RACE RECAP: 18th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle

Often I ponder: Why can't I just wake up, roll out of bed and BOOM be at the race?!?! Well, it looks like someone has answered my prayers. That's right. There is a race AT THE END OF MY STREET. I am less than 1/4 of a mile away. Thank YOU race gods! Thank YOU! The 18th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle took place on May 18.

The annual Herring Run and Paddle includes a 5K run/walk race, three paddling races (3, 9, and 12 miles), educational booths, children's activities, and more. All events are held at the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville. The 5K course continues along the Mystic River bike path and through DCR Torbert MacDonald Park. There are no street crossings on this flat course.

You read that right. In addition to the 5k run, there were 3 paddle races (kayak or canoe) a person can take part in. You can run the 5k on its own, do any of the 3 paddle races on their own OR do the 5k and one of the paddle races as a combo. If you don't have a canoe or kayak, you can rent on.

I chose to stay on land and enjoy the 5k!

The race took place at 9am so my cousin and I strolled out of my house at 8:40. Amazing.

Since my cousin Jen and I both grew up in the neighborhood it was great opportunity to give back to the community. Plus we both knew the running path well enough that the course was familiar. Heck I run the path around the Mystic River almost every day. But it was cool to have 601 other people there with us. Families out for a run, walk or jog together.

Beth, the race director, does a great job creating a family-friendly atmosphere.

Plus the donations she received for pre and post race snacks was sweet. Lots of choices.

We were so busy taking in the atmosphere and watching the kids play in the game area set up by the water that we didn't realize it was time to line up. Oops! The crowd was bigger than I expected, but the volunteers did the best they could to corral folks into appropriate pace groups. A tall task for anyone to do as most folks want to start near the front - even though it may not be the safest idea.

I had no goals for the 5k as I had done a long run the previous day so wasn't sure what my legs would have in them. I just wanted to run smart and enjoy the views.

The crowd was tight at the beginning as we squeezed onto the smaller width of the running path. I know that weaving is a waste of energy, but I had to do it or I would've stepped on someone. I also wanted to get to a clear space where I could get into my own groove - no matter what that pace would be.

Mile 1: 7:53

The weather was hotter than expected for a May morning so I made sure to take water at the water stop just after Mile 1 - something I don't normally do in a 5k race. See running smart.

As I took the bend to come down closer to the water, I wondered which paths they would have us take in order to hit the 5k distance. I hosted my birthday 5k along this path so I know there are plenty of options.

Isn't it beautiful. How could I not be enjoying the race with a view like that.

I once again was running without music so I heard a lot of breathing. It is something that I need to learn to zone out. It can throw my own rhythm off wanting to speed up to get out of earshot or slow down. Instead I starting singing to myself. Don't worry it was internally. I didn't want to hurt the people's ears around me. ;)

Mile 2: 7:57

As we emerged from the path right along the water, we met back up with the water stop. Score! Two water stops for the price of one. The water was refreshing as were the cheers. The race was small so the crowd was scarce. But most of the folks out there were cheering for friends and family. I saw a husband running alongside his wife briefly giving her inspirational words and taking video. It made my heart happy.

I let the wife stay home to play video games with my cousin's fiance. Aren't I sweet? I know. Wife of the Year award will be arriving shortly.

Mile 3: 7:40

I was ready to be done so I tried to kick it up a notch in the final mile. Plus it lacked the incline the second mile had. I picked a person in front of me and tried all I had to get in front of them.

Sometimes there is nothing sweeter than seeing a Finish Line.

My final time was 24:39 good for 58th out of 603 overall and 4th out of 66 in my division. Ahh wicked close to top 3, but not really since it was about 12 second difference. I can pretend. :P

I finished with enough time to turn around and get back out there to cheer for my cousin. It was her first 5k in quite a while, but she gave it 100% which is all you can ask of yourself.

Thanks Herring Run for the complimentary photos.

Overall, the race atmosphere and organization was top notch. The volunteers were motivating and had the water stop well stocked.

You can tell families created great memories that day, while being fit.

I needed my Dunkins fixed so I missed the paddle races, but from the pictures it looked like a huge success.

I will definitely be back in 2015!

***

Do you ever get to race less than a mile from your house?

