On March 17 I signed up (impromptu-style) for a half-marathon on March 26. The National Half Marathon happened to fall on a Saturday were I was scheduled to run a “shorter distance” so I figured it was NBD to sign up for a race. My thought was to race the 1/2 marathon to see a) where I was at physically and b) to see how fast I could run a 1/2 marathon (considering I’m marathon training and trying to run a BQ).

My goal was 1:35, with the thinking that I could drop back to 1:40 (or 1:45) if I needed to. I felt good leading up to the race, and took it easy (during the week) when I needed to (especially since I had run 22 miles 5 days earlier).


Race day was cold. 33 degrees to start the day, warming up to 35 degrees by 9am. The week leading up to the race I had visions of running in shorts and a tank top. I was completely wrong. I had to wear tights, a tank top, long sleeve top, vest, gloves and a hat. Not what exactly what I had in mind for a race on March 26. Oh well…

There was some confusion on my part with the race start and the bathroom. I have a very nervous bladder, so I was hoping to make one last trip to the bathroom before the start – but the lines were so long and I wanted to find the 1:35 pace group. The race was supposed to start at 7:00am but didn’t start until about 7:10am. In retrospect I probably had time to go but was too nervous to leave my corral or pace group.

I started off with the pace group but they were going a little slower than I wanted to run and I realized my bladder wouldn’t be able to hold it for 13.1 miles. I picked up the pace for the next couple of miles – trying to get enough distance between me and the 1:35 group so they could eventually catch up and I could tag along when I really needed the help. I’m bummed that I had to stop but the plan worked great. I met back up with 1:35 around mile 7 and finished with the group.

Honestly, I felt pretty good. I mean, don’t get me wrong, running an average of 7:15/mile for 13.1 miles is not easy – but I could tell that all of my training had paid off. I crossed the finish line in 1:35:05 (and that included a bathroom stop)! I was extremely happy with my time – and 1:35:05 is a new PR for me!

Stats
Time: 1:35:02
Division Place: 26/1610

Sex Place: 81/5231
Overall Place: 522/9252

Now, it’s back to real life and real training (no taking it easy because “I have a race this weekend”). I have a 22 miler scheduled for this weekend and then I begin my taper – April 1 is the “1-Month-before-my-marathon” mark! New 1/2 Marathon PR feels good – but now I’ve got to focus my efforts on something bigger and better!

BJ and I are (unfortunately) back from New Zealand and had the most AMAZING time.  NZ is an awesome country – very beautiful and clean with rain-forests, oceans, glaciers, and mountains everywhere – think California 100 years ago.  We spent 17 days in country, exploring, hiking, wine-ing, biking, dining, swimming, kayaking, and running – it was the perfect amount of adventure, relaxation, and total grub down on delicious food and wine.  If it didn’t take 29 hours and an 18-hour time difference to get there, I’d live there! (For those interested, there are a few pictures below)

In true runner and “I’m-running-a-marathon-May-1” mode, I got some really good runs in. I wasn’t sure how much I’d be able to swing but as it turns out, BJ is very supportive and NZ is very runner-friendly. A total win-win for me. It was also super cool to upload my runs to Garmin Connect and see the New Zealand map detailing my run.

My body is still trying to figure out if it’s in the USA or in New Zealand – but 2 days home, I’m back in full training mode. I have a 22-mile run this weekend (I’ll need all the encouragement I can get for this run – I’m running solo) and just signed up (impromptu) for a half-marathon on March 26. I guess if I want to BQ, there is no rest for the weary….

Queenstown at Night

Ben Lemond Summit – 9 mile hike (hardest hike of our lives)

Doubtful Sound

Rugby Field – very popular in NZ

Fox Glacier – 5 hour Glacier Hike

Wine Tasting – Blenheim, NZ

Morning breakfast – Waiheke Island, NZ

Waiheke Island, NZ

On our way to Auckland (from Blenheim)

Me and my hubs

Downtown Queenstown

View of Queenstown from about 4,500ft.

