April Recap/Stats

Lankle Update: Your wishes, sacrifices and my prayers have pacified the running gods! I do not have a stress fracture as I had feared (thanks self diagnosis via Google) and have instead tendonitis. Thank you running gods! I will gladly accept this fate any day or the former. I have been given strict orders to REST & R.I.C.E. until my orthopedic appointment on Wednesday which means no trek out to NSB for me. If anyone needs me I'll be staring off into space drooling on myself thanks to the happy pills he gave me to cope with the pain! Yippee!

Now on to the good stuff; April Recap/Stats

Miles Planned/Ran: 50*±/ 74±

*In my 2010 Goals I stated that when not in training I wanted to maintain my base with anywhere between 50-70 miles per month - Check!

Rest Days Planned/Taken: Let's not go there shall we?

Highest Mileage Week: 23± M

Long Runs Planned/Ran: 3/3
(Couldn't plan one Boston weekend so didn't count it either way)

Hill Workouts Planned/Ran: 2/1
(Wasn't able to get in the last one before the B.A.A. 5k cuz of the Lankle)

Speedwork Planned/Ran: 2/2 (Do the 5k's count? If so add 2 more!)

Current Book: "Those Who Save Us" - Jenna Blum - I am riveted beyond belief! Such a powerful read. I have also read "One Thousand White Women - The Journals of May Dodd" by Jim Fergus (a very fun fiction read) & finished last month's "Feast of Roses" by Indu Sundaresan (couldn't put it down)

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure: I've been too busy to get caught up in anything too shame worthy lately...

Current Colors: The bright colors of my new bathing suit; yellow, gray & salmon

Current Obsessions: N/A

Current Drink: Tried and true H2O

Current Song: "Nothing on You" B.o.b & Bruno Mars

Current Wish-List: To have everyone I love live in the same city.

Current Need: A new gig

Current Triumph: Setting a new 5k PR in Boston

Current Bane of my Existence: Lankle anyone?

Current Goal: Spend as much time with my friends as possible!

Current Indulgence: I may or may not have devoured Brownie & Chocolate Chunk Cookie treats last night to drown my Lankle sorrows...

Current Blessings: As always my family, friends and boyfriend.

Current Excitement: The Future and all that awaits...

How'd your April shape up?!?!

Thanks again for all your thoughts on the Lankle sitch, have a fantabulous weekend and I'll catch ya'll on the flip side with a pretty big announcement... stay tuned!

Running is what you make of it; Make it an Adventure!™

*Fingers Crossed*

Most Gracious Running Gods,

Although I am but a peasant I present myself before you today to ask your favor. I begin by thanking you for your graciousness from sacrifices past and hope they are still fresh in your memory as I have none to lay at your feet this day. For today I can give no sacrifice of hills or enduring bad weather for I can not run. Today I come not to seek favorable race conditions nor PR dreams, but rather I come to ask for my health. Particularly the health of my Lankle. It seems over the last few weeks it's anger has reached epic proportions and despite reduction of mileage and giving it ample R.I.C.E'ing it continues to be problematic. Today I will toe the entrance of the Doctor's Office and fear the worst. I beg of you to please spare me the fatal diagnoses I fear to receive!!! Ask of me anything, anything and I shall make it so! (Even if it involves clowns and goats! Desperate times call for desperate measures!)

Most Humbly Yours,
Morgan aka Redhead Running

3 Things Thursday

1. Got in a 3 M run with my long lost redheaded friend Therese this a.m. for some much needed catching up and runtherapy session. Along the way we literally ran into my friend B aka Triathlon Boy of many moons ago (who trained me for my first Half Marathon) who was lapping Lake Eola too! Made me realize I have got to start hanging out with all my peeps more often, it was so good to see them both!
   




2. I am headed out to NSB tomorrow for a Saturday a.m. long run with Harold, Tall Guy Surfing and his gf Jenny. I'm super stoked as I have not gotten to see TGS since I ran into him and Jenny at the Breast Cancer Half Marathon and have not run with him since last summer. We've both come a long way since then, he and Jenny are currently in training for Seattle, and Harold and I may attempt his longest run yet of 12 miles. I've given myself some breathing room for the actual mileage just in case the Lanke acts up but either way I'm excited to spend some quality time with my NSB boys. (And Jenny too!)
   
