2014 Running Wrap Up

... And what have you done?

Another year over, a new one just begun...

This year was jam packed with responsibilities. Unfortunately, this did not allow too much room for travel, and I only ran three half marathons: Idaho, California, and West Virginia. All in all it was a great year for running because I also ran my very first marathon, TCS New York City Marathon!

I ran a 1:46 in the Fit For Life Half Marathon in Boise, Idaho and took third in my age group. This was 4 minutes behind my goal time. After this race, I promised myself to really take my recovery efforts more seriously. Running and working without paying any attention to stretching and foam rolling leads to chronic muscle soreness. So, I started to go back for Active Release Therapy. I guess you could say I had an epiphany of sorts when I sat down to my post race meal in Idaho! Which I must admit - I was surprised how many great little restaurants were in downtown Bosie, Idaho! I remember one restaurant served a burger made with 1/2 chuck and 1/2 brisket - very moist. I took this recipe home with me, and at my cousin's burger throw down, yeah baby, my Sissy and I served up little brisket/chuck sliders and won best burger taste, and best burger presentation:

Sissy and I won!

Isn't this cake cool, too? My brother-in-law had someone make this for the burger throw down!

All Cake!

I ran a 1:43 in the Summers Breeze Half Marathon in San Leandro, California and took second in my age group. The Active Release Therapy and NormaTec Boot Technology really helped. So did being consistent with my post run stretching and foam rolling recovery efforts. The California Half was very special because I got to reconnect with my niece, whom I hadn't seen in four years! I'm so proud of her! She just graduated from The University of San Francisco and recently got accepted to law school!

WooHoo! Congratulations, Rachel!

In the Freedoms Run Half in West Virginia, I ran 1:43 again, and took another second place age group win. This race was a lot more challenging than the Summers Breeze Half in California. Even though I ran the same pace for both, I consider finishing the West Virginia Half at that time a great accomplishment. The hills were never ending. One really cool thing about this race was that the finisher's medals were all hand made by a local potter:

On this year's September 11th Anniversary of the World Trade Center, I met Jeremy Boyd, who ran 240 miles from the Pentagon to Shanksville, Pennsylvania to Ground Zero. I am still amazed that Jeremy commemorated the day like that. So many people say "Never Forget", but it was like Jeremy performed the words.

Me, Jeremy, and Sissy

Thanks again, Jeremy. It really means a lot to my family and me that you chose to commemorate the thirteenth anniversary in such an outstanding way.

We, of course, remember and miss John every day

I also finally finished my Dietetic Internship, received the New Jersey Dietetics Association 2014 Student Initiative Award, studied my arse off for the New Jersey State Registered Dietitian Examination, which I passed in August - achieving my Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Certification

WooHoo! 

Finally, I'm an RDN!

Next stop: a new age group - 50 never looked so good! So why not enter and train for the New York City Marathon? And based on all that was going on in my life, Side-Kick requested that I show up at the local Halloween Bash as Wonder Woman.

Flash Gordan and Wonder Woman!
Super Duper Heroes! LOL!

I still can't get over how incredibly difficult the last five miles of the New York City Marathon were. When people supportingly yelled, "C'mon, you only got Two More Miles," I wanted to first tell them to "Shut Up" and then scream, "It's TWO More Miles!" Yeah, it didn't help to know I only had two more miles left.

2014 New York City Marathon

Afterward, everyone was so happy for me. I wanted to finish in 3:33. I was close: 3:35. I was happy with my time since it was so very windy. Still, all in all, it was not the hardest thing I've done in this world (Hint: 3 pictures up!). Nonetheless, it was an incredible experience, and it got me planning on another goal: Running all six of the World Major Marathons.

After the NYC Marathon, Sissy and I ran in our local Turkey Trot, The Ashenfelter Classic (Horace lives here, in town). You bet I ran my arse off for that mug. Ain't no guy with a baby stroller passing me this year! No way, No how!

I ran a 7:17 mile pace in this local 8K.

Not too shabby!

Me and Sissy 2014 Ashenfelter Classic!

Then, I ran home to host Thanksgiving 2014! I must say, the turkey was pretty awesome this year!

