Pre-Race Poetry

Here too Early.
Yet Again.
Oh Why Can't I be a Procrastinator?
How do procrastinators train, anyways?

No Line at the Port-o-Pottie.
A Line Be A-Comin'
So I best Be A-Goin.
Nothing.

Why do people wear Tutus?
Seriously, do you train in that?
Does it chaffe?
Too much wind resistance.

We sit in our cars.
By Ourselves.
We occasionally turn them on.
To fuel our cellphones.
And heat our tushies.

I will drink some coffee.
Must drink more water.
Must go to the port-o-potty.
Did I overdo it?

Line at the port-o-potty now.
Which four are assigned to my line?
Does the person in front know?
Do they pay attention?
Everyone knows everyone else.

I should probably stretch.
iPhone.
I should totally get out and stretch.
Facebook post.

How much goo is needed?
Racing strategy?
Eh.
Should have brought sunglasses.

Social Media post.
People must know
What I am about to do.
Imagine I don't finish?

National Anthem.
Why do runners not sing?
Lets Go.
Nope.  Lets wait for our corral to be called.

#5 Wallis Sands Half Marathon

Wallis Sands Half Marathon, Rye, NH
May 15, 2016
2:04:27.3

Placed first in the Athena category.  Placed 393 overall (out of 827). (would have been 64/115 of Women in my age group, but deferred this rank to Athena, good plan, right?-- more on this later)

The run went well though I had a hard time finding my stride and keeping my head in the game in the beginning.  By mile 6 I found it though, and was golden the remainder of the way.  My guide, Dave2 showed up with a poster "Go Drew" and ran with me by a crowd of about 50 people who he had all screaming and yelling, this was about mile 9 and carried me to mile 11.  If you can make mile 11 you can make anything.  The last mile was windy and wind-y and hilly, but then it ended super quick.  I sprinted, danced and smiled over the finish line making the excellent DJ point me out to the crowd (see below in regards to excellent DJ).


Plusses of the Race:

• Parking: The parking was quick and easy, as long as you got there early enough.  Like, ridiculously easy.  In fact, you could walk three feet from your car to the start line.  I, of course, showed up at the crack of dawn to ensure parking and to get my bib number.  Of course, I was way too early.  Was all set by 6:30, and then needed to wait for 90 minutes to run.  I noticed other people showing up at 7:15, still getting parking in the lot, and still getting their bibs and having no problem whatsoever.
• Race Size:  This was like the perfect race size.  There were around 800 racers (by the results it seems as though 1,000+ were registered, and a lot of people did not show).  This race is notorious for selling out quickly.  And, it is nice.  There were enough people that while you were running you could always see someone else and feel like you were in a race.  But not too many people that you ever - except for the starting 100 feet, felt crowded in.  It was not a crazy mob scene and waiting an hour for your wave to start, waves were within 5 minutes of eachother and reasonable sizes.  It really was a good size race, and well run for that -- it was my second "smaller" race, and I think I like them better?  Maybe?  Eh, they are just different.  But for this one it was a plus.
• Route:  It was the beach, which I love, but a new area I do not explore enough.  The wind was tough on this day, but it is beautiful and mostly flat with only one big, short and quick hill and a few long gradual inclines that bother you but you do not realize you are running them until you plateau at the top of them and then you are ok. 
• Support:  This felt like small town support (which I mean in a good way).  The water stops were competitions from local charities who benefitted from funds from racers.  They were cute - each one had little signs announcing they were coming up (which was nice for those goo eaters out there).  Everyone was very supportive, there were also a lot of people out on their lawns though never tons of cheering people like say a big race, in DC.  This is actually kind of nice as you don't feel like you need to wave back at the people.  And, if a long stretch goes by and all of the sudden you see a 5 year old cheering for you -- you are happy to give her a high five and keep going.  
• DJ: Whomever this man was, he was the best.  He had all of us smiling the whole morning, while we were all sitting in our cars in the parking lot trying to keep warm.  I can still hear his voice: "This is going to be the best run of your life."  "This is a beautiful day, let's make it a great one." "You are all healthy and beautiful people."  He was like a life coach for crazy runners with some chill music in the background.  I'll have what he's having.
• Potties: Perfect amount, never waited more than 3 minutes.

