My first DNS..

Boy am I behind in my posting.  I sit down and then I get distracted by the tv or trying to fit in some walking and running around the hood.  Don't worry I am still alive!

Two weeks ago I was very excited to run my new favorite local half marathon the Navy/Air Force Half in DC.  I ran the inaugural race last year and thought it was a really well ran and supported race and I knew I was going to run it again this year.

Prior to that Saturday I knew I was going to have to squeeze in 17 miles that weekend.  So all week I was debating on just tacking on the extra miles after the race (but what do I do with my bag that I checked?) or heading home and then tacking on the a extra miles there or I could do the half and then on Sunday run 17.  I had almost convinced myself by Friday that on Saturday if I felt it I would run the extra in DC and then be done with my mileage.

On Friday night I head out to meet up with an old work friend.  We had some Ihop and chatted for a few hours.  When we went to leave I heard the horrible sound of a flat tire.  You've got to be kidding me!  It is nearly 8 at night.  Ugh..So I call Theresa to let her know what just happened and at the same time this really nice kid/young man can walking over asking if I had a flat.

He heard the same thing I did.  He then asked if he can help me change it.  Oh my!  How lucky am I to have this nice guy willing to help.  So this kid proceeded to change my tire.  I will say that I have been really lucky.  I have had many flats and there is usually someone nice around to help.  I have never actually changed a tire, but I feel like after watching so many of my tires get changed I may be able to do it myself.  He proceeds to change his tire while I am holding my iphone up using the iphone app to help him get some light.  Thank you Iphone! I told him that I would be a funny story about the blonde girl who just held up her iphone then whole time and didn't actually do much with the changing of the tire.  He was very nice and didn't laugh.  So he puts the donut on and I am off.  Now my donut didn't look the best either.  But it was drive able.  I knew there was no place that I could get to that would help me with my tire on a Friday night so I headed the 30 minutes home.

I knew that my race plans were over.  There was no way I was going to continue to drive on 95 with a donut.  I guess I didn't have to worry about squeezing in my miles..I could run either on Sat. or Sunday and get my 17 miles in.

When I woke up the next morning my donut was flat.  Really!?  Another flat.  Luckily I had some fix a flat and I only needed the tire to work for a mile down the road.  Once I pulled to my mechanics place they took my car pretty quickly, plugged the tire (thank you for not needing new tires) and offered to do my inspection since it was due this month.  So I guess things did work out.

I knew that Saturday was the perfect morning to run, unfortunately by the time I left the car place I knew I wouldn't be able to squeeze in my long run.  I didn't want to run in the afternoon sun!  So looks like Sunday was the day.

Sunday I woke up and headed over to my new favorite long run place.  It was a perfect cool morning for a long run.  I will say I did not set any speed records but there was something magical about that run.  I just felt like I could go on forever.  I felt really good for a my long run.  There was some walking towards the end of my 17 but I am ok with that.  My legs felt pretty good.  I am so glad that I finally had a decent long run.  I was starting to think that there was no way I could run a full next month since all of my long runs have been feeling horrible.

So I guess what started out like a horrible weekend for running turned into a super weekend for running!  Sometimes you just never know what life is going to throw at you.

That weekend was also the 16th anniversary of my car accident.  And in honor of it I ran 17 miles on a leg that you would never think could run a mile.  Ahhh life is great!

9/11 run

I once again ran the 9/11 run in Arlington,va. It was a beautiful night for a run.  Yes I said night.  This race is always an evening race followed by yummy food and all you can drink beer. Needless to say many nonrunners run this race because you don't have to get up early, it is a great way to honor 9/11 and the party at the end of the race. So when I see a runner puffing on a cigarette before the race I just have to laugh. Obviously not a regular runner.  Or at least I would hope he is not a regular runner who smokes before a run.

Of course before the race I was waiting for Brad and Jen and who taps me on the shoulder but Gary.  

We waited for some Shirlington run club people for a photo op. I found Jen but no Brad. We took the group picture and then got ready to run. 

