Race #2 in the Distance Medley: #BAA10k

Bring on the 2014 Distance Medley!

I love The Boston Athletic Association and all races associated with them. For the most part, they are the most well-organized races I participate in.

For those that don't know, the Distance Medley includes the BAA 5k in April (recap),  the 10k in June and the Half Marathon in October. If you complete all three races, you get an extra special medal. Pictured to above on the right. Due to conflicts, I couldn't participate in 2013, but did for the inaugural Distance Medley in 2013. With nothing in my way this year, I signed up immediately in January.

June 22nd brought race #2 of the Medley: the BAA 10k.

The race began at 8am in Boston Common so we left the house just after 7. The wife was kind enough to drop me off so I could eat my wheat toast with peanut butter on the way there.

I was hoping to make it to the race by 7:15 to make the Team Run Disney photo and chat with friends before the race.

Always fun to stand around and chat with these folks! While hanging out, I even bumped into Slumbrew teammate Amy.

Time once again slipped away from me and 10 minutes before the race starts, I realized I hadn't used the port-o-potties. Ahhh! I went to get in line and they were just all too long to wait in. I took a gamble to hold it.

I jogged my way over to the Start corrals. Let me just say WAAYYY less crowded than on the day of the 5k. Thank you for limiting the entrants for the 10k - allowed for more control.

I decided to line up around the 8 min/mile pace, but couldn't find a sign for that. There was an opening around the 7 min/mile pace so I hovered around there so I could jump in when I found a gap.

I happened to come up next to Kate - another Slumbrew teammate. I wish I had taken a photo, but we were too busy talking.

Before I knew it the National Anthem was over and we were shuffling up to the Start Line. I wished Kate good luck and we split ways.

With the sore hamstring and the Rock And Run obstacle run the day before, I wanted to run smart and enjoy myself.

The temperature was reported as 62 degrees, but on the streets it felt warmer for sure. Thankfully we had some shade while running through the streets of Boston towards Boston University at the beginning of the race.

Mile 1: 8:09

As we ran past the start of the Boston University campus - it spans two miles of Commonwealth Avenue - the course started to come back to me. Again I ran it in 2012 so maybe I had blocked out what was coming up for us.

Mile 2: 7:57

This second mile might have been faster than the first as I was trying to escape a woman who had a very odd breathing pattern going on, while talking to herself. I wasn't sure if she was really okay or not. Someone else asked her and she snapped at him. Glad I didn't decide to ask her. But the breathing and talking was getting into my head. I was once again running without headphones for practice. Here was a test. What do you do when the breathing and annoyances around you start playing with your game plan?

On that day - I ran away from them. I sped up to lose her in the crowd.

After making our way around the backside of the first BU dorm, we took the right onto Comm Ave in all its sunny glory. That is right. That part of the course I blocked out? Oh that would be the miles on Comm Ave, where you have zero shade and a whole helluva lot of sun.

Plus a little incline. But there is a great way here to distract yourself. This is where the down and out starts so you have the pleasure of watching the wheelchair and elite athletes come blazing past!

I love this. It is so motivating and inspiring. I will never be as fast as these people, but they make me want to push myself to the best that I can be.

Not a bad photo while I was on the move in the opposite direction.

I was yelling and clapping for them.

I played the game smart and made sure to stop and walk through every water stop.

Mile 3: 8:21

The incline isn't horrible heading up Comm Ave, but it seems to go on forever. But as you push up you see the folks on the left coming towards you so you KNOW there is a downhill coming your way. :)

5k Mark: 26:08 (8:25 min/mile)

After my mid-run selfie, I took the pleasure in scanning the crowd of runners coming towards me for familiar faces. And I saw a ton!! Not sure if runners thought I was just shouting out random names or what, but most of the people I cheered for were too in the zone to wave back. I probably looked like a nutcase. ;)

It is always amazing to see so many friends out dominating the streets of Boston so early on a Sunday morning.

But with the turnaround came a downhill. YAY! Celebrate the downhill. Embrace the downhill.

Mile 4: 8:27

More importantly celebrate the shade, which we finally got once we made it through Kenmore Square heading back to the Commons.

Just before we reached the shade a spectator yelled to me: "Number One costume award today goes to you!" Awww yeah! Sparkle Athletic skirt for the win! ;)

Mile 5: 8:06 8k Mark: 41:38 (8:19 min/mile)

As we pushed towards the Finish, I kept repeating "less than 1 mile over and over." While also forcing myself to relive the Boston Marathon and how I felt on that day when running or rather run/walking down this same stretch. It helped put a little extra pep in my step.

We took a right onto Arlington Street to start our two left turns into the Finish shoot. Just after I took the right, I saw a mom and her son. I heard the mom say: "Look she's a super hero." O.M.G. That lady made my day. WIN for the Wonder Woman socks!!

That totally made me dig deep and pull whatever out I had left.

Mile 6: 8:01

Just after passing the Mile 6 marker, I heard my friend Haley yell for me! Ahh I love extra and unexpected cheers. As we were coming down the shoot, the volunteers were directing us all to the right lane. I couldn't tell why. Then just before the Finish Line I saw the medics working on a man. I tried to send out as many good vibes as I could his way.

Arms up! Finish line crossed! Water me!

But first - medal me.

I was so happy to pick a volunteer that was excited to put the medal around my neck. Her smile was infectious. :)

After grabbing my water, I headed to the Marathon Sports tent so I could get my free BAA 10k bumper sticker. Yeah I am a sucker for those things even if I don't actually stick them anywhere.

I took a few minutes to stretch and compare race stories with some friends before heading to get my Dunkin Donuts fix.

Be Good was actually giving out a free burger to each participant, but I don't eat hamburgers so I passed on the offer. If only the wife was there, she would've gladly eaten it for me. ;) But instead she was on her way to pick me up. I'm spoiled I know.

Overall, the race was well-organized, the water stops seemed plenty stocked with water and the post-race meeting space was spacious. Unfortunately BAA cannot control the weather or the lack of shade on Comm Ave so that is something out of their control and something participants just have to remember when devising their race strategies.

Personally, I was not the biggest fan of my results. I was two minutes slower than when I did the BAA 10k in 2012 and 4 minutes slower than my 10k PR. Grrr... I wanted more. I did have to put it in perspective - I have a sore hammy and I did an obstacle race the day before. But, I also have gotten away from focusing on speed and time recently so maybe I need to. It is a decision I have been going back and forth about - what am I trying to get out of my races? Speed? Fun? Time? Consistency? It's an ongoing discussion in my head in case you are wondering. ;)

But I would recommend the BAA races to everyone. Maybe you will want to join me in October for the BAA Half? Be ready! These races sell out quickly.

Now, the BAA races do not offer post-race beer so I had to go out and find my own. I chose the Pretty Things Meadowlark IPA at Mystic Station. See Pretty Things loves me too??

***

Did you participate in the BAA 10k?

Rockin' And Rollin' Through Nashville

Remember that time I decided to run two marathons in a week to help Fight Stroke? Well let me refresh your memory.

A few days before the Boston Marathon I decided with the help of Tedy's Team to take the plunge and sign up for the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, which took place on April 26. Taking on this challenge meant raising an additional $1500 for the American Stroke Association in honor of my grandparents.

My pleasure.

On Thursday, April 24, I headed South.

2014-04-24 13.52.18

And was pleasantly greeted with this amazing Edible Arrangement from my girls of the #HotMessExpress. It was such a touching and sweet gesture.

2014-04-24 19.11.40

Since I was the last addition to the Tedy's Team crew heading to Nashville, I had to buy my bib at the Expo. After Boston, I decided I would drop to the half for safety reasons.

Well when we got to the Expo I realized the Full and Half were the same price. According to Rock 'n' Roll rules, you can drop down during a race from Full to Half, but you can't go from Half to Full. So just in case I registered for the Full. ;)

2014-04-25 14.37.59

We had a great pasta dinner the night before.

2014-04-25 20.38.55

Seven folks doing the Half; Three doing the Full Seven of us had run Boston on the Monday

On the morning of the race, I woke up excited. We had to leave the hotel in the 5 o'clock hour because our hotel was on the course for the full marathon. So in order to get the guests who were racing down to the Start Area, we had to get out before the race closures.

Thankfully Tedy's Team provided some bagels for us to bring on the bus so we had a snack pre-race. I packed my ENERGYBits in my pocket and was ready to run.

