Rock n Roll Dallas Weekend Recap

This past weekend I ran some races, faced some fears and regained a few parts of myself in the process. This weekend was my first big challenge since having Baby G three months ago.

It was a good weekend for me and I’m nothing but positive with moving forward. A few weeks back, I found out I was accepted as a Rock n Roll race series ambassador through the Rock n Blog program.  This is something I have been chasing for awhile (3 years) and it finally arrived on my doorstep when I had really given up hope.  I just applied because that is what I do.  I am very blessed to have this opportunity and I will take full advantage of the opportunity. On to the weekend…

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The weekend consisted of the expo and two days of running.  I was very happy to be back in the mix here again because it’s been so long.  I really was just taking in the experience.  It was St. Patrick’s Day so I had to wear my green and represent some of my sponsors along the way.  I am extremely proud to be doing another round with Team Chocolate Milk and joining the Fitletic team for the first year. I had to get a new belt from Fitletic, it was crucial for my weekend running plans.  I ended up with the Hydro 12 running belt which worked perfectly for race day.

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Saturday morning we got up to run the 5K at Fair Park. Confession: I’ve never actually been the fair out there. I’ve been to the Cotton Bowl for an Ole Miss game and ran all over that place, but never actually been to the fair. Maybe I’ll make it out there.

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I’m getting used to running with the stroller and this was the first time Baby G got to see what was going on.  I usually have to keep it closed because the weather has been wonky.  She loved every minute of it but I’m sure she’s glad the jogging stroller has shocks on it.  I did good pushing that stroller and it felt a little easier.

Just finished the 5k. I can say I'm mastering this running with the stroller thing. And I'm glad my stroller has shocks! It was a great time! I'm always trying to #beatyestetday and I did today. #rocknblog #builtwithchocolatemilk #fitleticlove #rnrdal #we

I think I finished the 5K in 44:05 and I didn’t break anyone’s ankle with the stroller.  It was a win all the way around.

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After the race, we headed back to the expo to hang out with the We Run Social and Rock n Bloggers crew.  It’s always nice to see old friends and meet some new people.

We're #builtwithchocolatemilk! Ready for @runrocknroll! #rnrdal #rocknblog #instagood #instarunners #runner #running #run #runhappy #werunsocial

Sunday morning was going to be big for me.  This is part of the weekend that gave me the most fear.  I haven’t run anything longer than 6.22 miles since last May.  I knew I wasn’t ready to “perform” but I was just ready to be out there.  I really didn’t go into race day with any goals other than to finish.  I wanted to give it an honest effort just to see where I was physically so the only thing that mattered was making it to the finish line.

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I really just needed to get out there throw myself back into the mix and to see if I wanted to devote more time to running. Things have changed with having a baby and I just needed to know if this was going to be something I would make time for again or if I should just move on from it. I told Missy I would walk the first 3 miles with her so we started out together. She was experiencing some foot pain and made the smart decision to call it quits at mile 3.4. The course was hilly and it was hot, I think that was the best decision for her because she wouldn’t risk any more injury to herself.

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Obviously, I’m not in full running form and this course was hard.  I was out there to crush my fears and to move forward. It was hot.  It was hilly.  I must be honest, my eating habits (meaning eating) hasn’t been on point since having the baby.  Sometimes I look up and have completely missed a meal.  I’ve been working hard to fix this and be more conscious of eating.  This was a struggle for me but I just needed to get through it.

I know it's #medalmonday but I wanted to post this picture from #rnrdal. Just another fun stop during a @runrocknroll race! This course was hilly but I had a blast! I was scared because this is the longest distance I have tackled since last May. But this

As far as running, some things are coming back naturally and other things I’m having to relearn. I definitely need to focus on my hydration and refueling during runs. But like I said, this was the first time I’ve done anything over a 10K. All of those things will come with time. I just need to stay focused. But I did manage to have lots of fun along the way which made me think running is something that I LOVE to do and is a HUGE part of me. There’s no way I’m giving it up now. In those humbling moments during those 13.1 miles, I still enjoyed every minute of it and my attitude was great!

It was hot. I celebrate 13.1 miles with @builtwithchocolatemilk. I was scared to do this #halfmarathon but I finished! I wasn't breaking any records today because I just needed to prove I could make it to the end. Three months since #babyG and I'm kind of

I finished the half marathon in 3:22:22 seconds.  It was my slowest race ever but it was something I had to do.  As I was running the final stretch, I thought about all the things I needed to do to improve.  I need to be consistent with my running.  I need to focus on strength in my legs and correct form.  I need to focus on recovery so I can continue to stay strong.  That’s why I was so glad there was low fat chocolate milk at the finish line. It’s got the right carb to protein ratio to aid in recovery and I know I needed it! I could barely walk when I finished the race. No lie, I was worried there wouldn’t be any because I was in the back of the pack, but there was.

My #medalmonday from @runrocknroll #rnrdal. Two races, three medals and gaining a little bit of myself back this past weekend. My recap will be on the blog soon. #rocknblog #remixchallenge #motivation #runforbling #racebling #running #runner #instagood #f
Two days of running got me three medals and a little bit of my old self back. I can’t wait to see what is next and how I’m going to tackle my new set of goals.

 

Race Recap: RnR Dallas

Race Recap: RnR Dallas

It’s been a super busy day!  I really wanted to post this morning, but it just wasn’t happening.  I should be sleep right now because I have to teach at 5AM but I’m sitting here writing the blog because I don’t want it to get pushed back any further.  I have other blogs I want to post this week so it’s important it comes out today! This past weekend, I spent the time running with my friends at Rock n Roll Dallas!  I’m not going to completely bash my hotel, but staying at this particular hotel was the low light…

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Happy Friday! Watch out RnR Dallas!

Happy Friday! Watch out RnR Dallas!

It’s an exciting weekend and a much deserved break, I guess.  I’m heading to Dallas to run Rock n Roll Dallas with my buddies and to represent Team Chocolate Milk! Last year, Rock n Roll Dallas was my first Rock n Roll and probably the race that awakened the running beast in me!  Also, it kind of fueled my NEED to want to be on Team Refuel (aka TEAM CHOCOLATE MILK)!  I meet so many great people and the group was so welcoming, I knew I had to be on the team.  Plus, that was really the first time I’d…

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Save $20 on Rock n Roll Races TODAY ONLY

Save $20 on Rock n Roll Races TODAY ONLY

It’s a big day for all who want to run Rock n Roll races next year. TODAY only you can save up to $20 on races for next year! As you all know, I love these races for many reasons. These races have great sponsors, great organized races, great staff and volunteers and many great opportunities to run a great race. I also love these races because it gives me a chance to see the country. I set my PR at RnR Dallas, ran the hardest race of my life at RnR Denver, Willie ran his first half at RnR…

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2:13:50 – My first Rock N Roll race

2:13:50 – My first Rock N Roll race

My Rock n Roll Dallas experience was amazing.  I was really hesitant about running this race because the Gusher was just two weeks before.  I had never run two half marathons that close to each other and I was just afraid to commit, but I’m glad that I did. After the Gusher, my knee was bothering me and I got worried about not being able to run in Dallas.  I did small short runs, became really great friends with my foam roller and did lots and lots of stretching.  I even cut back on teaching my spin classes (I like…

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