It was a new route this year. Instead of running the pentagon parking lot, which I detest, we ran around the entire Pentagon. 

It was beautiful night for a run. Normally it is really hot for this race but temps were a bit cooler which made for some great winning weather. While running around the pentagon we heard some great bagpipers. 

Met up with Jen for the last mile. 

Lots of strollers in this race. The only time I was fearing my life would end by stroller accident was during the last half mile. A grandpa was running with a stroller and felt like he could take up the entire turn. So if that was the only stroller incident for me it was a very good run. 

We finished, got our medal and headed off for food. 

They also had burgers, dogs, smoothies soda, and beer.  We made it through the crazy food area and sat down to see if we could find Brad. We never found him before the run so we figured we would see him after. 

When trying to find Brad we figured he might be near the beer. I mean if you are going to look for someone you should always start with the beer line. Well we didn't find Brad but we found beer. 

And course we found Gary. Brad was alive and well because Gary was able to run into him.  We never were able to find Brad.

This was probably my favorite course for 9/11.  I'm hoping that they stick with this same course and they do not go back to running that horrible parking lot.  

VA Beach hates me and that damn juggler is back!

So last weekend I ran Rock n' Roll VA Beach.  Last year was my first time with this race and it kicked my butt!  This year was not much different, except it wasn't nearly as hot.  Don't get me wrong it was still hot and humid, just not as bad as last year.

I was running this with my friend Shawn.  We have decided that this horrible race will be our race to run together.  So we are already registered for next year.  Why did I say this could be our race?! Well I hope next year I kick this b#tches a$$!

I drove down on Saturday morning and headed over to Shawn and Kristi's to pick up Shawn and head to the expo.  Of course who should we run into at the expo?

Why Gary of course!  His teacher radar works well in VA Beach! lol  Doesn't matter what city we are in, or how many people are around, somehow Gary always shows up and can be found.  Or maybe it is Gary can always find me?  Who knows.  

Didn't buy anything at the expo.  You know you have gone to one too many expos when you do not buy anything more than some margarita shot blocks.  

Saturday night I headed to a concert with Kristi and some of her friends in Portsmouth.  The concert was the perfect price..free.  We saw Hank Williams Jr.  Since I spent nothing on this concert I didn't mind the fact that I only knew one or two songs.  It was lots of fun.

After the concert I dropped everyone off and Kristi and I headed home.  I knew I wasn't going to get much sleep since Shawn and I were leaving the house at 5:45, but I wasn't too worried because I don't sleep well the night before a race.  I am always worried that I am going to sleep through my alarm.  

I had no problem getting up, since it didn't feel like I really went to sleep.  Shawn forgot why he set his alarm so early and kept hitting snooze.  Fortunately he remembered and I didn't have to pound down his door to wake him up.  We headed out the door on time and found parking at the Arts Center.  Kristi was going to pick us up at the finish and drive us back to my car.  

We started out at 7 and it was starting to feel a bit warm and humid.  Not nearly as bad as the previous year.  By the first mile I was already sweating.  I was feeling pretty good.  I remember last year feeling horrible from the beginning on.  So hopefully this was going to be a better run since I was feeling better than last year.  I knew the Kristi and the girls were going to be hanging out at mile 6 cheering.  And rumor had it a treat may be there too.  We ran near the boardwalk and then headed over the bridge away from the boardwalk.  The great thing was I just ran most of this area a few weeks ago. Between running the race last year and running part of the course a few weeks ago I was not feeling lost on the course.  Not that you can truly be lost, I just like to feel like I know where and what is coming up on the course.  I headed towards where the girls were and Ali was the first to see me and yell "Aunt Pam!"  Love it!  I need them to be cheer me on every mile :)

They brought me a coke icee.  Yum!  The best drink on the course!  Ali didn't want me to touch her because I was gross and sweaty.  lol  Yeah I know Ali, I am gross and sweaty. It was great seeing everyone but I had to continue on with the race.  I was doing pretty well with my time.  Ah..thinking that is the kiss of death...

