bucks county half

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.

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 — 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.

New Year’s Goals

January 4, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

With the start of a new year, many people begin new challenges, some are fulfilled, others not. The challenge I have given myself is to love myself, mind and body. I’ve always been tough on myself, almost never satisfied with what I accomplish, but that’s about to change.

I’m thankful for the sport of running and how much of my life it has given me back. This year, I’m working with a running coach to help me achieve my goal – a new PR at the 2015 Bucks County Half Marathon, a race I really love. I have no races scheduled until then, which it’s strange, and although I did contemplate registering for the Love Run in March, I decided to take it easy.

This past year blessed me with encouraging my sister to complete her first 5K, my two friends finishing their first half marathon and another friend who completed her first full marathon, here in the lovely city of Brotherly Love. Running has not only helped me to make everlasting friendships and bonds, but given me a feeling of self-worth and happiness. You may not be the fastest runner, but in the end, it’s gratifying to finish something you didn’t think it was possible.

I’m really looking forward to sharing with you a new year filled with new adventures, destinations and races.

Lindy x

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.

lin — 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

Bucks County Half Marathon recap (2014)

April 22, 2014 By Lindy Leave a Comment

Last Sunday, I ran the 2014 Bucks County Half Marathon in Tyler State Park, located in Richboro, PA. I ran this course last year, my second half marathon, and decided I would go at it again despite how hilly the terrain is. While I did struggle after mile 10, I had an amazing time.

Saturday was the packet pickup at the Newtown Athletic Club. Pickup was different from last year – this year there was race merchandise available for purchasing, and the bib chip was already activated and ready to go. I waited less than 2 minutes in line; it was smooth-going.

Carb-loaded at Carrabba’s with a huge bowl of pasta and lots of yummy warm bread, and hydrated very well.

Carb-loading evening before the race 🙂

Went to bed rather early but race nerves always gets me, and before 3 AM, I was up. I loved not having to wake up at 2 AM, like Disney races, so even if I could’ve gotten sleep, I could have slept until 5:30, even 6! Grabbed a bagel, some almond butter, a banana and a cup of coffee and headed up to Tyler State Park.

I was there by 6:45 and didn’t have to wait to park. Flagger Force people were doing a great job directing traffic, and as I sat in my car drinking my coffee, noticed how frustrated the flaggers were with drivers not listening to their directions and people going the wrong way, etc. I felt so bad for them.

Weather was a bit cool but we were expecting a high of 80 degrees.

Temperature at race-start.

The race started promptly at 8:00 AM and runners were called out in waves. The first wave of runners went out, and I don’t think it was intentional but everyone took off at the same time with the 7:00-8:00 mm runners (maybe they didn’t hear the wave call). I was so confused so I just followed. I think it would be easier if there were designated corrals taking off 4-5 minutes apart for safety issues – it can get too crowded and just unsafe as runners and walkers are packed together. Hopefully that can be corrected for next year’s race. Some runners were running on the grass off the path!

Took off to a great start, keeping a steady 9:45 mm pace. Saw my friend at mile 4, grabbed some water and was well on my way. There were hydration and fuel stations every single mile! I’ve never ran a race that had those accommodations, and it was very nice.

Miles 6-8 were hilly! I slowed down a lot and then came the downhills, which can be quite a hit to those quads, although a nice break from the uphills. It’s an out-and-back course and it was great passing the wonderful spectators, especially by the boathouse. There were children cheering excitedly, and it reminded me of myself as a kid cheering at races.

At the end of mile 9/beginning of mile 10, was an aid station. Stopped and grabbed some Gatorade and was stopped completely by the intense calf cramps on my right leg. Massaged my calf and tried to run through the pain. Last 5K, it can be done.

Loved seeing the signs throughout the course:

Abe

On the way back towards the finish, these signs were between miles 10-11. Mile 10-11 has a slight uphill, then it’s a bit flat before the downhill. Thought I could make up for my slowed pace on that downhill, and boy was I wrong! Bilateral calf cramps so bad I couldn’t run anymore. Miles 11-12.5 are uphill and brutal! Started to feel better after mile 12 and decided to start running a bit. Saw the spectators and heard them screaming and cheering, and saw the sign for mile 13. Another calf cramp, so I stopped to massage the cramp and sprinted to the finish line to a PR!

The Bling! — The Bling, my friends!! Isn’t it pretty?

