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!