Sunday, April 24, 2016

Back Home (WW # 38)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!


This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin.    The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!  {See rules}   

We are thrilled that we continue to have a record number of linkers each week.  Thank You!  The support and camaraderie are truly priceless.  Please return later in the week and interact with more women.   It's an excellent way to make new friends and gain invaluable support, all while holding yourself accountable!  Don't forget to comment on each blog that you read and remember to support your hosts.  


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I didn't recap the Destin Half last week and I'll try to keep it short.  As you know, Tricia was by my side for half #40.  I wanted a 2:05 or less, a slight improvement over my last one.  My plan was to average a 9:30 and speed up in the last few miles.  The course was out and back, directly west and then east -- not a loop, a straight line.  The bridge over the bay was stunning, although I did a lot of weaving on the first pass.  Most miles (4 out plus 4 back) were through the Gulf Islands National Seashore with the bay on one side and the ocean on the other.   My plan was working OK and I could feel the wind at my back.  It was warm and I thought "that's going to feel good when I turn around".  {Bahahaha.} 

At the turn around, I knew I was in deep trouble.  Hello, wind!  I saw Tricia coming my way and we high-fived for luck.  My plan quickly changed from 9:30 to "don't go over 10".  I did this for 2 miles...and was utterly exhausted.   I was now back at the section with the bay on the left and the ocean on the right.   For 4 miles, there was absolutely nothing to break the wind.  Watching the kite surfers was very entertaining, however!   I ran so closely behind a pair of ladies, I know they wanted to smack me.   I was tired of the roar in my ears as my Yurbuds amplify wind noise.  {Anybody else?}  My plan changed to "just hang on".   My feet cramped in mile 10 but after two quick stops to stretch, they were OK.  



When I reached the bridge again, this time I walked across the peak.  The view was spectacular as fishing boats were coming out from underneath to head into the ocean.  The sky and water were a stunning blue.  I took a few seconds to reflect on the scene, the ability and opportunity to have run 40 of these things, and just take in and appreciate the moment.  My time didn't matter.  I picked it back up going down the bridge and smoked my two wind buffers in the final mile.  {Sorry ladies, but thank you!}.  I finished with a hard fought 2:14 -- a far cry from the original plan.  I was 13 out of 54 in my age group

Was I upset?  Heck, no.  Part of why I love doing this is because every race is different.  You never know what you will get.  I conquered the wind on this day!  The race direction was excellent.  The expo exceeded expectations as well as the after party at beautiful Harbor Walk.  We even got to pick out a pair of flipflops at the finish line.  I would definitely do it again, sans wind of course.  The medal?  HUGE!  It also can be mounted as a bottle opener.  {Hands off honey, it's going on my medal rack!}



The weekend with Tricia and her husband was a blast.


To see our pictures and read about our shenanigans >>GO HERE<< !




Weekly Wrap



M -- 4 miles beach recovery run
T  -- strength (a plank PR!)
W -- 5 miles progressive
        (10:02 / 9:52 / 9:27 / 9:15 / 8:49)
T  -- strength
F  -- REST
S  -- 3 miles (5k race) 
S  -- 6 miles

Total -- 18 miles




I received exciting news on Thursday.  I was selected to run the Chicago Marathon again.  If you are new to my blog, this is the race I had to DNS after developing a stress fracture in my left foot just two weeks before the race.  That's right...after all the training was done.  It was a hard pill to swallow.  I'd like to finish what I started. 

In continuing with my "run more 5ks to get faster" plan, Saturday I participated in the CCAD 5k benefiting autism.  It was sunny and 65 degrees (warm in my book).  I went out too fast (8:39) hung on during mile 2 (8:54) tanked during the last mile (9:18) and sprinted to the finish (7:56).  My overall official pace was 8:55.  Although I'm happy with anything that starts with "8", I was disappointed I allowed myself to walk in the last mile.  Why.did.I.do.that?  I placed 2nd in my 10-year bracket.  A huge shout out to Debra from HappyRunningSole who placed 2nd overall female!  The awards were cute bobble head trophies. 


Sunday's scheduled long run was not great.  I had no energy whatsoever but I chugged along until mile 6 and called it a day.   Afterward I felt sick to my stomach for a while.  It was just one of those runs you sometimes have.  It's possible the heat and humidity are already a factor.  Please say it ain't so...

And that's a wrap!

There was a lot of racing going on this weekend!  Did you race?

What was the most exciting thing about your week?

