Rock n Roll USA Expo Day!! looooong post!

Our day started with a trip to Philadelphia to catch the train to DC. The Teenie and I were leaving early and the Hubs and the Boy were leaving after the Boy finished school for the day. We got to the Train Station with a little time for reading and Geometry homework and then we were on our way!
We ended up stuck in the Quiet Car. I was glad we didn't get stuck sitting with strangers, but I could have done without the Quiet Car. It was so.......quiet. By the time we arrived in DC 2 hours later, I was twitching! But I digress. We were on the train, checking email and Facebooking on the super slow internet, finishing Geometry homework, when the train stopped for more passengers. Into our car came cell phone lady #1. She was SO LOUD. She probably wasn't *that* loud, but after all that quiet, she may as well be screaming! She woke up the sleeping lady behind her, who politely tapped her shoulder and reminded her that it was the Quiet Car. (I feel the need to capitalize it, I don't know why!) Cell Phone Lady totally ignored her and kept talking. Loudly. OMG. Sleeping Lady then tapped her other shoulder and just pointed to the sign. Cell Phone Lady then loudly told whoever she was talking to that she was in the Quiet Car and had to get off the phone. Ahhhhh back to the silence. Next stop. Sleeping lady left and 2 College Girls came in, laughing and being completely ridiculous, but when they saw the sign they left. Enter Cell Phone Lady 2, also loud, also asked to stop, although not very nicely. She talked for another few minutes before she hung up.
Yikes. Finally in DC, where we got some cupcakes at Crumbs in Union Station. We walked one block to the George and were able to check in immediately. Woot! The pic below is Union Station's front entrance.

We decided to walk to the Armory for the Expo, which was about 2 miles away. We got this great free App, called HopStop, that gives you walking directions. It was super useful! We stopped at Union Pub for a quick lunch. Everyone was cheering for the Hoosiers, it was a very animated crowd!

We finished our walk and arrived at the Armory for the Expo. It was a fun expo, lots to look at. I was hoping to get a medal rack, since this race will fill my old one, but the ones they had were way more expensive than Gone For a Run, so I didn't get one. I got some cute arm sleeves and a shirt with a John Bingham quote on it though. Lots of yummy samples as well. The Teenie also gathered swag for a fellow MRTT member who couldn't get to the Expo today. I was also hoping to get a black running skirt, but forgot to look!

When it was time to go, the Teenie started to complain about walking back. I started to look around for Metro signs when we spied the bike rentals. Cooool! A quick swipe of the credit card, and $14 later, we were on our way back to Union Square!

It was such a beautiful day for a ride, and we really enjoyed it! We had to stop at 14th Street for a photo op, something to do with RENT. It was a quick ride and we were back at the hotel before we knew it! We ditched my swag bag and my Denise's bag, and headed back out to go to the Zoo.
Since the Zoo is free, we splurged on a cab ride to the Zoo. Our can driver martin was super friendly, pointing out where the Irish Pubs were, showing us certain things as we drove by, and he even pointed out the Hilton where Reagan was shot. Poor guy realized over 5 minutes in that he hadn't started the meter, so we probably saved a bit. It was $13+ when we got there, so I gave him a little extra to make up for what he lost. We stopped at the entrance to take a pic, thinking back to whenwe took the same pic with both kids so long ago :(

The Zoo is so beautiful and clean, I love visiting there! My mom wanted us to say hi to the elephant so we headed there, and we went to the Aviary. It was close to closing time, so we didn't see very much, but it was well worth the trip!

We stopped at one of the many Starbucks, and then headed to the Metro Station. Now, I have to say, the Metro scares the crap out of me. So does the Subway in NYC. I checked the map and was relieved to see that we wouldn't have to switch lines. A super nice woman, who used to lives in NYC, helped us figure out the ticket machine and we were on our way to the Metro. Our train arrived immediately, and we got seats almost as fast. A man had helped us check the map, and I misunderstood him, so we got off 3 stops early. Easily fixed, we hopped back on and made it back to Union Station.
We spent some downtime at the hotel, while we waited for the boys to arrive.

After the boys arrived we had a quick dinner at the Pub behind our hotel (which made my friend Cheryl jealous lol)

And now it is bedtime! Sorry this was so long! I will leave you with the view from the corner near our hotel!

Have you visited Washington DC? What is your favorite place to go here?

Leaving...On a Jet, um, Train

WOW! I cannot believe I have not posted since Sunday!
Monday morning at work, I felt a twinge in my neck/shoulder, and it has been bugging me all week! An ever present, dull ache, that is making me slightly nervous! Why? Because tomorrow, my daughter and I are taking the train from Philly to DC! The hubs and the boy will drive down after the boy gets out of school. He has too many absences, so he has to wait to leave!

