tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27144094301007012762024-03-13T01:12:57.828-04:00Vegan Road RunnerAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.comBlogger357125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-28703506243527874912018-01-05T15:13:00.000-05:002018-01-05T18:57:18.439-05:002017 Post-Season Wrap-Up<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hi friends! I haven't taken the time to write anything lengthy (um, or ANYTHING at all) this year. If you follow me on Facebook you probably know I ran 3 marathons, 2 half marathons, a 25K, plus a few 5Ks and 10Ks. I've posted pictures and short notes here and there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You may know I was cleared to run Boston, even though my <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2016/11/on-run-fall-5ks.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">sesamoid bone</span></a> </span>isn't - and will never - be fully fused. You may also know that I recently underwent another <a href="https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_prp-injections.asp"><span style="color: blue;">PRP </span><span style="color: blue;">procedure</span></a>, this time for my left hamstring. This is another injury, another setback, in a seemingly ever-growing list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What you may not know, however, is how much this year of running has meant to me. 2017 has been an important year of growth and self acceptance. It has been frustrating and challenging. Yet oh so rewarding. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready for a years worth of blog posts all rolled into one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Marathons</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let's start with the marathons. It was a big year for marathons, seeing as I ran 3. I like to run 2 per year and that was the plan this year. Until Boston.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.baa.org/" style="background-color: white;">Boston</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">April 17, 2017</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3:48:31</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">8:43/Mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Training was going okay for Boston this year. It was slated to be my last Boston for a while. My foot had healed as well as it could be expected but my hamstring had started to give me some trouble. I noticed it in speed work and tempo runs so I dialed back on those. Instead I focused on marathon pace and hills. I started seeing a wonderful orthopedic doctor who made sure I was good to go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Marathon day was bright and beautiful - and warm. Hot. Not as hot as <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2016/05/on-run-boston-marathon-2016.html">last year</a> but it was definitely getting toasty. I kept telling people, "It's not going to be my best race." I honestly believed I wasn't going to do well and that was a huge part of my downfall. Yes, the temperatures were hot. Yes, the humidity was high. But when I believed I couldn't succeed there was nothing to keep me motivated when I wanted to stop at mile 6. And when I was walking at mile 13. And when I couldn't finish running Heartbreak Hill because my motivation was lost. Or when the crowd couldn't even convince me to run at mile 25, when there was only ONE MORE MILE. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Even though it hurt, I didn't quit on Hereford or on Bolyston. I ran toward the finish line with a smile on my face because no matter what had happened in the previous 26 miles, it was BOSTON. As I got to the end I wanted a strong finish. So goddamn it, I air-planed it in with a smile on my face. Thanks to Brian for being there (as always) to capture my moment.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPlH7Z-uCh2OSsQ8o-ZFB5Loz1N6fIEqH9ll7wl3E1_yhPCFV5O85lg5exPrfsRuDCmVV3Tn_kTeo6PYWYOnaoJuT0dHMbkd2wOGlRdp8yMwOV1Prh16-Ohm97HTwHvKpZJWr8uMeQOlY/s1600/IMG_3386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPlH7Z-uCh2OSsQ8o-ZFB5Loz1N6fIEqH9ll7wl3E1_yhPCFV5O85lg5exPrfsRuDCmVV3Tn_kTeo6PYWYOnaoJuT0dHMbkd2wOGlRdp8yMwOV1Prh16-Ohm97HTwHvKpZJWr8uMeQOlY/s640/IMG_3386.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwIZNpCWbvyqvDyC9ulAp4VhX-9g5o4dwGPvRbEk6T49k9nNs0eWHSVlm8SJyjlge5WBTkX8-5wekHQ4kwIUbAK2WWCvyhwtF9x9nTLLi__Ev4jg16QUbItohL1C62l7rjqGN8BHjZG_-/s1600/IMG_3466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1600" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwIZNpCWbvyqvDyC9ulAp4VhX-9g5o4dwGPvRbEk6T49k9nNs0eWHSVlm8SJyjlge5WBTkX8-5wekHQ4kwIUbAK2WWCvyhwtF9x9nTLLi__Ev4jg16QUbItohL1C62l7rjqGN8BHjZG_-/s640/IMG_3466.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I learned a lot about myself in this race. I wanted to give up so many times but I didn't. I kept going to finish in my slowest marathon time. But I was proud of it. I didn't cry. I didn't pout. It was what it was. I had to fight to finish for that time. The next day I had my medal engraved. I wanted to remember this one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Despite my positive attitude, one thing started to gnaw at me. It was my 7th marathon and the only one that I hadn't BQ'd at. For the first time it wasn't easy for me. I know, some of you would like to punch me right now! Honestly, I had always taken marathons for granted up until this point. Not one of them had been as difficult as this race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hadn't planned on running Boston next year but now I felt as if I HAD to go back. I needed a redo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We got home from the airport and I registered for Bayshore. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></b>
<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.bayshoremarathon.org/">Bayshore</a></span></b></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Date</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">May 27, 2017</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3:29:39</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:58/Mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I went into Bayshore with a completely different attitude than I did Boston. My mission was clear - run a 3:30:00 marathon and do so without walking. My last two marathons were hot, I started out too fast, and I ended up walking. A LOT. I hadn't run a good marathon since <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2015/12/on-run-nyc-marathon-2015.html">NYC in 2015</a> and had developed some serious race anxiety about being able to complete the distance. If I could pace this smartly and keep my head in the game I would be fine. If not I'd be screwed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Leading up to Boston and subsequently Bayshore, I was listening to <i>The Runner's World</i> <i>Show</i> podcast, hosted by David Willey (then editor-in-chief of <i>Runner's World</i> magazine). DW was also training for Bayshore in his own attempt to BQ. We both had the same goal time and some of the training tips - particularly those involving mental focus - were key for me at this time. I knew I could finish but it was about staying strong mentally. Leading up to the race I envisioned crossing the finish line, running the whole time, and kept telling myself I would finish in 3:30:00. (I needed a 3:40:00 to BQ but I wanted some cushion.) I told myself it would be a good race. I would run happy and have fun. That confidence made all the difference.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZo88pqKgPjeQznvzb1TARCc1Cfqf49HQh3fpyj1HO-GtEgqiURhT0LIhmJVWXg3WaCqWi-G8xHzWWnX-AJgXqK7uZ3zhNWZZ-4BsSuQ8uACLZqzFuxmCFr0VQExOhKyKD9xZxQNtahRP/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZo88pqKgPjeQznvzb1TARCc1Cfqf49HQh3fpyj1HO-GtEgqiURhT0LIhmJVWXg3WaCqWi-G8xHzWWnX-AJgXqK7uZ3zhNWZZ-4BsSuQ8uACLZqzFuxmCFr0VQExOhKyKD9xZxQNtahRP/s640/IMG_3374.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'd met David Willey in Boston and we talked about his upcoming marathon in Michigan.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So many things were different about Bayshore. It was 20 degrees cooler than Boston. There were only about 1,700 runners in the full (compared to 30,000 in Boston) so I could easily find my <a href="https://www.run-detroit.com/">RUNdetroit</a> friends and Brian could stay with me until the start. I was ready and relaxed. I had a pace plan so I wouldn't start out too fast. It was a course I'd never run so I had new views. GORGEOUS views along the bay. The marathon is an out and back and just as I find in training, the second half seemed to pass more quickly than the first.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Hohz_qrUcpAeFsi3RU6mNiq93uqIECTrpu9rhr3NZ4hl3Fk8Y5YF_0eFe2ZYua7q0ugXMRAOO_KCC7KOKORiJfoRf0xIhlc8YBjbbvj5ap9vpJmKFCTMJ3FZfRKtVf2iHqf2qmjzQusb/s1600/IMG_3971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Hohz_qrUcpAeFsi3RU6mNiq93uqIECTrpu9rhr3NZ4hl3Fk8Y5YF_0eFe2ZYua7q0ugXMRAOO_KCC7KOKORiJfoRf0xIhlc8YBjbbvj5ap9vpJmKFCTMJ3FZfRKtVf2iHqf2qmjzQusb/s640/IMG_3971.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My struggle came in the last 2 miles. I desperately wanted to walk but was afraid that once I did I wouldn't run again. My hamstring was talking to me. A LOT. In the end I only walked two mailbox lengths before running again. I slowed down but managed to finish slightly under the goal time I had set for myself!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B0CUwYqkJ4nV3PTAybKgpxNZhp4NYBWipfGPFSzwIEcpvZGVVexrCMTY5uW_ejE7mN7osPcU23m3JMEU6fmmpNdbIG2zCk4U-PDYbXu53-oSCUucAwsrPXshxuTxpisxWW90quJleY_r/s1600/IMG_3882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B0CUwYqkJ4nV3PTAybKgpxNZhp4NYBWipfGPFSzwIEcpvZGVVexrCMTY5uW_ejE7mN7osPcU23m3JMEU6fmmpNdbIG2zCk4U-PDYbXu53-oSCUucAwsrPXshxuTxpisxWW90quJleY_r/s640/IMG_3882.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This photo says it all! DONE.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was my second slowest marathon; however I was happier with this race than with most others I'd run. I set a realistic goal and I met it. I didn't give up when the going got tough. When my legs wanted to give up I ran with my heart. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hiUU5IkFR53yfu53-szRxE-a461H6qF7pGRbJYHGpjPUpMvWf_WijhC8A6qDhhlt2d4jjk-sFidespm5Azc6osg9l5f14Bjhv55RrAN-_6JRWuMaUbK9QUu79NFNvFIsEu9aro6xN0cd/s1600/IMG_3756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1509" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hiUU5IkFR53yfu53-szRxE-a461H6qF7pGRbJYHGpjPUpMvWf_WijhC8A6qDhhlt2d4jjk-sFidespm5Azc6osg9l5f14Bjhv55RrAN-_6JRWuMaUbK9QUu79NFNvFIsEu9aro6xN0cd/s640/IMG_3756.JPG" width="602" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.chicagomarathon.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAo9_QBRACEiwASknDwRqbMkBnyn0sk3u2pUzVgYQ4xlDzKIqTcjyMzsa6K1ImRiLanZnMuxoCkAIQAvD_BwE">Chicago</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">October 8, 2017</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3:25:37</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:50/Mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I laugh looking back at my Boston performance, thinking I was going to finish that race in 3:25:00. I was in no shape to do that, based on my training. Like I said, I ran hills but I didn't do the speed work or tempo work that I knew was was necessary. It was NEVER going to happen and I pretended I believed in miracles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chicago was a different story. After my Boston to Bayshore recovery period, I started getting back to speed work. My 800s were slower than I wanted but I knew I had to start somewhere. I worked hard, tried different paces and speed sets, and by the end of the summer I was running faster than I though possible at the beginning of the summer. I knew I was ready for Chicago. I was there with my best friend Megan. We had done a lot of training together over the summer, which made the miles fly by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr2_ppYPnLxPxx0zdAQL7j7V2PwmwJ9BMRpbxTQwSkUxYgDmp9pfUDCHBMOgJAiyxqKdz0jfISlCC2EvmboLWOZTjTTq6wX1s4FbUSxmqy9L9skCDW5W_OmuU3dbmSugXODvVIzQ_rIOz/s1600/IMG_5770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: chewy; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr2_ppYPnLxPxx0zdAQL7j7V2PwmwJ9BMRpbxTQwSkUxYgDmp9pfUDCHBMOgJAiyxqKdz0jfISlCC2EvmboLWOZTjTTq6wX1s4FbUSxmqy9L9skCDW5W_OmuU3dbmSugXODvVIzQ_rIOz/s640/IMG_5770.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlqOT-U6ObRqwxdmhtfH3OKAvAQTRW7-pbnteOO-Jsf1JwR1IeCZwybva-PS8kvRgVkf-RbQBl3PTilVQllQXGMmDWnctNMVqDxJ2KcwKfGUZCEuQ1WhSCLVjLBttmgo0TtpBZNuIWikn/s1600/IMG_5773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlqOT-U6ObRqwxdmhtfH3OKAvAQTRW7-pbnteOO-Jsf1JwR1IeCZwybva-PS8kvRgVkf-RbQBl3PTilVQllQXGMmDWnctNMVqDxJ2KcwKfGUZCEuQ1WhSCLVjLBttmgo0TtpBZNuIWikn/s640/IMG_5773.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I couldn't find a 3:25. This was a bit of a moonshot goal!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like Bayshore, I set a realistic goal for Chicago and planned on running even splits for the majority of the race. My friend Geo's friend Zak was also racing that day with the same goal so we met at the start. Chicago has a lot of underpasses and buildings to screw up GPS. Zak had his watch on manual and I had mine on lap pace. Between the two of us we would have a decent idea of our pacing. Thanks to Zak's patience and math skills, we ran the first half at a 7:53 pace (overall goal was 7:49). Both of us had a few issues but nothing too terrible. We figured if we didn't talk about them they would go away. Zak and I stuck together through mile 17-18. At that point I was still feeling good but he needed to back off a bit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Before I knew it I was at mile 20, then 22. I could feel myself speeding up slightly and passing people. My mantra "the faster I run the sooner I'm done" was kicking in at this point. Mile 25 was the longest mile. The mileage on my watch didn't match with the course mileage so I had no idea where I was in the mile. I thought the mile would never end! Michigan Avenue stretched on for an eternity. Finally I made the 39th and 40th turns. I had run the whole thing - no stopping, no self doubt. I also negative split my race, something I hadn't done since my first marathon. I may as well have won this thing with how happy I was! </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSR24zUMFsJO6PsdXePSaLOFibOQ8RvbDK1kklPBAFXF6w5eTkrwpf3lW_EimX67L-jX5EoxVZNk8ZHdqYKIRjmfISHzIXXX13V3D6rjobjzquQBFkSc8SMM2PMXWac_bohOHsWz610c0/s1600/IMG_8039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSR24zUMFsJO6PsdXePSaLOFibOQ8RvbDK1kklPBAFXF6w5eTkrwpf3lW_EimX67L-jX5EoxVZNk8ZHdqYKIRjmfISHzIXXX13V3D6rjobjzquQBFkSc8SMM2PMXWac_bohOHsWz610c0/s640/IMG_8039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mile 25</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you have the opportunity to race Chicago, I highly recommend going for it. The crowds are amazing and the course is so much fun as it runs through so many different neighborhoods. Water and Gatorade go on for blocks. It was a HOT day and volunteers offered wet sponges and washcloths (both went right in my sports bra!). Firefighters were out with their trucks, spraying runners down with hoses. The course winds back and forth through town, making it easy for spectators to get to multiple locations. Afterwards there is beer even <i>before</i> the post-race party! I met a lot of great people both on and off the course. And being there with Megan made it my favorite race this year.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdFIHExkSodBNUeZJEKVkxZf0VKWqlgkrGMshPbaYmcl7fcUwndAaZsKOs4ptDk7JqBRNXH0I3VzkoPGn7IQq25pDR4_B33lLrFt17s6OXKNnzlIlbU-o6wqqqsJn5mQoH7DMux-mXrPb/s1600/22382299_10214735116198443_4252739801791897581_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1598" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdFIHExkSodBNUeZJEKVkxZf0VKWqlgkrGMshPbaYmcl7fcUwndAaZsKOs4ptDk7JqBRNXH0I3VzkoPGn7IQq25pDR4_B33lLrFt17s6OXKNnzlIlbU-o6wqqqsJn5mQoH7DMux-mXrPb/s640/22382299_10214735116198443_4252739801791897581_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So proud of this girl!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Half Marathons</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've definitely cut back on my half marathons over the years. Now I tend to choose one spring and one fall half.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://letsrockcf.org/run-rock-cf/">Rock CF</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">March 26, 2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1:36:03</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: chewy;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:20/Mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rock CF is my favorite half marathon. Hands down. I've run it every year and wouldn't miss it. This year it fell on the day of a 20-miler. My plan was to run 2 miles before plus 5 miles after. I wanted to run my best race but still be able to run after, so I needed to keep that in mind while racing. Throughout the race I fought the urge to push with the need to hold back for those later miles. My hamstring was not 100% and I could tell my form was off because of it. The last 5K was a real challenge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was more frustrated with this race than I should have been. It was the longest race I'd run in close to a year and I should have appreciated what my body was capable of doing. Instead I got wrapped up in my time, thus missing out on some of the joy of the day. At this point I still had a lot to learn about myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Bey46evFUP8W0-T7bTvZKyF2Ldq50qmceSPlWtAiIb_LjdNJ3Mvy_9PMTEnozk0dQ9zA7mxqhqPGrs8FugZUJ_R7D42gPKUDLwh40Sbpkv2uhGpNSM8qk3kmXz7r-UqDOdgxgjK9peFY/s1600/CFRR17KQ00227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Bey46evFUP8W0-T7bTvZKyF2Ldq50qmceSPlWtAiIb_LjdNJ3Mvy_9PMTEnozk0dQ9zA7mxqhqPGrs8FugZUJ_R7D42gPKUDLwh40Sbpkv2uhGpNSM8qk3kmXz7r-UqDOdgxgjK9peFY/s640/CFRR17KQ00227.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://womenrunthed.com/">Women Run the D</a></span></b></b></div>
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">
</b>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">September 15, 2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1:34:12</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: chewy;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:11/Mile</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you've been following me for a while, you might be surprised to read that I ran Women Run the D again. The half, no less. Every year I've sworn up and down I was done with this one. And then the following year I would run it again. So actually maybe you AREN'T surprised! There are many reasons not to run this race: it's expensive, it's boring running around Belle Isle, the swag isn't great, there's no beer, the awards are cheesy. It does support some women's organizations, which is good. This year there are two reasons I ran it: convenience and location. I needed a 20-miler on the weekend of this race. The race gave me 13 miles of support and motivation. The location allowed me to finish my race and then run off the bridge and down the Riverwalk for an out and back to complete my additional 7 miles. I'd done it two years ago and it worked out perfectly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RaDfetiRaEVwUTkgxU7Dd19xUe-ucGs-lK-WxI9Fn60ARpY_nmP_N7fFaoSD3VgosN-gzqOFEdDu4DemgOYSwTZMnO5pfl1GRqjVaEnkXWRQzEHzWUSjlxegG-mmIjabIjYp0iQyVvCP/s1600/IMG_5542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RaDfetiRaEVwUTkgxU7Dd19xUe-ucGs-lK-WxI9Fn60ARpY_nmP_N7fFaoSD3VgosN-gzqOFEdDu4DemgOYSwTZMnO5pfl1GRqjVaEnkXWRQzEHzWUSjlxegG-mmIjabIjYp0iQyVvCP/s640/IMG_5542.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My free gift for "running the D" for 5 years in a row.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Megan and I were on the same plan so we both signed up. It turned out to be a hot and humid mid-September morning. The kind where your sweat just beads up on your body but doesn't even evaporate. And you haven't even started running. I was excited to meet <a href="https://ultrarunning.com/features/interviews/quick-dirty-dani-filipek-new-ultrarunner-and-new-u-s-50-mile-champ/">Dani Filipek</a> at the start. She is so down to earth and fun! We hung out before the race and after (she finished long before I did!).</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqfnJC5RxSc_pPwMsBwsmqDRkV-l-241oi-zrRGnB7oNz-0a1JeaCuDKfqnHkLorz5qBSfHhoOvvxETSbCAbittkUOVBZBE7RntOApdqbAFI6qg0SJXosqxo3jKHVOpNxrzUE2xaXO0cE/s1600/IMG_5561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqfnJC5RxSc_pPwMsBwsmqDRkV-l-241oi-zrRGnB7oNz-0a1JeaCuDKfqnHkLorz5qBSfHhoOvvxETSbCAbittkUOVBZBE7RntOApdqbAFI6qg0SJXosqxo3jKHVOpNxrzUE2xaXO0cE/s640/IMG_5561.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dani and my pacer, Walter</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ6vzXMvpLBhlB66epUimiL7GeUu7qHsY6gk4JvwRanfTfxyScD6u0ZSIDUKXL9DGjWwajwR9fvCef8xrSFMhhWtmadVNa-7SF4ityey6FYJnT9AN9SizNfmDT8fVhDJwdC6SNUsqqBjn/s1600/IMG_5571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ6vzXMvpLBhlB66epUimiL7GeUu7qHsY6gk4JvwRanfTfxyScD6u0ZSIDUKXL9DGjWwajwR9fvCef8xrSFMhhWtmadVNa-7SF4ityey6FYJnT9AN9SizNfmDT8fVhDJwdC6SNUsqqBjn/s640/IMG_5571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I took off a little too fast but then settled into my pace. My plan was to run with the 7:15 pace group but at times our pacer was running faster than the set pace, especially in the second half. I dropped back after mile 10 but was able to catch up again in the final 5K (and pass the girl ahead of me to finish third). Even though it was a struggle to keep up with my pacer, I credit him with helping me run a great race and pushing harder than I thought I could have. I negative split with paces of 7:20 and 7:03 for the two halves. Unlike at Rock CF, I was focused on the task at hand, rather than worrying about my miles after the race and how my legs might feel then.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Turns out, my legs were fine for those post-race miles and I knew I'd be ready for Chicago!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7FO7-6vHklLMZ0121Rwoh82hNv6U3EMI1Q5D9FyYJHf4uJ6X35bgJ7yv1uUyp2ggiS8BL_M6aWvEwyIuDLWM7K8R-FSWxvKbtiprP0QMyi4d85Pp-VQxLCRYWdvS1bodsa-gXNGRdERJ/s1600/IMG_5575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="479" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7FO7-6vHklLMZ0121Rwoh82hNv6U3EMI1Q5D9FyYJHf4uJ6X35bgJ7yv1uUyp2ggiS8BL_M6aWvEwyIuDLWM7K8R-FSWxvKbtiprP0QMyi4d85Pp-VQxLCRYWdvS1bodsa-gXNGRdERJ/s640/IMG_5575.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Other Distances</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://fifththirdriverbankrun.rsupartner.com/">Riverbank Run 25K</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">May 11, 2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1:57:59</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: chewy;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:37/Mile</span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Riverbank Run falls just a few weeks after Boston. Considering how easily I injure myself, I decided to make this a MP run in preparation for Bayshore. I didn't have a goal to finish under 2 hours. My plan was to run 8:00 miles for the first 15 and then if I felt good I would kick it in for the final 5K. My plan, however, was flawed from the start. Those of you that are better at math than I am know that a 25K is about 15.5 miles. There wasn't going to be another 5K for me to run! I started to think something wasn't right with my logic when a fellow runner mentioned the halfway point before mile 9. Later another runner told me we were going to make it under 2 hours and the math just didn't add up. That's when I asked, "How long is this race?" (Yes I ran this race last year. Don't judge.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I found out I had 3 fewer miles to run than I anticipated, I thought to hell with MP and went for it. I ultimately caught up to and then passed the 2-hour pace group. I told everyone I passed that I thought the race was 18 miles. Nobody thought it was quite as funny as I did! That helped carry me through the race, although just like with Bayshore, the last mile was still a challenge. I slowed down a lot and had to fight my demons to keep going. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>I also have to note that this is the race during which I fractured my foot in 2016. To finish it with all bones intact was my number one goal. Anything else was a bonus! </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh_aFc5IjTbRdx3SWUMNWYMpYB4EGOe3t9cSvwFWH4gmINX90X0iG431-g1HHxOOZ-escykJ3sZEt-rTl7zZe-Xj3hE-NGVMylR-j4M-VXSUIpI4Bele5oi9W9lkHQfU5JH533SVwvBpB/s1600/IMG_3656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh_aFc5IjTbRdx3SWUMNWYMpYB4EGOe3t9cSvwFWH4gmINX90X0iG431-g1HHxOOZ-escykJ3sZEt-rTl7zZe-Xj3hE-NGVMylR-j4M-VXSUIpI4Bele5oi9W9lkHQfU5JH533SVwvBpB/s640/IMG_3656.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://crim.org/">Crim 10 Mile</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">August 26, 2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: times; font-weight: 400;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1:11:23</span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: chewy;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:09/Mile</span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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I was really excited to run my second Crim. Last year I had to sit out due to the stress fracture in my foot. Usually the weather is hot at the end of August but we had a nice cool morning. I didn't have an exact goal but was looking to make this a tempo run (around a 7:15 pace, depending on how I felt). I was going to start out slower to save energy for the Barton Hills and pick up the pace as I went. I'd been practicing negative split pacing in my tempo runs and track work and was looking forward to utilizing it on race day.</div>
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My training paid off. I ran strong on the hills and faster in the second half than the first. Even though mile 10 was my fastest, it was still a huge mental struggle for me to keep going. I wanted to slow down and I had to will my body to keep pushing, even when the finish line was in sight. This race showed me that I can run faster - I just need to keep my head in the game. And hanging with friends after is ALWAYS the best part of any race!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sYEgBpTyOafZz3p8zQakhAQBhIYr1jbF4EqGKt9ZNUmRQe2Sw0bU0SOZXBxVlN8TyAVn5mB4APiEkUC5-43XB8FyRMBYM3XErxyj3V0HBfNP-xBiOf7ZtFmCzznpFUD8oNIz82Sj363M/s1600/IMG_5295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sYEgBpTyOafZz3p8zQakhAQBhIYr1jbF4EqGKt9ZNUmRQe2Sw0bU0SOZXBxVlN8TyAVn5mB4APiEkUC5-43XB8FyRMBYM3XErxyj3V0HBfNP-xBiOf7ZtFmCzznpFUD8oNIz82Sj363M/s640/IMG_5295.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSfH72O9G1a8oRKCHbZqG143OPZHRiO-XfRP3gpRtF_WKiJbkDzw3aiPJ8yTi00Kk9t0ZemM07-VSLqtAQct9zJHRHRbtF0VCclZNnRNI-ER4r1LBym0cohsylVFKEHWcD35Ezkciv-2a/s1600/IMG_5296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSfH72O9G1a8oRKCHbZqG143OPZHRiO-XfRP3gpRtF_WKiJbkDzw3aiPJ8yTi00Kk9t0ZemM07-VSLqtAQct9zJHRHRbtF0VCclZNnRNI-ER4r1LBym0cohsylVFKEHWcD35Ezkciv-2a/s640/IMG_5296.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://martianraces.com/">Martian 10K</a> + Kids Marathon</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: left;">Date </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">5/22/17</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: left;">Time</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">45:40</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: left;">Pace</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">7:22/Mile</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was my 9th year of running Martian. It wasn't ideal to run a 10K the week after Boston but I had a free entry from <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2016/04/on-run-martian-invasion-of-races-10k.html">last year</a> and I couldn't let it go to waste. Plus I had to start up again with my Bayshore training so I wanted to get in an 8-mile run. The race starts about a mile from my house so I ran there, ran the race, and could run home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I really enjoy the 10K for this race and this year it was even better because it was a new course. I run in the area often but it was fun to have a race through those neighborhoods. Even with my slower time I ended up placing 5th overall and 1st in my age group. I had some strong women to help push me in the final miles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After recharging with some coffee I went back for the kids marathon, where students from my school ran 1.2 miles to earn their marathon medals. They'd been running and logging miles for months in preparation of this day. I was so proud of all of them!</span></div>
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<br />
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://motteplifewalk.org/">MOTTEP 10K</a></b></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date</b></span></b></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><b>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">
</b>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">July 29, 2017</span></span><br />
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: times; font-weight: 400;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: times; font-weight: 400;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></b></div>
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<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">43:23</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; font-weight: 400; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; font-weight: 400; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></b></div>
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<div style="font-family: chewy;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:00/Mile</span></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: chewy; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">MOTTEP was my first 10K that I really pushed myself on this season. I've run this race a few times and it's one of my favorites. It's a great cause (MOTTEP = minority organ tissue and transplant education program) and RUNdetroit always plays a large roll in it. Plus I can handle a 10K around Belle Isle. The weather this year was perfect - not blazing hot like usual at the end of July. This was the first race this season where I was able to really see how my speed work was paying off. Due to the small size of the race I was able to finish as first female and chick a couple of dudes to finish second overall. I forgot how good that feels! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vkryzgLJJ8Qulay7zZ4Gvo4wrnno05SVX4IpolFIK6CziB7mADqiEbg0BWjkr2AvFUhtdSfdPuvFsYe8j2NXFA06pJ-sxcLlL3gtAGAClBXtv4zlrbdxbcGJSUoZ03rQMAEXZQSTVYW7/s1600/IMG_4820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vkryzgLJJ8Qulay7zZ4Gvo4wrnno05SVX4IpolFIK6CziB7mADqiEbg0BWjkr2AvFUhtdSfdPuvFsYe8j2NXFA06pJ-sxcLlL3gtAGAClBXtv4zlrbdxbcGJSUoZ03rQMAEXZQSTVYW7/s640/IMG_4820.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</b><b style="font-size: x-large;"></b>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://detroitzoo.org/events/zoo-events/run-wild-for-the-detroit-zoo/">Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo 10K</a></b></b></div>
<b style="font-size: x-large;">
</b>
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<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></b></div>
<b style="font-size: x-large;">
</b>
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<div style="font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date</b></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">September 10, 2017</span><br />
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: times; font-weight: 400;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: times; font-weight: 400;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></b></div>
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<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">41:32</span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; font-weight: 400; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; font-weight: 400; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></b></div>
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<div>
<div style="font-family: chewy;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6:42/Mile</span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was thrilled to be able to be back again for my 9th running of this race. Run Wild for the Zoo was my first race back in 2007 and I only had to skip it one year since (2016 because of my sesamoid fracture). This race truly makes me happy. I love the neighborhoods around the zoo, the smallish start for the 10K, the amazing course marshals and volunteers, and the finish chute lined with cheering spectators. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I felt strong crossing the finish line, knowing I had improved my time from July. I set my <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2015/09/on-run-run-wild-for-zoo-10k-2015.html">10K PR on this course two years ago</a> and as much as I'd love to beat that, I was just as happy with my results on this day. This is where I am right now and I'm proud of it.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgjimRwt3k6IPk7iS_5v9ZAMCQ9TDFQ0Mi-C83qCOvAUxWZOf1wLED-fYsgFInb1O0U1wjBBtsBn-g2NaTSU0c3WQj8bYPZbZQ58_pkyw_V1doC_Gtr_yVXEbDhTpv65NQ7JuhwOBdcbM/s1600/Run+Wild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgjimRwt3k6IPk7iS_5v9ZAMCQ9TDFQ0Mi-C83qCOvAUxWZOf1wLED-fYsgFInb1O0U1wjBBtsBn-g2NaTSU0c3WQj8bYPZbZQ58_pkyw_V1doC_Gtr_yVXEbDhTpv65NQ7JuhwOBdcbM/s640/Run+Wild.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnEGmYiHQrm1-D_ANH_oLnX7NGorwfyJ15AGeMP7nTSxLm8NyucXEORxEVB1umuoo6UvhkyHdSsVgIYZQKxvJ03K2ZPSMSbY2taLqViunnj58Mmmc0i5LAGiyPzeCpBwa9ldT0C-X6a3j/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1382" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnEGmYiHQrm1-D_ANH_oLnX7NGorwfyJ15AGeMP7nTSxLm8NyucXEORxEVB1umuoo6UvhkyHdSsVgIYZQKxvJ03K2ZPSMSbY2taLqViunnj58Mmmc0i5LAGiyPzeCpBwa9ldT0C-X6a3j/s640/IMG_5654.JPG" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The race director forgot to order awards for 2nd place. Mine came later in the mail was a hand-written note.</span></td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.neighborhood-exchange.com/event/2017-run-of-the-dead/">Run of the Dead 10K</a></b></div>
<div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date</b></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">November 4, 2017</span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: start;">
<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">44:03</span></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:06/Mile</span></span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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I knew going into this race that I shouldn't run hard. I was hurting. But I also knew it was my last race of the season and I wanted to give it all I had. Granted, all I had now was not the same as 4 weeks ago but I wasn't going to go out jogging. My PRP was already scheduled so I was going to get fixed up soon enough. Sure I wouldn't be stupid but I was going to run a race I'd be proud of.</div>
