Woohoo!

UPDATE:
To see the video, try going here:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/feature?section=news/sports&id=6611000

Scroll down...there should be a list of video segments. Select segment 17.

****************************

I have to say that I've never had so much fun running a 1/2 marathon! And my time, while not a PR, wasn't too shabby for me either - 2:31:36. That's just 4 minutes slower than my pre-baby time in '07 of 2:27:21...I'm pretty sure with some speedwork, I can beat that next year.

Oh and to add to my fun morning run, I had my 15 seconds of fame:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6610989 (it's segment 17)

I'll have some more pictures, a race report and the story behind the tiara later...this birthday princess needs some sleep! :0)

Wanna place some bets?

Wanna place bets on what the temp will be on Sunday morning???

Right now, wunderground.com says the low will be 47. Weather.com predicts 52.

I wish we could be sure, since it seems to be changing faster than I change my mind about what to have for lunch. It sure makes choosing a race day outfit a challenge!

Brrrr....

Dang it was cold this morning!

I met up with riding buddies, Jennifer, Katie and Kelly, for a ride this morning and learned a valuable lesson - cold weather clothing for running is completely different than cold weather clothing for cycling! I could definitely use a windbreaker and some arm warmer-thingies, as well as some long cycling pants and good pair of full cycling gloves! Today, I wore a short sleeve running shirt, long sleeved running shirt, a fleece top, and my cycling shorts with my running capris over them. While I think I had enough layers on to keep my body warm, I really, really need the full gloves and something to keep my toes warm because my fingers and toes were cold to the point where it was painful! Even when I stopped at the Starbucks drive-thru afterwards I was freezing...so much so that I had a hard time getting my fingers to work enough to get my change out of my wallet! I think it tool me most of the drive home to start feeling warmer.

But, it was a great ride and a lot of fun so it was worth braving the cold! And, I am loving the new bike! We rode 15 miles with an average pace around 12 mph...not bad for a bunch of freezing girls on brand new bikes. Even with the new bike, I couldn't keep up with Kelly and Jennifer! Looks like it's time for me to get my butt into some spin classes! :-)

As always, I am obsessed with the weather for Sunday. So far, weather.com gives the following prediction:

Sun

Jan 18
Few Showers
65°46°
30%

Hopefully, those "few showers" hold off until later in the day!

Workout Stats

Saturday, 1/10 - Wfit run, 5.9-miles, 1:01 hrs, 10:20 pace
It's the last run before the 1/2 next week...wow how time has flown! It seems like just yesterday when we went on our 1st run - a 2-miler in the summer heat over July 4th weekend. We've come a long way! The pace was great...we must have all eaten our Wheaties. :-) When we started our run, it was 70 degrees out...when we finished, it was in the 50's! Crazy!

Friday, 1/9 - Bike ride - 1 hour, 10 mph pace

Rode with Kristi near work. Just trying to get used to the new bike and catch up with Kristi, so it was a slow ride. :-)

Volunteer Duty

First, congrats to everyone who ran this weekend! Whether it was the 5k, the 1/2 marathon or the whole enchilada...way to go!!

Saturday
I made it to the GRB Saturday for my 10 am shift with the Media Relations/PR group. They're a great group and I had a great time. It was pretty slow by the time I arrived, so after making sure we had enough media packets, I ended up blowing up helium balloons for that night's pasta dinner for a couple of hours. We also went through training on what we would be doing on race day - for me that was tracking the male marathoners. I had a feeling that Saturday was the calm before the storm. I suspected that Sunday would be a frenzy of activity with the actual races and the press conferences. We did get a sneak peak at the cowboy hats that were presented to the winners. :-)


After my shift, I headed to the Expo for a look around. Last year, I wasn't completely sure I had made the right decision about switching to the 1/2. But, by the time I made it to the Expo, I was okay with the decision. Today was completely different. For the 1st time, the realization hit me that I wasn't participating in any race. That was a bit difficult for some reason. Seeing all the runners picking up their packets made that realization really hit home. For a second, I actually thought I was going to cry. Weird, I know. I'm blaming it on those crazy-ass pregnancy hormones!

Sunday
Sunday, I started out at 5:30 am at the corner of Commerce and LaBranch. It was dark and scary and no other volunteers were around yet, so I walked over to the next block where there were already two people. Our job was to just make sure that no one drove through the intersection once the streets had been blocked off for the race. Easy right??? This is crazy...after the cannons went off, we (the volunteers) were all looking toward the start line and could see the police cars slowly coming towards us. All of a sudden, this woman comes out of no where in her car! We had no idea how she got there, because she would have had to come through the intersection where the full marathoners were running. This lady goes on and on about how she just HAS to get to work and wants to know if she can cross "real quick". We were just looking at her like she was nuts...um hello lady, the race has started there are runners coming! She told the police officer, "You know, some of us actually have to work" and the police officer was all nice and replied, "Yes Ma'am, I understand, but I am sure all these people work too. They've been training very hard and this is their day." Turns out, she told the police at the other intersection that she had a medical emergency and was on the marathon medical team! Can you believe that? One other person tried to get through right as the 2nd wave started. He was going the wrong way on the one-way street. Crazy people!

