tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40597821053478940342024-03-13T09:12:32.404-04:00Run4Lifethe adventures of a twenty-something marathon runner, healthcare administrator, and grad school student, livin' the life south of Boston!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-9077121558881102102016-06-05T19:37:00.002-04:002016-06-05T19:40:17.171-04:00Who Would've Thought... Looking Back & Looking Forward<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After an incredible month, I am still waiting for someone to pinch me and to realize this was all just a wonderful dream. Over the past four weeks, I have managed to accomplish goals that I never would have imagined would be possible for me a year ago... or even a month ago. I've always loved running, starting with cross-country in junior high and completing my first marathon at 18. But I've always been a mid-to-back of the pack runner and never really had a ton of confidence in my ability to surpass that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then four weeks ago today, I broke my marathon PR by over 16 minutes at the Sugarloaf Marathon, finishing in 4:25:14. I felt SO strong from the moment I started until I crossed the finish line. I have never felt more confident in my abilities as a runner, and more importantly, have never had so much fun running 26.2. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cheesy grin? Check! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Beginning with Sugarloaf, I had set a goal to complete three marathons in three days, including two New England Challenge races - the Pine Tree Marathon in Portland, and the Granite State Marathon in Nashua, New Hampshire. I was slightly terrified about this trio - never having even run two marathons in the same month, let alone three in the same week! But you know what? I had the time of my life. So much so that I added a fourth later that week in western Massachusetts, and then ran the Vermont City Marathon the following week. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W62LJtVdqS4/V0B_AJhESSI/AAAAAAAABAQ/te5xmuX0Jb85QtF_LH1_c806evBhuoNNACKgB/s1600/three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W62LJtVdqS4/V0B_AJhESSI/AAAAAAAABAQ/te5xmuX0Jb85QtF_LH1_c806evBhuoNNACKgB/s400/three.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of the world after 26.2 x 3!</td></tr>
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Looking back, this week of marathons across New England feels somewhat like a dream. I'm not sure where the endurance, the strength and the determination came from that week, but somehow it all came together. I crossed the finish line each day with tears in my eyes, feeling like I was capable of anything in that moment, and ready to take on the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then, flash forward a week after Vermont City. Based on some overly-optimistic planning, I had registered for two races this weekend - a hilly 10K for my running club's Grand Prix series on Saturday and a local 5K on Sunday. Once again, I was nervous about running on tired legs on tough courses with some really talented runners. I resigned myself to taking it easy and just getting it done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First, </span>Saturday came with the Middleboro YMCA Tispaquin Run. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was crazy hot and humid, and I could feel the fatigue from Vermont in my legs throughout the hilly course. I was nervous about the 10K distance, having never quite mastered pacing in between a 5K race pace and the half marathon distance. So when I finished and realized that I had </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">PR'd my 10K by 8 minutes, finishing in 56:23, I was nothing short of ecstatic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then to cap off these totally unreal 4 weeks, I achieved my third PR today at the McGuiggan's Pub 5K in Whitman. My finish time was 24:52, for a 7:56/mile pace. Now, if you had told me a few months ago that I would EVER be running sub-8's, I would have thought you were crazy. Honestly, even prior to today, looking back at my paces, I wouldn't have thought it was possible. So when I realized that I had won first in my age group, I was pretty much over the moon. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Matching trophies with my running buddy - so proud! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Needless to say, the past four weeks have been nothing short of incredible. This month taught me that I am a heck of a lot tougher and stronger than I would have ever thought. I have learned that my body is capable of persevering through seemingly impossible challenges, and of continuing to get stronger and faster with each passing week. I have found that when I put the effort in and start to believe in myself, the results truly follow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But even more, I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude for my running club. The Colonial Road Runners has become so much more than a club to me - they have become my support system, my running family, and some of the most amazing friends I could ever ask for. My running friends inspire me every day to continue pushing forward and setting new, seemingly impossible goals for myself. I continue to learn every day from the wealth of expertise that this group of incredibly accomplished and experienced runners provides. I am constantly challenged to push myself to keep up with some seriously fast folks. And just as importantly, they make running SO much fun. I have never smiled so much and felt as good as I do when I'm surrounded by these amazing runners. They have taught me to change my default from "there's no way I could ever do that," to "I'd really like to try that." They have me setting goals for myself that I am starting to believe I can really accomplish.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Colonials represent at the Middleboro YMCA Tispaquin 10K!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So after these four weeks of living in a running dream-world, I am ready to focus and get back to training again. I have a challenging race schedule ahead of me this fall, and I am determined to push for another marathon PR in September. And with the support of some incredible people around me and a bit of new-found confidence in myself, I believe I can do it. So here goes nothing! </span>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-17370194894436905652016-05-30T21:56:00.001-04:002016-05-30T21:58:31.825-04:00A Perfect Day for a PR: My Sugarloaf Marathon Race Recap<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the (very few) downsides of running five marathons in May is that I have managed to get a full 52.4 miles behind on race recaps... yikes! All running, no writing this month it seems. As a preview for coming attractions, YES I finished the Vermont City Marathon yesterday, making five marathons for May and six for 2016. More to follow on that one! But first, back to the beginning of the month... the Sugarloaf Marathon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My good friend Hannah lives in Lewiston, Maine, a few hours southeast of Sugarloaf, and agreed to come with me for an adventure and some spectating. I was psyched to spend some quality time with her and to have some company for the drive up through the winding mountain roads. Our first stop after arriving in Kingfield was the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort for the expo. And of course, a spontaneous photo shoot! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Traditional race number photo - so excited!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4dFLW46zxI/V0ziKekCHoI/AAAAAAAABEs/X54y3os5hoIfzCqJ2HZGUjUXGIoL9_pggCLcB/s1600/moose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4dFLW46zxI/V0ziKekCHoI/AAAAAAAABEs/X54y3os5hoIfzCqJ2HZGUjUXGIoL9_pggCLcB/s400/moose.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I actually saw a moose on the course, I think I'd pee myself!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I then had the super brilliant idea to go for a short pre-marathon hike... because, why not?! I had heard there was a waterfall a short way down a trail near the Sugarloaf Golf Resort, and I was determined to find it. Poor Hannah reflected on how she always seems to get sucked into crazy adventures every time we hang out together, as she made her way down the side of a mountain in her sandals. Meanwhile I was too enthusiastic for life, enjoying every bit of the beautiful scenery. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SRvACM3MOco/V0zi2S2z4_I/AAAAAAAABE0/NiM4IVOmsVEUAIJ4LRFRakE6aiFahC44wCLcB/s1600/hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SRvACM3MOco/V0zi2S2z4_I/AAAAAAAABE0/NiM4IVOmsVEUAIJ4LRFRakE6aiFahC44wCLcB/s400/hike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The "I'm going to kill you when I catch up to you" smile!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although when we got to the bottom of the mountain, it was well worthwhile - there was a small bridge over the waterfall, and a pretty stunning view of the mountains in the distance. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjbSSj6zn7c/V0zjSDAjd6I/AAAAAAAABE8/ZP8gYtH_1qwdhymFx5qUpb3EvkpFHURVgCLcB/s1600/waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjbSSj6zn7c/V0zjSDAjd6I/AAAAAAAABE8/ZP8gYtH_1qwdhymFx5qUpb3EvkpFHURVgCLcB/s400/waterfall.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Loving every wonderful moment of this</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1r2-bBZvUM/V0zjgDqCMvI/AAAAAAAABFE/gRDBeVwupUE-bzGg_a9kL11Axg_hKyq-QCLcB/s1600/oofos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1r2-bBZvUM/V0zjgDqCMvI/AAAAAAAABFE/gRDBeVwupUE-bzGg_a9kL11Axg_hKyq-QCLcB/s400/oofos.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because who doesn't hike in their Oofos before a marathon?!</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were really in the groove with our adventuring, so decided to take a drive to Rangeley, about 45 minutes away, to see Quill Hill - a beautiful mountain vista that we had seen in our guidebook. We should have known we were in trouble when our phones lost reception about halfway there, ending our only means of navigating and causing us to rely on our memory of the directions and our stellar senses of direction. Yeah, not so much... We did a LOT of u-turns on bumpy dead-end dirt roads before finally finding the right one. But we were determined, and our perseverance paid off, because this was the view from the top:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JycY9IUzRI/V0zkvzqt-BI/AAAAAAAABFU/29PWhHvTgWoT3UCbcomvaNxQJAEfhTKvwCLcB/s1600/quill%2Bhill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JycY9IUzRI/V0zkvzqt-BI/AAAAAAAABFU/29PWhHvTgWoT3UCbcomvaNxQJAEfhTKvwCLcB/s400/quill%2Bhill.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I could have sat at that table gazing at this view forever.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnZAenn6UWw/V0zk88OujBI/AAAAAAAABFY/_mfOnfcE7FUeDuUulsYaKdJ0nSRh2lHVQCLcB/s1600/mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnZAenn6UWw/V0zk88OujBI/AAAAAAAABFY/_mfOnfcE7FUeDuUulsYaKdJ0nSRh2lHVQCLcB/s400/mountains.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfection.</td></tr>
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We had a restful night's sleep after an active day of adventuring, and awoke to flashes of lightning closely followed by window-shaking claps of thunder and pounding rain on the street below. Race day. Awesome. I took my sweet time getting ready, trying to put off getting soaked as long as possible, but the waiting was futile. Time to suck it up! The incredibly kind owners of our small historic hotel in Kingfield, the Herbert Grand Hotel, had prepared a 4 AM breakfast spread for the runners, complete with hot coffee, hard-boiled eggs and baked goods, which greeted us as we came down the stairs. Gotta love small-town Maine! It made the misery of the cold rain just a little bit easier to face.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfghT9T4EYA/V0zmYMjYOdI/AAAAAAAABFw/RCJBSBDD1AQC0y4Yxb1IiB97Dn_mXZCDACLcB/s1600/cold%2Brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfghT9T4EYA/V0zmYMjYOdI/AAAAAAAABFw/RCJBSBDD1AQC0y4Yxb1IiB97Dn_mXZCDACLcB/s400/cold%2Brain.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Layers on my layers pre-race!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Sugarloaf Marathon is a point-to-point race, starting near a campground in Eustis, traveling through the Carrabassett Valley to the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, and then following Route 27, known as the Maine Scenic Highway, to downtown Kingfield. Buses to the start left about a half mile from my hotel and took us to Eustis, where we reluctantly disembarked into the downpour. I have never been so excited to step into a pre-race porta potty than I was that morning, just to find some momentary shelter from the rain. Luckily, the race director announced that they were keeping several buses at the starting area for runners to reboard and stay dry before the start. Didn't have to ask me twice - I got a front-row seat! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQv2icxJAZo/V0znvlSCQdI/AAAAAAAABGE/LpJtANcmvwMFW9J6y0BP7oVXKtbVpIJ1wCLcB/s1600/rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQv2icxJAZo/V0znvlSCQdI/AAAAAAAABGE/LpJtANcmvwMFW9J6y0BP7oVXKtbVpIJ1wCLcB/s400/rain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much rain (and my rubber ducky mascot) from the car</td></tr>
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I had examined the course's elevation map before the race, knowing that the hills would pose my greatest challenge, so I knew that the first ten miles had some killer "rolling" hills with a net elevation gain, but then after that it was mostly downhill. My plan was to start conservatively up until mile 10, and then to give it everything I had after that. Luckily, the rain slowed after the first mile, turning into a light drizzle for the next few miles, and then just a cool, cloudy 55-degree day. Running perfection. I took it easy up the "hills" (read, mountains), trying to pace myself and to enjoy the scenery. And it was seriously beautiful.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1qa7qyjydE/V0zq3Bapr2I/AAAAAAAABGk/g9urixUWZoYGayG9SdT3RTSg_AImvAXEQCLcB/s1600/eustis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1qa7qyjydE/V0zq3Bapr2I/AAAAAAAABGk/g9urixUWZoYGayG9SdT3RTSg_AImvAXEQCLcB/s400/eustis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Loving myself some mountain pictures!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By mile 10 and the last "hill", I was still feeling strong. The weather was cool, my legs felt strong, my fueling was right on plan, and I was having a blast. I decided to pick up my pace on the downhill sections of the course, trying to stay conservative and knowing that I still had 16 miles left to go. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several members of our running club had family members spectating along the course, and seeing the familiar faces brought a smile to my face and made the miles pass by quickly. </span>I was surprised when, at mile 20, I still felt relatively fresh. I have never felt so good in a marathon before. I decided to push my pace another 30 seconds per mile faster, and started passing runners who had slowed down after the quad-crushing hills. I kept looking at my watch trying to figure out my estimated finish time, but I was struggling with the calculations (math has never been my strong point!). I was fairly certain that I was on a PR pace, and decided to just enjoy it as long as I could.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pI8sorNUIsk/V0ztSNsnZLI/AAAAAAAABG8/k7UXBax7Umw8AzE72Qv0Dl4rReBlBPL2ACLcB/s400/kingfield.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Downtown Kingfield - the Herbert Hotel and Longfellow Restaurant</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before I knew it, I was passing familiar sights as we entered downtown Kingfield, and I could see the final turn into the finish line. I saw my friend Hannah in the crowd and smiled for her camera before crossing the finish line. I was completely in shock after looking at the clock and realizing that I had PR'd by 16 minutes! And even better, I had SO much fun and I felt terrific!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdC9fE1d-X8/V0zsvOcNKrI/AAAAAAAABG4/lBfo08oLcjchGtfv9g8E-hOgKuDWLF8yQCLcB/s1600/finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdC9fE1d-X8/V0zsvOcNKrI/AAAAAAAABG4/lBfo08oLcjchGtfv9g8E-hOgKuDWLF8yQCLcB/s400/finish.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Totally psyched PR smile!