Bucks County Half Marathon Medal

Although I did struggle during the last 5K, I did PR by 3 minutes, but 14 minutes off my goal. It couldn’t have been a better day. The crowds were energetic, and there were lots of goodies at the finish line: pizza from Newtown Pizza, smoothies from Smoothie King, bread from Great Harvest and much more. Loved that Autism Cares Foundation had a table set up with resources and also loved coming close to the finish line and seeing the Horizon chopper above the course. After finishing, I parked myself on the ground someplace, sick, so I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the finish line goodies.

The medal is beautiful, and captures everything that Bucks County half represents: the medal is cut in the shape of Bucks County, the covered bridge, the runner.

Since the course has no time limit, I would’ve liked the aid stations to remain in place until all participants cleared the course, especially with how warm it got mid-race.

Having done this race last year, I must say that this year was a lot better. Well-organized, hydration stations every mile, great sponsors, and an awesome medal. I’m not going to hate on this race because of its tough course – it’s still my fastest half marathon to date. I know I need to train on hillier terrain, but in my defense, this winter was brutal and I hate running when the weather is cold.

Did you run this race? If so, what are your thoughts?

Disclaimer: Bucks County Half Marathon provided me with complimentary entry into the race, however, all opinions as always are strictly my own.

Obligatory End-Year Post: 2013 In Review

December 31, 2013 By Lindy

This year has been amazingly good to me and has taught me so much! It has taught me that with determination, anything is possible.

Never in a million years did I think I could run a mile, let alone several half marathons and a full marathon. It required a lot of patience and a lot of work and it was exhausting but in the end, every ounce of strength put into it fully paid off.

I’m so thankful for the countless miles I was able to run this year and the amazing friendships I have made throughout this journey. Running for those who can’t, running for charities close to my heart, running to feel free, and getting to the finish line during those moments when my head wanted to overtake my heart and say, “Stop!”

First race of the year, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon.

I was so nervous going into this race not only because I was traveling alone to Florida, but it was my first race EVER. I completely trained indoors for this half marathon on a treadmill. I dressed in costume as Cinderella, stopped to take pictures along the course with the Disney characters and came home with a shiny new medal. This runner’s high feeling lasted a really long time, and it was what got my new running addiction started. Running again in 2014!

Second race of 2013, The Bucks County Half Marathon.

This race was super-exciting, not only because it was right in my backyard (traveling for races can get so expensive) but because it benefited Autism Cares Foundation and also, my family was coming!

I continued the training plan from the Princess Half Marathon into this half. The course was beautiful, scenic and if you’re a nature-lover, you will love this race. Well-organized and while the course is a bit challenging, it still is my half-marathon PR, by 17 minutes so yay to me! Gorgeous shiny medal to boot! Running in 2014.

Third race of 2013, Broad Street Run.

Seriously, I can not say enough good things about this run. It’s by lottery and I felt incredibly lucky to have gotten in! A few people I know decided not to run, worried after the events occurred at the Boston Marathon this year, and understandably so.

Security was a top-priority for the city of Philadelphia and not a single second did I feel unsafe. Loved that Sweet Caroline was played at the start line (for Boston) and seeing Mayor Nutter giving high-fives at the start. The course is flat and fast and the spectators are amazing. If I’m fortunate enough to get into it in 2014, I’d be happy!

The Electric Run Philadelphia didn’t happen. Canceled by the Philadelphia Fire Marshal due to lightning and rain. Registration deferred to 2014.

Disneyland Half Marathon 2013

Exciting and challenging at the same time! First time in the West Coast, going for my Coast to Coast medal and getting sick midway through the half marathon. Learned so much during this half and it taught my body what it liked and didn’t like. Met Olympic runner Jeff Galloway and ran with Sean Astin, Joey Fatone and Ali Vincent during the Disneyland Half Meetup.

While I ran my worst half-marathon time, I had an amazing time and one I’ll never forget.

Philadelphia Marathon

Shed much sweat and tears through this training, which lasted all summer into the fall. First full marathon and I was super nervous.

Great course, amazing spectators and so much support from the community that I was in awe. I truly love my city and hope to run again next year (if not the full, the half). Injured at mile 22, I was able to finish due to the wonderful spectators who encouraged me to get to the finish line.

My biggest accomplishment: Going from running zero miles in 2012 to running over 400 miles in 2013. I can’t wait to see what 2014 has to bring.

Have a safe and wonderful New Year, friends! Hope to see you soon at the start/finish line 🙂

xo, Lindy

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