tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53935647435780175282024-02-19T14:34:11.578-05:00Loving LifeLoving life through running, biking, blogging, and being a mom & wife!Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-54257541898846175182018-02-07T16:00:00.003-05:002018-02-08T20:20:51.195-05:00Best Damn Race 10K 2018<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-s3njYc0cY/Uvu2D6L1qiI/AAAAAAAAC6E/Wexbm4SfLw8NgYIjLhFTT8PqSHO7SVAgQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="158" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-s3njYc0cY/Uvu2D6L1qiI/AAAAAAAAC6E/Wexbm4SfLw8NgYIjLhFTT8PqSHO7SVAgQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite local races is the Best Damn Race Safety Harbor 10K. It was held on February 4, 2018 this year. Don't be fooled into thinking Florida is flat. I never knew the hills of Safety Harbor existed until I started running the Best Damn Race. Have I mentioned that I hate hills.<br />
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On race morning it was about 55° and windy. The 10K distance of 6.2 miles was perfect since I was still training for the Donna Marathon.<br />
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My plan was an easy pace run with no PR in sight. You've probably heard that from me before but this time I was serious. My IT band was still bothering me causing pain on the outside of my left knee. My marathon was the following weekend and I didn't want to run in pain.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ypIh99pP2c/WntnoDwFQcI/AAAAAAAAPek/UqQwQiogZ5YWe62k1DAUW-dB0AW4pGHFACLcBGAs/s1600/1e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Damn Race" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1324" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ypIh99pP2c/WntnoDwFQcI/AAAAAAAAPek/UqQwQiogZ5YWe62k1DAUW-dB0AW4pGHFACLcBGAs/s640/1e.jpg" title="Best Damn Race" width="528" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjEgxqen2Pg/WntiaTtxO8I/AAAAAAAAPdw/_rFL0WDLv0Yambvi4f75GyQE2pFCauUOwCLcBGAs/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Damn Race" border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="430" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjEgxqen2Pg/WntiaTtxO8I/AAAAAAAAPdw/_rFL0WDLv0Yambvi4f75GyQE2pFCauUOwCLcBGAs/s640/1a.jpg" title="Best Damn Race" width="568" /></a></div>
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It was so nice to just run and not worry about pace. I even made myself slow down when I realized my pace was too fast for an "easy" run. The next 2 pictures are the final .10 of the race to the finish line. My fellow Strider friends cheered me on and yelled for me to GO and finish strong. I told them this was a training run where I was taking it easy and NOT sprinting to the finish line.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiZ4juVjKEo/WntorslXJlI/AAAAAAAAPew/RRryXvEJTj85xpzYxGadrDy8QDjBFilewCLcBGAs/s1600/2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Damn Race" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1260" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiZ4juVjKEo/WntorslXJlI/AAAAAAAAPew/RRryXvEJTj85xpzYxGadrDy8QDjBFilewCLcBGAs/s640/2e.jpg" title="Best Damn Race" width="502" /></a></div>
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I finished with a smile on my face, not a care in the world for my time and no pain. That's a win for me!<br />
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Age group: 42/158</div>
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Gender: 261/880</div>
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Overall: 485/1264</div>
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Avg pace: 9:57 min/mile</div>
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<b>Chip time: 1:01:48</b><br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-58316702638398236732018-02-07T15:24:00.002-05:002018-02-08T20:21:28.463-05:00Walt Disney World Marathon 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRDXFFnYXkY/WnsR23iwvkI/AAAAAAAAPbE/3-5du6Xqs9ka5t8FfKgyC60skIVQHR7bACLcBGAs/s1600/Disney-Marathon-Logo-300x283.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="300" height="188" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRDXFFnYXkY/WnsR23iwvkI/AAAAAAAAPbE/3-5du6Xqs9ka5t8FfKgyC60skIVQHR7bACLcBGAs/s200/Disney-Marathon-Logo-300x283.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Oh Disney Marathon....<br />
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This was my <a href="https://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2013/01/disney-marathon_23.html">first marathon</a> 5 years ago at the 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon. I ran the Disney marathon again the following year and alleged that I would not run Disney again.<br />
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Fast forward 5 years and I ran it again. I'm training for the Donna Marathon in February so when the opportunity came up to run the 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon, I took it. I joined my good friend and running buddy Tara for 26.2 magical/miserable miles.<br />
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On the up side, the Disney Expo was fun as usual with lots to see and shop. We even got airbrush Minnie Mouse tattoos.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tara, Rudy and I</td></tr>
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The Disney Marathon started dark and early at 5:30 am with a temperature of 43°. We hit traffic on the way to the Epcot start area because of a broken down bus. We finally got parked but by the time we walked all the way to the start corrals, the race had begun with corrals A and B already gone. Rudy was in B so he hustled up close to the front. Tara and I thought we joined corral C but we were actually in the back of D. Tara and I ran together for about the first 3 miles, dodging people as we tried to get around slower runners. I still had the goal of finishing under 4:30 but if it didn't happen, I had Donna in flat Jacksonville in a month.</div>
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There was so much construction going on at and around the Disney parks this year. I felt they didn't have as many characters out or fun entertainment as past years. I usually hit my wall around mile 16 but during this race, I felt great...until mile 20. At 20, I was ready to be done. I could feel my tight, left hamstring. But, I only had 6.2 more miles left to go and if I could keep a decent pace, I would be very close to a PR. So I started telling myself, don't let the first 20 miles be a waste and blow it in the last 6.2...you worked so hard in the first 20, finish strong with the time you want!</div>
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I pushed myself through the last couple of miles with Epcot being the hardest because of its stupid little bridges between each country. I hate those little bridges! I willed my legs to keep moving forward toward the finish line.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the finish line and finally done!</td></tr>
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It hurt to walk after my finish. My quads were on fire, hamstrings tight and left IT band screaming for attention.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Tara</td></tr>
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I did it! I finally finished a marathon under 4:30 with a time of 4:29:09!!! I'll take it!<br />
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I dislike the Disney Marathon for many reasons, one of them being the course length, which is always long...almost a half mile too long this year. But I did finish, earning my medal and mouse ears.<br />
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Age place: 108/1661</div>
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Gender place: 850/10763</div>
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Over all place: 2835/20025</div>
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Avg pace: 10:16 min/mile (course was long 26.63 so actual avg pace was 10:06)</div>
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<b>Chip time: 4:29:09</b><br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-3875062979491237732018-02-07T09:33:00.003-05:002018-02-08T20:22:28.527-05:00Strawberry Classic 10K 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwwqrrZV_NE/WnsGjDKHyCI/AAAAAAAAPaM/MVHAGu-1SREVOuKXmiAzjYG9zqZS2w7hwCLcBGAs/s1600/sctt17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwwqrrZV_NE/WnsGjDKHyCI/AAAAAAAAPaM/MVHAGu-1SREVOuKXmiAzjYG9zqZS2w7hwCLcBGAs/s200/sctt17.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This is a fun but hilly little race in Temple Terrace, Florida. I've raced this one a couple of times choosing the 10K distance. I love the quarts of fresh strawberries that racers get to take home. This race is also directed by a Strider. This year the race took place on March 25, 2017.<br />
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I really didn't have any expectations going into this race because the hills are killers and not included in my training. I had just PRed at Best Damn Race the month before so I was ok with just finishing.<br />
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It was a cool 55° on race morning. I enjoy meeting up with my fellow Suncoast Striders for pictures and pre-race camaraderie. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRzNMTov_5s/WnsLnNXLNfI/AAAAAAAAPac/GyOGs-pJjLovhF-xhKzUoOzom0NDjxYtQCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Strawberry Classic" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRzNMTov_5s/WnsLnNXLNfI/AAAAAAAAPac/GyOGs-pJjLovhF-xhKzUoOzom0NDjxYtQCLcBGAs/s640/1.jpg" title="Strawberry Classic" width="640" /></a></div>
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I caught up with fellow Strider David with about a mile and a half left to go. The hills were as awful as I remembered and I was loosing steam. He gave me the final push to get up the last hill to the finish line. The finish line is actually at the top of an incline. I hate hills!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWknCZF4h8c/WnsLnI1YZaI/AAAAAAAAPag/izNXnQp-YZ4tFq7OfakUBrWa3-il9WZRwCLcBGAs/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Strawberry Classic" border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="401" height="466" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWknCZF4h8c/WnsLnI1YZaI/AAAAAAAAPag/izNXnQp-YZ4tFq7OfakUBrWa3-il9WZRwCLcBGAs/s640/3.jpg" title="Strawberry Classic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David and I running to the finish</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strider ladies got it done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course I need a strawberry head picture!</td></tr>