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I can't say enough about how much I loved every moment of the Sugarloaf Marathon. Staying in downtown Kingfield was the perfection introduction to small-town Maine, with the friendly owners of the Herbert Hotel who were so accommodating to us crazy runners, and hanging with the locals at the Longfellow Restaurant across the street. The scenery along the course was absolutely stunning - it made the miles pass quickly, because I was so swept up in the beauty of the mountains and rivers surrounding us. And the course itself was race perfection - some tougher rolling miles early on while my legs were still fresh, and then a fast 16 miles to end the race, which allowed me to pick up the pace and finish strong. For me, the Sugarloaf Marathon was a dream race, and I can't wait to return! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TGQxoa8iXs/V0zufd3CgdI/AAAAAAAABHM/x4Vchsnk30A7Tad_b9HqVsNx4Q0Soy7cACLcB/s1600/medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TGQxoa8iXs/V0zufd3CgdI/AAAAAAAABHM/x4Vchsnk30A7Tad_b9HqVsNx4Q0Soy7cACLcB/s400/medal.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mission complete!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Linking up w<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ith Holly from <a href="https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ho</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ho</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Runs </a>and T<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ricia from <a href="http://www.misssippipiddlin.com/" target="_blank">MissSippiPiddlin</a> for the W<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">eekly Wrap! </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WF1ATDPRhNA/VwGYQ5EeesI/AAAAAAAAA1k/7lDhyY54JUobnu3dvuQT8Uj3ZWG2hfYbACKgB/s1600/WeeklyWrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WF1ATDPRhNA/VwGYQ5EeesI/AAAAAAAAA1k/7lDhyY54JUobnu3dvuQT8Uj3ZWG2hfYbACKgB/s200/WeeklyWrap.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-87067826849668363102016-05-23T21:40:00.001-04:002016-05-23T21:41:11.551-04:00Another MILEstone Achieved: Marathon Maniacs!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last week, I completed four marathons as part of the New England Challenge in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. If you haven't had a chance to read my race recap,<a href="http://run4life262.blogspot.com/2016/05/four-marathons-six-days-one-amazing.html" target="_blank"> start here</a>. One of the first things I did upon returning home (after a long nap, a large pizza and a hot bath, of course!) was to submit my application to the Marathon Maniacs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you haven't heard of this incredible group, the introduction on <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/" target="_blank">their website</a> says it all:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Are you addicted to running marathons?"</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Do your thoughts switch to the next scheduled race immediately after finishing a marathon?"</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Are you signed up for more than once race right now?"</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Are your closets and dressers filled with marathon t-shirts?"</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Do you have so many marathon medals that you've run out of room on the hook they hang on?"</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Do you plan all your vacations around a marathon?"</span></i></li>
</ul>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> "Well if you answered yes to any of these questions, you just may be a Marathon Maniac!"</span></i><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LJfqk1Hnmw/V0OvklWmdFI/AAAAAAAABEE/fIho5rt5scYFweQr6tb2Z5mOY3gBybSaQCLcB/s1600/maniacs%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LJfqk1Hnmw/V0OvklWmdFI/AAAAAAAABEE/fIho5rt5scYFweQr6tb2Z5mOY3gBybSaQCLcB/s320/maniacs%2Blogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The group has ten levels, based on just how crazy you are. Level 1, or Bronze, starts with running 2 marathons within 16 days or 3 marathons within 90 days. Level 10, Titanium, involves completing 52 marathons in 365 days, 30 marathons in 30 different states in 365 days, or 20 countries in 365 days. Yikes! Let's just say that Level 10 is never going to happen for this girl!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was, however, excited to discover that I qualified immediately for Level 5, Ruthenium, based on having run 3 marathons in 3 days, as well as 3 marathons in 3 different states in 10 days, and 4 marathons in 9 days. After submitting my application and supporting information, I woke up to quite the exciting email the following morning. It stated, "Welcome to the Marathon Maniacs Asylum!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARlvcwxUzc4/V0OvV-4BtkI/AAAAAAAABEA/8OLWiRB_-wIRuUDi3L_0RkGMzYc0zLxOACLcB/s1600/maniacs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARlvcwxUzc4/V0OvV-4BtkI/AAAAAAAABEA/8OLWiRB_-wIRuUDi3L_0RkGMzYc0zLxOACLcB/s320/maniacs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pretty pumped to be able to post this the next day!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was even more thrilled when the Marathon Maniacs singlet that I ordered arrived in the mail today. I couldn't wait to try it on and to take it for a test "run" this afternoon. My legs felt heavy after the past week's adventures, so I went for an easy two miles just to loosen up and work off some of my pent-up energy. I am somewhere in between recovery from 26.2 x 4 and tapering for one more marathon this weekend, so this will be a LIGHT running week for me. In the meantime, I will continue to bask in the glow of my excitement from this latest milestone... my new title as a Marathon Maniac!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOWwbjQ4E8k/V0OwFFQygfI/AAAAAAAABEM/N951qfiO6nEuenDXsJjPIW9PKE1pETmaACLcB/s1600/maniacs%2Btank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOWwbjQ4E8k/V0OwFFQygfI/AAAAAAAABEM/N951qfiO6nEuenDXsJjPIW9PKE1pETmaACLcB/s320/maniacs%2Btank.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Matching headband? Check!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-65540298388730711522016-05-21T12:45:00.001-04:002016-05-22T18:47:41.154-04:00Four Marathons... Six Days... One AMAZING Dream <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When my rockstar marathoner friend Gail told me that she had signed up to run five marathons in five days, I thought she was crazy. How is that even possible?! When she encouraged me to join her, I thought she must be out of her mind. No way I could do something like that! I had never even run two marathons in a month, let alone in a row. But she had me thinking... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a few weeks of turning it over in my mind and going through all the "what if's", I decided to see what I was capable of. I had already registered for the Sugarloaf Marathon in northern Maine the day before the challenge was scheduled to start, so I decided to add two marathons after that. Before I knew it, I was signed up for Sugarloaf on Sunday; Portland, Maine on Monday; and Nashua, New Hampshire on Tuesday. Yikes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://newenglandchallenge.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://newenglandchallenge.org/" border="0" height="121" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmCR2kBpc6Q/V0CNDtiITAI/AAAAAAAABB0/-oWk2iydVs0M9TpQujYwWyuOoa8USDYCQCLcB/s400/new%2Bengland.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://newenglandchallenge.org/" target="_blank"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fast forward to this Sunday, where I had the race of my life at Sugarloaf. Even though I was trying to hold back to conserve energy for the two marathons to follow, I took 16 minutes off my PR and finished feeling stronger than ever. I also found myself enjoying every minute of the breathtakingly scenic course. It was a perfect day. Stayed tuned for my Sugarloaf Marathon race recap later this week!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After finishing at Sugarloaf, I embarked on the 133 mile, 2.5 hour drive down to Portland for marathon #2. As I would soon find out, the driving time after a marathon was almost as much of an endurance event as the race itself. My gas pedal leg and lower back were not impressed by this idea at all! But on the winding mountain roads through some beautiful countryside, this first drive passed relatively quickly. That evening, I began what became a nightly ritual of hotel hot tub soaks, foam-rolling, laying out race clothes, and getting breakfast ready for the 3 AM wake-up call. With back-to-back marathons, it was all about staying organized, and I had packed a different duffel bag for each race, in addition to a suitcase for contingency supplies. - rain gear, first aid supplies and blister treatment, cold weather clothes, and much more.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w6ZMvFVbJco/V0Bxrlix_YI/AAAAAAAAA-I/vhig4RHPl788nvmKRRBSaiRmF9U4956JACLcB/s1600/bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w6ZMvFVbJco/V0Bxrlix_YI/AAAAAAAAA-I/vhig4RHPl788nvmKRRBSaiRmF9U4956JACLcB/s400/bags.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Preparing for these races was no joke!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was lucky that I had packed extra race-day clothing options, because when we arrived at the Back Cove in Portland for marathon #2, it was 33 degrees with 25 mph winds. The shorts, singlet and arm warmers I had planned on were clearly not going to cut it. I decided to start the race with a fleece-lined tech jacket that I could take off once I warmed up. It was a nice thought at the time, but it quickly became clear that I was not going to warm up. The cloud cover was thick and the winds were brutally cold. Even with my jacket on, I just couldn't get warm. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jz8_AcHauiM/V0BzbnaMoKI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/yTWMJCWN5Lc2YU6_Zv9EIV_-9-9BNhUsgCLcB/s1600/back%2Bcove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jz8_AcHauiM/V0BzbnaMoKI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/yTWMJCWN5Lc2YU6_Zv9EIV_-9-9BNhUsgCLcB/s400/back%2Bcove.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even my car's rubber ducky mascot was glad to be inside!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the first few miles of the race, I felt as good as could be expected. I could feel the muscle fatigue from the previous day's hills in my quads, but I was settling into a good rhythm. The course's seven 3.6 mile laps on a dirt path around the bay made for a predictable, flat run. But then there was the wind. As the morning wore on, the wind only got stronger, to the point where I literally held onto a fence several times because it felt like I would be swept off my tired legs. Running into the wind felt like I was on a treadmill - expending a ton of energy, but getting nowhere. And I was cold. And miserable. And everything hurt. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr7csiISMDI/V0B13M8u4XI/AAAAAAAAA-8/qOIxqreVwCMg83DnXe614WKC7JOkoYsmgCLcB/s1600/fun%2Bface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr7csiISMDI/V0B13M8u4XI/AAAAAAAAA-8/qOIxqreVwCMg83DnXe614WKC7JOkoYsmgCLcB/s400/fun%2Bface.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is my "not having fun" face!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By mile 11, I had all but talked myself into dropping down to the half marathon. I was mentally and physically exhausted, and being out there for another several hours felt insurmountable. It was then that I saw my amazing runner friends at mile 14. They were a lap ahead of me, and although they looked almost as miserable as I felt, seeing them gave me the mental boost that I desperately needed. Seeing the familiar faces got me out of my own head. I pushed myself to refocus, and I started to believe that if I wanted to finish, I had it in me. And if I wanted to quit, I could do that too. It was my decision. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I decided to buckle down and try for one more lap to
get to mile 18. I pushed myself to focus on the positives. The bay we
were running around was beautiful. The other runners were
incredibly supportive. I had some amazing people in my life including my crazy runner friends who inspired me and believed I could do it. And I had
already come 34.2 miles over two days at that point. As one of my
favorite Tom Brady quotes goes, "we haven't come this far just to come
this far." That quote became my race mantra, and it kept me pushing on.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By mile 18, not only had my mindset changed, but I
could feel a physical difference in my body as well. Yes, I was still
in pain and tired and cold, but I felt strong and capable. I dug as
deep as I could, and finished the last 8 miles at a SLOW pace, but with
my head held high. With every step, I felt like I was accomplishing
something that I hadn't truly believed I could do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlhtg5ZIJj0/V0B5yER9H5I/AAAAAAAAA_c/Rv9YUCKwZkIPQJ68T3ysuyW81DkSPQqPwCLcB/s1600/finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlhtg5ZIJj0/V0B5yER9H5I/AAAAAAAAA_c/Rv9YUCKwZkIPQJ68T3ysuyW81DkSPQqPwCLcB/s400/finish.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last shuffle across the timing mat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the end,
for me this race taught me a lot about myself, and about the power I
have over my own outcomes. It was all about believing I could. Yes, I had a lot of physical obstacles in this race - the brutally cold conditions, the strong winds, and a lot of muscle fatigue - but none of those were insurmountable. It was my mind that was giving up, not my body. But once I locked it into my head that I was NOT going to quit no matter what it took, my body followed. I learned that I was a lot stronger than I would have let myself believe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9BaZ9eC954/V0B39GhFUVI/AAAAAAAAA_U/A9QVQa5gKaASi7n65fdq_DqXz1FTSnpdwCKgB/s1600/race%2Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9BaZ9eC954/V0B39GhFUVI/AAAAAAAAA_U/A9QVQa5gKaASi7n65fdq_DqXz1FTSnpdwCKgB/s400/race%2Bphoto.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Car keys in hand... get me the heck outta here!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All too quickly after a much-needed hot shower, a 105 mile drive, and a lot of celebratory pizza with my runner friends, my alarm was going off at 3 AM the next morning. Marathon #3 was at Mine Falls Park in Nashua, New Hampshire, through some beautiful dirt trails along the Nashua River. It was a scenic course, and the 50-degree, sunny weather made for ideal conditions. I was ready for redemption! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHNPMNXm1-E/V0B7Z_dd5XI/AAAAAAAAA_s/c_kJAh6LOnkvdk_c1-_WKx-uAwQYiab3wCLcB/s1600/mine%2Bfalls%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHNPMNXm1-E/V0B7Z_dd5XI/AAAAAAAAA_s/c_kJAh6LOnkvdk_c1-_WKx-uAwQYiab3wCLcB/s400/mine%2Bfalls%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a difference a day makes!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Unfortunately, although I was mentally in much better shape than the previous day, my body was starting to feel the effects of having run 52 miles in the prior two days. For the first half of the race, my GI system decided to revolt against yet another marathon, and I threw up every cup of water or gel that I tried to get down. My legs were equally unhappy with this crazy plan, and I stopped several times to stretch a tight left hamstring and an aching right Achilles. Three marathons in three days is no joke, let me tell you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By somewhere around mile 12 though, my body had worked out its issues and realized that yes, we were doing this again... whether it liked it or not! My legs started loosening up, and my stomach settled down, and I actually started feeling pretty good. I was amazed that with each passing mile, my body felt stronger and stronger. I was doing it. I was accomplishing something that several months earlier (and even the day before) had seemed totally impossible. I felt on top of the world!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My last two laps of the 5-mile looped course averaged a 9-minute pace - almost a half marathon PR for me, which after three days of marathoning, felt pretty darn good! For that last half of the race, I ran with a huge grin on my face, knowing that I was reaching my dream with each passing step. My body was capable of some pretty impressive things. Who would've thought I had this in me?!