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Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon Race Recap

May 19, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

Oh what can I say about this race weekend, other than it was epic. I’ve been under a lot of stress lately and was really looking forward to getting away, even just for a weekend.

Once we drove up to Brooklyn and checked in with our Airbnb Host, we headed to Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park for the 2015 Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon Pre-Race Party. Loved that once we exited the subway, there were signs everywhere pointing to the party.

Signs pointing to the pre-race party outside the subway
Signs pointing to the pre-race party outside the subway

 

We had so much fun at the pre-race party! There were people giving away airbnb shoelaces, multiple stations where you could play mini golf, and there was a live band playing. The area was surrounded by food and beer trucks, while security remained high with NYPD (Harbor Unit, I think) looking at the Pier from the boat.

Airbnb Brooklyn Half Pre-Race Party
Airbnb Brooklyn Half Pre-Race Party

Check in was fast and there were no lines. Loved that you could see the race shirts before picking them up. I had to size up to a medium but I loved the race shirt. Had my race shirt airbrushed at one of the Airbnb stations with the blog’s name.

View this post on Instagram

This is the best race expo ever!! Got my race shirt customized 🙂 #AirBnbBKHalf #Runderella

A post shared by Lindy | Runderella (@runderelly) on May 15, 2015 at 3:06pm PDT

 

The only thing I was disappointed with was the lack of vendors, although most of the essentials were available for purchase. Ate some fabulous quinoa arepas from the Palenque food truck at the pre-race party and carb-loaded with tasty brick oven pizza. Ate the best doughnuts in the planet at Dough Brooklyn.  I went there every.single.day and don’t regret it one bit. 🙂

With friends at Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park
With friends at Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park
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Wave 2!

Race morning and our wonderful Airbnb Host woke up at 5:30 AM to drive us to the Brooklyn Half start line. Such a wonderful and kind gesture! Getting through security was a mess and took about 45 minutes for me to get security clearance. There were porta potties in the corrals, which was great. Wave 1 departed around 7 AM and I still hadn’t gone through security; Wave 2 took off around 7:45.

The course was very crowded and I found myself weaving in and out. Right before entering Prospect Park, it started to rain heavily, which I didn’t really mind since it was warm. What I did not like was getting water in my shoes. That is the most unpleasant feeling. It rained I think for the first 3 miles.

My running coach Kristy suggested that I run by effort, rather than pace, and I felt that was fine. I ran with my Garmin turned on but with the pace hidden, so all I could see was current time and date. Miles 5-6.5 were hilly and boy was I glad to wave those hills goodbye!

On Ocean Parkway headed for Coney Island
On Ocean Parkway headed for Coney Island – Last Hill!!!

After mile 7, the course is rather flat and almost slightly downhill. I was feeling good but wanted to conserve as much energy as possible, so I changed things a bit. I stopped after mile 8 to stretch and decided to run one minute and walk 30 seconds for as long as I could. I kept this going from miles 8-12.

Once I passed mile 12, I sped up and raced from the 20K point until the finish. I loved that once you entered Coney Island, you couldn’t see the boardwalk until you turned left (I believe it was Surf Ave), where the crowds were alive and cheering for runners approaching the finish line.

Airbnb Brooklyn Half Finish Line
Airbnb Brooklyn Half Finish Line

I turned the corner and saw the 400 Meters Left sign and the time clock on the finish line and immediately knew it would be a PR for me, and I started to cry. Since I was racing that last mile really hard, I was feeling slightly out of breath and had to hold back from crying further. I checked my finish time and saw that I set a 7-minute PR!!!

I couldn’t have done it without the guidance of my running coach; she was the first person I texted as soon as I crossed the finish line. I was beaming with pride and couldn’t wait to tell her, because we did this together.

 

Yay for PRs!!!
Yay for PRs!!!

After the finish, I felt like I had to walk forever. No water in sight, but grabbed an apple and some pretzels to immediately fuel. There must’ve been what felt like a million stairs to get anywhere, and boy does going down stairs hurt!

My friends were waiting for me in front of MCU Park with signs, then we headed out for food, margaritas and to get some sun on the beach.

Now for the finish line party
Now for the finish line party

 

Photo taken by @dulceraq
Photo taken by @dulceraq

 

Finisher's Badge
Finisher’s Badge

Overall, I enjoyed running through the lovely streets of Brooklyn, meeting wonderful people and setting a new personal record. Thank you for being so good to me, Brooklyn!

Brooklyn Half Training – Two Weeks to go!

April 30, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

I’m getting really excited about running Brooklyn, but first, Broad Street Run.

