Tampa Bay for Boston

After watching the Boston bombing events unfold, Chris Lauber, a local race director known for his well orchestrated Florida Road Races, decided to “do what he does best”. On May 8^th, only three weeks after the Boston marathon, he organized a 2.62 mile run at St. Pete Pier to honor the lives lost, the injured and the athletes.

Only Lauber and his wonderful team could make a last-minute run look effortless. To keep costs to a minimum while donating as much of the $26.20 race fees to One Fund Boston, the run lacked the usual amenities we’ve come accustomed to at many of Florida Road Races, mostly the food and the beer.

Chris Lauber

Each participant received a t-shirt and a LED candle for the pre-race candlelight vigil.

Several of my Suncoast Strider friends were there to show support for Boston and our love for our own Boston Marathoner, Marcia.

Prior to the memorial run, Heather, Suzan and I made silly marathon remarks about hitting a wall around 2.5 miles. As the evening progressed with little water and food in our stomachs, we would fail to see the humor in those jokes.

In the pre-run presentation emceed by Serina Fazan of ABC Action News, race directors and runner after runner shared their Boston Marathon memories of that fateful day.

Serina Fazan, ABC Action News

Lynn Gray, Tampa Bay Race Director Committee

Susan Harmeling, Executive Director Gasparilla Distance Classic

Some athletes finished under 3 hours while others never saw the finish line. Some ran for their first time and a few speakers had several Boston marathons under their fuel belts.

Except for Marcia who joked about not liking the race, each runner all shared their love for Boston, a dedication to return and why it’s more than a marathon over a century old that separates elite athletes from your average runners. Boston is a marathon experience like none other and as I listened to runner share their stories, I longed to be part of it.

Visually impaired Boston Marathoner and her guide

With each account, the theme of the evening was evident. Runners are strong and we will always band together for a cause to do what we do best. “Run and move forward.”

Assistant Race Director, Boston Athletic Association

David Green

As we stood for two hours, the twinge in our backs and legs tested that strength and reminded us to be Boston Strong. As our legs and back began to ache, we heard one last account told by David Green, a marathoner who finished the race and snapped a photo just after the second bombing, which helped identify the second suspect. His heroic act and bravery made us proud to be Americans and runners.

After singing the National Anthem, we left St. Pier with our candles still glowing and ran towards the Vinoy Hotel. The turn-around point was just past Vinoy Park.

Elizabeth Holloway sang Amazing Grace and the National Anthem.

The long evening took a toll on me and I had to walk more than I would like for a less than 3 mile run. The lack of water also caused me to experience side stitches. But this run wasn’t about time, conditions or a PR. It was about being part of something bigger than myself and to show my support for Boston and those who were there.

I was proud to be part of Tampa Bay for Boston and next year, I hope to be able to give more by volunteering at the Boston Marathon 2014.

Thankful for the Kindness of Strangers

This past Sunday, my oldest daughter and I experienced stand up paddle boarding (SUP) together for the first time. We explored the brackish waters of Crystal River and searched for manatees with our friends. It was a wonderful day trip and one that deserves a full post review (to follow shortly), however, this post is dedicated to the kind people who helped Allana and me.

Once we reached the springs, Allana and I took the moment to take in gorgeous view and snack on the blueberry Larabars that that I packed which contained cashews. Unbeknownst to me, Allana is severely allergic to cashews and she immediately went into anaphylactic shock. Her throat itched; her breathing became labored. She began to swell and turn beet red with hives all over her body. After only ingesting one small bite, our fun adventure now turned into an emergency situation.

Due to my walnut allergy and my other daughter’s allergy to bee stings, I normally carry two EpiPens, but I left them back in the car along with allergy medication. I asked our guide if he had a first aid kit containing Benadryl or an EpiPen, but he did not. I quickly paddled over to a dive boat within sight and asked for first aid, but they did not have any medication on board either.

