"Life's too short to not go for broke" - Hogsback Half Race Recap

I hope I remember everything I wanted to say about this event. There is a chance I will update it as I recall things.

WARNING: this will be long

Okay...so my adventure to the Hogsback Half Marathon started on April 13th when I completed my registration. It seems like so long ago now. Because there is so much going on in my head I will apologize in advance for any rambling.

The reason I even attempted to entertain the idea of running this half marathon was, well, for 2 big reasons. 1. it was being held in Connecticut and 2. Running for Rescues benefited financially from this race. I do not think I can actually gush anymore how much I love Running for Rescues. The woman in charge of the organizations is amazing and they help so many animals in need. I had also heard great things about this half from others both online and one woman I met at the Cheshire Sea Dog 10k, I thought to myself how bad could it be?! Well, I should not have challenged myself... Since registering in April my health has been less than ideal. My training has been less than desirable. Truthfully, I was hoping I'd be able to pull off a miracle.

From the beginning of this race everything seemed very organized and calculated (in a good way). I had initially registered for the 9am 'runners start' but once I heard about the 8.15am 'walkers start' I emailed the Race Director and asked to be switched. Just like that, nice and easy. I was also asked to choose my shirt color. Green or Pink....obviously I chose pink, how could I say no!

It wasn't until August 29th when I was contacted by Sonic Endurance with a notice I had won a free entry. I attempted to raffle off that entry but was unsuccessful. I had not heard of a race doing this before and I loved the idea. I was also thrilled to win even if I wasn't going to use it. I didn't want to take money away from Running for Rescues.

Within the last week runners received 2 emails about race day information. I appreciated that greatly considering I like a good amount of contact before a race.

Friday was my half marathon prep day, I 'took the day off from work' and rested with Ace. We also went for a 2 mile walk. I got my oil changed and filled the tank. Got new compression socks from Old Navy, my favorite (pictured below), and packed my post race bag while laying out my clothes. 

 My outfit.

Now to race day morning!

I'm not sure if he was upset I was leaving or was wishing me luck...I'm thinking it was both.

I set my alarm for 5.15am and 5.30am...thinking I might hit the snooze once. I did in fact hit it once but woke myself up before the second alarm. I kt taped my knees and got dressed. When I GPS'd Goodwin Dam it said about 50-60 minutes. The bad part being it's alllll back roads once you get off 91. I got on 84 around 6am, I thought I was making great time. I was on track to get to the Dam by 7.15am. Of course even though there were 2...yup 2 emails with directions to the correct entrance of the Dam, yours truly did not fully comprehend it. I drove 2 different ways and ended up at the same closed entrance....hmm...now it was 7.25am, I was later than my anticipated arrival. I do not like stressing about directions to a race the morning of. I looked at the email one more time and noticed the Route 8 to Eno Hill part. I put that into my GPS and ended up pulling down the very large hill to the parking lot at about 7.30am still 45 minutes before my start. 

This has to be one of the most gorgeous views I have seen the morning of a race.

Gorgeous.

When I got there I took a second to catch my breath...yes, I think for a moment I may have stopped breathing because I was so nervous about being late. Luckily I got there in perfect time. I was able to park in the actual lot and not on the course. Also, without knowing it, I parked next to Jodi, the President of Running for Rescues. I walked over to the tents they had set up for bib and shirt pick up. This was another race where I had to go to a board to see my bib number and then go tell that number to a volunteer. I guess this is more and more common than I had previously thought. What I did like is that the volunteer did have a list of the names and bib numbers in front of him, just in case. I got my bib and pink, long sleeve tech shirt. One of the best I have gotten so far, I am so in love with the design and the material. After getting my bib and shirt I realized how cold it was. Like cold cold, like frigid cold (obviously dramatic). I was beginning to kick myself for not bringing a long sleeve. Luckily I had a hoodie to wear before the race to keep myself warm.

After I got my bib I thought I noticed Jodi and went over to introduce myself. We had only ever spoken on Facebook before the race. She was so genuinely excited to see me and gave me a huge hug, I needed it so badly. It helped calm my nerves big time. (Thank you Jodi <3) We then went back to our cars and I met her husband and family and stretched before the early start, which she was part of too. I was so excited to know someone at the starting line. I wish I had taken a picture of the hill you had to walk up to get to the start line. I am so happy it wasn't part of the actual course. 

