Random Thoughts about New Workouts, Iron Girl, Kona Kase and Track Tuesday

It seems like it’s been so long since I’ve done a Track Tuesday post. Like FOREVER. Well, it has been. The last Track Tuesday post I shared was three weeks ago. I’d like to tell you that I’ve been doing my sprints like a good little mother runner, but I’d be lying.

See, first the kids were home for Spring Break. During that week, we had a lot of really fun long days and late nights and I couldn’t find the energy to get up early and run. Then, the following week, hubby was out of town. I couldn’t go off and run some sprints and leave the kids at home.

So, that may seem like a bunch of excuses to some, but that’s the truth. I tried to get creative with my work-outs while hubby was out of town by taking advantage of a weeklong trial pass at local gyms with childcare, like Family Fitness Center. That’s where I got my first taste of Body Pump which I loved!

Body Pump broke me. I kid. I kid. But I really did amaze myself as to how strong I am. I’ve convinced myself that I can’t lift and I have no upper body strength, but I was seriously amazed as to how much weight I can lift. I am one strong mother runner.

After the Tuesday Body Pump class since I missed my speedwork session, I decided to try running some hills on the treadmill to prepare for Iron Girl. Yeah, that sucked. I tried to keep my speed at a 6 and then slowed to a 5 once the inclines came. I think I did myself with that workout because I really felt in my shins afterwards. No more treadmills for me for awhile. I’ll stick with big bad mama bridges.

Speaking of Iron Girl, I really hope I do well this Sunday. Iron Girl will be my last half marathon until the fall when I run the Frankenfooter again in October. This Sunday, I’m hoping to beat my previous Iron Girl time by at least 15-20 minutes but we’ll see. I’m not going to put pressure on myself. I’m just going to go out there and try my best.

On Thursday, I went back for the second Body Pump class which also added a CXWORX component to it. That rocked! Again, I amazed myself as to how strong I am. I guess all that ab loving and abtastic April challenge has paid off!

On Friday, I met my friend, Kat, at the YMCA for Body Combat, which my friend, Jackie, was teaching and she is an awesome Body Combat instructor. I love the intensity of kick boxing, but I did something to the bottom of my foot near the arch. For the rest of the class, I squatted more rather jumping. I didn’t want to risk injury.

On Saturday, I went back for the RPM class at Family Fitness, which was a really intense spin class, but the bikes were kind of crappy. Unfortunately, I’ve been by spoiled by the beautiful bikes at Pura, which I’ve not been back to in ages due to our crazy schedule as of late and I really miss it. I miss spin classes and riding my bike!

A few weeks ago, I received a Kona Kase as a FitFluential ambassador. A Kona Kase is sunshine in a box. Just look at the bright sunshiny color!

But if the color doesn’t lift your spirits, maybe this Kona Kase quote will.

This Kona Kase came in real handy last week when I was a flying solo parent. With all the morning madness on me, between dropping kids off at school and darting off to the gym, I didn’t have time to eat. So, I just grabbed one of the bars in the box so I had something in my stomach and to avoid skipping meals. I still have some Shot Blocks and a few bars which will come in handy this Sunday at Iron Girl.

Visit konakase.com to learn how it works and to place an order. For only $15 a month, a Kona Kase will arrive at your doorstep each month, which is such a great price considering all the goodies inside and the time saved shopping. All Run DMT readers will receive for 50% off your first month order with the coupon code Taylor5.

There’s still a few days left to receive your April Kona Kase by the 15. Place your order by April 9 and you will enjoy these items:

Zing Bar
Barbara Llewellyn Premium Cashews
Powerbar Energy Blend
Picky Bars
TRAChealth
Rickland Orchards
SoyJoy
Journey Bar

And now for today’s Track Tuesday speedwork.

Total Distance 3.2 miles

1.1 mile warm up
Time 11:42
Ave Pace 10:38

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:52
Ave Pace 7:30

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:02

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:03
Ave Pace 8:16

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:02
Ave Pace 8:10

1 mile cool down
Time 10:19

Are you slacking or tracking? Any new workouts for you?