Then, I spotted a boat idling past and I flagged them down to ask for a ride back to the public park where we launched our paddle boards. With 14 mph winds, I knew I didn’t have the strength nor the time to spare. Thankfully, they graciously offered assistance.

I share this story hoping someone in the six degrees of separation in this big blogosphere may know Gary and Amy of Crystal River. (Other than they have two children a boy and girl ages 3 and 4, that’s the only information I have.) Please let them know Allana is safe and we are truly grateful for their kindness.

Random Thoughts about National Moms Nite Out, Boxing, a Boston Run, Stepping Up My Sprints and Track Tuesday

Weather wise, it has been a very strange spring weather. We’ve experienced the usual hot and humid Florida spring days, but over the past few days, the weather cooled down for some strange reason. We’ll back to our regular warm weather scheduled program soon enough.

Last week, the humidity was off the charts, which like I said, is to be expected this time of year, but I think what makes it worse is when there’s no heat with it. It throws me off. I expect heat with humidity. My body can’t acclimate to the ups and downs. Due to my asthma, I experienced labored breathing which made running very difficult given the himidtiy. I ran 4 miles but I couldn’t breathe so the run was pathetic.

4 miles
Time 44:32
Ave Pace 11:08
Max Pace 8:41

Wednesday evening, my friends and I tried a boxing class. It was real boxing with gloves, wraps, bags and all.

The instructor, Tony a Hall of Famer, was like a drill sergeant. In between hitting the bag, Tony made us do a gazillion squats and plank for what felt like hours. I loved boxing to his selection of old school music, but he was not impressed with my bouncing while bobbing and weaving. “That girl is poiiissson…*jab…jab*…. “Never trust a girl with a big butt and smile”…*undercut, jab, jab*… “Bel Biv DeVoe…”*jab, jab*… “Now you know.”

As I bobbed, boxed and bounced, Tony walked over to me with a scowl. “Did you just come from happy hour because you all over the place?”

“I’m always happy.”

At least, I was happy hitting until Tony told me to pivot my back foot, but that caused some serious pain in my feet. So, I pivoted when he was looking so he wouldn’t holler at me.

The boxing minus the pivoting was fun until he made us do floor work with a medicine ball. Ab work with a medicine really hurt my lower back and made me cry, which only caused Tony to holler at me more. “Suck it up, butter cup and sit up!”

“I can’t!”

“There ain’t no can’t in my class!”

“Well, now there is because this hurts and I ain’t doing it! I physically cannot do it!”

He’s right, though. There is no can’t in fitness. But there shouldn’t be crying either. Tony and I kissed and made up after the class.

The next day, I had planned to run 6 miles with some friends, but my feet were killing me. I could barely walk from all the pivoting. So I decided to go for a 10 mile bike ride with Jenny instead, because although I couldn’t walk, I could certainly pedal. Of course, as slow as I go, pedaling doesn’t seem like the right action verb to call how I ride a bike.

After finishing 15 miles prior, Jenny met me for an easy 10 miles on the trail, which wouldn’t be easy for me. She even rode “heavy” on the gears to slow down to my speed. Nice. I went so slow I practically rode backwards and I barely even burned any calories. I really need to work on my speed in the next few months leading up to Iron Girl.

10 miles
Time 50:03
Ave Speed 12.0
Max Speed 14.9

Speaking of Iron Girl, Jenny and calorie burn, Jenny is hosting an awesome Facebook fitness challenge called the 500 calorie {exercise} burn challenge. Basically, you have to exercise and burn 500 calories and share photos to prove it. Of course, I barely hit the mark with that biking adventure, but there’s always next time.

Friday, I chaperoned a field trip to Sweetfield’s Farm Sunflower Maze and attended my moms group pampering event later that afternoon. My aching feet craved a pedicure. There was always Saturday to strive for a 500 calorie {exercise} burn.

I ran again on Saturday and once again, the humidity choked me, but at least I burned some calroeis for Jenny.

