Baby's First Race

The Vulcan Run is one of my favorite races in Birmingham. The distance doesn't require a whole lot of training, and the weather early November is always perfect for running. This year presented a few more challenges, but I knew I wanted to run this one, if all went well with the pregnancy, and then I could cruise with shorter runs and more indoor workouts for the rest of my pregnancy when it's cold and dark.

I did a little dress rehearsal the night before. I love some polka dots.

 Hard to believe this baby bump! Aren't you glad you aren't the friend I texted, "Can you see my belly button? Is that inappropriate?"

Per his usual routine, MS laid out all the breakfast supplies the night before. I simply picked the Christmas mug for size - Sunburst didn't need too much caffeine - although I treated myself to half a cup of real coffee.

The pre-race bathroom debacle. Ugh. I literally went 4 times from the time we parked at 7 and the start of the race at 8, and probably could have gone a 5th time about a mile in.

The race day adrenaline didn't fail me. It's so much more fun to run in a race, and my pace was a little quicker than what I've been posting on my solo runs. I didnt get out of breath until the last home stretch, and as soon as I crossed the finish I recovered almost immediately, so I felt like I pushed, but not too hard. That being said, my recovery has been much slower in the muscle department, so this will probably be my last longer run until I'm pushing the jogging stroller.

It felt really great to be able to check this off my list. Here's hoping all this running comes in handy around February.

It's a shame MS has no personality. But, I would be pretty pumped too if I had finished in 48 MINUTES. That's clocking out 7:40 miles. I was SUPER impressed and proud of him - it was a huge PR. I don't know if he'll want to run with me again!

Coach Grizz was pretty proud too. He loves being held like a caught fish. Can't you tell?
 

All I wanted to celebrate a good race and 3 years was to order by number at our favorite local Mexican restaurant. MS indulged me...I think I'll keep him around.

It Was the Best of Times...

 We woke up bright and early Saturday morning for the Vulcan Run. I really love this race. I love the course, and it's a great distance. We haven't run in a couple of years due to it falling during our honeymoon in 2010 and in the middle of marathon training in 2011, so I was excited to pick up our packets Friday and get ready to race!

 For reasons I won't go into, I wasn't feeling it Saturday morning. It didn't seem that it was going to be my day...and I was sort of ok with that. You win some, you lose some.

 I forced myself to take it slow out the gate, which is something I struggle with in races, and it seemed to pay off. I ended up feeling great and pulled out a PR. Granted I've only run like 3 10k's, but still....

One of my favorite running quotes:

 "In the first half of the race, don't be an idiot. In the second half, don't be a wimp."

I'm getting a little better at that in my old age. Maybe there is something to this growing up...

 

 Speaking of adulthood, after celebrating with mimosas and omelets, we headed to the Home Depot for mulch. To balance things out, we also bought an 80 quart cooler. You know, for all that water people will be drinking during the football game.
 

 Namath was kind enough to participate as landscaping supervisor. His resume continues to grow. Much like his Freddy Kruger nails. I haven't had the heart to take him anywhere even mildly upsetting since the surgery/drain fiasco, but the time has come to put the big boy pants on.

  And then it was time for some football. Unlike that morning, I wasn't nervous at all. Over confident much? Maybe. By the end of the 4th quarter I had resigned myself to the kitchen to wash dishes and preach to myself  it's just a football game. Those were some CLEAN dishes.

I came back upstairs just in time for the last three minutes. Incredible. I think we scarred Namath for life with all the screaming and jumping.

If I didn't feel before that my college years spent in the Shula era had been redeemed, I certainly do now. Roll. Tide.

 The food and drinks were nearly gone from all the nervous eating at halftime.

 But the corndogs that were left over, tasted even better on Sunday.

Onwards to Texas A&M.

A Review of my 28th Year

 This week marks the first week of my last year in my 20s. It's a little depressing...but looking back, the year has been good to me - so I'll ease the blow with a little trip down memory lane, followed by a fried chicken lunch.

 We marked a big trip off our list - Greece.  Seeing the Parthenon was incredible.

 But the caldera in Santorini and the sunset was probably the highlight of my year. Each time I glanced over it was no different than the first time. Unreal.
 

 For our first anniversary, we headed out west. The day in Sonoma was probably my favorite. Great wine.

Gorgeous views.

We squeezed in a run across the Golden Gate bridge. The weather was perfect. The post run In-and-Out Burger even better.

One month later we headed up to Memphis for our first, and possibly last, full marathon.

