bucks county half Archives

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.

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.

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 pre-race

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.

Mile 5

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.

Downhill Mile 9

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!

Finish Line Pic

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

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.

Next Run

March 13, 2013 By Lindy

Today, I registered for the Bucks County Half Marathon, which will be held on April 14th, 2013 at Tyler State Park in Richboro, PA. It will benefit Autism Cares.

I used to jog (at least attempt to then) and/or walk sometimes here because it was so close to my former home so I remember the trails very well. There are some hills and I remember one hill that was a bit steep, which I used to walk up and I hope that it isn’t part of this course since I have little hill training at this point. At least let it be the down hill if it’s going to be part of the course!

I’d been looking for a run that would benefit autism since my little brother has Asperger’s Syndrome, an Autism-Spectrum Disorder. I’m happy to be doing this run, but had it not been for an ad that caught my eye over on Facebook, I wouldn’t have known about this run. Their Twitter page hasn’t been updated and I did not see this advertised anywhere for that matter. I was just upset because Autism is a cause very dear to me and warrants more awareness, that’s all. I’m excited to be running this and it will be the first race in which my entire family will be there…sans my older brother I’m sure since he’s always been so supportive (yeah, right!!!)

I’m now playing with what I’m going to wear for this run. Ordered my Team Sparkle skirt and I’m good to go. Since I hadn’t anticipated a run before my Broad Street Run 10-miler, after the Princess Half Marathon I tapered back, so I am in desperate need of working up my mileage again. This run is in a month, so no time to sit back, it’s time to work, baby!

Plan:

I ran 4 miles Sunday so that counts as this week. My plan is to run a 10K tomorrow and a longer run on Monday, possibly 8 miles. (I’m working at the hospital all weekend, thus having no time for a long run). Cross-training in between and continue the weekly plan, increasing my Sunday runs by one mile until the half. I plan on adding some hill work as well as work on increasing speed. We’ll see 🙂

My ultimate goal is always to finish.

See you at the finish line,

Lindy