A Little Bit Country...

After months of sending Emily workouts a week at a time via text it was finally time to head to TN and run the Country Music Half Marathon with her...her 1st!  But along the way there were a few Hard Rock Cafes to hit!  We headed to Gaitlinburg, TN on Thursday morning, leaving at 3AM to get there by 11:00 for lunch.  We made good time and got there a little early so we popped in Cooters across the street.

A big Dukes of Hazzard fan growing up, I was thrilled and thought Garret would think it was cool as well...not so much.  As I pointed out a die cast General Lee, the General Lee and Sherriff car wrist racers, and many other treasures that all currently reside in my mom's attic from my youth he was unimpressed.  When I tried to sell him on buying the Season 1 DVD set to watch on the drive his response was "nah"...when dad pointed out the penny masher by the door he was VERY excited.  I huffily told him he couldn't have my cars from Gran's attic then and we headed over to the HRC (after he mashed his penny, of course).  While waiting for our lunch he started talking about the Dukes of Hazzard and watching it.  When I looked confused and said we didn't get it his response was, "I'll just watch yours from Gran's attic".  Hence admitting that Mom's soooo old they didn't have DVDs back then and I actually watched TV! What a concept.  Lunch, shot glass, and it was off to Memphis for dinner, a little trip down Beale, and crashing for the night.  Of course the point of adding Memphis (an additional 6 hours of driving - 3 each way) to our trip was the HRC, but I voted we have real Memphis BBQ for dinner and then HRC for dessert!  You can't go to Memphis without eating the BBQ can you?  My dinner:

 Apparently you can if you're 7 years old....Garret's dinner:

Though I highly recommend not being talked into the "large" order by the waitress if you KNOW you NEVER eat that much food....my leftovers:

After dinner we headed over to Beale and took a horse and buggy ride around, then hit HRC for dessert and a shot glass.

Then headed back to the hotel...every exhausted...except, of course, Garret...who is never tired when the hotel has a pool.  Thankfully the pool closed at 11, but he still got in an hour of cannon balls before Mom was able to get some sleep.

The next morning after a getting showers and grabbing a quick breakfast we headed back to Nashville to meet up with Emily at the race expo.  We had to do packet pickup for Garret for the ING Kids' Rock and the Country Music Mini Marathon as well as for Em and I for the half...plus surf the expo and visit friends of course!

Then it was off for lunch before heading to the ING Kids' Rock.  Nashville's Kids' Rock was MUCH larger than DC's, but still went off fairly smoothly due to an incredible amount of organization by the Competitor Group and it's employees and volunteers.  Garret had a really solid run.

Afterwards we hit the HRC Nashville for dinner and another shot glass, then headed back to the hotels to crash.  Of course Garret wanted to hit the pool but with race morning so early that was a big negative.  Emily came in for a bit of a pre-race prep including logistics review for our support personnel (Paul, Stephen, and Nancy)...yes, I am an organization freak and emailed AND printed instructions, maps, and agendas which included estimated times we would pass projected points they were to be waiting at.  And though they may tease me, I'm not the only one...Nancy had her emails printed and highlighted (and was able to pick us out because of them) and Paul had his phone out checking texts for our splits on race day.  But after our quick review it was time for bed.

Race morning started with a bit of confusion due to the advice of a well meaning but poorly informed hotel worker who thought he was helping get us to the start and avoid traffic.  After a ten minute delay of chaos/rerouting, we went back to our plan and everything went off without a hitch.  Emily, Garret, and I were dropped off at the startline.  We had just enough time to do one last potty break and grab a few sips of water then head to our corrals.  The Mini started 15 minutes before the half and full and though called a "mini"...it's not a kids race.  It is a 2.6 mile race and was run mostly by adults, though there were some kids running with their parents.  The minimum age for the race was 8, but Garret was granted a waiver at 7 1/2.  I'd thought through all possible scenarios before agreeing to this and knew he'd be fine, but walking that little feller to his corral and leaving him after reminding him to "stay on the course and don't leave the finish area until Dad gets you" was rather tough.

There were 31000 runners...people were everywhere....and that little guy could've easily got lost in the shuffle.  Emily and I headed back to our corral (Corral 10) and as we were doing a little last minute race prep (her fussing with her iPhone to get her music right, me wrapping my shirt around my hand and then teaching her to do the same) she had to laugh at me.  Yes...I was standing on my tip toes, trying to "see" Garret in the crowd of thousands in front of us.  After she laughed and pointed it out I settled down and we waited to start.   The mini got underway and we knew Garret was off.  By my calculations he should cross the finish line just before we started given the wave start.  Seeing the pictures afterwards I wish I'd've been on the sidelines to cheer him on...he was so cute running with all those big people...but I wouldn't have missed running Em's first half with her for anything.