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I couldn't have asked for a better way to end the season. My RUNdetroit Flight Club family was there. Brian was taking pictures. The course went through two cemeteries! It was a gorgeous fall morning. And with the help of Aleve and KT Tape, my pain was manageable. I was able to run happy and enjoy my race. As a bonus I came in 2nd Female and was awarded a gift certificate to RUNdetroit - my favorite store!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzCg9QmvZ-za8RrVxgoH8jyryP8XT8N_QDeMN7r_uwdwLxi0tRh0SNKlnTb617Jvx9GfgRCJINuKFMXgxgikkbas41CHGkNj22eDfKwYJ0pVWgxqCkN6Jkhys5eyj_wCI7PoDBNGVErZa/s1600/IMG_6201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzCg9QmvZ-za8RrVxgoH8jyryP8XT8N_QDeMN7r_uwdwLxi0tRh0SNKlnTb617Jvx9GfgRCJINuKFMXgxgikkbas41CHGkNj22eDfKwYJ0pVWgxqCkN6Jkhys5eyj_wCI7PoDBNGVErZa/s640/IMG_6201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoPZqQTWSz8kF6e_oB-f9oGpBCxIQ5hyhovRHdPta2ym_KWjzvxgC9B0PAd9ZxoYJZqoFXKHVrUoNN370EoQoppQ-7RYlQ978M-KcfT0gdb_qPbTEQ_oQauBD8gU-8RvJvhaCK023XX8J/s1600/IMG_6202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="720" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoPZqQTWSz8kF6e_oB-f9oGpBCxIQ5hyhovRHdPta2ym_KWjzvxgC9B0PAd9ZxoYJZqoFXKHVrUoNN370EoQoppQ-7RYlQ978M-KcfT0gdb_qPbTEQ_oQauBD8gU-8RvJvhaCK023XX8J/s640/IMG_6202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGVQHOPp5vsP_IdUkHvSY6LofFBWG4T9iAJrEYbBYagqXFyMxRT-Mb0MMhUnYsIL-E6B5xnWA89tikz3gH-QkL2qRLLV67zCvjV5Kxg5YsyUC-Xk9t2h0TwxzHFojah7fYl30iiFF8eXv/s1600/IMG_6205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="720" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGVQHOPp5vsP_IdUkHvSY6LofFBWG4T9iAJrEYbBYagqXFyMxRT-Mb0MMhUnYsIL-E6B5xnWA89tikz3gH-QkL2qRLLV67zCvjV5Kxg5YsyUC-Xk9t2h0TwxzHFojah7fYl30iiFF8eXv/s640/IMG_6205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.corktownrace.com/">Corktown 5K</a> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="font-size: medium;"><br /></b></span></div>
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<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="font-size: medium;">Date</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">March 12, 2017</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Time</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">25:33</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pace</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">8:14/Mile</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not much to say about this one. Another cold day in Detroit! This isn't one of my favorite races so I might skip it this year (I tend to say that and do it anyway). It often falls after a 20-miler, generally a hilly one if training for Boston. I worry about the cobblestones on Michigan avenue so I take it easy. It was a super cold day this year so we didn't stick around long for any reason. One of my friends took this picture. I'm always happy to see a friendly face!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5VKkCQ2RlRKmGBy-Qu-sNYZojtCwAAbitpBM2dx275neXA6-oAONWdIJTrv9Ogk0D_TnAU-_x4mxS4l3vP9z5N_DQ6refJVILWPQp6h8sVLFme_XzN88N1rqgR2tjWJdcQjCjU5dK6qs/s1600/IMG_2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1346" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5VKkCQ2RlRKmGBy-Qu-sNYZojtCwAAbitpBM2dx275neXA6-oAONWdIJTrv9Ogk0D_TnAU-_x4mxS4l3vP9z5N_DQ6refJVILWPQp6h8sVLFme_XzN88N1rqgR2tjWJdcQjCjU5dK6qs/s640/IMG_2979.JPG" width="538" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Corktown Races - way too cold for any other pictures!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://gp5000.com/">Grand Prix 5000 </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Date</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">May 28, 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Time</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">25:33</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Pace</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">8:14/Mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I ran this the day after Bayshore. NOT recommended!! I was already registered for it long before Bayshore came up. In hindsight, not the best of plans. I was glad to be a party of this event, however, with the cutest kids race I've ever seen! </span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC35MVeUsQuPgtBz1opBjBmNP07M3lT8q8ZWknY6l4yvzwxeNA-BFs1aGtlrJIDjrBILHncMxYscwpkVLBUmkNHJuOxW-DO6xfoljbb9KMz9cEsCO6CzVxP-D4dBQw73g_hekt0W1PKj8M/s1600/IMG_3795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC35MVeUsQuPgtBz1opBjBmNP07M3lT8q8ZWknY6l4yvzwxeNA-BFs1aGtlrJIDjrBILHncMxYscwpkVLBUmkNHJuOxW-DO6xfoljbb9KMz9cEsCO6CzVxP-D4dBQw73g_hekt0W1PKj8M/s640/IMG_3795.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A fun race on the Grand Prix course with my RUNdetroit family.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b><a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Dearborn/DearbornHomecoming5k"><br />Dearborn Homecoming 5K</a></b></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="font-family: chewy; font-size: medium; line-height: 20.5333px;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;">Date</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">August 6, 2017</span><br />
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></b></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">21:45</span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;">Pace</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.5333px;">
<div style="font-family: chewy;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">7:01/Mile</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
This was such a fun race! It was the second year for the event but Brian and I didn't run it last year (again my stress fracture). Even though it fell the day after a scheduled 20 miler, I couldn't miss out on a hometown race. The course started and ended at Ford Field and ran an out and back along the Gateway Trail through UM Campus. Brian and I run this route regularly so we had a home court advantage with the hills. I ran by feel, didn't look at my watch once, and was surprised at the end to find I'd negative split the race! (All prior career 5Ks have been <i>significant</i> positive splits.) </div>
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The event was part of the <a href="http://triviumracing.com/">Trivium Racing</a> Series. Everything about the race was well organized. There was a pre-race meeting, the race started on time, the course was well-marked, and awards were presented in a timely manner. The theme for the race was the 80s so awards for all were Rubik's Cubes. I loved it! My playlist was 80s-themed, which was fun to make and run to. Next year's theme is the 90s. I'm looking forward to it already!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.beaumont.org/community/red-october-run">Red October Run 5K</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">October 1, 2017</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Red October Run started in 1991 and is hosted by Beaumont Hospital. Although it's been around for a while, I've never been super excited to run the race. Until this year when the race moved to Greenfield Village. A chance to run through the streets of Greenfield Village? Sign me up! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Race day was sunny, crisp, and beautiful. We couldn't have asked for better weather for a fall 5K. I ended up racing with my friend Dave and we both ran faster that we would have alone (one of those "<i>I</i> was keeping up with <i>you</i>!" situations). Mile 1 took us around the outside of the Village - past horses, over train tracks, and through parts we didn't know existed. The next 2.38 miles (it was a <i>tad</i> long) wound along the paved streets - past the Noah Webster House and the Cotswald Cottage, through the covered bridge, around the Village Green, and carousal. Near the end we made a sharp 90 degree turn onto a dirt road, only to leap over a puddle and a mountain of horse poop. (What's a trip to Greenfield Village without horse poop?!) We ran around the cornfields, turned at the Firestone Farm, and were careful not to trip over the final railroad tracks before exiting the Village past the fountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I had so much fun with this race! The volunteers were cheerful at all the turns and it was a blast to run through the Village. Awards took a long time to get going but they were worth it. I was OA female and received a Betsy Ross flag and a cowbell made out of bullets. Your race bib gave you admission into the Village for the day so Brian, Dave, and I walked around for a while afterwards. Put this one on your list!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHXK7K8TDAi7fF3mUcddli0uIVa980R09E7BFkILi5h9ouC-GX-dLmgnFh-bRfKBsSWOfyP_d1XF8anZW7wiEq0ifChL_oma0RZ61eif96XAUXuBDmNs31J4XD4ETUruKMfGwoKETK-py/s1600/IMG_5743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHXK7K8TDAi7fF3mUcddli0uIVa980R09E7BFkILi5h9ouC-GX-dLmgnFh-bRfKBsSWOfyP_d1XF8anZW7wiEq0ifChL_oma0RZ61eif96XAUXuBDmNs31J4XD4ETUruKMfGwoKETK-py/s640/IMG_5743.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.freepmarathon.com/events/5k/"><b></b>American Home Fitness 5K</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">October 14, 2017</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">20:54</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Although Freep weekend feel just one week after the Chicago marathon, there were a few reasons I felt compelled to run the 5K this year. First of all, it was the 40th anniversary of the race and I wanted to participate in one of the events. 5K made the most sense. I ran it the past 2 years and really enjoyed it. The timing and location is great. Last year Brian and I volunteered with medal distribution for the 5K and Kids Fun Run (I was able to both run and volunteer) and that was our plan this year. And with the exception of the year I had pneumonia, I've run a Freep race each year since 2007. I'd just be sure to run easy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>About that...</i> I pushed way too hard and only in hindsight can I say that my hamstring definitely went from bad to worse after this race. It was probably headed there anyway but this surely didn't help. I get caught up in the excitement of passing people, possibly placing and getting an award. It's fun while it lasts but perhaps not worth it. I have a few of these plaques but they always seem to arrive while I'm taking time off for an injury. Coincidence?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_E1E0sb4-tbIYWGwVovBUxslwd-FzVXem1cWHYy0suOjHFTj58iq0pq1UQbsVXa37xIaMTjgSGcllExNUxmO0Npz9KZu5-o9YcX9ZkPVhwP1psUEMMvPqODuH69FBPLbQbm_OS1nYAjzI/s1600/IMG_6854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_E1E0sb4-tbIYWGwVovBUxslwd-FzVXem1cWHYy0suOjHFTj58iq0pq1UQbsVXa37xIaMTjgSGcllExNUxmO0Npz9KZu5-o9YcX9ZkPVhwP1psUEMMvPqODuH69FBPLbQbm_OS1nYAjzI/s640/IMG_6854.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7th female, 1st in age group</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We had so much fun volunteering, especially at the kids run! The medals were pretty this year.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Other races: </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Riverview/2016RiverviewWinterfestFourMileRunandKiwanisPancakeBreakfast?remMeAttempt=">Riverview WinterFest 4-Miler</a> </b><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">(Date - 5/28/17, Time - 25:33, Pace - 8:14/Mile)</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><a href="http://crowncityrun.com/">Crown City Classic 12K</a> (Date - 7/4/17, Time - 56:03, Pace - 7:35/Mile)</b></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTVrTsPnxdd5EJAZYqVbBHUp5ZSp8297Ebnpy0zHEM8zmzevIMW-rlEJcEsvMGQRnse83iTtVxCOuFzB6GLg28dJ0-kkfRAm898NfgTha5N-s-MIJeTwsOcDcwaOJ70FazWaEyxj5G5Un/s1600/IMG_4514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTVrTsPnxdd5EJAZYqVbBHUp5ZSp8297Ebnpy0zHEM8zmzevIMW-rlEJcEsvMGQRnse83iTtVxCOuFzB6GLg28dJ0-kkfRAm898NfgTha5N-s-MIJeTwsOcDcwaOJ70FazWaEyxj5G5Un/s640/IMG_4514.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Crown City Classic</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><a href="http://greatlakesrelay.com/">Great Lakes Relay</a> (Date - 7/14-7/16/17, Mileage - 29ish over 3 days)</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLKj231BMLLjaOzCoTgMI265ktV8dYcq4D_tJoR0wjMkFOrNHjuJRsapDrrRr4nI-dZqMlPAMZcinCBqS-MTS54mxI5xPVCX_l4FtHVYqYJjRbYnBJ2wpVhnyauhvZBaOBu0RqOZeBmYV/s1600/20045318_1390673727634506_1752238038604833543_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1530" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLKj231BMLLjaOzCoTgMI265ktV8dYcq4D_tJoR0wjMkFOrNHjuJRsapDrrRr4nI-dZqMlPAMZcinCBqS-MTS54mxI5xPVCX_l4FtHVYqYJjRbYnBJ2wpVhnyauhvZBaOBu0RqOZeBmYV/s640/20045318_1390673727634506_1752238038604833543_o.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Heading out on my 10-mile sand leg, directions in hand. It ended up being over 11 miles and taking me 2+ hours to complete!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sIJWurQAbS7mEswJn0eLwkVL0X2A-9IPwEiMIQvkXD0Pr8s9RPvEvXRIPNdXXheTq-2S_YV9wApXyZ6f2mu1Pa6VKGqasxmDeuVlnbqY-7LRf69952x2PEVqV_r2FGZLZ-HOV1aoTDwi/s1600/20116954_10213010206160471_6212001746989865907_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="899" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sIJWurQAbS7mEswJn0eLwkVL0X2A-9IPwEiMIQvkXD0Pr8s9RPvEvXRIPNdXXheTq-2S_YV9wApXyZ6f2mu1Pa6VKGqasxmDeuVlnbqY-7LRf69952x2PEVqV_r2FGZLZ-HOV1aoTDwi/s640/20116954_10213010206160471_6212001746989865907_o.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Emerging from the woods after my first leg of the relay. Check out that mud!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHYAr5UqbG7ahv7wNBxMxTVhuuCviFultLb7TXki6okeguav_3WqAux_qPjy5RuyNbxy9W5Vf4uMsuNfaiy3qWN8VuBbtoXrns977-oCGXzYLfyILawysTFWqZvTtQdgVjGY_ey49Vp0Q/s1600/20157125_1390719660963246_4168483121151907533_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHYAr5UqbG7ahv7wNBxMxTVhuuCviFultLb7TXki6okeguav_3WqAux_qPjy5RuyNbxy9W5Vf4uMsuNfaiy3qWN8VuBbtoXrns977-oCGXzYLfyILawysTFWqZvTtQdgVjGY_ey49Vp0Q/s640/20157125_1390719660963246_4168483121151907533_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Too clean to have run yet.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sports Bra Squad</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My post wouldn't be complete without mentioning one more huge victory. In September I was finally bold enough to run in my sports bra. For some of you this might not seem like much. But anyone struggling with body image issues will understand how big of a moment this was for me. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLSwsIuVyXmZu-ODC2fkNcOVWQPIpwSVNU_pa8nC9NCTyPLO94fHkw2Z7qt6vf0MfECq1VSk3XkroxJXiuHuWMt48aZ3ndjikycTWCem_4GTQBVY3lsl5GE7elAKYeMPKFRsMtAYN-qsx/s1600/IMG_5625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLSwsIuVyXmZu-ODC2fkNcOVWQPIpwSVNU_pa8nC9NCTyPLO94fHkw2Z7qt6vf0MfECq1VSk3XkroxJXiuHuWMt48aZ3ndjikycTWCem_4GTQBVY3lsl5GE7elAKYeMPKFRsMtAYN-qsx/s640/IMG_5625.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was also 100% covered in bugs.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2018</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That brings us to today - January 5th. 6.5 weeks post-PRP. I've been in physical therapy for 5 weeks, making small gains in flexibility. I'm up to running a slow 5K with minimal pain. I have good days and bad, both mentally and physically. KT tape is still my friend. I have to keep reminding myself that it's only been 6.5 weeks. Full recovery from PRP is 3 months. When I'm counting down the weeks to <a href="http://www.baa.org/">Boston</a>, however, my anxiety kicks in at the thought of covering 26.2 miles in one day. I've yet to do that in a week!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But I have to remember this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlIWssjTCt9PZWc99cXQpEC7uYMgMzWigGZFOd6f_qRZUBSJs-bkfJImqUVKWArMzu2mCqr3_97VmRUzp_BwiT8247KAMXzjY1mJ2NixaE7ZRbPJi2B9apodKgSKUCZxk5XDvai5pckLq/s1600/IMG_3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlIWssjTCt9PZWc99cXQpEC7uYMgMzWigGZFOd6f_qRZUBSJs-bkfJImqUVKWArMzu2mCqr3_97VmRUzp_BwiT8247KAMXzjY1mJ2NixaE7ZRbPJi2B9apodKgSKUCZxk5XDvai5pckLq/s640/IMG_3748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've come back before and I can do it again. It's easy to forget. Even though it's off to a slow start, I'm looking forward to all that 2018 has in store. 3 marathons and a 50K are already on the calendar. I'll try to keep you updated a bit more regularly. You can also follow me on Facebook or Instagram. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy 2018!</span><br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-80566283726629702432016-11-20T16:06:00.000-05:002016-11-20T16:07:30.176-05:00On the Run: Fall 5Ks<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I get out of the habit of running and racing, I suppose I get out of the habit of blogging, too! I post on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Vegan-Road-Runner-202370463137382/?fref=ts"><span style="color: #38761d;">Facebook page</span></a> but have been utterly delinquent on here. Please accept my apology.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's my Cliff Notes version of the past 6 months: After running the <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2016/05/on-run-river-bank-run-25k-2016.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">River Bank Run 25K</span></a> in mid-May, I had foot pain that just wouldn't subside. During the race I thought I'd stepped on something in the road that had injured my foot. (Later it dawned on me that I hadn't stepped on something; that was when my bone broke.) On June 1st it worsened to the point that I was limping and called my orthopedic. An x-ray and MRI showed a stress fracture in my <a href="http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-big-toe/pages/sesamoiditis.aspx"><span style="color: #38761d;">right sesamoid bone</span></a>. No running. I biked and cross trained for 3 months while wearing a carbon-fiber insert in my right shoe.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUzlWm84vNNGXW_6mBKErUKAQ6xeIx_KQOBsUQrXylhBl-SUXyQ52OsKejseVk6oHCVYN-j70PU-i_THexZa3vi5haquhveogHkmcpvh0igsVJdA6P2d3KJCyZX5Xn74n-aOcK1wvC6H6/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUzlWm84vNNGXW_6mBKErUKAQ6xeIx_KQOBsUQrXylhBl-SUXyQ52OsKejseVk6oHCVYN-j70PU-i_THexZa3vi5haquhveogHkmcpvh0igsVJdA6P2d3KJCyZX5Xn74n-aOcK1wvC6H6/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">4 month post-injury x-ray</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Monthly follow-up x-rays showed little to no healing. It's a bad spot for a fracture due to lack of blood flow. I was able to get my hands on a bone stimulator and used that daily, sometimes twice a day. When I returned after 3 months there was some improvement as the bone had begun to knit itself back together. My doctor said I could return to running by implementing a Couch to 5K program. It was somewhat comical but I was grateful to start somewhere! My friend Leah at the Detroit Free Press transferred my marathon entry to a 5K and I began my training. I started with 1/2 mile and slowly, SLOWLY added distance. I was incredibly cautious, watching my speed and not adding more than 1/4 mile at a time. I was so scared that I was going to feel a pop again and be back at square one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been doing well and running pain-free since taking time off to recover. I'm slowly increasing my weekly mileage but I'm not going any speed work. This fall I've run three 5Ks. I'm still competitive but I know that I'm in a different place than I was a couple of years ago, before all of my injuries. But I love the joy that racing brings me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://epicraces.com/event/detroit-goddess/">American Home Fitness Detroit Goddess 5K</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date: </b>Sunday, September 18th</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Location:</b> <a href="http://www.belleisleconservancy.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Belle Isle</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You know how I feel about this race! Every year I swear up and down that I'll never run it again, yet here I was running it for the 4th year in a row. I had originally signed up for the 10K, which I thought would be a great distance. When everything went down with my foot I transferred to the 5K. I was so excited to be racing again, putting on my <a href="http://run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a> singlet and shorts, and getting to the start line with my friends. Nothing makes me happier than racing, no matter what the outcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My friend Sara was also racing her first half marathon and I couldn't be more thrilled for her. She did awesome with her training and I was excited to see her cross the finish line!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a nutshell, this race was HARD. I hadn't run this far since June 1st. I started with the leaders and did my best to keep up with them. In the end they were too fast for me; however, I had fun trying to catch them! I finished fourth OA and first in my age group. I won a pair of socks made from recycled water bottles. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKiu6XeBhX6pC-1ODs3HkYKN-6mkuruAYVt_EaEHdlYemr_sPRFEz0JGa5VIltGMT8CVTxwMXtFS9dliUjagG4z5Wf5rOh9MY50MnWIai_qf5GU29HAQ52mcr8UvodLzRp7y5mSbGHDUX/s1600/139089-043-029h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKiu6XeBhX6pC-1ODs3HkYKN-6mkuruAYVt_EaEHdlYemr_sPRFEz0JGa5VIltGMT8CVTxwMXtFS9dliUjagG4z5Wf5rOh9MY50MnWIai_qf5GU29HAQ52mcr8UvodLzRp7y5mSbGHDUX/s640/139089-043-029h.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">22:47</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:20/mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">banana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Tunes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Three Packs a Day / </i>Courtney Barnett</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Born Again Teen / </i>Lucius</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Move Like You Stole It / </i>ZZ Ward</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Deceptacon / </i>Jessica Hernandez</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Rattlesnake / </i>St. Vincent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Man / </i>Neko Case</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Little Numbers / </i>Boy</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://freepmarathon.com/events/5k/">American Home Fitness 5K</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date: </b>Saturday, October 15th</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Location:</b> <a href="http://detroitriverfront.org/riverfront/east-riverfront/milliken-state-park-and-harbor"><span style="color: #38761d;">Milliken State Park</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As my second 5K approached on <a href="http://freepmarathon.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Freep</span></a> weekend, I was a bit more nervous. I knew my fitness had improved in the month since the Goddess race. I wasn't doing speed work but my pace was naturally picking up. My weekly mileage had increased and long runs were up to 6 miles. I knew I could run faster but how much faster was the question? I also feared pushing the pace. There was the ever-present fear in the back of my mind that any given run could be my last.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brian and I arrived extra early to help with medal distribution. It was fun to hang out with the other volunteers. I was grateful that I was able to run the race and volunteer. At the last minute the course had to be changed from last year due to a naval ship being docked along the <a href="http://www.traillink.com/trail/detroit-riverwalk.aspx"><span style="color: #38761d;">RiverWalk</span></a>. I liked the new course, which went along a different part of the RiverWalk. There was a decent hill in the first mile but overall it was flat. I had to push hard, especially in the last mile. I felt like I hadn't worked <i>that</i> hard in a race in a long time, which was a great feeling. I ended up running it a full minute faster than my race last month! Still a far cry from<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/03/on-run-run-du-nain-rouge-2014.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">my PR</span></a> </span></span>but I couldn't have been happier! I was ninth female and first in my age group.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT_9tg1phRS_E96cGDJIApoI8ONRhbCp9ozAZKpYGQDHOU8b-9D223EvDWFqXcbmg5ZMHQZKMNsKGKoK6NK6l9g40VM6uPzQN4iAjYIgZ8blyqPTxeDY2OlzMPqp_tUsHKrVj-td5Wa6o/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT_9tg1phRS_E96cGDJIApoI8ONRhbCp9ozAZKpYGQDHOU8b-9D223EvDWFqXcbmg5ZMHQZKMNsKGKoK6NK6l9g40VM6uPzQN4iAjYIgZ8blyqPTxeDY2OlzMPqp_tUsHKrVj-td5Wa6o/s640/IMG_1775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After the race I helped pass out medals for the 5K and the kids fun run. The latter was the best part of my day. Seeing those kids cross the finish line with smiles on their faces filled my heart with joy! I'm looking forward to racing and volunteering at this event again next year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">20:44</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6:41/mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">banana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Tunes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Innocent / </i>Mayer Hawthorne</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Born Again Teen / </i>Lucius</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Runaway Baby / </i>Bruno Mars</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Violent Shiver / Benjamin Booker</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Fast in My Car / </i>Paramore</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Deceptacon / </i>Jessica Hernandez</span><br />
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Man / </i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Neko Case</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><a href="http://mustachedache.com/detroit/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mustache Dache Detroit</span></a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Date: </b>Saturday, November 12th</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Location:</b> <a href="http://www.atwaterbeer.com/locations/atwater-detroit-tap-house/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Atwater Brewery</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'd really wanted to continue to improve my 5K time once more this season but there was no chance of that happening on the Mustache Dache course. For me, it is NOT a PR course. It's always windy and this year was no exception. But I never run this race for time. I run hard but I run it because it's FUN! The Mustache Dache is RUNdetroit's big race and I wouldn't miss it for anything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The weather this year was perfect - sunny and mid-40's. The wind proved challenging and I finished nearly a minute slower than the Freep 5K a month ago. BUT it was my fastest time on this course, so I was happy about that! I also placed 5th female and 3rd in my age group. I got a pretty great pint glass. Thank you Atwater and RUNdetroit!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64vnSmyL4rRbHtpOqQdeGHZuT7aP1gn0ntN77Hk5Hz-Bzc_sASARkx4E-LJPXNymupBgYam-e9EalguPHW-wwDtgIlAMYWaYfeO919aoVxTZ9mTfis8MRliYaNpiRvYm7vCFXlFvk-tFs/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64vnSmyL4rRbHtpOqQdeGHZuT7aP1gn0ntN77Hk5Hz-Bzc_sASARkx4E-LJPXNymupBgYam-e9EalguPHW-wwDtgIlAMYWaYfeO919aoVxTZ9mTfis8MRliYaNpiRvYm7vCFXlFvk-tFs/s640/IMG_1695.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was so happy with my mustache that I wore it for a few hours after. Brian was super creeped out. I don't understand why!</span><br />
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<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">21:30</span></div>
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<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6:56/mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">banana</span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Tunes</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: chewy; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Maneater / Hall & Oates</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Attention / </i>The Raconteurs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Run (I'm a Natural Disaster) / Gnarls Barkley</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Sharp Dressed Man / ZZ Top</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Everybody Get Dangerous / </i>Weezer</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Bodysnatchers / Radiohead</i></span></div>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjoUAY5WGMSqlv5Rbcq9Ak5yilr-qFfXJN__NiY9yrUNRYZgMr2pgQIViyFHTTtA5zq8-XQCutAjM9iRN9WeH0v0lf3Q98hUF_NS_712NpPCWzrBDFM0gIOqy0SaX5RAKJUCAGLOrUH0J/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjoUAY5WGMSqlv5Rbcq9Ak5yilr-qFfXJN__NiY9yrUNRYZgMr2pgQIViyFHTTtA5zq8-XQCutAjM9iRN9WeH0v0lf3Q98hUF_NS_712NpPCWzrBDFM0gIOqy0SaX5RAKJUCAGLOrUH0J/s640/IMG_1710.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">My favorite finish line photo to date</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That wraps up my fall 5K racing season! Here's to hoping I can make it to January in one piece so I can start training for <a href="http://www.baa.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Boston</span></a> with healthy legs and fused bones. Bring on 2017!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-50398579822731869712016-07-10T17:58:00.000-04:002016-07-10T22:07:28.901-04:00Henry Ford Human Performance Clinic<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last week I had the opportunity to visit the new Henry Ford Human Performance Clinic with my friend Megan. The Performance Clinic is part of the <span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.henryford.com/body_academic.cfm?id=38654"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sports Medicine Program</span></a> </span>and i</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s housed in the </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=47822&action=list&location=35" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">William Clay Ford Center for Athletic Medicine</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">in New Center.</span> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was going with Megan for three reasons:</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. As Megan's coach, I was super excited to see the data and use it to adjust her training plan with her most accurate RIGHT NOW paces. Being there to see it firsthand and ask questions would be more helpful than having Megan explain everything after.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. When my toe fracture heals I will be going through the process myself. By going through it with Megan I will have a better understanding of everything when I get to do it.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. (Most important reason) Everything is better with a friend! </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Megan lives just a few blocks away from the William Clay Ford Center so I drove to her house and we walked over for the 7:30am appointment. After checking in Eric came to get us from the waiting room. I met Eric while he was working at <a href="http://run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a>. Now he has this super cool job in Exercise Physiology and Preventative Cardiology and was looking professional in his non-running shoes and lab coat. </span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4uwtoMZ5wBdA4yxt6ow_GlvsQy_8AC1OOEhNuiLkzIUbjS4dy2ONf5YXLAoNmQs5_LhK_W8c24qAXLuwNbuk35QyVDgEdmIeIBNu5UDoskY2mKrVQQqpalM0ILmMIfdRqsqkTPpoTgvy/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4uwtoMZ5wBdA4yxt6ow_GlvsQy_8AC1OOEhNuiLkzIUbjS4dy2ONf5YXLAoNmQs5_LhK_W8c24qAXLuwNbuk35QyVDgEdmIeIBNu5UDoskY2mKrVQQqpalM0ILmMIfdRqsqkTPpoTgvy/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" width="298"></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Megan had some forms to fill out and then Eric tested her cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglycerides (she had to fast overnight). He did this with a finger prick and test strip, which then went into this little machine and quickly read her results. Much faster than going to a lab and having blood drawn!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: right;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: right;">Next Allison, Eric's intern, took Megan's height and weight. Then it was time for her to go into the <a href="http://ybefit.byu.edu/portals/88/documents/how%20does%20the%20bod%20pod%20work.pdf"><span style="color: #38761d;">Bod Pod</span></a>! The Bod Pod calculates body fat percentage and lean body mass. It does this displacing air around you in the Pod. (Similar to a water dunk that would displace water.) The Bod Pod also calculates RMR (resting metabolic rate), which is the number of calories an individual burns daily at rest. We felt this was the most vital piece of information from the Bod Pod, as both Megan and I tend to not fuel enough as marathon training miles increase. Knowing how many calories we need to sustain our bodies on a daily basis </span><i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: right;">without moving</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: right;"> - not to mention running X number of miles, strength training, etc. - will help us make better choices with our nutrition. Our nutritionist will love the information, as well!</span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgPjiiZhr6v2Xi-anUTQDzyuLVeFbU0zalgaap8EgTAZPgVZONQ88QwTsaMjHoq1tbZGBJVF1CVj1nKZ-c9YYq7WfwnQGGFpwvm9f8_fjKqMfBsBCDGQ6fGxy3AoZHyZNQYNPgcBctUNI/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgPjiiZhr6v2Xi-anUTQDzyuLVeFbU0zalgaap8EgTAZPgVZONQ88QwTsaMjHoq1tbZGBJVF1CVj1nKZ-c9YYq7WfwnQGGFpwvm9f8_fjKqMfBsBCDGQ6fGxy3AoZHyZNQYNPgcBctUNI/s640/IMG_0394.JPG" width="480"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQaTIj-63PaFSR9_kZWwrnl1kCUvcGXYOLEhiuswo8BDk3_zzo-R2MKzFptWTclDYpq2kpIHkPiIcGegHO6J5kcs8j_H4ai8SCCRlb9oMQuw6yOET7XigDMUprXYX8ekmmNbUR3OXRzaZ/s1600/IMG_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQaTIj-63PaFSR9_kZWwrnl1kCUvcGXYOLEhiuswo8BDk3_zzo-R2MKzFptWTclDYpq2kpIHkPiIcGegHO6J5kcs8j_H4ai8SCCRlb9oMQuw6yOET7XigDMUprXYX8ekmmNbUR3OXRzaZ/s640/IMG_0397.JPG" width="480"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After the Bod Pod fun, it was time to head to the treadmill! Megan spoke with two different doctors - <a href="http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=38441&action=detail&ref=3950&ft=body.cfm"><span style="color: #38761d;">Dr. Nayak</span></a> and <a href="http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=38441&action=detail&ref=733&ft=body.cfm"><span style="color: #38761d;">Dr. Kateyian</span></a> - to discuss both the test and her health/running history. Megan was hooked up to an EKG to monitor her heart and fitted with a mouthpiece to measure her oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange. This is what would give us her <a href="http://www.runningforfitness.org/faq/vo2-max"><span style="color: #38761d;">VO2 max</span></a> and <a href="http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/lactate-threshold.