Ukrop's 10k 2018 (Tuesdays on the Run Edition)

I decided to do the Ukrop's 10k, in April, this year as it was a week before Star Wars and a good warm up.

The expo is usually at the Author Ashe Center, but this year it was moved to the Raceway.  I headed to the expo on Thursday and once I got in there, it looked like the exact same setup as before.  I assumed that it was moved to the Raceway because it had gotten too big.  But it turned out that it was because there was a Squirrel game (baseball) on Friday (the second day of the expo) and both share the same parking lot.


I picked up my bib, shirt, and bag and ran into one of my running friends.  It turns out that she was being a blind guide for her cousin during the race.  The story is very interesting.


I bought a shuttle ticket and headed to the expo booths.  The only thing that interested me was the Roo Sport.  I had the original one and it did nothing but chafe me.  After running the Princess Half without my big belt, I wanted to give this a try.


I was done and started to look for the exit.  For the life of me, I couldn't find it.  I asked a volunteer and he pointed me in the direction of it, and I still couldn't find it.  All of the booths and frame of the area, you couldn't see doors or the exit signs.  I finally wandered around and found the exit.

The race was on Saturday and I planned on meeting a friend at the shuttle parking lot.  When I got there she had run into a coworker of hers.  The three of us got on the bus and headed to the race.  We did all the pre-race items: port-a-potties, bag check, and a little stretching.


I walked to the start to find my corral and got there just as they were about to leave.  As I waited for them to set us off, I realized I never turned on my Garmin.  I hoped it would find the satellites fast.  If not, I'd hang back and go with the next wave.  I was in no rush.  But it synced just as they let us go.


The start was close to 70 and just getting hotter.  A lot of the course is shaded by trees, but not all of it.  Even though that's hot for runners, it was great weather for the crowds to come out and cheer us on.  One of the great things about this race is that it brings out tons of spectators.  There were the group that comes out every year to do Tai Chi, marching bands, cheerleaders, and college students handing out beer.


I passed the Richmond Police Trainees running in formation.  I had read an article about how each county had entered in their police trainees to run the 10k.  This was to promote comradery and cooperation with the different counties.


I was really worried how my knee would hold up for the race.  It had really been bothering me a lot during my last runs.  It was tight the whole time, but I never had any sharp pain.  I was also paying close attention to my steps so I would not hyper-extend it again.


Even with the heat and my knee tight, I felt very strong through the whole race.  I kept up my walk/run intervals without any deviation.  As I crossed the finish line I realized that I had a very even pace through the whole race.  Almost the same time for each mile.  I got my medal and had them put some ice on my knee.


My Roo Sports worked well and didn't chafe me at all.  Defiantly something I will be using in the future.  I did notice that the earphone hole was fraying.  Thankfully they were going to be at the Star Wars Half Marathon Expo a week later.  I also noticed that the corners of the pocket pokes out.  Functionally it was fine, but just pointed out that you had it under your shirt.

I met up with my friend from before the race and we met others for a fun brunch.  We go to the same place every year and every year we complain that they don't staff very well and everything takes forever.  But we keep going back. :)  This is one time I get to catch up with a lot of my running friends, so if it takes longer to get brunch, I'm fine with it.

This is a race I’ll do most years, but I’ll have to do it again next year. In 2017 they gave out medals that will click together with magnets and create a big medal with the 2018 and 2019 medals.  A great marketing technique to get runners to continue for the next two years.

Do you like when races do things to encourage you to run more races, like challenges, or themed medals?  Have you ever used the Roo Sport?

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

Lucky Charm 10k 2018 (Weekly Wrap-up Edition)

I really don't have a weekly wrap as I have been having issues with my knee on and off and I'm trying to get it to be totally off.  I might add in biking or swimming next week instead of running.  We will see.  Instead I thought I'd share my recap of the Lucky Charm 10k from back in March.  I wrote this recap once a few weeks ago and it go lost in the netherworld.  I know this won't be as good as the original, but here is my second take.


St. Patrick's Day weekend I went up to Pennsylvania to visit my friend Meranda.  We had decided to run the Lucky Charm 10k in Harrisburg.  We got to the race early as we needed to pick up our bibs.  Bib pickup was very easy.  We even saw Ana there with her son, volunteering.  Meranda's mom came with us to watch, so we were able to give her our shirts, and other things, to hold while we ran.

We finished getting ready for the race and used the port-a-potties.  It turned out that someone left a sub sandwich in one of the urinals of the port-a-potties.  Very random.


Apparently there was an announcer but we couldn't hear him at all, but it sounded like the race was about to start.  We made our way to the start and quickly we were on our way.  We headed down the street and I was doing my walk/run.  A lady came up behind me and asked what intervals I was doing.  I told her 30/30 and she asked if she could stick with me since she forgot her timer.

We turned a corner and ran towards the capital and then away from it.  We ran towards the river and turned and ran next to it.  What a nice view to run with.  My new running partner's name was Josllyn and she's a parole officer in Harrisburg.  It was great to have someone to run with who wasn't always two steps ahead of me because I was slower.


We came to the 5k turnaround, and since Josllyn was running the 5k, we parted ways.  I noticed that most of the people that were slower like me were turning around at the 5k.  There really was only a couple people behind me that was doing the 10k.


Since I stuck with Josllyn for the first couple of miles, we took things slow.  This gave me a chance to try and do a negative split.  I decided to keep my eye on the person ahead of me and make it my goal to pass them.


