NYRR Virtual Turkey Trot, Powered by Strava

I participated in the NYRR Virtual Turkey Trot, powered by Strava, as part of being a BibRave Pro (ambassador). Check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.

Happy Thanksgiving! The last few years I have been taking part in Turkey Trots that take place on Thanksgiving morning. This year, I signed up for the NYRR Virtual Turkey Trot. This is a FREE race that works along with Strava (also FREE) and you get to run it wherever and whenever you want, between November 23 and December 1. You can sync you watch to the app or even use the app itself! 

I chose to participate in a 4 mile race that takes place in the neighborhood near mine. It's a pretty basic race, perfect for a Thanksgiving morning. 

I ran the first half mile (darn that torn meniscus!) and then walked the rest. It was pretty cold out at the start, but I warmed up quickly!

The race looped all around the neighborhood, up and down so many hills, with lots of residents out cheering for the runners. It was a fun way to start the morning!

The hubs came along and got some pics of me starting and finishing which was handy!

Definitely not a PR, unless we count it as my first walked four mile race! Let's not go crazy!

I also earned two Garmin badges so it's a win win!

Thanks to NYRR for giving me a push out the door on a Holiday morning! 

Did you run a Turkey Trot today? How many miles?

Dealing with an Injury.... Torn Mensicus Edition

ok, y'all, it's time for some real talk. 

Just after Halloween, I ran the Two Course Challenge at Wine n Dine in Disney.

It was amazing, but slightly painful, nothing that kept me from attending the After Party at EPCOT, or walking around Disney Springs the next day.

While getting onto the plane that final night, I twisted my knee. It was such a stupid thing, really. I was twisting to get into my cramped seat while simultaneously pushing my tote under the seat in front of me. Sudden flash of excruciating pain, and so uncomfortable for the rest of the flight. I kept hoping that when we landed, the pain would be gone and I would be on my merry way. I was also worrying about all of the races I would have to cancel if it still hurt.

When we landed, I couldn't put weight on it at all. I had to lean on the seats to deplane, and the railing to get off of the gangway. I had to ask a very rude ticket agent to call for a wheelchair because there was no way I could walk close to a half mile to get out of the airport. Mortifying.

I went to the doc the next morning. A sure sign that an injury is bad! I could hardly sleep and the next morning I still couldn't out weight on it. The doc drained fluid from my knee and gave me a cortisone shot. And then he said the dreaded words: No running for a week. Followed by more dreaded words: We will reevaluate next week. 

So I went home and put my feet up.

I ordered new shoes for my dramatic comeback.

I read. A lot. I finished four books that weekend.

I went back a week later, found out there would be no surgery (hooray!) and was told to take two more weeks off. That's tomorrow y'all. Tomorrow I get to run. But I digress.

I went to the expo for the 5k I was going to run. I decided to walk it. 

I bought more shoes.

I walked the 5k. It didn't hurt. 

I went out with friends.

I did some goat yoga, and stopped doing poses that caused any discomfort, no matter how minor.

I watched more TV. 

And I healed. Mostly. Let's be honest, I have a ways to go. I have to ease back in to running, which means that tonight I get to run a quarter mile. That's it. Seriously. 

If the quarter mile feels ok, I can run a half mile at the Turkey Trot on Thursday. If that feels good.... well, you get the point. I learned a few things while I healed...

1. It's ok to cry when something hurts
2. That thing can be emotional as well as physical
3. Giving up your bibs due to injury sucks
4. Gifting those bibs feels good
5. Hallmark Christmas Movies cure all ills
6. So does Baby Yoda
7. I realize that there are more than a few things here
8. Physical Therapy sucks, but when the doc lets you do it at home. it sucks less
9. Following orders is the key to success in healing
10. I miss running
11. I still need to try for a 50k
12. I miss running

I think a dozen are good enough. Have you ever had an injury that wrecked your goals? 

Wordless Wednesday

Charlotte Marathon 5k

I am promoting the Charlotte Marathon 5k as part of being a BibRave Pro (ambassador). Check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews!


Brrrrrr
Yesterday was a cold and windy day to walk a 5k, but I was determined to finish, even though I wasn’t allowed to run. I haven’t blogged about it yet, but I tore my meniscus just after Halloween, and the last two weeks have been hell. I’m still thinking about how I want to talk about it, so stay tuned. If you have any workouts for runners to get stronger, though, let me know. I rarely strength training, and I really need to!
In any case, I met up at the Westin with my running club to get a before pic and to talk anyone off the ledge that might be nervous! There was a marathon, half marathon, and relay as well!

Then we went to the start as a group and separated for the different races. I ran into Angela, who was volunteering, and got some selfies with other friends as well.

The race was fun! We had a lot of laughs and got to pass by Panthers stadium twice. The scenery was fun, except for the pesky police car that was behind us for awhile!

We finished, got our medal, toured the swag tents, and then rented scooters so that we could spectate!

Spectating is hard work! It was so cold, and we were freezing, but we cheered our hearts out before heading back to the finish to see our friends!

Have you ever spectated a race?

Flat Mama Friday, Charlotte Marathon 5K Edition

I am promoting the Charlotte Marathon 5K as part of being a BibRave pro (ambassador). Check out Bibrave.com to find and write race reviews.

I registered for the 5k awhile back, knowing that I had a full schedule of half marathons and did not need to add another. This race weekend has a full, half, and relay marathon as well. It’s one of my fave weekends because almost my whole running club shows up for it!

The expo is always fun, and I got there just as it opened. It was already hopping, but I still breezed through bib pickup, getting my comfy tee and free Feetures. Then I hit my favorite table up. The personalization table! You get to write your name on your bib and you can make signs if you’re spectating. Which I am. 

Then I walked around and visited some race tables and hit up the shop. I scored a hoodie for half off and another pair of Brooks. Because they don’t get stale and they were on sale!

After that it was time to head home, after stopping to talk to a bunch of running friends that were there as well! What a fun way to spend the morning!!

Time for the flat mama. It’s going to be cold and rainy. Since I’m walking the 5k (more on that later) I’ll be bringing an umbrella. Big fun!! I will be toasty warm though, thanks to my Skirt Sports. Not shown is a Skirt Sports long sleeved shirt that will be under my running club shirt. I’m also bringing my AfterShokz.

Are you racing this weekend?