Epicurious Runner

Eugene Weekend

What an amazing weekend! I feel so lucky to have these travel opportunities and so happy to have such a supportive husband!

I spent the weekend in Eugene, Oregon with friends from all over the country and although the race didn’t go as planned (more on that later), I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Don’t mind my sleepiness, this was before my coffee and at the end of the weekend!

I stayed in a house with Molly, Corey, Holly, Laura, and Allison and we had the best time together all weekend. It was so nice to get to know these ladies a little more as we shared lots of laughs, tears, and many, many stories.

Traveling took a lot out of us, so we were in bed by 9:30 Friday night! We met up with about 15 other girls Saturday morning for a shakeout run on Pre’s Trail.

It was absolutely beautiful, we definitely weren’t in NYC anymore . We then grabbed some delicious waffles and ran into Casey and Mason from Nuun. It was there that plans developed for Casey and I to run together.

Off to the expo to pick up our numbers and to hear Lauren Fleshman speak. She was so motivating and hilarious! I freaking love her, it was really awesome to meet her in person. We then took a giant Oiselle Team picture since so many of us were there.

We invited the others over to our house for dinner that night and we made 2 huge batches of pasta and I drank a beer. It was a really fun night, but again we were in bed nice and early since we had the race the next morning!

[Insert race recap]

After the race, we showered and then headed over to the Ninkasi Brewery where there was a Picky Bars party going on. I had a couple beers and got to talk to a lot of new people, it was a really great atmosphere.

Oiselle Birds

Nuun ‘gene

We ended up at a few more places, including Rogue, but by 10:00, everyone was exhausted. Luckily we were only about a mile from our house, so we were home quickly.

It was a long day of traveling home on Monday, but luckily I had Laura to share the exhaustion with

I came home to find my poor cat, Leela immobile. I knew what to expect since I had to talked to my husband, but the reality had set in once I finally saw her. I haven’t talked about it on here, but last week she had 4 seizures within 12 hours. Something was definitely wrong.

After some tests and speculation from the vet, she most likely had a brain tumor. We put her on crazy drugs to stop the seizures, but she was continuing to deteriorate as the week progressed. Before I left, she was still able to walk around, she was a bit wobbly, but could move around alright. By the time I got home Monday night, she couldn’t even stand up.

My husband and I work opposite schedules, so we talked on the phone when I got home that night around midnight. There was only one thing we could really do.

I stayed home from work yesterday to have time to say goodbye and so that Derek and I could go to the vet together. I don’t know if any of you have ever been through the experience of putting a pet to sleep, but it’s one of the saddest and hardest things I’ve ever done. This is the second time I’ve gone through it and it wasn’t any easier.

We are going to NH this weekend to bury her in my parents backyard. She will be right next to her sister, Galadrial, so hopefully they are frolicking in kitty heaven right now and eating lots of fishes.

She was 17, she lived a long and happy life, but will be missed so very much.

Nothing like a matter of extreme highs and lows over the past few days. It was really hard to come home from such an amazing weekend and to be then thrown into this sad reality.

It’s been a really rough month for me overall, I am so ready to start fresh with the month of May! Hoping for relaxation and lots of good running. Be back soon with the recap of the race!

Back to Marathon Training!

So, I’ve been sick. That’s why it’s been so long since my last post. I basically missed my first 2 weeks of marathon training, so good thing I am working off of an 18 week schedule. I want to keep track of my training weekly here on the blog, I always enjoy reading others’ recaps.

Base building week: 25 miles

Week 1: 19 miles (Sick)

Week 2: 0 miles (Sick)

The weeks on my training schedule start on Saturday and go through Friday, so therefore I am technically starting my week with my Long Run.

Saturday: I started my 3rd week still sick, but managed a lousy 3.5 mile run with Kristin. I felt okay enough to run, but the cold weather absolutely destroyed my lungs and I was left with a coughing fit for the next 30 minutes following the run. Not good. No long run for me to start off my week.

Sunday: Rest

Monday: Rejoin the gym! A successful, and easy 4 miles (9:30 pace) in the warm hot gym on the treadmill. Plus some light lifting.

Tuesday: 2 x 1600 (7:47, 7:46) with w/u & c/d, 5 miles total – This was HARD. I don’t ever run that fast, but I hit my paces and pushed through. First workout where I really wanted to give up! I felt amazing after and I’m surprisingly looking forward to my next set of mile repeats.