   Speaking of my Lankle, as it continues to give me problems I've decided rather to be safe then sorry I'm scheduling an MRI to make sure everything is ok. I refuse to take chances and since I am not currently training for anything (other than beating Harold's 5k PR time) now is as good a time as ever to take a break if needed. I'll keep you guys posted...




3. Good luck to all my Marathoners this weekend; Lam & Denise (New Jersey), Tall Mom (Eugene), (and all those running that I missed) and extra special shout out to Running Kiwi who will be running the Rotorua Marathon, her runner up First Marathon, after her flights to London last week were canceled due to the volcanic ash! I'm so happy she was able to find a back up Marathon, to have trained so hard for London and then not be able to run it... Can you imagine?!?!?
   
   

Run for the Trees 5k Race Recap

Amidst the mayhem that was last week (i.e. Spectating the Boston Marathon and all things Boston) I just about forgot I had this 5k planned! Harold reminded me upon my return to work Thursday and I decided that we would "Duel to the Death" race morning. (In hindsight not my brightest idea ever considering I hadn't run all week and my Lankle had been hurting off and on.. but then what fun is a 5k among friends if you can't do a bit of trash talking?!?!?)

Race Eve/Pre-Race - Harold arrived from NSB Friday night and after we grabbed some pizza to carb-load up we hit the hay in preparation for a early morning wake up. Fast forward to 4:45 a.m. and imagine our suprise when the fire alarms in my building went off and pierced our ears for a good 15 minutes! F.O.L!

When it really was time to get up we were up and at 'em and ready to race! We arrived at the Cady Way Park and met up with Robin my running momma from Running Circles around the Turtles, her hubs and a new bloggy friend Lauren of Banana's & Toast! (I loved that she wore her profile running outfit so we'd pick her out, I totally did that my first blog running date too! LOL!) We all chit-chatted and after a few bathroom visits we were headed to the start line...

Start Corral - After wishing the girls good luck, Harold and I made a bee line for the front of the crowd and positioned ourselves a few rows back from the starting line. According to my Garmin and clock time versus chip time it took us all of 3 seconds to cross the mat...

The Race - Because we had dubbed this race a "Duel to the Death" our mission was pretty straight forward; make it to the Finish before the other did and don't hold back. So I didn't. And I smoked him the first mile with a 6:30! Woot! Woot! BUT THEN... not even a minute later as I stepped down something tweaked in my Lankle and it was all I could do to keep moving. I had to stop quickly and shake it out before resuming to limp/run the remaining miles. I lost significant pace but still managed to eek in with a respectable time. At the Finish I learned that Harold totally OWNED me and my PR!!! (That B@stard! It was his first 5k too!)

OWNED!
Harold: 21:55 / Me: 24:06

Mile 1 - 6:30 P
Mile 2 - 7:52 P
Mile 3 - 8:27 P
.1(7) - 7:24 P

Final Chip Time: 24:06 @ 7:45 P (They can't all be PR's)

115/970 Overall

5/78 Divison Place

Post Race - After I caught my breath and congratulated Harold on his win and new 5k PR we headed back onto the course to find Lauren & Robin to cheer them in. They jokingly called out how much they hated show offs that ran back onto the course and we all had a good laugh. After they crossed the finish line we snapped a few shots, met another local blogger Kitzzy and then Robin headed back onto the course herself to find the hubs.

Robin, Lauren & I sporting some post race *glows*

Lauren, Harold & I before heading back to the Start

After a quick google maps check it was decided that the 3 of us (Lauren, Harold and I) would forgo the smelly buses and just jog back to the start as it was a point to point race. I'm so glad we did because it was a great post race recovery trek back with most excellent company! Lauren is such a sweetheart!

Post Race Thoughts - The Run for the Trees 5k is described as "a run/walk unique point to point event with the last mile on the tree-canopied, wilderness dirt road of Genius Drive. This privately owned glimpse of old Florida is opened to the public only once a year and features beautiful (annoyingly loud and frightened) peacocks. Funds raised from the event support the Winter Park Tree Replacement Fund. The City of Winter Park has historically been known for the canopies of vintage trees that line its picturesque streets and neighborhoods. Unfortunately, almost one-third of the city’s tree canopy was either damaged or destroyed during the hurricanes of 2004."

