Race Expo Fun!

Posted on May 11, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

It´s been a while since I have been at a race expo, and this time I am on the other side of the table! It’s been fun chatting with all of the Cox Rhode Races runners.

photo (56)I have seen a lot of Boston Marathon gear and Boston Strong t-shirts—so cool! I got to catch up with a Boston runner who was stopped at mile 25 and went back to finish the race two weeks later!

She was very emotional telling the story, but it was so nice to hear the support she got when she went back to finish. She said that random people all along the way were clapping for her as she kept repeating “I’m going to finish what I started.” AMAZING!

Last night I went to dinner to catch up with an old friend and then hit the sack early. I have to say it was complete heaven to have a king size bed all to myself!

photo (57)After today at the expo, I will be heading back to the Cape to finish out the weekend with some more home improvement projects and Mother’s Day fun. My husband has made some plans, and I hope the weather cooperates!

Have a great Mother’s Day to all my mother runner readers! Enjoy the day and rest and relax (or do whatever makes you happy!) Smile

Filed Under: Racing, Travel Tagged:

Updates, Race Discount Info, and More!

Posted on April 9, 2013 Written by 1 Comment

I know, here I am taking time off from blogging again! I think the next month or so will probably be only weekly posting instead of three days a week.

I have finally finished redoing the boys’ room, and I will do a post with pictures as soon as it’s complete! Since we are knee-deep in home improvement and other associated issues, I am cutting back on posting frequency.

Unfortunately, I have also cut back on running frequency! I am trying hard to squeeze everything in, and I know things will normalize again someday soon!

logo_capecodNow for some cool race discount information!! ZOOMA Cape Cod will be this September again, and I am super psyched to be a race ambassador again! I recently received a promo code to share with you guys:

Use code CCAMB5 to save 10% off the registration fee for the half marathon or the 10K. Grab your running partner or other girlfriends and sign up for a weekend race on the Cape. September is hands-down my favorite month here!

While you’re at it, you can also sign up for a cool sweepstakes ZOOMA is running for their inaugural Chicago race! Check out details HERE.

If anyone is interested in running the Falmouth Road Race this year, and you want to make sure you get an entry (it’s a lottery system for non-residents), the Melanoma Foundation of New England has some entries available for those interested in fundraising.

Raise $1,000 for the Melanoma Foundation of New England, and you get guaranteed entry into the race. It’s a great race AND a great cause! Win-win!

In other news, I am SO glad spring is finally here, and I can’t wait to hit the roads more often! Smile

Filed Under: Racing, Training Tagged: ,

Possible Storm Three Weekends in a Row?? Aaaaahhhhh!

Posted on February 21, 2013 Written by 2 Comments

The title of this post pretty much sums up my current feelings on the weather lately. You already know how I feel,  but this weekend’s impending storm is rubbing salt in my wounds!

I am going to wait and see what ends up happening for race day on Sunday morning. The rain/snow line is still in play, so we will just have to wait and see. It’s supposed to be quite windy as well. If I run, I am going to approach it like a strong training run, not a PR attempt.

Wall paper, paint, and trim colors

Wall paper, paint, and trim colors

On a more optimistic note, I finally picked out the wallpaper and paint combination for the boys’ room (see pic), along with ordering duvet covers and some other decorations. The blue will be on the walls that are not papered, the cream will be trim, and the sand color will be on the floors. I am so excited to decorate their room—I think I may want to move in when it’s done! Winking smile

I wanted to choose something that was nautical, but not kitschy. I also wanted a room that would suit them now, in addition to when they are older. At some point, the room will turn back into a guest room, and I think the design will still work then.

It’s still funny to me that they will be living in my younger sister’s old room! They are very excited, and they can’t wait for the project to be finished. This week I am finishing the sealer coat on the walls. This weekend we will apply the skim coat, and then we can paint and wallpaper!

What do you think of the color/wallpaper choices? 

Filed Under: Family, Home, Racing

Who Wants to Run Boston??