It was a huge time commitment this year, but it's one of the things I'm most proud of accomplishing. I'll never forget the feeling rounding the corner towards the finish line.

Sometimes, I'll still catch myself thinking "I can't believe we ran all that way." And then I finish stuffing a cookie in my mouth and go about my day.

The next month(!) we bought a house, in what felt like the fastest real estate transaction in history. But then the process slowed waaaaaay down, as our lot still looks about like this.

February brought the Mercedes half. (Is MS wearing a sideways cap in this picture?)

I miraculously PR'd. I do not use the term miraculously lightly. But, either way, it was a highlight.

29 is going to have a hard time topping 28, but I'm always up for a good competition.

Mercedes Recap

 I started Sunday morning by trying to answer the age old question, "How many shades of pink can you wear in one outfit?" I came up with three.  I also answered a few questions from American Express. Namely, no, I didn't spend $1300 yesterday on plane tickets and psychic readings. Wonder if the psychic picked up on the stolen credit card?

The weather Saturday had me really nervous. It was cold, but worse, it was incredibly windy. Knock you over freezing cold wind. And I knew I wasn't lucky enough for tail winds.

It turned out cold - but not windy. With three layers, it was cold at the start, but perfect once we got moving. This was the largest Mercedes I've done.- 50 runners under the cap. It makes me happy to see a local race grow- especially since it's so well run. I made an effort to start out slow this year. It's hard to find the balance of pulling back my pace and also taking advantage of  the excitement of race day.

As soon as we started, I had to pee. Again. I held off until mile 3, so I could sneak in the real bathroom at Railroad Park, rather than waiting in line for a porta potty. I am still angry about the pee break.

 My Garmin wasn't reading the distance correctly, and I'm too dumb to do pace/time/distance math while running (or ever, let's not kid ourselves) so I just went by feeling, and  I just happened to feel good Sunday. I got a knee band, and it helped immensely. Racing is really just luck of the draw.

 I was expecting to hit a wall since my last 8 runs left me cursing running, half marathons and running half marathons- but everything fell into place and it was my fastest half yet. I think I was just so. ready. for. a. break. MS reminded me that morning that we knew the course like the back of our hand, and that was definitely an advantage. I knew when to push and when to hold back.

I wasn't going to let the guy in the race day shirt beat me.

Lean back, lean back....what is this??

 My legs started cramping the second I crossed the finish. Luckily, there's plenty of beer at the after party. In case you hadn't picked up, well organized = good beer supply. I'm not hard to please.

Matt's sister ran her first half this year. She did great!! How does one look so good after running 13.1? If I figure it out, I'll let you know.

  Our fourth Mercedes together. Maybe someday MS will buy me a Mercedes to celebrate. I'm not holding my breath.

 But I was ready to hold a cold mimosa. Someday, I will move above the Andre. Sunday wasn't that day.

 We took Namath down to help us cheer on the marathoners. Too bad all he wanted to do was jump in the race and steal discarded bananas. Not at all embarrassing. Someone should teach him manners, and it probably should be me. Sounds exhausting.

 Mimosas.

 Pinterest.

 And an afternoon of House Hunters,  themed around women complaining that "this condo doesn't have granite!"

 In the spirit of knowing when to hold back, we're taking it very easy this week. Nutella, creamy pastas and the heating pad. These are a few of my favorite things.

Five

 Tis the season. The blue flags are lining the course and it's time to lace up the running shoes for my fifth Mercedes. I LOVE this race. Appropriately, since it's always on Valentines weekend. It's close to home, it has great t-shirts (which is VERY important), and lots of beer and bbq at the after party.

 There are always friends that are running.

 And I have a lot of good memories that revolve around Mercedes.

 The first year we were dating, MS watched me run. Word on the street is that's when he first knew he loved me. Sorry for the overshare, MS.

We've run together every year since. Including last year, when he blew past me and PR'd.

 We have a great spot for watching the marathon in the last mile, right outside our apartment. I specifically remember last year thinking there is NO way I would EVER do that.

 Coach Grizz knew we had it in us, deep down. What a believer.

 Despite all these warm fuzzy memories, my heart just isn't in it this year.

My legs aren't really feeling it either. Well my right leg is feeling it - if the 'it' we're talking about is  stabbing pain with each step. I think I'm about a month past burned out.

Anyone have any experience with IT band pain? Want to share your magical three day cure?