Doubtful Sound

Abel Tasman National Park- surrounded by mountains and ocean

Vines for wine! 🙂

One of the (many) perks about being a part of the Brooks I.D. program is that I have the opportunity to test out different products from different companies. My latest goodie box/pleasant surprise was from Jack Black, Authentic and Original. I was ecstatic to receive this in the mail:

Performance Ready Set

Honestly, this stuff is amazing and I’m pretty sure I have a huge crush on Jack Black (and no, I’m not referring to the acting variety, although he is pretty funny)

Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser – I can’t get enough. It’s made with 3 delicious things: Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Juniper Berry. I mean, who wouldn’t like it?! But other than the obvious, the Turbo Wash really is energizing. I don’t enjoy waking up early, but I do like showering with Turbo Wash; one whiff of eucalyptus and I’m instantly happy!

Dragon Ice Relief & Recovery Balm – Pain and muscle relief without feeling greasy or making my hands unusable for hours. When I say “unusable” I’m referring to what happened when I used the other brands – when, in an unfortunate turn of events, I touched my eye and suffered until the gel wore off, or when I unintentionally received “pain relief” on body parts that didn’t hurt, simply by brushing the spot. When I want pain/muscle relief I don’t want the rest of my body to suffer. Dragon Ice does the trick – it feels great going on (it’s not greasy) and doesn’t hinder me to from doing everyday things (e.g., scratching my eye).

Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45 – I’m 50% Irish, have lots of freckles and seriously don’t want skin cancer! Sun Guard Sunscreen rocks my fair skins’ world! It’s very water resistant and very sweat resistant. This is especially important when I do triathlons because I apply sunscreen before the swim but need it to last the entire race. I’m looking forward to using it more as the weather warms up.

Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 – I’m kind of obsessed with lip balm, meaning that I like to try out (and eventually buy) every brand and have secret stashes all over my house, work, purse, etc. So, I was especially excited to try a lip balm that I didn’t have to buy. Like the products listed above, the Intense Therapy Lip Balm did not fail! All I can say is, wow!! – this lip balm is awesome for running in cold and windy conditions (read: Virginia for the last 3 months).

A huge thanks to Brooks and Jack Black for partnering together – I’m excited to test out other Jack Black products in the future. In the meantime, I’m dreaming about these:
Industrial Strength Hand Healer
Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak
Dry Down Friction-Free Powder

Have you had the opportunity to try Jack Black products? Do you have a favorite?

One of my Christmas gifts from BJ was a 15-week certificate to Sun and Moon Yoga. While it was totally unexpected, it was an awesome surprise! We always talk about yoga but never make the time to go. Now, I don’t have an excuse.

I’m in my 3rd week and absolutely love it. In my past (and when I’m home in Florida) I practice (I’m using that term very loosely) Bikram yoga but my current session is more about relaxation. It’s a nice change of pace from running and “forces” me to stretch and relax. It’s glorious – especially as an overly-tight-totally-not-flexible runner.

I would in no-way-whatsoever classify myself as a Yogini but I’m getting better every week. I especially love that each class is focused on different part of the body. Last session we focused on hamstrings and calves – talk about deliciousness for my body! I’ll report back as I progress and see results.

I know there are other runners out there who swear by yoga – has it improved your running? I can’t wait to see what 15+ weeks of yoga will do for my running, strength, and flexibility.

Until next time, Namaste.

It is with great honor and excitement that I write this post…
I received this in the mail:





For the 2nd year in a row I have been accepted into the Brooks I.D. (Inspire Daily) Bluestreak program – and I am SO excited! Brooks is an amazing company and I am honored that I have the opportunity to represent the company while running, racing, volunteering, and supporting my community.
About the Program (from the website):

Rockin’ Brooks – EagleMan 70.3

Brooks I.D. stands for Inspire Daily. These two simple words guide the principles of the program. Brooks I.D. is made up of over 800 members who are active in their running communities and share a passion for the Brooks brand. They are runners who are winners in their own right: Winning their age divisions, accomplishing their personal goals, pushing their own limits, and, by extension, encouraging others to do the same. They are coaches, mentors, and leaders.

Ravenna Running Shoes

Green Silence Racing Flats ( It’s made from recycled materials and dyed with soy-based inks!)

Nightlife Jacket (Note: I feel like a badass when I wear this!)

Glycerin Running Short

Rockin’ Brooks – Army 10 Miler

Brooks, thank you for accepting me into such a great team/program!  


Bloggers – Any others part of the Brooks I.D. team?  Any I.D.’ers in the DC area – I’d love to meet up with you!  


Run Happy!