7 bridges half marathon

Finally I am getting around to telling you all about the 7 Bridges half marathon! Better late than never, right?!  The race took place on October 16 and we could not have asked for better weather for the event.  Start time was 7 a.m., so it was a bit chilly at first, but once we got going it felt great.  Lindsay and I stuck together throughout the race, encouraging one another and finishing strong.

One thing I especially enjoyed about this race was meeting people along the way.  At different points throughout, you would be running along side different people and strike up a conversation.  Every one was really friendly and encouraging to each other, this made up for what I felt was a lack of spectators. 

The most challenging part of this course for me was all the hills.  There were more inclines than I had prepared myself for.  Towards the end of the course, there were two hills that were particularly hard because my body had started to get pretty worn out and I just had to keep telling myself, “you’re almost there, you’re almost there.”  Let’s just say my rear was pretty darn sore…

Speaking of rear, I thankfully did not have the same problem I had on my last half marathon.  This time around I had done my research and made sure I took all the precautions I could a.k.a. Imodium Plus.  It worked like a charm!

My goal for this race was to finish under 2:30.  According to the race results, I finished in 2:20:12.  However, I wore my Garmin for the race and showed that I finished in 2:19:46 and I am going with that time.  Let me explain why; they did a mass start for this race and the marathoners and half marathoners started at the same time.  Instead of trackers showing when you crossed over the start line, they just put everyone’s start time as the same time.  I know it’s less than a minute difference, but I like the sound of 2:19 better than 2:20! ;)

This was the first go around for this particular marathon/half marathon so there is definitely some tweaking that could be done, but all in all, it was a great run.  I am really glad I decided to participate and I am already thinking about signing up for my next one!

race weekend

I can't believe it is already time for my half marathon, these eight weeks of training have flown by.  It seems like just last week I decided to sign up.  This is the first year for this event here in Chattanooga and I am pretty excited to be a part of it.  Since I am doing the half marathon, I will actually only be crossing four of the seven bridges and that is a-okay with me.

So this Sunday (October 16), I will be waking up bright and early to run my second 13.1.  Wish me luck!!

http://www.7bridgesmarathon.com/

a running update

Yesterday while I was waiting for my running buddy, Lindsay, I decided to walk around a little bit and enjoy some of the scenery.  The sun had started to set and it was gorgeous.  Lindsay was running late and I really think this was another opportunity where God was trying to teach me patience.  I think it is working.  I could have just gone ahead and ran without her, but instead I took a few moments to enjoy the time and in the end got to also enjoy a killer run with my bestie.

Training is going really well so far.  I am proud to say that I have not skipped a run since I started training, which is better than I thought I would do.  I run two times during the week and do a long run on the weekend. We have gotten up to seven miles on our long runs and this weekend we will be doing eight; over half way there!  After yesterday's run I had the realization, I am a runner, and it feels good :)

i have an announcement

(tank, sweatshirt, capris, shoes)


When it comes to sports and fitness gear, I am a huge Nike fan.  I have always loved Nike shoes for running.  A trusty pair of Nike's got me through my first half marathon.
And now I have an exciting announcement for you (drum roll please); I have officially signed up for my second half marathon!!  I will be running the 7 Bridges Half Marathon on October 16.  I literally started training last week, so I am on an 8 week training schedule; that is quite a bit shorter than the six months I allowed myself to train for the last half.  I am not gonna lie, I am a bit nervous!  Thankfully I have got some amazing training partners; my dear friends Lindsay and Melissa.
Wish me luck!!

disney's princess half marathon

{last minute princess prep}

We attempted to go to bed at a decent hour the night before the race.  Easier said than done.  I think I managed to get at least 4 to 5 good hours of sleep before my 3am wake up call.  I really can't remember the last time I woke up at that hour; in fact I don't think I have ever gotten up that early.

We left the hotel at 4am and headed for Epcot.  We had to be parked by 4:30am and in our corral by 5am.  They were going to start the race with or without you!

I knew there was a lot of people participating, but I don't think I really grasped the idea of 16,000 people until we got there.  We were constantly in the middle of a crowd.  It was almost like we were being herded everywhere we went, but it a good herding kind of way.