99 comments:

  1. You did great finishing that race strong - wind is the worst! Congrats on a great finish place. What a beautiful place to run and that medal is HUGE! Nice job on your 5k as well. 2nd in a 10 year bracket is super awesome!! I hope you are recouping today!!

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    1. I've never run in wind that strong for so long! In other races, we would eventually turn out of the wind or it would be blocked by buildings or trees. The medal dwarfs the other 39 and I thought some of those were huge!

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  2. I love that even though you did not reach your goal, that didn't upset you! I love it when I see people who are positive about the experience and can find glory in everything else! I try to be like that too, so I really appreciate that when I see it in other blog posts! Congrats on getting into Chicago!

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    1. Well, it doesn't do any good to be upset. It's what I love to do and I was getting to do it! It was a gorgeous sunny day too. How can that be bad? There's always another one to try for a time goal.

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  3. Wow, that race sounds really challenging, great job finishing strong! And thats awesome that you got an AG award in the 5k- congrats!!

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    1. It was a huge challenge and I felt I had conquered something when I finished -- no matter what the clock said! The first rule of AG placement? Show up! LOL.

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  4. You've got the best attitude. Great job! I hope you have a great week!

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    1. It made for a memorable race. #40 will always be known as The Windy One. And the one where I saw Fred Flintstone running with bare feet and all.

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  5. Congrats on your 40th Half! You adjusted to the race conditions so well. Yes, we are very lucky to be able to do this. For fun. We need to remember that! Love the canine photo bomber in your plank pic. ;-)

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    1. Exactly -- if we can't have fun, why bother? Mojo has to be on the floor with me at all times. He such a little ham.

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  6. I'm glad you were able to appreciate a tough race! Wind is hard. Really, really hard. My last half almost blew right into the lake, and I know my time could have been an even better PR without that wind.

    But we never know what the day will hand us, and you're right, we're lucky we can do that.

    How you race in that heat & humidity is beyond me. I guess you have no choice!

    Congrats on getting into Chicago again! So you'll almost definitely get to meet Wendy in person AND run the race you were meant to race. Somehow I missed this!

    Really noting terribly exciting about my week at all, aside from the sports massage and good runs and nice weather. Actually, the weather was kind of exciting but unfortunately won't remain so.

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    1. I've never had to contend with strong wind for that length of time. 6.5 miles! EEK. You are right, I have no choice about the heat and humidity. I usually whine about for a few weeks (months!) and give up. I need to prove something to myself in regard to Chicago. I want to replace a horrible memory with a good one too.

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  7. I'm so excited you got into the Chicago Marathon! Hopefully we can meet up when you come into town to run your successful marathon! :) Glad you have some good perspective on the race... sometimes it's hard to swallow when you don't meet a goal you'd had.

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    1. I hope I can train successfully this time! It will be my 2nd marathon so I want a better finish time than the first. It would great to meet you! I was very excited last year to be visiting Chicago. I'd never been. I'll get there this time!

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  8. I'm lucky we have so many local half marathons during the year that I can participate in without traveling. That helps pile on those numbers. (And the beach ones aren't really travel either in my mind.) Oh, I was shaking during the plank. Believe me! Mojo was probably trying to figure out why the phone was making me shake. LOL.

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  9. Congratulations on the Chicago Marathon! I wouldn't mind running by boats - the view looks beautiful!

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    1. The white fishing boats were stunning against the blue water and sky.

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  10. That medal is the size of your head! Wind is probably the weather condition that I dislike most...

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. The medal IS the size of my head! Wind is evil. LOL. I certainly dislike strong wind when I run, but it is nearly impossible to water ski in it. It makes for a wasted day at the lake.

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  11. Ugh, that wind. I can relate. when I started reading out and back I thought uh oh, because one part is usually good and one is usually hard. Congrats for placing and that is one spectacular medal !
    So happy for you and the Chicago marathon ! When are you going to start training ? What plan are you going to use ? Have a great week !

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    1. I'll keep up my base mileage but probably won't start officially training until July. I think I'll create my own plan! I'm not sure what will be different though. I'll have to study my resources.

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  12. Your attitude is golden (in talking about the wind at the half marathon). I'm always shooting for a sub-2, but have come to accept there are some days it just ain't about to happen. It's actually happened a lot in recent years (my last sub-2 was almost two years ago), but I have had many in the sub-2:04-ish time. I'm OK with that. I know I can do a sub-2, and I don't need that constant reassurance (sound convincing?) ;-) The wind is always a game-changer, but it does make us feel victorious when we've crossed the finish line. (PS- I want that skirt with all the colorful swirls...it matches one of my favorite headbands!)