 My phone lost signal just before we started so I fought with it for about half a mile then just restarted it.  Sure enough as soon as it regained signal I had a text that Paul had collected Garret.  He did really well, finishing in 36:15.  A very respectable time having never tackled hills and given the heat...both things Emily and I were about to become ridiculously aware of.

Knowing that Garret was safe I was able to focus on our race and enjoy the experience with Emily.  As we tackled the rolling hills she quickly realized why I'd given her such torturous workouts of hills the last few weeks and admitted that she hated me for it but was glad.  As we approached mile two I let her know her Ma and Stephen should be on the corner we were coming to...we scanned the crowd but didn't see anyone familiar.  Then she yelled "Ma!"...very distinctively and there was Nancy, camera in hand!  We smiled and kept going, still feeling good...it was early!

We never did see Stephen but found out later we'd looked right at him and he got some good pictures of us.  We then settled in for the long haul, knowing we had another 85 minutes until we saw them again.  I pointed out the sites to Emily who was lost in her music and her own world...the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, RCA Studio B, lots of recording studios...really neat course with a neat perspective on Nashville (Great Job - as always - RNR series!).  Emily pointed out every critter to me...never realized how many people have their dogs out to cheer on the runners (and she didn't miss seeing a single one) and have NEVER seen anybody have a bunny on the side of the course with a sign saying it was free to a good home before...and was VERY glad someone had already provided that home...especially since it was at mile 4...or we would've been figuring out how to do 9 miles with a rabbit.  The girl loves her critters!  A guy ran by somewhere around mile 4 yelling "hydrate early, hydrate often" and Em asked about it.  I explained that it was really hot and the humidity was high so we needed to keep well hydrated.  She said she was fine and I told her that would change.  We literally choked down the water at each water stop for the first few...not the best tasting water ever, but it was wet.  That changed soon enough as the hills kept rising and falling and the sun kept beating down. 

Around mile 5 we were starting to feel it and I wanted to take her mind off things so I tried to take a picture while running...it took 4 tries to get 1 picture (the 1st I wasn't in, the second was just flat hideous, the 3rd was a video), but finally we got a decent picture and I texted it to our support crew with an update.

We both agreed as soon as I'd sent it that taking the picture was harder than the run so far and chuckled to ourselves at the fact that we were winded from it.  We recovered from the picture and kept tackling the seemingly endless hills as the heat intensified.  I started dumping a cup of water over the back of my hair at each waterstop...that ponytail can hold some heat...forgetting the iPod clipped onto the back of my sports bra until it died 5 miles and several cups of water later...oops. 

As we approached the RNR inflatable guy I backed off a bit so I could get a pic of Emily running under him...

Then I caught back up and we pressed on.  Somewhere around mile 10 I started fighting the mental demons...my goal had been to push her to do her best, I now found her unknowingly pulling me.  I pushed the negative thoughts aside and let her know we'd be seeing them shortly and they wanted us on the left side.  As we wound our way through runners to the left we realized the GU stop was on the right, so we got back across, grabbed our GU, and headed to the left...only to see the water stop on the right...back across...I was beginning to feel like I was playing frogger...grabbed our water and pressed on...it was at this point that I realized we'd each grabbed a Gatorade and 2 waters...no, the taste hadn't improved, but our hydration levels were definitely low enough that taste didn't matter.  We got back to the left and as we approached a medical station Em grabbed some vaseline...her lips were dry...we shared and then saw our support group waiting just steps ahead...

We were hurting (not muscles, just mental...the heat and hills were getting to us), but we knew he had less than a 5K left and we definitely had that in us.  Anxious to offload any excess baggage I wiped the sweat off my face with my shirt one last time

Then tossed it to Garret as we charged by

mile 11 was just steps away...we were good, but several times over the next 2 miles had Emily said she had to walk I would've easily agreed rather than push her like I should've.  Thankfully, she never said it.  I'd told her all through her training that little voice in her head telling her she couldn't do this was lying...thankfully she listened to me and found it in herself to believe in both of us and keep pushing.

I needed a distraction and thought she probably did too so I asked her how she wanted to cross the finish line.  She decided she wanted to cross holding hands with our hand up in a V.  That passed about a quarter of a mile...ugh...another distraction please...