Everyone knows how much I love running Broad Street. 🙂

Since the Brooklyn Half is coming up two weeks from Sunday, Broad Street will be a training run for me, and will be the last long run before Brooklyn. While it will be tough maintaining a slower pace since the energy from the crowds draw you in and make you forget how fast you’re running, I have to do my best and not focus on what I’m likely to hear afterwards, “But so-and-so finished before you, Lin.” *sigh*

Last week’s run were:

Tuesday: 4 miles

Saturday: 3 miles

Sunday: 8 miles

Sunday was a gorgeous day here in the city of Brotherly Love; a balmy 65 degrees. Ran the 8-mile loop around the Schuylkill River – from Kelly Drive, around the Philadelphia Museum of Art, to Martin Luther King Drive, back to Kelly Drive. I’ve never run this loop before while training, it’s always been while racing, therefore a nice treat where I run to soak it all in and not worry so much about time. As long as my long runs are slower, all is fine with Coach Kristy!

It was a lovely treat to watch college students practicing for the upcoming Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta. I suppose the ones yelling to them from a boat not far upfront were the coaches. Row, Row, Row!

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Mile 3 of this 8-mile run was the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which was crowded with tour buses and there was a huge line to take a photograph with the statue of Rocky Balboa.

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Rear of Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia Water Works Restaurant and Lounge – view from MLK Drive

Passed the Art Museum and headed over to run down MLK Drive, which was lonely and isolated. Good thing is that once you cross SweetBriar Road, the road is closed all the way to the Falls Bridge on Sunday, I think until 5 PM, but I may be wrong. Anyway, it felt great to get off the concrete sidewalk and give my legs/feet a break by running on the road.

Boathouse Row Philadelphia
Boathouse Row Philadelphia

Stayed strong until mile 7.12 when I “hit the wall.” I got jittery and hungry and walked a bit until 0.5 mile left of my run. Stopped to stretch for a minute and continued on until I reached my car. There, my sister and her recently rescued poodle were waiting for me. He’s so sweet! He was abused and is scared all the time and after a few days, learned to walk on a leash! As a rescue mommy myself, I’m delighted to know she chose a rescue dog.

With Harley at the end of my 8-mile run.
With Harley at the end of my 8-mile run.

Post-run, we headed down to Blackbird Pizzeria for vegan seitan cheezesteaks, the hottest buffalo wings I’ve ever eaten in my life (my mouth is still on fire!), and vegan pizza. I love going there; the people are so nice!

I’m looking forward to meeting up with some of you at the start of this Sunday’s Broad Street Run. I moved back, so I’ll be hanging out in yellow corral. Hydrate, and hydrate well these upcoming days before the race, as it will be a balmy 75 degrees on race day. I personally enjoy water with lemon and cucumbers – it’s so refreshing!

For my friends running Broad Street Run, Pittsburgh Marathon, and Flying Pig, may the wind be at your back!!! Can’t wait to read all of your race recaps!

Lindy x

Spartan Race Giveaway

April 27, 2015 By Lindy 8 Comments

I have an exciting race giveaway to share today –  one lucky Runderella reader will win a free race entry to any Reebok Spartan Race in the United States this racing season! This is for a race in any open heat (non-confirmed start time) in any Spartan Race in the continental U.S. 

About Spartan Race 

World’s Best Obstacle Race. Period.

Born in the scenic hills of Vermont, Spartan Race was created to bring the excitement of obstacle racing to spectators and athletes alike. That means you.

Spartan Race is a true adventure that anyone can do, and everyone should try. With course lengths of 3+miles (Sprint), 8+miles, (Super) and 12+miles (Beast) each course is filled with mud, water, and signature obstacles designed to help you discover your inner Spartan. Athletes of all fitness levels will enjoy participating in a Spartan Race and the feeling of accomplishment that comes at the finish line.

Spartan Race even has events for kids. We believe that fitness and adventure should involve the whole family. Come out and watch your kids run, jump, and climb like children were meant to do all in their own Spartan Kids race.

For those that want a more team based experience Spartan Race has the Hurricane Heat and for the truly adventurous the Hurricane Heat 12 Hour. The Hurricane Heat takes you out of the individual role and has you work with a group of complete strangers to complete tasks designed to bring you together as a team. Those that have done the Hurricane Heat have often done multiple across the country, making friends for life along the way.

Not sure you are ready to run a Spartan Race? It’s ok we have everything you need to get you ready: Spartan SGX training, workouts-of-the-day, nutrition tips to help you eat better, and free workouts held in cities all over the country. Spartan Race is not only the worlds best obstacle race (period), but can be a complete lifestyle overhaul.

So even if you’ve tried a trail race, mud run, obstacle race, or adventure race, it’s time to try a Spartan Race. Unlike other obstacle races we offer something for everyone. So sign-up, gear-up and find out why we say…

You’ll know at the finish line.


Where are the races?

They’re all over the United States! Click this link to find an obstacle race near you.

How do I enter to win an entry to Reebok’s Spartan Race?

