My first half marathon!

I did it!!!

I ran my very first half marathon!

yay!!!! I am still in shock that I actually did it!

I can't even tell you how nervous I was for this race!! I was a wreck all weekend. Barely sleeping and feeling sick. I knew I can do it, but I wanted to run at a decent time and this is something I've been working toward for so long. I almost couldn't believe it was finally here.

Sunday morning I woke up bright and early (4:30am) to head on over to the race. The half started at 6:45am and because it's such a big race we had to get there early to beat the traffic. I didn't mind the early time though, I couldn't sleep very much anyway that night. That early it was COLD. I knew it was going to warm up though so I wore shorts and a tank. Blue to support Boston. It was a little scary at the race because security was amped up big time, but it also helped you feel safe.

Here I am with my friends waiting inside.

After hanging out inside in the warm heat it was time to get ready for the race to start. It is unreal the amount of people running the half. I'm not sure I've ever ran such a huge race before. It took a good 5 minutes waiting in our corral before we began. I had planned on staying with my friend the whole race. Unfortunately her knee was killing her, by mile 3 she ended up dropping out of the race.

I was all alone. For 13.1 miles. Which I was surprisingly okay with. I had a good pace going for almost the whole race. Seeing all the spectators with signs cheering us on is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I even had a friend who lived along the course, make me a sign! Which was so fun to see. I was doing really well til about mile 9. Then I started to slow down. Not too much but I was starting to hurt.

At mile 11 I started to get weepy. I couldn't believe I was so close and that I was actually doing this. Everything hurt but I was crying tears of joy.

The last mile is right along the beach. So beautiful and the perfect way for this Jersey girl to end a race.

I finished in 2 hours and 22 minutes!! I had wanted to finish in 2:30, so I am over the moon about that time!

Here I am minutes after finishing!

I can honestly say I have no need to ever try and run a marathon, but I will absolutely run another half marathon!! It was a great day and even though I'm still sore, I'm smiling from ear to ear.

Thankful for long weekends and races

Thanksgiving was great day! I love spending time with my family and the food! Oh the food!!! It was just the best ever. The turkey was probably the best my mom has ever made. The mashed potatoes which are by far my favorite were divine and the desserts was out of this world! I ate until I about busted.

I had gone out the night before and didn't get home until crazy late. Then woke up with the chickens on Thursday. I ran 5 miles to prepare for my day of eating and then went to my brother's football game. He's a coach and it's the biggest football game of the year. Thousands of people go and it's always fun to see people you went to school with. Then it was a whole day with my crazy family and eating. Needless to say, I went to bed at 8:30 that night. I was exhausted. However it was a good thing because I was up at 4:30 just in time for Black Friday shopping!!

Yes I am one of the crazies who goes shopping. I have to say though the crowds weren't bad at all and I was able to get everything I needed and more. I am officially done with my Christmas shopping! :) and of course I got some goodies for myself.

The rest of the weekend was nice and relaxed. Which is what I needed. I was able to decompress and relieve some stress. Then on Sunday I ran my first 15K race.

It was the hardest race I've ever did. Not only have I never ran 9.3 miles before, but the course was extremely hilly. The race itself is called a challenge and they are not kidding. One steep hill after another. At some points I was practically walking because it was such a huge hill. Also it was freezing out. It's a very weird feeling to be sweating and also freezing at the same time.

Finishing that race was one of the most accomplishing things I've ever done. It also made me realize I really need to buckle down and train for the half marathon I'm doing in May. I finished the race in one hour and 41 minutes. About a 10:45 min pace. Which is exactly where I wanted to be! If it wasn't for those hills, I think I could have shaved at least 10 minutes off that time. It's so crazy how far I've come and how much your body is capable of doing. I'm amazed every day at the fact that I can do races like these now.

Color Run Chaos (Pics)

I did my first and last color this weekend. I have to say I'm pretty disappointed in how unorganized the event was. It put a damper on the whole event for me. The traffic to get there was so bad. It took over 2 hours for me to get there(when it should have only been a half hour) and we had to park over a mile away from the event. Once we actually got there, there was no one there to tell you where to go, where the start was, where to get bibs. Anything. We wandered forever just looking for the start.