Wednesday: Easy 4 miles (9:10 pace)

Thursday: 60 min Cardio/Strength class at the gym

Friday: 6 mile hill workout (9:30 pace) This is the first real hill workout that I’ve ever done and it was INSANE. It started out somewhat easy, but I was really pushing it by the end. Again, it was hard not to quit. This is what I did:

I did the whole workout at a 9:30 pace, until the end where it says MP, then I ran those at around an 8:57 pace. TOUGH. My coach gave me this to do, but if you are up for an intense hill workout, I definitely recommend it. Do it at your own pace.

Total: 22.55 miles + 2 Strength Training sessions

So, so happy to be back feeling like myself again, you really have no idea. I was so frustrated, it sucked being out of commission AGAIN for 2 weeks, I just wanted my life back. I know that sounds dramatic, but I was just sick at the end of December with something similar and also for 2 weeks. Wtf is wrong with my immune system? It’s time to become a germaphobe.

Everything was done on the treadmill! I’m a wimp and I really wanted to be cautious of irritating my lungs and throat. I’m still not 100% yet, but I’m getting there. I will be back running outside again next week.

Have a good weekend and stay safe in the snowstorm!

Central Park 10 Mile Birthday Race

I had a fantastic birthday weekend! Saturday was filled with lounging and then heading out to a nice dinner with friends at Thymari over here in Astoria.

Derek and I went there a few weeks ago and loved it, so I figured it was a great choice for my birthday dinner. I got the Vegetarian Moussaka and it was amazing! I definitely made the right choice, it was tasty and full of delicious cheese. We also loaded up on appetizers and cocktails and I even had a ‘Marathon’ beer!

Sunday morning was the Central Park 10 miler put on by NYC Runs. I was so happy when they announced this race, since I was really hoping to be able to race on my birthday. I signed up immediately and was hoping to be in the same marathon shape come my birthday, but that didn’t happen. It’ s okay though, I figured I would use this race to see where I was at physically and mentally.

I met up with my friend Jeremy and his girlfriend Kat, before heading to the starting line, which was nice and empty (compared to NYRR races). My plan was to test out 8:45 min/miles, but I just couldn’t seem to get in that groove. I was either going way too fast or too slow. Even so, after about 3 or 4 miles, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to hang onto that pace for the whole race and it was about this time that I ran into Meggie! I caught up to her and ended up running the whole rest of the race with her. It definitely made the miles fly by, so thanks Meggie for keeping me distracted and running strong.

Erica Sara was out there taking pictures, so thanks to her for some of these great shots!

This was right before the finish, where a huge group of our friends starting singing happy birthday to me as I ran by! You guys are the best and really know how to make a girl feel special!

Finished in 1:31:54

Average pace of 9:11

After the race, a few of us went to brunch to stuff our faces and booze it up on bottomless drinks. I only had 2, but that was more than enough because I left very happy and ready to celebrate the rest of the day. Thanks to Leticia for organizing a fun birthday brunch, it was awesome!

Derek and I then headed to Target to pick up a few things with our gift cards we got for Christmas, including a new set of weights. Then we headed to our friends house to watch the Patriots game. Happy they won! I’m not a hardcore fan, but, Derek definitely is. The game led into the Golden Globes, so we stayed and watched those too, since we don’t have cable.

It was a nice and relaxing birthday! I usually go out and drink too much every birthday, and this year I just did not feel like doing that. I wanted to feel good and not wake up feeling like crap, I did enough binge drinking in December anyway.

And, like I said I would, I did my first set of Strength Training for the week tonight! I used the weights that I bought at Target and  I’m happy to say that they weren’t too heavy and they felt right. If you are looking for free weights, they are on sale at Target right now, it was great timing for me.

Did you do your first set of strength training for the week? I know I’m not the only one out there who would celebrate their birthday by running a race, which races have you done on your birthday?

2013 Running Goals

Stay injury free – This is always my #1 goal!

Run less races – I ran 18 races in 2012! Although, I never physically felt burnt out from racing, my bank account sure did.

Run for fun and run happy – Why run if it’s making you miserable and feels forced?