She'd asked me early on (around mile 3 or 4) if that had been the worst of it referring to a particular hill.  I admitted to her that the worst mile would be mile 12...it was uphill and at the end, and somehow it always seems that mile 12 is the worst anyway.  Soon enough we found ourselves approaching mile 11.5...and I saw the PF Chang dragon just ahead of us.  I knew if you passed the dragon you got a free appetizer and not that I cared about the appetizer but it had seemed like a good goal to try and pass him...though now with him in sight I wasn't sure we had it in us...but it was a distraction.  I pushed a little harder than I should've at that point but we closed the distance.  

A little further and we passed him...but we had to keep pushing to not be passed by him...we managed to stay ahead of him!

As promised, mile 12 was the worst...I don't know if it was the hill, the heat, or the pushing to pass the dragon just before, but we were done...we kept it going and got up the hill and suddenly Emily started cursing like a sailor and took off!  Her long legs throwing her down that bridge so fast I didn't have a prayer of catching her!  I literally hollered "Hey, you've got short legged people back here!" and she let off the throttle long enough for me to catch her.  She let me know she was about to vomit and I pointed out that the finish line was at the next corner.  We powered through and crossed the line, together, holding hands, hands raised (with some big guy directly in front of us in ALL of the pictures...so much for our Hallmark moment!) in 2:21:09 and 2:21:10 (her timing chip was on her left foot, mine on the right, and we both crossed with our right foot first)!  LOL

A quick stop to the medical tent for some ice for her knees

And it was off to the VIP tent to celebrate with our friends. 

We had to hang around for a bit to get to see George and David as they ran the full. 

As for the course...do it!  It's a GREAT race and a good challenge!  Make sure you include hills in your training because they are constant!  It has a large field so be prepared for a lot of runners on the course.

But it's very well organized and unike some races I did not feel like I was jammed in.

It's going to be HOT...hydrate early, hydrate often.  The water stops are ample and they have ROWS of tables...don't jam up at the first table, there are plenty of them at each stop.

The course support is very good as well.  There were several people down and medics helping out.  The course support is there...but listen to your body.  If you need to throttle back a bit do so!  Don't plan to set a PR on a course so full of hills and heat, just go out to challenge yourself and have some fun.

After the race (and showers of course) we did a little sight seeing and met up with members of the 50 States Club, then headed to the Grand Ole Opry to really experience Nashville.   A word of caution...the directions on the website and brochures are horrid, the road signs lead you in circles, and even the people that you ask for directions don't see to have a clue how to get there...so give yourself plenty of time and if all else fails...do like we did and set your GPS for Aeropostale (someone told me the Grand Ole Opry was by the mall, I've never seen an Aeropostale that wasn't in the mall)...once you get to the mall you can see the building so just park in the mall and walk across.  Now that said...this shows just how messed up those road signs are...

Because 25 MPH may make a HUGE difference?!  I have never seen a speed limit that didn't end in 5 or 0 until this!

Whether a country fan or not, the Grand Ole Opry was definitely something to experience....

But was apparently just too much for the youngest runner of the Country Music Mini that day...

Which, unfortunately, left me to carry his 68.5lbs all the way back to the car...which made we WISH we'd been able to find the actual parking lot rather than park at the mall.  But hey, my legs got a good workout that day, guess my arms needed one too!

The next morning, first words out of the boy's mouth, were questioning swimming.  So we all sat visiting in the pool area while he swam for an hour.  Then it was quick showers and time to hit the road.  We drove home through Louisville, KY...stopping at the HRC there for lunch.  As we navigated to the cafe we saw a sign for the Louisville Slugger factory and museum.  Despite the fact that we weren't going to be getting home until midnight without the extra stop, knowing how much Garret loves baseball, we decided it was worth the trip.  And it truly was...he was amazed by the huge bat out front, really liked the museum, thought the factory was cool, and REALLY liked hitting the batting cages.  The day was topped off with a Louisville Slugger with the MN Twins logo and his name on it.  Then it was a LONG drive home...arriving just after 2AM, yet still making it to school in the morning. 

I recommend running Nashville.  I also recommend checking out Gaitlinburg (and Pigeon Forge), Memphis, and Louisville...but I definitely don't recommend doing it all in 4 days like we did! 

Caesar Rodney 1/2 - If The Bronchitis Doesn't Kill Me, The Hills Might!