Racemenu's Boston 5k Summer Series: Race #1

Not much can top a 5k along the historic Charles River in Boston on a Thursday night in the Summer. Well maybe six 5ks along the beautiful Charles River in Boston on Thursday nights. Enter the Boston 5k Summer Series by Racemenu.

What I like about this series is the Women’s Only 5k option. That’s right. This race has 2 5ks in one night for the ladies if you so desire.

Six Thursday evening 5K runs along the Charles River in Boston at the DCR’s Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road w/ after-parties.

The Series kicked off on May 29th with the Women’s Only 5k at 7 and the Open/Co-Ed 5k at 7:30. So if you ladies desired, they could complete the first, turn around and head right back out for another.

Which was my original game plan.

BUUUTTT...

That day my car ended up in the shop. I wasn't sure if I would even make it to the 5k so during the afternoon I went out and ran 3 miles near my house.

Because you know I had to keep the running streak alive.

Thankfully my dad came home from work in enough time to drop me off at the run. I picked up my bib, which I will use for the entire series (because you know I signed up for the entire series) and ran into folks I knew. I love chatting with other people and hearing their stories and accomplishments. I had run into my friend Lisa who runs for the Boston Marathon for the Liver Foundation and used to be one of my Weight Watchers members. She introduced me to her friends and it was like we knew each other for ages. Easy conversation. Something I find with many runners.

I also love me some free race photos! Thanks Racemenu.

After stretching and chatting, it was time to line up for the Women's 5k. Since I ended up running in the afternoon I decided to run in the first 5k and then head home. I wasn't ready for a 9 mile day. The horn went off and away we went.

The Charles River features a TON of local 5ks so I have run around that path countless times. However, this was the first time I ran it counter clockwise. All other races seem to occur in the same direction and this was the opposite. It was a welcomed change. We did a small loop at the beginning which actually brought us back under the START line. Part of me wanted to stop right there. The legs were feeling that first run.

Mile 1: 7:29

What? I was shocked. I actually looked down at my watch and said: "No Way!" out loud. Good thing everyone around me had their headphones in so no one could hear me talking to my Garmin.

The path was clear, the weather was nice and it was cool being in a field completely made up of women.

Fast women.

Mile 2: 7:37

One thing I never do in Boston is place in my division. I am not sure if there is something in the water I am not drinking or having all the Division One athletes around or what, but the speed here is unmatched. I try not to get discouraged, but it happens.

These women push me to be a stronger runner and a better athlete. So being in a race solely with them was inspiring.

Well inspiring for the mental not the physical. I could tell my body was getting tired. I just had to keep pushing.

I picked a girl in front of me and made it my freakin' mission to pass her before the Finish Line. Whatever it took I would.

Mile 3: 7:50

With a clear path and a water stop to refresh, I gave a final push towards the end and passed the girl I had my sights on.

VICTORY!

My time of 23:29 was good for 26th overall out of 103.

I even got to start the music after the co-ed 5k started. Big duty: turn volume up high after the horn goes off. Check!

Overall, I was pleased. I wanted to stick around for the co-ed 5k and after party, but my parents had already gotten there to pick me up. Yes I kind of felt like a little kid, but the ride was appreciated.

***

Note: I was supposed to run Race #2 of the Summer Series on June 12, but due to a left hamstring injury I had to bow out. BUT I will be in attendance for Race #3 on July 17!

***

Do you enjoy a local weeknight 5k?

Freedom Run 5k Recap - 6/1/14

Holiday road races are magical. They are even better when you get to continue the Holiday throughout the week. I took part in the inaugural Cambridge 5k Freedom Run 5k during Memorial Day weekend in 2013. Read about it here. It was part of a double race morning for me Half Marathon at 7 and the Freedom Run 5k at 9:30.

So you can guess my pleasure when the Freedom Run 5k this year was moved to the week after Memorial Day for race logistic reasons.

Oh happy day! This meant I could extend my Holiday running to two weekends. Score!

Eddie, race director extraordinaire of Cambridge 5k, keeps the runners' experience at the forefront of his mind when planning and putting on his six-race series, which include two trail races.

So packet pick-up with Eddie is a breeze. I was in and out in a few minutes with my sweet shirt in hand. Eddie's shirts are the best race shirts around. Hello comfort!

