Category: Running


Mar
2013

Little Rock Half Marathon

categories: Race all 50 states, Race Recap, Running

Done, state #14.  I was very happy with this race because of my finish time (2:22:11), the weather, and definitely the medal.

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The expo was pretty decent.  I bought another flower and a shirt.  Oh, and I met Bart Yasso.

The start line was literally next to the hotel so I went down at 7:50 on Saturday morning.  I adjusted my headphones and waited till my Garmin got a signal before getting in the corral to start the race.  About 10 minutes later I was ready to go.  However, as soon as I crossed the start line I met up with some walkers.  Seriously?  Nothing against any walkers but they need to start after the runners or at least move over to the right side.  No?

This course had hills, hills, and more hills.   My friend, Melody, told me to run slowly up the hills and to take it easy on the way down.  I did that for most of them but there were a few that I could not make it to the top so instead I walked.

I wore a long sleeve shirt, long shorts, compression socks, and gloves.  The sun was shining but it was still cold.  The breeze make it even colder.   However, it was still comfortable running weather.

There was great crowd support.  Lots of people were out there and not just cheering for the runners but also providing goodies.  I saw oranges, candy, beer, water, and Gatorade.  I almost took the beer (around mile 10) but decided against it because I still had 3 miles to go and those are the most difficult for me.

I was running in my own zone that I missed Little Rock Central High School and the Governor’s Mansion?  What?!?!?

The last mile was brutal.  With half a mile to go I took a walking break.  I began running again and noticed some volunteers were giving out lipstick.  You bet I got one!

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I did not PR but am really happy with my time.  Will I do this race again?  You bet.  I want the marathon medal.  It is almost as big as my face!

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My next race is next Saturday in Washington, DC.  I will be wearing my “lucky” socks from Pro Compression.

Little Rock Half Marathon

Just Keep Running!


Mar
2013

Little Rock Marathon Expo

categories: Running

Hello, I am at the hotel resting before tomorrow’s race.  I arrived last night but it took forever to get to the hotel because of a cab situation, and then Jaime and I went to the lobby for a drink..or drinks.

This morning I met Jess at Run with Jess as she waited with her husband for the start of the 5K (her husband was running that race).  She is such a great person!  I already knew that because I read her blog a lot.  🙂

Afterwards I met up with Jaime to eat breakfast and then to go to the expo.  I was not disappointed with it.  There were a decent number of vendors but I told myself that I was not going to buy anything.  Well, I just bought another red flower by Fellow Flowers and one of their shirts.  So cute!

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The decor was neat!

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I met Bart Yasso.

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I got taped!  I’ve been having some slight discomfort in my IT band so someone from KT tape helped me out.

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The medals!  The one on the right is for the marathon and the other one is for the half marathon.

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The start line.  See the Marriott sign?  That is our hotel.

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Off to get more rest.  Just Keep Running!


Feb
2013

Running Violation

categories: Running
This made me laugh!
Running Violation
Source: http://www.runnersworld.com
I realize the font is really small but you can click here for a better view.I remember when I first began running I would always run with a FuelBelt to hold my water.  Well, I still run with it (no water) but mostly to hold my phone.

#1 is my favorite one.  I get so annoyed when I am running and the runner in front of me just stops to walk.  Really?  Move over to the right side.

Just Keep Running!


Feb
2013

Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Petersburg Half Marathon

categories: Race all 50 states, Race Recap, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

Done, state #13.  Is the number 13 really an unlucky number?   This would have been a “perfect” race (flat) but yet it was a tough race for me.  I am still racking my brain trying to figure out what went wrong.

My finish time was 2:28:22.  Yeah, not happy with it.   I did so much better in Phoenix and that race was just as flat.  The weather?  Both races were sunny but this race was a bit warmer.  I remember that I was sweating before I finished mile 1.

I was tired by mile 6. My legs felt like lead.  I could not make them go faster.  I tried.   I was trying to enjoy the race but it was just too hard. I want to run a race but also have a little bit of fun.   I just couldn’t.

The course was boring.  The best part of it was the last three miles.  There were beautiful houses and amazing crowd support.  I even managed to take a few pictures which I never do during a race.

I was happy to see the finish line and high fived the announcers.  I think one of them was John Bingham aka The Penguin.

As usual there was delicious food after the race.  Unfortunately, I could not stay long because I had to get back to the hotel for my 11am check out.  Too early I think.

I wish I could say I liked this race but I just can’t.  Of course this is just my opinion as other people would say just the opposite.

As for the medal, sigh, kind of boring. What do you think?

Hopefully March is a better month.  I will be in Arkansas for the Little Rock Half Marathon and in DC for another Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon.

Just Keep Running!


Feb
2013

Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Petersburg Expo

categories: Running

What a beautiful day in St. Petersburg! I arrived about 11:30 am, called SuperShuttle, and was on my way to St. Pete before I could blink!

Unfortunately, my good luck did not last long.  I arrived at the hotel and was told that my room reservation was cancelled.  What!?!?  I did not understand. Apparently, when I made my reservation back in December I did not guarantee it with a credit card number.  Supposedly, the hotel called me in January and left several messages.  Since I did not call back they took the liberty of canceling the reservation.  Did they notify me?  Absolutely not!!  Well, I was so upset that I just started to cry.  Long story short, the hotel was able to get me a room for the night.  A suite!  For the same price as a two bed room.

My room was not ready so I went out to lunch and had some delicious sushi. There was a special for $5 bloody marys and mimosas.  I almost ordered a mimosa but the waitress talked me out of it because I am taking antibiotics for some teeth issues.

After lunch I walked to the expo.  It was sunny and warm and I was sweating by the time I got there.  I thought it was so cool that it was taking place at a stadium.  Most of the expos I’ve been to have been at a convention center or hotel.  If you’ve been to a Rock ‘n’ Roll expo before then you know what to expect.  It is a GREAT expo.  This one was a bit smaller than the one in Phoenix and Chicago. I bought another pair of headphones because I do not like the last pair I bought (same company but different style) and a Zipfizz sampler.  The vendors and customers convinced me to buy it.  Let me just say that the fruit punch, orange, and grape flavors are delicious!!

I was disappointed that ProCompression was not there because I was planning to buy a pair of their marathon lime socks to match the letters in my half fanatics shirt I plan to run in tomorrow.  Well, at least my red socks will match my headband. Hopefully, this time it won’t fall off like it did in Phoenix.

I am excited about tomorrow’s race. Great city and awesome weather!

Just Keep Running!