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Training: runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon

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Nothing excites me more than going back to where my love for running Disney started: runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon.

2013 run Disney’s Princess Half Marathon

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was my first half marathon, actually my first race ever, in 2013. This race will always occupy a special place in my heart. For years, thoughts lingered in my mind that I will never be able to run a mile, let alone a half marathon. It took lots of discipline and a few bouts of crying to get this done.  Fearing that people would judge me for being a slow runner, or for taking walking breaks, I trained solely on a treadmill.  Little did I know that using the run/walk method by Jeff Galloway would take this new runner to cross a finish line.

Running changed my life. Through running, I have discovered the limitless potential my mind and body have. In the process, I have formed wonderful friendships that are sure to last a lifetime.

This will be my 15th half marathon. I’ve not run in exactly a year, my last race being Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon in 2016. My body is still in progress, and I’m positive it will make a full recovery, but for now, slow wins the race.

The training plan I’m using is from the My ASICS run app on my iPhone to build up miles/endurance. It starts out really slow, which is what my body needs at the moment.

Monday: Run 1 mile at 15:22 min/mi. – Done.
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Run 1 mile at 15:24 min/mi.
Thursday: Run 1 mile at 15:24 min/mi.
Friday: Run 1 mile at 15:24 min/mi.
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Run 2 miles at 15:24 min/mi.

I got on the treadmill for that 1 mile run and it felt so long, and it was really hard trying not to go faster. I felt tightness on my hip after that one mile run, not sure if it was from the run itself or the fact that I cycled on my Peloton bike for 45 minutes earlier in the day. Trust me when I tell you that after these injuries, I am freaking nervous to run again but I want it BAD.

Have any of you dealt with running injuries that set you back? Any races you’re currently training for?

Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Recap

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Yesterday I participated in the 2014 Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia, my first race in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. I didn’t know what to expect and just went by the comments my fellow running friends made: fun, well-organized, great course, etc. It lived up to it and more.

Dragged two of my friends to the expo on Saturday and it was insanely crowded. Packet pick-up was easy to find and the corral numbers were spaced out so that although it was crowded, the lines were smaller and moved quickly. I didn’t even wait 2 minutes in line. Moved to another line and picked up my shirt, and the tech shirts run super small! I normally wear a women’s small, and it looked like only a child could fit it. Fortunately, there was a table across from shirt pick-up that was exchanging shirt sizes and that was pretty busy. I sized up from a small to a large, so keep that in mind for future RnR races.

Walked a bit downtown, then carb-loaded at Fratelli’s Italian Bistro in Center City, which had amazing food/service and went home to rest early.

Race morning and the weather was overcast, 68 degrees with a whopping 93 percent humidity. The Philadelphia skyline was barely visible from all the fog. There were food/water stations located throughout the oval: fruit, granola, pretzels and water. UPS trucks were lined up at the start/finish line to hold your gear. Corrals were easily marked, however, so many people hopped in the wrong corral. There were runners from 20 in 12 and while my friend and I were in 18, we saw people from 24 sneaking upfront. I’m not a fast runner by any means, but it just meant having to weave in between slower runners and walkers. It’s not only frustrating, it’s a safety issue.

Elite runners were off at 8 AM and my corral crossed the start at 8:25 AM. I loved running the course. No matter how many times I run the same roads, I still get giddy running here at home. There were signs located at particular sights such as: Now you’re passing the Liberty Bell; Benjamin Franklin’s Grave; Love Park, etc. Didn’t take pics on my phone and just put it on ‘do not disturb’. I spend too much time on my phone while I’m running (another safety issue) and it’s just not cool. Yep, I was one of those annoying runners…

I started getting into the race at mile 4, thanks in part to Honey Stinger waffles. I’ve mentioned before that my longest run since the Broad Street Run in May was 7.2 miles and that was 3 weeks ago. Up until Saturday morning I wasn’t sure I was running Sunday. I had upper back pain and feeling stiff, but being the stubborn girl that I am, I decided to treat it as a training run. Not going for a PR, not trying to get injured, just train and have a great time, and that I did have.