As we drove, I knew I wanted to give the Full a shot. The split came around Mile XX so I would make the final call then.

We were dropped about a block from the Start Line so we made our ways towards the Resolution tent to get extra safety pins. ;)

2014-04-26 05.23.09

It was chilly walking around the Start Area. We set up shop on the benches in a small square area, where Rock 'n' Roll set up their tents. But, we were lucky. My teammate Lisa's boyfriend John had stopped in a hotel to get some coffee and found a bunch of other runners hiding out. So we followed suit. We claimed an area of the group and made sure to do the last-minute foam rolling, use real bathrooms and just chill out before the race.

Another teammate's fiance was running the 5k and part of me wanted to switch places with him. ;) But he was the first to depart as his race started prior to ours.

After a final bathroom trip, it was time to head to the Start Line. I can't thank John enough for playing sherpa and carrying the extra layers we had worn.

But, before we could all head to our respective corrals - let's take a team selfie.

2014-04-26 18.54.51

It was great to get final high-fives and hugs before we all departed.

2014-04-26 06.59.41

 Dan and I were in Corral 6 together. And you know how small the race community is? Oh if you don't here is an example. As we went into the corral, there were my friends Crystal and Mindy!

2014-04-26 06.55.55

Crystal would be running her first marathon. I was sooo excited for her.

Something not new - I was so distracted catching up with my NYC ladies that I didn't realize they were doing the National Anthem and getting the party started. I think this was the farthest back I have started at an RnR event in a couple years.

But as they set each wave off, we moved closer and closer to the Start before BOOM!

We were off...

I was taking the race off Dan's pace and game plan. I had no set rules for the day except to avoid medical tents. If you missed it, here is my recap from Boston a few days prior explaining the medical tent visits.

The Country Music Full Marathon was set up in three separate out and back loops. We started out in downtown, which was quiet and peaceful. A far cry from the day/night before. It was too early for the tourists to be awake. ;)

We took a port-o-pottie break early, which was one of our smartest decision.

During Mile 2, Dan said "There's Belichick." And it was. We knew that New England Patriots' Coach Bill Belichick would be running the Half Marathon that day, but we weren't sure if we would see him or not. Of course I had committed his bib number to memory - just in case.

But there he was, he must've started in the first corral. We made our way across the street to try and talk to him. My main goal was to take a selfie with him, but he didn't seem in the mood. We said a quick 'hi' to him and let him know we were part of Tedy's Team. Kept it brief to let him get back to his run.

2014-04-26 14.52.31

Thanks Rock 'n' Roll for the pic!

Just before Mile 3, we spotted Tedy's Team leaders Zack and Lauren with signs. It was great to tell them Belichick was behind us and see familiar faces.

After a quick 'hi,' we hit the road.

5k Mark: 31:48 (10:15 min/mile pace)

The weather was hot, but there was more shade than Boston, which was appreciated.

The crowds were doing their best to rally the runners.

We were feeling good. I wondered when my legs would realize they had run a marathon about 5 days earlier.

10k Mark: 1:03:16 (10:13 min/mile pace)

And at Mile 7, the soreness settled in. Ha! It hit Dan and I at about the same time. But didn't slow us down.

I really hadn't been paying attention to pace at all since we were having such a good conversation and taking in the scenery.

If nothing else, there was a lot of beautiful houses and buildings to look at.

As we headed towards Mile 10, we saw Lisa's boyfriend John with the Go Pro. It was a great pick-me-up to see a familiar face cheering for us.

Dan and I were both wearing our Tedy's Team singlets, which have our names on them, so I am sure some people we wondering why we had done that. It is something common at the Boston Marathon, but not something I see a majority of folks do at other marathons.

Mile 10 Mark: 1:41:43 (10:10 min/mile pace)

The big decision moment was quickly approaching. Would I bang right and take the Half option or power through the Full.

Well, the breathing was under control and my legs felt tired, but not painful. So onward and upward I went. :)

We enjoyed a bit of a downhill, but looked to our right only to realize we would be climbing back up this hill only a few miles later.

Don't you hate how hills work?

Half Marathon Mark: 2:13:55 (10:13 min/mile pace)

I give big credit to Dan for keeping us in check. As the conversation rolled, there were times when we sped up and he brought us back to a nice even pace.

We knew the hills would be coming on the second half and made sure we had the gas in the tank to make it through them.

When we hit the half way mark, we were in what felt like the middle of nowhere. It was an office park of some sort, but not what we have in New England - meaning there was like three businesses in it. :P We ran about two miles in this office park/neighborhood with zero spectators.

I had heard from friends not to expect a lot of crowd support during this race, especially on the second half. So I tried to keep that in my mind and instead focus on the other participants and my running buddy.

As we came out of the office park area, we met back up with a large hill/incline. We tried to be smart and walk a good portion of it. It was hot and no one was trying to be a hero on that day.

During Mile 15-16, we met back up with the half marathon route. They were on the right side of the cones and marathoners on the left. I tried to scan the crowd to see if we would catch any of our fellow teammates out there. I didn't see any unfortunately.

We had already run with two teammates during the first half so I knew I might not see any more.

While we endured Mile 17, you could see the Finish Line chute on your right side. Oh c'mon. That is just CRUEL. :P

Dan and I had been walking when necessary.

But as we approached Mile 18, my breathing was starting to act up so I wanted to walk a little more. I freed Dan to run his race. We had decided early on that if we had to leave each other we would. In the end, it was our own races to run.

I wanted to listen to my body to make it through the final eight miles.

Oh and since I lost my partner and entertainment, it was time to take out the phone and get to picture taking!

2014-04-26 10.18.06

While walking I took this opportunity to let my social media channels know that I had decided to run the Full rather than the Half! Ha! I'm such a sneaky blogger. ;) It was great to see the cheers and shocked reactions coming through the phone.

It was another pick-me-up.

So I started running again. My game plan was to use the run-walk method the rest of the way. I wanted to stay ahead of the breathing issues that plagued me a few days earlier.

After climbing the Mile 18 hill, we were back in a neighborhood, which meant the spectators would be out there. And that they were. In full effect.

Folks were having parties on their lawns, spraying water hoses out into the streets and offering makeshift water stops for the runners.

It was the liveliness I am used to from Rock 'n' Roll races.

I almost kissed the girl giving out jolly ranchers - it was welcomed sugar.

Mile 20 Mark: 3:29:01 (10:27 min/mile pace)

2014-04-26 10.40.34

Can you tell I was excited? I was ready to eat those last 6.2 miles.

2014-04-26 10.46.51

Favorite sign of the day!

We were heading downhill - hello rolling hills - towards Shelby Park. We would be running in there for less than two miles.

But in the moment it felt like longer. There was one water stop and one band, but it was quiet. It zapped some of my energy. But the shade was welcomed.

It was at that time that I wish I had brought my music. It was now just me and my thoughts, which can get scary this far into a marathon. ;)

As we completed the Shelby Park loop, we met back up with the downhill we had enjoyed to enter the park.

I was thankful I was not one of those runners just getting to the park, but leaving it.

2014-04-26 11.15.39

I took this picture to try to drum up entries to my virtual 5k fundraiser that I was hosting to hit the final $$ I needed to raise. I tweeted this out and it gave me a boost.

As I trekked up the hill towards Mile 24, I saw my friends Crystal and Mindy running towards the park. It was great to cheer them on and to know that Crystal was still out there fighting for her first marathon finish.

It was around this time that I just started talking to the people near me. Especially if people were run-walking, I would join them. Why not make friends? I met a guy that always runs in a kilt. He hadn't properly trained for this race - having not done a training run more than 9 miles. Eek! But he was out there pushing through.

The steps ticked by. I fist pumped as a local high school cheering squad at the Mile 25 marker.

I knew I could finish.

This whole time we had a group text chat going between the Tedy's Team folks so it was great to see the half marathoners had all finished and they were checking in on the three marathoners left out on the course.

Thank goodness I am semi-decent at running and texting so I could stay in the conversation.

I bottled up their excitement and pushed on through the final Mile.

Since this was the final loop, I knew there would be crowds the final half mile.

I fist pumped again after seeing the Mile 26 sign, but then wondered: "Man 0.2 miles seems like forever right now."

But there they were. My teammates had waited for us. I was about to start crying.

2014-04-26 20.15.07

Could you tell I was happy to see them? It was the little steam I needed to get my engine to the Finish Line.