Cross train more – This is very general, but it’s something I am constantly thinking about

Here are my big Number Goals for the year:

• 1500 miles total for the year – I ran 1,127 miles in 2012, which was a huge jump from 750 in 2011

• Sub 4 Marathon

• Sub 1:50 Half Marathon

• Sub 1:22 10 mile

• Sub 24 5K

I’ve also updated my race schedule for 2013, so let me know if you are planning on running any of these too!

Happy 2013! What are your goals for the year?

I Loved You, 2012

Hello!

It sure has been a while, 3 weeks to be exact. To move things along quickly, I took a week off after the marathon, I didn’t run, exercise, or move very much at all. I actually felt great and I wanted to run, but I was forcing myself to take a break mentally and physically.

After that 1 week was up, I immediately got really, really sick! It started as a terrible sore throat that led to flu-ish symptoms, 2 days off from work and 10 more days of feeling pretty awful. I feel like I can finally say after 2 weeks, that I am actually feeling better.

So, after sitting my butt on the couch for 3 weeks, I FINALLY went for a run on Saturday!!! It was kind of weird, mostly I was feeling a little fluffy around the edges and a little out of shape, but it was pretty good overall. I ran with Kim and Kristin and the 5 miles flew by.

I had a wonderful Christmas and an abbreviated stay in NH due to a sick cat, but it was so nice to see my whole family, I miss them so much.

And….now it’s almost 2013! I haven’t looked at the goals I set for the year since, oh, last January?!

Let’s see what we have.

Instead of going over each one individually, I’m just going to go over the ones that really matter.

My first goal was to run 6 half marathons, I initially was trying to run all of the NYRR Borough halfs so I could qualify for the 2013 NYC Half. That didn’t happen, but I did run 6 Half Marathons, just a few different ones than I expected.

I ran the Manhattan Half, Rock n Roll DC Half, More/Fitness Women’s Half , Staten Island Half, New York 13.1, and the Philly Half! CHECK!

I also wanted to take a Spin Class – CHECK! I took 3 spin classes this year, 1 at Flywheel, 1 at SoulCycle, and 1 at PedalNYC!

Goal #3 was to PR at the NYC Marathon. Even though I clearly could not run NYC this year, I PR’ed at Rehoboth Beach and that definitely counts as a big fat CHECK!

I was really hoping to Try Crossfit at some point this year because my sister LOVES it and I was hoping to tag along to a class with her, but it just never happened.

Run the NYC Pizza Run? Ha! I have a problem paying $50+ to run 2 1/2 miles.

And a random one; Take better care of my nails – CHECK! I’ve been painting my nails way more often, which helps me from biting them and allowing them to look terrible.

It’s hard setting goals at the beginning of a year, you have no idea what that year will bring! 2012 was a seriously amazing year for me!!! I never would’ve guessed it would turn out so awesome! I am so thankful I had so many opportunities! I made a slew of running friends and I’m so happy to have them in my life. They have made me a better person, and a better runner, and I can’t wait to experience another year running races and eating my face off with them.

2012 Highlights:

• Going to DC with my sister where she ran her first half marathon!

• I got picked to run Hood to Coast with Team Nuun!!

• I got to take some kick ass UXF classes at NYSC

• I raced the Al Goldstein 5k series last summer with a bunch of great friends

• I hired my first running coach!

• I ran Hood to Coast with Nuun and had one of the best weekends of my life

• I celebrated my 1 year wedding anniversary and ran a 6:59 mile

• I ran the hardest race of my life

• The NYC Marathon was canceled

• I was chosen to be a part of the Oiselle Team!!!

• I had a huge PR at the Philly Half

• I had another huge PR at the Rehoboth Beach Marathon!

I ran some great races, set some new PRs, and made a whole bunch of new friends. Seriously, one of the best freaking years ever!!! Here’s to 2013 being even better! 

Fast Legs, Free Heart: Running for Oiselle

Amidst the craziness and negativity last week, I did get some wonderful and unexpected news on Halloween. I have been accepted onto the Oiselle Team!!!! It was so nice to receive this news during a time of stress and grief due to Hurricane Sandy and the drama surrounding the NYC Marathon. It was definitely perfect timing and I ran to the bathroom to tell my husband who was in the shower and he was just as excited as I was!