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">anaerobic/lactate threshold</span></a>. </span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOYQlEe-L0ww2NVf_SgqxfuvuEwfM5m3JdVVYzifY_GREwWBJZconVXJ2yv2GwlmhlA7coZB_WeNvVk7eCZ77eg0r6o30i4nnUtpruX_tsj8lxj23wkh6VOO-c-aRSDZy2V1SM0M6Fal7/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOYQlEe-L0ww2NVf_SgqxfuvuEwfM5m3JdVVYzifY_GREwWBJZconVXJ2yv2GwlmhlA7coZB_WeNvVk7eCZ77eg0r6o30i4nnUtpruX_tsj8lxj23wkh6VOO-c-aRSDZy2V1SM0M6Fal7/s640/IMG_0401.JPG" width="480"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNkyQQL3FnqVl1sN6J6KIoTL9YpTQGR0Q0tKXNPvv1dTXALMti4X_OYj_9E6cReE4vvekYZLYWJ2WY3Rxdop2qZxwcZ37y02kUVEaZIg1W-IbATyVWRMTcEXH9aJfjuiNAygfOW5Y2xDK/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNkyQQL3FnqVl1sN6J6KIoTL9YpTQGR0Q0tKXNPvv1dTXALMti4X_OYj_9E6cReE4vvekYZLYWJ2WY3Rxdop2qZxwcZ37y02kUVEaZIg1W-IbATyVWRMTcEXH9aJfjuiNAygfOW5Y2xDK/s640/IMG_0406.JPG" width="480"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Eric had already programmed everything into the computer. Megan would have a minute warm-up and then the real work would begin. She would run for about 10 minutes at an all-out effort until she had reached her anaerobic threshold. We were all cheering for her while she ran! Dr. Kateyian was monitoring her O2 and CO2 exchange and let Eric know when had hit her VO2 max. At this point Eric dropped the pace so she could cool down enough to have a seat again. That was the end of testing!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then Dr. Kateyian went over Megan's results and explained her VO2 max and lactate threshold. He put everything in very clear terms and didn't dumb anything down for us, which was cool. After this we sat down with Eric to review ALL of the results. While we had been speaking with Dr. Kateyian, Eric had been converting the treadmill results to paces. This is where I was most excited!! Up until this point, Megan had been training based on spring race results. Now we had paces based on accurate, RIGHT NOW scientific data. And it's specific to Megan and her body. As a coach, this was such a useful piece of information. I went home and got right to work on updating her pacing plan. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't wait to go through this process as soon as my toe is healed and I can run again! I would highly recommend it to all athletes and coaches. The cost for the clinic is $299.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check out Megan's website <a href="http://www.happylegshappyheart.com/henry-ford-human-performance-clinic-2/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Happy Legs, Happy Heart</span></a> for a more thorough write-up of the process from her perspective. </span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQifyAR5dE8_-0yCZiLhpgjA4nF2GEfM26UqsiViPHAQrD6QF3wV33LEoKERzilinx51mNmUPimA4UvpK3idmZZk0kmge7SCRSUNr66IpAZbEGE1CNOzIET2C45mqX2KPxfMvpcF1u2kU/s1600/HPC+Flyer+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQifyAR5dE8_-0yCZiLhpgjA4nF2GEfM26UqsiViPHAQrD6QF3wV33LEoKERzilinx51mNmUPimA4UvpK3idmZZk0kmge7SCRSUNr66IpAZbEGE1CNOzIET2C45mqX2KPxfMvpcF1u2kU/s640/HPC+Flyer+copy.jpg" width="494"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span><br>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-34497574795720663962016-05-29T12:41:00.001-04:002016-05-29T12:41:34.419-04:00On the Run: River Bank Run 25K 2016<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the past three years I've wanted to run the <a href="https://www.53riverbankrun.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Fifth Third River Bank Run</span></a> in May but forgotten about it until the last minute. It creeps up on me and all of a sudden I think, "Crap! It's THIS weekend?!" To ensure that didn't happen for a fourth year in a row, I signed up when registration opened in November. Brian and I booked The Holiday Inn shortly after. Grand Rapids has been on our list of weekend getaways for a while so this would be a perfect excuse to go there. There are countless breweries (several of Brian's favorites) and many vegan dining options in the city. Beer, good food, AND a race? I could hardly wait until May!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The race fell on May 14, just 4 weeks after <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2016/05/on-run-boston-marathon-2016.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">Boston</span></a>, which I hoped was enough time for my legs to recover. Unfortunately, after my marathon my hamstrings weren't in as good of shape as I had hoped. My right was decent but my left was giving me trouble. I spent the 4 weeks babying them by easing back into longer runs and quicker paces. I wasn't able do get any speed workouts because I didn't think it was worth the risk. My goal was to enjoy the race and run happy; not to run my fastest paces.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Friday</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It took us an eternity to get to Grand Rapids on Friday night because of traffic. Brian dropped me off at the expo while he went to check in at the hotel. Maybe it was because I was at the tail end of it but the expo wasn't much to speak of. I picked up my bib and shirt, grabbed a free water bottle, and headed out. I met Brian back at the hotel (only a 10 minute walk) and we went straight to dinner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dinner was at The Mitten Brewing Co. It was small, crowded, loud, and had a 2-hour wait. At that point we didn't know where else to go so we waited. Drinks were good and people-watching was fun, plus the all-vegan menu was worth the wait!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">BBQ Chicken Pizza (yep, all vegan!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Saturday</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Saturday's weather was overcast and in the 40's - absolutely perfect for racing. Also a far cry from Marathon Monday's sunny 70's one month prior! I dressed in my usual shorts and <a href="http://run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a> singlet but this time I added an ear warmer and arm warmers. For my warm up I also had a long sleeve and pants. It was windy, making it feel even colder that it actually was. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While I ran my mile warm-up I started to get anxious. My stomach was a wreck. I'd been having some digestive issues again and eating that late-night pizza surely wasn't helping matters. My legs weren't good either. Glutes, hamstrings. Oh I was a mess. It was a long, slow, painful mile. I had no idea what was going to happen on that course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brian went with me to the start line. I love having him with me as long as possible. We found a spot to meet after the race and he snapped a picture of me before I found my way into the corral.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I took Brian's advice and started conservatively with the 2:00 pace group. I didn't want to end this race like my last two races - miserable, sore, and regretting starting too fast. It was a good group of people, many of whom were from the area and knew the course well. I got a few pointers but was mostly told to enjoy myself and it would be over before I knew it. Sounded great to me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The race starts downtown and has a pretty good crowd. The course exits downtown Grand Rapids pretty quickly, however, and the crowds thin. I stayed near the pace group and around the same group of runners for the first 3-4 miles. My pace was holding around 7:35/mile, which felt nice and easy. I was closely monitoring my hamstrings to be sure they were feeling okay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The first 6 miles of the course takes runners down Indian Mounds Drive, a beautiful tree-lined stretch of road. I loved this section of the race and took in the scenery as I ran. By then I'd dropped my pace a little bit and although I was feeling okay, I was still being cautious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the end of Indian Mounds Drive was an aid station with cheerleaders. I could hear them before I saw them! After the cheerleaders the road was lined with spectators cheering as we curved around into <a href="http://www.kentcountyparks.org/johnson/index.php"><span style="color: #38761d;">Johnson Park</span></a>. As peaceful as Indian Mounds Drive was, it was about time for some noise! I said something to a guy next to me about the crowd. A moment later he asked my pace because he wasn't wearing a watch. For the next 4 miles we stuck together, chatting about running and averaging a 7:10/mile pace. There were a couple of hills in miles 8-10 but nothing significant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Coming around a curve and up a hill, I saw the 7:30 pace group ahead. I was feeling good so I picked it up a bit and joined them. My plan was to stay with them for the last 5 miles but that pace felt easy so I moved on. I was comfortable to push a bit more as I neared the final third of the race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, my stomach was starting to act up. It had been iffy the whole time but I was starting to worry with each passing mile. 4 miles to go. I was eying every porta-potty I passed. Should I stop? I kept going. Maybe that one. No. I was afraid of losing valuable time on the clock. What if it was a false alarm? What if I ended up being in there forever? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I approached the 20K, I started to think I had no other choice. There was a porta up ahead. I had to stop. No way I could make it 3 more miles. So I got to it . . . and kept going. For a few feet and turned around. Screw it. Not worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After I stopped I caught up to and passed several people I'd been running with, including the whole 7:30 pace group. My last 3 miles were the fastest of the race. In fact, mile 14 was a full minute faster than mile 1! It was definitely worth the stop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Right after I stopped the course took a turn through <a href="http://www.jbzoo.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">John Ball Park</span></a>. It was a beautiful little park that I later found out has a zoo. It reminded me of a mini central park. From there we ran past some historical homes and before I knew it I was back into town, near our hotel, and turning toward the finish line. I was smiling and waving to crowds, so grateful to be finishing strong and happy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Other than some slight hamstring pain on my right side in mile 15 when I pushed the pace, everything felt good. It has been a long time since I've run smart and pulled off negative splits. Right now, a smart race is more important a fast pace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1:56:01</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:28/mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/Athlete-Series/organic-energy-food/banana-maple-oatmeal"><span style="color: #38761d;">CLIF Banana Maple Oatmeal</span></a>, banana (pre-race)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Tunes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Riptide /</i> Vance Joy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Valley </i>/ Mayer Hawthorne</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Joke Explained / </i>Wilco</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Black and White / </i>Parquet Courts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Ex's & Oh's / </i>Elle King</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Something About You / </i>Lucius</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I'm Shakin' / </i>Jack White</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Born Again Teen / </i>Lucius</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Pedestrian at Best / </i>Courtney Barnett</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Swell Content / </i>Speedy Ortiz</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Wolf / </i>Mumford & Sons</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>S.O.B. / </i>Nathanial Rateliff & the Night Sweats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Shut Up and Dance / </i>Walk the Moon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>St. Cecelia / </i>Foo Fighters</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Counting Stars / </i>One Republic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>You've Got Time / </i>Regina Spector</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Elevator Operator / </i>Courtney Barnett</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I'm a Wheel / </i>Wilco</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Innocent / </i>Mayer Hawthorne</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Lately / </i>Soul Asylum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Deceptacon / </i>Jessica Hernandez</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Spark / </i>Fitz & the Tantrums</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Just a Kid </i>(with The Blisters)<i> / </i>Wilco</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Mallie Chan / </i>Otto Vector</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Lust for Life / </i>Iggy Pop</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Rattlesnake / </i>St. Vincent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Blood for Poppies / </i>Garbage</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Walker / </i>Fitz & the Tantrums</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Turn it Around / </i>Lucius</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Ship to Wreck / </i>Florence & the Machine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Race for the Prize / </i>Flaming Lips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Brave / </i>Sara Bareilles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Uprising / </i>Muse</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qa-WBWE9NiXzHJD1aZce0WqDuZn8uDUdnbx3UuZY5PgjOHaDOXuolaLRX8knfsrK24brx1MaHZjiBdyW8Ek3ecXM7mYD8rhCtU2ii6l3czIn5ejUA1BwLAXsFxIwBUzNlzK6klqOSP-O/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qa-WBWE9NiXzHJD1aZce0WqDuZn8uDUdnbx3UuZY5PgjOHaDOXuolaLRX8knfsrK24brx1MaHZjiBdyW8Ek3ecXM7mYD8rhCtU2ii6l3czIn5ejUA1BwLAXsFxIwBUzNlzK6klqOSP-O/s640/IMG_0751.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What's a race without a banana photo?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brian and I met at Starbucks. I was STARVING because I wasn't able to take any gels during the race. Then we headed out to some breweries. We went to <a href="http://www.breweryvivant.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Brewery Vivant</span></a>, <a href="http://foundersbrewing.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Founders Brewing Company</span></a>, and <a href="http://hideoutbrewing.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Hideout Brewing Company</span></a>. Vivant was Brian's favorite; I loved my Mango Magnifico at Founders. Hideout was okay. I had a good spiced pumpkin cider. Here are a few pictures from our morning of brew-tasting:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmOzZZsKCp2eO2wixJZ0nIXLIzwOV00H1akpdn1lGlrr6qqziTPCrfQaAkftcCVisFpZk1pFEoMJ_BFXmeelJ_STPmfw_BUlTr_-zaoUj_6bXA8SUV30lDxtSsnNceNa0GPgXM87nkmx5/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmOzZZsKCp2eO2wixJZ0nIXLIzwOV00H1akpdn1lGlrr6qqziTPCrfQaAkftcCVisFpZk1pFEoMJ_BFXmeelJ_STPmfw_BUlTr_-zaoUj_6bXA8SUV30lDxtSsnNceNa0GPgXM87nkmx5/s640/IMG_0873.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vivant</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk-Su_WutPVhtI5nAA3rsYdmxqhB36lHlJ3QhFVATYgJ6fZbHB7USLlpY1HVYx1FBXAGUqcE0ivWDfaMKDiRgMuLa9BPsOOY6qiqVQxJG4l2bYbFEfHtyKyoFUdFUVvWHKM8-ku_otB-H/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk-Su_WutPVhtI5nAA3rsYdmxqhB36lHlJ3QhFVATYgJ6fZbHB7USLlpY1HVYx1FBXAGUqcE0ivWDfaMKDiRgMuLa9BPsOOY6qiqVQxJG4l2bYbFEfHtyKyoFUdFUVvWHKM8-ku_otB-H/s640/IMG_0874.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Founders</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdtUmMyH0U3Oqm5-QhMZFl3tXauowObysUwRnD5LFpBLl-BQco1i2mceK11o8wBkkRkHh9Yxv0RoKYZevYGZeH3kFN-nQpunPMtdkN88sNfKUNEsiV2XgikJmk2BznDToN1t1qaSNsi8d/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdtUmMyH0U3Oqm5-QhMZFl3tXauowObysUwRnD5LFpBLl-BQco1i2mceK11o8wBkkRkHh9Yxv0RoKYZevYGZeH3kFN-nQpunPMtdkN88sNfKUNEsiV2XgikJmk2BznDToN1t1qaSNsi8d/s640/IMG_0762.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hideout</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After, er, lunch, we figured it was time to get something for dinner and ended up at <a href="http://www.stellasgr.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Stella's Lounge</span></a>. I saw it had many vegan options - burgers, sandwiches, appetizers - so it sounded perfect. We walked from our hotel, giving us a chance to check out a bit more of the city. Stella's has a fun and funky vibe, from the arcade games to the murals on the wall. The food was really tasty. We had beer-battered avocado bites to start (The Avocado Nugents). Following that I had the sweet potato burrito and Brian had a burger. Everything was delicious. I will have to go back to try more of the <a href="http://www.stellasgr.com/menu/"><span style="color: #38761d;">menu</span></a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The city was quiet on Sunday. We ate at a small, casual breakfast at The Kitchen Counter, just a short walk from our hotel. After breakfast we walked around a little bit but it was a cold day so we didn't stay long. We made plans for the next time we visit Grand Rapids - museums, parks, gardens, and more breweries. It is a wonderful city!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SyXqekioCdYrFbvKi5Ujid04bULR39gBAj05706HtlfHnPUt7b1UOfv-jICTkQdhCydJjZ1O1wT4lJxlvscUE03t5JQbVO1JV8fU5-KRSFpl0c8G48a7x4iZ0jUZOVGgmSNqpUAOANFV/s1600/IMG_1615.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SyXqekioCdYrFbvKi5Ujid04bULR39gBAj05706HtlfHnPUt7b1UOfv-jICTkQdhCydJjZ1O1wT4lJxlvscUE03t5JQbVO1JV8fU5-KRSFpl0c8G48a7x4iZ0jUZOVGgmSNqpUAOANFV/s640/IMG_1615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Photos by Brian Wolski</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-46109412083814597562016-05-22T18:08:00.000-04:002016-05-22T18:08:24.313-04:00On the Run: Boston Marathon 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5yIRfft72zhsaIlXAKmTT_91GsqhrXGnznNbFoZeccRlCcW8HWfMynZ5xAqtOa3YPQ9micNSKYXWV0yPAO1dlSKvzOurXLdbMh5KVC832e40UUXXPf580C11X-uPHtE3wixLCBz6Yy_I/s1600/IMG_4898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5yIRfft72zhsaIlXAKmTT_91GsqhrXGnznNbFoZeccRlCcW8HWfMynZ5xAqtOa3YPQ9micNSKYXWV0yPAO1dlSKvzOurXLdbMh5KVC832e40UUXXPf580C11X-uPHtE3wixLCBz6Yy_I/s640/IMG_4898.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Being back in Boston 5 weeks ago filled my heart with joy. I wasn't sure what race day was going to bring but I was grateful to be there after my hamstring injury kept me away last year. I hadn't set a goal for the race other than to run happy and finish injury-free. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As for the rest of the weekend, Brian and I were ready to take a much-needed break from work and enjoy some time in one of our favorite cities! We had Red Sox tickets for Saturday night, blocked off plenty of time for the race expo, and found a few good places to eat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Expo</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We spent a lot of time at the expo this year. I had my shin and hamstring taped at the KT Tape booth, we watched the marathon course preview, and we stood in several lines to meet quite a few of our favorite runners. I drank as much free NUUN as I could while we were waiting! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHvI5qS4HLPsFhW4uJIB1ZaWPURNQqRrx1h59W339lBOsMEuwuMcrtr69hUVOvorPTD56yFd4_LfZrRDxC4dTJJmFa80VG5NdFeptwnca0OEeKFaQHYtcWeYneImVkRwuiSNsDN2mkBwo/s1600/IMG_4894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHvI5qS4HLPsFhW4uJIB1ZaWPURNQqRrx1h59W339lBOsMEuwuMcrtr69hUVOvorPTD56yFd4_LfZrRDxC4dTJJmFa80VG5NdFeptwnca0OEeKFaQHYtcWeYneImVkRwuiSNsDN2mkBwo/s640/IMG_4894.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dean Karnazes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGL6CHTAGatSFmV2b0brO278inkU5nrWHn34uHADZHzbmXpdqjaMw_JibF1DeT9o0r16Na0bF88TbjjnH4gHmAqsmmmSyB-vKRKv4qziR0oZwYADkl5DjlwJIyeZ-BKx0bYiZm5ODuI75/s1600/IMG_1405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGL6CHTAGatSFmV2b0brO278inkU5nrWHn34uHADZHzbmXpdqjaMw_JibF1DeT9o0r16Na0bF88TbjjnH4gHmAqsmmmSyB-vKRKv4qziR0oZwYADkl5DjlwJIyeZ-BKx0bYiZm5ODuI75/s640/IMG_1405.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Meb Keflezighi</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Scott Jurek</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Amy Hastings and Shalane Flanagan</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jYgX-yeOyLqdISBFNU3_8vMHUfV10KE7jFJI3xaBd8P2Qb3QLjbZctBP7MA_GFhlbZNtIM8nTkhF3tichNdAkjwvGRCQVmx61lAXzKAQuhf5T9Uw4lycZ8pa8EWra592RLehdeEmtB-i/s1600/IMG_0475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jYgX-yeOyLqdISBFNU3_8vMHUfV10KE7jFJI3xaBd8P2Qb3QLjbZctBP7MA_GFhlbZNtIM8nTkhF3tichNdAkjwvGRCQVmx61lAXzKAQuhf5T9Uw4lycZ8pa8EWra592RLehdeEmtB-i/s640/IMG_0475.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ryan Hall and Desi Linden</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were a few other highlights as well:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix17j9DI1IVM6LM1EICfbHdvCg7TSatknu9_kV88dT-VMhHCTJxDoXqSMCz78uDFl9ec3qEbZWgVyGMpytkESBwzzI0Nd8-oov2WVYxtLYY6brdRDpxf5p97MFcjSLVMA32nbKbDbA-mg0/s640/IMG_1309.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">TSA stole my race food. Glad to get another in my race bag.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSw8RcQCtiUS0ALFS8C7VZkC0FjLbXJgYVA7pm7xGmXF-PKWeEpfVnqTruWqbodsh9KLlqJGmFSvi3vJouUJXZcy82YnfFQLjK5t72604jog7iYeBIKrwuFWp5nKC5f9vRI0lxR95I2N8/s1600/IMG_4887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSw8RcQCtiUS0ALFS8C7VZkC0FjLbXJgYVA7pm7xGmXF-PKWeEpfVnqTruWqbodsh9KLlqJGmFSvi3vJouUJXZcy82YnfFQLjK5t72604jog7iYeBIKrwuFWp5nKC5f9vRI0lxR95I2N8/s640/IMG_4887.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Everyone had their name on this wall.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEb6-rZctNzqckcmi4667fFb1MyPp4iqUmSW5cMaqBEjY6ip2V11hRmBloUkhH98HuVlZrXt0-WWdOlSmuCTDT-oEtSXLsXZfSRY_IS03bSXwVkaHXrpG149KCv2nW59TMW7TjNHezl87c/s1600/IMG_1467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEb6-rZctNzqckcmi4667fFb1MyPp4iqUmSW5cMaqBEjY6ip2V11hRmBloUkhH98HuVlZrXt0-WWdOlSmuCTDT-oEtSXLsXZfSRY_IS03bSXwVkaHXrpG149KCv2nW59TMW7TjNHezl87c/s640/IMG_1467.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And yes, I caved and bought the jacket. Sucker.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">We stayed in Cambridge and ended up eating dinner there all three nights. Breakfast was the same each day - Pavement Coffee House. There were several around and it was quick and easy. Sadly I wasn't able to find good oatmeal but the Pavement sesame bagels with jam were really damn tasty.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sesame bagel with raspberry jam.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pre-race pizza at Pinocchio's (Cambridge) *WARNING - the eggplant is deep-fried! blegh!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Veggie Wrap & sweet potato fries at The Friendly Toast (Cambridge)</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Burger and fries at Veggie Galaxy (Cambridge) + carrot cake to go</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Race Day</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was up about 4:45am on race morning. Brian documented me getting ready. My new accessories were a headband from the expo and a <a href="http://www.designsthatmoveyou.com/home/wraps"><span style="color: #38761d;">Motivate Wrap</span></a>. Everything else was the same things I always wear for races - RUNdetroit singlet, Lululemon shorts, neon yellow Swiftwick socks, Saucony Type A racing flats, and Saucony Runderwear to match my shoes. Creature of habit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This year instead of taking the regular school buses from Boston Common to Hopkinton I took a charter bus booked through </span><a href="https://www.werunthistown.com/" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Bauman's Running Shop</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> in Flint. While the school buses are fine, runners have to get off in Hopkinton and wait outside in the Athlete's Village. Porta-potty lines are long and the grass is damp. It would be bad on a cold rainy day. With the charter you can wait on the bus until your start time and there were porta-potties by all the buses that never had lines. The bus had water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, and extra toilet paper. All this for $35. Totally worth it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Bauman bus picks up at Hilton Back Bay, which was about 1.5 miles from our hotel in Cambridge. Bus loading was at 6am so I took a cab, not wanting to be up any earlier than necessary. Brian took the ride with me before circling back to the hotel to get ready for his long day of spectating. Because Bauman's is a Michigan bus, I knew several people on it, one being my friend Lindsay. We sat together for the ride to Hopkinton and planned to start together. This year I was assigned Wave 1, Corral 8 but wanted to start with her in Wave 2, Corral 2. I didn't want to be a turtle among cheetahs up in that first wave!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was great to hang out with Lindsay and the other people I knew before the race. Having friends helped calm pre-race jitters and the 4 hours passed relatively quickly. Our start time was 10:20 and we had to leave the Athlete's Village by 9:40. It was a long, slow one-mile walk with all the crowds. As we got closer to the start line, Lindsay and I both realized that because of all the water we'd had on the bus we had to make a last-minute bathroom stop. It was 10:00. We dashed to the portas and prayed the lines moved fast. 10:05. 10:10. Thankfully we made it and were able to get to the corral by 10:15.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Talk about cutting it close.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In those few minutes while we were waiting, Lindsay and I thought, hmmm, it feels a little warmer than the predicted 65 degrees (it was actually 70). There wasn't a cloud in the sky. We were already sweating. In hindsight, I should have taken this into consideration and adjusted my starting pace considerably. Instead I headed out on what would ultimately result in my slowest marathon ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The beginning of the Boston Marathon is absolutely incredible. Like last time, I wanted to shout out, "I'm running Boston!" as I ran past the crowd-lined Hopkinton streets. I was so happy to be back. My legs felt good but I knew I had to keep my pace in check in that first downhill mile. Lindsay and I were chatting but nerves had set in a bit. Somewhere around 1.5-2 miles, I grabbed for my iPod, clipped onto my shorts. I hadn't turned it on yet and wanted to have it ready if Lindsay and I were separated. I felt the right side - no iPod. Left side - no iPod. I looked at Lindsay in panic. "Oh my God - I accidentally donated my iPod to Goodwill!" I had left it in the pocket of my throwaway sweatshirt and was in such a hurry to get going that I completely forgot it! My first marathon without music. My first RACE without music. Okay, I can do this. But I was thrown off and my pace quickened. Before I knew it I was ahead of Lindsay and on my own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I remember passing over the 5k timing mat. It made me happy knowing my friends and family would get their first update. I turned to a man running next to me and said, "Now our family will know how we're doing." "Not dead yet!" he replied. I picked up the pace a bit. Perhaps he wouldn't be my new running partner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">By mile 6 I was starting to question my decision to run this race. Breathing was a struggle and my legs felt heavy. I was running too fast (7:08-7:16) and should have slowed down by a good 30 seconds per mile. My mouth was a desert and water wasn't helping. The heat was affecting me more than I realized. (Unbeknownst to me, the temperature had climbed to 79 degrees by this point.) I ran past the train station in Framingham and wanted to hop on and catch a ride to anywhere. <i>20 miles to go.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Around mile 7 I opened one of my CLIF Shots. Maybe that would give me some energy and help with the dead legs. The sweetness of the gel was nauseating and my mouth was so dry I could barely swallow it. Two miles and two water stations later, I tossed the wrapper aside, grateful to have gotten the nutrition down. <i>18 miles to go.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Usually in a marathon the first half is easy and goes by quickly. Getting to the 10-mile mark was tough. From 10-13 felt like an eternity. My pace dropped 15-30 seconds per mile and I was struggling. I was trying to enjoy the miles by waving to the crowd, high-fiving kids, but my joy was wavering. Lindsay and I had written our names on our arms so occasionally a spectator would cheer my name and that would be a huge boost. I was missing her and wishing I'd stayed with her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I neared Wellesely College, my pace quickened. There is nothing on the course quite like the Wellesely Scream Tunnel. Racers can hear it from a half mile away. Girls screaming, holding signs, begging to be kissed. It's deafening and a sight to behold. I ran though it with a huge smile on my face, taking it all in. My heart was full of joy seeing all these women come out to cheer for us! This year the Scream Tunnel could also be called the Wellesely Wind and Shade Tunnel. We had a pretty decent head wind for much of the race, which was not cool, but I appreciated the beautiful tree-lined shadiness as we ran past the college. There wasn't much of that anywhere else on the course!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just before Wellesely there was a CLIF station and I grabbed a mocha Shot for later. The only flavor I had with me was vanilla and after that last one, there was no way I could have another. Maybe mocha would go down better, plus I was hoping the caffeine might help. When you are through Wellesely you are past the halfway point. <i>14 miles to go.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'd kicked it up for the Scream Tunnel but things went downhill again, more than ever now. My pace dropped to 7:50's for the next 6 miles. I had progressed from jogging through water stations to walking through water stations to full on stopping. In fact, I no longer ran from mile to mile. I ran water station to water station, grateful for the chance to stop again. My mouth was beyond dry. I felt like I was the only one struggling. My legs hadn't been great to begin with and they were getting worse with each passing mile. I broke my a$$ to </span><a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/11/on-run-detroit-free-press-marathon-2014.html" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">qualify</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> for this race but I wasn't going to break it again to finish. So I pushed on the best I could, trying not to worry about pace. I kept trying to find the happy within myself. I used the energy of the crowd and other runners to help. And it did. This race is amazing for that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I considered pulling over and waiting for Lindsay to catch up. Surely she couldn't be far behind. But I kept on going. And then, just before mile 20, I saw the familiar <a href="http://run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a> wings ahead of me as I was finishing a cup of water. I tried to catch up but was afraid I couldn't actually reach her so I desperately screamed, "Lindsay!" She turned and we ran to each other, practically hugging mid-run. We were both babbling about how awful it all was and how we had to just finish no matter what. I was so relieved because I thought I was the only one struggling out there! Her feet were bad and the heat was destroying her; my hamstrings were bad and the heat was killing me too. We were quite the pair. Alone we might not make it but together, we could finish this race. <i>6.2 miles to go.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Together we conquered Heartbreak Hill. We ran through Brookline and were careful not to trip over the train tracks. The Citgo sign welcomed us back into Boston. We turned right on Hereford and left on Boylston together. Brian was waiting for us on Bolyston and had people cheering for us loudly as we ran past.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And then we ran the last beautiful stretch of the marathon together. Down Boylston Street, past the deafening crowds. I pointed out the Starbucks ("You're Almost There"). And then we WERE there, crossing the finish line hand in hand, arms raised. We did it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After hugging each other we were shooed away from the finish line. I made sure to grab a cup of Gatorade along with my water (holy dehydration!). When we were getting our medals I saw Dean Karnazes getting his medal and said, "Hey Dean! How did it go?" He shrugged nonchalantly and replied, "It was a marathon." I laughed and said, "Yep. Just a marathon." Sure Dean. Just a marathon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We parted ways and I met up with Brian. I had a lot to process. It was a tough day on the course - the toughest I've experienced to date. Two years ago I had the race of my life in Boston. Everything went right and I walked away with a PR. I am not the runner I was two years ago. My hamstrings aren't 100% and I didn't want it badly enough this time around. Not enough to sacrifice my health and risk further injury. I knew going into this race it wouldn't be my fastest marathon, though I wasn't expecting it to be slowest my marathon. In any case, I am still proud of the work I did on that course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3:27:02</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:54/Mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/Athlete-Series/organic-energy-food/banana-maple-oatmeal"><span style="color: #38761d;">CLIF Banana Maple Oatmeal</span></a>, banana (pre-race)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">CLIF Shot, vanilla (miles 7-9)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">CLIF Shot, chocolate (mile 18)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And as always, I couldn't have done any of this without Brian. He's supportive of my early alarm clock, my OCD training schedule, the way I plan my week around running. He knows I'm crazy but doesn't complain. He had just as long a day as I did on Marathon Monday. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc-tzf1BVQDZz9HvzmaPTu1NrZlwHfNZHopb2Osi7ozaBzfRow8mzzHL3VQAUDZ5-TROXviY5vbwiirVN0pUySjIAnZYnT7TdMn5xskxLjj9x-_on83fqxmc9LWF31pkH0WVp5GhMIxXS/s1600/IMG_1430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc-tzf1BVQDZz9HvzmaPTu1NrZlwHfNZHopb2Osi7ozaBzfRow8mzzHL3VQAUDZ5-TROXviY5vbwiirVN0pUySjIAnZYnT7TdMn5xskxLjj9x-_on83fqxmc9LWF31pkH0WVp5GhMIxXS/s640/IMG_1430.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Boston 2016 taught me many lessons. One of them is that race times don't tell the whole story. Thank you for reading mine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/05/on-run-boston-marathon-2014.