I gave it all I could for the final 0.2 and it was over.

Finish Time: 4:42:12 (10:46 min/mile pace)

My third-fastest marathon time came five days after my second-slowest. Who woulda thought?

I happily collected my medal and got ready to hit the Got Chocolate Milk tent! Even though I didn't run as Team Chocolate Milk for this race, I couldn't wait to see them!

There was Dan! He finished in 4:33:29 (10:26 min/mile pace). I knew that meant I walked more than he did in the final 8 miles, but I was happy to have finished less than 10 minutes after him.

We snapped a pic, picked up the amazingly cold wet towel they offered and headed to refuel with chocolate milk.

photo (46)

It was heavenly and just what I needed.

I continued my normal RnR post-race by heading to the Medal Engraving tent. $20 is worth getting my medal engraved on-site when they have extra medals on hand in case something ends up being misspelled.

Our final teammate Carly finished 4:54:14. Heck yeah three of us in under 5 hours.

We collected Carly and limped to meet the rest of the group at the hotel shuttle. Unfortunately the shuttle stop seemed like miles away from the Finish Line. It took what felt like hours, but we finally made it and it was great to hear how everyone's races went.

We got back to the hotel and met up with the rest of the team at the hotel pool for snacks and a recon discussion.

I had felt a blister forming at about Mile 2 and it bothered me all race long. It wasn't until I took my shoe off that I noticed how bad it was.

Note: please scroll quickly through if you don't want to see it. It is so bad I have to share.

2014-04-26 13.02.01

Okay done.

After some water and snacks, we all broke to shower-change-decompress before a night of celebrating.

2014-04-26 14.14.10

Overall, the race was well-organized as all of the RnR races I've done have been. But I felt the second-half of the course was seriously lacking crowd support, as well as a music presence. It was a little sad and disheartening. I expected more from what I had heard about this race before getting to Nashville.

So if you are someone running alone, I recommend keeping music on your person for the lulls. There will be some so be prepared.

I did enjoy the race being on the Saturday, which gave us Saturday night and Sunday to really enjoy all that Nashville had to offer. :)

2014-04-27 17.04.16

Fountains

2014-04-27 12.36.00

Country Music Hall of Fame

2014-04-27 17.04.19

Country Music Hall of Fame

But can you beat that medal? Loved it.

Thanks again to Nashville for being a great host city and Tedy's Team for making it a weekend I would never forget.

2014-04-27 15.25.37

***

I was shocked at how my body held up through the two marathons I put it through in a week. I couldn't believe how much better the second one went over the first. I think what they say about being trained is right. I had put all the miles in so the body was ready to do it's best. Neither was a PR and that is okay.

I was there to push my body to help Fight Stroke and I ended up raising $10,000. THAT is the reason I did it.

***

Have you rocked and rolled through Nashville?

Boston Marathon Part 2: Toughest Race Of My Life

This race did NOT go as planned. And don't think I know it has been about two months since the Boston Marathon actually happened. But I got swept up in the feelings that day and immediately hit the road for the Nashville marathon so the recap was put to the wayside.

But now I am ready to write and hey! it won't get lost in the influx of Boston Marathon recaps. ;)

When we last left, it was the pre-race waiting game and my arrival at the Start Line.

photo 3 (54)

But now that the National Anthem was played and the volunteers moved out-of-the-way of the Start Line, it was show time.

I had a goal. I even had a pace band to make sure I stayed on plan.

My goal: 3:55. It would be a PR and fit my goal of a sub-4 Boston. For perspective, I ran Boston in 2013 in 4:04:08 when I was on pace for sub-4 til a shooting foot pain had another idea.

I had to listen to my body and stick to the band. It was based on a pace calculator MADE for the Boston course and it's peaks and valleys.

With a start time of 11:25 it was getting warm and the sun was high. I had a sense the race would be warmer than we expected and warmer than what we had been training in.

Our team each gave Tedy a fist bump and we were on our way.

Garmin started.

The Boston Marathon starts on a downhill if you didn't know. So many have the problem of starting out too fast.

Hi I am part of the many.

But within the first mile I was right by Tedy and wasn't sure how long I would be near him so I asked for a quick mid-run selfie. :)

photo 3 (56)

And he obliged.

The race was ALREADY off to a good start.

But as I hit Mile 1 I knew I was going out ahead of schedule, but I kept plodding along because I felt great.

5k Mark: 26:44 (8:37 min/mile pace)

I tried to start pulling back. Slow the pace down. I needed to conserve energy for the later half of the race - the tougher part - the Heartbreak Hill part.

There was NO shade. When I say none I mean none. It was blistering already.

10k Mark: 54:45 (8:49 min/mile pace)

I made the decision then and there to make sure I took water and Gatorade at every stop. I had to race smart. This wasn't a half marathon.

photo 3 (2)

For some reason my phone wasn't working during this time so while running I had to power down and restart. Magically it started working again. Thank goodness. I knew I would need my social media peeps on this day.

15k Mark: 1:23:22 (8:57 min/mile pace)

Alright slowing the pace down was working to my benefit. It was hard to do, but I knew I would benefit later on.

Now keeping myself while running by myself was TOUGH. As we have seen time and time again I am bad at pacing myself. I had really hoped to run with a teammate, but it didn't work out. My normal running buddies were using different plans or in different corrals than I was. So I had to improvise. I had to use the crowd to my advantage.

And right when I needed a pick me up was my cousin. My cousin Jen was there for me at Mile 10. I don't think she really knows how much that hug meant to me. Since my phone was being annoying - I asked her to text my dad to make sure he knew where I was.

20k Mark: 1:54:54 (9:16 min/mile pace)

Okay maybe I was slowing down a tad too much.

My plan was to hit the halfway mark ahead of the 2-hour mark.

photo 2 (66)

Half: 2:01:27 (9:16 min/mile pace)

It was around this time in Wellesley that I could tell something inside was off. It felt like a heavy weight was on my chest. I just couldn't get my breathing under control.

I stopped in front of the Medical Tent at Mile 14 to stand in front of the large fan and BAM the breathing just wouldn't get under control. It ended up being one of those tiny breath moments. You know over and over but no air was actually getting into the lungs? Ya that.

An EMT saw me and made me head into the Med Tent. He didn't like how I sounded so I obliged.

Once in the volunteers scanned my bib in (hello 21st century) and I was handed a space blanket and a cup of water an gatorade. The doctor then came over to check my vitals. My temperature was lower than they wanted, but other than that I looked okay. Sitting in the cool Med Tent allowed me to focus on the breathing and get the air I really needed.

I knew folks were watching my time and progress so I made sure to get on social media to let folks know why the updates would be slowing.

As always my dad wrote: "Don't be a hero!" He was trying to take the self-imposed pressure off me.

Once the doctors and volunteers okayed me to leave, I was scanned out and back on the course.

I couldn't even LOOK at the pace bracelet since I was soooo far off. So it took a lot of energy to rip it off. I couldn't handle the reminder any longer.

25k Mark: 2:49:25 (10:55 min/mile pace)

Wow! Nothing like a Med Tent stop to mess with a girl's pace. I had to take pace and finish time out of the equation. This would come down to simply finishing.

I made sure to keep the pace even as to not upset the breathing. I tried to focus on the crowds and the energy. Seeing familiar faces in the crowd was a plus.

Thanks again social media for helping me keep on top of everyone's locations.

I opted to bypass the Mile 16 Med Tent as I was feeling okay.

At Mile 17 is where Heartbreak Hill begins. For those that don't know Heartbreak Hill is a series of 3 rolling hills totaling about 3 miles through Newton. It isn't the severity of the hills as the placement they are in the race that hurts runners.

In two years of training and one previous Boston, I had never walked a part of Heartbreak Hill ... until this fateful day. I run-walked to the hill and I was angry. There were tears, internal yelling and just unhappiness.

I had to shake it off. I saw some amazing friends, Weight Watchers members and family at that point of the race and it was the pick-me-up and reframing I needed.

But at Mile 18, I couldn't pass up the Med Tent. THe breathing wasn't getting any better and I still had 8 miles to go.

I sat outside the Med Tent drinking water before I was officially scanned in. The Med Tents were all busy. Many folks feeling dehydrated on the course.

I was given a breathing treatment to help open up the lungs.

photo 4 (43)

I took the time to think about how lucky I was to be out there, why I was running and how many people were in my corner. I was trying to shake the disappointed feeling as much as I could.