I have truly fallen in love with Oiselle! Their clothes, their staff, just everything about the company continues to amaze me. I love that they treat all runners equally, whether fast or slow, you are runner. I’m so honored to be a part of such a wonderful group of women and to help represent one of the best brands out there. I’m still in shock that they chose me

I had the opportunity to visit the Oiselle Headquarters when I was out in Seattle for Hood to Coast with Nuun. Sally and the team welcomed us into their office with open arms and everyone was so nice. Plus, we left with free t-shirts! I’ve slowly been building up my line of Oiselle clothing and I can’t wait to add even more. I’m really hoping to receive my Oiselle kit before the Philly half in 2 weeks, so that can be my first race!

I cannot say this enough, but I am so freaking excited!!!

I even get my own page, check it out! It’s been an amazing year in my running world, and I still have 2 months left in the year, what’s next? Hopefully a huge PR at the Rehoboth Beach Marathon. Bring. It. On.

The Vermont 50 Relay aka #VTcheeseparty (Part 2)

So we left off when my car battery died. We stupidly left the car ‘on’ so that we could keep warm, but technically the car wasn’t started, so we ended up draining the battery in order to keep our butts warm. I wasn’t too stressed, I mean we were surrounded by hundreds of people and cars, so I knew someone would be able to help us rather quickly. It was time for me to head over to the exchange and I (guiltily) left Derek to take care of the car issue.

Lucky enough, within 15 minutes, he not only found someone to help out, but he jump started the car, left it running and was able to come talk to me for a few minutes before Lauren came in.

Emily and I easily spotted Lauren sporting our Team Watermelon colors and the first thing Lauren said was “oh my gosh, be careful”. She looked overwhelmed and happy to be done, I definitely took her advice and immediately put my head in the game and took off into the woods.

Miles 1 – 5

I started off running at a pretty decent 10 min/mi. pace, but almost right away there was a giant mountain hill to climb, so I stopped and walked, which seemed the thing to do. I didn’t see anyone run or even bike up the hill! I remembered in a pre-race email I received that it was highly recommended to walk up the hills, but while I was reading it, I kind of brushed it off thinking these emails were mostly meant for the hardcore 50 milers, but here I was walking up the first mega hill.

By mile 2, I felt tired! I couldn’t believe how winded I felt and how many hills I had already hiked up. I was starting to wonder how I was going to make it through 19 freaking miles! I absolutely could not believe the people around me were at mile 35 of this, who were these people?!

After the realization of how hard this race was going to be, I knew it was time to step up my mental game, after all, I had to finish this thing, I couldn’t just stop or else I would just be stuck in the woods. I guess you could say that was my motivation. I ran whenever I could and walked up the giant hills. At this point, the mud wasn’t too bad, but I did have a couple close calls where I grabbed onto trees to make sure I didn’t fall. At about 60 minutes in, I had only covered 4.5 miles! What?

I started calculating just how long this thing was going to take me and was hoping there would at least be some relief later on in the course. The first 5 miles were filled with single track trails of death. Okay, that’s dramatic, but I felt so trapped, like I couldn’t run free and it was sort of driving me crazy. I was dying for some open space!

Miles 6 – 15

Running on single track trails means you have to be super aware of your surroundings. You have to pay attention to your footing, what’s ahead of you, what’s behind you and all while trying to run down this super narrow and twisty trail. I was always listening to who was was coming up behind me because if it was a bike, I stepped to the side, or rather in the bushes, to let them pass. If it was another runner, I would gauge to see whether or not they wanted to pass. There was a lot of leapfrogging with the runners and bikers especially since it was so up and down.

At mile 7, I got the relief I had been waiting for! A wide open dirt road!!! Yes! I ran a glorious 9:21 minute mile and loved every second of it. After that it was back to 13+ minute miles.

Once I reached mile 10, I celebrated that I only had single digits left! If I had made it this far, I can make it all the way. One mile at a time…

At mile 12, I was starving! I brought 3 packets of Gu with me, but I had already eaten all of them! I couldn’t wait until the next aid station, I was going to stuff my face!

Picture above was taken around mile 15 and I’m clearly walking, but I love that you can still see a smirk on my face. Probably laughing about how ridiculous this whole thing was. There was an aid station at mile 15, I stopped, drank a bunch of mountain dew because it tasted amazing, ate half a banana, a bunch of pretzels, and possibly a few other things. I also refilled my water bottle and after that I felt pretty refreshed. Less than 4 miles to go!