We were supposed to start at 9, but because of the traffic and confusion, we didn't get on the course until after 10. I know this is considered a fun run and not for timing, but I was really surprised at how little people were running. Everyone was walking it seemed, and I saw dozens of people cutting across the grass. I don't understand, why would you sign up for a 5K only to cheat yourself?

The color stations were fun though. The very last station though had run out of color though, but I was already covered so it was fine. I wish I had more fun, but it was so chaotic it was hard for me to enjoy it. Not to mention I was starving! I only had a protein bar beforehand at like 7am and it was now almost 11 when we finished. I do a lot of races, almost all of them give you some kind of food for free. Whether it be fruit or a bagel. They give you something. Here if you wanted to eat, you had to pay.

So be warned. If you want to do a color run, be prepared for traffic and chaos. While the photos are fun and the color part was fun, it wasn't worth it for me. Especially considering the cost of the event. Also it took me another 2 hours to get home. Which compared to my friends was fast. I was happy I didn't park in the parking lot. I had friends who sat trying to leave the parking area for over 2 hours, and then had another 2 hours to get home after that!

Before the color run. All nice and clean

After

My crew for the day. They made the car ride a lot of fun and the traffic bearable. They are the best!

They gave us a packet of color to throw at the end in a big group. That didn't happen, so I just threw it on myself. lol.

Made my 5K goal finally!!!

For my team challenge most of us signed up to do a 5K on Saturday. Little did we know that the weather was going to be TERRIBLE.

That morning when I woke up to gray skies I knew it wasn't going to be a good race. It was freezing out and misting all morning. If it wasn't for the team challenge I probably wouldn't have ran. The race had over 2,000 runners signed up initially, only 400 actually ended up running it. That's how bad out it was.

I am so happy I have proper running gear though. My compression shirt really helped me stay warm. I forgot to bring gloves though and thought I would never get them warm again! We sat in the car until about 10 minutes before the race to try and stay warm. Standing at the starting line was pure torture. I just wanted the race to start so I can move my body and warm up a little.

Before the race, I really wanted to get under 30 minutes. I've been working toward this goal forever. My first 5K I ever ran (May 2011), I did it in just under 40 minutes. I knew then that eventually I wanted to get under 30. I was getting close. I wanted to hit it badly.

Once the day of the race came and it was raining, freezing and WINDY I figured I would hit it the next race. Too many elements to contend with I figured. The race finally started and I was already miserable. My face was soaking wet and freezing. My shoe lace became slightly untied. UGH. I was never going to hit it.

Then I got to mile 1 and the guy standing there said I was only 8:44 in. WHAT?!?!! I've never ran under a 9 min mile before!! I kept running along. Eventually my tie came completely undone. I had to stop and fix it. Since I thought I wouldn't hit under 30 I wasn't too upset.

We turned a corner and I was running against the wind! Ugh. It was horrible. I felt like I was barely moving. My fingers were completely numb. I just wanted this thing to be over!

Finally I turned a corner and saw the finish line!!! I started to sprint. That's when I saw the clock. What?? There was no way!!

I crossed the finish line in 27:44!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!! I cannot believe I got under 30!! And that much under 30!! I shaved 4 minutes off my last 5K time!! Apparently really crappy weather makes me run super fast. ;)

I still can't believe my pace with under 9 min mile. With my shoe being undone, the wind, rain and everything, I really thought I wasn't going to hit it. I can't wait until the next 5K, I feel like I'll be even faster without those elements to slow me down!

It's also surreal to me to run 5Ks now because I'm right in the thick of it. There are tons of runners all around me. In the past when I was all the way in the back, there was hardly any other people. Now I really feel like a runner with everyone all around me.



After the race with my trainer. Soaked but so happy!



My other co-captain for our gym team challenge.

New PR!!!

This past weekend I ran a 2 mile race. I haven't yet broke a 10 minute mile so I was hoping I would be able to do it with this race. I really wanted to finish in 20 minutes. I was nervous though because a quarter mile of the race was on the beach, in the sand.

The weather was perfect for the race. Since it's February, I figured I would be freezing. It was mid 50s that day and sunny. I couldn't believe how many people were running this race.

