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Bucks County Half Marathon – 2015

April 23, 2015 By Lindy 2 Comments

It was a great Sunday (4/12/2015) at the 2015 Bucks County Half Marathon. This year’s event was significantly smaller than its previous events, although I’m unsure why as it is a really awesome race and benefits the Autism Cares Foundation.

The weather could not have been more perfect – sunny and 50 at the start. Arrived early with my bagel and coffee, met up with a few Half Fanatics and chatted until start time. Every year, this race keeps getting better! The race director really listens to your comments and suggestions, so fill out that post-race survey!

There was a wave start this year and it really helped with the crowded narrow trails. Each wave had a pacer starting with a 1:40 and so on until 3:00 finishers. What I really didn’t get was that there was a sweeper when the course has no time limit. Anyway, the wave start was simply the best improvement done to this race. Some pacers did not have anyone with them and that’s okay. I stayed behind the 2:45 pacer for a while, although this was a training run for me (no running past a 12-minute mile).

Loved getting those pre-race messages from Coach Kristy – tips on fueling, pace, as well as some good luck vibes.

I set the Garmin on virtual pacer to 12:00 minute mile so it will beep to alarm me when I’m ahead of pace or behind pace. Behind pace would not have been bad, however, I went out too fast on miles 1 and 2 and paid for it at miles 10 and 11. My Garmin does not have a vibrating feature and my music must’ve been too loud to hear the Garmin pacer and realized miles 1 and 2 were 10:46 and 11:38, respectively. By the time I got to mile 10, my pace was 12:30 and I was walking a lot. I felt like I’d gotten hit by a truck – every limb in my body felt heavy and hurt so bad. Lesson learned.

Fueled every 5K with Huma Chia Gel (my new favorite fuel) and hydrated well. I carried my own water, then grabbed Gatorade at the power stations throughout the race, although it was heavily diluted 🙁

The energy at the power stations, especially the one after mile 6 was just awesome. Made it to the finish line in 2:46:35. Not a PR by any means, but then again, I wasn’t going for one. I went out to enjoy the course and have a great time, and that I did have.

Official Finish Time: 2:46:35

Things that changed for 2015:

Wave Start
Pacers
Start/Finish Line moved over so that runners aren’t crossing the finish line on their first loop
Color of your choice tech shirt (pending availability)

I love that the medal changes every year! Look at this beauty 🙂

Bucks County Half Marathon 2015 Finisher’s Medal

I think this race is so underrated. It is a challenging course but by no means difficult. I’d love to know what are your thoughts on this race (if you’ve ever run it) but also what makes you return to run a race over and over again. What do you look for in a race?

Lindy

Disclaimer: Bucks County Half Marathon invited me to participate in the race as blogger media. However, all opinions are strictly my own.

Bucks County Half Marathon 2015 Registration Opens

July 24, 2014 By Lindy 2 Comments

Registration for the 2015 Bucks County Half Marathon opens today, Thursday, July 24th, 2014. The Bucks County Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2015 in Tyler State Park, located in beautiful and scenic Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

This 13.1-mile run takes you through the rolling hills of Tyler State Park, and through the shaded trails overlooking Neshaminy Creek. Talk about being surrounded by nature! I particularly enjoyed running past the horse stables, deers, and rabbits and breathing in the fresh, crisp, Spring air.

Registration pricing is tiered, so don’t delay in registering to avoid price increases. Hey, with those extra savings you could get some cool Bucks County Half gear at the Expo 🙂

Early Registration is limited to the first 50 runners: $55

Fall Pricing (General Admission) – $62 (until 10/1/14)

Winter Pricing (General Admission) – $67 (from 10/2 until 2/1/15)

Spring Pricing (General Admission) – $72 (from 2/2/15 until 4/10/15)

Packet shipping is also available for participants unable to make the expo, for a $15 fee.

Running through lovely Tyler State Park during the 2014 Bucks County Half Marathon in PA

Photo Courtesy of Island Photography and the Bucks County Half Marathon.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Autism Cares Foundation, a cause near and dear to my heart. x

Hope to see you there!

Lindy x

Autism Awareness Day at Sesame Place

April 30, 2014 By Lindy Leave a Comment

This past Sunday, April 27th, we were invited to an Autism Awareness Day at Sesame Place. This is not the first year that this event was held, however, it was my first time attending. My brother Christian is on the autism spectrum.