Miles 16 – the FINISH

The mud at this point was ridiculous! It had been raining almost the entire time I was out there, and the hills weren’t the only thing stopping me from running. I had to walk at times because the mud was so deep and slippery, I definitely would’ve fallen if I tried to run through it. I thought I was going to slide down the hills at certain points. By the end, my pace and time really did not matter. I was just trying to get through this thing. I was tired, my body was incredibly sore and I just kept thinking that I am so glad the marathon I’m training for is not a trail race.

Around mile 16 or 17, I saw a sign on a tree…”Can you taste the beer?” I literally said “fuck” out loud and laughed! Seriously, that was just what I needed to keep me going, the little push to keep me going those last couple miles.

DONE! I just finished the hardest race of my life! I felt so happy to see everyone there waiting for me; Lauren, Emily, Derek (my husband and our amazing driver), and Evan! God, it was such a good feeling to be done! My mind and body was shot and all I wanted was a beer.

Celebrating!!!! And hey, we placed 3rd out of 7 female relay teams! Pretty cool

Overall Thoughts

If you couldn’t tell, this race was intense. This race doesn’t make me want to stop road racing and become a trail runner, but it sure as hell gives me a ton of respect for all for all of those crazies running the full 50 out there! Although I was miserable at a few points during the race, I definitely do not regret running this. It was an amazing experience and I would love to do another trail race or two in the future. Not sure if I will see the Vermont 50 again next year though

The team celebrated and recovered by going to Harpoon brewery, which was conveniently close by. I drank a beer, ate some greasy food and we all had a great time just hanging out! This was another fantastic weekend full of great memories and friends! And don’t worry, Derek and I stocked up on more Grafton cheese and beer before we headed back to NYC.

I just wanted to give a huge shout out to Derek! He was our driver for the day weekend and he not only had to wake up at 4am on Sunday, but he dealt with 3 crazy girls and did it all with a smile. Thank you!!! I love you and owe you big time

I finished my 18.8 miles in about 4 hours. My fastest mile was 9:21 and my slowest was around 17:xx. It took us a little over 9 hours to complete the whole 50 miles. To say I was sore the next day is an understatement.

The Vermont 50 Relay aka #VTcheeseparty (Part 1)

The #VTcheeseparty weekend started bright and early Saturday morning. Derek and I woke up at 5:30, took showers, packed, and were out the door by 7:30. We were expecting a 4 1/2 hour drive, but after we plugged the address into our GPS, it calculated out to only be 3 1/2! Sweet.

The drive up was beautiful and easy! No traffic, lots of pretty trees, and I drove, while Derek slept. We arrived around 11 to Lauren and her adorable, but crazy dog, Koli. We were hungry, so we literally went across the street to Mack’s Place Eatery, a cute little sandwich shop that was full of kitschy knick knacks and super friendly people. It’s a small town where everyone knows everyone. I ordered the Veggie sandwich with Grafton cheddar and it was messy and delicious.

After this, we headed into the Grafton Cheese store, which was connected to the sandwich shop and ate a million samples, but we also bought a block of 3 year aged cheddar and a few bottles of beer. Mmm, #VTcheeseparty had officially started!

We eventually made the 40 minute drive to the race start to pick up our bibs for the next day. After some confusion and poor math skills, we got our bibs, our t-shirts and figured out that leg 2 and 3 were about the same length.

Leg 1: 12.3 Miles (Emily)

Leg 2: 18.9 miles (Lauren)

Leg 3: 18.8 miles (Me)

Back at the house, we hung with Lauren, her husband, Lauren’s sister, and the dogs for a while. It seems our husbands have a lot of things in common and I think they are new best friends, haha. We went out for some pizza, drank some beer, and then headed back home to watch a scary movie before our early bed time.

Best sign ever, right?

Derek, Lauren, and I woke up at 4am on Sunday, so that we could be at this “mandatory” pre-race meeting at 5:15 to check in. We arrived in the dark and felt a little out of place (or at least I did), but we found Emily who was surviving on zero sleep and broke out the NYC bagels that I brought and started stuffing our faces.

It was becoming a bit wet and cold at this point, but we had about 3 hours to kill before the next exchange. Emily changed out of her sweaty clothes, we went to the General store, bought some food and then headed to the final exchange.

We ended up getting a prime viewing spot of the runners and bikers who were coming in. I couldn’t believe these 2 guys on the tandem bike! I thought it was funny at the time, but after running my leg and understanding the conditions out there, I am impressed that they were able to do that! Insane.