Drawbacks:

• Food?: I feel bad I "complained" about this on my survey from the race.  I think by the time I took notice of where the food was after I finished, it was just all gone.  I should have realized this too because they even (on the survey) listed all of the foods to ask what we liked the best.  Pizza, Bagels, Oranges, Bananas what, what?  I saw a few cookies and got a gatorade.  Hmmm.  Also, every other race I have ever done I have been completely spoiled with something like beer, or a lobster roll, or a cup of stew at the end.  So, I did recommend they get a food truck with lobster rolls and a beer truck and even if they had a sign that said: "to keep costs low, there is a small charge for these items."  Maybe they can't sell because of the beach?  Maybe they do not want to prolong people here?  Not sure.  Either way, after I left I went to Beach Plum and was happy to pay $30 for a huge lobster roll and cup of stew and ate it with a beer at the house.
• Risky Course: I guess all courses are risky, but the wind really made this one tough.  I'm glad I had trained on the beach, in wind, within the past few months - so I was all set, but I think others had a hard time.  Otherwise the course is beautiful!

I'll tell you more about the pre-race poetry I created while waiting for 90 minutes for it to begin, and the whole Athena thing, in future posts.  

I would totally do this one again, though maybe not for a few years so I could try to mix it up with other races too.  It was a great location, very well run, and good community.  A for me!  (plus with a lobster roll!).

Rock N Roll Washington DC Half Marathon

March 12, 2016
Half Marathon, Finished in 2:07:14 - (9:43 pace)
#5,743 out of 14,470 who ran the half that day.
#2,617 out of 8,740 women
#359 in my division of 1,299

Just got back from a half marathon in Washington, DC - and I have to say the weekend was fantastic.  Things I took from this weekend away - was that running gives you the opportunity to travel, and reconnect with old friends.  Jenny and I had a great time all weekend long, and although friendly in college, and having hung out a bit after our babies were born, we hadn't really seen eachother in years.  It was super fun, super relaxing and worked out really well.  Kudos to that, and here's hoping we get some more Colby peeps to join in on the runs.

Logistics of a Rock N' Roll DC race:

All went extremely well, it was well "run," they employed some great ideas, there were almost 20,000 runners and all things considered it went pretty smoothly.

Some things I would have loved to change:

• The route.  It really lacked in the true DC monument department.  I wish we ran around the complete mall, Capitol building and maybe a little bit more to Arlington before heading our way into the bowels of the DC neighborhoods.  I am guessing this is due to some crazy limitations and restrictions of the US government, but the route was such a big arch and almost complete circle that shut the entire city down it seemed - that it makes me wonder why they couldn't make it more of a back and forth area centric route - starting where we did but running one full lap around the entire Mall and Capitol, over the bridge and then back through streets of DC before ending where we did.  Again, not a race person - but I am really going to take a peek at destination routes before I think they will be all that they promise to be again.  I ran right by the White House, in .4 miles into the race, and hardly noticed it.  But, by mile 4 you were done with all of the sight seeing and onto neighborhoods.  That wasn't the best part for sure.
• Post Race Food.  Sure, they had bananas, water, gatorade, protein bars, and samples of chips and things.  But - I am used to new england post races that come with a Lobster Roll or a bowl of chili or something, and this was certainly missing that.
• The finish line area.  I guess it is a spot that can accommodate lots of people, but for so many reasons it just seemed bleh.  The Expo room was dark and tired and smelly.  The stadium outside the finish line was badly in need of painting, the end of the race area was covered in asphalt and had no place for people to comfortably sit and stretch.  The metro line was overwhelmed, and didn't seem to think about having extra metro card machines for all the newbies that would be there.  (couldn't they have had people just say $3 and here is a card, done.) - it would have alleviated a ton of traffic.  (or we pay X amount more and get a free card to go home).  It just seemed tired and grey.

All in all though, 20,000 people raced and it was a great time, some of the perks:

• There was no waiting in line for anything really, for us.  Maybe we timed this correctly, but we got to the expo at about 4pm on Friday and there were no lines for packet pick up, or anything.  It was smooth going all the way. Even when we got to the race (40 minutes before start), there were hardly any lines at the port-o-potties.  There is debate whether we were in the VIP port-o-potty section, but alas...
• The shirt is a really nice shirt and I see myself wearing it again!  The medal was also beautiful.
• The hotel discount was huge.  I tried to get the same hotel for a work event later on in the year, and the room rate was more than double the price.
• There were a ton of people cheering you on along most of the route, which was nice.  Lots of political-themed signs, my favorite: "If Trump can run, so can you."  We passed by what looked like frat houses, and there were (non-race sponsored) shots of whiskey and beer, there was even a meat station (also non-race sponsored).  The people were really excited and cheering constantly, and it seemed as though I was always near someone who knew somebody.  For me, too - this was the first time someone I knew was cheering me on along the race as well (other than the finish line at the end) - at the top of the most brutal hill ever there was a college friend who was there to cheer on his wife, also a college friend.  It was exciting.  The best sign went to a man with a English bulldog puppy at his feet, it read: "Run faster, he just farted."  I guess that hold personal reasons for me..!
• There were pacers - I stayed behind 4:00 (for marathoners) for the first 5 miles.  I thought I would do it, sub 2hours - I was keeping up with these people!  Then, the big hill came and (I would then add this to the bummer column about there being pacers) - I watched as the 4:00 got further and further and further away from me.  At the end of the race the 4:10 person came up on my right, and then I got excited that at least I would be under 2:05, however, since that was marathon pacing and I was minutes away from ending the race, that didn't quite work out for me as I was more like a 2:07.  Oh well.
• The music was great for anyone that didn't use head phones.  For me it was fun to see the people get excited by the music, but it was also annoying because at times I just wanted to listen to my song.!  I have to say the drummers that were at the bottom of mile 8 were the best.
• The start of the route was amazing, and I wish there was more like it.
• Post-Race they had food trucks.  I didn't partake, but what a good plan.
• The timing and the accuracy of it all.  They had markers at 5K, 10K, 15K, and almost all the miles too.  My husband would get texts when I showed up at these places, and at the end.  And, the website captured all my details of my run, too - which was nice.