Once the race started I had a pretty great pace. It was a little strange though for me. I am usually all the way at the end when I'm running. Very little people around me. This was the first time I was surrounded by tons of people. I was right smack in the middle of everyone. That felt pretty cool. I had initially thought the sand part wouldn't be until almost the end. It ended up being right in the middle. Which was probably better.

I have never ran in the sand before and holy crap was it difficult. My thighs were BURNING. I felt like molasses running. All I wanted to do was walk. But I pushed forward. Finally the sand ended. It took me about a minute before I could pick up my pace again. My legs were hurting bad.

Finally I could see the finish line. I really picked up my pace. I passed a bunch of people which made me feel good. lol. I couldn't believe my time when I crossed the finish line.

18:50!!!!!!!!

EEKKK!!!! I smashed my goal for getting a 10 minute mile. I was so overwhelmed I teared up a little bit. This time last year I could never ever imagine being able to run a mile under 10 minutes. My first 5K I've ever did was last May and I finished in 39:50. I've come so far in a short period of time. My next goal is to get my next 5K in under 30. With this past race I now know I can do it! YAY!



Here is a little picture of my gym family and I after the race. I right smack in the middle wearing a pink long sleeve shirt.

New PR for my 5K!

This past Sunday I did a 5K race. It was right near my home. There were 900 people running in it!! I saw so many people from high school there. It was great! The weather was beautiful. It was the mid 60s and no humidity. Definitely not weather I'm used to in NJ this time of year, but it was welcomed the day of the race.

The course was hard. Really hard. There were so many hills and the start of the race was slow because there were so many people and there was a lot of bottlenecking. Once I got going and was into a groove, I was okay though. Although after the turn around I had to run up this HUGE hill. Seriously it just never ended. lol. After that it was smooth sailing though.

When I was nearing the finish line I really picked up my speed. I knew I could beat my time if I just kept my pace.

Final time? 31:23!!!!!! I beat my last 5K by almost 2 minutes!! I can now officially say I am a 10 minute mile runner! I can't believe it! Especially for such a hard course. it's not normal to PR like that. I am so proud!

The first 5K I ever ran was only this past May and I finished in 39:55. Sunday I ran in under 32 minutes! That's 8 minutes shaved off in 6 months! I really can't believe. I never in a million years thought I could get my time under 30 minutes, but now I really feel like I will get there. And SOON!

I just can't believe I'm a runner like this. It's so surreal. Just a year ago I couldn't walk a half a mile without feeling like I would pass out, and now here I am, setting my sights on one day doing a half marathon! AHHHHH

12 Sleeps

In 12 days I will be doing a Mud Run!! It's getting so close!!!

Right now I'm not that nervous. The few days before the race I know I will be a nervous wreck though! It's slowly starting to sink in that I'm actually doing this.

Yesterday I met with some people running the race with me and we went to a local school. We ran up and down a crazy hill. Then practiced crawling on the ground and attempt to go across the monkey bars. Most importantly, we practiced lifting each other over the monkey bars. There will be high walls that day and I wanted to make sure someone would be able to lift me up!! It was something I was really nervous about! Even though I'm the smallest I've ever been, I still have a good bit of weight to lose!

After we practiced I felt a lot more confident about the race. I felt more comfortable knowing these women are going to stay with me the whole race.

After that, I went to get my compression clothes for the race. I needed something sleek that will keep me warm. And also be able to dry fast. Which is why I had to get compression clothes. They are the most unforgiving clothes you can imagine. They show every lump and bump!! UGH! I wish I was way smaller. However I didn't look as terrible as I thought I would. Plus I know how happy I will be that I wore these the day of the race. I'm going to get muddy and very wet. I need something that will not weigh me down and keep me going! I look crazy though. lol

I can't wait for the race to happen already! I know it will be an experience to last me forever!

5K in the morning and AC in the night! (Pictures)

This past weekend was crazy for me! It was nonstop from start to finish. And I loved every second of it!!

Saturday morning I woke up bright and early to run a 5K. It was my 4th one this year. I can't believe that I do 5Ks now like this! A bunch of people from my gym ran the race and we all showed up wearing shirts from our gym. It was a great sight to see. 70 plus people wearing shirts from one gym!!