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W62LJtVdqS4/V0B_AJhESSI/AAAAAAAABAM/7jsCs97K61UQLUZz6GTUCz6LvMlX_oRJACLcB/s1600/three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W62LJtVdqS4/V0B_AJhESSI/AAAAAAAABAM/7jsCs97K61UQLUZz6GTUCz6LvMlX_oRJACLcB/s400/three.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cheesy grin all day long... check!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was shortly after finishing that I started wishing that I could keep going. Dumb, I know. But I felt SO good. The feeling of accomplishment and pride was incomparable. I was having the time of my life with my runner friends, and we were living our dreams together. It was a perfect day and a near-perfect race, and I felt like I had another one in me. I had to head home for work the next day, but I decided that I would attempt a fourth marathon two days later on Friday. It was my runner friends' final marathon of the 5 in 5 challenge, and I was thrilled to not only be there to support them, but to finish my own challenge as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So two days later, there I was driving to western Massachusetts for one last overnight stay before the Old Colony Marathon in Westfield. With newly packed duffel bags and freshly laundered running clothes, I settled into what had become a familiar routine of hot tub, foam-rolling and race-day preparations. And once again, 3 AM came all too quickly! But this last morning felt different... gone were the pre-race nerves of the previous three marathons. Today, I had no expectations for myself. I was out to have a good time. We were running our victory lap.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Good-looking Colonials in our matching tanks!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And what a perfect day it was! This course consisted of 1.8-mile loops around Stanley Park, a beautiful privately-owned garden and arboretum, complete with its own Carillon tower with bells that tolled each hour, a small Japanese garden and teahouse, and even a covered bridge. The weather was 70-degrees and sunny, and the course was almost entirely flat. Talk about a dream run!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I started off feeling stronger than I had for any of the previous three races. Both my legs and my mind knew what was coming, and I was ready. Positive mindset, locked and loaded! One of my incredible runner friends was on the course supporting us, and we passed him a total of 16 times as we ran loops around the park. The power of that kind of encouragement was unbelievable - seeing him each time put a smile on my face and kept me focused on my goal. The shorter laps also meant that I caught several glimpses of my rockstar runner friend on her 5th race in 5 days. She looked SO strong, and I knew we were doing it! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Seeing the bell tower meant I was close to the timing mat and my runner friend!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While Marathon #2 for me was all about mental strength and learning that I had the power over my own outcomes, Marathon #3 was more of a physical challenge - of overcoming the pain and full-body fatigue of 78 miles of running, and proving to myself that my body is capable of hard things. In turn, Marathon #4 for me was less about what I had inside of me, and more about the incredible people I have around me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As part of Colonial Road Runners, my running club in Southeastern Massachusetts, I have been blessed to meet so many incredible runners and friends. They have pushed me and made me into a faster and stronger runner, and have taught me so much from their years of experience. But even more, they have welcomed me into their amazing circle and supported me through some tough challenges. All throughout the week, my close friends and fellow Colonials had sent us their support through text messages and Facebook posts, and reading their words of encouragement and celebration was just the spiritual fuel I needed to keep at it. That, combined with my runner friend alongside me, and her incredible husband supporting us out on the course, made me feel like I could accomplish anything. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Literally smiling for 26.2 miles... my face was sore!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Running Marathon #4 for me was not about what I could do alone - it was what I was capable of doing because so many incredible people were there to support me through it. I realized that without my runner friends' encouragement and belief in my ability to do this long before I believed it myself, I would have never crossed the first starting line. And without their support throughout the journey, I wouldn't have had the mental and physical strength to persevere. After 104.8 miles, I came to truly understand that when our bodies and our minds have nothing left to give, it is then that we draw strength from those around us. That strength is built upon the support and love of those closest to us, who believe in us when we have trouble doing it ourselves. It's what keeps us going through the tough times, and what makes celebrating the victories all the more special.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So. Much. Love.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A day later and after 104.8 miles, I am left with an infinitely deeper belief in my own abilities to surpass difficult obstacles and to conquer seemingly unreachable goals. This week allowed me to realize that I am capable of doing some really tough things, and that I am stronger than I ever would have thought. But even more so, I am left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the love and support of the incredible people I have in my life. I can't thank my incredible runner friends enough... your passion for this wonderful sport convinced me to embark on this seemingly impossible journey, and your unceasing encouragement saw me through the last finish line with a smile on my face. We are only as strong as the people we surround ourselves with, and I am truly blessed to be inspired by the very best. From the bottom of my heart... thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Linking up w<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ith Holly from <a href="https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ho</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ho</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Runs </a>and T<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ricia from <a href="http://www.misssippipiddlin.com/" target="_blank">MissSippiPiddlin</a> for the W<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">eekly Wrap!</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-41138187146280591552016-05-01T20:22:00.003-04:002016-05-01T20:25:13.981-04:00April Showers & Snowstorms... It's a Wrap!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a dramatic April we have had in New England... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I started the month running the hilliest 15k I have ever encountered in the pouring rain. If it wasn't for my running club and being too competitive for my own good, it is doubtful I would have toughed this one out. But I'm glad I did... one of my fastest runs this season at the <a href="http://run4life262.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-two-race-weekend-and-april-snowstorm.html" target="_blank">Frank Nealon Boston Tuneup</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just looking at this again makes me cold!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The following day, because my legs weren't quite dead enough, we had a freak snowstorm in the Boston area, and I ran one of the most miserable 5Ks of my life in about 4 inches of snow and windblown hail. Check out my race recap of this doozy <a href="http://run4life262.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-two-race-weekend-and-april-snowstorm.html" target="_blank">here</a>... The Shovel Town 5K in Easton, MA was a fun, well-run local race, but I would love it if we could avoid the snow next year... </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">April in New England.. why oh why... </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few weeks ago, I did another local race - the Raynham Knights of Columbus 5-Miler. This was a familiar course for me, with a few rolling hills - and luckily it was a beautiful, sun-shiny day. I ran in a tank top and shorts... what a contrast to the earlier part of the month. Best part of this race? The pancake breakfast at the end, duh! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a difference a week makes!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then last weekend, I took a road trip across the mid-Atlantic, from Philadelphia, to Washington DC, to Virginia, to western Maryland, to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, and then back to Philly again... all in a <a href="http://run4life262.blogspot.com/2016/04/coastal-delaware-marathon-travel.html" target="_blank">whirlwind three days</a>! I checked off my 9th state last weekend running the Coastal Delaware Marathon - one of my all-time new favorite marathons. I had a wonderfully relaxing weekend on the beach, exploring the boardwalk shops and eating my way around Rehoboth Beach. Check out my race recap <a href="http://run4life262.blogspot.com/2016/04/coastal-delaware-marathon-race-recap.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Delaware, blue skies and beaches - I miss you!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So what's in store for May? Four marathons, that's what! Starting with the Sugarloaf Marathon in Maine on May 15th, followed the next day by a marathon in Portland, and the day after by a marathon in New Hampshire. A few months ago, a good running friend convinced me in a moment of weakness to sign up for the New England Challenge - a week of five consecutive marathons across New England. Yikes! And then several friends from my running club were registering for the Vermont City Marathon, which I've always wanted to do... and I haven't run a Vermont marathon yet... so suddenly I was running four May marathons! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have no idea what to expect, but I am excited for a month of testing my limits, exploring New England and having a blast with good friends. No doubt I will finish the month stronger - both mentally and physically - and with some memories to last a lifetime. Can't wait to see what's in store!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm linking up with Holly from Hoho Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin for the <a href="http://www.misssippipiddlin.com/weekly-wrap-39-rock-n-roll-nashville/" target="_blank">Weekly Wrap</a>.</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-80878826444040199592016-04-29T19:50:00.000-04:002016-04-29T19:50:17.162-04:00Friday Five: Eat, Breathe, Sleep Running!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am welcoming the coming of spring in New England by getting into the running spirit in a BIG way. I finished the Coastal Delaware Marathon last weekend (check out my race recap <a href="http://run4life262.blogspot.com/2016/04/coastal-delaware-marathon-race-recap.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and I have four more marathons to go before spring is done. Here goes nothing! Today, I am linking up with Courtney at <a href="http://eatprayrundc.com/friday-five-link/" target="_blank">Eat Pray Run DC</a> for the Friday Five Linkup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Lately, I've been spending time surrounding myself with "pump up" running books and movies in my free time. So much inspiration that I hope will carry me through many race miles this coming month! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just finished reading Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This awesome book tells the story of one of running's female pioneers. Kathrine was the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon, as evidenced by this famous photo, where she had to fight off race official Jock Semple to do so. Kathrine went on to pioneer women's entrance into the early days of the New York City Marathon, and as part of the international running community in Japan, Russia and across western Europe, resulting in the addition of the first women's marathon at the 1984 Olympics. Talk about an inspirational, powerful woman role model! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. I also watched a running documentary on Netflix last weekend, called The Barkley Marathons: The Race that Eats Its Young. This 100-mile ultra marathon is as tough as they make it out to be! The race was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr's assassin's escape from the nearby Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, and his subsequent 55-hour run through the woods. The course has no aid stations, no markers, and no official start time - it can start anytime between 11 pm to 11 am on race day - just to keep participants on their toes! The terrain consists of brush and thorn-covered mountains with gradients nearing 40 percent. Only 14 runners have ever completed the full race, and many years no one finishes. Sounds like a pretty cool bucket list item to me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. I am excitedly awaiting the beginning of my running club's Summer Run Series next week! Every Wednesday, I participate in a fun run with about 50 other club members around a local park. I look forward to the comradery of these events, as we come out of our collective winter running hibernation to celebrate the joy of this sport together and to cheer on each other's accomplishments. The beginning of this series each May signals the coming of summer and some great outdoor runs. We have officially survived winter in New England!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My run crew looking like a rainbow (accidentally!)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 4. My company is hosting a Step Challenge in May to promote employee wellness, and I am looking forward to killing it with my coworkers! Four marathons in the month that we happen to be participating in the challenge kind of makes me a ringer... but I will enjoy pushing myself on non-running days as well to stay active and get my steps in. To track my steps, I will be using my Garmin Vivosmart - a spur of the moment treat to myself a few months ago. It connects via Bluetooth to text messages and email, which makes it ideal for use at work as well. And its black/pink. Say no more!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. I am still dreaming of my post-marathon treat from Rehoboth Beach last weekend... a cheesy, crunchy, greasy plate of goodness that I ate by the ocean. Pretty close to perfection. This meal consisted of tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon, jalapenos, and Sriracha ranch dressing. It was as unbelievable as it sounds! I generally eat pretty healthily, but after 26.2 miles, all bets are off. And I loved every moment of this celebration.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My love affair with Sriracha continues!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Questions:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Which running books or movies inspire you every time and get you in the mood to run like a champion? I can use all the inspiration I can get!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What is your favorite post-race treat? For me, the more decadent the better! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-90237453399576008642016-04-28T20:43:00.003-04:002016-04-28T20:43:13.638-04:00Coastal Delaware Marathon: Race Recap (Part 2)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you missed my Coastal Delaware Marathon Race Recap Part 1 with my pre-race travel adventures, catch up <a href="http://run4life262.blogspot.com/2016/04/coastal-delaware-marathon-travel.html" target="_blank">here</a> first!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Okay, so yesterday I left off with a whirlwind tour of Washington DC, Gettysburg and rural Maryland. Well, before I knew it, after a fabulous breakfast with mimosas
downtown, I headed off solo to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.<span> </span>Once again, I had no idea what to expect as a
result of my total lack of planning for this trip!<span> </span>I knew Rehoboth was a 3-hour trip from
Frederick, but I underestimated what that actually meant.<span> </span>What started out as an adventure turned into
its own marathon of sorts as I struggled to stay awake throughout miles of
flat, rural farmland.<span> </span>I learned quickly
that past Annapolis, there is pretty much nothing between Maryland and Rehoboth
