Shamrock Half Marathon-3/21/2010

Completed my 2nd Shamrock Half Marathon this weekend. It was great weather in the low 70s and sunshine. We got down to Va Beach about 1ish and went to the expo. Looked around picked up our packets and took some pictures. We went to dinner early but the food took awhile-I was so hungry. Woke up the next morning earlier than I wanted 4:30am but I was up. Went down to the lobby and got a grab and go from the hotel. Put my temporary tattoos on and drank some powerade. I probably drank too much because we walked to the starting line and got there about 6:45 and the race started at 7. The lines for the potta potty was too long so I waited and waited and ran the whole time without stopping. I had a moment where I thought I may actually get close to 2:35 but it wasn't meant to be. I finished in 2:40 so about 2min slower than last year. But-was 10 min faster than my last 1/2 two weeks ago and most of my times have been over 3hrs lately. Hopefully training and crosstraining will help me with the speed. Jess finished in 2:20 and was stretching on the beach when I finished. We went back to the hotel and I grabbed the signs and cameras and ran back to the finish to get Pop and Erik coming down the boardwalk. I thought I was going to have more time but they finished in 3:30 which is really good. Lindsay finished in 3:18 she ran with me until about Mile 5. I did get some beer in the finish tent and irish stew! I also went into the ocean and soaked my legs some-it was fun. Went into the pool and jacuzzi after and relaxed some before dinner at Lynnhaven-yum seafood! It was a great weekend-I know next year Erik/Jess is planning on Las Vegas during that same time-I really unsure about what to do especially since that involves flying for hours! I love doing the Shamrock-it gives me motivation through the winter to keep at it.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Getting ready to go to Va Beach this weekend to ShamRock On! I can't wait and am hoping for a great weekend. I would like to be able to horseback ride-probably should do after the race. I saw it last year but didn't do it-hopefully they will be out there this weekend. Trying to keep my nerves under control. Also, hoping the rain holds off on Sunday-says chance of thunderstorms so hopefully later in the afternoon. Taking it easy-no running trying to change around the basement so the treadmill and t.v. are in transition. It is nice weather this week should get outside and enjoy.

Another Runner Dies

A runner at the Dallas Rock N Roll half marathon died after crossing the finish line. I have to read the whole story but it just seems to see it more and more often and it is scary. He was young at 32 and was an athlete in college prior. It is scary that it happens so suddenly without symptoms. It really makes me what to make sure I am in the best possible shape that I can be in.

Daylight Savings

Not sure why I was up so early today especially since we lose an hour. I hate springing forward-it seems to mess up my whole week actually. Ok-maybe I am exaggerating. So I went to the gym which is a good way to spend my time-not sure why I thought it was a good idea to try the advanced step class. The instructor was like when was the last class you took-um maybe 10 yrs ago. I can't remember when I last took step. Oh well-good workout and I didn't fall or run into anyone. It was a little hard to follow the first time and next week I will be in Va Beach so I will try and go back the following week. I am really trying to get this scale to start moving-probably need to keep track of food because it should be coming off more easily especially with my lunch gym breaks and training sessions.

B&A Half Marathon

Today, was the B&A trail half. I did this race last year and actually it is the first time I am repeating a race-would have liked to beat my time though. I was doing pretty well until the hill at Mile 7 and a major hill. I haven't been under 3 hrs since last May so that is something to be proud of I just have to stop beating myself up. My hip didn't real bother me it just seemed everything else did. My upper thigh has been bothering me whether is is from the hip/back I haven't figured that out. I did run through the finish and didn't get any calf cramps which is good. The weather was great especially since last year it was snow and ice-how did I not beat that time=( I felt strong through the race just my mind thinking about what was hurting. Very sore after the race and exhausted! Went to Annapolis and had lunch was a great day and a lot of people were out enjoying the hint of spring. Let's hope I am good to go for Shamrock-trying not to kill myself but definitely want to be under 2:45 or less-last year was 2:38 so I can always shoot for the stars.

Long Run

Ran our long run this week with Jess. It actually felt pretty good although after the run and driving home I was really sore/tight. My calves were tight also. I am getting ready for the B&A Half this coming weekend. If I try and keep up with Jess maybe my speedwork will increase because she is speedy. Maybe I will try and keep her in my sights at Shamrock-I would love to be under 2:30=)