tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38939468338736216422023-11-16T03:39:08.789-08:00Run Audrey Runaudgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-39916202953073644802011-11-17T15:00:00.000-08:002011-11-17T15:19:16.957-08:00Race Report: ING NYC Marathon - Part 2 (Saturday/Race Eve)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">In case you missed it, this post continues on from <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2011/11/race-report-ing-nyc-marathon-part-1.html">Race Report: ING NYC Marathon - Part 1 (Friday)</a>.</span></i><br />
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The day before the marathon was packed with lots of fun activities! First up was the expo which was held at the Jacob Javits center. I had wanted to get there right when it opened at 9AM, but had a late start that morning due to me wanting to get more sleep in. The expo was about a mile away from my hotel, so technically I could have walked there but I felt like I did enough walking the night before and wanted to try to rest as much as possible. <br />
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Luckily, the marathon arranged a shuttle service between the midtown hotels and the expo. The closest pickup location was at the hotel one block over. Once I got there, there weren't too many people waiting, but thirty minutes later, there were tons. I was worried that all of us would not fit on the bus once it finally arrived since one had already passed us fully packed. Thankfully, the bus stopped right where was I standing so I was able to be one of the first ones to get on.<br />
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Right as I was about to step on, I quickly realized that I had forgotten my printed registration form back at the hotel! *headdesk* The form that they very clearly stated MUST be printed ahead of time and brought to the expo as they would not accept any versions on your phones or have places for you to print there. Ugh!<br />
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Had to jump out of line and speed walk back to my hotel to get my form. At this point, it was almost 11AM and I already had a tight schedule that day (Broadway matinee at 2PM!) so I took a cab directly to the expo.<br />
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Finally at the expo! One of the main things I love about the NYC marathon, oops I mean the <b style="color: #b45f06;">ING</b> NYC Marathon, is how international it is! You really do feel like you're part of the Olympics.<br />
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Considering how large the race is - reportedly over 47,000 participants, of which over 20,000 were from outside the US (yes, I'm full of stats today!) - bib pick up was pretty quick and straightforward. Although, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that it's a well oiled machine by now. <br />
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You first go through a checkpoint where they check your ID and registration form. From there, you head to your booth to get your bib, goody bag, and race shirt. I noticed my bib listed my name and underneath, "UNITED STATES" which I thought was fun since it's normally your city. I was also excited to see that the race shirt was super cute - a long sleeve teal tech T with a graphic of the five boroughs. (In fact, I had almost purchased the short sleeve version of the shirt the night before at the parade - glad I waited!)<br />
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Now normally you're stuck with the size that you listed when you registered but here you can request what size you want. Gah - decisions!!! Luckily, they had volunteers by the booths holding the shirts in all the different sizes. You couldn't try them on, just hold them up to your body. I couldn't decide between sizes and was getting all frazzled about it until the volunteer pointed out that I really shouldn't be stressing out about this. But it's a big decision!!! I finally went with what two of the volunteers suggested and I was on my way.<br />
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The expo itself was pretty large but about the same as other big races like Disney, Chicago, etc. The first half you enter is what I like to call Asics-ville. I was hoping to find all the cute race gear highlighted in the many, many emails sent prior to the race but they were nowhere to be found! I was worried that maybe some of the good stuff had been sold out since I was there the last day of the expo but then I remembered they still had this "Marathon Monday" store so I was hoping they would be found there. <br />
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ASICs did have a ton of race merchandise but nothing was really that cute. Actually, there were some cute stuff but they were all in the men's section. Hmph. But I couldn't walk away empty handed so I did get a fleece hat and arm warmers that I thought might come in handy the next morning on Staten Island.<br />
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While wandering around, I stumbled across the brightroom booth that were not only taking pics but also videos, too!<br />
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I chuckled and thought why not! I probably won't be here again and if there's a time to cheese out, this is it! I got my picture taken:<br />
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And <i>maybe</i> I did a video, too. A really embarrassing, cringe-y video that if I could figure out the embed code I would post here, too. Thankfully, I could not. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(But it's not hard to find if you really want to see it and laugh.)</span><br />
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Did you know that there is a <a href="http://www.mtkilimanjaromarathon.com/">Mount Kilimanjaro marathon</a>? I didn't until I saw them at the expo. Of course, I'm not surprised (and I bet there are some crazies that read this, and thought, "Ooh, I'd like to run that!" You know who you are.) I was also amused to see booths like the one below - pretty sure I didn't see them at the Akron expo.<br />
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Oh, another fun surprise - this year I've been busting out my <a href="http://www.buythebullet.com/">magic bullet</a> to make my smoothies and I'm a big fan. Well check it out - they have one especially designed for the marathon!!!</div>
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Besides having a different design, they also added larger cups. I'll be honest, I was tempted! But there's nothing wrong with my current "bullet" and I didn't want to have to worry about how to get it back home. Looks like you could still buy it <a href="http://www.marathonbullet.com/">online</a> but with shipping, it would be almost $60 and I think it was $32 at the show. *sigh*<br />
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Moving on!<br />
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Mmmm... cheese...<br />
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On to my ~celeb spotting... It was super fun to see some familiar runner faces at the expo like <b>Lolo Jones</b>:</div>
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... and <b>Dean Karnazes</b>...<br />
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... as well as <b>Ryan Hall</b>.<br />
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Speaking of Ryan Hall, check out this cool promotion he did with Asics. Wish I could have checked this out in person!<br />
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Finally, there was one person while I was there that attracted a whole lot of hub bub. Not Apolo Ohno, but Mr. AC Slater himself... <b>Mario Lopez</b>!<br />
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I was totally cracking up when I kept overhearing, "Who's Mario Lopez?" I didn't have time to wait in his line but that's OK because it seemed to be all business. No posed pictures, just autographs. And if you wanted him to sign it to you, you had to have your name on a post-it prior to handing it over. Reminded me of the time I waited in line to get 98 Degrees' autographs. Wait, what...<br />
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Right before I left, I spotted these two bloggers, Emily from <a href="http://www.sweatonceaday.com/">Sweat Once a Day</a> and Lauren from <a href="http://www.healthontherun.net/">Health on the Run</a>, and introduced myself. I had fun chatting with them for a bit and discussing the race. They were spectating but planned to run NYC next year.<br />
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I didn't plan my day very well because I didn't get a chance to grab lunch before quickly heading back to the theater district to meet my parents for the matinee showing of <a href="http://billyelliotbroadway.com/">Billy Elliot</a>.<br />
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I wasn't sure what to expect since I hadn't seen the movie version but I have to say, I really really enjoyed it! The lead was so adorable and such an incredible dancer. Even better, my dad managed to stay awake for the whole show :) <br />
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From there, we took the scenic route to our next stop...<br />
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... which was St. Patrick's Cathedral for what I have now heard is called the Runner's Mass.<br />
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Now I've been to mass here many times and I've never seen it as packed as it was that evening. Looking around, you can tell it's definitely the marathon crowd but I wasn't expecting any kind of special mass or anything. Probably because of the time I attempted the Chicago marathon, we attended a similar kind of "marathon mass" at the church super close to all the marathon hotels. It was also packed with runners (you can tell by all the running shoes and race shirts) and I remember my sister observing that they didn't do any kind of special blessing / shout out for the runners.<br />
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So I figured it would be the same thing for this big city as well. Boy, was I wrong!<br />
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First, I noticed in the program that the presiding priest (Father Joe) was also running the marathon the next day! And this is a guy about my dad's age so how awesome is that?<br />
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Father Joe also made a point to relate the entire homily (or sermon, if you will) to the marathon. At one point, he asked the marathoners who expected to finish in over five hours to stand up. I was sitting to the far left and immediately stood up just as he continued with, "I bet you guys don't want to admit that." Doh! Well I was already standing at that point so after he acknowledged me, I sat down all embarrassed. My mom leaned over and whispered to me, "You're so humble." I busted out laughing.<br />
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Now I probably won't get this right but I think what he wanted to point out was that as runners, we provide people with hope. People can see runners finish marathons in three or four hours and think, "Oh, I could never do that." But when you hear of runners that take five or more hours, it gives them hope and they think, "Hey maybe I can do that, too." Well, I'm happy to provide anybody with hope when it comes to running! (There was definitely more to the homily and I am doing a horrible job capturing it here but I encourage you to read <a href="http://mollyberrieshodgepodge.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/race-recap-nyc-marathon-32455/">Molly's take</a> as she described it much more eloquently.)<br />
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It was also a nice moment when he had everyone running the marathon to stand and there was applause. But even better when he then asked everyone that was there to support a marathoner to stand. Of course, the cheers were even louder! Love my mom and dad! :)<br />
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It was a really nice homily and I know I don't go that often, but that may have been the first time I actually paid attention to the whole thing, haha. <br />
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But it didn't end there. At the very end of mass, he asked all the marathoners to join him at the altar for a special blessing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0F3wlyYtzNO4VEkdIbzABZBQKjwSuZPWcKZkDcw5cIjp8zA9XDcQlfWmsVG-A9WVyERVEQsv1qbKxq0l8zzeCZeccKTnmXa8OPPLXf-HLBYtnScKW6gcsK43uosoYJT_49MrvbFlJXSu/s1600/IMG_4695_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0F3wlyYtzNO4VEkdIbzABZBQKjwSuZPWcKZkDcw5cIjp8zA9XDcQlfWmsVG-A9WVyERVEQsv1qbKxq0l8zzeCZeccKTnmXa8OPPLXf-HLBYtnScKW6gcsK43uosoYJT_49MrvbFlJXSu/s400/IMG_4695_1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Parents' View</td></tr>
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It took us awhile for all of us to get up there. We all formed into this big circle easily five people deep. I guessed it was at least 200 people total from all over the world. Of course, everyone whipped out their cameras and their phones and I was so bummed that I left mine at the pews. Luckily, I found a picture online:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholicny.static.adqic.com/uploads/inline/1290020046_0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://catholicny.static.adqic.com/uploads/inline/1290020046_0115.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cny.org/stories/Running-Religion-Go-Together-for-Cathedrals-Marathon-Priest,4001?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=tyrell&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=stories&town_id=">Source</a></td></tr>
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The Father said a special prayer and then sprinkled us all with holy water - it was really sweet! And I totally chuckled that someone on the other side of the circle had raised up his "Go Father Joe" spectator sign.<br />
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Now comes for the funny moment. Mass was now over and all of us runners are slowly working our way off the altar. As soon as I turn around, I see my mom and dad had left their seats and were now standing right up front waving at me with their camera saying "Wait! Wait, we'll take your picture!" Suddenly, I was having flashbacks to my first grade Christmas pageant days.<br />
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I knew this would not go well but I humored them for a bit. So I'm standing there at the altar with all these people trying to get by around me, feeling super awkward as my mom is standing there pressing the camera button for what seems like forever. I'm not surprised. I was at least 20ft away, there was dim lighting, and my mom doesn't know how to do the "press half way to focus" thing on her camera yet. So of course when the flash would finally go off would be the exact moment that someone decides to walk in front of me. Which is how we ended up with these beauties (can you spot me?)...<br />
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Take 1 - FAIL:<br />
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Take 2 - FAIL:<br />
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By now, I'm laughing hysterically as I gave up and rejoined my parents. They still insisted on taking this one:<br />
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Good grief, that was taxing! I had mentioned on Twitter that there were two consecutive embarrassing incidents with my parents while in NYC and that was one of them. I'll spare you the details on the second one, but in short, my parents tried to marry me off to the son of a fellow Filipino couple they had met - THAT DAY.<br />
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Oy.<br />
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On to dinner... I'm glad I had made my reservations earlier that week. I tried to get a spot at <a href="http://www.patsys.com/">Patsy's</a> which was recommended by Roadbunner's BF but they were completely booked. So I went to Yelp and decided on <a href="http://frescobyscotto.com/">Fresco</a> which had good reviews and was located close to the church.<br />
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I was starving by this point and definitely had my fill of yummy carby deliciousness.<br />
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But of course I couldn't resist one more NYC staple to tide me over for the night. Carbs... salt... this should be part of every pre-marathon diet!<br />
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After a long and busy busy day, it was finally time to rest up at the hotel. I was excited to go through my goody bag and get all my race gear ready to go!<br />
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The cute race shirt:<br />
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And some of my fave freebies...<br />
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First up, we got another one of those bandanna tube-y things... now I have one to go with my Akron Marathon one. It's still in its packaging but I did see lots of people wear this around their neck and face to stay warm the next morning.<br />
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I *love* this!!! It's a big magnet with little stickers you peel off to reveal your final finish time. You can see my finished product <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2011/11/this-aint-marathon-its-big-party.html">here</a>.<br />
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I thought this was cute! Almost used it too but then I was worried I would lose it.<br />
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Gotta have the race tattoo! Which I did use - stay tuned for that...<br />
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And I am always needing more lens cloths! (No really, I am!)<br />
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Time to finally lay out all my gear! Isn't it crazy how much we have to pack? It's like we're going camping!<br />
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Nighty-night... thank goodness we had a time change that night and *gained* an hour. (Although to be honest, even if the time change was in our favor, it still made me stress out about my alarms going off at the right time.)<br />
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Next post will be Race Day! :)audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-19074110517527249152011-11-14T17:23:00.001-08:002011-11-14T22:17:24.305-08:00Race Report: ING NYC Marathon - Part 1 (Friday) *<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hye90p4IxpQ8q9VdX_QmbcHt8mdskENtE88ZfXNZkDQQnmd4FRIi27pj-fH3er0POhhKaRS3a9I4it8cBm2OhGystJ3xfB9dZsSKlezlkJgtGbr7bPSFbtdEfaUjOzMKQHzLLBXCRnw1/s1600/IMG_4621.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hye90p4IxpQ8q9VdX_QmbcHt8mdskENtE88ZfXNZkDQQnmd4FRIi27pj-fH3er0POhhKaRS3a9I4it8cBm2OhGystJ3xfB9dZsSKlezlkJgtGbr7bPSFbtdEfaUjOzMKQHzLLBXCRnw1/s200/IMG_4621.JPG" width="200" /> </a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">* In celebration of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 opening on Friday, I tried to make this blog title extra long.</span></i><br />
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OK, are you guys ready??? I'm so excited to finally tell you all about my awesome <a href="http://nycmarathon.org/">ING NYC Marathon</a> weekend! (Is it weird that I have to always include ING in the marathon name? NYC Marathon just doesn't sound as grand and special to me.)<br />
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This one's going to be a bit different. I'll be doing a series of posts and they will read more like a trip report vs a race report so I hope you enjoy hearing about all my little random adventures during my too-short weekend in the Big Apple.<br />
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*****<br />
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I started off the trip in style by splurging on miles for a first class ticket to NYC. Sooooooo worth it. This definitely had some awesome perks that I usually only see on international flights: fully reclining seats with footrests, personal entertainment center loaded with tons of movies and TV shows, Bose headphones (never used them before - they are AMAZING!), hot meals, and more! I was planning to sleep during this flight but ended up staying awake so I could take full advantage of all the benefits!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHmXNZITjCA9VJ__v3lXIc2gU1YZzIim3u5KgWq7BjsOY_TlrBjp-HXmN1uYLXUYfHPoD8Y9unPmiVxZ2YE5vmWyRhHRkxvtAV4oWEedx-MWwpGZ5W3JZKgixpjD5987CZFhNUxlShz94/s1600/IMG_4607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHmXNZITjCA9VJ__v3lXIc2gU1YZzIim3u5KgWq7BjsOY_TlrBjp-HXmN1uYLXUYfHPoD8Y9unPmiVxZ2YE5vmWyRhHRkxvtAV4oWEedx-MWwpGZ5W3JZKgixpjD5987CZFhNUxlShz94/s400/IMG_4607.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast while watching Midnight in Paris - pic taken before the bread basket arrived, hence the empty plate on top :P</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSR_RwKyoLO25RcRaNZb-ILFeQ4pP3NFoHfCbGQg6swdczIxF5KErTPs1I-4r2gmSNz5r7qa4GLhBr6V2pRM00wD28BzJnrCZf0ljVfg0Z3KE8knAyvfr2GTUfsj5gezJcEU9WeLPysuB/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSR_RwKyoLO25RcRaNZb-ILFeQ4pP3NFoHfCbGQg6swdczIxF5KErTPs1I-4r2gmSNz5r7qa4GLhBr6V2pRM00wD28BzJnrCZf0ljVfg0Z3KE8knAyvfr2GTUfsj5gezJcEU9WeLPysuB/s400/IMG_4608.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why yes, I would like a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie and a glass of milk while watching Horrible Bosses</td></tr>
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The flight flew by (pun intended) and the next thing I know, I'm looking at the Manhattan skyline.<br />
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I should mention my trip to NYC was fairly short - arrived Friday afternoon, left Monday afternoon. I wanted to squeeze in as much as possible so I had planned a pretty tight itinerary.<br />
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The main thing I wanted to do on Friday night was to check out the marathon's Parade of Nations and fireworks display at Central Park. My plane landed at JFK at 4PM and the parade started on the upper west side around 6PM. I was worried about missing some of it so my goal was to get into Manhattan as quickly as possible. I have to give a big shout out to my NYC resident blogger/twitter buddies <a href="http://runninglam.com/">The Running Laminator</a> and <a href="http://www.50by25.com/">Absolut(ly) Fit/50by25/Laura</a> for all their helpful advice while I was in town. Turns out the quickest way to get from JFK to Times Square (one of my FAVORITE places in the world and my home for the weekend) was the train. Specifically, you'd take <a href="http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-airtrain.html">AirTrain </a>to the Jamaica Station and from there, <a href="http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm">hop on the E</a> to Manhattan. The whole thing will cost you $7.25 compared to $40 fare + tip, so it's a heck of a lot cheaper, too. (Note: I'm providing this level of detail in case any future NYCM runners find this post and need some travel tips, heehee)<br />
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I made sure to not check anything on my flight so I could get out of the airport quickly. I'd say I probably walked off my plane at 4PM and walked into my hotel room in Times Square by 5:15PM. Not bad!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5YlAROfWchkfKgY-xIguj4ohiJreErIlys_AXANL_vRkcFX72CRWoodQqYT-58csnRnAT2VGNme6CGI0EameXMayXLRSM7RDevb3phXniRF2C4hu6pevBlVGVoqHQt0U0fr1URTfKPsy/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5YlAROfWchkfKgY-xIguj4ohiJreErIlys_AXANL_vRkcFX72CRWoodQqYT-58csnRnAT2VGNme6CGI0EameXMayXLRSM7RDevb3phXniRF2C4hu6pevBlVGVoqHQt0U0fr1URTfKPsy/s400/IMG_4611.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this place!!!</td></tr>
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We stayed right in the heart of Times Square at the W Hotel. Now as you know, hotels in NYC are not cheap and it just gets worst when you are staying at a prime location during a huge event weekend. But I will say we saved a lot of money by booking our room through the official travel agency, <a href="http://www.anthonytravel.com/">Anthony Travel</a>. Their rates are locked well in advance and are posted on the race website. I can confirm they were over $100/night cheaper than if I had tried to book directly from the hotel website, expedia, or other travel sites.<br />
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Let me take you on a tour!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9enlhNIRzi6rFmSsD7aELi5BBncYmCPdzRcAFNvr7hwcmKw1BtsOQbFkuPjNtBMsDTxMzplM8U50VGZQzA8IRew61Xs4LsFimKbT0KwBbWjukRinQoO_CHFwxoTFvP3WBFR11CLIdYNzn/s1600/IMG_4612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9enlhNIRzi6rFmSsD7aELi5BBncYmCPdzRcAFNvr7hwcmKw1BtsOQbFkuPjNtBMsDTxMzplM8U50VGZQzA8IRew61Xs4LsFimKbT0KwBbWjukRinQoO_CHFwxoTFvP3WBFR11CLIdYNzn/s400/IMG_4612.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKWLQhRlN1MywPdMNnh9-LkjrULtxodL4cwyrdmZBPINh0ESO8ZdujzTDsyPGZIR0e8kXokN46iXUbEQaFaZQfRYVldlvEukWspF-r4lhfn623OQ-8YlIBB0bCuiawlZwNK9FYqXcAze8/s1600/IMG_4613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKWLQhRlN1MywPdMNnh9-LkjrULtxodL4cwyrdmZBPINh0ESO8ZdujzTDsyPGZIR0e8kXokN46iXUbEQaFaZQfRYVldlvEukWspF-r4lhfn623OQ-8YlIBB0bCuiawlZwNK9FYqXcAze8/s400/IMG_4613.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly the view was so so</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GZRGsyzueED0U0XS2paNCuPcwO1qA5jBz9UGUirK1jzVkhopmpYBaOjoE84vpzBQeMiyCb03HUHldBMW1nY5Lxg9ew8MbOILVT_dOMmAANBXHxLH9MVLE5F3Vnxark3I8byXhNcCxJ7d/s1600/IMG_4614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GZRGsyzueED0U0XS2paNCuPcwO1qA5jBz9UGUirK1jzVkhopmpYBaOjoE84vpzBQeMiyCb03HUHldBMW1nY5Lxg9ew8MbOILVT_dOMmAANBXHxLH9MVLE5F3Vnxark3I8byXhNcCxJ7d/s320/IMG_4614.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the bliss products</td></tr>
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I really appreciated the special touches that the W hotel added for us marathoners. When I checked in, they gave me a little gift bag and a special handout with marathon info (pretty much the same info on the website, but I still appreciated it). <br />
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Here is what was inside! :)<br />
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After getting settled in, I hopped back onto the E to head to the marathon festivities which were being held at the marathon Finish Line. (That should be capitalized, right???)<br />
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Here we go... finally starting to feel real!!!<br />
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GAH!!! There it is!!! Usually, I'd rather not spoil the finish line surprise but I couldn't really avoid it in this case. It was just so exciting to see it in person since I normally see it on TV. :P<br />
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Once I wandered around a bit, I went to check out the parade. I did get there a little bit late so I was worried I wouldn't be able to find a seat. (Event was free, by the way.) No reason to worry as there were tons of seats at the tops of the bleachers.<br />
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I got there just in time to see the Philippines (my peeps! lol). Each country was announced as they walked by... I felt like I was at the Olympics!!! (I would continue to feel like this for the rest of the weekend, by the way.)<br />
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At the end, everyone came out at once and it was wonderful to see all the different flags on the marathon course.<br />
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I am so clueless sometimes - I originally thought all these bleachers were set up *just* for the parade and the fireworks. It wasn't until later that I realized, oh, these are actually the main finish line viewing seats for Sunday. Oops! hahaha. Same seats that my parents had tickets for. <br />
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After the parade, there were some speeches as Fred Lebow and Grete Waitz were inducted into the NYRR Hall of Fame.<br />
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Then all the lights dimmed and the race course was lit up as they had a "ceremonial first finish" with some surprise guests who turned out to be Meb Keflezighi and Edison Pena (aka the Chilean miner runner). My bad photo is below but there's a better one <a href="http://www.nycmarathon.org/galleries/2011/opening_ceremony/index.htm#4">here</a>.<br />
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Once they crossed the finish line, there was a burst of fireworks!<br />
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And that was just the beginning because now it was time for the fireworks show! The first song they played was "New York, New York" and it was just perfect!<br />
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The fireworks went on for a quite a bit. They had a DJ there that was playing some really fun "Audrey music" - you know, stuff that would make you hit the dance floor. Next thing you know, it was turning into a PAR-TAY!<br />
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People had emptied out onto the race course and some were just standing around or trying to exit, but there was definitely a big pack of people down there getting their groove on. And I would almost guarantee it was mostly people from other countries because you know how they can be way more fun than we are. ;)<br />
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There would be no dancing with my pre-marathon feet so I later departed to Queens to hang out with an old buddy from my Hoboken days.<br />
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Once I finally returned to Times Square late that evening, I remembered another item on my "to do" list - Shake Shack! I had seen the movie "Something Borrowed" and I swear the main thing I got out of that movie (besides cute John Krasinski) was what is this Shake Shack and how do I get some? <br />