It was definitely a flat, picturesque course but I wasn't a huge fan of the twists and turns as we zig zagged through the neighborhood. I am starting to think that running fast + turns = ITB & Lankle pain. That notwithstanding, I had a great time was happy to make a new running friend and catch up with old ones and was happy my race fee went to a great cause! Thanks again, as always, Track Shack for hosting another great running event and extra special thanks to Harold for treking over from NSB to school me in the 5k and to the Robin & Lauren for meeting up too!

P.S. I'll get you next time Harold...

2010 Boston Marathon Spectating Recap

Race Eve: After dinner with the B.R.A. we headed back to our hotel and got our stuff together for Marathon morning; Spike laid out his race gear and packed his gear bag while I charged the phone, camera, packed my sling full of snacks and tried to figure out how best to layer. Within an hour we were packed and ready for bed... well Spike was anyway. He knocked out cold. I on the other hand laid awake most of the night fretting we'd miss the alarm somehow. Sweet dreams my luv, I'll take care of the pre-race nerves for you!

Pre Race: Despite my greatest fears we did NOT miss the alarm. In fact, I watched the clock eventually roll over to 4:30 a.m. on the dot and begin beeping. Up and at 'em! We had to meet the B.R.A. at their hotel at 6 a.m. sharp so we got straight to business getting ready. Spike was calm, cool and collected as he got himself ready... I don't know how he does it! I was a complete ball of nerves! We left the hotel right on time and it was a beautiful clear morning as we made our way to the T.

Look at him; not a care in the world...

You could feel (and see) the nervous energy of the other runner's as the train filled up and made it's way into the city. As we reached our destination the sun had begun to rise and the city was flooded with runner's and their yellow gear check bags. Contrary to our (my) fears there was no mass hysteria on the T and we got to the hotel with time to spare.

B.R.A. ready to represent!

Once everyone was assembled and ready to head to the buses I kissed Spike goodbye, wished him and the rest of the B.R.A. a great race and told him I'd see him around mile 26. My stomach was full of butterflies as I watched them leave so I said a few words to the running gods that they all would have a most excellent race day.


With the runner's out the door, V, Julie and I hit the restaurant so they could fuel up on some caffeine and we could discuss our spectating strategy. After going over the maps we trekked down and scoped out our spot. I shot a quick text to Spike to let him know where/what side of the road to look for us and then we headed back to the hotel to kill some time before we set up shop. V & I had discussed drinking Mimosa's while planning the trip so we attempted to order some when we got back to the hotel but no cigar... so we did what any resourceful gals would do... we hit up the local liquor store for some OJ & champagne and ghetto rigged our own once we headed back!


I had strategically placed us across from the convention center, a place everyone had gone to over the weekend and could remember, conveniently after the turn onto Boylston, near a bar that had public bathrooms for us to use and at a cross street for easy exit so after we spotted our runners we could slip away and head parallel the runner's up Newberry St. to the meet them in the family meet up area without having to fight the crowds on Boylston. Location, location, location! We set up shop about 9am and killed time chatting up cute cops, making posters and enjoying our Mimosa's. Amidst the excitement of waiting Ally found us and together we awaited the wheelchair and elite's to go by...

The Race: First up were the wheelchair's; they were neck and neck as they zoomed by!

(Click any pics to see larger)

Then the women came in. It was absolutely amazing to see in person! Words can not describe what an awesome experience that was. Ally and I screamed our heads off and jumped up and down like kids. Yes we're running nerds and proud of it! :)

Teyba Erkesso for the Finish

Tatyana Pushkareva a close second.

Look at them neck and neck!
They finished within a second of each other!

Just after the women zipped past Ally had to take off and V and I decided we'd use the restroom really fast before the men came through... and so it goes that I commit the biggest spectating FAIL in the history of man!!! We head into the crowded bar, push our way into the restroom, go as fast as possible and before we are even out of the door to return I hear the most thunderous round of screams, yells, you name it... WE MISSED THE MEN GO BY!!! FML!!! I ran outta that bar so fast, elbowing everyone in my way and had just enough time to snap this pic... in case you can't tell that is Ryan Hall's back. FAIL!!!

I was able to get this great pic of Meb though...

