Runderella

Journey through my love for running and everything in between

Don’t Call it a Comeback…

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…I’ve been here for years. I’m corny, I know. 🙂

Today marks the beginning of my return to running after obtaining clearance from my physical therapist. Since I have not run since November 2016, I will be following Jeff Galloway’s beginner 5K program. Using a run/walk program is a great way to build a training base while reducing the risk of injury.

Jeff Galloway’s 5K program runs 15 weeks and in order to keep me motivated, I’ve registered for the Rescue Run 5K, which occurs at the end of the 15 weeks. Talk about perfect timing, eh? This run benefits The Monster Milers, a shelter dog running and rescue organization in Philadelphia. I’m also excited because it is my first run as a Oiselle VolĂ©e runner, a wonderful and supportive community of women.

Plans for this week: (Per Jeff Galloway’s Program)

Monday – Walk or XT

Tuesday – Run 10-15 minutes

Wednesday – Walk or XT

Thursday – Run 10-15 minutes

Friday – Walk or XT

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – 1 mile

My XT usually involves taking a class on my Peloton Bike or swim at the gym pool. Stretching/yoga is part of my daily routine, which will aid in my return to running, as well as the recovery process.

Week 1, here I come. Follow my daily journey on Instagram.

Have a great week, and if you’re in the middle of a heat wave (as we are in PA), stay cool.

Philadelphia Half Marathon: Race Recap

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Better late than never, I’m back blogging and I want to share my experience at the 2015 Philadelphia Half Marathon.

It’s usually a 20 minute drive to the start line from my house and due to the pre-race jitters, I leave really early so I can park in my go-to garage and relax with my bagel and coffee. Although some people expressed disappointment with the length of the security lines, having walked through at 6:30, I experienced no issues whatsoever.

Having lost a few weeks due to IT Band issues during the summer months, I didn’t feel good about aiming for a PR in this race, therefore I moved back to the penultimate corral and set a goal to just have a good time. Coach Kristy recommended I take it easy during the first half, and if feeling okay, give it all I’ve got during the latter half.

Waiting at the corral was probably the worst part. Most of it was my damn fault – I didn’t dress properly for the temperature. I wore a short sleeved tech shirt and my Lululemon capris. Race morning temperatures were scheduled to be in the 40’s, but the wind was brutal, therefore with the wind chill, it felt like they were more in the 30’s. The race started a bit late and waiting in the cold just stiffened my body. My body was in so much pain before I even started and I contemplated leaving. A runner standing in front of me saw me shivering and offered me his space blanket, but once I saw he was wearing shorts and a sleeveless top, I politely declined.

First three miles were really crowded and I couldn’t slow down to maintain the pace Coach Kristy suggested for the first half, which was 11:50/mm. I was averaging 10:30/mm pace and even then I was pushed by a girl who seemed upset she couldn’t get by due to the crowded course. While I do understand her frustration, some runners went up on the sidewalk, an option she had and chose not to take, instead she pushed runners around. From what I witnessed, I wasn’t the only one.

There was a headwind that followed us throughout the course. The sun peeked between the clouds, yet the cold didn’t deter Philadelphians from coming out and supporting runners on the course. The city was awake and alive, one of my favorite things of running in my city. The screaming and cheering is music to my ears!

I kept my usual tried-and-true routine of fueling every 5K with gel (used Carb Boom Energy Gel) and hydrated frequently. I was still feeling pain in my joints from the cold wind, so aside from that, I was feeling okay for the most part. The hill past the Philadelphia Zoo, (you Philly runners know what I’m talking about) nearly killed me. It’s a steep hill and just downright mean. There’s nothing sweet about Sweetbriar Road. I walked the entire hill in order to avoid depleting glycogen stores. In fact, most of the runners I saw were actually walking it.

Elevation Chart for Philadelphia Half Marathon

Reached the top and started to run again when tummy issues decided to strike. Past the Please Touch Museum was a fuel station which happened to have no gels, and I knew I’d be in trouble since I only carried two gels with me. Mile 10 was a beautiful downhill and at the start of 11, we were greeted by people dressed in costumes, dancing and cheering on. That was probably the highlight of my day! I was feeling tired and upon reaching mile 12, I looked at my Garmin and saw that my time was 2:27 and I knew I wasn’t going to PR.