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    1. I've done many sub 2:05s but haven't had a PR in about 2 years like you. I've let some of that go. Perspective changes when you CAN'T run and although I'd like a PR, I'm happy to be out there. I'm wearing the skirt's matching headband! They were bought at an expo from Gypsie Runner.

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  13. Wind is so difficult, both mentally and physically, to race in—great job on staying strong against it in your race! Congrats on getting into Chicago again and on the 5k!

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    1. I conquered the wind. Let's hope I can conquer Chicago this time!

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  14. I love that you took some time to appreciate the scenery and the fact that you've done 40 half marathons while at the same time battling against the wind. Congrats on your 40th! And a nearly 3:11 plank is awesome! Excited that you got into Chicago and you can finally run that race. And congrats on your 5K finish!

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    1. I think my perspective is different than it was a year or so ago. It's just not all about finish time right now. It's more about the experience.

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  15. congrats on placing! That wind can be brutal. I think that's the worst to run in - give me rain, sleet, snow . . . just not WIND!

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    1. I agree. It felt like we were dragging a weight or as Tricia put it - a parachute.

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  16. Great job on the race! And dealing with that wind. That can be so difficult! And what a great reminder to sometimes enjoy the scenery and the Run. I did not race this weekend, but I did get in a run on Sunday. The most exciting thing I did was go to a birth class, it was definitely eye-opening!

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    1. I remember birthday classes! Very exciting. I can't believe you are still running.

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  17. Aw. Some races just go like that. It looks like it was beautiful, though, and that bling is gorgeous!

    Congratulations! I'm still not at a point where I feel ready to run another marathon, but if I do, I want it to be either Chicago or NYC. You will have a great time!

    No racing for me. I just started back to running on Tuesday and I am taking it super slow. I am hopeful to be ready for the local Memorial Day 5K in May. For now, that's the biggest goal I can set.

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    1. If you look at the odds, Chicago is much easier to get into. (I've done it two years in a row.) NYC has much lower odds and you have to pay something just to enter the lottery. But, I would love to do that one! Maybe I'll try next year.

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  18. What a fun weekend! Destin is so pretty. Congrats on getting chosen for Chicago!! Definitely on my bucket list. Hope that your training goes well and that this time you can finish the race!

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    1. I certainly hope I can get to the starting line of Chicago this time.

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  19. I cannot get over that amazing medal! So pretty! Sounds like you fought hard in tough conditions. I kind of love that you smoked your wind buffers at the end. Ha! Chicago will be sweet, sweet redemption this year. I'll order up good weather for you right now. Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. I know my buffers wanted to hit me. I was as close as I could get! You know I'll be training for Chicago in hellacious heat and humidity. I'll be used to that if that's how Chicago wants to play. Watch it be really cold and windy.

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  20. Congrats on half #40! You did great with the wind! That medal is huge! So cool you got in Chicago again! I'll see you there! :)

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    1. Congrats to you for getting in Chicago. I hope I can meet you and Sharon!

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  21. It's great that you got into Chicago. Last year may not have happened, but you'll do it this year :)

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  22. I had a similiar experience with my half yesterday. The hills killed me and I had to re-adjust my expectations.

    I ran a windy (40 mph) half in Florida. I was happy not to have blown off the bridge in the Gulf.

    Congrats on Chicago. You will rock this one. Please stay healthy.

    Oh and congrats on your 5K award.

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    1. It's HOW we adjust that matters, don't you think? I'm going to do my best not to fracture anything this summer. I've got to decide what differences I'll make to my marathon training plan too. Hmm...

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  23. Good job handling the conditions in your half. I also love your perspective on how every race is different. I'm so excited you got into Chicago! Hopefully you'll get to meet my mama :) -C

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    1. I missed Pam in Disney, so it would be such a treat to meet her in Chicago!

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  24. I had to look twice at that medal, it looks to be the size of a license plate!! :)

    Running in the wind is the worst!! I think the miles should count double when you have to run into it!!

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    1. That medal is bigger than my face. Seriously. If they count double, then I just ran another marathon. Woo Hoo!!

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  25. WOW. Those medals really are enormous, that's pretty neat!

    40 HMs is an amazing feat. I'm not even up to 10 yet, but I'm getting there.

    And YAY for Chicago. It was meant to be!

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    1. Those 40 HMs were earned one at the time. So yes, you will absolutely get there! On to # 41!