Comment below and tell me which race(s) you’re currently training for. Let me know you commented on Rafflecopter. For additional entries, be sure to tweet about the giveaway as well as follow Spartan Race on Twitter.

Giveaway begins Monday, April 27th, 2015 and ends on Thursday, April 30th, 2015 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be notified no later than Sunday, May 3rd, 2015.

Didn’t win the giveaway? Use this link to save 10% off any registration.

 

Are you up to the challenge?

Disclaimer: No compensation was provided for this blog post. Spartan Race Media provided me with a race entry to giveaway to my readers. As always, all opinions are strictly my own. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

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.

IMG_5737
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
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. 

Hot Chocolate 5K Philadelphia – 2015 Recap

April 22, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

The Hot Chocolate Race Series are great races to participate in whether you consider yourself a beginner of an advanced runner. This is my second time participating in a Hot Chocolate Race and once again, I loved it.

This year, the Expo was held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia, a much better option than last year. It was a small expo but very organized. Bib and packet pickup lines were not long at all and I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. There was a booth where you could exchange hoodie sizes, pending availability. The hoodie fit perfectly, and as last year’s hoodie, I sized up to a medium. It is heather grey with pink and oh-so-comfy!

I was good at the Expo – only spent $30. Bought a Roo Sport 2.0 (which is probably the best $25 ever spent!) and bought some Mamma Chia drinks, which I already loved.

This was a training run for me, and my running coach suggested not going past an 11-minute mile. I had been battling the sinus infection from hell – on antibiotics for the second time, and I was very tempted to stay home, and maybe I should’ve listened to my body and stayed in bed. I woke up with body aches and a hoarse voice, but anyway…the weather was sunny, chilly and very windy. The 5K is an out-and-back course starting at Eakins Oval to Martin Luther King Drive to finishing right in front of Philadelphia’s Museum of Art. It’s a beautiful course, with the Schuylkill River/Boathouse Row on your left as you make your way back to the finish line. I never get tired of running here.

Corrals were crossing the start line approximately 4 minutes apart. I moved back to Corral E to be with my friends (you can always move back, never up) and it was crowded. Crossed the start line at 8:04 AM and had to walk a bit because the course was so crowded. It did spread out just past mile 1 for a bit. I was running a 10:30-11:00 minute mile just until it was time to turn back. It was a fierce headwind. Finished in 35 minutes.

Didn’t feel well enough to stay around for the finisher’s party, just met up with friends and coworkers and chatted a bit while sipping a steaming hot mug of cocoa, which was just perfect after running not only sick, but under those chilly and windy conditions.

130411-127-036h

I truly enjoyed this race. The swag bag is awesome, course is great, wonderful spectators and volunteers. Can’t wait to drag more peeps out for this one next year 🙂

Have you participated in a Hot Chocolate event? What are your thoughts on it?

Lindy x

 

Disclosure: Although initially invited by RAM Racing to be a Hot Chocolate 15K/5K ambassador, I did pay for this event myself and was not compensated in any way. My thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.

Vacationing in Puerto Rico

April 1, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

I’ve returned from a beautiful week in sunny Puerto Rico, to chilly temps (it actually snowed 3″ the day after I came back, so imagine how mad I was). I’ve been back for 2 weeks now, just slacking on the blogging! I had so much energy and went to bed each night, anxious and excited to go running the next day. I can’t recall a time when I felt that way, and it was truly wonderful to run alongside the ocean, in my hometown. I was emotional the entire time; it is my home and sadly I can’t stay. So along with feeling rejuvenated and happy, I had the best runs in a long time.

Running through Condado Beach
Running through Condado Beach

The cool ocean breeze was refreshing! No wonder there were so many runners at all hours of the day, running along the ocean.

IMG_5534

Puerto Rico is rich in history, art and culture. Below is a path for walkers and runners to access the San Geronimo Fort, which was built in the 17th Century.

 

Road from Condado that leads to San Geronimo Fort
Road from Condado that leads to San Geronimo Fort

Post-run treats included fresh, raw juice from the juice bar across from my hotel as well as good, old piraguas, or snow-cones, which can be found in little carts all across the island.

Piraguas in Old San Juan
Piraguas in Old San Juan

So, back to reality, but at least it is April, and warm weather is on its way. I have two runs pending (Hot Chocolate 5K and the Bucks County Half Marathon). I’m excited for both. With the help of my running coach, I have trained for these runs and I have trained on hilly terrain, crucial for the Bucks Half. I have been angry with my calves because they’ve pained me, and in return, I’ve given them a good foam rolling. It hurts like hell, but I can honestly say that during Sunday’s 12-miler, they didn’t really bother me, so yay for painful foam rolling!

More updates on their way, including a race giveaway you won’t want to miss 🙂

Lindy x

 

 

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