowBqxRa3JnClhqZzpBCcoXDZRLAbZCO_8Ove8cox5Iqr5w2bB1KzqueiLccC0S72oUx8eB/s640/IMG_0278.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I met Patricia, the PGH Marathon Race Director...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveNSqyJjYFMNvoGH2wpZ9qffQu0qObHtATtefQLmXaT3ZQIy2Vr-6r6tIWxBZBad_Daz7dS3zyT5XYHXcO70WhP9gtNnfeiSyfIuwhayIPsn9X1V9VUueE-vVvkOjLwwYrfMhlk8btfJy/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveNSqyJjYFMNvoGH2wpZ9qffQu0qObHtATtefQLmXaT3ZQIy2Vr-6r6tIWxBZBad_Daz7dS3zyT5XYHXcO70WhP9gtNnfeiSyfIuwhayIPsn9X1V9VUueE-vVvkOjLwwYrfMhlk8btfJy/s640/IMG_0277.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And Aliphine Tuliamuk, elite distance runner...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44VZMnMo-uEn_FYpaR9m1j2sbM1GxqgncA6DZOh7ZD5Zp2X60R6fA7DYVYVM8ubdeX1mqdPl1Kq8gfErX4VeD9CDiy0EBHQKGNj8QwTsBcQFyOGYFfrymmFjo_lMJ_BRZfXAmm7AntwNa/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44VZMnMo-uEn_FYpaR9m1j2sbM1GxqgncA6DZOh7ZD5Zp2X60R6fA7DYVYVM8ubdeX1mqdPl1Kq8gfErX4VeD9CDiy0EBHQKGNj8QwTsBcQFyOGYFfrymmFjo_lMJ_BRZfXAmm7AntwNa/s640/IMG_0275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And of course Chelsea! Chelsea and I were race ambassadors for another race series for a few years and were both official bloggers for the PGH Marathon (I actually met Tonya (from the expo pic above) through Chelsea's running group)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9rndhdM2tRb1vI-ma3J0AE0pIvKKnyT523J4DKp5KyXQ1s1cIEMPye3s82-LjPwETTNJ0vUajTtHJU0rTWJ8N6tVcnPVZTFkS9X5zYlQgCvZ2El58ueBMy7c53AYDY_HobViM4ORo_5M/s1600/IMG_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9rndhdM2tRb1vI-ma3J0AE0pIvKKnyT523J4DKp5KyXQ1s1cIEMPye3s82-LjPwETTNJ0vUajTtHJU0rTWJ8N6tVcnPVZTFkS9X5zYlQgCvZ2El58ueBMy7c53AYDY_HobViM4ORo_5M/s640/IMG_0280.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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On Saturday morning 4000+ runners gathered for the PGH 5K event (and part 1 of the Steel Challenge)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsymxs7C-fNeX8LYaL9kHigTBI9pvJ-2sr8rr3MvFNA0fYSQ8ansHeLBw_HeT8VeYHy7IOctpY9uf5pOPYEppXJqisYZbNRU9ODbNdzWl87PIBEaq-05ojhlHQ20sH1qFfPBy0dzDMYP3S/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="477" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsymxs7C-fNeX8LYaL9kHigTBI9pvJ-2sr8rr3MvFNA0fYSQ8ansHeLBw_HeT8VeYHy7IOctpY9uf5pOPYEppXJqisYZbNRU9ODbNdzWl87PIBEaq-05ojhlHQ20sH1qFfPBy0dzDMYP3S/s640/IMG_0286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My goal was to walk most of this event because I wanted to ensure my legs were rested for the marathon the following day. I can't say the course was scenic but the event itself was nice and the runners/walkers all seemed to be having a good time. At the end of the event though, I was ready to exit...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3a6eLHcWmi7Kun9SSupSwpP8dEQpMHjU3LssG3AjLdXCNk8JyQjCJpwkwd93XJ93MD26Lb75Z4PUpobhyGrX-T6_9iBogx_Achi_bwYvbuGLSC15Boym2pGyPUAzPxWYypThpMZFNsDc/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3a6eLHcWmi7Kun9SSupSwpP8dEQpMHjU3LssG3AjLdXCNk8JyQjCJpwkwd93XJ93MD26Lb75Z4PUpobhyGrX-T6_9iBogx_Achi_bwYvbuGLSC15Boym2pGyPUAzPxWYypThpMZFNsDc/s640/IMG_0290.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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After the 5K I went back to the hotel to relax for the rest of the day and I woke up bright and early on marathon morning at 4am. I had a routine planned out that allowed for more than enough time to get ready and walk the mile (or so) under overcast skies to the start corrals... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn-GzgTiVWtQPjGZ5IAPBwQph7-270ZpVQw9rO-bCvsbrKcKcpi3FGCPsLPGl977EKQncIEot6sNny5kCXFOsVungI_Sg7PQ5YpUHmBIYYmiPmZurmndFY6_Bh6sggPZVUh_Vt1eEruhk/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="475" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn-GzgTiVWtQPjGZ5IAPBwQph7-270ZpVQw9rO-bCvsbrKcKcpi3FGCPsLPGl977EKQncIEot6sNny5kCXFOsVungI_Sg7PQ5YpUHmBIYYmiPmZurmndFY6_Bh6sggPZVUh_Vt1eEruhk/s640/IMG_0301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once I got there I waited around until I saw the pacers... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I_D7BtShbYo8vKjcFaoSNI8aocnEkjnwyNpHgS6Nm2T6J10loxIPvWls109g0SQFTex3n0pcJK263s2PyWVY6Or89VZjVQSVmHU5_zSc9MoHpWLvR35JAsJF2lhOLQVN13caOScildJG/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I_D7BtShbYo8vKjcFaoSNI8aocnEkjnwyNpHgS6Nm2T6J10loxIPvWls109g0SQFTex3n0pcJK263s2PyWVY6Or89VZjVQSVmHU5_zSc9MoHpWLvR35JAsJF2lhOLQVN13caOScildJG/s640/IMG_0305.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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My first stop was the 6:30 pace group. It was the last official pace group for the race and with no time goals in mind (well... except to finish before the 7 hour course limit) I figured joining a group and having company for the race would be ideal. Unfortunately the 6:30 group was going to be doing intervals that I hadn't run in years so my next stop was the 6:00 group. And I lucked out! They were doing 1:30/30 intervals (which is what I used in training) and they were going to walk all the inclines (including the major hill at Oakland). It was a match made in heaven...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuT0_7I08cAdXIkAPbQqmOVNQvPJvifc0qnY__yYs12DkuXPHkpfMPjOMsEskvaL2Dk2Pk8zVxrwysDzD4jz385-O7Gya2lKqtSC6yEXXior6kq4LJEYh-93UlGyaY9e9drduZp-bT71l/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuT0_7I08cAdXIkAPbQqmOVNQvPJvifc0qnY__yYs12DkuXPHkpfMPjOMsEskvaL2Dk2Pk8zVxrwysDzD4jz385-O7Gya2lKqtSC6yEXXior6kq4LJEYh-93UlGyaY9e9drduZp-bT71l/s640/IMG_0315.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We started about 20+ minutes after the official start time and I had a great time talking with the other runners and getting to know my pace partners...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOb0Ttl2QodvSahbgzdy20Sp_xPo93TR-OngrcN-ad0S-WojlaDA2baVZLMTefk9x9BCEMVOl2nzU0eB0hhSJBwU65gLUXqWfyVdAHxYcN7MGEfJWuA7ErKpVKHc25FeMMUB1Q98GUuDR/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOb0Ttl2QodvSahbgzdy20Sp_xPo93TR-OngrcN-ad0S-WojlaDA2baVZLMTefk9x9BCEMVOl2nzU0eB0hhSJBwU65gLUXqWfyVdAHxYcN7MGEfJWuA7ErKpVKHc25FeMMUB1Q98GUuDR/s640/IMG_0321.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Well, up until mile 15. After that my left knee started bothering me so I slowed down and adjusted my intervals to 1:00/30. This was when the first wave of self reminders started: "<i>Just finish. It's all about the experience. No time goals remember?"</i> Despite the reminders I tried to keep the pace group in my line of sight for a while. Eventually I gave up on that and just concentrated on keeping my breathing steady and not focusing on my knee pain. By mile 19 I gave up all thoughts of running and started to walk. By that point it felt like I could walk faster than I could run anyway.<br />
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I spent the last 7 miles of the race walking, greeting people who were still kind enough to brave the overcast and rainy weather to cheer us on, and blasting "Girl on Fire" from my phone. At a couple of the aid stations the volunteers sang along as I walked passed. It was awesome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLrkQLXR2cPb0eczf27ijQ9L0CNyvilSPfXN8cwJGwyZpnBfCH-6NDUE2HIDFZFad5BqR0aGpeDVAgUaUWX78DPLGi2q8r1CaSVKQgyz7_xbRbppRYXNkSheAdYUhTWvTAYXJ7bEvRvEa/s1600/Image-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLrkQLXR2cPb0eczf27ijQ9L0CNyvilSPfXN8cwJGwyZpnBfCH-6NDUE2HIDFZFad5BqR0aGpeDVAgUaUWX78DPLGi2q8r1CaSVKQgyz7_xbRbppRYXNkSheAdYUhTWvTAYXJ7bEvRvEa/s640/Image-1.png" width="576" /></a></div>
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(this music saved the day)</div>
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I didn't attempt to run again until I turned the final corner and saw the finish line on top of a <strike>small mountain</strike> hill (whose bright idea was that by-the-way?!). I ran the final stretch and got cheered through the finish by Chelsea and some of the other bloggers/runners...<br />
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And just like that marathon #4 was over and I was officially a runner (walker) of steel!</div>
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By the time I was done most of the finish line festivities were over so I went to collect my steel challenge medal...<br />
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...and walked the mile back to my hotel.</div>
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It's been a little over a week since PGH (therefore I've had lots of time to reflect) and the weekend was definitely among the best race experiences I've had. The people were amazing. It wasn't lined with crowds throughout all 26.2 miles but when the crowds were there they were great. The water stations never ran out of water, and the volunteers were happy and encouraging.<br />
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I'm not sure I would brave the PGH hills again (certainly not for a full... maybe the 10miler), but I am so glad I did this event!</div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-31959601524832913992018-04-30T18:22:00.000-04:002018-04-30T19:32:40.531-04:00A (Race Week) Letter To Myself... <div>
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<i>Dear Body & Mind,</i></div>
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<i>It's RACE WEEK! Congratulations on making it this far. It's been a long season but you stuck with it and trained hard! The moment you've been waiting for will be arriving this weekend and by next week this time you'll be able to hang your 4th marathon medal on your wall of bling!</i></div>
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<i>There were several "milestones" during Pittsburgh Marathon training that made this cycle stand out from others. First, you got through more distance this season than previous seasons and had 100+ miles months in January & March (congrats)! </i><i>You did a good combination of solo and group runs with most of your mileage done before 6am (thank heavens for night lights)! You also strategically mixed in a few races as training runs to get that well needed crowd support and disproportionately mixed Gatorade ;)</i></div>
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<i>And yes, you may have single-handedly kept Au bon Pain open with the amount of blueberry muffins you purchased. It's also possible that your "new found appreciation of Merlot" might not have been the best claim to fame this marathon season. And I know you're not happy with the whole marathon weight gain situation, but substituting your weekly hour of cross training for that glass of wine may have had a little to do with it. </i></div>
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<i>Although last week was plagued with aches & pains and strict orders to rest (and not run), getting the official "OK" to toe the starting line on Sunday makes up for all the nights you cried yourself to sleep out of frustration and sadness. Yes, things looked grim for several days... even up to this morning you were worried about stress fractures and whether or not your bones loved you enough to keep themselves together. And while your legs may not be up to PR attempts on Sunday, your new mindset to "just have fun" will hopefully get them through the 26.2+ miles without giving up. </i><br />
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<i>With that in mind, here are some last minute words of advice and motivation:</i></div>
<ol>
<li>Run based on how you feel<i> (there will be other marathons to PR at when you are not recovering from an injury).</i></li>
<li>Enjoy the race<i> (everyone's finisher medal looks the same so just enjoy the journey to get yours). </i></li>
<li>Stay grateful<i> (and hydrated) </i>in each mile<i>. So many people are unable to run, to run a marathon, to afford to travel for races. You are blessed to be able to do this so don't forget that. </i></li>
<li>Warm up gently before you start<i> (compression pants are great but they aren't magic). Warming up will help decrease injury risk.<br /> </i></li>
<li>Fuel properly <i>(you've done this before so I don't need to tell you how important it is).</i></li>