Twenty Pounds and Juicy!

I also gave birth!

Well ... sort of!

I'm not really Wonder Woman!

I started my very own Nutrition, Fitness, and Wellness Company: B3yond Nutrition, LLC

So, c'mon guys:

LIKE my Facebook Page: facebook.com/beyondNutrition-RDN.com

FOLLOW me on Twitter: twitter/@beyndnutrition

I'm just starting to put my website together: beyondnutrition-rdn.com. 

Stop by for a visit!

But, the best birthing this year goes to my niece and nephew. Thank you Jess and Matt for my new Grand Nephew!

Welcome Little Lucas!
I love you , tons!

Oh my gosh - he is just soooo cute!

I actually have three adorable little Grand Nieces and Nephews:

Luvuguyz!

You think they'll run with me, one day?

Even though I didn't make my Five Half Marathons per year this year, I still competed the same amount of miles because of the TCS NYC Marathon! Injury-wise, it was a very, very good year. Of course some aches and pains along the way, but nothing some good nutrition, strength training, and recovery techniques couldn't correct!

How was your year?

What was your favorite race in 2014?

Any new Family Additions?

Train Smart Today!

TCS New York City Marathon

I DID IT!

I DID IT!

I DID IT!

My FIRST Marathon!

The TCS New York City Marathon!

And it was freakin' awesome!

I can't even begin to explain it. I trained so hard. Twenty milers, Jump Squats, One Legged Squats, Hill Runs, Pick Ups, Holding Planks for 3-4 minutes, Foam Rolling, Active Release Therapy, NormaTech Boots, No Alcohol - and, of course lots of Whole Foods, Timed Right!

Even though I was prepared, 

I was soooo nervous.

On Friday night, Side-Kick and I went in to get my packet at the Jacob Javitz Center. Steve, the 3:30 pacer, was there with his sign. I ran up to him and riveted him with questions. He was kind, and patient (Thanks Dude!). He even gave me some pointers - like how to drink water or gatorade and run at the same time. Then he turned toward Side-kick and said, "She looks terrified. Will she be okay?"

I was terrified!

I wanted so badly to make my goal time: 3:33!

But I never ran this far before. 

I didn't want to wake up on Monday morning 

disappointed in myself.

Last Friday, was also Halloween. NYC on Halloween Night is crazy. It's like going to a Broadway Show and seeing amazing costumes everywhere you turn. Actually, the whole night was pretty crazy. There were tons of people at the expo, and there was such cool running gear. It's like a candy store for runners! Surprise, surprise, I picked up another foam roller. This one is by RunMD,  called The Matrix. I love it. It gets into your piriformis - deeper than the TPTherapy Roller, but softer than the Rumble Roller. It's great for the calves too!

I was a ball of nervous excitement. 

I couldn't believe I was going to run through all five boroughs!

First, Staten Island

Then, Brooklyn

You got it baby, Queens is third!

No J-Lo butt here,
just the fourth borough!

Then ...Manhattan!

I love you, NYC!

Saturday was rough. It seemed to go by very slowly. I helped my son with some college essays, rolled out, stretched, planned my outfit, and my bag. I was smart to pack a Dry Warm Shirt to change into after the race, the Race Village Directions, Hot Hands, a Large Garbage Bag, a Blanket, a Tennis Ball and my MoJi Mini Massager to loosen up my muscles pre-race.

No sandals! LOL!

All in all, I slept 5 hours. Not bad considering the nerves. Sunday morning, Side-Kick took me to the bus in the Meadowlands for the New Jersey-ites to take over to Staten Island.

Waiting On-Line to Board the Bus.
Already freezing!

The bus was packed.

There must have been twenty or more buses. We left at 6:15 - we were on our way! On any normal day, it would have taken 20 minutes max to get to Staten Island, but this was no normal day! We were stuck in a terrible traffic jam! It took an hour and forty five minutes to get to Staten Island.

Plus side: We kept warmer, longer

Down side: I didn't have my morning Joe, I hadn't eaten anything, 

and my leg was getting a cramp from sitting. 