I have no idea if my train will look like this, lol, it was the first pic to come up!

Tomorrow is the Expo for the Rock n Roll USA Half Marathon! I am so excited to be running in DC, it is one of my favorite places to visit! My daughter and I will hit the expo, and then go sightseeing until the hubs shows up with the boy. I can't wait! My bags are packed, my running gear is packed, and I am ready to go!

Will you be there? If so, look for me and my orange backpack, lol. It will have all of my groups and ambassadorships pictured on it, so I will be hard to miss!

I will take tons of pictures and post way too many, lol, by Monday night at the latest! 

Are you racing this weekend?

"In the Zone" While Running?

Have you ever gone a run and gotten so into your own head, that you lose track of where you were actually running?
Today was the 3rd Training Run for the NJ Marathon/Long Branch Half Marathon that will take place in May. They called it the Hot Chocolate Run, but I forgot to look for the hot chocolate at the end! It was supposed to be in the 50s, but instead it was overcast and temps were in the high 30s. I got to the start location just in time, and waited my turn to start. While we waited, we got a preview of the shirt we will be getting at the race, and I definitely dig the design. *Completely* different than last year's shirt!

When my turn came up (they let us go in groups of 15, to avoid clogging the roadways) I started off, intending to run the 15K. They had little signs at the turns, telling us which way to go. I did my first out and back, mostly along the ocean, and it was super windy and cold!  3 miles down, stopped for a drink of water, and started off on the next out and back, in the other direction. I was running along, totally in my own little world, when I lost sight of the people ahead of me. They totally disappeared! I started to worry, because we were in a part of town I didn't know, and there was no one around. Another runner came up behind me, and said she couldn't find any signs. I was so relieved it wasn't just me! We ran along a bit longer, still no signs and no people, and we decided to turn back.
We chatted the whole way, she was very friendly, and would be running the Half as her very first Half, which was coincidental, because it was *my* first Half last year! When we got back to the start, I had hit 6.6 miles, which I settled for, since a 10K is nothing to sneeze at, and I had a little extra lol.
I stopped for some pics of the view before going into the Running Store that sponsored the run to take a look around.

I browsed around the store, which had a small selection of clothes. They had some great Running Skirts, all in either Small or Large and alas, I am a Medium. They were super funky too, which would have been great for the April Fool's Half! I decided to look for costume pieces for the Superhero Half in May, and found a perfect shirt!

Can you guess who I am going as?

Crazy Workout Day!

Today was one of those crazy, running willy-nilly around workout kind of days!

I started the day super early to bring the Teenie to school so she could go on a trip to Keane University for International Thespian Society. I dropped her off at the crack of dawn and then headed right back home. The hubs and I took our Corgi for a quick run  before we started our crazy day:

After that, we ran over to the DMV, by way of Starbucks. I wanted to eat healthy today, so I got oatmeal with raisins and craisins, and my favorite unsweetened iced tea:

While the hubs ran into the DMV I ate my brekky and surfed Instagram and Twitter. I realized that I was *thisclose* to getting 1000 followers on Twitter! Woot! If you don't already follow me, consider hopping over there and following me!

After the hubs finished up at DMV, we stopped at Target, looked at some cars (I am thinking Mazda2 or Ford Fiesta in a nice feisty lime green color!) then headed over to the Halfway to Brielle Day 5K. Last year, I finished the race in 31:35, which at the time was a new PR. I was hoping to beat that time, but not really concerned about an overall PR. I went to pickup and got my bib, tee, and hoodie (loving all these hoodies, it is my 3rd in the last few months!) It was very cozy and I wore it while I waited for the race to start! My friend Cheryl ran as well, which I love, because she is a tad faster than me, and I push myself to try and keep up! 

It was a nice 45* and a little windy, and it is a very hilly race. I was worried about the hills, because it has only been 6 days since my last hilly race, a Half Marathon! I felt amazing though, and the race went well! I kept Cheryl in my sights the whole time, and finished in about 30:57! Woohoo! Race PR, but not overall. SO thrilled! 

I didn't hit pause fast enough lol, so the time is a bit off. I am still waiting on official results! The pic is of Cheryl's Mom, Cheryl, and I.

After the race, we had some free sausage and penne (well, they did, I wanted a bagel) and then went to Einstein Brothers for my bagel.

Now for the best part! The hubs took me to LuLuLemon and bought me yoga pants, running pants, and a running shirt. I got a great new Mini Tote that is so pretty!