*Also linking up at*

I am a {wild} Iron Girl

Iron Girl Half Marathon happens this Sunday in Clearwater. I’ve trained as best as I could. Could I have trained better, harder with more hills? Perhaps, but I think Sarasota Half Marathon counts for something.

I pushed my sprints.

I’ve made time for my running.

I ate as well as I could despite all the Easter candy.

That’s all behind me. This Sunday, it’s go time. I will beat my Iron Girl time from two years ago by at least 15 minutes.

Those bridges don’t scare me! I survived the Big Mama Bridge of Sarasota!

Bring on the bridges!

And after I show those bridges who’s boss, I’ll wear this Iron Girl Clearwater Causeway bridge boasting medal proudly!

Because the essence of Iron Girl is about boasting pushing yourself beyond the limits with Iron Girl grace. Bridges are just the beginning.

And so is Clearwater.

I am a (wild) Iron Girl.

What’s moving you and pushing you beyond the limits this week?

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.

Pasco Challenge Half Marathon 2013 {Recap}

In a quest to reattempt my half marathons from two years ago, the Pasco Challenge was a must-do do over. Having run the Starkey Trail numerous times while training for the Disney marathon, I thought I would have a home turf advantage to PR and possibly qualify in my age group. After all, I had PR’d once before and won for my age group at this race.

For the start of the race, the temps sat at 44 degrees and I was thankful for the cool temps. Despite the cool weather, I decided to wear my pirate Sparkle Skirt Running Skirt, the same one I wore the week before at Gasparilla. With its deep wide pockets for my Cliff shots, lip balm, car key and cell phone, I find it’s the perfect skirt for a half marathon.

While we crowded around waiting for the race to begin, the race director called all cyclists to start. Corralled in the crowd, I bumped into my friend, Sheila, who was running the 5K while her husband ran the half.

Once all the bikes were on their way, the runner race could begin. The race director then called all half marathoners closer to the start line. We all nudged our way forward and then the foghorn blasted.

I started with about a 9:00 mm pace and it felt good. Definitely a push compared to my usual pace, but I held onto it for the couple of miles. I also didn’t stop for many photos or chat with the runners around me. I focused on my running playlist and let the music carry me through the miles.

Around mile 2 when we passed the added leg on the return trip, an older woman struck up a conversation with me.

“Huh? I asked while I tugged the earbuds out of my ears. “I am sorry. What did you say?”

“There’s the added leg.”

“Yes, thank you for pointing that out. I spotted it on the map last night.” I popped my earbuds back in and tried to refocus my attention to the course.

“Last year….muffle muffle…muffle”. I hardly heard her say.

“I’m sorry. What?”

“Last year, people ran passed that and missed the added part of the course.”

“Yeah, that’s too bad. Got it. Won’t miss it,” I replied while returning my earbuds but also finding it difficult to return to my concentration and my race pace. At that pace, I can’t carry on a conversation and with the break in concentration for this unexpected conversation, I lost my mojo. I lost my focus. I lost my push and my pace, however, the elderly female runner kept trotting along while I fought with my focus.

Then around mile 4, a couple pushing a jogging stroller passed me. UGH! There’s nothing more defeating and deflating than be passed by a runner and a jogging stroller. These parents were running with resistance and passing me. I tried to pace with them to find my focus again, but I couldn’t keep up.

Then, I started to cuss the race. Why am I here? Why am I doing this? Who cares about beating times and PRs? Where is Chrissy when I need her?! Why isn’t she here pacing me? That’s when the false notion of a home turf advantage hit me. It’s only a home turf advantage when my running partners are pacing me.

Much like my running, the volunteers lacked enthusiasm for the water they dispensed. Against my better judgment, I didn’t wear my fuel belt and I had started to regret that decision after several bad water station experiences along the course. A few times, I had to grab my own water from the tables and at one station they offer a full bottle of Gatorade instead of a cupful. To save a few seconds on time, I found myself warning the water stations about my arrival. “I need water!”