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<i>You are ready. You've trained hard (next time we really need to fix that cross training plan though) and worked hard to get here. Do your best... run with your heart... and <u>remember to smile</u>. </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Always and Forever,</i></div>
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<i>Your sense of satisfaction after the race. </i></div>
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<b><i>P.S. Pittsburgh I can't wait to help you celebrate #10YearsRunning!</i></b><br />
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This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-52765162747406838762018-04-21T14:39:00.000-04:002018-04-21T15:12:06.536-04:00The Last "Long" Run {a late post... kinda... but a timely update}There is something about completing your 20 miler long runs that make you feel a slightly bit more confident about marathon training. Granted, I did my last 20 miler last weekend (and somehow my legs are still sore), but I still feel great about it... mainly because it was my fastest 20 mile training run ever!<br />
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The training run distance and pace translated into a pretty decent estimation of my upcoming marathon finish time...</div>
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This past week I've been nursing my tired legs through short distance mid-week runs (and my run this morning)...</div>
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And I even managed to earn a "highly improving" badge from Garmin on Thursday...</div>
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I run again tomorrow (for my last double digit mileage run of this training cycle) and next week I'll continue with my moderate mileage + decent intensity plan. After next week it will be RACE WEEK! </div>
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I'm grateful for this training cycle. It has brought back the joy of running that I've missed for <strike>some</strike> most of the past two marathon training cycles. The Pittsburgh Marathon may not bring me a PR <i>(p.s. you should always check the course elevation and difficulty level <b>before</b> you set a PR goal at the beginning of training)</i>;<i> </i>but it will be an amazing event and I'm determined to enjoy every aspect of my racecation!</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">Do you have any racecations coming up?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">What big event are you training for right now?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Have you ever been to Pittsburgh? What restaurants would you recommend? </span></i></b></div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-25804582718570967692018-04-01T15:40:00.000-04:002018-04-01T19:08:31.816-04:00The 1st Quarter Recap...So much has happened so far in 2018! You probably could have guessed that based on my relatively scant blog posts for the past 3 months. It's not that I haven't wanted to blog, it's just that time has been so limited recently with lots of competing priorities. Anyway, it's the end of the first quarter so this is the perfect time to recap the last few months!<br />
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<b><i>January</i></b> started off with a big bang work-wise. I got a promotion (yay!) and took on a lot more work related duties. Running-wise I did 3 races (the Key West virtual half marathon, the Tropical 5K, and the Miami half marathon) and I started noticing the downward trend in my overall running pace (sigh). I did make it to my first "100 miles in a month" milestone though so that's something right?<br />
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<b><i>February</i></b> kept the same work momentum because we started off the month with one of our major events for the Trauma Program at the hospital where I work. The event actually started in January and continued through to Feb 2nd. I also travelled back home to spend some time with family and friends. February had 2 races, another virtual half and the A1A Ft. Lauderdale half, but I didn't make my 100 miles milestone for February (I only got to 75 miles). I'm blaming that on the fact that it was a shorter month (but the truth is I skipped a few runs).<br />
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<b><i>March</i></b> was a major travel month. The first trip was to Seattle and Portland for part vacation/part work. Seattle was the vacation segment with Marc... we went to visit some of his friends from college. Then we went down to Portland where I presented at the STN's Trauma Conference (it was amazing!). And, in case that wasn't enough travel, I went to Carmel, Indiana with my friend Niqui from work and we completed the Carmel Marathon Relay. I also ran the Miami Beach 1/2 at the beginning of the month, so I ended up with a total of 115 miles for March :)<br />
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So now that the first quarter of the year is over (so fast right?!), it's time to look forward to some of the major life stuff happening in quarter two:<br />
1. Some big birthdays are happening - Kai; San & Me; Marc; my Mom)
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2. The Pittsburgh Marathon will kick off month 2 of quarter 2!
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3. College tours with Kai will be taking place throughout June!
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<b><i>Any major/exciting things happened so far this year?
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<b><i>What are you looking forward to in quarter 2?
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<b><i>When is your birthday? Do you do a big birthday celebration?</i></b>This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-42257378105165617552018-03-11T11:30:00.000-04:002018-03-11T12:37:55.304-04:00My Current Status and Race Predictions...I'm 56 days away from the <a href="http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/">PGH Marathon</a> and this is my current status at the "less than two months to go" mark:<br />
โข I have completed 3 moderately long LRs (16 miles x 2; 15 miles x1)<br />
โข I have 3 longer LRs left (18 miles x1; 20 miles x1; 22 miles x1)<br />
โข I have 2 more races prior to the PGH Marathon weekend (Sunrise 1/2; Carmel Marathon relay)<br />
โข I have 1 major trip that will somewhat interrupt my training cycle (FLL>>SEA>>PDX>>FLL)<br />
โข I have 0 doubts in my ability to <u>complete</u> the PGH Marathon (based on how training has been going)<br />
โข I have 1 <strike>tiny</strike> concern about getting a sub-5:30:00 finish (since I haven't been doing a lot of hill work)<br />
โข I have 2 "back-up" race goals just in case (beat my Chicago marathon time; or get a sub-5:45:00 finish)<br />
โข I have 3 minor things to finalize before my PGH trip (but the major stuff (flight & hotel) are taken care of)<br />
โข I have 3 major work things to complete before I can start tackling those minor things<br />
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So about my race goals - I've been planning for a sub-5:30:00 finish time, which will not only be a PR for me but also a major accomplishment after the disasters of the NYC & Berlin marathons. For NY I was under-trained and for Berlin I got injured during the race. Not fun. Both those races had finish times of 6+hours and I'm not in the mood (or emotional frame of mind) to deal with that again. Not when my goal (for both) was 5:30:00 (I've been chasing that goal for a while). Anyway, choosing Pittsburgh to PR in may not have been the wisest idea (being from Florida with no hills and considering the entire second half of the race (pretty much) is nothing but hills...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23UAL1ie-C32M1VgVfQbST-5siW501BppM6g9Wk3w10rqYPtpvYWcV3Jhbh75mqUHQiDTdOMiBOpC-mmf1MKTvGvvoko843InUEo3WRJ216FG_QsZh9rFzk5cVF9xd7YxbzMqHbG5aZZW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-03-11+at+10.45.25+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1163" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23UAL1ie-C32M1VgVfQbST-5siW501BppM6g9Wk3w10rqYPtpvYWcV3Jhbh75mqUHQiDTdOMiBOpC-mmf1MKTvGvvoko843InUEo3WRJ216FG_QsZh9rFzk5cVF9xd7YxbzMqHbG5aZZW/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-03-11+at+10.45.25+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've invested a lot of time in my training plan for Pittsburgh; making edits and tweaking things as training has progressed; taking rest days when I feel myself approaching the "over training danger zone"; and adjusting for life (a lot) to accommodate competing priorities; and creating as much work:life:marathon training balance as I possibly can. So in keeping with my investment of time, and my desire to remain realistic about what my body can do, I decided to look at a couple of race predictors to see if I'm still on track for a 5:30:00 finish time.<br />
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Tool #1 from <a href="https://www.runningahead.com/tools/calculators/race">RunningAHEAD</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7lxCZgvRj4bBlkr8WnFVuW41R2fToJ5grkhZywDntxO4RwyZbzIHvMlCBO7RfNSePYFizutRYDkIfnKkUgBMRRdF89MYHlwZuwUkXJxaTNzDBOlpu4afi3YzHsD2NPRR52c0NWPkbwRZ/s1600/Image-1-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="750" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7lxCZgvRj4bBlkr8WnFVuW41R2fToJ5grkhZywDntxO4RwyZbzIHvMlCBO7RfNSePYFizutRYDkIfnKkUgBMRRdF89MYHlwZuwUkXJxaTNzDBOlpu4afi3YzHsD2NPRR52c0NWPkbwRZ/s640/Image-1-5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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(ok, not bad... especially since the 16 & 10 milers were my last two LRs)</div>
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Tool #2 from <a href="http://www.chicagoendurancesports.com/racepredict.htm">Chicago Endurance Sports</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfsJyZnls9FAfOD0sE7da5XVoKJC4wEdlflrqiG6D-uihTjaSdM7MZy1AOs6fk7grfzpaOftbOdhHNzGPinz56SHVQHweW-XVp-Zg4VGwhif_CwHXadZDg1jgwtcjE3y4nyns7OWfgD2t/s1600/Image-1-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="750" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfsJyZnls9FAfOD0sE7da5XVoKJC4wEdlflrqiG6D-uihTjaSdM7MZy1AOs6fk7grfzpaOftbOdhHNzGPinz56SHVQHweW-XVp-Zg4VGwhif_CwHXadZDg1jgwtcjE3y4nyns7OWfgD2t/s640/Image-1-4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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(so right under the goal time, but still... not bad)</div>
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Tool #3 from <a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/tools/race-time-predictor">Runner's World</a></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/tools/race-time-predictor"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="750" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGwYo7m0pKenL6xfbxP5Ho8lzTCYBL8jX4oOwPYBF7ouZ5cawL7ZsZQe-JordfJ0vuNo65hQtAxVOLOGZ5aiATemh1sdqZOxg91jPX0pgU8UVu85BJG2oVZi5V-4WcjkD9ocpJVXBkiFU/s640/IMG_0153.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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(RW asked for different info (13.1 miles & 10 miles) & had a significantly different estimation)</div>
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I'm not a big fan of the Runner's World prediction (as you can imagine) since it's worse than my time for the NY Marathon (during which I walked all the bridges... and then some) and Berlin (where I got injured at mile 21 and walked most of the remaining 5 miles). But, it also used different statistics for it's calculation so maybe, just maybe, I still have time to improve the prediction before race day. Plus, the distances and times I used for all these predictors weren't exactly race times, but rather my LR times over the past two weeks; and according to Hal's tweet...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYNpqGWAws9o08uy9v-kKEjuKOUzvhaTHb0vjIw89DtxPXyHKXXl_9ZJwQ4YUsz8B30m-0-dvSsxVc15GsaR8G_n4C-Iyp0lrHX0HH7HoXYCJPeg8KQrSXdP6n34vXHyVngOn2oeacI5U/s1600/IMG_0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="713" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYNpqGWAws9o08uy9v-kKEjuKOUzvhaTHb0vjIw89DtxPXyHKXXl_9ZJwQ4YUsz8B30m-0-dvSsxVc15GsaR8G_n4C-Iyp0lrHX0HH7HoXYCJPeg8KQrSXdP6n34vXHyVngOn2oeacI5U/s640/IMG_0070.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Worst case scenario, if my Plan A, B, and C goals fall through, I will still attempt to finish under 6 hours (which will be a big improvement over both NY and Berlin).<br />