It was a great trip, and a wonderful chance to catch-up with some old faces and meet some new people too.  I really enjoyed this aspect of my challenge for myself - that with traveling to these different places I would be having a good time with people I would not normally see.  

My tip to any locals doing the race again -- they did not check bib numbers in corrals, and they gave good space between corral starts.  If the race begins at 7:30, you could easily show up at 8:00 - wait in no line for a bathroom, pop into the corral that is next to go when you are ready, and go.  So much better that standing nervous in your corral for 45 minutes while you slowly ease up and think about if you have to go to the bathroom again.  Though I did make a good buddy in my corral on my race.

Letter from the 1st Grade Teacher

This past weekend, Joel's first grade teacher's son competed at the Olympic trials for men's Marathon.  Despite a crippling injury, and knowing there was no way he would be able to finish the full marathon, he went - with his goal of being able to complete 8 miles of the course. He did.  And, being a new runner Joel and I chatted about it a bit.  Today, I get an email from his first grade teacher:


It read:

I just wanted to share a special experience I had with Joel today during our morning circle.  First of all he was the first one to ask me about my son Andrew and his race.  He so articulately shared his thoughts regarding how he should feel proud for running the eight miles and how all that really matters is that he did his very best and finishing the race wasn't the most important thing.  What he shared was so incredibly thoughtful, encouraging, and caring.   It became a very interesting lesson in determination and pride for the entire class.  I was quite touched. Certainly a conversation I will always remember. What a great kid.  I would love to relay his words to Andrew if that is OK with you.  I just wanted to share this with you.  Have a great evening.

My initial instinct for a reply was: 

I'm so glad that he said this - because in all my training for my many 1/2 marathons, he would always say things like: "how come you did not run further today?"  And, "what do you mean you placed 275th?"  "what do you mean you aren't going to win, then why run?" I mean, hundreds of times he has said things like this.  He seemed not to be able to fathom that I would be in a race that I might not try to win.  It wasn't until I made him run a mile with me (and he only completed 1/2 that mile before whining in pain), that I think I finally got through to him.

But my reply really was:

Thank you so much for sending this message along.  Of course please do share with Andrew -- and please also thank him for us as well.  His story was quite inspiring for my Joel - about working hard towards goals and not being defeated when obstacles step in your way.  We all rooted for Andrew here and were thinking of him this past weekend. Thank you for allowing his story to be apart of our family's conversation.  

It's so nice when your hard work and discussion pays off!  But it is even nicer to know that Joelly really meant everything he said, and really has grown from Andrew's story.  I'm proud of my little guy today, my little guy with big guy thoughts!

Jingle Bell Half Marathon

This past weekend I rant the Jingle Bell Half Marathon in Atkinson, NH.  It certainly helped that it was about 48 degrees and a beautiful day out -- especially when I hear that in year's prior, it was a slushy cold mess.  Here are my thoughts on the race!

Results:
409 78/170 F3039 JULIE WILLIAMS Hampton Falls NH 36 F 859 2:01:29.5 9:17


Plusses: Super close to the house; easy parking; pretty setting; well-run; indoor bathrooms; not too many people; soup after the race!

Minuses: I didn't have any friends there with me!; the time of year is very busy and could be a weather disaster; the last 5k of this race is a B.

Big Points:

I Run Fast, But Not That Fast
This was the fastest I have run yet.  I shaved a full 10 minutes off of my time from Smuttynose, I did a good job!  I spent most of the race following very athletic people, and I was doing a great job at it too!  I finished in near the 2-hour mark!  Waa-hoo!  BUT - I was still only in the top 50% for both my age group and overall.  REALLY?  Who are all these crazy people who are super fast?