Mile 8 and I was starting to fall apart.  I was hot and hating life.  Ugh...here comes the walking/running.  At around mile eight there was a man with a tupperware bowl with ice.  Now normally I would not just dig my hands into a bowl of ice with a bunch of strangers, but hey runners don't care.  That was the best ice I have tasted in  awhile!  I rounded  the corner at mile ten looking forward to some lovely cold sponges..yeah they ran out..grrrr  Around 10 1/2 there was a homemade gatorade stand..a bit of blue gatorade coming up!  And one large ice cube.  I was taking anything and everything cold from the people on the course.  Then I turn and see him...the juggler..it took him 10 1/2 miles until he caught up with me.  For those of you who do not know I do not like the running juggler...

I feel like he is mocking all runners..look it is so easy I have to juggle while running.  Well he was there..but he was feeling the heat and humidity too.  He dropped a ball and I didn't think he was going to pick it up.  It looked like he was hating running and juggling.  He kicked it forward and finally bent down to pick it up.  He wasn't juggling as much either.  Look even the juggler was not enjoying the end of this race.

Right before the bridge there were some people handing out pop ice.  Yum!  Cold flavor-ice pops..how smart!  I was heading up the bridge when a woman told me that I was her hero since I was running with a fake leg.  Umm..it is real...just messed up from a car accident. lol  She made my day!  I headed for the finish and was not feeling great.  I was super hot and hating life.  They ran out of chocolate milk.  I just wanted to lay down and die..

I headed to the letter P to meet up with Shawn.  He wasn't there so I waited in the hot sun.  I was getting really hot and not feeling well.  I should have gone into the ocean, but I couldn't imagine being hot and wet.  I was already wet from every sprinkler.  I couldn't imagine being really wet with salt water and then sand..so I looked around for some shade.  Not much shade on the beach.  I really didn't feel well...did I mention that.  Finally Shawn shows up and I tell him I was debating going to the medic tent because I was so overheated.  Shawn convinced me to go.  They put some ice on the back of my neck.  They also gave me a new cold towel for my face.  Ah...heaven!

One of these days I will conquer VA Beach!  Not this year, but sometime I will come out a head of VA Beach.  Hopefully next year it is cool and  humidity free..who am I kidding..I just hope it is not 100 degrees and feeling like pea soup. :)  

I did it!!

Friday night I had some steak because I knew I was going to head out on my longest run yet on Saturday.  Saturday's run was going to be 15 miles.  My longest run to date!  I figured that if I get it out of the way on Saturday I won't be thinking about it the entire weekend. I am so glad I got out of bed and actually did it!  It was a beautiful day for a run, no humidity, cool temps in the morning.  I headed over to Waterway thinking I would start on that street and then cut over to the school and skip over to the neighborhood that Becky and I ran to train for Cherry Blossom.

Before I set out I got my camel bak ready and some shot blocks..I felt like I was packing for an overnight trip! I headed out and parked my car at the grocery store and started my run.  What a beautiful day.  Waterway is a perfect place to run.  Why have I never ran this road before?!  It is perfect.  Both sides of the road have trees and shade.  Perfect!  If one side is sunny the other side has shade.  And the road is pretty flat.  There are a few inclines but nothing too bad.  The neighborhood we were running for Cherry Blossom had mountains!  I even found the lake.

I ran some side roads off of Waterway since I had to get in 15 miles.  I then figured I could just run to the end of Waterway and back which should give me 9-10 miles and then I just have to run 2.5 to 3 miles out and then back and viola! 15 miles.  That is exactly what I did.  Next time I will run either more of the side streets or I will start a bit further away and run Waterway so I don't have to do the out and back again.  I'm never very good when I am that close to my car...I just want to be done and then I turned around and ran away from my car..ugh!  The last four miles were tough.  I just wanted to be done.  My knees were killing me. My feet were telling me to just be done!  I realized that I need to be better about getting in my midweek runs.  I have not been very good about getting those midweek runs in.  I think it is because I come home from work and just want to do nothing..I'm tired!