Sorry it looks like I am so far away, really I was only on the other side of the road. This is the Start Line.

The race began a little after 8.15am and off we went. For the record I was in 3rd place for .10 of a mile! Guaranteed to never happen again. Jodi took off and I reminded myself to keep to a pace I would be comfortable with. The course was GORGEOUS. I found myself looking around at the houses, the trees, the foliage. Yes, I said foliage. I half wanted to just stop and take it all in. The cold stopped bothering me once we started running which was fantastic. I don't think I actually stopped to take a picture until Mile 3. This was the first time I stopped at all and it was for a split second.

 So. In. Love.

Sonic Endurance was the company who put the race on. They did a fantastic job with setting up the signs so runners could see and having volunteers placed in the correct locations. I usually do look forward to having Gatorade/Powerade as my electrolyte replacement during a race but they opted for Skratch. I had recieved a sample I believe in my Bulu Box a month or two before, tried it and was NOT impressed. I figured I would give it another try. Huge success. I am so happy I give it another chance. I didn't know they had more than the lemon flavor too. I will be looking into the red colored one this week. There were tables set up every 2 miles, it ended up being perfect for me. I didn't feel thirsty at all.

Once I hit Mile 6 I knew there would be energy gel, water and Skratch. This was the first time I actually stopped! A milestone for me. I kept such an amazing pace for myself and felt untouchable...until I stopped to walk and get water & gel. All my aches and pains hit me at once: knees, ankles, shoulders, back, hips, arms, fingers. I was not even half way done. I took a tube of Honey Stinger Strawberry gel, but noticed it had caffeine in it. I took the tiniest taste of it and realized I was going to have a replay of my Clif Shot Blocs episode and tossed it. I had gotten so excited when I saw the Powerbar energy gels but no strawberry sadly.

 Mile Marker 6

At this point the 9am runners had already taken off and I was sure by now they would have passed me.. NOPE. Not until 6.60 did the lead guy pass me. WOOHOO! I felt amazing! I made it to the half way point before he ran by. Unfortunately at about Mile 6.75-7 a little white dog saw us running and decided to either say 'keep going' or 'stop and play with me' either way, he ran out into the road and a car was flying towards him (open course). The guy in front of me and I ran into the road. I waved like a mad woman trying to get the cars attention and the other runner ran towards the dog. The man finally, after what seemed like yards, put the breaks on and chose not to make eye contact. I apologize to those around me who heard the unladylike things come out of my mouth. I was a little shaken up. After rounding back towards the start line, over a bridge with another GORGEOUS view (sorry I didn't take a picture) I saw the most peculiar site...I thought there were children playing with malamutes, large Alaskan dogs. Upon closer inspection I noticed they were goats. Goats in trees. Goats roaming, no farm in sight.

I turned to the woman behind me and asked if she was seeing the same thing. Her mouth dropped open too and we crossed the road to take pictures. Her name was Giselle, she said to me "I'm from Ohio, you don't normally see things like this!" I responded with "I'm from Connecticut and you don't see things like this!!" We laughed and I asked her a couple questions about Half Fanatics and learned that she was going to run Rock n Roll Providence the day after!! What dedication! We spoke for probably about a mile which was a fantastic break for my legs. Another runner approached and joined us. Her name was Hilary and she told us about obstacle course racing. It was so fantastic to meet other runners who were at different stages than myself. Ladies, I appreciated your time. Thank you :)

After Giselle took off, Hilary and I walked a little while longer, but I had a goal. Break 3 hours. I picked up my pace about Mile 10. Miles 10-13.1 were the hardest miles I have probably run up until this point. The most encouraging part was all the faster runners passing me, giving words of encouragement. At first I felt embarrassed but then I felt connected. I have never seen or been part of a race like this. Like everyone mattered, I'm not saying Disney isn't all about fun or family but this was different. Mile 11 I thought I might actually die. Mile 11.5 I thought I was close to finishing and had plenty of time to do it, so I walked a little. Mile 12.....yeah.....Mile 12....UP.HILL. Holy sweet love of all that is good. I was not anticipating it to be as uphill as it ended up being. Yes I looked at the elevations, and humorously enough I had driven it at 7.15am this morning looking for the correct entrance. In a car it doesn't seem so impossible. Again the words of encouragement from other runners came in. The finish line was in sight! As I crossed the finish line I looked at the clock! 2:11...yeah I know that wasn't my clock. I looked down at my watch to stop it..... 3 hours! 