Posted on February 8, 2013 Written by 1 Comment

Altra Boston picAltra is now running an AWESOME contest in which they are giving away 10 pre-qualified entries to this year’s Boston Marathon. Here are the different ways you can enter:

Facebook (4 winners):

1. Tell us why you deserve a spot! Tag us in the post on YOUR own wall. BE  CREATIVE! Pictures, videos, or just words are all acceptable.

Twitter (2 winners):

1. Send out a tweet about breaking up with your old running shoes! Tag @AltraZeroDrop at the end of the tweet.

Ex: “Dear old running shoes: You’re unstable. We’re done. @AltraZeroDrop’s are the shoe for me.”
Ex: “Hi old running shoes, There’s someone else. @AltraZeroDrop and I can go for hours and I love the way he/she holds me.”

Instagram (2 winners):

1. Show us what #ZeroLimits means to you!
2. Follow @AltraZeroDrop.

Pinterest (2 winners):

1. Follow Altra Zero Drop.
2. Repin our Altra Takes Boston “Pin it to Win it” graphic.

Vine (1 winner):

1. Follow Altra Zero Drop (Open app-> Click the house in top left corner-> Explore-> Search “Altra Zero Drop” on “People” tab->Follow).
2. Make a Vine showing why you deserve a Boston entry.
3. Use the hashtags #ZeroLimits #AltraTakesBoston and #Running in the description.

What’s Vine? Its a new iPhone app. Check this out.

Terms and Conditions:

-All entries are pre-qualified

-Registration fee not included

-Travel and related expenses not included

-Registration Code will be mailed upon completion of contest

-Contest will run from 12 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17

-Winners will be notified Monday, Feb. 18 2013

Filed Under: Racing Tagged: ,

Bill Rodgers/ Melanoma Foundation of New England Interview Part 1

Posted on February 6, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

I decided to break up the posts on my interview with Bill Rodgers and Deb Girard (Executive Director of Melanoma Foundation of New England) into two parts because there was simply too much good information to share.

This first post is going to be about running for charity. I wrote an article about running for charity a while back, since it has become so popular lately. After talking with Deb, I really gained a new appreciation for why these fundraising efforts are so important to non-profits.

bill rodgersI am often struck by the kindness and generosity of runners as a community. We toe the line together and support one another in our quests for PRs. We are also very generous when it comes to raising funds for charity. For example, in 2011 Boston Marathon charity runners raised over $17 million dollars!

This year, as in years past, the Running for Cover team (charity running arm of the Melanoma Foundation of New England) will be participating in the Boston Marathon. Bill Rodgers is the honorary captain of the team (how cool?!?!). Talk about a veteran team captain! Winking smile

Each participant commits to raising $4,000. While some may be apprehensive about raising that sum of money, according to Executive Director Deb Girard, “this marathon (Boston) for us is really about …whether we are able to get our message out or not.” Fundraising efforts from the Boston Marathon alone contribute to over 30% of their income!

Bill Rodgers echoes the contribution of runners to different charities: “running is a bigger fundraising sport than any other sport…it’s a bigger sport than people realize.”

Running a race for charity is a way for us to give back. I think that since we are usually racing anyway, why not add the extra motivation of helping out an organization that needs it. I really loved Bill’s take on running for charity: “it’s a way for the whole sport to rise.”

Running for charity can also add another dimension to your race training. When you are supporting a cause that you believe in, or have a personal connection to, it gives you the extra push you need to get through the difficult runs or phases of training.  Running draws people in and gives them a goal, as Bill says: “a chance to do something really powerful.”

Filed Under: Racing, Training Tagged: , ,

ZOOMA’s New Personal Best Program!

Posted on January 24, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

There are a lot of reasons why I love the ZOOMA race series, and they just gave me a new one! The ladies behind ZOOMA have rolled out a brand new program called the ZOOMA Personal Best Program.

zooma cc badgeStarting this year, ZOOMA is going to give you the extra push to get a PR in a ZOOMA race. So whether it´s your first time racing the distance (automatic PR!) or a new personal record, you will get a special PR medal at the finish.