Once the treatment was over, I was scanned out and headed back on to the course. Two of my Tedy's Team running mates were heading in as I was on my way out.

30k Mark: 3:26:09 (11:05 min/mile pace)

I knew our coach John was at Mile 20 so I just had to make it to that point.

Once I saw him, I lost it. Tears flowed and I couldn't stop them. Oh hey Mile 20 wall. I hit you freakin' hard.

But it was rejuvenating as four other Tedy's Team folks arrived when I did. The doctor at Mile 18 told me to walk the rest of the way. Well really she had mentioned being put on the bus to the Finish but that was thrown out the window by me. Even if I had to crawl I would make it to the Finish.

photo 3 (57)

So starting at Mile 20, I did a run-walk with my teammates. We all talked about how tough it was out there. They had even started 4-5 corrals behind me so I knew I was out there for awhile.

We pushed each other to keep going. We waved to the crowd. We stopped to hug friends and family. We each would pick a point and say: "Okay run to the light then we walk." It was the support and structure I needed to get to the Finish.

The miles started ticking by and we were running a little more than walking. But either way a much slower pace than I usually run at - which kept the lungs happy.

35k Mark: 4:27:53 (12:20 min/mile pace)

Yeah stopping to talk to a coach for a while can also impact the pace. :P

But once we hit Mile 23, the fun level picked up. The crowds were lively and I knew there would be a ton of family faces coming down the stretch, including my dad and my wife!!

I know it is hard for spectators to hang around for us folks in the back, but it is so appreciated. The crowds seemed a little thinner than in 2013 and I think that was because I started an hour later. That mixed with the heat meant there were actually patches of the course where there weren't folks - which didn't happen at all in 2013.

But I was glad I opted to run without my headphones. I took it all in.

My teammates Christine, Tom and I had found a good rhythm. We listened to each other and stuck together. Just another reason why I love Tedy's Team so much!!

I saw my friend and WW member Alex at Mile 24. I'm not sure she wanted such a large sweaty hug, but I gave it out any way.

Then came my girl Beth with this amazing sign.

sign

Words cannot express how thankful I am to the friends, family and blog readers of mine that stand out along that course to cheer me and thousands of others on.

40k Mark: 5:11:23 (12:33 min/mile pace)

And just like that we were at Mile 25 and at the famed Citgo Sign and Kenmore Square.

photo 2 (65)

So glad Tom and Christine were up for a selfie. :) Priorities. Did you spot the Mile 25 marker in the top right of the picture?

I spotted some of my old Red Sox coworkers at the Mile 25 sign, gave them a hug and then hit the pavement.

Once you hit Kenmore Square the crowds are unbelievable. You can see the folks leaving the Red Sox game and joining right in to cheer the runners on.

I knew once we made it through Kenmore Square I would see my family.

photo 1 (74)

Thank you random stranger for catching this moment. I have never hugged the wife or my dad tighter than I had in that moment. It was just the little boost I needed to make it to the end.

photo 2 (64)

All that was left was a right onto Hereford and left onto Boylston.

The thoughts and images from 2013 came flooding back, but I pushed them aside. It was time for new memories with amazing teammates.

As we took the left onto Boylston and the final march of the Marathon, we held hands. Seven across. Of these seven, I was the only one to finish the race the prior year. It was an HONOR to be able to finish what they had started with them.

We held hands. I could feel the energy from Christine's. I could hear the crowd yelling for Tedy's Team. Pushing us to the Finish.

photo 1 (75)

I soaked it all in. I took mental video. This was a feeling and an experience I would never forget.

We raised our hands and crossed the Finish Line together.

photo (45)

I need to thank a blog reader for catching our Finish on TV.

It was an amazing way to end one of the toughest races of my life. With hugs and high fives with teammates. Folks that will forever be in my life.

photo 5 (29)

Official Finish: 5:31:18 (12:39 min/mile pace)

It wasn't the race I wanted, but it was the race I was meant to experience.

I kept telling myself how you never know which version of you or the run will be their on race day. And on that day, it wasn't what I had expected.

The couple of block walk from the Finish Line to our post-race party at the Lenox hotel seemed like a marathon. Ha! But we limped our way over there. I just kept thinking I was closer to a celebratory glass of wine and a hug from my family!

photo 5 (28)

photo 1 (73)

photo 2 (67)

It was amazing hugging and seeing the team after the run. Swapping war stories from the course. Enjoying drinks and food.

Oh and getting a painful 10 minute massage. It hurt, but I know it was necessary. Plus I was happy to have the chance to have one.

Thank you Tedy's Team for treating us so well on the day of the race as well as during the training. It is a team that is unmatched.

So overall thoughts on Boston Marathon 2014 are mixed, but I am proud for giving my 100% and NOT giving up. I ran for my Grandparents and I know no matter the Finish Time they were proud of me.

BAA 5k ... aka The Boston Marathon Shakeout Run

Historically the BAA 5k is held the day before the Boston Marathon. In 2013, I used it as my way to shake the legs out before the BIG SHOW. Hey, I am going to do about 2 miles anyway might as well get a medal and free snacks. Right?

Now in 2013, I employed my BFF Sarah to run with me. The goal? Slow me down.

One thing I have learned through the years of running is that I suck at pacing myself to a slower race unless I am nursing an injury. So Sarah was by my side to keep me in check.

But in 2014, she moved to Maine. *Harumph* So I had no pacer. I thought I could meet up with a couple of friends before the 5k to run with but the crowds were too thick for us to meet up.

Let's back it up a tad.

I hit up the Boston Marathon Expo on the Friday before the BAA 5k on Saturday morning.

photo 1 (63)

My wife being the awesome person that she is was nice enough to drop me off at the race so I could avoid parking, the T and bag check. :)

photo 2 (56)

While I wandered around the Start area I made sure to see where my correct corral would be.

photo 3 (49)

Oops I think I lined up just a tad quicker than usual, but I thought I would help pace the elites in. ;)

I kiiiid I kiiiid.

After apparently entertaining the folks around me with my selfie skills, I headed over to the pre-race meeting location to snap a pic with my Run Disney friends.

pre5k

Thank you interwebs for bringing all these folks into my life. Per usual, I got caught up in conversation before realizing the race was starting shortly and we should probably move towards the Start corrals.

Now normally the BAA 5k started and ended at the Boston Marathon Finish Line on Boylston St, but with a larger field after what happened at the 2013 Marathon they relocated the Start/Finish to Boston Commons. I actually liked having a larger area to meet and stretch, etc. But it was odd not starting on that historic mark.

I started moving over to the Start Area texting with Angry Julie to see if we could meet up to run together, but oh boy. The Start corrals were a zoo. There was little policing and the crowd just tried to smoosh in wherever they could. Hopefully next year there are more volunteers to help the participants line up.

photo 1 (62)

I did get to meet a blog reader while heading into the corrals, which is always a treat. :)

There were wonderful and moving speeches prior to the race as the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings were remembered. You could feel an electrifying energy within the crowd and I was soaking it all in. I was ready to run.

After doing that run-walk-jog thing you do before you actually hit the Start Line in a crowded race, we hit the Start Line and it was time for some weaving. Now I know it is not the best use of energy, but folks weren't lined up with their correct pacing groups since the corrals weren't policed so I had to get around. I didn't want to trip over anyone two days before Boston.

Oh that's right because of Easter Sunday the race was moved to the Saturday before the Marathon instead of the day before.

I could feel my legs wanting to let go. I could feel the nerves for Sunday bubbling up, but I tried to run smart. I tried to hold back.

It was really hard not having someone next to me keeping me in check. Okay I am an adult I should be able to do it myself, but I get so swept up in the crowds and excitement.

The course weaves through the streets of Boston, which were beautiful at that time of morning.

When we hit the second mile we were taken on to Boylston Street.

photo 2 (55)

It was an amazing sight as the streets were already decorated for Monday's Marathon. Plus, it brought back the emotions from last year's trip down Boylston.

photo 3 (48)

We had the opportunity to run under the Finish Line set-up, which is such a symbolic scene.