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Thankfully, there was one near the theater district and I couldn't wait to try it out! For some reason I wasn't in a burger mood, so I got a hot dog and a peanut butter shake. The shake was delicious! The hot dog was so-so, so I definitely should have gone the burger route. (This will be remedied, don't you worry.)<br />
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I just love Times Square at night. It makes me happy.<br />
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And so ends day 1... time to rest up to tackle the expo and other race-eve activities!audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-32621908260177408932011-11-13T23:26:00.000-08:002011-11-14T00:41:22.901-08:00Race Report: Nike Women's Half MarathonFifth Nike event - fourth time doing the half. It was not quite the fun experience I remember having in past races and I realized it's because I ran the race as a "VIP" runner the other four times which completely changes your whole perspective. Special start area tent, special gear check, start corral right behind the elites, private post-race tent in the finish area with a hot brunch, changing rooms, etc. Those were the days!<br />
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But this year definitely had its fun moments since many of my friends were either running it or spectating it - I was glad I was able to partake in the festivities!<br />
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<b>Expo</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only a ~women's marathon would have a Paul Mitchell salon in the middle of the expo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foot massage without the foot spa and pedicure seems odd to me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another fun female-friendly exhibit - get a skin consultation from Neutrogena!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly, my name did not make it to the wall this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free breakfast buffet at Niketown! Didn't buy anything but thanks for the grub, suckas ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the first year I didn't buy a NWM hoodie. But if I had, it would be this one. I think <a href="http://jerbear8.blogspot.com/">Jeri</a> would approve.</td></tr>
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<b>Race Day</b><br />
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Race morning did not go very smoothly. Moving on!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi and I in our start corral :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IMkoSH-v9vCqFprUI9WikytKOG4vU5Xpf-AOHopHgpXePbV1AGbSPTdOKPAFUtb3K74bNY2cGv_Itasteda3b9InZrJK5-bPzlE3QUQ1SaunDZnlLnza2GshPDVmUvpp-eOsb3jsoRrd/s1600/IMG_4450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IMkoSH-v9vCqFprUI9WikytKOG4vU5Xpf-AOHopHgpXePbV1AGbSPTdOKPAFUtb3K74bNY2cGv_Itasteda3b9InZrJK5-bPzlE3QUQ1SaunDZnlLnza2GshPDVmUvpp-eOsb3jsoRrd/s400/IMG_4450.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I knew we were in the wrong corral</td></tr>
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The race kicked off with Beyonce's "Run the World" (which I would later hear at least two more times during the race - quite the girl power song!). As we approached the start line, we were excited to see <a href="http://simplyrunningonfaith.wordpress.com/">Kerry</a> along the sidelines and she quickly joined us as we started the race! Very fun!<br />
<br />
It was crazy at the start trying to dodge other runners and avoid the walkers. I eventually lost both Naomi and Kerry and just settled into my own comfortable pace. There was something comforting about running such a familiar course. I knew where all the hills were and I am proud to say I ran (ok, slowly jogged) up all of them up to mile 6. By the way, I really loved the drum corp at the top of that hill.<br />
<br />
Once we got to mile 7, I was a lot more lenient with my walking breaks - um, I mean, pauses to take some scenic photos. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuV8U50VY6QYHuLAbySjMpg4C8LBheK1U0UT6WteR0GioQXUd9j2T01F7mx2STOu592BhPScnXwVsO49sUL7PDKzzKUeaTCDIGNv5xU4-hb_KedWEBsajSsLBHEp6CpVoVHUmaS6rUbpc/s1600/IMG_4452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuV8U50VY6QYHuLAbySjMpg4C8LBheK1U0UT6WteR0GioQXUd9j2T01F7mx2STOu592BhPScnXwVsO49sUL7PDKzzKUeaTCDIGNv5xU4-hb_KedWEBsajSsLBHEp6CpVoVHUmaS6rUbpc/s400/IMG_4452.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't really need this pic. I just needed a break from the hills.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh, by the way, this is my first race running with my new iPhone 4S so yay for easy self portraits!<br />
<br />
I had heard that Katie and crew would be cheering around mile 8. My first thought was, "Aw, man, that's right in the middle of the hills. They're gonna catch me being all wimpy!" But then I realized it was really a good location for a pick me up. So once I got close to mile 8, I forced myself to keep running until I saw them because I did not want to be caught walking!<br />
<br />
Finally, I heard it. The beautiful sound of our friend, the cowbell. I looked in the direction of the cowbell and saw this sign:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tpHnt5uX6w0fXeS8nHq8LJPaW7UervArf-DzwnhixYsS73SOgKLQCi2Dy97kjQ5ymQQcvZl-MWnG2dOoVGpS9rv9eGr-OmD4xF67gA5kXr5EIEzSiHRSSJKRSIGdl9qfFv0eL0yJrlQx/s1600/IMG_5457%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tpHnt5uX6w0fXeS8nHq8LJPaW7UervArf-DzwnhixYsS73SOgKLQCi2Dy97kjQ5ymQQcvZl-MWnG2dOoVGpS9rv9eGr-OmD4xF67gA5kXr5EIEzSiHRSSJKRSIGdl9qfFv0eL0yJrlQx/s1600/IMG_5457%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic stolen from <a href="http://runjogskip.blogspot.com/2011/10/nike-womens-marathon-recap.html">Jana</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From the sign, I looked down and sure enough, there was Katie along with Page, Jessica, and Dennis! I was so excited to see friends on the race course! And then as soon as I got a good distance past them, I was FINALLY able to take my walk break. Heehee.<br />
<br />
The rest of the race was pretty much the same old stuff.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxCheNjreaCWr7VkBu_plqdI7lMTjbkQo-7VcGmpYvm6jzxJX0JJdQFKY64P4WTVxZciK_eR1RIdGtsp94T0gABd11rtRXpblWtkrkjuukDDx6LpAKojFXymvN_fo1h8GGVfZISCmIT1b/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxCheNjreaCWr7VkBu_plqdI7lMTjbkQo-7VcGmpYvm6jzxJX0JJdQFKY64P4WTVxZciK_eR1RIdGtsp94T0gABd11rtRXpblWtkrkjuukDDx6LpAKojFXymvN_fo1h8GGVfZISCmIT1b/s400/Picture+6.png" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz hands / sashay pic - Check!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My new pet peeve with races is when spectators think it's OK to cut across a race course. If they're able to time it so no runner is affected, then fine. But there were people cutting across the course right before we turned right onto the Great Highway to the finish line stretch. I had to pull a Naomi and angrily bark out a "STOP!!!!!" so people would stay out of my way. It worked. I still wanted to club them though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyVMudFQv9_dacpdTq3I120_9qqhxrs0BwVhzq6P_SeH3j7tjWmbVSqoiCM1xIp1bHbSXrwtO0IjG6SLiIoYxRm2hI8FtEN6cXVYMlZ945fB0tuVU17vDeK8tkVn9qUbM9bYxAkWl8Ffk/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyVMudFQv9_dacpdTq3I120_9qqhxrs0BwVhzq6P_SeH3j7tjWmbVSqoiCM1xIp1bHbSXrwtO0IjG6SLiIoYxRm2hI8FtEN6cXVYMlZ945fB0tuVU17vDeK8tkVn9qUbM9bYxAkWl8Ffk/s400/Picture+4.png" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zoom zoom out of my way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Official Results<br />
<ul>
<li class="chip-time">Chip Time: <span class="header_font">2:31:15</span></li>
<li class="chip-time"><span class="header_font">Pace: 11:32 min/mi </span></li>
<li class="place">Overall Place<span class="header_font">: 6144 <span class="total">out of 16444</span></span></li>
<li class="w-place">AG Place: <span class="header_font">605 <span class="total">out of 1831</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
I was pretty proud of myself with this time considering how challenging the course is. Woot woot!<br />
<br />
Post race area was pretty fun - Neutrogena was back again and it was nice to have their products on hand to clean up a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ3sMXSYbsHdqr0xSXcpWBswfaRgF18IZHIhva5jaN6NEBr-A1v083HjPF_17BatAqT4WhXn8v9JdRNnJI5IVSpoDMuDyoq9r24JYrqCwE0P7RuINsof51ouXSU62LNjTlT17wfKX2el-/s1600/IMG_4454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ3sMXSYbsHdqr0xSXcpWBswfaRgF18IZHIhva5jaN6NEBr-A1v083HjPF_17BatAqT4WhXn8v9JdRNnJI5IVSpoDMuDyoq9r24JYrqCwE0P7RuINsof51ouXSU62LNjTlT17wfKX2el-/s400/IMG_4454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Afterward, I wandered around a bit and stumbled upon <a href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/">Aron</a> and <a href="http://www.kristinrunning.com/">Kristin</a> at the sand dunes. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknd4Rg_dX4KlHYMgb69gRS8v2pdU-8geZYNCBHfbpoBDlEpnjXHOvhU1M3Me8uT81d9W-ixVc0mEgU9h0OZ1Ss_zPyfgCnH-C3JYU9RfP8xHPCcwrv51tqswTBghB346pj8R4ZPtjlxxd/s1600/IMAG0733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknd4Rg_dX4KlHYMgb69gRS8v2pdU-8geZYNCBHfbpoBDlEpnjXHOvhU1M3Me8uT81d9W-ixVc0mEgU9h0OZ1Ss_zPyfgCnH-C3JYU9RfP8xHPCcwrv51tqswTBghB346pj8R4ZPtjlxxd/s400/IMAG0733.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Alisyn for the pic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later, a bunch of us met up for a tasty lunch at Beach Chalet conveniently located right by the finish line. It was a great place to get away from the crowds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkEJWpdF4asbB5M8seqqn_GcbIZ8PvC7182TH5e-OzKDunGQw7SFXP5SL9-U0lnApB97w4phI1mg4wHR1KCY2pW93kdB-dvAq2rcfYeY_82bKNi3e7zn0lHBQTrDEGjpzMxsHubkIhsNj/s1600/beach_chalet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkEJWpdF4asbB5M8seqqn_GcbIZ8PvC7182TH5e-OzKDunGQw7SFXP5SL9-U0lnApB97w4phI1mg4wHR1KCY2pW93kdB-dvAq2rcfYeY_82bKNi3e7zn0lHBQTrDEGjpzMxsHubkIhsNj/s400/beach_chalet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With <a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/">Courtney</a> and Kerry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYqz0vcxk8fx_cHQsyFXCLEbPWMu8mM3u_qHLUPTucmxa6pAdAinQ9YO764ivEWpK1adE7SLwNFjz3QkxjuM8Jp1EzAj14trsB996c1FAc-5s6YtFIgIOIBKitHvRtol-qQVH5yMUlWB3/s1600/IMG_4456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYqz0vcxk8fx_cHQsyFXCLEbPWMu8mM3u_qHLUPTucmxa6pAdAinQ9YO764ivEWpK1adE7SLwNFjz3QkxjuM8Jp1EzAj14trsB996c1FAc-5s6YtFIgIOIBKitHvRtol-qQVH5yMUlWB3/s400/IMG_4456.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gulp gulp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvFGwZ8IzbMkJ_VXzFsl8eu7Nr6Lqt0GYnXr1hgF_tvJzzE52-0S4bYmlaJ5q02-MjZIftwurLtPZx1uFV1zscfYAbZDlVxjuJDplWRwMAKLwOqR1Zxfmoz6kU99a-Hk3RQP9BKdIeWu2/s1600/IMG_4458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvFGwZ8IzbMkJ_VXzFsl8eu7Nr6Lqt0GYnXr1hgF_tvJzzE52-0S4bYmlaJ5q02-MjZIftwurLtPZx1uFV1zscfYAbZDlVxjuJDplWRwMAKLwOqR1Zxfmoz6kU99a-Hk3RQP9BKdIeWu2/s400/IMG_4458.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monte Cristo, yum yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While there, I finally took a good look at my new Tiffany necklace! It's cute. (But I still think the 2010 one is my favorite.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99aNDWKLt1oMYpLWXbKXrZNWqXf_rt1v8mFWqrZMTlVsk5epl8dHkY-H74uQpoQ9UGdEUuUH6CUoMIGMMtlqexRLoEwE82-OTHkiC1iw4ciQM1fCc_P0O3yooUdeSTFk4IE_DKKRBgtT5/s1600/IMG_4457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99aNDWKLt1oMYpLWXbKXrZNWqXf_rt1v8mFWqrZMTlVsk5epl8dHkY-H74uQpoQ9UGdEUuUH6CUoMIGMMtlqexRLoEwE82-OTHkiC1iw4ciQM1fCc_P0O3yooUdeSTFk4IE_DKKRBgtT5/s400/IMG_4457.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We also got cute race shirts. I am a fan of the color, cut, and
material... maybe not so much the design (compared to previous years -
they usually have such cute designs!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruH7KexouiVLvokPJY_WSES6HaCBVjstJQqYeAmce_XEaaLBPbsWmMEo1Wb7bzZ-brBt7_HMa2Bd-Da1iLphFeNpLtbXzOI0TnI2fx6gWFdpUpV0Op4ZhYYmkGyTwLgXyRkV9y-9jli15/s1600/IMG_4463.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruH7KexouiVLvokPJY_WSES6HaCBVjstJQqYeAmce_XEaaLBPbsWmMEo1Wb7bzZ-brBt7_HMa2Bd-Da1iLphFeNpLtbXzOI0TnI2fx6gWFdpUpV0Op4ZhYYmkGyTwLgXyRkV9y-9jli15/s400/IMG_4463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another nice surprise of this year's event was not having to deal with the dreaded shuttle from Great Highway back to Union Square. In previous years, I had to wait for over an hour just to get on the bus! This year, we were spoiled with private car service from <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">Roadbunner</a> and her BF. Thanks, guys!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l7_FbvaEIf6zCcmUgmjN_hod8W05NHMcQES5RmPmVQtJi6CAUjXUAvZE2AtZtIecfWOzyeTevNogrWOSDkiSFJUkMKs2mUvC38xFIQvUOmrfVvGPnc-tQ3r3NywCidz3uoxTxXjP6QFQ/s1600/IMG_4459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l7_FbvaEIf6zCcmUgmjN_hod8W05NHMcQES5RmPmVQtJi6CAUjXUAvZE2AtZtIecfWOzyeTevNogrWOSDkiSFJUkMKs2mUvC38xFIQvUOmrfVvGPnc-tQ3r3NywCidz3uoxTxXjP6QFQ/s400/IMG_4459.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oops. bet they got a lot of sweaty parking tickets that day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And in case you're curious, here are all my Nike necklaces to date:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4n5o_0qYnqjEgO3Nboh7ctwaeHdZHyDMD215Ft8-hgP0gV980zbCjYOPhzw-pgsVNikfKoxRJx6VFXD5Y3R427mqVP60k6TMdGxmCYPKDbmMGdWFo3rsdBol8ptyzyAgRDzxAmFoZ-t9/s1600/IMG_4461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4n5o_0qYnqjEgO3Nboh7ctwaeHdZHyDMD215Ft8-hgP0gV980zbCjYOPhzw-pgsVNikfKoxRJx6VFXD5Y3R427mqVP60k6TMdGxmCYPKDbmMGdWFo3rsdBol8ptyzyAgRDzxAmFoZ-t9/s400/IMG_4461.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm good on Nike races now... don't think I need to experience that again. And of course, I realize by my passing on future NWM races, the Tiffany necklaces are just going to get cuter and cuter. *sigh*<br />
<br />
If you want to read more about this year's half, check out some race reports from my awesome running friends:
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.runinsyn.com/">Alisyn </a></li>
<li><a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/2011/10/race-recap-nike-womens-half-marathon.html">Alyssa</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/2011/10/race-report-2011-nike-womens-half-marathon.html">Aron</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/2011/10/nike-womens-half-marathon-race-recap/">Courtney</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://runjogskip.blogspot.com/2011/10/nike-womens-marathon-recap.html">Jana</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.kristinrunning.com/2011/10/18/nike-womens-marathon-half-marathon-race-report/">Kristin</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.inaomi.com/2011/10/17/nike-womens-half-marathon/">Naomi</a></li>
</ul>
If I missed yours, let me know! <br />
<ul>
</ul>audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-31013927166282579682011-11-11T19:08:00.000-08:002011-11-11T10:01:58.186-08:00Race Report: San Jose Rock n Roll Half MarathonTime for the <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-jose">San Jose Rock n Roll Half Marathon</a> race report! I ran this <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2008/10/race-report-san-jose-rock-n-roll-12.html">race in 2008</a> and didn't have any plans to run this event again anytime soon but this year it happened to fall on my <b style="color: #741b47;">BIRTHDAY</b>. Sure it was also eight days after the Akron marathon but <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">Roadbunner</a> convinced me to register by reminding me that birthday races don't happen that often. (Obviously, she is able to convince me to register for a lot of stuff, haha.)<br />
<br />
And I figure if I could run a full marathon the day after a half marathon (see: Goofy Challenge), surely I could run a half marathon a week after a full marathon, right???<br />
<br />
So now fast forward to race week. Akron had come and gone and three days later I was having those curious foot pains mentioned in my <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2011/09/off-on-wrong-foot.html">previous</a> <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2011/10/foot-update-and-blogger-meetup.html">posts</a>. I didn't want to rush into any decisions but I really did not think it would be possible to run SJ. Thankfully things started turning around but when discussing the race with friends, it didn't seem like anyone was too keen on the idea. Many reminded me not to risk anything with the NYC marathon coming up, especially considering how long I had been waiting to run it.<br />
<br />
I was so torn! I definitely agreed with their concerns but I still really wanted to do it for a few reasons:<br />
<ol>
<li>I already paid for it. (Frugal part of me)</li>
<li>I really wanted a birthday medal! (Plus, I had seen it already and it was super cute!)</li>
<li>Even if I didn't run it, I would still be meeting up with peeps afterward for a post race birthday brunch organized by the awesome <a href="http://inaomi.com/">Naomi</a> and I would feel sad to be surrounded by peeps with their post-race stories and medals if I didn't have them, too.</li>
</ol>
So I decided to go for it - but <i>conservatively</i>. I looked up previous race times and saw that tons of people finished in over four hours so I knew it was walker friendly. My plan was to walk the bulk of the race with the only goal time being to make it in time for our 11:30 brunch reservation. :P<br />
<br />
<b>Expo</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgN-VxTyG_bSHY3p33DWpdcKk1UdJtdBCOWALT3HSbzk33O-VlPXCoRuWwNf2aot8FMYmG4M407UcYWViIQ5wE_ogoM26WwKs21ht6UdJiz0CgXto5jBtL1D1Kg78EwIElbOMRbYHfbrQ/s320/IMG_4374.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">haha</td></tr>
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I liked the design of the race shirt and was happy to see it was a tech shirt. I think we got cotton T's in 2008. But it was still a men's cut which meant the small still had sleeves that went down to my elbows. Oh well! Maybe I'll tailor it as a rainy day activity (read: will add to stack of unwearable shirts).
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEcRylLseenEJi84FjA5mUuHnZ5e3yKDHarKl9cqDmuABWFoYTY3KsCayjiH0vSdUN6ISiAxMzFlDayAx5iCGD1CS4mxhQ12Nb19u7FD5aqYwLJ3DoH7YnHv-j3CcYykucTbfpa0NjbHS/s1600/IMG_4598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEcRylLseenEJi84FjA5mUuHnZ5e3yKDHarKl9cqDmuABWFoYTY3KsCayjiH0vSdUN6ISiAxMzFlDayAx5iCGD1CS4mxhQ12Nb19u7FD5aqYwLJ3DoH7YnHv-j3CcYykucTbfpa0NjbHS/s400/IMG_4598.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Race Eve</b><br />
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The other reason I wanted to take it easy with this race was because I had planned to celebrate my birthday with my friends the night before.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1IY3EhoGUOfqqUbuGFcXyJxGf2lkGNYJS_dclAJdujTMOeVIlj-29vCSXOgAFdYBHTQ8tx87JngHRmlrxP-isHM8NrY_hvlcFnCWlHCrg8KNaMRW6Ei7-x3YGu-DDacKbO6WpVPbh17B/s1600/IMG_4378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1IY3EhoGUOfqqUbuGFcXyJxGf2lkGNYJS_dclAJdujTMOeVIlj-29vCSXOgAFdYBHTQ8tx87JngHRmlrxP-isHM8NrY_hvlcFnCWlHCrg8KNaMRW6Ei7-x3YGu-DDacKbO6WpVPbh17B/s400/IMG_4378.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken around midnight - not my usual pre-race protocol</td></tr>
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<b>Race Day</b><br />
<br />
Race morning was ROUGH. I didn't go to bed until around 1AM. My parents were in town for the weekend and because they had just arrived the day before, their jet lag got them up around 4AM which woke me up and I had a hard time going back to sleep after that. I finally got up around 6AM and I was feeling not-so-great. Definitely could not eat my usual pre-race toast and just tried to at least get a lot of water in my system.<br />
<br />
I did have a nice perk that my dad was able to drop me off at the race start (although his driving may or may not have made me a bit more queasy. :P)<br />
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I forced down one of those e-gels at the race start just to have something in my stomach but I figured since I wasn't really running, I should be OK. I got to my corral and was kind of laughing to myself about how ridiculous I felt. I definitely still felt queasy but would just think, oh well, you can just get sick in the portopotty's along the course! I played on Twitter for a bit while I waited for the race to start and was able to meet up with the lovely <a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/2011/10/race-recap-san-jose-rock-roll-half-marathon/">Courtney.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbEEWStp6nDjmg9sPnxxSq7lnqqKhppWpPinc6S-nzLB9NVIFy-71aKeT1XJMb3kq_H265PpKf4r20XDBCuHFWsfk2SfyrxTc_9x-gX3twuk7Gxlmeb9bf1vuenObcdJmvtXf6Nxe-LeR/s1600/IMG_5021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbEEWStp6nDjmg9sPnxxSq7lnqqKhppWpPinc6S-nzLB9NVIFy-71aKeT1XJMb3kq_H265PpKf4r20XDBCuHFWsfk2SfyrxTc_9x-gX3twuk7Gxlmeb9bf1vuenObcdJmvtXf6Nxe-LeR/s400/IMG_5021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The race start was really fun! I can't remember what song they had playing but it felt like people were practically dancing to it and waving their arms in the air. Really fun vibe. This was my first time running since Akron so I ran the first mile pretty conservatively. I made sure not to take any painkillers so I would be aware if anything felt off at all. I had no problems with leaving the race, if needed.<br />
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First mile went fine so then I stopped to stretch my legs for a bit (something I never do during races anymore) while everyone ran past me. Not so fun. I walked the second mile. I think I ran/walk the third mile and decided I felt good enough that I would just run and take walk breaks whenever I felt like they were needed. I also stopped a bunch of times to stretch, especially my calves because I was starting to feel the pinched nerves in the bottom of my foot again. I also was texting back my friends who were out with me the night before and were checking up on me. They were pretty impressed that I made it out! :P<br />
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During the race, I kept leapfrogging the 2:45 pace group and I thought if I could at least finish before them, it would still be a decent race for me, haha.<br />
<br />
1 - 11:10<br />
2 - 14:57<br />
3 - 12:51<br />
4 - 10:56<br />
5 - 12:43<br />
6 - 10:46<br />
7 - 12:56<br />
8 - 12:12<br />
9 - 13:48<br />
10 - 13:44<br />
11 - 11:41<br />
12 - 10:55<br />
13 - 11:26<br />
0.26 - 10:32 pace<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RRkdXzAS4GkVcjIcB1K-E9IYLV24JvB9dock1Nf3wPaRXMChPNbqE3eVoTSNV9jHkRTFk44B3TEvzFRel46cR_UDWH-1YHwxJfzyUFqcxtrOBS6E0Rxmzmzu35UpVwVk7AmtAKTM04T4/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RRkdXzAS4GkVcjIcB1K-E9IYLV24JvB9dock1Nf3wPaRXMChPNbqE3eVoTSNV9jHkRTFk44B3TEvzFRel46cR_UDWH-1YHwxJfzyUFqcxtrOBS6E0Rxmzmzu35UpVwVk7AmtAKTM04T4/s400/Picture+1.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">happy birthday girl</td></tr>
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<br />
Chip Time: 2:42:45<br />
Pace: 12:25<br />
<br />
Overall: 7380 out of 9854<br />
Division: 648 out of 951<br />
Gender: 3534 out of 5422<br />
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I was pretty pleased with how I did, all things considered. Definitely NOT a new personal worst! :) And, yay, had plenty of time to meet up with friends for a post race brunch. Even better, my appetite was back!<br />
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Here are some pics of the super fun medal (and also a nice comparison of iPhone camera technology, haha):<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3Oy5GVCLPC2mWwtzSBUpDQ-4FmSFjOqJOJARG5R3dubpbJAkhpBI2lNfPdp1LgxXD6HaixUV85qr4jhqbuMN91KVAz1OVd-LkLTt5E4COWHFsx8C9MCAh1XIqJ0pmhnzqdOkFMg3-iRp/s1600/IMG_4381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3Oy5GVCLPC2mWwtzSBUpDQ-4FmSFjOqJOJARG5R3dubpbJAkhpBI2lNfPdp1LgxXD6HaixUV85qr4jhqbuMN91KVAz1OVd-LkLTt5E4COWHFsx8C9MCAh1XIqJ0pmhnzqdOkFMg3-iRp/s320/IMG_4381.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken with my old iPhone 3G</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcRPEgEDWrJNmIWmiiFi_jQHHSnRDtIAI9XQxtpgXLmbxCy0P41Wx7Q1KnpMEgU4n6zr29cWbBgtbXXN7767tvaxnup5sXSHAjLNa7eAWUNiRbZ7qq44xx1CGmxcghzPpl2BgN1j5aROQ/s1600/IMG_4597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcRPEgEDWrJNmIWmiiFi_jQHHSnRDtIAI9XQxtpgXLmbxCy0P41Wx7Q1KnpMEgU4n6zr29cWbBgtbXXN7767tvaxnup5sXSHAjLNa7eAWUNiRbZ7qq44xx1CGmxcghzPpl2BgN1j5aROQ/s320/IMG_4597.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New image with my beloved iPhone 4S</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I decided to celebrate my birthday with bottomless mimosas which was really dumb because I probably only drank one full glass. Doh.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGpR58Oz1Ia7lhIbvqTxdXcM07olV5Qk2mzIrH1IdXxoL1qKxI7OC300trfT6kTrcedhUOWFP_QQOjzEuKNoQmrDp_zA3DsnvCe-gTdSo9ZXf76EG4Q7FCIk3jaESqPM2obgsRp-SpYNm/s1600/DSC00500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGpR58Oz1Ia7lhIbvqTxdXcM07olV5Qk2mzIrH1IdXxoL1qKxI7OC300trfT6kTrcedhUOWFP_QQOjzEuKNoQmrDp_zA3DsnvCe-gTdSo9ZXf76EG4Q7FCIk3jaESqPM2obgsRp-SpYNm/s400/DSC00500.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my supa-fly Akron race jacket, in case you were wondering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And I was SO happy to celebrate it with some of my favorite running friends and my parents. It was extra awesome that some fun peeps came by who didn't even run the race.<br />
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So all in all, I'm really glad I ran this race. It's definitely a great way to start your birthday off right so if a race happens to land on your birthday, I say go for it!!!audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-39304420967025139772011-11-09T09:22:00.000-08:002011-11-09T09:22:18.517-08:00"THIS AIN'T A MARATHON, IT'S A BIG PARTY!"<i>- One of the many, many enthusiastic spectators along 4th Ave in Brooklyn.</i>
<br />
<br />
Word.<br />
<br />
***** <br />
<br />
Almost four years ago, I posted <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2008/02/wish-me-luck.html">this</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ05hNUs-IC4DQVb4WuWQQzmhmTW1vjUuxrHuHFfm8N9BrqsJhxpRhqsp5nT_5M5GBfFxgIv3nt-O5R8QHRnqLqQb5ShbLE4ZwL5ribWQ5ecXIK5ALy1IqBqfK1hb-JwPQazFjC1rWgpKy/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ05hNUs-IC4DQVb4WuWQQzmhmTW1vjUuxrHuHFfm8N9BrqsJhxpRhqsp5nT_5M5GBfFxgIv3nt-O5R8QHRnqLqQb5ShbLE4ZwL5ribWQ5ecXIK5ALy1IqBqfK1hb-JwPQazFjC1rWgpKy/s400/Picture+3.png" width="500" /> </a></div>
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Well, persistence was definitely rewarded.</div>
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This past weekend, I *finally* got to run the ING NYC Marathon with over 47,000 runners from all over the world. Seriously, I felt like I was at the Olympics! </div>
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It was everything I hoped it would be and more. I was there primarily for the experience and had no goal time set. A lot of people told me that "racing" New York would be tough with the crowds and the challenging course so I just wanted to go out there and run for fun.</div>
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And I did!</div>
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But if you're curious...</div>
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And hadn't heard yet...</div>
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I also managed to finish in under 5 hours!!! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMn7TZnkczNt7WyVxNB_EMFZiZ38907nFu6HBd098tgcGL87TA0e0lyrZwxXzzMZS-iHzLqqkZim03jS7H1pCjGFMgf0B782BAY57ozjgIk9t278h3fTFNAbWMrguARyz0yB3NclhnRSkf/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMn7TZnkczNt7WyVxNB_EMFZiZ38907nFu6HBd098tgcGL87TA0e0lyrZwxXzzMZS-iHzLqqkZim03jS7H1pCjGFMgf0B782BAY57ozjgIk9t278h3fTFNAbWMrguARyz0yB3NclhnRSkf/s400/IMG_4758.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my fave items from the goody bag - it's a big magnet!</td></tr>
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So yeah, I'd say I had an AWESOME time!!!<br />
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I am planning a series of posts to really document the amazingness of the whole weekend. Before I post those, I want to wrap up the San Jose Rock n Roll and Nike race reports first. I'll try to get those out this week so that next week can be all about NYC!!!<br />
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Stay tuned :Daudgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-17885094789239506662011-11-02T15:57:00.000-07:002011-11-02T16:00:27.148-07:00Race Report: Akron MarathonOK, peeps, here we go... time for my race report from the <a href="http://www.akronmarathon.org/">Akron Marathon</a>!<br />
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Akron is about an hour away from where my family lives so it was yet another super early race morning for me. I think I got up around 4AM that day (which is technically 1AM my time). Wasn't so bad since I had all that pre-race excitement going on.<br />
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Just like <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">Roadbunner </a>had said, this race is very well organized. The website was full of helpful info with directions and suggested parking garages. Even when you got off the highway, there were helpful signs pointing you in the right direction. I arrived around 5:45AM and had lots of time to kill before the 7AM start time.<br />
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Through the power of twitter, I was able to meet up with the super cute <a href="http://asliceofkiwi.com/">Kimi</a> who was running the marathon as part of a 5 person relay team. I later figured out that the relay was a huge portion of this race. There were about 10,000 runners total and of that:<br />
<ul>
<li>~1,500 ran the marathon</li>
<li>~3,500 ran the half marathon</li>