Around mile 6, I was done with this race. I was almost at the halfway mark and yet I was ready to be finished. As faster runners began their return journey home, I redirected my energy on them and cheered for them as they flew by me.

Once I reached the turnaround, I walked. I needed the break. Then, my calf started cramping. UGH!

Letting go of any hope to PR, I just did my best to finish. The cool weather wore off as the sun started to shine and the temperatures were rising quickly. I found myself walking more and more. As I approached the additional leg the elderly female runner pointed out earlier, I noticed that many of the other participants mirrored how I felt.

With only a couple more miles left to go, I still battled with cramps in my calves but I was thankful for compression socks. While I may not have earned a new PR or an age group place, I would beat my time from two years ago and that’s all I ever really wanted to achieve. By shaving nearly 20 minutes off my chip from two years ago, this would most definitely be a PB PB (Post Baby Personal Best) redemption.

Chip Time 2:20:35.9
Garmin 2:20:36
Ave Pace 10:37
Max Pace 7:37
Div Place 5/9
64/91

After the race, I ran into the Run Tampa crew and Johanne, who I met at the Armadillo Run last year and we joked about it being our race anniversary or our raceversary.

I don’t know about Johanne, but next year, I’ll be back at the Armadillo. I think I’m over the Pasco Challenge, redemption runs and running without friends.

Purple Day 5K

When planning our Purple Day 5K event, I wanted to emphasize the phrase “fun run”. Many people are intimidated by runs because they think they’re too slow or they walk too much or they can’t run at all. To maximize participation among our friends, the Purple Day 5K was designed to be stroller friendly, kid friendly, walker friendly and even dog friendly.

Despite a frigid (by Florida standards) 48 degrees, we had a great turnout for a last minute fun run.

Plus, I bribed everyone to join us with purple cupcakes and other purple treats.

For the 5K, we ran along a 1.5 half route along a boulevard in our neighborhood and then turned around for a return 1.5 trip to the back to the community park.

“Mom, we’re beating you!” my oldest daughter, Allana, hollered out.

“We’re supposed to beating epilepsy, not each other!” I shouted back.

My SIL, Kirsten (an epilpesy advocate), worked as our race photographer and distributed first aid seizure cards and pamphlets to “talk about it”.

The purpose behind this Purple Day event was to educate and show support for epilepsy awareness, because someone we love needs a cure. There are approximately 65 million people around the world living with epilepsy. My niece, Meghan is one of them.

The response to our last-minute Purple Day 5K was truly overwhelming. We had people all over the world wearing purple, running and sharing photos. Thank you to everyone who supported our cause!

“Respect the purple!” – Allana, our own Cassidy Megan lookalike.

Cassidy Megan created the idea of Purple Day in 2008, motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy. Cassidy’s goal is to get people talking about epilepsy in an effort to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they are not alone. The Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia came on board in 2008 to help develop Cassidy’s idea which is now known as the Purple Day for epilepsy campaign. - Purple Day

To learn more about Purple Day and how you can help educate others about epilepsy, visit purpleday.org.

Spring Break with a Bounce, Easter and a Purple Haze for Purple Day

Spring Break has sprung and the kids and I off to bounce away at Airheads today. They’ve never been, so it should be an uplifting experience for them!

With Easter this week, I can’t help but get all sentimental and spiritual. We went to Palm Sunday service yesterday after being absent for some time. It was good to be home again. Oh Lord, I’m getting ready to believe this week.

Tomorrow (March 26) is Purple Day.
Purple Day was founded in 2008, by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada following a presentation by the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia, Canada. Motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy, Cassidy started the day in an effort to tell others about the disorder and inform those with seizures that they are not alone. She named the day Purple Day after the internationally recognized color for epilepsy, lavender. On March 26th, people from around the world wear purple in support of epilepsy.