I had just enough time to get home and shower before my Yoga Fundraiser! I am on a great team for the NJ Long Branch Half Marathon, for the Cancer Concern Center, a local organization that provides services for local Cancer patients. They work solely from donations, and i *love* helping them out whenever I can! Today I hosted a Yoga Class, that my amazing friend Cathi taught in her home! We raised $50 tonight, towards my $1000 goal.

 little Heidi, our youngest Yogi

group photo

I am thoroughly exhausted, and I still have a 7 mile training run tomorrow! I am doing a NJ Marathon Hot Chocolate Training Run, though, and will be going for 15K. Hopefully, a nice flat 15K!

What did you do to keep your body moving today?

New Year New Gear, February!

I was so excited, back in January, when Nicole from Apples and Arteries posted for the first time about New Year New Gear! Nicole said:

During 2012 I participated in a few exchange programs and had fun meeting fellow bloggers and readers.  Since this is the time of year when many people set new fitness and health goals, and who doesn’t love New Gear to help achieve goals or get motivated, my idea is New Year, New Gear.

Here’s how New Year, New Gear works:

1.  Please send me an email if you’re interested in participating.  

2.  You’ll receive your match by email from me.  You’ll be responsible for emailing your match.
Introduce yourself and find out more about the person’s health/wellness interests and fitness activities.  Also ask about clothing size – if the person is comfortable sharing – brand preference, items on their wish-list.

3.  Shop around and put together a fun package keeping to a limit of $15.  Maybe it’s a new workout top, running socks, hairbands, a pair of shorts.  You’d be amazed at the goods you can find at the outlets (UA, Nike), TJ Maxx and Marshalls, and department stores. Be sure to include a gift receipt (when available).

4.  Ship the package.  Please be so kind as to include a note of motivation.

Note – as a participant, you’ll be matched with one person to send to, and someone else will be matched with you to send you New Gear.

How cool is this!?

This is my second month participating, and I am loving it so far!

For February, I received my package from Becky at Olives n Wine. I told her I wanted to try out some new socks for running, and she hooked me up!

TWO pairs of socks, an *awesome* wrist wallet, and a jump rope. She sent the jump rope because she read on my blog that I wanted to try cross training instead of just running. LOVE her! The socks are so soft and comfy! I have already used the wrist wallet twice over the weekend. The first was to hold  Twenty during a 2 mile fun run. It didn't get sweaty or gross, and neither did my wrist. The next day I wore it reversed (yellow, reflective!) to run a Half Marathon. I thought the key would rip it, because it was so large, but it held on and was in perfect shape after the race was over! LOVE! Sadly, I have yet to try the jump rope. I have caught a lovely cold since the Half, and have been resting after work! Can't wait to try it though!

I sent my Gear to Debbie at Healthy Running Mom. Check out her blog, she even has a giveaway going on right now!

I have already signed up for the March exchange, I am having so much fun with this!

What kind of exchanges have you done? What kind would you like to do, but haven't seen?

E Murray Todd Half Marathon

Two weeks ago, I checked the weather for this morning's Half Marathon, and it said low 50s. NICE!
Last week I checked the weather and it said low 40s. Not great but do-able.
This morning it was 30*. Seriously. Let's throw in the wind chill, and it was probably 20s. It.Was.Cold.

I met my friend Eileen in the parking lot at about 7:20 and we picked up our bibs and long sleeve shirts.   Luckily, registration was indoors at Brookdale Community College's Athletic Building! We did some laps on their indoor track and stopped for a potty break. Just before it was time to line up, I ran into some friends and we stopped for photo ops!

First, with Sherri, who I met through this blog! So great to meet a fellow Half Maniac at such a small race!

Then, I got my photo with my friend Eileen, who I have run a bunch of races with, and will be running more with this year! LOVE her, she has definitely pushed me to run better races!

Lisa is a fellow Half Fanatic, and Jersey Girl! We met through FaceBook and have met up at a few races, and will luckily be meeting up at even more this year! She is also a Half Fanatic, what an awesome bunch we are!

