Tag: Running

• To Each His Own

  Posted at 6:46 AM by Brittany, on December 30, 2013

  I’m a drip coffee lover through and through. Flavored coffee isn’t my thing, and don’t even think about adding any syrups to my black cup of bliss. Every so often I do branch out of my black coffee hole and I get a latte.  A double short half decaf soy extra foamy latte to be exact. Oh yeah, I’m one of those people.

  

  How’s my handwriting?

  I am very aware that not everyone likes their coffee black as night. Strong, thick, dark, and intense doesn’t always suit everyone, but when I can see through my coffee something needs to be done. I usually make my coffee in a french press, so it’s easy to make strong.

  

  After discovering my family likes their coffee a bit different than me, I knew just what to do. I decided to go for a run, and you’ll never guess where I ended up.

  

  Oh look..Starbucks!

  I like my coffee dark, but I don’t always want a lot of caffeine (fun fact: the darker the roast the less the caffeine, the lighter the roast the more the caffeine.) so to get a richer flavor without added caffeine I got some decaf VIA packs to add to my morning brew.

  

  Perfect addition for a strong flavor, without the added jitters.

  

  Same cup of coffee, but with the added VIA packet. Dark and bold. Round trip the run was about 5 miles and I had some wonderful views throughout. I’m loving the sun.

  

  Living so close to not only Starbucks, but also to Sprouts is a perfect excuse for a run. I came home and enjoyed the great views from my dads back patio. Great place to enjoy a dark cup of coffee. Just enough to fuel me for a bike ride, and an afternoon hike!!

  

  Q: Do you like to run/walk/bike to the store for things you need? I LOVE to.

  

  | 52 Comments Tagged Adventure, Coffee, Hike, Random, Running, Starbucks

• Relaxation Here I Come

  Posted at 4:01 AM by Brittany, on December 23, 2013

  This is what my Garmin has looked like for the last two weeks.

  

  Blank screen, dead battery, no sweat buildup, nada, zilch, nothing! I haven’t run over 3 miles since my last half marathon, and I have loved the break! I switched up my workouts to ensure I don’t get burned out. As for my Garmin, I think it’s burning out. Whenever I charge it, it will last for a day, then it will freeze, and then it dies. I will cry when this watch goes, it was my first ticket to the running big leagues!

  

  Along with a break from running, two work days stand between me and a much needed break from Starbucks. My muscles are starting to feel the repetitive movements that go into making crack lattes. Goodbye cold, hello warmth! I will be spending 10 lovely days in Arizona with the sun, and some cacti. Be ready for some adventure posts.

  

  I do see more running while on vacation, so Gary the Garmin better get his act together. No gym means using nature for my playground. I also see some good reading in my future. After dying and being reborn while watching Catching Fire I knew it was time to finally finish the last book of The Hunger Game trilogy. I’m struggling though..the read is SO SLOW compared to the other two books. I hope to finish Mockingjay along with a book my good friend Lily sent me. Perhaps it will inspire me to run run run while on vacation!

  

  Happy Holidays to all my amazing blog friends, and to my amazing family. I don’t know how I did it, but I have successfully cut out any added sugar in my daily eats for the last two weeks. I cannot wait to face plant into some sugar Christmas morning!

  Q: Are you taking any time off from work for the holiday?

  

  | 39 Comments Tagged Books, Christmas, Gym, Random, Reading, Running

• The Aftermath

  Posted at 7:44 AM by Brittany, on December 5, 2013

  Most of you know by now I ran another half marathon this past Sunday, and most of you know that I didn’t really train for it. I ran maybe three times within the month leading up to the race, the furthest distance being 5 miles. I am here to share with you what follows after a half marathon that you don’t really train for (strictly from my experience.) I will note that I did run a half marathon October 13, so I wasn’t completely at square one.

  First and foremost this was the first half that I ran with hunger pangs. I tend to not be hungry for hours after a long run, but I started to feel my stomach beast knocking around mile 9. Surprisingly I only ate two of the six Shot Bloks I had with me, I was more in the mood for real food. I already shared my decadent donuts with you all, but for good measure I’ll show them again…mainly because I just love looking at them.

  

  Directly after the race I ate a donut. Not the smartest idea, but I earned that shiat and I wolfed it down like a dog protecting his kibble. Once I made it home I was so hungry I was loosing my vision. OK not really, but I nearly fought my cat for a scrap of PB. Not really again..I don’t know where I am going with this. OH yes, after the race. I ate this..