After crossing the Finish Line, I ended up meeting up with my friend Andrew. We chatted our way through the last 1/2 mile of the race. My pace was in the high 7's at that time, which I didn't mean to happen. But I figured if it was at the end it wouldn't be that bad, right?

photo 4 (35)

The medals were there in all of their glory. One for me to celebrate my accomplishment. My third-straight BAA 5k was in the books.

photo 4 (34)

I happily grabbed my medal and headed back to the Finish Line to cheer on the other runners.

photo 1 (61)

I officially came in at 25:08 - definitely faster than I wanted, but I knew I would be taking the day completely off on Sunday.

photo 3 (47)

photo 5

The atmosphere was buzzing post-race. While I walked to the meeting place to be picked up, I even noticed there was live music. :)

photo 2 (54)

Overall, the race was well organized (besides the Start corrals), offered ample post-race snacks and water and had great volunteer support along the course. I always recommend this race to friends and will continue to. I just hope they get a little better at the Start, if they choose to host the 5k at Boston Commons again in 2015.

After going home and getting cleaned up, I headed back into town for the #BostonRunSocial tweetup/meetup at Back Bay Social Club I had organized.

photo 5 (22)

Thanks to folks for showing up!!

photo 1 (64)

Katie, Me, Ty

photo 2 (57)

Me, Julie, Kelly, Kelsey

It was great to catch up with Twitter friends from around the country!!

***

Have you ever run in the BAA 5k?

Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Festival Part 4: Half Marathon

Where did we leave off on the weekend that changed my life!?!? Ahh we were at the Five & Dime (5k at 7:15 and 10k at 8:30) on Saturday, June 7. Well to complete the inaugural Heartbreak Hill Hat Trick I just had a teeny tiny half marathon the day after (Sunday, June 8). The biggest decision I had to make for the half was what to wear. I knew I wanted to bring the 2 medals from the previous day with me for any photo ops so I went with my Athleta knickers. Since they are patterned it meant leaving the Sparkle Athletic skirt in the room. Boo! I don't really like running without it, but didn't think it looked good with the pants.

I pondered before the run if not having my Sparkle skirt on would impact the cheers. I'll weigh in on that later. :P

The race was set to start at 7:30 and once again the accommodations allowed for sleeping in until abut 6:15. I once again had the power combo of ENERGYBits and a KIND bar before the group headed out to Athlete's Village/Start area.

My left hamstring was defiitely sore from the day before so I knew I wouldn't be setting any records out there. Plus the heat and humidity were creeping higher and higher.

The goal of the day would be simple... have fun!

Anne and I decided to start together again after having a great time during the 10k.

The crowds for the Half were definitely bigger than the previous day so getting into a corral took some finagling.

Wanna know why I like local races? I run into folks I know.

Oh hey Nanci!

I love seeing my Tedy's Team running mates wherever I can. I knew there were at least 2 more Tedy's Team folks in the crowd so I was hoping to bump into them as well.

The crew and I started out and I knew it would be a battle within the first 0.1 miles, but I was determined to smile and laugh the entire time.

Just as we took the right turn out of Boston College I spotted her ... Shalane!

I was trying to get ahead of her so I could take a selfie in front of one of the best marathoners in the world. But I couldn't get the crowd or my hamstring to cooperate. So I had to settle for the stalker photo I got.

I noticed Shalane was running with Runner's World editor Mark Remy, of Remy's World. Next goal became - selfie with Mark.

Now I saddled up to his right during the first mile and asked him if he took mid-run selfies. He apparently has a "no run selfie" rule. Well, one for loopholes. I asked if he had a rule against being in someone ELSE's mid-run selfie. Ha! Got him. And the pic was born.

Complete with photo bomb from Anne.

Mile 1: 8:44 Mile 2: 9:38 Mile 3: 8:55

It was decided early on that we - or at least I - would be walking through every water stop. There was no need to be a hero on that course. As the heat bore down early on we saw a woman being walked off the course by three Runner's World editors. She was weaving and seemed to be losing control. I was happy to see the editors and medical volunteers acting so quickly. But seeing people walking and looking dehydrated early on made me worried for the participants as a whole.

Thanks Anne

I knew I had to run smart. Time wasn't on my mind. My mind was on the ladies I was running with. I had a great time chatting with Anne, Presley, Katy, Theodora and Katy's friend - who happened to be another #DopeyChallenge finisher. I can always chat with someone about the Dopey Challenge. ;)

Mile 4: 10:13 Mile 5: 9:48 Mile 6: 9:10

With how the course was laid out, we not only got the three rolling hills of Heartbreak one way we got them both ways. The course was an out and back along the famed hills. Oh joy! :P I mean YAY!

While trucking along the hills and chatting about blogging and racing fun, I ran into my good buddy Dan from Tedy's Team. We ran 18 miles of the Nashville Marathon together. It was a great time. He is one of the nicest, genuine and good-hearted people I've met. Plus he is one HELL of a fundraiser. $26,200 for Tedy's Team last year.

Of course he knew I would make him take a selfie. Not my best work as the phone was a little sweaty and we were running up a hill. But we fell back into rhythm and decided to run together for awhile to catch up.

Mile 7: 9:34 Mile 8: 9:57 Mile 9: 10:43

Just after Mile 9 it was time to get BACK onto Comm Ave and Heartbreak Hill (we had detoured off for a few miles) and that meant seeing the guys of the Newton Fire House.

These men were out cheering us on all winter long during training. The hills were tough. We continued to walk through the water stops and had even picked up Amanda along the way, which was a treat. I definitely took the time to distract from the heat and focus on the conversations. It is a great opportunity to catch up, while also picking the brains of some major bloggers. :)

Mile 10: 9:43 Mile 11: 10:15

I had to snap a pic with Heartbreak Bill. Poor guy must've been dying inside the suit.

I had made a promise to myself that no matter what I would be running the entire time on the final and largest hill of Heartbreak Hill. We had some unfinished business. I had a horrible time and was in a medical tent around this part of the course during the Boston Marathon so I wanted to feel stronger this time around.

And I did it. I ran the entire thing. I might've looked crazy to the people around me as I made sure I smiled the whole time AND talked to the hill. I had to let the anger and sadness from our last meeting out so it would stop holding me down.

It really did feel amazing. I felt free.

There may've been a fist pump at the top of the hill.

Mile 12: 10:02

While coming around the final stretch, I ran into Hannah the brains behind the Runner's World social media channels. I had first met her in Disney before Dopey Challenge. I realized at that time that the cheers I normally hear while wearing my Sparkly Skirt weren't there.

The run turned into more of a social experiment. I was really missing the extra support and felt like I was running incognito. Let me just tell you that it will be last time I run a race without a skirt on unless obvious reasons don't permit it from happening.

Mile 13: 9:56

As I made the final right turn to the last 0.1 miles, I took in the crowd, the cheers and the sense of accomplishment. 22.4 miles in three days on a hurt hamstring were OWNED. I took the two medals out of my pocket and put them around my neck before officially crossing the Finish Line. I wish I could show the picture, but the proof looks horrible and I refuse to buy it for a post. ;)

The time wasn't pretty compared to other half marathons of mine, but I still can't be angry with a 2:08:52 half.

Plus these three pretty medals aren't bad to look at!

I met up with fellow bloggers, friends and readers in the same spot as the previous day. I was even able to see the other three Tedy's Team folks.

Overall, the weather wasn't a good combo for the hills, but I tried to be smart. I slowed when I needed to and walked when necessary. I listened to my body rather than letting my Garmin play any part in the run.

I thank my fellow runners for keeping the spirits high. I thank Runner's World for having a good number of water stops and med tents along the route.

I know some of my friends in the back of the pack had a different experience than I did. But happy to report all of my friends made it through the race injury free.

After rounding up as many friends as possible, we headed to the quad to take the shoes off and listen to the live band. A headstand competition broke out between Katy and Sarah.

[embedplusvideo height="283" width="450" editlink="http://bit.ly/1otOSuh" standard="http://www.youtube.com/v/NCcWuCvWu_k?fs=1" vars="ytid=NCcWuCvWu_k&width=450&height=283&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=" id="ep5811" /]

I'll let you determine the winner. ;)

Unfortunately the time was passing quickly and I had to get back to my room to pack and meet my driver (aka the wife) to head to lunch...

... but first an elevator selfie! Let's call this a post-race delusional selfie hence the crazy eyes from Presley and I. :P

After giving hugs and feeling like the end of summer camp, it was time for a post-race brew.

Until next year Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Festival!

***

Did you race the Heartbreak Hill half?

Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Festival Part 3: Five & Dime

Thursday and Friday of the Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Festival felt like Summer Camp. I mean really. Okay maybe. I never actually went to a sleep away Summer Camp so I am 100% basing this on TV. Oops. But I still think it was - laughs, hugs and beer. Okay definitely no beer at Summer Camp, right?

Either way it had been a blast. But I kept thinking and saying: Oh yeah, we are here to actually run races.

Sort of forgot that one little detail. Even though I had my bib in hand and everything.

Well the running got started bright and early Saturday morning with the Five & Dime, which meant at 5k at 7:15 and a 10k at 8:30. You know I am up for a challenge so I was ready to go. However, was unsure how to handle the time in between the races. Well, nothing like flying by the seat of your pants when it comes to fueling.

Pre-race I grabbed a dark chocolate & peanut butter KIND bar and my trusty ENERGYBits. Luckily we were staying in the dorms so Athlete's Village was a leisurely 5-7 minute walk from where we were. Strength in numbers so as many bloggers as possible climbed into the elevator - for a selfie - and headed to the Start.

KT Tape matches my Team Chocolate Milk singlet - what a coincidence? ;)

I KNEW I needed to run with people. If I have learned anything, I suck at pacing myself to a slower race when running alone.

Thanks for the pic Anne!

So I lined up around the 9 min/mile pace with some bloggers and set out to keep it easy. I had an angry left hamstring and three races to make it through in total.

As soon as the horn went off, we shuffled through the corral to the Start Line and it was game time.

And I cut off their heads! 

It was awesome setting out with Julie, Presley and Anne. My goal was to share my mid-run selfie skills with these ladies. BUT, Anne brings the A-game and a real camera to the plate. I hung my head in shame.

Hey Girls!!

As I hit Mile 2 I had separated slightly from the group, but it allowed me to cheer them on as we hit a turnaround in the race.  But Marnie and I had kept together and were having a great conversation.

I was getting lost in conversation that I hadn't taken a mid-run selfie yet. I was talking all that pretend game and hadn't done anything about it so it was time to rectify that.

I thought it was one of my better ones.

The race ended on a little bit of a downhill before taking a right into the final stretch, where - of course - I had to step it up a notch. I didn't want to be dogging it in the Finish Line photo. Priorities, right?

Splits: 9:01, 8:59, 8:46

Since I love numbers, I loved the 28:28 5k time. Now my inner demon was angry at the slower than usual time, but the brain knew that it was about finishing and not speed.

After happily collecting the first medal of the weekend, I set out to find a snack (hello chocolate chip bagel) and a bathroom (thank you BC for keeping all the buildings open so I could avoid the port-o-potties)! Once that was set, it was time to start thinking about the 10k. It was an odd amount of time for me so I wasn't really sure what to do. But the bagel hit the spot.

Now the 5k didn't really feature Heartbreak Hill so I figured the 10k would be more a challenge. I knew I would need to keep the pace easy once again.

I felt as if the 5k ended as soon as it began!

So I met up with the same crew at the same spot - oh hey hey 9 min/mile sign - and planned to run with them again.

From the look of this pic, maybe they didn't want me to run with them :P #PhotoBomb

As we crossed the Start Line again, I had some deja vu and let the ladies dictate the pace. I didn't want to push it.

Almost immediately I realized that we would be hitting more of Heartbreak this time around! And it would be the last portion of Heartbreak - aka the biggest of the hills.

For those that don't know, Heartbreak Hill is not a single hill like many think. It is actually about 3-ish miles of rolling hills (3 total). They really aren't that bad in the scheme of life, but when you come upon them at Mile 17 of the Boston Marathon they seem like MOUNTAINS!

And on this day the heat was dictating how the day would go so the hill was tough. Thankfully once again the conversation flowed so the time and miles ticked by.

Mile 1: 9:30 Mile 2: 9:53 Mile 3: 9:35

It was about the halfway mark that Anne and I started picking the pace up. Not sure how it happened, but it seemed organic. I hadn't met Anne before this weekend and didn't know much about her story. It was GREAT chatting with her. We learned that we have very similar PRs.

Her Half: 1:43, My Half: 1:44 ... Her Marathon: 3:56, My Marathon: 3:58. We are both 31. We like running and blogging.

Crazy similar.

So you can only imagine the talking helped dictate the pace. But we both wanted to keep it smart.

And I had the pleasure of introducing Anne to Heartbreak Bill. He is the mascot for the Heartbreak Hill Running Company and a staple all winter long during Boston Marathon training runs.

Poor guy must've been dying in the suit

Mile 4: 9:10 Mile 5: 9:18 (highest point of Heartbreak) Mile 6: 9:07

Once again ending on a downhill was appreciated and allowed us to rack up some speed to finish the race strong. We weren't about to let these 2 folks finish ahead of us so we dug down and sped around them. I wanted a nice clear Finish Line photo for us. :P

Now I had kept my 5k medal in my hand during the run just so I could keep start sporting both medals AS SOON as we crossed.

It was a great run in some bad heat. Finished with an official time of 58:49.

Definitely amazing knowing so many people at the Five and Dime races. Every time I turned around there was a blogger, friend or blog reader finishing the race. I love some sweaty hugs, high fives and hearing race stories.

I am proud of everyone I know that tackled a running challenge of two races in one morning.  Two pieces of bling before 10am is A-okay with me.

The left hamstring was sore, but didn't feel any worse after 9.3 miles. Taking it slower was definitely the way to go.

After more water and snacks it was time to head back to the room for a shower and a change. The rest of the day featured Expo fun, Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee, the Dogs Run, the pasta dinner and another Sarah Reinertsen talk (I will NEVER pass on hearing her speak).

I want to thank all of the volunteers, police offers and Runner's World staff who was up way earlier than I was to put this race on and to make sure there was enough water for the participants. I also want to applaud Runner's World for the Medical presence during the race. Since I had some breathing trouble the last time I was on Heartbreak, I kept an eye out and it put my mind at ease to see so much medical staff out on the course.

I can also say the KIND Bar and ENERGYBits was a great combo pre-race. The chocolate chip bagel wasn't too heavy before the second race. Phew! I wouldn't have wanted that yummy bagel to go to waste. Plus it worked as my chocolate since the race was lacking low-fat chocolate milk. :(

But no matter what I had another meeting with Heartbreak the next day ... for the half marathon!

***

Have you run legit back-to-back races before?

(Note: if you would like to buy ENERGYBits, use code WEIGHTOFFMYSHOULDERS for 25% off your order!)

Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Festival Part 1: Selfies & More

How many selfies have you taken in a single weekend? If you are saying 3 or 4 then buckle your seatbelt friend I got you beat. If I had to guess I took 3 selfies before 5:30am on Friday, June 6. Oh does that sound like too many? Let me break it down for you. This past weekend I had the HONOR of attending the Heartbreak Hill Running Festival on behalf of Runner's World and an incredible list of bloggers. Not sure how my name made it on there, but I may or may not have broken into the Runner's World HQ - Mission Impossible style - to make that happen. :P

So now you can get it right? 20 bloggers together for a weekend means lots of calling each other by twitter handles, hashtags, laughter and well ... selfies.

My driver (aka the wife) dropped me off at BC on Thursday afternoon, June 5. I decided to keep the arrival low-key so the limo was left at home and we rode in Jinxie (my 10 year old Jetta).

Despite being one of the few "locals" on the trip, I decided to stay with the group at BC - in the dorms - to get the whole experience. Yes, I opted to stay on a rough dorm bed instead of my luxurious bed at home so I could relay the whole experience to all of you.

I expect my award for this selfless act to be delivered sometime shortly.

This experience felt like college. Of the 20 bloggers, I think I had only met 2 prior to this trip so all the nervous energy was there. Will they like me? Do they even know what my blog is? Are they beer drinkers? The usual.

As soon as the folks started arriving, the hugs were flying, the laughs were starting and the bonding was apparent. This was going to be a special weekend.

After settling in, it was time to head to West End Johnnie's for dinner. We had a sweet welcome bag waiting for it. And yes I still geek out when folks put my blog's name on anything. Loser, party of one!

We had some time to mingle before dinner and a movie. We had a private viewing of Finding Strong, which was introduced by Saucony's Director of PR (and mega inspiration) Sharon Barbano.

The movie Finding Strong was utterly motivating and I will share a link to it when available. Get tissues out in advance.

We hit the party bus back to the dorm before taking the walk to the closest liquor store. We sat around the common room and had some great convos. It really felt like college all over again. It was a blast until...