Yes folks... I completely FAIL'd you all. I was so p*ssed at myself for missing them. I had been so excited to see them all morning and completely missed it! D@MN IT. Oh well no time to dwell our men would be following shortly...

GO B.R.A. RUNNERS! GO!

As it closed in on 3 hours V and I were a duo of Nervous Nellies. Actually let me back up, we had been Nervous Nellies from the get go, as time elapsed it just got worse. The runner updates weren't coming in at all, our phones were blowing up with people calling to find out where the guys were on the course and my phone was dying! FML!!! V had someone on a computer pulling check point times on everyone and we gauged ETA's accordingly. It was absolutely nerve wracking and anticipation grew with every moment. Right on time we finally spotted Coach Tom, V's man of the hour, and he was looking STRONG and right on pace! Congrats Coach Tom!!!

Coach Tom (Center in Blue)

A few minutes later we spotted Navy Steve and he was in the zone... Great job Navy!!!

Navy Steve my Gasparilla Finish Pacer (White tank & hat)

Not too long after Navy Steve we spotted Coach EK, he didn't veer our way but thankfully V spotted him in the crowd. (Center just beyond guy in white tank top, he's in the blue tank and black shorts w/ yellow strip) He looked great out there in action. Congrats on another Boston Marathon Finish Coach E!!!



A few minutes went by and V took off to go meet up with her beloved so I sent her on her way and continued to anxiously await Spike's arrival. I knew from his splits that his race was far from what he expected it to be and knew what must have happened. As each minute ticked on I frantically scanned the pack of runners praying I wouldn't miss him somehow. After what felt like a lifetime, which it most certainly was in those moments, I finally spotted him and screamed my head off to get his attention. He ran up and I gave him the biggest hug and kiss I could over the barricade fence. One more kiss for good measure and he was on his way to the Finish line.

My luv on his way to the Finish Line of his First Boston Marathon
(White hat, shirt, gray shorts)

*Schmoopy Alert* I may or may not have gotten a little teary eyed. I may or may not have thrown down my posters, left my fold up chair behind and sprinted down Newberry as fast as I could so I could be the very first thing he saw when he exited the Finishers Area. What can I say, I'm hopelessly in love with that man and I wanted nothing more than to tell him how proud of him I was. I wish I could channel that feeling everytime I raced because I assure you I have never sprinted so fast in my life! And it was well worth it when he came out wearing his medal with the biggest smile on his face I have ever seen! Congratulations my luv you are amazing!!!

He DEFINITELY earned that Bling & Jacket!!!

He was absolutely glowing and despite everything, was in complete awe of the experience. I had hoped he'd have his recap up by now but we all know what a slacker he is about posting so you'll just have to wait for the juicy details. He has quite the story to tell and is an inspiration to me every day but especially this day.... yup he's kind of a big deal...

Don't they look riveted by his recap?!?!? You will be too!

I will close this recap by saying that spectating Boston was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. That morning I witnessed the physical definitions of the words; Inspiration, Determination, Dedication, and Perseverance. I hope everyone that truly appreciates the sport gets to witness it first hand at least once in their lifetime. It will be an experience you will never forget and will put the fever in you like never before... there's a reason why it is the elite most Marathon in the world and it's earned that title accordingly.

To all those that raced I extend my congratulations and to all those that aspire to run the course someday I say "Believe to Achieve!" One day you'll make it there and it WILL be worth it!!! I myself had never had Boston as a goal but after this experience how could it not...

Blog Brunch & B.R.A. Pasta Dinner

Following the B.A.A. 5k, I had organized a Blog Brunch at Trident Cafe for all the local and out of town bloggers to meet up. Everyone was just as great in person as they are on their blogs and it was so fun to meet everyone! Our collective energy charged the cafe as we all chatted each other up.

Emily (Sweat Once a Day), Ryan (Our Love on the Run), Jill (Run with Jill) &
Bethany (Our Love on the Run)

Lindsay (Chasing the Kenyans) & her fiance Josh

Spike, Christy (25 before 25) & Sun Runner (Running into the Sun)

Marcia (Running off at the Mouth), LPT (Failed Muffins), Meg (Meg Runs!), Katie A. (One Run at a Time) Ari (Katie A.'s hubs) & Sam (Operation Jack)

Emily & I

LPT & I

The brunch itself was most excellent, kudos to LPT (our Boston native) for recommending the spot. (In fact we hit up a dining spot of her suggestion every night of our trip. We were not disappointed once! Thanks again girl!!!) All to soon it was time to call it a day. I so wish there had been more time to visit with everyone but alas the city awaited; there were places to go, people to see and a marathon to rest legs for!