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">Boston Marathon 2014</span></a></span>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-21252459091028824102016-04-12T21:27:00.002-04:002016-04-12T21:27:49.495-04:00On the Run: Martian Invasion of Races 10K 2016<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.48px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrATGEgBevfYCpXcx8lempDxqnTxeYHnQ5hPYtPhCIlGKDRDxITsIQseoH32SUo7T0tK6m4t2P0-pbNLbL9m_fftP7th-1t9L_Scrbhpgp04bGlUuQKm1KoKdxsajFzfEftmeDEAMocvr/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrATGEgBevfYCpXcx8lempDxqnTxeYHnQ5hPYtPhCIlGKDRDxITsIQseoH32SUo7T0tK6m4t2P0-pbNLbL9m_fftP7th-1t9L_Scrbhpgp04bGlUuQKm1KoKdxsajFzfEftmeDEAMocvr/s640/IMG_0325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">On one of the colder, snowier days we've had in a long time (I swear, spring in southeast Michigan has been colder than winter!), Brian and I reluctantly shed our warm layers and stepped out of the car. Normally we run from home to Ford Field Park for the </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;"><a href="http://martianraces.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Martian Invasion of Races</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">but because of the cold, we decided to drive and park a bit closer. It was going to be a long morning outside and we needed other clothes nearby. We were running the 10K at 8:00, cheering for friends finishing the half around 10:30, and meeting my students at 11:15 to run the Kids' Marathon at 12:00. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was snowing when we got to the start corral and the winds were picking up. I wasn't wearing my racing flats and had on my huge warm mittens. Thank goodness I wasn't planning on racing this thing today, not with <a href="http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon.aspx"><span style="color: #38761d;">Boston</span></a> a week away. My plan was to start out at marathon pace (7:15/mile) and drop down if my legs were feeling okay, hoping to get in some good tempo miles. I didn't start at the front because I didn't want to push the pace. I also wasn't really paying attention, was talking to people, and all of a sudden the corral was filled up all the way to the start line! </span></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">Thankfully the crowd thinned out quickly. As planned, I started out at marathon pace. At the first mile marker I caught up to three ladies, held pace with them, then inched ahead on a slight incline. (Hill work is paying off!) One of them caught back up to me and got ahead until mile 2. At that point the course hits a ramp that heads downhill to </span><a href="http://www.traillink.com/trail/rouge-river-gateway-greenway-(hines-park-trail).aspx" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Hines Drive</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">. I had picked up the pace a bit and caught up to her again. Once we hit Hines - my familiar training ground - I passed her. I was motivated by volunteers cheering and a cameraman. I smiled, waved, and thanked them all. Before I knew it I had pulled away. When I hit the turn-around and heard a volunteer say "first female" I was shocked. I hadn't realized no other ladies were ahead of me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the turn-around I saw a few other people I knew to wave at and cheer for, including Brian. Then the course hits the paved trail section that winds through campus, where it gets a little hilly. This year the race was small so it was a bit lonely in there. I only saw two men ahead of me the whole time on the trail. After chicking the first one I chased the second one the whole way to back to Michigan Avenue, where I was finally able to pass him. Unlike <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2016/03/on-run-rock-cf-12-marathon-2016.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">Rock CF</span></a> a few weeks ago, my legs felt good and strong finishing. It was much slower than my <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/04/on-run-martian-invasion-of-races-10k.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">best Martian time</span></a>, but it was a solid tempo run at the end of a less-than-ideal marathon build-up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brian did an amazing job with his race! He has not been a fan of 10Ks but this one might have made him a convert - even in the wintry conditions!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiktKG6enx6qQoN1gIWgUwa8VSeuUE-4iCwbL0TNeaSilgoX1EdL2rw_yDYWeH97tvD1l7nDUbdpztGL0MFGEgscjqlinfuedxf-ABfCrfAnGitiMC6avvhoRKriU_0KCHwX7F3AZPz-4i/s1600/IMG_0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiktKG6enx6qQoN1gIWgUwa8VSeuUE-4iCwbL0TNeaSilgoX1EdL2rw_yDYWeH97tvD1l7nDUbdpztGL0MFGEgscjqlinfuedxf-ABfCrfAnGitiMC6avvhoRKriU_0KCHwX7F3AZPz-4i/s640/IMG_0341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">After the race I ran a couple of cool down miles (in a white-out), then hit Starbucks to warm up with coffee and oatmeal. Then it was back to the races to cheer on some fellow </span><a href="http://run-detroit.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;"> Flight Club friends as they finished the half marathon. I also picked up my award - a stein and medallion from </span><a href="https://www.glassacademy.com/" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">Glass Academy</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;"> as well as a free entry for next year's Martian 10K. YAY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">43:20</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6:59/Mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">banana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Tunes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>E.T. / </i>Katy Perry</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>S.O.B. / </i>Nathanial Rateliff & The Nightsweats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Shut Up and Dance / </i>WALK THE MOON</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Caught Up / </i>Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>St. Cecelia / </i>Foo Fighters</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Born Again Teen / </i>Lucius</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Random Name Generator / </i>Wilco</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Swell Content / </i>Speedy Ortiz</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Something About You / </i>Lucius</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Girl From Mars / </i>Ash</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The Walker / </i>Fitz & the Tantrums</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Deceptacon / </i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Cadillac, Cadillac / </i>Train</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally it was time to go meet the 50+ students (4-5th Grade Girls Running Club, plus other boys and girls in K-5) and my co-captain who were coming to run the Martian Kids' Marathon from my school. Since February the kids have been running and logging miles, trying to run 25 miles total. Saturday they were lining up to run their final 1.2 miles of the marathon. At the end they would each receive a marathon medal for their hard work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">I was so proud of all the mini martians! While we waited in the cold, the kids warmed up with high knees and knee hugs to get their muscles ready. Then they ran their hearts out, with smiles on their faces. Crossing the finish line with these kids made my heart happier than crossing it during my own race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And see that girl in the pink? Watch out for that one. She may be small but she's determined and she's got quite a kick.</span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-17970592222675377772016-03-29T14:57:00.001-04:002016-04-07T08:21:15.368-04:00On the Run: Rock CF 1/2 Marathon 2016<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wasn't ready to race a half marathon. I hadn't done a true speed workout or tempo run since before the <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2015/12/on-run-nyc-marathon-2015.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">NYC marathon</span></a> in November. None of my paces have improved over the course of my training cycle and if anything, they have only become more challenging to maintain. To make matters worse, my quads had been sore for a week from a hilly long run. Yet here I was, toeing the starting line on March 20th at the 6th annual <a href="http://www.outruncf.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon</span></a>. This is my favorite race and I wouldn't miss it for anything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brian and I arrived at 5:45 to volunteer at the packet pickup table. I love handing racers their shirts and bibs and wishing them luck on the race. This year everything was staged at Grosse Ile Middle School for the first time - packet pickup, port-a-potties, start/finish, and post-race snacks. There has been a gradual shift from the high school to the middle school over the years and it was nice to finally have everything at one location. While I had to sneak away from my shift a little early to prepare to run, Brian could stay on as super volunteer even after the race started.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The atmosphere at Rock CF is always fun and relaxed, thanks in large part to <a href="http://running.competitor.com/2015/06/video/emily-schaller-fighting-cystic-fibrosis-through-running_130054"><span style="color: #38761d;">Emily Schaller</span></a>, race director extraordinaire. She is why this race has been such a success since it's first year. I waited in the corral with some of my <a href="http://www.beboldcrew.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Be Bold Crew</span></a> friends, which helped me relax a bit. I don't get nervous for races often but today I was worried. How fast should I run? How fast COULD I run? Would my quads hold out? This was not going to be pretty.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvYiQAv1BgzLLYDY8nos9bfwrS2BO9KkQ7B8pD5KbdwcxyrrxIo2zReeS6A4hkSTeSIVdL2BcOvw5wDelk2GGV0NMGghFyIuTR3qTQcgvu-1Axp5u4QTBfQXBNvBW2-9BqaQ-mK903FJX/s1600/IMG_4576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvYiQAv1BgzLLYDY8nos9bfwrS2BO9KkQ7B8pD5KbdwcxyrrxIo2zReeS6A4hkSTeSIVdL2BcOvw5wDelk2GGV0NMGghFyIuTR3qTQcgvu-1Axp5u4QTBfQXBNvBW2-9BqaQ-mK903FJX/s640/IMG_4576.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Starting the race with Coach Geo</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">What was pretty, however, was the sunshine. And the blue skies. And the water. So I took it all in as I ran. This course is beautiful as it winds around the island and the miles always pass quickly. I was pushing hard but with each passing mile, my legs grew more and more tired. Generally I'm able to pick up the pace as my legs warm up but I was fearing the worst - I had gone out too hard and was going to bonk. I took my gel around mile 7 (earlier than usual) in hopes that it would help give me some added energy. Before I knew it I was approaching the relay exchange, close to the 8-mile mark. I saw several RUNdetroit friends . They cheered and I waved, which gave me a confidence boost. This was great but I also ran a little too fast after because I was excited. My pacing was just all over the map!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekDlAlDpizbOFAooYpmimaqOvF3UYDu9n2vHbeDl0_HN4yJV1-xBYxlSzTwEP7LQBUqlEByOxJa8SbgXllbwYzmcCzacMtfmn9M9cwh9hFtg40DGgsu4Anac8ptCb3JRM005BviToBvIk/s1600/IMG_4594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekDlAlDpizbOFAooYpmimaqOvF3UYDu9n2vHbeDl0_HN4yJV1-xBYxlSzTwEP7LQBUqlEByOxJa8SbgXllbwYzmcCzacMtfmn9M9cwh9hFtg40DGgsu4Anac8ptCb3JRM005BviToBvIk/s640/IMG_4594.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nothing beats a Rock CF sunrise</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">Between the exchange and mile 10 I started to struggle. My quads, which started giving me trouble around mile 3, began to seize up. I had real doubts about being able to finish the race in any respectable time. I sidled up to another racer at the 9-mile mark and started chatting. We talked for about a mile until we got to the hangar. I knew there I would see Justin and ACE! from RUNdetroit - another boost. Upon exiting the hangar there is just another 5K to go! The next mile flew by for me. YES! I can do it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then I hit a wall. Yes, a wall in a half marathon. I'm still not sure I've ever hit one in a marathon but here I was at mile 11 of a half marathon and I was DONE. My quads were screaming at me. It was windy. Every "hill" felt like a mountain. I couldn't stop looking at my watch. I contemplated jumping in the police car I passed. On the outside I was smiling and waving but on the inside I was cursing and crying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I passed my friend Zach with about .6 mile to go. "How ya feeling?" he asked? "Like sh*t!" I yelled back with a laugh. "Almost there!" he said. And although I really was almost there, it felt like forever before I rounded the corner into the finish chute. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Running through the finish chute felt as if my legs were in slow motion. Did Emily fill it with pudding this year? Surely she must have. I did not give it my all because I had nothing left to give. I ran it in smiling and waving at Brian. I wasn't fast but I was happy. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photographic evidence - no pudding in the finish chute</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Emily congratulated each racer as he or she finished</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The best part about the day was being with my running families - <a href="http://run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a> and Be Bold Crew. RUNdetroit sponsored the 5K and representation was strong in the 5K, half marathon, and 2-person relay. Everyone ran strong and many people set PRs. We had a few pacers, as well! I was proud of each and every one of them!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">RUNdetroit Flight Club</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Coach Terra was there with the Be Bold Bus and had the tent set up with snacks including bagels and <a href="http://nakeebutter.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Nakee Butter</span></a>. Everyone in the crew set PR's for the half marathon and Roger relayed in his fire fighter gear. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Be Bold Crew</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Coach Terra says I set a happy PR because I ran with a smile. As for my time, I ran this race 6 minutes slower than <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/03/on-run-rock-cf-12-marathon-2014.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">two years ago</span></a>. Yes, a 6-minute <i>negative</i> PR. I wasn't happy about that but it gave me a wake-up call about where I am in my training. It reminded me where I want to be and forced me to take a good hard look at what I need to do to get there. It's still early in the season. I have plenty of time for happy, bold, and fast running ahead!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1:34:26</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace </b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:13 min/mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.munkpack.com/products/apple-quinoa-cinnamon/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Munkpack - Apple Quinoa Cinnamon</span></a>, banana (pre-race)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/Athlete-Series/clif-shot/vanilla"><span style="color: #38761d;">CLIF Shot</span></a> - Vanilla (during)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Tunes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>10th Floor Ghost Girl</i> / Cibo Matto</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Joke Explained</i> / Wilco</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Ex's and Oh's</i> / Elle King</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>St. Cecelia</i> / Foo Fighters</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Black and White</i> / Parquet Courts</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Born Again Teen</i> / Lucius</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Violent Shiver</i> / Benjamin Booker</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I'm Shakin'</i> / Jack White</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Gold on the Ceiling</i> / The Black Keys</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>After the Disco</i> / Broken Bells</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>You Were on My Mind</i> / Lucius</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Runaway Baby</i> / Bruno Mars</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Dead Brains</i> / Jessica Hernandez</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Walker</i> / Fitz & the Tantrums</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Shake it Off</i> / Taylor Swift</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Pedestrian at Best</i> / Courtney Barnett</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>S.O.B.</i> / Nathanial Rateliffe & the Nightsweats</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Anklebiters</i> / Paramore</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Ship to Wreck</i> / Florence + the Machine</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Blood for Poppies</i> / Garbage</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Rattlesnake</i> / St. Vincent</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Innocent</i> / Mayer Hawthorne</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Deceptacon</i> / Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>50 Ways to Say Goodbye</i> / Train</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Man</i> / Neko Case</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Race for the Prize</i> / The Flaming Lips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Brave</i> / Sara Bareilles</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And of course, none of this would be possible without my rock - Brian. What other husband would get you to the race at 5:45, volunteer before and during the race, take amazing photos, and be there waiting with a hug when you're done? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>All photos by Brian Wolski</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How do you feel about racing when you are not race-ready?</b></span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-3227053868740446972016-03-13T16:14:00.000-04:002016-03-13T16:27:04.848-04:00Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I'll go run hills next week. </i>I first said this a month ago but each week came and went without me running any hills. The first time I didn't go because I was sick. Valid excuse. Then my friend was going to do a long run with me in Detroit. I abandoned my plans in a heartbeat to stay and run with her. Then Brian and I planned a spur-of-the-moment weekend trip. Hey, I can't go if we're out of town.<i> </i>Last week I was <i>really </i>going to go . . . but the roads were icy/snowy/slushy and it's a 45-minute drive to PR Fitness in Ann Arbor where I was running. Running close to home just sounded nicer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That brings us to yesterday. No more excuses. <a href="http://www.baa.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Boston Marathon</span></a> is just over 5 weeks away and if I want to have a halfway decent race experience I need to get my butt on some hills. Real hills. Not the overpass that leaves me breathless on the Green <a href="http://www.run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a> loop. Not the rolling bumps of <a href="http://experiencedetroit.com/hinesdrive.htm"><span style="color: #38761d;">Hines Drive</span></a> in Dearborn. No. HILLS. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Training this week was my toughest yet. I'm at peak mileage and my legs have been toast since Tuesday. Forget a tempo run. As yesterday's 20-miler drew closer, I started to worry. I knew I could run the miles but with what my week has felt like on flat land, I was sure to be a snail on hills! I texted Coach Terra, asking for her advice. She told me that my legs are tired from the week's volume, not to worry about pace, and the hills would be fun. <i>It will be good for you, </i>Terra said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Okay, coach says do it. And that's when I finally admitted the real reason I've been putting this off. It wasn't the miles, the hills, the pace. I was nervous. Nervous to run with a new group. All the what-ifs. What if I don't have someone to run with? What if I get lost? What if people aren't friendly? What if I have a bathroom issue in the middle of nowhere?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As it turned out, I met another girl who is training for Boston. We ran together and talked the whole time. The miles passed easily. Because I was running with people there was no way I could get lost. Everyone was friendly before, during, and after the run. All my worries went unfounded. Well . . . except for that last worry about the bathroom issue. Story of my life. But even that could have been worse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now that I've gone out to PR Fitness once I'm looking forward to going back. Friendly people, hills, new places to run, water stops. If you never step out of your comfort zone you might never find out what you're missing.</span><br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-86838492549986651782016-03-06T13:39:00.000-05:002016-03-06T13:39:11.475-05:00Little Bold Victories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This marathon training cycle hasn't been about typical milestones. I'm steadily building my mileage; increasing my weekly volume and long run distance. The runs themselves haven't been overwhelming; however, I feel that each one has presented a new challenge to overcome that has left me feeling bolder and stronger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Due to some crappy weather this week, I ran on the treadmill one day. Treadmill runs are hard for me because my stride is different, putting strain on my hamstring. The faster I go the worse it is. The solution? Run slower, which means more time on the treadmill. Better safe than in pain. About halfway in at a slower pace I felt good and was able to increase my speed to my aerobic pace. Getting to that point was my bold victory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another day this week I had a 12-mile tempo run. My plan was to warm up 2 miles, run 3x3 tempo intervals (2 minute jog between), then cool down for the rest. As soon as I started I could feel my legs were not up for the task. My first set was faster than aerobic but hardly tempo pace. There was no way I could run out my miles as planned. When I hit my turn-around point at mile 6, however, I decided to give it another try. I knew I had 3 miles of open road stretching out ahead of me so I ran as fast as I could - my own private 5K time trial. It was the fastest I'd run in months! Making that choice to run those 3 tempo miles when I was ready to give up was my bold victory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday I ran 18 miles. That was not my bold victory. It was the little moments within the run - introducing myself to a girl I didn't know so we could run together and talk for 7 miles, running through my favorite parts of Detroit by myself, sloshing through the slushiest snow with a smile - those were the bold victories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't lose sight of the small moments, the little victories. </span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-45371738567145857642015-12-05T15:12:00.000-05:002015-12-05T15:12:29.357-05:00On the Run: NYC Marathon 2015<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On Halloween, my mom dropped Brian and me off at the airport to head to New York City for the <a href="http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">TCS NYC Marathon</span></a>. I'd only been to the city for one day so staying in Manhattan and spending the weekend there was going be be fun. Work and life had been nonstop for both of us so we really hadn't had a chance to get excited about it until we got on the plane. We both packed light, needing little more than running gear and jeans, so we didn't have to check a bag. That made getting in and out of the airport super easy (especially LaGuardia, which is not a place you want to spend any more time than necessary). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We arrived in NYC around 10:15am and hopped right in a cab. The ride to the hotel wasn't bad since it was a Saturday morning. Brian was busy looking up things on his phone so we knew what buildings and bridges we were seeing as we passed. I got a preview of the <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Queensboro_Bridge_from_Manhattan_side.jpg&imgrefurl=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queensboro_Bridge&h=2448&w=3264&tbnid=-Mz08c7WpNBnOM:&tbnh=160&tbnw=213&usg=__QFUZTws1dMUMrz_IfU_WzJKEuWk=&docid=kWdnNgryA33-3M&itg=1"><span style="color: #38761d;">Queensborough Bridge</span></a>. Oh man. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiA6erekcXJAhUIKCYKHTWHAjcQtwIIJjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dsbqm3q1_yZk&usg=AFQjCNFqxhV6pIu4S7FYz-XqhhK9IxCBvw&sig2=5MxA8kS4aQI5lO-8SfXnDA&bvm=bv.108538919,d.eWE"><span style="color: #38761d;">My back was getting tight</span></a> just looking at it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since it was too early to check into our hotel we went right to the expo. There was a shuttle bus that picked up right outside of our hotel and drove us to the <a href="http://www.javitscenter.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Javits Center</span></a>. Perfect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been to the Boston expo, which is huge. This expo, however, is ginormous. No comparison. First you go to a machine to print out a ticket with your bib number, which you take to the volunteers who give you your bib. I've never seen that before. Usually showing your ID is enough. Then you go to get your shirt. Before you pick out your size you can try on all the sizes from volunteers who have "try on shirts". I felt like they were my personal shoppers! They let me know if the sleeves were too short or if it was too tight. Together we decided that I should get a small. Once you get your shirt there are no exchanges so it's best to try on first.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now I had all the official things. It was time go explore the rest of the expo. First stop was the Asics booth. Asics is the official sponsor so this was a huge area. At first I wanted to avoid it completely but then I thought, hmmm... Maybe just a little look-see. Brian braved it with me and ended up finding me some sweet shirts. I almost caved and bought a jacket but they are just too expensive for something I likely won't wear that much. I mean, I don't even wear my Boston jacket. (Of course the next day I regretted not buying one and still sort of wish I had!) Waiting in line to purchase merchandise was like being at Cedar Point. The line wound around and around. It was well-organized but I have just never seen so many people at an expo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After Asics, Brian nearly jumped for joy when we turned the corner and he saw the <a href="http://www.gore.com/en_xx/products/consumer/runningwear/index.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">GORE Running Wear</span></a> booth. I had no idea what had him so excited. I know what Gore-Tex is and he explained that this is their gear and clothing line - hats, gloves, shirts, jackets, arm sleeves, etc. Much of it is windproof and waterproof. He really wanted a good hat, which he was able to buy. The guys working the booth were cool and we chatted with them for a bit. I was also able to help convince a runner that she wouldn't need arm warmers and a hat for the 60-degree marathon. In her defense, she was from Dubai and probably hasn't felt 60 degrees in a long time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Next I found the KT booth, where I waited an eternity. I've been taping my knee myself for a month but wanted to see if a professional had a different technique (he did). Mostly, however, I wanted to get my hamstring taped. Since my knee injury it started to flare up again, likely due to a change in my gait. I was worried about the race, not only because of the distance but also all the elevation changes as well. So I waited for over an hour while people had their entire bodies taped. I'm not sure why some of these people were even running!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While I waited, Brian was exploring the expo and making friends at <a href="https://www.skechers.com/en-us"><span style="color: #38761d;">Skechers</span></a> and <a href="http://www.saucony.com/en/home"><span style="color: #38761d;">Saucony</span></a>. Both had connections to <a href="http://www.run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a>. When I was <i>finally</i> done getting taped we both headed to Skechers to check out their new apparel and NYC shoes. Brian got a really sweet waterproof, windproof jacket and I got a hooded zip-up jacket that's very cozy. Both were 50% off. Their apparel is new and I'm really excited about it. Stylish, comfortable, reasonable priced, and good quality. They didn't have a lot of different choices but I think the line will be expanding soon enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We made our way over to Saucony next. I eyed the Granny Smith Kinvaras but didn't buy them. I convinced myself I didn't need a new pair of shoes. Instead I bought their cute NYC tee shirt that had just been marked down in price. These are the advantages to going on the last day of the expo. (I did cave and buy the shoes later from RUNdetroit!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As we were walking toward the exits, we came upon a course strategy presentation and stopped to listen. We got there partway through the talk but by then I was exhausted, both mentally and physically. It had been a long day and we'd been at the expo for several hours. I was only half listening. In hindsight, I probably should have paid more attention, especially considering I didn't even finish watching the course video. Although I talked to friends who'd run it, I was focusing more on their experience than on what they had to say about the actual course. I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We were about to leave when I doubled back to the race day information section. This is where you could view huge course maps, find out where to meet your family after the race, and see a giant map of the Athletes' Village. I didn't really need to stop because it was all information I'd looked at in the Athlete's Guide; however, I wanted to make absolutely sure I knew what I was doing. Bad idea. All it did was overwhelm me and completely cause me to panic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>What if I didn't know when to get off the subway? </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Would it be easy to find the Green Athlete's Village? </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I hate crowds! Why am I running this race?!! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I get seasick. Why am I taking the ferry?!!</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">What if I didn't find Brian at the "</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">W</span><i style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">" in the Family Meeting Area? </i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My chest was about to explode and my eyes were welling up with tears. I had to get out of the expo! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">[Note to future self: NEVER spend 3+ hours at a race expo. Ever.]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It didn't help that I was hungry and exhausted. Brian and I took the bus back to the hotel, checked in, and crashed for a bit. While I was nearly comatose, he searched online for a place to eat. At that point I honestly didn't care what we ate. Pre-race rituals be damned! He found a pizza place we could walk to called <a href="http://www.pizzarteny.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Pizza Arte</span></a>. (<a href="http://s3-media4.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/IiXDolnwdksqLy2-RsxNyw/ls.jpg"><span style="color: #38761d;">Apparently Matt Damon has been there</span></a> so it must be good. haha) Because we didn't have reservations we sat at the bar, which is what we like anyway. We shared a delicious kale and quinoa salad and each got a pizza. It was dinner-plate sized pizza, super thin crust. The style was very much like <a href="http://supinopizzeria.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Supino</span></a>, which is the best pizza in Detroit. So basically it was amazing. Mine had roasted veggies and red sauce (Toto on the menu) - I just had to ask them to leave off the cheese. I ate the whole thing. It was more than I usually eat before a race but we ate early (around 5:00/5:30) so I had plenty of time for food to digest. Eating more food was a big help on race day. I just might be a pre-race pizza girl from now on!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After dinner we went back to the hotel, I got my stuff all ready for race day, had a snack, and was in bed at 8:00, asleep before 9:00. Sunday was going to be a long day and I needed all the sleep I could get!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sunday morning my alarm went off at 4:30. I wanted to be dressed and ready to leave our hotel room at 5:00. And ready I was, coffee and all!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Transportion</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The transportation process for the NYC marathon is seriously amazing. Getting 50,000 runners to the start line on Staten Island is a huge feat and it all moved so smoothly. There were three stages: subway, ferry, bus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>1. Subway</b>: Being from the metro-Detroit area, I don't have much experience with taking subways (or any form of public transportation) so I was a little nervous about making sure I got on the right train. When I arrived at 5:20, there were only two people waiting. Both runners, of course. I made friends right away, figuring I would follow them. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Eventually more runners filtered down. I loved talking to different people and hearing their stories. Most of them were running NYC for the first time, although some<span style="color: red;"> </span>had been slated to run in 2012 when it was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The time passed quickly and eventually a train came, which we rode to Whitehall Terminal. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">2. Ferry</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">: From the subway to Whitehall Terminal, it was about a one-block walk. I had made friends with a girl at the subway station so we walked in together. She was on the 6:00 ferry and I was on the 6:15. We said out good-byes and wished each other luck. At that point I was alone again, wondering what to do with myself. I turned to a woman sitting down and asked if she was on the 6:15 ferry. Not only was she on my ferry but she was in my same Village! Chrissie had run NYC the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">previous year</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and had also run Boston. She was able to give me some comparisons between the two, as well as some tips for NYC. We also met another woman, Emily, and the three of us stuck together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm not sure which ferry we ultimately got on - either 6:30 or 6:45 - because once you're there you can get on whatever one you want. You are basically just herded toward the gate and if you make it through before the doors close, you get on. We stood on the outside of the boat so we could see Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. It was beautiful. One option is to take the bus but a friend had recommended taking the ferry for this view; I'm grateful I took his advice. It was peaceful.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chrissie, Emily, and me on the ferry. Thanks Emily for the photos! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>3.</b> <b>Bus</b>: Once you arrive on Staten Island, you aren't at the start line yet! You then board a bus that drives you about 10 minutes to the Athletes' Village. Emily and I sat together and talked. It made the time go by fast to have great people along the way. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Athletes' Village</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Finally we had arrived!! The Athlete's Village is set up at the base of the <a href="http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/veraz.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">Verrazano-Narrows Bridge</span></a>, where the race starts. Unlike the Boston marathon, which has one athletes' village, NYC has THREE athletes' villages - Blue, Orange, and Green - based on your start location. Blue and Orange start on the top of the bridge and Green starts on the bottom. Once you arrive and walk through security, you find your village. This is where Chrissie and I had to say good-bye to Emily. I hugged her and told her to run with happy legs and a happy heart. (Later on Facebook she told me did run happy!) Chrissie and I went to the Green village. Once there we found water, Dunkin' Donuts bagels, tea, and coffee, and lots or port-a-potties. I'm not kidding. You didn't even have to wait in a line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">By this time it was maybe 8:00. Chrissie had brought her post-race poncho from last year so we used it like a picnic blanket. While we hung out I ate my Cliff Mojo bar and changed into my real socks and racing flats (I had not only taken throw-away clothes but shoes and socks as well - everything was donated to Goodwill). They announced that the corrals for our wave were open and would close at 8:50. (We were both in the same wave but different corrals.) If you didn't get into your corral by 8:50 you had to wait for the next wave. Around 8:40 I gave Chrissie a hug, wished her luck, and said good-bye. I was sad to leave her but it was time to move on to the next step.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The waves are sectioned off by corrals, A-F at least. Once you are in your corral there are port-a-potties and Goodwill bins. This is where I finally ate my banana. I waited from 8:50-9:30 and heard the start of the women's race. At 9:30 they pulled away the ropes for the corrals and we all got to move to the bridge. Another 20 minutes to wait - almost time! The time passed quickly again because I talked to some friendly people. Before I knew it the countdown was on! </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Race</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Staten Island</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I've said, the race begins in Staten Island on the Verrazano Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in the United States. It was amazing to be running on that bridge, knowing that I had all these people around me from across the country and around the world. Not only were they next to me and in front of me but there was a whole level of people running above me as well! Pretty awesome. I had a good starting position so I didn't feel too packed in. At first it was a bit tricky to navigate and there were a few people taking selfies (seriously?!!) but after a mile or so things opened up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One thing that was not so cool was my Garmin. I wasn't able to lock in a signal until I was about 1/4 mile in. Once I did get a signal it was completely wacky. According to my Garmin, my pace was fluctuating between a 4:00/mile and a 12:00/mile - neither of which I was running. I was frustrated that I couldn't rely on that for my pace and in turn, frustrated with myself for having such a bad sense of my own pacing. It finally settled down after a few miles but was still jumpy for the whole race. The bridges, buildings, and 1,000s of other GPS devices around me probably didn't help.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brooklyn</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When you exit the bridge around mile 2 you're in Brooklyn. All I kept hearing about this race was the crowds. Crowds everywhere! When I first got off the Verrazano Bridge, however, there weren't a lot of spectators. It was a bit quiet at first, like people are just starting to wake up and come outside. I was a little worried about how much I was already craving crowd support.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the 5K split I realized I was running a 6:45 pace, which was not in the plan. With a bad hamstring and a hilly course, there was no way I could sustain that pace. I tried to slow it down a bit but was still struggling with knowing just how fast I was going. I wanted to slow down but also didn't want to worry too much about pace. I wanted to enjoy the ride. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, I sure enjoyed Brooklyn! That was one of my favorite boroughs. At this point, I was still running only with the Green wave (those who started on the bottom of the bridge). The Orange and Blue waves run a different way for just over 3 miles before converging. The part where we came together was indescribable. It was amazing to be running down a relatively quiet street and to see a stream of runners ahead. When I got there I turned right onto that street to join them. I felt like THAT was where the real marathon began! And <i>that</i> is where the crowds began! Spectators were shouting, "Brooklyn!" Police officers were standing in the median, looking like they just stepped out of <i>NYPD Blue</i>. Music was playing. The miles just clicked on by. Before I knew it I had hit the 10K mark. 6:49. CRAP. Not much better. The Beastie Boys and the Strokes played in my ears and I was soaking up the sights. Running happy. Afterwards I read that Brooklyn is the flattest and fastest borough, which definitely showed in my splits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Although Brooklyn may be the <i>flattest</i> borough, that doesn't mean it is <i>flat</i>. The whole marathon was up and down. Around mile 6-8, the course runs up Lafayette Avenue, which is a beautiful street lined with trees, brick townhouses, and cheering spectators. It was at this point that I realized just how important that crowds were going to be for me. Their cheering drove me forward. There was an incline that, under normal circumstances, should have felt challenging; today it felt brutal. I had a hard time getting my breathing back under control after I got to the top. This was not a good sign. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After I regained my composure I took my first gel, probably around mile 7.5, and grabbed a water at mile 8. Nothing about that fueling stop went well. The CLIF Shot tasted too sweet and sticky; it didn't digest well. I felt like I didn't get enough water but the water I did get seemed to be sloshing around. I tried to forgot about it, hoping I would miraculously not need another gel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I leaned on the crowd for support, waving to them and smiling when the going got tough. They were fantastic. With one exception. All of a sudden I heard, "Yeah ROCKY!" Then about 30 second later there it was again, "Go ROCKY!" Every 30 seconds or so I would hear some variation of it. I finally figured out that the shirtless, headband guy I was keeping pace with down Lafayette must have "Rocky" somewhere on his body. It was starting to get annoying. I had to get away. And I did. Phew.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />For a short while we ran through a Hasidic neighborhood, which was relatively quiet compared to the rest of the course. Traditionally-dressed residents of the neighborhood were out heading to work and the streets were not lined with spectators. One of the women darted out into the street and I came way too close to running her over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Somewhere between 10 and 13 miles, things started to slow down for me. Maybe slow down isn't quite the right phrase. I was still running fast enough but I was <i>feeling</i> slow and I couldn't believe I still had so many miles left to run. I passed the halfway point in 1:30:44 - on my way to a 3:00 marathon. In all honesty, I wasn't prepared to run a 3:00 marathon on flat roads and here I was busting ass on hills. The course was already way more challenging than I had anticipated and I still had more bridges to climb. Confidence was dwindling and my hamstring was getting more sore with each passing mile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Moving from Brooklyn into Queens I crossed the Pulaski Bridge. I actually liked this bridge. It was short but steep. I enjoyed powering up and passing people on the way. Although there weren't too many spectators there were enough to make it fun. My favorites were the construction worker guys sitting there with a lunch pail. I waved and said hi. I almost wished for a cat call. Then it would have felt like true NYC. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Queens & Manhattan (Part 1)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When you exit the Pulaski Bridge you're in Queens. One of my racing mantras is "run the mile you're in." I tried to forget about the miles that I'd already run, the boroughs I'd passed through. No matter what had happened I was here in Queens and I could run it happy. It was my race and mine alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And then I heard, "Yeah ROCKY!" Damn it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Queens is only about 2 miles of the course but it's a lively 2 miles. The bands and spectators helped the miles pass quickly. One band was doing a Pearl Jam cover. Before I knew it I was at the Queensborough Bridge, ready to cross over to Manhattan. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Compared with all the hooting and hollering of the rest of the course, the Queensborough Bridge was eerily quiet. No spectators and just a few other racers around me. I could actually hear my music. Being a "King of Queens" fan, I'd been waiting for this bridge for months! Coming off the bridge, however, it wasn't my <i>back</i> that was getting tight (that would be later). It was my <i>calves</i>. Hoo-wee! And my hamstring was in really rough shape. Remember how I was on track for a 3:00 marathon at the halfway point? Just 3 miles later that 3:00 marathon was quickly slipping away as my pace slowed to 7:00 min/mile (3:03). And I knew I wouldn't be able to maintain that for another 10 miles.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thankfully, exiting the bridge at mile 16 begins an amazing journey down 1st Avenue in Manhattan. The crowd support is unparalleled here. Crowds are 6 deep for miles and the roar was louder than any music playing in my ears. Brian was on First Avenue and was able to catch a few pictures of me.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">First Avenue</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzGh-OGO9g8dKfzN9bUfl6CbAxMrQBhS5mfeJ6WxpM2WsPfiiz3czQLUjWSNbd7V8ORfMXS4j1-fQdCZPc7bJnu1CHsX4Z3bNTb3cklrqsinK5U-kvRhhaYyY-0jqITBhAb4h-AOAot3E/s1600/IMG_3998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzGh-OGO9g8dKfzN9bUfl6CbAxMrQBhS5mfeJ6WxpM2WsPfiiz3czQLUjWSNbd7V8ORfMXS4j1-fQdCZPc7bJnu1CHsX4Z3bNTb3cklrqsinK5U-kvRhhaYyY-0jqITBhAb4h-AOAot3E/s640/IMG_3998.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">First Avenue</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After the Queensborough Bridge I was in bad shape. My hamstring a mess, my calves were tight, and my pacing had been all over the place from the get-go. It had been a rough race and I was struggling to find my happy. I knew I had to make a decision. Either hurt myself trying to hit an unattainable goal or just run happy and cross the finish line whenever I got to it. I knew I wasn't going to hit my time anyway and why ruin my experience by being miserable for another 10 miles? Or push myself and make my hamstring worse because of it? No, at this point it was more worth it to be happy. I moved myself over to the side of the road so I was close enough to wave to and high-five the crowd. I used their energy to get me through. Not to say the rest of the race was easy but it helped a lot to worry less about my pace and enjoy the experience a bit more.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_S_L4zG64WK1JjLKW96-nYc6abBdmTII8Mw7KIz0GYM7ycz1N5RCpsA-gQ-2lkToJhxfrre_UyH4ELDwlY1KZpFFgB9WWJFzs_CqSlMnoMbH7aXIkT9z9BTE_Rw1rYnG-aR1zxFx9r7q/s1600/386184_211289619_XLarge+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_S_L4zG64WK1JjLKW96-nYc6abBdmTII8Mw7KIz0GYM7ycz1N5RCpsA-gQ-2lkToJhxfrre_UyH4ELDwlY1KZpFFgB9WWJFzs_CqSlMnoMbH7aXIkT9z9BTE_Rw1rYnG-aR1zxFx9r7q/s640/386184_211289619_XLarge+%25281%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">First Avenue</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While Brian was waiting for me at mile 16 he also got to see the elite men and woman, plus the race director and grand marshall Spike Lee.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd0Xm4MefOTs93QOpgdCfWXquCJoak8Osb031ddFcooS3bZN3bWxt2Hlf7vu0u_Wpo29ZwGDi2GckBev80Lh6BRrO9PLyZvH7bcUIvsAD5s-hmmKvsUey84GZ6yTTUrvkWY4IoQL6Lu-u/s1600/IMG_3982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd0Xm4MefOTs93QOpgdCfWXquCJoak8Osb031ddFcooS3bZN3bWxt2Hlf7vu0u_Wpo29ZwGDi2GckBev80Lh6BRrO9PLyZvH7bcUIvsAD5s-hmmKvsUey84GZ6yTTUrvkWY4IoQL6Lu-u/s640/IMG_3982.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB7bxsOS5rsi_WyahA9FMGX4mSNlb9vPGZh1a8a67YIwkZN4tIcRowsh_Vn3QxEoYvknyVuT0agCGxhN_PjYys1mKTRQuOXFcwV65BRQHBACzhUY87hn6ZFMkj79XdH6FQMagovAboMzY/s1600/IMG_3978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB7bxsOS5rsi_WyahA9FMGX4mSNlb9vPGZh1a8a67YIwkZN4tIcRowsh_Vn3QxEoYvknyVuT0agCGxhN_PjYys1mKTRQuOXFcwV65BRQHBACzhUY87hn6ZFMkj79XdH6FQMagovAboMzY/s640/IMG_3978.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Bronx</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Honestly I can't say a whole lot about the Bronx. It's only 2 miles, went by pretty fast, and there were lots of turns. At this point I somehow ended up running with the 3:10 pace group, the only pace group that had started in my wave and corral. Considering I'd been aiming for a 3:00-3:05 finish, it was a bit disconcerting but at that point I didn't really care. I was honestly just grateful for some company. There are two bridges in the Bronx - the Willis Avenue Bridge just before mile 20 takes you into the Bronx and the Madison Avenue Bridge takes you back into Manhattan. One of my favorite signs was on the Madison Avenue Bridge. <i>Last damn bridge! </i>it read. Amen to that!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrosWpJDOZxxGsNtcl8tOUItc97MYW2C7d6GijEFYAJYD_dd1Z35D9wbwZs_DsYp8598sOJhlxE0vggYp_sz-VplFQTWMpOF07-L20zj4DQv2rugGD5DIxTHybvr4YC38WvDtdF26Wyb2T/s1600/386184_211648438_XLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrosWpJDOZxxGsNtcl8tOUItc97MYW2C7d6GijEFYAJYD_dd1Z35D9wbwZs_DsYp8598sOJhlxE0vggYp_sz-VplFQTWMpOF07-L20zj4DQv2rugGD5DIxTHybvr4YC38WvDtdF26Wyb2T/s640/386184_211648438_XLarge.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Willis Avenue Bridge</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Manhattan</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I know that the last 10K of a marathon isn't easy. Had I paid attention during the Course Strategy presentation at the Expo, done any research prior to running the race, or listened to my friends, I would have known just how challenging the final miles of this course were! There's a mile stretch up 5th Avenue (Mile 23) that is a seemingly unending gradual incline. My pace slowed by over a minute. I could not will my legs to move any faster. At one point I turned to a man next to me and asked, "Will this ever end?" His reply was, "I don't think so!" Again, thank goodness for the crowds that lined this stretch of the course! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrVV9SETzGtOZf2EvrcdOPI7dEH-KbUKVjyrJYhi31auN6CFW2vOfFKVPyldS4Xoey4R-M30AWRjyf4oX1X40yqkfFzFIwPtVS9XbXmZaBHE9zDrjOqhUQGQjkrp_kQzn8nJZTNVdBn-S/s1600/386184_211572393_XLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrVV9SETzGtOZf2EvrcdOPI7dEH-KbUKVjyrJYhi31auN6CFW2vOfFKVPyldS4Xoey4R-M30AWRjyf4oX1X40yqkfFzFIwPtVS9XbXmZaBHE9zDrjOqhUQGQjkrp_kQzn8nJZTNVdBn-S/s640/386184_211572393_XLarge.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Central Park</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I finally hit mile 24 I was in Central Park. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to be running in the park. After that last uphill mile, my legs felt like they were moving through molasses and it took a full mile to get myself together. I turned to this guy above and commented that this race is a true test of strength. The rest of our exchange went like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Him: "You hitting your goal?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me: "Nope! You?" (laughing)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Him: (laughing) "Nope!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Clearly the photographer caught us at a more serious moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I wound my way through the rolling hills of Central Park, the spectators' cheering grew louder. I almost didn't care how slow I was moving. I was taking it in and grateful I was still running. I think this is where I finally took my second CLIF Shot. I didn't entirely feel like I needed it but maybe it would give me a boost for the last couple of miles.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNEjfh7aFfXX7VHSsUY3_hS3yyv_EQdMI256cCMSAfnnXvACStL_dNHQ5-D3ivirmfWnLC_a8okuCrDmdTkgbe28GOqM095zR55dE2gNEhAsCbTUdIvsBVnCgtssw5rIp8c3Vz9fdPGEW/s1600/IMG_4012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNEjfh7aFfXX7VHSsUY3_hS3yyv_EQdMI256cCMSAfnnXvACStL_dNHQ5-D3ivirmfWnLC_a8okuCrDmdTkgbe28GOqM095zR55dE2gNEhAsCbTUdIvsBVnCgtssw5rIp8c3Vz9fdPGEW/s640/IMG_4012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Central Park</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqmuMgMfEY8HkvgWdUIQ48qG6YiZQZe_PTCbAulw7gtc7uJzZAd5LRokjOIdFSlSBau5I_uxcnGfmcNJKnbhtJKSNuPxZPnJQRtbLF5PSWawJL423Zm-7sIZvm3s9ySS539Sz_RVgKUaj/s1600/IMG_4034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqmuMgMfEY8HkvgWdUIQ48qG6YiZQZe_PTCbAulw7gtc7uJzZAd5LRokjOIdFSlSBau5I_uxcnGfmcNJKnbhtJKSNuPxZPnJQRtbLF5PSWawJL423Zm-7sIZvm3s9ySS539Sz_RVgKUaj/s640/IMG_4034.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Central Park</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I saw the 25-mile marker ahead I picked up the pace. I pretended it was a tempo run and gave it all I had. That helped . . . for about half a mile. I just didn't have much left in me! I did the best I could to finish strong but even the last .2 was uphill. I finished as strong as I could and with the biggest smile on my face. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoH-SvGmuJtISGfF8TXtAERCHJDHfshVNhoL3AhYsPKzZZWU3sY2UuQM_J3PfxB-3-_JPUVc57l-9GNuUDx3-rV6aqBFRg1IH2DORvK0eAAwH3QGlueu_SNN-7G1_zek0mFH5PMAx49lr/s1600/386184_211276738_XLarge+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoH-SvGmuJtISGfF8TXtAERCHJDHfshVNhoL3AhYsPKzZZWU3sY2UuQM_J3PfxB-3-_JPUVc57l-9GNuUDx3-rV6aqBFRg1IH2DORvK0eAAwH3QGlueu_SNN-7G1_zek0mFH5PMAx49lr/s640/386184_211276738_XLarge+%25282%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3:10:00</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pace </b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7:15 min/mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/mojo/sweet-salty/peanut-butter-pretzel#nutrition" style="color: #38761d; text-decoration: none;">CLIF Mojo - Peanut Butter Pretzel</a>, Banana (pre-race)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/clif-shot/clif-shot/vanilla" style="color: #7ca19c; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #38761d;">CLIF Shot - Vanilla</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(Miles 7.5, 24)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Tunes</b><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Welcome to New York</i> / Taylor Swift</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>New York / </i>U2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Piazza, New York Catcher / Belle & Sebastian</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Loretta Lee Jones</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> / Langhorne Slim</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>New York, New York </i>/ Ryan Adams</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Counting Stars</i> / One Republic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>NYC</i> / Interpol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin'</i> / Mayer Hawthorne</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Uptown Funk </i>/ Mark Ronson (feat. Bruno Mars)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>New York City Cops</i> / The Strokes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>An Open Letter to NYC</i> / Beastie Boys</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Y Control / </i>Yeah Yeah Yeahs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Empire State of Mind / </i>Jay Z (feat. Alicia Keys)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>And She Was / </i>Talking Heads</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Southern Bells / </i>Langhorne Slim & the Law</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Call Me / </i>Blondie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Holiday / </i>Vampire Weekend</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Judy is a Punk / </i>The Ramones</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Maps / </i>Yeah Yeah Yeahs</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Last Night </i>/ The Strokes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Sabatoge / </i>Beastie Boys</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Kool Thing / </i>Sonic Youth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Rattlesnake / </i>St. Vincent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>New York Kiss / </i>Spoon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Dead Brains / </i>Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>You've Got Time / </i>Regina Spektor</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Blitzkreig Bop / </i>The Ramones</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Blood for Poppies / </i>Garbage</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Youth without Youth / Metric</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Innocent / </i>Mayer Hawthorne</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Rope / </i>Foo Fighters</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Random Name Generator/ </i>Wilco</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Shake it Off / </i>Taylor Swift</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Goin' Down to New York Town / </i>Counting Crows</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>No Sleep Till Brooklyn / </i>Beastie Boys</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Dance Apocolyptic / </i>Janelle Monae</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Supermassive Black Hole / </i>Muse</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Bad Romance / </i>Lady Gaga</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Brooklyn's Finest / </i>Jay-Z</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Get in My Way / </i>Robin Thicke</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>What Makes You Beautiful / </i>One Direction</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Mallie Chan / </i>Otto Vector</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The Walker / </i>Fitz & the Tantrums</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Man / </i>Neko Case</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>50 Ways to Say Goodbye / </i>Train</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Deceptacon / </i>Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Run Right Back / </i>The Black Keys</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Discipline / </i>Nine Inch Nails</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Brave / </i>Sarah Bareilles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Uprising / </i>Muse</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVUewqbiCyYkPOJA-q7hYVkyMUjurLhaaA7YWBJ9rm0wOpkBU87rySJjaiJb_aH7Yqu34-wfnLxYbcKwJlcBV3uBk37U1TQn7VyKd0LGWwfxIIzWDAvFI0IJilcKUIJN_Cpb0ahaEvc9o/s1600/386184_211987786_XLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVUewqbiCyYkPOJA-q7hYVkyMUjurLhaaA7YWBJ9rm0wOpkBU87rySJjaiJb_aH7Yqu34-wfnLxYbcKwJlcBV3uBk37U1TQn7VyKd0LGWwfxIIzWDAvFI0IJilcKUIJN_Cpb0ahaEvc9o/s640/386184_211987786_XLarge.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Post-Race</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I chatted with other runners, congratulated them on their race, and thanked all the volunteers I saw. As I walked toward the post-race poncho area, I chatted with a man from Poland who had run NYC many times along with countless marathons. His English wasn't great but we when you want to talk about running, you can find a way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After I got my poncho I happened to run into two of my running friends from Michigan. John and Merlin. In a race of 50,000 people I didn't expect to randomly see anyone I knew! I started telling them how challenging I thought the race was, thinking it was just me. They thought it was hard too and said it was a +5:00 course. True or not, that at least made me feel a bit better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We walked together to find Brian in the Family Meeting Area, which very easy. It was much easier than finding him in Boston. He was waiting with his Uncle Al, who had come from New Jersey to watch the race. I was so excited to see them both! In fact I shrieked with such excitement that the NYPD looked over with concern. Oops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We hung out for a while as a parade of athletes walked past to find their families. Eventually we left and made the 1+ mile walk back to the hotel. After all the morning transportation I was glad I could just walk! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">By the time we got back to the hotel and I showered and got ready, it was time for dinner. We </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">walked to an organic burger place in Hell's Kitchen called </span><a href="http://www.bareburger.com/" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Bare Burger</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. It was great because they had both meat and vegan burgers, plus fries and vegan carrot cake. It was basically the best place ever! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Between Sunday night and Monday morning, we checked out a lot of the big things around the Times Square/Central Park area. Here are a few photos.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRn1eYoAc_Xlhfl-4Bq0TpdPCBaLSLPzH4slwTsc5CigCZwpvUsJB-IiFfoMSJwhp2_RadoWNjdstoMjO38Y_MLgB9k5x8MCaJZQBwR_4LQR-atmlRDdl8mWr1046BLA-bExQl5FHXjUT/s1600/IMG_0297.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRn1eYoAc_Xlhfl-4Bq0TpdPCBaLSLPzH4slwTsc5CigCZwpvUsJB-IiFfoMSJwhp2_RadoWNjdstoMjO38Y_MLgB9k5x8MCaJZQBwR_4LQR-atmlRDdl8mWr1046BLA-bExQl5FHXjUT/s640/IMG_0297.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHkVh3YSoLb_fKo8_GNadA8gt1ilPJto5j4yrleQNS-efghjQP10O2_jYORk9zsnbdtpUVziAnx905hdfgYyabf27icacayT7htihhEZp0DXa8alr5wRt5cWvuMW7jNhg-toBRb5Pq-0e/s1600/IMG_0312.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHkVh3YSoLb_fKo8_GNadA8gt1ilPJto5j4yrleQNS-efghjQP10O2_jYORk9zsnbdtpUVziAnx905hdfgYyabf27icacayT7htihhEZp0DXa8alr5wRt5cWvuMW7jNhg-toBRb5Pq-0e/s640/IMG_0312.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_CRUkh_boiEJ5XqcSwAGJv3FofSYg6AgZmylpMmrgVvgltdDX5qyb4pKe2QCQupjuE7_2sHz1Ah886jfHNqYyWtqnc4J3KMfzvoYkpK4AsDqcRCMTWsZnw-2cwsINAAGHK7rOFgUSw1R/s1600/IMG_4077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_CRUkh_boiEJ5XqcSwAGJv3FofSYg6AgZmylpMmrgVvgltdDX5qyb4pKe2QCQupjuE7_2sHz1Ah886jfHNqYyWtqnc4J3KMfzvoYkpK4AsDqcRCMTWsZnw-2cwsINAAGHK7rOFgUSw1R/s640/IMG_4077.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Back to the finish line Monday morning</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcY_rJYqdByDK2OGEu3N-IDEnQbCAmzT-oghhc31h1DQHRHkPi89kHDXV8wvPNuDFEgAttxAmj_dU3w8paCl_XLkRS1htlbCKirtmnJr46sF6-shfQikXQ3zE77guiC_f0qr-YoznWCsY/s1600/IMG_7094+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcY_rJYqdByDK2OGEu3N-IDEnQbCAmzT-oghhc31h1DQHRHkPi89kHDXV8wvPNuDFEgAttxAmj_dU3w8paCl_XLkRS1htlbCKirtmnJr46sF6-shfQikXQ3zE77guiC_f0qr-YoznWCsY/s640/IMG_7094+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">We visited Rupert Jee at the Hello Deli!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a fun and exciting weekend. The marathon was an amazing experience. I met great people, saw cool sights, and ran through places I wouldn't have otherwise run through. I am proud of my effort and performance. That being said, however, I think one NYC marathon may be enough. There are plenty of other marathons to run!</span><br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-55743542138516530062015-11-23T15:45:00.002-05:002015-11-23T15:50:40.085-05:00PRP - Round 2<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the beginning of February I had a <span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00648"><span style="color: #38761d;">PRP (platelet-rich plasma)</span></a> </span>injection to heal <a href="http://runnersconnect.net/running-injury-prevention/high-hamstring-tendinopathy-injuries-a-pain-in-the-butt/"><span style="color: #38761d;">high hamstring tendonopathy/tendonosis</span></a>. (You can read about the procedure <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2015/02/post-prp.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">here</span></a>.) My hamstring had gotten so bad due to overtraining and failure to listen to not only my body but also professionals who were telling me to take a break. That overtraining and continued running through pain ultimately led to 12 weeks off running, at which point I had the PRP injection, which required another 4 weeks off. Was all the overtraining worth it? I think you know the answer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Even now, 9 months post-PRP, I am still not fully healed. I am running stronger and faster, have greater mobility and better form, but I still have a niggling pain in the top of my hamstring. It has always been there. I'd say at best I was 95%. At worst I was probably 20% (pre-PRP) so that was a huge improvement!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Because I never fully healed, there was always the chance I would have a second injection. Many people have PRP done twice and are very successful after the second time. The plan was to get through my training, run NYC, and then reassess. Coach Terra was helping me to make sure I was training smartly, getting massages, activating pre-run, and stretching/foam rolling post-run. She was keeping tabs on how my hamstring was feeling and adjusting my weekly plans as needed. The niggling was up and down but it was all manageable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then I tripped on a construction sign in the dark 7 weeks pre-marathon and strained my MCL. KT Tape kept me running without knee pain but gradually the hamstring started to feel worse. By the time I ran the <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2015/11/on-run-american-home-fitness-5k.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">American Home Fitness 5K</span></a> it had gone from <i>niggling</i> to painful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As for the marathon, I didn't do much to prep for it hill-wise, fearful that I would ruin my hamstring in the training before I even got to the race. Whether that I was smart or not, I won't know and can't worry about it now. That course is filled with hills so I might have been underprepared no matter how well I trained here. What I can say is that by the time I hit the Queensborough Bridge around mile 15, my hamstring was sore. And by the time I came off that bridge at mile 16, my hamstring was just about done. But I still had 10 more miles and the rest of the course only got harder. After the marathon it hurt to sit or bend down to tie my shoes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Up until this recent marathon, things were going relatively well. Most of my runs were pain-free or with minimal pain. However, if there is a chance I can be healed 100% I want to go for it. If it doesn't work then I will cross that bridge when I come to it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My procedure is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I'll let you know how it goes!</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-80420903596897954322015-11-10T20:28:00.001-05:002015-11-11T05:49:43.396-05:00On the Run: American Home Fitness 5K<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's been a busy few weeks
and I'm getting more behind than usual with posts. I blame work mostly.
It's been one crazy school year - and it's only November! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So here I am on November
11th, finally sitting down to write my recap of the <a href="http://www.freepmarathon.com/events/5k" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;">American
Home Fitness 5K</span></a> from the <a href="http://www.freepmarathon.com/" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Detroit Free
Press</span></a> weekend of races October 17-18. Because the <a href="http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;">New York City
marathon</span></a> was just two weeks later, I ran the 5K instead of one
of the longer races. This was great for a few reasons. 1) I'd never
run this 5K before so it was something a little different. 2) The race was on
Saturday so it freed me up to cheer on Sunday for Brian and all the other
racers. 3) I still got the same sweet finisher shirt and <a href="http://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/news/2015/10/18/2015-detroit-free-presstalmer-bank-marathon---gallery-1/74172264/"><span style="color: #38761d;">medal</span></a> as
everyone else and I only had to run 3.1 miles! (Although 5Ks are my least
favorite race distance so I'm not sure this is really a plus.)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Temps were on the chilly
side (high 30's) but the blue sky and bright sun made a world of difference.