<li>~5,000 ran the relay (aka ~1,000 teams)</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_RzbdvflULfr_qsYDvTOMK3MrI3Q9zUK7mES7kx33vPVI5bzs6_lFRu0A_HkULzF-riItRF9miE0CDS1Lk2kZl3ZcI8Jep7MeN9QsHXX5HUtgV4t8AGZ1P11bpy2QHnHx0GXklVENHQV/s1600/akron002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_RzbdvflULfr_qsYDvTOMK3MrI3Q9zUK7mES7kx33vPVI5bzs6_lFRu0A_HkULzF-riItRF9miE0CDS1Lk2kZl3ZcI8Jep7MeN9QsHXX5HUtgV4t8AGZ1P11bpy2QHnHx0GXklVENHQV/s400/akron002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're pretty cheery for 6AM!</td></tr>
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I later went to my start corral and was feeling pretty good. The weather was just how I like it - cold! :) I found the 5 hour pace group and decided to start with them. Even if I didn't stick with them, I could at least use them as my pace bunny to gauge how I'm doing. There were two pace leaders, one was named Jim and was actually the owner of the pacing company. I forgot the other guy's name, so let's call him Bob.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Mx8brcXRLxudejI8JivZdj_L9Ban46nIDu4AwZ9o3FRdrIdu9v-woyG6uIeMPbijZ5zWTLGljS6UAnRy42ZW6riUeC5rlwnzB9MdafpNJ-bI1x5bYlTfanj2lRqelrO49WZ-FFmsos3O/s1600/akron001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Mx8brcXRLxudejI8JivZdj_L9Ban46nIDu4AwZ9o3FRdrIdu9v-woyG6uIeMPbijZ5zWTLGljS6UAnRy42ZW6riUeC5rlwnzB9MdafpNJ-bI1x5bYlTfanj2lRqelrO49WZ-FFmsos3O/s400/akron001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In addition to the national anthem, they also had someone start off the race with a prayer. Is this common? I know I've done lots of races, but can't recall this happening before. Anyway, it's fine with me just thought it was curious.<br />
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Time to follow the blue line (marked through almost the entire course) - off we go! There was actually quite a large pack of us running with the 5 hour pace group and it was kind of fun. The two pace leaders ran on different sides of the pack and were shouting out really corny jokes to each other. They were the kind of lame jokes that my dad would tell me so I kind of appreciated it. Anything to keep us entertained for the long haul, right?<br />
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The one problem is that they were running rather slow. And I don't think it was because of any congestion at the start of the race or anything. To finish in 5 hours, you have to maintain an 11:27 pace and we were running way slower than that (which admittedly, is already pretty slow).<br />
<br />
Now in my head, I had practically memorized the elevation chart. You know, the one I freaked out over in my <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2011/09/and-now-anxiety-begins.html">previous post</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt0GhV4dr8DizFySZJVfY5daPmgSJn6FUvpSFJAAjh10Essz5Ij_9xQ2SaiNhxJqJ0BIdabSRF43U09uYPua9NWKhadCUQZl2F-g7qITLMIsXSzIzWgb_342lfaBgMBpBGblyMNemg-Pa/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt0GhV4dr8DizFySZJVfY5daPmgSJn6FUvpSFJAAjh10Essz5Ij_9xQ2SaiNhxJqJ0BIdabSRF43U09uYPua9NWKhadCUQZl2F-g7qITLMIsXSzIzWgb_342lfaBgMBpBGblyMNemg-Pa/s400/Picture+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
I knew the second half was going to be much more challenging than the first half so even splits (or whatever they were planning) weren't going to work for me. I was hoping to log better splits earlier in the race to give me some room to deal with the hills at the end of the race.<br />
<br />
(Side note: Found this interesting quote in an <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/microsite/article/0,8029,s6-239-489--14095-0,00.html#.Tq7ZrkyNfbc.twitter">article</a> <a href="http://www.inaomi.com/">Naomi </a>sent me about the NYC marathon.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span class="liveevent_desc">I
have a little saying: Bank = Bonk. That is, if I try to "bank" time
early in the race, I give it all (and more) back late in the race when I
"bonk." Best to stick to your pace." - Jeff Dengate. </span></blockquote>
<span class="liveevent_desc">Is this a bit of foreshadowing? Maybe. Maybe not.) </span><br />
<ul class="liveevent">
</ul>
Anyway, I ditched the group and just ran my own comfortable pace.<br />
<br />
Mile 1 - 12:03<br />
Mile 2 - 10:54<br />
Mile 3 - 10:58<br />
<br />
I had my phone send me (and my family) little tracking updates. I didn't look at these while I was running of course but added them here. Updates were tracked at all the relay exchanges.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIIUl6godadNRNbTaWuA0Upd7sgiO_ucMc56Ob0Rv00JI4pE4QICFB7AMcYvHtDTpEOqvomgxQMyN_jTPsr20j2aNnuP7s8fc-MEyjy4ZEXKvb69c7kej3fpUtvEXsDlLCxwdty5HuvCD/s1600/leg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIIUl6godadNRNbTaWuA0Upd7sgiO_ucMc56Ob0Rv00JI4pE4QICFB7AMcYvHtDTpEOqvomgxQMyN_jTPsr20j2aNnuP7s8fc-MEyjy4ZEXKvb69c7kej3fpUtvEXsDlLCxwdty5HuvCD/s200/leg1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So far, so good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were actually quite a few smaller hills in the first part and I was proud of myself for running up them. My big concern was that I walked almost all the major hills in my training - it was practically programmed into me.<br />
<br />
As for the course... well, I can't really remember much of it. This would be a good time for me to point out that <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/2010/09/akron-marathon.html">Roadbunner's race report</a> would be an excellent source of that information. I do remember that we started downtown and looped back again around mile 10. <br />
<br />
Mile 4 - 10:48<br />
Mile 5 - 11:03<br />
Mile 6 - 10:33<br />
Mile 7 - 10:46<br />
Mile 8 - 11:35<br />
Mile 9 - 10:57<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK-x6CjntGkJGKClgEVaL5yuKm-Ybm9Ti640viqArcTjseyzqLJiSvaAejISXow74H6BoyImM7eL7ve5gSicHNIwOgzeML6ULYK6AgUmMQk_DRwsGAfzgD0aUVvdw3muE8wccB7npJen6/s1600/leg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK-x6CjntGkJGKClgEVaL5yuKm-Ybm9Ti640viqArcTjseyzqLJiSvaAejISXow74H6BoyImM7eL7ve5gSicHNIwOgzeML6ULYK6AgUmMQk_DRwsGAfzgD0aUVvdw3muE8wccB7npJen6/s200/leg2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeSLKnSWXBdkvA3DowlOj4ku_Uprx8G17gUHsI8iWQSlorVWB99wLubhsfDittlpq7HzSDssSwKuMiJMwxNkHp-Gq4FidatkU6tarCiYp7bO2wmuczC-qEVuWca7FFBzSWliICXZryvB5/s1600/Leg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
I would guess around mile 10 was when I had a feeling this wasn't going to be my race. The weather still felt nice and cool and the course hadn't been too bad, but I just didn't feel like I was in race mode. I felt tired, my legs felt tired, and I wasn't even at the halfway point yet. I was definitely concerned. But I tried not to dwell on it and kept trucking along.<br />
<br />
It was nice to have some pockets of cheering stations here and there, especially as we ran through the University of Akron because I think I really needed it at that point.<br />
<br />
Around mile 12, we hit the big drop that I had noted from the elevation chart. It wasn't as downhill as I had hoped, but it still helped.<br />
<br />
At that point, we entered the Towpath Trail. I remembered Roadbunner discussing how much she liked it. I have to agree, it was a nice change of scenery. We also had lost the half marathoners at this point, so it definitely felt more quiet and peaceful. I ended up turning off my iPod during this part of the course because it was nice to just embrace nature and hear the birds chirping, yadda yadda yadda.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5pmGGqqpOWYBW1tS8SkdRU148JCd2MXh2_IcqScrQ724swpYqUhfPox8yON6k2ZyOg4ANCWJOP4pgCszV6lo03vVUJfDWRfDdu2-0iXk-qgHHK1sMEW4g7LwrtQz28AZ97oh8NCsfVR7/s1600/akron003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5pmGGqqpOWYBW1tS8SkdRU148JCd2MXh2_IcqScrQ724swpYqUhfPox8yON6k2ZyOg4ANCWJOP4pgCszV6lo03vVUJfDWRfDdu2-0iXk-qgHHK1sMEW4g7LwrtQz28AZ97oh8NCsfVR7/s320/akron003.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
Mile 10 - 11:10<br />
Mile 11 - 10:59<br />
Mile 12 - 10:12<br />
Mile 13 - 11:00<br />
Mile 14 - 11:00
<br />
Mile 15 - 11:34<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERSv1XCUBYyl_FXLUXA1BZPKvJE5-seQVrGQwY27G-ZOAkyxHFCP85eEdkx30jU3NGI0h5l7yMjnIKaIGMub2tTqx7s4pGmBa7tL4UbChw5DAmo-B5c6RrG95DKYl0mYX9lLXQnjpVBFg/s1600/leg3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERSv1XCUBYyl_FXLUXA1BZPKvJE5-seQVrGQwY27G-ZOAkyxHFCP85eEdkx30jU3NGI0h5l7yMjnIKaIGMub2tTqx7s4pGmBa7tL4UbChw5DAmo-B5c6RrG95DKYl0mYX9lLXQnjpVBFg/s200/leg3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still hanging on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then it started to get kind of ugly. There were a few things going on:<br />
<br />
1) We hit the first of many hills that I knew would continue for most of the remainder of the race.<br />
2) The sun was peeking out. (It is known energy drainer for me.)<br />
3) I was starting to feel queasy.<br />
<br />
The last part is something that has plagued me in several marathons. I think one issue is that I took Gatorade from the aid stations during the race. I never train with Gatorade - just water and Gu. Hello, rookie mistake! (I won't be doing that in NYC, trust me.) I'm OK with taking Gatorade during half marathons but I'm thinking it's because I'm not out there as long. Or I wonder if it's just the heat combined with the effort that messes me up. I didn't feel so queasy during CIM or Goofy, which were run in 30 degree freezing temps.<br />
<br />
In any case, I was feeling pooped. I totally struggled with that hill and walked a lot of it. And once I break the seal on walking, I do a lot more of it.<br />
<br />
Around mile 17, I hear a big group of runners approaching and I see that it's my 5 hour pace group led by Jim and Bob! I'm thinking, maybe it's a sign - they're here to pick you up. Just follow them and you'll be OK. So I tagged along with the back of pack and tried to follow them and not worry about anything else.<br />
<br />
By this time, the group had thinned out by quite a bit and was mostly just dudes save for one girl in the back that I remembered seeing at the start. And guess what - Jim and Bob were still exchanging corny jokes back and forth. I missed one of them but I could tell by the way Bob groaned that maybe Jim's joke was not so PC. I definitely heard the next one and it basically went like this: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Jim: A guy comes home from work and sees his wife packing up her things. He asks what she's doing and she responds, "I'm leaving you! You're sick! You're a pedophile!" He responds, "Pedophile? That's an awfully big word for a thirteen year old!"</blockquote>
*crickets*<br />
<br />
So yeah, I was definitely NOT in the mood to listen to 9 more miles of that so I dropped off the pack and I was on my own again.<br />
<br />
At this part of the Towpath Trail, there were a LOT of people walking around me - even the relay runners!!! (They were easily identifiable as they had pink bibs and also wore Relay bibs on their backs.) I mean, couldn't they have tried to motivate me at all??? (heehee) It's a lot more justifiable to walk at mile 17 when you see people who couldn't have been running more than 5 miles also walking. But that's probably just me.<br />
<br />
Mile 16 - 13:01<br />
Mile 17 - 12:26<br />
Mile 18 - 13:08<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxqrPsKwfBnXHcc6Pcrg-CVNg3-neMNBaAHzmSov76VsAz6YENA4nroFryU5mocUriu5nsyknTvXNn2eNBReOETASfxYyB6Sr6L6OdR7y8H2Z0xwYxfwTS0eQkXP2aqvNhyiFo7pYO2c_/s1600/leg4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxqrPsKwfBnXHcc6Pcrg-CVNg3-neMNBaAHzmSov76VsAz6YENA4nroFryU5mocUriu5nsyknTvXNn2eNBReOETASfxYyB6Sr6L6OdR7y8H2Z0xwYxfwTS0eQkXP2aqvNhyiFo7pYO2c_/s200/leg4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You know, I really wish I could give you this amazingly inspirational race report where I overcame these obstacles and challenges and came out victorious.<br />
<br />
But I can't. 'Cause I didn't.<br />
<br />
It was kind of a Charlie Brown "wah wah wah" theme for the rest of the race. I went back to my old ways and walked each and every single hill. And there were a lot of them. If it was flat, I would trot along for a bit.<br />
<br />
We hit a lot of neighborhoods and it was definitely nice to see them set up these really great cheering stations. It still felt like a death march to me though.<br />
<br />
At the expo, I became aware that there is a hill called <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2011/09/expo-time-at-akron-marathon.html">"Heart Rate Hill"</a>. Well I found it at mile 22. Mile 22!!! Again, wah....<br />
<br />
But afterward, we hit the <a href="http://www.stanhywet.org/">Stan Hywet Estate</a> which was a really nice area. A gorgeous property with a big garden and mansion (somewhat like Filoli Gardens) and was all decorated for the fall. I remember thinking that I wished I was in a better mood to appreciate this. Haha.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmquKahCf6dUUw7IzoD6BnHQoYdtxyCQ1LWmarkFZGfXiLic-SZOLzq4I0FgJEgyEdZdTug4IbcUu-eHCxaZ7NoKKi4kytnFAfa5oJNKgyOcVITBUU2kpMXS2j_ExzgRQ4PdfCMC4rPj1/s1600/akron004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmquKahCf6dUUw7IzoD6BnHQoYdtxyCQ1LWmarkFZGfXiLic-SZOLzq4I0FgJEgyEdZdTug4IbcUu-eHCxaZ7NoKKi4kytnFAfa5oJNKgyOcVITBUU2kpMXS2j_ExzgRQ4PdfCMC4rPj1/s320/akron004.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I jogged just for this photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I still felt queasy and was struggling with taking any more Gu. I actually thought I would feel better if I did make myself sick and even tried once I found a portopotty! You would think looking straight down at a pile of feces from strangers would make anyone hurl, but alas, it did not work. Sorry for being gross, btw.<br />
<br />
Mile 19 - 13:24<br />
Mile 20 - 13:42<br />
Mile 21 - 14:33<br />
Mile 22 - 14:49<br />
<br />
Not once did I feel you're in the final stretch, you're almost there! Mostly because there were just so many GD hills. I was so beat down at this point that I could only manage to run if there was a downhill and there were a couple toward the end. But it was totally frustrating that there were still uphill climbs, even in the last mile. <br />
<br />
FINALLY - we started making our way back downtown to the finish. There were tons more spectators lined up toward the end and a lot of them were other runners (who had already finished) cheering us on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx7V-lzsL3JZoU-shVEBGreSyWO_hI0n_akiUnKP9lcTwKYGfAwDterU51f19H99NsHiLRkBGoizy4cNpXutmDyMJ3gpIfqMXxAtBvwTVtgsMfD-s3cD0D3xOYx1G2Qzr6tkLTbXzMb5G/s1600/akron005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx7V-lzsL3JZoU-shVEBGreSyWO_hI0n_akiUnKP9lcTwKYGfAwDterU51f19H99NsHiLRkBGoizy4cNpXutmDyMJ3gpIfqMXxAtBvwTVtgsMfD-s3cD0D3xOYx1G2Qzr6tkLTbXzMb5G/s320/akron005.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
OK, I know this sounds crazy but for some reason, I felt like these spectators really got what we had gone through - their cheers felt more supportive and encouraging and maybe even sympathetic? Or maybe I just appreciated them more because the finish line was literally in sight? Whatever it was, I got really emotional at this point and started tearing up and then uh oh, my breathing was getting messed up and I was almost hyperventilating (but not really).<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXVuonK3DeQuaNBZqJyr-tRxz98x2DC5Llgs4KPMAfEDekhQU7q37WOVTfzS1kWHvsU7RO133soxGVVElIcA8_WJgZZYZgG5v3mtq9H55RV-iOrumRvQpBJg21Dy72F0owfHIcLRS79D-/s1600/akron006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXVuonK3DeQuaNBZqJyr-tRxz98x2DC5Llgs4KPMAfEDekhQU7q37WOVTfzS1kWHvsU7RO133soxGVVElIcA8_WJgZZYZgG5v3mtq9H55RV-iOrumRvQpBJg21Dy72F0owfHIcLRS79D-/s320/akron006.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fake smiling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thankfully, I passed the mile 26 marker and turned the corner to enter Canal Park stadium where I knew I would be immediately greeted with the finish line. I do love when races have you finish inside a stadium (first time was the <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2011/08/race-report-giant-race-half-marathon.html">Giant Race</a>). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoISxOEGLR-24jRyFLLII9kQVw7us1N7fZXAok8RWhZnZXcZdiSMqmZP-Q1vC946yPlk5zbiX9Wvqxt0GoXd4Umlgl3rwqVRTd50NYTlXyp-GIiyNFPm4lW0xeqmSTVK5vp0oHGxVZ_BUS/s1600/akron007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoISxOEGLR-24jRyFLLII9kQVw7us1N7fZXAok8RWhZnZXcZdiSMqmZP-Q1vC946yPlk5zbiX9Wvqxt0GoXd4Umlgl3rwqVRTd50NYTlXyp-GIiyNFPm4lW0xeqmSTVK5vp0oHGxVZ_BUS/s320/akron007.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
You want to see this from another angle? Ok, here you go!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6AE-4C4jnWFuNsXs9o0Mkslaxd7shbSbjJA_EDNamDBSo7qKL0Flx38ri07qLjGfYSHdZjGKqsJS7DlLjFCLX3zZoCUFLOwHXvFgz7fMlhHYZAFVGf3q5K3DibwNI-SJo6r1mHbf7png/s1600/akron008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6AE-4C4jnWFuNsXs9o0Mkslaxd7shbSbjJA_EDNamDBSo7qKL0Flx38ri07qLjGfYSHdZjGKqsJS7DlLjFCLX3zZoCUFLOwHXvFgz7fMlhHYZAFVGf3q5K3DibwNI-SJo6r1mHbf7png/s320/akron008.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
Mile 23 - 13:46<br />
Mile 24 - 17:17<br />
Mile 25 - 13:54<br />
Mile 26 - 10:52 pace<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_IySG8xLkhHKN0eNDCw3xvlpfGpyLL87udCWZNG3sgQ5-QktuocCJ2QCR1dvKWCb-pI0GVvYGJdZVcxl1zt0onoy5o5b9_u7vxhYD4nD3w1zH53UNUGITWs8IJRT6Rvhw-0c1CZgdVOE/s1600/leg5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_IySG8xLkhHKN0eNDCw3xvlpfGpyLL87udCWZNG3sgQ5-QktuocCJ2QCR1dvKWCb-pI0GVvYGJdZVcxl1zt0onoy5o5b9_u7vxhYD4nD3w1zH53UNUGITWs8IJRT6Rvhw-0c1CZgdVOE/s200/leg5.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yet, not a new PW! :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As soon as I crossed the finish line, I heard my name being called out. I look up at the stands and see my mom and my sister waving down at me. I walked over and as soon as got to them, I just broke down in tears. Because, you know, you can do that with family. Of course, they tell me they were worried about me since they had been getting my tracking updates, too, and as of mile 18, I was supposed to finish in 5 hours. I told them that I was fine, just that it was so hard. And they kind of smiled and laughed at me saying, of course it was hard - you ran a marathon! Heehee, oh yeah.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmk-p2QuubKQe34HC6inlysvA_e8x9DY40jUw5m5cNTZYui8YY8ER35aGcl8gE01TUeXQS5l2hn_WkSWojq5_maW7KR6zhwzfEqxNsYdKwaA8GlYFZ5OqP7qgSGJWzWREP1drCHv4MbdGO/s1600/akron1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmk-p2QuubKQe34HC6inlysvA_e8x9DY40jUw5m5cNTZYui8YY8ER35aGcl8gE01TUeXQS5l2hn_WkSWojq5_maW7KR6zhwzfEqxNsYdKwaA8GlYFZ5OqP7qgSGJWzWREP1drCHv4MbdGO/s400/akron1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let me out!!! :P</td></tr>
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So I wiped away the tears and carried on with the rest of the finish line journey. They had this little maze set up where you would get your water, collect your medal, take a picture, and grab a food bag. I love that they made it so easy to get your food and go. I can't remember the specifics, but there was a bunch of food inside: a bagel, banana, chips, and other stuff. I had no appetite for it, but it was nice not to have to deal with the balancing act.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hyvr-dmiMybpHdghX0oS4bFnMnm3mV5lUaE7rIwgWbSNyMSwz_S7HAg7y7hikgv2Djd3OBvnjfUmIeN0vBxExpsG7RJJOKWNfAID4mHs7NGxb_ShSkJ0UXBN6Am1nw22AgijelTVFzlt/s1600/akron009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hyvr-dmiMybpHdghX0oS4bFnMnm3mV5lUaE7rIwgWbSNyMSwz_S7HAg7y7hikgv2Djd3OBvnjfUmIeN0vBxExpsG7RJJOKWNfAID4mHs7NGxb_ShSkJ0UXBN6Am1nw22AgijelTVFzlt/s320/akron009.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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The rest of the pics are from my now retired iPhone 3G - sorry for the poor quality!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5ll4QMTretXWohgHA8umq8qQ0dtVZT_8O-My8qUX-zy55hmwFUvnX9ARxKAfa0S9_bVnvYRrViSEIjdtjwxSvXSwxg-0L15psqj8YfU8DC1eJFfdVXhB10wYjEYFJRv3oBp7BRXNH_rq/s1600/akron010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5ll4QMTretXWohgHA8umq8qQ0dtVZT_8O-My8qUX-zy55hmwFUvnX9ARxKAfa0S9_bVnvYRrViSEIjdtjwxSvXSwxg-0L15psqj8YfU8DC1eJFfdVXhB10wYjEYFJRv3oBp7BRXNH_rq/s400/akron010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the finish line</td></tr>
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It's not a big deal, but I think there should be a bigger difference between the medals - like different color straps and stuff so it's more obvious who did the full vs relay, etc. (Yes, I want my props! lol)</div>
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I can see why the relay is so popular though... you can get a pretty nice medal and a tech shirt just for running a few miles! </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uAPmKAAvMHNVw1mzW2NMDOxMbJcOGXKF-WZ4cN7tJMHPxPIIzaPAeZ7h8c4mkj9EvWxguUZ-PBESTJpk1Cuzwrm5GZdll_HUd1HqSoBcZ7Rh66aemeZN_rvdH3ps3kacUYWUc36oPepp/s400/akron011.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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The one drawback to finishing inside a stadium is having to exit up the stairs on some beat down legs. Wasn't too bad though. Here's another view of the set up. They even had a band to entertain the spectators.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyslJsUcwuV0HojAWi9v_PeMIpKAzj80kYs-LfrqT2ji_ZRhIGtwJ_u3VO0KCp8_mDYueaImWCusANKC4P4e9G4VwFcBOil7LKz9PRO0jSUfRfgDV-X2O1-lwHaCKMP8yclLBgqsRXQjrh/s1600/akron012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyslJsUcwuV0HojAWi9v_PeMIpKAzj80kYs-LfrqT2ji_ZRhIGtwJ_u3VO0KCp8_mDYueaImWCusANKC4P4e9G4VwFcBOil7LKz9PRO0jSUfRfgDV-X2O1-lwHaCKMP8yclLBgqsRXQjrh/s400/akron012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I rejoined my family and sat down to watch some of the other finishers. I'm glad that at least my mom and sis could sit comfortably while they waited for me.<br />
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By the way, I ran alongside this guy for a bit. Understandably, he got a lot more cheers than me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkavcq1RRia427NEln63sauoTY9m0t2L6CXz3TBlWvlWcap3YDzFmudixqXt6-8FEaiIB52heF7S_Aioyev_tpQnOnhAsWwK27eiljF_m5Q0yToK1HiMmMuCD2_uW7_90YEzr0s5Oe-PHW/s1600/akron013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkavcq1RRia427NEln63sauoTY9m0t2L6CXz3TBlWvlWcap3YDzFmudixqXt6-8FEaiIB52heF7S_Aioyev_tpQnOnhAsWwK27eiljF_m5Q0yToK1HiMmMuCD2_uW7_90YEzr0s5Oe-PHW/s400/akron013.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I didn't realize this beforehand but this race has a 6 hour time limit and they definitely started shutting things down then. Glad I came in when I did!<br />
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I checked my super fancy schmancy race jacket so I was able to finally put it on after the race. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYBKoDvl6VFn7ktcIdX_hZXZpqQKPUE18Lqq6NRP3LTcL0AapYHsa2qO4Zpr6xtmjqlSJPV7KyrMn85yMTki7O6NdQ0iSy-F0MU5EVRLuwzCxzEKc_ZpvWPIrCpg0dy3wqYW3CwgQ7F6H/s1600/akron014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYBKoDvl6VFn7ktcIdX_hZXZpqQKPUE18Lqq6NRP3LTcL0AapYHsa2qO4Zpr6xtmjqlSJPV7KyrMn85yMTki7O6NdQ0iSy-F0MU5EVRLuwzCxzEKc_ZpvWPIrCpg0dy3wqYW3CwgQ7F6H/s400/akron014.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real smiling.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjuebrmhefSyK8n5WfSKerL2v1cu3iqRPVLKIjhx2EM87KevD0xjAVwP_BPSshWNKuxsXAOwkzVa7ec7hDrT8GF7cyUAwYWegDBaJ63Z5wJQsMAl6k-tRXAmVNgFVXOpmnJC4MPOFnC6i/s1600/akron015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjuebrmhefSyK8n5WfSKerL2v1cu3iqRPVLKIjhx2EM87KevD0xjAVwP_BPSshWNKuxsXAOwkzVa7ec7hDrT8GF7cyUAwYWegDBaJ63Z5wJQsMAl6k-tRXAmVNgFVXOpmnJC4MPOFnC6i/s400/akron015.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And my stats, in case you are interested:<br />
<table cellspacing="0" summary="Race Results for Audrey Mendoza"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="title">Clock Time</td><td>5:27:41</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Chip Time</td><td>5:20:55</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Overall Place</td><td>1247 / 1389</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Gender Place</td><td>411 / 488</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Division Place</td><td>64 / 74</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">3 5M</td><td>00:38:51</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">9 25M</td><td>01:42:54</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">15 5</td><td>02:53:11</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">18 3</td><td>03:30:12</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Divtotal</td><td>74</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Sextotal</td><td>488</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Pace</td><td>12:15</td></tr>
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This time, I really was back of the pack! It kind of goes with my theory that midwest runners as a whole are more hardcore than what you find here in Cali. I just don't think the weather there lends itself to "jolly joggers" (peeps like me, heehee). As a result, I always feel like it's a more competitive field in Ohio. Then again, a 6 hour time limit may have scared away runners more my pace. Feel free to discuss.<br />
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Oh, here are some extra pics. (Taken with my way more awesome iPhone 4S.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSWhY-GRCQjAMuJpwk3GgOa_X44yE1jxQh1SQ75mzowIiClNdMv3cJUPbr4cArymAiW6d3v-8xssVrQNxmyvvsNGh55YGTD1O7p4R4nRhDtHcRldLHna5E4atXXmGSFzSS2WgbmxX8eYV/s1600/IMG_4593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSWhY-GRCQjAMuJpwk3GgOa_X44yE1jxQh1SQ75mzowIiClNdMv3cJUPbr4cArymAiW6d3v-8xssVrQNxmyvvsNGh55YGTD1O7p4R4nRhDtHcRldLHna5E4atXXmGSFzSS2WgbmxX8eYV/s400/IMG_4593.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of my medal, already added to the others</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8LIq9N2Wjb-o0h3aEUSi4r-rmzzBnYkFPHn1MiCF6MEXA_y7wooP_a74s-lNcDQb18DWz8qf06C9RPaMh_g0YMRA5k-WSvbi6BlX7WXMcY8SzGnNFHLPiHIXMcJ8KEgrxRwQ_cizf_Kg/s1600/IMG_4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8LIq9N2Wjb-o0h3aEUSi4r-rmzzBnYkFPHn1MiCF6MEXA_y7wooP_a74s-lNcDQb18DWz8qf06C9RPaMh_g0YMRA5k-WSvbi6BlX7WXMcY8SzGnNFHLPiHIXMcJ8KEgrxRwQ_cizf_Kg/s400/IMG_4595.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some extra goodies. Not sure what I'll do with the bandana-tube thingy.</td></tr>
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This was definitely a nicely organized event and I absolutely love my
race jacket but I would never run this course again. Just too many
hills. I'm OK with how I did though since I clearly was not trained
to handle this course.<br />
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And it's not that I hate hills. I've done Nike
five times and that has tons of hills. But I like hills when you climb
to the top, have a view of something really cool, and then immediately
go downhill. Not climb a bit, suburb, climb a bit, suburb, climb a bit,
suburb, and so on and so on until you end up where you started. Where
was my cool view??? Where was my immediate downhill??? But I've always been a picky runner. <br />
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I'm glad I have this under my belt though. I hear the NYC Marathon has some hills so at least I know I'll be somewhat prepared for them :)audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-57997866691500134372011-10-28T16:12:00.000-07:002011-10-28T16:12:26.090-07:00Foot update and Blogger Meetup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our fun Bay Area Bloggers Meet Up in SF for Fleet Week!!!</div>
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OK, I'm now behind THREE race reports but before I get to those, I wanted to do an update about my foot since my last blog post (in case you're not following me on Twitter or well, in real life, haha) and share some fun pics from a meet up organized by <a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/">Courtney</a>. Yes, this post is sooooooooo out of date now, it's not even funny, but oh well, I'm just gonna throw it out there.</div>
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<b>Foot Update</b></div>
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After all my fussing and worrying, it turned out to be nothing. Well, it was definitely <i>something</i>... but nothing serious like a stress fracture or anything like that. (Thanks for freaking me out, Dad!!!) </div>
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Immediately after Akron, my foot started hurting and I came down with a bad cold. (Forgot to take my marathoner friend's advice to double up on Vitamin C three weeks before and after the marathon.) When I finally returned home back in Cali, I took it easy and mostly rested. And started tweeting and blogging about my foot issue since what else was I going to do? Everyone was super helpful with their advice, suggesting painkillers and icing to reduce inflammation (right? I can't remember, haha) I made an appointment with a podiatrist just to make sure things were OK. Then my PT-in-training buddy, <a href="http://simplyrunningonfaith.wordpress.com/">Kerry</a>, asked more about where my foot was hurting. After I described it to her, she tweeted me this: "There are a couple nerves that from our calves, wrap around the arch. With those nerves are tendons anchoring the calf muscles. I'd take a tennis ball to the arch of my foot and calf to see if any of those tendons are pinching those nerves."</div>
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Now other people had suggested a tennis ball, too, but I didn't really understand why but after Kerry's explanation, I totally got it. I don't play tennis (no hand eye coordination) but thankfully, I received a tennis ball from Safeway last year at the Nike Women's Marathon. I immediately started rolling my foot on it and I could tell that she nailed the issue. I spent the rest of the day rolling my foot and icing it while watching TV. Good times. :P </div>
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Within a day, I didn't notice any pain at all. I still went to the podiatrist and she did a pretty thorough examination on my foot. She applied pressure to certain areas and since I didn't feel any pain, she also thought I was in good shape. She took some X rays as well (since my other ones were um, unofficial) and everything looked good there, too. She did recommend orthotics just to be safe. I keep forgetting to check if my insurance covers it - did you know that they're around $500? For some reason, I thought they would be pretty intense but they just look like plain slip ins. I'll save that for a rainy day.</div>