For more information on the new program, you can click HERE. I will be running ZOOMA Cape Cod again this fall and hopefully scoring a new PR, will you?

Filed Under: Motivation, Racing Tagged: ,

ZOOMA Cape Cod is Back Next September (with Every Mother Counts)!

Posted on December 14, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

I was so excited to find out that ZOOMA will be back on the Cape next September. For those of you interested in running, the race will be held on Saturday, September 28.  I can’t wait to run it again, and I am almost 100% sure that my two running besties Jenn and Michaela are in again too!

In other exciting ZOOMA news, ZOOMA is partnering with Every Mother Counts in 2013. Every Mother Counts is a non-profit (started by supermodel Christy Turlington) that helps to increase education and support for maternal mortality reduction around the globe. Below is a great little video that gives you some insight into what they do:

ZOOMA runners will be able raise additional funds for Every Mother Counts (above what you can do through the app Charity Miles) and compete to win some great swag! You can find out more details HERE.

Who will I see next year at ZOOMA Cape Cod?

Filed Under: Racing Tagged: ,

Willow Tree Family Turkey Trot Race Recap

Posted on November 26, 2012 Written by 2 Comments

On Thanksgiving day, I decided to race the Willow Tree Family Turkey Trot in downtown Providence. I was a little apprehensive about doing a 5k after the disastrous experience in Cotuit in July, but I decided to bite the bullet. My iron levels are up and I’m running a lot more, so I decided to put my fitness to the test!

My husband and the two boys came along to be my cheering squad. We got to the Convention Center around 9:15 to pick up my number and meet up with Sam, who was running with her mother. I love meeting up with friends at races—hanging out and chatting definitely helps to keep the nerves at bay.

We headed out doors to get in the line up about ten minutes before the race. This turkey trot is pretty popular—there were 1200 plus participants this year!

After the national anthem, I got my watch set up for my play list, but it didn’t get the GPS signal till just after the start! The first mile went by pretty fast, and as it usually is in a 5k, it felt good. I actually felt really prepared despite the fact that I hadn’t been doing as much speed work. I knew that the increased mileage would help with my aerobic capacity.

At about 1.5 miles I lost a few seconds at the water table. Yes, I stopped for water in a 5k. It was a little warm, and I get such a dry mouth when I race. Of course, I forgot gum which I usually chew while racing. The guy in front of me completely stopped and I almost tripped over him!

We went up a little hill and then down South Main Street. I continued to feel okay. The “I feel like I could puke” came in around 2.6 miles. I was prepared for it, and I knew I was pushing it in a good way. Winking smile Here’s a video – I am in the green sparkle skirt!

I rounded the corner for the finish and saw the boys and my husband. When I got close to the finish, I saw the clock and it was in the 21:50s, so I knew I had the chance at a PR. I sprinted it out and the clock said 21:52 when I crossed—a PR by 3 seconds.

However, I was dismayed when I saw on the official results that my time was listed at 21:54.5. While it is still a PR of 0.1 seconds, I know what the clock said when I crossed and I didn’t cross the start line right when the gun went off, so I am not sure where the 21:54.5 came from. I am going to call 21:52 my shiny new PR.

Did you Turkey Trot?

Filed Under: Racing, Training Tagged:

ZOOMA Cape Cod Race Recap

Posted on September 25, 2012 Written by 7 Comments

The Three Musketeers!

So call me crazy, but I decided to jump in and run the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half marathon last weekend. I haven’t run long in over two months due to the iron issues, etc. Seriously, I haven’t gone more than four miles. I knew it wouldn’t be a fast half marathon, I just wanted to run and have a good time doing it!

That being said, I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity for a super fun run with some of my besties. Michaela, Jenn and I decided to embody the mission of ZOOMA—running a race and getting to hang out with my girlfriends at the same time!

This was Jenn’s first half marathon, so she decided on a 3 minute run, 1 minute walk program that was such a smart choice. I have never done this in a race, but it definitely prevents you from going out too fast which is very important in a long race!