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All-in-all I refuse to let negative finish time predictions dampen my excitement about this trip (and this race). A lot of things will be different about this event, including my <a href="http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/bloggers">official blogger status</a>...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_AAHEw0NxGiYgu5LyJJuROM-2Hry_LG5km3e_YtTMrVUbYsgu3zMc9EtmZhWfSHinlRPXd0sI7u5sMt9lcBOaQala7BxtcyQ69S5AzS0yZ5O8TMZF6_wbThyphenhyphenGe-00cAjKT9UUWupdSkM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-03-10+at+8.54.37+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1431" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_AAHEw0NxGiYgu5LyJJuROM-2Hry_LG5km3e_YtTMrVUbYsgu3zMc9EtmZhWfSHinlRPXd0sI7u5sMt9lcBOaQala7BxtcyQ69S5AzS0yZ5O8TMZF6_wbThyphenhyphenGe-00cAjKT9UUWupdSkM/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-03-10+at+8.54.37+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/bloggers"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(link to page)</span></a></div>
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I'm looking forward to meeting all the other amazing bloggers and organizers in person when I go, and (hopefully) getting to spend more time at the Expo fully exploring everything it has to offer (I've been rushing through every race expo so far this year). </div>
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I also got my "I'm In!" yard sign recently so I've had that up on display...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh421LFKTBDM1MQ209J6zvh4lxmqIxLEFt2lQXnV-EBC3y2nH-1mFsmmk59L8kT7cOcEQnXDcv72x5Wp0vzFr4HgZyhmoDAzd9RBynzf8sbJYi4m8DOtallRMbcDsgcvaodMH5Up62r-tGj/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh421LFKTBDM1MQ209J6zvh4lxmqIxLEFt2lQXnV-EBC3y2nH-1mFsmmk59L8kT7cOcEQnXDcv72x5Wp0vzFr4HgZyhmoDAzd9RBynzf8sbJYi4m8DOtallRMbcDsgcvaodMH5Up62r-tGj/s640/IMG_0132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Less than 2 months to go!!!</b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Have you ever used a race predictor when training for a race?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">How often do you modify your training plan (during your training cycle)</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">Have you ever been to Pittsburgh? I need some restaurant recommendations please :)</span></i></b></div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-13517623951591998922018-02-24T01:00:00.000-05:002018-02-26T20:13:09.972-05:00The Long Weekend...Last weekend (yes the one that just ended yesterday) I took an unscheduled weekend off from training and went home. The trip itself wasn't unscheduled. It had been in the works for a while as a belated Valentines Day celebration trip. But the break from Pittsburgh Marathon training (and not doing a long run last weekend) definitely wasn't planned, but it was well needed...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLSlTFjE8ZbkazHVtAbxcjy_ycB1aiowkEYcPWPeDwxMSUDxthsFkJKL4UDQYFOi4biIVFF3nFNo7zQi-8qv_v5nT0PXSvyuuNa6ZfPVe5rJArmoy_27NpURD61U6BDvREacYtCkkzDIB/s1600/IMG_4343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="750" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLSlTFjE8ZbkazHVtAbxcjy_ycB1aiowkEYcPWPeDwxMSUDxthsFkJKL4UDQYFOi4biIVFF3nFNo7zQi-8qv_v5nT0PXSvyuuNa6ZfPVe5rJArmoy_27NpURD61U6BDvREacYtCkkzDIB/s640/IMG_4343.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The truth is my body is tired and I'm tinkering dangerously close to pushing myself into "overuse injury territory". I've been there before. In fact I've been there so often that I recognize the signals long before I reach that dreaded destination. But now that I'm approaching year 5 as a runner I'm wise enough to force myself to stop before I get too close. The wisdom doesn't erase the frustration and disappointment I feel though. And despite knowing that not pushing the limit was the right thing to do, I still feel sad that I'm not getting the mileage completed.<br />
<br />
I've never had an uneventful marathon training cycle; probably because running doesn't really come naturally for me. I mean, I wasn't the <i>last</i> one picked for races/relays in school, being picked second to last wasn't much better. So when I started running in 2013 I knew it was going to be an uphill battle. This year, and this training season has been no exception...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVuCXqiquEARHjUDc1CTGvW0yZwVjXWmdwdcRcffuQ9w8wWjWYYcZY2aYyWew5-XyLdIsP7QkcIGul46tTQf6whRLpaouRp7SI_QeA6vu-LR5GsIwJpH8ZV9okXO5ABTnWM7iXHfSEFRj/s1600/IMG_4390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="750" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVuCXqiquEARHjUDc1CTGvW0yZwVjXWmdwdcRcffuQ9w8wWjWYYcZY2aYyWew5-XyLdIsP7QkcIGul46tTQf6whRLpaouRp7SI_QeA6vu-LR5GsIwJpH8ZV9okXO5ABTnWM7iXHfSEFRj/s640/IMG_4390.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This training cycle I've been feeling exhausted... <i>all the time</i>. Despite getting a full nights sleep I still don't wake up feeling rested. And, to add "injury to insult" (so to speak) I'm having shin splints and other areas of concern that are more tender/sore than normal. Some of my usual fixes haven't been implemented yet, i.e. I haven't focused on cross training and strength training as much as I should; I foam roll about as frequently as I'm able to achieve a sub-11 minute per mile pace (in other words, rarely); and every day I set ambitious hydration and nutrition goals only to be undermined by my sweet tooth (and salty tooth... and "any kind of red wine" tooth).
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In isolation (and moderation) any of those things probably aren't horrible per se... but the combination is certainly not ideal. And unfortunately they have all been the background tapestry of my marathon training. I have just about two months to go before Pittsburgh so I still have time and (fortunately) I haven't veered completely off course, but I'm definitely not as far along as I would like to be. So the time to auto correct is <u>right now</u>; and after my long weekend off I'm refocused and re-energized...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxlQ1ZSvlL0PQIOD-vbvagEqVmfSbnNY5eWsYKhME0-1KON2tCKW_-2yQdkHwZKKTXMD4NaOWivXiET3XJXbWBDHiznGyq4nwsE2ujMTCf0hAHgNzlEQfijA2Kx3qT8kjeAW94ceJ-fNz/s1600/IMG_4136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="592" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxlQ1ZSvlL0PQIOD-vbvagEqVmfSbnNY5eWsYKhME0-1KON2tCKW_-2yQdkHwZKKTXMD4NaOWivXiET3XJXbWBDHiznGyq4nwsE2ujMTCf0hAHgNzlEQfijA2Kx3qT8kjeAW94ceJ-fNz/s640/IMG_4136.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next two weeks will have 4 days of running each week, followed by three weeks of 3 days of running per week. Then in April I go back to 4 days of running and before I know it Race Week will be here! My swimming will also pick up steam (in terms of frequency but not necessarily intensity). I'm capping my swimming workouts at 60 minutes (with a minimum duration of 30 minutes). I decided to focus on duration for cross training because I want to ensure it's adding to my overall fitness without making me too exhausted to complete my runs. And I'm definitely keeping my commitment to have a solid rest (and sleep in) day.<br />
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So the countdown is on... 2 months to go (just about), which means I have 4 really long runs, 4 moderately long runs, and my taper runs left. I've got this!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94Cl9ro7QNOyrlmKcUMMjiBOYza-qs8JlaHu5fGMwh7bGnQhsaY8psKTLvULTAq_k3EUm7WCTAWUe5_P8zD8RpIO2PHatvcgPYDr7fxkish7mecmTKF09jlIHGi-91LIxT-OHqPCoVRRv/s1600/IMG_4148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="750" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94Cl9ro7QNOyrlmKcUMMjiBOYza-qs8JlaHu5fGMwh7bGnQhsaY8psKTLvULTAq_k3EUm7WCTAWUe5_P8zD8RpIO2PHatvcgPYDr7fxkish7mecmTKF09jlIHGi-91LIxT-OHqPCoVRRv/s640/IMG_4148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You still have time to sign up and join me in Pittsburgh in May! Register (via the link below) and use my discount code (<b><span style="color: #20124d;">YOUNGDSGPM18</span></b>) for any of the race distances!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9peseTLDgasiID9J0Whks4DPx3UbBFRDM8rtsV24SR7NwlpDPXSU7zxlBvgaEybrYJ5eiq01Sr-l7NQHHSSZIxCre1FPbND7Ejvbl-rFKNJft6p58g_nbtgNxg_sQS8qba2SMsbv-XT1Z/s1600/2018+Official+Blogger+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9peseTLDgasiID9J0Whks4DPx3UbBFRDM8rtsV24SR7NwlpDPXSU7zxlBvgaEybrYJ5eiq01Sr-l7NQHHSSZIxCre1FPbND7Ejvbl-rFKNJft6p58g_nbtgNxg_sQS8qba2SMsbv-XT1Z/s640/2018+Official+Blogger+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">(<a href="http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/">register here</a>)</span></div>
<i><b><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="color: #073763;">What do you do when your training isn't going according to plan?</span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Do you find it hard to stay motivated and focused during long training cycles?</span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">How many running vs. cross training days do you complete each week?</span></b></i>This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-57877857379190147402018-01-20T09:11:00.001-05:002018-01-20T13:08:03.728-05:00DNF...At some point in our running careers most of us have had a DNF ("did not finish") for a run. Usually the acronym is reserved for not finishing a race, but for me I use it when I don't finish my designated mileage for my training runs as well. I've (fortunately) never had to DNF a race, but training runs... that's a completely different story.<br />
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Today was one of those DNF training run days. My legs felt like lead from the very beginning; and between not getting enough sleep last night and being mentally exhausted from a very long, equally frustrating work week, I just could not push myself to do more than 6 (of the planned 10) miles.<br />
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I've been trying different strategies to work on mental preparation for my runs and my races because 9 times out of 10 the problem is less of a physical limitation and more of a "I'm not confident that I can do this" limitation. Mental training is hard. Especially since I'm not one of those overly confident individuals to begin with. And when it comes to running I doubt myself a lot.<br />
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This morning there was an "awkward yeti" type battle between my various organ systems...<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Brain:<i> Can I get through 10 miles?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Legs:<i> I'm tired</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Heart:<i> I want to go back to bed</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Stomach:<i> I'm hungry</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Brain:<i> Well...</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Legs:<i> I'm still tired</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Heart:<i> I'm really sleepy</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Nose:<i> *sniff*</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Stomach:<i> Is that fresh baked bread?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Nose:<i> *sniff sniff*</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Stomach:<i> *grumbles*</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Brain:<i> Well...</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Heart:<i> If I was sleeping right now I would be so happy</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Brain: </span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><i>Fiiine</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Legs:<i> No I think I can</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Brain:<i> Too late I'm done. Let's stop at 6 miles</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">All:<i> YAY!!!!!!</i></span><br />