I had to cover the bib number when first posting this. Ain't nobody got time for people stealing my bib number. BUT for anyone that follows this blog, you would easily figure out my bib number since I have the same one for each of the Camvridge 5k races. ;)

Without a race prior to Freedom Run this year, I was able to sleep in a tad before having the wife drop me off. This allows me to avoid any parking situations and bag check.

I arrived early to secure my wristband for the post-race dance party and to hand out team shirts to my fellow Slumbrew Happy Soles.

I love being a part of a team at the Cambridge 5k races. It is fun to catch up with everyone before the race, to welcome new faces to the Slumbrew family and to pump up the newbie runners. That's the joy of the Slumbrew team - we are about fun and good beer. It might be why our team line is: "First to the Finish Beer Line!"

As usual, I was too caught up with chatting with folks that I didn't realize the race was about to start. :P I high tailed it to the port-o-potties then squeezed into the Start Corral.

I stood under the large American flag thinking about what it stood for and just taking in the atmosphere. I love listening to fellow runners before a race: talking strategy, comparing playlists with friends or just smiling because they are happy to be able to run. It is truly a magical group of people.

I couldn't totally hear Eddie on the bullhorn, but as people fled down the street I could tell the race started.

Let's do it Garmin.

As usual, I failed to look at the course map before the race. Thankfully having run almost all of the Cambridge 5k races, I am pretty familiar with the possible routes Eddie could choose.

The race started on a flat with little incline or turns, which led Mile 1 to come in at 7:26. Wow! Definitely NOT what I was expecting after having done a brick workout (24 mile bike and 2 mile run) the previous day. This was a good test to see how my body was reacting to Half Ironman training.

This was about the time the left hamstring started acting up. I had been ignoring it for a while, but knew it would be getting angry during the run. So I tried to listen to my body.

It was getting hot and humid. That wasn't the original forecast. It was supposed to be overcast and 66. Liars weathermen liar.

Mile 2: 7:44

I heart running in race series because I always see people I know and this day wasn't any different. Scott and his girlfriend Dani (great name I know) came upon me during Mile 2. It was great to take some time to chat with them - and without feeling too out of breath. We were running sub 8's over here.

Dani was going for a PR so Scott and I were there as cheerleaders. There is a little incline at the end of this course that I remember and curse every time. It isn't a hill, but it is just big enough that you get annoyed. Oh and it goes on for longer than you think. But on this day I felt strong even with the hamstring. I buckled down and powered over it. I think all that biking is really paying off.

As I came around the corner to Mile 3, there was Eddie cheering on the crowd. Not many race directors get out there on the course. I always look forward to seeing him especially since it normally means we are almost done.

Mile 3: 7:36

I think Dani's PR pushed me to run faster that final stretch. I was happy to see her buzz past me through the shoot.

You can even see Scott behind me (#84)

As soon as I crossed the Finish Line, I immediately turned around to keep cheering for my fellow Slumbrew Happy Soles. I even got the ladies volunteering at the bag check to cheer for whoever I was screaming for. Power in numbers.

After the cheers were done, it was time to head to the beer line. I needed a celebratory Flagraiser IPA STAT. A beer after a good run is always a good decision.

Plus there are great high fives, hugs and smiles after pushing yourself to do your best out on the course. It isn't about time or pace, but giving it your all. I knew every Happy Sole had done that even with the unexpected hot temps.

Slumbrew Happy Soles

So proud of the way our team represented.

I love the all-inclusive atmosphere of the Cambridge 5k race series - all levels or runners and walkers welcome. Plus, you can show off your sweet dance moves at the dance off during the after-party. How many races offer that?

Next time you are looking to get together with friends, put up some miles and drink some beers - look up the next Cambridge 5k race.

***

Did you participate in the Freedom Run 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.

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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 2: Kids & Dogs Racing

The Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Running Festival left me in tears multiple times ... happy tears! Whether it be from laughing so hard (thanks bloggers) or sheer inspiration and motivation, I was blubbering like a baby. (This doesn't seem hard these days :P)

Runner's World made sure there were races for more than just the adults - enter the Kids Races on Friday night and the Dog Races on Saturday morning.

I didn't want to miss either so on Friday after picking up my own bib at the Expo I headed up hill to Athlete's Village, which doubled as the Start Line.