Mile 13 is a slight uphill and I just gave it everything that I had in me. I crossed the finish line in 2:38; my goal was 2:35.

Running the Philadelphia Half is probably one of my favorite races, aside from the Broad Street Run. The medal is absolutely perfect, too! Many thanks to Coach Kristy at Run the Long Road Coaching for her guidance.

I’ve taken some time off to relax and take a break from training. I’ve spent time reading, spending time with family and friends and my pets but now I’m ready to get back into running and cross-training.

I have a giveaway coming up for the New Year, so stay tuned because it’s a pretty cool one 🙂

Hope you’re all doing well.

Lindy xx

2015 Broad Street Run Race Recap

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The 36th Blue Cross Broad Street Run was this past weekend (always on the first Sunday in May) and I had an awesome time!

Went to the Expo on Saturday afternoon and it was very well organized, and an in-and-out experience. Upon entering the doors, you were met with the wonderful people from clothes-pin, a non-profit organization clothing those in need. Runners could donate their used running shoes and there were hundreds of shoes stacked everywhere.

Donated running shoes

Donated running shoes

This year, the race start time was moved to 8 AM, a half hour earlier, which was nice. Left my house at 6 AM and there was no traffic and no issues getting to the stadiums to park. Because I left later (last two BSRs I left at 5:30), everyone was cramming into the subway to get to the start line. There should have been more express trains to the start, but the trains stopped at every stop picking up people. It was so unsafely cramped.

It was a cool 54 degrees at the start and I wore long sleeves (stupid!), knowing the high temperature would be in the 80’s.

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Met up with fellow nurses at the yellow corral and finally crossed the start at 8:45.

Ready to Go!

Ready to Go!

We couldn’t have asked for better weather, but of course, I was overdressed and dehydrated.

Mile 1 was fast and crowded. 11:06 – not a good pace as I was supposed to run no faster than a 12:00-minute mile.

Mile 2 and I need some freaking water. Good thing there was a water stop at mile 2.2 where I downed 2 cups of water. Pace: 11:26

Mile 3 and there’s a slight uphill but I stopped to take pictures since at the top of the hill you can see the runners all the way down to City Hall. Pace 12:42

Around mile 3

Around mile 3

Miles 4 and 5 and I saw runners walk into stores to buy water. I regret not making that decision. I felt so darn dehydrated! Pace: 12:07 and 12:09. (Starting a backwards trend here and not a negative split one *sigh*)

Mile 5 is past Spring Garden Street. Everyone was stopping to take selfies in front of City Hall, I just stopped to take a pic of it.

Philadelphia's City Hall from mile 5.5

Philadelphia’s City Hall from around mile 5.5

Once you pass Spring Garden, that’s when the crowds get wild. Bands were playing, people were cheering and screaming, and it was so much fun seeing all the signs people held and I couldn’t stop laughing. I was soaking it all in…I love running in my city!

Miles 6,7,8 – Pace: 11:59, 12:07, 12:23. I swear, next time I run a race, I’m putting my phone on airplane mode. I stopped to text people who were asking, “Where are you?”, “What mile?”, “Which side of Broad Street?” Grrrr….not doing that again!!!!

My sissy, her boyfriend and her dog Harley met me at mile 9. It was nice to see them there. Pace: 12:09.

Last mile, and I was feeling confident and strong. Pace: 11:46.

Thankfully, this year, it was better organized at the finish than last year. Grabbed food bag, water, and my medal, and although this was a training run for Brooklyn Half, I was a bit disappointed with my finish time. I’m sure if I hadn’t stopped for pics or answer texts, it wouldn’t have been an issue. Aside from going all out in that first mile, I kept my pace and I finished strong despite how warm the temperature was.

An hour to get out of the parking lot was beyond ridiculous! I turned off my car and didn’t move for 45 minutes!