Approximately 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime.
At least 1 in every 10 people will have one seizure in their lifetime.
There are approximately 65 million people around the world living with epilepsy.
There are more than 300,000 Canadians living with epilepsy.
There are approximately 2.2 million Americans living with epilepsy.
Epilepsy is NOT contagious. Epilepsy is NOT a disease. Epilepsy is NOT a psychological disorder.

To honor Purple Day and our niece Meghan, who lives with epilepsy, I planned a Purple Day 5K for our friends and family. If you live in the neighborhood, RSVP here. Then, wear purple and come run or walk with us. Strollers welcome! If you can’t make it, wear purple, download our Purple Day “race bib” and run or walk with us virtually.

No matter what, please wear purple tomorrow to show your support for epilepsy. And remember, when you think of epilepsy and seizures, think BRAIN.

Be calm.

Remove dangerous objects and loosen tight items around neck.

Always time the seizure. Call 911 if longer than 5 minutes.

If the person has fallen, turn on side and put something soft under head.

Never put anything in mouth and never restrain.

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.

Sarasota Half Marathon {Recap}

Just to let you know, the Sarasota Half Marathon was never part of my race plan. Many of friends were running it and I wanted to be part of it but couldn’t afford another race in my already overfilled race budget. Once I saw the medal, I really wanted to do it.

As fate would have it, my friend, Marie, couldn’t run the half marathon for personal reasons. Marie offered up her bib and I pounced on it, before realizing, my family and I were planning to visit with Thomas the Tank Engine later that day in Parrish. See, not part of the original plan. But this mom on the run found a way to make it all fit! And of course, I would wear green for a half marathon that falls on St. Patrick’s Day!

Thankfully, Chrissy’s sister, Angie, lives in Parrish which is about 40 minutes from the race start and she offered her house as a place to crash. We headed down Saturday afternoon to pick up our packets and join the Suncoast Striders for dinner. (That’s where Chrissy and I discovered Trader Joe’s next door which is a whole other blog post!)

*Photo by David of the Suncoast Striders*

To review thus far, I had a free place to stay and a free race entry, but paid for it by spending a small fortune at Trader Joe’s, overpriced pasta at Café Cocci, then staying up late drinking and laughing with Angie (Chrissy’s sister), her husband, Tony and their friends.

In a few short hours, 5:00 a.m. came fast, but thankfully I slept like a rock. We ate breakfast in the car on our way to the Sarasota Half Marathon.

We arrived with plenty of time to head to the start with temps were around 57 degrees which is perfect for running, but Chrissy and I opted to stay in the car a little longer ~~and steam up windows~~. It was toasty warm in there. We would regret the decision later as we missed our bathroom break before race moment.

At the start we bumped in a few Strider friends, wished everyone a great race and of course posed for a few photos. Everyone piled into the corral and the gun sounded off quickly after that. We were all on our first leg of the course headed towards that horrid bridge, the Sarasota causeway.

Chrissy and I had a good mile warm-up run through the streets of Sarasota before reaching the John Ringling Causeway. At mile two, we began the incline, but incline can’t describe this “hill”. This slope dwarfs the Clearwater Causeway or the Sand Key Bridge. This bridge did not feel normal despite what the sign said.

Once over the top we began our decline, but not really. We discovered another small bridge on the other side. Curse you bridges!

Past the Mama Bridge and her baby bridge, we followed a roundabout through a town center. Somehow, I spotted Ben and Jerry’s there. My Chubby Hubby ice cream fantasy was soon interrupted once I realized we were heading back over the bridges. I was a grumpy old troll running over the bridge.

On the return trip over the bridge, I walked a bit more, especially once I saw the sunrise over downtown Sarasota. I embraced the sunrise with a walking break to snap a few photos.

Back over the big bad mama bridge, I spotted a remote-control hovercraft taking photos. Once over the top of Mama Bridge we began our decline into downtown.

At the bottom, we kissed adieu to the bridges as we began our journey north along the Tamiami Trail. But first, we had to pop into a port-o-let which added about 5 minutes onto time, but we were desperate since we didn’t go before the race.