Beach, which is on the complete opposite side of Delaware.<span> </span>Fun times. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHZs7aXWsb4/VyKb8DO_WvI/AAAAAAAAA4c/ptcQ4ucSYyo6YmiYu79LZvYMHPZmvgh8gCLcB/s1600/welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHZs7aXWsb4/VyKb8DO_WvI/AAAAAAAAA4c/ptcQ4ucSYyo6YmiYu79LZvYMHPZmvgh8gCLcB/s400/welcome.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Never so happy to arrive in the middle of nowhere before!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When I finally arrived in Rehoboth Beach, I couldn’t wait to
catch my first glimpse of the ocean!<span> </span>I
had booked a hotel room overlooking the boardwalk as a pre-marathon splurge –
mostly because I couldn’t imagine going to a beach town and not staying on the
beach.<span> </span>It proved to be the best decision
of my trip!<span> </span>My room at the Atlantic
Sands hotel was like a dream come true.<span>
</span>The view from my balcony overlooked the beach below, and I could hear
the waves crashing on the shore from my room.<span>
</span>Perfection.<span> </span>I also loved being
able to walk out of the hotel to all of the nearby shops and restaurants –
literally everything was walking distance. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6NxDWJksPg/VyKcN9WPKgI/AAAAAAAAA4g/lGnO4p2mZcc99sIudLpXMpsMGV6NPQ_VgCLcB/s1600/view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6NxDWJksPg/VyKcN9WPKgI/AAAAAAAAA4g/lGnO4p2mZcc99sIudLpXMpsMGV6NPQ_VgCLcB/s400/view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">View from my hotel room balcony... not too shabby!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To get the lay of the land, I decided to walk to the
marathon expo at nearby Dewey Beach (nearby in runner terms, meaning about 2
miles away).<span> </span>It was a lovely walk, with
a mile on the boardwalk in Rehoboth, another half-mile along the sand, and then
the remainder along Route 1 in Dewey.<span> </span>I
really need to learn to take it easy before a race!<span> </span>I enjoyed catching a glimpse of two of the
mile-markers for the marathon on my way back to the hotel.<span> </span>I envisioned myself running strong and
soaking up the sun past these miles the next day.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YY4g-oyTkJA/VyKcg1l27YI/AAAAAAAAA4k/3z7Cb22yHPgknRLxSig313pfQjJBo0q2gCLcB/s1600/expo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YY4g-oyTkJA/VyKcg1l27YI/AAAAAAAAA4k/3z7Cb22yHPgknRLxSig313pfQjJBo0q2gCLcB/s400/expo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to run!! Let me at it!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On marathon day, I woke up bright and early once again (4:30
AM somehow seemed pretty tame compared to my previous 3 AM wake-up call!).<span> </span>The start line was just a few miles away at
the Delaware Seashore State Park, and parking was plentiful, which I always appreciate.<span> </span>I had about an hour to relax
in the car, visit the porta-potty, and watch the sun rise over the beach.<span> It was 48 degrees and sunny at the start - chilly in my shorts and singlet, but I knew I would warm up quickly once I got started. Perfect running weather!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ilxwV3hUrK0/VyKdBwaF-VI/AAAAAAAAA4s/twOePAHeU5cnDqzYXmgwWfy5DzsqqyWjACLcB/s1600/sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ilxwV3hUrK0/VyKdBwaF-VI/AAAAAAAAA4s/twOePAHeU5cnDqzYXmgwWfy5DzsqqyWjACLcB/s400/sunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sunrise over Tower Beach at the marathon start</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>The marathon started right on time at 7 am. I appreciated that the marathon started separately from the half marathon, which kicked off at 7:30 AM, and the 9K which began at 8 AM. The staggered start meant that I didn't spend the first few miles dodging other runners and was able to get to my target pace almost immediately as we headed from the Delaware Seashore State Park into downtown Dewey Beach. I was feeling strong as we passed Dewey Beach, where the race would finish, and crossed the bridge over Silver Lake, a beautiful residential community on our way to Rehoboth Beach. By mile 3, we were running on the boardwalk along Rehoboth Beach, with great crowd support and a beautiful view. I was feeling strong and loving every minute!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KM3Dz5n5OEg/VyKfAco6r6I/AAAAAAAAA5A/5yubYMDFAy8Q0FhYWDbnVYQUUdXVz8TsACLcB/s1600/boardwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KM3Dz5n5OEg/VyKfAco6r6I/AAAAAAAAA5A/5yubYMDFAy8Q0FhYWDbnVYQUUdXVz8TsACLcB/s400/boardwalk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We ran right past my hotel along Rehoboth Beach!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>The course continued along the boardwalk past mile 5, where we entered Cape Henlopen State Park, an extensive nature reserve bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay on each side. From here, the boardwalk turned into a packed gravel trail until mile 8.5, where we ran on a paved bicycle path through the park until mile 12. Here, we encountered the course's only three hills (only about 50 feet of elevation each - other than that, the race was wonderfully flat!) The three miles of gravel trail were challenging for me, since I had only trained on roads and packed dirt. I found my feet slipping slightly back with each step forward, similar to the sensation of running in sand, and by the end of these three miles, my quads were burning from the control it took to push forward. Note to self... train on terrain similar to the race course!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8UgHLyx9d4/VyKhIs7MxcI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/PGMqaoUZtkoVh4XHKRZW0lj4meAiHPpLwCLcB/s1600/nature%2Bpreserve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8UgHLyx9d4/VyKhIs7MxcI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/PGMqaoUZtkoVh4XHKRZW0lj4meAiHPpLwCLcB/s400/nature%2Bpreserve.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">aOn the elevated boardwalk leading to Cape Henlopen</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>My second wind came when we reached the city of Lewes, a small residential community between the state park and Rehoboth Beach. This part of the course was four miles alongside a paved road - not overly scenic, but refreshingly similar to my training, so I was able to settle back and refocus. I repeated my mantra, "Trust your training" as I passed the halfway point right on my target pace. I was starting to pass runners who had passed me earlier in the course, and this rebuilt my confidence after the challenge of the trails.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AReP3eyRikk/VyKkB3YQDmI/AAAAAAAAA5g/iy3pHMAQongR7NGdcDCPZY1eyWh5WjnGACLcB/s1600/trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AReP3eyRikk/VyKkB3YQDmI/AAAAAAAAA5g/iy3pHMAQongR7NGdcDCPZY1eyWh5WjnGACLcB/s400/trail.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Suburban bliss... there's no place like home!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>I knew there was another short portion of trail coming, but I hadn't paid much attention to this part of the course map, so I wasn't sure how long the trail would last. I was praying it would be short! As the course turned back to packed gravel after mile 16 on the Junction and Breakwater Trail, my legs started to fade. This was probably one of the most beautiful parts of the race, following a section of the former Penn Central railroad, and crossing through a shady pine forest, sprawling farmland and a coastal marsh - but I can't say I was really at a point in the race to appreciate much of it. Instead, I spent the next three miles wondering when the trail would end, and we would get back to paved roads. Three LONG miles was the answer to that question. Again, note to self, actually read the course map!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2HpfSSfgsE/VyKlsottoCI/AAAAAAAAA5s/IRhmjEee5pcgDICjHVbEaGGCYgY4inOUgCLcB/s1600/marsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2HpfSSfgsE/VyKlsottoCI/AAAAAAAAA5s/IRhmjEee5pcgDICjHVbEaGGCYgY4inOUgCLcB/s400/marsh.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It really was beautiful, I shouldn't complain!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Just after mile 19, we crossed into downtown Rehoboth on our way back to the boardwalk. This part of the course had beautiful ocean views and incredible support at the aid stations. It was the friendly encouragement of the volunteers that got me in the right frame of mind again, and as my legs adjusted back to the paved surface of the course, I worked to push back to my target pace, after having slowed by almost a minute per mile on the 3 miles of trails - yikes! </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4i2PvSd11c/VyKmmKENcTI/AAAAAAAAA58/ZlIDUy_OSgQ3cJ14iJ4Vyt_Wme32YsSmQCLcB/s1600/road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4i2PvSd11c/VyKmmKENcTI/AAAAAAAAA58/ZlIDUy_OSgQ3cJ14iJ4Vyt_Wme32YsSmQCLcB/s400/road.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Back to the ocean and the pavement!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Surprisingly, the last six miles passed quickly, as we turned back onto the boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach, which at that point in the weekend was familiar to me. As I passed the landmarks from my exploration the previous day - first my hotel, then the downtown shopping area, and then the residential part of the boardwalk leading to Dewey Beach, I knew we were getting close! We turned off the boardwalk at Mile 23 and crossed the Silver Lake bridge again to the most enthusiastic group of volunteers and yet. It provided a much-needed boost of energy as I tried to push the pace and focused on picking off runners one at a time to pass. At this point in the race, it was all mental for me, and this helped to make the miles go by for me while still feeling surprisingly strong. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gvnVlYV_4w/VyKo2Cj7sVI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/gw7Eeqw_PvkQYMseekC8KHMciGgI91dzACLcB/s1600/boardwalk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gvnVlYV_4w/VyKo2Cj7sVI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/gw7Eeqw_PvkQYMseekC8KHMciGgI91dzACLcB/s400/boardwalk2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">More views from the boardwalk - the dunes were incredible!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Before I knew it, the course emerged from a residential area into downtown Dewey Beach, where we ran along Route 1 for about a quarter mile before making the final turn. The finish line was in sight with less than 100 yards to go, and I still felt great! One final push to the finish line, as I heard my name over the loudspeakers, with an enthusiastic, "She's still smiling!" by the race announcer. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jcyiBGXDjI/VyKpxejdqpI/AAAAAAAAA6c/M2dRle2IYDkTGiW6OrKafVg2H9XitBziACLcB/s1600/finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jcyiBGXDjI/VyKpxejdqpI/AAAAAAAAA6c/M2dRle2IYDkTGiW6OrKafVg2H9XitBziACLcB/s400/finish.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thankful for a strong finish (and a great finish photo!)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>I collected my medal and a water bottle, and then headed straight to gear check, where I couldn't wait to take off my running shoes and slip on the recovery flip flops that I had remembered to pack. The race finished right on the beach, and I was more excited than ever to feel the sand between my toes! The after-party offered pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, grilled chicken and chocolate chip cookies - and obviously I had to sample it all! The race also provided free beer tickets, and I have to say, I wasn't sad about laying on the beach and drinking a beer after 26.2! </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Pretty freaking perfect</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>The medal was stained glass with a painted version of Tower Beach, and it reflected the sun just perfectly as I laid near the ocean. I could have laid there in the sun all day! At that point it was 58 and sunny, and although I was tired after an early wake-up and the miles I had traveled since then, I felt remarkably good - the strongest and most limber I've ever felt after a marathon. It was exciting to feel my hard training this year pay off - not necessarily in a super fast race (this was only my 3rd fastest marathon) but from such a strong finish and a relatively pain-free experience. I had a smile on my face for 26.2 miles, and I can't ask for much more than that! Thank you Coastal Delaware for an incredible race and a fabulous getaway to one of my new favorite beach destinations!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Linking up with Running with Spoons for <a href="http://www.runningwithspoons.com/" target="_blank">Thursdays are for Thinking Out Loud</a>.</span></span></span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-1572914657621111412016-04-25T19:22:00.000-04:002016-04-25T20:00:31.440-04:00Coastal Delaware Marathon: Travel Adventures (Part 1)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I registered for the Coastal Delaware marathon a few
months ago, I knew nothing about Delaware… including where exactly to find it
on the map! Which is why when my best
friend since kindergarten informed me that she lived only an hour from the Delaware
border near Baltimore, I was psyched. I
decided to make a long weekend of it, and to explore the mid-Atlantic states
while I was there. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After landing in Philadelphia at an ungodly hour on Friday
morning (I had to leave my house in Massachusetts at 3:15 am), I picked up the
rental car and drove down to Washington DC for some quick sight-seeing. My friend was getting out of work at 1 pm, so
I had some time to self-entertain in the morning. Totally winging it, I parked near the Capitol
building and followed the signs to the National Mall. I had visions of a leisurely walk by the
monuments… until I realized that I was embarking on a 5-mile adventure. Who knew all those famous sights were so far
apart?! Oops… planning fail! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YScVGKcEz2Y/Vx6joaWdSEI/AAAAAAAAA3g/KKn4p-bVxUAGAxdbsRt7YeV6yX1xvV4CgCLcB/s1600/lincoln%2Bmemorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YScVGKcEz2Y/Vx6joaWdSEI/AAAAAAAAA3g/KKn4p-bVxUAGAxdbsRt7YeV6yX1xvV4CgCLcB/s400/lincoln%2Bmemorial.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Exactly as far away as it looks!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So my leisurely walk turned into a bit of a
power walk around the National Mall… from the Capitol building, past the
Smithsonian, over to the Washington Memorial, past the White House, along the
Reflecting Pool and to the Lincoln Memorial.
Several miles later, I was sweating profusely in the humid 70-degree DC
sun. So much for taking it easy before
the marathon! I can’t complain though… it
was beautiful and inspiring and totally cool for a spur-of-the-moment
adventure.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ANasN2kAPZU/Vx6j256RFJI/AAAAAAAAA3k/hkaOXrYJUEcbSTOHSLyt3z9HASG1Ecn2gCLcB/s1600/washington%2Bmonument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ANasN2kAPZU/Vx6j256RFJI/AAAAAAAAA3k/hkaOXrYJUEcbSTOHSLyt3z9HASG1Ecn2gCLcB/s400/washington%2Bmonument.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Not bad for a one-hour sprint around the city!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finally back to the Capitol building area (after forgetting
where I had parked my rental car, and what my rental car looked like), I headed
west to the small town in Maryland where my best friend had moved after
attending veterinary school. We’ve known
each other since kindergarten, and although we don’t have the opportunity to
see each other much anymore, every time we meet up, it is like we were never
apart. Along the drive, I was mesmerized
by the green, lush rolling hills of farmland and fields of horses and cows
grazing near red-painted barns. It was
beautiful.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgSKUWa-KmA/Vx6kL95WzUI/AAAAAAAAA3o/qVsiqHV8ePkmXgi-CFwTV5uHmPoYilfGACLcB/s1600/field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgSKUWa-KmA/Vx6kL95WzUI/AAAAAAAAA3o/qVsiqHV8ePkmXgi-CFwTV5uHmPoYilfGACLcB/s400/field.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This field makes me want to frolic!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My friend could tell I was easily entertained by the farms
and cows (which incidentally, as a vet, she saw every day) so offered to take
me on a scenic drive of the area. We
drove up into the mountains of western Maryland to the nearby national parks,
and then across the border to Pennsylvania, which was only about ten miles
north. Who knew all these mid-Atlantic
states were actually so close together?!
