15 Things You Don't Want To See When Running a Marathon

A little background:

In high school, I dated the same guy for, oh....gosh.....FOUR years.  Which basically meant I spent a lot of time with his family. In high school (need I remind you) when you are THAT into a guy nothing else really exists, right? So, I became good friends with his entire family.  I will say for the record that I did not end up marrying the same high-school sweetheart (which is an entirely different lesson for an entirely different day)..... ON WITH THE STORY.  This boyfriend's family was very nice to me, his younger brother,Craig, and I had quite a bit in common and shared many interests.  As a matter of fact, one of my favorite memories is when the two of us worked together at McPherson's Apple Orchard - (anyone who has worked there will lay their hand on the Bible and swear that it was the best job they ever had....TRUTH) ANYHOO - - - Craig and I reconnected on facebook (of course) and I have since come to understand the extent to which his life revolves around being fit, active, and outdoors. Before I ran my first marathon, Craig helped me understand some of the basic strategies for completing such an event.  Now, I frequent his blog for what is usually a bit of athletic humor or advice.  In any case, I wanted to share with you his most recent post that he borrowed from a friend who just ran Big Sur.  ENJOY, because I certainly did. (and maybe I can drum up some hits to Craig's blog....it's worth the read)

15 Things You Don't Want To See When Running a Marathon. 
(the link is to his blog. Click on the link within his entry...sooo funny)


and while you're at it, take a look at this video, too.

It's Fun Photo Day - enjoy!

Flower City Challenge - Half Marathon

April 25, 2010

The CULT!

Jennifer, Laura, LimaRuss, Judi, Melissa

I try to get more people to use my stretching method - they all just look at me like I'm a goof ball instead.

First time Half Marathon for Melissa

Looking happy in the cemetery - SHE'S JUST PASSING THROUGH!

Giving a wave to my peeps.

Nothing but business for Derek - he deserves the kudos.

He finished this halfie in something like 1hour 12. (I could be a few minutes off)

Check out this happy face - still looking good.

Even happier to be done "THAT WAS AWESOME"

Everyone at the finish with their BLING BLING BLING

Here's why I haven't been running in a while!

It's been awful not running, but it's for the greater good. For now I'm on the sidelines but trying to walk up a storm and cheer on my running buddies. Let's hope that I'll be kicking it again in November. For now, Laura, keep running for two, please!
www.sugarbloggy.blogspot.com

Rochester Flower City Challenge

As you may well have guessed, life is typically busy this time of year. I wake up at 5:00 to get ready for work. Out the door by 6:20. Go straight from work to track practice. Make it home by 6:00 on a good day.  Try to throw together some food for the kids. Leave some time for baths (sometimes). Put the boys to bed. Put myself to bed. REPEAT.

It's no wonder that the lead up to today's half marathon left me a bit nervous. If you notice, there isn't a 'time slot' for running in my daily schedule. This has been a bit problematic but I've begun to employ a new training technique "MIND OVER MATTER."  I'm not lighting the world on fire with any of my long runs, but I get them done on the weekend. I wouldn't advise this kind of training for anyone, but it has worked for me. 

My third half marathon of the year and I finally have some BLING. (thank god!)  The organizers of this inaugural half-marathon did a fantastic job with this event.  Jen and I parked close to the start, walked past the Dinosaur BBQ to reach the registration, picked up our timing chips, met our friends LimaRuss, Judi, Melissa, and made our way to the start line.  We were all so excited for this race because Russ's wife, Melissa, was running her first half marathon.... YAY!

The course was outstanding, truly.  I felt quite strong and posted some negative splits for the first 10 miles. We passed Susan B. Anthony's house, George Eastman's house, Highland Park, Mt. Hope Cemetery (soooo many hills), and then passed through the University of Rochester campus to make our way to the finish.  My last two miles were tough, I left it all on the track, for sure, but it felt nice.

At about mile 10, we were in the middle of the cemetery. It had occured to me that it took a sick sense of humor to take us through a cemetery - I kept saying "JUST PASSING THROUGH, NOT PLANNING ON STAYING."

Crossing the finish line in 2:15 was my goal and I nailed it.  I hope to post a 2:00 soon, but I know that I have to put more effort in my training. That will not happen until I free up some time in my schedule - so this is going to have to do for now.  Aside from some of my training runs for Paris, this is a PR for me. WOOT WOOT. 

The highlight of the day came when Melissa crossed the finish line in under 3 hours. She looked over to me just short of the finish line as screamed "THAT WAS AWESOME."  I love it!

I know that there will be more time to train in a few weeks, so I am going to keep registering for races. It's the only thing that keeps me running.

Final thought: when this race comes around next year - don't hesitate. REGISTER and run it. It's a great race. KUDOS to FleetFeet of Rochester for creating an awesome event.


(I'll post photos soon)