I'm also happy to say that I beat my last 5K that was on Labor Day. I finished a full minute faster!!! I came in at 33:17!!!! Whoo Hooo!! I am so happy with how much I've improved with running. My very first 5K (which was just this past May) I finished in almost 40 minutes. Now I'm getting close to going under 30 minutes!! I cannot wait for that day!!!!!

Here is me starting the race



After the race, I hung out with some people from my gym at a local bar. I couldn't stay long though. I had to rush home, shower and pack because I was going to Atlantic City that night!! I met at my friend's parent house around noonish. We had a great lunch together to celebrate her birthday. Then we were off!

We stayed at Harrah's. We specifically wanted to go to the Pool Bar there. Turns out that night Snooki from the Jersey Shore was going to be there! lol. When we got to the hotel we hung out a little and gambled some. Sadly I did not come home a winner!

Soon it was time for us to get ready to go out! I bought a dress from the Missoni line from Target. It was very short for me! I was really stepping out of the box with my outfit, but I wanted to feel great!! And I did!!! I felt great and I knew I looked good! lol.

The Pool Bar was a lot of fun! We saw Snooki for about 5 seconds there though. But it didn't matter the music was good and the company was awesome. I definitely drank too much though! Also there were so many Jersey Shore wannabes there. It was a little crazy. I was surprised at how many guys were there. Way more than girls that night.



My friends and I getting ready



We saw Snooki for like 5 seconds. She said something into a Mic, which I could not understand, and then she was rushed off to a VIP area. Not to be seen again. It's crazy because she probably got paid like $30,000 to talk for one minute there.



Here she is. I have to say, she looked terrible in person!!

The rest of the night was a blur. Finished with me chowing down on curly fries before bed. lol. I never sleep in when I drink. Me and my best friend were up at 7am. Her boyfriend and our friend were still passed out. So we decided to go get breakfast and go swimming at the pool. It was so nice during the day. Swimming was great, the hot tub was even better. It was nice to just relax on the lounges though. It was funny because there was still people there from the night before passed out on the lounges! It was a great way to end my trip in AC.

How was your weekend?

Run like the wind

I hope you all enjoyed your Labor Day! Mine was really nice. I got to go to the beach, for probably the last time. Which makes me a little sad. I love the beach, but it's getting cold here pretty fast. I'm glad to get one more time in.

I went out with some friends on Saturday. It was really fun, but I was really surprised the place wasn't packed. There was barely anyone there it seemed. Same for the beach. I think the hurricane last week really deterred people from coming down to the shore for the weekend. Which was a shame because the weather was perfect.

On Monday, I ran a 5K race with some friends. My last 5K I ran in almost 38 minutes. For this race I really wanted to get under 37. That was my goal. The course was in Long Branch right along the beach. It was so pretty! I got to mile 1 and my time was 10:45!!! I couldn't believe it! I never ran a mile that fast before. I knew if I kept pace, I could get my time under 35. I was determined. It was so hot though, I was covered in sweat. Toward the end I really started to lose steam, and felt a little sick.

My best friend had already finished her race so she ran back and ran with me the rest of the way in!! She really kept me going! It was amazing! I was so happy to see the finish line.

My time: 34:17!!! AHHHHH I knocked almost 4 minutes off my best time! I am so freaking happy about that!! WHOO HOO!!! I can't wait to do more 5Ks and really improve my times more.

We stayed for the awards, my best friend placed 2nd in her age group, and my other friend 1st. My best friend's boyfriend was first in his age group, 7th overall. It can be really intimating to have friends who are such fast runners and have been doing it for so long. But it's also great because they give me tips, and push me to go farther than I think I can.

After the race, we went to eat at a nearby place and get our free beer for doing the race. lol. I got the most amazing sandwich there! It was a panini sourdough bread, with cheddar, bacon and sliced granny smith apples. OMG it was heaven!! It was also really expensive, but I want to have it again! Also the sweet potato fries were delightful.

It was a nice way to finish out the long weekend.

How was your weekend?

My Second 5K!

Yesterday I participated in my second 5K race. My best friend's school that she works at was having a 5K to raise some money. My friend is an amazing runner and she's been wanting me to run a race with her for a long time. Here was my chance.