Well I did it!  I was super proud of myself.  To celebrate I went home and showered and took a nap!  Next weekend is Rock n Roll VA Beach.  I need to add 4 more miles to my run..hoping that I can fit it in.  :)

Three Things Thursday

1.  This

 makes me feel like this

which leads me not to want to do this

It's been a long week.  I never like this time of year.  I always feel so exhausted going back to work.  I know I shouldn't complain because other people have to work all summer long, but I really find it hard to go back.  I have already developed these lovely purple circles under my eyes.  Ah the joys of being a teacher!  

2.  Next weekend is Rock n' Roll VA Beach Half Marathon.  I hope it is not nearly has hot as it was last year.

3.  This weekend I will be running 15 miles..my longest run yet.  Yikes!  The good thing is that it should be low humidity.  I'm trying to think of where I want to run.  Not sure where I am going to head to for my long run.  

Biggest Loser Half Marathon Erie, PA

Last week I headed back home to PA to visit my family.  It was unseasonably cool for August.  I had my half marathon in Erie on Saturday.  I brought my running clothes thinking I hope I run but I usually hate running at home.  Well I did get in a few miles on Wednesday.  That is a few miles more than I normally get in when visiting family.

Mom was coming to with me to cheer me on.  This would be her first race that she has seen me run.  Both her and my step-dad do not understand the running races thing.  My step-dad will often ask if I won or if people at my run club win.  Ummm..there is only one person who comes in first. And in the big races they usually are paid to run. I tried explaining the age group win, but I don't think they truly get it.  I also tried to explain the I am really running against my own time and myself.  They don't get it. I have come to the realization that it is ok that they don't get what I enjoy doing.  I was happy that Mom was coming to cheer me on.

When we got up to Erie on Friday we headed over to Presque Isle to look at the course and see where we would be parking.  I had flashbacks of the Hot Chocolate Race because there was only one way in and out.  Parking looked like it could be a problem too..so I knew we were getting up really early to make sure we didn't get stuck in traffic trying to get into the park.

The course looked really flat.  The weather for race morning looked cool but perfect running weather and the course was under trees for most of the way.  I don't think I could ask for more perfect running conditions.  

After checking out the course we headed over to the convention center for packet pick up.  We were standing in line to sign the waiver.  Yeah I have never had to do more than check the waiver box for races, but The Biggest Loser had us all sign another waiver..I hope I didn't just sign away an arm or a leg!!  While I was standing in line I told Mom to head on into the expo because Pam from the Biggest Loser was there and she could stand in line to have her picture taken with her.  Well when I got done with the waiver I found my giddy Mom.  She was like a kid at Christmas because she got her picture taken with Pam.  She was so excited that when Pam asked her what she was running she told her the half marathon.  Oh Mom!  I picked up the shirt and got my pic with Pam too.  

 Disclaimer:  Mom is not good with using the iphone..she makes most of the pictures very blurry.

After picking up my packet and getting our picture with Pam we headed back to find some food and the Casino.  We ended up grabbing some food at the casino and then played some slots.  I didn't eat my normal steak or hamburger pre-race meal.  Mom is not the most adventurous in finding food and didn't want to drive around to find something to eat since we were both starving. So casino buffet was it.  It was ok..I was starving so it was food.  We played the slots for a few hours.  I ended up walking away with thirty dollars more than I walked in with.  So that was fun!  That never happens to me..so I took that as a good sign the the run tomorrow was going to be great!

We headed back to the hotel and I got a shower and prepared for my early morning wake up call of 4:30.

I slept in my running clothes so it didn't take long to get ready in the morning and then we were off before 5 am.  We found parking with no problem and I am glad we came so early because when we took off running people were walking to the start from parking their car far away around the park.  We had front row parking!