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Anyway, I wish I had known that I just had some pinched nerves because I could have nipped it in the bud immediately after the race and skipped the whole freak out. But it was a good wake up call. Since then, I've acquired some new shoes with more support and have tried to do more stretching, especially with the calves. </div>
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So the key take-away is that it always pays to whine about your physical ailments on Twitter, FB, blogger, etc. (But, of course, see a professional, too, right?) </div>
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<b>Bay Area Blogger Meetup</b></div>
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Earlier this month, <a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/">Courtney</a> organized a lovely blogger meet up in San Francisco. She did a fantastic job with this as she was able to enlist the support of Sports Basement (love!) to help host it during Fleet Week! This meant lots of snacks and drinks (Blue Moon, yum!!) and front row seats to the Blue Angels show.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Make new friends, but keep the old..."</td></tr>
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Here's the crew that came out to play that day:<br />
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Top Row: <a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/">Alyssa</a>, <a href="http://runjogskip.blogspot.com/">Jana</a>, <a href="http://catesworldkitchen.com/">Cate</a><br />
Bottom Row: <a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/">Courtney</a>, <a href="http://vivaciousrunninggirl.blogspot.com/">Teresa</a>, <a href="http://inaomi.com/">Naomi</a>, moi, <a href="http://www.thegranolachronicles.com/">Courtney</a>, <a href="http://lavieenroute.com/">Annelies</a><br />
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It was a potluck so everyone brought something to share and Sports Basement supplied lots of treats, too:<br />
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It was a nice afternoon chatting with friends.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi Chews - whoever could have brought that???</td></tr>
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And then afterward, we all headed outside to Crissy Field to watch the Blue Angels do fancy tricks for us. </div>
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Super fun day hanging out with our awesome running / blogging crew! Thanks again for organizing this, Courtney, and thanks also to Sports Basement for hosting us!audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-47780485274393184982011-09-26T21:42:00.000-07:002011-09-26T21:42:06.301-07:00Off on the Wrong Foot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So here's one perk of being home... I've got access to my own personal radiologist! (aka my pops)<br />
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*sigh*<br />
<br />
Yes, there will be a marathon race report coming... Good news - I finished! Bad news - I have had an issue with my left foot since the race and it seems to be getting worse each day.<br />
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Thankfully, I didn't feel anything during the marathon. It was definitely sore later that day when I was walking around but I'm used to be a limpy person on marathon day.<br />
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The following day, it still felt off so I limped around walking with more pressure on my right foot. It was more of a dull pain in the bottom of my left foot on the front of my heel by my arch. I could get around OK but by the end of the day, I started feeling some shooting pains and I began to get really worried.<br />
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To be safe, my dad brought me to his work that evening to have some X-rays done. He didn't see any signs of anything (stress fractures, heel spurs, etc) - thank goodness! He did tell me that it could show up later, so if it doesn't improve by next week, I should have X-rays taken again.<br />
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Anyway, since then, I've just been laying low. But the pain is definitely getting worse - I couldn't walk at all this morning without sharp pains and the pain seems to have spread throughout my arch area. Painkillers definitely help but I'm worried it won't go away on its own.<br />
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I'm trying not to freak out but...<br />
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1 week to the San Jose Rock n Roll Half Marathon<br />
3 weeks to the Nike Women's Half Marathon<br />
6 weeks to the NYC MARATHON!!!<br />
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And clearly, the last item is the one I'm most concerned about.<br />
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But I'm trying not to get ahead of myself here. Maybe it's nothing! I'm just not used to feeling any kind of pain from running.<br />
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If you've ever experienced anything similar or have any suggestions, please let me know!<br />
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audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-16445110874728740342011-09-23T17:56:00.000-07:002011-09-23T17:56:19.335-07:00Expo Time at the Akron MarathonGreetings from Ohio! Just thought I'd post some pics from today's expo...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the blue line on the floor... there's one throughout the entire marathon course. (Learned that from <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">Roadbunner</a>.) Look - they're already training us to follow the blue line... this one led us to our fancy schmancy Brooks running jackets (and conveniently past each and every single exhibitor booth).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got my pic taken at their "Social Media Lounge"... it's posted on their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AkronMarathon">Facebook fan page</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the official race merchandise... kinda clever, but that typo just makes you look like a dummy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normally I try to stay away from races with ~infamous hills but I guess it's too late for that now.</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidmRMdQSfqI6aby1GAX3oM0RM-dLOWgJjbdBU2OVXubYMt2nGV5zK4XRzIpfgFxQxdmty8ChiDvgUppcUN28hbeaAwyM8hg-mrj_vKPWBBRoFCbg-4iO4Md3qjcbhw5Rrs0iRzmeifH1A/s1600/IMG_6738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidmRMdQSfqI6aby1GAX3oM0RM-dLOWgJjbdBU2OVXubYMt2nGV5zK4XRzIpfgFxQxdmty8ChiDvgUppcUN28hbeaAwyM8hg-mrj_vKPWBBRoFCbg-4iO4Md3qjcbhw5Rrs0iRzmeifH1A/s400/IMG_6738.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, it's me and Hal Higdon! I kind of treated him like Mickey Mouse... got my pic with him and then scampered away. :P Hey Hal, if you see this, thanks for your very helpful training plans and tips that got me through my first half and full marathons!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZpkFRgL07Pj2wgYp1ng_TzHnfD5i0J8olpuqK5ywXxh3GSXAYAYC7wqcXSWsv0gwo3UlWjV697yDzRwR2El1mtMmfmzNQev4-XwMZZ_SM7Dd_VA_bQquN0pINWtbPUjyRiRTjbXLQZOM/s1600/IMG_6740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZpkFRgL07Pj2wgYp1ng_TzHnfD5i0J8olpuqK5ywXxh3GSXAYAYC7wqcXSWsv0gwo3UlWjV697yDzRwR2El1mtMmfmzNQev4-XwMZZ_SM7Dd_VA_bQquN0pINWtbPUjyRiRTjbXLQZOM/s400/IMG_6740.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way out of Akron... already spotting the blue lines of the marathon course!!! (Don't worry, I was stopped at a red light.)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Well, I'm going to try to catch some zzzzzz's and hopefully not sleep past my 4AM wake up call! audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-53372979600516788932011-09-06T14:17:00.000-07:002011-09-06T14:17:21.887-07:00And now the anxiety begins...I ran my <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/audgepodge/entries/9609513#ref=notif">20 miler</a> this past weekend! It went well... ran around Golden Gate Park with some jaunts along the Great Highway and into the Panhandle. It took me three hours and forty-two minutes with an average 11:08 pace.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIOtMODLI_z6Fz8pYCfL5DUYLa2LBNe-zFFEKN-cRgrO3xjLzVdDDBRKsIQ_ukJotb-5u7Y8fT12HeiBE-sgL-SMnHxy0nMXRqtzg2QNwU3Hfi-ApsOyQCc583JLKD6pVky4O8AZ4T2XH/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIOtMODLI_z6Fz8pYCfL5DUYLa2LBNe-zFFEKN-cRgrO3xjLzVdDDBRKsIQ_ukJotb-5u7Y8fT12HeiBE-sgL-SMnHxy0nMXRqtzg2QNwU3Hfi-ApsOyQCc583JLKD6pVky4O8AZ4T2XH/s320/IMG_4309.JPG" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 miles done!!! Enjoying my post-run chocolate milk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Afterward, I met up with the Sunday Runday crew for brunch at Q for some mac & cheesy plus a mimosa. Which, sadly, I was not able to enjoy until much later (and for the mimosa, not at all). There must be some distance threshold where you completely lose your appetite because I'm pretty sure I could have chowed all that down after a half marathon. But after 20 miles? Bleh.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5NJQuyvSf-6DdctgU41I9uk_kc_2PiKu5RPFCTxgikDMftV6q6T-tF7RVbJaeZNKXmXEORKeq3sCpbL-3bmkOXPuvmyu9G70ArpNMaNbsFPz2NwudbbVqNRNFsUiZUM-QQwX7NedIQrH/s400/IMG_4306.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It tasted just as good five hours later.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_J2VOGKGoMvcThBBL3n2pKvkh0u-zGNz1sla56nufuH_xmq8pgoouQMG16T99SCrPr_yFiidLbbQ0bBscYXAU3euj6q81GgfSHJjyQgIR9_jjHs5SbCS46L1AFsCQDZg7ye51a8rnJF_/s1600/IMG_4308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_J2VOGKGoMvcThBBL3n2pKvkh0u-zGNz1sla56nufuH_xmq8pgoouQMG16T99SCrPr_yFiidLbbQ0bBscYXAU3euj6q81GgfSHJjyQgIR9_jjHs5SbCS46L1AFsCQDZg7ye51a8rnJF_/s400/IMG_4308.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday Runday crew with new friends Sarah and Renee!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is now three weeks until the Akron Marathon. With my peak run behind me, I've finally allowed myself to start thinking about my race goals and expectations. My main goal with the marathon had always been to finish sub-5 which I finally was able to do with the 2009 CIM Marathon. And that was with really sporadic training.<br />
<br />
To hit sub-5, I would need an 11:26 pace or better. To get a PR, I'd
have to beat 4:55, 11:15 pace. My 14 to 20 mi long runs had an average
pace ranging from 10:50 to 11:10 so I seem to be in good shape. Plus this year is the first time since 2007 that I've followed a real training plan for a marathon so surely I should be able to hit sub-5 and maybe even beat my previous time, right???<br />
<br />
Well, I don't know... and I'm not trying to be a Pessimistic Peggy or anything, I'm just trying to be honest about what I should expect.<br />
<br />
Last night, I started reading Akron race reports, reviewing the course map, and checking out the elevation charts. Oh, the elevation charts! The thing is that I knew my two upcoming marathons were hilly. That's one of the reasons I liked Akron was because I knew it would be a good preparation for NYC. But I'm not gonna lie - I would also love to get a new PR and normally people pick fast and flat courses for PRs, right??? Every race report I've read about Akron included the word "challenging". Not that I couldn't PR on a "challenging" course, it's just not an ideal scenario.<br />
<br />
So let's check out some elevation charts, shall we?<br />
<br />
<b>CIM</b> (Ran in December 2009 in 4:54:49, 11:15 pace for a PR)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3fwcvtGlAA031iaJ8gpFw5zYl-GkchMx_7W3MTuAa4w3oR2CHnIE2dZHl3_qAoV2jqWGfAeEpBZ2-wOmKUa_PipDpvyOZj9texDkjA8dNV-kQw2u7Zs3QlItA9KmdnkeYuaeprWV_HKn/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3fwcvtGlAA031iaJ8gpFw5zYl-GkchMx_7W3MTuAa4w3oR2CHnIE2dZHl3_qAoV2jqWGfAeEpBZ2-wOmKUa_PipDpvyOZj9texDkjA8dNV-kQw2u7Zs3QlItA9KmdnkeYuaeprWV_HKn/s400/Picture+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
The funny thing is that this elevation chart makes it look all downhill and super easy, right? But it didn't seem that way at all when I was actually running it. It just felt like a lot of rolling hills. The other big thing that CIM had going for it that year was that it was FREEZING! I mean, literally, it was around 32 degrees that day. And if anything is going to motivate me to keep running, it's the fear of freezing to death if I slowed down at all.<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Akron Marathon</b> (Running on September 24th)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt0GhV4dr8DizFySZJVfY5daPmgSJn6FUvpSFJAAjh10Essz5Ij_9xQ2SaiNhxJqJ0BIdabSRF43U09uYPua9NWKhadCUQZl2F-g7qITLMIsXSzIzWgb_342lfaBgMBpBGblyMNemg-Pa/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt0GhV4dr8DizFySZJVfY5daPmgSJn6FUvpSFJAAjh10Essz5Ij_9xQ2SaiNhxJqJ0BIdabSRF43U09uYPua9NWKhadCUQZl2F-g7qITLMIsXSzIzWgb_342lfaBgMBpBGblyMNemg-Pa/s400/Picture+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
That's a pretty big difference, right? What kind of crazy person signs up for a full marathon whose challenging uphill climbs <i>start</i> at mile 17??? Did I mention that I thought my legs were going to fall off at mile 17 of my 20 mi long run on Sunday? Egads. At least there are a lot of downhills as well so I can try to compensate for my uphill pace there. (But that one at mile 11 looks potentially painful if it's anything like Nike.) I've tried to add some hills in my long runs by running across the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Mason, and Golden Gate Park but I'm not sure if they were enough since the elevation climbs on those routes were never more than 200ft. Oh boy...<br />
<br />
I will be harassing<a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/"> Roadbunner</a> to give me the honest scoop on this course since she's the one that sold me on this race. (But in all fairness, the race is located less than an hour from my family so I'm sure I would have run it anyway. Maybe. She did push it pretty hard - if you read her <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/2010/09/akron-marathon.html">race report</a>, you'd think she was on the Akron Marathon payroll.)<br />
<br />
<b>NYC Marathon </b>(Running on November 6th)<b><br /></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cKVoaLhxOMEbfKuiytjeRI8vapYOKezybwY7ZRoU0fO51wvc5wCV69zEMZJKnvWyYhMrmTaUVErbpfNSmTzaVxRvlq6Eh6Ufdv9L8nyp5HoU3B3tU_t4Y02t0JqYADtuuzFb0NrGk0z0/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cKVoaLhxOMEbfKuiytjeRI8vapYOKezybwY7ZRoU0fO51wvc5wCV69zEMZJKnvWyYhMrmTaUVErbpfNSmTzaVxRvlq6Eh6Ufdv9L8nyp5HoU3B3tU_t4Y02t0JqYADtuuzFb0NrGk0z0/s400/Picture+3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Not as bad as Akron so at least the harder one is out of the way first. I think I will be on an adrenaline rush for this race with being surrounded by 45,000 other runners, the spectator support, and just the fact that I will be running through one of my all time favorite cities.<br />
<br />
<b>Nike Women's Marathon</b> (Ran in October 2007 in 5:33:58, 12:44 pace)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_P2xWpAyYlxMTUMaDJ1b0hXAJL2Hi1RU53XQCkteGrQVU1a4Adrz5fxDAK0cm28pZ7AI11wiI6R5u5LT_a5lUSDG-DvUX8vvein0Z6x8sUOXUeD1ND-GpxGYcb_YHXd3zrNkzDzuSlLdI/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_P2xWpAyYlxMTUMaDJ1b0hXAJL2Hi1RU53XQCkteGrQVU1a4Adrz5fxDAK0cm28pZ7AI11wiI6R5u5LT_a5lUSDG-DvUX8vvein0Z6x8sUOXUeD1ND-GpxGYcb_YHXd3zrNkzDzuSlLdI/s400/Picture+5.png" width="400" /></a></div>
I just added this in for comparison's sake since I consider this to be the most challenging full marathon course I've run. It looks like the Akron climbs are a lot more gradual than these so at least I know it won't be worse than this course. (Thank goodness!!! As Roadbunner always says, "Friends don't let friends run the Nike Full.")<br />
<br />
Anyway, feel free to chime in with your thoughts. Meanwhile, I'll still be here staring at elevation charts and weather forecasts.audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-69926394906417622622011-08-30T22:54:00.000-07:002011-08-30T23:29:02.948-07:00Race Report: The Giant Race Half MarathonWhat's this? I ran an unplanned half marathon? Yep! How fun is that!<br />
<br />
It all started with my <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2011/08/marathon-training-update-5-weeks-to.html">post</a> when I mentioned that I had an 18mi run coming up. <a href="http://www.inaomi.com/">Naomi</a> kindly suggested that I run the <a href="http://www.race-sfgiants.com/">Giant Race half marathon</a> with her that weekend (as bandit) to log some of the miles. I looked up the course and it seemed like a good idea since it was just an out and back along the Embarcadero where tons of people run anyway. And even if I couldn't exactly run with her, it would still make it more fun to run with a bunch of people. So that was the plan!<br />
<br />
And then miraculously, my two lovely friends, <a href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/2011/08/got-chocolate-milk.html">Aron</a> and <a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/2011/08/24-hour-giveaway-giants-race-by-refuel.html">Alyssa</a>, both had giveaways on their blogs for a FREE entry to this sold out race that were sponsored by the Got Milk Refuel with Chocolate Milk campaign. (BTW - we were given chocolate milks after the Cleveland Half Marathon and it was like heaven! So I fully support this.) I'm sure you know what I'm going to say next, right? I WON A FREE ENTRY!!!! Thank you, Alyssa! I was super duper excited because now I got to be a legit runner and use the aid stations and the portapotties and finish inside the ballpark and get the medal and the T-shirt and most importantly, get the Tim Lincecum bobblehead!!!!!! Wheeeeeee :) :) :) I'm not even a baseball fan but that is some serious loot.<br />
<br />
<b>Race Morning</b><br />
<br />
My plan was to run 5 miles before the half marathon to get my 18 mile long run in. Then I would be free to enjoy all the post race fun. The race started at 8AM so I figured if I planned to run at 6AM (but most likely a bit later - I always have to give myself buffer time, haha), I would have plenty of time to run at a comfortable pace (11-11:30min/mi) and still have time for bib pick up, potty stop, etc.<br />
<br />
As I was driving up, I noticed a problem - it's still dark at 6AM! Ay yay yay... thankfully all the volunteers were there so I decided to go ahead and get my bib, which was a smart move because the lines were really long by 7:15ish. I tweeted for a bit and then eventually it was light enough that I felt OK to start my run.<br />
<br />
I mapped out an out and back 5mi run south of the ballpark. Originally I didn't want to run the usual Embarcadero route because I wanted to save it for the race. Well it only took me about a half mile along my route when I realized that um, this might not be the safest option for me considering I don't know the area and nobody was around. Plus I had been watching too many Law & Orders that week and I didn't want to end up being the body that some other more fortunate runner discovered. (Yes, these are the morbid thoughts that go through my head when I run.)<br />
<br />
So I changed course a little bit and ran up and down 3rd St and then for the last couple of miles I did do an out and back past the ballpark to more familiar territory. I ended the run at 4.9 miles.<br />
<br />
Distance: 4.9mi<br />
Time: 52:57<br />
Pace: 10:48 min/mi<br />
<br />
I was so glad I had arrived early because as I was finishing my run around 7AM, there were looooooooong lines of cars in both directions heading to Lot A and as I mentioned before, the lines at bib pickup were also long (and still long during the race start!) So if you do this race in the future, arrive early!<br />
<br />
Gear check was pretty convenient. I normally don't use them anymore but since I was warm and they were right there, I decided to check my jacket which went into purple Fedex canvas drawstring bags. (I don't know why I get excited by these bags vs normal plastic ones, I already have plenty.)<br />
<br />
I then got in line for my second portapotty visit and that's when I ran into Naomi, <a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/2011/08/the-giant-race-recap/">Courtney</a>, and Aron. Here's a cute pic of us pre-race... Aron and I had both done pre-runs which is why we look a bit warmer than the other two ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrEbeS8ZS_V4SvNcHWQhZR2ro2g1UUJacboxvkcR1Dzfijg7jvvb7YLNs-sBU_fLUqrZWdz3B3-K4Ca3Pp5eTG3ua-JdaIScW6cqIkBqT7YPWh_15Q9ah_E_WbPuAQqwF2i5XXdwLHB2D/s400/IMG_3491.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="298" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.inaomi.com/2011/08/28/the-giant-race-2011/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Eventually it was time to head to the race start which was outside the ballpark. Here's a pic of us runners getting ready to line up in our corrals. You can see the ballpark on the left of the photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jq_9xEt9e9E9TAKYFZW4Iy1eCrc2YMoy3PBCm4bjuA7y-v_x5RxLM2K3H-7BhUFItTLsSbfAFIqET4TkyzRvwlPBLTrCMa-12e3t3Qv5lbBFDxN7RRvGTCqNgRXAmJNr1nIyGUu-_2AM/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jq_9xEt9e9E9TAKYFZW4Iy1eCrc2YMoy3PBCm4bjuA7y-v_x5RxLM2K3H-7BhUFItTLsSbfAFIqET4TkyzRvwlPBLTrCMa-12e3t3Qv5lbBFDxN7RRvGTCqNgRXAmJNr1nIyGUu-_2AM/s400/IMG_4243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Luckily, I found Naomi in the start corral (we got separated when she went to check in her stuff) - definitely fun to chat with her before the race!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq793lo_21RJk-mPiArVoh8xl24u3rKhP51z0o4sCKWiQh6jq9aw6XR1WjR-IsqTtrn6v10Muif1xp_3FqXY8bU6TFJOVdWLpn5j2LEFAgIwGeXZqmZvk5BD0HPcWueyY43bD0TGkyzK8/s1600/IMG_4244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq793lo_21RJk-mPiArVoh8xl24u3rKhP51z0o4sCKWiQh6jq9aw6XR1WjR-IsqTtrn6v10Muif1xp_3FqXY8bU6TFJOVdWLpn5j2LEFAgIwGeXZqmZvk5BD0HPcWueyY43bD0TGkyzK8/s400/IMG_4244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>The Race</b><br />
<br />
And off we went! I tried to keep up with Naomi for a little bit at the start but once I glanced at my Garmin and saw that I was running in the 9s, I had to back off and stay with my more comfortable ~10:50 pace. Maybe if I was running just the half, I might have tried to hang on for a bit longer but I wasn't going to mess around with an 18mi training run.<br />
<br />
Even though I am super familiar with this course, I still really enjoy it (same could not be said for say, the LG creek trail). The weather felt great so I was having a nice run.<br />
<br />
Around mile 4 was the Fort Mason hill which is where I planned to take my Gu. I walked the whole thing like I did in my 16 miler. <br />
<br />
A little before mile 5, I spotted a crowd of runners all taking pics with someone. He looked like a young Santa Claus with a dark beard. I didn't get why all these people were taking pics with him... I mean, it's not like he was <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGrgXBx3A0Y8ALyU5VrD5yIEQZJZJHaI36L6by6ZV7cYFNDZUq_BLf0z4xOD8IryIui_Qv3NSu-7fehZQ2lqmIkDcg3-lmmVQHvpdjLgLxcY6WNBRt_9h2buntBgMJ4gkEU4dAo3FYUVH/s1600/2.JPG">Mickey Mouse</a> or something.<br />
<br />
OK I'M JUST KIDDING! It was that "Fear the Beard" guy (in Audrey speak). Or was it? I did see a runner earlier on the course that was wearing a fake Brian Wilson beard so I was immediately suspicious. But sure enough, it was him! <br />
<br />
I briefly considering joining the mess for a pic but 1) I'm not really a baseball fan, 2) I was in my groove and didn't want to lose any momentum, and 3) I'd hate to irritate any REAL Giants fans with such a photo. I could just hear it now - "Audrey got a pic with Brian Wilson? She's not even a Giants fan!!!" It would be like someone I know being nonchalant about getting a pic with Kristen Stewart or <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/watch-what-happens-live/bio/andy-cohen">Andy Cohen</a>. <br />
<br />
But I knew SOMEONE would be all over this opportunity and sure enough she was:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTKDmsQ6qaOz_KS0NqcG6zD-XwQdoMGge005aBZ_iCdoqkiQvt_2z17dWGSIm7IYbR-hJWfciuJAtxFZOdEvXy0Eutc6_68F5keNwkhTrhonFDp0ls6UU0H1xo62ZJyDCdv7YNw1Cg_QC/s1600/naomi_bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTKDmsQ6qaOz_KS0NqcG6zD-XwQdoMGge005aBZ_iCdoqkiQvt_2z17dWGSIm7IYbR-hJWfciuJAtxFZOdEvXy0Eutc6_68F5keNwkhTrhonFDp0ls6UU0H1xo62ZJyDCdv7YNw1Cg_QC/s400/naomi_bw.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.inaomi.com/2011/08/28/the-giant-race-2011/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Pretty cute pic, dontcha think? I think this should be her Christmas card photo this year.<br />
<br />
And I guess if you were part of the faster crew, you actually got high fives from him!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-N01tUJJHzBVi2anw2rnMfOtBsVm7nbNkMwVJvV04EUU79dLSUgDh-fL8jamOvNGbt0XaeeS1th3uAmxTQdEw2QqAosn7jKJtKvkX0qqvy_kF6u0z1V_i7NE2Oocr4T_7CDr9EwVDvWy/s1600/640x360_wilson_high5_cj0l3n33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-N01tUJJHzBVi2anw2rnMfOtBsVm7nbNkMwVJvV04EUU79dLSUgDh-fL8jamOvNGbt0XaeeS1th3uAmxTQdEw2QqAosn7jKJtKvkX0qqvy_kF6u0z1V_i7NE2Oocr4T_7CDr9EwVDvWy/s400/640x360_wilson_high5_cj0l3n33.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/wall/article.jsp?content_id=23854836&partnerId=aw-6997238977270735135-1123&target=Z&source=PJ_AD:Z:MLB&affiliateId=21181&clickId=237111814&affiliateCustomId=skim725X745465X59812b21e85f8d680df416480db538d5">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now that's pretty awesome. I still can't decide if he planned to be part of The Giant Race course entertainment or if it was just a coincidence since I've been informed by others that he actually lives in the Marina. Either way, it's pretty cool because he had to have been out there for at least half an hour.<br />
<br />
A little bit further down, I spotted my old roommate Pete on the side of the course. I guess it's not that big of a surprise since he lives in the area and his running club runs there on Saturdays but still, this is the third time I've run into him at a race. The <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2010/08/spectator-report-skyline-50k.html">last time</a> was out in Castro Valley! As I shouted out a greeting to him, I yelled out, "That Wilson guy is back there!" As soon as the words left my mouth, I immediately shut up and hoped no diehard Giants fan heard me... I don't think they'd appreciate him being called That Wilson guy. Haha!<br />
<br />
Eventually we got to the turnaround at Crissy Field and headed back. At each mile marker, I reminded myself that I logged five more so it was fun to see all the miles click by. I walked up Fort Mason again and took my other Gu. Speaking of Gu, I don't recall spotting any on the course until past mile 9 when we were over the hill (literally, not figuratively). Doesn't really seem like the best spot for them in my opinion. I was already Gu'd up but I kept hearing a conversation I had with <a href="http://thesmudge.com/">Layla</a> in my head when we discussed that if a Gu is offered, you take it. "That's $1.25, sure I'll take one!" I ended up taking two.<br />
<br />
Once I got to mile 10, I changed my Garmin setting to show the average pace instead of current pace. I didn't want to have any real race goals since it was a training run but I did think it would be nice if my half pace was sub-11:00 min/mi. And not Garmin pace, but "on the record" chip time pace. And at mile 10, I was a little over 11:00 and since I knew I would be logging more miles on my Garmin compared to the race distance, I knew I would have to add some seconds on top of that.<br />
<br />
I was 15 total miles in and I really wasn't sure if I could push harder but I tried my best. At least I knew the course was flat for the rest of the way.<br />
<br />
I must have really been in the back of the pack because at this point there weren't that many runners around me. Until we got to mile 13... ay yay yay. I guess having to merge with the Kids Run at the <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2011/06/race-report-see-jane-run-half-marathon.html">See Jane Run half</a> in the last mile was good practice because in the last mile at The Giant Race, I got to dodge the 5K walkers... with strollers! <br />
<br />
RACE DIRECTORS: PLEASE STOP MERGING WALKERS WITH RUNNERS IN THEIR FINAL STRETCH! Or at least have some volunteers to help clear the path, good grief. At least I knew to stay out of the way of the elites running in the opposite direction of the main pack of runners.<br />
<br />
Eventually the AT&T ballpark was in my sight... so exciting! The course led us right inside the ballpark and the finish line was right there! Of course, there were still plenty of walkers taking over the whole path. Once I'm in the finish line stretch, polite (most of the time, anyway) Audrey goes out the window - I'm on a mission and nobody is getting in my way! Thankfully, I didn't have to elbow anyone but did have to bark at someone to step aside. This would have been an ideal place for race volunteers to separate the walkers from the runners. But I really didn't have it that bad. I encourage you to check out <a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/2011/08/the-giant-race-recap/">Courtney's artistic rendition</a> of her finish line experience (just come back here when you're done, ok?).<br />
<br />
<b>Official Results </b><br />
<br />
Split Times:<br />
<br />
<table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="arial"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="right">5 Km:</td> <td><span class="bold">33:41</span> Pace: <span class="bold">10:51</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right">10 Km:</td> <td><span class="bold">1:07:55</span> Pace: <span class="bold">10:56</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right">Turn Around:</td> <td><span class="bold">1:14:48</span> Pace: <span class="bold">11:00</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right">10 Mi:</td> <td><span class="bold">1:50:17</span> Pace: <span class="bold">11:02</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Finish time: <span class="bold">2:23:41</span><br />
