Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Highlights and Goals

   

December 28 - With three days left in 2011, it is time to start thinking about goals for 2012. I began this year by joining the Nike+ challenge Run 211 in 2011. My previous year of running was pretty UNSPECTACULAR so this was my motivation to do better. Happily, I met my goal in MAY and I have continued to run ever since. 

Before deciding on new goals, I thought about some of my favorite running moments from this year and made a list:

  1. Training with my husband
  2. My first winter weather advisory run
  3. Starting a running blog
  4. Participating in a 5K with my dog
  5. Completing my first Half Marathon
  6. Running across the Newport Pell Bridge
  7. Being asked to be a RhodeScholar for Cox Rhode Races
  8. Returning to Cincinnati to run the Thanksgiving Day Race 10K
  9. Dressing up like Santa and running a 5K
  10. GDTC Fun Run around MHT
When I read my list, I think of how much fun I have had this year pursuing my passion. I think of the hard work I put into reaching my goal. I think about the time spent with my family and friends. The places we traveled. The amazing people we met. The fact that I want to do it all again.

So as January 1st marks the day for resolutions, goal making, and to-do-lists, I too am putting together some things I want to accomplish:
  1. Keep running!!
  2. Run a race every month (at least one)
  3. Continue to improve my blog
  4. Add another New England state to the list of places I have run
  5. Keep meeting new running friends


What are your running goals for 2012?

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Home for the Holidays 10K

   
December 24 - I woke up early Christmas Eve morning to take part in the Home for the Holidays 10K, a virtual race created by bloggers Ashley, Stephanie and Robin.  It is also training time for my second half marathon, so I worked in the 10K as part of my scheduled long run.

We still needed some last minute things for Christmas, so my husband dropped me at the school where I met up with my running buddy and he went off to the grocery. Our plan was to blend two of our running routes together and try to make an 8 mile run. Route #1: a 6.5 mile loop around the lake. Route #2: part of our hills workout run that we thought would add another 1.5 miles.

Here it is on GPS:

Did I mention that it was only 20 degrees? It was the coldest day we have gone running so far. All we needed was a little snow! Our run was slightly challenging because it included a few what-I-call-steep hills. I'm not sure if it was the cold weather or just an off day, but this run definitely required a lot of effort to push through. It was especially difficult to face one of the toughest hills at about 4.5 miles. My legs wanted me to keep moving down the hill instead of turning off and heading up.

We ended our run with 7.5 miles (so our estimations were a little off) and icicles in our hair! Participating in the Home for the Holidays 10K has been a lot of fun and I love that I burned a few hundred calories before the Christmas partying even began!

Virtual 10K - 1:01:10

Merry Christmas!


Thursday, December 22, 2011

Virtual Running

 
December 22 - We are in the age of Virtual Running. A virtual run is completing the race requirements without being present in an actual race location. More and more events are popping up via social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, Nike Running, DailyMile and more.

My experience with virtual running began in 2009 when I participated in the Nike Human Race 10K. Nike promoted this global 10K event for its users of the nike running sensor through Ambassadors, Challenge Teams, and Facebook. I was invited to join the event by one of the Nike Human Race Ambassadors and enjoyed weeks of training while interacting via the internet with my teammates and participating in contests. On race day, runners had to complete the 6.2 miles wherever they were, whenever they wanted and then upload their run using Nike+. Even though I wasn't surrounded by hundreds or thousands of other runners, I sported my Human Race running shirt and felt part of something huge.


This year I will be participating in the Home for the Holidays Virtual 10K put together by a couple of Twitter runners Robin, Stephanie, and Ashley. To participate all you have to do is run your 10K between Dec 23-26 then submit your time afterward. You are also encouraged to submit your stories and photos because they are giving out prizes from an array of brands for Best Holiday Outfit and just for participating. These runner girls don't want to let anyone end 2011 without one more experience of the "runner's high."

The 2012 New Year will bring the Inaugural Twitter Road Race 5K on Jan 21 created by Doug another runner on Twitter. Doug has successfully registered Bart Yasso of Runner's World along with hundreds of other Twitter runners. Doug's goal is simply to bring runners together to experience the camaraderie of running through the power of Twitter.

These Virtual Races are great motivation for runners all over to get out there during these busy, hectic holidays and run. So whether you are maintaining your training or burning some holiday calories, virtual runs are an easy, healthy, fun way to do it!

What do you think about virtual running?
What virtual races have you participated in?

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Twitter Happiness



December 18 -  Last weekend was my last race of 2011. In the last ten weeks I have run in seven races and one fun group run. My next race isn't until January 1st, which actually isn't that long from now, but for some reason feels like forever.

I love running. I love blogging about running events. What will I blog about until the next race? I'm not an expert on fitness, or weight management, or healthy eating. I don't have advice for injuries or training or running gear. I just have my experiences.

So as I have come to enjoy blogging about my running events almost as much as running them, I have been feeling a bit dejected wondering what topic would make for interesting blog reading?

Then yesterday, I saw this:


My first Twitter compliment!  Reading that made me want to write more posts, but there I was again wondering what do I write if I'm not running in a race?  Reading other blogs inspired me to post my last entry: Running the Sights.

Then, today, things got even more interesting when I saw this one:


What. An. Amazing. Offer!  I cannot express how thrilled I was to receive that tweet. Eager for more information, I went straight to their website. My eyes were moving quickly, trying to make sense of everything they were seeing, when they stopped on MAY 5-6, 2012. Darn. That is the same weekend as the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati. My hometown. 


Now I had a big dilemma. I have been talking about running the half marathon with my friends for about six months now. My plan was to run the race and get a quick visit with the family at the same time. But now I was presented with this exciting opportunity that might not come again and it could lead to even more adventures. The Flying Pig will still be there in 2013.