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  26. Thanks for hosting this awesome link-up! Running in windy conditions is so hard, wind and humidity really puts a damper on your pace - don't worry about it. It happens to EVERYBODY. Love your planking pic with your doggie - no words needed here!:) Awesome time btw! Congrats on a great 5K! Sunday wasn't great for me either - the humidity was through the roof in our area - I called it an early day, too! Awesome and inspiring training log as usual. Have a Wonderful Running Week HoHo!

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    1. I know your humidity must be pretty high already, if ours is. I'm always in awe of runners it seems not to affect. How do they do it?

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  27. Great week! Way to go in your half! You did great in those windy conditions! Love the medal! I'm so excited you will be doing Chicago too! My sister and I will see you there! :) Also, congrats on your 5K and the AG award!

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    1. Congrats for getting into Chicago too. I hope I get to meet you and Sherry!

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  28. Great recaps - I feel the pain at the same parts (mile 3 in a 5k) or in the same conditions (holy wind). I have some hilly halves coming up and I hope I can channel your grit during the tough miles! And sometimes it is nice to stop and appreciate the view. Tough races (where I don't completely crash and burn) are usually the ones I'm most thankful for.

    Anywho, your planks are killer!!

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    1. I didn't pace that 5k very well at all! I need to work on that. Had I started slower, my finish time would have been better -- I'm sure of it!

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  29. That definitely sounds like a hard fought race with the wind! I love that you took a moment to reflect and appreciate the surroundings :) And congrats on Chicago!

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    1. It was so stunningly beautiful on top of that bridge with the bay on the left and the ocean on the right -- I couldn't help myself. It was a nice way to celebrate #40!

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  30. You are so right, every race is different and the Florida wind can be a beast! Sounds like a fun adventure though and a great time with Tricia! I am glad to have my last spring half finished and I too am going to work on some speed work this summer! I see your level up ambassador badge- congrats! I posted mine too :)

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    1. Level Up gives back to such a great cause! I'll work on speed during the summer as well -- but it feels 100 times harder in our southern humidity. Ugh.

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  31. I can only imaging how that wind made the race a little more challenging. Way to push through and get it done!!

    So cool that you and Tricia got to run another race together!

    Congrats on the 5k....I think that is a great plan...running more 5ks for speed.

    Sooo exciting about Chicago!!! Congratulations!!

    Look at your plank time!! I have to tell you....as I am planking, I think about you and your times....I am working on it...thanks for being my motivation.

    Sorry I have been a bit MIA...I am back though ;)

    Have a great week!

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    1. Planking is tough! I certainly don't attempt a PR every time. But I do notice the shorter times are getting easier.

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  32. Ok, that medal is HUGE! Wind always makes things so much harder. I always find it so demoralizing, ha ha. Congrats about Chicago, that's FANTASTIC!!! Nice work on that plank time too, holy smokes!

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    1. Oh yes, wind can be very humbling! The medal could be a weapon.

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  33. You know I will always remember your comment on running the same race about you never know what you'll get on race day and every day is different. I had never thought about it like that and it gives me a perspective of races I've done before. I can't say I'm looking to increase my speed for next weekend only after doing one 5k but I felt stronger than I should have in Saturdays race. I forgot to turn my watch off but I was ecstatic to see a 8:55 average the first mile!!! I never ever do this! No real 5k PR but close and considering the one long hill!

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    1. Every race is different! And usually nothing like you imagine it will be like. That's awesome you ran an 8:55 first mile! I know you are a hard worker and you'll see many, many more of those!

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  34. Congratulations on the Age group award! Those trophies are so cool!

    Also congratulations on the half marathon!

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  35. You had such a great perspective on that windy half. I love that you got flip flops at the end - perfect for a beachy race! Congrats on getting into Chicago again! I'm sure it will feel good to tackle that one after last year. :)

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    1. You can throw pretty much anything at me and I'm still going to enjoy a half marathon! It's just what I love to do! Some of them do make you feel more humble than others. LOL.

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  36. Great attitude about the half. Running in wind can be SO brutal and it sounds like you handled it really well. Those medals are huge!! Congrats, also, on your 5K age group place. It's definitely harder to place in 10 year age brackets! The bobble heads are cute.

    Hmmmm my week and weekend were kind of lame, haha. I worked 11-12 hour days (which was not planned in advance) and then I took it easy on the weekend since it's my one April weekend off. Got in a nice trail run and cleaned our camper for this weekend's trip and Ragnar Relay!

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    1. I was shocked by the medal! You definitely couldn't wear that around very long.

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  37. Congratulations on finishing the Destin Half - way to push through, literally and figuratively! Running against the wind is KILLER. It sounds like the views were absolutely stunning, though. Your race outfit is adorable! Congrats also on placing in your AG at the 5K, and YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY on being selected to run the Chicago Marathon this year! Can't wait to meet up when you are in town!!!