Apparently my geography is not so good!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_PpWoMglOA/Vx6kiRWhACI/AAAAAAAAA3w/pTjjOPQcwqMBT13JaVGSFO6LqHtMYvtlQCLcB/s1600/barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_PpWoMglOA/Vx6kiRWhACI/AAAAAAAAA3w/pTjjOPQcwqMBT13JaVGSFO6LqHtMYvtlQCLcB/s400/barn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Barns, fields and cows are my favorite!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We ended up in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and by accident
happened along the Gettysburg Memorial self-guided auto tour, which sounded
like a fun adventure. It ends up there
is quite a bit to see in Gettysburg, throughout 20+ miles of beautiful
countryside and various memorials where battles were fought. The auto tour took us through the Gettysburg
national park, using an online visitors’ guide to point out the historical
significance of the battlefields and memorials we passed. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMT7b0GcOYE/Vx6k49T9XHI/AAAAAAAAA34/49V04gCIW1sgWdpSwTX1Jafr2bF853ndwCLcB/s1600/gettysburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMT7b0GcOYE/Vx6k49T9XHI/AAAAAAAAA34/49V04gCIW1sgWdpSwTX1Jafr2bF853ndwCLcB/s400/gettysburg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Field and mountains - sensing a theme?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We got out several times to climb observation
towers, where you could see the rolling farmland below for miles around. It was pretty incredible to think about the
scene of 93,000 soldiers covering that same terrain during the battle. It was also pretty fascinating to see the
memorials dedicated to the different battalions from all over the United States
that fought in Gettysburg – as far north
as Maine and as south as Florida. I
couldn’t imagine riding on horseback from Florida to Pennsylvania! I also loved the miles of rolling country roads through the park - so much so that I am thinking the Gettysburg Marathon may be the latest addition to my race wish-list! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJSOyCB-nmk/Vx6lnCJq8YI/AAAAAAAAA4E/pbXxhZUPDiASkDipW-LaVnq-igwujtLMgCLcB/s1600/cannon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJSOyCB-nmk/Vx6lnCJq8YI/AAAAAAAAA4E/pbXxhZUPDiASkDipW-LaVnq-igwujtLMgCLcB/s400/cannon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved the historic wooden fences - so rustic!</td></tr>
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</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> That evening, my friend took me to Frederick, Maryland – a small
nearby city with a cute downtown area of restaurants and shopping. It was quite a contrast to the totally rural
farmland just a few miles away, and I loved the quaint storefronts and outdoor seating
at each restaurant. After dinner, we
took a walk along the canal in Frederick, where they have live bands and
activities in the summer. I have to say,
I fell in love with Maryland on this trip… both the gorgeous, peaceful rural
scenery and the charm of the small southern towns. I could totally see myself there one day!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ_KO2CsWDM/Vx6lMGcaHcI/AAAAAAAAA38/iLCdLy2EjcA19rPJYaoa6K2jNgHlvNbawCLcB/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ_KO2CsWDM/Vx6lMGcaHcI/AAAAAAAAA38/iLCdLy2EjcA19rPJYaoa6K2jNgHlvNbawCLcB/s400/bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And a covered bridge... my day was complete!</span><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-12165544505805104042016-04-10T12:44:00.003-04:002016-04-10T15:28:39.830-04:00Running for Life: Diagnosed with Crohn's Disease<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the big driving reasons in my life that I choose to run is because of Crohn's. At times, Crohn's can deplete me mentally and physically - but when I run, all that fades away. My body feels strong and healthy, and I know I can overcome any obstacle life puts in my way. Having Crohn's, that feeling is something I no longer take for granted.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease shortly after moving to Massachusetts after college. I had just started a new "big girl" job in healthcare management, moved far away from my friends and family, and moved into an apartment on my own. Looking back now, I had been experiencing symptoms for quite some time before that, but then the disease became undeniable. I lost weight rapidly - down almost 15 pounds in a few weeks - and experienced excruciating abdominal pain. The more I tried to ignore it, the worse it came back with a vengeance. Finally I found myself admitted to the hospital with a nasogastric tube and preparing for a colonoscopy - and in the next few days, was officially diagnosed with Crohn's disease. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ATnv8EWoa0/VwqBEBbFqoI/AAAAAAAAA14/ZoLESdoIa2MG4bkFpzUMwAP9cslJLGWrw/s1600/wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ATnv8EWoa0/VwqBEBbFqoI/AAAAAAAAA14/ZoLESdoIa2MG4bkFpzUMwAP9cslJLGWrw/s320/wall.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shortly after moving to MA at less than 100 pounds</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The news was devastating. At the time, I knew nothing about Crohn's, so I did as much research as I could. I learned that there was no cure for this chronic condition, and that physicians weren't even sure what caused it. I learned that in addition to abdominal pain and other unpleasant GI symptoms, it could cause fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, mouth ulcers and more. It explained so much of how I had been feeling. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the next few months passed by, I learned that I could help to control these symptoms. My gastroenterologist tried a number of medications before we found one that worked - an oral medication called azathioprine, which works by suppressing the immune system (and putting patients at higher risk for other diseases, since white blood cell production is suppressed). I also learned that diet played a huge role in the inflammation and pain I was experiencing. The foods we traditionally think of as healthy - like whole grains, vegetables, fruit and dairy - wreaked havoc with my GI system. Over the years, I have learned through trial and error which foods work for me, and which I can tolerate when my disease is flaring versus when my symptoms are in remission. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUEJl_UeJ8o/VwqCqTshwQI/AAAAAAAAA2M/q3AMiOqP56Iz7a-W8kZM_ptY0yu0H8rnw/s1600/pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUEJl_UeJ8o/VwqCqTshwQI/AAAAAAAAA2M/q3AMiOqP56Iz7a-W8kZM_ptY0yu0H8rnw/s320/pizza.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yikes, check out that prednisone puffiness! </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I also found that exercise was critical to help relieve symptoms (as well as, for me, to reduce stress levels - is commonly thought to be a trigger for Crohn's flares). So although running could not have been harder at the time, as I found myself sometimes doubled over in pain or experiencing crippling joint pain, it felt like one of the very few things I had control over during a very uncertain and scary time. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I completed my first marathon after being diagnosed with Crohn's, I knew I had fallen in love with this sport all over again - and felt like nothing could stand in my way. Running with Crohn's has proven to me that despite the physical and mental challenges of this chronic disease, I am stronger and braver than I sometimes feel. Crohn's has taught me patience - knowing that there will be days where just getting out of bed is a struggle, and I need to work with what my body gives me on a day-to-day, and even moment-to-moment basis. And Crohn's has made me grateful for the days that I do have - those incredible runner's high moments where it feels like I could go forever. I know with this disease that life has no guarantees - but living with Crohn's gives me a reason to push past all that, and to experience every moment of the run. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6t3mVcMdg4M/Vwqn9GgPQnI/AAAAAAAAA2k/_Z9ufq-xuWcw73DZLAU2C6UTmqDfWgmJQ/s1600/disney%2Bmarathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6t3mVcMdg4M/Vwqn9GgPQnI/AAAAAAAAA2k/_Z9ufq-xuWcw73DZLAU2C6UTmqDfWgmJQ/s320/disney%2Bmarathon.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First marathon post-diagnosis - victory!</span></td></tr>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Wh<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y am I writing<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> about </span>this now? Well t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">his week, I received some not-so-g<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">reat news. It appears that my mirac<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">le<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> drug that has kept my Crohn's in remission for t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he past five years <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">or so is no longer working for me. That's not altogether unusual, as the body adapts to a certain class of drugs an<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d requires a more aggressive form of treatment. However, I was hoping t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">o have at least a few more years on this one.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span> Now <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">all <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can do is <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">wait for <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">more testing to figure out what my body <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">up to now... <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">including my fifth colonoscopy in as many years<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">unsettling </span>as all the uncertain<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ty <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is right now, I am doing my best to take each challenge as it comes<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. I am <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">focusing on <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">being grateful for</span></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">how strong my body has become o<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ver the years, both as a result of this <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">incredible sport of running and of fighting this disease.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Crohn's <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">has <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">put many obstacles in my path, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">but for n<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ow, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ppreciate every moment I have to keep running on.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-8578310424850028922016-04-03T16:33:00.003-04:002016-04-07T15:06:57.180-04:00A Two-Race Weekend and April Snowstorm in New England<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I signed up for two races this weekend, it all seemed so logical. After all, who doesn't love spring in New England?! Hmm... famous last words! It POURED on Saturday as I drove an hour in each direction to run 9.3 hilly miles for my running club's April Grand Prix race, and then I woke up this morning to three inches of snow for today's 5K. Happy Spring to me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I should have known I was in for a good time on Saturday when my alarm went off at 6:30 AM, and I started driving into this. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHdbhBMGvi4/VwF04TJjF-I/AAAAAAAAAz4/UoAZHaQbEsExTSeCS7niUA5iGp543xIqA/s1600/rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHdbhBMGvi4/VwF04TJjF-I/AAAAAAAAAz4/UoAZHaQbEsExTSeCS7niUA5iGp543xIqA/s320/rain.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Great running weather, right?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Although despite the driving rain all morning, I had a great time at the Frank Nealon Boston Tune-Up 15k. This race, held by the Tri-Valley Front Runners, is considered a prep race for the Boston Marathon, and more than half their field this year was club runners, which made for a fast and competitive race. I enjoyed running with the more experienced runners and many of my own club members, which made it easier to push my speed by sticking with runners who were around my target pace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The awesome Colonial Road Runners!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The only thing that I had conveniently forgotten about this area of Western Massachusetts is that it is hilly. I mean HILLY. My Garmin tells me that the race had a total elevation gain of 323 feet, and I can say that I felt every one of those. This course was not for the weak, but after the first few miles, I actually found myself getting into a good groove. The miles passed by quickly as I focused on getting to the top of one hill, and then rejoiced in a downhill, and then refocused on the next hill. I honestly didn't spend as much time enjoying the scenery as I usually would (and it was beautiful!) because I was so intently focused on the hills and keeping up my pace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Although I was exhausted by the end, I was proud of maintaining a strong, relatively consistent pace on a rainy day on a difficult course. I was completely soaked when I finished, and couldn't have been more excited to see the race volunteers ladling hot soup into bowls right near the finish line. Awesome! Inside the school gym where the race finished, I enjoyed a slice of pizza and a chocolate chip cookie as well. My only moment of sadness occurred when I realized that I had forgotten dry clothes to change into. Let's just say it was a COLD hour-long drive home...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I spent most of the day recovering and mentally preparing for my 5K today. The race director for the TCS Shovel Town 5K is a fellow club member, so a large group of Colonials were planning to head out to support him. I was looking forward to racing a 5K, since I've been mostly focused on longer distances this past year. Excited, however, until I woke up to a winter wonderland! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">April in Massachusetts. Thank you very little.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The weather forecast had said "flurries" starting at 10 am, so when I woke up to two inches on the ground and snow continuing to come down rapidly at 6 am, I was less than impressed. But this is what we runners do, right?! Onward! True to form, the snow didn't keep many of my club members away, although it did cause us to break out our winter clothes once again... hats, gloves, jackets, and even ski goggles to ward off the blowing snow.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Surprisingly enthusiastic for this race!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Almost immediately, I stepped in a huge puddle and my feet were soaked in icy water. Also, although I felt fine when I woke up, my legs felt heavy and tired almost immediately after starting to run - testament to the previous day's hills. It was the race volunteers that kept me going - over 75 volunteers out on the course, manning water stations, giving splits at mile markers, taking photos and just cheering us on, while they themselves were covered in snow. The support was pretty incredible, and it kept me motivated. As I sprinted across the finish line with snow and hail blowing in my eyes, I felt unstoppable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although I was over a minute from placing in my age group, I was proud of my time, 26:51, an 8:40 pace. Not bad on tired legs in the snow! As is the theme pretty much whenever I race, my immediate thought was food... so one of my running buddies and I changed into dry shoes and socks (I remembered this time, lesson learned!) and treated ourselves to a fancy breakfast out. Smoked salmon benedict on a sweet tomato brioche with chive hollandaise. Unreal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With the unpredictable nature of New England weather this weekend and some challenging race conditions, I feel stronger than ever with two sub-9 minute mile races down. This weekend also reminded me once again how much I love being part of a running club. Had it not been for my teammates, I would absolutely have pressed the "snooze" button both mornings and watched the rain and snow from the comfort of my couch. Instead, my running friends motivated me to finish both races strong, with a smile on my face. What a weekend! I am starting to feel ready for my next race - the Coastal Delaware Marathon on April 24th! The countdown begins...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Foyer full of wet running gear... a runner lives here!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Questions:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What spring races do you have planned?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Any tips for racing in the rain?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What is your favorite post-race treat?</span><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-68001047113225653792016-03-31T20:25:00.000-04:002016-03-31T20:31:48.335-04:00My Fueling Strategy & Mind-Blowing Customer Service: Hammer Nutrition<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We've all heard about the "good old days" when customer service was more than just a slogan or a marketing technique. When business owners cared more about exceeding their customers' expectations than increasing their profits. Too often in today's world of drive-through service, online one-click purchases and faceless, nameless multi-million dollar corporations, that all gets lost. I have to say that <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/" target="_blank">Hammer Nutrition</a> is one of those few special companies that brings all of these customer service ideals together, and continues to impress me with every encounter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.hammernutrition.com/" border="0" height="208" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgaB8wEuV6k/Vv228m0uxCI/AAAAAAAAAyE/XulhRhDVEJcfj1L2gEZonVj99ttnL2ayw/s320/hammer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First - their incredible customer service. After my first online order with Hammer, I received a free ($25 value) welcome gift with a large assortment of all of Hammer's products for me to try - which way outnumbered the small initial order that I had placed to simply try a few gels on an upcoming long run. I was blown away - who doesn't love a free surprise in the mail?! I was even more surprised when after placing my second online order, I received a free water bottle, a book, and a handwritten thank you note in the mail. Awesome!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like Christmas morning at my house!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then the products - so far, I have started using Hammer's Endurolytes and gels. I have Crohns disease, so I am VERY picky when it comes to running fuel (or any food in general) to avoid unexpected GI issues. <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/hammer-gel.hg.html" target="_blank">Hammer gels</a> are all-natural and made with real ingredients that I can recognize and pronounce. For example, my favorite flavor, Apple Cinnamon, which tastes just like fresh applesauce, is flavored with apple juice concentrate, cinnamon and vanilla. Go figure! All of the gels are made with long-chain complex carbohydrates, so I don't get the sugar high spikes and crashes like I have experienced with so many other fake-sugar gels out there.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Remember that squeezable applesauce we loved as kids? Flashback!