6.2 miles
Time 1:04:33
Ave Pace 10:25
Max Pace 8:03
630 calories

Monday, I appeared on the Mom Squad on Channel 10 News. Between hubby’s traveling last month and sick kids, I had to cancel my appearances. Yesterday, we shared opinions on the appropriate age to leave a child home alone.

Speaking of moms, this Thursday, May 9 is National Moms Nite Out and the Tampa Bay Bloggers are hosting a local event at Prime Bar at the Shops at Wiregrass. All the moms that attend can expect lots of fun, food and prizes! I can’t wait! If you want to join us, RSVP via the Facebook event.

Tomorrow is Tampa Bay for Boston Run. It’s in the evening and it’s been a while since I ran in the evening without my children. Thank goodness it’s just a run and the last run along the St. Pete Pier before they tear it down. No matter how fast or slow I run, I will be Boston Strong and there to cheer my friend, Marcia. If you want to join me or run virtually with me, register here. At least $20 per athlete will be donated to One Fund Boston.

After tomorrow’s memorial run, I’ll add another 2.62 miles towards my Joggermom Marathon total, but I’ll have to figure out some way to add another 300 calories in for Jenny’s challenge. My friends, Heather and Jen, are running 5 miles in the early morning. Should I run with them or conserve energy?

Today, I met my friends, Heather and Larisa, for sprints. With Heather’s guidance and encouragement, I have stepped up my sprints to 4 x 800m with 0.25 resting/walking laps in between. Heather normally jogs those resting laps, but she went easy on Larisa and I today. The jump to half mile sprints was tough but I felt great. We celebrated with a mile lap victory lap for our cool down.

Total Distance 5.15 miles (with 0.25 walking breaks between each lap)

1.01 mile warm up, Time 10:19

Lap 1 – Ave Pace 7:59, Best Pace 5:48

Lap 2 – Ave Pace 8:04, Best Pace 5:28

Lap 3 – Ave Pace 8:28, Best Pace 6:49

Lap 4 – Ave Pace 8:11, Best Pace 6:34

Cool Down – 1.14 mile Ave Pace 10:13, Best Pace7:46

And even with stepping up my sprints, I still am 9 calories short for the 500 calories {exercise} burn challenge. Bleh. But at least I only 12 miles left to complete the Joggermom Marathon!

Can you hit 500 calories in a workout? Did you step up your speedwork this week?

*Also submitted at*

Pinning and Planning – May 5

Early this morning, I will be paddle boarding along the Crystal River. My Cinco de Mayo fiesta will begin once I return home to the ice cold Margaritas waiting for me there.

Zim Zari (our favorite local Tex-Mex restaurant) typically offers kids eat free all day on Sunday, but for this Sunday’s Cinco de Mayo fiesta, kids eat free before 3:00 p.m. I considered going to Zim Zari for dinner but once I sat down to plan our dinner menu for the week, I realized we would be eating a few times this week. ¡Así, Zim Zari es no va! Though we may stay home for our Cinco de Mayo fiesta, I may Skinnytaste’s Mexican Unfried Ice Cream add tonight’s to the menu to sweeten the deal.

Friday, we leave for the TradeWinds on St. Pete Beach for Mother’s Day. I’ve never been there and I can’t wait to soak in some sun, absorb some Vitamin D for my mother’s Day gift and run along the beach. With all the eating out we’re doing this week, I’m going to definitely need to find time for fitness.

Speaking of finding time for fitness, don’t miss out on this awesome fitness giveaway happening here! Win it just in time for Mother’s Day and give the gift of fitness!

And now for our dinner menu for the week:

S – Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Rice

M – Roasted Veggies and Shaved Asiago on Flatbread

T – Roasted Mojo Chicken with Tomato Zucchini Orzo

W – Loaded Baked Potatoes (My family will eat this. I will be at the Boston Memorial Run.)

Th – School’s McDonald’s Night (I will be at National Moms Night Out.)