So glad I brought that tennis ball!

We arrived at the start villages at 7:30! I took my village map out, and headed for the Orange Village. Once I got there, I stood on line for a cup of Dunkin' Donuts Coffee. While on-line, I ate my oatmeal, with hemp seeds and walnuts. Next, I sat on my blanket, donned my garbage bag, drank my coffee, drank my beet juice, and gave the old muscles a massage with my Mini MoJi.

It was FREEZING!

The wind was relentless. It was bitter cold! 

Everyone was shivering! 

Eventually, I had to give my bag and my blanket (ultra sad face) to the UPS volunteers. The next thing I knew, it was time to head over to the start. People representing every country, speaking all different languages, announced to everyone in the Orange Village that they needed to go to their starting corrals. I headed for Corral D. All of us, didn't matter what country we were from, all huddled together to stay warm. I met an older man from France. He told me this was his 20th marathon! I told him I was shooting for 3:33, and showed him my Mercy Band. I told him that I was running a half in all fifty states to honor my husband who was killed in the World Trade Center, and that I wanted to run through all five boroughs for the same reason.

I love you, I love you, I love you!
3:33!

At the start of the race, I found Steve, the pacer! 

I stood by him, and did everything he did. When he took off his extra layers, I took off mine. When he did some high knees to get his legs going, so did I. We walked a bit further, only to wait some more. We were waiting for the cannons. And then ...

Bah-boom!

Felt it right through my chest!

We were off!

I can't believe I was in that sea of runners crossing the Verranzano Bridge - Trying not to get blown over by the gusts of wind blowing up to 40 mph. It was literally breath-taking. 

I followed pretty close to the pacer for the first nineteen miles. 

Keepin' up that 8 minute mile pace!

It felt very slow at times, but I kept telling myself it was going to save my legs in the end. At mile 15, we crossed the Queens Borough Bridge and headed up 1st Avenue in Manhattan. My legs started to feel it. The wind made it feel as if you were constantly climbing uphill. Keeping that 3:30 pace was getting harder. I pushed, but knew I was slowing down. I really felt myself slowing down at mile 23. There was a slight hill. I thought, "Really? Like who plans a hill at mile 23? The Devil?"

So many people were screaming:

Go. You can do this.

You're doing great!

You only have three miles more.

Finish Strong!

I screamed inside my head, "Even if you have to shuffle, don't stop! You are not allowed to stop!" The only problem, I had one more small incline from mile 25-26. I couldn't feel my legs. I just hoped my bones would catch every move I made. People were still screaming. Okay, Mile 26, I got this. I tried to muster some extra push to chew off those last few seconds. I pictured myself at a track work out, running that last quarter mile. 

Then, like an answered prayer, 

the end was in sight!

Hallelujah!

I ran my first Marathon!

3:35:27!

Me with my Medal and Mercy Band,
Holding Back the Tears!

I was 44th in my age group. I placed second in my age group for the 50-54 year old women in New Jersey!

The best part,

my Coach saw me finish (Thanks, Joel),

My Family saw me run (I'm sorry I didn't hear
you guys hootin' and hollerin')

And

I got to celebrate with my family 

at Carmine's Restaurant!

They made me feel so special!

I love you guys!
Thanks for all your support!

Love you, Freckles! 

Love you, Mini-man! 

Love you, Side-Kick!
Thanks for all your support!

Boston, next year?

A definite maybe!

Train Smart Today!

Freedom's Run Half Marathon

State #22: Sheperdtown, West Virginia

Woohoo!

If you are looking for a challenging, hilly half marathon - then look no further:

The first three miles weren't so bad. 

Starting out, I heard my Coach in my head: Now, don't go out too fast. But this time I thought if I don't go out fast, how will I ever make up for the time I'm going to be losing on those upcoming hills?

I was a little torn.

What do you do?

I didn't totally go out fast - I couldn't. It rained all night the night before the race and the first few miles were on trail that was pretty muddy. And if I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times - I'm a city girl. I like to run on pavement. I don't like mud on my legs, my socks, or my shorts. So, about mile two, I yelled out,

"I HATE trail running!." 