I love him.

As the majority dispersed, a group of us headed over to the Convention Center/Expo where Sam & I surprised Ally. Redheads unite for Operation Jack!

Operation Jack's Redhead Supporters!

After Spike gathered final transporation info for the morning we headed back towards the T but en route we stumbled upon the Boston Niketown and decided to swing in. I was so glad we did because it was beyond cool inside and made us even more excited for the marathon!

How cool right?!

After Niketown we proceeded on to the T and just before we arrived at our stop it began to pour outside.... A conspiring look at one other, Spike laced up his shoes and we sprinted towards our hotel. Those few minutes easily became a favorite memory of mine from the trip; just the two of us giggling out loud as we sprinted through the rain. *It's the little things!*

Later that evening after a refreshing shower and nap, we headed back into the city for an early pasta dinner with the B.R.A. Once again the tables were all a buzz about the race, stories of Bostons pasts and the standard B.R.A. bantar. (Oh how I missed my B.o.B!) I was so excited for everyone to meet Spike and he seemed to go over well with my extended running family.

The 3 Men in my Life - Spike w/ Coach EK & Coach Tom

All too soon, just as with brunch, it was time to call it a night. There was a marathon to prepare for!!! With a ton of well wishes to all, Spike & I headed back to our hotel to prepare for the morning...

Next up: The long awaited, highly anticipated, Boston Marathon Spectating Recap!!!

B.A.A. 5k Race Recap

Pre-Race - After spending Saturday hitting up the expo, having dinner with Spike's parents, getting to bed much later than expected and concerns over my ITB and Lankle, I wasn't sure how race day would play out. Race morning we got up around 6am, grabbed the T into the city and met up with LPT of Failed Muffins, Katie A. of One Run at a Time and Christy of 25 before 25 who would be spectating with Spike and Ari (Katie A's husband) while we ladies of the red hair ran the 5k.

LPT, Christy & I Pre-Race

It was cold, overcast and threatening to rain at any moment; the kind of weather only a masochist northerner like Spike could appreciate. (In fact he begged Mother Nature the whole of the weekend to trade race day forecasts with me. To no avail unfortunately.) Def not ideal race conditions for this Florida girl.

As each member of our little gathering arrived the squeals of delight and requests for photo ops grew. Spike was such a trooper with the holding of bags (including my pink sling bag) and taking of pics. (Best spectator boyfriend EVER!) It was decided that Katie A., recovering from the flu, would take it easy and pace LPT while I would attempt to race for my coveted PR. Just before we headed into the mass of runners Lindsay of Chasing the Kenyans stopped by and we all exchanged a quick hello before it was GO time...

Redheads Unite!

Start Corral - After a quick hug for good luck to the girls I made my way as close to the front as I could manage, quickly making friends with another runner who comiserated with me over the exceedingly cold temps and the ever present threat of rain as the starting announcements dragged on and on... We are freezing and don't care who the daughter of the race director is, can you please start this race already?!?!?

The Race - I didn't look at Hermes once as I focused on just keeping up the pace and powering through the inclines. My Lankle was killing me the first mile or so but by then the pain of running so hard basically drowned it out. About half way through, it started to rain and I wanted nothing more than to just finish this race. Shortly there after we turned on to Boylston St and I glimpsed the Finish Line in the distance and kicked it up only to realize we still had a mile to go. SYKE!!! As we turned off Boylston I heard Spike cheer me on as I ran past and I remember thinking to myself, "I can't keep this up. I just want to quit."

Action shot!

The moment passed quickly enough when a small boy passed me and I realized there was no way in heck I was going to give up on a friggin 5k! (Gotta love temporary self doubt!) As we made the turn back on to Boylston for the actual Finish stretch I was wholly spent and just running on fumes when suddenly I spot Coach EK and Speedy Jess screaming for me! It was exactly what I needed to dig deep and find that I had just enough left to bring it in for a little over a minute PR!