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So I stopped at 6 miles. I was running with Mimi who continued on to complete the remaining 4 miles (after we took a quick post-run pic)...<br />
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Considering <a href="http://www.thisismyfaster.com/2018/01/key-west-virtual-half-race-recap.html">I did a (virtual) half marathon last weekend</a> and I have the Tropical 5K and Miami Half Marathon next weekend, I'm not <strike>upset</strike> that upset about my DNF training run today. I may do a few miles if others from my running group want to hit the road tomorrow morning. If not, I might just sleep, or swim, or sleep, or do some weight training, or sleep.<br />
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This week (so far) I've done two 4 milers and two 6 milers. The distance sets were almost identical...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QN3BTNy5C3hq0U9iJW2h60Fas5O9tB8bVKWZk9CqNOzkv3PO_s3juir9jBXaD7qemm-p7C6rIXqRB3qPAFAHXQlMKKUc4K6ww7rjvGccGLjVsv03dIXhkFl1nsj6PXt2695xasCcCEUE/s1600/Image-1-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="750" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QN3BTNy5C3hq0U9iJW2h60Fas5O9tB8bVKWZk9CqNOzkv3PO_s3juir9jBXaD7qemm-p7C6rIXqRB3qPAFAHXQlMKKUc4K6ww7rjvGccGLjVsv03dIXhkFl1nsj6PXt2695xasCcCEUE/s640/Image-1-2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm trying to focus on incremental measurable goals for each week so that I can track my improvement (and not get thrown off by any one run). This week, for example, the group increased our run:walk intervals to 90s:30s and my personal goal was to maintain a sub-12 mins/mile average pace for all my runs (mission accomplished). Next week the running duration won't increase, but the new pace goal will be sub-11:45mins/mile. Each week will have a new goal and I will continue to set new weekly goals once I have accomplished the goal of the current week.<br />
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I'm doing the same for cross training. My goal was to swim twice this week for a minimum of 30 minutes each session. I only got through one 30 min session (on Monday) so next week I will aim for the same 2 swim session goal ๐ช.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">What are your plans for this weekend?</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Any races planned for the rest of January?</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">Did you accomplish all your training goals this week?</span></i></b>This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-59879259996195959532018-01-14T10:10:00.005-05:002018-01-14T10:33:01.186-05:00Key West Virtual Half {"race" recap}To kick off 2018's running calendar I decided to sign up for the Key West virtual Half Marathon...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Nom_DceMnhZVBo0_AofiZM3nNqygKdqRL262u9nphVxMdRQaGV41R7taZdHdFGAbL6iFEcVudZFZj4R7ZL9ARGH5fQkhyphenhyphenS-FdRoqhOZqDr5ODXcAx_BKC3Hf7wlCMp3XvQyVEB2ys6wC/s1600/Image-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="625" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Nom_DceMnhZVBo0_AofiZM3nNqygKdqRL262u9nphVxMdRQaGV41R7taZdHdFGAbL6iFEcVudZFZj4R7ZL9ARGH5fQkhyphenhyphenS-FdRoqhOZqDr5ODXcAx_BKC3Hf7wlCMp3XvQyVEB2ys6wC/s640/Image-1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Normally I wouldn't register for a race before the Miami Half Marathon race weekend (which is usually the weekend that starts my running calendar); but once I saw the medal I really had no choice but to register...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiD7RutA20to6jbaNwpUQdgUdvoUoyfENq8I7iUcrEbY0J-fnwZH0iTllzWZyGXKUzS9wz7GaDLkpbYp5M2raBxFGVqsqstc1olg9kWxofwkAX92Fxb_wOYCaX-wyk-5lpy3UyTg_m1kQ8/s1600/IMG_2603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="750" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiD7RutA20to6jbaNwpUQdgUdvoUoyfENq8I7iUcrEbY0J-fnwZH0iTllzWZyGXKUzS9wz7GaDLkpbYp5M2raBxFGVqsqstc1olg9kWxofwkAX92Fxb_wOYCaX-wyk-5lpy3UyTg_m1kQ8/s640/IMG_2603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(The. Lighthouse. Lights. Up!)</div>
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I'm a real sucker for cool race medals. I won't even pretend to deny it. The first thing I think about when I'm considering registering for a race is "what does the medal look like?" Well actually, the first thing is probably <i>do I get a medal?</i> and then I determine if it's pretty enough to justify the race entry fee :)</div>
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Anyway, since my heart felt obligated to run for the lighthouse, I signed up for the virtual option and ran it this morning...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSewQA3OIFLpXzTSW9AgD9EsRV6H4np_cxKshYTdY5ADwrFAdLlv8SUFi94DFzvl2iUIhyHepROXVqw1zpk6wLYRElrwIW2NiECO3-EYoa_VOKNqTdWDD1AzOCvf-g71z_nIrge54vLjpw/s1600/IMG_3786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSewQA3OIFLpXzTSW9AgD9EsRV6H4np_cxKshYTdY5ADwrFAdLlv8SUFi94DFzvl2iUIhyHepROXVqw1zpk6wLYRElrwIW2NiECO3-EYoa_VOKNqTdWDD1AzOCvf-g71z_nIrge54vLjpw/s640/IMG_3786.jpg" width="610" /></a></div>
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I ran with Jani for the first 6+ miles and then Mimi and I ran the last 7+ miles. During the first 6 Jani and I encountered a guy who was wearing less than ideal clothing for the 50 degree weather we were having and utilizing the sidewalk as his personal urinal. Not cool. We ran on the road to avoid having to run by him on the sidewalk (especially since he also appeared drunk/high on something). We also dealt with a pretty strong headwind for the first 3 miles, but other than that the first half of my virtual half was great.</div>
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When Jani and I got back to our cars, Mimi and I headed out for the second half of my half. We decided to add a change to our normal running route and included a highway overpass as part of an out and back section. Garmin claims that I started at high elevation for this run but I can guarantee you the route was pretty flat apart from those last two "hills" when we ran over the overpass and back...</div>
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Fortunately Mimi and I didn't encounter any unsavory characters on our route and we finished faster than I anticipated with a negative split (i.e. second half of the race was faster than the first half)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJd8kXz5IneZtMC-EI7SJHF3849WLyeWuvicQzy2bL1Eh6yrwmKTX01CnFlMYe-mLXkg9EGC1AAQyQMeZFNS3uWFu3ytj4-oMSGwB8INGMOs0g9o11NJi1a6qs_vUcciNw5sdsDlZKo4C/s1600/IMG_3797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="1042" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJd8kXz5IneZtMC-EI7SJHF3849WLyeWuvicQzy2bL1Eh6yrwmKTX01CnFlMYe-mLXkg9EGC1AAQyQMeZFNS3uWFu3ytj4-oMSGwB8INGMOs0g9o11NJi1a6qs_vUcciNw5sdsDlZKo4C/s640/IMG_3797.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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Now I just have to patiently wait for my lighthouse medal to come in the mail! And start getting ready for the Tropical 5K and Miami Half Marathon coming up in two weeks!!!</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Do you run virtual races?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">What was your favorite virtual race (and why?)</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">What's your biggest motivator for registering for a race?</span></i></b></div>
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This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-38384020786962126202018-01-13T13:50:00.002-05:002018-01-13T13:52:43.099-05:00This Is The Year...I'm declaring my marathon PR from now. I'm not going to let my own self-doubts (that are sure to creep up) stop me. I'm not going to let the (ridiculous) negative comments from people stop me. And I'm not going to let the fact that the pace I need for my PR goal (which I have not seen/sustained for a while) stop me. This is the year of my marathon PR. One of many <strike>probably</strike> <strike>hopefully.</strike><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KAQ3ciRpWD7A0-j5i2zRIc56EVVWvUZIHg0YzwlQhIMnWdnmdesCxuhT2n9krN9N1anFgafiqMrXbcBp7NRk6QqipCg-mmYIWTUjEz1-VMyHzoYtU72hUCyVAgmnEhRLMguZNcIqaDVW/s1600/IMG_3779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="1500" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KAQ3ciRpWD7A0-j5i2zRIc56EVVWvUZIHg0YzwlQhIMnWdnmdesCxuhT2n9krN9N1anFgafiqMrXbcBp7NRk6QqipCg-mmYIWTUjEz1-VMyHzoYtU72hUCyVAgmnEhRLMguZNcIqaDVW/s640/IMG_3779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theawkwardyeti.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">link</span></a></div>
2015 was a good (albeit injury filled year) for running, and 2017 showed good promise for the shorter distances...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBByiUw6ESI9TQqYb76h8yblANvCNtLAPH_v1v_aL_AP2HuqOi4p_Cu39Z1qT8KpRPgDd84I9HVyzSUT_dz4C4aGcYNqpLZhUEpILUpTbnMFsKsSzqOOwztUXhXuIqWxAgMiVHAvl7aCwl/s1600/IMG_3781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBByiUw6ESI9TQqYb76h8yblANvCNtLAPH_v1v_aL_AP2HuqOi4p_Cu39Z1qT8KpRPgDd84I9HVyzSUT_dz4C4aGcYNqpLZhUEpILUpTbnMFsKsSzqOOwztUXhXuIqWxAgMiVHAvl7aCwl/s640/IMG_3781.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
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But 2018? Well this year is the year that surpasses all other years. This is the year of PRs! The year of my running goals. The year that I take back the passion and dedication that I allowed to get lost in the abyss of doubts, demands, and declining commitment. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's going to be a GREAT year. I can just feel it!</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">What are you looking forward to this year?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Do you have any specific goals for your running/training?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Do you love The Awkward Yeti comics as much as I do?</span></i></b></div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-62101997845791629152018-01-12T00:05:00.000-05:002018-01-12T00:05:06.040-05:00A Match Made In Training Heaven...<span style="font-family: inherit;">You
know what's better than running? Well, nothing. But you know what's <i>almost</i>
as great as running? Cross training! And I'm not just talking about the dynamic
stretching that most of us runners <s>do</s> say we do before our runs. I mean
an actual cross training activity that's fun, non-impact (or minimal impact), and
one that helps strengthen all those under-used non-running muscles.</span><br />
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My
go-to cross training activity is swimming. When I do it consistently I really
feel an improvement in my endurance level. But, to be honest, it's also the
activity that I opt out of a lot. When I feel like my body needs rest I'm more
likely to skip a cross training day than I am to miss out on a run...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUpgg7Qu24cR08BTmmwLg1eNUGpxNDQuyQaQuByNGN682C_HyhVSkwGHdorqi3h2vIRrIUTksWwpnVV3rYvwV-6bTv8paMSC73GyGyBkvodO5mLK8vSrwKXhAUbk4oqpYdj_9K2hs9X4d/s1600/PIC+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="835" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUpgg7Qu24cR08BTmmwLg1eNUGpxNDQuyQaQuByNGN682C_HyhVSkwGHdorqi3h2vIRrIUTksWwpnVV3rYvwV-6bTv8paMSC73GyGyBkvodO5mLK8vSrwKXhAUbk4oqpYdj_9K2hs9X4d/s640/PIC+1.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm
even worse with body weight strength training and CrossFit type activities
cause let's face it... squats suck, burpees will kill you, and no box is low
enough for me to jump on it without immediately falling off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
problem with being inconsistent with cross training (mainly because I'm not
good at it) is that I will NEVER be good at it without being consistent. I
really have no excuse because consistent cross training with steady improvement
will help me run better and stronger. And when Iโve stuck with it during my marathon training Iโve noticed those exact results.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over
the past few years and training cycles I've complied a list of my top 7 cross
training tips that (when I actually follow them) have proved to be beneficial.