F – Picnic on the beach

What’s on your dinner menu this week? What are your Cinco de Mayo plans? What are your Mother’s Day plans?

Random Thoughts about Some Rain Delays, Another Boston Run, a Joggermom Marathon and an UnTrack Tuesday

When it rains, it pours. Boy, does that expression have some irony to it this week. My kids were sick last week and I thought Little Lion Man was feeling better, but now he has this nasty cough. I think it may be allergies, but I may take him to the doctor tomorrow if it doesn’t clear up.

Then, this morning a violent thunderstorm rolled through, so no speedwork. I attempted some slow and heavy weight-lifting instead. I really miss Body Pump and I can’t wait to join the YMCA to participate in that class again.

I guess it’s good that the rain made me miss my speedwork, because I feel like I’m stagnating with my sprints. Since I’m not getting any faster, I think I need to kick it up a notch with 4 x 800m sprints. Maybe I’ll try again tomorrow.

I’ve been doing well with my running, but I’ve really slacked off with my triathlon training. The weather has been all over the place with hot and cool days, so our community pool hasn’t had a chance to really warm up. I can’t remember the last time I rode my bike, so that’s never good. If the weather cooperates, I plan to ride 10 miles Thursday morning. I really need to get back into the swing of tri training because participating in Iron Girl Clermont in September, which will be here before I know it.

Iron Girl in Training_badge

Tomorrow starts the Joggermom Marathon. This will be my third year participating in the month long virtual marathon. Each week, there will be lots of prizes and weekly drawings, so if you want to join me, sign up here and 10% of your entry will go to the American Heart Association Heart, because as you know, heart disease is the number one killer in women.

Next week, the Florida Gulf Beaches Road Races added another race to their lineup to support the One Boston fund. The 2.62 Tampa Bay for Boston Memorial Run will happen on Wednesday, May 8. Chris Lauber organized an amazing Boston Run event and requested my friend, Marcia, to share her Boston Marathon experience. I can’t miss this one! I have to show my support my Marcia and Boston.

And speaking of races, registration for the Best Damn Race opens tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. and I’m hoping to score a dollar entry again. It’s like the NYC marathon slogan says, “a dollar and a dream.”

Last Thursday, I met some friends to run a 6 mile tempo run. With all my PF issues, it hurts to run fast or maintain a race pace for too long. Since Heather and Jennifer G only wanted to run 4 miles, I ran one warm-up mile to the clubhouse, ran a good 4 miles tempo with them and then I ran one mile home. I guess the combination worked because I shave about 30 seconds off my 10K time, which is a good start. Hopefully, in time, my 10K will be under an hour again. I would love that!

6.2 miles
Time 10:01:55
Ave Pace 10:00
Max Pace 7:32

While playing nursemaid to my sick kids, I didn’t have the strength to run on Friday. Then, Saturday Allana and I volunteered at her Girl Scout Troop’s Run 4 Respect, so once again no running happened. I couldn’t let Sunday slip by without a run, but I was seriously exhausted. I wanted to run further than I did and ride my bike, but I only ran 3 miles and it wasn’t a great run. But then, at least I ran!

3.1 miles
Time 30:38
Ave Pace 9:58
Max Pace 7:27

Looks like my speedwork will be scrapped this week, because I’d like to attempt another tempo run on Thursday with my friends and then ride my bike later that morning after I drop Liam off at daycare. As for the rest of my workout plans this week, I will be trying out a new Kickboxing class with my friends tomorrow night. Hopefully, I won’t be too sore for a tempo run the next morning.

So, what’s your workout plan this week? Did the weather force you to skip speedwork this week too?

Psst…even if you miss your workouts, don’t miss out on this FRS giveaway.

FRS Healthy Energy Review and Giveaway

*Disclaimer: FRS sent me product and compensated me for my honest review of their product as part of a FitFluential Campaign. The opinions shared are my own.*

Recently, FRS sent me an assortment of “Healthy Energy” drinks and chews to try. FRS Healthy Energy provides natural sustained energy without the crash which every mom on the run needs. I am always looking for natural pick-me-up drinks and I liked the variety of the FRS Healthy Energy flavors.