Pace: <span class="bold">10:58</span><br />
<br />
YAY!!! I got my sub-11 pace!!!<br />
<br />
And if you're curious...<br />
<br />
Garmin distance: 13.21 mi<br />
Garmin time: 2:23:44<br />
Garmin pace: 10:53min/mi<br />
<br />
<b><span class="bold">Post Race</span></b><br />
<br />
There was some great energy inside as the stands had a bunch of peeps cheering on their loved ones. It was just fun being inside the ballpark - reminded me of getting to run through Anaheim Stadium during the <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2010/11/race-report-disneyland-half.html">Disneyland Half</a>. It definitely made it easier to deal with the post-race congestion that first started with collecting the medal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAzPkOf2tHjpZtGLXmJiNlmIvto8tMxyMbTsdrhAGzmmxDa5iHJAJn3liU7KLRNeVSfJXajdFkTK77od6zvW-vl5VbN95U2eIBzxTxNaYTNM_ufR_BUSvyApZiZsAQJVfN0AyIq4whq1V/s1600/IMG_4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAzPkOf2tHjpZtGLXmJiNlmIvto8tMxyMbTsdrhAGzmmxDa5iHJAJn3liU7KLRNeVSfJXajdFkTK77od6zvW-vl5VbN95U2eIBzxTxNaYTNM_ufR_BUSvyApZiZsAQJVfN0AyIq4whq1V/s400/IMG_4245.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Me and my medal! Woo hoo!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieNJ0pY7IgJc_9mjqYnEIq4mWgqml_Aks3QCbp7z3xtDrw9wnlqCWMZSX9CCGBH1YQ2EJVLrkSX8CnB1o6LNNYS-lzBBkpueqOYJYs_5TSx92qpN-r4w_QdRnZCkEkGvbu1SkF0OKoYIG/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieNJ0pY7IgJc_9mjqYnEIq4mWgqml_Aks3QCbp7z3xtDrw9wnlqCWMZSX9CCGBH1YQ2EJVLrkSX8CnB1o6LNNYS-lzBBkpueqOYJYs_5TSx92qpN-r4w_QdRnZCkEkGvbu1SkF0OKoYIG/s400/IMG_4246.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
As soon as I crossed the finish line, I got a text from Naomi who was still on the field so I was able to get a pic with her and our medals too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBKozxY2jb7yydVojYYmwyz_mQl6m3fxA5LC7tIx8_cllNKp3M_HDHYQVN_Q8GaufuboYJRcrFCLNEOjQa24x99S3_8SzV_S7ZzF2O4yUYp_0Us-QOz0RNahxMv2l-MPY2BzeH9lesjE1/s1600/IMG_3500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBKozxY2jb7yydVojYYmwyz_mQl6m3fxA5LC7tIx8_cllNKp3M_HDHYQVN_Q8GaufuboYJRcrFCLNEOjQa24x99S3_8SzV_S7ZzF2O4yUYp_0Us-QOz0RNahxMv2l-MPY2BzeH9lesjE1/s400/IMG_3500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.inaomi.com/2011/08/28/the-giant-race-2011/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now here is the part that concerned me. I read about this in the race instructions so at least I was prepared. After running the half marathon, you had to walk around the field, and then immediately go UP THE STEPS to the concourse level to get the rest of the goodies (as shown in the left of the photo below). Say what now? <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DplEbdJqGOhYmY7e0Z12nrGeE6VC5bCwkcOQNMowXtxLElmH5_VeNd8QOAPMBqJmDcuwDiQ7zTIS7yxUNajlNcopBNQeREnx_PMxr6XPjnWwZLQeTOmKTowmhnGaN-4UsOPnsZj5pMYD/s1600/IMG_4248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DplEbdJqGOhYmY7e0Z12nrGeE6VC5bCwkcOQNMowXtxLElmH5_VeNd8QOAPMBqJmDcuwDiQ7zTIS7yxUNajlNcopBNQeREnx_PMxr6XPjnWwZLQeTOmKTowmhnGaN-4UsOPnsZj5pMYD/s400/IMG_4248.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi is to the right of the balloon arch... do you see her? :P</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once you're on the concourse level, the congestion continues as you work away around the entire level to get your goodie bag, the race shirt, and the bobblehead. Egads.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_d5SQw1lUrMMtf_ovIbh0P4Ev20mlWvInj1a_HIXZhB6oRasXpTpB1K_2LUk_uiUbYRTEV_nKdAUdTdOdu3UrRiHE4Nugxc4x96yLvkNDSrGTaLUiOtbf2mrG3xwkZj_lmcEXFWOB8Pi/s1600/concourse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_d5SQw1lUrMMtf_ovIbh0P4Ev20mlWvInj1a_HIXZhB6oRasXpTpB1K_2LUk_uiUbYRTEV_nKdAUdTdOdu3UrRiHE4Nugxc4x96yLvkNDSrGTaLUiOtbf2mrG3xwkZj_lmcEXFWOB8Pi/s400/concourse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/2011/08/the-giant-race-recap/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I got CRAZY excited when I saw the bobbleheads! For some reason, I thought they would be these little doo-dads in a plastic bag or something. But no, they were legit fancy schmancy souvenir items in a box! Wheeeee....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe03RixAZldlzyhq5jvMpJwy98PjUrwQ2ihkw0pyA21YxFfWvP78cSO_uGzI_rEhFdEFF2-q7yDUinlB23KKEz-vC6Go1ql-J4uqjNNmR6XxvCF7xSrwq4GFM11I0Hfp7xPiHo0NaFGAA/s1600/IMG_3505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe03RixAZldlzyhq5jvMpJwy98PjUrwQ2ihkw0pyA21YxFfWvP78cSO_uGzI_rEhFdEFF2-q7yDUinlB23KKEz-vC6Go1ql-J4uqjNNmR6XxvCF7xSrwq4GFM11I0Hfp7xPiHo0NaFGAA/s400/IMG_3505.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.inaomi.com/2011/08/28/the-giant-race-2011/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
FINALLY we got out of there. On our way out, we spotted the Got Milk? booth. We didn't check them out (looks like they were offering free massages) but I had to take a pic (or well, ask Naomi to take it) since technically, they did sponsor my participation in the race. Thanks Got Milk! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTB9ugrDhyphenhyphen7a3X7SUL4BaZUcjbcRHGgd4XUa_ZWYdyLMtkBqz1FyH0rkTO-KiEQ8a5zOFSUupOUKyX7WL5r7SUHbn6SmOQIAJiCYmmw1FPZWTYqsuN5SbOmVlJ2Uof33my-ykxjA2sZhQ/s1600/IMG_3502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTB9ugrDhyphenhyphen7a3X7SUL4BaZUcjbcRHGgd4XUa_ZWYdyLMtkBqz1FyH0rkTO-KiEQ8a5zOFSUupOUKyX7WL5r7SUHbn6SmOQIAJiCYmmw1FPZWTYqsuN5SbOmVlJ2Uof33my-ykxjA2sZhQ/s400/IMG_3502.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>The Fed Ex gear check trucks were conveniently located right outside so after we picked up our stuff, we were free to get our lunch on! Courtney was nice enough to wait for us so we met up with her there.<br />
<br />
We ended up having lunch at MoMo's - my first time there! That's a super nice place and I felt kind of bad for dining there in my sweaty state but it looked like it was all runners there so it seemed OK. <br />
<br />
While we were there, I had to yank the bobblehead out of the box and check it out! Isn't it so fun?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyYsHVxNwm_fIE0nxEABQcuc3GQhzKAz5nWkXqdDpvmS1jEjyVBavATAKhVIpE2DHJ2dkgEnKHUD955vnIv_TRfqC0kGbDqwMetiktrAliSyah6oLnIRbQZKKCek1py6kFdLd5e5ROEoP/s1600/IMG_3507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyYsHVxNwm_fIE0nxEABQcuc3GQhzKAz5nWkXqdDpvmS1jEjyVBavATAKhVIpE2DHJ2dkgEnKHUD955vnIv_TRfqC0kGbDqwMetiktrAliSyah6oLnIRbQZKKCek1py6kFdLd5e5ROEoP/s400/IMG_3507.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.inaomi.com/2011/08/28/the-giant-race-2011/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihBDDN9W4TNlUMwFANurE-g1Me85xXHRrWauzfaCrQNgTnZoZ47hyphenhyphenAPr4KYS5QM6u6Xeg9yNdRA1t6lSrkPidd-1lMDh1cdyfUYvG0Ih8frUr8c3wA5iXD_tMZMi5YVDjZI-c4UipoXkv/s1600/IMG_3508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihBDDN9W4TNlUMwFANurE-g1Me85xXHRrWauzfaCrQNgTnZoZ47hyphenhyphenAPr4KYS5QM6u6Xeg9yNdRA1t6lSrkPidd-1lMDh1cdyfUYvG0Ih8frUr8c3wA5iXD_tMZMi5YVDjZI-c4UipoXkv/s400/IMG_3508.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.inaomi.com/2011/08/28/the-giant-race-2011/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Naomi was kind enough to inform me that Tim Lincecum is half filipino. My mom will be happy! :P<br />
<br />
On our way back to our cars, we passed all the peeps waiting in line for the 6PM Giants game. The bobblehead is the giveaway for the game attendees so I heard people had been waiting in line at 10AM to make sure they got theirs. Here they are around 1PM that day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEMPQBlYFIemlwE4KlLasCBYVlQ4xnHvEZz_cyZg6mUAiMViBJlukmPt7gVw1JnJSt8fARDa_cOfhVZdc4tTlv8QFo6rfazpqZRWjYpKGP5Pzlb9ExARla0KI1HeRDYLTJARIXRpdkANj/s1600/IMG_4251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEMPQBlYFIemlwE4KlLasCBYVlQ4xnHvEZz_cyZg6mUAiMViBJlukmPt7gVw1JnJSt8fARDa_cOfhVZdc4tTlv8QFo6rfazpqZRWjYpKGP5Pzlb9ExARla0KI1HeRDYLTJARIXRpdkANj/s400/IMG_4251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf78eNybUXgDE4-2kifl8_IEb_VDlApJCQKOq86uwVB4ATQ1juTDl1zdl42MNqVT8BS-_5IwqTXalXkaMvdZc7DHgRa89_ZvgKqY9sUC5gW-gqEGcKtKjzcKsGPPOXOpC9y0UB3N-NX_Bq/s1600/IMG_4253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf78eNybUXgDE4-2kifl8_IEb_VDlApJCQKOq86uwVB4ATQ1juTDl1zdl42MNqVT8BS-_5IwqTXalXkaMvdZc7DHgRa89_ZvgKqY9sUC5gW-gqEGcKtKjzcKsGPPOXOpC9y0UB3N-NX_Bq/s400/IMG_4253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I think running a half is a more fun way to secure the giveaway :D<br />
<br />
Here's a closeup shot of the medal. I kept the plastic wrap on until I got home. :P Not really intentionally and I actually dislike when they give us our medal still in its wrapping. Guess I was too lazy to take it off earlier. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pOe48mtbxgOtm0bi0hW95kTdm6yKRUekj9917WEBzmnC8DxYjVWSZVIJbCJino6vIMG-tdRkxSk_GVI2KqZcnK7gBrh-MgxzhYJMVhnzdgk7DgeK092dHUmq4DUVM6BnGIORfGPFFDdJ/s1600/IMG_4254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pOe48mtbxgOtm0bi0hW95kTdm6yKRUekj9917WEBzmnC8DxYjVWSZVIJbCJino6vIMG-tdRkxSk_GVI2KqZcnK7gBrh-MgxzhYJMVhnzdgk7DgeK092dHUmq4DUVM6BnGIORfGPFFDdJ/s400/IMG_4254.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
And here's a pic of all of our loot! I stole Courtney's photo because it looked a lot nicer than the one I originally took.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe665VSBxoQKIvb0avBaMVb2z_wBYF2Pu9rImhfHO1b99IgZ0nNk43NBYPD3tiByH4ow1vgMnkhZMnek3b6S_kKLqhIPOAZM-zBnqtg9I1yOrgnmn9tJtJpmKNSVpU3HaqZVCPFmoinwJJ/s1600/goodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe665VSBxoQKIvb0avBaMVb2z_wBYF2Pu9rImhfHO1b99IgZ0nNk43NBYPD3tiByH4ow1vgMnkhZMnek3b6S_kKLqhIPOAZM-zBnqtg9I1yOrgnmn9tJtJpmKNSVpU3HaqZVCPFmoinwJJ/s400/goodies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/2011/08/the-giant-race-recap/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
All in all, it was a super fun morning! And a FABULOUS way to log 18 miles. <br />
<br />
Total for the day...<br />
<br />
Distance: 18.12 mi<br />
Time: 3:16:41<br />
Pace: 10:51 pace<br />
<br />
Pretty darn cool! :Daudgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-91829648358368047222011-08-26T11:43:00.000-07:002011-08-26T11:43:43.979-07:00Some Fun Song Suggestions for RunningI don't know about you guys but I almost always create a new playlist for every race I run. Usually it's with the most recent songs I've downloaded but lately I've been listening to some of my old running mixes, mainly just to make my runs a little more interesting. It's been fun re-discovering some fun tunes!<br />
<br />
Here are some that have helped me pick up my pace a little - maybe you might want to add these to your playlist!<br />
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<b>Pink - Trouble</b><br />
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My old spinning teacher would play this a lot. This is a good song for speed drills because it's kind of a mellow pace but then the refrain works well for speeding up.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mFu3YzRnyDU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
The next two have a nice quick tempo.<br />
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<b>Plain White T's - Our Time Now</b><br />
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<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sftymVyLb-Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Fratellis - Flathead</b><br />
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<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fz2ZDeTYgTs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Prodigy - Smack My B*tch Up</b><br />
<br />
Many years ago when I lived in Dallas, I used to take this fun hip hop dance class. The teacher would teach us a routine that we would then dance over and over again to different songs that would increase in tempo. We'd always do it the last time to this song and I just remember there would be lots of flailing limbs! :P <br />
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<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0BpfydZdTE0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Me First and The Gimme Gimmes - Over the Rainbow</b><br />
<br />
This last one I got from my friend a long time ago and I honestly forgot I had it. It popped up on shuffle during my miserable 6mi run in the sun yesterday and it somehow managed to get me from an 11+ pace to around 9:30! The song is super short though (1:30) so don't expect it to push you for too long.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WM2YWukq4CI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
What are some good songs that help you put the pedal to the metal?audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-29450246296285022952011-08-22T13:11:00.000-07:002011-08-22T13:11:21.902-07:00Marathon Training Update - 5 weeks to Akron!I thought this might be a good time for a little update on my marathon training that I first mentioned <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2011/07/marathon-training-is-on.html">here</a>. I've now completed 8 weeks of my plan with five weeks to go - EEK!!!<br />
<br />
I'm actually pretty pleased with how it's been going so far! I've definitely seen improvements in my pace and definitely the distances. I started the year forcing myself to do 3 or 4 mile runs with sometimes a 13:xx average pace (I love walking!) to now having just completed a 16 mile run with a 10:50 pace (which I'm still so thrilled with! To the point I don't care how I do in my 18 and 20 mile runs, haha) And I don't beat myself up if my heart's not into it and it shows in the run. I've only missed a couple of runs so far but they were both during recovery weeks so no biggie. <br />
<br />
I really like running 3x a week - I realize that's probably not enough for most people, especially since I don't do additional cross training, but it works pretty well for me. I don't dread running like I used to. My mentality has changed a lot. When I first started running again this year, my heart was not into it at all and I had no idea how I was going to log enough miles to prepare for my upcoming marathons. I won't say I absolutely love it now, but I like it a lot more - enough to actually reconsider my whole "retiring from marathons after NYC" thing. For special occasions ONLY - ones that <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">Roadbunner</a> and <a href="http://ambitiousaspirations.blogspot.com/">Alisa</a> know about. <br />
<br />
These next two weeks should be interesting. My speed workouts bump up from 4-5 miles to 6 miles. I have my 18 mile long run this weekend and 20 miles next weekend *_* I've only done a 20 mile training run ONCE for the four marathons I've run. So clearly I have no pace expectations for those two long runs, I just need to cover the distance and I will be happy.<br />
<br />
I'm actually looking forward to running Akron now! Just bought my plane ticket this week. Okay, maybe I am more excited about seeing my niece and nephew (and the rest of my family of course) but I'm starting to feel a bit more confident about the marathon too!<br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />
<br />
audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-45972526395539508622011-07-28T01:04:00.000-07:002011-07-28T01:23:58.823-07:00Running with Friends - Pictures Galore!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd435/audgepodge1/jazzhands2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd435/audgepodge1/jazzhands2.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you like this gif? Because there are more coming! If not, um... sorry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So this post is loooooong overdue. I have all these cute pictures that I've been wanting to show even though they've been posted on umpteen different blogs already. (But I bet my dear friend in Santa Fe hasn't seen them yet - hello, Amanda!!!)<br />
<br />
Earlier this year, I had been struggling with getting back into running but you know what makes it so much easier? Running with friends! I've been so fortunate that these early weeks of my official marathon training plan have coincided with so many fun group runs. The trick is to make sure there are awesome peeps there (check) and that there is some type of drink/food activity afterward (check).<br />
<br />
<b>Blogger Meet Up</b><br />
<br />
The first one was a blogger meet up organized by Aron from <a href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/">Runner's Rambles</a>. This was a super fun one as I only knew a handful of the girls there prior to the run. Met a lot of cool and really interesting people that morning!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GJ6rrozRJgPTOAX4boZLDbgkFl6_X8OSjDeLLtLaUgaaT2PRA7ZcpGTSimtCfNN4zr1mmxYopd8KrQQFlM-GaVU_BmRVxnuEtq-3IOImYcpWz1dmkdBTP6f7PaO0fzrfwDkW-p4FhEn9/s1600/DSCN0609a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GJ6rrozRJgPTOAX4boZLDbgkFl6_X8OSjDeLLtLaUgaaT2PRA7ZcpGTSimtCfNN4zr1mmxYopd8KrQQFlM-GaVU_BmRVxnuEtq-3IOImYcpWz1dmkdBTP6f7PaO0fzrfwDkW-p4FhEn9/s400/DSCN0609a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Aron at <a href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/2011/06/i-love-bloggers-2.html">Runners Rambles</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>They all have some amazing blogs and I encourage you to check them out!<br />
<br />
Top row (L-R): <a href="http://www.runinsyn.com/">Alisyn</a>, <a href="http://www.inaomi.com/">Naomi</a>, <a href="http://twentysixandthensome.com/">Page</a>, <a href="http://www.kristenkeepingup.com/">Kristen</a>, <a href="http://roserunner.blogspot.com/">Caitlin</a>, <a href="http://simplyrunningonfaith.wordpress.com/">Kerry</a>, <a href="http://thesmudge.com/">Layla</a>, <a href="http://boston2berkeley.wordpress.com/">Beth</a>, <a href="http://pancakesandpostcards.com/">Courtney</a> <br />
Bottom row (L-R):<a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/"> Alyssa</a>, Tara, moi, <a href="http://twitter.com/janac">Jana</a>, <a href="http://one-run-at-a-time.blogspot.com/">Katie</a>, <a href="http://www.running-foodie.com/">Megan</a> and <a href="http://runnersrambles.com/">Aron</a><i> </i><br />
<i>Missing: </i><a href="http://catesworldkitchen.com/"><i>Cate</i></a> <br />
<br />
I ran with Naomi during the actual run which helped me a lot because she pushed me to run faster than I had been doing on my own.<br />
<br />
Afterward, we hung out at Peet's for coffee and chitchat. We all hit it off! At one point, I was just sitting there listening to all the conversations going on and I kind of looked around our area and realized, wow, we are REALLY squeal-ly loud. Not as a bad thing, more of a "I'm pretty impressed" thing. (That's because I've been known to be particularly loud and squeal-ly myself on occasion.)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7hhOW6hB2OgR0xdAeaVaJY7hw3yANmzQKn2o0QM7FxlNUvOst4rvkcst4ce_DCAFDujeq06Rt4FnovqYr5hc5DUglLpxKLqIbg_TVVzGjcdUn4V1N3jU8ITPRiOZmh4Ik8nrVbaH01UM/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7hhOW6hB2OgR0xdAeaVaJY7hw3yANmzQKn2o0QM7FxlNUvOst4rvkcst4ce_DCAFDujeq06Rt4FnovqYr5hc5DUglLpxKLqIbg_TVVzGjcdUn4V1N3jU8ITPRiOZmh4Ik8nrVbaH01UM/s400/DSC_0026.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Aron at <a href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/2011/06/i-love-bloggers-2.html">Runners Rambles</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>During our coffee chat session, Naomi invited me to another fun group run that was going on the following weekend...<br />
<br />
<b>Ramen Run</b><br />
<br />
Ah, yes, Ramen. Can you believe I've never had this before? (with the exception of the stuff you eat in college, of course) Well, it turns out that Alyssa from <a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/">Diary of an Average Runner</a> (which, by the way, she is so *not* average, but whatev) is a HUGE Ramen fan so she organized a super fun meet up called the Ramen Run. We met at the Conservatory of Flowers, ran around Golden Gate Park, and then chowed down at Genki Ramen afterward.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3I0Syv8rFCi4WmbXQTHjXMACwEkrXi5ailH3WMlySvDx4awB8Atjuet-qE8oP7cRJ7PB8D6443TFyKL6PO1_jCHA3Tnyzrz47dvSg9JFMfubixTDfDhGnnJUqE6X9ynfyoNryD2LqI9p/s1600/Ramen+Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3I0Syv8rFCi4WmbXQTHjXMACwEkrXi5ailH3WMlySvDx4awB8Atjuet-qE8oP7cRJ7PB8D6443TFyKL6PO1_jCHA3Tnyzrz47dvSg9JFMfubixTDfDhGnnJUqE6X9ynfyoNryD2LqI9p/s400/Ramen+Run.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Alyssa at <a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/2011/07/group-running.html">Diary of an Average Runner</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>From left to right: Naomi, Layla, Karin, Sandra, moi, Kerry, Alyssa, Jana, and Kristen<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaS_X9SM-Z007Q5WIyqBpaVHI17qgbPrh9FGFsvsw7D5_I-ls-W2QBqsJBPNm_AL8swPDznPYpyhMtnWzEhfBkZDT99i9DXpzAyDIfxk2OiAxWEkXGmzoQmjBOYML6iL-pCy2D3Aye4wh/s1600/Conservatory+of+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaS_X9SM-Z007Q5WIyqBpaVHI17qgbPrh9FGFsvsw7D5_I-ls-W2QBqsJBPNm_AL8swPDznPYpyhMtnWzEhfBkZDT99i9DXpzAyDIfxk2OiAxWEkXGmzoQmjBOYML6iL-pCy2D3Aye4wh/s400/Conservatory+of+Flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Alyssa at <a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/2011/07/group-running.html">Diary of an Average Runner</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have to thank Alyssa because I think the Conservatory of Flowers is my new favorite meeting spot for running in Golden Gate Park. It's fun to sit on the steps and people watch (there was an awesome and very spirited singing roller skater that morning) and you can't beat the view with the spectacular flower gardens. Plus you've got easy access to a restroom, water fountain, and a snack stand.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmj7typjdpTaMwd0ZlRGcfS6n7hbaVArkBn1-ytVQ37yzvBHLWJ5Dzjc7BTKumiHAwzTsj43b5ONqLImrPESNW82mTXm6WMgiTKH7iadAFnxWBqXT6dt9l-LFshPDiiccfW7IVyLrCSr5/s1600/Bison+Field2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmj7typjdpTaMwd0ZlRGcfS6n7hbaVArkBn1-ytVQ37yzvBHLWJ5Dzjc7BTKumiHAwzTsj43b5ONqLImrPESNW82mTXm6WMgiTKH7iadAFnxWBqXT6dt9l-LFshPDiiccfW7IVyLrCSr5/s400/Bison+Field2.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Alyssa at <a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/2011/07/group-running.html">Diary of an Average Runner</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's our little pack running to the buffalo patch along JFK. I kept up with them up to that point but it was pushing my pace just a bit past my comfort level so I ran the rest on my own and met them all back at the Conservatory.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrcVQ8_6zY7heLhcZV0PCV3LWCi9TIJWqGcj2YzDrqF5E4FYRCEFYhdd4o3VLO40xLxNY0fvlWd_UrrGIAWNAFR5UZI5VJO_I0NreFAoDoPSyyW-MjPijjXsxJSflVnH0ORxaEIF3hAFA/s1600/Ramen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrcVQ8_6zY7heLhcZV0PCV3LWCi9TIJWqGcj2YzDrqF5E4FYRCEFYhdd4o3VLO40xLxNY0fvlWd_UrrGIAWNAFR5UZI5VJO_I0NreFAoDoPSyyW-MjPijjXsxJSflVnH0ORxaEIF3hAFA/s400/Ramen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Alyssa at <a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/2011/07/group-running.html">Diary of an Average Runner</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then we all headed to Genki Ramen!!! Now I'll be honest, I'm not really a noodle person. I recently had my first experience with pho and wasn't impressed so I wasn't sure how this would turn out but I actually liked it! The noodles are a bit more hearty and it had just enough soup for me. It was a pretty satisfying post run treat.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcpxlCVaz4jqtUmxGNMJNRBwEAlmDtXctVBRdM9BOBzJzYSccoYIifZS0-qagJLgZcLfGR6jSnTRhxGi01IauuAMPkuRMClUHSl-DW3uNGgDghWZ5A4KtrznfsqxuO7Pu6GkJ4eEO0nM7/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcpxlCVaz4jqtUmxGNMJNRBwEAlmDtXctVBRdM9BOBzJzYSccoYIifZS0-qagJLgZcLfGR6jSnTRhxGi01IauuAMPkuRMClUHSl-DW3uNGgDghWZ5A4KtrznfsqxuO7Pu6GkJ4eEO0nM7/s400/IMG_4068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veggie Curry Ramen with a side of Gyoza</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
While enjoying our Ramen, you would never believe what happened - we discussed yet *another* group run for the following weekend!<br />
<br />
<b>DSE 6 Hour Distance Classic</b><br />
<br />
As I understand it, <a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/2011/07/race-recap-6-hour-distance-classic.html">Alyssa</a> was once again the mastermind of this super fun social run. Her local running club had organized a 6 hour run where people would run around this one mile loop at Crissy Field as many times as they wanted. It was pretty convenient - easy access to a fully supported aid station (and I mean, <i>supported</i> - peanut M&Ms, gummi bears, watermelon, cookies, etc) *and* a restroom. And I loved the idea that you could kind of feel like you were running with your friends even if they were way faster than you. At some point you'd see each other during the many loops.<br />
<br />
I had to do 9 miles that day so this was perfect for me. The loop was pretty flat and it was nice and chilly so I actually finished with a 10:45 pace which is really good for me these days. Because I started late (Naomi and I spectated the Jungle Run half marathon that morning down in the south bay), everyone finished before me and were hanging out by the aid station. Knowing I would see them every mile kept me on my toes. :)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>OK, now get ready for animated gif overload... I honestly can't help myself!</i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd435/audgepodge1/jazz2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd435/audgepodge1/jazz2.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos from <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">RoadBunner</a>'s BF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Did I mention we had professional photographers during this run? Or at least friends with professional cameras? :P<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd435/audgepodge1/jazz3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd435/audgepodge1/jazz3.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos from <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">RoadBunner</a>'s BF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Listen, if people are going to cheer so enthusiastically for you *and* take pics - of course, I'm going to ham it up!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd435/audgepodge1/July-231.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd435/audgepodge1/July-231.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos from <a href="http://runnersrambles.com/">Aron</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Aron took some pics of all of us, too!<br />
<br />
I was the last one to finish and it was super nice of everyone to hang out until then. (I *hate* making people wait for me.) I'm sure everyone was just having fun hanging with friends and chilling on the lawn on a lovely Sunday afternoon. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVrBD8Q-YhTo0aLYJ4rjcruPALPvH1IN7IcjiV4yeibzRdAhEsDmsCwn_S8hWJygQEvm7QW7Wktlm9Mo7AgbWHWGevvKDpaIhTI2USlXKqRfQSjO6qyO9Ev5X3N-PYRRpstMzNVW1Y9lm/s1600/IMG_4109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVrBD8Q-YhTo0aLYJ4rjcruPALPvH1IN7IcjiV4yeibzRdAhEsDmsCwn_S8hWJygQEvm7QW7Wktlm9Mo7AgbWHWGevvKDpaIhTI2USlXKqRfQSjO6qyO9Ev5X3N-PYRRpstMzNVW1Y9lm/s400/IMG_4109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all got ribbons!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Later on...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhYlm3qc41S_FynS1BFM5e_vCuFpxd40qVXyTfkwQ_-dqmqch2Va9lDiOCwqQZrYKBs7OLwly8tCSe-fCyyH6IwbEbALw4LBTSCSYpHldw-AjEixkgKPk_RN5T76qRrszpgzwOQtGZq5z/s1600/ramen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhYlm3qc41S_FynS1BFM5e_vCuFpxd40qVXyTfkwQ_-dqmqch2Va9lDiOCwqQZrYKBs7OLwly8tCSe-fCyyH6IwbEbALw4LBTSCSYpHldw-AjEixkgKPk_RN5T76qRrszpgzwOQtGZq5z/s400/ramen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://diaryofanaveragerunner.blogspot.com/2011/07/race-recap-6-hour-distance-classic.html">Alyssa</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>... well, of course, we ended up back at Genki Ramen!!!<br />
<br />
(Note: Since then, I've done two more long runs up in SF and both times, we followed up with ramen. It's like a Pavlovian response now - do long run, must have ramen. :P)<br />
<br />
I get to see the running crew again this weekend! I'll be spectating the <a href="http://www.thesfmarathon.com/">SF Marathon</a> on Sunday - should be fun to bust out the cowbell again!audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-36826217922130917312011-07-24T23:20:00.000-07:002011-07-24T23:20:27.858-07:00Changing things upDon't worry - you're not on the wrong site! I've been wanting to get rid of the dated style of my blog (old one shown below) for awhile now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIexMdYIDt8uMs_TTCX4RRZvLav_pih2ITqfyDe6WmJwEZ9PP2G6wY9EMqsTMMoTeu-_Ebt_O9PB5JC5Ju11Bn6pRNmuhyphenhyphenhYeJZsGwBXOdf9eR7O1lhqvAty4T_ZeaHfxnWa1-2JDZkdK/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="205" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIexMdYIDt8uMs_TTCX4RRZvLav_pih2ITqfyDe6WmJwEZ9PP2G6wY9EMqsTMMoTeu-_Ebt_O9PB5JC5Ju11Bn6pRNmuhyphenhyphenhYeJZsGwBXOdf9eR7O1lhqvAty4T_ZeaHfxnWa1-2JDZkdK/s400/Picture+1.png" /></a></div><br />
So I'm trying something new here. I'm not 100% in love with it so I might keep tweaking things but I like it enough for now. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, are you on <a href="http://dailymile.com">DailyMile</a>? I've been posting all my runs there starting with this training cycle. You can add me <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/audgepodge">here</a>.<br />
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Have a great week!audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-982973522422846752011-07-05T09:00:00.000-07:002011-07-05T09:00:01.380-07:00Marathon Training is ONSo guess what? I am officially <span style="font-size: large;"><b>IN MARATHON TRAINING</b></span>!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhp8nx9MPv1qblqen.gif" /></center><br />