  

  Plus another basket of fries. I was in such a carb coma I thought I was seeing unicorns made out of bread. It was pure magic. After walking around a bit I came home and ate more sugar. Clearly my body was saying, “HEY, I was not prepared for over two hours of running..fuel me up NOW..with sugar..and carbs.” Now I must detox from sugar.

  The real fun part of the aftermath was the next day. I woke up and nearly fell out of my bed. I was SO unbelievably sore it wasn’t even funny. Every time I had to bend down at work I let out a loud moan that sounded like I was being stabbed in the back. Note to self: recovery is SLOW when you are under-trained!! PREPARE TO BE SORE! I was sore through Tuesday, but somehow managed to go to spin class. It totally helped.

  

  Long story short here is what I learned going into a half marathon unprepared:

  1. It’s possible. You CAN run a half marathon unprepared. It will hurt, you will want to die, and you will want to stop..but you won’t and you will get donuts when you’re done.
  2. You will immediately be sore, and continue to be sore for DAYS after your race. MAJOR DOMS up in this biatch.
  3. You will be hungry all day compared to having a minimal appetite. This part I loved.
  4. You will feel like a boss, because you pulled 13 miles out of your back pocket.
  5. You will realize anything is possible.
  6. You will walk like a pregnant turtle with baby eggs stuck to her backside.
  7. You will decide it was all worth it, and you will want to look for another race just like you do when you train.
  8. Water helps…DRINK IT. Oh and stretch, a lot.
  9. The runners high of finishing a race is still amazing, if not better.
  10. Did I mention donuts?

  Q: Now who’s ready to sign up for 13 miles of pure awesome pain bliss?!

  

  | 59 Comments Tagged Half Marathon, Running, Vegan

• Seattle Half Marathon

  Posted at 8:35 AM by Brittany, on December 2, 2013

  I am here to write this post, which means I didn’t get lost somewhere on the course. Despite feeling like I wanted to die at times (OK, so that’s a bit dramatic) I survived and am very happy with my overall experience!! First, I must rewind to the day before the race. I was so jazzed to venture to Seattle, because I was able to meet MEGHAN!

  

  If only her co-blogger Rebekah came too!

  This unbelievably gorgeous gal (seriously..she was a babe) KILLED the FULL marathon and has a shiny new PR tucked into her back pocket!! Way to goooo M! We got lunch at The Veggie Grill, because I am obsessed and like to drag all my blog friends there. I had a blast with this girl, and we chatted as if we were long time friends. I love blogging!

  ONTO the race!! 3 AM came quick, but I was able to roll out of bed and get all my stuff together. I was running with one of my longtime friends, and she was picking me up around 3:40. I got my coffee and we hit the road!! We got to our parking spot EARLY, just how I like it. This left lots of time for bathroom breaks and photo ops.

  

  

  When you let someone else take your photo, 90% of the time it comes out blurry. OH and it was cold.

  7:30 came and we were off. Now let me just say..my friend up there..on the left…is a bit of a speedy-gon-haul-ass. Her pace is at least an entire minute faster than mine for most runs, but I ended up running with her for the first 4 miles. Finally, when I looked at my watch and saw I was running sub 9 min miles I knew I needed to calm down. I didn’t train for this race, and if I kept up this pace I’d never make it. I gave her my blessing and she took off. She ended up owning this race and finished about 15 minutes before me.

  The first half of the course was fine, I felt OK..not great..but OK. I hit mile 7 and my hips suddenly felt like they were carrying 10lb bags of sand. UGH. I was way too far from the end to feel like this. This is when I knew the remainder of the race was going to be almost 100% mental. I had to push..hard. This is also when the hills really started to show their ugly faces. Damn you hills, you killed my hips and lower back!

  

  but I don’t wanna!!!

  I ended up walking..A LOT. In fact I was shocked by how many OTHER people were walking as well. I have to admit I was easily influenced by others walking. I walked some of the hills that I just couldn’t fathom running up. In all reality it wouldn’t have been running anyway, more like an injured looking mouse hobbling away from a fox up the hill.

  The course was stunning, and I wish I would have appreciated the scenery more instead of focusing on my legs aching. We ran though woodsy trails, neighborhoods, and over the city. I felt like I was on top of the world at one point. My Garmin lost satellite around mile 4 so it was completely off, and I was convinced my time was going to be awful. I was shocked when I finally made it to the finish and saw that my time was 2:15, a 10:19 pace.