My goal is to follow them as I train for the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 6th
because I have some serious PR goals for that race...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fQ_Ce67VxDCyFGNmVOV1AErhB3ZG37QE0Sg_QwEIHgMm4umAkYHvxe4EtupdN6arvIdxh1s-6DWPjYDCDZYTmdLGmDlC5o6Hb-5dUli44E-RQ5v4PFXfeoYEnZkbKLsEFOM8SLkDgesf/s1600/PIC+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fQ_Ce67VxDCyFGNmVOV1AErhB3ZG37QE0Sg_QwEIHgMm4umAkYHvxe4EtupdN6arvIdxh1s-6DWPjYDCDZYTmdLGmDlC5o6Hb-5dUli44E-RQ5v4PFXfeoYEnZkbKLsEFOM8SLkDgesf/s640/PIC+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hopefully
some of these tips will help you when training for your next big event!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <b>Choose a cross training activity that you
LIKE to do<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing
is worse than dreading your workout. And, if you choose a cross training
activity that you hate, you're less likely to do it (and certainly less likely
to do it well). Try and incorporate a form of cross training that you like to do!
Make it a "break from running" that will ultimately help improve your
running.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <b>Cross training should supplement (not
impede) your running</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
your cross training activities are too intense then you essentially won't give
your body enough time to rest and recover. With marathon training "time on
your feet" matters a lot. However, if your muscles are sore from your running
miles AND sore from all the minutes you spend cross training, then eventually
you'll be too sore to do anything at all! Cross training should complement your
marathon training, not detract from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. <b>Schedule cross training with the same
commitment that you give your training runs</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's
easy to give in to the temptation to skip a cross training day. Try not to.
Make it an essential part of your overall marathon training plan and tackle it
with the same commitment that you do your runs. Of course, if your body needs
rest or you're injured then take the time off you need. But don't skip cross
training just for the sake of doing so. It's important so treat it as such.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <b>Join forces with a friend for extra
motivation<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You
know how those miles fly by when you're running with a friend? Well cross
training can be even more enjoyable when you're working out with a friend. Use
the opportunity to motivate each other while simultaneously supporting each
other. Whether it's one more rep or one more lap in the pool, help each other
get it done!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. <b>Avoid impact activities that don't allow
your legs to rest</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Running
works specific leg muscles and they need rest. Doing high (and even moderate)
impact activities can inhibit your ideal "leg rest" period. Try to
incorporate cross training activities that work different muscles and are less
taxing on your legs. It's especially important to work on strengthening your
core and upper body (as those areas tend to be neglected when marathon
training).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. <b>Track your progress just like you track
your miles<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Who
doesn't like setting a goal and accomplishing it right? Cross training goals
are important. Start off by determining your baseline (e.g. How many pool
laps can you swim without stopping? What weight can you lift for strength
training? etc.) and aim for steady incremental improvements. Do you max out at
20 squats? Aim for 25 the next time. Can you swim up to 800 meters? Aim for
1000 the next time. Focus on gradual improvement and celebrate those
accomplishments!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. <b>Don't forget the goal is to become a
stronger runner!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the
end of the day when youโre training for a marathon your goals should be to finish
strong and injury-free. And, for many of us, we also want to finish as fast as
we can while ensuring those first two goals are accomplished. Cross training
should always focus on those end goals. It should be fun and, just as
importantly, it should be beneficial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since
we are at the official start of training for the Pittsburgh Marathon (did you
guys do the kick off training run last Sunday?) now is the best time to figure
out what cross training activity (or even a couple of activities) you're going
to do to get ready for the big day! And if you still havenโt registered yet,
use my discount code: <span style="color: #20124d;"><b>YOUNGDSGPM18</b>
</span>for $10 off your registration fee (you can register <a href="http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/">HERE</a>).
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I look
forward to seeing you on the course!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvkZub1LOTcWAZRPgczvi6J8P5CxOrWAS_O_tovrkcaN9M-F-hca4JcpTOxKFteeqKQ1DKiShE52VIR_lzVWeWtMDZsUKXf8UYgjVP5BruHzhksx_TAmEYe0pCigAVU-3J5qheY81lkYE/s1600/PIC+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="1600" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvkZub1LOTcWAZRPgczvi6J8P5CxOrWAS_O_tovrkcaN9M-F-hca4JcpTOxKFteeqKQ1DKiShE52VIR_lzVWeWtMDZsUKXf8UYgjVP5BruHzhksx_TAmEYe0pCigAVU-3J5qheY81lkYE/s640/PIC+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Whatโs
your favorite cross training activity?</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>How
many cross training days do you schedule in your half/full marathon training
plan?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: inherit;"><i><b>True/False:
Squats are worse than Burpees (</b>my answer โ <b>TRUE!)</b></i></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-26766038809465085582018-01-07T14:00:00.001-05:002018-01-07T14:45:55.900-05:00Off To A Great Start...<b><i>2018 is off to a great start so far</i></b> (training-wise). Which is good since I spent most of the Christmas/New Years holiday period <u>not training</u>. Instead I focused on spending time with family and friends and trying not to stress about the amount of calories I was consuming. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But when 2018 rolled around (and I woke up from my nap after ringing in the new year,) Sanya (my twin sister) and I headed out for a walk. Not just a simple walk though, a 1 mile uphill I-can-barely-breathe-while-doing-this walk...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3ah5_QkNnPWChjyGTf0wTLVb0eO0P9zwQV5H7fh9QHNmU9soEGbk6hK7i-Rn7jwR-gYmfCd6nYh00BxC9zWCGfBW6amQyZFQTYtVn1Uev6Ocian_hj6WjAnCluXKuYAsm764pgKp3z7r/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="750" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3ah5_QkNnPWChjyGTf0wTLVb0eO0P9zwQV5H7fh9QHNmU9soEGbk6hK7i-Rn7jwR-gYmfCd6nYh00BxC9zWCGfBW6amQyZFQTYtVn1Uev6Ocian_hj6WjAnCluXKuYAsm764pgKp3z7r/s640/IMG_3625.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(One day I'm going to try and run that entire mile uphill)</div>
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I came home later that day and didn't do anything related to training until the 5th, which essentially was my first run of 2018. Fortunately it didn't suck as much as I thought it would considering I hadn't run since December 21st! What made it even greater was the fact that we had more people doing the group run...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And then this morning I kicked off Pittsburgh Marathon training with a 10 mile group run!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today marked the official start of the Pittsburgh Marathon training cycle and while runners headed out on a "kick off" run in Pittsburgh, I ran "virtually" with my running group...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm trying to get more people to run Pittsburgh with me! And as an official blogger for the race I have a discount code so you can get $10 off the race registration (for any distance: full, half or relay). The discount code is: <b><span style="color: #20124d;">YOUNGDSGPM18</span></b> and this is <a href="http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/"><b>the link to register</b></a>. It's the 10th year anniversary of the marathon so you know it's going to be an incredible event!</div>
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While most of the group braved the South Florida cold weather close to home, we cheered on our missing running teammate Mimi who completed an absolutely incredible Disney Marathon today to close out an even more amazing 2018 Dopey Challenge! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNbw1dFcsoWxrz-69lsC66GFzdmu0AvKkb_SxNnbOMK2LdGYrWqVTdjTWOVV2XZTajbQM0dWZsKH9eazKtyNHEFFTueEG8pILfbzlTxPYMtzAMG7RybCCv99W0KRErPWTubDV92K22OWC/s1600/IMG_3705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="750" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNbw1dFcsoWxrz-69lsC66GFzdmu0AvKkb_SxNnbOMK2LdGYrWqVTdjTWOVV2XZTajbQM0dWZsKH9eazKtyNHEFFTueEG8pILfbzlTxPYMtzAMG7RybCCv99W0KRErPWTubDV92K22OWC/s640/IMG_3705.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(so proud of you Mimi!!!)</div>
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I'm really excited about this year and all my 2018 goals. I decided several weeks ago to try journaling this year. But instead of writing a mini dissertation about my thoughts and feelings (after all that's what my blog is for right?) I decided to incorporate a daily note of gratitude and a variety of different little things in my Commit30 planner....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I got the planner as a "pixie" Christmas present from my younger sister. My siblings and I do a pixie gift exchange (we started a couple of years ago) and it has become something I look forward to each year. 2017 was even better since we decided to post our "wish list" which made the gift buying process a whole lot easier. A planner or bullet journal was on my list and fortunately my "pixie" listened ;)</div>
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I also got a 2018 running log from my parents which is perfect for tracking my training specific activities!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2hCUYByVIMS5vyCEeXs-qtpV-ON0bxuAIcD4zv5RyBwGbqijw6Xi2KdW7R5VQF4bMhv9HJBRZq6BjNXLI5wyIM_MD2nZnASliBCsYB-Ve2HUbEmvcdy-HR4zehSbs9aqjVrM5usTwykX/s1600/IMG_3700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2hCUYByVIMS5vyCEeXs-qtpV-ON0bxuAIcD4zv5RyBwGbqijw6Xi2KdW7R5VQF4bMhv9HJBRZq6BjNXLI5wyIM_MD2nZnASliBCsYB-Ve2HUbEmvcdy-HR4zehSbs9aqjVrM5usTwykX/s640/IMG_3700.JPG" width="616" /></a></div>
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I have a lot of goals for this year. A marathon PR is one of them (an important one), but so is:</div>
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1. Improving my running pace;</div>