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I managed to pull off a new PR of 54:01. Now to get under 54. haha!</div>
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Age place: 4/20</div>
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Gender place: 28/148</div>
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Overall: 80/249</div>
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Avg pace: 8:42</div>
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<b>Chip time: 54:01</b><br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-51784794146300754822018-02-07T08:34:00.001-05:002018-03-07T15:47:02.987-05:00Robbie's Run 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hFWHNh_Gtc/Wnr5eY3R1EI/AAAAAAAAPZc/p3oZZNbg7RkiLVJ-FoRm7WmO4DGCPEUiACLcBGAs/s1600/robbiesrun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="1419" height="198" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hFWHNh_Gtc/Wnr5eY3R1EI/AAAAAAAAPZc/p3oZZNbg7RkiLVJ-FoRm7WmO4DGCPEUiACLcBGAs/s200/robbiesrun.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Robbie's Run is a great little 5K to benefit Word of Life Youth Camp scholarship fund and directed by a fellow Strider. This was my third year running Robbie's Run. I was able to talk Jared into running the 5K this year! I love when my boys come to run with me. Jared may have been swayed by the all you can eat pancake breakfast after the race.<br />
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April 1, 2017 was a cool morning by Florida standards at 57°. Perfect temperature for a 5K!<br />
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Jared was working out with his wrestling team but not really running. I knew he could beat me because he's young and fast. He teased our friend Jackie about wanting to beat her even though he wasn't a runner and she runs weekly. The competition was on!<br />
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The Robbie's Run 5K course took us out and back through the Word of Life grounds.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_6G26OJ3io/Wnr882xpLDI/AAAAAAAAPZs/zC_PxqqFSK0-VQOu9lrVfEG0Wv6edP2ngCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Robbie's Run" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_6G26OJ3io/Wnr882xpLDI/AAAAAAAAPZs/zC_PxqqFSK0-VQOu9lrVfEG0Wv6edP2ngCLcBGAs/s640/2.jpg" title="Robbie's Run" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Jackie and TaraV</td></tr>
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I won 3rd place in my age group!! This was the only age category where Striders took home 1st, 2nd and 3rd place wins. Jackie took 2nd place and was victorious over Jared. He tried his best and really pushed himself towards the end. Maybe next year.<br />
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Age place: 3/21<br />
Gender place: 21/163<br />
Overall place: 63/294<br />
Avg pace: 8:16<br />
<b>Chip time: 25:41</b><br />
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<br />Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-62349636484649576712018-01-11T18:13:00.003-05:002018-02-08T20:24:42.489-05:00Best Damn Race 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Best Damn Race Safety Harbor February 4, 2017! This is a great local race with amazing food and drinks at the after party. I like the 10K distance best because according to this Florida girl, Best Damn Race Safety Harbor is a Hilly course. That's Hilly with a capital H!<br />
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It was a beautiful, cool February morning. I had no real time goal but a PR is always in the back of my mind.<br />
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I love the awesome race photos that Best Damn Race gives runners for FREE! Although this year, some were taken from a ground position and quite unflattering. Running legs...yikes!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us ringing the PR BELL!</td></tr>
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I PRed and so did my friends Christine and Tara! We all got to ring the PR bell!<br />
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Age place: 22/164<br />
Gender place: 124/969<br />
Overall place: 273/1357<br />
Avg Pace: 8:50<br />
<b>Chip time: 54:53</b><br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-66702269938108647742018-01-11T17:49:00.003-05:002018-02-08T20:26:08.061-05:00Celebration Half Marathon 2017<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="198" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEJldYHmp78/Wlfi1yHC4II/AAAAAAAAO0E/GMr85LhwV6U1rYDrzIDiUBzZ3eE8omdRgCLcBGAs/s1600/celebration.png" />This was my first year running the Celebration Half Marathon in Celebration, Florida. It's a small, relatively local race just south of Orlando. Since it was held on January 29, 2017, we hoped for cool weather. I was still trying for an under 2 hour half marathon so I decided to stick with the 2 hour pace group. This would be my first pace group experience. I went to Celebration with two of my friends, Christine and Suzanne. At packet pick, they had a very small expo but a fun photo booth.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-An5C7uKxmY0/WlfhBqbQ--I/AAAAAAAAOzg/crAkAvDkz3oGK7acI-qZ6SADCPlmHL5pgCLcBGAs/s1600/img_0602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-An5C7uKxmY0/WlfhBqbQ--I/AAAAAAAAOzg/crAkAvDkz3oGK7acI-qZ6SADCPlmHL5pgCLcBGAs/s640/img_0602.jpg" title="Celebration Half Marathon" width="640" /></a></div>
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Race morning was cold and rainy. We were warned about the wooden boardwalks along the course that would inevitably be slippery in the rain. We got to the start corral just as the national anthem was sung and BOOM, the race started. I hesitated starting because my running watch was still searching for the GPS signal but my 2 hour pace group was taking off. I crossed the start line, starting my watch shortly after once it found the satellite. Not a great way to start my race. </div>
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The pace group was pretty awesome! It kept me on track when I might have normally slowed down at the end of 13 miles. The multiple (yea like 6!) boardwalks were wet and slippery so we slowed the pace down, having to compensate during other portions of the race.</div>
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Towards the end of the race I noticed our pace group would finish very close to 2 hours or slightly over. I mentioned to our pacer I was trying to finish under 2 hours. Another lady with us also wanted under 2. Our pacer was familiar with the course and told us where we needed to take off and finish strong to meet our goals.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oD91QSc76s4/WlfhBQMixGI/AAAAAAAAOzc/sXIeNALg74IN6fJRDSKjSCgqJgUuvnhWgCLcBGAs/s1600/celebration2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Celebration Half Marathon" border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="553" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oD91QSc76s4/WlfhBQMixGI/AAAAAAAAOzc/sXIeNALg74IN6fJRDSKjSCgqJgUuvnhWgCLcBGAs/s640/celebration2.jpg" title="Celebration Half Marathon" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fellow pace group runner trying for under 2 hour finish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vc-YCcI8wOM/WlfhAxAKcQI/AAAAAAAAOzQ/tWbr-VeezisaYXEqNObF_2hqNC2jYkWCwCLcBGAs/s1600/16387900_1082093041920168_6833333060839364778_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Celebration Half Marathon" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vc-YCcI8wOM/WlfhAxAKcQI/AAAAAAAAOzQ/tWbr-VeezisaYXEqNObF_2hqNC2jYkWCwCLcBGAs/s640/16387900_1082093041920168_6833333060839364778_n.jpg" title="Celebration Half Marathon" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love having my Striders cheering at the end</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final turn to the finish</td></tr>
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I did it!! I finally finished a half marathon under 2 hours!!<br />
It was still raining and freezing afterwards so we didn't stay long at the after party. They did have free beer.<br />
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Age place: 29/208<br />
Gender place: 137/1184<br />
Overall place: 367/1795<br />
Avg pace: 9:09<br />
<b>Chip time: 1:59:45</b><br />
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<br />Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-11665020968584058312017-01-12T12:40:00.002-05:002017-12-24T11:03:10.055-05:00New York City Marathon 2016 Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BckX_WFdUdc/WHeU3RXPHMI/AAAAAAAAMlc/cBBnvnufOt0uetOrm1CnM_kgvJg8sdnhwCLcB/s1600/nyc.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BckX_WFdUdc/WHeU3RXPHMI/AAAAAAAAMlc/cBBnvnufOt0uetOrm1CnM_kgvJg8sdnhwCLcB/s200/nyc.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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The New York City Marathon was on my bucket list the past couple of years. To gain entrance into the marathon, I either had to time qualify (probably never going to happen for me) or get selected through the lottery. After 4 years of applying, I finally won the lottery for the 2016 NYC Marathon! Only about 15% of applicants are chosen in the lottery each year. I was excited to finally run the 5 boroughs of NYC! Two of my running buddies, Tara and Carly, were also lottery accepted to the 2016 NYC Marathon.<br />
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After months of training, I was on my way to NYC with my friend Carly (Mike and I were just in NYC 3 weeks earlier so he stayed home with our boys and pets). We got to the city on Thursday so we had plenty of time to visit the expo and sight see before the marathon on Sunday, November 6. Even though we were supposed to take it easy on the days leading up to the marathon, we walked over 26.2 miles in those 3 days. It was NYC, how could we not?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lunPpt90cK4/WHeZ7aiqz9I/AAAAAAAAMls/ahIXqQ7Z0e8yBPMkWqsBtbei63Mq4mIOwCKgB/s1600/IMG_20161103_170706784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="New York City Marathon" border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lunPpt90cK4/WHeZ7aiqz9I/AAAAAAAAMls/ahIXqQ7Z0e8yBPMkWqsBtbei63Mq4mIOwCKgB/s640/IMG_20161103_170706784.jpg" title="New York City Marathon" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Carly at the expo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conquering Central Park</td></tr>