The sun was coming up over Lake Erie

Waiting for the race to start

As I was waiting for the race to start I looked up and saw my high school friend Stacy's little sister and mom in the corral waiting too.  It was great seeing Trisha and Dottie.  I moved up and we chatted a bit.  They held the race start by at least 15 minutes trying to give some of the people who had to park a distance away to get to the start.

When we finally took off I was a bit nervous.  My training run from the week before was rough.  It just down right sucked.  I had the slowest ten mile run that I ever ran.  I had to walk a bunch because of the heat...it just sucked.  I was hoping that this race was not going to be a repeat.  We headed off around the loop of the park.  It was really quiet..not a lot of cheering.  Most people were at the start.  We did have these nice parents that were riding their bike along with us and would tell us what mile we were near as they cheered us on and waited for their daughter to run by. The Biggest Loser was great about water stops.  They had water at every mile.  I thought that was great since it was a summer race (normally not as cool as it was last weekend) and they are trying to encourage new runners who might be running or walking their first race.

I was having a pretty good run..up until mile ten.  Ugh..I was actually having a great run till mile ten.  I'm not sure what happened at mile ten.  I suddenly ran out of gas.  Oh if only I was running a ten mile race..it would have been great..but no it is a half and now I have no energy for the last three miles.  Ugh...I ran the first ten and walked most of the last three..what is wrong with that picture??  I am going to blame the previous nights dinner on my lack of gas in the tank.  I really do need protein before a run!

I rounded the corner and saw my mom and waved.  She waved back and then suddenly realized she could take a picture..well she is not the fastest with the iphone..so no picture from mom. :)  The Biggest Loser took some pictures as I was coming down the stretch but they are not up yet.

I didn't have my best time but I didn't have my worst time. If I would have ran that last three miles I might have been able to PR...oh well I guess I can always hope for a PR next race.  Mom said that she had a good time and would like to come to another race.  So that is good.  I was worried about her sitting there and getting bored.  She was shocked at the fact that the first guy finished in 1 hour and 15 mins or something like that..yeah there are some fast people out there.  I don't think she understand much more about running races or why I love race day, but she did see that it is a fun atmosphere where everyone supports everyone no matter the speed.  Maybe she will come to another race to cheer me on..we will see.

All in all I thought the Biggest Loser Half was pretty nice.  I wish there were more people cheering on the actual course, but who can argue with shade, cool and flat?

Running and visiting

Last week I had a few days of Aunt Pam Camp.  My niece came to visit for a few days and then I was going to take her home on Thursday to Virginia Beach. Needless to say no run club with Kate visiting on Tuesday.  We had lots of fun. We painted pottery, ate ice cream and caught minnows in the pond. Fun times at Aunt Pam Camp. 

I was mentally preparing myself for my long run at the beach.  We headed down to the beach. Our old college roommate Ronya was also staying at Kristi's house. I don't think Kristi and Ronya have seen each other since college.  It was a fun college reunion!   We went to see Matchbox Twenty and the Goo Goo Dolls.  Great concert.  

Ronya was lucky she got a free ticket for the concert. Some nice man had an extra ticket and gave it to her.  Well. After the concert I knew I wasn't going to get up early to run. 

The next day we headed to the beach with the girls. I'm not really a beach person.  I don't like the salt and sand everywhere and the waves sort of scare me a bit.  

It was a great time with friends.  That night I knew I had to sleep in my running gear or I would talk myself out of my long run.  Shawn told me where to park to make my miles and be able to enjoy the boardwalk. 

I wanted to not run.  It would have been so easy to skip it if I wasn't already dressed in my running clothes. Score  one for planning ahead. I headed out the door to my death. The heat while I've run in worse was horrible.  I got in eleven miles  I was also smart and brought some cash for some Gatorade half way through my run.  I'm glad I got my miles in. I'm glad I went to bed in my running clothes too. 

Next up is The Biggest Loser Half Marathon in Erie this Saturday.