Getting a good spot was my number one priority so I could soak up all the cuteness.

The event even had some big name guest stars - Bart Yasso, Shalane Flanagan and Sarah Reinertsen. Oh and the Mayor. I'll throw him a bone here. :P

The race was broken into three parts: 2-5 year olds (1/4 mile), 6-8 year olds (1/2 mile) and 9-11 (1 mile). The 9-11 kids had two heats: fun and competitive.

Adorable-ness abounded. Yes worthy of creating my own word over it!

And yes that is the New Balance mascot - a giant shoe - which was a big hit with the participants.

The horn blew and the kids were off. With this being the younger kids, some parents paced the kids through the one lap around the upper quad of Boston College. There were meltdowns from the onset and I totally understood how the kids were feeling. Hey, when the run isn't going well ... it isn't going well. :P

I wish I had thought ahead and made a sign for the kids, but instead I jumped, whistled, clapped and cheered as loud as I could. I freakin' love being a spectator.

Once the 2-5 year olds finished, the 6-8 year olds made their way to the Start Line. Their goal was 2 laps around the upper quad, which was 1/2 mile.

Bart Yasso did a GREAT job announcing the kids and lending commentary during the races. I wish I had faked my own birth certificate so I could've participated.

I also wish I had taken more pictures.

But I definitely snapped a picture of EJ, who was participating in his first race in the 6-8 year old heat.

It was great hearing the crowd support for EJ and hearing Bart Yasso say "And EJ has finished his first race" once he crossed the Finish Line.

With a 2:22 marathoner on hand, I couldn't wait to hear Shalane's advice to the kids pre-race. She kept it simple.

"Run until your teeth sweat"

which she shared was what her dad used to tell her when she was their age.

The 9-11 year olds looked like they were bringing their A games to the 1-mile course. I spotted a few stopwatches and GPS watches out on the course. The 1-mile loop consisted of 4 loops around the upper Quad.

There was quite a battle in the front pack and quite a few lead changes, which drew the crowd in for sure.

I noticed one little girl check her watch during her third lap. Gotta stay on top of those splits. :)

While most of the kids were having no problem with the 4 laps, there was a girl who seemed to be struggling. She was falling behind the group and she didn't look to be enjoying herself.

Out came Sarah Reinertsen to the rescue.

As the young lady, Dorley, came by the announcer platform on her third lab, Sarah jumped into the race to take the final lap with her.

Ah-may-zing!

Not sure if that little girl knew she was running with an Ironman. You could see a tiny smile crack on Dorley's face and by the time they crossed the Finish Line - she was downright beaming!

Sarah told me after the race that she didn't want Dorley to leave with a negative feeling on running.

Hello warm fuzzy feelings.

With the first three heats completed, it was time for the competitive mile ... with two participants: 1 boy and 1 girl.

It was another amazing battle which came down to the wire with the young boy taking the #1 spot. But both were able to win a division award! :)

Pretty cool to have these two holding the tape for you! Another awesome thing? They were able to reattach the tape so both participants could break it. Love it!

I had a great time taking in the atmosphere of the kids race and yes I was jealous of their little medals. I can't wait to watch my friends' kids run in these races ... or borrow them so I can run with them. :)

***

On Saturday, it was the puppies time. I had only been away from my dogs for about 48 hours, but I needed my doggie fill.

The original plan was a 2-mile run, but the heat was too much and it was dropped to a 1-mile course (4 laps around the upper quad).

I luckily made it just in time to get some footage of the pups and their owners in action.

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I hope you all liked my commentary. ;)

With the high temps, some dogs were not holding up well, but it looks like 69 dogs finished. The winner posted a 5:55 - must've spotted a cat somewhere along the course.

Eukanuba, which hosted the dog run, had a vet on hand at the Finish Line in case any dogs needed any care.

I could hear the vet telling some owners to make sure they got their dog into the bath tubs provided at the Finish Line.

The upper quad provided lots of shade for the pup post-race hangout. It looked like someone just replaced runners with dogs since this is a similar site after any race I have run.

***

The races raised money for the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston’s Children’s Hospital.

If you ever get the chance to watch a Kids or Dog race during a festival weekend, I urge you not to skip it!!

Have you participated in a Kids or Dog run?