Yep, it is now <b>12 weeks</b> to the Akron Marathon which I'm only running so I won't die during the NYC marathon 6 weeks later. (Same thing I did with CIM and the Goofy Challenge - odd, I know, but it works for me.)<br />
<br />
These will be my 5th and 6th marathons, respectively, but I've really only properly trained for the first one and that's primarily because I was taking advantage of the Nike Club Run SF training runs.<br />
<br />
Since then, I sort of just "wing it" when it comes to races. I never really have a set training plan that I follow and the only runs I make sure to get in are the weekend long runs. Everything else is sort of a crapshoot. I know - it makes no sense!<br />
<br />
When I first got into running, I was really into it. I always was trying to push myself to go faster or further in distance. I wasn't into reading running blogs / magazines / books yet so eventually I started having knee pains and other issues. I took a break and then got back into it to train for my first half marathon and I was hooked! Again, I was obsessed with seeing how I could improve so I ran another one just two weeks later and shaved 5 minutes off my time (which is about 30 minutes faster than I am capable of today, lol).<br />
<br />
But now - lots and lots of races later, I've been more into the experience of the race (and the related swag), and not so much into how I performed. I mean, in my head, you get the same schnazzy medal if you finish in 5:30 or 4:30. (Of course, the related runner's high is not the same, won't argue that.) <br />
<br />
I'm still kind of more into the experience, but I won't lie - it is a bit disheartening to see my race times get slower and slower over the years... so while I'm not aiming for a new personal best, I wouldn't mind avoiding a new personal worst. :)<br />
<br />
So I'm trying something ~new, I'd going to actually follow a training plan this time. I picked the Runner's World moderate plan with a base mileage of 16-21mi/week. I think this plan would be laughable for most of you but I think it is perfect for someone that had been used to running 1-2x a week.<br />
<br />
This plan is based on 3 runs per week:<br />
<ul><li>An easy run <i>*aka, classic Audrey run</i></li>
<li>Speedwork/Tempo run <i>*Excited, because I haven't done too much of these, other than running with friends who are much faster</i></li>
<li>Long run <i>*Will probably need to head to SF for these to escape the HEAT</i></li>
</ul>I might re-evaluate the plan at the halfway point but I think this is a good start! And by announcing it here, maybe this time I'll actually follow it! :)<br />
<br />
I do feel like such a n00b these days... like I need to re-learn all my fueling strategies. I couldn't even remember if I can do a short run first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. (I polled some girls over the weekend, I think I can and will test it this week.) I'm also slowly incorporating some strength training here and there. Just old school stuff like push ups, crunches, lunges, squats, etc - things I can do while watching TV. :)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I am excited to be out there and running again! Especially since there are so many fun group runs going on - more about that in my next post!audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-3371511093473987792011-06-07T10:12:00.000-07:002011-06-07T10:21:35.865-07:00Race Report: See Jane Run Half MarathonNormally, I like to release these in order but since the <a href="http://www.seejanerun.com/">See Jane Run Half</a> is fresh in my mind (ran it Sunday) - I'm gonna go with that. But if you're dying to hear how <a href="http://baytobreakers.com/">Bay to Breakers</a> went, you are welcome to check out some awesome race reports from my super fun run buddies, <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/2011/05/bay-to-breakers.html">Roadbunner</a> and <a href="http://www.inaomi.com/2011/05/17/bay-to-breakers-2011/">Naomi</a>.<br />
<br />
So... back to the See Jane Run Half Marathon... it's a girly race (tagline is "I Run for Chocolate and Champagne") and I like girly races and this is the first year I've been able to do it.<br />
<br />
To be perfectly honest, I was not properly trained to run a half (due to my typical procrastination) but just went for it because this is sort of a milestone / checkpoint for me on my way to the NYC Marathon after taking almost a year off from running. The race is walker friendly so I knew I didn't have to worry about time.<br />
<br />
I skipped the expo and took advantage of their in-store bib and goody bag pick up at their Oakland store earlier in the week as I was already in the area. The race shirt is pretty cute! It's a little bit on the shiny side and when I tried it on, I swear it looked like satin jammies on me (keep in mind I don't actually own any of those). But that might also be because it was a size too big because once I exchanged it for a smaller size, it looked less like sleepwear and more like an actual running shirt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYzjrAw6Jx7kilto_HZmxpTUW5Uw2T7LKnwJxiq2seEFLIOc9Tl9ZFGXA5wKUBrhnBlU51Z0dc2UluN0kp0_X9XIdlYuhTmyyzgG-7s7r_yBerDorNGffqwSMZaot_DnJT25ZzEBBqS9f/s1600/01+-+race+shirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYzjrAw6Jx7kilto_HZmxpTUW5Uw2T7LKnwJxiq2seEFLIOc9Tl9ZFGXA5wKUBrhnBlU51Z0dc2UluN0kp0_X9XIdlYuhTmyyzgG-7s7r_yBerDorNGffqwSMZaot_DnJT25ZzEBBqS9f/s320/01+-+race+shirt.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
So cue race morning... race started at 8AM. Race website recommended getting to the start at 6:30AM as the suggested parking lot only had 500 spots and would be closed off early. So being the nerd I am, I got there right at 6:30AM. There were maybe 10 other cars there at the time. No worries, better safe than sorry and I always had my iPhone to entertain me.<br />
<br />
From here, it was a little confusing because there were separate start and finish areas but they were located fairly close to each other. So a bunch of us went to the finish area first. Oops! Once I got to the correct area, I picked up my timing chip which was an ankle bracelet. I think the only other time I had to wear one of these was the US Half Marathon. It's a little odd because I thought everyone used D-tags by now, but it was fine. It didn't bother me at all.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNlpRcP7OLhNNvPrLAdmibH4rjD_wycXbmwSigWbh0KMlh5rgXDPOGgOLukb0phJP5fvu87crblDB4jybP6-r_vqVvSUeom0kT5Gtbly0qg0s30c3wgcsCY0C3Xa4csYJEC6xP8Og8A14/s1600/02+-+ankle+bracelet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNlpRcP7OLhNNvPrLAdmibH4rjD_wycXbmwSigWbh0KMlh5rgXDPOGgOLukb0phJP5fvu87crblDB4jybP6-r_vqVvSUeom0kT5Gtbly0qg0s30c3wgcsCY0C3Xa4csYJEC6xP8Og8A14/s320/02+-+ankle+bracelet.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm on house arrest!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now I still had over an hour to kill, so I parked myself on a bench and just people watched and played on my iPhone. As I was watching everyone warm up and stretch and stuff, I started cracking up and how unprepared I was for this. I didn't even have any kind of hydration or fuel on me. Definitely winging it!<br />
<br />
The one thing I thought I was prepared for was the weather. I had been checking the forecast daily and the night before, it told me to expect this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XTHjD26cCE_c73hrUEnxZIXVNqwjWTSD6sGufjSRau234TDufkkHnr9Da0cw2hjfm2uvVU7MF05SajyWZUb_qrJcZUm69m2svP5PiIkTy_NqWzJxuCy-36TH0UlmnP1z5XBRuyYr2rfH/s1600/03+-+Forecast.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XTHjD26cCE_c73hrUEnxZIXVNqwjWTSD6sGufjSRau234TDufkkHnr9Da0cw2hjfm2uvVU7MF05SajyWZUb_qrJcZUm69m2svP5PiIkTy_NqWzJxuCy-36TH0UlmnP1z5XBRuyYr2rfH/s320/03+-+Forecast.png" width="320" /></a></div>But it didn't rain at all that morning. In fact, something weird happened. The sun started peeking out! GAHHH!!! MY NEMESIS!!!<br />
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Luckily, I had thrown this in my bag totally last minute. I think I got these from a previous goody bag - I save everything! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M_4g1gjgJWJ52k_MtjSdmWcPZeEqOPo8UCjsAdSa9-hRkFnyG33nmtg1jegBoMfEYy7CDIBrytkizV9fxmvex03OHHsGfOX6CyZgboqZD37ZG2NFF96fhnM9tXsfhoSORgpP7XP3gLBe/s1600/04+-+Sunblock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M_4g1gjgJWJ52k_MtjSdmWcPZeEqOPo8UCjsAdSa9-hRkFnyG33nmtg1jegBoMfEYy7CDIBrytkizV9fxmvex03OHHsGfOX6CyZgboqZD37ZG2NFF96fhnM9tXsfhoSORgpP7XP3gLBe/s320/04+-+Sunblock.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Luckily, it did stay overcast for most of the race with just a little bit of sun here and there. Phew! I had heard the race was a real scorcher in previous years.<br />
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Right before the race start, they did some group warmup exercises. This reminded me of Nike.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXcb4gZF5rqYCMAOPyVw_o5g_bBwWZdpwi1zjJMB_nQLnKYBAUkn6w5Z_xQkRmHMfMQdZRquCKYTOgJk-sCQRKDxtUpIuGjOcJb5PUyU2n_5vVDmR75bYPRvLlFzLLtVA-dYu65p0zJmU/s1600/05+-+Warmup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXcb4gZF5rqYCMAOPyVw_o5g_bBwWZdpwi1zjJMB_nQLnKYBAUkn6w5Z_xQkRmHMfMQdZRquCKYTOgJk-sCQRKDxtUpIuGjOcJb5PUyU2n_5vVDmR75bYPRvLlFzLLtVA-dYu65p0zJmU/s320/05+-+Warmup.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun, sun, go away, come again another day (when I'm not running)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then we all lined up at the start. I realized this might just be the smallest half marathon I've ever done - I mean, this is the view from the *back* of the start corral:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0ncL1jDCdb5XSnPMDpHse2jLebkqD1VJvWU5ISnVm_RGB2GBp07OH4QqwJFm8w0afjm5wa7VfXifVbBnnmECfZYaLLDD6QppApLvstyoJTdbiD5ubxW3N-y34_S8FX2mBRfiHTWbz0FQ/s1600/06+-+Start+line.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0ncL1jDCdb5XSnPMDpHse2jLebkqD1VJvWU5ISnVm_RGB2GBp07OH4QqwJFm8w0afjm5wa7VfXifVbBnnmECfZYaLLDD6QppApLvstyoJTdbiD5ubxW3N-y34_S8FX2mBRfiHTWbz0FQ/s320/06+-+Start+line.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I'm not sure what they used to signify the start of the race because I didn't hear anything, I just saw everyone start running.<br />
<br />
Here's the course:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZg1aqBvFAM_bIqJDW68bkP4VGjg_iA4kAJC_jWjfeW04BXtQ7r7SE9Exl1nU3eF03KwQ1DcFnRz4ZDC0i2g7zRfzt0DtJ-2zVrxjV6CWDD8v_qJLQ25itVNrM6a5I1OevSyAD7oatprm/s1600/07+-+Course+Map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZg1aqBvFAM_bIqJDW68bkP4VGjg_iA4kAJC_jWjfeW04BXtQ7r7SE9Exl1nU3eF03KwQ1DcFnRz4ZDC0i2g7zRfzt0DtJ-2zVrxjV6CWDD8v_qJLQ25itVNrM6a5I1OevSyAD7oatprm/s320/07+-+Course+Map.png" width="278" /></a></div><br />
It reminded me a little bit of the last 10 miles of the Nike full course. You do a long stretch, then a big old loop, and then repeat the first stretch back. Luckily, you couldn't visualize how big the loop was (like you could with seeing Lake Merced) so it wasn't annoying.<br />
<br />
The course was mostly flat and had some nice scenery here and there. Apologies for the poor iPhone 3G photos... below pic was taken from the bridge around mile 3 - there's a line of runners in the middle of the photo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pp_aVeVKMH-pv27lRIBs3e115U4CVUqlXkNEvRL12pL8OoEGOMKd9MCf0LBVzgsal17mJDJKGg4q6hgLfD61EbT37xEW-7mSsPhGQNNOQrP6DcIHYv4bfZcOCwQ-eBM0296Gl3uYJA5T/s1600/08+-+Runners+from+bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pp_aVeVKMH-pv27lRIBs3e115U4CVUqlXkNEvRL12pL8OoEGOMKd9MCf0LBVzgsal17mJDJKGg4q6hgLfD61EbT37xEW-7mSsPhGQNNOQrP6DcIHYv4bfZcOCwQ-eBM0296Gl3uYJA5T/s320/08+-+Runners+from+bridge.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We passed what I *think* is the headquarters for the Oakland Raiders - that's football, right? (KIDDING!!!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenRfVawOaP9EqKeoylLo1klNhq1_E53yPLzKMLUU35TW4NvSvf9KUuwIOxLIwrqyGd7j0E4rt5qEklVMOOTSii8ZoJfhK4qGIbbFC-jvfSIhuNKpDvUfzoqflGTBNzC5JXMi8QIjz6Lcn/s1600/09+-+Oakland+Raiders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenRfVawOaP9EqKeoylLo1klNhq1_E53yPLzKMLUU35TW4NvSvf9KUuwIOxLIwrqyGd7j0E4rt5qEklVMOOTSii8ZoJfhK4qGIbbFC-jvfSIhuNKpDvUfzoqflGTBNzC5JXMi8QIjz6Lcn/s320/09+-+Oakland+Raiders.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The course got a little more interesting at mile 7:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvOk8z8bZJkZzbqKoO32EeZpjRQ_nFATH6lFIXO8KbwcVQXiNYH9CtMdjV4Gt0r1lCkau78SiiJhON6BpmZnWw4nk_NIuCeCnXZq_aLUaKjBGGrATopZzy2KtL4DCt1q3ZxAD47QYHmPh/s1600/10+-+Alameda+Beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvOk8z8bZJkZzbqKoO32EeZpjRQ_nFATH6lFIXO8KbwcVQXiNYH9CtMdjV4Gt0r1lCkau78SiiJhON6BpmZnWw4nk_NIuCeCnXZq_aLUaKjBGGrATopZzy2KtL4DCt1q3ZxAD47QYHmPh/s320/10+-+Alameda+Beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We got a nice view of SF:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdVW7AcIHi38H8GhwMH2OkPWgqDPub-zkE2dFAyJDqP1oJLtsCFxGMVhwDbIBGUV7v3okPlz9fJDUG_4UKtuwNUTWkuHltCDbOCiv68h-_UFF_1APDaga-_kJ1CyR4dFofB9LGbiIiDxs/s1600/11-+View+of+SF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdVW7AcIHi38H8GhwMH2OkPWgqDPub-zkE2dFAyJDqP1oJLtsCFxGMVhwDbIBGUV7v3okPlz9fJDUG_4UKtuwNUTWkuHltCDbOCiv68h-_UFF_1APDaga-_kJ1CyR4dFofB9LGbiIiDxs/s320/11-+View+of+SF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Headed back on the bridge:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixg3HNUQu9sRI1B3cBx_i7FQB3jYuSNUUvaN4RTHpuzwa470vzieVSpt_kHaJ1YOaCn_PogPWQWO-DmAEccNBVGEZnFazzudpUweJI2t6NpU1F12_32ha3DRBSOqq_NrBW4VZuNBu0X6OR/s1600/12+-+Bridge+Back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixg3HNUQu9sRI1B3cBx_i7FQB3jYuSNUUvaN4RTHpuzwa470vzieVSpt_kHaJ1YOaCn_PogPWQWO-DmAEccNBVGEZnFazzudpUweJI2t6NpU1F12_32ha3DRBSOqq_NrBW4VZuNBu0X6OR/s320/12+-+Bridge+Back.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>With about a mile left to go, I noticed a bunch of little kids running our way. For some reason, I thought they were coming to cheer us on. Uh, no... it was the kids' race merging with the half marathon runners toward the same finish line! Listen, I love kids (I adore my nieces and nephews) and I love kids' races (they're hilarious!) but I really question if this is a good idea. Good thing I wasn't aiming for a PR because some of these kids were all over the place! Not to mention they're not exactly in my line of vision and I was already kind of wobbly legged at this point. Thankfully, their parents tried to keep them in line (haha, ok, not really, but I appreciated their effort).<br />
<br />
Finally the scenic finish line!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigG1tpZKkBORFNbD40gTpLv9gjcIpA_7357_IqPGQonVPTxjt7rW_6E9I_4cjpbtoDQP4ZWPdsCAklGKe0DI5a7kTGtgrG0qX_W6D3VY0GhJZA_V_etjr7s3ZFXmr0iHQqzg7VBLLDcpnS/s1600/13+-+Finish+Line.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigG1tpZKkBORFNbD40gTpLv9gjcIpA_7357_IqPGQonVPTxjt7rW_6E9I_4cjpbtoDQP4ZWPdsCAklGKe0DI5a7kTGtgrG0qX_W6D3VY0GhJZA_V_etjr7s3ZFXmr0iHQqzg7VBLLDcpnS/s320/13+-+Finish+Line.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Chip Time: 2:40:47<br />
Pace: 12:16 min/mi<br />
<br />
I know for most people, this is slow as molasses but I actually was pretty pleased with myself! Based on my training run paces, I was expecting a new personal worst (currently ~3 hours). I think it helped that everyone around me was doing the run/walk thing, too, so it encouraged me to keep my walk breaks brief and get back to running. As expected, my legs were dead after mile 10 but I just focused on my playlist music (especially with all my new fun tunes from <a href="http://www.marathonconfessions.com/">Alicia</a>!) to keep going. <br />
<br />
Once I crossed the finish line, I got my medal, handed my ankle strap to a volunteer (actually someone just grabbed it from me - hope he was a volunteer! lol), and then... well, it was a bit of chaos (but maybe I was too tired to figure it out). I'm used to people handing you water as soon as you finished but I didn't see it anywhere. I actually was completely confused on where to go for anything. After asking a bunch of other runners, I finally figured out where to get water, where to get the food, where to get my gear bag, where to get the champagne glass plus chocolate, and where to get the champagne. There was a super long line to the water and food table so thankfully, there were volunteers handing them out to us as we waited in line.<br />
<br />
My friend came out to meet me at the race which was super nice of her since it was about an hour from where we live. I gave her the impression that I would be closer to 3 hours so she just missed my finish. But that's OK, because I had someone to hang with while I stretched and stuff. Here's a pic she took of me chillaxing while she headed over to meet me. For some reason, I think this is funny. This is actually how I am at most of the races I do since I usually do them by myself. (cue wah wah wahhhhhhhhh music, haha)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYNNUSD3xMeXSqCbzlhA2TtoAhBryePLOa3fqtIWPn9kwD6QEIaX8szHzrBkEgrlINXu_ZUAWmUnV9P40XvkxuHIgJ2ZaVDseMpmm8YDHd3LY-x4VmmcVUaBv_Mv0yovgD1tE8g_QCTLf/s1600/14+-+Chilling+Post+Race.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYNNUSD3xMeXSqCbzlhA2TtoAhBryePLOa3fqtIWPn9kwD6QEIaX8szHzrBkEgrlINXu_ZUAWmUnV9P40XvkxuHIgJ2ZaVDseMpmm8YDHd3LY-x4VmmcVUaBv_Mv0yovgD1tE8g_QCTLf/s320/14+-+Chilling+Post+Race.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Side note: I love iPhone autocorrect. I asked my friend where she was and she texted back, "by the porta porgies". LOL! <br />
<br />
Here are the goodies:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwFNZspJWvL_4A54vFFMWRpsv3FWyURaSMUE9_hx9bTjVIY_MePs8_Cjjmd232cv_YyeUPZVOjt95KVBfe29ji9YIuNTFbVA4ZTijVTrpIQFSjqF86S8qQONdVsiCpS7DOD-5xEqFnhyphenhyphenc/s1600/15+-+Swag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwFNZspJWvL_4A54vFFMWRpsv3FWyURaSMUE9_hx9bTjVIY_MePs8_Cjjmd232cv_YyeUPZVOjt95KVBfe29ji9YIuNTFbVA4ZTijVTrpIQFSjqF86S8qQONdVsiCpS7DOD-5xEqFnhyphenhyphenc/s320/15+-+Swag.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I didn't really need the actual champagne but I had to get some, right? I asked for just a little but got a bit more than I needed (I have the tolerance of a 5 year old). I had to drive right afterward! *whispers* I pitched most of it. :-O<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOApD9U2KN2g0rgzso-CPim9nL5igTbcLh1jFtukMNBBkfgI1dhL-zd_sMc4yyD5qKGbUOZVFbOw9Z9kx6R1c3nW4EdNgD728a-c2ThogeXZ7qvUiIqYRzzlDjkdML0kn5skXuM_fU2S-2/s1600/16+-+Champagne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOApD9U2KN2g0rgzso-CPim9nL5igTbcLh1jFtukMNBBkfgI1dhL-zd_sMc4yyD5qKGbUOZVFbOw9Z9kx6R1c3nW4EdNgD728a-c2ThogeXZ7qvUiIqYRzzlDjkdML0kn5skXuM_fU2S-2/s320/16+-+Champagne.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Cheers!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBZBEh3YjDvfJDu-Twh-P_Oy_KXTOkHxvG2gSH50WsbJmsxLSB8E2sAiXLm_lBVZG8D3sKmAmeXGZJol8AyorV4D1c5nelF32a-txOI7C5VytWv2oi9LIEaei2Xon_Q45z_XHAQadZ5WE/s1600/17+-+Me+at+Finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBZBEh3YjDvfJDu-Twh-P_Oy_KXTOkHxvG2gSH50WsbJmsxLSB8E2sAiXLm_lBVZG8D3sKmAmeXGZJol8AyorV4D1c5nelF32a-txOI7C5VytWv2oi9LIEaei2Xon_Q45z_XHAQadZ5WE/s320/17+-+Me+at+Finish.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Afterward (much much later), my friend and I celebrated with some In N Out. Even got a milkshake, too - yummy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNGTtDMKDxTCeKj_uIz18ex7o5sMWPmxvxU4HVyWAo9drl101E-cGzOTBhlpJADqAknfQ3xhMFQGf5ugzEqHAj68mSAQ5EsVX3O7CEy7An9ZzjkbNhceGRr9JJgFyjRELg_Zfqz9rXmb8/s1600/18+-+In+n+Out.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNGTtDMKDxTCeKj_uIz18ex7o5sMWPmxvxU4HVyWAo9drl101E-cGzOTBhlpJADqAknfQ3xhMFQGf5ugzEqHAj68mSAQ5EsVX3O7CEy7An9ZzjkbNhceGRr9JJgFyjRELg_Zfqz9rXmb8/s320/18+-+In+n+Out.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Once I got home, I realized how teeny tiny the medal is. Here it is compared to my smallest medals:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkemaHXsbOQIftQOc6alYsC1cZwO7jo_jvWCQPQY0PAUJpaD2GX_0h5_GGyPpP03BeCqRPYEbqIfNNCazlFygTYY88d8X_qq57WuB0i8RS-694bNjwoenBseWXAK-f1Jori3G3PowLUVi/s1600/19+-+Medal+Size.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkemaHXsbOQIftQOc6alYsC1cZwO7jo_jvWCQPQY0PAUJpaD2GX_0h5_GGyPpP03BeCqRPYEbqIfNNCazlFygTYY88d8X_qq57WuB0i8RS-694bNjwoenBseWXAK-f1Jori3G3PowLUVi/s320/19+-+Medal+Size.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>All in all, it was a fun day. If you're looking for a small, casual race to do with your girlfriends - I would recommend. I think once was enough for me though.<br />
<br />
Finally - I have to give a special shout out to my friend who actually WON the See Jane Run Half Marathon with a 1 FRICKIN 25 time! I'm not sure if this is viewable to the public but she has a very interesting race report posted on <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/katiea801/entries/7555238">dailymile</a>. All I will say is that if you are a man running a woman targeted race and then catch up to the lead woman just to draft off her, YOU ARE A DOUCHEBAG. But maybe that's just me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_llqryze32K1qaggjuo1_500.gif" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unless you're doing it like this, because then it's just funny.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<center><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6n61kwtuf1qc68rjo1_250.gif"></center>audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-65650471962825485192011-03-16T14:20:00.000-07:002011-03-16T14:20:49.734-07:002011 Race Calendar!Well I guess it's finally time to officially announce my race calendar for the year :)<br />
<br />
Let's start with the biggest and the most important: <br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCDFyUkH-WfT8pvxob8SP9dHg8-Bn8Kj5mrGRQw2XD8_Xs4Nrdd3xApzMThZxNvmRJGVeZBYbJi4TZ_zkjBb2Vg0aXf9lrJ7JWir5Cbx37qBUxObh2msgoheJFqgpImhyphenhyphenp0RQ_eV2mxj6/s320/NYC-Marathon-Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Yep, that's right. I *finally* got in. Longtime blog readers know that I have consistently tried to get into this race ever since I ran my first marathon in 2007. For three years in a row, I was rejected in their lottery.<br />
<br />
Well, luckily for me - NYC Marathon rules dictate that in these situations, you are automatically accepted in the fourth year of entering the lottery. YAY FOR ME!!! See, persistence does pay off :)<br />
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I am so excited about running this race since I absolutely love New York City. I often would take trips there with my mom and my sister mostly so we could see Broadway shows and of course, sight see, shop, eat, etc. And then for about two years, I lived in Hoboken, NJ which is just across the river from lower Manhattan so I got to spend a lot of time in NYC then. I think the highlights of those days were getting to be in the audience for some events at the MTV studios :) (hint: think heyday of Britney Spears, haha)<br />
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This is going to be a once in a lifetime experience since I'll probably never get the chance to run this marathon again and to be perfectly honest, I'm not quite sure I'll want to run another marathon again after this. (Half marathons are more my thing, if anything.)<br />
<br />
So I don't want to blow it. As some of you know, my running has sort of tapered off after the <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2010/09/race-report-goofy-challenge-part-3-full.html">Goofy Challenge</a> and I pretty much need to start rebuilding my running base. I'm probably doing my own version of the "couch to 5K" program right now. <br />
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I have until November to get into marathon shape. To make sure I stay on track, I've scheduled some other race events throughout the year...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seejanerun.com/t-See-Jane-Run-Half.aspx" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b2lEV8tHz-zPjSfbnX-Liq5SW3gmuIu9iPonB8_rim91mg5uFdSrA57BY-GJ7akvzl631LgC1-MJAIXUCWbkBL1rNtHrgI-RzWuJnnF1Ot88ZGGhCPs8376EGhv7VRlA_7LMjboD3Rt_/s1600/see-jane-run.gif" /></a></div>... such as the See Jane Run half marathon. I've been wanting to run this race for awhile but could never fit it into my race calendar. The tagline is "I run for chocolate and champagne." Do I really need to say anything else?<br />
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With a race date of early June, it's a perfect milestone for marathon training.<br />
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<a href="http://baytobreakers.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5T7MfvdPrUNFoiUA7wdyADr6NXAQgH_BaBWYaBIjs16-L-Rt_IpW-6Mna59aLNEipYy50vSzmaijiOmTeuS71KpIErhbSCVQBx6N_Qt-0hrFUPLkbLP2QQfLdDVEmXotUsQH37wK6U8cl/s1600/logo.gif" /></a>This next one is more of a fun one. Bay to Breakers has always had a special spot in my heart because it was one of the first events I did when I first moved to California in 2001 (from Hoboken actually). I just remember thinking how fun and crazy this place was! For six years in a row, my friends and I paraded down the streets of SF in our group costumes - fun trip down memory lane <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2008/12/race-report-bay-to-breakers-12k-better.html">here</a>. In 2008, I decided to actually run it since you know, it is an actual race after all with real elite runners and all that. (My friends were shocked that people actually ran it, believe it or not. They just assumed it was a party for everyone!) <br />
<br />
I figured once was enough for me (that Hayes Street Hill is no joke, man) but this year, Bay to Breakers is celebrating its <b>100th year</b> anniversary!!! 100 YEARS!!! How crazy is that? So to commemorate the special occasion, all runners get a special finisher's medal! People that know me know that I'm a total medal whore, especially a unique medal that will only happen this year! Of course, I was in. And it's a 12K in mid-May so it should also help me stay on track for the See Jane Run half the following month.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.akronmarathon.org/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9FBBZno9KT_E46jEJFa86rFGuHplNmmVk8mZByyrfs4thWkzE5-AR8OqfzMUVi5zgfcuzoJB2NjlSDUc3r41et8mm4pPfcsep48UPWUFefnwqoJhBbnMnqr2ySKszPJtUyaPVO8lQX2y/s1600/akron_marathon.jpg" /></a></div>This last one is a kind of random one but I'm excited for it. I'm kind of a weird runner because I believe the best way to have confidence and to be fully prepared for an important marathon is to... well, basically run another marathon before it. <br />
<br />
It worked really well for me when I ran the Goofy Challenge. For those that aren't familiar, the Goofy Challenge is the Disney event where you run a half marathon on Saturday and a full marathon the next day. Well, I was worried I wouldn't be properly prepared for such a feat, so I decided to run another marathon (<a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2009/12/race-report-california-international.html">California International Marathon</a>) about 5-6 weeks before it. Used it as a long run of sorts (I did another one in between the events). Well, it worked out great because I ended up setting a PR at CIM!<br />
<br />
Timing-wise, the Akron marathon fits in well as it's 6 weeks before NYC. Akron is also an hour away from my hometown where my parents and my sister and her family live. (Did I mention my sister has a 3 year old and 2 month old that I miss terribly?) And what cinched the deal is that my dear friend <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">Roadbunner</a> could not stop raving about the <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/2010/09/akron-marathon.html">race</a> and its awesome <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/2011/03/ohio.html">swag</a>.<br />
<br />
So to summarize, here is my 2011 Race Calendar:<br />
<ul><li>May 15th: Bay to Breakers 12K</li>
<li>June 5th: See Jane Run Half Marathon</li>
<li>September 24th: Akron Marathon</li>
<li>November 6th: NYC Marathon</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tPaJ1zOHXs4bWd-I1nWuhUAkheQ5kzzR1ZwaK5VsqbIo8NfdXE0TsjT77BM_ugEg1Tbz0M4HhgGgConWzx3YQMX8CPbXe_TTeA8isk9uHCvkem5ufkvLuuW0MItF8f_bavog_5M8qPTv/s1600/tumblr_lfildhci8G1qbn8g3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tPaJ1zOHXs4bWd-I1nWuhUAkheQ5kzzR1ZwaK5VsqbIo8NfdXE0TsjT77BM_ugEg1Tbz0M4HhgGgConWzx3YQMX8CPbXe_TTeA8isk9uHCvkem5ufkvLuuW0MItF8f_bavog_5M8qPTv/s1600/tumblr_lfildhci8G1qbn8g3.gif" /></a></div>audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-81971584902362609182010-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-11T08:00:05.788-08:00Race Report: Disneyland HalfOver Labor Day weekend, I ran the <a href="http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/disneyland-half-marathon/">Disneyland Half Marathon</a>. I ran the race before in 2008 - here's the <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2008/09/race-report-disneyland-half-marathon.html">race report</a>, if you're interested. It's Disney so of course it's a fun race. But is it an amazing one that everyone should run year after year? No, not really. Once is plenty, if you ask me. However, I needed to run this race again this year for one reason only:<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503519180267660722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVr8_yQ-UlrYyBbKjuEIEPQN0nJ70LMCS7m4RbXqINIDodf5Yf9GpsZAz-jVfuq1s2Vjq7FUo-Oi-DS2uw1cDDbLIE8PQDMAEPTmDotmD7B9bSF89SmIYzlhbix3i65lGP4K1ONFPyx1O/s400/coast.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 142px;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: This is the one from 2008. You'll see my new one later down the post.</span></center><br />
<br />
Ah, yes, that would be the elusive Disney Coast-to-Coast Challenge medal. In order to obtain this special prize, you have to run either a Walt Disney World half or full marathon (or in my case this year - both) in Orlando, Florida AND run the Disneyland Half Marathon in Anaheim, CA in the same calendar year.<br />
<br />
So basically, it's for the<i> super awesome</i> runners... you know, just like how doing Goofy was for the <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2010/09/race-report-goofy-challenge-part-3-full.html#awesome"><i>super awesome</i></a> as well. My goal during race weekends is to one-up as many people as possible (in a way that does not involve speed). "Oh, you're doing just the full? Not me, I'm doing Goofy." *smirk* "Just getting the half marathon medal today, huh? Not me, I get the awesome Coast to Coast one, too. See my special wristband???" *double smirk*<br />