Mile 1: 6:47 P

Mile 2: 7:03 P

Mile 3: 7:11 P

.1 (or .2 according to Hermes w/ my horrible tangent running) 6:23 P

Garmin Time: 22:19 / 3.2 M for 6:59 P

Final Chip Time: 22:19 / 3.1 M for 7:11 P

431/4329 Overall

88/2483 Woman Finishers

17/424 Divison Place

5k PR!!!

Post Race - I was elated beyond belief when I saw the clock and hit "Stop" on Hermes. I was also ready to puke my guts out from the effort. (Thankfully I didn't. Instead I hacked my lungs out for a good hour or two after. They were on fire!) As I headed straight for Spike and my post race kiss, all things were lost on me; I honestly didn't even so much as notice I had crossed the infamous Boston Marathon Finish line. FAIL. After I caught my breath I headed into the Finishers area to collect my medal and then out to join the gang while we waited for LPT & Katie A. to finish. Within a minute of joining the gang I see the girls and LPT is beaming with excitement over her very own PR of over a minute too! Congrats LPT and way to pace her through Katie A.!!! Great job ladies!!! Redheads totally rocked the B.A.A. 5k!!! :)

Post Race Thoughts - The course is a quick 3.1 M tour around downtown Boston that loops Boston Common, the Public Gardens, down scenic Commonwealth Ave and rounds out up the infamous turn onto Boylston street the marathoners take before crossing the Finish Line. It was fast, certainly not flat and kicked my @ss! Between the inclines and the effort, I got a lesson in how hard it hurts to run fast and I can't WAIT to run it again next year!!! The race swag consisted of a tech tee in B.M. Day-glow yellow and a mini Boston Marathon medal that is now one of my favorite blings. I highly recommend tackling the B.A.A. 5k and getting your own mini piece of Boston until you qualify for the 26.2!!! (Be ready to sign up the day they open registration cuz it fills up fast!)

Swag

(Back of Both)

Next up: Blog Brunch & B.R.A. Pasta Dinner Recap...

3 Things Thursday

1. I have returned from Boston and the trip can best be described in one word: AMAZING! The city was beautiful, the race was spectacular and I've definitely caught the fever... Beantown really knows how to put on a marathon!
   
   
   
2. As ya'll can imagine, after being virtually unplugged for 6 days I am BEYOND behind on the reader... between getting caught up at work and putting together recaps, it's going to be awhile before I make my rounds.
   
   
   
3. Speaking of Recaps, let's start with the Expo! This pic pretty much sums up Spike's view on it...
   
   
   
   

   As for me, since it wasn't *my* Boston Marathon expo I dared not touch a thing. (Just call me superstitious) As for the expo itself, I gotta be honest, I wasn't entirely impressed. I thought it'd outshine Chicago's Expo by a long shot being THE Marathon and all but it didn't. Adidas definitely had a great set-up being the sponsor and even had a really cool display of Boston jackets through the years but overall I thought it was overcrowded and lackluster. Alas, Chicago has entirely spoiled me... but don't let me fool you too much, if it were *my* Boston Marathon expo I would surely have bought every single item in sight. :)
   
   The real highlight for me of the expo was meeting up with 2 of my favorite bloggers; Ron of Punk Rock Tri Guy & Ally (my fellow Operation Jack runner/supporter and red headed sista from Texas) of The Shabby Princess

   
   

   I love his hair. :)
   
   

I was more than a little excited I was taller than her! LOL!


Alright ya'll, MUST get to it. Will have more later!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

3 Things Thursday: Boston Bound Edition

1. So have I mentioned I leave for Boston tomorrow? Imma hit up the expo... meet some bloggy peeps... run a little 5k... spectate the elite most marathon in the world... ya know; basically go eat, drink and sleep all things Running for 6 whole days! It's kinda like being in Runner's Candyland or Runner's Porn... er... scratch that last one... too kinky for me. I CAN'T FRIGGING WAIT!
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Because I have so much spectacular-spectacular going on this weekend expect a series of recaps;
   - Expo Extravaganza
   - B.A.A. 5k & Blogger Meet-up Recap
   - Boston Marathon Spectating Recap aka Run Fast Spike!
   - I <3 Boston aka Boston Trip Recap (Non-Running Related Things)
   