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I also use the Hammer <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg-.elt.html" target="_blank">Endurolytes</a>, which have proven to be a lifesaver for me. I've always been a little skeptical of electrolyte tabs (or anything in pill form, for that matter), but I have to say that I am a believer now! I used to get horrible cramping and swollen fingers during my long runs, especially in the heat. I used sports drinks diluted with water to avoid GI distress, and during races tried to alternate water and Gatorade to replenish electrolytes. Now, with Endurolytes, I can specifically tailor my electrolyte needs to the run distance, temperature and how I am feeling, and haven't cramped up in months! Also in addition to sodium, which is all that most salt tabs offer, Endurolytes provide supplemental calcium, magnesium and potassium to be able to maintain high performance in tough conditions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I am still experimenting with how I take my gels and Endurolytes to get the best effect and to maintain consistent energy on my long runs - but my strategy so far is to take two Endurolytes before I start running, and then a gel at 6 miles, another Endurolyte tab at 9 miles, another gel at 12 miles, an Endurolyte at 15, and so on. I've found that spacing out my fueling but staying consistent on the timing is key to maintaining consistent energy and avoiding cramping. Fueling this way has also kept my GI system happy - which is a constant challenge with my Crohns.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let me be clear - I wasn't paid or encouraged by Hammer Nutrition to write this blog. I am also not a nutritionist or clinician of any sort. I do work in healthcare through, and have had more than my share of GI education over the years in learning how to live with Crohns, and am passionate about sharing what works (or hasn't worked) for me. Finding a realistic and easy fueling strategy is SO important, and using Hammer products for me has truly transformed how I feel during and after my long runs. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Huge thumbs up for feeling good!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Questions for you:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What tried and true fueling strategies would you recommend? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have you tried any of the other Hammer products? I am kind of hooked, and am thinking of trying the Recoverite drink next - thoughts?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am linking up w<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ith Amanda at <a href="http://www.runningwithspoons.com/" target="_blank">Running with Sp</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.runningwithspoons.com/" target="_blank">oons</a> for Thursday<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'s Thinking Out Loud<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t's almost <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Friday - thank goodness!!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-86206083283966621652016-03-29T20:21:00.000-04:002016-03-29T20:33:05.623-04:00Race Recap: Eastern States 20 (aka My Love Affair with Running)<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My 20-mile run this weekend reminded me of every wonderful, crazy thing that I love about this sport. The Eastern States 20-Mile has been on my running wish list for several years now. There is just something SO irresistibly cool to me about running across state borders in a race. Like "yeah, no big deal, I ran through three states on Saturday morning, what did you do this weekend?!" The brag factor is big with this one! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eastern States is a point-to-point race starting in Kittery, Maine and running primarily along Route 1A (which stretches from Maine, all the way to Florida) through New Hampshire and finishing just over the Massachusetts border in Salisbury, MA. It is almost 100% along the ocean, and is extremely flat, with only about a 50 foot elevation change throughout. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was excited to be able to share this experience with two new friends from my running club, who I met at 6 AM in Newton to drive up to New Hampshire together. That meant setting my alarm for 4:30 AM on Saturday morning... which would have been rough, had I not been SO excited all night long (yes, I am obnoxiously perky on race mornings!) As we made our way to Hampton Beach for the shuttle, we caught a glimpse of the beach from a side-street and parked to get a closer look. The sun was just beginning to rise over the ocean, casting streaks of yellow and orange through the sky. The scene took my breath away, and I knew in that moment that it was going to be a magical day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a quick coffee (and chocolate glazed doughnut) stop, we boarded the shuttle that would take us from Hampton Beach up to Kittery, Maine for the race start. A quick 15-minutes later and we were at Traip Academy for packet pickup and a mega-long porta-potty line! We spent much of the next hour waiting in line while debating our race attire... It was 39 degrees and slightly cloudy, but forecasted to be 45 degrees and sunny by the finish, with a slight wind along the ocean. The challenges that we runners face! After much angst, I decided to put my windbreaker in the gear check bag, and couldn't have been happier with my decision when I warmed up within minutes.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Who doesn't love a good porta potty line pic!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is hard to say enough about how beautiful this race was. I am fairly positive I spent the first 18 miles of this race with a cheesy grin on my face, just completely in awe of my surroundings. Totally obnoxious, like I said! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just can't help myself!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The first mile or so of the race ran through downtown Kittery to Memorial Bridge, which crosses the Maine-New Hampshire border. There we passed Warren's Lobster House, my all-time favorite seafood restaurant from my time living up in Maine, which brought back some incredible memories of friends and food comas. We then crossed through downtown Portsmouth, making our way to Route 1A and the ocean.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next 10 or so miles of the race followed the curve of the coastline past several state beaches, and more lobster shacks and ice cream shops than I could count. Talk about great memories of Maine summers... I could practically taste a buttery lobster roll with a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone. I have to say, my sports gel was not quite the same!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We began passing a series of beaches that I recognized, first by name and then by sight, having spent some fun long weekends with friends along the New Hampshire coast. First Wallis Sands Beach, and then Rye Beach, where there was a small crowd of spectators braving the cold winds to cheer us on, and then a view of the Isle of Shoals off in the distance. Although the stretch between Rye and North Hampton marked 13 miles, I barely felt the distance, believing instead that I was on my own little tour of coastal New England.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was somewhere around mile 16 and Hampton Beach when reality started to hit. At this point, my legs felt heavy and with the sun out, the water stations started to feel further apart. We passed the parking lot where we had met the shuttle over 5 hours before, and then the hotel where the post-race party being held, and the half marathoners were already celebrating, which mentally was a little rough. Only four more miles! Hampton Beach was undeniably beautiful though, and I tried to let the scenery take my mind off the distance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The last two miles seemed to stretch forever for me, and I really started hurting just as we approached a small climb over the Hampton Bridge. I started counting down half miles and then quarter miles, pushing to keep up my pace and get it done. The race turned slightly inland, so I lost track of my blissfully distracting beach views as well. I was so relieved when we approached a large crowd of spectators and then turned a corner and saw the finish line just100 yards away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Elated to have completed my last 20-mile training run for my April marathon, I walked (okay hobbled) to the gear check bus, where I was amazed that the incredibly organized race volunteers had already retrieved my bag and had it waiting to hand to me. Just a few steps beyond that, a shuttle bus was waiting to take runners to the post-race celebration. It couldn't have been better, because when we got back to Hampton Beach, I practically inhaled three cups of chicken noodle soup, two slices of pizza, an orange slice and a Diet Coke. Recovery food of champions! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was psyched to check off one of my wish list races and to be still feeling halfway decent after 20 miles with a finish time I could be proud of. I felt lucky to have had such an incredible race experience, running through one of the most beautiful parts of New England, with a tailwind behind us, on a perfectly clear and sunny March day. Most of all, I couldn't have been happier to share this experience with some new friends from my running club family. Everything about this day epitomized everything I love about this wonderful sport of running. Here I come, Eastern States 2017!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.89px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.89px;">I am linking up this post with the Tuesdays on the Run link-up with </span><a href="http://noguiltlife.com/" style="line-height: 16.89px; text-decoration: none;">My No-Guilt Life</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.89px;">, </span><a href="http://mcmmamaruns.com/" style="line-height: 16.89px; text-decoration: none;">MCM Mama Runs</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>and <a href="http://www.marciashealthyslice.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Marcia's Healthy Slice</a>!</span></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-925417724842873582016-03-27T17:33:00.003-04:002016-03-29T20:25:30.069-04:00My Magical Place: Weekly Wrap<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't wait to fill you in on my amazing week in Orlando! It was everything I was hoping it would be and more. I flew down on Saturday at 6 AM (yikes, 3:45 AM wake-up call!) and checked into the Orlando World Center Marriott. The work conference I was attending was held at this hotel, and when I discovered it was less than a mile from Disney World, I was ecstatic! The hotel itself did not disappoint. A wonderful hotel employee scored me a free upgrade to a pool-view room, and when I got upstairs, I was amazed by my view.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check out that water slide!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I settled in, and then made my way over to Disney World to get in my long run. I was scheduled for 14 miles this weekend, and ready to explore my favorite place on earth!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Few things make me as happy as this sign</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I decided to start at Downtown Disney, and then make my way along the pathway to the resort areas nearby. Running over the pedestrian bridge, I made my way to Saratoga Springs, and along the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course to the Treehouse Villas, where I stayed when I ran the Disney Marathon last year. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hidden Mickey anyone?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love the area around the Treehouse Villas - it is landscaped to feel like a jungle paradise, and the wooden bridges over the lake just add to the magic. It brought back good memories of our marathon adventures last year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I continued along pedestrian walkway to the Old Key West resort, where I managed to get totally lost exploring the area! I loved seeing the water taxis, and keeping track of where I was in relation to the lake was probably the only thing that gave me any sense of direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After 14 miles of exploring Disney resorts in weather much warmer than I am used to in Boston, I was wiped! I decided to take a water taxi back to Downtown Disney for dinner, where I proceeded to eat my weight in pasta. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tough life in Old Key West</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then time for some hot-tubbing at my enormous hotel pool. The pool had enormous big-screen TVs in the background, where you could watch the March Madness games, and have drinks served to you pool-side. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wish every long run could work out like this! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Later that night, I watched our hotel's laser light show over the pool from my balcony. The lasers were synchronized to music, and I was mesmerized watching the show. What an amazing way to end my first day in paradise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> The rest of our trip was pretty darn amazing as well! On Sunday night, one of my favorite coworkers joined my for an adventure in Downtown Disney. Disney had added several new restaurants and bars since I visited last year, so of course we had to check them out! We ordered a drink and appetizer in each restaurant, making our way around the West Side... from sliders and shrimp flatbread at Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar (themed like Indiana Jones)... to sushi and martinis at Morimoto Asia... to tropical drinks at the House of Blues. It was a pretty epic night!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All drinks taste good in a monkey cup!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The definite highlight of our Downtown Disney tour however was a ride in the Amphicars. These water-cars are original from the 1961 World's Fair, and Disney has the largest collection of anywhere in the world. The captain drives them right down a ramp off the boardwalk and into the water... so cool! We rode around Downtown Disney at sunset, and had the time of our lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once our conference ended, we took an extra day in Disney to soak up the sun and unwind before heading back to work. We headed to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and enjoyed a huge breakfast buffet at Boma, an African-themed restaurant. It was a beautiful day - mid 80's and not a cloud in the sky... so I fried my Boston-white skin at the pool while sipping pina coladas... hard life, right?! As if it couldn't get any better, my friend surprised me with a massage at the Animal Kingdom Lodge spa. Soooo relaxing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We ended the day by checking out the savannah overlook, just as they were feeding the giraffes! We met an awesome Disney employee from Botswana who taught us all about the African animals and even some of his language - it was the coolest thing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have to say, this was a pretty incredible week! Disney is one of my favorite places on earth, and to be able to spend our nights there while learning a TON during the day at our work conference, it was the best of both worlds. I felt super lucky to have a little get-away from the daily grind, and came back feeling super recharged and ready to go again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thank you to<a href="http://hohoruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> HoHo Runs</a> and <a href="http://www.misssippipiddlin.com/" target="_blank">MissSippiPiddlin </a>for hosting the weekly wrap.
</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-43155739238583142892016-03-13T18:43:00.000-04:002016-03-28T18:26:39.234-04:00Building distance and off to Disney World!<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This linkup is hosted by <a href="http://hohoruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HoHo Runs</a> and<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.misssippipiddlin.com/">MissSippiPiddlin</a>. The purpose of this linkup is to connect with and support other active women.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've had a busy couple of weeks since I've last checked in! I took two "me" days off work and have enjoyed some incredible running adventures and lots of relaxation as well. Last week, I joined Cycle Life in Whitman, which is a spinning studio close to work. I haven't taken spinning classes in a few years, and I am hoping to improve my cross-training. The first class I attended was called Happy Hour, and yikes it was tough, but I had a blast! My goal is to attend a class once a week to build endurance and to get some non-running fitness in.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Disco lights at spin are trippy!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last weekend, I went to Bare Cove Park in Hingham for a 14-mile run. That was my longest run yet this training cycle, and I surprised myself by feeling incredibly strong. The beautiful scenery didn't hurt either... Something about exploring trails and waterfront runs really helps me take my mind off the miles and to relax! Check out this view...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This week I trudged on for what will hopefully be my last few runs in the dark, now that Daylight Savings Time is here! Gotta say I will not miss running with my headlamp or knuckle lights (and living in fear of tripping over sidewalk cracks or my own two feet!) This is the view from the pond near my house in Rockland. Hmm, sensing a theme with the water shots? Definitely my favorite!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And then today... today was pretty special. I decided to get some hill miles in, since my hill training has been somewhat lacking (okay non-existent). This was after a 12-mile run on Friday and some weight training and squats on Saturday. Dumb. I chose a 10-mile loop in the Blue Hills and hoped for the best. Honestly, I think the challenge was more mental than anything else. The first two miles seemed painfully slow, and I doubted my sanity on several occasions. But once I settled into a rhythm and loosened up, I really started enjoying it! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I really need to take pictures of more than water!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Houghton's Pond has long been one of my favorite spots for hiking (aka getting totally lost in the woods) but on today's run, I stuck to the roads. After 10 miles of super steep hills, I was toast! Although I have to say, I am proud of surviving (and feeling relatively okay) my first long hill run. I think looking forward, I'd like to alternate a long run (18 or 20) with a shorter 10-mile hill run every weekend. Doesn't that sound lovely?! Yikes!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Looking ahead to this week, I have so much to be excited for! First, Daylight Savings Time and after-work runs under the sun. I can't even begin to explain how excited I am for running in daylight. And then on Saturday I leave for Florida! I am presenting at a conference for work in Orlando, and the conference hotel just happens to be across the street from Disney World. So next weekend's long run will be in the happiest place on earth! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unbelievably excited to be back!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <b>Questions:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have you ever run in Disney (aside from the organized races there)? What are the best places to run longer distances? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How did you celebrate Daylight Savings today?</span></span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-51616033599835050292016-02-28T20:57:00.000-05:002016-03-28T18:26:51.316-04:00Hyannis Half Marathon Race Recap<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am excited to be participating for t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he first time in a link-up by a fellow running <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">blogger at </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.misssippipiddlin.com/" target="_blank">MissSippiPiddlin</a>.