A Look Back...

While tweeting with one of my favorite running mentors (Lisa), it dawned on me how far I've come in the past year. This weekend is a year to the date that I ran my first half marathon: Zooma Annapolis. I had the pleasure of being one of five Muscle Milk Light Challenge Athletes, and underwent a training program sponsored by Charm City Run. To be part of the program, I first had to apply and underwent a telephone interview before being selected.

I remember the day I received the call that I had been selected for the training program like it was yesterday. Naturally I had a mix of emotions. In the days before my first group run, I emailed the program director expressing my uneasiness with completing 13.1 miles. She gave me some great advice, and told me to take the weekend to think these over. Of course I was nervous about the both the training and the race, but I was more so concerned with the date of the race being on my brother's high school graduation. I talked things over with my husband, and then reached out to my brother. Both gave me their full support, and I knew it was no turning back. I was 100% committed, and would not  quit.

 This pic is my first solo 9.5 mile run

A week later was my first training run at the Charm City Annapolis store. We ran an out-and-back 5 mile course, and returned to the store for some post-run fellowship. Some of the Zooma Ambassadors were there, as well as the other challenge athletes. We were greeted with bagels, fruit, mimosas, muscle milk light samples, and our official Zooma training shirts. I remember each of us sharing stories, and making plans to communicate regularly throughout the program. I was partnered with Lisa as my mentor/coach and was emailed a training program for the next 10 weeks. Surprisingly training wasn't that bad. I completed my short runs alone, and my long runs I either linked up with my local BGR! group or on some occasions I trained with the other challenge athletes.

 Zooma did an excellent job communicating via their website & other social media sites! I really loved their time-ticker. 

About two weeks out from race day, we did  a 10 mile course preview. Once again the group shared many laughs, hugs, and even tears. It was hard to imagine that less than three months ago, we were all strangers and how close we had grown in such short amount of time. It was also pretty cool to see the growth in all of us. We met up once more the night before the race at the packet-pick-up/ mocktail party sponsored by Honest Tea. I didn't stay long because I was eager to get home, and get ready for race day. Here's a pic of my flat runner:

Race day was a hot, humid June 1, 2013. I woke up in the wee hours of the morning to make the 45-50 minute drive to Annapolis. Definitely a bittersweet moment. Pre-race was great meeting and greeting fellow BGR! members, and the last words of encouragement from my run mentors.

 

 

I really don't remember too many details from the course. I know it was scenic, great crowd support, and I started out way to fast the first 10k. I also remember running into an old co-worker, and a few of the other challengers. My goal was to finish the race smiling within the 3.5 course limit, and I did just that. As a matter of fact, I remember turning the bend into the Navy Yard stadium and some of the coaches yelling, keep running don't stop now. I remember looking at my watch and saying I'm not last, I can walk now!

Overall a great first half marathon experience. From the training until I crossed that finish line and received my medals it was awesome! Whenever I encounter someone asking about Zooma Women's Race Series, I always have positive vibes about the race. I look forward to returning to Annapolis or another location in 2015. Oh and dare me not to mention, that Zooma has that best swag. I still use my handy tote bag, water bottle, and wear the necklace.

Since that date, I have completed three more half marathons, making me half fanatic #7854. I'm down two sizes (still not at my pre-pregnancy size). Also was an 2014 Ambassador for the St. Michael's Running Festival, started this blog, and am now a sweat pink ambassador.

The best is yet to come! Shout-out everyone participating in this year's Zooma Annapolis Half Marathon & 10K!

Fab Five Factors for Deciding which Race to Register For

Whether it’s your first race or 100^th, deciding which race to register for can be a daunting task. With so many races to choose from, here is a little checklist I go through when deciding which race I’m going to run.

Training: While running my last few races, I met quite of few people out on the course who expressed that this was there first race (or first at this distance), and they were not prepared. From 5ks to marathons and any race in between, I highly encourage you to respect the distance, and train.

Before deciding which race to register, set realistic expectations about your goals and the amount of time you can put into training. Depending on the distance and your current fitness level, training programs can range from 8 weeks till 6 months.

Another aspect to consider with training is a program to follow. My absolute favorite is Jeff Galloway. Fortunately for me, I have enough races under my belt where I can pretty much map out my own training program, but I always refer to Galloway for guidance.  There are tons of training programs available; so I definitely suggest you do your homework. Do your research, ask around, and compare two or three programs before making a decision.

When I first started running, I began with a C25k app on my phone. Since my last few races have been half-marathons, I typically start about 12 -15 weeks out from the race. My total mileage ranges from 12-25 miles each week. Again using Galloway as my base, I normally run two short runs (30-45 minutes) and one weekend long run.

Location: As a mother runner, location is a very important deciding factor when I’m looking to register for races. I tend to stay local, because it’s easier on my family, plus it keeps the cost down (we’ll get to that later). The races I register for are typically within a few miles from my residence. There’s just something about getting a good night’s rest in your own bed the night before a race, and only having to drive a short distance post race.

Since I’m a born & raised “Jersey Girl” I always scope out races in this area because it usually means my parents get to spend some time with my children, and I have a guaranteed sitter on race day! Regardless of the location, http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/Default.aspx is an excellent resource for choosing a race. I like the site because you can search races by state and distance.

Swag: I’m a sucker for athletic swag, so if a race features a great medal (a.k.a. bling) and/ or premium article of clothing I’ll register 90% of the time. It’s just one of those things you can’t really explain. Some get it, others don’t, but this chick loves to run pretty.

Out of all the races, I’ve run Zooma Annapolis (my first half) has had the best swag yet. For this race, I received two technical tees, a water bottle, yoga mat, finisher’s medal, finisher’s necklace, and a reusable tote bag.

Bling is also a big component for race swag. I love when race organizers publish sample of the finisher’s medals. Some organizers have really gotten creative, even offering larger medals for those that complete half or full marathons. Hard to pick a favorite for this one…I love all my medals.

As vain as it sounds, be sure to check out what the swag is like before registering for your next race.

Expenses: I love running (well kind of) and everything that comes with the sport/ community, but let’s be honest it’s expensive. Shoes, gear, supplements, and race fee’s OH MY! All of these things can add up rather quickly. I do my best to stick to a race budget. I don’t have a said dollar amount, but I do have limits. I haven’t grown to love the sport so much to pay an excess of $90 to run a race, but I know many of people who have.

A great way to cut down on cost is to race local and register early. We already discussed location, but following race organizers on social media are great for knowing your costs up front, and when prices may increase. I tend to keep a tentative calendar of races that I would potentially be interested in running, and keep a look out on the fees. If there is a race that I’m really interesting in running, I’ll mark it on a calendar or in my phone so I can save a few extra bucks.

Traveling expenses are another factor to consider. I don’t do to many overnight trips, but if you do partnering up with friends is a great way to share expenses.

Cause: I have also been known to register for a race because it “speaks to me.” Weird I know, but that is just how it is sometimes. It maybe a particular charity, location, or even the name of a race that attracts me (i.e. Iron Girl), and I go for it. The same thing may also apply for me not wanting to participate in a race. Take for instance, the Baltimore Running Festival (BRF); one of the premier events in the community. Even if you aren’t a runner, if you live in or near Charm City you know all about it. It seems like everyone and his or her grandmother is running this race, but I don’t have the desire too. Not really sure why, but just cause!

I hope my fab five tips will give you something to consider before registering for your next race! As always feel free to drop me a line or two. Thanks for the read.