  

  I walked a lot, I didn’t train, the hills kicked my ass, and my legs felt like lead…but somehow I still managed to complete a half marathon FASTER than two of the three previous half’s I trained for. This time is 6 minutes slower than my PR, but I have NO complaints and I was more than jazzed about my finish.

  After the race I was walking like I just gave birth. My legs were like jello and any stairs I saw were quickly cursed at and made me want to cry. I sucked it up though, because I was on my way to Mighty-O to get myself some DONUTS! Will run for donuts..

  

  Overall I would say this race was a success. I’ve run a handful of race in Seattle, but this course was one of the prettiest. I would love to do it again next year..with proper training of course. Despite feeling like I was dying for 1/3 of the race it still went by fast and I earned my medal, and I destroyed an apple fritter.

  

  Q: How do you refuel after a long workout? After regular workouts I like to eat a healthy meal, but after a race I love to eat poison sugar! DONUTTT. 

  

  | 74 Comments Tagged Donuts, Half Marathon, Mighty-O, Race, Running, Seattle, Vegan

• The Beauty of Words

  Posted at 10:26 AM by Brittany, on November 30, 2013

  I have this condition..a tendency really..to work as much as physically (and legally) possible. I’ve been spending long days and long weeks at work lately, which has caused a bit of an absence from me in blog land. I haven’t had much down time to read blogs lately, because my free time goes to the gym, or to crafting, or to spending time with friends.

  I’m not complaining, or even apologizing for my lack of appearances lately, but I do feel the need to make a note of it. I love to work, it keeps me busy and makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something in my days. Last week I managed to work over 40 hours, along with three openings shifts in a row (and to think I used to open every day at TJ’s wow) which has led me to appreciate the two days I have off today and tomorrow. My first day off in 9 days, I’ll take it. Tomorrow I run my 4th half marathon, and I am so excited.

  

  This is a leaf..made to look like a turkey…with running shoes. What I really do with my free time.

  I worked thanksgiving morning, which I really didn’t mind. I was off by 10:20 and had my run complete by 12. I was able to get wild in the kitchen for hours leading up to the feast. I’ll spare the photos of the traditional foods, but I did make some new delicious sides that included butternut squash with carrots and walnuts glazed with a coconut oil/brown sugar mix, and rosemary sprinkled Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.. Of course I also made this pie, and it was just as good as I remembered. It was gone in two days.

  

  While at work, plenty of people passed through to get their morning fix of caffeine. Locals partaking in turkey day races inflicted a twinge of jealousy in me, which I quickly shoved aside after reminding myself of my upcoming half. One customer that really stood out, was a regular customer. He comes in during the dark hours of the morning, orders a double short americano with an 8 grain roll (my favorite thing ever) and sits at a table to write.

  I was finally able to experience some of his writing, as he brought the workers of Starbucks a letter of thanks for all that we do. He and his wife have been coming in for years now, and they have further inspired me to remember the importance of a local coffee shop. Below are his words, which were written so beautifully I just had to share!

  “Dear local Starbucks,

  It has been a while since we wrote to tell you how much we appreciate what you do. During that time we hope our gratitude has not been completely hidden, but now we have a granddaughter, and seeing our coffee shop habit imprinted on a third generation brings new clarity to what we are so thankful for.

  What is a local coffee shop to someone whose age is still counted in months? It is a place to not be shushed while mum is sleeping in. It is a warm bite for breakfast, warm smells on a cold day, Van Morrison and a big picture window on the rising dawn. It is a place of endless greetings, pausing here while others begin their workday routines. There is a sense of resilience and optimism as each smiling hello is fit between one bite and the next. And for us regulars, perhaps more than for those just passing through. There is a crew, ever busy and bright, balancing efficiency with just a touch of luxury: a simple meal prepared by someone else to afford a moment of welcome and wonder.

  Good things happen here, and it’s all your fault. Thanks for proving each day when you come to work that for us to claim we have a local Starbucks is not an oxymoron, and for making our coffee shop habit something we are happy to be handing down.”

  

  I hope to be back next week with posts about crafting, running, half marathon-ing, blogger meetups, and of course more posts about coffee shop shenanigans.

  Q: What are your thoughts about your local coffee shop?