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2. Swimming 1 mile (freestyle only... right now I can do breaststroke without a problem but freestyle kills me); <b><i>and</i></b></div>
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3. Running 1000 miles (which I'm visually tracking in my planner as well)...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-b8EQ_dA44F1mUXh14Bwkse4blVkdm_-DHMNEHKVuPY3g-smtyhE581-4LRDzLUmfzzayNHQBeFm7tA70i_fhiFelyN-BQV_Lh0h2JR91Gl6Nt8ASaw6LH46FcDSY0IJY5Zu4lcyGfg1/s1600/IMG_3694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-b8EQ_dA44F1mUXh14Bwkse4blVkdm_-DHMNEHKVuPY3g-smtyhE581-4LRDzLUmfzzayNHQBeFm7tA70i_fhiFelyN-BQV_Lh0h2JR91Gl6Nt8ASaw6LH46FcDSY0IJY5Zu4lcyGfg1/s640/IMG_3694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">What are your 2018 goals?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Any major races on the calendar for this year?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Have you ever journaled?</i></b></div>
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This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-70658234956938021082017-12-16T07:23:00.000-05:002017-12-16T08:45:25.012-05:00Runners Support Each Other...Running groups are like a family. Typically close knit, with a variety of unique personalities. Some members are closer than others (whether that's because of pace or similarities in training that facilitate different bonds developing, or just like-mindedness). Some members see/run with each other more often. And some members show up on occasion (for that "seasonal" group run) and then aren't seen again until next season. At times, just like with family, the running group dynamics become... <strike>dysfunctional</strike> tense. And ideally that period of tension is short lived because at the end of the day we're a "running family" right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVphgByAhxqW5MZpReCxrczgefsWYmHAbbfG0p4B6h5Tok-1pUZzoHOD5gUfmzJKhKF_TV66hz9CZiMe2cueq7QPNsl5CMTYzDMo6Oini4Em1o6O2VyKDWh_Cxtvn4W42W08n3O7P2Wyt/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-16+at+8.03.37+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1142" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVphgByAhxqW5MZpReCxrczgefsWYmHAbbfG0p4B6h5Tok-1pUZzoHOD5gUfmzJKhKF_TV66hz9CZiMe2cueq7QPNsl5CMTYzDMo6Oini4Em1o6O2VyKDWh_Cxtvn4W42W08n3O7P2Wyt/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-16+at+8.03.37+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/100runners/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image source</span></a></div>
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Over the course of my short (i.e. 4 year) running life I've run with a variety of different groups and I've also run solo. There are pros and cons to both group and solo runs, but the one thing I love about group runs is that the miles go by faster and I finish feeling stronger...<br />
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<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/quotes"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
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Bigger running groups have different pace options and so those groups definitely have the ability to make runners of all levels feel welcome. That can sometimes be harder with smaller groups. Which means that if you run with a small group it's important to be intentional about not isolating anyone or making anyone feel like they:<br />
1. Don't belong because they run at a different pace<br />
2. Don't belong because they are training for a different race<br />
3. Don't belong because they don't run with the group all the time<br />
4. Don't belong because they want to do different mileage<br />
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I could go on, but the point is we should not make people who want to run feel like they don't belong, or shouldn't run with our running group because their plans/goals/abilities differ from our own. As members of a broader running community we should encourage and embrace everyone who wants to run and try to facilitate each of us reaching our running goals (as best as we possibly can).<br />
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I'm dealing with some of these challenges in the group that I run with right now. And I'm pretty transparent about my life and my feelings so I recently felt like I had to comment/post a reminder that we (as a group) need to be accommodating to all the group members. To say the least, it wasn't taken well by everyone...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3J9zlxhyphenhyphennY7PVWECoKLsLt_Wd0ZuJ1nCPYLazgBtYWGnpuJe1_1GLxM1Z1RDLBFI9zfW9UUR72ThV34bh75Bl9chnHj-vTFeDJwAkrNcLpw6QFHT5fKUXyWNjYc5c1SU_a2ng_b_h3Ojg/s1600/IMG_4255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="510" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3J9zlxhyphenhyphennY7PVWECoKLsLt_Wd0ZuJ1nCPYLazgBtYWGnpuJe1_1GLxM1Z1RDLBFI9zfW9UUR72ThV34bh75Bl9chnHj-vTFeDJwAkrNcLpw6QFHT5fKUXyWNjYc5c1SU_a2ng_b_h3Ojg/s640/IMG_4255.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm probably overly sensitive to the need to make everyone feel welcome because there have been times when I've felt like I wasn't good enough, or fast enough, or had enough endurance to keep up/fit in. And I will acknowledge the fact that <u>I completely control whether or not I will allow a passing comment or an exchanged glance affect how I feel or whether or not I run.</u> But, at the same time, I deal with enough insecurities (actually I have a lot of insecurities) and running is a "safe place" for me. So when I'm out on a group run I don't want to feel like those insecurities are surfacing. And when some of my insecurities are related to running, that's definitely the last thing I want to feel.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Runners support each other</span></b></i></div>
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Unlike bigger groups, small running groups have to be <b>even more careful</b> to avoid the pitfalls of isolating others because... karma. I'm kidding, because it's just not the right thing to do. So if everyone has different mileage goals, then plan runs that have loops or an "out & back" option. If everyone has a different pace, an out & back option is especially accommodating. Another option is to schedule different start times for different mileage/pace goals. Regardless of the option the group chooses, it's important to ensure that the plan takes everyone into consideration (or at the very least, if you can't accommodate all, then accommodate most of the group).<br />
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This morning, I did a 6 mile loop, as part of a "let's try to accommodate most of our training" group run...<br />
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Mimi (in the picture with me) was doing her final really long run in preparation for Dopey, and graciously broke her run into 6-6-6-4 mile loops so that I could do 6 (first loop), another runner could do 12 (middle loops), and another runner could do 10 (last two loops). Of course, it's mutually beneficial because Mimi gets a change of company and pace with each of us that did different loops with her, and the rest of us get our desired mileage completed. This is how running groups should work. Ideally, we should <b>find a way to work with each other</b> in supporting each other's goals. It won't always fall into place nicely. Sometimes a runner may need to break off/turn back early, or continue to do more mileage after the group run is over. But the spirit of encouragement should be at the forefront... and when it is running groups shine.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Do you run with a running group?</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">If yes, how does your group accommodate runners of different levels?</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">If no, why do you prefer to run solo?</span></i></b>This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-91315998313455921752017-12-10T17:29:00.004-05:002017-12-10T17:43:51.598-05:00Run For Tomorrow...This morning I completed my 22nd half at the Rotary Run For Tomorrow Half Marathon...<br />
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This "race" was less of a race and more of a training run as part of my general Pittsburgh Marathon training plan. So with that in mind, my goal was to finish the distance using intervals that pushed my endurance -- <i style="font-weight: bold;">run 1/2 mile: walk 1 minute</i>...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iwid7cNytXM4eqWsCTgTFhA0gNfA1Ca8He0nYE55S11qIfPnKTqt5e8BPzgjQnlmBisnZyKjesjK0A8_xvYhZjrwQV3-hsgRMZIjAqoVjwvbsgShvbijrqTgT-H73y8_5_L1q51IIMYf/s1600/IMG_3272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iwid7cNytXM4eqWsCTgTFhA0gNfA1Ca8He0nYE55S11qIfPnKTqt5e8BPzgjQnlmBisnZyKjesjK0A8_xvYhZjrwQV3-hsgRMZIjAqoVjwvbsgShvbijrqTgT-H73y8_5_L1q51IIMYf/s640/IMG_3272.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
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The race average temperature was cold (but perfect for running)...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTrrd5KGWMzWnIYiZQscS8nVQMI_vOD0VpCpypRl5d6ApkXcGTEETd_MmNQqerSXdq3XcZqtv6a-hLUC8k4Qq4zHBU9JJkOHzTM-rjjmUSCfpGz5bqVQQpYi3bb06weIrzQhnxj6bhyphenhyphenKe/s1600/IMG_3282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="580" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTrrd5KGWMzWnIYiZQscS8nVQMI_vOD0VpCpypRl5d6ApkXcGTEETd_MmNQqerSXdq3XcZqtv6a-hLUC8k4Qq4zHBU9JJkOHzTM-rjjmUSCfpGz5bqVQQpYi3bb06weIrzQhnxj6bhyphenhyphenKe/s640/IMG_3282.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And people were decked out in their sweaters and mittens from the beginning...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuj2MJHGFAaaLa2Moqxn_F8Fbix9ZsgIhKyfuSFIrvXxpFl7A4INfAgth5In_pjlwM_lKM0UoFREPG7On_Y-ChpENZSOg3Zu50vj0aVFylVKEI-p5Ip0cwc88gB8YAlKoaZrJK2LQttCUR/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuj2MJHGFAaaLa2Moqxn_F8Fbix9ZsgIhKyfuSFIrvXxpFl7A4INfAgth5In_pjlwM_lKM0UoFREPG7On_Y-ChpENZSOg3Zu50vj0aVFylVKEI-p5Ip0cwc88gB8YAlKoaZrJK2LQttCUR/s640/IMG_3261.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The course doesn't have <strike>many</strike> any sights to see. It's essentially 13.1 miles of neighborhood streets. But it's pretty flat and simple so if you wanted to aim for a PR you could. But if you like lots of attractions on your half marathon route this is not the race for you. Since this was basically a training run for me I just focused on my intervals and breathing, and then distracted myself with music for the last 3 miles of the course. My earbuds aren't working so I was playing the music on my phone speaker which may have annoyed a few of the runners as they passed me or as I passed them. But, the distraction was what I needed after 10 miles of only my thoughts and breathing to keep me company. </div>