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The NYC marathon was a late start race and our corral was not scheduled until 10:15 am. The marathon provided free transportation to the start line on Staten Island. Carly and I chose to take the 7:30 am Staten Island Ferry so we wouldn't have to wait around in the cold for too long before the race began. The ferry ride was flawless. I stayed inside so I didn't get sea sick and Carly got to see the Statue of Liberty on the way. Unfortunately, the bus ride from the ferry to the start line took much longer than predicted and I started to feel the stress of race morning. Once in the start village, we scrambled to find our friend Tara, get in the correct corral and use a porta-potty. We ended up at the back of our corral but no big deal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Carly and Tara with the Verrazano Bridge in the background</td></tr>
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If you've read my other race recaps, you know I usually have some race goal even if I tell myself I don't. People told me NYC was not a marathon to PR because of all the bridges/hills and I should just enjoy the atmosphere. I was good with that and told myself I would run comfortably with a goal of under 5 hours (my marathon PR was in <a href="https://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2014/11/chicago-marathon-recap-2014.html" target="_blank">Chicago at 4:34</a> where I hoped for under 4:30).<br />
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The weather was perfect in the mid 50s for our 10:20 am start. We started on the bottom of the Verrazano Bridge where it was windy and very cold without the sunshine. That bridge was almost a mile and a half long (let's keep a bridge tally - bridge #1)! One borough down with four to go...on to Brooklyn. I spent the next 11+ miles running through the hilly streets of Brooklyn. The people there were amazing, lining the streets and cheering on the runners. I loved that the race had large water stops at every mile. Those water stops helped the miles fly by because every time I saw another water stop, I couldn't believe I'd finished another mile!<br />
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After Brooklyn and 13 miles done, we popped into Queens for about a 1.5 miles (bridge #2). People there were happy to see us runners and glad we had finally left Brooklyn. Next, we traversed the Queensboro Bridge (bridge #3). This mile long bridge was by far the worst of the bunch for me. It felt like a never-ending uphill climb. I admit that I walked some of that bridge. At one point, I felt like it peaked and leveled out so I started running again but nope I was still climbing. UGH! It didn't help that I was on that bridge for mile 15 when I usually hit my wall at mile 16.<br />
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Once off the dreadful Queensboro Bridge, I was in Manhattan on 1st Ave where the energy was crazy! I remember a gentle but uphill climb somewhere in those 3.5 miles on 1st Ave. I tried to run comfortable and not watch my pace during this race but those uphills made comfort impractical. The course moved us through Manhattan into the Bronx (bridge #4) for a mile and then back to Manhattan's 5th Ave (bridge #5).<br />
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21 miles done and 5th Ave felt like another never-ending uphill climb that wasn't steep but steady...for miles and miles. Ok, maybe 1.5 - 2 miles....I'm from flat Florida where it is hard to train miles of steady inclines. We have bridges in Clearwater but they're short and steep. Let's take a look at the course's elevation below. Do you see what my last 30 minutes of the marathon were like?!<br />
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For mile 23, I ran next to Central Park but at this point, my focus was straight ahead and not on the sights around me. At mile 24, we turned into Central Park, not getting the down from the mountain we just scaled. At some point along 5th Ave, I realized I might actually PR but those inclines were a bitch so I still stopped for water with only 2 miles left to go. My awesome cousin was waiting near mile 25 in Central Park.<br />
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With 1 mile left to go, I knew I would PR but didn't think I'd get under 4:30 (my ultimate marathon goal). I kept trucking along and even stepped in a mud puddle to get around someone slower. I was shuffling at the end because my quads were on fire/numb/dead to me and I was running uphill again! I was so ready to be done! I did PR, wahoo!! But missed my under 4:30 by 2 seconds. I didn't know I was that close at the finish. Aaahh!<br />
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Age Place: 1221/3422<br />
Gender Place: 7820/21457<br />
Overall Place: 25073/51388<br />
5K: 31:56<br />
10K: 1:02:59<br />
15K: 1:34:34<br />
13.1: 2:12:51<br />
Avg Pace: 10:18<br />
<b>Finish Time: 4:30:01</b> Really!! 1 second over!<br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-68750781107597700502016-07-29T12:30:00.004-04:002017-12-24T11:03:21.738-05:00RunningSkirts Ambassador and New York City MarathonI'm very excited to announce that I was selected as a <a href="http://store.runningskirts.com/?cmid=MDoyOjIwZjg3YmU0NzE4MmRjMjc6Y3d5bWRReFFBMWFQaEd2VHpGLzdnZz09&afid=MDoyOjFlM2RhNWU2ODhmZmVmM2Y6RDlmNlpOZkNuMVNKS251N2xGNVFnQT09&ats=MDoyOjY0MDJlNDZhNDg0YWE5ZWQ6NUtXS0JRZTlLSldwem82dVJkN0hCQT09" target="_blank">RunningSkirts</a> Ambassador! I train exclusively in the RunningSkirts Athletic skirt and also wear them regularly in races. The athletic skirt has attached compression shorts that don't ride up and 2 pockets for storing keys or gels. I have a bit of an obsession with the adorable skirt patterns! I'm thrilled to officially represent them as an ambassador.<br />
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My other exciting news is that I won the lottery for the New York City Marathon! Woot! Woot! The New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the WORLD. This was my 4th year applying through the lottery system. Lottery applicants have about a 15% chance to gain entrance to the NYC Marathon. I'm finally in this year! The NYC Marathon is on November 6, 2016 and will be my 6th marathon. I can't wait to run through the 5 boroughs of New York City with 50,000 other runners!<br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-71801114151614039692016-04-19T14:04:00.004-04:002017-12-24T11:03:33.228-05:00Gasparilla 15K 2016 Recap<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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Gasparilla is a huge event for the Tampa Bay area including a pirate invasion and multiple parades. All of the different distance races are packed with runners and walkers. The expo is a must shop with great deals to be found!<br />
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Gasparilla was my first race ever back in <a href="http://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2009/03/gasparilla-5k.html">2009</a> and I've completed a Gasparilla race every year since then. But a lot has changed since that first 5K where I wore a cotton tank and short. Yes, cotton!!<br />
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This year I was back for the 15K on Saturday, February 20, 2016. I met up with my running group for pre-race photos. By the way, for all the new runners out there, a running group or people to run with makes all the difference on your running journey!<br />
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It was around 60 degrees and humid at our 6:45 am start. I was still dealing with heel pain so I wasn't too concerned with time (I always say that but I am competitive with myself). This year I was definitely stopping for a donut that they hand out around the 5 mile mark.<br />
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My race was uneventful so I kept running as the sun rose and so did the temperature. Spectators handed out beads that I didn't accept because I knew they would drive me crazy as I ran. I did not stop for a donut around the 5 mile mark because I did want to finish with a decent time and not throw up said donut on the course. I loved hearing the cheers of my running group paparazzi.<br />
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When I finished, my heel hurt and my calves were on fire! But I finished and under 1:30 (my "I don't care about my time" goal). This year's time was only about a minute and half slower than last year's PR, so not too shabby.<br />
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I chose the 15K the last couple of years because my sister and parents usually ran the 5K that same day and I like to see and cheer them on.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom, my sister, me, my cousin</td></tr>
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Another race finished and medal earned!<br />
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Age Div: 101/537<br />
Gender Div: 688/3225<br />
Overall Div: 1760/5521<br />
Avg pace: 9:19<br />
Halfway Split: 42:56<br />
Gun time: 1:27:33<br />
<b>Chip time: 1:26:56</b><br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-19332976094733457512016-04-19T12:27:00.002-04:002017-12-24T11:03:43.029-05:00Best Damn Race 10K 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-s3njYc0cY/Uvu2D6L1qiI/AAAAAAAAC6E/Af9jroxcd9QDGn4gaYfwsmDYhpFAM2FFgCKgB/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-s3njYc0cY/Uvu2D6L1qiI/AAAAAAAAC6E/Af9jroxcd9QDGn4gaYfwsmDYhpFAM2FFgCKgB/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>
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This race is in early February each year, falling on February 6, 2016 this year. Fortunately for us Floridians, the weather was cool and gorgeous, making it perfect for running! You never really know what the weather will bring in a Florida February.<br />