  

  | 42 Comments Tagged Bloggers, Coffee, Half Marathon, Running, Starbucks, Thanksgiving

• What Coffee Means to Me…

  Posted at 7:33 AM by Brittany, on November 25, 2013

  It’s 4:30 in the morning, and as I write this post the sky is pitch black..just like the coffee I have sitting next to me. I find mornings like this to be so peaceful, and I will wake up earlier than I have to just to enjoy some quiet time (I work at 6.) There aren’t many things in life more magical to me than that first sip of morning coffee. I love the flavor of coffee, but I think the real reason I enjoy coffee so much is deeper than just the taste.

  

  Coffee reminds me of calm, casual mornings like this. When the world is still asleep, aside from a few morning birds like myself. It reminds me of home, with warm bed sheets and a snugly kitty. It reminds me of crisp fall days in a pumpkin patch with a double cupped tall Pike roast in my hand. Foggy mountains covering tall evergreen trees with their grey mist. Coffee reminds me of time spent catching up with friends, either in a coffee shop or at home. I adore coffee shops.

  

  Not my photo, but how gorgeous! Take me here with a stein of coffee.

  Also, if I am going to keep it real, coffee reminds me of an excellent morning because 90% of the time it aids in the final step of my digestion. How’s that for a PG-13 descriptive play on words? I had to..I suppose since we’re on the topic of coffee this would be the perfect segue to gush about how obsessed I am with the burlap sack coffee gift bags that Starbucks has right now. Spoiler alert for my dad, I hope he’s not reading this post. Although it should be no surprise that my family is getting coffee for Christmas…who doesn’t like coffee?

  

  I DIE! The best part? This bag is FREE when you buy any pound of the Christmas blends. Seriously, Starbucks needs to hire me for marketing..I would sell a ton of stuff because I LEGIT love it too. It’s a good thing I have a tight grip on my wallet or I would be in serious trouble. ALL the things!

  I am going to need an entire garbage truck full of coffee to power me through my half marathon in six days! Ohhh dear. I am surprisingly calm about the entire thing right now despite minimal running in my world these days. I did go for a 5 miler in 35 degrees last week to get my legs moving and my lungs burning. Just when I thought I was going to die an elderly woman out walking (seriously, badass) told me I was ambitious.

  

  I wore pants, and a top, but I assume I took on the spirit animal of these bare skinned men and was basically flying through the air when she saw me. Whatever it was that caused her to speak such nice words gave me an extra boost to finish strong. It’s going to be a long 13 miles. If someone could volunteer as tribute to bring me coffee at the end, I’d appreciate it.

  Q: What does coffee (or tea!) mean to you?

  

  | 63 Comments Tagged Coffee, Half Marathon, Running, Starbucks

• Variety is the Spice of Life

  Posted at 4:52 AM by Brittany, on November 11, 2013

  When I first started increasing my running mileage I was all about long runs and slow paces. I was not a fan of the short sprint style runs, and swore I would always rather run 10 miles at a slower pace than run 2 miles at a quick pace. Well, that’s changed. Lately I dread longer runs, and have been avoiding them at all costs. What I am loving are shorter speedier runs (speedy for me..think 8:35min/mi) and LOTS of spin classes.

  

  May 2013 – 9 slooww miles.

  After my half marathon in October I was going to take a running break. By this I mean a scheduled running break, running only when I felt like it. Then I thought about running another half on December 1st, so I started training again a week ago. I’ve found myself skipping mid week runs for spin classes and cutting my long runs short. I just don’t have the desire to train for this race…at all. I need a break from the schedule, I need variety.

  

  Fast forward 4 months, and I chopped an entire minute off my 9mi pace. September 2013

  I am still going to run the half (as long as I can get the day off) but I am going to just have fun with it. I don’t really feel like “training” so I’m not going to. Forcing a run is NOT a good idea, so instead I have been switching up daily workouts and it’s been a blast! I hope that by continuing to do cardio and shorter, speedier mid week runs that I’ll be OK during the half..if I don’t post for a week after Dec 1st come looking for me.

  

  Ok, deal.

  Call me crazy, but I am really excited to run a half without much training. I think my foundation is solid enough that I wont hit the wall…I hope. As for speed, I’ve been running 2-4 milers and pushing myself to break into the 8min/mile range. I don’t know why I stayed in my comfort zone of 10min/miles for so long. About 6 months ago I pushed into the 9min/mile range..and then that got comfortable too. Short speed runs are fun!

  

  PLEASE, NO!