Red Nose, Sore Legs

 Saturday we got up extra early for the Red Nose Run 10 miler. It started at 7, so alarm went off at 5:35. I spent the hours from 1:30 to 4:30 playing the "if I go to sleep right now, I'll get xx hours of sleep" game. Soothing.

It's always great to get a dri fit shirt, but sometimes, I just like a plain t-shirt. Something I can tool around the brownie and ice cream aisle in. I can justify those four boxes of Ghiradhelli brownies. I ran 10 miles 9 months ago! This one was extra nice, because the sleeves weren't cuffed. Hopefully we're phasing that look out?

 We also got a red nose to wear during the race. Which seems like some kind of breathing hazard, but what do I know.

 Namath was intrigued. Like he needs something else to impair his breathing.

 This was the first time we had raced, per se, in months. I didn't break any speed records or anything, and I could tell my legs weren't used to a faster pace. With all those hills. Oh, the hills. They were alive, and not with the sound of music. I don't think I was this sore after the long marathon training runs.

Some cajun hollandaise sauce and champagne to ease the aching joints.
This breakfast brought to you by the color yellow.

Four weekends until Mercedes. I have no training plan. I have little motivation. Bet this will end well.

Running in Memphis Part Two - The Hard Part

Saturday morning our alarms simultaneously went off to "Move This" - Technotronic and "Jump Around" - Cypress Hill. If that doesn't get you going, well, you're probably normal. Don't judge the power songs.
But I was on edge anyways, so I moved this and got up, took a shower to wake myself up, and triple checked I had everything I needed.

A couple pictures in the lobby before heading downtown. Don't worry, there's enough bad photography to go around.

We headed downtown with 16,000 other runners. I was so anxious for the sun to rise. All the creeping around in the dark wasn't doing it for me.I'm no Dexter.

The finish was at AutoZone Park. It was right by the start as well, so we were able to go in, use the facilities and grab some coffee. This race was so well organized. A warm place to relax(?) and use the bathroom before the start is money.

Are we there yet?

I loved the finish in the park. There was plenty of room to move around, making the finish chute much less congested. Bonus you had a cheering section with all that seating.

Around 7:30 we headed to the start corral. I was so anxious to get moving. I remember telling MS, "I'm so ready to be like 10 miles in." That doesn't even make sense. Why would I not be so ready to be like, done? I guess anything sounded better than standing around.

We lined up with the 4:25 pace group. The pace leader normally runs a 4 hour marathon, so I'm sure this was an easy run for him. Subtract 23 miles, and we have something in common!

 We were in corral 9. The race started at 8 with elite runners, probably on a plane back to Kenya by the time we finished, then the corrals were released every two minutes until everyone was out running.

Anxious energy at work and jamming out to "Soul Man" blasting on the loudspeakers.

You wish you were running 10.

Like the Reeses, these fine gloves are also available at Target for the low, low price of $2. Actually, $1, because MS' sweet winter white child size gloves were also included.

Whatever the girl in the background is drinking, I wanted a shot. Still do. Share the wealth!
 

 I tried to get a picture of the start line, but this was the best I got.
"Get Set...To Run For Their Lives." 

Then we were off. I immediately had a small Garmin issue, but luckily I caught it early on. Unfortunately, it meant my mileage was a little off the whole race, which was very disheartening at times. 

After running by the river with some Tuscaloosa firefighters (Roll Tide!), we made it to Beale Street.

Memphis bragged "rolling hills" and unlike Birmingham, where I feel like you can run up a hill and never get a downhill, there were a lot of great downhills, evidenced  below. We won't talk about the uphill at mile 25.8. Yet.

I could tell early on I was overdressed, so the run uphill to get to Beale with a cold breeze was much welcome. I cooled off and that hill got me in a groove. I guess that's my payoff for all those training runs in Mountain Brook.

I might have overdressed, but so did this guy. More on the banana later.

The crowd support on Beale was awesome.

Blue Christmas, White Christmas...who cares when Elvis is serenading you on the course?

And a full drum line under the bridge. MS was in full Mayor mode, high fiving all the spirit stations.

Even Santa Clause came to town! Maybe he saw my muddied running shoes and added them to his list. Mizuno - size 9.5 please. Yes, my shoes are skis.

 There were so many great signs. This one was tied for favorite next to the girl holding up, "You've got stamina! Call me!!"

Then we got closer to the St. Jude campus, and a lot of families were out on the course. As soon as we turned on campus and saw all the kids and families, I got choked up.  Just thinking about the events that go on here day in and day out, and seeing all these sweet families that got out to cheer on all the runners was the best experience I've had running. Hands down.