I live about a 20-minute drive from Sesame Place and the drive up wasn’t bad. Parking was $25 and would benefit several autism charities. We got there around 11 AM and it was starting to get crowded. The park opened at 10 AM. Once our tickets were validated, bags checked, we entered the park and were greeted by dozens of tables from several organizations with resources for children and adults with autism. Everything from independent living, to art classes, higher education, horseback riding, job training, I mean everything! My mom and I spent the first hour chatting with the representatives of these organizations in hopes that we can help Chris.

I loved that Sesame Place was very accommodating with sensory-friendly shows, lighting and music. I took my brother on a trip to Walt Disney World back in 2012 and two years later, he’s finally ready to go back. Although he tells me he had the best time of his life, he felt overstimulated, and I can understand that. Sunday at Sesame Place, he was not ready to go home when closing time came around 🙂

The characters were out and we took pictures with them.

The parks were very crowded, lines at the rides were very long – Christian waited over an hour for the tea cups – Monster Mix-Up. I was worried about him standing so long in line, but once the 2 minute ride was over, he said, “Long wait, but it was worth it.” Best highlight of my day. Sadly, that was the only ride he could get on. Lines for the rides were just too long and it was too cold for the water rides, although children were in the pool.

The Neighborhood Street Parade was great, and worth waiting for. Although the parks were mobbed, it only took us less than 5 minutes to exit the parking lot. When parking, I say, “Kids, remember we’re parked at Snuffy Green.” Coming back, my mom says, “Aren’t we parked at Green Hornet?” Umm…Green Hornet is not a Sesame Street character, goofball! So much for paying attention like you said you would 🙂

Anyway, in conclusion: It was an amazing day for everyone! We got so much information on autism resources and interacted with several families whose children are on the spectrum. It was awesome having an entire day in a theme park where autistic children can be themselves and have a great time without judgment. Sesame Place was so accommodating. Thank you Autism Speaks, Variety Philadelphia and Sesame Place for this wonderful day!

Painful sunburn!

Hope to participate in this event next year!

Until next time,

Lindy xo

Getting that hill training started: Bucks County Half Marathon

December 27, 2013 By Lindy

Hey guys,

I’m very happy to be adding another half marathon to my 2014 list!

I will once again be running the Bucks County Half Marathon on April 13, 2014.

It is benefitting Autism Cares Foundation, a cause near and dear to my heart. As some of you know, my youngest brother has Autism.

Located in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania, this challenging course (it’s a bit hilly!) takes you through Tyler State Park, where you’ll encounter the most gorgeous scenery nature has to offer! I spotted deer and rabbits as I ran this year 🙂

Prices are currently $66.00 until December 31st. Who’s going with me?

Information can be found here: http://www.buckscountymarathon.com/

Here’s a video montage of this year’s (2013) event:

http://youtu.be/pUqgfgxmbe8

You can read my race experience here:
www.runderella.com/post/48213920362/bucks-county-half-marathon

Have a great day and hope to see you at the start/finish line!

Lindy xo

Bucks County Half Marathon

April 17, 2013 By Lindy

This past Sunday, April 14th, I took part in the Bucks County Half Marathon at Tyler State Park in Newtown, Pennsylvania. I was familiar with some of these trails as a former Bucks County resident and used to walk these trails frequently during the warmer months, what I was unaware is that these trails seem never-ending and discovered – on Sunday – that it involved a lot of hills, something I didn’t train for.

Race was scheduled to begin at 7:45 and I was running a bit late. The entrance that I was familiar with was not the starting point and my GPS could not find the address I was given. Fortunately we arrived at 7:30. I parked right out front on the lawn and walked over to the course. It was crowded and I started to feel nervous. I tried to find my Twitter buddy (@_twelv) so we can chat a bit and calm nerves before taking off and luckily he spotted my autism puzzle socks and chatted briefly before taking off.

Announcements commenced at 7:46 AM and they started to call the faster corrals first: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 mm runners, followed by 9:00, 10:00 mm runners and so on. We went ahead once the 10-11:00 mm runners were called and crossed the start line at 7:51 AM. Turned on my GPS and my iPhone music and was well on my way.

The roads were narrow but quickly thinned out. I started running a 10 minute mile for the first 5K, then the hills started and my pace slowed. I wasn’t feeling tired but I was feeling dehydrated, therefore I made sure to stop at every water station and grab both water and Gatorade. I carried my iFitness hydration belt filled with both water and Nuun electrolyte drink.