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I ran the 10K distance this year along the hilly course. They said the course was flat but compared to Pasco County flat, the Safety Harbor hills are like mountains. I found that out the hard way two years ago when I ran the <a href="http://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2014/02/best-damn-race-recap-2014.html" target="">half marathon</a>. So at a pre-race dinner with friends, I told one of my friends, Christine, that it wasn't flat but there was really just one BIG hill.<br />
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It was a chilly 48 degrees at our 6:45 am start. I wore the throw away jacket that I bought from Goodwill, that I didn't use at Savannah or Space Coast. Of course I still had my <a href="https://store.runningskirts.com/?cmid=MDoyOjIwZjg3YmU0NzE4MmRjMjc6Y3d5bWRReFFBMWFQaEd2VHpGLzdnZz09&afid=MDoyOjFlM2RhNWU2ODhmZmVmM2Y6RDlmNlpOZkNuMVNKS251N2xGNVFnQT09&ats=MDoyOjY0MDJlNDZhNDg0YWE5ZWQ6NUtXS0JRZTlLSldwem82dVJkN0hCQT09" target="_blank">RunningSkirt</a> on. The Best Damn Race Safety Harbor course took us along the waters of Safety Harbor and Old Tampa Bay giving breathtaking views and an amazing sunrise.<br />
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The first hill came just after the one mile mark. It was a steady incline up and I thought about what I told my friend Christine, because this was not the one BIG hill I mentioned. At least we got to run back down and pick up some momentum. Then we ran over another hill and another. I thought to myself "Good grief, I forgot how many hills were on this course! Poor Christine probably thinks each one is the big one I told her about."<br />
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I'm not sure if I was running, flying or coming in for a hug in that picture! I kept on running, doing my best. Shortly before the 4 mile mark, I finally climbed the BIG hill I remembered. My heel was holding up with minimal pain so I tried to finish strong even though I knew I wouldn't beat last year's PR.<br />
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I finished and was happy with my time! I was only 1 minute 13 seconds slower than last year when I was training much more. This year I had heel issues, no speed training and extra pounds.<br />
I love that Best Damn Race gave it's racers FREE race photos!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine and I</td></tr>
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One of the best parts of the Best Damn Race was the free drinks after the race! They had beer, hard root beer, bloody mary's, and screwdrivers. They also had donuts, Jimmy John's sandwiches and chicken, black beans and rice. Yum!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Age Div: 26/157<br />Gender Place: 144/888<br />Overall Place: 316/1259<br />5K Split: 28:04.9</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Avg Pace: 9:05<br />Gun time: 56:38.5<br /><b>Chip time: 56:27.5</b></span><br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-81595810849209412292016-04-06T15:51:00.000-04:002017-12-24T11:03:52.884-05:00Space Coast Half Marathon 2015 Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YeEugMSG9MM/VwVE4sBu1VI/AAAAAAAAJ9o/S8AUmKGQxDwWSMcf_AZ-eUEkLFRz0PVPQ/s1600/sc.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YeEugMSG9MM/VwVE4sBu1VI/AAAAAAAAJ9o/S8AUmKGQxDwWSMcf_AZ-eUEkLFRz0PVPQ/s200/sc.png" width="154" /></a></div>
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Oh, Space Coast.... I like this race but wish it wasn't the weekend after Thanksgiving. The 2015 Half Marathon was my 3rd year in a row at Space Coast and probably my last. I had to do this 3rd year for an extra medal as part of their Big Bang Race Series. Who could pass up an additional space shuttle medal?! Not this girl?<br />
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This race is on Sunday so I headed over to Florida's east coast on Saturday with a running friend. We visited the small and always extremely crowded race expo to pick up our bibs and race packets. I did love posing with the astronauts and funny race posters.<br />
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We were up early to get ready for our 6:00 AM race start with temperatures in the low 60s. What else can you do at 5:30 AM but take more astronaut pictures!</div>
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I still had the goal of running a half marathon under 2 hours but knew Space Coast would not be the race this year (although Space Coast 2014 is my half <a href="http://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2015/01/space-coast-half-marathon-2014-recap.html">PR of 2:02:02</a>). I was dealing with heel pain and did not train in 2015 like I had in 2014 for varies reasons including my thyroid issues at the beginning of the year. I still rocked my outfit in a <a href="http://store.runningskirts.com/?cmid=MDoyOjIwZjg3YmU0NzE4MmRjMjc6Y3d5bWRReFFBMWFQaEd2VHpGLzdnZz09&afid=MDoyOjFlM2RhNWU2ODhmZmVmM2Y6RDlmNlpOZkNuMVNKS251N2xGNVFnQT09&ats=MDoyOjY0MDJlNDZhNDg0YWE5ZWQ6NUtXS0JRZTlLSldwem82dVJkN0hCQT09" target="_blank">RunningSkirt</a> and fiery red tank. Blast off in 3, 2, 1....<br />
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I made the best of this race, stopping for water when I needed hydration. The weather warmed up quickly once the sun was up and shining with temps in the upper 70s. I actually like the out and back course for the half marathon. I ran along the Indian River with beautiful water views and nice house. This year, I rocked the last .20 miles of the paver, circular course...not stopping at the first timing mat. I was hot and sweaty though and ready to be done!<br />
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Thanks to my friend Tracy for the awesome finishing picture!!</div>
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I completed the Milky Way Challenge as part of the Big Bang Series by finishing the Space Coast Half Marathon 3 years in a row. I could go back for 2 more years to receive yet another additional medal, but I'm good.<br />
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Age division: 55/427<br />
Gender: 282/2318<br />
Overall: 595/3313<br />
5k split: 28:56<br />
10k split: 59:22<br />
15k split: 1:31:39<br />
Avg pace: 10:06<br />
Chip time: 2:12:12<br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-35091863254479085952016-04-06T15:50:00.001-04:002017-12-24T11:04:00.508-05:00Savannah Rock N Roll 2015 Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ep8h-EXqPWU/VGVxnvjSOHI/AAAAAAAAEDk/qOsNdKJnxkUM7-Oy7TFMsUHRXbJHDNiQw/s1600/Srnr.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ep8h-EXqPWU/VGVxnvjSOHI/AAAAAAAAEDk/qOsNdKJnxkUM7-Oy7TFMsUHRXbJHDNiQw/s200/Srnr.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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2015 was my second year racing the Savannah Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Savannah, GA. I had such a fun girls' weekend the year before that when 2 of my friends signed up during a super sale (I think on Black Friday 2014), I decided to join them and run it again. My 2 friends weren't really runners so I was excited to embark on the journey with them in the amazing city of Savannah.<br />
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Almost a year later, those 2 friends had to back out of the race for varies reasons so I was joined by my cousin, Kelly, and another running friend, Leah. We had fun and found great deals at the expo!<br />
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We checked into our hotel, walked around historic downtown Savannah, ate pizza for dinner and had Leopold's ice cream for dessert. How's that for a pre-race meal!!<br />
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The race started at 7:00 AM with temperatures in the mid 70s and probably 100% humidity making it feel much warmer. Our hotel was literally right in front of the start corrals making getting to the start and bathroom issues non-existent. Of course we met our running group for pictures! If you don't have pictures, it didn't happen!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eizWjWS6n70/VwVifkcSvPI/AAAAAAAAKAY/F9qckVZlgBM3H1SjQbknDnpokpkGC1INg/s1600/sv1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eizWjWS6n70/VwVifkcSvPI/AAAAAAAAKAY/F9qckVZlgBM3H1SjQbknDnpokpkGC1INg/s640/sv1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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It was pure coincidence that so many of us were wearing the same color blue, but it made for a cute picture! I wore my distance <a href="https://store.runningskirts.com/?cmid=MDoyOjIwZjg3YmU0NzE4MmRjMjc6Y3d5bWRReFFBMWFQaEd2VHpGLzdnZz09&afid=MDoyOjFlM2RhNWU2ODhmZmVmM2Y6RDlmNlpOZkNuMVNKS251N2xGNVFnQT09&ats=MDoyOjY0MDJlNDZhNDg0YWE5ZWQ6NUtXS0JRZTlLSldwem82dVJkN0hCQT09" target="_blank">RunningSkirt</a> that matched the blue and pink perfectly.<br />
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As I waited in the start corral, the air was thick with mist and moisture. As a Florida runner, I was used to hot and humid weather conditions but it was unseasonably warm for Georgia and all of the runners that traveled from the north. I was not concerned about my time for this race. It was hot, I had not been training hard and I had ongoing heel pain in my left foot. But I was running happy!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Wuwrwxo-0Y/VwVjlD_HEXI/AAAAAAAAKAk/LtAZO52rIpcv3pwLiI319Ic075tKWh6Iw/s1600/sv3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Wuwrwxo-0Y/VwVjlD_HEXI/AAAAAAAAKAk/LtAZO52rIpcv3pwLiI319Ic075tKWh6Iw/s640/sv3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It definitely got hotter as the race went on and runners were dropping. By the time I got to the halfway point, I'd heard the ambulance sirens and saw 2 runners down, getting assistance. I run in the heat and humidity all summer long (who am I kidding...all summer, spring, fall and part of winter), so I knew I needed more water and a slower pace. I actually felt really good and had a great race probably because I slowed down and didn't stress about my time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UGesRcW___c/VwVm7fMvgYI/AAAAAAAAKAw/GtMcLw9pLMAWMgi63BmE_UqmfCCy_JNNA/s1600/sv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UGesRcW___c/VwVm7fMvgYI/AAAAAAAAKAw/GtMcLw9pLMAWMgi63BmE_UqmfCCy_JNNA/s640/sv.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Kelly</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, not everyone slowed down or knew how to handle the hot and humid weather. So many runners needed medical assistance, that the marathon was cancelled and all marathon runners were turned around, cutting the course short by 8 miles. For two of my running friends, it was to be their first marathon, including Leah. They were very disappointed, after months of train, that they could not finish the Savannah Marathon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek1wY7khTpw/VwVnCpRs04I/AAAAAAAAKA4/8nJ5N6k_MTY8k_1CxBRKGbMIsH0h7boXA/s1600/sv4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek1wY7khTpw/VwVnCpRs04I/AAAAAAAAKA4/8nJ5N6k_MTY8k_1CxBRKGbMIsH0h7boXA/s640/sv4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly, Leah, me</td></tr>