I took my medal, grabbed my water and walked straight for my car. I needed to sit. I knew I'd be walking plenty later and decided against the most obnoxious and dramatic approach of throwing myself to the ground. However, it most definitely crossed my mind. I sat down for a couple of minutes to mentally recap what I just accomplished. My first non-Disney half marathon. I PR'd a half marathon. 12 minutes. I took 12 minutes off 13.1 miles. Wow.

 Medal and Bib

 Gorgeous Medal

After I realized my clothes were soaked with sweat and I needed to change I got up. The line for food was already so long but I couldn't even fathom walking another step in sneakers. I put my Uggs on and immediately felt them hugging my poor aching feet. I went and changed, only took me 15 minutes. A nice look into my Senior Citizen future. Then I got in line for food...mmm mmm mmm. The line was silly long but Kelly (I didn't know it was her till later) the Race Director was kind enough to walk along the line of people waiting to give out orange slices. Definitely hit the spot. The line moved at a slow but bearable pace. Once I was about 20 people away from throwing my face in an apple pie Kelly started the raffle prize giveaway. As ridiculous as this sounds I was so happy I didn't win because I wasn't about to give up my spot in line. Although a takeaway would have been nice.

 The line for food.

 Line for food

Chicken and potatoes

First there were some desserts, chocolate chip cookies, rice crispie treats and brownies. Then salad, followed by chicken and potatoes. Sadly by the time I got to the food all the pasta was gone. I will admit I was very sad and dissapointed. I had really been looking forward to it. After the empty spot where pasta once stood was apple pie and pumpkin pie. I snagged a piece of the apple pie and found a seat on the grass.

 My plate

After announcing all the raffle winners and overall winner and age group winners Jodi got up and thanked everyone.

 Jodi on the megaphone

Once everyone was thanked and fed and awards were given out Kelly announced she had some volunteer cookies left over! I couldn't say no! I grabbed a hedgehog and introduced myself to her. She gave me the same warm welcome as Jodi did. I couldn't stay around to help clean up because I had an hours drive back home and 2 events to try and make, otherwise one of those fabulous pint glasses would be in my kitchen right now.

 COOKIE!

 Here is the shirt and my bib again.

So a couple shout outs need to happen...

Kelly and Shaun- You put on an amazing race! Congratulations on a job well done!

Jodi- Your volunteers were amazing! And thank you for such a great welcome.

Pregnant lady- Thank you for passing me at Mile 5 and giving me another reason I don't have any excuses....

Man in long sleeve white shirt- Thank you for running into traffic with me.

Children with Goats- Just thank you.

Lynyrd Skynyrd & iPhone- Thank you for playing Free Bird at Mile 10. I needed that.

Positives on the half:

-Gorgeous course

-Well marked course

-Plenty of water stations

-Well organized from start to finish

-Fabulous shirt and medal

-Cheerful volunteers

-Encouraging fellow runners

-Early start option

-Price!

-Atmosphere

-Skratch as opposed to Gatorade

-Communication from RD

-Food

Things that could possibly be improved:

-Parking, I can only imagine how it would have been had I not gotten there earlier.

-Offering different flavors of energy gel without caffine (I know, picky me)

-More pasta

-Maybe road signs directing people who are lost or confused (even if we got the email haha)

Overall I was blown away by how successful I think this event was. I will most definitely be in attendance next year and will be better prepared for that darn hill.

My race bib is already up with the rest of them :)

Weekly Recap

Monday - Labor Day, a nice day off for both Miguel and I. We decided to go for a 3 mile run when the thunder and lightning stopped. I'm actually glad we did to because I have a half marathon coming up at the end of September that I need to step it up for!

Tuesday - Possibly the longest day of my entire life. About a 15 hour day, although I didn't get to run or walk or do weights I was on my feet the majority of the day.

Wednesday - I was still exhausted from the 4am wake up the day prior but Ace and I got out there and did 3 miles.

Thursday - Weights today. Miguel made it much harder than I had been doing the last week. I'm glad though, I like the feeling of soreness because you worked hard.

Friday - Rough day. Truthfully did zip.

Saturday - Took another day off even though I shouldn't have. Miguel is really sick.

