the treadmill diaries

Before getting into the details of the event and how I did, I have to say that I really enjoyed taking part in the

The turnout was fabulous (about 5000 of us took part), the runners were polite and supportive of each other, and the crowd did an amazing job of gathering and cheering us on. Plus, a special shout out to the peeps who sat out with garden hoses spraying us down around mile 2. It felt great. J

Now, here’s a bit more about how things went down and my individual results.

It was a lovely day in Manchester NH. Sunny, blue skies, temp in the high 70s, and a light, cooling breeze. The perfect set-up for a run downtown. But getting downtown was a challenge because of the number of us trying to do it.

With literally minutes to spare, I made it into the city, found a parking space, and had to jog around to find / grab my race bib. Coincidence that it was in my favorite green color? I think not.

Then, it was time to hustle over to the starting line for our assigned waves: Professional runners, Casual Runners, & Walkers. I was in wave two anticipating that I would come in somewhere above 10 min miles based on my training this past month.

When the starting gun was fired, the crowd barely moved since there were so many of us. But eventually, we got on our way.

Attending a race of this size for the second time, I knew what to expect. The start would be slow. I would have to weave my way around runners in the first mile until we all set into our actual paces. And, I’d have to make up time to finish with numbers that matched up to what I’m used to seeing in training.

My splits were solid and improving with each mile:

…and as a result my finish was respectable. I was happy with it. In fact, more than happy with it since I haven’t been this fast on a 5K since before pregnancy. This tells me that I have it in me to get better – possibly back to my old numbers and beyond.

I wasn’t expecting to PR yesterday but I was expecting to prove a point to myself and I did. YES.

Which is why I was sporting a look of extreme satisfaction after the race….

…or maybe the look was saying ‘I know my husband picked up pizza and starbucks for my post-run celebration and I can’t wait to devour it’. You be the judge.

All in all..it was a fun event, a solid running performance, and a great day. I can’t complain.

Whoa.  Let’s slow down a bit.  It’s not time to GO yet.  But,  it’s getting close.  Real close.

What am I talking about?  Taking part in the …

… and the fun gets underway at 6:20 pm today.  I have to admit that this is the first race I’ve done during the week and right after work.

But apparently people dig the idea and the event.  More than 5000 people will be joining me this evening.  Very Exciting!  And..I’m bound to finish ahead of at least one or two of them.

In all seriousness, this is about going out and enjoying myself and not about how I finish – as long as I do finish.

Since I’ve been running every day, I dialed things back yesterday to a short run at lunch and did even less today with an easy walk just minutes ago. 

But, I do have my pre-race, ‘I can’t wait to get going’ look ready…see:

 Please excuse the fact that I don’t have an ounce of make-up on.  It happens.

More to come after the event.  Ciao!

In tribute to our boys, my husband and I have signed up for the 2011 Share Walk for Remembrance on October 15th in St Louis, MO. 

This is an opportunity for us to not only honor their memories but also a way for us to give back to an organization who has been there to support us during a time of great need.

It’s unfortunate that we can’t completely shield families who have or will experience such a loss in their lives.  But, we can be there for them and support causes & organizations who can help them to go on with life when dealt such a tragic circumstance.

If interested in learning more about our walk or to take part in the fundraising effort, please visit http://www.active.com/donate/sharewalk2011/JulianAndMicah.

Julian and Micah – we love you, always.

I’m amazed by the little things that get me really excited – especially when I least expect it. I guess I’m like a kid that way.

Before I get to the heart of this post though, please indulge me in a moment of over-sharing. I like to start off each day with a routine that looks something like this:

• Get up at the crack of dawn
  
• Do a bit of housework
  
• Fit in a workout 3 mornings a week
  
• Pack our lunches
  
• Feed my very hungry kitty
  
• Drive out to Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks to grab us ice coffees in my jammies or some very comfy clothes
  
• Come back home to make & eat breakfast
  
• Then finally shower and get ready for work
  

Almost sounds like a full day, doesn’t it? And to think I do all of the above in about 1 – 1.5 hours.

Okay, now back to the point of the post. (FINALLY) J

When I made it to the go out + get coffees part of my routine yesterday, I was greeted by the most beautiful sight. A rainbow – in all of its glory – was stretched out above me and my path.

It’s the first time I’ve actually seen both ends of one at the same time – and it was SOOO clear. Too bad my iPhone pics aren’t. Plus, I could only fit one side of the rainbow into my pics . BOO!

Besides the simple excitement of catching a glimpse of this natural wonder, I was surprised by how it made me feel. I literally broke out into the biggest grin without evening knowing it. Something like this:

And let’s not even talk about how cool it was that I was able to drive right up to it and stop & just stare. Not sure why exactly, but the experience left me feeling happy and hopeful.

So, I’m not going to question it..but just accept it for what it was. Cool.

Ever get super excited about something similar?

For this edition of What I Ate Wednesday (WIAW), I’d like to pay tribute to some of the most memorable goodies from July that I caught on camera:

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Now tell me about some of your favorite July eats.