Replenishing with Harley in Manayunk

Replenishing with Harley in Manayunk

 

The Fabulous Finisher's Bling

The Fabulous Finisher’s Bling

 

Overall, I had a great time. Broad Street Run continues to be my favorite race and one that I hope to never miss.

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Many thanks to my coach Kristy from Run the Long Road Coaching for her guidance during training as well as for the check-in messages.

Do you have a favorite race? If so, tell me about it.

Lindy x

Hot Chocolate 5K Philadelphia – 2015 Recap

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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.

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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.

Will Run for Chocolate! Philadelphia’s Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Ambassador

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Sweet News:

RAM Racing contacted me this week about becoming an ambassador for Philadelphia’s Hot Chocolate 15K/5K run, which will take place on Saturday, April 4th, 2015. I had such a wonderful time last year with my sister and our friends (it was their first 5K!) and we decided to participate once again, so these news made me quite excited 🙂

 

HC Blogger

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Ambassador

 

Needless to say, I accepted.

The race:

Known as America’s Sweetest Race, the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race series was established in 2008, having its inaugural race in the lovely city of Chicago. Each Hot Chocolate race features a 15K (9.3 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles) race and it is perfect for both runners and walkers. Each participant receives a goodie bag filled containing a full-zip hoodie that is fleece-lined (they’re so comfy!) and if you use code RunderellaHat when registering online, you’ll also receive a Hot Chocolate Hat to go with your hoodie! Hint: Women’s hoodies tend to run a bit small, so size up.

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2015 Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Race Hoodie (Fleece-Lined!)

 

The Expo:

The Expo for Philadelphia’s Hot Chocolate 15K/5K will take place on Thursday, April 2nd from noon to 6 pm; and Friday, April 3rd from 10 AM to 7 pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located at 1101 Arch Street, Hall G, Philadelphia, PA.

Due to the volume of runners participating in the Hot Chocolate Races, there will be NO race-day bib/packet pick-up. If you can’t attend the expo, you may have a family member or a friend pick it up for you as long as they have a copy of your confirmation email (limited to five packet pick-ups per person).

Post-Race Party:

Once you cross the finish line, you’ll receive your medal (if you’ve registered and completed the 15K) and have access to the chocolate tent, where you’ll receive your finisher’s mug (there’s a ticket attached to your bib, so don’t rip that off). The finisher’s mug has a cup of hot cocoa, chocolate fondue, a banana, graham crackers, marshmallows and pretzels to dip in the chocolate fondue. It is a chocolate heaven! There are several stations where you can take pics with the inflatable Hot Chocolate characters. Dance to rocking’ music and celebrate your accomplishment.

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New for 2015 – 15K finisher’s medal for every city!

 

Other tidbits:

Gear Check is available to all participants from 6:30-11 AM and start times for the 5K will be at 7:15 AM; 15K Start Time will be 8:00 AM. It is a wave start, with corrals crossing the start line approximately 5 minutes apart. Last year was well-organized and there were assigned people checking bibs to ensure people were in the proper corral.

Forgot Gear? They have tents set up in Eakins Oval where you can buy last-minute race merchandise such as gloves, winter beanies and sweaters. Last year was windy, and I ended up buying gloves.

Bring your kids! There is a Kid Zone complete with a bounce house and games. So everyone regardless of age can enjoy the day.

Pictures and Video:

From their website: New in 2015! We’ll capture you in high-resolution shots, and track those shots using your unique bib number. After the race, each registrant will be emailed free pictures and videos of themselves at the race. Share it on Facebook, tweet it, or download it and print it out.

So don’t miss out on the fun! Here’s my recap from the 2014 Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Philadelphia Race.

Register for any of their races at www.hotchocolate15k.com. Don’t forget to use code RunderellaHat to get your FREE hat at the Expo! The registration code isn’t limited to Philadelphia participants, so feel free to use it for any Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race.

Be sure to follow Hot Chocolate 15K/5K on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for up-to-date info on race in your city as well as upcoming races.

Hope to see you there.

Lindy x

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.

Love my city!!! #lovepark #philadelphia #rnrPhilly

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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!

8th half-marathon is on the books! #rnrphilly #sparklysoul

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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