24 Weeks and a few minutes added to my pace

Well, here we are at 24 weeks and Baby Mac is a girl!! She currently weighs a pound and a half and is about thirteen and a half inches in length. She has been

kicking a ton and you can now see my belly move when she kicks.

I've added a few pounds (or more) ;) to my frame and it h

as slowed my walking pace (yes, walking....no more attempting to run). Two miles takes me roughly 30-35 minutes.

Transitioning from a runner with a 8:30 pace to a walker with a 17:30 pace has not been easy on my psyche. However, I am thankful that I continue to feel well

enough to exercise regularly.

I do plan to lace up my running sneakers as soon as possible. And until then I'll enjoy my walks and those precious kicks from our baby girl.

It seems our little girl is a bit camera shy....

16 Weeks and a few logistical changes

Here is an updated belly photo! I am now approaching 19 weeks (I'm a little behind on my posts). So far, second trimester has been a breeze compared to the first. I am feeling great and have a lot more energy.

The weather here has been unseasonably warm (and I am not complaining unless this means record heat all summer, not fun with an August due date!).

I've been able to get outside to workout quite a bit the past few weeks. Running consistently has become increasingly difficult. My expanding middle is not the problem....it is growing Baby Mac sitting on my bladder. So, I have begrudgingly switched to "wogging" (combination of walking/jogging) and increased my weekly mileage goal from 5 miles to between 8 and 10 miles per week.

Many runners I have spoken with say that you come back stronger after taking a break- that was true when I was injured, so I am hoping it will be the same after baby's arrival.

16 Weeks

No More Free Food

I had one last lunch to cash in- Lynn had paid up, but not Adam. Here we are enjoying some yummy Noodles and Company. I had the truffle mac and cheese with tomato and cucumber salad on the side.

No more free food is a sad thought for a woman who is five months pregnant.....

And I certainly won't be making any bets about running this summer!

Running!?!

I haven't had energy for normal day-to-day activities, let alone running! And that is because...

I'M PREGNANT!!! Baby Mac is due 8/16/2012 and we couldn't be more excited!

My commitment to running has been inconsistent since we found out we were expecting back in early December.

Most days I felt too nauseous and exhausted to even think about running. Although, at our first appointment, my doctor said I am clear to run pretty much my entire pregnancy depending on how I feel. I am sure come late spring/early summer my running will become waddling.

As for right now, I am making the most of days that I feel good. I've been mixing running with walking and/or the elliptical. I have a goal for the 2nd trimester (which began 2 weeks ago) to try and run around 5 miles a week (didn't happen the first two weeks, but I have not given up).

Five miles seems like a small number compared to pre-baby mileage, but at least it is something- I will keep you posted on my progress (with running and with the baby bump). See the progress so far....

4 Weeks! 12/10/11 - the day we found out

our whole life was about to change for the better

Baby Mac @ 8 weeks - so amazing!

You can see the head, butt, umbilical cord...

Mommy @ 8 weeks

Mommy @ 12 weeks

Last Lunch from Lynn

I enjoyed the last of my three free lunches from Lynn. We enjoyed Thai by Thai again, the same lunch we had for my first free lunch back in August. Lynn is still looking sad about having to pay up...

But as I've said before, Lynn's bet is what kept me going all summer long. So I owe him thanks for paying up and providing me with three, free yummy lunches, as well for the additional motivation.
Adam- you are next! I'm saving it for something really good and expensive too :)

New Year = New Running Toys

It's been awhile, too long. I'm still running...although not as consistently as I'd like.

What can I say, I am a work in progress. Maybe is it time to make another bet for some added motivation.

But I do have some new running toys that I received for Christmas (and one for my birthday) that will hopefully help with the consistency issue.

The first new toy was a case for my Ipod touch. This is an excellent case and it is easy to change songs through the plastic screen.

Second and MUCH needed toy, new running sneakers!! I had put a couple hundred miles on my old Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 running sneakers, but I absolutely LOVED the sneakers.

After wearing Asics and Sauconys for previous half marathons, I tried Brooks based on a recommendation from a running store here in VA. Boy, am I glad I tried them, I am never going back to anything else. So I asked Santa for an updated version of my Brooks, the GTS 11. And this time I asked for a brighter, more exciting color. I love them and so do my feet.

This was a birthday gift from my cousins, Ali and RJ. Ali is into running like me and a friend has suggested she read this book. Ali thought I would like it too. I have yet to start it, but I am told that after read parts, I will want to just get up and RUN! I hope so!

There is no place like home...

We returned to Buffalo, NY for the Thanksgiving holiday for the first time in two years. Being back meant Thanksgiving dinner with our families, Friendsgiving at my friend Christina's house, and one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions, running in the 116th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot. The Buffalo YMCA 8k Turkey Trot is America's oldest road race and one of my favorites.