"You're Helping Her"

"Keep Running - a blister never needed chemo!" There was also a teenager with, "Because You're a Runner - I'm a Survivor!"

All that chips and salsa I've eaten in my life was for a good cause.

The St. Jude Marathon raised over 3 million dollars for St. Jude's. It costs 1.5 million to run St. Jude's for ONE day. Humbling.  

A friend that works for St. Jude made me a sign. It made my day!  Check it off the bucket list - race day fan!! Thanks Elizabeth!!

We left campus and were soon greeted by a Michael Jackson "Thriller" dance troupe. MS loved it! Or should I say he was 'thrilled'?

Honey Badger don't care. Honey Badger says, "why are all these crazy people running around?"I digress...

Let's talk about Jake's Family for a minute. Jake had signs ALL over the course - probably 2-3 per mile. I saw Team Jake riding around, hanging out their SUV at multiple locations cheering on the runners. After seeing so many signs, I looked up Team Jake after the race. Jake lost his battle with cancer, but his family has done so much in his honor to fight childhood cancer and support St. Jude. I thought this section of his site captured the spirit of the race so well.

Remember banana? We ran on and off with him, and it was a huge mental boost. EVERYONE cheers for the banana. If I turned my iPod up high enough, I could pretend they were cheering for me. I'll take what I can get.

Then, like destiny, banana met banana.

Belly dancing anyone?

The famous Sun Studio.

 The famous half/full split. I felt like such a big girl.

I took a lot of pictures the first half, just trying to relax and pace myself. I took zero the second half, just trying to focus on the task at hand.. MS and I split up around mile 15. I think I made it to around 17 with no issues, and then really started to cramp and have some stomach discomfort that I won't go into. I focused on making it to 20, and then told myself I would take it one mile at a time.

People don't lie. The first half of the race is 20 miles, the last half is 6. I think I went through every positive mantra in my head those last 6 miles. You name it, I probably repeated it. I was determined not to let myself think negative and beat myself up. But the miles, they still came sloooowww. Feet hurt, legs hurt, calves were cramping something fierce. I stopped every little bit to try and stretch them out, determined not to walk. Determined not to gut punch all the people offering beer.

About 3/4ths of the way through mile 25, we took a hairpin turn only to see we were about to run up an exit ramp. Kick me when I'm down, salt in the wound. However you put it, it hurt.

Then, for the 19th time, someone told me we were "almost there!" and they weren't filthy liars like all the others.

Everyone says that last .2 was killer, but that was the best part for me. I turned off my iPod and tried to just enjoy the moment. I heard them call my name out, and started to get choked up running towards the finish. I couldn't believe I made it. I felt like crying, but don't think I was hydrated enough to shed a tear.

Banana made it too! You go banana!

I kept my eye on the entrance to the park, waiting to see MS turn the corner. As soon as he crossed, the tears came. I was SO proud of him!

Did we make our goal time? No. Does it look like we're upset?

I can totally relate to the feeling.

There was PLENTY of food when we finished, which I think is a sign of great planning. I often hear there is nothing left for the marathoners by the time the half is through, but that wasn't the case. Pizza, bananas (live and edible) cereal bars, beer, powerade, McAllisters soups and Krispy Kreme by the box. BY THE BOX.

My stomach was having none of it, so we went back to the hotel for showers and celebratory mimosa's. And maybe a few of those Krisy Kremes.

If there was ever a time to clear it out...

After some self medicating we felt good enough to head for drinks and dinner.

Matt knew the best sushi place from a previous trip, and it did not disappoint.

We had big plans to go hear some live music. After a couple of drinks and dinner, we ended up in bed with two pints of Blue Bell and a movie. Don't knock Plan B.

Since I began running, I swore up and down I would NEVER run a full. The time that goes into training, the toll on your body - it just is not for me. But it was always in the back of my mind. This Fall felt like the time to go for it. We had the time, great places to run, ideal weather and a training partner. I could shut that voice up in my head and check it off the list.

The last month of training - hitting the higher mileage, long runs and finishing - was so worth the time and the toll. It gave me a sense of confidence and accomplishment that has bled over to other areas of my life right when they were needed most.Funny how timing works out.

Matt said out on the course he learned something about himself -that when things get tough, he doesn't give up. Ring a bell for anyone? What an answer to my prayers for a husband.


All this from lacing up our running shoes. Not a bad trade off.