FRS Healthy Energy products are powered by a patented formula containing the powerful antioxidant Quercetin (found naturally in many fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries and grapes,) green tea catechins and more that 100% RDI of seven essential vitamins. Plus, FRS Healthy Energy products contain the highest level and purity of Quercetin available.

Although FRS was originally developed to provide chemotherapy patients more sustained energy and stamina while also helping to support their immune system, FRS has been a favorite for many top athletes, such as pro quarterback Tim Tebow. However, FRS isn’t just for elite athletes or those fighting fatigue. The combination of Quercetin and other natural ingredients in FRS is perfect for anyone looking for natural healthy, sustained energy without the crash.

Since the FRS Health Energy is chockfull of vitamin and minerals, I drank it in place of my usual coconut water recovery drink after my tempo run. It was very refreshing, but despite being low in sugar, I found the Low Calorie Citrus Pomegranate to be quite sweet. Another day, I drank the Apricot Nectarine in place of my afternoon cup of tea to see if it would sustain me. Surprisingly, I did feel a healthy energy boost, just as FRS promises.

This morning, after a sleepless night between my coughing toddler and my restless howling puppy, I need an energy boost. I decided to give the FRS pomegranate blueberry soft chews a try. Within moments, I felt focused and didn’t even need my usual morning coffee. These FRS soft chews are also great healthy energy replacements for my usual running snack, gummy bears and Cliff shots.

The full line of FRS Healthy Energy products (including ready-to-drink beverages, chews, powdered drink mixes, shots and concentrates) can be purchased at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Kroger, Whole Foods, Rite Aid, Meijer, Walgreens, Harris Teeter and FRS.com.

Right now, Run DMT fans can save $1 off of a 4-pack of FRS Health Energy at GNC with promo code 21460. Blog post must be printed and presented to cashier at GNC as a coupon or must be shown on smartphone. Coupon expires on May 31, 2013.

Visit FRS.com to request a sample pack of FRS hard chews, soft chews and low-calorie powder valued over $25. Pay only $3.95 for shipping and handling.

Also, stop by FRS.com to enter the FRS Ultimate Fitness Giveaway for your chance to win FRS gear. Enter each week to better your chances at a grand prize package with a personal trainer, sessions with a nutritionist and a one-year supply. Entries FRS Ultimate Fitness Giveaway must be submitted by May 31, 2013.

In the meantime, double your chances of winning a FRS Healthy Energy sample pack by entering my giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Girl Scouts} Run the World – Run 4 Respect

On Saturday, Allana’s Girl Scout Troop hosted an anti-bullying 5K fun run, “Run 4 Respect” to earn their Bronze Award. Advertised and publicized solely by word of mouth, the inaugural event had 125 registered runners.

Over the past few months, the girls planned every aspect of the event: the route, the signage, their shirts, awards, finisher ribbons, refreshments and entertainment.

For the entertainment, there was a DJ, a bouncy castle, a face painter and a volunteer to make balloon animals, a first for any race I’ve attended!

Allana selected me to serve as a cheerleader along the course and I wore my green tutu just for the occasion. I thought the color coordinated nicely with the Girl Scout’s t-shirts, but the color would also keep the runner’s spirits bright.

The troop invited Mrs. Universe, Kelly Lightburn, to emcee, present awards and speak to the crowd after the race about standing up to bullies and the importance of self-confidence.

The inaugural event was a huge success and it was evident the Girl Scouts worked very hard on their Run 4 Respect Fun Run from start to finish.

For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.

Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.

Random Thoughts about Stroller Strides, Being Boston Strong and Track Tuesday

My husband’s American Airlines flight was canceled due to some IT difficulties and he was unable to book another because everyone was trying to do the same, which limited the number of available flights. While still on edge from the Boston marathon bombing, I was so relieved to have him home.