I knew going in to this year's race that I was in better shape than any prior Turkey Trot. Having run 13.1 miles less than two weeks prior, I figured 5 miles would be a breeze. So, I set a goal time of 45:00.

The weather Thanksgiving morning was balmy by November in Buffalo standards. I started the race towards the back of the pack of more than 13,000 runners and walkers, because of this most of the race was spent weaving around walkers/slower runners. But, I still beat my goal time by 2 minutes.

Here are my race stats:

• Finished in 43:28 minutes
• Placed 138 of 1,009 in my female age group of 25-29
• I came in 752 of 6,074 finishers

I was ecstatic with the results...so I indulged in a little post race celebration in the Buffalo Convention Center. I had the usual crowd to celebrate with: my husband Brendan, my father-in-law, and his crazy group of running buddies. I also had two Turkey Trot newbies...my step-siblings, Colleen and Patrick!

It was SO GREAT to spend time with them after the race (I still can't believe we found each other since the Convention Center was packed with thousands of people). I hope that they will continue to be part of one of my favorite Buffalo Thanksgiving holiday traditions!

Cashed in again

I've consumed the second of three free lunches courtesy of Mr. Lynn Ewald. He looks so happy about having to buy me lunch....

This time it was Chipotle tacos. And it was yummy. Thanks Lynn! Looking forward to my third and final lunch...bet you are too!

Third Time's the Charm

I did it! The third time was the charm! I finished my third half marathon in 2 hours and 17 seconds. If you remember, one of my goals as I headed into the summer of run was to finish a half marathon in under 2 hours. Two hours and 17 seconds is close enough for me.

This half marathon was so different from the two I completed in the past. I was so much more prepared and it showed, and not only in my time. In races past I felt winded at numerous points along the way, but not this time. The last half marathon I did in Buffalo (May 2010) I had to stop for a bit at mile 8 due to injury, this time I was able to continue running the entire time.

Part of my strategy for this race was to only stop once for water. At mile 6 I ate a few sport jelly beans for some extra energy and at mile 7 I slowed a little through a water stop to wash the jelly beans down. In the past, water stops have really slowed me down. Everyone in front of you slows to grab water cups and some even stop to drink. I avoided waters spots in an effort to reach my goal time. Luckily, there wasn't much need to drink a lot throughout the race, because...

The weather was perfect! There was no wind, 38 degrees at the start time and it warmed to a little over 40 degrees by the end of the race. The only problem with the weather was at the end of the race- I was freezing! They handed out disposable blankets and I almost didn't grab one. I didn't think I'd need it, but I definitely did.

I also indulge in a few post-race treats. First, before getting in the car to head home I got a massage which was included in the entry fee. Later that evening for dinner I fed my body the calories it was craving! Burger, fries, and a chocolate shake.....yum!

Here I am (black/pink shirt) heading downhill for the last .5 miles...almost there!

All done and trying to stay warm....

So happy with my 2:00:17 personal record!

Me and one of my biggest fans before the race....

You can even click here to see a video of me crossing the finish line. The time on the clock reads 2:08:29 when I cross (on the far left)...it took a full 8 minutes for my wave to cross the start line at the beginning.

Thanks for everyone for their support and encouragement! I am heading home in a few days and will be participating in the YMCA Turkey Trot 8K on Thanksgiving morning after a two year hiatus.

I cannot wait! I'll have an opportunity to achieve an 8K PR. And after 13.1, 5 miles should be a breeze!

Fallove

Just a quick update:

I've been training for my upcoming half marathon in Richmond. It's hard to believe that it is only 2 weeks away!

It's been tough to train while being back in school, but I think I've done a pretty good job of balancing work, home, and training.

I especially love running in the fall because every run to go on (short or long) I see views like this..... FALLOVE!!! What is your favorite season to run during?

3rd time is a charm....Let's hope.

I signed up for my third half marathon this week. I will be running the McDonalds Half Marathon in Richmond, Virginia on Saturday, Nov. 12th.

I've wanted to finish a half in under two hours and fifteen minutes (I think I could've done it with it weren't for this during the last half marathon). I am hoping that the third time is the charm for achieving my goal. I'll keep you posted as I prepare for the race and will definitely share the results in November.

Why Richmond?

1. It was the closest to home

2. It was within the time frame that I felt I'd be ready to run a 1/2 again

3. It is a relatively easy course (only a few rolling hills)

4. Check out the elevation in the last mile- downhill!! Score!

Post Run Refuel

After a long run, I love to refuel with: toast with peanut butter and honey, Powerade Zero (only the zero calorie blue kind for this girl), and my favorite of the three items-chocolate milk!

Studies have shown that it aids muscle repair after a strenuous workout- Got milk?

What is your favorite post run/workout meal?

Free Lunch #1

I enjoyed my first of three free lunches from Lynn (another coming from Adam) this past Friday.