Sunday (Today) - Another early day at work. Miguel is still sick. 
After taking a quick nap, which is telling me 2 things right off the bat: 
1. I'm not eating properly and 
2. I'm too stressed...

I decided to take Ace for a run. I thought to myself 3-4 miles, maybe, if I am still feeling good I'll drop him off and do another 3 after that. 

Yeah. 


Well like a jerk, I decided to try Clif Shot Blocs in black cherry. Because I had just woken up from a nap I wanted to make sure that I had energy. I took two blocs as I was putting my shoes on and immediately regretted my decision. When I say it was like I had given myself the stomach bug I. Am. Not. Exaggerating. I'm furious with myself, even now 3 hours after I ate them I am still feeling the affects. I have been genuinely feeling good with my health so far and then this...AND the worst part is I have no one to blame but me. 

It's so frustrating but luckily we were able to do 2 miles and get home before I started to vomit (yeah, we got to that level). I almost (ALMOST) felt bad for Miguel. I just ran to the bathroom when I got through the door and didn't come out for a while. And I was supposed to be taking care of HIM. He didn't know what to do.

(Source)

I know I know... Dramatic.

Now that it's 9.30pm a whole 5 hours after the Clif Shot Blocs mistake I feel a little better and was able to make dinner for us. Our favorite dinner : Corn Chowder!


Lesson Learned: Good thing I tried this now, in the 'comfort' of my own neighborhood and home rather than at a race.

Have you ever made a training mistake that you learned from? 

What was it?

UCP Life Without Limits 5k Race Recap

After going to bed very, and I mean very late, around 12.30am I only got a couple hours of sleep. I was up at 6.30am and Mike and I finished cleaning the house for the showing. I was appreciative that Ace was with his grandparents because as we try to get rid of his hair in the house he inevitably walks around shaking and putting more hair all over the place.

 It only takes me between 8-10 minutes to get from my house to Globe Hollow. 

The race starts in the parking lot of this 'pool', its actually classified as a man made swimming area. It's one of the 6 I have worked at in Manchester for the last decade as a lifeguard for the town. I apologize for the lack of photos for this recap...even though like I said it only takes me 8-10 minutes to get to Globe, I didn't leave the house until 7.30am................. The race was supposed to begin at 8am! I know I've said it before. I. Hate. Rushing. I did make it in time to get my shirt, bag and bib, but because of my time management issues I didn't get to take photos.

I initially did this 5k in September of last year. It was my first 5k, pretty much EVER. I convinced Miguel to run it with me. It was enjoyable and painful to run with him but I was actually even happier that I was alone this time. I didn't have to worry about keeping up with him and could go at my own pace. My goal was to do back to back races and I knew I wasn't going to PR today but I wanted to be able to push myself and not have someone else try to do it for me.

About 5 minutes before the race began everyone got lined up on the street behind the start line. I was shocked by how many people were around me. You could tell there were all different kinds of running abilities, I enjoy that to a degree...A big frustration for me and maybe it is because I run alone is people talking over the announcers and race directors giving last minute instructions, I feel it is incredibly rude and find it annoying. I want to hear and I am curious and shouldn't have to be on the actual start line to be able to hear, especially when they are using a megaphone. I find this happens more with the inexperienced or non-serious runners. Don't get me wrong, I am not heart attack serious, I am doing this because it is fun to me. I just want to make sure my safety is a priority.

Like I said there were a large, large number of people at the race this year, much more than last year and I am sorry to say but I found them more obnoxious than the year before. The gun went off and the dudes around me, I say dudes because there is no other explanation for these males..other than duuuuuude, HAD NO CLUE...so they stood there. Granted I am not going to finish before you, but have a little courtesy of those behind you....like me....very frustrating, I'm sorry I'm not sorry I'm one of those runners who likes to begin running when the gun goes off.

Although I was not a fan of this course last time, I liked knowing the course and because of that enjoyed running it this second time, it gave me the opportunity to accurately pace myself because I know what was coming up next. I was feeling fantastic about Mile 1, took water and made it down the scary steep downhill from Mt. Nebo to Charter Oak Park, I appreciated running next to a little creek under the trees, it was nice and cool even with the heat. I hope one day I will be able to take pictures while I'm running like some bloggers I follow, power to you women!

