Frankenfooter Half Marathon 2013 Recap

I ran the Bride of Frankenfooter 5K on a Saturday night and then the Frankenfooter Half Marathon the next morning to complete the Living Dead Challenge!

This race was the weekend before Halloween so of course I needed a costume.  But running 13.1 miles in a costume....it must be comfortable.  My friend Denise and I dressed as Finn and Jake from the cartoon Adventure Time.  I bought my favorite type of running skirt from runningskirts.com in gold and a tank that matched. I finished my ensemble with a yellow Jake hat.

Our group of crazy costume runners including a zombie cheerleader

Again, I had the goal of a PR.  The weather was cool, I was well rested and hydrated.  The race started and I took my time with the first mile, running about a 10:15/M pace to really warm up.  I've learned that if I take off too fast, my energy is zapped.  After the first mile, I picked up my pace.

We ran in and out of some small Port Richey parks.  I liked seeing people run past me in the opposite direction (both ahead and behind me on the course).  The costumes kept my interest and I was able to cheer for my fellow runners.

At the first fuel stop, they handed out chocolate PowerGel.  I ate it reluctantly, not enjoying it at first but then I grew to like the chocolate.  I definitely felt the boost of energy whether it was the caffeine or sugar/carbs that my body needed to keep going.  I ate another one later on the course.  Yum!

At about mile 7, I caught up to my costume buddy, Denise.  We ran a little ways together but I was in the groove so I pulled ahead and kept going strong.

At mile 9, with 4.1 miles left, I looked at my Garmin to check my PR status.  The time was 9:41 am, yes, time of day.  I had it in my head that since the race started at 8:00 am, I needed to finish before 10:14 am to beat my Gasparilla Half PR.  I thought to myself, "I can't run 4.1 miles in 30 minutes...so no PR for me, oh well, too bad, but that's weird because I've felt great during this race."  I continued to run a nice pace even though I didn't think I'd PR.

At about mile 11.5, I looked at my Garmin again.  This time I looked at race time instead of time of day.  I had been running for 1 hour and 53 minutes!  With 1.6 miles left, I was definitely going to PR.  I had such a dumb moment at mile 9!  The race didn't start on time at 8:00am.  What was I thinking? Why would I look at time of day?!

I got a PR by 6 minutes 45 seconds!

My friend Maribel also PRed!

Photo by Denise

Overall place: 87/228
Female place: 42/143
Age Division place: 8/26
Average pace: 9:47/M
Gun time: 2:08:04.4
Chip time: 2:07:51.1
Race #16 for 13 in 2013.

Have you ever run in a costume?

Bride of Frankenfooter 5K Recap

This was my second year running the Bride of Frankenfooter 5K.  Last year this race was in Starkey Park which was perfect for me because I run there most weekends and know the area well.  I was disappointed when this year's races were moved to Gill Dawg Marina in Port Richey.  Then I ran the course and loved it!  For the 5K, we ran along a portion of water on an out and back course that allowed us to pass other runners and get a nice look at all the costumes.

I dressed as Supergirl, cape included!

Photo by Denise

I loved all of the costumes at this race!

Here's our group with tough-guy faces.  Although my snarl looked more like a smile.

Photo by Christina

Photo by David

 

Photo by Denise

 

Stormtroopers at the finish line!!

Bob won best costume!

Yes, I'm holding Frankenstein's hand

I got a PR at last year's race and hoped to PR again.  The weather was cooler but a PR wasn't in the cards for me.  I've been more focused on marathon training than speed training (and I slacked on my shorter runs during the week).  I still had a great time and enjoyed the race!

Overall place: 76/252
Female place: 31/163
Age Division place: 4/27
Average pace: 9:12/M
Gun time: 28:30.1
Chip time: 28:27.2

This is race #15 for 13 in 2013.

Busy Busy

We've had a busy October and November! This will be a quick catch up post and then hopefully I'll start blogging more often.

Halloween
The boys were Batman and Robin for Halloween. Their costumes were adorable. The adults loved that Dylan was Robin. It was Dylan's idea to be Robin and he desperately wanted Jared to match him as Batman. He talked Jared into the Batman costume...along with me buying him a Batman accessory from Target. I'm glad Jared gave Dylan what he wanted because Dylan gives in so much more.

The Dynamic Duo!

Mike and I hosted an adult Halloween party at our house this year. I thought it was fitting that we were referees. Luckily, no one was ejected from the game.

Camping
We did a group camping trip to Hillsborough River State Park. Camping is the best mini vacation! Our boys love being outside and having the freedom to wander a little. The weather was perfect...not too cold and not hot.

Life Is Good....but why am I the only one smiling?! BOYS!!!



Friends around the campfire.




Here's a creeptastic photo of a huge banana spider. I took this picture so just imagine how close I was. I shutter just thinking of it again.



Grandma's Birthday
My Grandma turned 80 last month! We had a big party for her to celebrate her wonderful life.

Me, husband and kids





My family (grandma, mom, dad, sisters and their families)