Between FCAT, my youngest daughter behaving poorly at school and my husband’s traveling, the past few weeks have been so stressful and I so glad to have it all behind us now. Throw the Boston bombings on top and I felt so riddled with anxiety, which only a good night sleep or a good run could fix.

Since I knew I would be running with my kids’ running club and also participating in a trial Stroller Strides class with my moms group, I decided to sleep in on Wednesday morning. It seemed that the stress was draining me and I needed the rest.

The Stroller Strides class led by Regina, a sweet little pregnant instructor, was fun. Even Liam enjoyed it! I wasn’t sure how he would do sitting in a stroller watching Mommy work-out, but he seemed to like it or perhaps he liked making faces at me. I enjoyed soaking in the sun while exercising.

We met at the trail and after an introductions and a warm-up, we did a short jog. We stopped between runs for intervals, like lunges and squats singing toddler songs like “The Ants Go Marching” or bandwork singing ABC’s or “Hurry, Hurry! Drive the Fire Truck!” (Liam’s favorite) I appreciated all the strengthening exercises, but I thought they were a bit easy. Or at least I thought they were a bit easy until the next day. Man, my legs were sore for two days. I guess I could use a bit more toddler song lunges. Expect a vlog post about that soon!

Later that afternoon, I ran a couple miles with my girls at running club. It was crazy hot, but I encouraged the kids to keep running Boston Strong.

Thursday, I ran 6 miles. I tried to do a tempo run but my PF heels couldn’t handle it or maybe my heart wasn’t it to it, because I still had Boston on the brain. Whatever was going on in my brain (Boston bombings and bad behavior) had me deep in thought, however, that concentration quickly broke when a poodle came charging at me. I jumped back into a body combat stance and nearly kicked the mutt in the head. The flat of my foot was inches away from that poor pooch’s snout before he whimpered off back to his house and all I could think was “Chamber your knee!” But it’s like I always say, all dogs look like Cujo when they come charging at you and a kickboxing Kung Fu kick is literally my knee-jerk reaction.

6 miles
Time 1:02:19
Ave Pace 10:03
Max Pace 7:52

Saturday and Sunday, I slept in. Again, I just wasn’t on my game. But Monday, I needed to shake off whatever funk I was feeling and get my head back into running along with the rest of the country. All across the nation, runners met to run #BostonStrong and Fitniche Running Stores hosted our local #BostonStrongTampa. Proudly wearing blue and yellow (Boston colors), my girls and I joined the run at the Shops of Wiregrass location along with over 400 other runners. It was truly a tear-jerking sight.

*Photo credit to Fitniche*

We ran along the main boulevard of the mall and exited out onto a road for the long mile stretch. I let my girls set the pace along the 3.1 mile course but encouraged them to stay with it.

My girls wanted to walk more than I would have liked to, but I was just so proud of them for even wanting to be part of this moment. It was so wonderful to see runners of all abilities out there showing love for Boston.

I even saw a few Striders (Kim, Rachel and Christina) out there. I loved bumping into them during the run. Of course, they passed me and my junior running group.

At the mile and a half point, we stopped for water provided by Fitniche and the girls ran the second half even stronger. Once we reached the entrance to the mall, I told them they had to run back to the running store without stopping, which they did.

Surprisingly, Emmalynn snuck a sprint in the last tenth of mile (just like her mama). When we reached the finish line she said, “I finished STRONG, mama!”

“You mean you finished BOSTON STRONG!” It was a true proud mama moment.

3.2 miles
Time 47:56
Ave Pace 15:05
Max Pace 7:17 (Emmalynn’s sprint)

This morning, I ran sprints. Funny thing with my speedwork, I’m not showing any progress. I think it may be time to bump it up to 6 x 400 sprints and to push myself a bit more.