For the next couple of miles, Chrissy took the opportunity to hone her self-portrait skills. As our always designated self-portrait picture taker, she decided to challenge herself by taking self-portraits while running. Chrissy must have taken a dozen or so and we laughed over outtakes, the ridiculous angles and expressions on our faces.

Ironically, at mile 8 we passed a Super 8 Motel. Around this point, Chrissy began having trouble with her hamstrings and Chrissy never has trouble. I’m usually the one with some pain or issue. The pain forced her to stop and stretch, which is something she never does.

I stayed with Chrissy because I wasn’t really trying to run hard or PR and I gave everything I had at Saturday’s Spring Sprint 5K. I was just having fun at a race I was never meant to do and we were definitely having fun up until Chrissy started hurting.

However, it hurt for her to stop. She had to keep moving. She continued at a slower pace and I continued to take photos and sprinted to catch up with her.

At mile 9, we passed the Ringling Museum of Art and continued on a path through the beautiful residential community of Indian Beach Sapphire Shores.

At mile 10, Chrissy needed to stretch her hamstring some more. While she stretched, I hunted down some ibuprofen for her at the water station. No one could supply any; however, a young man was quick to inform me, “You shouldn’t take that. It’s bad for your kidneys.” Thinking about my poor injured running partner, I looked at him in disbelief and had no response (which is not like me). Had I not been focused on finding ibuprofen or helping my friend I would have replied, “Well so is Gatorade, but I don’t see that from stopping you shoveling out the ~~sh*t~~ stuff.”

Anyway, no ibuprofen and only 3.1 miles left to go. We got this. At this point, we bump into fellow Strider and blogger, Jackie of See Jackie Runn. We were tutu twins.

The mile 11 water station wins the award for most spirit. Maybe it was the green beer and mimosas, but they delivered some amazing energy which is what you need to finish. When I stopped to take photos, they hollered, “There’s no stopping to take photos, Marie! Keep running!”

All throughout the race, people cheered, “Go Marie! You’re looking good, Marie!” It made me laugh every time. But I did need to make Marie proud and finish around the 2:30 mark, so I really did need to keep running if I was going to hit that mark.

We pushed it a little harder and I predicted a 2:26 finish. No more photos now. Well, maybe a few more leading up the finish line.

Just as I predicted, Chrissy and “Marie” finished at 2:26:25 and we finished together. Jackie finished a few minutes behind us.

Bib#1797
Clock Time 2:26:51
Chip Time 2:26:25
Ave Pace 11:11

After a few finisher photos and removing the palm tree from my head, we sprinted to the breakfast spread by First Watch that waited ahead. The yogurt parfaits were my favorite. I think I ate three. Hey, runners need protein! I was hoping for First Watch’s famous pancakes as the signage along the course promised, but threes parfaits would suffice.

Since Chrissy and I needed to leave shortly after the race, we didn’t have time to enjoy all the post-race activities overlooking the gorgeous gulfview, like the beer truck. At least we enjoyed the entertainment briefly.

I was green with leprechaun envy over Mike’s pot of gold headband.

Next year (Yes, I will definitely be back next year), I would love to make our trip to Sarasota a long weekend and stay overnight to enjoy the post-race party and festivities. Despite the the John Ringling Causeway, also known BAMR Mama Bridge and baby bridge (which was GREAT training for Iron Girl), the race was fun full of high-energy thanks to the spectators. A big shout out and thank you to all the volunteers and spectators who cheered and served the runners. Next time, please have ibuprofen and Vaseline on hand.

And next time, the medal needs to be bigger.

Random Thoughts about Color Me Rad 5K and Other Colorful Topics and Track Tuesday

I recently discovered the fun of girlie mud runs which opened the door to another type of adventure run: Color Me Rad.

Honestly, when I saw the huge billowing puffy clouds of color, I was a little apprehensive to say the least. It was more than a fear of a few muddy puddles and getting a little dirty, but more like a panic about breathing in a powdery colored substance with my asthma. Is that wise?