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Once I was done I took a few <i>"yes I was here and earned this medal"</i> pictures...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnF1wNBH2yyljc7y7AHFxO0UgnHSZwIOYoKoenftmTaaPoNOMQ-DI4GlqND7hoQHXEYbRRoYtuToixjigJ36ht8J2cBpz2gVOXwCtecwh_w9VNvLEoyQ3Wq3nqT2s_nJCnThjrAOTv4-y/s1600/IMG_3265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1486" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnF1wNBH2yyljc7y7AHFxO0UgnHSZwIOYoKoenftmTaaPoNOMQ-DI4GlqND7hoQHXEYbRRoYtuToixjigJ36ht8J2cBpz2gVOXwCtecwh_w9VNvLEoyQ3Wq3nqT2s_nJCnThjrAOTv4-y/s640/IMG_3265.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>
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... and then headed back home to change out of my cold and wet running gear.</div>
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So here's the thing about using races as training runs... you get a lot of on course support (water stations and porta potties (if you need it) etc.) but you also need to stay focused on the fact that <u>it's a training run</u>. It's easy to submit to the temptation to race it as people pass you by, but that can be dangerous if you're not properly trained. </div>
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Although this was half marathon #22 for me, my legs (and lungs) are really not in tiptop half marathon shape right now. After Berlin I essentially started my training over and I've pushed it along by incorporating races into my schedule (which has proven to be the best way to keep me motivated for training). But even though I've been trying to push myself, and training has been ok so far, I'm still far from where I need to be pace & endurance-wise. I am really happy about my intervals today though. I'm working my way up to running 1 mile: walking 1 minute, and that will be my goal interval (with hopefully a consistent sub-12 min pace) for 2018.</div>
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I have a race next weekend to close out the year and then I will spend most of the holiday period cross training and keeping my baseline mileage up while I prepare for all that 2018 has in store for my running life.</div>
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<b><i>How was your weekend? Any races?</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Have you thought about your 2018 goals yet?</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Do you use shorter races as training runs when preparing for longer distance events?</i></b></div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-88980317251502169172017-12-02T12:26:00.001-05:002017-12-02T13:17:04.410-05:00Kicking Off My Pittsburgh Marathon Training...This training week started off with a 4 mile run on Tuesday and ended with a 10 mile run this morning. My training plan for Pittsburgh includes 4 days of running + 2 days of cross training & 1 day of rest. I nailed the 4 days of running part, but my 2 days of cross training were converted to 2 days of "rest". Tomorrow is supposed to be a rest day but we'll see what the morning holds.<br />
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Until then, I'm just going to focus on this week's runs and the fact that I was able to get through them all...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDW1dN1bEbuN04aXUJBOHlUOBL5oyr-NS6LqsQNzhhVEdicElHZ7w71rF3C5mHpce53yfkqVsmLBIg9W82ArtIPE2iEpgy5Aktua5ev_nIsLDyjwfQUheZZ2qoFMGZcQvXi4p5SyBNBR9/s1600/IMG_3151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="749" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDW1dN1bEbuN04aXUJBOHlUOBL5oyr-NS6LqsQNzhhVEdicElHZ7w71rF3C5mHpce53yfkqVsmLBIg9W82ArtIPE2iEpgy5Aktua5ev_nIsLDyjwfQUheZZ2qoFMGZcQvXi4p5SyBNBR9/s640/IMG_3151.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdivevfQATWjYagQAPhEm2ZFjnnOdYn1DT3HPP1gSJ4hiH8z6ABbPsadVyNJY7D5nmWPFbQJ_WbMMmy4UtJs2u6LY97Y1-R1PNrGQ8MXSAcNlc0la1Zyq6b8DoV__9X2Pa2oUP-H9bkpLW/s1600/IMG_3168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="750" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdivevfQATWjYagQAPhEm2ZFjnnOdYn1DT3HPP1gSJ4hiH8z6ABbPsadVyNJY7D5nmWPFbQJ_WbMMmy4UtJs2u6LY97Y1-R1PNrGQ8MXSAcNlc0la1Zyq6b8DoV__9X2Pa2oUP-H9bkpLW/s640/IMG_3168.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcNfe8DnN7NAPmbXTEscd8kesaNAmZGGP48CEolpxLEFNUipelohWoMcZ5u9byGOGkTAoUuTsYUXvj3qzZtWef-Lstkgym1GRPptOK2c1M8UoqfRPvxnR8kUNDm9noAysF6GIQAh4BROU/s1600/IMG_3174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="749" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcNfe8DnN7NAPmbXTEscd8kesaNAmZGGP48CEolpxLEFNUipelohWoMcZ5u9byGOGkTAoUuTsYUXvj3qzZtWef-Lstkgym1GRPptOK2c1M8UoqfRPvxnR8kUNDm9noAysF6GIQAh4BROU/s640/IMG_3174.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8bKUpbpFCAim7lNkxMoQ6lGrgAKJrZ_u0m8LfLQ049WzvJeBeWP7CFifmVHvcnqhhivUukl0N4HdFfd-BirCqPZbmsVGZ-9OEEAwGtHlZj6WjvrI84WY5IHWhcqxA6NZlMCsgzuTT7Ib/s1600/IMG_3195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="750" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8bKUpbpFCAim7lNkxMoQ6lGrgAKJrZ_u0m8LfLQ049WzvJeBeWP7CFifmVHvcnqhhivUukl0N4HdFfd-BirCqPZbmsVGZ-9OEEAwGtHlZj6WjvrI84WY5IHWhcqxA6NZlMCsgzuTT7Ib/s640/IMG_3195.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>(not really the pace I'm aiming for but hopefully that will get better on future runs)</i></div>
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While I'm super excited about completing my runs and the start of my Pittsburgh Marathon training, nothing was more exciting than finding out I was selected to be an official blogger for the marathon!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJobXkvADTsaQzsYv0ok5voLFx0NTzOLGCGK_tZYKNtaPySuca8Ilb_kJ-yS4f8Am4OPR3lUNe8sxNuxpFyb5jMh5ozX00fOSvXpYhKNld7ayHjL3zW81V1ZNs3KuTJIsyS35a7uqQNBC/s1600/IMG_3185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="750" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJobXkvADTsaQzsYv0ok5voLFx0NTzOLGCGK_tZYKNtaPySuca8Ilb_kJ-yS4f8Am4OPR3lUNe8sxNuxpFyb5jMh5ozX00fOSvXpYhKNld7ayHjL3zW81V1ZNs3KuTJIsyS35a7uqQNBC/s640/IMG_3185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm honored to be a part of this esteemed group of bloggers and I'm really looking forward to blogging for the marathon. Pittsburgh happens to be in May (my birthday month) which makes it extra special for me. It will be a birthday present to myself and I plan to train hard for it so that when I cross the finish line I can cross it smiling (not crying like I did for Berlin & New York). Deep down I really want to PR in Pittsburgh (so that's goal A), but I'll also be happy with a sub-6 hour marathon finish time (since both NY and Berlin were over 6 hours and I really don't want that to be a trend)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweJMkGL6tvO4a3fAk_PsOpBjSogNz60OGxSa_3R19JxtovHKY1j4nhC-hn9hIBmd0wcNsCIqBf8JWCeiL5MXU_gMZkOgWc2Vx35DTD8METllrAVRwkn23LlblNPX1oLpnpuVBvQBOfbgQ/s1600/IMG_3003-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="750" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweJMkGL6tvO4a3fAk_PsOpBjSogNz60OGxSa_3R19JxtovHKY1j4nhC-hn9hIBmd0wcNsCIqBf8JWCeiL5MXU_gMZkOgWc2Vx35DTD8METllrAVRwkn23LlblNPX1oLpnpuVBvQBOfbgQ/s640/IMG_3003-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(source: somewhere on IG) </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #660000;">What's next on your race calendar?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0c343d;">How is training going?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">What exciting things are you doing this weekend?</span></i></b></div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-47702418369985187222017-11-19T10:09:00.000-05:002017-11-19T10:17:44.975-05:00This Morning's Run...<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I had lost the joy in it</i></div>
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<i>And lost my motivation</i></div>
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<i>It was like suddenly no longer a place of peace</i></div>
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<i>But a source of frustration.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>I found every excuse for it to </i></div>
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<i>Not be the "right" day</i></div>
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<i>I would blame the transient weather</i></div>
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<i>For my decision to stay away.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>And when I ran out of excuses </i></div>
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<i>I would struggle through the route</i></div>
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<i>Using every muscle twinge</i></div>
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<i>As a reason for a "time out".</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>The blisters were real though</i></div>
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<i>That pain is not something imagined</i></div>
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<i>During every run they appeared</i></div>
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<i>That's not something I tried to make happen.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>I tried running with friends</i></div>
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<i>And running solo</i></div>
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<i>I tried running in Berlin</i></div>
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<i>Cause hey... YOLO.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>But at the end of the day</i></div>
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<i>In the depths of my soul</i></div>
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<i>I'd lost the joy of running</i></div>
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<i>That used to make me feel whole.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Until this morning when I glimpsed</i></div>
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<i>The joy it used to bring</i></div>
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<i>At a steady pace, ignoring haste</i></div>
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<i>Listening to the birds sing.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>I was able to feel the gentle breeze</i></div>
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<i>And feel the warmth of the sun</i></div>
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<i>Vary my route and intervals</i></div>
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<i>Listen to my breathing during my run.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>I know each run is different</i></div>
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<i>But tomorrow when I rest</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'll still think of this run fondly</i></div>
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<i>As though it was my best.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>And when I get back out there</i></div>
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<i>When my training plan restarts</i></div>
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<i>I hope I remember the joy it brought me</i></div>
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<i>And the way it healed my heart.</i></div>
