The Runner Reads- The Longest Race

One of the best parts about having graduated from college is that for the first time in my life I have real free time. I have a steady job with a set schedule and no homework! So what am I doing with all that free time? Well other than running, I've been reading a lot. According to my Goodreads account, I've read 34 books since graduation in May. I don't mess around with reading.

I read a lot of different kinds of books, but I really wanted to highlight some books about running on this blog. The first in The Runner Reads segment is The Longest Race by Ed Ayers. Why this book? It was the only one that I was interested in that my library had in stock when I went, to be honest.

Before I started I looked through the reviews on Goodreads. They weren't great. Out of 5 stars it has a 3.28 average (out of 225 reviews, guess there aren't a lot of runners using Goodreads). That wasn't a good sign, but I decided I was going to read it anyway.

In the book, Ayers tells of his running of the JFK 50 Miler when he was sixty years old, flashing back to the experiences that have made him the runner he is.

Reading the book was a lot like running a race. It started out great and interesting, but as it went on I found myself tired. Tired of him trying to relate everything in the world back to running. Tired of him talking about how great he was in high school cross country. Tired of him talking about how at 60 he was beating most of the Marines running JFK (okay that actually was kind of interesting).

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book. In fact, I may be tossing around the idea of a 50 Miler next Fall (if I can survive my other big goals before then) because the way he wrote about his experience showed that it was possible for anyone to run this race, even if you aren't a speedy runner (like he was).

Would I recommend this book? That depends. I think I would only say read this if you're in to reading stories about ultrarunning. If you do read it, go in with the mindset that it can be boring at times. But, go in knowing that hearing the story of a 60 year old man running 50 miles like it was a walk in the park was still inspiring (even if his writing was annoying).

Thoughts from the Long Run- You Can Run Longer

This week I've been thinking a lot about how perspective changes as you running experience grows. Mainly, perspective about distance.

In January 2013, I decided I wanted to be a runner. However, I just thought I would stick with 5Ks, because running more than 3 miles at a time sounded awful. Running a marathon was out of the question.

After about 3 5Ks, I got bored. 5Ks were over too fast! I found myself actually wanting to run longer. I used to think people who ran the Virginia Ten Miler were crazy, but I thought I might try it. My logic was that if you can run 3 miles, you can run 5, and if you can run 5 twice that's 10. I'm still not sure if that's the best logic, but I soon found myself signed up for both the Ten Miler and the Outer Banks Half Marathon.

That November I swore I would never do a marathon. The leap from 3 miles to 13 seemed gradual and logical. But to double that distance? That was crazy.

I've since learned that saying "never" usually gets me in trouble. I ran a marathon, swore I would never do it again, and here I am planning 2 more this year, and at least one 50K in the Spring.

The point of this post is that it takes time. Beginning runners usually don't go out with the mindset of running a marathon. However, as time goes on, it truly does get easier. I used to text Zach crying because I had to stop and walk after a half a mile and was convinced I would never get better. This morning I ran 17 miles (with walk breaks) and felt fantastic about it. A year ago, even though I was training for a marathon, I would have laughed if you told me I would ever think running 17 miles would be fun.

A lot of people have told me they wish they had the drive or ability to run as far as I do. The truth is that you do. I didn't get here overnight, it's been a long journey from January 2013 to get here. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Running Roundup Brain Dump

I feel like I've been MIA for a long time.. my last post was at the beginning of June! So here's a little bit of a brain dump/life catch up to get myself back on track here. Enjoy a lot of pictures :)

As you may remember, I'm running Marine Corps Marathon on October 25th. I've been (very seriously) toying with the idea of running the Outer Banks Marathon 2 weeks later. I haven't made the commitment and signed up yet, but I'm about 98% sure I'm going through with it.

Got this long run in while on a weekend getaway in Raleigh 4th of July weekend!

So with 2 marathons on the horizon (current countdown to MCM is 94 days! Eek!) I've been running and training a lot. I've fallen in love with TRX and strength training, and I've been getting some muscle definition! Also, I can now do 3 pull ups on the pull up bar in my kitchen which I consider a huge accomplishment.

About a month ago I demoed the Brooks Adrenaline shoe and fell in love, buying a pair on the spot!

Since I last checked in, I've run the HumanKind 5K...

and Percival's Island 5 Miler. (Which was my fastest race pace EVER!!)

I reorganized my medal rack...

Signed up for a Spartan Super...

Jarvis has been up to his usual crazy antics (okay this has nothing to do with running. I just wanted to put him in here because he's adorable):

"Mom hello I'm more interesting than that book."

Actually, I take that back. He does have something to do with running! Lock Laces (which I have raved about before) held a photo contest on Instagram challenging people to enter pictures using the tag #MyLockLaces to show their laces in interesting places. This was my entry:

And guess what?! We won! The prize was a pair of running shoes (winner's choice) so of course I had to get another pair of the Brooks I fell in love with. They also put laces in the shoes and sent me a tech shirt and 2 new pairs of laces. I love this company!