A few people from my gym came along too which was great. I was very nervous though. More than I was last time. There was only about 80 people doing the race and I had a feeling that I was going to be last. Everyone else looked in much better shape than me.

Plus my friends that were there are all really good runners and have been doing this since high school. That didn't really help my self esteem. But I shrugged those feelings away and realized that at least I'm doing this race! This time last year there was no way I would have been able to!!

Off we went on the race. They said the course was flat, but they lied. It was pretty hilly!! Also the way it was set up, you had to loop around a few times. It was pretty discouraging to see all my friends pass me on their way back! But I kept pushing forward. Two of my gym buddies stayed with me thankfully, which really kept me going!

By the third mile I was dragging. I wanted to walk it in so bad. There were people stationed along the way with water and to tell you where to go. One of them made a nasty comment to me about how a dog nearby was running faster than me!! WHAT AN ASSHOLE!!! At least I was running the race!! Why would someone even say that to me! Ugh I was so mad!!

Then all of a sudden my best friend came running toward me and ran with me the whole way in!! Seeing her come after me to cheer me on was amazing. It really pepped me up and gave me enough energy to push through and finish strong!

I finished in 37:56. Almost two full minutes off my last 5K!! Which I couldn't believe. I felt awful during most of the race, I had no idea that I was doing so much better pace wise!!

I ended up finishing 3rd to last, but at least it wasn't last!! I'm very happy with my time and at how much I have been improving with running. One day I know I'll get under 35 minutes and be able to run the whole thing!

After the race my friend had a BBQ at her house. It was nice to hang out with my friends and eat some yummy food!! My friend finished 3rd overall, and her boyfriend won the race! I need to start running with them more often! lol

My First 5K with pictures!!!

Saturday was great weather for my race! Sunny and in the 70s! I was really excited but I was also really nervous! I felt like I had to pee a hundred times!! lol. I knew I was going to finish the race, but I was afraid of being too slow I guess. I was just nervous!

About 650 people were running this race!! Yikes that was a lot! About 50 people from my gym were also doing the race. We all had on black tank tops or t-shirts with they gym logo on the back. It was pretty cool. We were everywhere! lol



Here I am with my friends from the gym. Getting ready for the race!



And we're off!! This is me at the beginning! All smiles!!

During the race I felt pretty good. I only stopped and walked two times. This was the longest I've ever ran!! I got to mile one by 12 minutes! That fastest I've ever ran a mile outside!! If I kept on pace I could maybe make my goal of getting under 40 minutes!!

Almost to mile 3 I started to lose steam. I was tired and HOT. The way the race was set up. You ran along streets and the last quarter was around a track. That quarter was just cruel!! It was brutal!! I was going really slow at this point. Then all of a sudden I saw my trainer. She came sprinting toward me!! She pushed me to run faster and to just concentrate on passing at least one person ahead of me.

I wanted to cry! How could I go faster?? I felt like puking! As we rounded the last bend, I could see the finish line and the clock. It was at 39:30! I knew if I sprinted I could get it under 40! So I took off, leaving my trainer in the dust!!



Here I am finishing the race! Still all smiles!!! My final time was 39:51!! YESSS I did it!!! If it wasn't for my running buddy and my trainer I wouldn't have done it!! I am so so proud of myself!



Here is most of the people from my gym after the race!



Here I am with my trainers. My running buddy gave me flowers at the finish line. How sweet is that?? I could cry!



Still all smiles after the race!

After the race, we all went to a local bar that's right on the bay. It was 10:30 and wasn't open yet! We talked the bartender into opening up for us and we sat outside and enjoyed some nice drinks. I was starving, but we had to wait until the kitchen was open at 11:30. I got the best burger and it was the perfect way to celebrate the day. It was so beautiful out! I got a pretty bad sunburn on my shoulders! lol. But it was totally worth it.

It was a great day. One that I know I will remember for years and years.

I can't wait until my next 5K, which is only 2 weeks away!! I guess I'm hooked!

Almost time for my 5K!!

This Saturday I will be running/walking my very first 5K!!! I can't believe it's almost here!! Time really goes by too fast sometimes. I am really excited about the race. I feel much more confident than I was when I first signed up.