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Age division: 194/1392<br />
Gender: 1216/8431<br />
Overall: 2420/12146<br />
5k split: 29:48<br />
10k split: 1:00:00<br />
10 mile: 1:38:36<br />
Avg Pace: 9:58<br />
Chip time: 2:10:28<br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-72697214835086574822016-04-06T14:51:00.001-04:002017-12-24T11:04:08.498-05:00Halloween Hustle 5K Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDb7POyTUSQ/V_vj-GG7_4I/AAAAAAAALuk/7srqn9aFQJYAJmz7ErTVQxy5dDJ0Z_BlQCLcB/s1600/halloweenhustle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDb7POyTUSQ/V_vj-GG7_4I/AAAAAAAALuk/7srqn9aFQJYAJmz7ErTVQxy5dDJ0Z_BlQCLcB/s320/halloweenhustle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our local high school organized a Halloween Hustle 5K Fun Run that benefited the drama club and a student who suffered a traumatic brain injury though a serious accident.<br />
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Jared and I decided to run this Halloween 5K in costume. It was a hot Florida day so nothing too warm or constrictive for running. I already had a Supergirl running costume so I talked Jared into a dri-fit superhero shirt. We were both happy!<br />
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My parents decided to run and help support the high school with me and Jared. I convinced them to wear some sort of costume too! We were the superhero family!!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c0XYaNjBoDE/VwVX1u5smvI/AAAAAAAAJ_s/rP9ERZc_JbUyxp2CleljKcs1-jIfkXTTg/s1600/hh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c0XYaNjBoDE/VwVX1u5smvI/AAAAAAAAJ_s/rP9ERZc_JbUyxp2CleljKcs1-jIfkXTTg/s640/hh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jared smoked me with a time of 21:20. I came in at 27:45. There were no bibs or official timing for this race but they did have students at the finish line with a stop watch calling out each runner's finishing time. My parents stayed together and ran an easy pace. Towards the finish line, some young kids used this "Super Couple" as motivation to finish strong, saying "Don't let the Super Couple beat us!" My parents thought that was quite amusing.<br />
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We had a great day running as a family and the fundraiser was a success!<br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-28708150992173214442016-04-06T13:07:00.004-04:002017-12-24T11:04:17.712-05:00Bride of Frankenfooter 5K & Frankenfooter Half Marathon 2015<a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xla1/v/t1.0-9/12311155_1008090222567318_4350631758681994930_n.jpg?oh=d7bc9d33c5113c840e04fdab1ab8c8b7&oe=57722211" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="200" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xla1/v/t1.0-9/12311155_1008090222567318_4350631758681994930_n.jpg?oh=d7bc9d33c5113c840e04fdab1ab8c8b7&oe=57722211" width="150" /></a><br />
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I've participated in the Frankenfooter 5k and half marathon for a couple of years now. The 5k was in the evening on Saturday, October 24 with the half marathon the next morning, October 25. I was glad it didn't fall on Halloween weekend this year! For 2015, the Frankenfooter races benefited BAYS Florida with my cousin and fellow runner, Kelly, as race director.<br />
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It was a warm race weekend with temperatures in the mid 80s on Saturday evening for the 5K. I usually dress in costume for these races since it's so close to Halloween but just wasn't feeling it this year. I procrastinated and hadn't pulled anything together for a running costume. Instead I sported a cute <a href="https://store.runningskirts.com/?cmid=MDoyOjIwZjg3YmU0NzE4MmRjMjc6Y3d5bWRReFFBMWFQaEd2VHpGLzdnZz09&afid=MDoyOjFlM2RhNWU2ODhmZmVmM2Y6RDlmNlpOZkNuMVNKS251N2xGNVFnQT09&ats=MDoyOjY0MDJlNDZhNDg0YWE5ZWQ6NUtXS0JRZTlLSldwem82dVJkN0hCQT09" target="_blank">RunningSkirt</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2Nk5BOkMnE/VwU3vVdxdMI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/GtnERtHtorMlEkCGsbprpZbEHMIfq7heQ/s1600/Frank5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenfooter" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2Nk5BOkMnE/VwU3vVdxdMI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/GtnERtHtorMlEkCGsbprpZbEHMIfq7heQ/s640/Frank5k.jpg" title="Frankenfooter" width="480" /></a></div>
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My 5k race time wasn't fantastic but it did get me 3rd place in my age group. Unfortunately, the race directors decide to award the top 3 male and top 3 female runners for a huge age group of 26-49. I was 7/80 in the female age group of 26-49 year olds.</div>
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On to the next race in my challenge weekend! Half Marathon!</div>
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The half marathon the next morning had slightly cooler temperatures in the low 70s at the start of the race but the sun rose quickly and so did the heat. Again, no costume, just cute <a href="https://store.runningskirts.com/?cmid=MDoyOjIwZjg3YmU0NzE4MmRjMjc6Y3d5bWRReFFBMWFQaEd2VHpGLzdnZz09&afid=MDoyOjFlM2RhNWU2ODhmZmVmM2Y6RDlmNlpOZkNuMVNKS251N2xGNVFnQT09&ats=MDoyOjY0MDJlNDZhNDg0YWE5ZWQ6NUtXS0JRZTlLSldwem82dVJkN0hCQT09" target="_blank">RunningSkirts</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yu_V8wexik/VwU3vSBmZPI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/9EOEiOi66KEyWKus3C1yeGvpMfWwe3n3g/s1600/frankhalf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenfooter" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yu_V8wexik/VwU3vSBmZPI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/9EOEiOi66KEyWKus3C1yeGvpMfWwe3n3g/s640/frankhalf.jpg" title="Frankenfooter" width="590" /></a></div>
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I felt good for the first part of the race and kept a nice pace. Around mile 8, my calves started to cramp which was a new and annoying aliment for me as a runner. I did some quick calf stretches and continued on with my race to no avail. Around mile 9.5 was the next water stop where they had bottles of water instead of the usual small race cups. I grabbed water, walked and drank the entire bottle. Soon after, my calf cramps were gone! Hallelujah!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15UEQIqZI6M/VwU3veRbuzI/AAAAAAAAJ8I/Johso4_ohgE66HCN3fYHkxzqfxGCOsotg/s1600/frankhalf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenfooter" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15UEQIqZI6M/VwU3veRbuzI/AAAAAAAAJ8I/Johso4_ohgE66HCN3fYHkxzqfxGCOsotg/s640/frankhalf2.jpg" title="Frankenfooter" width="360" /></a></div>
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I finished the 13.1 miles as best I could. No PR but a decent time considering the heat and calf cramps. I earned 3 awesome finisher medals for my races, one for each distance and a Living Dead Challenge medal for completing both races.<br />
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<u>Bride of Frankenfooter 5K</u><br />
Age Div: 3/20<br />
Overall: 28/168<br />
Pace: 8:55<br />
Chip time: 27:37<br />
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<u>Frankenfooter Half Marathon</u><br />
Age Div: 9/21<br />
Gender Div: 34/89<br />
Overall: 48/127<br />
Pace: 9:40<br />
Chip time: 2:06:40<br />
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<u>Living Dead Challenge (5K + Half)</u><br />
Gender Div: 3/27<br />
Overall: 12/42<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni-6sGF-wCE/VwVAjH8MlgI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/WfYGIA3TvJYqcuQjJ2CDXQAHG9N12vn4g/s1600/IMG_20160406_125839_479000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frankenfooter" border="0" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni-6sGF-wCE/VwVAjH8MlgI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/WfYGIA3TvJYqcuQjJ2CDXQAHG9N12vn4g/s640/IMG_20160406_125839_479000.png" title="Frankenfooter" width="640" /></a></div>
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-30773837563552192122015-10-15T11:42:00.001-04:002017-12-24T11:04:32.614-05:00Race for the Cure Recap 2015<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VKwyPLc_ag/Vh-3GXkTLmI/AAAAAAAAIBs/nQ05oS5WZ4s/s1600/kv_komen_logo_SPB.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VKwyPLc_ag/Vh-3GXkTLmI/AAAAAAAAIBs/nQ05oS5WZ4s/s1600/kv_komen_logo_SPB.gif" /></a><br />
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This year the <a href="https://suncoast.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/SPB_FloridaSuncoastAffiliate?fr_id=5525&pg=entry" target="_blank">17th Annual Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure</a> was back in downtown St. Petersburg on October 3rd for a nighttime <span style="color: magenta;">GLOW</span> run! The race started in beautiful downtown St. Pete at Albert Whitted Park near the Salvador Dali Museum.<br />
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I ran the 10K with a 7:00pm start time. Shortly before my race began, I watched the breast cancer survivors participate in a moving sunset walk. I admired their courage and strength.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1aYAPcEr1_4/Vh-9sRV4aKI/AAAAAAAAIFY/K-6oUqTy23Y/s1600/IMG_20151003_181758196_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="548" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1aYAPcEr1_4/Vh-9sRV4aKI/AAAAAAAAIFY/K-6oUqTy23Y/s640/IMG_20151003_181758196_HDR.jpg" title="Race for the Cure" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claudia, Denise, me in my <a href="https://store.runningskirts.com/?cmid=MDoyOjIwZjg3YmU0NzE4MmRjMjc6Y3d5bWRReFFBMWFQaEd2VHpGLzdnZz09&afid=MDoyOjFlM2RhNWU2ODhmZmVmM2Y6RDlmNlpOZkNuMVNKS251N2xGNVFnQT09&ats=MDoyOjY0MDJlNDZhNDg0YWE5ZWQ6NUtXS0JRZTlLSldwem82dVJkN0hCQT09" target="_blank">RunningSkirt</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiVFFlPHYX4/Vh-9sWnFFfI/AAAAAAAAIFY/YazvjNcMX3o/s1600/IMG_20151003_181958107_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiVFFlPHYX4/Vh-9sWnFFfI/AAAAAAAAIFY/YazvjNcMX3o/s640/IMG_20151003_181958107_HDR.jpg" title="Race for the Cure" width="572" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haley, me, Denise</td></tr>