What's that Place Smell Like Now?
The setting for the run was awesome.  The country club was a nice facility, and there were indoor bathrooms with hardly ever a line.  No one seemed to trash the place, it was festive, there was plenty of close parking - and did I mention it was only 25 minutes from my house?  There were lots of flyers though to suggest that people better be on their best behavior in order for us to keep getting to run here.  And, I can totally understand why -- it is a fancy country club, really.  We were in the ballroom for registration.  And, for the after party.  I'm hoping no one was getting married in there later that evening, how do they get the gym smell out?  But, again - people were really nice, the volunteers for the race were picking up like crazy.  I'm hoping there were no incidents and they can do it again!

I Showed Up Too Early
I was probably in the top 20 first people there.  Whooops.

That last 3 miles was a B.
Like, a big B.  Lots of slow gradual hills flanked by big windy hills.  Even the road back was longer than I remembered on the way out -- and it was a slow gradual uphill.  Which leads me to the next point:

I Could Have Made it in Under 2 Hours
Not sure why I checked this, but the girls that I had been following the whole race, seriously, from mile 1 to mile 10.5 - finished 1 minute and 45 seconds sooner than me, because I lost it in the last 5k.  I slowed down to get my last water and then could not fast-up again.  I think I need to train for longer runs next time.

I Need Friends
I had no friends to run with, or to cheer with at the end.  It was just me.  I actually posted on two of my running facebook pages for people to look for me to cheers me, I was desperate.  It seems like this was a run where everyone knew about 10 other people.  I do like running alone - when I run with others I think all of us inevitably go slower.  But, not about speed - moreso it is a nice challenge to be able to do it alone.  But, when it is over - where is the party?  That's what I sorely missed!  I think I need to start going on the group runs with my running clubs.  Maybe that is what will get me through the winter?

Here's hoping this won't be my fastest time ever, or my last run until spring!  I'm not sure about either, but I'm proud for today!

Disney Wine and Dine 1/2 Marathon

Disney's Wine and Dine 1/2 Marathon
Saturday, November 7, 2015, 10:00pm
ENDED up being 7 miles, 11:00pm due to severe weather in the area.  What a bummer.

Place	Name	Bib	Age	Div Place	Gender Place	2.9 Mile Split			Clock Time	Net Time	Hometown
1215	JULIE WILLIAMS	2822	36	85	437	26:05			1:19:19	1:03:06	HAMPTON FALLS, NH

Men	4268
Women	8622
Total Finishers	12890

Things I Loved:

• That it was not a crazy running crowd.  There were people there who were never going to run for one second, they just wanted to be apart of the experience and meet the characters, etc.  There were corrals from A-L, and me, who just started running, was in E.  L was a 1/2 mile from the start line.  Took the pressure off.  
• The characters along the way.  I didn't stop.  I PR'd and kept running to get to the end as fast as I could (I was so upset about the distance change that I had decided I was just going to go).  BUT - if I do a Disney run again, it might be my first of the year, and I WILL take advantage of the stops, and I will enjoy it and have fun.  They had some awesome characters out and about.  I get so caught up sometimes about beating my old time that I won't even stop to drink water, I think a Disney race is a fun chance to get out there and do the distance and enjoy the fun.  Maybe this is my way of one day completing a marathon.
• The organization and the hype.  Everyone in the park would cheer for you if you had a medal the next day, or if they knew you were going to run that night. Before the start of the race there was a DJ who got everyone excited, fireworks, a spectacle.  It was incredible the work they put in and the finish line did not disappoint. The organization at the starting area, and the finish line was incredible.  The shuffled 13,000 people through there well.
• Having a friend to share the experience with, to take pictures with before hand and get to the venue with, and to meet up afterwards.  We both ran our own race (which I think is good!) and then we both enjoyed the fun of it together before and after.  I knew I missed this at Smuttynose.  I hope to have friends for more races moving forward. 

Things that were tough:

• UM, THE FACT IT DID NOT END UP BEING A 1/2 MARATHON!  I can't help but think that Disney just didn't want to deal with the hassle of keeping things open another 45 minutes, and it was a money decision that cut the 1/2 in 1/2.  But, I do recall standing with Heather in the field and jokingly telling her that she should duck, because she seemed to be the tallest of the 15,000 of us in an open field with lightning all around. I get why they delayed it, but I do not get why the halved it.  But, I still had fun.  It is done. 
• GETTING THE BIB!  We are on a Disney vacation with the family first and foremost, where I got to run my race for a small portion.  So, going to the ESPN place, which is far from all other Disney places, to pick up my bib at one table, wait in a line for my souveniers, then wait in another line for my tshirt, was crazy.  This alone will gobble about 4 hours of your vacation - if we did not expedite it with the cab from the airport waiting for me as I rushed as fast as I could.  I would have loved to instead of spending 45 minutes in the line to get my souveniers - which by the way, the necklace I ordered - because I am new to running and I think I thought that would be my medal when I signed up so many months ago - broke within two hours of owning it!  Anyway, instead of spending that wait time in line, I would have gone to the convention - but even those lines were crazy.  I met an event coordinator and told them if they had a VIP option with you just check in at your hotel and all your stuff is in your room I might have paid a million dollars for that!
• The Millions of People Who were not Runners.  I know, I say this is a plus in the first paragraph under things I loved, but I am giving the dark side of it now.  I was worried I would be pushing through everyone trying to get my PR I worked so hard for, while people were busy taking pictures with Mr. Incredible.  A selfie under the christmas lights or the Epcot ball.  In reality, this worry did not come to fruition for me - with the race being cut short and more likely, the fact that I got into a early corral the reason for my ability to not be hampered in the run.  Always submit your times and get into a corral serious runner people for your Disney race.  Always. 