Next, I headed over to the GRB to help out in with the PR group. The PR stuff was pretty interesting. The carefully planned out tasks we were assigned the day before got completely scratched. There was supposed to be someone on the trucks that lead the 1/2 and full marathoners with a radio updating us on what was happening. Then, we were supposed to blog race info on the marathon website...but we had technical difficulties getting the radios to work. So our updates were basically just repeating what was being shown on ABC. Here and there, we could wander over to the window and look down on the start line to see the finishers coming in. We also helped set up everything for the press conference after the race and got to see all the elite runners head over to the elite area. Occasionally, a reporter would want to interview a runner, so we would have to run over to that area and look for that person and bring them back to the media room. I had the honor of finding Jessica Armenteros-Word and walking with her to the media area...I have no doubt that she will once again be back at elite status soon! Umm, stupid me for suggesting we walk up the escalator to get upstairs. It was after the race, so I am sure she was exhausted. Doh!

Volunteering was fun and was exhausting at times, but in all honesty, I would much rather be out there running! ;-) I'll see you out there next year!

She's alive

Hi there. Yes, I am still alive and well...just busy. I actually had a long New Years Day post all typed and even saved, but still Blogger somehow managed to eat it. Grrrrr.........

I really thought my winter break from school would be a bit more relaxing, but for some reason my schedule still seems pretty busy. Right now, there are renovations going on at our house. We've been out there searching for the perfect house in the 'burbs every weekend and are gradually getting the list narrowed down. So, the point of all the renovations is to get our house ready to go on the market. Oh, how I am going to miss the short commute that goes with living in town! Sigh.

I have been on the treadmill. Mostly walking. Not as often as I'd like, thanks to the kiddo refusing to go to sleep before 10 pm. I may need to call in Super Nanny Jo, because there are nights when I want to pull out my hair. LOL!

As we get closer and closer to Sunday's Houston Marathon, I started thinking of all the nervousness, excitement and anticipation that I would normally be feeling this week. At a cafe during lunch today, I overheard a girl talking about the marathon this weekend. It's her first. I have to admit that I am a bit envious. I miss that nervous excitement and I will miss the feeling of accomplishment that happens afterwards. So, I thought I would dust off this post from last year with some tips for running this Sunday. To everyone who is participating in the 1/2 or full on Sunday - GOOD LUCK!!!

From last year....
Okay, so I am no elite athlete or running guru, but if this is your 1st time running a marathon, I have been in your shoes! I remember my 1st marathon day vividly. While it was definitely difficult, I can say with certainty that it changed my life forever. If I have a chance, I'll tell you more about the experience later this week. For now, here are a few things that I've learned along the way...

1. Try not to obsess about the marathon, but realize it's perfectly normal if you do. I do this for every marathon, not just for my first. You will read and re-read every inspirational e-mail and every list of tips and advice. You will have all these tips memorized and will be able to recite them all as you run on Sunday. :-) Before Chicago, I watched this over and over again, too.
2. Try hard not to freak out. I know the marathon is probably consuming your thoughts right now, so that's easier said than done. But try to throw yourself into your work if you can, because the last thing you need to do is worry.
3. Think about what you want to wear on race day now. Be sure to think about what you would wear if it's colder/warmer than expected. You will probably change your mind 2-3 times between now & then, only to revert back to your original plan.
4. Check out this support map at the Katy Fit website. It's awesome! My hubby has used it every year to figure out where he's going to meet me and how to get there.
5. It's your 1st marathon! Gather all your friends and family and tell them where to meet you on the route. Chances are, you've run a 21 miler and know where you could have used an extra boost. There areas where I needed a pep talk were - between mile 18 & 19 in Tanglewood, miles 22 on Memorial and anywhere on Allen Parkway.
6. Print out a pace band here. No, print out two - one with your "ideal" finish time and one with your "not so ideal" finish time. With the world of Garmins we live in, you probably have a Garmin and don't need to wear the band. However, if you are math challenged like me, you can use these to estimate where you will be at each mile and write it on the above mentioned map. Then, give the maps to your support crew. They will thank you for not making them wait for hours to see you jog by.
7. On Saturday, plan to pick up your race packet early before all the crowds hit. Then, do something you find relaxing. I like to catch a movie. It helps take my mind off the race...for a couple of hours at least.
8. It's race morning. At the GRB, you will see people you don't know doing stretches you've never seen before. Don't attempt to try them out now...stick to what you've been doing all along.
9. Also at the GRB, you will probably have to pee right before it's time to start the race...even if you just went 2 minutes ago. The port-a-cans outside the GRB usually have shorter lines than those inside.
10. You're going to see some crazy stuff along the way - men peeing on the side of the road after the turn between mile 2 & 3, ladies in the heights jumping up and down with cowbells, a priest sprinkling holy water on Main (get some, it can't hurt), Elvis & Marilyn Monroe near the Galleria at mile 16, Belly Dancers around 610 & Memorial, Cheeseheads on Allen Parkway....don't be too focused the race and your pace - enjoy it and laugh a little!
11. Along with the crazy stuff you see, people you don't know will offer you some crazy food. Obviously, some of these folks are not runners. I've been offered everything from candy & cookies to bananas & oranges to tuna sandwiches & donuts.
12. Let's face it, you're running 26.2 miles...there will be times when you are hurting. You will question your sanity. You will swear you will never run another *&+@#$ marathon! You WILL want to cuss out the next person who says "Lookin' Good!" or "You're almost there" (at mile 8)! Try to remember these folks don't have to be out there at all - thank them kindly, smile or wave...then cuss them out in your head or under your breath.
13. Along the same lines, I probably don't have to tell you this, but be sure to say hello and thanks to the policemen and volunteers out there too.
14. When you're feeling tired, find a little kid in the crowd at give him/her a high five. Miraculously, you feel better and it gives you a boost of energy you didn't have before.
15. Allen Parkway will seem like it's a million miles long. You've run this path before hundreds of times, so keep reminding yourself that you will eventually get there....really, you will!
16. When you get downtown, just take it one block at a time...you are there - the home stretch. At this point you don't want to take another step, but you know you can. The roaring crowds are right around the corner. When you finally see them, you will think they are a beautiful mirage. I assure you they are REAL.
17. The closer you get to the finish, the faster you will want to run. You are probably not running that fast and your finish photo will be proof of that, but hey it feels like you are. :-)
18. When you cross the finish line, you may feel like laughing or you may feel like crying. Hell, you may feel like doing both at the same time. Go with it...it's normal. Savor the moment..you have just become A MARATHONER!
19. When you are done, you will not want to take your medal off....DON'T! You've earned it, you have bragging rights. Only take it off when you shower. Yes, you can even sleep with it on if you want to.
20. Set your VCR/DVR/TiVo to record the special KTRK Houston Marathon special. It airs at 10:30 pm, after the news...you most likely will not be awake. It's fun to watch.