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Shortly after 7:00pm the 10K started. My friend Claudia and I ran together. It was quite warm out so I didn't plan to PR but wanted to finish under an hour. I knew I couldn't run with a glow necklace because it would drive me crazy bouncing on my chest but I decided to try a glow bracelet. Nope! It was probably more mental than physical but it had to go off my wrist. I handed the bracelet off to a nice lady cheering on the sidelines. Yes, I may be a little crazy.<br />
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The out and back course took us along the water of Tampa Bay, the Vinoy Hotel and Vinoy Park, and along Snell Isle. Claudia and I stopped once for water at about the 3.5 mile mark. I noticed there weren't many people ahead of us and the women that were ahead of us looked young. I was not in the "young" age groups anymore. The thought crossed my mind that Claudia and I could place.<br />
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Once the sun set, the course was dark and a bit hard to navigate (especially over the brick pavers in front of the Vinoy). We managed but had to watch our steps and be mindful of uneven ground. Claudia started to pull ahead and I encouraged her to run and get the best time she could.<br />
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With a mile and a half left to go, the 5K runners merged with the 10K runners. I quickly found an open path to smooth running ahead. The last half mile was tough but I got it done!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NaB8CFFecc/Vh_GBydimJI/AAAAAAAAIFw/7WwehOTALq4/s1600/racecure1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="570" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NaB8CFFecc/Vh_GBydimJI/AAAAAAAAIFw/7WwehOTALq4/s640/racecure1.jpg" title="Race for the Cure" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claudia, my cousin Kelly, me</td></tr>
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Claudia and I rocked our races! She came in 1st place in her age group and I came in 3rd place in my age group.<br />
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Age group place: 3/13<br />
Overall place: 33/186<br />
Avg pace: 9:14 <br />
Chip time: 57:17<br />
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<i>As a member of the Tampa Bay Bloggers, I was invited to be a
“Race Ambassador for the Cure” at the Komen Florida Suncoast
GLOW run in St. Pete. All opinions are my own.</i><br />
Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-73453591555127308962015-09-09T13:21:00.002-04:002015-09-09T13:21:57.894-04:00Glow for a Cure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>As a member of the Tampa Bay Bloggers, I have been invited to be a “Race Ambassador for the Cure” at the upcoming Komen Florida Suncoast GLOW run in St. Pete.</em></div>
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The 17th Annual Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure is back in St. Petersburg on October 3rd for a 6:00pm nighttime <span style="color: magenta;">GLOW</span> run! The race starts in beautiful downtown St. Pete at Albert Whitted Park near the Salvador Dali Museum.<br />
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There are lots of different race options this year to <span style="color: magenta;">GLOW PINK</span>.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>10K Competitive:</b> The 10K competitive race will wind through the beautiful, waterfront streets of downtown St. Petersburg and Snell Isle. This event is timed and all participants will receive a runner goodie bag, timing chip & Race bib.</li>
<li><b>5K Competitive:</b> The 5K competitive race will follow the same beautiful course as the 10K, just half the distance. This event is timed and all participants will receive a runner goodie bag, timing chip & Race bib.</li>
<li><b>General Registration:</b> You don’t have to run to have a good time at the Race! This registration is for those who want to do the non‐competitive 5K Run/Walk, the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk or be Proud in the Crowd. All participants will receive a Race packet with a Race shirt & Race bib.</li>
<li><b>Students for the Cure:</b> A special student rate for students in middle school through college. You will need to enter your school name and student ID during registration. All Students for the Cure registrants will receive a race packet with a Race shirt & Race bib. This is a non‐competitive, non‐chip‐timed entry. To participate in one of the competitive categories, you must register in that category. There are no student rates for the competitive Race categories.</li>
<li><b>Kids for the Cure:</b> No matter the age, we need everyone’s help in the Fight Against Breast Cancer!! Kids for the Cure is available for all kids 10 years of age & under. We will have kids dashes and kids’ activities available on Race Day. Kids for the Cure Race packets will include a Race shirt & Race bib.</li>
<li><b>Virtual: </b>Can’t make it to the Race? You can Race in spirit instead! Virtual Race participants will be mailed a commemorative Race shirt. </li>
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Click <a href="http://suncoast.info-komen.org/site/TR?fr_id=5525&pg=entry" target="_blank">here for more information and registration</a>.<br />
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Time to pay it forward with a free entry to the October 3rd Race for the Cure in St. Pete. Use Rafflecopter below to enter the giveaway.<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="e26acf2a13" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e26acf2a13/" id="rcwidget_bewjacmw" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<a href="http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/ah84872/?action=view&current=name_flower1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" bordercolor="#66B5FF" src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/ah84872/name_flower1.png" /></a>Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-30847870240202902632015-06-13T14:16:00.000-04:002017-12-24T11:04:43.983-05:00Robbie's Run 5K Recap 2015This was the first year I participated in Robbie's Run on April 18. At the time of the race, my thyroid was overactive and I was not yet on medication, so I knew it would be a tough 5K. It had been a month since my last run because of the exhaustion and tremors that came with my overactive thyroid.<br />
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The race started at 8:00am with temperatures in the upper 70s. I was ready to run in my <a href="https://store.runningskirts.com/?cmid=MDoyOjIwZjg3YmU0NzE4MmRjMjc6Y3d5bWRReFFBMWFQaEd2VHpGLzdnZz09&afid=MDoyOjFlM2RhNWU2ODhmZmVmM2Y6RDlmNlpOZkNuMVNKS251N2xGNVFnQT09&ats=MDoyOjY0MDJlNDZhNDg0YWE5ZWQ6NUtXS0JRZTlLSldwem82dVJkN0hCQT09" target="_blank">RunningSkirt</a> and Strider shirt.<br />
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I met up with my awesome running group and our mandatory group picture. </div>
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I planned to run this race on my own. With my thyroid slowing me down, my usual running buddies would finish faster than me. Even though I knew this would be a slower 5K, my goal was to finish around 30 minutes (<a href="https://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2014/12/gobbler-5k-2014-recap.html" target="_blank">my PR is 25:53</a>). I had a decent pace in the beginning but the longer I ran, the more fatigued and slower I became. I was walking and drinking water around 1.5 miles, when Amber, a fellow Strider, passed me. My new goal was to catch up with Amber. She looked like she was doing great and I needed someone to keep me running.<br />
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Amber and I ran the rest of the race together, pushing each other to keep running on that hot and humid day. Shortly before the finish, Amber told me this was going to be a 5K PR for her. What! That was the determination I needed to keep going all the way to the finish.<br />
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We crossed the finish line and I thought I was going to fall down. My hands and entire body were shaking with tremors. I was beyond exhausted and I had only run 3.1 miles! Afterwards, we had a delicious pancake breakfast, awards and raffle. I won Boston Bill sunglasses!<br />
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My overactive thyroid really took a toll on me. Looking back, I can see it in my pale face that I didn't look well. Robbie's run was fun but now my racing was on hold until I got my thyroid under control.<br />
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Place: 98/224<br />
Age Place: 15/17<br />
Gender Place: 44/130<br />
Avg Pace: 10:06<br />
Gun Time: 31:20<br />
Chip Time: 31:03<br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-9679028046708837572015-05-06T21:40:00.002-04:002017-12-24T11:04:54.660-05:00Beauty and the Beast at The Straz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Belle and Beast are at <a href="http://www.strazcenter.org/" target="_blank">The Straz Center</a> in Tampa, May 5 - 10. My family and I had the opportunity to see this beautiful love story on opening night. <br />
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As a mom, I loved the message behind the Beauty and the Beast story. It taught us to always be kind and love others. It also showed, not to judge a person by his/her outward appearance.<br />
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Once a prince, the Beast was cursed because he was selfish and unkind to an enchantress who saw no love in his heart. After many years alone in his castle, the Beast met Belle, a beautiful but odd girl. Belle, at first afraid of the Beast, grew to love him as he changed into a kinder creature. Belle and the Beast's love for one another broke the curse and returned all of the castle's enchanted inhabitants back to their human form.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPUne3ap7DI/VUq4xDr-JGI/AAAAAAAAGFw/pQxxuLQz68s/s1600/bellebeast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPUne3ap7DI/VUq4xDr-JGI/AAAAAAAAGFw/pQxxuLQz68s/s1600/bellebeast.jpg" title="Beauty and the Beast" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jillian Butterfield as Belle and Ryan Everett Wood as Beast. Photo from The Straz Center by Matthew Murphy</td></tr>