Mile 2 was a little more difficult. There was a pretty steep uphill run towards the 384 overpass. I took this opportunity to walk the width of the highway, catch my breath and push it the last mile. My feet started to hurt here big time, as well as my side, it was not a welcomed pain, not like "oh, I know I'm working hard"...more like "eeehhh, why does this feel like someone is stabbing me and no one is around". Spring street is a nice clean straight away and I felt like picking it up, I passed a few women who I had been pacing with and a couple that had only passed me because I walked the overpass.

I'm not sure if I am the one who does this, but I am about to let you in on a little secret of mine. The first mile of any race I pick a person who looks either like they are my speed or faster and they are my goal, along with my race time, to beat. Maybe it's the Leo in me, the disgusting competitive drive that even when I try to ignore is like alarm bells going off in my head.

I had picked a woman out around Mile 1 but passed her on Spring St. on the straight away after mile 2. About .5 away from the finish I realized I was pegged by someone as their competition (a great feeling) there was a nice rolling down hill that last half mile...but as I was running I realized this girl was coming up on my side fast, I thought daamn if you are going to go that nuts on the downhill have it. I'm not competing with someone who wants to be reckless. She slowed down to just slightly in front of me and then started to move towards me...we have enough space around us to fit a killer whale and she starts to edge closer and closer, I keep thinking she is going to correct what direction she is going in until I realized what her real intentions were...she cut right in front of me. Like directly in front of me. I don't know if I can make it any clearer. Think of that Allstate commercial or maybe it was State Farm where they talk about the "loop and swoop", where some one comes around the side of you then cuts right in front and puts on the breaks. That is exactly what happened, well unfortunately for this poorly dressed, lacking etiquette runner I fuel off of anger. I kept my comments to myself (AH AHKAY) and resisted shoving her, I won't do anything that would keep me from running a race again... I pushed myself even harder and kicked up the gravel behind me as I smoked her. YUP! Heard that you snarky, cheap, you know what....how did it feel to watch me cross the finish line before you. Mhm. Karma. Ease up on that sports bra next time.

I have never ever seen someone deliberately try to put someone else in danger....I cannot even get myself to feel like she did it by accident. She knew exactly what she was doing. There wasn't any one around us on that hill at all. I am all about giving positive feedback to those that look like they are struggling so I couldn't imagine doing something like this to anyone....

The finish is naturally on an uphill swing. I am sorry for the older lady I passed about 10 feet before the finish but I was so heated that I couldn't stop myself. I crossed about 32:45. A PR for the course but not my best overall time.

I wore my Bulu Box Do Awesome Sh*t Shirt and got soooo many compliments after the race, I lost count. They had water, Gatorade, bananas and these quinoa/almond/dark chocolate bars. 

My body as of today (Sunday) is only a little sore, I have blisters on my feet and my thighs hurt, but other than that I am in pretty decent shape for having 2 races within a little over 12 hours of each other. I didn't PR either race but I ran it in a mid range time, so I am happy. I really want to make sure I am ready for the Glass Slipper Challenge in February. I am contemplating trying a new brand of shoes possibly, see if maybe there is something else out there. I've just been a Nike girl for quite some time...maybe the Free's are what I need?

After the race I spent about 10 minutes cooling down and got changed. I had a sun shining day of training at 9am to go to. Gotta make that guap....well...kinda. I really ended up getting fantastic ideas for my own staff training that is happening this upcoming weekend. So training from 9am-3pm and then we hit the road, sunburned back/shoulders and all. We decided to spend the evening in Niantic (yes I was JUST there) with Miguel's parents at their house. We missed our son so much too <3. We stopped by Five Guys to grab a late lunch and got ready for an afternoon/evening of crazypuppylove!! I will leave you with photos of the furry, tail wagging goodness.

 Yellow pup is Scarlett, the beast on the floor is my baby Ace of Base.

Of course Mike had to work out once we go there. I chose to eat like I have never seen food before in my life.

 Dancin' the night away!

They are best friends.

Ultimately I am not sure if I will do this race again. I really enjoy the cause (United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Hartford puts the race on and the proceeds go towards research) and the people working/volunteering are amazingly kind. The course is perfect and the distance from my house to the start line is ideal....I just.... I can't do the whole runner atmosphere. I'm sorry to say it too. 

QOTD: Have you had a race that you really enjoyed but probably won't run again for one reason or another?