After the happy photo ops (there will be *no more* of those!) we lined up for the race. It was chip times, but only at the finish, it was a gun start with no starting mats. I started my watch at what felt like the start, and we were off. No worries tho, after the photos, I put on a running cap and gloves. Good thing, it was soooo cold!
The first few miles were very nice, rolling hills, but the wind was brutal. And then the steep hills started! They also didn't rope off the roads, so we were running on some very small or non existent shoulders with cars zooming by. Eek!
I stopped at mile 5 and walked while eating my Honey Stinger Waffle, and was dismayed to find that the mile 6 water stop was closed because they ran out of cups. Really? Now I am thirsty, the hills are INSANE and the next water stop isn't until Mile 8.
Many steep hills later, and one really bad step that left me with a sore knee for the rest of the race, brought us to the mile 8 water stop where I finally got my water! Whew! After the that, the hills were more rolly, and we were in farm country. Beautiful farm country. LOVED it. My friend Lisa caught up with us at this point (she was always right nearby, she was run/walking so she would pass us, we would pass her, and on...and on...lol) and stayed with us for the last miles.
After farm country we entered Thompson park, and some windy roads. There was a nice water stop there, and also Dave from the JSRC playing his trumpet. I *love* Dave and his trumpet! Races without him just are not the same!

After the Park, which we mostly walked through, since Eileen and I were nursing sore knees, we approached the College again. It was such a relief to see the finish line ahead! The three of us staggered over the finish line one after the other and headed over to the "food" table. We got bottled water, and they had oranges and bananas. I really wanted actual food, so I didn't take either. They also had jars of European "Peanut" Butter to try, so I took one. I haven't tried it yet though, lol.

As bummed as I was with my finish time (around 2:50-2:55) I am also thrilled overall with my finish. It was a crazyhard race. The hills were nuts, the wind and cold was insane, and I was wrecked by the end. I had a lot of fun running with Eileen and Lisa.
BUT
My whole body aches, especially my butt muscles lol. My head hurts, even after an Excedrin for Migraines, and even after a hot shower, I was still cold an hour later!
Things I was disappointed in? The lack of water at mile 5, the lack of food at the finish, and the lack of bling. Also, the fact that the roads weren't closed and many roads had no shoulder. It was a $30 registration though, so I wasn't expecting much, but after Disney I am a little spoiled!
Things I loved? Dave and his trumpet, the presence of Police and Park Rangers on the course, and the course was pretty well marked.
Will I run it next year? Maybe not, I haven't decided yet. I loved being able to run a Half so early, so maybe so, lol.

13in2013 Race #2 DONE!!!!

Have you ever had a bad race experience?

Edgar's Irish March to Save the Beach

Thanks to the Running Gods! Races have started at the Jersey Shore, and this weekend I have 2! Woot! I truly need races to keep me motivated to exercise sometimes, and I am so glad that race season has started!

Today's race was more of a Fun Run, and the Hubs even came with me, along with some friends. Instead of tees, we got awesome green hoodies, which I ran in due to the extreme cold! I am not usually one to run in a shirt before I finish a race, but it was a Fun Run so I let it slide this time!
The race started and ended at Edgar's Pub, and we ran through a Base, which was cool.

The course was mostly road, but there was some gravel as well, which made it hard going. It was pretty thick gravel, so it was a little precarious at times! I ran with my friend Cheryl, and the Hubs ran with his friend Rick. Hubs usually runs with me and then bolts ahead to beat me. Every. Darn. Time. It always frustrates me, because I run 2-4 times a week, and he runs, well, never. A mile here or there, but that's about it! AND he runs in jeans and Vans.

Cheryl and I finished in 21:56, and the total mileage was 2.13, so we averaged at a 10:18 paces, which I was thrilled with, since I haven't really raced since November. Jon finished about 3 minutes later. Woot! I finally beat him! I also kept up with Cheryl, for only the second time ever! She usually finishes a few minutes ahead of me!

It was a great run, and a fun time with friends, the perfect start to Jersey Shore Racing! We even stopped back at Edgar's for some free food and drinks (beer for them, unsweetened iced tea for me!). Cheryl's brother won the race, which was also exciting. He finished around in around 14 minutes!

When I got back, I prepped my Flat Mama for tomorrow's Half, the E Murray Todd Half Marathon.

This is my first official Half of the year, my second Half for my 13 in 2013 Goal. I am running with my friend Eileen, so I am very excited! I LOVE RUNNING WITH FRIENDS!!! 

I will also be sporting my new wrist wallet, that I got in this month's #NewYearNewGear exchange! Becky from Olives n Wine sent me my goodies this month, and she hooked me up with new socks, a wrist wallet, and a jump rope (to help me cross train!)

(Yes, my Christmas table cloth is still on my table. Nobody's perfect, lol) I wore the wrist wallet today and it was so Perf! I wore the black side out today but will reverse it tomorrow, and put the yellow side out to match my Half Fanatics Ensemble. It was so comfy and it didn't get all sweaty and gross. Awesome!!!!
Thanks Becky, you rock!!!!

Are you racing this weekend?