PERSONAL AWESOME MOMENT

Yep, ran the race and finished in the top 10% of 13,000 people.  (forget that part above when I tell you about the fact that most of the people were not runners).  You think that would be the personal awesome achievement, but it was not.  I was pissed that I didn't get to run the half I wanted.  It bothered me.  So two days later I woke up at 5:30am in the hotel, didn't tell the boys - and ran 13.18 miles out of 4 loops around my Disney hotel and finished a half marathon at Disney in just under 2 hours and five minutes.  Sure it wasn't timed, but I came to Disney to run a 1/2 marathon, dammit!

#20Before40

Since I am into the running thing, I want to keep it going, so I have a plan.  I would like to run 20 races before I turn 40.  I will start counting with my first 1/2 marathon that I ran on the eve of my 36th birthday - and I hope to end on that note too. In between time, I want to keep doing some races.

I haven't decided yet if it is 20 10M+; 10K+; or just any kind of race, races at all.  I'm thinking we should just call it any kind of race now, we can narrow later depending on how it is looking...  I'd like to update the blog with my opinions on each race and its "running" - both my running it and their running of it.  And, also, use this post as my continual measuring stick.

I am actively seeking friends to join me.  Take a picture with me at the start and then later when I hobble towards you at the finish.  It will be more fun for me that way.  The more the merrier!  Just let me know if any intrigue you and you are in, let's sign up - or get the date in the books!

So, here we go:

Last updated: December 1, 2015

Runs Completed:

1. Smuttynose Rock Fest, October 4, 2015.  1/2 Marathon, time: 2:11:57.0
2. Disney's Food Wine, November 6, 2015. 1/2 of a 1/2 Marathon (really 7 miles, weather related cut short by Disney), 1:03:06 - 437th woman out of 8,622. 85th in my division, and top 10% overall. (followed by 13.1 ran on my own a day and a half later around the hotel, time: 2:04:50
3. Hampton Falls' Tiger Trot, November 21, 2015.  10 Miles. Wicked Bad Head Cold. 1:45:56 
4. Jingle Bell 1/2 Marathon, December 12, 2015. 13.1 Miles. Results: 409/814 78/170 gender/age 2:01:29.5 9:17
5. Rock N Roll DC Half Marathon, March 12, 2016. 13.1 Miles. 2:07:14, 9:43 pace. #5,743 out of 14,470.
6. Wallis Sands 1/2 Marathon, May 15, 2016. 13.1 miles. 2:04:27.3, pace 9:31, #1 out of 24 Athenas!

Runs Signed Up For:

1. She Power Virtual Half.  Despite the name, I am trying the "Virtual Half" thing.  Can I credit this as a race will be debated in future blog posts. A medal will be mailed, and I will run it on my own time.  The medal is distinctive. I sent some unknown party $50 to run 13.1 miles around my neighborhood.  I get a virtual bib. We will see what this all means soon.
2. Old Port 1/2 Marathon and Lobster Bake - Saturday, July 9th. Who doesn't love Portland, and who doesn't mind running in sweltering heat?
3. Traveler Beer New England 1/2 Marathon.  Fall.  In NH.  It goes from Loudon to the State House and is supposedly all down hill, and it ends with a shandy!  What?!  Yes!  I am also this close to getting Mat to run with me.  Come on Matty!
4. Rock N Roll Vegas Half Marathon!
5. Key West 1/2 with Heather, the lady who started it all for me!  January, MLK weekend. Need I say more?