I know I will finish it. I've run a couple of my own 5K and my average time is around 45 minutes to finish. I'm hoping to get under that the day of my race!

I know I can run for at least 8 minutes at a time before needing a quick 90 second walk. Hopefully the day of the race, with all those people and the adrenaline, I can run for a bit longer. But I won't be upset if I can't!

There a lot of people I know running this race. Plus I have a running buddy who promised to not leave me during the race!! Having someone to run with makes all the difference in the world to me. It makes time go by so much faster! She also pushes me when I don't want to push myself.

My friend's mom is going to be watching the race. I'm hoping she'll get a few pictures of me during the race so I can share with all of you!

EEEEK!! It's so close!!!

*I'm down almost 80 pounds!!!!!! I never thought I could get here. The last time I fit into the size I'm currently wearing, I was a Senior in high school. Which was 8 years ago!

Practice Run

I really love the gym I go to. They really push me and motivate me! For May they have an individual challenge. The winner of this challenge gets $1000!! Needless to say I want to win!!

This isn't the first challenge I've done with the gym. But it's the first time that I really think I can win. The winner has to have the best improved body composition in 5 weeks and also complete all the challenges they have listed. I'm not so worried about the body composition part. I'm still losing weight pretty consistently (I just recently hit 75 pounds lost!!!!!). It's the challenges I'm most worried about. They are CRAZY.

Here is a sampling of what needs to be done.

- Run 1/4 mile with a weighted vest on. (has to be done at least 4 times)
- Run a 1/2 mile (has to be done at least 4 times)
- Run a 5K (at least 3 times)
- Jump rope at least 100 times in a minutes.
- Do at least 25 burpees in a minutes.
- Elevated kettlebell squats with a 30 pounds weight for one minute.
- full situps with a 12 pound medicine ball for one minute. No stopping allowed.
- deadman's hang. You have to hang from a ladder for 60 seconds. I can only do 10 seconds right now!!!
- 4 bonus challenges. We don't find out the first one until next Sunday.

Believe it or not, there are a lot more challenges that have to be completed. I just can't remember them all. For all of the challenges you have to do better each time. So I got 104 jumps for the jump rope yesterday. Next time I do it, it has to be more than 104! I am the most worried about the deadman's hang and the bonus challenges. I cannot hold my body up like that for 60 seconds. The bonus challenges are usually brutal!!! Ugh it makes me nervous just thinking about it.

For all the runs we have to do, they are all outside!! Yikes!!

I decided to get one of the 5Ks out of the way yesterday. So me and my gym buddy went off and running. The trail is so hilly!!! I was really struggling during some parts. I basically would run for 6 minutes and then walk for 90 seconds. I finished in 48 minutes and 11 seconds. I was so mad that it wasn't under 45!!! I have been doing 3 miles in 42 minutes for a few weeks now, but I've been doing it on mostly flat surfaces. Those hills killed me!!!

I hope my time will be a lot better for the next run. My body is paying me back for it today too. I am so sore!!! My legs are killing me. Every time I sit or stand up I want to cry!!! I cannot believe how sore I am. I iced last night and have been taking advil round the clock!! I'm going to have to beg my trainer tonight to focus on arms and not legs! Ugh I will cry if she makes me do legs tonight! lol.

I am happy to have done the 5K. It was really good practice for the 5K I'm doing on May 21st. Hopefully this will help me improve my times!

Spring into Summer 5K

I think I may have lost it. I officially registered to do a 5k in two months!! EEEKK!!! At the gym I go to, they sign up to do a 5K together each year as a group. A lot of people do it and it's apparently a fun time. For months now I've been wanting to get better at running. I really suck at it. It took a while, but at best I can run for 3 minutes without stopping. And it literally took me months and months to get to this point. I'm hoping by the time the 5k comes along I will be able to run for a longer period of time. I know I won't be able to run the whole thing, my goal is to finish in under 40 minutes. Something that I really think I can accomplish if I train really hard for the next 2 months. There are two women at the gym, who offered to stay with me the whole time. It really means a lot to me that they are willing to do this. Having someone encourage and push me is definitely going to help me finish the race. Even though I'm nervous and scared about this race, I'm also really excited and proud that I actually signed up for it!