I passed fields and farmhouses, people riding their horses, the Neshaminy Creek, the nature, the animals…it was just beautiful scenery. At times I removed my headphones so that I could just listen to my surroundings: footsteps, birds chirping and the river flow. Soothing.

Mile 3-4 and I’m averaging a 12:00 minute mile pace. So much for negative splits! I’m thinking I’ll take it slow for now, save my energy and pick up the pace later.

Mile 5 and I’m down to 11-minute mile pace. If I keep this pace I may finish around 2:30.

Mile 6-7 and the hills are getting to me. My right foot is swollen, the ball of my foot hurts and my left hand is so swollen that my ring is stuck and I can’t close my hand. Am I dehydrated or did I over hydrate and diluted my blood that now I’m hyponatremic? This nurse can’t figure it out. I’m slowing down my pace. Now I’m power-walking up those hills, continuing to stop at every water station. Met a lady who asked me about my running gear. Said her 6-year old son was just diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and was walking for him. I told her my brother has Asperger’s and I was running for him. We chatted for a bit and encouraged one another and we were both well on our way. Average pace: 13-minute mile.

Miles 8-9, I’m feeling better. Stopped by a water station, saw the lovely ladies from Black Girls Run who cheered on with bells and signs and told me to hang in there, that a few downhills were around the bend. Average Pace: 11-minute mile.

Slowed down a bit during miles 10 and 11. A few more uphills and I’m trying to ignore the pain on my hips. It’s 3 more miles I say when I begin to feel pain on my right calf. I’ve never experienced calf pain before but I don’t let it slow me down. Passed a few ladies who were struggling as well and I told them they were doing a good job. They were proud to be running their first half and so was I. Proud of strangers who had the courage to start.

Mile 12 and now I was struggling. I sent a text to my mom saying that I was now walking because the pain was unbearable and she said, “You’re close now. I’m so proud of you, you can do it!” I walked most of mile 12. Every time I reached another hill I yelled and cursed the damn hill. I was angry because now my time goal was out of reach. Average Pace 14 minutes.

Finally I saw the parking lot and the sign that said Mile 13. Thank God!!! I turned the corner and found runners and spectators cheering on and giving high fives. Saw my stepdad and my brother holding the sign on my left, then I glance ahead at the finish line and I see my mom, holding her Blackberry, ready to take a pic of this very proud moment and I wanted to cry but I held back I choked up and I couldn’t breathe.

I had to keep on moving. Picked up my medal and grabbed a bite to eat. I’m so thankful to the spectators who cheered and encouraged total strangers, to the volunteers and the companies who donated so much: food, goodies, etc. to make this event happen.

While I was disappointed with not reaching my time goal of 2:30, I finished in 2:47:28. I’m sure had it not been for the hills, I would have done it. Not sure that I’ll run this next year unless I do some serious hill training!

As ready as I can be

April 9, 2013 By Lindy

Five days until the Bucks County Half and I’m feeling a bit nervous. Ok, maybe a lot nervous. Sometimes I wonder the reasons why since I ran a half marathon before, but this is totally different. It’s not knowing what to expect, there will be less runners on the course, me running like a turtle, etc., and of course, my family will be there to cheer me on. I went to run the Princess Half alone and one thing I really wanted was for my family to be there, but circumstances didn’t allow for that. My family at times can be judgmental (you were too slow, blah blah) and I also feel like they (at times) don’t get what a huge accomplishment it is to finish a race, so my mind right now is flooded with worries and ifs.

What to wear, did I load the music on the iPhone, got my Clif Bloks, enough KT Tape??? I’m going to take care of that today. I’m headed to REI soon to pick up some last minute things for Sunday, since I’m working this week and Saturday I’m hosting a dinner at my house for 20! I also need to pick up my race packet on Saturday but maybe I’ll get Frank to go with me 🙂

Since the Princess Half (PHM), I haven’t done a lot of running outdoors because heck, it’s been cold and as you know, that cold air burns the heck out of your lungs. No, thanks! Also, I’ve been having hip IT band issues but I’ve been using the Marathon Stick to loosen tight muscles, taking ibuprofen, drinking loads of H2O and using KT Tape. The pain returns with each run but the recovery time lessens and I find I’m able to push through pain during runs. I hope it behaves on Sunday or I’m going to be dead last.

So needless to say, I’m as ready as I can be. And if I finish last, then I’m last but I finished and supported a cause that’s so important to me, Autism Cares Foundation.