My aunt and I were in the 4th group to start (corral d) out of I think 7 or 8 groups.  It was pretty cool because before each group started, the fairy godmother would say a little diddy and then fireworks would go off.  It made each group start seem special and I really liked that.  When it was our turn to start (promptly at 6:09am), I started getting so excited and pumped up.

The whole thing was so amazing.  I truly think this was the best running I have done thus far.  It was so cool to see all the characters along the way and the bands and drum lines and all the amazing people cheering us on.  It was an awesome experience.  I think my favorite part of the whole race was running through the Magic Kingdom (mile 5 to 6).  It sort of felt like we owned the place and helped to re-energize us.

The roughest part for me was around mile 9 and 10 when I started getting a little of this.  So embarrassing, but true.  Let's not talk about it.  

When we hit mile 11 and 12 it was pretty unreal.  We were so close to the end and it was hard to believe it was almost over.  It felt great to finish the final stretch with the big Epcot ball in the background.  When they put the medal around my neck, it was pure bliss.  I did it.

It's hard to believe that I came all the way from this to accomplishing my first half marathon; and the Disney Princess Half Marathon none the less!  I owe a huge thanks to my aunt who has been such an amazing running partner.  I could not have done this without her.  

I know I once said that I was not a runner and didn't really enjoy it, but I think my feelings have changed.  I have worked so hard and would hate to just stop.  So I am officially going to say that I am a runner and I actually kind of like it.  I am going to take a little bit of a break to concentrate more on my yoga, but I am not going to stop completely and I am already looking for another half marathon to do in the fall.  Can we say progress, my friends?!

Thanks for all your support and encouraging words along the way.  I have some of the greatest blog readers out there!!

{we look tired because it's 4am; 4AM PEOPLE!}

{we're next to start!! eek!!}

{fairy godmother about to send us off}

{on main st. in the magic kingdom (mile 5ish), excited to see our support team; my hubby, uncle and two cousins}

{re-entering epcot with about 1 mile to go}

{we are officially now disney princesses!!!}

{my biggest fan and greatest support}

it's almost time to run

jacket-william rast for target, tanks-american eagle & old navy, jeans-nordstrom, boots-target, necklace-aldo, earrings-guess

I know I haven't talked about it too much lately, but oh my word - my half marathon is this weekend!!  I can't even believe that it is here already.  My aunt and I have been training since about September and it's about to come to an end.  We run the Disney Princess Half Marathon on Sunday, Feb. 27.  eeeeeeek!

Jas and I are headed down to Florida on Thursday and I can't wait.  I am super ready for a break from work and such.  And I know hubby feels the same way.  Jack won't be able to come with us this time and we're a little sad about it, but I know he will have a good time at his doggy hotel.

I am also super excited because I have some awesome guest bloggers lined up for Thursday and Friday.  So stay tuned :)

button up-william rast for target, jeans-gap, shoes-adidas, belt-dickies, watch-nixon

it doesn't get cheaper than free

top and pants-banana republic, necklace-f21, belt-the limited, shoes-urban outfitters

(a work outfit from last week)

I had a fantastic weekend!

The weather was beautiful and the temperature was perfect.

Saturday night hubby and I had a date night (sorry no photos this time).  We went to Jason's Deli (remember this time we went there?) for dinner; which was free thanks to a gift card from my sister.  We ended the night with a movie, True Grit (it was very good); also free thanks to gift cards from my wonderful in-laws.

Free date night = super awesome

Sunday morning my aunt and I did a 12 mile run in 1:57:29.  

I almost can't believe it.  

I feel like this past week our running has really been bumped up a notch and we have taken it to a new level.  I think I might even venture to say I am starting to enjoy running.  

It has really been a process for me and I believe it is because I have been learning to run.  Just like any other sport, there are different forms and techniques and you really have to find what works best for  yourself. It has taken me a while, but I think I am finally starting to learn and develop a running style that works for me.

Perhaps running will have more of a presence in my future than I thought.

happy monday!

sweater-nordstrom, shirt-old navy, jeans-banana republic, moccasins-thrifted, ring-f21

How was your weekend?  Mine was pretty good, no complaints from me :)

And how about your Monday?  Mine was actually okay.  Usually Monday's make me want to run around the office screaming and pulling my hair out.  (maybe that was a little dramatic)  But today was sunny and beautiful and I got to visit with some wonderful people.