First free lunch included:

2 spring rolls and red chicken curry from Thai by Thai

Here's me and Lynn enjoying our Thai food! Apparently, the sore loser didn't want to smile for the camera.

I have to thank him not only for the first of several lunches but for the added motivation this summer. I am not sure that I would have made it out there everyday. However, the thought of losing to Lynn and hearing about it all year really pushed me. I don't think I've made a point to let him know how thankful I am- so...thank you Lynn for the food and the motivation!

And this doesn't change anything, I still want my remaining 2 lunches.

Running. Unplugged.

As I headed out for my run Saturday morning, I realized that my Ipod was dead. Totally dead. It did not even enough power to get through a mile with me. Waiting around for the Ipod to charge was not an option as my cousin was getting married in just a few hours. So...I headed out without music (gasp)!!! Rarely do I run without music or my running partner Tom.

But that morning I was thankful that my Ipod died and that I was forced to run unplugged. I was able to hear the rain drops from an early morning rain dripping off the trees on to the path. I heard the birds chirping and animals moving in the bushes.

But most importantly I was able to reflect on the wedding ceremony taking place that afternoon in which my cousin Rj and his beautiful bride Ali would (finally) tie the knot. Ali has been with Rj since I was in middle school and she's felt like family to me for such a long time. I was grateful for the ability to quietly contemplate Rj and Ali's marriage and their future as I ran. They are an amazing couple who has many years of happiness ahead of them.

I found (surprisingly) that I enjoyed myself while running unplugged (and had a great pace per minute). I've now committed to running at least one run per week unplugged.

Here are a few pictures of Rj and Ali's Day-

The Bride and Groom

All seven of my grandparents grandchildren on the same weekend they married many years ago- wish they could've been here to celebrate with us.

Me with the beautiful Bride, Ali!

I. WIN.

I finished the summer of run, about 2 weeks ago actually, life is crazy again now that I am back to school. This post is long overdue and I am so excited to be writing it.

If you want to refresh your memory about the "summer of run" and how it began, check that out here.

115 miles in 74 days of running (75, because I couldn't just stop cold turkey, I needed to wean) commenced on June 17th, and as a result here are....

The things I've gained:

1. A new found love and respect for running. Running, to me, is no longer a love/hate relationship (hate it while you are doing it, love it when it is over)- but a love/love relationship instead.

2. Personal satisfaction from setting a goal and working hard to achieve it. There are many days when I did not feel like running, like after this injury or after this trip.

3. A solid running partner, even though we don't always run together.

4. Four free lunches and the sheer joy for having proved Lynn wrong. Lynn- I. WIN.

5. Consistency in my running schedule- I am not running every day (less time now that school is back in session) but I am more consistent and begin to miss it if I haven't been out in a day or two.

Things I've lost:

1. The constant ache in my left knee, IT band, and hip.

2. The feeling of dread I felt as I head for each run- I can't wait to get out there now!

3. The idea that I wouldn't be able to run every day for 74 days.

4. 30 secs off my pace per minute

(enough to hopefully finish a half marathon in November in under 2 hours)

5. 10 lbs. - enough said

Last, but certainly not least, I have to thank a few people for their love and support throughout this process:

My husband Brendan- for being my Webmaster, joining me on an early am and late night run, and for always believing I could do this.

My cousin/running partner Tom- your easy going attitude combined with our crazy conversations make the miles fly by.

My father-in-law- whose love for running (and perseverance) inspires me every day.

My family- my Mom(s), Ross, Dad, Ryan, Rj, Ali, Dan, Uncle Ron, Aunt Michelle, Fraser, Lauren, Shannon, Spencer, Nana, Grandma, Uncle Mark, Aunt Diane (hope I didn't forget anyone)- for your love and support.

My readers- thank you to anyone who took the time to read this dinky little blog that chronicled my experience throughout the summer. I appreciate it more than you know!

**This is not the end of the Summer of Run blog, I intend to keep posting and sharing what I hope continues to be my love/love relationship with running. So- feel free to keep on reading!

Your presence is requested at the Wedding of Sarah and Andrew today on A Wedding Story

My final trip to Buffalo ended last weekend with the wedding of my dear friend Sarah Utzig

(oops- I mean Sarah Lanigan).

We LOVE weddings! The morning of her wedding was spent reminiscing about our days back in high school when we'd watch episodes of The Wedding Story on TLC after school, singing the cheesy theme song to each other, and dreaming of our own weddings to be.

Sarah's wedding was incredible! I think she took notes about the good, the bad, and the ugly from all those episodes of The Wedding Story because her day was perfect! From the dress to the cake (that she's wanted since she was a little girl).

A perfect wedding turned into a not so perfect run the following day.

We left Buffalo late in the afternoon, but for good reason- we spent the morning visiting with family and friends.