Bands were scattered throughout the course, and the highlight of the event was having Rusted Root perform at Eakins Oval, right by the finish line. Your bib had a ticket to the beer garden for a free beer. Nothing felt better than watching Rusted Root perform “Send Me On My Way” while sipping an ice cold beer after running 13.1 miles!

The finisher’s medal is gorgeous!

2014 Rock 'n'Roll Philadelphia Finisher's Medal
2014 Rock ‘n’Roll Philadelphia Finisher’s Medal

 

 

 

 
Overall, it was an awesome event and a fun-filled weekend that exceeded my expectations. I will definitely run this next year and even look into a 2015 tour pass.

QOTD: Have you run any of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series races, and if so, which are your favorite? I’m looking to add to my list for 2015 🙂

Lindy

 

 

Goals for the New Year

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Setting goals for myself for this new year is something that I’ve been thinking a lot these past couple of days. 2013 was an amazing year: the only goal I had was to finish a half-marathon and I went on to completing 4 half marathons, a 10-miler and a full marathon. Not in a million years did I ever come close to thinking I’d get this accomplished, let alone in one year.

This past year taught me so much. I’ve learned that I need to use my foam roller a lot more, that 13.1 miles is my favorite distance race, that I’m in competition with none other than myself, that hydrating properly is not just for the week of a race, but should be accomplished ALL the time.

That being said, my goals for this new year are:

  • Run 1,000 miles in 2014. This is more than double what I ran in 2013 but it’s not impossible. I did slack a lot last year and skipped a lot of my training runs. I’ve run out of excuses! 🙂
  • Try my best and always give 110% effort.
  • Use the foam roller on a frequent basis. Using a foam roller or a massage stick helps to relieve pain, stiffness and reduce muscle knots. I have IT band issues and this helps tremendously! Honestly, using a foam roller hurts like hell, but it really works. Had I done this sooner, I would’ve saved time/expense visiting my chiropractor thrice weekly for sessions!
  • Stay local!. There are so many races that I want to run, but in all honesty, I have had more fun at local races than ones I’ve traveled for, not to mention the expense of traveling for these. After Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, unless I get into the NYC Marathon, I’m staying local. I’m finishing a degree and with tuition expenses that keep skyrocketing and emptying my bank account, it seems to me it is the wisest thing to do. The Philadelphia Tri-State Area has some amazing races and I’m about to discover more of them 🙂
  • Encourage/Inspire others to run. This is actually HUGE for me. I love what running does for my body and my mind. Running allows me to escape the stress of everyday life and it makes me feel free. I love the friendships and the bonds I have formed as a result, and love how the running community comes together to inspire one another. I want people to discover how wonderful running is and that there’s no going “too slow”. You CAN do it!!

Have you set any fitness goals for 2014?

xo, Lindy

Announcement: I’m a Sweat Pink™ Ambassador!

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Hi guys!

Much to my amazement, this morning I received an email from the founders, Jamie and Alyse, of Fit Approach that I have been chosen as a Sweat Pink™ Ambassador.

So, you may be wondering, “Who are the a Sweat Pink™ Ambassadors?”

According to their website, Sweat Pink Ambassadors are:

* Enthusiastic health nuts who love sweating and eating well, but can also appreciate the finer things in life (chocolate, cheese, wine…)

* Natural leaders. They motivate those around them to achieve their best, and set an example of healthy, positive living. They set up running clubs for their friends, and organize gym dates early in the morning or after work. They get their co-workers to try yoga, and to order fruit instead of donuts for meetings.

* Passionate. Whether they go gaga for green smoothies or tear up the floor every day at Zumba, there’s something about living well that really gets them going, and their enthusiasm is infectious.

*Curious. Always looking out for the latest fitness or foodie craze, eager to learn, connect, share, and discover.

I’m delighted and honored to have been chosen to become a part of this amazing group of leading, inspirational women who make a difference every day.