So after weighing the pros and cons of travel, expenses, and work with my husband, I accepted the offer to become a Rhode Scholar. I don't know yet what it means exactly, but I am looking forward to being a part of the Cox Rhode Races event in May.    








Friday, December 16, 2011

Running the Sights

It is amazing what you might see when you are out for a run.  

I have seen some of nature's beauty:



Spectacular views:



New and old things merging:






Interesting yard art:



Strange outfits:




And pets of all kinds...



WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ON YOUR RUNS? BEAUTY, WEIRD, HUH?


This post was inspired by fellow bloggers over at ON & OFF RHODES.  Check it out here.



Sunday, December 11, 2011

Fun Run at MHT

Photo by Gary

December 11 - This morning I took part in my very first Fun Run hosted by a co-worker who is a member of a local running group, the Greater Derry Track Club.  What are fun runs?  They are friendly runs, rather than races, with participants taking part for their own enjoyment rather than competition.  It is an organized run that is a perfect way for runners to get together and find running companions for your pace and goals.  The fun runs are hosted by members of the running club who provide maps and support for varied distances, and afterwards arrange for food and socializing.

Today's fun run took place at the Executive Health Club at the Manchester Airport.  Gary, the host, planned three route choices of 4, 6.5, and 12 miles.  The four miler was an out-and-back, the 6.5 miler was a loop around the airport, and the 12 mile long run was a combo out-and-back with a loop south of the airport.  Maps were provided to the runners, although many choose to just follow the group.

6.5 mile loop - 1:00:45
I choose the 6.5 mile loop around the airport because it is in my current mileage range, but more importantly (to me) I thought it would be cool to run around the airport!   I use the Manchester Airport a couple of times a year to visit family and my husband is a pilot, so I really liked the idea of looping around the place with an airplane possibly flying in or out overhead.  And...I knew viewing the map later would look awesome if I used my GPS app to track the route.  I wasn't wrong.

Since this was my first time, I did not know what the 6.5 mile route was like.  It turned out to be a nice combination of hills and flats; enough to keep it challenging, but also keep it relaxing and fun.  Looking at my stats afterward, I was happy that I managed to increase my pace at each mile.

I really enjoyed this route and once again it was perfect running weather: 30s and sunny. If you are thinking about ways to finish out your year of running, fun runs are a great way to connect with friends both familiar and new!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Jingle Bell Run 5K

bells - check!

December 10 - Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...

This morning we drove to Concord, NH to participate in the Jingle Bell Run 5K and our last race of the year.  This race was a nice follow-up to our Santa Shuffle last weekend in Manchester. Instead of donning santa suits though, I attached jingle bells to our running shoes this morning before leaving the house.

Today we continued to be granted with great running weather with temperatures in the 30s and plenty of sunshine.  The race was a benefit run for the Arthritis Foundation and another fun and festive way to kick off the holiday season.  Registration and bib pick-up was in the Rundlett Middle School cafe, and hundreds of people were decked out in their holiday gear: reindeer antler headbands, santa suits, elf costumes, candy cane striped socks, you name it!

5K ~ 28:30
Gathering at the start line, more and more people arrived dressed in the holiday garb including canines who would be accompanying their owners on this Jingle Bell Run.

My running partners and I enjoyed a wonderful loop-like run around Russell-Shea State Forest being cheered on by the locals in the neighborhood and serenaded by the hundreds of jingling bells attached to shoes and clothing. Approximately 600 runners made their way along the roads and pathways to the finish line. This was only the second race I've ever run in December, and I was not disappointed.  I love the high-spirited, jolly atmosphere.

Even though I will still be running through the end of year, I am a little sad that the races are over for 2011.  This has been my most successful and healthy year of running, and it has been a blast. Tomorrow I will be joining a fun run around the Manchester Airport, but it won't be the same without the crowds of people clothed in holiday costumes. But, oh what fun, it is to RUN...

Next year I am looking forward to new goals and new experiences in running!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Santa Claus Shuffle

My free Santa suit!

December 3, 2011 - Today was a fun run in downtown Manchester.  The Santa Claus Shuffle literally meant 1000+ runners in santa suits running three miles. The inaugural race launched the holiday season in the 2nd Happiest City in America beginning and ending at Veteran's Park.   Following the race was an awards presentation, tree lighting ceremony and holiday parade.

Check in at registration meant that the first 1000 runners received a free santa suit.  I was #626. With temperatures in the mid 40s, I was not sure I wanted to wear the entire suit which consisted of hat, jacket, and pants (later I found the belt hidden in the tip of the hat).  However,  one could not ignore the fun and festive atmosphere. Runners were not only dressed as Santas, but also elves, and Grinches, and Mary & Joseph!  I couldn't resist.  When else would I get to run a 5K completely made up like Santa?

Santa Claus Shuffle - 26:59 - 3 miles
After some Elf Runs (kid fun runs), the singing of the National Anthem, and the classic favorite Santa Clause is Coming to Town that got everybody dancing in their spots, the mayor of Manchester officially announced the start with a booming "3, 2,1, Ho, Ho, HO!"  The crammed coral of santa runners quickly made their way across the start line to the cheers from spectators and Christmas music playing in the background.

Glancing ahead was an amazing sight: a sea of red and white suits filled Elm Street for as far as the eyes could see.  Bells were ringing, children waving, and people laughing and enjoying the various costumes on the runners.  The easy out and back course was quick and mostly flat.  This fun race was a great way to start the Christmas season. My guess is that it will become a seasonal tradition in Manchester. At least, we hope so.

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