Wednesday Wrap Up: Running Edition

Before I even begin, I want to thank everyone for their support from yesterday's post - Relapse. It means so much to me to hear from people who have gone through a similar situation and maybe felt alone. I am here to say you are not alone and that is something I need to hear as well. But now on to something fun ... running!!

Yesterday the wife and I signed up for the Run Disney Rebel Challenge. Annnddd I may have fallen on the keyboard a second time and added the 5k to the mix as well.

For those that don't know, the Rebel Challenge is happening in Disneyland January 15-18 and is a Star Wars themed race weekend.

The inaugural Rebel Challenge is a 10k on the Saturday and Half Marathon on the Sunday. The 5k which I will also be doing will be Friday morning. So I am a marathon short of the Dopey Challenge. ;)

I am wicked excited. This will be our first trip to Disneyland. My wife is a HUGE Star Wars fan so it was an easy thing to get her to sign up for.

Noooowww I can work on the Coast 2 Coast medal - which means completing a Disney race at both parks in one calendar year. I am opting for the Glass Slipper Challenge (10k and Half) during Princess Weekend in February for our Disney World trip.

Since the trigger is pulled the only thing left to worry about are the costumes - my favorite part of the Disney races.

Here are the four costumes I used during the Dopey Challenge in January.

 Now we wait to see what the bling will look like!!

***

Tonight, I met the Boston Luna Chix for the second-straight week to take part in their Wednesday night run club. The all-female group does a 3 or 4 mile run (your choice) out of the Athleta Store on Newbury St. It is a great location and nice change of pace from running by myself.

I actually know a few of the girls that put it on thanks to social media and Weight Watchers. :) I once again was joined by my friend/fellow blogger/fellow Weight Watchers Leader Susan.

I hung with Susan for the run and had a great time catching up with her and taking it easy on the left hammy. The group truly does welcome folks of all different paces.

Plus it holds me accountable to get moving on a Wednesday.

***

I am definitely going to work on a blog post about taking mid-run selfies. I would love to share the joy of the mid-run selfie with as many folks as possible. :)

***

Do you like running with a group or solo?

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?

Dani Dishes 6-9-14

On this episode of Dani Dishes, a quick Heartbreak Hill Festival recap and wondering if the feeling of being "worth it" ever goes away!!

I'm Not Streakin' Anymore...

I was joining the bandwagon and following Frank The Tank (yet clothed) on a run streak.

Now I had taken part in the #RWRunStreak back in the fall and discovered after running 35-straight days with that challenge I realized...

I am not a streaker!

I am not built to run every single day. I need rest days.

But the challenge made me stronger and taught me that if I put my mind to something I can finish any goal I set ahead of myself.

So for that I was thankful.

Why did I attempt to streak again if I declared myself a non-streaker?

Because why not.

Hey, sometimes the first time we attempt something it doesn't work out. Might as well give it the old college try one more time.

PLUS, after completing the two marathons in a week in April, I needed something to get me back out the door.

The #WOMSRunStreak was born...

I put zero pressure on myself. I didn't set a number of days. I just told myself a minimum 2 miles a day. Now, about a week or so ago I started having some pain in my left hamstring. But I kept ignoring it and went about my running.

I should've stopped. Right then and there and rested. But I told myself I could do just 2 miles on it.

I let the streaking get the best of me. Especially when Runner's World kicked off their #RWRunStreak when I was 21 days into my own. So I jumped on that band wagon.

But yesterday I finally listened to the growing pain right under my butt and stopped.

I didn't run.

I felt guilty.

I felt like I let myself down.

I let readers down.

Then I looked myself in the mirror and said this is exactly why you don't streak.

I build unnecessary pressure on myself. Imaginary pressure if you will.

So yesterday I didn't run - I walked - and the world kept spinning.

What's comical is how many miles I reached during the 29 day #WOMSRunStreak.

99.9

ha!

I couldn't have turned my Garmin on for 0.1 miles yesterday just to hit 100.

Ah well - I like the play on 9's so it works for me.

Will I try streakin' again? Maybe if I need that little oomph again.

But for now the streak ended and tonight's run (which I probably shouldn't be doing, but I need to run on National Running Day) will be pressure free. Well besides meeting a new running club and calming those nerves. ;)

***

Do you enjoy or loathe running streaks?