<br />
I'm just kidding about that part. Well, kind of. But it's no fun to have your accomplishment overshadowed by something bigger. Right? OK, whatever, so yeah it's <strike>probably</strike> definitely just another way for Disney to take more money from suckers like me yet still make me feel good about it.<br />
<br />
Disney: 234078329857329573987<br />
Audrey: 0<br />
<br />
(I don't know what those numbers represent specifically... not dollars, although sometimes it feels like it.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, to be honest, I really wasn't looking forward to this race since I have pretty much been on a running hiatus since the Goofy Challenge in January. But I needed to get that medal plus it's Disney so it's not like I need to worry about my time so off I went.<br />
<br />
This was another one of those "wham bam thank you ma'am" kind of trips. I flew down to Anaheim Saturday afternoon and flew back Sunday afternoon. Unlike 2008, I didn't even get a park ticket.<br />
<br />
I will say this about the Disneyland Half - it is a very convenient race in terms of getting around. You don't need a car, I just took the Disneyland Resort Express to the hotel, which by the way, can be quite affordable. If you want to be as close to the race start as possible, you could definitely stay at one of the official Disney hotels. Otherwise, they have tons of less expensive motels that are still nice enough that are right on the perimeter of Disneyland so it's still walking distance to expo and race start (I would guess 20 minutes vs. 5 minutes.) I stayed at the <a href="http://www.camelotinn-anaheim.com/">Anaheim Camelot Inn</a> both years, mostly because it's cute and is not far from the main entrance to the Disney parks. Save more money and grab a runner to stay with you - that's how I got <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">Roadbunner</a> to be my roommate. :)<br />
<br />
<b>EXPO</b><br />
<br />
I got there a little toward the end of closing. When I first arrived, there were all these signs about previewing some of ABC's new fall lineup. In case you didn't know, I'm a <a href="http://audgepodge.blogspot.com/">TV junkie</a> and I'm all over stupid things like getting early access to new TV shows. I did one in Vegas with my sister where we got to preview this medical drama called <i>Three Rivers</i> and then answer this 45 min questionnaire afterward. I'll be honest... I thought that was fun! One of the main things I remembered was that the show didn't have that "processed" look yet so instead of a primetime drama, it looked like a daytime soap opera and it was really hard for me to get over how cheesy that looked. HA! I'm sure that was helpful info to the production team.<br />
<br />
ANYWAY... I was tempted to ditch to watch TV shows but knew I didn't have the time for that nonsense. So I went straight to packet pick up to collect my stuff. As usual, the shirts were a unisex style and ran large so I would be swimming in the one I got. I noticed a bunch of peeps were waiting in the "Size S" line. I guess they would allow you to start swapping sizes at 5PM (a couple of hours from that point). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8DPfPiauYA8A1p5lYGdCIQE3h1RZtc7EK9DBTIXyM7D6jculUxdbhB_T7e2Z7hOIjN_skZyHDJkTGm6fQXFdeIPnSbzAVAhG9phWa2k4jiYT1c7kMi9J7F4QNy_2nAR8LJhm4q_8oTL5/s1600/shirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8DPfPiauYA8A1p5lYGdCIQE3h1RZtc7EK9DBTIXyM7D6jculUxdbhB_T7e2Z7hOIjN_skZyHDJkTGm6fQXFdeIPnSbzAVAhG9phWa2k4jiYT1c7kMi9J7F4QNy_2nAR8LJhm4q_8oTL5/s320/shirt.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is very boyish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I walked around the expo for a bit but surprisingly didn't see anything I liked. Not even at the official merchandise booth... I don't know if it's a Disney issue or a Champion issue but somebody is dropping the ball because they rarely have cute stuff. Not like the cute stuff that Nike delivers.<br />
<br />
By the time I finished my rounds, I decided to go ahead and wait in line for the shirt exchange as well since I had time to kill. The line eventually got really long and once we finally moved, a lady cut in line. Now I believe it's possible that she just got confused where the line ends since it was really crowded in that area, but I was completely amused at how quickly the other women ahead of me were all "I don't think so!". I guess there were only 20-something size S shirts left and there were at least double that in line. So, you know, it was a DIRE issue. <br />
<br />
After that, I shopped around Downtown Disney, making sure to text my Disney-loving sister images of where I was at to make her jealous. Bwa-ha-ha-ha... It's OK, I got her and her little boy some souvenirs so she didn't hate me. <br />
<br />
Then I went back to the hotel to wait for Roadbunner to arrive. We later had a late dinner with my favorite Glee crew member, <a href="http://www.planetynneprunning.com/">Penny</a>. This was my first time meeting her so it was nice to actually hang out with a good Twitter buddy. Sadly, we forgot to take any pics at dinner.<br />
<br />
<b>RACE DAY</b><br />
<br />
Race start was at 6AM. I have this thing where I like to consume all my pre-race liquids and fuel as close to 2 hours before the race as possible so I was up at 4AM. Bleh.<br />
<br />
Roadbunner and I later headed to the race start. Neither of us had gear check bags which was nice. After the potty stops, we wished each other good luck and goodbye at the start corrals. She had an early airport shuttle pickup right after the race so I was certain I wouldn't see her then. Once in my corral, I realized I had lost one of my <a href="http://www.yurbuds.com/">yurbuds</a> - so sad. <br />
<br />
I had no time goals for this race. All I wanted to do was take lots of pictures and cross that finish line, no matter how long it took. And boy did I take my time!<br />
<br />
The course was pretty similar to when I ran it in 2008 - except for a big part that I will get to later. You start down Disneyland Drive and the course is pretty ho hum for the first mile and a half. Then you enter California Adventures! From there, it's about two miles of sightseeing through the parks with tons of characters to take pics with. And since I wouldn't actually be going to the parks separately, I decided to make the most of it. During those two miles, I had a blast! I was truly happy to be a runner and to be participating in this event. It didn't feel like I was running a half, it was more like a scavenger hunt where I was going from character to character collecting pictures. I was mostly successful, well except for Woody and his gang from Toy Story. So rebellious, that crew! Toward the end of the parks I ran into Penny and her running posse who were sporting the cutest tutus! (And I hate to brag, but me and <a href="http://seejuliannerun.blogspot.com/">Julianne</a> did the <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2009/07/race-report-muddy-buddy-with-julianne.html">tutu thing</a> early on - are we trendsetters or what??? *snort*)<br />
<br />
Here are just some of the highlights through the Disney parks:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9xDWN86eCMD6rhGY5A_EVWUF8YsbwXN7MoacX-jlv1xXcZTKZfG6HYJSgGPigFrBp2SIOYa_8Iy_vjm98KBPaszvDTpo2WWWizwrcpfi4hwyaGELwE7UuCa5_fEo4fIi7YEH2MkmdBW7/s1600/caliadv.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9xDWN86eCMD6rhGY5A_EVWUF8YsbwXN7MoacX-jlv1xXcZTKZfG6HYJSgGPigFrBp2SIOYa_8Iy_vjm98KBPaszvDTpo2WWWizwrcpfi4hwyaGELwE7UuCa5_fEo4fIi7YEH2MkmdBW7/s320/caliadv.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at California Adventures</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIC13K05TqHce0bY17mr9ZlSYN5y5lz3Cbl1UN3Uwt3Zr_PAzhelvRMReUZxiV4JsGn_bvsO5jETWQFxTIDIeq-f2mVptcTkdnrWAvU723PL0A3kKOsjO0fItYtUi8Dyai2IGYmWVxAtV/s1600/disneyland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIC13K05TqHce0bY17mr9ZlSYN5y5lz3Cbl1UN3Uwt3Zr_PAzhelvRMReUZxiV4JsGn_bvsO5jETWQFxTIDIeq-f2mVptcTkdnrWAvU723PL0A3kKOsjO0fItYtUi8Dyai2IGYmWVxAtV/s320/disneyland.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving on to Disneyland</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bjlGcmWaWKG8UZ91DTK_tct8YklRo8TeKXa6cvCl7d3HBaSOL0Xz_sQ6bf1kmFpx8PyT_AlT9ZsECNdS375lcUhqAQFJpVEcgkmQMqiAtBX_GxYXzdJDDZ77AwzF8yJ0wFpOhO5hhODD/s1600/walt.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bjlGcmWaWKG8UZ91DTK_tct8YklRo8TeKXa6cvCl7d3HBaSOL0Xz_sQ6bf1kmFpx8PyT_AlT9ZsECNdS375lcUhqAQFJpVEcgkmQMqiAtBX_GxYXzdJDDZ77AwzF8yJ0wFpOhO5hhODD/s320/walt.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walt and Mickey - just like on our medal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgrrUcGm_SqDcSWXZVLpnHHA0JRmIszfDbobpctjL8YUh7fJspCLbTb6OOYXPaRfr0a5LMbjYhAtoV2Zc3nV6f7CMTFNkc70y9GaE2N4fHi67OWjwJbcKT1FwOkv278YV5BNB7aRQLFnF/s1600/castle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgrrUcGm_SqDcSWXZVLpnHHA0JRmIszfDbobpctjL8YUh7fJspCLbTb6OOYXPaRfr0a5LMbjYhAtoV2Zc3nV6f7CMTFNkc70y9GaE2N4fHi67OWjwJbcKT1FwOkv278YV5BNB7aRQLFnF/s320/castle.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Cinderella's Home</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CQxS8UoHCrQ98BWeEhmtgpnoSe98zbBdL7TjzP5wlQy-6fMoWC5vr6FMxirX_Yjr5f1NZ_on6xYupA1dqsm2wP1YaJVSusQcqTerl2-xhb5YSJzF8oxZaHuWUtkThhE1G2IUblqz8unJ/s1600/60740-1814-022f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CQxS8UoHCrQ98BWeEhmtgpnoSe98zbBdL7TjzP5wlQy-6fMoWC5vr6FMxirX_Yjr5f1NZ_on6xYupA1dqsm2wP1YaJVSusQcqTerl2-xhb5YSJzF8oxZaHuWUtkThhE1G2IUblqz8unJ/s320/60740-1814-022f.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storming the Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n-F2HVtqxX77lbCaJbKPVH13GK4zNp3KKz6BWVeAHoYkPgBXJuxsKWxF4XQV6HrsCaKt7bGwzcOmXxEo_ro_m7DBKj2AjnNV7DNPzVNsspkPjrAVeEFE-pRMOxHI2Q1XW7-GeK2Or57h/s1600/princess.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n-F2HVtqxX77lbCaJbKPVH13GK4zNp3KKz6BWVeAHoYkPgBXJuxsKWxF4XQV6HrsCaKt7bGwzcOmXxEo_ro_m7DBKj2AjnNV7DNPzVNsspkPjrAVeEFE-pRMOxHI2Q1XW7-GeK2Or57h/s320/princess.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging with my fellow princesses - we went for tea later</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfFIqbxTTxxBv5VOHZ6Xwr_VIMGIYCab_xxCahWhyphenhyphenI0t8Eu9nDGLzayTDuA-PuiANSJcBUuh7b44sDzv5ll-Q1BwVEAELIOVBCkKJHm7WO4-kR3rB9IIbKFlr-5H0f1hDuAJbyhtHSW5E/s1600/costumes1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfFIqbxTTxxBv5VOHZ6Xwr_VIMGIYCab_xxCahWhyphenhyphenI0t8Eu9nDGLzayTDuA-PuiANSJcBUuh7b44sDzv5ll-Q1BwVEAELIOVBCkKJHm7WO4-kR3rB9IIbKFlr-5H0f1hDuAJbyhtHSW5E/s320/costumes1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What kind of chafing do you think this costume causes?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Once I got out of the parks, I was hit by the brutal realization that oh yes, I really am supposed to do a half marathon here. The middle of the race (miles 5-8) was pretty dull as we were just going up and down the streets of Anaheim. They tried to make it interesting with school bands and cheering squads which I appreciated, but they were definitely nowhere near as fun as going through the parks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AqEOCsgHClBcy3raqmMM1cxrqlY-0_F4W8ZQc-BNxaXLENPafX8wLTNQLhT1SYh-zJZvE7-IEFdG4HfmhOgzugZP2H7eToz8r651Z-nztnaOSwVZlsq5uU5yEzlIi_aGFvlda4MdHT2z/s1600/costume.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AqEOCsgHClBcy3raqmMM1cxrqlY-0_F4W8ZQc-BNxaXLENPafX8wLTNQLhT1SYh-zJZvE7-IEFdG4HfmhOgzugZP2H7eToz8r651Z-nztnaOSwVZlsq5uU5yEzlIi_aGFvlda4MdHT2z/s320/costume.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, I have to wonder about the chafing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After running past the Honda Center and along the Santa Ana trail - things got pretty exciting once again around mile 9. At this point, the course is slightly different from the one we had in 2008. This year, instead of running by it, we got to run *through* Angel Stadium. I had this weird idea that we would actually be running the bases, which we didn't because that would be dumb, but instead we ran along the outside while peeps were cheering from the seats plus cheerleaders on the field so it was still an amazing experience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPu3rbIOHvGYlrQp9ls6D-mbTXchXY8Zg46ICSQI5dPP52WzHiVKMbWx8TL8kQKQXf-6rAwyXF_lLUMAk_dZR_V0XrWeo-NT6VutNF9cY4ww8rGtHs7VEYwwVTCmQ9rMIcif5Vo-JNBsH/s1600/stadium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPu3rbIOHvGYlrQp9ls6D-mbTXchXY8Zg46ICSQI5dPP52WzHiVKMbWx8TL8kQKQXf-6rAwyXF_lLUMAk_dZR_V0XrWeo-NT6VutNF9cY4ww8rGtHs7VEYwwVTCmQ9rMIcif5Vo-JNBsH/s320/stadium.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkzC9rplXNM3wJeSYdfJHgaohgAomq7iWwa7QxHrfdPVSBhVVlvRAP5x_PdTOU7k8K-MbvXmW4zEBYpzys_m47oVMSfbp0X7zz5cuiuU0OrTWDG8tdCQF2JZBZ5_IaYHaRjvPaOVL0KEu/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkzC9rplXNM3wJeSYdfJHgaohgAomq7iWwa7QxHrfdPVSBhVVlvRAP5x_PdTOU7k8K-MbvXmW4zEBYpzys_m47oVMSfbp0X7zz5cuiuU0OrTWDG8tdCQF2JZBZ5_IaYHaRjvPaOVL0KEu/s320/IMG_5728.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Oh did I mention we were also on the jumbotron? Like any good picture whore, I immediately tried to determine where that camera was angled at... I had to ask one of the lovely cheerleaders for assistance although to be honest, all I had to do was look for the line of runners (same thing with all the characters in the park). While waiting in line, I watched to see what the other runners were doing in order to capture the jumbotron shot. I pointed my camera at the jumbotron and then when I was ready, I looked into the big camera while clicking my point and shoot.<br />
<br />
Ta-da!<br />
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I was sad to leave the stadium because that was such a fun rush. Plus it was nice to experience something new from my previous Disneyland Half.<br />
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After that it was another 3 miles to the finish on nothing but boring streets. That was another part of the course they changed but not for the better. Last time, our last mile was through Downtown Disney which was fun because there usually would be a lot of people cheering at that point. But that's OK, I'll gladly sacrifice Downtown Disney for Angels Stadium.<br />
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I wasn't surprised by my finish time which is once again, a new personal worst for the half. Although I do find it funny that I missed a sub-3 finish by mere seconds.<br />
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At the finish area, I saw Penny again and this time we got a picture!<br />
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Check out the bling!<br />
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We got a special medal for the half because it was the 5th anniversary of the race. Now I know <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">some people</a> have some strong feelings about this (something to do with the 5 making it look like a 5K medal and celebrating a 5th anniversary is like "celebrating mediocrity" LOL) but I don't mind it. Actually, I *prefer* anniversary years at Disney races. Why? Because your medal is unique, no one else from any other year will have a medal like yours. Otherwise they use the same medal for at least four years in a row but just change the year and the strap. Like my Coast-to-Coast medal, it's pretty much identical to the one I already have. Makes me wonder why I went to all the trouble to get something I already own. :P I actually really like the castle medal this year... it's extra "blingy" which I like. And I also like that it has some color in it, too.<br />
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<table cellspacing="0" summary="Race Results for AUDREY MENDOZA"><tbody>
<tr><td class="title"><b>Official Results</b></td><td><b><br />
</b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="title"><br />
</td><td><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Chip Time</td><td>3:00:07</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Overall Place</td><td>9268 / 12372</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Gender Place</td><td>5447 / 7857</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Division Place</td><td>943 / 1311</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">Age Grade</td><td>36.9%</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">5K</td><td>44:53</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">10K</td><td>1:33:09</td></tr>
<tr><td class="title">15K</td><td>2:13:56</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Afterward, I picked up this post-race treat in Downtown Disney. A candy and chocolate coated caramel apple. It was delish!!! Although, admittedly, it took me days to finish... that would be a lot of sugar in one sitting.<br />
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So that's about it for Disney races. I won't say "never again" but I will say definitely not in 2011. I've already got plans to spend my race $$$ elsewhere next year.audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-87415707444491800532010-09-20T16:04:00.000-07:002010-11-10T17:56:52.628-08:00Race Report: Goofy Challenge Part 3 - The Full Marathon...and this finally wraps up the Goofy race report series. Part 1: The Expo can be found <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2010/01/race-report-goofy-challenge-part-1-expo.html">here</a> and Part 2: The Half Marathon can be found <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2010/09/race-report-goofy-challenge-part-2-half.html">here</a>.<br />
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This race report will be mostly pictures because I really don't remember that many details of a race I ran 8 months ago, lol. Bad Audrey for being so delayed in getting this together. <br />
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But if you're really interested in the nitty gritty of the WDW full, feel free to check out my much more detailed <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2008/01/race-report-2008-walt-disney-world.html">2008 WDW race report</a>.<br />
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Here is the course for the full marathon - there were still a lot of expressways but at least we got to go through all four of the parks this time. The weather was slightly better - still freezing cold (high 20s/low 30s, I think) but at least it didn't rain on us. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbo8vI_NuzAfcm5VoNRFZRhLilJ1pS353HE3dif_d8YxCIF9v7-0KXVOtFljOqqJBe6n6tKhr7um7UFxsYDC0m8Bl7V2ypdYGH2NUfpF8vZQwSVy0cma0nwIijAsnIU_nrb2MDnOqs64J/s1600/coursemap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbo8vI_NuzAfcm5VoNRFZRhLilJ1pS353HE3dif_d8YxCIF9v7-0KXVOtFljOqqJBe6n6tKhr7um7UFxsYDC0m8Bl7V2ypdYGH2NUfpF8vZQwSVy0cma0nwIijAsnIU_nrb2MDnOqs64J/s400/coursemap.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitting all four parks this time!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had fun hanging out with <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">Roadbunner</a> at the start of the race. We were both bundled in sweatshirts and our heat sheets. I've never been so grateful for overpacking. It took a long time to walk from the staging area to the actual start corrals. I ended up missing the start of my corral wave so I was one of the stragglers. I was actually sad to start because that meant I had to get rid of my extra layers... so I kept my big hoodie on for the first mile or so.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOYommfzJdmiyN9dXDRh8k0t8eXXJ_9wLFnTKKnTalVnHqOJZy3xTieLOUJXLwYx55hQo2RhXVnBrvByYkTdesmASZmsiZpVZZ6zeDVt0fjkm_m4YguCEyXEQ9I72MmpaSdxzV8J3Q8Pv/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOYommfzJdmiyN9dXDRh8k0t8eXXJ_9wLFnTKKnTalVnHqOJZy3xTieLOUJXLwYx55hQo2RhXVnBrvByYkTdesmASZmsiZpVZZ6zeDVt0fjkm_m4YguCEyXEQ9I72MmpaSdxzV8J3Q8Pv/s400/1.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory Cinderella's Castle Photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For the full, I didn't really stop to take pics with characters as much as I did with the half. It was already going to take at least five hours and I really didn't want to add that much more time in the freezing cold.<br />
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But once I saw Mickey outside Animal Kingdom, I had to stop! I love how quick the picture taking guys (not the race photographers, but the character "escorts") are... they usually had two of them so while one runner was having their picture taken, the other guy was already grabbing the camera of the next runner so they would be ready to go. These guys are seasoned pro's!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGrgXBx3A0Y8ALyU5VrD5yIEQZJZJHaI36L6by6ZV7cYFNDZUq_BLf0z4xOD8IryIui_Qv3NSu-7fehZQ2lqmIkDcg3-lmmVQHvpdjLgLxcY6WNBRt_9h2buntBgMJ4gkEU4dAo3FYUVH/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGrgXBx3A0Y8ALyU5VrD5yIEQZJZJHaI36L6by6ZV7cYFNDZUq_BLf0z4xOD8IryIui_Qv3NSu-7fehZQ2lqmIkDcg3-lmmVQHvpdjLgLxcY6WNBRt_9h2buntBgMJ4gkEU4dAo3FYUVH/s400/2.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course I had to stop for Mickey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then later on at Hollywood Studios, I was thrilled to see the guys from Up! I think this was around mile 23 or something. It was perfect timing because I told myself, after this - no more stopping until the finish. (Keep in mind that I'm the kind of runner that likes to take quick walk breaks on every mile! *Especially* at the end because I'm usually so exhausted and slightly delirious.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7Ifhzl8Q4xWGN3-0LojFp2bgL7vH4dvWhar1EIMYusy06aXLvGwjT41PgA-ojtMvr8dMjy_NSuFUJA8Qm7kbRv4qMTUgwtIxN4ZTslhP-tSDIZXrN5wt44LBbpPGza_5YxcIOVERBHKc/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7Ifhzl8Q4xWGN3-0LojFp2bgL7vH4dvWhar1EIMYusy06aXLvGwjT41PgA-ojtMvr8dMjy_NSuFUJA8Qm7kbRv4qMTUgwtIxN4ZTslhP-tSDIZXrN5wt44LBbpPGza_5YxcIOVERBHKc/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so excited to see Russell and Carl! New additions to Disney!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And guess what - I did just that! Sure, I was running super slow but I was proud of myself for sticking to it :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubYDDRxNdOPodDyi3nOcbUmIQGqypyIAzlsIDrqu36Xoi-6D0SeGTVr2DdAuSExYaVPm7OK9yyk20YkwIWH2Hr_P35CvXe7NYkwjrBXCHSzufs4QGQzulvaYU7ONaXEeaZOWe65C_SjTo/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubYDDRxNdOPodDyi3nOcbUmIQGqypyIAzlsIDrqu36Xoi-6D0SeGTVr2DdAuSExYaVPm7OK9yyk20YkwIWH2Hr_P35CvXe7NYkwjrBXCHSzufs4QGQzulvaYU7ONaXEeaZOWe65C_SjTo/s400/4.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed out of Hollywood Studios</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQQyZ3wkCXGPBDfXrEkx4K7cIdTfQQMm79TF7BHliOMPSd9kFmZ-OVD9KdDDHK5T76cEWOxhyn-g3yVKvOYz2XAqSD4pQraQUFfY-EWAocmwXmXkNJUcJLI6aDuXEJeSjn068g3YFRG89/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQQyZ3wkCXGPBDfXrEkx4K7cIdTfQQMm79TF7BHliOMPSd9kFmZ-OVD9KdDDHK5T76cEWOxhyn-g3yVKvOYz2XAqSD4pQraQUFfY-EWAocmwXmXkNJUcJLI6aDuXEJeSjn068g3YFRG89/s400/5.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judging by the smile on my face, I must be close to the finish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>How could you not love a race that has adorable characters high fiving you on your way to the finish?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_KWhLsq89STroaEZMCS_bTK4Js1LQyFvz59Cg1RRd6qNhxjtQ7yELe7jJtLZixOmiV4wU6i7Yd4LRS8JWwO1Wlqo-02LS2Q3qPm1j-EHfQBsZWJX14ONXpQpeDeLtVJqJAFwA9kS__4Z/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_KWhLsq89STroaEZMCS_bTK4Js1LQyFvz59Cg1RRd6qNhxjtQ7yELe7jJtLZixOmiV4wU6i7Yd4LRS8JWwO1Wlqo-02LS2Q3qPm1j-EHfQBsZWJX14ONXpQpeDeLtVJqJAFwA9kS__4Z/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whee!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTupqyokLKovJ-Pw6ro6MsFDLOAXixCCTVWoAo9emFI_lVVDf9sbCjo7g3C5lwSYtBWQvrzrnUMQP864mEsY8j6moMEyA2pviQ89MyQepxXNodjBwgn02yVSe1PT3YYAB90ZufdMD3-_7/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTupqyokLKovJ-Pw6ro6MsFDLOAXixCCTVWoAo9emFI_lVVDf9sbCjo7g3C5lwSYtBWQvrzrnUMQP864mEsY8j6moMEyA2pviQ89MyQepxXNodjBwgn02yVSe1PT3YYAB90ZufdMD3-_7/s400/7.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V is for Victory :P</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9ctqHfHnGWr0kIWa0Xor4OnxfAHSjqddv20cuAgajndan8f16q_VBMI9_dMzRkQs7lz1uRT8Yv8VLluMRaFO8PhVkzcxEg4ZjtuiNKrkeTYXSguzLIpvisQND-ZPCvDcNe5RU6bO2wvN/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9ctqHfHnGWr0kIWa0Xor4OnxfAHSjqddv20cuAgajndan8f16q_VBMI9_dMzRkQs7lz1uRT8Yv8VLluMRaFO8PhVkzcxEg4ZjtuiNKrkeTYXSguzLIpvisQND-ZPCvDcNe5RU6bO2wvN/s400/8.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing all my medal loot with Daisy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbFZi2I-qn42DTRkds5ZzQSkhbtOyJTcUlrp8llf9zJF8BhPcw3cOygyNoAXYKkmaz00glj7vongOamveAmFApFB6t8_5MMbKC0Wec4HrJf76Kppd9A6SiL-mw9OW6hYRZOYjDUt7RSfS/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbFZi2I-qn42DTRkds5ZzQSkhbtOyJTcUlrp8llf9zJF8BhPcw3cOygyNoAXYKkmaz00glj7vongOamveAmFApFB6t8_5MMbKC0Wec4HrJf76Kppd9A6SiL-mw9OW6hYRZOYjDUt7RSfS/s400/9.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medal Mania: Donald for the half, Goofy for both, Mickey for the full</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This race was pretty interesting... the freezing weather was one issue. Hazardous aid stations were another! All the water that was thrown on the ground would freeze creating ice patches. Luckily, the volunteers were really good with giving us warnings so I didn't have any slip ups. The other funny thing was that some of the water cups were frozen! Not frozen solid, just the top layer so I would have to crack it to get the water out. Such a crazy experience!<br />
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I know this will be no surprise to anyone, but I am a big fan of the WDW marathon. I like how the different parks break up the course. Kind of like with the Nike marathon, where instead of thinking 12 miles to go, 11 miles to go, 10 miles to go and so on... it's more: OK around mile 4 there's a hill and then it's flat... but then get ready at mile 7 when the the big hills start, etc. <br />
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Same thing here... instead of thinking how far to the finish line, my mind instead wonders how long until we hit the next park. It is pure joy running through the Disney parks especially with all the characters around. And once you hit Hollywood studios around mile 22, it's all downhill because it's pretty scenic from there to the finish.<br />
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<b>Official Results</b><br />
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Chip Time 5:18:48<br />
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Overall Place 9368 / 16906<br />
Gender Place 3699 / 8160<br />
Division Place 630 / 1288<br />
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5 Mile 56:06<br />
10 Mile 1:54:31<br />
Half Split 2:31:49<br />
20 Mile 4:00:14<br />
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This is a bit of an improvement from my 5:25 time in the 2008 WDW marathon but considering it was 30 degrees vs 80, it was to be expected.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3hWv5xrqv9NI20SjpXsHgyAKX2Nw6chJRCkbqBPHJkcp5bFsf2pHvZ-7SXeOjrzvRDCmf-0EHQPZasvmMlDKHMfhEdbAv1ac_zlRV_0adGJnfzIKIyYTZxGCDtA4uyiTCNyFvK4XGhdu/s1600/goofy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3hWv5xrqv9NI20SjpXsHgyAKX2Nw6chJRCkbqBPHJkcp5bFsf2pHvZ-7SXeOjrzvRDCmf-0EHQPZasvmMlDKHMfhEdbAv1ac_zlRV_0adGJnfzIKIyYTZxGCDtA4uyiTCNyFvK4XGhdu/s400/goofy.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off my prized Goofy medal to Goofy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="" name="awesome">One last anecodote</a>... I had a great time wearing my Goofy medal around the parks on the following Monday and Tuesday. (No way was I wearing all three - 1) it would be way too heavy and 2) I wouldn't be able to deal with all the clinging and clanging!) When I flew home the following Wednesday, I got stopped by airport security and he asked if they could go through my bag. He then asked if I had a bag of coins or something and I was at first pretty confused. And then I realized it must have been my medals which I had in my carry-on so I pulled that out to show it to him. I asked if he had seen other runners with their medals and he said yes, but with only one medal, not three! Then before I knew it, this came flying out of my mouth, "Well, they must have not been as awesome as me."<br />
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Seriously! So embarrassed... :-/audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-42687954680512238822010-09-09T13:43:00.000-07:002010-09-09T13:44:26.126-07:00Running Belt Deals from Disneyland HalfHello all! Had a great time at the Disneyland Half last weekend... race report will be coming soon, but not until I post the WDW Full Marathon race report, heh heh.<br />
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Until then... I saw a couple cool deals on running belts from the expo that hopefully, you can take advantage of as well.<br />
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<b><a href="http://ifitnessinc.com/">iFitness</a></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sICke_Gpq-pLgmLM0HIF0i93ePulys6fe9qkTqgCQcArILYCycRRbSzFQJlUquLYD5rZgdkvvGuNIk7w0jEuHy__2P-rSWrAePqi9aXQauqoLOVaCrFZcUvSwT09Pjx2xECFq9wpfIhF/s1600/UL_PNK_PNK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sICke_Gpq-pLgmLM0HIF0i93ePulys6fe9qkTqgCQcArILYCycRRbSzFQJlUquLYD5rZgdkvvGuNIk7w0jEuHy__2P-rSWrAePqi9aXQauqoLOVaCrFZcUvSwT09Pjx2xECFq9wpfIhF/s320/UL_PNK_PNK.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the belt I have - love it!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Get a <b style="color: #38761d;">15% discount</b> when ordering online by using code: <b style="color: #38761d;">MagicRun</b><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">More info at </span><a href="http://www.ifitnessinc.com/" style="color: black;">http://www.ifitnessinc.com</a></span><b style="color: #38761d;"> </b><br />