1 mile warm up
Time 9:57

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:55
Ave Pace 7:44

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:55
Ave Pace 7:44

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:54
Ave Pace 7:34

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:52
Ave Pace 7:34

1.1 mile cool down
Time 10:36
Ave Pace 9:41

Total Time 28:13
Total Distance 3.1
Ave Pace 9:07

Is Boston on your brain these days or are you staying Boston Strong?

*Also linking up at*

Dare You to Move {Music Monday}

Today, we celebrate Earth Day, but really every day should be treated like it’s Earth Day. Thinking about your carbon footprint shouldn’t just happen one day. Instead, do something every day to help keep the planet beautiful.

However, this Music Monday post is more than a friendly reminder to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Today is also one week after the Boston Marathon bombing. My friends, Andrea and Marcia, were only a half mile from the finish line when the explosion ignited last week. Their friends and family anxiously watched Facebook feeds for updates and prayed for their safety. As the world watched the events unfold, we learned that the Boston Marathon came to a halt as did their dream of crossing the finish. Our hearts ached for them, but we were grateful for the safety of our all-star athlete friends.

Marcia and Andrea have vowed to return to Boston next year and they have the entire running community behind them. Some of our other mutual running friends are determined to qualify for next year’s marathon. Others, like me, have made Boston Marathon a goal, even if it takes a lifetime to get there.

Prayers4Boston

Collectively, runners across America have banded in spirit for Boston with impromptu 26:20 runs on last Tuesday and #BostonStrong runs happening in cities everywhere this evening.

Several people have asked me if what happened in Boston changes things for me. Yes, it changes everything. I will run even harder. Prior to last Monday’s events, I would have never thought about trying to qualify for Boston, but now it’s on my running bucket list. What happened at Boston won’t stop me from applying for the New York City Marathon for the third year in a row this Thursday. I can’t live my life in fear.

And so, I dare you. I dare you to move for Boston. Don’t say, “I can’t run. I’m not a runner”. Just get out there and try. Start small. Run a block and then walk. Pick a loop in your neighborhood and run. Aim for 3 times a week and build up your endurance. Eventually, you will find yourself walking less and less. That’s exactly how I started 6 years ago.

Be strong. Be Boston Strong. Run Boston strong.

I dare you to move.

And pick up some litter while you’re at it.

For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.

Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.

I am an Iron Girl {Half Marathon 2013 Recap}

Disclaimer: I was provided with a free race entry in exchange for my honest review of my Iron Girl Clearwater experience. The opinions shared are my own.

The night before the race, my pre-race activities are similar to that of many other runners. I lay out my clothes. I charge my cell phone, Garmin and MP3 player. I’ll fill my water for the road and pack my pre-race breakfast (PB Ritz Bits Crackers, a banana), Cliff shots and other snacks.

I also always check the weather. Sunday’s forecast predicted 70 degrees at the start and 93% humidity. Although I so desperately wanted to beat my Iron Girl time from two years ago in the hopes of shaving 20 minutes off my time to finish close to 2:15, Sunday would not be the day for that goal. Dealing with the reality of the hot weather and humidity, I decided to go out there and do my best for now. I’ll train hard this summer and come back stronger for my half marathons in the fall.

Chrissy and I arrived at Coachman Park around 6:30 but we were late arriving at the Athelta tent to meet our friends for a photo opp with Daffodil, Maribel, Tanya, Mindy and Jina. Our tardiness also caused us to miss Jenny’s big Athleta’s Power to She moment for photos, but fortunately we heard her inspirational story with the rest of the crowd.

After a quick few photos with our friends, Chrissy and I darted off the the start line. We pushed our way through the crowd to find a spot relatively close to the 2:15 pace group, because I still had hopes to finish close to that time.

The first mile of the race led us through the “hills” of downtown Clearwater, which was a good warm-up for the Clearwater Causeway. It also helped us look strong when we ran past Megan of Little Girl in a Big World.