I'm in...

Rather than procrastinating (like I usually do), I decided to just do it - I registered for the Aramco 1/2 Marathon in January!



For a split second, my cursor lingered over the Houston Marathon registration button. I love the idea of training for and running the full, but I don't like the idea of trying to balance that training with family, work and school. Without school thrown into the mix, it's a no brainer - marathon, marathon, marathon. But the memories are still vivid of training for Chicago last fall and trying to squeeze in the 15, 18, 21 milers with all that homework, papers, group projects and library time. Not fun! So, I'm sticking to the promise I made to myself last October - no more full marathons until after grad school. But, I will be living vicariously through all my fellow bloggers and look forward to reading all about your marathon training!

I didn't get a workout in yesterday afternoon. After happy hour, I felt quite lethargic....drinking wine does that to me. We had a great time at The Corkscrew. I highly recommend the place! They have a great selection of wines and great customer service. They also have free wine tastings on Thursday from 5:30 - 7:30. My favorite last night was the Adami Prosecco.



It's a fresh, fruity sparkling wine that is perfect for summer. Yummy! Of course, I'm no wine expert. In fact, before last night, I had never even heard of prosecco. I ended up buying a bottle, which I'm sure I could have bought at Spec's much less dinero.

Today, I'm meeting the hubby and kiddo at the park after work. I'm not sure how the foot will hold up, so I'll just take it nice and slow. Tomorrow I start school again. I'm bummed to be missing the Heights 5K and the Houston Striders Picnic, so everyone have some fun for me!!!

Back to it

Time to get back into my Si6, study, work, study, run routine again. The 3-day weekend was nice, but it's over. Bummer!

Today is my Dad's birthday!!! Of course that meant a family gathering tonight, which left little time for running or homework. I have a feeling I will be making up for the lack of studying during the remainder of the week which will result in very little time for running. I'll try to squeeze in as much as possible though.

So today - 25 minutes of Si6 and that's it. Maybe tomorrow will be more productive as far as running goes. Then again, my group is meeting up on campus after work, so maybe not.

Just a couple of final things I remembered about Austin. Let me start by saying that Houston runners are very spoiled. We have great indoor accommodations before and after our marathon. Who cares about the weather when you have the GRB. Not to mention the huge breakfast waiting for us after the race. Second, we have awesome swag. Both the full and 1/2 marathoners receive a great medal, a participant t-shirt and a pretty nice technical finisher's shirt. (I know this wasn't always the case though...remember the joke of a medal from 2004?) In addition, the marathon finishers receive a glass stein/mug. In Austin, like many other marathons, you have to stand around in the cold before and after the race. Thermal blankets were only given to marathon finishers...the 1/2ers just had to be chilly. Finishers shirts? Only for the full marathon finishers! Post race food? Chicken noodle soup. Really! Hey, at least it was warm. Oh, there were cookies, bagels, pretzels and bananas too. But no eggs, bacon, biscuits, etc. And no tables and chairs to relax in. Yep, life is good here in Houston....the best part? No hills!!!