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<a href="http://www.spibelt.com/"><b>SPIbelt</b></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Wv05pl9Um3pKs7gWojNqHoLyxULL0zqDbC6plCMr4nqjszRy6mZ-4EqGJ3IzWEaTvneosbBPXa8lfeGRTP5XBjZm0gcmvjNIiehsl9AhdaFoqYlXZbtomcBpXX0A6f5DGqYnNn6zV1oz/s1600/Spibeltparent1-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Wv05pl9Um3pKs7gWojNqHoLyxULL0zqDbC6plCMr4nqjszRy6mZ-4EqGJ3IzWEaTvneosbBPXa8lfeGRTP5XBjZm0gcmvjNIiehsl9AhdaFoqYlXZbtomcBpXX0A6f5DGqYnNn6zV1oz/s320/Spibeltparent1-70.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<ul><li><b style="color: #38761d;">FREE SPIbelt</b> with any other race pocket belt trade-in</li>
<li><b style="color: #38761d;">50% off</b> any new SPIbelt when you trade in your old SPIbelt</li>
<li><b><span style="color: #38761d;">15% off</span></b> online purchases by using code: <b style="color: #38761d;">disney10</b>. <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Free USPS shipping</span></b> by using code: <b style="color: #38761d;">ship10</b>.</li>
</ul>More info at <a href="http://www.spibelt.com/disney">http://www.spibelt.com/disney</a>audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-61285439876611235372010-09-03T12:17:00.000-07:002010-09-03T12:17:07.511-07:00Race Report: Goofy Challenge Part 2 - The Half Marathon<i>Side note: I *started* this race report months ago, but in typical fashion, I never finished it. With the Disneyland Half coming up this weekend, I wanted to get the Goofy race reports out there. I attempted to fill in the blanks below, but apologies for any missing details. Enjoy!</i><br />
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OK, I'm back with the next segment of the Goofy Race Report series. Part 1: The Expo can be found <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2010/01/race-report-goofy-challenge-part-1-expo.html">here</a>.<br />
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</div><div>It's now race time and first up is the WDW Half Marathon - a course that routes you from Epcot to Magic Kingdom and back.</div><div><div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAlwQKlOwew9wXucsKCubFJIcKI2zmGcJJj51qPNazisAGcnzWhgfM4G8RdgCCm5pS6kGByXoiXJs5IevUiaD69DmAhJNPnKIxzvnNRVoTI2vqv5CainynWuZ88hgblVJyKTVEFYztKnG/s1600-h/wdw_half.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433463928252877906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAlwQKlOwew9wXucsKCubFJIcKI2zmGcJJj51qPNazisAGcnzWhgfM4G8RdgCCm5pS6kGByXoiXJs5IevUiaD69DmAhJNPnKIxzvnNRVoTI2vqv5CainynWuZ88hgblVJyKTVEFYztKnG/s400/wdw_half.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 399px;" /></a><br />
<br />
</div><div>As I mentioned in my last post, we were treated to freakishly cold weather for marathon weekend. All of us runners were checking weather forecasts religiously leading up to the race. For the half, not only was it freezing cold (high 20's / low 30's) but we also got some rain (sleet?) as well! Oh joy!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Luckily, I was well-trained for running in this weather. <a href="http://runaudreyrun.blogspot.com/2009/12/race-report-california-international.html">CIM</a> had similar weather (if not slightly "warmer") plus my peak training runs were in 30-40 degree weather in the snow back home in Ohio during the holidays. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I always say I want cold weather for race day so it's just like they say "Be careful what you wish for!"</div><div><br />
</div><div>On to the pictures...</div><div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2hyUv4JEi3Rc56yyVcLev0N74pbjvW5ebhn0E520lphGmc7fdmxnPdJHJPWn6dlKeax-6YMSz_k8WkP84Zjw3O2E_1OZoz4toCrk0qHeyIWJegIuDsDPadtxKjRk5_fAJdvUGilgqfL1/s1600-h/IMG_4867.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433463880529769554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2hyUv4JEi3Rc56yyVcLev0N74pbjvW5ebhn0E520lphGmc7fdmxnPdJHJPWn6dlKeax-6YMSz_k8WkP84Zjw3O2E_1OZoz4toCrk0qHeyIWJegIuDsDPadtxKjRk5_fAJdvUGilgqfL1/s400/IMG_4867.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Disney gang greets us at the start!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3Rydl69FNjE8FIOBmxhmA5dhf_LVJdkezFsNOPj8PBK3uYnO-MTfEfPfijNlCMymcM7WJoofagbBf9K2beCiy_Su6O2W9xrkahY6bcgj2HDJrj7EAZlaO8GsVGXXbkQhAZoTEVN15HPM/s1600-h/IMG_4869.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433463126149214194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3Rydl69FNjE8FIOBmxhmA5dhf_LVJdkezFsNOPj8PBK3uYnO-MTfEfPfijNlCMymcM7WJoofagbBf9K2beCiy_Su6O2W9xrkahY6bcgj2HDJrj7EAZlaO8GsVGXXbkQhAZoTEVN15HPM/s400/IMG_4869.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>This was my first time running the half and let me just tell you, other than the short stint through Magic Kingdom, this course is BORING. Seriously. You start outside Epcot but don't actually run through it until the end. It's basically 5 miles of just boring WDW expressways and then you hit Magic Kingdom. That part is fun but once you leave, you're back to the boring expressways.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSM6MPIzZhI6Pr7L3D-kf0Bv6kS9rRe_pHYm0Sc3HqVte4A3wv5nYZ-gwICANUofMffb_a31IGF-2g19QhsI1lbQINVw9qhZbFBtOh_qLcmrtYnjL7_Fa75zmrGvtfvh0wZv2sEm1RxlI/s1600-h/IMG_4871.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433463117194330386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSM6MPIzZhI6Pr7L3D-kf0Bv6kS9rRe_pHYm0Sc3HqVte4A3wv5nYZ-gwICANUofMffb_a31IGF-2g19QhsI1lbQINVw9qhZbFBtOh_qLcmrtYnjL7_Fa75zmrGvtfvh0wZv2sEm1RxlI/s400/IMG_4871.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Below: Once again, guilty of jazz hands. It's like this weird reflex action that comes over me whenever I see a race photographer on the course.</span></i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSM6MPIzZhI6Pr7L3D-kf0Bv6kS9rRe_pHYm0Sc3HqVte4A3wv5nYZ-gwICANUofMffb_a31IGF-2g19QhsI1lbQINVw9qhZbFBtOh_qLcmrtYnjL7_Fa75zmrGvtfvh0wZv2sEm1RxlI/s1600-h/IMG_4871.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UPFrUf1xNi9z3w7zKDajXHSQGXCl9IRDnR4kenpK-mGA9LVd_Vgr_wv7dbeoX3HuZPY9IZZagrH6gSGWSkdbTFAnzFyF-npa-JLnjTIwxmn3euhGBEctHlWDdfFderXTUSPi5pls3u-g/s1600-h/Picture+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433463912275309234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UPFrUf1xNi9z3w7zKDajXHSQGXCl9IRDnR4kenpK-mGA9LVd_Vgr_wv7dbeoX3HuZPY9IZZagrH6gSGWSkdbTFAnzFyF-npa-JLnjTIwxmn3euhGBEctHlWDdfFderXTUSPi5pls3u-g/s400/Picture+1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 384px; width: 256px;" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UPFrUf1xNi9z3w7zKDajXHSQGXCl9IRDnR4kenpK-mGA9LVd_Vgr_wv7dbeoX3HuZPY9IZZagrH6gSGWSkdbTFAnzFyF-npa-JLnjTIwxmn3euhGBEctHlWDdfFderXTUSPi5pls3u-g/s1600-h/Picture+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzwgPWeXb7vd2tM10A7V_8tESgOoPjvV0U5bwkQ4bQviXa4XDS731Bdl-w86pXAfSZYJhMX0A_0Ey_ivLnimpf7yZFctWc3OLWh28ZtG7oGN7qwYfPG1Wh-CbX7sTBHvs5BKtvNzytRRB/s1600-h/IMG_4876.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433463111989496194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzwgPWeXb7vd2tM10A7V_8tESgOoPjvV0U5bwkQ4bQviXa4XDS731Bdl-w86pXAfSZYJhMX0A_0Ey_ivLnimpf7yZFctWc3OLWh28ZtG7oGN7qwYfPG1Wh-CbX7sTBHvs5BKtvNzytRRB/s400/IMG_4876.JPG" style="height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>The fun thing about Disney is they know people are running it mostly for the picture opportunities. And just in case the race photographers didn't get a good picture of you running out of Cinderella's castle, they set up a special location to the side to take a posed one for good measure. Of course, I had to take advantage of that!<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzwgPWeXb7vd2tM10A7V_8tESgOoPjvV0U5bwkQ4bQviXa4XDS731Bdl-w86pXAfSZYJhMX0A_0Ey_ivLnimpf7yZFctWc3OLWh28ZtG7oGN7qwYfPG1Wh-CbX7sTBHvs5BKtvNzytRRB/s1600-h/IMG_4876.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb25K6pyp4Dc-zj5-oNERgvwRPWMiJkK8ZKlpuHnrgyFnjBkXpx-OgIpBLHmZINB-8agFs87MaMoFXIaK4HYdW4gkzjpfb3yJ6VqzmTHCo_PnphPtRamOlwraT_IZN2Hp8o_EwgvS0mdJi/s1600-h/Picture+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433463913579094674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb25K6pyp4Dc-zj5-oNERgvwRPWMiJkK8ZKlpuHnrgyFnjBkXpx-OgIpBLHmZINB-8agFs87MaMoFXIaK4HYdW4gkzjpfb3yJ6VqzmTHCo_PnphPtRamOlwraT_IZN2Hp8o_EwgvS0mdJi/s400/Picture+4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 386px; width: 289px;" /></a></div><br />
And since I was obviously not in a rush, I made sure to take lots of pictures with the characters... <br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb25K6pyp4Dc-zj5-oNERgvwRPWMiJkK8ZKlpuHnrgyFnjBkXpx-OgIpBLHmZINB-8agFs87MaMoFXIaK4HYdW4gkzjpfb3yJ6VqzmTHCo_PnphPtRamOlwraT_IZN2Hp8o_EwgvS0mdJi/s1600-h/Picture+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL_a7woWdGtcyB74m3PbSiKfZxfGBGMGNHexqfo4Y2apqwRjH2zXJ9pMmrjDX_x6nOV7oXqyNQppYu3UOaJW2mDDPCHZ6_RPcYbuMhFn250KVSfS0OYM8BkpyIjmOqH5H7w6rIxTglvMl/s1600-h/IMG_4879.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433463107680021378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL_a7woWdGtcyB74m3PbSiKfZxfGBGMGNHexqfo4Y2apqwRjH2zXJ9pMmrjDX_x6nOV7oXqyNQppYu3UOaJW2mDDPCHZ6_RPcYbuMhFn250KVSfS0OYM8BkpyIjmOqH5H7w6rIxTglvMl/s400/IMG_4879.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL_a7woWdGtcyB74m3PbSiKfZxfGBGMGNHexqfo4Y2apqwRjH2zXJ9pMmrjDX_x6nOV7oXqyNQppYu3UOaJW2mDDPCHZ6_RPcYbuMhFn250KVSfS0OYM8BkpyIjmOqH5H7w6rIxTglvMl/s1600-h/IMG_4879.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBbaldKoywe86mYEI_TZQr4Is3Ebco107MspJ8deNuo9Z1BOGIRAUxjg3FU-CHBwNDCYvM2QaaXWQDkb9VA21PUv2A0T5q8fPLzXdxMAYfwLgIBZf19l78G3PtY7sCXfR4EIZL4z1MUBG/s1600-h/IMG_4880.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433463100700024658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBbaldKoywe86mYEI_TZQr4Is3Ebco107MspJ8deNuo9Z1BOGIRAUxjg3FU-CHBwNDCYvM2QaaXWQDkb9VA21PUv2A0T5q8fPLzXdxMAYfwLgIBZf19l78G3PtY7sCXfR4EIZL4z1MUBG/s400/IMG_4880.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBbaldKoywe86mYEI_TZQr4Is3Ebco107MspJ8deNuo9Z1BOGIRAUxjg3FU-CHBwNDCYvM2QaaXWQDkb9VA21PUv2A0T5q8fPLzXdxMAYfwLgIBZf19l78G3PtY7sCXfR4EIZL4z1MUBG/s1600-h/IMG_4880.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
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I especially admire the runners that ran in full costume!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dk4gi03YzRN3HPUYEWSm07gYnuyHtwmJOD9gEhAbOofKWAjml-lk1sXry1krZDSy4AtXEVq4_BCeoDTLxg7VD4cMd-iGiy1NnSQZ47Yt0r17ni5dPfeWZAg_XNGFy6ELl_iKCC47cPHb/s1600-h/IMG_4882.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433455928072515506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dk4gi03YzRN3HPUYEWSm07gYnuyHtwmJOD9gEhAbOofKWAjml-lk1sXry1krZDSy4AtXEVq4_BCeoDTLxg7VD4cMd-iGiy1NnSQZ47Yt0r17ni5dPfeWZAg_XNGFy6ELl_iKCC47cPHb/s400/IMG_4882.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dk4gi03YzRN3HPUYEWSm07gYnuyHtwmJOD9gEhAbOofKWAjml-lk1sXry1krZDSy4AtXEVq4_BCeoDTLxg7VD4cMd-iGiy1NnSQZ47Yt0r17ni5dPfeWZAg_XNGFy6ELl_iKCC47cPHb/s1600-h/IMG_4882.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvEkBJebxSHolptZNG3QgcHCLVzsDG3NUJjnPshBSxJSnqM8q1TdgixSTJXCsP30F_VRdv_3nSrgLkEpbCOKcsifIpk6BBAnc6akS-WT-12QKun4CYZ4BBvc1z06a-hIeFgqcmYnuoH3r/s1600-h/IMG_4883.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433455883560611554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvEkBJebxSHolptZNG3QgcHCLVzsDG3NUJjnPshBSxJSnqM8q1TdgixSTJXCsP30F_VRdv_3nSrgLkEpbCOKcsifIpk6BBAnc6akS-WT-12QKun4CYZ4BBvc1z06a-hIeFgqcmYnuoH3r/s400/IMG_4883.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvEkBJebxSHolptZNG3QgcHCLVzsDG3NUJjnPshBSxJSnqM8q1TdgixSTJXCsP30F_VRdv_3nSrgLkEpbCOKcsifIpk6BBAnc6akS-WT-12QKun4CYZ4BBvc1z06a-hIeFgqcmYnuoH3r/s1600-h/IMG_4883.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
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ARGH! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwmPfDc4Oe7Ey2PxfYQgbxhbSVwWEtitu-uewWjQZPmC_8PdRhHNqI2c8umdKh_rT_awk46UgZ9Z-RhTev69gs1TsTZo22USSnXHTSJExJDC10OW5icgpz-uhwM1uUnpNPeH7wbtPGgAe/s1600-h/IMG_4886.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433455876916892258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwmPfDc4Oe7Ey2PxfYQgbxhbSVwWEtitu-uewWjQZPmC_8PdRhHNqI2c8umdKh_rT_awk46UgZ9Z-RhTev69gs1TsTZo22USSnXHTSJExJDC10OW5icgpz-uhwM1uUnpNPeH7wbtPGgAe/s400/IMG_4886.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwmPfDc4Oe7Ey2PxfYQgbxhbSVwWEtitu-uewWjQZPmC_8PdRhHNqI2c8umdKh_rT_awk46UgZ9Z-RhTev69gs1TsTZo22USSnXHTSJExJDC10OW5icgpz-uhwM1uUnpNPeH7wbtPGgAe/s1600-h/IMG_4886.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
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This was a photo spot outside Magic Kingdom on the way back to Epcot. This captures the beauty of Disney races... no one is concerned about their time! I waited several minutes for this one but for Minnie and Goofy, totally worth it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKgcBIZ2teSgm2XyV69oYOi05szZs-WjEbLhFS07_ceUD7WFzEYD4R8J6gYvjkEScafYeEvf2nG-gy0rBuNATCoBQgwoeRdexOzuesex6QYru_xHCm-crTxnUiaQmHb0E4HspWio3ghFM/s1600-h/IMG_4887.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433455868336959538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKgcBIZ2teSgm2XyV69oYOi05szZs-WjEbLhFS07_ceUD7WFzEYD4R8J6gYvjkEScafYeEvf2nG-gy0rBuNATCoBQgwoeRdexOzuesex6QYru_xHCm-crTxnUiaQmHb0E4HspWio3ghFM/s400/IMG_4887.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKgcBIZ2teSgm2XyV69oYOi05szZs-WjEbLhFS07_ceUD7WFzEYD4R8J6gYvjkEScafYeEvf2nG-gy0rBuNATCoBQgwoeRdexOzuesex6QYru_xHCm-crTxnUiaQmHb0E4HspWio3ghFM/s1600-h/IMG_4887.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUMlpHhZ0daUddkFRFDN06AwvyTDqMoekJfCqfd0ZihscVlVAojKKw3njZHGh6VnXCd6YXSTuAmSUY5K9AENJtG-HUikLibofrkKLz81yaMZaoi2F1pkZIs8Gd1MEkCjIbdN-7dxbFadq/s1600-h/IMG_4888.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433455863120738082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUMlpHhZ0daUddkFRFDN06AwvyTDqMoekJfCqfd0ZihscVlVAojKKw3njZHGh6VnXCd6YXSTuAmSUY5K9AENJtG-HUikLibofrkKLz81yaMZaoi2F1pkZIs8Gd1MEkCjIbdN-7dxbFadq/s400/IMG_4888.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Finally crossing the finish line! Bet you haven't seen that time on the clock for a half marathon before, huh? ;) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4MoLm4DhHNwzFoSEoV0gTqgx_sO75kXmJtYPzAKG__0yY7DUJ9jbmtnVOqVsT_nI87AMS0OdqEXkP_kzMGQjKxykJh2ENDUHZfPMjjLvKPC2Qs3ddW1BkPMkk__465pOZc5_EBYXNTMI/s1600-h/Picture+10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433463919056870354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4MoLm4DhHNwzFoSEoV0gTqgx_sO75kXmJtYPzAKG__0yY7DUJ9jbmtnVOqVsT_nI87AMS0OdqEXkP_kzMGQjKxykJh2ENDUHZfPMjjLvKPC2Qs3ddW1BkPMkk__465pOZc5_EBYXNTMI/s400/Picture+10.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 385px; width: 255px;" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4MoLm4DhHNwzFoSEoV0gTqgx_sO75kXmJtYPzAKG__0yY7DUJ9jbmtnVOqVsT_nI87AMS0OdqEXkP_kzMGQjKxykJh2ENDUHZfPMjjLvKPC2Qs3ddW1BkPMkk__465pOZc5_EBYXNTMI/s1600-h/Picture+10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
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All in all, it was an OK race. Definitely not one I would do on its own but that's just me. The worst part came after the race. It had rained on us during the race, but it doesn't really bother you while you're running. But once you're done with the race, standing in a very slow moving line waiting for food while shivering cold, you become quite miserable. I may have cried a little. OK, maybe not but I was very unhappy.<br />
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Normally, I would have skipped the food line altogether but I knew I didn't have anything in my gear check bag and I wasn't sure what food would be available in the meet and greet area. Knowing I had to run a full marathon the next day, I was especially concerned with getting some recovery food back in my system ASAP.<br />
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The nice thing was that my family was waiting for me so at least once I got through all of that, I got some much needed TLC :) [Although it did take some time to find them as well - one drawback to big races.]<br />
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I wised up for the full and packed post-race food and drinks in my gear bag and left that with my family to bring with them. The gear bag pickup line could be slow moving as well so I didn't want to take any chances.<br />
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<b>Official Results</b></div><div><br />
Chip Time 2:46:27<br />
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Overall Place 10346 / 17127<br />
Gender Place 4989 / 9688<br />
Division Place 799 / 1444<br />
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Age Grade 39.9%<br />
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5K Split 34:36<br />
10K Split 1:17:02<br />
15K Split 2:00:37</div></div></div><br />
This ended up being my slowest half marathon time to date (ah, but stay tuned for this weekend!) but if you look at my rankings, it was actually pretty average for the Disney runners. This is why I love Disney races!!! WHEEEEE!!!<br />
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Next up, Goofy Challenge Part 3 - The Full Marathon!audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-31227056779515609442010-08-11T08:39:00.000-07:002010-08-11T08:39:28.873-07:00Medals Galore!I've been meaning to do this post for awhile, especially after seeing this on the blogs of both <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/2010/07/medal-envy.html">Roadbunner</a> and <a href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/2010/08/friday-favorites-medals.html">Aron</a>.<br /><blockquote>What the heck do you do with your medals? </blockquote><br />Most people know that I do races mostly for the medals. So you would think I would actually do something cool with them. Sadly, no. I don't exactly shove them in a shoebox, but I don't have them as part of my wall decor either. I don't know why.<br /><br />For now, I have them haphazardly draped across a bulletin board on my desk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVgJGJytH5SqIACtOx6HHQnuTJVbH3dgHoisAA3d3rTz3DNOdRzTpgsHZq2zOP87S54EOBAGEc5PuiqgU7FCcknb8KOu9fRQZ4E4FbY54I1bGKFiKPyA6rQ5cKvMLUBdqonOlSgMw7s5d/s1600/medals.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVgJGJytH5SqIACtOx6HHQnuTJVbH3dgHoisAA3d3rTz3DNOdRzTpgsHZq2zOP87S54EOBAGEc5PuiqgU7FCcknb8KOu9fRQZ4E4FbY54I1bGKFiKPyA6rQ5cKvMLUBdqonOlSgMw7s5d/s400/medals.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503517795923530194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I kind of like them there for now. They're displayed but in a subtle manner. I think at some point, I will pin them in a more organized fashion so that you can actually see all of them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My #1 favorite medal: Disney Coast to Coast 2008 </span><br /><br />(Bonus medal for doing both the Walt Disney World marathon in Orlando in January and the Disneyland Half in Anaheim in August)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVr8_yQ-UlrYyBbKjuEIEPQN0nJ70LMCS7m4RbXqINIDodf5Yf9GpsZAz-jVfuq1s2Vjq7FUo-Oi-DS2uw1cDDbLIE8PQDMAEPTmDotmD7B9bSF89SmIYzlhbix3i65lGP4K1ONFPyx1O/s1600/coast.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVr8_yQ-UlrYyBbKjuEIEPQN0nJ70LMCS7m4RbXqINIDodf5Yf9GpsZAz-jVfuq1s2Vjq7FUo-Oi-DS2uw1cDDbLIE8PQDMAEPTmDotmD7B9bSF89SmIYzlhbix3i65lGP4K1ONFPyx1O/s400/coast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503519180267660722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My #2 favorite medal: Walt Disney World marathon in 2008</span><br /><br />It was an anniversary year so we got an extra special one :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFAN_-gKFTFWGGrsIhPQhkUqtubfilx4jWLTQaqopGialGgwtaWjezWEqTX9sPTMt4TDemhByFjjF3ovL4QH7WcoGPI-A-_ePx9JMZA9rH4wLuXpUcf-YeODCvqNfAqvBlLofMSnWZ1DO/s1600-h/mickey+medal.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFAN_-gKFTFWGGrsIhPQhkUqtubfilx4jWLTQaqopGialGgwtaWjezWEqTX9sPTMt4TDemhByFjjF3ovL4QH7WcoGPI-A-_ePx9JMZA9rH4wLuXpUcf-YeODCvqNfAqvBlLofMSnWZ1DO/s320/mickey+medal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158209986652340498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My #3 favorite medal: Cleveland Half Marathon in 2009</span><br /><br />This was a toughie since I love all my Disney medals but this medal was one of the main reasons why I signed up for this race. I mean, it has a spinning guitar!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIVvDQo9JVmMpCMFuT12hpFebPI-VKDlvZ5HzbYqlHpFKGNN-0e-4JxhCrX2JrHytVIJaFLtBzDmcdsizxPtesXgmlj5R81chjajOavqbsVU76zM-IgImk1H0jXQdKxxCHX-ql6GT8DAt/s1600-h/08-medal.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIVvDQo9JVmMpCMFuT12hpFebPI-VKDlvZ5HzbYqlHpFKGNN-0e-4JxhCrX2JrHytVIJaFLtBzDmcdsizxPtesXgmlj5R81chjajOavqbsVU76zM-IgImk1H0jXQdKxxCHX-ql6GT8DAt/s400/08-medal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338099941163316962" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><blockquote>What are your favorite medals?</blockquote><br /><br />On a separate note... in case you don't already know, I have another blog, <a href="http://audgepodge.blogspot.com/">Pop Culture / Makeup Addict</a>. It would be awesome if you could add it to your reader or subscriptions because it gets no love. :P That one is updated a bit more regularly. Thank you!audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-24183819001298156422010-08-09T11:59:00.000-07:002010-08-09T13:18:50.209-07:00Hitting the Road!Alright, readers, I finally had a breakthrough in my running this weekend. Not only did I extend my run to 6 miles, I did it on both Friday AND Sunday.<br /><br />It would have been very difficult to do this on my own so I took my runs on the road and enlisted the help of friends.<br /><br />I first dragged <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">Roadbunner</a> to help me on Friday with a run around Golden Gate park. I think she had 16 miles or something crazy like that on her plan so I was going to join her for the last 6 for her cooldown (and my sprint, lol). But I chickened out since I'm still doing my run/walk thing so I decided to do 2 on my own first and then meet up for the last 4. It worked out really well! Roadbunner was awesome at letting us run at my pace and I only requested one walk break at the halfway point. (You don't want to know how often I normally take walk breaks on my own.) I was extremely pleased with myself for finally having a 6 miler under my belt - first time since January!<br /><br />It also helped a lot to have a change in scenery and Golden Gate park is awesome for people watching. Not to mention the critical point - weather! It was nice and cool in the 50s, something I rarely find in my 'hood.<br /><br />Then on Sunday, I met up with a bunch of awesome gals for <a href="http://www.marathonmaritza.com/">Maritza</a>'s going away run, organized by <a href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/">Aron</a>. I was excited to join them even though I couldn't really run with any of them. They all had double digit runs planned and are much faster than me. It was nice just to have a reason to drag myself out of bed and have a productive Sunday morning.<br /><br />I decided to go for another six. I was still planning on taking walk breaks but instead of just walking whenever I felt like it, I stuck to the plan of walking for 0.1 mile of every mile. It worked out really well despite the break being a bit shorter than what I usually do. It helped me to not lose too much momentum. I'm proud to say I stuck to my plan and ended up cutting a minute off my pace from my run on Friday.<br /><br />We all ran an out-and-back path on the trail so it was fun that I got to pass by everyone at some point. I think that was another reason I did so well sticking to my plan - I didn't want to get caught walking by the girls, LOL!<br /><br />Since everyone was finishing at different times, we all reconvened at Peet's, which apparently is THE hot spot for runners and bikers on a Sunday morning. It was fun to see everyone trickle back in and see how their runs went.<br /><br />Here's the gang at Peet's - met two runners, Page and Layla!<br /><br /><center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXscLbF0-R6TMJ_J5efmMrQYsA3SKTzCxFetSsCV9Snbq_XOGNRfLjK91slBwEkdhUxK6kuA866pYBDp2jHUb37yoOT4pUuU0JVYHSZNSDGQqbQobW39Gx-OeMxHANLTVUZd0TFoTdZSB9/s1600/peets.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXscLbF0-R6TMJ_J5efmMrQYsA3SKTzCxFetSsCV9Snbq_XOGNRfLjK91slBwEkdhUxK6kuA866pYBDp2jHUb37yoOT4pUuU0JVYHSZNSDGQqbQobW39Gx-OeMxHANLTVUZd0TFoTdZSB9/s400/peets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503501298235930690" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://twentysixandthensome.com/">Page</a>, <a href="http://www.runningonthego.com/">Tara</a>, <a href="http://kristintarr.wordpress.com/">Kristin</a>, <a href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/">Aron</a>, Layla<br />Moi, Sandra, <a href="http://www.marathonmaritza.com/">Maritza</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Picture courtesy of </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/">Aron</a></span></center><br /><br />Afterward, we headed to brunch where we were later joined by <a href="http://seejuliannerun.blogspot.com/">Julianne</a> and her hubby, who were celebrating their 2nd anniversary :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOQkuPI58raKnguqVmoCBkZNrrbjLpMvHqmvNPatGNTsq07IyRrCJWxe7mCmnYjhm5yWlFJ2aA4zspMn-ixgxyS3s4QkJf3cazjazhVDl6jtDcLJ6_Dcm817V2Vjb0-iPrfhipT3dvQp-/s1600/katys.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOQkuPI58raKnguqVmoCBkZNrrbjLpMvHqmvNPatGNTsq07IyRrCJWxe7mCmnYjhm5yWlFJ2aA4zspMn-ixgxyS3s4QkJf3cazjazhVDl6jtDcLJ6_Dcm817V2Vjb0-iPrfhipT3dvQp-/s400/katys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503501311224037090" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Picture courtesy of </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/">Aron</a></span><br /></div><br />Very fun morning for this back-on-track runner!<br /><br />I'm super pleased with myself... including my wimpy 3mi run from earlier in the week, I ended up with a 15mile week. That's pretty good for me, believe it or not. Now I just have to keep it up. Plan to hit 8 miles sometime this weekend. Perhaps that will include a little jaunt across the Golden Gate bridge.<br /><blockquote>Do you find it easier to run on your own or with friends?</blockquote>By the way, I signed up to volunteer at the Nike Women's Marathon this year! I ran it for the last four years but I didn't get in the lottery this year. I think volunteering will be a very fun alternative. Let me know if you're going to be there!audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3893946833873621642.post-69896416660340392422010-08-04T22:42:00.001-07:002010-08-04T23:35:14.172-07:00Spectator Report: Skyline 50KGreat comments on my last "Real Runners Don't..." post! I think the highlight was hearing (reading?) <a href="http://roadbunner.blogspot.com/">Roadbunner</a> use the term "douche". :P<br /><br />I met up with Sandra and <a href="http://ambitiousaspirations.blogspot.com/">Alisa</a> on Sunday to spectate the <a href="http://www.skyline50k.us/">Skyline 50K</a>. I really need to do this more often because I get a big kick out of ringing my cowbell. Plus I think it's always good to "return the favor" since I love when people come out and cheer for the races I'm in. (Especially when I feel like dying!)<br /><br />Alisa and her hubby were in town from Portland for a major race weekend. Alisa had just completed her first half ironman the day before at <a href="http://www.vineman.com/Barb_s_Race.htm">Vineman</a> and her hubby was doing the Skyline 50K. I don't understand these kind of crazy people ;)<br /><br />Here's me with Sandra and Alisa :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lZcijpLMnPBSGuxoT7lY9HovwoSkVZAD92rMAfag0RFt-IO9CInNdrNnYO-hveB4ychQpkLRxt4kGs_3mP9MKxIPcBjblOsoyHUyjXGxsTgyYfx71gb-T9IZz3P_YeqVzIaWnWl9CYmU/s1600/37782_473916402165_537292165_6492837_7465642_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lZcijpLMnPBSGuxoT7lY9HovwoSkVZAD92rMAfag0RFt-IO9CInNdrNnYO-hveB4ychQpkLRxt4kGs_3mP9MKxIPcBjblOsoyHUyjXGxsTgyYfx71gb-T9IZz3P_YeqVzIaWnWl9CYmU/s400/37782_473916402165_537292165_6492837_7465642_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501800553119700258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This was a super small race... just around 200 runners. I guess there aren't that many people dying to run over 30 miles across hilly dirt trails. (Yeah, I say "no thanks" myself but "rock on" to the people that do!)<br /><br />We parked ourselves by the finish line. Sandra pointed out that this was actually a good race to spectate since there wasn't exactly a steady stream of runners coming in, so you didn't have to be constantly cheering and ringing the cowbell. And the cool thing is we could spot them coming down a hill ahead of time so it was easy to keep an eye out for Alisa'a hubby.<br /><br />The first runner finished in well under 4 hours. What? The first pack of them didn't even seem fatigued when they finished. We liked the ones that were hunched over huffing and puffing because that's how we are when we finish a race! That's all we can relate to!<br /><br />Eventually, Alisa and her family spot her hubby coming down the hill. Now I know what he looks like from Alisa's blog but mind you, he has no idea who I am. But regardless, I decide to run on up to cheer him on before he makes the last turn to the short stretch toward the finish line. Well apparently he is much faster than me (duh) because we pretty much hit that corner around the same time. So basically I turn onto the path, immediately see him so I just haphazardly cheer his name and ring my cowbell in his face (not literally)! I think I may have startled him a bit but hey he was approaching the finish so I don't think he cared. Meanwhile, I really cracked myself up.<br /><br />We hung out for a bit longer to cheer on some additional runners. Suddenly, this dude approaches the finish with a big smile on his face. While I ring my cowbell, I realize he looks really familiar. Well, surprise surprise, it was my old roommate who I hadn't seen in at least a year! So that was fun to catch up with him for a bit since I had no idea he would be there.<br /><br />All in all, it was a really fun morning! Got to spend it in gorgeous weather in a scenic park, catching up with lots of friends :)<br /><br />Next thing on my list is to volunteer at a race - I've yet to do that and I think that would be a lot of fun as well.<br /><br /><blockquote>Have you ever volunteered or spectated at a race? Which ones and what was it like?</blockquote>audgepodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07589920897176813735noreply@blogger.com9