The Caesar Rodney 1/2 in DE was a last minute add on to the 2012 schedule because it was just a few hours away and would check off a state.  As race day approached and I was fighting off the bronchitis the question lingered as to whether I'd run or walk it, but the decision to go never waivered.  A last minute decision was made to add a visit to the Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City (just an hour and 45 mins from Wilmington) to the trip in order to check off another shot glass.  Given the size of the race (rather small) and the fact that there was no "expo" and packet pickup race morning was fine, we headed to Atlantic City on Saturday, only to discovered the HRC was located inside a casino (big surprise for Atlantic City, right?).   I don't care for gambling (my Dad taught me a valuable lesson early on betting on Connect Four and losing several weeks of allowance after a winning streak and a lot of 'double or nothing'), but Paul does enjoy the slots.  As we ate Garret asked if he could go in the "arcade" after dinner and I got to explain the concept of casinos and gambling to a seven year old...interesting to say the least.  After we finished dessert Garret and I went out on the boardwalk to burn some energy while Paul hit the slots.  Within 10 minutes he had hit twice and won a total of $570; and it had started pouring running while Garret and I were on the beach, forcing us to sprint back to the casino but not before getting soaking wet.  I texted Paul that we were ready to leave and off we went to Wilmington.

Race morning dawned a dreary, damp, cold day.  I donned my trashbag and headed to the start line 2 blocks away.  The 5K was just starting as I approached and the cannon fire to start startled me - to say the least.  I easily found "packet pickup" which was one of the half a dozen tents set up in the area and got my race number and shirt.  I then grabbed a cup of water and afterwards ducked into a bus stop as the dampness turned into drizzling rain.  I chatted with a few other runners about races, goals, injuries, stretches, and the like and realized quickly though it was a small race (capped at 2000 for the 5K, 1/2, and Relay total) these folks were serious runners.  It seemed as though everyone was from DE or PA and as though they'd run nearly every race in both states and/or were a member of one running club or another; but everyone was very friendly and there was no intimidation factor.  We headed to the start line only 10 minutes before the start.  The folks surrounding me were heavily engaged in conversation about age group awards and PRs, pointing out folks to each other and commenting on their times...obviously these folks ran a lot of races togther.  My mind wandered and I began to wonder if I should've had Paul bring my puffer instead of leaving it in the room...my lungs were very tight and the reflex coughing was getting irritating.  Another loud cannon boom and no time to think about it, we were off.  Given the small field, the serious runners, and the fact that there were no corrals we were all off like a bolt.  I consciously let folks pass and tried to race my pace, but found it difficult to hit my pace with so many folks buzzing by. 

The fact that I felt like crap didn't help either, but it was a bit of a loop effect...I felt bad so I didn't concentrate on my pace and race faster as the group pushed me, which made me work harder, which made me feel worse, which made me concentrate less....the first mile or so was a mental jumble of twists and turns.  You definitely had plenty visually to hold your interest, but I wanted to see a straight away and have the time to fall into my rhythm....there wasn't one in sight.  My lungs got tighter and tighter and I felt worse and worse.  I finally caved and walked for a few seconds then tried to get back into my pace.  Within the first 2 1/2 miles we finally came out of the switchbacks through small streets and approached a stadium and shopping area which we twisted and turned back and forth through but these stretches were longer between turns.  I still just couldn't quite settle and the lungs just wouldn't cooperate.  I was about to give up and face facts that I'd likely be walking the majority of this race as I slowed for my third or fourth walking interval.  I'd barely started walking and one of the guys I'd been talking to in the bus stop at the start area ran past and offered a word of encouragement.   I have NO idea what he said, but the fact that he took the time must've spurred me a bit.  I shook my head and commented on my lungs being tight, then gave one final cough and started running again.  There was a small hill just ahead and I figured I'd at least make it there and then walk the hill if I had to.  (I'd been warned at the start that there was a hill at mile 3 and from mile 6 - 8.6 was pretty much all uphill, but I'd also heard people laughing about "these folks not knowing what hills were" so I didn't know what to expect.)  The hill at mile 3 was just short enough and challenging enough with a quick turn and loop back and interesting scenario to make it good but not killer - for someone who's lungs were revolting against them - but my lack of oxygen exchange made it a bit rough.  I didn't stop though.  Then we turned and started down the Riverwalk.  I became keenly aware of the scenery and really enjoyed the surroundings as the run and before I knew it my lungs had given up and faced the fact that I wasn't going to stop...I ran the remaining 10 miles without stopping (usually not a major accomplishment worth noting but given the bronchitis definitely note worthy).  Just as we approached the end of the boardwalk we briefly went through an area that was a little sketchy...old, run down, industrial area...just before it I ran under a railroad track as a train buzzed overhead and realized that was a first and kind of neat.  Then as we went through the .1 - .2 miles of sketchiness I was keenly aware that there was really no one around me...I seemed to be in the rather vast open space for a race with the nearest runners either way in front or way behind.  There was a group of 8 or so men standing off to the side of the course that didn't seem to be your average "course support" and I tried REALLY hard not to judge, until I approached them and they began to yell REALLY vulgar stuff at me...I judged like crazy, realized I'd NEVER run in an area like this alone, and picked up the pace.  There was absolutely no danger here as there were still plenty of runners in sight on both sides and people all around, but even though it was uncomfortable for me, it was still a point to pounder because it was a chance to run in an area I would truly never otherwise experience...and as I was thinking this I looked up and saw the street sign...Church Street.  First thing in my mind was Church St back near home in Salisbury, MD....yup...about the same.  As I chuckled to myself and turned the corner we hit the "main" roads with traffic backed up on all sides and cops directing.  We only had a couple of miles through this area and I couldn't figure out why all the traffic...until I realized that the churches weren't actually on Church St...no, they were all on this stretch of road and there were folks lined up in the Sunday best trying to get through all of us to get to Sunday service.  People were parking on the opposite side of the street and lining up to get across the runners and to their churches.  Out of no where two of the cutest little girls in their fancy dresses, hats, gloves, and patent leather shoes dashed between us in a panic.  It was quite a different scene than just moments before. 