Runs I'd Like to Run (in no particular order):

• The Bermuda Triangle.  1 mile followed by a 5K followed by a 1/2 marathon.  January - MLK weekend.  It's in Bermuda!  And, sounds like a neat challenge!
• Maine 1/2 Marathon.  Fall - birthday weekend.  Coastal Maine.  I bet most people went to Colby. 
• One of those wine 1/2 marathons where you go through wine country somewhere (preferably out west). 
• Disney Princess 1/2.  February - NY/MA winter break weekend. I probably can't do more than 2 Disney runs, even with being a vacation club member - they are a $ commitment and time suck from your vacation, are scheduled (how do we take boys out of school?) on strange dates, and the most of them are in CA.  But, maybe I can do the princess 1/2 sometime?
• The Eastern States 20 mile/Run for the Border Half Marathon.  Sat, March 26, 2016.  I like the idea of running from Kittery, ME to Mass through the entire beach run of NH which I love, but highly doubt I'll ever make it to a 20 mile run, especially in the winter time!
• NYC 1/2 Marathon.  This is in March, and I would have to enter a lottery, or fundraise to get in.  But how fun would it be to run the streets of my old hood?
• Army Ten Miler.  In DC, gorgeous route, have heard it is a really nice run with lots of positive people.  It's in the fall.  The other option is the Cherry Blossom ten miler, which is a similar route and obviously in the spring and a gorgeous season.  BUT - that is a lottery run or a fundraising run.  Not too into that idea.
• Yosemite 1/2 Marathon.  Did you know that many of the national parks have these?  A lot of them seem to obviously be in high altitude areas.  Not sure how this would work.  Out of all of them it looks like Yosemite might be the least challenging.  It is in October.  Can you imagine?  Awesome.  Grand Canyon 1/2 would also be a contender here - if I was to pick one of these types of races.  That is in May. 
• Indy Mini-Marathon.  You get to run the Motor Speedway there?  Plus, some of my favorite long runs, and my best 6 mile time were in Indy.  YES PLEASE!  I just need to have the right company!  This happens the first week of May, which may conflict with Mother's Day and James' B-day.  Maybe it is my mother's day gift and James' b-day gift...
• Gate City 1/2 Marathon?
• There are a slew of interesting 10ks that I need to research too.  My husband had an idea of doing a "10k gourmet" where I travel, run and then eat and blog about it.  In Richmond, there is the Monument Avenue 10k which is supposed to be great; Atlanta has the "best run race in the country." The Cooper River Bridge Run, in April, in South Carolina, seems like a possibility sometime paired with a HHI visit - this one in particular has been getting awards for how well the race is won.-- I am sure there are more and I need to sprinkle 10ks into my goals too - a lot less taxing than a 1/2 or 10 miler.  
• A Run to Remember - its in Boston on Memorial Day weekend so it seems like a no for me, as we are always elsewhere...  But it looks awesome.
• A run that goes into multiple states at the sametime!
• An international run.  Do they do any half marathons in Venice?  Could you imagine running the streets of venice?  I WOULD LOVE IT.  Sounds silly.  How do they shut down a city walkway/lifeline.  Can't happen.  What about another awesome city in europe?  Italy?  Rome, florence?  Hmmm.

Anything I missed?

Smuttynose Rockfest 1/2 Marathon

I ran my first ever half marathon a week ago now, and I thought I would create my own little running section on the blog where I can talk about what I liked, and didn't like about each race.  So, here it goes.

Smuttynose Rockfest
Sunday, October 4, 2015, 8:00am
Hampton, NH
#5366
Finished in 2:11:57.0 (10:05 mile)

2593 504/981  F3039      JULIE WILLIAMS       Hampton Falls NH       35 F  5366 2:11:57.0 10:05 2:14:46.8 

Things I loved:

• I could pick up my bib the day before, (it was close to my house, so this worked).
• It was close to my house, and the route is one I run on a ton, so I know and like it. 
• Flat, lovely run with lots of water and rest room stops, ideal visual split of the race knowing the four different sections of the route (run in town; run up beach; run in the backroads; run down beach to home).  Well done.
• All of the people, except for the traffic, bathroom lines, and starting issues (see below) - I loved all of the people there. 
• Beer tent, that was fun, wish it wasn't so windy I would have stayed and hung out!
• Snacks - they gave out tons and tons of snacks afterwards!
• Medal - a bottle opener?  YES PLEASE!

Things that were tough:

• The traffic going in really was no joke, so I needed to be there super early and find parking, and then I was there and cold and waiting.
• Bathroom lines!  There were huge lines before the start of the race, I could not believe it!  But, what are they going to do?  The bathroom needs were only for about 20 minutes all day, or all event. 
• It was cold - I was glad I brought an old t-shirt and ditched it on mile 2.
• The first few miles were lapping loops. Would have loved to do a longer, straighter shot up the beach more but my guess is closing traffic down is tough!
• There were a ton of people at the start, tons, I didn't understand when we were even supposed to start!  If you look at my time, it took me 3 minutes to get to the start line. 
• Lobster line - way, way too long!

 I hope to do more and more!