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The purpose of this link-up is to connect with and support other active women. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBPFZpZxorc/VtOrDLjBMyI/AAAAAAAAAqc/6f5Ex0NutEU/s1600/WeeklyWrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBPFZpZxorc/VtOrDLjBMyI/AAAAAAAAAqc/6f5Ex0NutEU/s200/WeeklyWrap.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This was my second time running the Hyannis Half Marathon - the first time all the way back in 2010, when I was still living in Maine. And my how far I've come... I managed to shave nearly 20 minutes off my time. Not "half" bad! (Ok, that was really bad...) But in all seriousness, I enjoyed today's race and am very pleased with my run! </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The day started on a high note with an amazing parking spot right across the street from the finish line. I get major race jitters from pre-race traffic and parking issues, so being able to see the starting line and hear the race announcer from my car kind of made my morning. The little things... </span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">See you again soon... in 13 miles!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I remember and had heard from fellow running club members that the bib pickup at Hyannis can be kind of crazy, so I arrived extra early to avoid any issues, but I have to say, it wasn't bad at all! I snagged a long-sleeve tech shirt that I am kind of in love with, and then headed back to the car (did I mention my awesome parking spot?!) to relax before the race.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So many race shirts... but I love them all!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The start was a little chaotic, and I spent much of the first half-mile dodging other runners and trying to get up to pace, but all-in-all, I averaged 8:30 for my first two miles, and I was feeling great. The first part of the race runs near downtown Hyannis and has strong crowd support. The road is completely closed off to traffic, and I quickly got into a rhythm surrounded by other runners on the rolling hills. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next several miles ran along the shoreline with some long stretches past Hyannis's public beaches, which made for some incredibly scenic but VERY windy miles. I thoroughly enjoyed yet another 50-degree, sunny February day, which provided quite the contrast to last year's Hyannis Marathon, which was cancelled due to a blizzard.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last few miles of the half marathon were more challenging for me. Long stretches of residential areas, followed by the course opening up to traffic for a short stretch on Main Street, where runners were crowded into a coned-off shoulder. Not my favorite part, but at that point I was just focused on finishing. The last few hills seemed to last forever and my pace slowed as I realized that I wasn't going to break 2 hours. Close, but not that close.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last stretch to the finish line felt incredible though, as I passed several members of my running club who were volunteering near the finish. The crowd support for the last mile was strong and it kept me motivated. I finished in 3:03:18 - a PR for me! Although not quite the under 2-hour race I had hoped for, I have a lot to be proud of for this one.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehpj-AE1GqQ/VtOjkrvkeEI/AAAAAAAAAp0/7l8_n1dSP6E/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehpj-AE1GqQ/VtOjkrvkeEI/AAAAAAAAAp0/7l8_n1dSP6E/s320/me.jpg" width="320" />ra</a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Obligatory medal selfie</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think perhaps my biggest victory at Hyannis was finishing the half marathon feeling pretty strong. I had my moments of side stitches and a cramped left hamstring and some fueling issues, but overall, I felt well-prepared and in good shape by the end. I went into Hyannis thinking of the race as a training run on my way to my April and May full marathons, and today most definitely served its purpose of boosting my confidence for the training miles to come.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking back, I have had a great February with 27.6 race miles, starting with my negative 20-degree wind chill 4.5 miler, followed by last week's 50-degree 10-miler and this weekend's equally warm half marathon. In March, I am looking forward to a few weekends off from racing to build training mileage, and then ending the month with the Eastern States 20-Miler. It's getting real!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj0XmXGVGVA/VtOk-FRXXlI/AAAAAAAAAqE/vxE2te0FWcs/s1600/bling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj0XmXGVGVA/VtOk-FRXXlI/AAAAAAAAAqE/vxE2te0FWcs/s320/bling.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Check out all that race bling!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What races are you looking forward to in March?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you ever done the Eastern States or Run for the Border? I would love any advice!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-68755003415073470932016-02-27T20:33:00.000-05:002016-04-03T17:04:55.794-04:00What I'm Loving This Week<b><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What I'm watching...</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fuller House premiered on Netflix this week, and I may or may not already be four episodes in. So many memories of the early nineties coming right on back... While it is totally cheesy, I am loving every moment of the Fuller House revival.</span></span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What I'm cooking... </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I made a delicious healthy pasta dinner to carb-load for tomorrow's half marathon, with plenty of leftovers for the week. This recipe couldn't be any easier... I sauteed sliced zucchini, yellow squash and cherry tomatoes with garlic and olive oil. The veggie mixture was tossed in a blend of lowfat Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, and then served over pasta. Delicious, and only took about 20 minutes to pull together. My kind of cooking!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFB4xj2mvVI/VtJMHNxI0XI/AAAAAAAAAoY/3EE-Dolub1A/s1600/pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFB4xj2mvVI/VtJMHNxI0XI/AAAAAAAAAoY/3EE-Dolub1A/s320/pasta.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ok not the best photo ever, but oh-so yummy!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What I'm wearing... </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am loving my Bombas socks, both for running and just hanging around the house. I ordered Bombas in every neon color, and just love the arch support and the cushioned heel tab. I first learned about Bombas on Shark Tank, and love that for every pair purchased, another pair is donated by the company to homeless shelters in need.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iP8Zmly2yrQ/VtJM2zCanJI/AAAAAAAAAok/ALJmHlKvBmI/s1600/bombas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iP8Zmly2yrQ/VtJM2zCanJI/AAAAAAAAAok/ALJmHlKvBmI/s320/bombas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Also love the bumblebee design :-)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>What I'm doing...</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I spent the morning with a great work friend planning our trip to Disney World coming up in less than a month! I should add the disclaimer that it is actually a work conference in Orlando... but the hotel happens to be located just across the street from Downtown Disney, so... Disney vacation! We are planning dinners out around Downtown Disney and the Boardwalk after the conference every<b> </b>night, and then an extra day in Disney after the conference finishes up. I can't wait for a mini-vacation, compliments of work, and bonding time with a good friend!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1u1MF3Px44E/VtJNtHz-GAI/AAAAAAAAAo0/1Iw8rwK3T3g/s1600/mcowc_main01_r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1u1MF3Px44E/VtJNtHz-GAI/AAAAAAAAAo0/1Iw8rwK3T3g/s320/mcowc_main01_r.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The conference hotel... not too shabby!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have you seen the Full House reunion? What do you think?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Favorite (easy) carb-loading recipes? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></b>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-74631218698369752902016-02-25T20:51:00.000-05:002016-04-03T17:04:29.335-04:00Only in New England! Old-Fashioned Ten-Miler Race Recap<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remember last weekend when I wrote about my negative 20-degree wind chill race? Well, fast-forward only one week, and I am running in SHORTS and and a short-sleeved shirt, in 55-degree weather! No... I didn't head south... that's just our crazy Massachusetts weather!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was my first year running in the Wampanoag Road Runners' Old-Fashioned Ten-Miler in Foxboro, MA. The race was my running club's February Grand Prix race, and we had a great turnout from our group, which made participating a blast! I really enjoy the comradery of running with a group. Even though we all have different paces and don't typically run with each other, it is so encouraging to see our club members along the course and to cheer for each other at the finish. And running with our group has definitely improved my speed, as I strive to keep up with some of the faster members of our club (or at least to keep them in my sights for as long as possible!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> The Old-Fashioned Ten Miler course is a HILLY run throughout rural Foxboro, on an open course but with very light traffic. Did I mention the hills? Wow, my quads were killing me for days after this race... Note to self, need more hill training! At one point in the race, we run past Gillette Stadium, home of my beloved Patriots, which was pretty cool. But mostly there were just lots of hills! I was pretty proud of myself though, because I managed to maintain a solid 9-minute pace throughout, finishing in 1:30:34, more than ten minutes under my goal time for the race. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ufZfckEaTg/Vs-tWzf-mCI/AAAAAAAAAn8/9XVrzsx-mEo/s1600/OFTM2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ufZfckEaTg/Vs-tWzf-mCI/AAAAAAAAAn8/9XVrzsx-mEo/s320/OFTM2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes, short sleeves in February!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> I was pretty excited for some great race swag as well... A fleece blanket with an embroidered OFTM logo, a colorful striped pair of Darn Tough socks, and a huge OFTM finishers' medal. Not bad for $25! At this point after accumulating more race shirts than I could ever possibly wear, I appreciate some creative race swag. Also a welcome surprise was a delicious post-race lunch. Some mac and cheese really hit the spot for me! All about the post-race food... </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now what's in store for this week? I'm planning for a few mid-distance training runs, and then a short shake-out run on Saturday before the Hyannis Half-Marathon on Sunday. It's supposed to be in the mid-50's this weekend too, so I am taking advantage of the great weather and excited to get out and race again! Last year, the Hyannis Marathon was cancelled after Boston was buried in 4+ feet of snow... Again, only in New England!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How are you spending this unseasonably warm weather? Race plans for the spring? </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-77362685347809775622016-02-14T17:25:00.002-05:002016-04-03T17:04:09.334-04:00Brrrrrrrr!! Paddy Kelly Race Recap<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Valentine's day brought more than just chocolate and roses to Southeastern Massachussetts this weekend... It brought the coldest day of winter 2016! After waking up for a coffee run, my car took its sweet time turning over (saying "wtf" in car-growl-speak) as the temperature read NEGATIVE seven degrees. Yikes. But it was my running club's race day, the Paddy Kelly 5-Miler in Brockton, MA, so time to suck it up!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwZRWk9VoZE/VsD8-KOGkKI/AAAAAAAAAnE/JbU_zNNEqcU/s1600/don%2527t%2Bcare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwZRWk9VoZE/VsD8-KOGkKI/AAAAAAAAAnE/JbU_zNNEqcU/s320/don%2527t%2Bcare.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">By race-time, it had warmed up to a whopping ZERO degrees, with a negative 20 degree wind chill. Although it was brisk, I was well-equipped (or so I thought) with two pairs of gloves, hand-warmers, a neck-warmer, headband, hat, long-sleeved shirt, fleece shirt, windbreaker and a puffy vest. Yikes! Oh and can't forget my snazzy Valentine's day socks!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXCehOjDIfY/VsD9e9Ul5UI/AAAAAAAAAnI/FJUDaSEQKcM/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXCehOjDIfY/VsD9e9Ul5UI/AAAAAAAAAnI/FJUDaSEQKcM/s320/me.jpg" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Love my ProCompression socks!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> The course had been shortened from 4.5 to 5 miles to get everyone off the roads as quickly as possible. Of course, after the first mile, I realized that I was significantly over-dressed, and spent much of the next several miles trying to shed layers and unzip vests and jackets. Oops, lesson learned! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But I had a blast running with one of my work friends, and we averaged about a 9-minute mile... not bad for not being able to feel our legs! Although it did feel like my nose was running faster than I was at some points! We finished hand-in-hand - just proud to have toughed it out on such a brutally cold day.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Finish line photo - freezing!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The race finished just steps away from a local pub, serving free chili, chop suey and beers to the runners. Warming up with some hot food and booze felt AMAZING - even if it was shortly before noon. Who cares! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Proud to say that I survived my coldest race ever... and had a blast doing it! Happy Valentine's Day :-)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What was your coldest race? Any tips or tricks?</span></span></span><br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-29386296942553858632016-01-01T15:46:00.003-05:002016-04-03T17:05:12.489-04:00New Year's Running & the Winter Warrior Challenge<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I started the new year by participating in a fun run with Colonial Road Runners in Abington, called the New Year's Day Fun Run & Brrrrrrunch. What a blast! I ran 3.1 miles in 27:10 for an average of 8 minutes 49 seconds per mile. It felt great to start the new year with a fast outdoor run. I also enjoyed meeting many other Colonial runners over the potluck brunch. They are a great group full of like-minded crazies like me!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This January, I also decided to participate in the Marathon Sports Winter Warrior Challenge. The goal is to run at least one mile every day throughout the month of January. There is also an additional challenge to hit the "silver" level by running 3 miles per day, or "gold" at 5 miles daily. I am setting out to challenge myself with 3 miles daily... but will have to wait and see what Mother Nature brings us in Boston this winter! If the snowfall is anything like last year, even a mile will be a challenge some days!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0129/6942/files/WW_BLUE_website_large.jpg?408044347866274404" height="188" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 10px;" width="200" /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As for the long New Years' Day weekend, I am looking forward to lots of couch time watching movies, wearing sweatpants, and just relaxing! White chicken chili for later tonight along with a good book or two... perfection! </span></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-75403813618553537032014-02-02T10:47:00.004-05:002016-04-03T17:06:04.473-04:00The Happiest Place on Earth: Disney Marathon Race Recap<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This month, I traveled to the happiest place on earth for my 9th Disney Marathon! I will never get tired of this race... We started the long weekend the way all good weekends start - with some serious shopping at the marathon expo!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkzW8YkhbaM/Uu5hMAQTQEI/AAAAAAAAAiM/qAKFiHfY4po/s1600/Expo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkzW8YkhbaM/Uu5hMAQTQEI/AAAAAAAAAiM/qAKFiHfY4po/s1600/Expo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It doesn't get better than this!</span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An official race jacket, a new pair of compression socks, two pairs of arm warmers, and a long-sleeved shirt later, and the mission was complete! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On Friday, we explored the Magic Kingdom and had a lot of fun while enjoying the 80 degree weather - what a difference from Boston's winter wonderland!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wCVYK1r9PI/Uu5hqY7yFzI/AAAAAAAAAiY/2OAbcUGJZI4/s1600/magic+kingdom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wCVYK1r9PI/Uu5hqY7yFzI/AAAAAAAAAiY/2OAbcUGJZI4/s1600/magic+kingdom.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cinderella's castle... see you again at Mile 7!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On Saturday, we went to Epcot and watched the half marathon finish, and also walked "around the world", exploring each country. Epcot is where the marathon finishes, so the next time I would see those countries, I would be in too much pain to notice!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQPSnwUSChI/Uu5i9e1b2KI/AAAAAAAAAig/b5G14DB8CZ0/s1600/Victoria+gardens+Epcot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQPSnwUSChI/Uu5i9e1b2KI/AAAAAAAAAig/b5G14DB8CZ0/s1600/Victoria+gardens+Epcot.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Disney's version of Canada's Victoria Gardens</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Finally, it was the morning of the race! To beat the heat, Disney starts the race at 5:30 am, with a recommended arrival time of 3:30 am. This is my LEAST favorite part every year.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWN0VPQBcg0/Uu5jOIqt0iI/AAAAAAAAAio/StRlGuNa8IQ/s1600/Before+marathon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWN0VPQBcg0/Uu5jOIqt0iI/AAAAAAAAAio/StRlGuNa8IQ/s1600/Before+marathon.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A very cold, tired and nervous Minnie!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The race starts just outside of Epcot (in the dark!) and heads out to Magic Kingdom, where we run through Cinderella's Castle and along Main Street for miles 6-8. At this point, the sun is just coming up, the air is cool, and our legs are fresh - life is good!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eC_d1C6pZ1E/Uu5jjVvLUII/AAAAAAAAAiw/wQfL73peNR4/s1600/magic+kingdom+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eC_d1C6pZ1E/Uu5jjVvLUII/AAAAAAAAAiw/wQfL73peNR4/s1600/magic+kingdom+3.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Feeling good so far!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then the race passes the Grand Floridian Hotel, runs through the uneven paths of the Animal Kingdom, and then winds around six agonizingly boring miles of the Wide World of Sports. This is around mile 20, just when the pain is starting to set in, and we are so close... but so far... Time to bear down and push hard. Finally, we reach MGM at mile 22, and the end is in sight!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e4lirVJCmKg/Uu5kQsAbZzI/AAAAAAAAAi4/C6to-oavi6Y/s1600/epcot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e4lirVJCmKg/Uu5kQsAbZzI/AAAAAAAAAi4/C6to-oavi6Y/s1600/epcot+2.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If that smile looks forced, it's because I am HURTING!