As we approached mile 6 I was feeling good, and I spotted Garret standing on the stoop of a little convenience store.  I waved and kept going as the camera clicked away (yes, we'd stopped and bought a new camera after the other one went missing).

As I thought about the pictures that were just snapped and posting some on here I began to wonder if I'd ever mentioned why I roll my shirt like it currently was.  I can't stand to run with my abs covered.  It's a me thing and it has nothing to do with showing off my abs (as right now they are not show worthy by ANY stretch of the imagination!)...I just hate having someone covering them when running.  I also HATE having pants on when running.  During my training for my initial half I had no choice on the pants as it was dead cold winter with tons of snow and I'd freeze otherwise, and even now if it's below 40 degrees out I'll put on some pants, but overall I'm happiest in shorts and a sports bra.  I'll throw on a shirt if it's cold, but I heat up quickly and as soon as I do the shirt is gone.  On some particular chilly days if I can't get warm enough to loose the shirt I at least have to roll it up (like today) or I get too hot and it just irritates me (more mentally than actual physical irritation).  It was also about this time that I realized my mind was ALL over the place during this run!  There was definitely no zoning out and enjoying the workout.  I was totally enjoying the run, but my brain was in high gear.

At the next corner we turned into a little park and started our climb.  I spent the next mile or so cheering for the runner's returning as this portion was an out and back to the finish.  After a particularly ancient man ran by with sweat pouring down his face and snot pouring out of his nose like a two year old with a cold I tried not to vomit and stopped looking at oncoming traffic.  Seriously dude?  It won't cut time off of your pace to wipe it once or do a snot rocket! 

Once I stopped looking at the runners I realized what a gorgeous area we were running through and took out the phone to take pictures.  As we climbed the hill there was a river gushing off to our right down a rocky cliff and trees all around us.  We continued to wind and climb under railroad bridges...it was gorgeous.  The rain had stopped miles ago but the air was still heavy with dampness.

There were plenty of signs with words of encourage along the roadside and a few groups of people cheering us on.  The hill continued to climb but it was just challenging enough without killing ya.  I began to realize which group to believe at the starting line. 

We exited the park and entered a residential area with older homes that were likely quite grand in their day.  They were really interesting and I was still quite enjoying this course.  We then approached another park and looped completely around it.  I have no idea what it was but there was a neat older tower on top overlooking the river and a gorgeous older church across the field.

Just after the tower the climb finally stopped and I mentally noted we must be at mile 8.6  Soon as I passed mile marker 9.  As we closed the loop on the park and again through the residential area there was an old man standing under a freshly blooming tree playing the bagpipes...this course was definitely keeping it interesting.

Soon enough we were back in the park, headed downhill and to the finish.  Running down the hill through the park I noticed even more beauty in the surroundings with bridges I hadn't paid attention to on the climb and flowers blooming alongside the road.

I was surprised at the number of people walking down the hill...after climbing it and knowing the finish line was just outside of the park I felt like a kid - carelessly bounding down the hill in a near out of control run.

