TrainingTruths: Half Marathon #9 Week 6

What an emotional week!

It started Monday morning with excitement for the Boston Marathon and ended after a marathon week for law enforcement who worked non-stop chasing and capturing the suspects involved in the finish line bombings.

#TrainingTruth: "If you are trying to defeat the human spirit, marathoners are the wrong group to target"

#RunforBoston - With a heavy heart, I put on my BAA 5K race shirt Tuesday morning to show my support and love for the running community. After school my running partner and I logged a quick 4 miles before the rain came. It felt good to briefly zone out mentally, but also to be running for Boston.

It was not an easy run on Thursday. The sunshine disappeared not 20 minutes prior to heading out leaving only wind gusts behind and all through the five mile run my stomach was aching. The running world was still plagued with anxiety, but planning a #BostonStrong<city> event (details below) helped because I was doing something. The good part of the run was my shoes.

I woke on Saturday morning with a huge sense of relief and gratitude knowing that they had captured the second suspect. Maybe the weight off my mind was just what I needed to finally get in my first plank workout of the week.

Hoping for better weather, we moved our long run to Sunday. Although it was still way too chilly to be considered Spring, the sun was out and smiled down on us most of the 10 miles. My husband had an awesome run and is easily ready for the Newport 10 Miler next weekend. As for me, my legs felt good but I struggled with tight abs. It felt like a stitch at first, but even a rest break didn't completely alleviate the tension. Without meaning to, we donned Boston Marathon colors and hummed Sweet Caroline spontaneously throughout the run.

Here are the details for tonight's Boston tribute run in my area:

Location: Meet at Barnard Park -> Run Goffstown Rail Trail
Date: Monday, April 22, 2013
Time: 6PM
Distance: 3 - 4 miles
Facebook Event Page: RSVP here

Wear a race shirt, or Boston Marathon colors (blue & yellow). Bring a friend.

Are you participating in an event to support Boston? Feel free to link it in the comments.

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths! 

Fitness Friday: April Races

I'm so happy that Spring weather seems to have arrived. Even though I like running in cold weather, I was getting tired of bundling up for each run. I'm also looking forward to my Spring races, including two this month. 

I signed up for the BAA Distance Medley Series and the first race is the 5K on Sunday during Boston Marathon weekend. Last year I attended the Boston Marathon expo just as a spectator, so I'm looking forward to picking up my bib this year.

I'm also running the Newport 10 Miler at the end of month. I've only run one other race in Newport, back in 2011 with my husband. We ran across the Newport Pell Bridge and it is one of my best memories. I'm excited for this race because Newport has become one of my favorite places and I am hoping to better my ten mile time. 

Are you racing this weekend?

If It Makes you Happy

Happy Friday everyone! Angela at Happy Fit Mama recently asked What makes you happy? Of course Fridays make me happy because I really like weekends, so to kick off Fitness Friday I'm going to share my happy list. Angela guarantees it will make me happy.

My Happy List:

Race-cations - I love to take weekend trips and if you throw in a race, even better! Last weekend I was hanging out in New York prior to the NYC Half, but I've also taken race-cations to Newport, Cape Cod, Cape Elizabeth, and Providence. Coming up next is a weekend in Newport to include the Newport 10 Miler.

ZOOMA Ambassador 2013 - I was recently notified that I will be serving as an ambassador for the Cape Cod race again! I'm looking forward to hanging out with the ZOOMA ladies and meeting some new friends.

My treadmill - Five years ago I bought this little gem because I was a newbie to NH and somewhat intimidated by the elevation and lack of sidewalks in my neighborhood. Even though I have (somewhat) successfully become a year-round New England runner, there are still times when the weather just doesn't cooperate.

Snowplows - Speaking of weather, this is a glimpse at what Mother Nature dumped on us during the Nemo Blizzard. Thankfully the plow guy showed up with the Big Rig! Hopefully I've seen the last of plow guy until next winter.



Shiny New PRs - Whether I'm aiming for them or not, I love the feeling of besting my time in any distance, but especially the half marathon. The only thing that could make it better, would be knowing what I did right to make it happen.

Pizza - I'm not sure what it is about some dough, sauce, and cheese, but a Margherita pizza always puts a smile on my face. 

Strawberry Daiquiris - Even though it's loaded with calories, I love to splurge on a frozen, fresh strawberried drink.

Flowers - I know they only live a short time, but receiving a colorful bouquet of flowers always warms my heart. I'll never get tired of walking into a room and seeing my favorites.

Home - We have a crazy family schedule in our house, but I really like it when we can all hang out together. 

So, now it's your turn. 

What makes you happy? 

If you write your own blog post, be sure to come back and leave a link to your post for me!

Three Things: Fun & New

Today I have some fun and new things on my mind.

It's almost time to announce the winner of the Chilly Challenge. All miles must be logged by midnight EST tonight to count for Team Escapades. Check back tomorrow to see which team won!

My friends at ZOOMA have launched a Personal Best Program. The program challenges runners or walkers to complete a distance best or set a personal record. If they achieve their goal, athletes will receive a special “PR” medal at the finish line party, offering the opportunity for extra bragging rights.

There's a brand new race happening in one of my favorite places. The Newport Ten Miler has a fantastic course lined up that takes runners down scenic Ocean Drive, past beautiful mansions, and through the gates of Fort Adams. Best registration price ends today! 

What fun things are you thinking about?