I couldn't have asked for a better mid-October race day.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had a really great 5K in <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2015/09/on-run-move-to-beats-5k-2015.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">early September</span></a> and was hoping to run
faster than that. My legs, however, had other plans. My <a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/medial-collateral-ligament-mcl-injury-topic-overview"><span style="color: #38761d;">MCL</span></a> strain still had some healing to do
and my hamstring was flaring up a bit. I got frustrated with my pace
early on and wanted to give up before I hit the first mile marker. It
wasn't so much my legs that were slowing me down but my head. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So I pulled myself
together. I still had two miles left and I certainly wasn't going to
have a good race if I was down on myself the whole time. It might not be
the race I wanted but I was going to give it all I had that day. On a
downhill I passed a girl and felt stronger. I picked up the pace as I raced
down Atwater Street, happy to turn onto the Riverwalk by the Renaissance
Center. The Detroit Riverwalk is one of my favorite running paths and it seemed
especially beautiful today. Just before coming off the Riverwalk I
high-fived a little girl. I had found my happy.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The final stretch of the
race was back on Atwater Street with the Ren Cen in the background. I
love this shot that Brian took before I crossed the finish line outside of
the </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/oac"><span style="color: #38761d;">Outdoor
Adventure Center</span></a>. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt;">After I finished the first
person I saw was my friend Leah from </span><a href="http://www.beboldcrew.com/" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Be Bold Crew</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt;">. (She works for the Freep
Marathon and was there on official business.) She came running over to
hug me and congratulate me. Brian wasn't far behind. He and my
friend Sarah were my cheering section. I was grateful to have their
support, especially on such a chilly day! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt;">This was a great tempo run
pre-NYC. I'm not sure what next year's fall marathon will be but if
things work out to run this race I will do it again!</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Time</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "chewy" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">20:47</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pace </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "chewy" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6:40
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b> </b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "chewy" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 50 Ways to Say Good-Bye</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> / Train</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "chewy" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "chewy" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I placed 3rd female and
will be receiving a cash prize for it. It hasn't come yet but I've
already spent it on a new pair of <a href="http://www.saucony.com/en/zealot-iso/15038W.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">Saucony Zealots</span></a>. And then again on the <a href="http://www.saucony.com/en/nyc-kinvara-6/22477W.html?dwvar_22477W_color=S10282-16&ref=women%27s%20kinvara#q=women's+kinvara&start=1"><span style="color: #38761d;">Kinvaras</span></a>. Maybe I'll also spend it on a new
pair of <a href="https://www.skechers.com/en-us/style/13995/skechers-gorun-4/CCHP"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sketchers GoRun</span></a>...</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-44653644749027040682015-10-04T16:08:00.001-04:002015-10-04T16:08:54.460-04:00On the Run: Women Run the D 2015<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;">I swore I would never run this race again after </span><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;"><a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/10/on-run-detroit-womens-half-marathon-2014.html" style="color: #38761d; line-height: 20.5333px;">last year</a>.</span><span style="color: #38761d; line-height: 20.5333px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;">But</span><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;"> when it came down to it, I couldn't turn down a free race entry. I wasn't exactly looking forward to the race but in the weeks preceding it, I did a few training runs on Belle Isle to mentally prepare for race day</span><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;">. One was a solo 13-mile tempo run, which was especially good because it gave me the practice of the double loops at race pace. I've also started to make my peace with running on the island, now that it's become the home of our <a href="http://www.beboldcrew.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Be Bold Crew</span></a>. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOP1PTBthUL5FSh16bOnhyphenhyphenJbMH8k-yGyfL7tmU6DjWkezkXTnu_P7niFf4XtB1i1oq4YzB9LRkmmn4MwuiHOhp6L06AhNLI3yKowpjndszrOceNMdF7gsgMfbP5VMmtcZSKM7k1hz5DOh/s1600/IMG_6886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOP1PTBthUL5FSh16bOnhyphenhyphenJbMH8k-yGyfL7tmU6DjWkezkXTnu_P7niFf4XtB1i1oq4YzB9LRkmmn4MwuiHOhp6L06AhNLI3yKowpjndszrOceNMdF7gsgMfbP5VMmtcZSKM7k1hz5DOh/s1600/IMG_6886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOP1PTBthUL5FSh16bOnhyphenhyphenJbMH8k-yGyfL7tmU6DjWkezkXTnu_P7niFf4XtB1i1oq4YzB9LRkmmn4MwuiHOhp6L06AhNLI3yKowpjndszrOceNMdF7gsgMfbP5VMmtcZSKM7k1hz5DOh/s640/IMG_6886.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The<span style="color: #38761d;"> <a href="http://www.beboldcrew.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Be Bold</span></a></span> recovery station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;"><a href="http://epicraces.com/event/detroit-goddess-festival/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">Women Run the D</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;"> is scheduled back-to-back weekends with <a href="https://www.thebrooksieway.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Brooksie Way</span></a>. A couple days before the race Coach Terra asked me to pick one for my goal race. Of course that would be Brooksie. I needed a solid 20-miler the weekend of Women Run the D so we decided I would run that one as an aerobic training run, cross the finish line, and just keep running another 7 miles. That took off so much pressure for me knowing I was NOT racing this thing but just using it as training! It would be perfect. A training run with port-a-potties before and after, water stations, cheering spectators, and a Be Bold recovery station when I was finally done! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;">Just the Tuesday prior to the race I had tripped over a construction sign while running before work. My left knee was scabbed and I had road rash on left thigh. The real problem, however, was my inner right knee. It was sore to the touch and a bit painful to walk on. Somehow running was okay once I got going. I had taken it easy in the days between the fall and the race with lots of rest, ice, and Ibuprofin the day before. On race day I took Aleve and got taped up by Coach Stefanie (aka <span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.dynamicrunner.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Dynamic Runner</span></a>)</span>. I actually felt pretty good.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;">The race start was moved from the Casino closer to the bridge. I met up with my <span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a> </span>family and the Be Bold Crew. As usual, the race start was delayed by 15 minutes. I waited until the last minute to go up to the start line. After we took off, it was another girl and me at the front behind two lead bikes. We were side by side until the first turn when the other girl shoved me aside. She actually pushed me over into the other lane! I wanted to laugh so hard because </span></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">A)</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;"> If you've ever been on Belle Isle you know that the road is very wide. Certainly wide enough for two small runners to share without the need to push or shove. <b>B) </b>It was just the two of us. Nobody was even close behind us. What was she thinking? <b>C) </b>I wasn't even racing this thing! I wanted to shout, "It's all yours!" She had no idea what a long and lonely race she had ahead of her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">Instead I thought about what a happy run I was going to have. 20 miles, here I come! I took it all in. I waved to everyone on the course. I thanked all the volunteers. I said good morning to the spectators and other people out enjoying the day. Each mile ticked away quickly and easily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">When I got back near the starting line I saw Coach Terra, Justin and ACE! from RUNdetroit, and some other friends. I was feeling fantastic! I continued around to the other side of the island.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">Before long I met up with the 5K'ers for the first time. It's hard because many don't realize that runners are coming. They are either running slowly or walking, sometime 4-5 across. It makes for quite the obstacle course! Some of the ladies are more observant than others and I got some cheers and shouts of "You go girl!" along the way when they realized I was a half marathoner. That was a nice boost. They made their turn just before my mile 7.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">It was at this point I found one of the lead bikers waiting for me. I was so grateful that she had stayed back. The next stretch of island was going to be a lonely one, lacking both runners and spectators. I was grateful for the company! As she rode she would glance back to make sure her distance was okay and I felt like I needed to keep up. My own personal pacer! haha. When we converged with the 5K runners again she helped get them to move out of my way so I didn't have to weave around them. Later I saw Justin again and joked that I </span><a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/05/on-run-stony-creek-back-to-beach-12.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">couldn't get lost in this race</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">! I even chatted with her here and there but that was hard because it was windy in some spots making it hard to hear each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">The route was a bit different this year so it wasn't two full loops of the island. Near the end we made a turn at the Athletic Fields and ran past the old zoo. This is where Be Bold Mechanics class meets so it felt like home. As we turned into the final stretch at the finish line, my lead bike pulled off to the side. I crossed the finish line with the biggest smile on my face. My friend Jen was handing out medals. She scooped me up in a huge hug! Then I ran over to my lead biker and gave her a hug, thanking her for the company. She was wonderful to come back for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">After that I quick ran to the Be Bold bus where I tossed my water and medal to the Crew and was off and running again. I maybe stopped running for a minute total. Then I ran across the bridge, down Jefferson, and picked up the Riverwalk for 3.5 miles before I turned around and came back, completing my 20 miles for the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.5333px;">When I got back I got to hear all the happy news from friends who had amazing races. It was wonderful to celebrate with them! I was also just in time for the awards ceremony. I placed 2nd overall. This year they didn't give free entries again so it will be my last year running it. I got a cozy blanket, another single medal hanger (I got one last year. Honestly what do you do with <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0Pd31FZJcSA1Ma2mzVJrpJ1KLXfXbmIW-T-UkcwH7DemTCTesmPTzxpvuPjSunuoP7SUEuqL1hdwrUWSo2or62ih7uQFD5VtaVU_AeNrjndlWufkqceFJJmCnElKd6SC9-fv3OwY5zQW/s1600/IMG_4767.jpg"><span style="color: #38761d;">these things</span></a>?), and a gift card to American Home Fitness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of all my 20-milers, this was by far my best and happiest! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Healthy legs + happy heart = successful training run! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Time</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1:31:14</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Pace </b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6:58 min/mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/mojo/sweet-salty/peanut-butter-pretzel#nutrition" style="color: #38761d; text-decoration: none;">CLIF Mojo - Peanut Butter Pretzel</a>, Banana (pre-race)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/clif-shot/clif-shot/vanilla" style="color: #7ca19c; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #38761d;">CLIF Shot - Vanilla</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(Mile 5)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Tunes</b><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Turn it Around</i> / Lucius</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>10th Floor Ghost Girl / </i>Cibo Matto</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Don't Save Me</i> / Haim</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i> Ex's & Oh's</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> / Elle King</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Don't Take My Man to Idaho </i>/ Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Ship to Wreck</i> / Florence + the Machine<i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Birth in Reverse</i> / St. Vincent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Man</i> / Neko Case</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Caught Up </i>/ Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Rattlesnake</i> / St. Vincent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Youth Without Youth</i> / Metric</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>I Love It / </i>Icona Pop</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Hell / </i>Tegan & Sara</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Dance Apocalyptic / </i>Janelle Monae</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Dead Brains / </i>Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Keep Your Head / </i>The Ting Tings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Bulletproof / </i>La Roux</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Shake it Off / </i>Taylor Swift</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Youth Without Youth / </i>Metric</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Ex-Girlfriend </i>/ No Doubt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Shut Up and Drive / </i>Rihanna</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Born This Way / </i>Lady Gaga</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>You've Got Time / </i>Regina Spektor</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Kiss With a Fist / </i>Florence + the Machine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Never Go Back / </i>Grace Potter & the Nocturnals</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Move Like You Stole It / </i>ZZ Ward</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Blood For Poppies / </i>Garbage</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>All Hands on the Bad One / </i>Sleater Kinney</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Water Fountain / tUnE-yArDs</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">NOTE: This post was about MY run, MY race. As for the Women's Half Marathon itself, I don't really have a lot of great things to say about it. </span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;"><b>Expo</b> - Hard to find and underwhelming. One of the big products/sponsors at expo was <a href="http://www.nustep.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw-b2wBRDcrKerwe-S5c4BEiQABprW-EWj75QNYDHL0LkIi5qB4GzmVercBGLvH9YXGg_wvJIaAtiA8P8HAQ"><span style="color: #38761d;">NuStep</span></a>. I'm not entirely sure why this was at a race expo. Anyway, don't plan on spending much time at their expo. You may even want to just get your stuff on race day so you don't have to pay for parking.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;"><b>Shirts</b> - Usually the shirts are ultra tiny so I order a medium. This year they went with a different shirt company so even after being in the dryer on high, it's still too big. Order true to size.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;"><b>Course</b> - While I give them credit for changing up the course a bit, it's still a half marathon on Belle Isle. That island is good for a 5K or 10K but too small for 13.1 miles. Some friends had the idea of making it a 15K, which I think would be perfect.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;"><b>Organization</b> - By year 3 a race should be getting their stuff together. Every year it starts 15 minutes late because not everyone is there on time. By starting late, however, people think they don't have to get there on time. It's always a delayed start but there's never a clear announcement about the new start time. Or if there is you don't know because their speaker system is so bad.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;"><b>Pink - </b>Everything is PINK! It's women's race but not all women love pink!</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.5333px;"><b>Port-a-Potties</b> - NOT ENOUGH! This is a WOMEN'S race. Women pee. A LOT. I'm not sure if this race follows the 1:100 formula but they should probably go with a 1:50 formula. The lines were super long. But note that the Casino does have a few restrooms that you can use in a pinch.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One nice thing about the event is f</span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ree photos. </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Race photos can be expensive so it's nice to get them free at this event! They took them at a few points around the island.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Did you run Women Run the D? Tell me about your experience!</span></b></span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-33491611448118915652015-09-23T15:29:00.000-04:002015-09-23T15:50:04.736-04:00On the Run: Run Wild for the Zoo 10K 2015<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.detroitzoo.org/Events/run-wild"><span style="color: #38761d;">Run Wild</span></a> always feels to me like the start of Fall racing season. Although it's not quite Fall officially, it's mid-September and the weather is usually perfect - 50 degrees and sunny. The course is tree-lined and leaves are just starting to change colors. It's hard to believe that just the weekend before it was a muggy 80+ degrees for <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2015/09/on-run-move-to-beats-5k-2015.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">racing</span></a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I've said before, this is one of my favorites because it's always my anniversary race. (8 years!) I love going back to it year after year with lighter shoes and a faster pace. Besides the nostalgic aspect of it, it's a beautiful course with some of the friendliest volunteers and course marshals I've seen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year the race was extra special for a couple of reasons. First of all, my 5th grade nephew Luka ran his first 5K. He and I ran together over the summer to get ready for it. It was so exciting to see him cross the finish line with Brian. Yes with Brian! For the first time Brian ran this race, too! This is one of those races that I usually go to by myself but because he ran it with Luka, he was there to see me cross the finish line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I actually had a lot of people there to see me finish. Because Luka ran his 5K, his parents and siblings were there. The event was also a target race for <a href="http://www.run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a> Flight Club so there were lots of friends at the end. Most of them had already finished the 5K so they were there to cheer me on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Definitely the most special part, however, was that I raced with my friend and RUNdetroit teammate Sarah. Every step of the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hadn't planned on doing this race with Sarah. She texted me the day before, saying she was going to sign up and would pace me for it. Sarah wanted to help me get a PR. I'm going to be honest here. I FREAKED. All these thoughts went through my head: </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't need help. I just want to run my own race. </i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She's faster than I am! Why is she slowing down to run with me?!</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I'm not fast enough. What if I let her down?</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I can't run that fast right now. It's not in my wheelhouse.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I can't. I can't. I can't.</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thankfully Sarah knows me and knew I was freaking out. All my crazy texts just rolled off her (at least I hope they did!). I woke up in the morning with a calm mind and a fresh, positive perspective. I realized that even though Sarah is faster than I am, pacing me WAS the race she wanted to run. And the reason I was freaking out is because I was lacking confidence. I was about to step outside of my comfort zone and that's scary. It was time to be bold. But I needed Sarah to help me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brian and I got to the race at 7:00 for parking and packet pickup. There was Sarah. We hugged and everything was okay. We had a long time before our race at 9:00! Plenty of time for multiple port-a-potty stops (which are always clean and have short wait times at this race). We did a 2-mile warm-up with our friend Leamon and then finally took off our long sleeves and headed over to the start. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I said, Sarah and I ran the whole race together. We chatted (she did more talking than I did) for the first 4.5 miles. We waved to and thanked all the spectators and volunteers. It was nice to catch up on life because we haven't seen each other as much lately as in the past. I'm pretty sure we annoyed the men that we were passing along the way, seeing how easily we were talking and laughing. But hey, we were having fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Around 3.75 miles in, Sarah commented that she really wanted to catch a guy ahead of us. She could tell he was fading but I didn't think I had it in me to run any faster. At the 4-mile marker she asked about pace. I was happily surprised to see and shouted, "That's PR pace!" It was a nice boost and I realized we'd nearly closed the gap between us and the dude ahead. We rounded a corner and got closer. We could hear him breathing. He was checking his Garmin constantly. This was it. Sarah stopped talking, we pushed the pace just a hair, and we chicked him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I felt really strong for the rest of that mile but the last mile was harder. I felt like I was going to puke. Sarah must have noticed (or maybe I told her) because she started talking again to help keep me going. At some point she told me that when we got to the finish line she was going to let me go first. I said no, we needed to finish together. I couldn't have done it without her. Whatever happens happens. So that's what we did. Photo finish.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscSU0mMtboWnhZDDlX3rcLy__k3YcdWxaqSm8DdMUtvMMHZM8LqqDAUxehNA5fdtYNNrXdFHT2NhO0Xyp0lhgp2y_NNba_36J76DksSMiMsK0JDeTEQIotjq2jIINByaF9jiPU516iwGH/s1600/IMG_6873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscSU0mMtboWnhZDDlX3rcLy__k3YcdWxaqSm8DdMUtvMMHZM8LqqDAUxehNA5fdtYNNrXdFHT2NhO0Xyp0lhgp2y_NNba_36J76DksSMiMsK0JDeTEQIotjq2jIINByaF9jiPU516iwGH/s640/IMG_6873.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiqhaMV81tVj2c0R8BYEZbcDPhocjPnyGv4nUr4FfYSgKw1bIiLwgAN2xxadaLnzKuVQfT0Qh6poMoAvdVhiND32_e9ycVG5yBb3Natfw_1J0gga4BQZQPqPYghyphenhyphenauV46VJXnnzJHo93s/s1600/IMG_6878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiqhaMV81tVj2c0R8BYEZbcDPhocjPnyGv4nUr4FfYSgKw1bIiLwgAN2xxadaLnzKuVQfT0Qh6poMoAvdVhiND32_e9ycVG5yBb3Natfw_1J0gga4BQZQPqPYghyphenhyphenauV46VJXnnzJHo93s/s640/IMG_6878.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We tied. 40:27 for us both. They gave me first and her second, though I'm not sure how that was decided. My award was a gift certificate to Massage Envy. I gave it to Sarah because she deserves it, earned it, and never treats herself to massages. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh, and I got my PR! I couldn't have done it without Sarah. It's good to have a friend who believes in you when you don't believe in yourself. That's what teamwork is all about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">40:27</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6:31/Mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Banana, CLIF Mojo - Peanut Butter Pretzel</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqK0yZhonsQbutMGWLvLaWcbkKz2fLmRLbffb5BtP-ZtiQWr700H86lke7pLuWIca7Cd9Q1gm1exH39tX7fsEpBIocZzxvyWb26lIdya1HHRUTOmBwN40B2ucw5q8cb-WXsKlTEwkEvEZ/s1600/12003356_10207553918547383_153820401665419432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqK0yZhonsQbutMGWLvLaWcbkKz2fLmRLbffb5BtP-ZtiQWr700H86lke7pLuWIca7Cd9Q1gm1exH39tX7fsEpBIocZzxvyWb26lIdya1HHRUTOmBwN40B2ucw5q8cb-WXsKlTEwkEvEZ/s640/12003356_10207553918547383_153820401665419432_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And this guy always believes in me. Thanks, Brian. </span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-16146199347942396072015-09-07T15:00:00.000-04:002015-09-07T15:00:08.670-04:00On the Run: Move to the Beats 5K 2015<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">September is a busy month for me with a race every weekend. I kicked off things this weekend with a fun <a href="http://letsrockcf.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Rock CF</span></a> event in Royal Oak as part of the <a href="http://www.artsbeatseats.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Arts Beats & Eats</span></a> festival. <a href="http://www.artsbeatseats.com/priority-health-5k-10k/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Move to the Beats</span></a> has both a 5K and 10K race but I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and sign up for the 5K. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you know me at all, you know I don't do 5K's. They are basically the worst. I'm not a sprinter and that's how 5K's are won. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So why did I do this?</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This would be a good speed test. </span><a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2015/05/on-run-run-with-cops-5k-2015.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My last 5K</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> was on May 3rd and I wanted to see how my speed work has paid off.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had an 18-miler this weekend. By doing a shorter race (plus warm-up/cool-down) I would still be able to get in my long run on Sunday. When I run a 10K I add on mileage after to get the long run distance and that gets exhausting. Better to start fresh the next day.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although it would be painful I was looking forward to the race. Mostly because it was a Rock CF event so I knew everything about it would be awesome! I picked up my shirt and bib the day before (I always feel better being prepared pre-race). I arrived during the lunch rush so it was pretty hoppin'. I stayed and helped Emily (race director, Rock CF founder, and all-around amazing lady) for a while because she was by herself. It's so much fun to help with packet pick-up. I love seeing who is going to be racing. One runner told me he didn't need safety pins because he would use his lucky pins. He ALWAYS uses his lucky pins. I thought about my piles of safety pins at home and thought that might not be a bad idea. But I can't stop hoarding the pins! (I think I have a problem.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have to mention that the swag for this race is awesome. With your entry fee you get a super soft cotton tee shirt, a bag (with a zipper and a pocket), and 2 tickets to Arts Beats & Eats. Not a bad deal!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpr5Ud_hWKSlJb8fKLZMIN21rDK1jmlo0T7GrNcHr1gmh7SVZQHDFH0lvEaVBfVyrbWgdWV2g8-hjzog160RpNfslPbovilx6ybqehRhyVaVZ86cMjp1LdCm4CvJHnIBPrx64OARfgsrB/s1600/IMG_6855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpr5Ud_hWKSlJb8fKLZMIN21rDK1jmlo0T7GrNcHr1gmh7SVZQHDFH0lvEaVBfVyrbWgdWV2g8-hjzog160RpNfslPbovilx6ybqehRhyVaVZ86cMjp1LdCm4CvJHnIBPrx64OARfgsrB/s640/IMG_6855.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On race day I got to Royal Oak early to do my warm-up. It was very humid and I was already sweating after 2 miles! Thankfully the sky was overcast and we even got a few raindrops to cool us off before the start. My </span><a href="http://www.run-detroit.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> teammate Sara was racing the 5K, as well, so we started together. I was so happy she was there! She was ahead of my for the first mile and I credit my speedy start to her and her friend Laura (who won the 10K). I caught up to them and we all ran mile 2 together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After that I started to drop back. Sara went ahead and encouraged me to keep up but I just couldn't hang. The early fast pace of the first two miles caught up with me. I was fading fast. Although I was still well within my tempo range I had to push really hard. That finish line couldn't come soon enough!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was so glad to have Sara in front of me to chase. She finished ahead of me, first female, and I was right behind. I gave her a big hug when I crossed the finish line. I was so proud of her for winning! And I was so grateful to have her there to help me push hard. I couldn't have done it without her!</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToJ8ZQlgsNO31F1PZl3FGI0hLyUDPPMG9UxnuKJsvEwO5bQECTjGwnzf4vp43O0VFNAZBU4azlcvbqZGzFFTmv7_Mda1LpARXqDaNcjXbuL_-9-XgbpbQdbqDV7H4cVxvZ5C1Ys5rkEsj/s1600/IMG_6847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToJ8ZQlgsNO31F1PZl3FGI0hLyUDPPMG9UxnuKJsvEwO5bQECTjGwnzf4vp43O0VFNAZBU4azlcvbqZGzFFTmv7_Mda1LpARXqDaNcjXbuL_-9-XgbpbQdbqDV7H4cVxvZ5C1Ys5rkEsj/s640/IMG_6847.jpg" width="446" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.ianpettigrew.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Ian Pettigrew Photography</span></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm now just 12 seconds off <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/03/on-run-run-du-nain-rouge-2014.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">my 5K PR</span></a>. A best-shape, Boston-ready, pre-injury PR at that. I need to work on my pacing (6:12, 6:15, 6:33 are hardly consistent) so I don't burn out in the last mile. And on <a href="http://www.freepmarathon.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">October 17th</span></a> I'll be stepping out of my comfort zone to chase that PR once again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Distance</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5K</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">20:16</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Pace</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6:32/mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.5333px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Banana, CLIF Shot - Vanilla</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Tunes*</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>I Want You to Want Me </i>/ Cheap Trick</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Hey Jealousy </i>/ Gin Blossoms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>1983 </i>/ Neon Trees</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>All is Well </i>/ Soul Asylum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Everybody Talks </i>/ Neon Trees</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The Innocent / </i>Mayer Hawthorne</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>*Cheap Trick, Gin Blossoms, Neon Trees are 2015 ABE artists; Soul Asylum and Mayer Hawthorne are past ABE artists</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Medals for age group awards<br /></span></td></tr>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-63138783696850438072015-08-29T15:09:00.002-04:002015-09-23T16:04:07.667-04:00On the Run: The Crim 2015<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been hearing people talk about <a href="http://crim.org/races-events/crim/"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Crim</span></a> for years, <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2011/07/can-i-call-myself-runner.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">long before I considered myself a "real runner."</span></a> The stories always went that it's challenging, hilly, lots of fun, and a must-do race for any Michigan runner. It's in Flint, which is about an hour and twenty minute drive for us. That always seemed farther than I wanted to go for a 10-mile race. It's at the end of August and almost always HOT. I'm usually thinking how glad I am not to be out racing that day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year I decided to see what all the excitement is about. Was it really worth driving to Flint?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Uh yeah. <b>Totally worth it.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brian and I needed to get on the road at 5am so I had to adjust my pre-race routine a bit. Instead of getting up an hour before leaving I only gave myself 30 minutes so I could get a little more sleep. This was plenty of time to get ready. (What on earth do I usually do with an hour's time?!) I never have coffee before a race but with the drive ahead I made a small cup for the road. I took my pre-race snacks with me to eat closer to race time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The drive was easy and honestly didn't seem as long as I'd anticipated. No traffic at that time of day! We made one stop in Holly at a gas station/McDonald's for the bathroom. (Thank you coffee! wink wink!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We parked in one of the U of M lots about half a mile from the start. (It's across the street from a Rally's so we Googled that for directions. We joked about driving all the way to Flint for Rally's!) It's a great spot to park because it's close to all the race stuff, plus easy in and out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First we hurried over to packet pickup. We ran into a few members of <a href="http://www.beboldcrew.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Be Bold Crew</span></a> at the start line. I was getting more excited! I got my stuff and took it back to the car. Brian and I split up here because I had to get my warm-up done and he wanted to run as many miles as he could before I was finished with the race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was done warming up around 7:30. Time for the port-a-potties! I started to panic because I knew I was cutting it close and the lines were long (race start was 8:00). BUT I remembered a friend telling me about the portas on the left not getting used. I wasn't sure what she was talking about until I saw. (If you've been there you probably know. If not just remember about the portas on the far left.) So instead of 30 people in line I moved over and there were 3. Nice and quick! I was able to get my run drills in and be at the start line by 7:40.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because the race is so big there are corrals. I was in A but made sure to be at the back. I didn't want to get run over! Coach Terra was racing so we waited together. It was so great to be there with her! We hugged each other good luck and then it was time. We were off!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At first it was really crowded and congested. Everybody was bunched up and it was slow going. I took a hard elbow to the shoulder. (That guy meant business!) At the first turn I was able to make my move and break away from the crowd. FREEDOM! The first part of the race is through the UM-Flint campus, which is bigger than I expected. I was surprised and excited to see Brian waiting for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because I wasn't sure what to expect with this course, I set my goal at 6:50/mile. I knew there were hills starting at mile 5. I ended up pulling a <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/05/on-run-boston-marathon-2014.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">Boston</span></a> and ran the miles up until that point faster than planned just in case the hills slowed me down. They didn't. Miles 4-6 were all exactly the same pace and I got faster from there. I love hills! It felt so good to take them on again in a race. Even after the big hills in mile 5 there were rolling hills throughout the rest of the course. I credit the crowd support as well as the other racers to help push me to run faster. My last few races have been small and a bigger race makes a difference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I got back into the downtown area I was starting to get tired. The last mile felt long. I turned the final corner and suddenly <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/newswire/doug-kurtis-gets-his-200th-career-sub-300-marathon"><span style="color: #38761d;">Doug Kurtis</span></a> was in front of me. He had to have been in front of me for a long time but I hadn't seen him. I focused on chasing him to the finish line. I didn't catch him but we did finish in the exact same time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After the race I saw so many runner friends, many of whom I hadn't seen in a long time. This race definitely draws people from all over! Then I caught up with my </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Crew</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. They all did an awesome job. I'm proud to run with them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm really proud of myself for this race. For my time and pace, sure. But mostly because this was the first race since my <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2015/02/injury-update-hope-in-sight.