... the alarm went off at 5am the next day. Who starts an itinerary so early in the morning? I mean really. :P

The party bus was ready to roll at 6am to bring us to a November Project workout.

I have friends that have been trying to get me to attend November Project for months. But Runner's World offered brunch afterwards - and that won.

For the workout we would be doing hill circuits (so necessary before a weekend of running Heartbreak Hill :P) for 45 minutes on Summit Ave in Brookline.

Yeah Summit Ave doesn't mess around.

The plan was go down the street then back up (the harder part), slide under a road block barricade (why not) then do a "cross country" circuit on the grassy knoll at the top of Summit Ave. Goal? Do as many as you can in 45 minutes.

My plan? 1 circuit. The left hamstring was hurting and I wasn't about to blow it before the actual runs started.

Actually happened? 2 circuits. I got talked into a second "slower" circuit. Curse you peer pressure. :P

I had always been nervous to attend November Project because of the athletic folks that I saw in pictures that went. So I thought there wouldn't be anyone of my level or physique. But it truly reaches a wide audience. Plus once you start, you really can't tell which circuit number another person is on.

Plus this is one super positive group. Will I maybe roll up to another November Project workout? Definitely a possibility.

After a good workout, we headed to brunch at Zaftig's in Brookline with special guest Brogan, November Project creator.

Happily filled bloggers headed back to BC to get all cleaned up for two unbelievable meet and greets that would be coming up.

But who would the special guests be?

Sarah Reinertsen

For those that don't know Sarah is the first female amputee to finish the Ironman AND she was on Amazing Race. If you don't know her story, please check it out. She is not only inspirational, but a down to earth person. WHO actually remembered meeting me at the Boston Marathon Expo. Wow!

and our other guest???

Shalane Flanagan

Yes the Shalane Flanagan. I had a total fangirl moment while she talked... I think she felt the same way about me. But she kept her cool. I can tell you that this Olympian and 2:22 Boston Marathoner is just like us. Her post-marathon craving: "French Fries, a burger and a beer."

OOhhh yeah!

After a highly entertaining runway show by my fellow bloggers and Running Skirts, we had a delicious lunch courtesy of Runner's World Nutrition Editor, Joanna Golub, who helped pen the Runner's World Cookbook.

New Balance gave a great demo of their new shoe line. (And I forgot to take any pics)

Then it was Expo time. You know I love a good expo. I gunned for the Sparkly Soul booth after I picked up my bib.

Yay Pamela!

I was happy to have fellow bloggers around for the Expo since they like to take obnoxious photos like me.

Heather battling Larisa and I for the Finish Line

I spent waaayy too much time at the Expo for the size of it, but I had a blast. Plus, I ran into a ton of friends while there. Another favorite thing about Expos.

After bringing my haul (aka free stuff) back to the room, it was time to move my belongings to our new dorm and find dinner.

Friday was a chill night in the new common room with my fellow bloggers, dinner and some wine.

Laughing was a great way to stretch before the impending races on Day 2.

Oh yeah in case you forgot, we were brought together to run!

But I'll save that for another recap...

***

What do you like to take in when on a racecation besides the race itself?

I'm Walkin' On Sunshine...

WOO OOO!! Okay not really walkin' on sunshine since that would be hot and burn my feet. But it would be quite a feat...

I am working on being a ray of sunshine, but not have it feel forced.

Someone at work today said how calmly I was taking the job ending. Well clearly she doesn't live in my head. :P

But what I realized this weekend was that being mopey about the job situation won't make a new job appear. Thankfully my wife is still employed so it isn't like I am being thrown on the street. I have a lot of things to be thankful for.

So while I was having one kick ass awesome weekend, I focused on that.

The HERE and NOW.

I am a worrier by nature. I can't turn it off. But I can control how much I allow it to dictate my mood.

I have my health. I have amazing friends. I have a great wife and two pups. I have this little blog of mine.

There is too much to celebrate to be worried.

Now that isn't saying I am getting rid of worrying all together. I am still very much a worry wart over bills, etc  - but I need to work more on the NOW.

And I set that goal last night before bed.

Can I tell you something?

It already is paying off in the mood department.

THAT could still be lingering awesomeness from this weekend. It was a jam-packed couple days, but if it is an indicator of things to come - then this summer is going to ROCK!

On Friday, I attempted the Assembly Row media event. Assembly Row is a new shopping center across the street from my house in Somerville - but it is so much more.

There are outlet shops, restaurants, and activities! They are going to have free yoga by the water, a boot camp once a week and a running club out of the Nike store (still waiting on more details for that).

The event had food samples from some of the restaurants that will be at Assembly Row - Fuji Sushi, Tony C's Sports Bar/Grill, Earl's and Papagayo.

Trying a sushi roll with EEL from Fuji

Let's just say my wife was jealous of this picky eater being at a food sampling event. ;)

They even had a game where you had to guess the prices of the three outfits being displayed. Keeping in mind these are outlet stores. I haven't heard the winning prices yet, but my guess is I was WAY off. I really wanted to win the PUMA outfit too (#2).

I stopped at the brand-new Papagayo to sample their Sangria and oohh boy it was tasty!

After a brief walk home (I can get use to that), it was a low-key evening in bed with the family.

On Saturday I let myself sleep in - until 8am - then headed out for a quick run to pick my car up from the mechanic.

The wife and I got started on a laundry list of errands we had to run to get ready for a BBQ at our house the following day.

But I HAD to get in a training ride so I brought the wife along with me for a little bike afternoon date. I'm glad she bought a bike so we can start doing more things like this. We must take advantage of the summer months! We endure such crappy Boston winters for them. :P

Saturday Night we lived it up - by cleaning. I know I know. Try to hold back your jealousy if you can.

Sunday was going to be fun from the get go! Sunday kicked off with the Cambridge 5k Freedom Run 5k with Team Slumbrew Happy Soles.

I was definitely happy with my time as I am nursing a very painful left hamstring thing/injury/annoyance and it was much hotter out than any of us expected.

I wish I had noticed the photog, but since I was coming straight into the Finish Line all I could think about was cheering on the rest of the team and ... BEER!

Aren't we one awesome looking team?

I had a great little post-race celebration with this fine group before heading home for the BBQ with a couple of college friends and their kids.

After they left we needed to get the dogs some exercise so we took a family walk along the Mystic River and over to Assembly Row.

The dogs even did a little swimming. Okay Molly did some sitting in the water.

This was all followed by a CRASH. I was ready to just lay down and enjoy some TV before the final week of work.

But this weekend involved so much love, laughing and smiling.

How could I be sad when I have all of that in my life?

Behind The Scenes of My Weight Watchers Success Story Shoot

I. Am. Speechless. Okay people stopped laughing! I know it is hard to believe, but I am.

When I found out I was selected to have my story shared as a Success Story on the Weight Watchers website in August 2013 I was over the moon.

I've spent hours pouring over that section of the website and app. Reading people's stories and getting the motivation I needed to keep going.

As my social media life grew, I started actually meeting people who were on the website.

Like...

Mae

Sheryl

Frank

(Please click on their names to read their stories!)

And so many more!

Being chosen as a Success Story meant I would be traveling to New York City for a photo shoot and on-camera interview in November 2013.

I was psyched. Not only would I get to head to NYC, but I would get to see some of my favorite Weight Watchers ladies while there.

I took the train to NYC on November 7 and had a lovely time. It was WAY less stressful than taking the train and with security, etc of the airport it probably took me about the same amount of time and less hassle.

My girl Kitty picked me up at the train station and we headed to the hotel. We decided to enjoy the afternoon/early evening and walk to dinner with the lovely Weight Watchers ladies.

I have to give a big thank you to social media for connecting me with these lovely souls.

After a great night of laughter and stories, it was time to head to bed to rest for the next morning. I had to be at the shoot by 9am, which meant an 8am departure from the hotel.

I arrived to the studio and found out I was the first person of the day so I headed to wardrobe for them to fit me for an outfit. The stylist Amit took out a size 6 Calvin Klein skirt and I laughed out loud. I said "Sir there is NO way that is fitting on me." But he gave me a look and off to the curtain (aka makeshift dressing room) I went.

And you know what??

It freakin' fit!! I was in tears. A medium top and a size 6 skirt.

ME!!

After the outfit was set, I was sent to hair.