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> After MGM, we run across the Boardwalk, and now the crowds are starting to gather, and the amazing support pushes us on. One spectator's handmade poster says, "There will be a day when you will fail... Today is not that day." The physical and mental exhaustion has set in, and I fight back tears as I realize that I am about to achieve yet another awesome accomplishment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next few miles around Epcot seem to last forever, as we circle the World Showcase, and then approach the Epcot ball, where the race finishes just beyond the park entrance. Now I am smiling with my whole heart, loving every moment and taking it all in.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esi9RL__jts/Uu5lLQXxUWI/AAAAAAAAAjE/UKX_koyNIvw/s1600/epcot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esi9RL__jts/Uu5lLQXxUWI/AAAAAAAAAjE/UKX_koyNIvw/s1600/epcot.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mile 26... only 0.2 to go!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I dig deep one last time, and push hard across the finish line for a strong finish. It was another awesome Disney Marathon! I usually am too exhausted to stop for a post-finish line photo, but this year I was still feeling pretty good, so I stop to pose a few times for the race photographers.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQzT0kaJkaY/Uu5lobj4OYI/AAAAAAAAAjM/ZKk6IZhhkX4/s1600/After+marathon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQzT0kaJkaY/Uu5lobj4OYI/AAAAAAAAAjM/ZKk6IZhhkX4/s1600/After+marathon.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gotta love the Mickey medal!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a long, hot shower and some clean clothes, we head off to enjoy a victory lunch! Root beer float? Okay, sold!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9ryXbhPCCE/Uu5l9ie9w1I/AAAAAAAAAjU/vwojdUoE2s0/s1600/medal+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9ryXbhPCCE/Uu5l9ie9w1I/AAAAAAAAAjU/vwojdUoE2s0/s1600/medal+photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Doesn't get much better than this!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We finished the weekend with an awesome character breakfast at the Grand Floridian on Monday morning, and a restful few hours on the beach at the Polynesian, soaking up the last of the sun before heading back to snowy New England again! Another awesome race at what I truly know to be the happiest place on earth!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ_e9mlH8wE/Uu5onJ5mY6I/AAAAAAAAAjg/jynC39RrcCU/s1600/medal+and+pooh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ_e9mlH8wE/Uu5onJ5mY6I/AAAAAAAAAjg/jynC39RrcCU/s1600/medal+and+pooh.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Never too old for this!</span></td></tr>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-44223607895648413922013-09-21T19:44:00.002-04:002016-04-03T17:05:41.222-04:00Things I Love About Fall<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fall is my favorite season, and every time I step outside and feel the crisp cool air, I can't help but smile. I just love this time of year! Even though the New England weather has been cooling off for a few weeks now, tomorrow marks the first official day of fall with the Autumnal Equinox at 4:44 pm. Bring it on!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of my autumn favorites that I am loving right now:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. Pumpkin spice coffee from Dunkin Donuts</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DFtCUj58RU/Uj4t_44oNPI/AAAAAAAAAgY/LRFolf7kmv8/s1600/pumpkin+coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DFtCUj58RU/Uj4t_44oNPI/AAAAAAAAAgY/LRFolf7kmv8/s320/pumpkin+coffee.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The only way to start the day!</span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In addition to Dunkin pumpkin donuts and pumpkin bagels. Don't worry, I've tried all the fall-flavored options on the menu!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Warm apple pie</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xm052iDZEPo/Uj4u4EDaeTI/AAAAAAAAAgk/1ye7i3Rvh0c/s1600/apple+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xm052iDZEPo/Uj4u4EDaeTI/AAAAAAAAAgk/1ye7i3Rvh0c/s1600/apple+pie.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I could eat this in one sitting!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I especially love the kind with the crumb topping. Warmed up in the oven with a scoop of french vanilla ice cream. Amazing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. Leaves starting to change</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-heuNC4Hf0jw/Uj4vkINB_4I/AAAAAAAAAgs/71Ew-F5i05g/s1600/fall+at+bates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-heuNC4Hf0jw/Uj4vkINB_4I/AAAAAAAAAgs/71Ew-F5i05g/s400/fall+at+bates.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Loved seeing this view on the way to class every day!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While it doesn't look like this quite yet, seeing the leaves start to change always reminds me of the incredible foliage I experienced while at college in Maine. Fall in New England is simply the best.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. The smell of fall! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSSfw03EzRA/Uj4wfZohz0I/AAAAAAAAAg4/JsA2JQT_YnY/s1600/cinnamon+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSSfw03EzRA/Uj4wfZohz0I/AAAAAAAAAg4/JsA2JQT_YnY/s1600/cinnamon+candles.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yankee Candles are my weakness</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love breaking out my Macintosh Apple and Cinnamon Stick Yankee Candles for the first time all season, and filling up my home with the warm scent of autumn. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. Friday night football</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1YmPAvbjzM/Uj4xYtEM7HI/AAAAAAAAAhE/_Nsddm_pnkA/s1600/milton+football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1YmPAvbjzM/Uj4xYtEM7HI/AAAAAAAAAhE/_Nsddm_pnkA/s320/milton+football.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First Friday night game of the season!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last night I went with one of my best friends to the first Milton High home game of the season. There's no better way to end the week than a thrilling game, cheering at the top of our lungs, grilled hot dogs and the crisp night air of football season!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. Apple cider</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaqmyUrikEU/Uj4zZ8RZ-3I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/b7Zl7l05oOg/s1600/apple+cider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaqmyUrikEU/Uj4zZ8RZ-3I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/b7Zl7l05oOg/s1600/apple+cider.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love the cold tartness!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A cold glass of apple cider reminds me of autumn in Illinois when I was in high school. We used to go to the Long Grove Apple Haus and buy jugs of freshly pressed apple cider, in addition to apple cider donuts and apple pie baked in a brown paper bag. Yum!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. Warm fleece zip-ups</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2EOYWNW50A/Uj40doHHRsI/AAAAAAAAAhc/wIe8JJQb7ps/s1600/IMG_7444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2EOYWNW50A/Uj40doHHRsI/AAAAAAAAAhc/wIe8JJQb7ps/s320/IMG_7444.JPG" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gosh I am so good-looking :-)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love comfy, cozy fall clothes - fleece jackets, hooded sweatshirts, and yoga pants. A fleece jacket paired with compression sleeves, flip flops and a skirt is probably not the most attractive thing I've ever worn, but my goodness was I comfy!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8. Forecasts like this</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9breeif4jUg/Uj41w5r7HFI/AAAAAAAAAho/RSfS51ImZ3Y/s1600/fall+weather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9breeif4jUg/Uj41w5r7HFI/AAAAAAAAAho/RSfS51ImZ3Y/s320/fall+weather.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What a week ahead!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're expecting some rain tomorrow morning, but it looks like we have an absolutely gorgeous week in store! Here's to enjoying the last of September, and all that this coming autumn has to offer!</span></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-30314440716416076202013-09-20T17:53:00.001-04:002016-04-03T17:05:31.875-04:00End of Summer & the Living's Easy<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can't believe it has been several weeks since I returned from an incredible trip to Cape Cod over Labor Day weekend and wrote my last post! Things have been so crazy between work, grad school and long runs that I've barely had a moment to breathe. At work, we are finishing up our fiscal year, which means wrapping up reporting on this year's goals PLUS planning for next year's goals, so twice the work! That in addition to my least favorite grad school class ever - Inferential Statistics (yuck!) - has been totally mind-numbing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Which is why I wanted to take the time to reflect on my AMAZING trip to the Cape with one of my most special friends. We were so lucky that my friend could borrow her family's Cape cottage for the long weekend, and I was even luckier to be invited along! It was just minutes away from the beach, and was so cozy and fun!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0f-WlI4TtpE/UjzDWNVn8RI/AAAAAAAAAgI/gkvtq4UFl_w/s1600/IMG_7522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0f-WlI4TtpE/UjzDWNVn8RI/AAAAAAAAAgI/gkvtq4UFl_w/s320/IMG_7522.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want a Cape house just like this when I grow up!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We left right after work on Thursday, and through nothing short of a miracle, managed to avoid the infamous Cape bridge traffic, getting down to West Dennis in record time!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xersf5yE0c/Ujy8-7pPqpI/AAAAAAAAAe0/FCFU7s2jjwo/s1600/IMG_7429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xersf5yE0c/Ujy8-7pPqpI/AAAAAAAAAe0/FCFU7s2jjwo/s320/IMG_7429.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was just a little excited...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On Friday, we spent much of the day exploring the endless cute shops along Route 6, and spending our hard-earned money on treasures we just COULD not live without! I loved each store's distinctive Cape flair, with beautifully landscaped gardens and terraces, fountains, and even this incredible sandcastle sculpture.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVmcykt0GK8/Ujy9lSKSCSI/AAAAAAAAAe8/uyTpP93Jj6Q/s1600/IMG_7436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVmcykt0GK8/Ujy9lSKSCSI/AAAAAAAAAe8/uyTpP93Jj6Q/s320/IMG_7436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were pretty much loving life.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We ended the day with fresh seafood and drinks at the cottage, along with a bonfire and s'mores (and more drinks!) Our night started like this...</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94ursRKbuSI/Ujy-Ai_FMLI/AAAAAAAAAfE/3gJ86ATaBm4/s1600/IMG_7441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94ursRKbuSI/Ujy-Ai_FMLI/AAAAAAAAAfE/3gJ86ATaBm4/s320/IMG_7441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cheers!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> And ended like this...</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng0WbPboy2Y/Ujy-h_fCJsI/AAAAAAAAAfM/P_2ZiB5v4JU/s1600/IMG_7462.3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng0WbPboy2Y/Ujy-h_fCJsI/AAAAAAAAAfM/P_2ZiB5v4JU/s320/IMG_7462.3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I really love s'mores!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> With way too much fun in between! On my Saturday long run and Sunday short run, I did some exploring of the beautiful oceanfront of West Dennis and Dennisport. Here are some photos from my run.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFwWRjZdJmU/UjzBBwYh8jI/AAAAAAAAAfY/4t2XenbaBWQ/s1600/IMG_7480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFwWRjZdJmU/UjzBBwYh8jI/AAAAAAAAAfY/4t2XenbaBWQ/s320/IMG_7480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Swan River, my favorite place</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9D9xZ_KdfIQ/UjzBSfreRQI/AAAAAAAAAfg/2kcm_vduSzU/s1600/IMG_7473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9D9xZ_KdfIQ/UjzBSfreRQI/AAAAAAAAAfg/2kcm_vduSzU/s320/IMG_7473.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">West Dennis Beach</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZX0Ww98ISM/UjzBhNbhqaI/AAAAAAAAAfo/qzfJ3LlUgXM/s1600/IMG_7493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZX0Ww98ISM/UjzBhNbhqaI/AAAAAAAAAfo/qzfJ3LlUgXM/s320/IMG_7493.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The beach went on forever!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The water was pretty cold with the last bit of summer weather slipping away, but I couldn't resist wandering into the ocean while walking along the beach.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCPGGUJXFyw/UjzB-N_xlqI/AAAAAAAAAfw/a4mWXWTZGzw/s1600/IMG_7492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCPGGUJXFyw/UjzB-N_xlqI/AAAAAAAAAfw/a4mWXWTZGzw/s320/IMG_7492.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Taken shortly before a huge wave SOAKED my white shorts. Cute.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We spent the day finishing up our shopping adventures from Saturday, and then with some mini golf and ice cream. Does life get any better??</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9oQbWDOJH4/UjzCZD0CZGI/AAAAAAAAAf4/52RGoHyIC7E/s1600/IMG_7505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9oQbWDOJH4/UjzCZD0CZGI/AAAAAAAAAf4/52RGoHyIC7E/s320/IMG_7505.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ice cream and mini golf are all it takes for me!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I hated to pack up and leave on Monday morning to head back home. Our long weekend away was just TOO perfect. We enjoyed our last moments at the Cape cottage with mimosas for breakfast on the porch. I think I could really get used to drinking before 10 am... yikes!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue2BzHfGkbQ/UjzC6PtaUuI/AAAAAAAAAgA/hU9Cw9lZZcE/s1600/IMG_7517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue2BzHfGkbQ/UjzC6PtaUuI/AAAAAAAAAgA/hU9Cw9lZZcE/s320/IMG_7517.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm sure it was 5'clock somewhere!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What a perfect way to say goodbye to summer! And now... back to reality! </span></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-82305945469067935472013-09-02T21:48:00.002-04:002016-04-03T17:03:48.602-04:00Celebrating the Last Days of Summer<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I couldn't wait to post a few pictures from my amazing long weekend away with some of the best friends a girl could ever have. Our weekend on Cape Cod was truly the perfect end to a pretty incredible summer. I'll take some time for a longer recap soon, but now it's time to shake the sand out of my shoes, wash the ocean out of my hair, and get ready to re-enter reality tomorrow!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiN7o1b5_AA/UiU-gM7P8FI/AAAAAAAAAeU/sPDfCffjMAA/s1600/IMG_7480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiN7o1b5_AA/UiU-gM7P8FI/AAAAAAAAAeU/sPDfCffjMAA/s400/IMG_7480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-61518433051851588262013-08-31T12:06:00.000-04:002016-04-03T17:03:32.285-04:00The Great Outdoors: Blue Hills Trail Running<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a long run last Saturday, I ventured out for a shorter (but in many ways more challenging) trail run in the Blue Hills on Sunday. I absolutely love exploring new trails in the Blue Hills and getting hopelessly lost. It's something about that feeling of discovery and adventure that gets me every time! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ww9Gth1AItY/UiIRdRPEMOI/AAAAAAAAAdU/wuIKneB8RpM/s1600/IMG_7399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ww9Gth1AItY/UiIRdRPEMOI/AAAAAAAAAdU/wuIKneB8RpM/s320/IMG_7399.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is how all good adventures start!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I started out following the green-dot trail near the Blue Hills weather observatory along Wolcott Path. The soft dirt and pine needle-laden trail combined with the shade of tall oaks made for a fast first few miles. Then, I inevitably lost the trail, but came upon the most beautiful field of wildflowers in the middle of a clearing.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5R9_rq6CB4/UiISYqRd5UI/AAAAAAAAAdc/F5YyZNR7BsI/s1600/IMG_7405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5R9_rq6CB4/UiISYqRd5UI/AAAAAAAAAdc/F5YyZNR7BsI/s320/IMG_7405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is why I love trail running</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once I get distracted by the beautiful scenery, all sense of following a certain trail goes right out the window! There were a few trail maps, but with the confluence of unmarked paths jutting out in every direction, I had no hope of figuring out where I was. So, I depended on my trusty (okay awful) sense of direction to find my way out!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wz8e5pXcHM/UiITHK6b2CI/AAAAAAAAAdo/rGH1HkQ7tSQ/s1600/IMG_7411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wz8e5pXcHM/UiITHK6b2CI/AAAAAAAAAdo/rGH1HkQ7tSQ/s320/IMG_7411.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think these maps were meant for people much better at directions than I am!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> As I kept running, the trail got a bit rougher, with roots from the huge oaks darting across the path at seemingly unpredictable intervals. Being an undeniable klutz, I saved myself from imminent disaster a few times, and managed to avoid falling flat on my face through nothing less than a miracle! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQxwmHU7yJ4/UiITjFxvwvI/AAAAAAAAAdw/8GMXoddJcPc/s1600/IMG_7410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQxwmHU7yJ4/UiITjFxvwvI/AAAAAAAAAdw/8GMXoddJcPc/s320/IMG_7410.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">See what I mean? Downright hazardous if you're me!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also managed to come upon a beautiful pond, that I never knew existed in this part of the Blue Hills. I had to stop for a photo opportunity, because it was just so gosh-darn pretty! (And I was WAY out of breath after running a few more miles than originally anticipated, so it was a pretty great excuse to rest!)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMfTEtFPUsQ/UiIT9-4twxI/AAAAAAAAAd4/fDJvXQ9jdC4/s1600/IMG_7413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMfTEtFPUsQ/UiIT9-4twxI/AAAAAAAAAd4/fDJvXQ9jdC4/s320/IMG_7413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Perfect place for a hamstring stretch!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After my 5-mile run turned into a 9-mile run, I finally found the green-dot trail again and made my way back. Another trail run success! I will never get tired of these totally-lost-but-totally-loving-it adventures! </span></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4059782105347894034.post-11180223753178328372013-08-26T19:52:00.000-04:002013-08-26T19:53:37.781-04:00Demotivational Monday<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to participate in Rachel's <a href="http://rachelreallife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Demotivational Monday</a> linkup. I just love this idea! I'm not super techy as blogs go yet, but hopefully this is a good try! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know some runners have a great internal GPS, but I manage to get lost during nearly every long run I attempt. Trail runs are almost completely out of the question. I always end up with awesome Garmin maps like the one from my Sunday adventure below! </span></span><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02511541864420329761noreply@blogger.com5