"Keep trying don't give up, it's if you want it bad enough" - Niantic Bay 10k

So my Friday the 14th was my second day off. 

I am consistently the one who wakes up at 5, 5.30, 5.45am with Ace to take him out to the bathroom. Friday, Miguel woke up with Ace to take him out....and then once Ace peed and was fed, he came back to lay with me until 10.30am!!!!!!! I am never able to sleep in but was given this gem of a morning. <3 So Ace and I decided to take advantage of it.

 This is where he is the most content sleeping....my little (71lb) cuddlebug. <3

I get this look quite often.

Unfortunately we had a showing planned for 11.30am Saturday so Friday was spent cleaning to get the house ready. (I loathe house showings.) I like nothing about massive cleaning days. I feel like it is a huge waste...I'd rather do...well anything else. But Ace and I did it anyway. He helps me by eating his hair that I Swiff into a pile. What a trooper hahaha.

About 1pm Miguel's father came to pick up Ace. We had decided Ace could have a sleepover at their house in Niantic so he wouldn't need to be in a crate all day Saturday while we were busy. I knew it would be hard on us to not have Ace with us to sleep...I just didn't think it would feel so weird....I didn't have too much more cleaning left when.....

MIGUEL SURPRISED ME BY COMING HOME BEFORE MY RACE <3

I thought I wouldn't see him until 9pm! It made me so happy, I always feel better when our schedules work out where we get to spend a couple of minutes together. Because he works 2 jobs and I am always on call even if I'm not at work, it's hard sometimes to spend any period of minutes or hours together.

I showered quick. And left the house to get gas around 3pm. The race didn't start till 6pm but I didn't want to take any chances with Route 2, if you get stuck in traffic there you are D.O.N.E. I can't stand rushing either. I like to get where I need to be early and relax and take in my surroundings....boy am I glad I did get there early. The surroundings were just what I needed prior to my race.

If you haven't tried the Google Maps App, do it, it's so good! I was skeptical but it has great navigation. I ended up making it to Mc Cook Point Park just about 4pm...a whole 2 hours prior to the start of the 10k. I'm totally okay with it because this is where I got to hang out....

I was so pumped to run here. I can only explain how the ocean makes me feel by giving the example of being so in love with someone or something that it literally takes your breath away.

 Gorgeous.

I got my shirt and bib after I parked, they weren't kidding when they said parking was limited but I got lucky with a front row spot. A band was getting set up in the parking lot. There were only a couple other cars with runners hanging out around me. I really like the color of the shirt but I wish it was tech material. The woman who gave me my bib seemed nice and Niantic Parks and Rec appeared to be very organized for this event.

I had to take a bathroom mirror shot with this shirt even though I'm against them in general...Ruck On! Seeing as how it was Flag Day I had to rep my Boston Strong/Tough Ruck shirt from soSponsored, I had yet to wear it and thought this would be the perfect opportunity.

I sat in my car and waited...getting hungrier by the moment and about 4.45pm I decided to have my Bonk Bite! Bonk Breaker- PB & J flavored. I will say it is somewhat of an acquired taste, but if you like healthier stuff than it isn't bad at all compared to what is out there. They almost designed it to look like a deconstructed sandwich, the jelly is still identifiable in the middle of the bite.

I also had this about 5.15pm. I love these so much. It's pretty much the consistency of apple juice but has apples, mango's and strawberries. PowerBar reccomends taking one of these 30-60 minutes prior to activity and then as needed afterwards. I realized the earlier I took it, the less effects I felt during the race. I found this at CVS.

 My father won these Nike Women's sunglasses at a conference he went to. They were incredibly comfortable to wear. Typically I'm not a sunglass wearer during races.

The band that was playing was actually really good, not like wedding singer quality which is always enjoyable. They played good songs while we were waiting and after the race as well.

Niantic Parks and Rec bib and shirt set up. This was the second race I had to look my own name up and tell them my bib number...still seems odd to me. I was impressed that there were over 150 people signed up for the 10k. The 5k it appeared was less of an interest. This is first race I've seen the participants side up this way.

At the start line, the man with the tie is either the Mayor of Niantic or the First Selectman...if they are the same thing then you caught me...I have no idea what a selectman is.