Finally, the most recent thing I've done of note is a fun run last night that ended in ice cream! (Pardon the super gross sweaty selfie. It was unbearably hot!) We also got free Smartwool socks, which are amazing! I'm pretty sure the foot I tried it out on was the only dry part of me at the end of my run.

The absolute best thing that's happened since my last blog post is that I've finally really gotten plugged in to the running community here. Before graduation, I was never free to meet people or go to social events (it also didn't help that I was working 2 jobs and barely even had time to sleep). I LOVE my running crew. I've only been hanging with them for a few short weeks, but I feel like it's the beginning of a beautiful friendship. 

Running is awesome, but long runs by yourself really suck. I'm so thankful for my long run partner!

Until next time!

Race 13.1 Raleigh

This weekend I ran Race 13.1's event in Raleigh!

Friday
Friday afternoon, I got off work and started the supposed 2.5 hour drive to Raleigh. It took me closer to 3.5 (thanks rush hour) but it's okay because a good majority of my drive had views like this:

Nothing but blue skies and sunshine made a fantastic drive!

I eventually made it to packet pickup, but not without a little bit of panic driving in city traffic. I'm not used to four lane roads in the middle of the city! Packet pickup was at a shopping center (totally not what I was expecting!) and after a bit of confusion parking in a parking garage, I made it to Omega Sports where pickup was held.

Pickup went very smoothly, I was so impressed at how organized it was! The "packet" was really just my bib and shirt. I don't have a picture of the shirt (and to be honest I'm too lazy to go downstairs and take a picture of it) but it matches the medal (further down the post) and is probably one of my top favorite shirts! It's a nice color, has a big bold design, and actually FITS! Most race shirts look baggy on me, but this one definitely ran true to size, so props to Race 13.1 for getting top-quality shirts!

After navigating myself out of the confusing shopping center, I went to where I was going to be spending the night- with our friends Josh and Meredith. The 3 of us went out to dinner, ate some amazing meatballs at Oak City Meatball Shop (If you're ever in Raleigh, I recommend it. The spicy pork meatballs were the BOMB) and then toured an art gallery.

When we got back to their apartment I laid out my "Flat Runner" for Instagram:

The debut of my "I am not fast" Baymax tank!

Okay truth is I took a picture and then slept in it. It's what I do before every race, and I'm not really sure why. But I can't stop now!

Saturday

I'm still not used to the time change, so when I woke up Saturday and it was light out, I was convinced I had overslept. I immediately jumped up, ran to my phone and saw... I had 2 minutes left before my alarm went off! Phew!

I got my few things I was taking with me together, ate a Larabar for breakfast, and headed out to the start line. Conveniently, it started at the same shopping center where packet pickup was. Parking was a breeze, since we were there before the stores opened and got to use the parking deck.

I wandered around runner's village, stretched a little, got a few compliments on my outfit, and then it was time to start!

When we took off, I was amazed at how good I felt! The last 3 weeks I've only run once or twice a week, as I've been trying to get a good foundation of strength training in before I get into hardcore marathon training. It made a world of difference! I ran the first 6 miles at an easy, very consistent pace. The course was the definition of rolling hills, but even those didn't seem to make my legs as tired as normal.

At the first turnaround, I did stop to walk so I could eat another Larabar. Normally I count on on-course food for fuel, and bring something solid for backup (sometimes Gu makes me nauseous). Well, I must have missed the memo that there was no Gu at this race, I was SO glad I brought something to eat.

Around the halfway mark, things really got hot and I started to struggle from it. I managed to finish in an okay time by alternating running and walking. I was so mad at myself because I had started off so well! 

My biggest issue with this race is that I wish it had started an hour earlier. Most people would have been done before the heat settled in. I was on pace to PR, but the heat held me back. I guess I can't be too disappointed, June races tend to be hot!

My favorite part of the race was the on course entertainment! There was a variety of drumming groups, which was a welcome change from the bands or radio stations most races have.

Photo from Triangle Taiko on Facebook

Despite the heat and the little bit of disappointment, I finished!

Not to mention, I got to add this beauty to the collection:

Overall, the race had nothing super special that stood out to me. Would I do it again? Probably. They have another one in the Fall and it's already on my radar. It was a well organized, smooth running event (with great bling!) and I thoroughly enjoyed the day!

I'm a SoleMate!

Well, I did it!

I took the plunge and signed up to fundraise for the first time of my running career, and it's for Girls on the Run (see last post for more information on the inspiration behind my decision).

The last week has been insane, but starting tomorrow, the marathon training begins. As I torture prepare myself for what lies ahead, I would really appreciate if anyone out there reading this would consider donating to my GOTR fundraiser.

The best part is that all the money I raise will be staying local, to help girls in my area experience first hand the joy and empowerment running can bring.

(PS, I promise to blog more now that my life is immensely calmer!)

A Tale of 2 Races

Long time, no blog.