Soon enough we were out of the park and nearing the finish line.  I don't know if someone yelled something (as encouragement) or if there was a sign on the side of the road that gave me a clue...but I somehow suddenly knew the last half mile was uphill and expected to be tough.  Ugh.  I started cranking it out, at this point anxious to cross the line.

Just within sight of the line we crested the hill (you can see the top in the background of this picture) and I gave one last push to the line.  I know it's not proper race etiquette to push past someone right at the finish when you aren't in a place to contend for placing, but I was ready to finish and the older guy I was closing in on was just going too slow!  So, I made the faux pas of passing him right at the line...

Nobody came after we so I guess it was all good.  :)  I crossed the line in 2:19:58.  Not bad for the way I started.  Got my medal, grabbed a cup of Gatorade, was handed a nasty, cold, supposedly soft (but not) pretzel (which Garret apparently thoroughly enjoyed) and headed to the hotel to shower.

After a shower I was STARVING...so I suggested eating at Joe's Crab Shack because it was one of the places we'd passed on the Riverwalk and I thought the boys would enjoy the view and getting to see the "crankies" along the river from the old rail station.  Idea was accepted and off we went before hitting the road home...did I mention how hungry I was?  Crab dip, mozerella sticks, king crab, corn on the cob, and potatoes later...oh...did I mention the apple crisp ala mode? 

I can't typically eat that much, but I completely enjoyed that meal.  As we headed towards home I knew I'd likely repeat DE...this is a nice little race, close to home, and worth running when I'm healthy.  I definitely suggest it to anyone that needs to check off DE from their 50 states list!


 

RNR USA

My 1st Rock N Roll race of 2012 was scheduled to be the RNR USA in Washington DC.  Somewhere around Christmas - New Years Carissa decided she'd run it with me.  I signed her up and was ready to rock DC.  I tried to talk Judd into joining us seeings as it was so close to home but he wasn't interested....played with the idea a little but decided not to.   Garret, on the other hand, was excited about running his first ING Kid's Rock and was VERY curious as to whether they have Heavy Medals for the Kids' Rock races. 

Fast forward to just a couple of weeks before the sold out race...Carissa's boyfriend was about to deploy for a year and the weekend of the race was her last opportunity to see him.  Obviously mom and the race were tossed out the window for a surprise visit to Daniel.  So, I asked Judd if he'd be interested in taking her place and he agreed.  The last few days before the race I ended up sick...Tuesday thru Thursday were not good and Friday was basically chicken broth and sprite while still feeling nauseous...Saturday's race wasn't going to be all that, but thankfully Judd hadn't trained so it shouldn't be too taxing...or so I thought!

Friday we hit the race expo, picked up both of our packets, did a quick run through, and then headed out to the Kids' Rock.  I had volunteered to help out so spent an hour or so unwrapping medals and putting them on the rack and the finish line.  It started raining, just a misty rain, miserable but not bad.  It was a bit chilly and damp, but I didn't think about it.  We had about an hour before the race so I chilled with Garret and listened to Tracy talk to the kids and encourage a healthy lifestyle then introduce all of the guests, finally it was time for me to take my position in the finisher's area and send Garret to the start area.  I watched as several of the younger groups made their way around the one mile course and crossed the line, while handing out bagels and granola bars to the finishers.  After a bit I saw Garret cross the finish line I snapped a quick picture of him on my iPhone in the Finisher's Area, congratulated him, went back to my post, and kept handing out bagels.  Garret really enjoyed the race experience and I really enjoyed helping out.  

After the race we headed to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe in DC.  On a positive note, it was right beside Ford's Theather, which was a neat bit of history.  On the downside, it was probably one of the worst experiences we'd had at a Hard Rock...they brought Judd and I the wrong meals (not what we ordered) and the girl that brought them was rude to us, when they finally brought the correct entrees both were overdone, we ordered ice cream (and it was Judd's bday), the server basically just dumped the desserts on the table, didn't mention the birthday and didn't give us spoons...all small things, but all added up and resulting in a disappointing visit.  Afterwards we headed back to the hotel and crashed.  I realized during dinner I was clearing my throat a lot, but didn't think much of it. 