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Dylan, my 10 year old, said he enjoyed the show. Lumiere, the candelabra, was his favorite character because of his hilarious jokes, movements, and candle hands. I think the French accent had something to do with it too. Every time Lumiere was happy or excited about something, he lit up his candle hands with silly gestures.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The enchanted objects. Photo from The Straz Center by Matthew Murphy</td></tr>
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Jared, my 13 year old, also loved Lumiere. Patrick Pevehouse did a great job entertaining the kids and adults as an enchanted candelabra!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jillian Butterfield as Belle and the cast. Photo from The Straz Center by Matthew Murphy</td></tr>
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My husband and I thought Gaston, played by Cameron Bond, was quite the character, always flexing his muscles and admiring himself. I have always loved Gaston's song in the bar...it's just so macho with over the top testosterone humor. Jillian Butterfield's voice as Belle was amazing. Of course, I loved all of the songs; Belle, Gaston, Be Our Guest, and Beauty and the Beast!<br />
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We thorough enjoyed this family show! But we won't use antlers in all of our decorating. <br />
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What is your favorite Beauty and the Beast song?<br />
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<em>Disclaimer: As a member of the </em><a href="http://tampabaybloggers.org/" target="_blank"><em>Tampa Bay Bloggers</em></a><em>, I received four tickets for my family. All opinions are my own.</em><br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-7917547498727713862015-05-01T14:31:00.001-04:002017-12-24T11:05:04.600-05:00Strawberry Classic 10K Recap 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was the first year I ran the Strawberry Classic 10K on March 21 in Temple Terrace. I heard horror stories about the hills throughout the Temple Terrace area (it's very flat where I run). But I also heard about the delicious containers of strawberries the race hands out. <br />
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This was my third race in March and I had been feeling a bit off and very tired. I wasn't racing to break any records and just wanted to enjoy the run. I almost always had a race goal and for this 10K race, it was to finish under an hour. <br />
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The Strawberry Classic 10K started at 8:00am with temperatures in the low 70s. At the race start, I predicted a hot and hilly race. The course took us through the shaded streets of Temple Terrace. When the course split for the 10K and 15K, I was thankful I only signed up for the 10K. There were lots of hills and it was in fact very hot. I pushed through the inclines and coasted down the declines. The course streets were winding and seemed never-ending.<br />
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One last turn and I saw the finish line. Of course it was at the top of an incline! My running friends cheered me on from the sidelines and I finished with a clock time of 1:00:01. I was tired and glad to be done!<br />
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Turns out, I won first place in my age group with a chip time of 59:57!! I gathered my trophy and yummy strawberries with a smile on my face. This was my first time placing 1st in my age group.<br />
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Age Place: 1/9<br />
Gender Place: 10/68<br />
Overall Place: 30/118<br />
Avg Pace: 9:39<br />
Chip time: 59:57<br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-29616134776771721302015-05-01T13:52:00.011-04:002018-01-11T17:09:30.126-05:00Sarasota Half Marathon Relay 2015 Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've run the Sarasota Half Marathon for the past two years. It's a beautiful course on the water near historic Sarasota. The dolphin medal is the largest in the area. This year, I decided to try the half marathon relay. I invited my sister Patti to run the relay with me on March 15.<br />
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We came up with the team name Super Sisters. I created a quick logo to have printed on matching shirts with our team name on the back.<br />
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On race morning, we dressed in our matching running outfits and headed to the start line. The race started at 7:00 am with temperatures near 70. I was running the first half over the Ringling bridge twice and Patti would run the second, flatter half.<br />
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It was still dark when the race started and I felt a little tired from the half marathon I ran the day before. For this race, I only had to run 6.2 miles and I wasn't too concerned with time as Patti was nervous about the 6.9 miles she had to run (her longest race distance). I told her not to worry about time and just feel good about her run. Patti waited with some of my running group friends and then made her way to the transition area.<br />
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The Ringling Causeway was killer on the way up but I flew on the way down. We ran around St. Armand's circle and back over the Ringling Causeway bridge. There were lots of little inclines here and there and I was glad Patti didn't have to run these as a newbie runner. I met Patti in the transition area where we exchanged the timing ankle band and my Garmin. I was so glad to be running the relay this year!!<br />
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The transition area was about a quarter mile from the finish, situated so the relay partners ran and finished the last portion together. I started to watch for Patti about an hour later. Luckily, I had some friends to pass the time with.<br />
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I was excited when I saw Patti approach the transition area. She was doing fantastic with a nice pace.</div>
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I asked how she was doing and got a little emotional as we rounded the last corner together with the finish line in sight.<br />
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I was proud of my little sister for following through and finishing strong.</div>
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We both had a great race and pushed ourselves until the end. I loved all the race photos and they were free this year!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suncoast Striders' Relay Teams</td></tr>
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Overall Place: 105/285<br />
Female Place: 46/159<br />
5K: 30:45 - 9:54 min/mi<br />
10K (relay transition): 1:03:37 - 10:15 min/mi<br />
15K: 1:32:55 - 9:59 min/mi<br />
Chip Finish time: 2:18:03 - 10:33 min/mi<br />
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<em>**Disclaimer: As a member of the Tampa Bay Bloggers, I was given a race entry. All opinions are my own.</em><br />
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<br />Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-36461883684928209562015-05-01T12:40:00.000-04:002017-12-24T11:06:13.563-05:00Pasco Challenge Half Marathon Recap 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Pasco Challenge was hosted by the Alzheimer's Family Organization. The half marathon was on Saturday, March 14 at Starkey Park. I run Starkey Park every Saturday so I knew the course well.<br />
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I wanted to run a half marathon under 2 hours so originally I thought this race would be perfect for meeting that goal. The course was very flat and I knew it well. A couple of details I missed when planning my goal for this race were; this was Florida and it can be quite hot in March AND the Starkey Trail was mostly in full sun. Both of those equal HEAT. Heat and running fast don't really work for me.<br />
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Not thinking of the heat or sun, I set my Garmin's pace keeper to alarm if my pace was too slow to meet my goal of under 2 hours. I needed my average pace to be 9:09. I'd just run an average pace of 9:09 at the <a href="http://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2015/05/gasparilla-15k-recap-2015.html" target="_blank">Gasparilla 15k </a>so I thought it was doable.<br />
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On race morning, I talked with a couple of friends from my running group. It was a smaller race with less than 100 people running the half. The race started at 8:00am with temperatures in the mid/upper 70s.<br />
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During the first mile, my Garmin alarmed that I was running too slow for the pace I set. I shook it off because the first warm up mile is usually slower. When my Garmin continued to alarm through mile 3, I was ready to take it off and stomp it to death. Instead, I turned off the pace keeper.<br />
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I felt decent for the first 6 miles. Shortly after that, the course turned around and I was done. I felt light-headed, overheated and exhausted. I wasn't even half way finished. At that point, I didn't care if I walked the rest of the race. There was no way I'd finish under 2 hours.<br />
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At the 6 mile turn around, 3 members of my running group passed me. One of them, Trish, fell back from her group. She was ahead of me so my goal was to close the gap. I had to have a goal to prevent me from walking too much. After some running and walk breaks, I caught up to Trish who was practicing a run/walk method to keep her heart rate in the correct zone. I decided to stay with her and finish the race using the run/walk method. I was really struggling and Trish helped me through the run portions. I got to a point were I could only run one minute with a minute walk. That was the worst I've felt during a race in years.*<br />
