GW Parkway Classic April 23, 2017 1:36:13 Temp: High 40s to low 50s What I wore: visor, tank top, a half zip, a Skirt Sports Happy Girl, compression socks, and Altra Ones This was my goal race for the season. I knew I wouldn't PR, but I wanted to run a sub-10 pace. I worked hard in February and March to pick up the pace and did really well on some early season races. But then April happened and I added distance and I stopped doing speedwork. After last weekend's half marathon with a 10:25ish pace, I figured my goal was unlikely. The weather forecasts went from bad to worse and back again over the last few days. Finally, it moved from mid-40s and rainy to high 40s and cloudy. That was something I could work with, sort of. High … [Read more...]
GW Parkway 10 miler training begins
This weekend was, umm, interesting. Living near DC, we are always affected by the Inauguration. Add in the Women's March and the whole area was in a bit of an uproar. For the moment, I am continuing my personal choice of keeping politics off my blog and social media, but it was a pretty amazing weekend to live here. Let's focus instead on my lack of a training plan since the Marine Corps Marathon. Heck, let's be honest, I didn't even have a training plan FOR Marine Corps Marathon. But I really needed some time to just run for the love of it. So, despite running every day for the Runner's World #runstreak, my mileage has been pretty low. It's time to get back on the horse now. In what I am sure you find to be a shocking turn of … [Read more...]
Skirt Sports 10 on 10!
We all know how much I love Skirt Sports! I wear the Happy Girl skirt at nearly every race I run. So, I'm really excited to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. But, I'm not nearly as excited as they are! To celebrate, they are holding another virtual run. This is their 10 on 10 virtual race - run a 10k or 10 miles on September 13, 14, or 15, 2014 in honor of their 10 year anniversary and get some cute swag! Here are some details Skirt Sports 10 on 10 Virtual Race Who: You and your Skirt Sisters What: 10k or 10 mile Virtual Run Where: In your home town or run with us in Boulder When: September 13, 14 or 15, 2014 How: Simply click here to signup I love that if you live close to them you can meet up at the Skirt … [Read more...]
Race Envy
Yesterday was the sign up for the Army 10 Miler. Judging by my Facebook feed, it was an absolute nightmare to sign up AND it sold out in a record amount of time. I didn't sign up. In fact, my conversation with Beer Geek went something like this: Me: You should be proud of me. I didn't sign up for the Army 10 Miler this year. Him: Why would you? It's not a half marathon. Beer Geek clearly doesn't buy into "mob mentality". I've run the Army 10 Miler 3 times. In fact, it was my first long race. (I remember it clearly - I ran the race and then we had Jones' birthday party at our house with 20+ kids that afternoon. I could barely walk.) The first time I ran it because I wanted to. The second time I ran it because I … [Read more...]
State #11: Alaska!
In addition to my 11th state race report, this is my "Half minus a Half" race report for G and my snapshot of my run for Tonia. Short story: 1:30:42 on a 9.65 mile course (9:24 average pace) Long story (grab your lunch before you start): Once we set our dates for our Alaska trip, I started looking for a race we could do while there. The only race that was near where we were going to be was the Soldotna Unity run. It had two options - a 5k and a 10 miler. I'm trying to avoid 5ks to the extent possible for my state races, so that left us with the 10 mile option. In past years, about 30-40 people run the 10 miles and this year was no different. I consider myself a "middle of the pack" runner, but that was not the case here. … [Read more...]
GW Parkway 10 miler race report
Short story: I finished in 1:31:03 and PR'd by at least three minutes. I was around 1400 out of 4000 runners and finished in the top 25% for women and for my age group. The rest of the story: The GW Parkway race begins at Mount Vernon and ends in Old Town Alexandria. Like many point to point races, this means a shuttle. I got up at 5 am in order to leave the house by 6 for an 8 o'clock race. I was already tired (Jones woke up twice and Shoo wet the bed 5 minutes before my alarm went off) and in a fragile emotional state (due to the death of our friend), so when I realized how hot it was going to be, I seriously considered going back to bed. Instead, I took a quick shower, coated myself in sunblock, and had a peanut butter … [Read more...]