Having heard and read such great reviews about races involving color, I wanted to try it but I wanted to be safe. According to the Color Me Rad FAQ,

This is non-toxic, non-rash-inducing, Kroger branded, colored corn-starch. Subsidized by the government and processed in the good ol’ US of A, these blasts of starch will change your color, and your demeanor, but never your level of wellness.

So, I’ve decided to wear a face mask and a bandanna to prevent as much corn starch as possible from entering my bronchial tubes. You know, just to be safe. Because a face mask in May in Florida is smart. In other words, I’ll be able to breathe but I’ll die of a heat stroke. I kid. I kid.

My two daughters, a few of my friends and some of the Tampa Bay Bloggers will be joining me at the Tampa Color Me Rad 5K at the Florida State Fairgrounds this May, so stay tuned for those Rad race recaps! If you want to join us at the Tampa Color Me Rad 5K, register here. For more Color Me Rad locations, visit Color Me Rad online.

If you want to join the color fun but not the run, consider applying to be part of the Color Bomb Squad and volunteer at one of the Color Me Rad events.

Speaking of colorful fun, check out my cute BAMR band!

I absolutely love it! I wear it to work-outs at group fitness classes and I wear it under my helmet when I’m cycling.

It matches everything and it manages to keep the sweat out of my eyes. But what I truly love about this beautifully hand-crafted BAMR Band is what it represents. It’s more than a pretty headband boasting about being a bad ass mother runner (BAMR). With each BAMR Band purchase, a minimum of $1 from each band purchased goes to Every Mother Counts and that is pretty bad ass.

Follow BAMR Band on Facebook to view more designs and visit the BAMR Band Shop online to order yours. BAMR Bands make great Mother’s Day gifts for all Bad Ass Mother Runners you know.

Speaking of bad ass mothers, did you watch us on the Mom Squad yesterday? We discussed breast cancer prompted by this BuzzFeed infographic, which I find completely appalling.

Not the numbers or stats per say, but how the graphic displays the information: “Are We Fighting Breast Cancer All Wrong?” Could more research be done to find out the causes and links to breast cancer? Yes, however, mortality rates are down since 1975 because millions of women have been educated about self-exams and early detection. So BuzzFeed can bite my boobies.

You know what else bites? Doing speedwork by yourself because your running partners all flake on you. Nothing like a little public humiliation to force people into running with you! Humiliation is motivation! LOL

Not only did I run by myself, I also ran without music because I have no idea where my MP3 player went. UGH! I hate running without music!

Of course, since Chrissy wasn’t with me I was left to my own devices to figure out the interval setting on my Garmin and I totally screwed up the first 0.25 mile sprint. Oh well. But, I did learn that the loop that I’ve been running on in my own ‘hood for a couple of years now for Track Tuesday is the perfect “track”. And that made me proud even if my sprints didn’t.

Total Distance 3.53 miles

1.1 mile warm up
Time 11:25
Ave Pace 10:22

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:13
Ave Pace 8:55

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:59
Ave Pace 8:00

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:58
Ave Pace 7:54

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:59
Ave Pace 7:58

1 mile cool down
Time 9:58

Are you having a colorful week too? How are your workouts and training runs going? Link up and share.

*Also linking up at*

Music Monday: Catch My Breath

This weekend, I had back to back races with a 5K on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday. But then I don’t know what’s worth back to back races or two half marathons less than a week apart.

With little rest for the weary after the half marathon, I spent the afternoon with my family and Thomas the Tank Engine at Day out with Thomas: The Go Go Tour. Then, very early this morning, I appeared on the Mom Squad on WTSP 10 News. Mind you, this was all after a very busy blogging week and never recovering from the clocks moving forward.

Again not back to back marathons, but it was almost as exhausting. Now, this week I just need a moment to catch my breath.

With Spring Break and Easter next week, rest is now or never because my kids and I have compiled a list of fun things for our Spring Break staycation such strawberry picking, a visit to Airheads, a trip to the beach, canoeing and Busch Gardens.

Will you be resting and catching your breath over Spring Break or do you have lots of fun adventures planned too?

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.