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    1. I hope to make it to the windy (OH NO!!) city this year. Of course it means training in Dixie heat and humidity. It would be superb to have nice weather on race day!

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  38. I love your attitude about this half - you really do never know what you're going to get on race day. Congrats on tackling the wind and complete half marathon #40! And, huge congrats for getting into Chicago!!

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    1. It's HARD to make me NOT like a half marathon. But I admit, some are definitely more of a struggle than others!

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  39. Congrats on getting into Chicago! I'm sure it'll feel absolutely wonderful to run the marathon this year after last year's DNS. Its always a hard pill to swallow when you have to walk away from a race that you put lots of time, hard work, and effort into preparing for.

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    1. Yeah, thinking about the time spent with nothing to show for it was tough. I did use that base training to go on and run Disney 15 weeks later. So, I guess all was not lost.

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  40. That is an absolutely beautiful medal - congrats!!

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    1. I love the way the sun shines through the sun on the medal!

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  41. Flip flops at the finish line? How fun! Great job getting through your half sounds like it was tough with the wind. My earbuds don't seem to make the wind worse in the wind, but I just wear the apple earbuds.
    and Congrats on getting in to Chicago and getting another go at it!

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    1. I thought flip flops were a very nice & appropriate extra touch. I've only noticed Yurbuds amplifying the wind noise. My old Skullcandys never did that.

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  42. Congrats on a strong finish in challenging conditions! Wind can definitely be a race ruiner!

    And congrats on CHI-town!!! Yeah yeah!!

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    1. My lips were on fire for days from that wind. I had had something on them! Ready or not, here I come Chicago!

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  43. congrats on completeing #40---and holy wind, batman!!!! love your attitude through it all!!! congrats on surviving that race!!!! and congrats on the AG for the 5k!!!!
    so glad you could get into Chicago----I see a redemption coming up!
    oh, and love the photobomb of your pup during your 3+min plank!!! your a machine chica!!!!keep it up!

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    1. Mojo insists on staying on the floor with me if I'm down there for any reason! Redemption is going to be very sweet in Chicago.

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  44. Wonderful job in your race and way to power through the wind!!! Oh running into the wind is my nemesis... Those medals are humungous and beautiful. Totally worth pushing through to the finish! Congrats, too, on your 40th half!

    The most exciting thing about my week was our youngest finally sleeping through the night. Seriously, I was pumped. And then he went back to his usual of waking up once or twice again! Can't win 'em all, right :)
    Amy @ http://www.livinglifetruth.com/

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    1. A sleeping baby is such a wonderful and appreciated thing! It will happened again and again!

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  45. So exciting that you got selected to run in the Chicago Marathon!!! I can't wait to hear about it. I like your plan to run more 5 k's to get faster. I do mostly long distance races, but perhaps I need to sign up for a few shorter ones, as I would like to work on my speed as well. Thank you for hosting the link-up :-)

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    1. I would choose to run a half over a 5k any day. But, it's the only thing that really forces me to run at top speed for that length of time. For some reason, I can't just do it in training!

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  46. I would totally put that medal on the wall to open beer, but we all know what my priorities are.

    My race this weekend was super windy too, but luckily we started into the wind and then ran back with the wind at our backs. Probably why my pace was so good at the end LOL.

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    1. Ha! You would and would admire it every time you cracked a cold one. Yeah the reverse wind would have been easier, at least mentally I think.

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  47. Love the bobblehead award! Congrats! Chicago Marathon is one of my bucket list marathons and will put my name in for next year. I ran the RNR Chicago Half last July and it was just too humid and hot but I loved touring the city.

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    1. I hope to spend an extra day or two sightseeing in Chicago. I've never been and am looking forward to it.

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  48. Great job on your 40th half... wind is a tough one, battled that last weekend too!

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    1. Thanks. It's definitely a battle when it's that strong and with nothing to block any of it.

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  49. I love your bobblehead trophy from your 5k. Wind is always a runners enemy during races but you handled it well. I love the outfit you wore in Destin for your race, the skirt is really cute. Skirtsports? By the way, we have to meet up in Chicago. Congrats on getting a lottery spot. I booked my hotel today! :)

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    1. That skirt is from Gypsie Runner and I'm wearing bike shorts underneath. It's one of my favorites. I need to book for Chicago earlier than I did last year. It's hard to know which hotel to pick! I surely don't want to deal with transportation.

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