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">injury</span></a> that I truly felt confident. I felt like the old Amanda out there on the course. The Amanda that used to race boldly and fearlessly. My injury robbed me of that confidence and it's taken me 6 months to regain trust in myself. But I went cautiously during my recovery period for a reason. And now I'm ready. I think I just needed the right race at the right time. Talking to Coach Terra right before the race helped, too.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Swapping race stories with Coach Terra</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the race I ran another 4 miles to finish out my long run for the day. It was a good way to loosen up my legs before the car ride home. For the rest of the day I felt like I was walking on air! I was so excited and happy. I haven't been this happy after a race in a long time. Did I place in my age group? No. Did I win anything? No. Am I back to my fastest? Not yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But with a happy hamstring and newfound confidence, I'm on my way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1:07:32</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6:45 min/mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/mojo/sweet-salty/peanut-butter-pretzel#nutrition" style="color: #38761d;">CLIF Mojo - Peanut Butter Pretzel</a>, Banana (pre-race)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/clif-shot/clif-shot/vanilla"><span style="color: #38761d;">CLIF Shot - Vanilla</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(Mile 6)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Tunes</b><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Water Fountain</i> / tUnE-yArDs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Kiss with a Fist / </i>Florence + the Machine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Random Name Generator</i> / Wilco</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> Strangers</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> / Langhorne Slim & the Law</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Dear Rosemary </i>/ Foo Fighters</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Supermassive Black Hole</i> / Muse<i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Bulletproof</i> / La Roux</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Crushcrushcrush</i> / Paramore</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Believer</i>/ American Authors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Discipline</i> / Nine Inch Nails</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>One Engine</i> / The Decemberists</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Swell Content / </i>Speedy Ortiz</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Digital Witness / </i>St. Vincent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Violent Shiver / </i>Benjamin Booker</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Everybody Talks / </i>Neon Trees</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Anklebiters / </i>Paramore</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Youth Without Youth / </i>Metric</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Deceptacon </i>/ Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Cadillac, Cadillac / </i>Train</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh and when I said this race draws runners from all over, I wasn't kidding. The winner of the women's race was </span><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/caroline-rotich"><span style="color: #38761d;">Caroline Rotich</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">, who also won this year's Boston Marathon. So yeah, Crim is big.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">I'm so glad I finally ran Crim this year and am already excited for next year's race!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><b>Photo credit: Brian Wolski</b></span></span><br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-26788488417930890102015-08-14T15:37:00.000-04:002015-08-14T15:51:41.323-04:00Oatmeal Cookie Balls (No Bake)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I used to eat <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html?recipe_id=6018278"><span style="color: #38761d;">PB2 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls</span></a> for a snack but got a little burnt out on them after a while. On a recent visit to Trader Joe's I picked up a jar of cashew butter and have been figuring out the best thing to do with it. Then I decided it was time to make balls again. I love these even more than the PB2 Balls! The cashew butter is neutral so it's perfect for mimicking that cookie dough flavor. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHAc1gIOK36iugRkQsuz7U3fqmQPed9sFbLiJL9W5NJ66sHS5CY2Tx-BQy0kaDtzY_XsKrwFOOvq9UMJxYzRLmTmEh7NghAH5-6GM1DlOfEL2542fiEGASVpR2-P9i2DEc-TEuoMH3VwU/s1600/IMG_6619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHAc1gIOK36iugRkQsuz7U3fqmQPed9sFbLiJL9W5NJ66sHS5CY2Tx-BQy0kaDtzY_XsKrwFOOvq9UMJxYzRLmTmEh7NghAH5-6GM1DlOfEL2542fiEGASVpR2-P9i2DEc-TEuoMH3VwU/s640/IMG_6619.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had to experiment a bit to get the right consistency but last night they were finally ready. The flavor and texture is like an oatmeal cookie but they come together in just a few minutes - with no baking! Plus you only need a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your cupboards. If you don't have cashew butter you could substitute a different nut butter but the flavor won't be quite the same. For a nut-free option, try SunButter.</div>
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<b style="line-height: 20.533332824707px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oatmeal Cookie Balls (No-Bake)</span></b></div>
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(<a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html?recipe_id=6074385">printable recipe</a>)</div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.533332824707px;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.533332824707px;">6 tbsp old fashioned oats</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px;">1/4 tsp cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px;">1/8 tsp ground ginger</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px;">2 tbsp cashew butter</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px;">1/2 tbsp agave nectar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px;">1 & 1/2 tbsp. almond milk (I use unsweetened vanilla)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Handful raisins</span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Chewy; line-height: 20.533332824707px;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Directions: </span> </b></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px;">1. Combine oats, cinnamon, and ginger in a small bowl. Add cashew butter, agave, almond milk, and vanilla. Stir with a fork until everything is combined. Mixture will be a bit crumbly and just sticky enough. Add raisins.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px;">2. Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop the mixture into your hand and roll into 4 evenly sized balls. Squish well so that everything holds together. Place in a bowl and freeze for 30 minutes before eating (if not eating immediately store in refrigerator).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px;">Makes 4 balls.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px;"><br /></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-70551773606464863372015-08-12T11:39:00.000-04:002015-08-12T11:40:17.213-04:00Corktown Dining: Bobcat Bonnie's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AD9rmSE-C59McIZo6PoJmi315Fxyfj4XQ6_5VSEJ9-66HQuYQkB7u_tc4kgAjFLLtX9lbQrAWR4xT63ROhJlJHQW5HnqNciYIzq4nVzIe-MGidyo8Y_TDkiBFUuafghWx5aWB9y6uqdb/s1600/bobcat+bonnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AD9rmSE-C59McIZo6PoJmi315Fxyfj4XQ6_5VSEJ9-66HQuYQkB7u_tc4kgAjFLLtX9lbQrAWR4xT63ROhJlJHQW5HnqNciYIzq4nVzIe-MGidyo8Y_TDkiBFUuafghWx5aWB9y6uqdb/s640/bobcat+bonnies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So many new restaurants have opened up in Detroit that it's hard to keep track of them all. Brian and I have a short list that we want to try - eventually. When I found out about <a href="http://www.bobcatbonnies.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Bobcat Bonnie's</span></a>, however, I knew I had to go there ASAP. What's so special about Bobcat Bonnie's? It's a new gastropub in Corktown with 8 vegan and 6 vegetarian items on the menu. Wahoo! The <a href="http://www.metrotimes.com/Blogs/archives/2015/07/24/former-oblivions-to-open-next-month-as-vegan-friendly-gastropub-bobcat-bonnies"><span style="color: #38761d;">article</span></a> I read says that for every meaty menu item there will be a veg equivalent but the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bobcatbonnies/photos/a.474005566086265.1073741828.473108492842639/511918522294969/?type=1&theater"><span style="color: #38761d;">current menu</span></a> doesn't show that. Next time I'm in I will have to ask. I was just so excited to see as many veg options as there were that I didn't even think about that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's located on Michigan Avenue, a block from the site of old Tiger Stadium. It used to be Oblivion's Cafe. I had never been to Oblivion's but from what I read, it sounds like the owners did a lot of work to get Bobcat Bonnie's updated and ready. There is a lot of exposed brick, which is in really nice shape. They painted the rest of the walls with black, grey, and pops of yellow. There are tables for four, benches, and a few high long communal tables with stools. The big windows let in a lot of light so it's nice and bright. In the back are some longer tables and a few arcade games. There's also a good sized bar area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brian and I went on Monday night, the first day it opened. We sat at one of the long tables by the windows, looking out at Michigan Avenue. I didn't take us long to decide what to order. We went with the Mushroom Ceviche for an appetizer. I've never had anything like it. It was amazing! I almost can't even describe the flavor combination. It was lemony and bright. The mushrooms and radishes were so fresh. And the house made tortilla chips were some of the best I've ever had. I highly recommend it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm a huge chickpea lover so I couldn't say no to the Chickpea Salad Sandwich. It's mashed chickpeas with mustard, cumin, coriander, and dill served on a ciabatta roll. Delicious. For $3 you can add either soup or salad. Brian and I each added the kale salad. Oh man you have to try the kale salad! It's a good size salad for $3! (It's also on the menu for $8.50 as an entree size, which I might have to order sometime. It's seriously SO good!) </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chickpea Salad Sandwich</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then there were the fries. YUM. The menu didn't have a V or VN next to them (very unlike me to order because of cross-contamination in deep-fryers) but I figured I would go out on a limb. Next time I'll ask to be sure. (Maaaybe - wink wink.) They were flavorful and not greasy. In fact, that's how everything was - a lot of flavor without too much oil, sauce, or dressing. Brian had a burger and his plate was clean afterwards (no grease left behind). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While we were eating we talked to both partners. They were making the rounds, checking in on the diners to make sure everyone was happy and enjoying their meals. Both of them told us that some of the vegetarian items can be made vegan (such changing veggie burger toppings or leaving the creme fraiche off the soup). What's great is that they know what vegan means and they can educate their staff about how to give their diners a great meal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm really excited to have Bobcat Bonnie's in the neighborhood and look forward to making it one of our regular places! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bobcatbonnies.com/">Bobcat Bonnie's</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1800 Michigan Avenue</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Detroit, MI 48216</span><br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-49311951748447560102015-08-09T14:13:00.000-04:002015-08-09T14:13:16.556-04:00On the Run: Allen Park 10K 2015<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't think I would be able to race the Allen Park 10K this year but last week my schedule opened up and I was able to add it my calendar. It was my third time doing this event, having raced it previously in <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2011/08/on-run-allen-park-10k.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">2011</span></a> and <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2013/08/on-run-allen-park-10k-2013.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">2013</span></a>. Last year I must have skipped due to my <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2015/02/injury-update-hope-in-sight.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">hamstring</span></a>.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This event is about as perfect for me as it gets. Race time is 9:00 so although it's in August and can be a little hot, it allows me to sleep in. I only have a 10 minute drive. My parents live a few blocks from the start line so I can park at their house. And because they live in the city, they come out to see me race. (Really the best part!) The 10K is a double loop so that allows them to see me twice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This race is put on by the <a href="http://www.downriverrunners.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Downriver Runners</span></a>. They do a great job. The course is lined with fabulous volunteers, ensuring nobody makes a wrong turn and no traffic gets in the way. It's also an accurate course, which I fully appreciated after my last two 10Ks! It's a small race but draws a competitive field. Oh, and it's a cheap race! I think it was $25. That was race entry plus a hat and water bottle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I went into the race tired, adjusting from a week of new paces and increased mileage. I've been struggling physically and mentally with tempo work during training runs and was looking forward to the race environment to give me a push. I have a confidence in a race that isn't there in training. I was excited to just relax and do my thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The weather turned out to be perfect - 70's, cloudy, and a slight drizzle. I slept in, parked at my parents' house, hung out with them for a bit, and then ran my warm-up mile. I arrived at the race during the National Anthem (about 10 minutes to start). At the start line I talked to some old friends and made new friends (I love small races). When the race started, I decided to stay as close as I could to my friend Rob (<a href="http://www.rjbfit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">a fitness and nutrition coach</span></a>) who I knew would be keeping a good pace. He was a great rabbit and helped me maintain about a 6:50 pace for the first 4 miles. Then he sped up ("the faster I run the sooner I'm done method" he said). At that point I learned I was 3rd female. That was all the motivation I needed. Although I was pretty certain I wasn't going to catch 2nd place I was damn sure going to try! I was able to narrow the gap significantly and chick one dude in the final half mile. I crossed the finish line strong, proud to know I had given it my all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the first time since my injury I ran a smart race. I started out at the top end of my tempo zone and worked down from there. I wanted to run a 6:45 pace and that's exactly what I did. I ran with my legs and my heart. I ran happy. My parents were there cheering me on. Brian was there. I think this picture that Brian captured shows it all.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lclzu431MPEHEbqhur6q35VrgqZaW_XgagpTT2oPmTKgTq65iRFyzAbTTWjE9PU2JFsgva-LfKXnBXYjihnlGHCnr2H0ZeyR8ITCvT7UsUhqGOgbDJyiXkr2NP3xern5r4KZgsGy5Cn_/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lclzu431MPEHEbqhur6q35VrgqZaW_XgagpTT2oPmTKgTq65iRFyzAbTTWjE9PU2JFsgva-LfKXnBXYjihnlGHCnr2H0ZeyR8ITCvT7UsUhqGOgbDJyiXkr2NP3xern5r4KZgsGy5Cn_/s640/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm also pleased to say that this was a post-injury PR and a course PR. Still working my way back towards my </span><a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/04/on-run-martian-invasion-of-races-10k.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">10K PR</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> but that will take some time. I placed 1st in my age group, 3rd woman, and 10th overall. I won another pint glass to add to my collection! And I got to hang out and celebrate after with other fabulous <a href="http://www.run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a> Flight Club ladies who also placed in their age groups!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERZTDRm5oS5LODHAvub-r4dO3pJLluT7HQgmQ1G4aGzU4LtpbwQDVNi-7i01HZhjz7O_Ei5ADePD1a7IQ4NFBBcXNY35PddHSppl4bCSp1YRUKQPm3XwRsr01qeu9kHhUULUH4D8QjJBF/s1600/IMG_6581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERZTDRm5oS5LODHAvub-r4dO3pJLluT7HQgmQ1G4aGzU4LtpbwQDVNi-7i01HZhjz7O_Ei5ADePD1a7IQ4NFBBcXNY35PddHSppl4bCSp1YRUKQPm3XwRsr01qeu9kHhUULUH4D8QjJBF/s640/IMG_6581.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Pace </b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6:44 min/mile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/kits-organic/fruit-seed/lemon-vanilla-chia-seeds"><span style="color: #38761d;">Kit's Organic Fruit + Seed Bar</span></a>, Banana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>10th Floor Ghost Girl</i> / Cibo Matto</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The Wolf </i>/ Mumford & Sons</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Random Name Generator</i> / Wilco</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Dead Brains</i> / Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The Innocent </i>/ Mayer Hawthorne<i> </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The Walker</i> / Fitz & The Tantrums<i> </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Shake it Off</i> / Taylor Swift<i> </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Runaway Baby</i> / Bruno Mars</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>I Love It </i>/ Icona Pop</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Dancing Shoes</i> / Arctic Monkeys</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>50 Ways to Say Goodbye</i> / Train</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Deceptacon </i>/ Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Love Runs Out / </i>OneRepublic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wore my new racing flats for the first time: <a href="http://www.saucony.com/en/type-a6/12361W.html?dwvar_12361W_color=19007-1#cgid=womens-competition-road-racing&start=1"><span style="color: #38761d;">Saucony Type A6</span></a>. I usually wear the <a href="http://www.saucony.com/en/fastwitch-6/11798W.html?dwvar_11798W_color=10185-3#cgid=womens-competition-road-racing&start=1"><span style="color: #38761d;">Fastwich 6</span></a>, which are a stability flat but I wanted to try a neutral shoe. These shoes are fantastic! Super light and comfortable. LOVE LOVE LOVE! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px; text-align: -webkit-center;">Saturday is long run day so after the race I ran 9 more miles through Allen Park. I lived there for about 12 years so it's my second home town. It was nice to explore the city on foot again, revisiting some of the areas I used to walk around (because I was NOT a runner when I was growing up). I covered some good ground, got a little lost, and eventually found my way back to my parents' house again. By the time all my running was done for the day - race, warm-up/cool-down, and extra miles - I'd logged 17 miles for the day. My longest run since my <a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/11/on-run-detroit-free-press-marathon-2014.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">marathon</span></a> in October! The hamstring was feeling it in the last mile but after a day of rest and foam rolling, I should be feeling better.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.533332824707px; text-align: -webkit-center;">Maybe this race was the confident boost I needed. Bring on another week!</span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-68400059618090014192015-08-04T20:46:00.000-04:002015-08-04T20:54:33.495-04:00Rock CF Photo Shoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hQgZCC9OwWonMOil7r3knl6YbuQhWCdvaEiLsnK5EHbeb-F9xcFWv5LKISX0Zyr5OSstKtL9IPoiE3nB-6kG520YituZGwKgmhAq7V6IrlkTSi-zOnRbAQmhbYx79n8MygjsiYqynoTH/s1600/tumblr_nsknoq32cl1rw9kdjo1_500+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hQgZCC9OwWonMOil7r3knl6YbuQhWCdvaEiLsnK5EHbeb-F9xcFWv5LKISX0Zyr5OSstKtL9IPoiE3nB-6kG520YituZGwKgmhAq7V6IrlkTSi-zOnRbAQmhbYx79n8MygjsiYqynoTH/s640/tumblr_nsknoq32cl1rw9kdjo1_500+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.jfmphoto.com/#!/index"><span style="color: #38761d;">John Martin</span></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Two weeks ago my friend Emily from </span><a href="http://letsrockcf.org/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Rock CF</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> texted me a picture of a performance tank top with the Rock CF logo on it. They have </span><a href="http://rockcf.storenvy.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">sweet gear</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> but a </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">performance</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> tank is a first. I immediately started to text her back to say I wanted one. Then I got another text from her asking if I would <i>model</i> one for a photo shoot! I was beyond excited!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I picked up my tank top and <a href="http://ursportswear.com/product/no-rub-no-ride-just-rock-shorts/"><span style="color: #38761d;">shorts</span></a> on Friday. The company Emily went with is <a href="http://ursportswear.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">UR Sportswear</span></a> (pronounces "You Are"), a U.S. company designed by women, for women. The goal is for women to feel confident in their workout clothing. I think it's pretty cool. Emily is such a strong and confident woman so choosing UR Sportwear to produce the Rock CF Elite Performance line is the perfect choice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Saturday, Brian and I met Emily, intern Kate, my friend Lindsay, and photographer <a href="http://www.jfmphoto.com/#!/index"><span style="color: #38761d;">John</span></a> at the Dequindre Cut for the shoot. We had so much fun! Most of the time we were either running toward or away from John. Usually together, sometimes individually. A couple of times he wanted jazz hands, just for fun. One time he even ran along with us taking photos. There was a lot of smiling. So much smiling! Emily helped out by holding the big white screen and providing comic relief. Here are some of the behind-the scenes shots.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo credit: Emily Schaller</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This <a href="http://rockcf.storenvy.com/collections/1149198-elite-performance"><span style="color: #38761d;">tank</span></a> is incredibly comfortable. I wore a small and the fit was a bit loose, which I actually like. I love that they are a bit longer, too. And they are super cute! I get so many compliments when I wear Rock CF gear so I'm happy to finally have a <a href="http://rockcf.storenvy.com/collections/1149198-elite-performance"><span style="color: #38761d;">performance tank</span></a> top for hot weather. The lightning bolt on the back is a sweet touch. And when you purchase Rock CF gear you help support the fight against cystic fibrosis. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Each tank comes with a Rock CF guitar pick. Rock on!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ladies, order your <a href="http://rockcf.storenvy.com/collections/1149198-elite-performance"><span style="color: #38761d;">Rock CF Elite Performance Miles tank</span></a> in <a href="http://rockcf.storenvy.com/collections/1149198-elite-performance/products/13827915-elite-performance-mint-miles-tank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mint</span></a> or <a href="http://rockcf.storenvy.com/collections/1149198-elite-performance/products/13827618-elite-performance-indigo-miles-tank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Indigo</span></a> today!</span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-37311672009453499032015-07-27T15:13:00.000-04:002015-07-27T15:15:06.194-04:00On the Run: MOTTEP LIFE Walk 10K 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfX9m3iO2T4RVlxE2gfuJld4mBL31SpKvtUh7H_yUtHCjFSSddMEGakm1eEs9Nq_EaNGNL7OMOVCd_m8ynaWqR0o2aegEfCDhsAS6xK3NmEfK5Q-XbYJlsS_fO1Xu_mD62Uts6omtYpea/s1600/IMG_6474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfX9m3iO2T4RVlxE2gfuJld4mBL31SpKvtUh7H_yUtHCjFSSddMEGakm1eEs9Nq_EaNGNL7OMOVCd_m8ynaWqR0o2aegEfCDhsAS6xK3NmEfK5Q-XbYJlsS_fO1Xu_mD62Uts6omtYpea/s640/IMG_6474.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Look at this amazing group of people! I had the pleasure of spending Saturday morning with them on Belle Isle for the <a href="http://www.motteplifewalk.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">MOTTEP LIFE Walk 5K/10K</span></a>. It was a hot, humid morning but that didn't stop <a href="http://www.run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a> Flight Club from coming out and giving it their all on the race course. Flight Club members took OA male and female in the 5K, along with a few age group awards. I took OA female in the 10K. There were also several PR's earned. And when one member was feeling the effects of the heat during the 10K, two others stayed with her. Making sure she was safe and finishing together was more important than times and paces. That's teamwork at its finest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ran MOTTEP last year for the first time. I loved that it was small and everyone (volunteers, supporters, runners) was so friendly and supportive. That's what brought me back again this year. It's also a charity race, with proceeds going towards Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program, and I like to participate in races that benefit local organizations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last year the race was staged at Belle Isle Casino. Due to a Red Bull racing event this weekend, it was moved to Flynn Pavilion and the course was modified slightly. I got there early for parking and packet pickup. The shirts are unisex cotton so they run large. This year I ordered a youth medium and it seems to fit just right! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did my mile warm-up, followed by some activation drills (toe touches, air squats, walking lunges). I got in a few strides. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_H._Bernstein" style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Richard Bernstein</span></a>,<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span>who has completed 17 marathons and is legally blind, gave a short speech. We waited for traffic on the course to clear. Finally the race started. I was able to run the first mile and a half with my friend Roger, who was running the 5K. My goal was to run a 6:45 pace. I hit 6:45 exactly for my first split. (Thank you, Roger!) In that second mile, however, he started to speed up. I kept up the pace until he turned off but then I slowed down a little once I was on my own. Overall mile 2 was still ok (6:47).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After that I started to gradually slow down. It was SO hot and I was nearing the stretch of island that is more isolated. Plus, although it was a race, it didn't feel like one. The leader was so far ahead that I hadn't seen him since the first turn. I knew nobody was chasing me. Motivation was dwindling. I hit a windy pocket. Mile 3 was a little slower (6:50). I was surprised to see my friend Leah who was out running with <a href="http://www.beboldcrew.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Be Bold Crew</span></a>. She cheered me on, which was a nice boost!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Around the 4-mile marker there was a little loop with a few course marshals. Humans! They waved and clapped and gave me directions. I would have even just taken the directions at that point. I was so happy to see people! Mile 5 (6:57) was definitely my hardest. I was trying to tell my legs to run faster but they just wouldn't turn over. The heat was getting to me. I kept thinking about how I had more miles to run after the race so maybe I shouldn't push so hard. But it was a race so I had to push! It's such a mental game.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I hit the 5-mile marker, I forced myself to pick up the pace. I could tell the course was going to be short so I figured I only had one more mile. I felt a sense of urgency to finish. My legs were turning over and I was driving my arms. I was going to finish strong! I turned the corner for the final stretch and could see the finish line. This was it! I was pushing and then realized, "Damn, that's a long way!" I'd like to say I kept running hard but it was a LONG stretch. I ran past a couple of guys and they just looked at me. 5K finishers were walking past without a word. I think a car rolled past me. I thought I'd never get to the finish line. Thankfully Coach Stefanie was there with her cowbell. Once I heard her and saw the rest of the team I picked it up and finally crossed the finish line. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 5K runners excitedly shared their race stories with me and we cheered on the rest of the 10K runners. Then we received our awards (a different medal). The woman giving out awards was hilarious! There was also a DJ who was playing theme music for each award recipient. It was the best awards ceremony ever. I think they need to hire themselves out for more events. I'd love them at my next birthday party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Time </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">40:47</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pace </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6:35/mile (official results)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6:50/mile (Garmin results based on actual distance of 5.97 miles)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Fuel</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">CLIF Mojo Bar, banana<b> </b><br /><br /><b>Tunes</b><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Nobody Really Cares if You Don't Go to the Party</i> / Courtney Barnett</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Dead Brains</i> / Jessica Hernandez<br /><i>Rattlesnake</i> / St. Vincent<br /><i>Random Name Generator</i> / Wilco</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Strangers</i> / Langhorne Slim & the Law</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Swell Content</i> / Speedy Ortiz</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Shake it Off / </i>Taylor Swift</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Deceptacon / </i>Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The Innocent </i>/ Mayer Hawthorne</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The Feast & the Famine</i> / Foo Fighters</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Runaway Baby</i> / Bruno Mars</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>50 Ways to Say Goodbye </i>/ Train</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Man</i> / Neko Case</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the awards ceremony I changed my shirt and shoes, had a CLIF Shot and some water. My friend Dave and I headed out across the <a href="http://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=other/belle/"><span style="color: #38761d;">MacArthur Bridge</span></a>, down Jefferson, and picked up the River Walk. I had another 9 miles to finish my long run. We ran the first 3.5 or so together before Dave took a break. I continued along the River Walk until I'd hit 4.5 miles and I turned around. I was feeling really good. Until I wasn't. It was incredibly hot and there's no shade anywhere. It was nice to catch a breeze along the water but it was hardly helping at that point. The last 2 miles were brutal, with the last .25 being so hard I actually stopped, unsure I could finish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I finally got back to my car I saw Dave there. It's always so nice to see those familiar Flight Club wings! I was glad to know he made it back safely, too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All in all it was a great morning of racing and running. I was happy to be with my RUNdetroit family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy legs, happy heart.</span><br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-6200139336534687722015-07-21T15:58:00.001-04:002015-07-21T20:09:40.498-04:00Road Trip 2015<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brian and I recently embarked on a 9-day road trip through Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts. We dubbed it our <b>#BaseballBrewsBeats </b>trip. Our main destination was <a href="http://solidsoundfestival.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Solid Sound</span></a> - <a href="http://wilcoworld.net/#!/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Wilco</span></a>'s music and arts festival in North Adams, MA. Last time we went we drove straight there, which took a good 12-13 hours. This year we decided to break it up, stopping in Cleveland and Ithaca on the way; Cooperstown and Rochester on the way back. We hit several breweries, saw the <a href="http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=det"><span style="color: #38761d;">Tigers</span></a> play in Cleveland, and went to the <a href="http://baseballhall.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Baseball Hall of Fame</span></a> in Cooperstown. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We were able to run in some very cool places and found some good food along the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are some highlights from each of the cities we visited on our road trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Cleveland, OH</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We left on a Tuesday around noon. Our first stop was Cleveland. I sometimes forget that it's only a few hours away from Detroit. We stayed in a great location, only half a mile from Progressive Field. The House of Blues was down the street from our hotel (Holiday Inn Express). For dinner we went to <a href="https://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Great Lakes Brewing</span></a> (brewery #1). The place has great ambience but the food was not very good. Brian wasn't impressed with his burger. They had a vegan patty but the bun wasn't vegan so I opted for an asparagus salad. It was tasty but not very filling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our server was NOT friendly. She seemed annoyed that I was asking questions about menu items. Or maybe she didn't like us because we were Tigers' fans in Cleveland.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wednesday morning we got up early to get our run in before hitting the road. I had a speed workout that day - </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5 x 1 mile tempo pace</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> with easy warm-up and cool-down miles. The day before we'd found the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge near the field. It's just under a mile long. We ran to the stadium and looped around to warm up, I did my intervals back and forth on the bridge, then we ran back a different route to the hotel for a cool-down. The distance on the bridge was perfect I didn't have to worry about traffic. There was some wind and elevation but all in all, not bad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Breakfast in Cleveland was Starbucks oatmeal. The last Starbucks we'd see for a while! Onward to Ithanca!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ithaca, NY</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let me just say we LOVED Ithaca! Next time we go to Solid Sound we'll probably stop here again. We stayed in a beautiful B&B - <a href="http://www.millerinn.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">The William Henry Miller Inn</span></a>. The house was lovely, the innkeeper was sweet as could be, and the location was great for running and getting to the <a href="http://www.fingerlakes.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Finger Lakes</span></a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuO3hcm_Mf76qvnBK2VzEMCdIAFueUui3u3wJ4FSnXP0Jgv-cPIPnXPsRYzMozjiAcbl6scoiirpB-Z1ecNW9i2twAmacfz63NwM8Yoxx2LUqF87qjyRpdKc8AZkuaj41cnhJIHwKOnZ2/s1600/IMG_6174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuO3hcm_Mf76qvnBK2VzEMCdIAFueUui3u3wJ4FSnXP0Jgv-cPIPnXPsRYzMozjiAcbl6scoiirpB-Z1ecNW9i2twAmacfz63NwM8Yoxx2LUqF87qjyRpdKc8AZkuaj41cnhJIHwKOnZ2/s640/IMG_6174.