Once the gun went off I started out a little fast, these people by the shoreline don't play...about a half mile in I got a call from one of my guards that threw me off big time. I put the phone on speaker, I am sorry if you were running around me. I can't go into too much detail about it because I do like my job. It took me a good mile and a half to get out of my funk, not because of her, but because of the situation. The course was the most beautiful I have run to date. Along the shoreline and through the most gorgeous neighborhoods of Niantic. Like Race Brook School's Rockin' Road Race this was an open course as well. Although I found these drivers to be much ruder than in Orange. Once I hit the 3 mile mark I was feeling good, they had about 3 water stations up to this point. The course then looped around a block and went back to where we came from, I enjoy that kind of course because then I know where I'm going.

A most of the time during the race I was pacing with the same women....

Dear One Of Those Women, please learn how to take water from a water station. Next time I will not try as hard to stop myself from slamming into you...Take your water as you continue to run through the station and then pull to the right and slow down or stop if you need to. You DO NOT stop the moment you get to the water station, there are others behind you. Thank you.

Trust me, I get it, I sound like a jerk and yes, someone could very well call me out for some of my race day etiquette as well, but singing "Karate Chop" while I'm running is not hurting anyone physically, maybe spiritually, but I needed that song. Back to the race... So at this point, for the record I HAD NOT WALKED ONCE....4.5 miles in, still chugging along......4.75 miles in...death-like feeling sets in....I slowed my pace and a man who appeared to be shuffling slower than me...passed me. Sick....I just kept saying to myself to stay consistent, stay strong. Then a damn hill hits me around 5 miles, once I get to the top of the beastly hill I slowed down and walked. I was going to give myself about .10 of a mile to walk, catch my breath and chug on to the finish. We had left the calming water scenery and we were back on a residential road which made motivation tough.

I do not normally run with music, this was only my second race ever doing so. I tuned out everyone successfully until about mile 5 when a girl who had blown past me at the start and had ran and walked around my pace as I shuffled on from mile 3-5 caught up to me. I had told myself once I hit one of the driveways I would begin running again. As I did she pulled up next to me. She turned to me and said something so I took my headset out. She asked how I was doing, I said crappy, how are you. She said the same. We then began to pace each other and talk about the course, about running, how great vomiting would feel. She was talking about how she had lost her drive and had stopped running for a significant period of time (coincidence!?!?!) she was trying to get back into it and was having trouble. All her friends were runners and were pacing better than she was so it wasn't really making the comeback any easier. We had about .20 left and she saw one of her friends walking towards us. Her friend started running next to the two of us and I turned to her and asked if she thought she could push it at the end, she said no and her friends boyfriend(?) stayed with her and I picked up my pace, the woman running next to me was so encouraging, and kind I almost threw up from too many emotions. I didn't know this woman, I didn't even know the girl I ran the last 1.2 miles with... never thought to ask her name. I then heard the announcer call out "Go Meg, keep pushing, you're almost there!". I crossed the finish line around 1:10...and hey ya know what? I'm psyched. It might not be my fastest time but I ran more this race than ever before, even in training runs, so I am proud with that as my finish. I turned around after I stopped seeing white lights everywhere and high-fived the girl I ran the end with and thanked her for helping pace me and push me. 

There was a short walk back to the parking lot. I walked as fast as I could towards to the water buckets and grabbed two bottles and saw...oohhh juicy slices of watermelon, grabbed 2...sugar cookies, yup 2 of those. Clam Chowder...yeah no thanks. If you have heard of Flanders Fish Market then you know it was great quality chowder, they've been on the Travel Channel I believe. 

Personally, I believe clam chowder after a 10k makes about as much sense as giving someone milk who is suffering from heat exhaustion (sorry American Red Cross, it's almost instant gagging liquid). 

I sat down and listened to the band until they started to call off age group winners. One day I'd like to place in the Top 3 of my age group...until then I am going to hope more courses are like this one. I felt amazing at the end, despite feeling like poo the whole time.

My feet were in a good amount of pain but I didn't want to think about it too long, not only was it 7:30pm by now but I had an hours drive home and a 5k in the AM.

Typical post race bib shot.

I made my way home and got there about 8.45/9pm. Miguel and I made dinner without the sound of jingling chains or the tick of puppy nails on the floor, I don't know if I will ever be able to have him sleepover anywhere else again. Miguel was even thrown off by it big time too.

After we ate we went to bed. A very lonely, big, lots of space having bed....at least I got to stretch out for my Saturday am 5k.