I was struggling with how much food to eat. I felt like I had eaten a lot, but still felt kind of hungry. I ate a bagel with peanut butter in the morning, then 2-3 hours before my leg, I ate a granola bar, a banana, and snacked on some beef jerky. I was also drinking Nuun and Gatorade to keep me hydrated, which also meant I went to the bathroom like 4 times.

Right before I decided to head over to the exchange point to wait for Lauren, my car battery died!

Next up: Part 2 (Don’t worry, it’s only 2 parts!)

Who Wears Short Shorts!

This is going to be a mishmash of things, I have so many little random things to talk about, so lets get to it.

1. I ran an AWESOME 22 miles last weekend! I ran almost the whole perimeter of Manhattan. I saw lots of things and places that I don’t see often, it was quite the adventurous run. I even got caught in several downpours and hid in a bathroom for 10 minutes while one of them passed. I was soaked from rain and sweat once I finally got home. I clocked in overall at a 9:58 pace, which I am happy with, especially since the weather was not ideal.

2. I wore some super short shorts. I bought these Oiselle Stride Shorts before HTC and I was a little self-conscious in them and I only wore them once. I wore them under my Team Sparkle skirt at HTC and since then I’ve forgotten about them. I am basically out of clean clothes and found myself considering them tonight for my run. I put them on and was surprised with how good they felt. I don’t have skinny legs by any means, and I’ve always been self-conscious of my thighs, but I figured I would give these another shot.

Husband: “Jeez, why don’t you put some pants on?”

Me: “Oh my god, do my shorts look bad?”

Husband: “You look like you’re naked”

My husband did not approve of my short shorts, which only increased my self-consciousness as I went outside to run. Well, what happens when you are uncomfortable in your clothes? You run fast! I was supposed to run a slow 5 miles, but I ended up running faster than my 5 mile Tempo run this morning. Oops. By the time I was done, I felt better, but maybe that’s because it was dark out, haha. Either way, I love the shorts now and I will continue to wear them!

Awkward picture, but they don’t look so bad, right?

3. I can’t stop eating bagels. Seriously. My freezer is stocked with them and I should probably stop eating them like I’m running a marathon every day. I should cut myself off. Maybe.

4. I have a bunch of races coming up! Tomorrow I am running the 4 mile race in Central Park. I have 10 miles on my schedule, don’t you just love cutback weeks? So I will be running 6 before the race. My friend Em is running this as her very first race. She is training for the Philly Half in November, which I will also be running! So here’s what’s coming up:

Sept. 15: Fitness Games 4 Mile Race

Sept 22: 5th Avenue Mile

This will be my first 1 mile race, I don’t think I’ve ever even done a 1 mile time trial, so I am excited to see what I’ve got. My ambitious goal is sub 7!

Sept: 23: 18 Mile Tune Up

This will be treated like another training run, where I will be adding 2 miles to make it 20 for the day. I am hoping to finish the 18 around 2:55 if the weather is cool.

Sept 30: Vermont 50

I am running the relay with Lauren and Emily. This came about during our last day in Seattle when Lauren and Emily were discussing the Vermont 50 and I think Lauren suggested running it as a relay, but they weren’t sure who would run in the 3rd spot. I overheard them and thought hm, maybe I could run? I offered up myself, even though I am nowhere near as fast as they are, but they didn’t seem to mind one bit! I am really looking forward to this weekend! It’s going to be filled with VT Cheese, lots of BEER and lots of awesome trail running! Also, what makes it even better is that the husband is coming too! Stoked.

Oct 7th: Staten Island Half

This is a rather hilly race, but I am planning on racing this! Who knows if I will break any kind of record I have, but I am planning on pushing myself to the fullest extent and giving this course all I’ve got.

5. The NYC Marathon is in 7 weeks! This is crazy. It’s so close and I am happy to say that I am feeling more and more ready as time goes on. But, with that, I am also feeling more and more nervous and I’m pretty sure I’m going to puke at the starting line. So there’s that. Jocelyn said she would be there to hold my hair back I am bib #45xxx in the 3rd Wave on the Orange side. Anyone else there?

I leave you with this picture I took on my run last night! The RFK bridge looking over onto Manhattan. I should run at night more often!

Nuun Hood to Coast Recap Part 1

*Disclaimer: I thought I was going to be able to recap this whole trip in 2 posts, but I just have too much to say! I’m not going to change the way I write or the way I want to post these recaps because people get annoyed by multiple recaps. These posts are for me too, so this is just the way it’s going to be.