  In completely unrelated news I baked the most epic dessert the other day, but cannot show you until November 16th. The Virtual Vegan Potluck is back and I’m so jazzed for my addition to the party. The entire “thing” was gone in one night (I shared with my coworkers haha.) Also, I’ve been working A LOT lately and haven’t had much time to read blogs, my lack of comments on posts is simply due to being busy! I still love you.

  

  Mad love for you all. Hawaii 2009

  Q: Do you ever feel the need to take a break from certain workouts? I still love my short runs, and love all things running, but just don’t want to force the “long” runs right now! I’m A OK WITH THAT! Besides, I’m planning to run another half in March.

  

  | 48 Comments Tagged Asics, Garmin, Random, Running, Vegan, Virtual Vegan Potluck

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 10:03 AM by Brittany, on November 1, 2013

  1. This book is totally giving me a science high. With a combination of nature talk and scientific facts ABOUT nature, I get lost in the text. I even read the chapter about snails.

  

  If you’ve read my blog for a while you’ll know I have an odd fear of slugs/snails..this was a big deal to read that chapter!

  2. I was on a runners high for a solid week after my last half marathon. Thank you for all the kind comments I received on that post. I just want to say that I officially hate hornets, and I will make it my life mission to stay away from them. My stings got so itchy I wanted to GNAW my damn leg off. I have had a huge red ring of death around the entry hole for over two weeks, and I am convinced something is breeding inside my leg.

  3. Sometimes I kinda, sorta, love where I live.

  

  4. I have only run a handful of times since my race, and after a much needed break the last couple weeks I am ready to get back to a schedule. I also miss spin class..like..a lot. I ran my fastest 5K a couple days ago with a time of 26:44. That’s an 8:37 pace. I was elated.

  5. I have been doing a lot of this lately..reading WITH my coffee.

  

  A good book and a good cup of coffee. Perfect morning.

  6. I finally downloaded the new iPhone update, but only after seeing it improved picture quality. I resisted for weeks, but I am a sucker for a good photo. I need a real camera…

  7. I want this chair at my table. This chair would give me permission to eat my food as if I were a tornado. Who says only kids get special high chairs?

  

  8. I went trick or treating last night (no, I do not have kids..) The quote of the night was when asked for our ID’s and my friend said, “we’re 13….plus 13.” I died. I’ll stop when I am 30…maybe. I gave all my loot away though, no milk chocolate for me.

  9. It’s November, and Starbucks is preparing for the holidays with a super awesome sale! I got this mug I have been lusting over for only $5! I had a partner discount too, but still!

  

  10. I am so in love with fall. I just can’t get enough of the colors, the smells, and the baked goods. I know one person that doesn’t want summer to end, but she is craayyy.

  Q: What’s your confession!?

  

  | 51 Comments Tagged Fall, Half Marathon, Halloween, Nature, Reading, Running

• Three Activities

  Posted at 9:20 AM by Brittany, on October 28, 2013

  Lately I have noticed that I go through phases of activities. By this I mean I will enjoy a certain activity more than others and focus on that certain activity with more energy than all my other activities. These activities are broken into three categories: Food, Running, and Adventuring.

  Right now I am in the adventuring phase. I haven’t baked anything in weeks, and I have only run four times since my half marathon a couple weeks ago. Right now I am focusing on going out with my friends and taking advantage of fall.

  

  Fall foliage between the fence.

  These activities are the core of this blog, and as you may notice I talk about these three things in bulk when I am going through each phase. While training for my last half, I had more posts about running, when feeling crazy in my kitchen I have more posts about creations, and while feeling adventurous I blog about my random adventures. I still partake in ALL these activities year round, but only one gets top spot at a time.

  

  Random giant pumpkin, of course I want a photo with you.

  Last week I was very spontaneous. This doesn’t happen often, as I usually prefer things planned far in advance. My coworker and I decided to take a last minute day trip to a town over three hours away. By last minute I mean we said, “hey wanna go tomorrow.” OK!

  

  With views like this a long car ride is tolerable.

  Our destination was a small Bavarian town called Leavenworth. I had been before, but not for many years. Our initial plan was to make it for Oktoberfest, but that never happened. Instead of bagging the trip, we decided to make our own Oktoberfest.

  

  Fall decorations and FIRE tables at an outdoor beer and brat place.

  The town itself is adorable and very touristy. There is a lot of character all throughout it.

  

  

  

  I wonder what they sell here…

  The shops were great, but the real show stopper was the scenery. The mountains overlooking the town took my breath away, and the fall trees gave me chills of happiness.

