Race Recap: Austin 10/20

Sunday I ran the Austin 10/20 with my running friends.  I didn’t realize so many of us were running! There was a huge group which always makes for a great picture.

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I won’t lie, this race isn’t my most favorite race in the world. But I like the atmosphere and the people which essentially end up making it a great race. The course is uber boring. The Austin 10/20 is 10 miles with 20 bands. There are a lot of people who run this race and the bands are pretty good. I stopped to take pictures of my favorite bands.

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Representing the local running groups here. Sunday was the day for Tyson to join in on the running fun. It’s always nice to run with your friends.

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When the race started, I was really relaxed about it and I didn’t expect too much. I was probably too relaxed at the beginning. I stopped to take pictures of the bands. I stopped to listen to some of the bands. I was there to have a good time. When I became less interested in the bands because they didn’t seem to be matching the bands in the program, I started to run. By the time I started to run, I was already off my time from last year. Can’t win them all, right?

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It was cloudy and humid because a rain storm was brewing. The water stations didn’t seem to be manned very well so I was glad I wore my hydration belt. I did like how they gave out cold rags on the course. I needed it! My favorite part of the race was running through The Domain even though none of the shops were open. But a group of ladies stopped to ask me if I was the girl on TV and we took some pictures. I was hoping to get a hold of at least one of those pictures but no one has fessed up to them yet. So if you’re reading this blog, it was a pleasure meeting you and I would like the pictures we took! You can have your own personal spot on the blog (too bad it’s not worth much but a shout out)!

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When it was over, I was glad it was over. I couldn’t wait to cross that finish line! I finished the 10 miler in 1:48:23 which was 7 minutes off my time from last year, but it wasn’t a big deal for me. I just wanted to run. As it gets hotter, I am going to be less cheery about getting out to run so I have to do it while I can.

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Jesica did a great job too with finishing in 1:59. Tyson wasn’t too pleased with his time but we run this races for fun…and you’re going to PR every time. But wait? I do believe this was his first 10-miler so he can’t be that upset about it because it’s a PR!

So what did I like about this race? The shirts are way better this year than last year.  The medal is a good quality medal even though I liked last year’s better.  But a good quality medal is worth a lot in my book!  I like hearing the bands a long the way, except band #3 (I think) who decided to go unplugged for this event.  That was pretty much a horrible idea because no one could hear you! I did like how they changed the race start this year so it wasn’t so jammed up at the start. This is truly one of those races where you’re never running alone because of all the people.

What I didn’t like about this race? I didn’t get the shirt size I registered for me and neither did my friend.  The water stations really weren’t ready for the massive amount of people.  And that stupid race start with the median in the middle of road.

I’ll be back to run it next year though!

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And of course, there was more chocolate milk! Two weeks until China and this weekend brings some hill repeats!

Aiesha Tyler  and Willie

While I was running this weekend, Willie was meeting Aisha Tyler. How freaking cool is that? I know he is NOT SAD he missed running this weekend!

Race Recap: Zooma Texas Half Marathon

Race Recap: Zooma Texas Half Marathon

This weekend was full of races.  On Saturday, I ran the Zooma Women’s Texas Half Marathon in Bastrop, TX! We’re all crazy. Half marathon on Saturday, 10 miler on Sunday. We had to get up super early to make it to the race but when the sun came up we were all optimistic. Missy was running her first 10K. I think she’s going in the wrong order though. 10K first and then the half marathon, but she missed the memo in New Orleans. So we got a selfie before the race started. At the starting line I had no business…

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What I studied, how I worked out and …

What I studied, how I worked out and what I ate

All this traveling has gotten me off my routine. We’re getting so close to China and I realize we’re prepared but not prepared. I’ve been training for the The Great Wall of China Marathon but the weather is getting a little hotter and it’s starting to affect my running. It’s that time again. So when I need a break from the running, I practice my Mandarin Chinese. Let me tell you folks, it’s not easy learning this stuff. It’s hard work! I just need to know enough to get by and to make some notecards. This week has been really…

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Race Recap: Irving Marathon

Race Recap: Irving Marathon

On Saturday, I ran my 5th marathon of the year!  On Friday, I didn’t want to run the marathon.  Saturday morning, I was a feeling a little better around running the marathon, but I still didn’t want to do it.  To be honest, I didn’t want to run another marathon until China. A half marathon would be fine, but no fulls.  Physically I’m capable of doing it, but there is a huge mental toll the marathon puts on you and I’ve just been too busy which left me mentally tired.  I sucked it up though because the race directors were…

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My Workout Watches

My Workout Watches

If you didn’t know, I’m obsessed with watches so it’s only natural that it translates into my workouts too. I do pick out my watches before I get dressed in the morning, but for my workout it, it’s a little different.  I’m a huge numbers gal.  I want to know what’s going every minute of my workout.  If I don’t have it I feel lost.  I wish I was more zen, but I’m not. When I’m not running I use the Polar FT40!  This is probably the best heart rate monitor I’ve had.  I used many but this one satisfied…

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Race Recap: The Texas Independence Relay

Race Recap: The Texas Independence Relay

I’m sorry I disappeared off the face of the earth because I was too tired to function.  I think we all greatly underestimate our need to sleep.  Running + friends + no sleeping + no real food = Texas Independence Relay! I will admit my happy emotions cup runneth over and there’s no way I will ever be able to put into words how I felt this weekend.  I can’t express to you the greatness in the relationships I formed this weekend, the respect built for my team mates and the joy and misery in my heart! I’m not even…

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Happy Friday! I’m relaying this weekend.

Happy Friday! I’m relaying this weekend.

It’s Friday!  I’m excited for the weekend and have a new experience.  This year I was invited to join a Texas Independence Relay team and I’m really excited for the experience. It’s 200 miles with my friends. We’re either going to love or hate each other by the time it’s all done! We have 11 people on our team and two drivers. Willie volunteered to drive on this little adventure and I’m so grateful for his support on this one! We start tomorrow morning at 9:28 am and will run from Gonzales, TX to the San Jacinto Monument! 200 freakin’…

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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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Travel Thursday took me to the Chinese consulate

Travel Thursday took me to the Chinese consulate

It’s time for your weekly update on all things China!  Remember last week when I told you we weren’t prepared for this trip, we really aren’t!  But this week we are two steps closer.  Our passports arrived in the mail this week which meant I needed to make the trek down to the Chinese consulate.  That is why this blog post is happening so late in the day. Wondering why I had to go there? When you go to China for any reason you have to get a visa. It goes inside your passport and you’re not allowed to enter…

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Race Recap: The Gusher Marathon

Race Recap: The Gusher Marathon

The Gusher is a really big deal around here!  It’s my favorite race of the year because everyone runs it!  It’s running with friends and it’s just a great running community around here!  It’s just a good time! I was ready to tackle the second of my two marathons in six days! On Friday night, I was really pumped about the race I felt like I was going to PR!  I wanted to PR because it’s the Gusher!  Saturday morning didn’t feel the same way.  I couldn’t sleep Friday night so when I woke up earlier on Saturday morning things…

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Race Recap: The Little Rock Marathon – one EPIC …

Race Recap: The Little Rock Marathon – one EPIC race

There are lots of races I get for free or get a discount code for, this was not one of those races. It was worth every penny I paid for it (and it wasn’t that expensive) because of the perks that came along with it. The race directors were amazing and their staff/volunteers just the same! This was one EPIC event! Jes and I early started! She’s a 6 hour marathoner and she thought she needed to extra buffer. I needed to take it slow so I could run the Gusher close to 4:35-4:50 this Saturday. I also needed it…

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