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I finished in 2:15. No PRs but thrilled to be finished. I left the awards ceremony early because I had to shower, pack and head to Sarasota for another race the next day. I won second place in my age group! Looks like the heat sucked the life out of everyone else too.<br />
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Age Place: 2/9<br />
Female Place: 17/43<br />
Overall Place: 39/83<br />
Ave Pace: 10:21 min/mi<br />
Chip time: 2:15:37<br />
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*Come to find out...my thyroid was overactive again so that's why this race sucked so much.<br />
<br />Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-87224871827124782082015-05-01T11:40:00.001-04:002017-12-24T11:05:48.224-05:00Gasparilla 15k Recap 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Gasparilla 5K was my first race back in 2009, so even though this race is very crowded each year, I still run it. The bling is pretty awesome too!<br />
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This was my second 15K race with <a href="http://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2014/03/gasparilla-15k-recap.html" target="_blank">Gasparilla 2014</a> being my first. Last year I took my time because it was so hot and an automatic PR. This year I planned to secure a faster time.<br />
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On race morning I met up with my running group for pictures and well wishes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, my sister, my cousin</td></tr>
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The morning was cool with temperatures in the mid 40s. The race started at 6:45 am and the sun wasn't quite up yet. We ran along Bayshore Blvd near downtown Tampa. I felt great and warmed up quickly as the sun rose.</div>
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I remembered that every year after the halfway turn around point, volunteers handed out Krispy Kreme donuts. I never stopped in the past but this year I planned to stop for a donut snack. As I approached the donut tables, I shuttered. All thoughts went to... donuts and running in the Florida heat, don't mix well. I passed on the melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness of Krispy Kreme donuts.</div>
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I still felt strong and was having a nice race. At about mile 7, the 1:30 pace group caught up and passed me. I was ok with that because I started before them and this was the first time they passed me. My plan was to finish under 1:30 so I tagged along at the back of the pace group. I didn't realize how much I needed that pace group until I had to keep up with them. It was a good push to the finish and kept me on pace.</div>
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Another successful race finished with a 7+ minute PR! And then I got to hang out with some pirates! ARG<br />
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Div Place: 110/490<br />
Gender Place: 626/3017<br />
Overall Place: 1641/5257<br />
Halfway Split time: 43:08<br />
Average Pace: 9:09/mi<br />
<strong>Chip time: 1:25:19</strong><br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-76109974701710454672015-03-20T14:50:00.000-04:002017-12-24T11:05:56.304-05:00Lands' End Getaway Tour Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer is right around the corner for us Floridians. It actually already feels like summer here in Tampa with temperatures getting into the mid 80s.<br />
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With summer, comes the beach and swimsuit season! I visited the <a href="http://www.landsend.com/getawaytour/" target="_blank">Lands' End Getaway Tour</a> when it stopped at Wiregrass Mall this month. Lands' End brought their beautiful swimsuit lines and professional fitters to help everyone find the perfect swimsuit for their body types. I stepped into a dressing room with a fit expert, who took my measurements to help find me the perfect fitting swimsuit. Then she came back with swimsuits for me to try on. After a couple of no-goes, I did find a swimsuit that I loved.<br />
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The Beach Club collection offerd bright colors and great fits with modern styles.<br />
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Slender Suits help you look a whole size smaller with tummy tightening one piece swimsuits.<br />
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The Aqua Sport collection had cute, sporty swimsuits for the active beachgoer (or mom running after kids). <br />
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Swim mates had bright mix and match separates so you can create the style that's right for you.</div>
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This purple, 2-piece Beach Club swimsuit was my favorite! I loved the look and fit. Sorry, no pictures of me in this swimsuit. This beach body is still a work in progress.<br />
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Don't forget your sunscreen this summer or check out one of Lands' End UPF 50 swim tees!<br />
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<em>Disclaimer: As part of the <a href="http://tampabaybloggers.org/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Bloggers</a>, I was invited to this free event. All opinions are my own.</em><br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-47616637332603831352015-02-19T15:04:00.001-05:002017-12-24T11:06:05.256-05:00Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The <a href="http://www.sarasotahalfmarathon.com/" target="_blank">First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay</a> is celebrating it's 10th anniversary this year.<br />
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This year's race is on Sunday, March 14, 2015, starting at 7:00am at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center in Sarasota, Florida.<br />
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The First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon's scenic course takes runners over the John Ringling Causeway and around St. Armand's Circle, then down the Tamiami Trail and by the Ringling Museum of Art before they make their way back to the finish line at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. The finish area is right on the gorgeous Florida water.<br />
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This race is know for it's giant finisher medal! I have two from previous years.<br />
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My sister, Patti, and I are participating in the relay this year.<br />
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<strong>Who's joining us this year at the Sarasota Half?</strong><br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393564743578017528.post-5436197585048894532015-02-19T14:17:00.001-05:002017-12-24T11:06:33.638-05:00Best Damn Race 10k Recap 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was back at the Best Damn Race, Safety Harbor, for the 10k this year. <a href="http://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2014/02/best-damn-race-recap-2014.html" target="_blank"> Last year's half marathon was torture on this hilly course</a> so I opted for the 10k instead. This was only my second 10k ever with my first being in Oct 2012. I planned to PR.<br />
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I was running consistently and training with interval and tempo runs weekly. I was ready to ROCK the 10k!<br />
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Feb 7 was a crisp, cool morning with perfect running weather temps in the low 50s. Once I got to Safety Harbor, I met up with my running buddy, Melanie. With all things considered, like cool weather, previous interval and tempo run times, I thought we could finish the 10k in about 55 minutes. My 10k PR was 59:39 so anything under that was good. Melanie and I planned to try to stay together and pace each other throughout the 10k course.<br />
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We started out in the middle to back of the pack of runners so had to dodge to get around people. The beginning of the course was beautiful, running along the water. We navigated the ups and downs of the Safety Harbor streets, hearing the cheers from fellow Striders as we passed.<br />
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The 6.2 miles of the 10k seemed like nothing after my marathon and half marathons of the fall. But, I was extremely happy that I wasn't running the Best Damn Race Half Marathon every time we passed a half course sign pointing us in the opposite direction with more hills!<br />
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Here we were heading into the final .2 mile stretch where we sprinted to the finish line almost causing a pass out or puke incident. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeVGMg2PkA8/VOYsEhOu_XI/AAAAAAAAFDE/9uftGiqa5Gc/s1600/bdr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeVGMg2PkA8/VOYsEhOu_XI/AAAAAAAAFDE/9uftGiqa5Gc/s1600/bdr1.jpg" title="Best Damn Race" width="406" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by David</td></tr>
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But we made it and finished!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free photo from Best Damn Race</td></tr>
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Melanie and I with new PRs and sparkly medals!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race picture with fellow Suncoast Striders</td></tr>
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You got to ring the PR bell when you PRed at the Best Damn Race but I felt like the sign was made for me! Instead of Chrissy Bell, call me PR Bell now. Haha!<br />
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I loved the Best Damn Race's post-race food this year. They had Dunkin Donuts' coffee, hot chocolate and heart donuts (filled with cookie dough or brownie batter); Jimmy John's sandwiches; and Pollo Tropical's black beans, rice and chicken. Yummy!!!</div>
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This year, I had the BEST Damn Race with a 10k time of 55:15 and a PR of over 4 minutes!<br />
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Age Group Place: 16/119<br />
Overall Place: 222/1047<br />
Gun time: 56:24.0<br />
<strong>Chip time: 55:15.9</strong><br />
Pace: 8:54/M<br />
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Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06093471067798681290noreply@blogger.com0