Race morning was chilly and overcast and I woke up a little congested.  A couple of good coughing spells and a tissue in hand, Judd and I headed down to the Metro.  As we were walking towards the station there was a familiar face...David!  It was great to see a RNR race friend.  As he isn't from the area we stuck together and I led them through the metro drill...the station and trains were INSANELY packed with runners.  We couldn't get in the first one that came and forced ourselves into the next.  When we finally got to the station we had to stay on the train with the doors closed while they let the previous train's runners clear the platform and exit the station.  I have NEVER seen so many people in the 'tro in my life...not even in the thick of rush hour.  It was insane.   We finally got out to the starting area and headed over to the VIP tent where we ran into Denise (another RNR friend) and her oldest son (who I'd yet to meet but was also running his first half!).

Before long we found our way to our corral with Judd being his typical self and wise cracking about anything and everything...definitely keeping me entertained and pointing out things about runners and races that I never really noticed but were spot on when I thought about them...we're a strange bunch! ;)

We'd decided to go around 10 - 11 minute miles as Judd had never run more than 5 miles and hasn't even done that for quite some time.  Recently he'd been doing three miles of killer hills wearing a high altitude mask twice a week, so I knew he had some cardio base, I was just worried about him long term. 

For the first two miles I felt off...but I attributed it to lack of training and the previous week's illness, not to mention the fact that normally the first few miles (anywhere between 2 and 5) are rough for me and kept pushing.  Judd stayed a few steps ahead of me and was constantly looking over his shoulder and trying to slow up to match my pace but you could tell he didn't want to slow down.

Just before the three mile mark Judd asked if I was alright.  I told him yes I was just pacing us.  I told him we were currently running sub 9s and he asked what that meant.  I told him it meant we were going less than 9 minutes per mile.  He shrugged it off and said, "How many miles have we done so far?"  When I responded not quite three he was a little taken aback and slowed up a bit...but still didn't match my pace. 

The course was a really nice course with a lot to look at and challenging hills throughout and the course support was really good as with any RNR race, but being from the area I really felt like it could've been better developed to run past more landmarks and historic sites.  I was please after the race when speaking to a group of RNR friends and Tracy, when he shared the same sentiment...if Tracy thinks it too then you can bet the course will improve next year!  (And it was already a good course.)

As we kept going I progressively felt worse and really felt like I was struggling but couldn't put a finger on what was wrong.  Judd also stayed just ahead of me and I really felt like I was reigning in wild horses...I told him several times to leave me but he wouldn't hear of it.  That just made me feel more guilty so I'd try to turn it up a notch and end up feeling worse physically and struggling more. 

Finally we hit a fairly killer hill between miles 6 & 7...it wasn't anything ridiculous, but it did me in.  I had to slow up.  Judd lingered a bit, waiting for me to regain my speed, but my pace was a near crawl for him at almost 11:20 minute miles on the hill.  I asked him to please leave me and run his race and set his time.  He wouldn't, said he felt bad doing so.  I reminded him that I'd run 20 some of these by myself and I was fine with it.  I told him I was not going to do well and asked him to please go after his time then just meet me at the VIP tent after we finished.  He reluntantly went ahead and I watched his back as he looked over his shoulder frequently for about a quarter of a mile, then he was gone in the crowd.  I struggled for the rest of the race and ended up doing run/walk intervals a few times.

I finally crossed the line in 2:25:24.  Judd had crossed in 2:17 and was waiting for me at the VIP tent.  We headed to the engravers and there was an issue with them locating Judd's time.   We went to the information/solutions booth and were sent to the timing tent.  Unfortunately the timing tent was in the secure area so we couldn't get back in.  We went back to the information area and I sent Judd to chill at the VIP as his legs were tightening up quickly (he already had shin splints from gym class before the race).  I tried to get help at the tent and the girl who'd been helping me informed me I didn't need to yell at her.  I apologized and only then did I realize my voice was very scratchy (at best) and my ears were feeling rather clogged (that "under water" feeling) so I could barely hear myself and was therefore projecting a bit too much.  I explained to her that I wasn't feeling well and didn't realize I was yelling and she was fine with that.  She took me over to the timing tent and they found Judd's time right away, problem solved.  I them met up with the boys at the VIP tent and we chatted with a few friends, grabbed a bite to eat, and decided we'd better head back to the metro if we were going to get back to the hotel in time to shower and make check out.  I didn't even take time to look through the pictures Paul had taken and still hadn't seen what he'd gotten of Garret the night before.  Just as we were about to leave Kevin came walking back and told me that the metro was shut down because of the crowds...apparently the police were not letting anyone else in.  We opted to take the next VIP shuttle back to the base hotel as it was only two blocks from ours and we could walk that easily.  The only problem was that shuttle was not going to get us to the hotel until after our late checkout.  I called the hotel and explained the situation and they had no issue with it, so when the shuttle rolled we were on it.  As the shuttle went through town I realized we were less than a block from our hotel at one stop sign and asked the driver if we could hop off there (we were in the first and third rows), he stopped and we grabbed the boys and off we went.  When we got back to the room as the boys were showering I asked Paul where the camera bag was...long story short...gone.  Nearest we can figure he left it on the shuttle, though even that isn't 100% certain.  I KNOW he had it at the VIP tent before heading to the shuttle...beyond that I did not see it.  It did not turn up on the shuttle or get turned in as found, so I never did get to see any pictures from the weekend other than the few off of my phone and the ones from the race photographers (which were surprisingly disappointing - Marathonfoto had shot this race instead of Brightroom who typically does RNR events and I did see a difference).    But at least I did have some pictures of Garret's first Kids' Rock and Judd's first 1/2!