Let's rewind back to the weekend so I can give you a little running update.  Last weekend you might remember that I failed miserably at my attempt to run 11 miles.  Not only was my aunt out of town, but I had zero motivation and energy.

I am happy to report that this weekend went much better.  My aunt and I were only scheduled to do 3 miles, but to make up for the previous weekend, we did 8 miles and it felt great!  We had one of our best paces yet.

Only 31 days to the big race!!

This outfit was the prefect thing to wear when hubby and I did our errands after my run.  These moccasins are so comfy.  Can you believe I found them at a thrift store for 2 bucks?! Brand new, never been worn, genuine leather and amazing comfort. A definite score.

leopard print shoes

leather jacket-calivin klein outlet, shirt-target, pants-express, scarf-f21, shoes-payless

The weekends always fly by way too fast. But it's okay because I got to have my hubby with me all weekend again :)

Ever since I started my closet remodel I have been trying to make sure I remix more items into my daily wear. Don't worry guys, I haven't given up on my closet project. It is actually coming along quite nicely. Since we are now working with a stricter budget, I had to do some deal searching before I purchased some key organizational pieces. I will be revealing the project later this week, so stay tuned!

Running Update:

This week was not a good week for my training. Due to the weather, I was not able to get in my two short runs for the week. I was scheduled to do an 11 mile run today. My aunt was going to be out of town, so Jason said he would join me. Well, let's just say the run didn't go very well. Jason was having really bad pains in his left leg (probably soreness from his intense workout this past week). And I, well I just did not have the motivation to do it and I only completed 5 miles. I failed this week. But I can't let it get me down. This week is a new week and I will do better.

a couple photos from new years and a running update

For New Year's Eve we went over to our friend's, Tanner and Kelly's, house. They also happen to live in our neighborhood, so it's always pretty convenient for us to hang out. It's a good thing we live so close too, because we had to make several trips back home because we forgot things and also wanted to change into comfy clothes later in the night. ha!

I have to admit, I had a hard time staying up late. I must be getting old. On New Year's Day I was pooped from staying up so late! Oh well, it was worth it. We had a great time hanging out with friends, chaperoning the impromptu dog party (another perk of living so close), and playing Just Dance 2. I couldn't think of a better way to bring in the new year.

What did you guys do? Did you watch the ball drop?

Running Update:

This weekend I accomplished yet another milestone in my running. My aunt and I did a 10 miler! Our training schedule only required that we do 9.5 miles, but we figured we were so close; why not just make it 10?! We completed it just under 2 hours at 1:57:29.

I am definitely tired tonight, and my knees are pretty sore. I have noticed that my left leg gives me more issues than my right. I am going to look into making some modifications, like wearing a knee brace. Hopefully this will help.

Today I also used my new ipod nano for the first time. I loved it! Can you believe this is my first time listening to music while I run? I have been missing out.

my weekend in review

Saturday night we went out with some friends (Kelly pictured w/me). Hubby was really excited because he got to wear his new bow tie. He is such a cutie when he gets dressed up. I think this bow tie look is here to stay. Yay! ;)

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Also this weekend, some presents mysteriously showed up under the tree. I have had hubby's gifts wrapped and under the tree for a while now, but now there are two for me!! AND there is something in my stocking. The mystery is so exciting, but don't worry - I don't peak :) Although it is quite tempting to shake a box or two.

Other events of my weekend not pictured:

• Sunday afternoon my aunt and I ran 8 miles!! This is a huge deal for me becuase I have never ran this far in my life! It was quite the confidence booster. Only a little over 2 months to the big race!
• My bestest friend Lindsay and her boyfriend Landon are in town!! I just love every chance I get to see them, since they live all the way over in California. I will no doubt have some photos to share this week since we will be hanging out again and hopefully again!!

I hope you had a lovely Monday!! Only 5 days til Christmas!!

i started the weekend with a run

If you follow me on twitter, you know I had a super busy evening once I got off work on Friday. First piece of business on the schedule, run. I usually run with my aunt, but she was not available so my hubby filled in.

It has been really cold lately, so it is really important that you have the proper gear to keep you warm. This Nike top that I recently got is amazing! That, along with my ear warmer, makes for a cozy run.

You'll notice that each of our animals had to make their way into at least one photo. They are little camera junkies! lol

Happy Weekend Friends!!