Everyone around me started laughing. One girl schooled me, "This isn't really trail running." I know, I know - this wasn't really trail running, but for me, "Blacktop Girl" - it was!

The first big hill, after mile 3

looks worse than it was. 

I was prepared to climb. A few years ago this would have killed my time because of my proximal hamstring strain. That's pretty much healed (took two years!) and I actually passed lots of runners on the hills. I credit Underground Strength Coach, Zach Evan-Esh for this - he reviewed my leg strength-training routine and told me to add hamstring curls with ankle weights.

I think it was the fact that there were so many

hills - one after the other -

that left me dogging it by mile 11. 

Challenging, but very beautiful
Top 25 Half-Marathons in Runner's World Magazine

Even though the course was beautiful - it still wasn't like a spoonful of sugar - the hills were hard on the legs. It was the first time in years that my legs trembled after a race - like they weren't conditioned at all - and I've been running 18 milers to get into shape for the NYC Marathon!

I'm sure my bronchitis added to my exhaustion.

This awful cough and congestion has been

 lingering since late August.

Anyway, the after party was held at the Bavarian Inn.

The Bavarian Inn

And if you went  to the Bavarian Inn, you received a pint glass and a free beer - which of course I took advantage of! There was a live band, too. It was a great after party!

Love the pint glass!
Even though there's an H is missing!

Overall Freedom's Run was a great half to end 

my 40-49 year old age group!

I placed second with a 1:43 finish.

And, let's talk medals ...

The finisher's medal was hand made by a local potter. All the straps were leather - and they were tied on by the Local Girl Scout Troop! I've never seen so much community involvement for one race! 

I love this medal!

Hand made! So quaint!
Gotta love it!

I will definitely always cherish 

my Freedom's Run Medal.

What's your favorite race medal?

Train Smart Today!

Summer Breeze Half Marathon in San Leandro, California

Taking the kids to California to run in the San Leandro Summer Breeze Half Marathon was a blast!

We toured the San Francisco Bay

Yeah kids - be good or it's Alcatraz for you!

Took a ride under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge

Love the Golden Gate Bridge!

Drove down Lombard Street

Heck no we didn't walk up!

Ate mucho grande

Now, this is how you eat bon bons in Monterey!

Visited Google

Sidekick was in Nerd Heaven!

Saw the most interesting Running Store: 

Espresso & Sneakers - Now that's my kinda running store!

Go Zombie Runner in Palo Alto!

Visited with my beautiful, adorable, intelligent niece
who lives in San Fran

Thanks for the flowers, Rae!

Drove out to wine country: Napa and Sonoma

And ran my ass of in my California 13.1! 

It was such an honor to hang with this gentleman throughout the race:

Sir, it was a pleasure running with you!

I asked him his age (61)! Wow! I hope I can still boogie like that when I am 61! At the end he started to slow down a bit - I yelled to him - c'mon, we can't give up - we hafta catch the boy. See right at the turn around, simple as pie, this young boy passed me as if I were standing still and for the next 6.5 miles - I had my eye on that young whipper snapper's back. He had to feel my eyes burning a whole in his white shirt. C'mon, I yelled to my new running partner, let's catch the boy ....

Still trying - even to the end!

Yes, I am passing the boy!

Poor kid - he had no idea he made the end of the race so exciting for me because at 49, my goal for that day was to beat a 16 year old boy.

Yeah - running promotes the pathetic in me!

Pushing out those last few strides - leaving nothing to chance!

Now this is "Runner's High!" 

Woo-hoo, I passed the boy!

I think he's texting his friends that some old lady
just beat him at the finish! LOL!

AND

I took second in my age group running a (meh)

1:43:50

Woohooo,  13th time out of 21 states
I placed 1, 2, or 3 in my age group

Not bad since I couldn't go down the stairs last Tuesday without my knee giving way. Kudos to Dr. Mike - he used the Gralston technique to loosen up my IT Band. Soooo painful - but soooo worth it!

Overall, San Leandro was a blast! My fave for the year!

Do you have a favorite race so far this year?

Train Smart Today!