I'm not sure what the stylist thought of my need to take selfies, but I tried to explain to him that I was a blogger and needed to document the day. :P

After hair - where I explained to him I usually wear it in a bun that anything he would do would be greatly different -

Tad surprised at the poofiness

it was make-up time.

Now I am far too lazy to put on make-up and when I do it is basically foundation and some mascara and that is about it. So I let the make-up artist do her thang. She was SUPER nice and great to talk to!

While in the hair and make-up area, it was nice to meet the other folks being interviewed and photographed that day. Especially since they were usuals for the series so they knew a ton of my friends! :)

After a little snack time, it was finally time for the photo shoot.

Let's take a moment to check the shoes out.

Yeah I moved wicked slowly around the Studio so that I wouldn't fall ... but I almost did a few times.

The photo shoot portion was an all white part of the room. The job - stand on the X and do what the photographer said. Okay I think I can do that.

The photographer was SO sweet and really encouraging.

Let me tell you when I crossed my one leg over the other in this photo I almost fell over. Thank goodness there was someone off to my right there if I needed them. Hello klutz! :P

This was such a scary experience. It felt so out of my comfort zone. I mean there were like half a dozen people watching you stand there and pose, while looking at the shots on a laptop. I tried to just zone out the nerves and live in the moment. Because this was most likely a once in a lifetime experience so no need to waste it being scared/nervous.

The photographer even told me I was a natural, which really made me feel awesome. Now I'm not sure if she says that to everyone, but even if she does it still made me feel great.

After the photo portion was over - which was the shortest and most fun of the morning - I got another snack break. YAY! Before heading to the downstairs area to film the short video that attached to the Story.

The folks were nice enough to let me take the big shoes off for this and keep slippers on instead. :)

While the group worked on sound check, etc, I asked another helper to snap a couple of pics for me.

WAY TOO excited to have the scary shoes off. ;)

This portion was pretty straight forward. The editor of the Weight Watchers website, Mary, had already gone over what topics they would cover. Since I am a WW Leader and share my journey here on the blog, I tend to talk about these things all the time.

Once we wrapped up the video portion, I was free to dive back into my normal clothes - hello yoga pants and sneakers - and enjoy NYC.

I grabbed a quick bite, chatted with the editors/etc that were there and then headed out. It was about 1pm when I wrapped up and was couldn't believe how fast the time went.

It was one of the coolest experiences of my life and felt like a total rockstar the entire time. And hey the shots came out pretty darn well.

If you want to see the actual story and watch the video, you can click HERE to check it out. You do not have to be a Weight Watchers member to view the Success Stories.

Since the shoot happened so long ago (November 2013) and hit the website on May 26-27, 2014, it is so surreal to really see if on the site.

It takes me back to when I started this journey and I would look to those Success Stories for hope. Now I have the chance to give someone hope to give a healthy lifestyle a shot. It is an extreme honor.

It is tough to share my story at times, but the more response I get from people about it touched them or it made them feel like they weren't alone - makes it all worth it.

So once again thanks to Weight Watchers, Mary and the whole team for selecting me to share a story about little 'ol me!

***

If you would like to read more about what I did in NYC that weekend, check out the whole recap HERE.

Boston Marathon Weekend (Friday): Expo & Runkeeper Party

You probably are thinking to yourself - Boston Marathon - that old event was like 3 weeks ago... ... and you would be right!

Well I got a little dose of reality from my dad yesterday who was taken aback that I hadn't recapped the weekend yet. Now this coming from the man who doesn't really understand my blog nor read it. But, it lit a little fire under my big butt to get a move on.

So let's get this recap party started.

I like to set the scene so we are kicking it day by day style up in here. Why? Because it is my blog and I said so. So there. :)

On Thursday, April 17, my dear boo Linzie from See Sharp Run arrived in town from Cali. Of course I jumped in the car to go meet him and Adam and Katie (hi twitter friends) for a brew ... or two.

Reunited and it feels soooo good! Sometimes you meet a person and you just click. For those that don't know Linzie and I first met in October 2013 and ended up running a 10k trail run together through the Hollywood Hills that night sharing his one headlamp - yeah that can bond two people together - plus the convo was great! :)

But I digress ... as we were enjoying some beer and food we were joined by Angry Julie. I was so excited to finally meet her after years of chatting online. Blogger fail for not getting a photo with her that night, but there will be one at some point in the weekend.

After a great night, it was time to head home and rest up for one of my favorite days of race weekend ... the Expo!

Now, I had to knock out four hours of work before I let loose on the Expo and it felt like 20 hours. :P But the clock finally hit noon and I was out the door.

Many folks are not a fan of the Expo - it is a get in, get the number and get out.

Maybe it is because I am connected to a lot of companies and folks through social media that the Expo turns into a social party for me!

You can imagine what is coming next ... pictures!! :P

I arrived at the Expo just before 12:30 on Friday and immediately got in line to get my number.

Thankfully I ran into a friend Stephanie (who was running her first marathon) and was able to sneak in with her. The line was RIDICULOUS when I got there. Doors opened at Noon. I know there were about 10k extra runners, but the line was about 3 times the length from last year at the same time.

Thankfully the line moved at a good clip and before we knew it was the magic moment - the pic we had been waiting for - you and the bib!

After sweeping up my number, it was off to get the official t-shirt (loved it this year) and finally hit up the Expo floor.

Ahhh a great sight. Occasionally I still question whether I can call myself a runner - I don't know what the hold up in my brain is - but I still love seeing the sign.

First and foremost I had the sign the big runner wall.

I had an Expo game plan: I was going to hit the booths of my favorite products first! And in no particular order...

Sparkly Soul

It is always a pleasure seeing Pamela, half of the dynamic sister duo behind Sparkly Soul headbands.

ENERGYBITS

It was awesome picking up the free bags of Bits I earned as an ENERGYBits ambassador right before a huge race weekend.

KT Tape

 

I always hit up the KT Tape booth if they are at an expo. While I am confident in applying the KT Tape myself, I never pass up the chance for a professional to do it. PLUS sometimes they tape it in a way you would've never imagined. Like on my foot above. I had never seen that style before, but was open to giving it a try for the BAA 5k the next morning.

After hitting up my Top Three booths and making a quick lap of the whole floor (two large rooms), it was time to sneak away to the Old South Church.

Thank you Diane for my scarf!! It was made with love by Jean in Hollis, NH!!  The knitters were told to make the scarves with 1) blue & yellow and 2) love & courage. Then I started crying!!

I popped into Dunkins for a healthy lunch of iced coffee and munchkins. Hey a healthy lifestyle is full of balance, right? :) Then headed back to the Expo to see friends. And see friends I did. While I didn't get a pic with everyone here are a few:

Kelly, a fellow Weight Watchers and a current Chicago resident (she has my leader I had when I was in Chicago)

The amazing Kimberly stopped by the Expo to spread some good hugs and cheer to Linzie and I for the race

More RunDisney love with Linzie, Kelsey and Kristin

What I absolutely love about the whole Expo??? Is that everyone I interacted with, saw, loved, hugged and laughed with ... I met online! Thanks Twitter and Facebook! :)

Thanks for the pic Adam

Before heading out with the crew to the Runkeeper Marathon party, Linzie and I needed to take a quick break with the power supply. #BloggerProblems

Since it was a nice day out, we took the opportunity to get some steps on the ol FitBit and take the walk from the Expo to Runkeeper, which really was only about a mile or so.

I was wicked excited to finally see the Runkeeper HQ. The event was from 3-5:30 and included a scavenger hunt. I was having too much Expo fun to pull away for the Scavenger Hunt portion, but made it in time to meet some Runkeeper folks I speak to online often and see the power duo behind Notch Brewing.

Notch was providing refreshments for the soiree. I love Notch and the folks behind it. It is great to find a cool local brewery you can support. I often see Notch at the Cambridge 5k races while captaining the Team Slumbrew running team. But as Chris said "friendly competition" here. :)

But, it was nice to have some time to chat with Chris and Mary Ellen at Runkeeper. As I chatted with friends and the Runkeeper staff, I realized it was bathroom time. So I excused myself, took care of business and came back to an empty room. I'm not sure if everyone got invited to a party that I wasn't or what but all of a sudden everyone was gone.

So I took the opportunity to snap a quick selfie with the Runkeeper treadmill, ask my way into a Runkeeper HQ tour and then head on my way.

It was a great way to kick off the Boston Marathon weekend ... and I hadn't even done any running yet! :P

***

Are you an Expo lover?