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although Ithaca is home to </span><a href="http://www.moosewoodcooks.com/restaurant/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Moosewood</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, we wanted to hit brewery #2 so we went to <a href="http://ithacabeer.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Ithaca Beer Company</span></a>. The food was much better here than at Great Lakes! I was able to have a Vegan Brew Burger (house-made mushroom, tempeh, and grain) with a side salad. They also had a fry flight with vegan sauces. Yes please!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The next morning we went for our run. Just a block and a half from our inn we picked up the </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cornellplantations.org/our-gardens/natural-areas/cascadilla-gorge"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cascadilla Gorge Trail</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(700+ feet of elevation!). It was beautiful! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When we emerged we were on <a href="http://www.cornell.edu/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cornell's</span></a> campus. We ran through there a bit and then picked up a wood-chipped trail that took us around Lake Beebe. From there we ran through campus again to Buffalo Street, which took us straight downhill back to our inn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then it was breakfast time. This was THE best breakfast we've had at a B&B. And we've stayed at a lot of B&Bs in the past 13 years! We had homemade pumpkin cranberry bread [vegan] and poached pears to start. Brian opted for the French Toast while I had oatmeal with a homemade English muffin, topped with strawberry jam. I thanked the innkeeper profusely for being so accommodating and her response was, "Honey, you're in Ithaca!" I only wish every stop on our trip was like Ithaca!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYt9CJTceSQaReuAx7zjziQ6CDDAYCFfgqOymX_x26q9Wmy5Q4I5IzcfvKyhkWnDKPxLrGD4Vof-lTNwmAbijeQVdheL02cEewtkB5FU3hithU4nxXwX_7bC9cXWCmWhJ4XCtn8GCvi3o2/s1600/IMG_6198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYt9CJTceSQaReuAx7zjziQ6CDDAYCFfgqOymX_x26q9Wmy5Q4I5IzcfvKyhkWnDKPxLrGD4Vof-lTNwmAbijeQVdheL02cEewtkB5FU3hithU4nxXwX_7bC9cXWCmWhJ4XCtn8GCvi3o2/s640/IMG_6198.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh, I almost forgot to mention the evening desserts! Nestled among the cookies and brownies was a beautiful, rich, chocolate wacky cake. Mmmm. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd5lMfyqFWXajoY-1zohyOMxQbfe8TeKjs6sqsO-JwO2Y7MGTdokw-FDtITK7emDDSVD6mpSKhbNmxrbldW6Zl5_pPuFd792DQjBAyZkKm1i13ZMnotDF8gMBaAEcDtyN-ZI3XeH-6gHl/s1600/IMG_6183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd5lMfyqFWXajoY-1zohyOMxQbfe8TeKjs6sqsO-JwO2Y7MGTdokw-FDtITK7emDDSVD6mpSKhbNmxrbldW6Zl5_pPuFd792DQjBAyZkKm1i13ZMnotDF8gMBaAEcDtyN-ZI3XeH-6gHl/s640/IMG_6183.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If only we could have eaten more food here! But we were stuffed and it was time to move on.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">North Adams, MA</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Brian and I arrived in Massachusetts on Thursday night. For dinner we went to the restaurant that looked most promising for vegan options - </span><a href="http://www.publiceatanddrink.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">PUBLIC Eat+Drink</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. There was a vegan chili on the menu so I ordered that and a salad. Both ended up being really small. By small I mean child-size. Good thing I'd eaten well in Ithaca!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After dinner we stopped outside of <a href="http://www.massmoca.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">MASS MoCA</span></a> to take a photo of the Wilco letters. As we were standing there we heard a familiar song and realized that Wilco was doing their sound check in the field below (the festival didn't open until the next day). We couldn't see them but we could hear them perfectly! Brian and I stood in the parking lot of an auto-repair shop for about 30 minutes and listened. It was awesome. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLPsbYkt06GKRTIiaGJD_9EVxvELz1PGQBehK1v68AxsuerOXlUsCUtlEUAstPjLvvNHalynlO7Go59NogHGLkUJAR-BWBBUo5pgE8Zee-BoT0d1QqbNizs7GUFmP3eF_UBUzE518Xz22/s1600/IMG_3304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLPsbYkt06GKRTIiaGJD_9EVxvELz1PGQBehK1v68AxsuerOXlUsCUtlEUAstPjLvvNHalynlO7Go59NogHGLkUJAR-BWBBUo5pgE8Zee-BoT0d1QqbNizs7GUFmP3eF_UBUzE518Xz22/s640/IMG_3304.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Friday morning we got up early to run. We were actually staying in Williamstown, near <a href="http://www.williams.edu/" style="color: #38761d;">Williams College</a>, which was about a mile from our hotel. We ran the hilly route to campus and did a nice easy exploratory run, checking out the buildings. The college was established in 1793 so the buildings were pretty amazing to see!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87lpx5Bj4nmEYJwE6MO2uQbNTzzlyHk-G3h47SYnu66CAY4qq5loVy2jGdrz1ANMGQ6p0mTo8zHMZPn7ykBvCgyHZYLDXQntrpMRYNHbMIVRzr8Edlz80QLMmvaDURPqoHaiTCjmqYqK8/s1600/IMG_9054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87lpx5Bj4nmEYJwE6MO2uQbNTzzlyHk-G3h47SYnu66CAY4qq5loVy2jGdrz1ANMGQ6p0mTo8zHMZPn7ykBvCgyHZYLDXQntrpMRYNHbMIVRzr8Edlz80QLMmvaDURPqoHaiTCjmqYqK8/s640/IMG_9054.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For breakfast we went to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/brewhaha-north-adams"><span style="color: #38761d;">Brewhaha</span></a> in North Adams. I was able to get a hearty bowl of steel-cut oats with raisins, cinnamon, and brown sugar plus a darn fine cup of coffee. (It's worth noting that they have "Vegans Against the World" Spinach Wraps!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brian and I took it easy during the day, as the festival didn't start until the early evening. The first night we mostly wanted to see <a href="http://wilcoworld.net/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Speedy Ortiz</span></a> and <a href="http://wilcoworld.net/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Wilco</span></a> play. That gave us plenty of time to walk around a bit inside the museum and on the grounds. We checked out the merch tent and bought ponchos (the weather for the weekend was not looking good). For dinner both Friday and Saturday we got wraps from Vegetarian Oasis (a food truck from Manhattan). I had an avocado veggie wrap the first night; falafel the next. They were both really delicious, healthy, and filling. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDqUNSl4FWB4Wu3IPZO7L_D9tQnJdQCkMgKyMDJk0ou5cBeUcrxBnOb16H-rNgBKaZsNCPscnk-uIHmQ5ukn_A4O_Kg8W9Q8VoL0ug749tyDOSUdbUQb5xx1eoEr0NicL-jBvn7V4Znr2/s1600/IMG_6228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDqUNSl4FWB4Wu3IPZO7L_D9tQnJdQCkMgKyMDJk0ou5cBeUcrxBnOb16H-rNgBKaZsNCPscnk-uIHmQ5ukn_A4O_Kg8W9Q8VoL0ug749tyDOSUdbUQb5xx1eoEr0NicL-jBvn7V4Znr2/s640/IMG_6228.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Both of the bands were amazing! Speedy Ortiz was new to us before they joined the Solid Sound lineup and quickly became a new favorite. They were really fun live, too. We met the band after and talked to everyone about some of their shows in Detroit. Hopefully they'll be back soon so we can see them again.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjBGpHhCBlhrTPGBfIpncUQvYsLVXpNidpPaA1vfb4Cz4LrIFRfQI43pfM696Q4VcX9QRnnf_fRKDmNWYuOaP6zlvAL6jNUOFIbLRNuvk7zekLvmcooYJmoacDw_mAsDyBSsiGrOYmSp-/s1600/IMG_3103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjBGpHhCBlhrTPGBfIpncUQvYsLVXpNidpPaA1vfb4Cz4LrIFRfQI43pfM696Q4VcX9QRnnf_fRKDmNWYuOaP6zlvAL6jNUOFIbLRNuvk7zekLvmcooYJmoacDw_mAsDyBSsiGrOYmSp-/s640/IMG_3103.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wilco played an all-acoustic set Friday night. We were back pretty far since we didn't feel like fighting all the people who had been there for hours with their camp chairs and family-sized blankets. (Don't EVEN get me started!) But it was all good. I couldn't see but I could hear and that's what matters. They still had another show the next night anyway. We stuck around after Wilco's set for a really cool video installation by <a href="http://www.massmoca.org/event_details.php?id=994"><span style="color: #38761d;">Clifford Ross</span></a> in one of the courtyards. The band Real Estate accompanied the artwork. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Saturday was a gorgeous morning, perfect for a long run. Brian and I drove to Adams, MA to run on the <a href="http://www.traillink.com/trail/ashuwillticook-rail-trail.aspx"><span style="color: #38761d;">Ashuwillticook Rail Trail</span></a>. The trail is paved, tree-lined, and quite peaceful. I recommend it if you're ever in the area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then it was another day at the festival. Although the morning was beautiful, things took a turn for the worse later on. Thankfully we had bought our ponchos the day before!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_ssHof1Zspi4Xi9lVZ_8Lj7VaTza4J0XzETremG66iP42A2QhVw7kc-3NHY1Niue8m1IFWSYuPUBduDr0bWfr-G1A7NHBXVaAQugwEVIk_ShGhOXvRcQxJ96YY_kl6gfd7cfNJfSYhDi/s1600/IMG_9104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_ssHof1Zspi4Xi9lVZ_8Lj7VaTza4J0XzETremG66iP42A2QhVw7kc-3NHY1Niue8m1IFWSYuPUBduDr0bWfr-G1A7NHBXVaAQugwEVIk_ShGhOXvRcQxJ96YY_kl6gfd7cfNJfSYhDi/s640/IMG_9104.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because it was chilly (and rainy later on), we spent more time inside the museum on Saturday than the other days. We saw some really cool art exhibits, pop-up music performances, and a comedy show. Before the rain we saw <a href="http://www.yeahbasicallycibomatto.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cibo Matto</span></a> play and learned that they are crazy awesome! Due to an impending storm, the festival organizers moved some of the shows ahead one hour, which turned out to be a good thing. The light, steady rain that fell throughout Wilco's performance turned into a downpour as soon as they finished playing. Perfect timing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sunday is always a light day at Solid Sound. We were supposed to go on a Patagonia-sponsored hike but it was cancelled because of the storm. That actually worked out well because it gave us time to get to the festival early and get in line for the Wilco book signing that was just announced that morning. We'd met most of the band last time at Solid Sound but not Jeff Tweedy (the singer) so this was pretty exciting! It was another rainy day so we went to more inside performances until it was time for the last show - Tweedy & Friends. We got a great spot for this one, right up by the stage. It rained a bit but not bad. The show was amazing! It was a great way to end the weekend. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJlrf4Ji32B65kMFEtyb1utL2kX0lOXh-CDSEQP_4EhSrAL9z9r-Ry-wrW7hluvtkShzWJj8wAtJIzkQhD83tRyt5Y6eOyrd2MBR6ZqH9-SRf2ezWvn6wPEaNj1khJJy9APGbSEBniMWT/s1600/IMG_3444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJlrf4Ji32B65kMFEtyb1utL2kX0lOXh-CDSEQP_4EhSrAL9z9r-Ry-wrW7hluvtkShzWJj8wAtJIzkQhD83tRyt5Y6eOyrd2MBR6ZqH9-SRf2ezWvn6wPEaNj1khJJy9APGbSEBniMWT/s640/IMG_3444.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For our last night there we stayed at <a href="http://www.porches.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA</span></a>, which is hands-down my favorite inn anywhere. We lucked out getting to stay there for one night because the Solid Sound bands book up the entire place for the festival. There happened to be a few rooms available for the last night so we moved from our other inn to this one because WHY WOULDN'T WE?!? (Seriously, just look at the website.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I went for my run Monday morning and came back to find Brian sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee. As I stood there playing with my Garmin, a couple of people were coming down the porch steps. Finally I looked up and realized that one of them was Jeff Tweedy! He was looking at me. I just stood there and stared at him for a few seconds, unsure what to do. I had to do something! So I waved. I was 5 feet away from him and I waved. He waved back. I kept looking at him and I moved my mouth like I was going to say something. He waited, looking slightly perplexed. Finally I said, "Thanks Jeff." Jeff said, "Thank YOU." Then he turned and walked to away. (Wow, I'm a dork!) Brian was watching this whole thing unfold. Ask him to tell the story sometime. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then we had breakfast and waved good-bye to The Porches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Cooperstown, NY</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When Brian booked our stay at the <a href="http://www.landmarkinncooperstown.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjww42tBRCO-sfEiO3DvYMBEiQAHeqMKDICGJNoXXRUc9LREjvsV1GmqceHO8Tp4C6L-X46z7EaAvcq8P8HAQ"><span style="color: #38761d;">Landmark Inn</span></a>, the woman he spoke with on the phone told Brian they would be sure to have something vegan at breakfast. Clearly some wires were crossed, however, because upon our arrival, the innkeeper seemed shocked to hear I was vegan! I assured her I would be fine - I always have a backup oatmeal in my bag - but she thought perhaps the chef could do something for my "vegan situation." It was so hard to keep a straight face! <i style="font-weight: bold;">Situation! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The chef was wonderful and seemed thrilled to make pancakes for me. They were delicious! Then the innkeeper came over and saw them. She couldn't believe mine looked just like "regular pancakes" and said she just doesn't get many "vegan...vegan...vegan eaters?" at the inn. Oh wow. Toto, we aren't in Ithaca anymore!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you find yourself in Cooperstown for dinner, I'd recommend going to <span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.melsat22.com/home.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mel's at 22</span></a> </span>for the house-made Veggie Burger. (There's also vegan ravioli on the menu.) I called ahead to make sure the burger was vegan. When we arrived our server checked in the kitchen to see which of their breads/buns were vegan and it turned out one of the cooks was vegan. She prepared my burger and bun off the grill so it didn't touch anything else. It was one of the best burgers I've had; similar in taste and texture to the Stever McFever from <a href="http://www.woodbridgepub.com/" style="color: #38761d;">Woodbridge Pub</a>.<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span>This, my friends, was a damn fine burger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our main reason for going to Cooperstown was to visit <a href="http://www.ommegang.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Brewery Ommegang</span></a> (brewery #3) - beer tasting and tour of the campus. It's an amazing place! Built on an old hops farm, it reminds me of a winery without the grapes. I'm not much of a beer drinker but I found a few that I would have again. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Brian Wolski</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The other reason for an overnight in Cooperstown was to visit the <a href="http://baseballhall.org/" style="color: #38761d;">Baseball Hall of Fame</a>. It was a cool place to check out. I'm glad we went - we learned a lot of cool things about baseball - but I think I'm good now for this lifetime!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While there I had a speed workout on the schedule. Cooperstown is hilly, there aren't sidewalks everywhere, and the roads that are there are busy. I was having a hard time finding a good place to do a 10-mile interval run (warm up-3 mile-2 mile-1 mile- cool down). I finally settled on a busy 1.5-mile stretch of rolling hills and just ran back and forth. It was hardly ideal but it was about the best I could do. I lost count of the number of times I ran past the same guy on his tractor at the <a href="http://www.farmersmuseum.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Farmers' Museum</span></a>! *Note to future self: Do not do intervals in Cooperstown.*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Rochester, NY</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our last stop before heading home was Rochester. It was different from Ithaca but I think I loved it just as much! We stayed in the <a href="http://www.strathallan.com/?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=rochester%20strathallan&utm_campaign=Brand"><span style="color: #38761d;">Strathallan</span></a>, which was very modern and updated. It was less than a mile to a vegan restaurant, about 1.5 miles to a great running trail. Close to museums and restaurants. We walked or ran everywhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For dinner went to the <a href="http://www.redfernrochester.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Red Fern</span></a>, which Brian found online before we arrived. Everything there is vegan so I'd been looking forward to it all week! Brian and I each ordered a sandwich and shared so we could each try them both. We also got some snacks - Kale Chips and Pickled Things. Both of them were tasty. The sandwiches were delicious - not greasy or overly saucy. Just right. I think think I have to say the Buffalo Bleu had a slight edge over the ABLT. It was probably the cabbage. So good!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Buffalo Bleu, Balsamic Field Greens</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ABLT (Avocado, Bacon [tempeh], Lettuce, Tomato), Mac Salad</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I couldn't resist the deserts so I bought two with the intention of saving one for the next day. I decided they'd be best fresh and ate them both that night. They were delicious! Boy, was I glad I had a run the next morning. 8 miles to burn off the sugar was just what I needed! For that run, Brian and I ran through downtown Rochester about 1.5 miles and picked up the <a href="http://www.cityofrochester.gov/grt/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Genesee River Trail</span></a>. This is a lovely paved train that runs along the Genesee River. Along the trail are bridges, train tracks, and trees. It was really pretty. I did an out and back, which seemed to put me somewhere on the University of Rochester campus. Then we ran the 1.5 miles back through downtown to our hotel. I liked getting to see some of the city but also having the serenity of the river trail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While in Rochester we visited <a href="http://www.eastmanhouse.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">George Eastman House</span></a> International Museum of Photography and Film. Eastman founded the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastman_Kodak"><span style="color: #38761d;">Eastman Kodak Company</span></a>. We learned some things about cameras but my favorite part was touring his house. The man was a real life Jay Gatsby! It was a gorgeous home. I'd highly recommend taking the time to visit if you're in Rochester.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After that it was time to head back to reality. We had an 7-hour drive ahead of us to return to Michigan. Thankfully we were able to find Starbucks on the way home to keep me awake!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />One of the best parts of this road trip was being able to run in new places. I loved exploring different cities and towns, taking in scenery, and making my routes as I ran them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Are you running in any new cities this summer? Tell me about it!</b></span><br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-17270666201809178762015-07-10T11:12:00.001-04:002015-07-10T11:16:34.792-04:00MOTTEP LIFE Walk Giveaway Winner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrEVyRoakd5AuXz5eTcDBuwnZ_JIgw416WmX-OyLyYYz1ARmVtDMtFiQ6kZLLkgC1M0DmHbDojIM-BQcstE3zruuSzh2ptoXdLz7ciIPUMSyu_DUSyBGO88aQuIhx_Ik6SFZWwmma9xb4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-10+at+11.15.02+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrEVyRoakd5AuXz5eTcDBuwnZ_JIgw416WmX-OyLyYYz1ARmVtDMtFiQ6kZLLkgC1M0DmHbDojIM-BQcstE3zruuSzh2ptoXdLz7ciIPUMSyu_DUSyBGO88aQuIhx_Ik6SFZWwmma9xb4/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-10+at+11.15.02+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you to everyone who entered the </span><a href="http://www.motteplifewalk.org/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">MOTTEP LIFE Walk</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> giveaway! I used </span><a href="http://random-ize.com/" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">random-ize.com</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> to choose the lucky winner. Congratulations goes to . . .</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PCWG_NmbOf8nbl_ShDECX8mWwL6V-N42NsoqxidW3j2uSozS76qUSy0UbzNNv95S3DA9MEs-l3a6XWZkUctzB5owR8xHmh5DLziMW8a_np6ZAPeSH1eTYus3ZJtY-iJPDRNz9LjvSv7f/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-10+at+11.02.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PCWG_NmbOf8nbl_ShDECX8mWwL6V-N42NsoqxidW3j2uSozS76qUSy0UbzNNv95S3DA9MEs-l3a6XWZkUctzB5owR8xHmh5DLziMW8a_np6ZAPeSH1eTYus3ZJtY-iJPDRNz9LjvSv7f/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-10+at+11.02.07+AM.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Good luck at the race, Roger! I look forward to seeing you there!</span><br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-24245730384808100752015-07-06T13:35:00.000-04:002015-07-06T13:35:51.949-04:00MOTTEP LIFE Walk Giveaway<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For those of you who might be feeling the post-holiday/back-to-work blues, how about a little giveaway on this Monday afternoon? Today I have another race entry, again courtesy of my amazing friends at <a href="http://www.run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GgmfdJ2INfVugcuOwDOnzbBejgQqDtdIn7Yth8Yca33uJpFlNa2Js_21YCMBkTVOUmIkpLA4j9_iYP8d5y-sUle7pIZaq9zilQPbGSjlQPSh2BKMNO8E6XMrWsss9uco0zg6iu9KH37L/s1600/life+walk+logo_donatelifefw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GgmfdJ2INfVugcuOwDOnzbBejgQqDtdIn7Yth8Yca33uJpFlNa2Js_21YCMBkTVOUmIkpLA4j9_iYP8d5y-sUle7pIZaq9zilQPbGSjlQPSh2BKMNO8E6XMrWsss9uco0zg6iu9KH37L/s400/life+walk+logo_donatelifefw.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://www.motteplifewalk.org/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">MOTTEP LIFE Walk</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 5K/10K takes place on <a href="http://belleisleconservancy.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Belle Isle</span></a> on Saturday July 25th. The event is a benefit for organ and tissue donation education. I ran the 10K </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://veganroadrunner.blogspot.com/2014/07/on-run-mottep-life-walk-10k-2014.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">last year</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">for the first time and loved the experience. It was a small race, the volunteers were great, and the post-race atmosphere was a lot of fun. I expect it to be just as awesome this year! The location was changed from the Casino to Flynn Pavillon. Course maps can be found </span><a href="http://www.motteplifewalk.org/runner-s-track.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can find more information about the race on their <a href="http://www.motteplifewalk.org/index.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">website</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.533332824707px;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For a chance to win, leave a comment below telling me why you want to run this race.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.533332824707px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.533332824707px;">Winner will be chosen Friday morning. Please check the blog on Friday to see if you won. Good luck!</span></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714409430100701276.post-64324700522904509912015-06-22T10:36:00.001-04:002015-06-22T14:19:27.023-04:00On the Run: Southfield Summer Soulstice 10K 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuh7WaNIG6mWYvO3nelutru2QMupr9dGl6SjgNDn_u2tzLRw44eCTqujz5xwFmQ1_VqCqc1H7z4lWJPiyC1zSe2yaHn0ou7l7I0ZUZPqicKgUM6h9KJxH9wAPn53WqSgN53kLmTsxSqX6/s1600/IMG_6133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuh7WaNIG6mWYvO3nelutru2QMupr9dGl6SjgNDn_u2tzLRw44eCTqujz5xwFmQ1_VqCqc1H7z4lWJPiyC1zSe2yaHn0ou7l7I0ZUZPqicKgUM6h9KJxH9wAPn53WqSgN53kLmTsxSqX6/s640/IMG_6133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've gotten lost on courses before. In small races, I tend to fall in that sweet spot where the elite men are far enough ahead of me that I lose sight of them and am running alone with nobody to follow. Without proper signage on a poorly marshalled course, it's a 50/50 chance I'll get lost. Confusing course on top of that? I'm doomed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Saturday night's <a href="http://www.southfieldsummersoulstice.com/eventinfo.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">Southfield Summer Soulstice</span></a> at Lawrence Tech University had all makings of a race disaster waiting to happen . . . I just didn't realize it. BUM BUM BUM!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although I was slightly nervous about an evening race, I was mostly excited to see how different it was to race at 7:30pm versus 7:30am. I was careful about what I ate all day and took a nap in the afternoon. Brian and I got to the race early to pick up our bibs and hang out with the rest of the <a href="http://www.run-detroit.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">RUNdetroit</span></a> family. It was a big night because there were about 15 runners doing their first 5K as part of graduation from the 3.101 program. We also had a few Flight Club members doing the 10K and many doing the 5K. It was awesome to have such a big group!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The RUNdetroit tent was set up in the back by the music stage and beer tent. There was a small row of port-a-potties nearby that I will call the "secret bathrooms" because there was never a line! I was the first to use two of them! They were very luxurious, too. Each one had a sink with soap and paper towels. You don't get that kind of service at every race!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The vibe before the race was relaxed and cheery. People were stretching, dancing, and doing yoga. There was music playing and an announcer was keeping the crowd entertained with amusing commentary. I got in my mile warm up and run drills. I was ready to go and feeling confident.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race started about 10 minutes late due to some traffic on the course. Not a big deal. Everyone took off and ran through campus, heading out to 10 Mile Road, looped through campus, then back toward 10 Mile. At this point there was a man telling 5K to turn right and 10K left. It was confusing and I hoped I'd gone the correct way. Why was this poor man having to tell everyone which way to go? Why wasn't there a sign?? No time to think about it. I kept running, heading back the same way I'd already gone. At least I got to pass my RUNdetroit cheering section for a second time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After this a marshall directed me to cross over M-10 (the Lodge) and into a business park area. I ran through some parking lots where I was able to chick two dudes. Then I had my first indication that something was awry. I passed my first mile marker - but it was the Mile 2 sign and my watch was showing 2.6. I was hoping they weren't off at every mile and that somewhere along the way I would sync up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the business park I crossed back over M-10 where I saw a course marshall holding up 10 fingers (I was in 10th place!) and ran past my RUNdetroit cheering section for the 3rd time. I saw the Mile 3 marker (3.6 for me), turned back into campus, and converged with the 5K runners. I made a left turn where I found a water table and thankfully overheard a volunteer tell another runner that the 10K was supposed to go straight "back that way." I whipped around, uttered words not for children's ears, and ran like hell in the other direction. Why do I always get lost at races?!? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I saw one of the guys I had passed up ahead down another path so I followed him. We were running in the opposite direction as 5K'ers, which seemed odd. I finally caught up to him and made sure he was running the 10K. We made a left turn on 10 Mile for a couple of blocks before getting to a subdivision blocked off with construction barrels. I wouldn't have turned into it unless he'd told me to. I wasn't sure it was correct but inside we found a man at a water table, a port-a-potty, and a fun group of people cheering. Yes this was the course! We did one loop through this little shady subdivision before heading back to 10 Mile. I was feeling confident again to be back on course, in the top 10, and leading lady. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until we headed back to 10-Mile Road where I saw a line of 10K runners streaming past the subdivision. "10K this way!" I shouted! They all looked at me like I was crazy. I knew what they were thinking: <i>Who is this lady and where is she coming from? </i>One woman said, "Ah, I hate when I do that." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Holy SH*T. I went off course again! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How was this even possible? I started to book it. I wanted to reclaim something. Then I thought WHY? I looked at my watch and it read almost 6 miles already. My 10K was almost over. I'd been averaging a 6:45ish pace. It was hot and humid and I'd given it my all. My stomach was cramping up. It wasn't worth being miserable to finish out at race pace because I'd gotten lost twice. Screw it. I slowed down and took it easy to finish out. I ran by the guy who told the 5K and 10K to split. At another corner I ran by a volunteer in a golf cart. "Lost twice!" I shouted. He just shrugged at me. I ran by my RUNdetroit cheering section for the 4th time. Almost back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I ran down the final stretch I saw Brian and the rest of the 5K finishers. I joked to them, "Is this the right way?" I couldn't wait to tell them about how I got lost at a race AGAIN. I seriously wouldn't live this one down. As I crossed the finish line, Greg Everal (<a href="http://www.everalracemgt.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Everal Race Management</span></a>) was on his walkie talkie saying, "10th place, 1st woman," I started to wonder if there was more to this than I realized. I was clearly NOT in 10th anymore, nor was I first woman. I'd seen all those runners streaming past me when I came out of the subdivision. Greg seemed to know I'd gotten lost - but how? I started to talk to some of the fast guys who had finished ahead of me. That little loop through the subdivision? We WERE supposed to do it. Ok so that answers that. It didn't answer how I ended up with 6.87 miles for a 10K but it made me feel a little better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I grabbed a water and went over to talk to the other racers. This is when I found out that while I'd been running my race, thinking I was just getting lost as usual, everyone else had basically been running amok as well! For the 5K, people ran anywhere between 2.9 and 3.5 miles. I heard a record low 4.8 mile 10K and mine was 6.87 miles. Spectators saw finishers running down the chute from both the start and finish sides, as well as coming across the grass. Nobody knew where to go! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's still unclear what exactly happened. The course was very confusing with lots of twists, turns, and loops. I tried to study the map ahead of time but gave up because it just didn't make sense. On the course, there weren't signs, arrows, or other indicators of where to go. Cones aren't enough. I can count on one hand the number of course marshalls that directed me where to turn - and one of them misdirected. You see, we think the problem ultimately was with the first man who directed 10K to turn left and 5K to turn right. Everyone should have turned the same direction. I basically just ran part of it in the wrong direction. I think.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10K course map:</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tsCqvPjWlqizk04TgPh0nl4-PoD-CjgZMzXLibcaYwIk9d4GNIUfPk46hEMeOwo6KhFwZf2MH5QgtYxA_Q_dCvBr-fmi87a_sZVuCV1NoZ0jUhnsfKOmoist4BBI112AHDXFgj3C50pa/s1600/IMG_6134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tsCqvPjWlqizk04TgPh0nl4-PoD-CjgZMzXLibcaYwIk9d4GNIUfPk46hEMeOwo6KhFwZf2MH5QgtYxA_Q_dCvBr-fmi87a_sZVuCV1NoZ0jUhnsfKOmoist4BBI112AHDXFgj3C50pa/s640/IMG_6134.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is what I actually ran. Looking at the two now I see when I ran to the water table at Civic Center Drive I was supposed to do that. The thing is, had I not overheard someone say I was supposed to go back, I wouldn't have known. There wasn't a sign to turn around. You can also see I missed a loop in there, have an extra triangle, and seem to somehow have gone beyond the course boundary of 10 Mile Road!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGmhKbZ3eRT_cLzsyoY2JHEzzjJcxjYM-1cVEn3Ez2TmMiQxq3hEyEPRG1WUmloYbaEKmlAvzvygQMMF6EbJhkmPn939FiQQPb1YTEepXyhSoaBK0N3frAT6kkANVPZD9wXv2jgQtBs_4/s1600/IMG_6136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGmhKbZ3eRT_cLzsyoY2JHEzzjJcxjYM-1cVEn3Ez2TmMiQxq3hEyEPRG1WUmloYbaEKmlAvzvygQMMF6EbJhkmPn939FiQQPb1YTEepXyhSoaBK0N3frAT6kkANVPZD9wXv2jgQtBs_4/s640/IMG_6136.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5K course map:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1BJK0ZrXG51cLmlH2CwRYjU2hPD547JzUeO8_TLGZVNc_7ZbO1mLgF-wTIdb4reNOb6BqjFNpV-N-Qz8fePjbk_zAuIJFylc9_PqOG0M83GM4gcT_MCfXYPFz3oyI9xH6V-rE0OMsPx2/s1600/IMG_6135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1BJK0ZrXG51cLmlH2CwRYjU2hPD547JzUeO8_TLGZVNc_7ZbO1mLgF-wTIdb4reNOb6BqjFNpV-N-Qz8fePjbk_zAuIJFylc9_PqOG0M83GM4gcT_MCfXYPFz3oyI9xH6V-rE0OMsPx2/s640/IMG_6135.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's what Brian ran. Despite only being on the actual course for 1 mile, he still logged a 3.51-mile 5K. He ran this loop once and when he realized he was about to run the whole thing a second time he stopped and turned around. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VcIH6gpXPADeIyJbvnnIfQ6dzAM1jI0wnHVh8UT4DNYGd1EiE2cwy9cuszmlqXtNZjOy2q9PujpmKAWogOMBgPXapvOXmVDNHGZjE2aAwS5UCwi50xujQ1Jdy7z3MM7m8prmlLURCO8a/s1600/IMG_6132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VcIH6gpXPADeIyJbvnnIfQ6dzAM1jI0wnHVh8UT4DNYGd1EiE2cwy9cuszmlqXtNZjOy2q9PujpmKAWogOMBgPXapvOXmVDNHGZjE2aAwS5UCwi50xujQ1Jdy7z3MM7m8prmlLURCO8a/s640/IMG_6132.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the end, however, everyone made it back to the finish line safely. There have definitely been worse outcomes at races! The race director was very apologetic about the events of the evening. Obviously nobody's times could be officially recorded. No awards could be given out but they did a raffle to make up for it. I won a gift certificate for a restaurant in Farmington Hills. They also had half off beer in the beer tent. We stuck around for a while and everyone had a good time. And hey, it makes for the BEST story!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Plus, you know what's great? It wasn't just ME who got lost this time! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJlUCcWkEkoKiVHlW2V-m3RCte9fF3gGHAVvu3q8jY1IC8dYO5AM0Sawbwt7cld3V5mGGfFMWX6fl8EhZxaX69uaiCzkajrBsOa6DVSft7yhCNE7hqrTUzqIFCpyY2B751YPxzQJo4P1L/s1600/IMG_6127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJlUCcWkEkoKiVHlW2V-m3RCte9fF3gGHAVvu3q8jY1IC8dYO5AM0Sawbwt7cld3V5mGGfFMWX6fl8EhZxaX69uaiCzkajrBsOa6DVSft7yhCNE7hqrTUzqIFCpyY2B751YPxzQJo4P1L/s640/IMG_6127.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Time </b></div>
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<i>(Unofficial - for 6.87 miles)</i></div>
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47:46</div>
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<b>Pace</b> </div>
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6:57/mile</div>
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<b>Fuel</b> </div>
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Bagel with peanut butter (2.5 hours before race), 1/2 banana (1 hour before race)</div>
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<b>Tunes</b></div>
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<i>Summer Teeth</i> / Wilco</div>
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<i>Mr Blue Sky </i>/ Mayer Hawthorne</div>
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<i>Vacation </i>/ The Go-Gos</div>
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<i>One Summer Night </i>/ that dog</div>
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<i>Holiday </i>/ Vampire Weekend<br />
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<i>Cruel Summer</i> / Bananarama</div>
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<i>Hot Summer Night</i> / Grace Potter & The Nocturnals</div>
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<i>Holiday / </i>Green Day</div>
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<i>Miami / </i>Will Smith</div>
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<i>Summer of '69 </i>/ Bryan Adams</div>
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<i>California Gurls </i>/ Katy Perry</div>
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<i>People of the Sun / </i>Rage Against the Machine</div>
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<i>The Other Side of Summer / </i>Elvis Costello</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Did you run the Southfield Summer Soulstice? If so, please share your story (which race, your actual distance, map, etc.).</b></span><br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828742485697188500noreply@blogger.com5