First Race on Saturday

Well Race Day weather is not looking good for me. Right now, the Weather Channel is saying it will be rainy and about 50 degrees on Saturday. I am hoping that will change. I’m excited about finally getting into a race setting. Training runs are fun but sometimes you have to mix it up a bit.

The Irish 10k will take place in Quantico, VA. It’s the first race of the Marine Corps Marathon Series. I’m a little nervous about the course. It will be interesting to see how the hills come into play with my pace time. I never realized how many factors (weather, clothing, nutrition etc.) can affect a run. I am using each training run and race to perfect my routine before the full marathon in October. The Race Day outfit is still in question and will depend mostly on the weather. I promise I will post pictures after the race.

Help me pray for warm weather and sunshine on race day!!   

Spring in DC!!!

Who would have ever thought that I would find 55 degrees to be warm?? Am I still considered a Floridian?

Sunday was a completely gorgeous day in DC. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and I didn’t have to wear 15 layers of clothing. Spring and summer is my favorite time in DC. Everyone is just so friendly and excited to be out and about. I was definitely one of them on Sunday. I got up, ate my breakfast and worked on preparing myself for the 6 mile run ahead of me. The temperature hit 55 at noon and I was ready. I started out slow to get a good pace going. When I reached the half mile mark I was completely warmed up and fully enjoying the weather. As soon as I rounded the House side of the Capitol, I realized the downside to spring in DC…TOURISTS! They were everywhere. I couldn't run 14 steps without running around one or invading their family portraits in front of the DC landmarks. Just when I thought I was through the worst of it and I hit a decent pace again, BAM! I run into the St. Patrick’s Day parade. At this point, I just can’t help but laugh as I am weaving in between Celtic dancers and drunken tourists. Leave it to me to think that the National Mall wouldn’t be crowded on a beautiful almost-spring day in our Nation’s Capital. Live and learn I guess! All in all, I kept a great pace for the 6 mile run. I ran from my apartment, around the Lincoln Memorial and back to the Capitol. It was a gorgeous run and I am blessed to have so many great sights along the way.

Only 12 more days until my first race of the year!        

My Battle with the Alarm Clock

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a morning person. I think it's a dumb to do anything at 5am that you can still do at noon. Running is no exception to that rule. However, winter presents a set of obstacles for me. I normally don't get home from work until well after the sun has set and the black, cold sky has taken over DC. Obviously, it is unsafe to run by yourself at night so that leaves the mornings for me to log the miles. The dreaded sound of the train horns begins around 5:30am every Tuesday and Thursday. I do everything I can to psych myself up to just get out of bed. I say to myself "5 more minutes and I'll have the strength to get up and go." 5 more minutes turns into 10 and then 15 and so on. By 6:15, I am up and struggling to reach for my running shoes. After two pieces of whole wheat toast and a gatorade, I am ready to go.

During my 4 mile run around the Capitol Hill area, I could feel the Spring approaching. The grass is returning to its beautiful shade of green and the trees are even showing signs of new life. What does this really mean to me? Oh yes no more early morning runs! This is my official countdown to Daylight Savings Time! After Saturday, I will not have to battle my alarm clock for just 5 more minutes. I have never looked forward to losing an hour so much in my life. Spring...Bring it on!

Only 18 more days until my first race of the year! MCM Irish 10K!

Running for a Cause

I'm officially one month into my training and loving almost every minute of it. Recently, I've been thinking about how I wish I could do more to show my support for the men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much of their lives to protect us. Running a marathon just doesn't seem like enough.

After a great deal of research, I have decided to team up with the Semper Fi Fund to raise money for injured soldiers and their families. The Semper Fi Fund is a nonprofit set up to provide immediate financial support for injured members of U.S. Armed Forces and their families. They direct needed resources to Marines and Sailors, as well as members from all military branches who serve in support of the Marine forces.

My goal is to raise $1,000 before the Marine Corps Marathon on October 30, 2011. I believe reaching this fundraising goal will make each step I take on race day that much more important. If the men and women of the armed services can sacrifice for my well being, I can run a marathon for them!

I would truly appreciate your support in helping me achieve this goal. All contributions to the Semper Fi Fund are tax deductible and go directly to helping injured soldiers in need. If you would like to contribute, please CLICK HERE visit my fundraising page.

Thank you for your support! It's going to be a long road but it will all be worth it when I cross that finish line!