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ยฉSitariPoetry (aka ThisIsMyFaster; aka LeAnne)</div>
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This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256041188414668963.post-4931456691463507932017-11-18T09:56:00.001-05:002017-11-18T12:07:05.090-05:00The "Not A Real Race Recap" Rundown of Ragnar South Beach... After a lot of contemplation I decided not to do a traditional race recap of the Ragnar South Beach Relay I did last weekend. I had (have) a lot of <strike>thoughts</strike> feelings about the event and how things went. Not all are good. So instead of focusing on the not-so-good stuff, I'll just share the highlights and some of my favorite moments of the weekend...<br />
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The Friday before the relay began included several last minute changes and associated logistical challenges that seemed to set the tone of the entire weekend. But despite all of that I happened to be on a team with great people who I am better off for having met and run with...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2RBFPMcp5lkxG0CqnWcTMB2dM8JXt2frLNQMj8orcEJjfOlNQjgaPPakDABUYzj-DiLUzBFK0NmAl1q6dAmIyEwdy75C1VPb3sHN6COI22U71siO6c1OeuJEP77cjioATcIZGD6oml47/s1600/IMG_2781-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2RBFPMcp5lkxG0CqnWcTMB2dM8JXt2frLNQMj8orcEJjfOlNQjgaPPakDABUYzj-DiLUzBFK0NmAl1q6dAmIyEwdy75C1VPb3sHN6COI22U71siO6c1OeuJEP77cjioATcIZGD6oml47/s640/IMG_2781-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Some of Van 1 & 2 before we started)</div>
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(Some of Van 1 after all our legs were over)</div>
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And of course, at different points along the course, we had (most of) the team together...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s9gsXmFOvjdfykkTZfyxD3AwsoZMn6w1tUM9So3KF9lpMG-AZOD6XSGQE2BqMmFGblVnBuTJe_OESk6bRcHlWW2FclGFMYRTXDOjxVANeZ0DdKqXBJl2KvzHwB7zxheURQfRBozrrWEe/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s9gsXmFOvjdfykkTZfyxD3AwsoZMn6w1tUM9So3KF9lpMG-AZOD6XSGQE2BqMmFGblVnBuTJe_OESk6bRcHlWW2FclGFMYRTXDOjxVANeZ0DdKqXBJl2KvzHwB7zxheURQfRBozrrWEe/s640/IMG_2838.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was the first time I happened to be team captain...</div>
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But being captain of the team didn't mean I got to sit back and kick my feet up...</div>
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(although I did do that once)</div>
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My captain time was mostly spent try to ensure that everyone was having a good time and that they spent (most of) the time smiling...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdJL3270thQvG1Spe_ucWmXBcmVui1LGVVutJ0dfoteQh4YJ4FkGpeRzl51uG97Rry7tnAEOukKerP47HXUW4gxLiABbP5yIAy0z6GKaz8m5SOBqUyoFS1Wnxcp3-xmfGl0LOVKi5exrM/s1600/IMG_2802-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdJL3270thQvG1Spe_ucWmXBcmVui1LGVVutJ0dfoteQh4YJ4FkGpeRzl51uG97Rry7tnAEOukKerP47HXUW4gxLiABbP5yIAy0z6GKaz8m5SOBqUyoFS1Wnxcp3-xmfGl0LOVKi5exrM/s640/IMG_2802-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My goal was to ensure that they started their legs looking this happy...</div>
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Even if they ended feeling this exhausted...</div>
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I had pretty short legs for this event, and overall the first two weren't too bad...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9Yo2bo30B1Kt6u1Y6vziwPCu6xsbl-ZWUbdqlaT3dxSrp_xL6GHqFbNzsq9sWzk3GJAIWAY_N5TiLyd0rnBNBd0JCa5ZBJ3o9m8gDNOuejNmsOyI6MdId9SanP-J5hAD9lPEGTjqXQlr/s1600/IMG_2858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="750" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9Yo2bo30B1Kt6u1Y6vziwPCu6xsbl-ZWUbdqlaT3dxSrp_xL6GHqFbNzsq9sWzk3GJAIWAY_N5TiLyd0rnBNBd0JCa5ZBJ3o9m8gDNOuejNmsOyI6MdId9SanP-J5hAD9lPEGTjqXQlr/s640/IMG_2858.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But then fatigue and hypoglycemia kicked in and I lost all sense of rational thinking...</div>
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(ready to run with only one shoe)</div>
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(night gear)</div>
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My third leg definitely sucked...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC-6DcfSIKu3rhY1UamaUTr9gx48J6uESOHOZlJzBSiTVtYgW4cdaX-L3lVBwM1CTc7ixlAujI9PI_y0QzOX2d5qIk9te6c5S_wsG8YvxFqUvn0R30IBZY5Gi1atJlI-32be7afeD0yQ4/s1600/IMG_2868.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="712" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC-6DcfSIKu3rhY1UamaUTr9gx48J6uESOHOZlJzBSiTVtYgW4cdaX-L3lVBwM1CTc7ixlAujI9PI_y0QzOX2d5qIk9te6c5S_wsG8YvxFqUvn0R30IBZY5Gi1atJlI-32be7afeD0yQ4/s640/IMG_2868.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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(I walked A LOT)</div>
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And my "Leg 3.5" also sucked, but it wasn't as bad as my regular Leg 3...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H42kHimqNODfUSj8ExEGeMdRqpl2TU7maD0c2dY5713Pl3nBmUVhfgZwc_Imk2AJMsaLm_ukNfiD3TmmVaqiFJHDwbDYhfM4BmbXBJGd3SjEsXBDtLfJrdTOqILM9mT_dVQc3Yw2WJcd/s1600/Image-1-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H42kHimqNODfUSj8ExEGeMdRqpl2TU7maD0c2dY5713Pl3nBmUVhfgZwc_Imk2AJMsaLm_ukNfiD3TmmVaqiFJHDwbDYhfM4BmbXBJGd3SjEsXBDtLfJrdTOqILM9mT_dVQc3Yw2WJcd/s640/Image-1-3.png" width="606" /></a></div>
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When Van 1 was officially done we went to the Finish area to wait for Van 2's Runner 12 to come in. The finish was crowded and parking was a nightmare, but the joy of knowing I was done was great...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d29x8mpBs8EkiFzhtWXPlUC1ce6ac_xHj-r5TNaouBRiG8iIOM311pnebzHMdc_qdVVocPK7ZirxBV6Rne7ZBWEYl2wQtaxkhcvVyAGq26U5v7TkyhwZ4OVfsAYgUuDOqCmX6U6YtorA/s1600/IMG_2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d29x8mpBs8EkiFzhtWXPlUC1ce6ac_xHj-r5TNaouBRiG8iIOM311pnebzHMdc_qdVVocPK7ZirxBV6Rne7ZBWEYl2wQtaxkhcvVyAGq26U5v7TkyhwZ4OVfsAYgUuDOqCmX6U6YtorA/s640/IMG_2881.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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(post race finish area)</div>
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The post-race team & medal & feet/shoe Ragnar pic... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7vyLf9PGizg3bYsHUrj1Cq2hmQwrdg2HD8sig2RxRaX28T_9rcQYjlb6zIcaBYOKdixtI9cbt5FE4dI5rADFJWomsduZZi0oTurqMQHxr98OxNseGC0Rmdt4G2ohK95mLU5pTkjA831B/s1600/IMG_2887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7vyLf9PGizg3bYsHUrj1Cq2hmQwrdg2HD8sig2RxRaX28T_9rcQYjlb6zIcaBYOKdixtI9cbt5FE4dI5rADFJWomsduZZi0oTurqMQHxr98OxNseGC0Rmdt4G2ohK95mLU5pTkjA831B/s640/IMG_2887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Team 13: Run Away With Me...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9ksaMANUxZ6cWZBLyrhAtPtjWLGRVQSexi7Rx7wJy68ssfx52EfCxWbKKkwJwX_COP04vIHH0UPa894VEsyoamlD7BUvmohx9M7bjrHn4_DxzHpPqxk4hOuna2h_9AmUbqqXef56hs1K/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9ksaMANUxZ6cWZBLyrhAtPtjWLGRVQSexi7Rx7wJy68ssfx52EfCxWbKKkwJwX_COP04vIHH0UPa894VEsyoamlD7BUvmohx9M7bjrHn4_DxzHpPqxk4hOuna2h_9AmUbqqXef56hs1K/s640/IMG_2914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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(missing Stephanie)</div>
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I'm grateful for all my teammates! (even when we got on each others nerves); and I have to say a special thank you to Kirsten for her last minute fill in (and saving us from having to do a lot of extra miles)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfu50J8wx9SYPqpIVFYhFWUprzK5SiOkp5B_dB97y13OwkEKohlNEEzCVEXAggAl3UBndj_95HKsw-l_u0ir1QOV79FXSvprrfvsMC7euPdMTRd4fyyk8UTO5ET7Y-6PEEs3lMjLz8pHPU/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfu50J8wx9SYPqpIVFYhFWUprzK5SiOkp5B_dB97y13OwkEKohlNEEzCVEXAggAl3UBndj_95HKsw-l_u0ir1QOV79FXSvprrfvsMC7euPdMTRd4fyyk8UTO5ET7Y-6PEEs3lMjLz8pHPU/s640/IMG_2818.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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(I really appreciated it!)</div>
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There's never a question about whether or not I would do Ragnar again. I <u>absolutely</u> will, every year for as long as I can run. This year I ran two and was able to earn the coveted "connector"...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmYOiR2AZw5v5J0Tgs7N9CpOdFJZ5tQKlqIPl9PRH420p-VyacJlYyURA7iWU62XeZ9CN6u2HPK158468sk3dRRJFK03yqNDDh271-w1iZjuErgkETIPahWqLJAzepUXSkBfQfqoMHYTu/s1600/IMG_2921-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="1600" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmYOiR2AZw5v5J0Tgs7N9CpOdFJZ5tQKlqIPl9PRH420p-VyacJlYyURA7iWU62XeZ9CN6u2HPK158468sk3dRRJFK03yqNDDh271-w1iZjuErgkETIPahWqLJAzepUXSkBfQfqoMHYTu/s640/IMG_2921-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next year I want to do another trail (or two) and several road relays. I would do a South Florida Ragnar again (they just need to work out some of the logistics and maybe don't have us run through areas that are not the best safety-wise), and I plan to do the Alafia trail again (next year December), but I'm hoping my other Ragnars can take me to new cities/race courses. </div>
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Right now my 2018 "Ragnar Race Calendar" wish list looks like this:</div>
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June: Ragnar Wasatch Back (road)</div>
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June: Ragnar Pennsylvania (road)</div>
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Sept: Ragnar Cottage Country (trail)</div>
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Sept: Ragnar Reach the Beach (road)</div>
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Nov: Ragnar South Beach (road)</div>
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Dec: Ragnar Alafia (trail)</div>
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So I need a lot of other suggestions for next year. Most of my Ragnars will have to be in the second half of 2018 because my race/training calendar is already packed for the first half of the year (leading up to the Pittsburgh Marathon). In the meantime, I have to shift my focus to the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K coming up next month, which will be my final race of 2017! ๐ช๐ซ๐(Blogger really needs to update their emoji options ๐).</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">How are you closing out your race calendar for 2017?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Did you already plan your races for 2018?</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><b><i>Do you have a Ragnar Relay in that plan? (if no... why not???</i></b> </span>๐<i><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">)</span></b></i></div>
This is my faster!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174649161319763986noreply@blogger.com0