  

  After wandering the town for an hour or so, I completed the task I came to complete. I was so jazzed that the spot with the fire tables served Field Roast, and I got myself a “brat.”

  

  This is the face of a very tired, but content soul.

  The day was long (I had been awake since 3am for work, and didn’t get home until around midnight) and the drive was far (approx 190 mi from my house EACH way) but it was an adventure to remember and it sparked a whole new level of spontaneity in my world.

  I shared my adventures in a local town, my footsteps through the corn, last week I went to Leavenworth, yesterday I went to Seattle for the last professional soccer game of the season, and I even made it to a haunted house with some of my coworkers. The phase of adventuring is coming to an end (not for good, just as the main phase and topic of my posts lately) and I see some more running posts in my future. I have my eye on another half marathon very, very soon! I also need to get my butt in the kitchen and BAKE!!

  Q: Do you go through phases where you do/talk about certain activities more than others? GET OUT AND EXPLORE! 

  

  | 61 Comments Tagged Adventure, Day Trip, Leavenworth, Random, Running, Spontaneous, Vegan

• Poulsbo Half Marathon

  Posted at 8:02 AM by Brittany, on October 14, 2013

  BOOM shaka laka-I am now a third time half marathoner. I have to admit I was slightly worried going into this race for multiple different reasons. One reason being that my training wasn’t quite on par and I actually ended up skipping my last long run due to the fact that I was a week off when I started…oops. Mentally this sort of tripped me up.

  

  Ever seen a fish with legs?? This is my shirt.

  Secondly, and as much as I hate to admit to this, I was worried to be alone during this race. Emotionally this was a huge accomplishment for me and almost as if I was fully closing a door to my previous chapter in life (almost.) Running this race alone meant that if I hit the wall, I had to pull myself through. Thankfully my mind was right this entire run.

  

  The course was amazing, with winding back roads and views of the foggy mountains and colorful leaved trees around every corner. Views of the water and farm land for 80% of the course. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful location. October is officially my favorite time of year to race. Perfect fall running month.

  

  This is what happens when you ask a stranger that doesn’t know how to use an iPhone to take your picture. Blurry photo. Owell it’s all I’ve got!

  I prepared the day before by consuming carbs slowly throughout the entire day, and capped off my night with a giant bowl of veggies and pasta. I also made sure to guzzle water and ended off with 100oz by the end of the night. I’m OK with that!

  

  Miles 1-8 were great. I felt strong, and I knew at this point the run was going to go well. Once I hit mile 8 I needed to stop for the bathroom..NEEDED. This added 3 minutes to my chip time, but I made sure to stop my Garmin while I…was…going to the bathroom. HA.

  The hills started to get intense around mile 8. Giant hills, which would then balance out into mild, gradual hills, which would turn back into giant hills. I had to walk a few of the intense hills and I have no regrets about that. I was already sitting good for a PR.

  Mile 10.5 was the game changer. I suddenly felt something sharp on both of my calves in almost the same spot on each side. I thought maybe I brushed against a thorn, but then realized that would only make sense on one side. When I looked down I got my answer. Still clinging for dear life onto my pant leg, butt inside my skin, was a hornet. Ugh. One of them fell off or escaped who knows, but I had to flick the other one off while running.

  At first things felt fine, but when I got to mile 12 my calves were KILLING. All I could feel were the throbs from the stings. Of course the last 3miles were some of the hilliest and I was dyyyinnngg. Finally at mile 12.5 it was smooth sailing and the roads balanced out.

  

  I stopped my Garmin when it reached 13.1, with a time of 2:09:28. A twelve minute PR from my last half marathon. I kept running about .1 of a mile more to cross the finish line and accept my medal. Second proudest running moment of my life. First was Disney. Along with my bee stings, I got my first subungual hematoma on my right foot. Real runner alert.

  To be honest the last two weeks leading up to this race I was ready to take a break from running. I even said to myself a couple times during the race, “just finish this up and then you can take a break from running.” After getting a PR and once again experiencing that high of crossing the finish line..I already want to find another half marathon. This race empowered me in ways I thought impossible, and re-sparked my fire for running.

  

  Thank you to all my blog friends and family for the texts, and messages wishing me luck.

  Q: Do you stop your Garmin when you take a bathroom break? Maybe it’s cheating, but I always stop my watch. My time is for when I RUN, not for when I go to the bathroom!! 
  

  | 86 Comments Tagged Accomplishment, Disneyland, Half Marathon, PR, Running

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