   
   
3. Regarding the B.A.A. 5k; With my ITB on the fritz and my Lankle (I'm thinking that's what Ulyana would call it anyway) making life difficult, racing is not looking promising. I have eased up on my training this week, took 2 rest days, attached my foam roller to my hip and been R.I.C.E'ing like a mofo in hopes to be in better shape come Sunday. I will have to decide race morning if I'm going to go all out or just run for fun. Either way it's a win as far as I'm concerned (Finish on the Boston Marathon Finish Line anyone?!?!) but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'll be a little disappointed if I don't get a shot at my coveted 5k PR. Only time will tell... *Fingers Crossed*
   
   
   
   
   Listening to: "I'm Shipping up to Boston" - Drop Kick Murphy's
   
   
   Running is what you make of it; Make it an Adventure!™
   

Michigan Musings: A Weekend Recap

My weekend in Michigan was non-stop, action packed and left me absolutely exhausted! In light of that, combined with everything I need to get done before Friday, I'm going to make this short, sweet and to the point 'mkay?

Thursday - Arrived to find that Spring had sprung in Spikeville...

Friday - First thing a.m. Spike and I split ways; he to run a tempo and I to hit the local track where I ran 3 of the 4 prescribed 800's I had on deck. Why only 3? Because my ITB reared it's ugly head and it was 30*, windy with snow flurries. Snow flurries! I froze my @ss off! (Go figure not two hours later it was 50* and sunny. WTF Michigan?!?!) As I looped around the track I secretly wondered if I might have a chance sighting of the elusive Nitmos running about knowing he is a local, but no such luck; guess he'll continue to live on in my runner fantasies... *sigh* LOL!

After our respective workouts we grabbed lunch with my cousin, ran some errands then got all gussied up for date night where Spike surprised me by taking me to see my first Broadway Musical; "A Chorus Line" at the Breslin Center!!! I was predictably excited beyond belief! Have I mentioned Spike excels at planning excellent date nights? :)

Saturday - Better known as the day we traversed the greater Mid-Michigan area...

First thing a.m. we headed South to attend my Grandmother's Memorial Service. Unfortunately my Dad and one of my Uncle's were unable to make the service because their flight was overbooked the previous evening and no one would give up their seats. I was very disappointed as were they and I still can't belive no one would give up their seats! What is wrong with America?!?! Any way, they tried everything to get out and in the end had to be Skype'd in for the service. God Bless technology. I was able to see the majority of the family though; including my cousin Becca whom I hadn't seen in years!

Do you see the family resemblance?

After that we headed back North and then East to attend my cousin Stacy's wedding. She had a quaint service in a historic wedding chapel in downtown Howell and afterwards at the reception Spike was a hit with my Fam. It was so great to see so much of my Family on this trip!

Stacy & I

My Fav pic from the Reception - LOL!

Sunday - Bright and early Sunday morning I met up with Nicole (Runner Nic) for a leisurely 6 miler. We hit the Grand River Trail and ran our way around the MSU Campus, stopping to take some pics along the way much to our own entertainment... We had a blast and I'm so excited to have made a new Michigan running friend for my trips to see Spike. Nicole is such a doll! Thanks again for treking up to meet/run with me!!!

Taking turns running past the infamous Sparty Statue


A nice walker guy took this for us... we were sweaty messes by this point. Over dress much?!?

6 M Run & Done! Yay for new running friends!
(Just realized we are both wearing our Chicago 09 shirts! LOL!)

Shortly thereafter I was headed to DTW to catch my flight back to reality where I have so much ish to do! Pack all over again, get caught up from having Friday off, then prepare to be off 3 days next week, etc... but come Friday I will be Boston Bound and ready to hit the streets to run, meet up with blog buddies, spectate the Marathon, cheer on my honey and take in the sights of the city!

In the meantime, I'm trying little by little to get caught up with all of you but just know that I'm severly backlogged and it's only going to get worse with this impending trip to Beantown. I hope everyone is running well, making it back on the road to recovery and enjoying the adventure that is running! Speaking of which, I've thought up my own tagline of sorts and will be implementing it from here forward:

Running is what you make of it; Make it an Adventure!™

Fitting no? You like?

™ Caution: Redhead Running 2010