All in all, great race, good course, great people...and great experience running with Judd.  As for my struggles on the course...within four hours of finishing I'd COMPLETELY lost my voice and developed a reflex cough (nothing productive, just a reflex from the lungs stretching when breathing).  By Sunday morning I was struggling to get air my lungs were so tight.  Knowing I had a race the following weekend in Delaware, I headed to the urgent care, suspecting bronchitis and hoping to prevent pneumonia.  Two breathing treatments and a chest xray later, bronchitis was confirmed and I was sent on my way with three prescriptions and Dr's ok to do the DE race IF I felt up to it and IF I walked if needed.

Monday was no better than Sunday. Tuesday I saw a slight improvement.  Wednesday another improvement and I started feeling confident I could do DE.  Thursday was nearly as bad as Sunday had been.  Friday I was better again, and Saturday I was good enough to pull the trigger but still knowing I'd need to take it easy...the lungs were still pretty tight. 

Stay tuned for the DE update....



You Can Help

I am very grateful for the opportunity to run.  I now run because I can!  I run for my health; and I run for those that cannot.  When choosing races I look for events that support worthy causes.  I've run for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, St. Jude's Research, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, and Steps for Sight among others.  I decide which races to tackle in part because of the state it is located in and in part because of the charities supported.  My races have inspired me to continually expect and give more of myself.  My races have also introduced me to an INCREDIBLE community who support a variety of charities.  I have many new friends and together we are running for others and to inspire others.  Running makes the run bigger than us as individuals – we can and are making a difference.   

One of my good friends, George Melichar, is currently working towards a goal of making a difference in the lives of those with Leukemia and Lyphoma.  George has set a fund raising goal, which if he meets it will allow him to complete the Rock N Roll Marathon in Madrid.  He has currently raised $3,475.00 towards his goal; but must raise an additional $2,175.00 in order to participate in the race.  If you are interested in assisting him reach his goal, please check out his fund raising page using the following link:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/madrid12/georgemelichar

Every little bit helps!  Thanks for considering this worthy cause!

Change Isn't All Bad...

Carissa won't be running the Rock N Roll USA with me in DC next weekend after all.  I was looking forward to a third race with her, but....seeings as she backed out on me Judd is going to run his 1st with me!  He hasn't trained at all, but he's young and strong so he should be ok.  With this and Nashville all my kids will have run with me!  (Though Garret was a 5K...but he's got a few years til he's ready to tackle a half!)

To Train or Not To Train...

I'm stuck in a rut at the moment.  I have several races on the calendar for the next couple of month, including:
- Rock N Roll USA - Washington, D.C. March 17th
- Caesar Rodney 1/2 - Wilmington, DE March 25th
- Country Music 1/2 - Nashville, TN April 28th
- Capital City 1/2 - Columbus, OH May 5th
- Paducah Iron Mom 1/2 - Paducah, KY May 12th
- Portland Rock N Roll 1/2 - Portland, OR May 20th

I REALLY want to train for time and set a PR, but I've committed to running DC with Carissa and Nashville with my oldest daughter (her first 1/2).  I don't want to push either of them too hard and expect their times to be around 2:45 - 3:00.  I know if I'm training I will REALLY have to focus to not push them too much plus if I'm seriously training it will be a let down for me to not run my best race.  I'm excited to run with each of them and don't want anything to overshadow that.  So, right now I'm slacking quite a bit as far as my training goes.

I was eyeing a race on my birthday weekend as a potential training/PR target...but it looks as though that may not be a viable race given our schedule.  So, I have no races on the calendar after May 20th, my goal for fall...kinda difficult to motivate that.  Hopefully our schedule will shake out soon and I'll be able to register for some races and set some goals.