“I Run Things”

We got into town on Friday evening and met up at number pick up at the Sea Crest. I was very excited to finally get to meet up with SBS and Dimity from Another Mother Runner. I did a post a while back on their site, and it was so great to finally meet them in real life! I also love listening to their podcasts on long runs.

While chatting, I was able to grab one of the Another Mother Runner shirts, which I have been coveting for a while. It says “I Run Things,” so true in so many senses Winking smile You can see it in the picture to the right.

After hanging out at the expo for a bit, we headed to the Chapoquoit Grill for some wood fired pizza and salads (and wine/beer too!). We tried to tuck in early, since the race started at 7:30 Saturday morning.

We arrived at the start a little before the race started, and before we knew it we were off! I will say that this course was super hilly! My butt was definitely feeling it the next day…We ran through West Falmouth, which is very scenic and then through some not so scenic areas and then back through West Falmouth.

The temp was perfect and it was actually nice that the sun didn’t come out until later, so we weren’t too hot! It was so fun to run this race in a relaxed manner and get to chat with my friends as we piled on the miles.

Everyone along the course was super nice, and there was a great sense of camaraderie among the runners. It was truly a unique experience that I won’t forget. As women, we are such a supportive bunch of runners!

At about mile 10, Meaghan Wilk caught up to us. This crazy mother runner was out on a 30 mile training run in conjunction with the race! She is training for the Stone Cat 50 Miler, and was super excited to finally have some ladies to run with.

Jenn dominating mile 13 after the race!

We pushed ahead for the last 3 miles to the finish together (after which she added on another 3 miles!). Michaela and Jenn did awesome, with Michaela netting a PR and Jenn crossing the line of her first half marathon. I am so proud of both of them!!

We hung out after the race on the water at the Sea Crest. One of my favorite things about ZOOMA was the cute necklace you got instead of a medal, the great snack bags after the finish, and Barefoot wine samples! I loved all of the little touches too, including the mats and foam rollers at the finish!

I had an awesome weekend combining two of my loves, running and my friends. I will definitely run another ZOOMA race, it was a great experience! I had a blast running, so it was a definite Mission Accomplished!

Who else ran ZOOMA and what did you think?

Filed Under: Racing, Travel

Joining the Pack Otherwise Known as the Trail Animals Running Club (TARC)

Posted on August 30, 2012 Written by 4 Comments

They had me at the name. Smile I ran into one of the members of the Trail Animals Running Club (TARC) at our local Lululemon brainstorming session, and she mentioned the group as a fun way to get into trail running. I really love running on trails, but it is definitely nice to have some company when you do it—especially if you aren’t familiar with the area!

TARC has weekly organized group runs on Saturdays that meet in two different locations. Two things I loved right off the bat about the group: it’s free to join and it welcomes ALL levels of trail runners (even the trail race virgins like me!).

One of the reasons I am looking forward to doing trail running and races is the varied terrain. Running on the roads or bike paths all the time gets a little monotonous after a while, both mentally and physically.

Since the terrain is always varied, you don’t have the same repetitive motions/forces that you get from running on the road. I also really like being out in nature and away from the rat race, so I think it will be a good match.

I signed up for the TARC Fall Classic, which will be my first EVER trail race (October 13). There are several different distance options—I am going to do the 10K which is the shortest.

I am not putting any pressure on myself for this race—I just want to finish it and have fun. Hey, it’s an automatic PR anyway since I have never run a trail race or a 10K!

Today was an ABSOLUTELY beautiful day here in Rhode Island. It was cool in the morning and never left the 70s. Sheer perfection in my book! Since it was an off day for running, the boys and I decided to hit the Audubon Educational Center in Bristol. We followed the boardwalk down to the ocean, looking for butterflies, frogs (only 2 today!), and birds along the way.

The day could really not have been more perfect. I love this weather!! Smile

Filed Under: Racing, Training Tagged: ,
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