Once Chrissy and I reached Clearwater Beach, I exclaimed with joy for Hooters on the beach. I was also excited to still be behind the 2:15 pace group. As long as they stayed in my sight, I could hold onto the hope of finishing close to that time.

I experienced 15 minutes of fame behind the 2:15 pace group. Recognizing my run happy and snappy talents, another runner asked, “Are you Denise of Run DMT?”

“Yes, I am!”

“I thought so! I am such a huge fan of your blog.” I experienced blush and runners flush at the same time.

In my five years of blogging, that has never happened. I’m usually the one plugging and promoting my blog along the course whenever people ask me how or why I take photos while running. Ironically, I experienced this a few times during Iron Girl.

Shortly after my 15 minutes of fame, Chrissy was having trouble with her knee and needed to stretch. We had agreed to split up if necessary and at this point, I pushed on ahead.

Chrissy quickly caught up with (which I knew she would) and then pulled ahead once we reached the Sand Key bridge. I needed to walk more than her. Plus, I enjoyed the view from the top.

After the bridge, around mile 5 turned into Sand Key park (like the Clearwater Marathon), except this time we had an extra loop through the parking lot.

Although Chrissy and I had long separated by now, the first half of the course seemed to be going well.

Around 6.5 miles, the sun tried to peek through the overcast and I spotted the 2:15 pace group on their return trip back to Sand Key Bridge. They were a good five minutes ahead of me and I felt bit deflated. All hopes to finish around 2:15 were now abandoned. Would I even beat my time from two years ago?

During the return trip to Sand Key, my Tampa Bay Blogger friends, Jessica and Jina, cheered for me as we passed each other on Gulf Boulevard and I felt invigorated. I was ready to face the Sandy Key bridge again.

Despite all the signs telling me “Tired legs are sexy”, I couldn’t give more than 13 minute mile over the bridge and I still had to occasionally stop and walk. On my return ambulatory journey over the Sand Key Bridge, I began to wonder why I even attempted this race. You know it’s bad when you can’t see the silver lining or in this case, the road, on the other side.

After the Sand Key Bridge, we were led through the backstreets of Clearwater Beach for our return trip to Coachman Park. I enjoyed the slightly different route home. The change renewed my energy and I found myself pushing it just slightly harder.

As we left Clearwater, I thanked an older police officer standing on the turn before the causeway and he replied, “When they asked me to work, I said “Sure who wouldn’t want to watch beautiful women go by for two hours?” His remarks had me smiling all along the stretch back to Coachman Park.

Along the Causeway, I chatted with a few other runners to make my mind off the steep incline of the Causeway and the headwind. Only a little over a mile remained.

As we reached the end of the Clearwater Causeway, we approached the beginning of the helix with its long downward spiral. A few runners became dizzy and started to slow down, but I sped up. Once we hit the bottom, I knew the finish line was only about a quarter mile away and I sprang off the helix with a sprint.

I sprinted about a 6:26 to the finish line.

*Photo credit to Digital Running*

2:24:18
Ave Pace Split 1 (6.5 miles) 10:37
Ave Pace Finish 11:01
Overall Place 566/1257
Age Div 101/219

Although I didn’t beat my time from two years ago by 20 minutes like I had hoped, I still shaved 7 minutes off that time. I also shaved 2 minutes off my Sarasota finish time! Take that bridges! HA!

Iron Girl was definitely a true test of my endurance and thirst. (They seriously need more water stations throughout the course. I would suggest approximately every mile.) Those bridges are tough and my Achilles acted up occasionally, but I would totally do it again. If given the opportunity to compete at Iron Girl again, I will train harder next time by making more of an effort to train on the Clearwater Causeway.

But for now, I need to rev up my swimming and cycling to train for Iron Girl Clermont!

Because I am an Iron Girl…

…and I will always be an Iron Girl in training.

A big THANK YOU to the wonderful staff of Iron Girl for making this race possible for some many of the women of the Tampa Bay Bloggers!

Run DMT

I'm a mom on the run!

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