It's been a whirlwind since my last post a few months ago. I finished my first marathon (I'll have to post about that later) did a few 5Ks and another half (I'll have to post about that later too). I've been trying to finish up college (I graduate next weekend!) and figure out my plans for after (landed a full-time marketing job that I LOVE). Oh yeah, and I'm married and have a dog baby so that's in the mix too. So in all the chaos, this blog has been the furthermost back burner in my life.

But yesterday I decided it was time to dust this baby off. Because I had a revelation.

Backstory: a few weeks ago. I was scrolling through Facebook and saw that Freedom 4/24 was having a Run 4 Their Lives event in Lynchburg. I had really been wanting to do one with my best friend Danae, but every time there's been one in the last year one of us had plans. We decided to sign up, but I realized I had already registered for the Girls on the Run Celebration 5K the same day. Luckily the start times were an hour and a half apart, so I decided to just do them both.

Run 4 Their Lives

Run 4 Their Lives is a Freedom 4/24 event that raises awareness ad funds to bring sexually exploited women and children into freedom. Yesterday we were running for 2 particular girls who had survived and been living in a house funded by Freedom 4/24. We got their names written on our arms to remember who we were running for when things got tough.

The race itself wasn't anything super special, but I got to run it with my best friend and that made it extra special. It's slightly sad that in the two years I've been running we've only gotten to do two races together and those two races have been the last two weekends (Hmm... that's another race I should post about later...)

The race was really hilly (okay super hilly) but we finished in a really decent time considering. Sadly we couldn't hang around very long because I had to rush to make it to Girls on the Run.

Girls on the Run Celebration 5K

I frantically made the 30 minute drive to Sweet Briar College, and managed to pick up my packet with 10 minutes to spare. I took those 10 minutes to people watch and was completely inspired by what I saw. I was surrounded by hundreds of elementary and middle aged girls (and their parents) who were so excited to be there to run, for many of them, their first 5K. The atmosphere was electric. 

The girls had all been learning valuable lessons through their running training; how being different is okay, how they need to build each other up instead of tearing each other down, how all women are strong and beautiful. All of these are things that girls need to hear at that age group. 

I was one of the few people there who didn't belong to one of the GOTR girls, but no one seemed to mind. The feeling of girl power was all that mattered. Once the race started everyone was just encouraging the little ones to keep going, and that they could do it. There were motivational signs and people all along the course.

The girls' coaches were running with them and even though some of the girls were uncomfortable, I knew everyone was having a blast. Somewhere around the halfway point it was laid on my heart that I wanted to be a bigger part of GOTR than just running the 5K. I knew about both the SoleMate and coaching programs before the start of the race and both were something I've been thinking a lot about for the last 24 hours. I'm not entirely sure which path I will choose, but running the Marine Corps Marathon in October as a SoleMate somehow seems perfect.

I finished the race, met by a bunch of encouraging people I've never met cheering for me, and knew I had made the right decision to squeeze in both races yesterday. I was meant to be there, feel the energy of girls being passionate about something, and to just be inspired by it all.

Whatever happens in my GOTR future, I'm sure it will be amazing. 

#FrostyVoxBox

I got selected for another VoxBox!

This time it was the Frosty VoxBox! Here's a list of what's inside:

It's a pretty random list of things, but here's a quick review of everything.

Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

This eye makeup remover came at just the right time. I had run out of my usual Mary Kay stuff and so I gave this a try. It does an okay job, but has a hard time removing stuff that's waterproof. It wouldn't even take off the Rimmel Eyeliner that came in the box.

Grade: B

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner

Funnily enough, this is the eyeliner that I was using before my box even came! I love how creamy it is and how smoothly it goes on. Some pencils make me feel like I'm scraping my eyelid off, but this one feels like applying a liquid liner (it's just not as messy!).

Grade: A+

NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Color (in Sugar Plum)

I didn't think I was going to like this color, but it's just a hint darker than my natural lip color and looks fantastic on! It wears well and doesn't make my lips feel dry and cracky like some lipsticks do.

Grade: A

Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Decaf  Green Tea

This was another product that I had tried before receiving this box. I'm not a huge tea drinker, but I really enjoy Candy Cane Lane when it comes out for Christmas. It's pretty sweet, and the mint flavor drowns out the herby taste of the tea.

Grade: A

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect

I really don't get the point of me getting this one. I'm 21, I really don't need age-defying serum. I put it on but really didn't notice anything except my face felt cleaner.

Grade: C

Fruit Vines Bites (Cherry)

Candy is one of my favorite things, and these little guys were delicious! I would definitely buy more!

Grade: A

McCormick Gourmet Thyme

I really don't know how to review this. I don't use Thyme a lot, but I guess it has a good flavor. It has really pretty packaging too, so that gets points in my book.

Grade: A-

EcoTools Styler + Smoother

This was the one thing in the box that I hated. My hair is naturally frizzy and using this brush just made it worse. I used it one time and it has been sitting on my bathroom shelf ever since.

Grade: F


Overall, I really enjoyed this box and look forward to getting another one from Influenster!