I'm a Runner Now?

I recently completed my first half marathon.  I had only ever run one race before - a 5K, in my neighborhood, before I brazenly decided I would run a Disney Half Marathon.  Who decides that out of the blue? Sounded good.  We like Disney, people run all the time. Honestly, people in my age bracket, with my family, who live where I live, they run.  I guess I decided I should conform already.  Only problem? The longest distance I had run before that was not even 4 miles I think.  When I was in High School, I almost didn't pass gym because I couldn't run a mile in 10 minutes.  I am not an athlete, and never once have been.  I played two sports, CCD Basketball, where I was voted most improved player because I was that bad at the beginning; and Rugby, where my nickname was Princess and I was very good at the drinking part.  That's it. What was I thinking?

In the beginning of training, I certainly didn't know what I was thinking - I remember getting in from runs and saying to myself, "I had no business signing up for a 1/2 marathon."  I frequently said this to myself.  But, by then I had signed up for the 1/2, and planned a family vacation with friends who have also signed up for the 1/2, so I was in.  I took it slow and allowed myself to be proud of my small victories - or surprises.  I would be surprised to find that I broke 5 miles, or that I was getting faster.  And with each small victory I got a little closer.  Then I started to make small goals - next week a 5k in under 30.  Done.  The week after a 10K in under an hour. Done.  With each small goal became a bigger confidence, and thus - just a week ago I signed up for my first 1/2 marathon and I ran it, in a pretty good time I might add! - all to prep for Disney, which is still one month out yet. Who does that?  Not me, usually!  And, this is the golden point which makes the accomplishment all the more sweet, and totally totally addictive.

(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder + Stressed Out + Overweight and Depressed) * A new Addiction which helps satisfy and deal with all three = a New Runner and someone a lot better for it.

Accomplished, proud and focused on something other than work, house, people who break into your house, and reality TV.  (almost) Fitting into clothes again without dieting too hard core.  And, bringing some street-cred to conversations with the residents of NH - who all seem to be runners.  These are just some of the early benefits.

So, I'm a runner now?  I guess?  I completed my first half marathon, the third race I have ever completed, and I have learned a few things:

1. Anyone can run a 1/2 marathon.  ANYONE.  I did it, anyone can do it. And you can do it with just months of training. I finished, I met with my family, chatted with other people, ate a banana, drank a beer, waited in well too long of a line to get my "lobster roll with run" - left line, walked around aimlessly.  And, then I cheered more people as they finished.  These people set a goal, worked hard, and were finishing - who cares what time it took, they were finishing.  Anyone can run a half marathon.  The person who came in first of 4,500 runners, did so on a hand cycle.  Anyone. ANYONE.
2. Running clothes do matter, and do make a difference.  And, you should always dress for 10-15 degrees warmer than the weather outside for long runs. You do not need to match, and the louder the gear the better.  Ironic running t-shirts/phrases are welcomed.  Sweatbands on heads are not just an 80s fad.  Runners will laugh at you if you show up to a race wearing sweatpants to run.  "Wicking fabric" is a thing, buy it and get to love it.  You may also pay $100 for running pants that can also hold your cellphone.  So much for all the $ I save by not paying for workout classes or the gym or a bike!  Sparkles, tutus, tiaras, all accepted and applauded.  But do not wear a t-shirt.  Nothing as simple as that please. 
3. Get fitted for shoes, from someone who knows what they are talking about.  A friend gave me the shoes that carried me across my first 1/2 finish line, and he knew me and did well!  Unfortunately, I also went to an outlet store to get a "back up pair" - it took me months to realize the nagging pain in my heel was because the back up pair was not cutting it. A quick trip to the local store and I was validated, a new order placed with my friend and his expert advice!  And a new back-up pair from the store too.  2 pairs that you are actively using are a good plan - 1 to break in and 1 on their way out so that if you lose one pair, mud or water happens, anything, there is always another ready to go. Never wear anything new in the 2 weeks leading up to race day!  Shoes are like tires, the treds wear.
4. The biggest Duh of all. When you finish a race, the time on the clock is not necessarily your time of run - especially on the big races.  It is called "gun time" - there is a Net Time - my Net Time for my first Half Marathon was 2:11:57.0  the gun time - which I originally thought was my time - was 2:14:46.8 - what a way to shave a few minutes off your first run!  I was wondering why all 4,500 of us were barely walking for what seemed like forever before I crossed the start mat.  Actually, with so many people wanting to break PR's (personal records for those of you new) - I am surprised there wasn't a stampede once you cross that Net Time starting point!
5. Read up to create your own perfect plan to get you started.  I really liked Matt Fitzgeralds' 80/20 method.  But above all, I found that the best thing to do, is to do what works best for you.  For me, one long run; one pace run (middle distance); and one short fast run a week was the best training.  Intersperse with Yoga and Stretching - in the winter time I hope weight training.  This could mean in the beginning a 1 mile short run; 2 mile middle run and 3 mile long run.  Up everything by 10% each week (short run speed; middle run a combo of distance and speed and long run just distance), and grow to where you want to be. Excel helped me set goals here. And I found that by challenging myself each time, differently - also helped to improve all around.  For a while I got stuck coming back from runs not looking like I did anything.  Then, I challenged myself on a short run day, and ran 4 miles averaging a 8:28 minute mile. Joel husband would say, if it didn't hurt you didn't try hard enough.  I wouldn't go that far, but if I came back from a run and could saunter right over to the wine, I guess I could push a little harder!
6. There is some sort of stick cream thing you can use for chafing.  Why do other people not tell you these things?  I am telling you.  It's called Glide. You are welcome.
7. Running with friends is a plus.  My husband would joke with me that there were two types of friends to run with.  One, you are more trained than them.  You have great runs and you keep up the conversation because you are more trained and the pace is theirs, not yours.  You end feeling excited and improved and ready, to your poor friend's detriment.  Then, of course there is the other type of friends to run with, when the tables are turned and you are the one trying to keep up with the talking, supportive friend.  These runs are important, they kick your butt because you do not want to fall behind too much - and they keep you in check.  Haven't found that 3rd type yet.  I have seen it though, most recently at the 1/2 I just did - it is out there.  People who run in pairs.  And stay the same pace.  Haven't found my pair mate yet.  Maybe I will?
8. Having a cheering section is a plus.  Your friends and family get annoyed with all your running talk, but they are important and need to realize it too.  Seeing my boys at the finish line for my 1/2 was awesome and like icing on the cake.  I went to a wedding and ran a personal best distance hungover, even eating an oyster on my last mile (I ran be the restaurant the wedding party was having a drink at, stopped, took the oyster and then kept going) - the joke of the wedding moving forward was everyone asking me "how much did you run yesterday?"  Yes, I get it, I talked about it a lot.  And, you poking fun at me (always with a side of awe, I saw it, you were shocked I did that!), actually was awesome for me.  It reminded me I did do it. And ate an oyster in the process too.  I am a middle-aged mother of two who is working hard to try to save a museum as well as keep a healthy balance of veggies and fruits in my children's diets, and I can also kill a hungover run and end with an oyster shooter.  I freaking rock.
9. Schwag and medals and bananas, these are all just some of the awesome things you will acquire at a race. My husband did all sorts of sports and has all sorts of medals, and at Sunday River are his ski trophys and the basement is littered with them.  I did not do any sports.  I am psyched to finally be doing something now, and bringing those medals to the neighbor's bbq in full strut mode (hey, my 1/2 medal is also a bottle opener, it was completely appropriate for me to wear it all day, and be the official bottle opener of the Fabbri book club bbq). 
10. Once you pass a hurdle - the one thing you thought you couldn't do - there is no stopping you. I thought there was no way I would ever run more than 6 miles - and you do it, and you do it again and do it better the second time - you will be hooked.  But, there is a limit.  I think the max I could ever consider myself going is 15 miles.  That's it.  Well, maybe 20.  That run for the border run looks interesting.
11. Music is important. It should be changed.  It should be updated.  If you know someone who is a runner, buy them an iTunes gift card.
12. JFR Means Just (expletive that begins with F) Run.  People wear shirts and have hats, and hashtag it, and I had no idea.  I was wondering if it was someone's initials who died in a tragic running accident.  Nope.  
13. You can't get bored.  Maybe talk to me in a few years, but there is always a way to best oneself, a new thing to achieve.
14. I am yet to learn, but what do we do in the Winter?  I heard someone on my Facebook running page call it a Dreadmill.  I can't agree more.  I wont last 2 minutes on it.  YIKES!  What's going to happen?
15. Runners are a good group of people.  They want to help each other out and build each other up.  They consider themselves apart of an elite club in which we know what each other is doing, accomplishing, and striving toward.  Runners will find others because of bumper stickers, and chat for the next hour about the best place to run or the best race.  They will alienate those close to them (who are not runners) in these conversations - not because they mean to, or want to, but because they are so excited about it, so passionate about it. They keep going.  

Psyched to be apart of this.  Scared to ever get an injury to sideline me.  Terrified at the winter and the treadmill and worried that I will fall out of it and not reap any of the benefits anymore.  Today I had a work lunch in Portsmouth.  I changed in my car in the parking lot, ran to Maine.  Got back to my car less than 33 minutes and almost 4 miles later, and then picked up my son from daycare to go to dance.  ANYONE can run.

Here's to hoping this isn't a fad for me.