The van 1′s were on schedule to leave at 8am Friday morning and luckily all of my roommates were also in Van 1! So we all got up around 7am and finished packing up our stuff and headed downstairs to the lobby to meet the rest of our teammates.

Roomies: Lauren, Me, Vanessa, Jocelyn

Also, notice our pretty sweet Nuun HTC jackets?! They are Nike jackets that were provided to us by Nuun and I LOVE them! I wore mine all weekend and I may still be wearing it all this week took too (and without washing it). Don’t judge.

We piled into our respective vans and set off for Mt. Hood, but not without stopping like 6 times for bathroom/food breaks. I was very glad I wasn’t the only one who had to pee every 3o minutes. TMI?

Once we arrived at Mt. Hood, it finally hit me that the RACE was actually here. We were about to race the ‘Mother of all relays’!

Seeing the top of the mountain was breathtaking! It was beautiful and I felt like we were so close to the top. Like, I could literally just go run to the top and touch it. Also, crazy that it had huge patches of snow.  It was definitely the perfect picture opportunity.

We hit up the “Honey Buckets” (best name ever), got ourselves tatted up, took group pictures, including this amazing one of all the van 1′s; Team Morning, Noon, and Night ready to go!

Probably my favorite picture of the trip!

Team Night started at 2:15 and we all cheered as Caroline took off on their first leg. Team Morning (my team) was next at 2:30 and we screamed our lungs out as Tricia set off representing our team! Team Noon was next at 2:45, but before they started, we jumped in our vans so we could make it to the first exchange in time.

Corey was jumping out of her skin because of how excited she was for her first leg! She could not wait for Tricia to get back, since she was up next. We sent her off with a giant smile on her face! Her enthusiasm definitely rubbed off on me and I was a mix of nerves and excitement while I was waiting for my first leg (Leg #3) to begin.

I almost forgot to put my bib on! Jay ran back to the van to grab it for me! I put it on and anxiously stood on the sideline waiting for Corey to come in. I had no idea what to expect! I just wanted to be running and in some sort of groove, so I could put these nerves to the side and be on my way.

Ready to run!

I loved the Team Sparkle Skirts! I’m not ashamed to admit it, but of course not everyone has to like them, but they totally helped us spot our runners coming in for the exchange and they of course unified us as a team. We also got some really great socks from Thorlo and they were super comfy and were way better than the socks I brought and my awesomely bright shirt is from Target that I bought like 2 days before flying out to Seattle.

I’m literally cheering as I took off on my first run. Such a fun picture!

Not sure who took this picture, but I stole it from Corey‘s blog, so thanks Corey

My path through the exchange was very narrow and there were lots of people walking in it, which was weird and made me feel like I was going the wrong way. I had to kind of yell at one lady because she wasn’t paying attention and was walking right towards me as I was flying down the mountain. Once I got out of the exchange area, I felt much more relaxed.

I was literally flying! It was all downhill, but an easy downhill, so it didn’t destroy my legs. Maybe about a mile into the run, Laura passed me and we both gave each other a shout of encouragement. I was hoping to run this leg in under 8 min/miles and after the first mile, I knew it was more than possible!

If you read my blog, you know I don’t run like this! Here are my amazing (for me) splits:

Mile 1: 7:28

Mile 2: 7:29

Mile 3: 7:36

Mile 4: 7:48

Mile .26: 1:56 (7:21 pace)

• Leg #3
• Distance: 4.26 miles
• Time: 32:20
• Avg. Pace: 7:35!
  

Elevation profile from my Garmin

I finished my run feeling like I was about to puke, but I still had a huge smile on my face! That was literally the fastest I’ve ever run, EVER! Yeah, it was all downhill, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t pushing and fighting to hold that pace till the end.

I handed off to Jess and we were off to the next exchange. Jess handed off to Caitlin, who was the rockstar #5 runner with the  hardest legs overall. Nicole was our last runner in the van, she waited for Caitlin with a brownie and she handed it off as she grabbed the slap bracelet and took off on her first leg.

Brownie exchange

Then we arrived at the first big van exchange. We saw the rest of our team (van 2) and they were pumped to actually start running. We hung there for a while before we decided to head into Portland for some much needed dinner.

Up next: Dinner, and Leg 2!