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.