We headed back to Virginia around 2:30 in the afternoon and 8 1/2 hours later we arrived home. But not after we (I mean Brendan) drove the last 3 1/2 hours home in pouring rain, thunder, and lightening. Also, as we reached Route 15 (an hour from home) the traffic was at a standstill. After waiting 25 minutes and moving .5 miles we turned around to go a different route adding an hour on to the trip. None of this seemed to bother Brie, she spent most of the time in the car like this...

After pulling in and unpacking at 11:30pm, I had 30 minutes left to get my run in for the day.

The streets are not well it around our home. So, I ran the sidewalk that runs in front of our condo- back and forth, and back and forth (about 12 times) to make it to a mile, all while it continued to rain.

However, the long drive home and the late run were well worth it.

The countless episodes of The Wedding Story we had watched together over the years had nothing on Sarah's perfect wedding story- it was amazing and I am thankful that I was able to be a part of it all.

"Defying Human Nature"

Well- I am almost done with my summer of run with only 10 days left. I know there were at least a few people out there that didn't think I'd make it through...none more than Mr. Lynn Ewald (more on him later)- but so far, so good!

I don't want to get too confident because things can happen- like this accident that almost brought my runs to a halt. I was told that it is against human nature to be able to run every day- injuries, sickness, fatigue, etc. prohibit someone from being able to achieve such a goal. Well, I guess I've defied human nature, not to mention my own expectations of what my mind and body can handle.

There are definitely days when the prospect of having to go out and run is not exciting.

But, most days I get out there and feel great as I complete my run. Running every day this summer has dropped me down an entire pant size too! Here is the stack of pants and capris that don't currently fit. My wonderful mother-in-law altered another 4 pairs!

In addition, completing another run is another day closer to finishing my summer of run and chowing down on four free lunches :) Good thing I've saved that stack of pants, because all of my winning lunches may bring me back up a pant size!

While we are on the topic of running and lunches- I thought I'd add that I am willing to trade in a free lunch for a picture of Mr. Lynn Ewald bowing down to me and all my running greatness.

It would look something like this (preferably at a faculty meeting too, but I won't get too picky).

Lynn- I'd give up one free lunch for this! What say you?

Flora and Fauna

One thing that I've come to really enjoy about my daily runs is the amazing plant and animal life that thrives along the paths surrounding my house.

I don't run on the paths every day and I never run the same route two days in a row for fear of encountering a creeper. But the days that I do run the paths I enjoy taking in all of the amazing scenery.

Here is a partial list of the wildlife that I've enjoyed watching throughout my summer runs:

Animals

Deer (one so close the other day I could have reached out from the path and touched it)

Chipmunks

Squirrels

Groundhogs

Birds- and this is just a small list, I cannot identify all of them- but I kinda want to take up bird watching as a hobby now (who cares if I am not a retired old man)

Bluejays - my personal favorite

Cardinals

Orioles

Crows

Kingfishers

Sparrows

Woodpeckers

Morning Doves

Carolina Chickadees

and lots of different butterflies.

Anyone have a favorite place to run?

Tricks of the Trade

What you need to run every day

a plan and a little motivation

mental and physical strength

tenacity

adequate rest and sleep

a foam roller

Road ID

Garmin GPS system

ice pack

heating pad

pain reliever

good running sneakers (get your foot analyzed before buying a pair)

jammin' tunes for your Ipod

a supportive family

y

and an entertaining running buddy

Cat and Mouse

After a super sappy, serious post last week- I am keeping it lighthearted.

This past Thursday my running partner and I returned to the pavement together after a long hiatus. This summer has thrown off our running schedule a bit. I prefer to complete my runs in the morning. Early on this summer I arrived at Tom's at 7:30 in the morning for an a.m. run- let's just say that we never scheduled another morning run.

It has been so hot here in DC that running in the afternoon, when Tom is out of work, makes my stomach queasy just thinking about it. But last week we got a break from the heat and humidity so we decided to get out there together.

However, together isn't the best way to describe it. Tom's speed as increased considerably since we began running together last year. My speed has increased too, just not enough to keep up with Tom. In addition, Tom likes to run hard and fast, then take a short walk break. Where as I prefer to run slower and aim to avoid any walking breaks because my goal is to run the Suntrust Half Marathon in Richmond this November so I've got to work on logging more miles.

So our runs have turned into a cat and mouse chase. Tom runs ahead while I work to catch up, then Tom stops to walk, while I run past him. This pattern continues for most of our runs.

(image taken from here)

Even though we are no longer running side-by-side, I am grateful for our runs "together."

To keep with the lighthearted theme, here is a little blast from the past- Tom and I back in the day.....this looks like my junior year of high school. So I'd be 16 years old and Tom is 14.

Who knew that little kid next to me would be beating me during our runs...