Music Monday: Let’s Go!

A couple of days ago, I ran my second half marathon of the year and this Sunday, I’ll run my third for 2013 on St. Patricks’s Day. How’s that for a half fanatic? Two half marathons in one week! Of course, it’s not as impressive as two marathons in a week, but we do what we can.

This weekend, I also have back to back races. On Saturday, my girls and I will run the Spring Sprint together again. I’ll run the 5K with Allana and the 1 Mile Fun Run with Emmalynn. Over the past year, the girls have made such strides in their running ability and I can’t wait to see how they do!

The girls’ running coach bought everyone green running club shirts, so we’ll be all set in our green attire for a St. Patricks Day themed race. Of course, we’ll wear our little green derby hats again. I may even wear the tutu again this year.

Spring Sprint 2012

On Sunday, I will run the Sarasota Half Marathon with Chrissy and several of the Suncoast Striders. Technically this half marathon won’t count toward half fanatic status as I will be running with under a pseudo bib, which a friend offered to me when she unexpectedly dropped out of the race. So Sunday, Run DMT will be “Marie G” to earn this awesome medal. Personally, I think the dolphins should be jumping through shamrock green ocean waters.

As for the Sarasota Half Marathon course, I hear there’s a tough bridge in the first half. Therefore, I’ve decided to approach this race with my usual run happy and snappy philosophy taking photos and just enjoying the course, although I will pick up the pace in the second half. After all, Marie G is pretty speedy.

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.

Gasparilla Half Marathon 2013 {recap}

In all the years I’ve participated in the Gasparilla Distance Classic Weekend, the weather for the half marathon has always been rainy and cold. This year, with temperatures hitting the high 70s, the Gasparilla Distance Classic faced record highs which prompted the race director to send out emails encouraging participants to drink water and stay hydrated to combat the heat.

Then on Friday evening, in unfortunate twist of fate, the City of Tampa alerted its residents to drink boiled water in response to a burst sewage pipeline. The Gasparilla Race Director sent a second email to ease everyone’s concern about water on the course. All the water distributed would be bottled Zephyrhills water.

Given the heat, I knew I would not be hitting a new PR, but I could shoot for a PB-PB (personal best post baby). Even with the heat, I knew I could run slightly faster than I could two years ago.

Chrissy and I started off together, even walked the David Island bridge bottleneck together, but I lost her around the 3 mile mark. She was determined to PR and I just wanted to finish without a heat stroke.

I kept an easy 10:00 mile pace and just enjoyed the course. I bumped into quite a few of my running friends along the way. I found my friends, Beth and Marie, cheering for me at mile 5.

I love running along Bayshore Blvd, but I always forget how incredibly long this part of the course feels. Thankfully, Heather caught up with me around mile 7, and but then, the sun decided to join to come to the party. Though the humidity hung around like an uninvited guest, at least the heat stayed away for the first half.

As in previous years, misters cooled off the runners as they ran along Bayshore Blvd. With the water boiling advisory, I avoided the “shitsters”. They were as unwelcomed as the heat and the humidity. I chose to dump Zephyrhills bottled water on me instead.

Much like Disney Marathon, I stayed hydrated by drinking water and Gatorade at every water station. Around mile 8, Jessica of Cuban Running Crisis handed me water. I couldn’t resist the water and a photo opportunity.

Just a little after mile 9, we turned for the homestretch back into Downtown Tampa. At mile 10 with only 3.1 miles left to run, I worried that I wouldn’t beat my time from two years ago.

But none of that mattered when I reached the cheering section at mile 11. A few hundred screaming children cheered and shouted out our names as we ran past. The sound of their cheers and the sight of their smiling faces brought tears to my eyes. Hearing hundred of children yelling my name humbled me.

As I stopped to take photos, I hollered back. “Thank you for being here! You ROCK!” Then, I read their shirts and I realized how true those words were. These children represented the Gasparilla Kids Running Program, a program to encourage kids to stay in school, stay healthy and maintain positive attitudes. We need more people in the world like these kids!