My Second Ras na hEireann

Beer is yummy, there are different opinions on the subject but that is my view. Although it has kept me from running on occasion, in this case it was a motivation to finish.  Not necessarily as strong as I had hoped, but run the whole 3.1 miles to the end. This might be my slowest (PW) while still running the whole course. I will say that my training has not been what it was in past years.

You know what, I am not going to beat myself up about it.

Now back to beer! So you finish the race in Davis Square, Somerville where there is not really a shortage of bars until you finish a race with 5000 people and they all want a few drinks and breakfast. So we waited about 15 minutes to get into the Joshua Tree and went straight to the bar for many a few beers.

if only my eyes were open for these pictures.

Blogging Hiatis

It has been a while, but things got a little crazy in my life. I am not going to lie, my half training hasn’t been what it should have been.

There has been a lot more of this than running.

Of course when one of these opens down the street you have to check it out!

There was also a lot of this... 

Then feeling like this...

And who wants to run when you slept on the rock solid ground all night? (Should have packed the air mattress)

Camping at the beach... very nice, only wish the weather had been better.

I finally got the Garmin, splurging on the Forerunner 610 and so far my only concern/complaint is scratching the face. It keeps me off the treadmill, only problem has been finding a trail to run on.



Soon after the Garmin entered my life I figured out that Marathon Sports will honor a gift certificate without the physical piece of paper. IF only I had called before… wha whaaa...  These shoes make so much difference.  I have already noticed certain aches going away.

The people at Marathon Sports were super helpful, and they ask just the right questions to make sure you don't leave the store with something that doesn't seem right on your foot. It was a little tricky because after they figure out what support you need base on how you pronate and your support needs it is up to you to make sure you feel comfortable. I have been wearing New Balance for so long they just felt natural, but the cushion in the Asics and Saucony just made me feel like I was floating. I must have tried on 8 pairs of shoes. The best part, for those of you who are similarly large footed, they really didn't seem to have a problem with finding shoes in my size.  (I have gone to other stores where a 10.5 or 11, I have big feet, was just not easy to come by.) They also have a great return policy, make sure you get the most use out of the shoes as possible in the first 15 days and if you find that they are not the shoes for you, full refund.

I ended up with a pair of Saucony's so far so good.

Salem's Bridge & Back 10K, Fantastic!

I learned a lesson, that when I dread a run, that usually means it will be a better run.  I just think back to all the runs that I could have had that I dreaded so much I talked myself out of going. 

It was definitely a smaller race, but managed really well after a little confusion about where the start line was everything was smooth sailing from there. For only $25 and I received a tech T-shirt and 2 Sam Adams draft tickets. 

The coarse was beautiful from Historic Salem across the Bridge to Beverly Waterfront and then back across the bridge to see move of Salem again.  So these are places that I spend a lot of my time. In fact I ran past a beach that I went back to lay out on later that day.  It is rare that I see these places at 8 in the morning. The weather was perfect, dry cool 70s. What a difference a few degrees makes! 

Me hanging out in the back of the pack, where I stayed. 11th from the end! 

These two ladies were nice enough to let me run with them for a while and I even learned a little bit about pacing and running form.  I felt like I owed her a trainer fee.  Once we hit the first incline of the bridge they were off. 

 The race was for the Boys and Girls Club of Salem, so the support along the course was actually really great. Plenty of people cheering and directing and three water stations.  Even though I was holding up the end of the pack I felt like people were still cheering me on. Not to mention running with this view and salty sea air was so invigorating.

 Since I finished 11th to last out of 335 people I don't really have to tell you that my time wasn't stellar, but I ran the whole thing and I actually feel better about this one than the Gansett run.

Also, Yasso was there again!! If they are the new standard at the end of road races, I want to do more!

I definitely want to do the Bridge and Back again, and try for a spot in the last 25 people. 

Final time: 1:13:50 (I trust this time a bit more since I crossed the timer on the start line and at the finish.) 

Post race hydration?!?!?

2013 so far! With 4 more races on the docket. 

Hit the beach post race! 

Crazy Week, Happy Independence Day!

I promise I have not fallen off the face of the blogosphere.  I have just been crazy busy, work has been busy and this past weekend I shot a wedding, 2 year old twin boys and my buddy Jack turned 3 so I couldn’t miss that.  Camera in hand for all the events! So much editing to do and not enough time.

This is pretty accurate! (terribly unflattering… but sums it up)

Weddings alone take a lot out of me, but to get up early the next day to take more pictures… I needed a vacation from my weekend.
Which brings me to the 4th of July!

Hope everyone had a great Holiday!!

Less than 14 weeks until the Half. 12 week training program starts in a little over a week and 2 weeks until my first 10K.

Workout 6/29: 4.43 miles / 54 minutes (outside, sweaty beast above is the aftermath)

Workout 7/3: 3.1 miles / 33 minutes.