I was really getting thirsty and I didn't see any water stops.  I should have carried a water bottle with me, but I didn't want to wear my race belt.  We turned off the river and headed back into the city.  I noticed a water stop, but they were all focused on the people on the other side who were heading back to the finish line.  I had to yell at a volunteer to turn around and hand me water.

All of the volunteers and police who were stopping traffic were super nice.  Most of the roads were still open as we were running by a church and museum that were still open.  Thankfully there was rarely a car.

As I headed to the turn around, I passed a dad pushing a stroller and carrying his daughter.  We chatted for a second and he said that she just didn't want to stay in the stroller.  I thought just pushing a stroller would be hard, but having to carry the baby as well impressed me.


As I headed back to the river, I kept picking people off, one by one.  I kept up my walk/runs, and just looked to passing the one person in front of me.


I was looking forward to the water stop that I had passed as I was very thirsty again.  And when I came up to it, it was gone?!?!  I know that I was at the very end of the pack, but really, they should have stayed out till we all passed.

We turned and ran next to the river again.  It really was a very pretty sight.  I did see someone handing out water.  I don't remember that water stop there on the way up, but glad we finally got a second station.  But really there should have been more then 2 stops for a 10k.

We passed the start line, which was a few blocks up, and continued on next to the water.  The course continued down the bike path right next to the river.  It was nice, but I was ready for the race to be over.  I still had a few people in front of me that I kept my eye on.


While running, I stepped wrong and hyper-extended my knee.  OMG did it hurt!  I decided to walk the next few run intervals.  That seemed to help and work out whatever I did.  Thank goodness it wasn't bad.

We came to the path to take us back up to the street.  I knew that once we went down, we would have to go back up.  It was a tight turn and a steep hill.  I decided to walk it and make sure I stepped carefully not to hurt my knee again.


Once back at street level, we were to run down the sidewalk to where the police officer was stopping traffic for the runners.  There were two ladies in front of me who wanted to cut the corner and ran in front of traffic.  No one around could believe they did that, they could have been hit by a car.  I went down to the crosswalk and the officer stopped traffic for me.

I decided that I would pass these two ladies.  It was my goal to end the race in front of them. We had 3-4 blocks to go to get to the street where the finish line was and it was all up hill.  I concentrated on getting up that hill.  As I did, I saw Josllyn heading down to the parking lot.  It was so fun seeing her as I headed to the finish line.

At the top of the hill I had passed one of the ladies.  Just one more to go.  We turned the corner and the finish line was right there.  I turned it into high gear and passed her and I kept booking it to the finish line.  I passed probably 10-12 people for the last 4 miles and no one passed me.  I was so proud of the race.  After the first 2 miles each mile was faster then the last.  It was a great negative split for me.


I was so happy to be done, but couldn't wait to get water.  I as so thirsty.  I finally found the table where they were handing out green bagels and Lucky Charm cereal.  But the water they had were little cups and a water jug to fill the cups.  I stood there and drank a glass and refilled, drank a glass and refilled, drank a glass and refilled.  I couldn't believe they didn't have bottles to take with us so that we could re-hydrate.

I found Meranda and her mom.  Once the race was finished, there was to be a St. Patrick's Day parade.  We found a place to sit on some bleachers that a bar had put out.  I went to change my clothes and find some place to buy water and a coffee for Meranda's mom.  The only coffee I could find was iced coffee and it tasted like grounds.  And I got another cup of water, though this one was a little bigger then the dixie cups that were at the end of the race.


The parade was a lot of fun.  There were bag pipers, rescue dogs, Storm Troopers, Gaelic Dancers, a DeLorean, fire trucks, floats, tractors, and a band.


We headed back to the cars as the parade came to an end and parted ways.  It was a very fun weekend and I really did like the race.  Except for the lack of water and being so far from home, I would do it again.

Do you like to stay after the race and enjoy the after party.  Do you like watching parades?

I am linking up with Holly and Wendy for their Weekly Wrap!

Princess Half Marathon 2018

After getting a day of rest, I was ready to get the half marathon done.

In case you missed previous posts from the Princess Half Marathon Weekend:

• Expo
• 5k
• Animal Kingdom
• 10k 

We had to wake up earlier due to having to be on bus earlier.  When I woke up I realized that I slept hard and through the night.  And even though I had slept through the night, I was in a very deep sleep when the alarm went off.  So I was tired again...

I wore my new Running Skirt (tri version with my own shorts) and it had pockets.  I haven't had a skirt with pockets, so I decided to try the race without my big belt with water bottles.  I had two pockets and a small race belt that I put my Gu in.  I then carried a throw away water bottle.  The combination actually worked out very well.

We got on the bus and headed to the start.  Once there we headed towards the mile long walk to the corals.  As we were were walking we both noticed that the path was paved.  We both remember a gravel path when we did it 4 years before.  Either they paved it or we were taking a different way there.

I decided to hit the port-a-potties one last time and Candace went to our coral to get us a spot.  I was glad that she did get us a spot as by the time I got there I couldn't even find her.  I had to call and have her talk me through where she was.  I finally found her and we relaxed till it was ready to star moving forward.

As we moved forward we ended up standing next to a guy dressed as Prince Charming.  We asked where his Princess was and he said that she was in the coral before us.  He didn't want to slow her down so he didn't ask her to stay back a coral.  That is a Prince Charming.

Before we knew it we were off.  My plan was to keep up with Candace as long as I could and then let her go as she is much faster then I am.  No matter how many people say they want to stay with me, they always stay a few steps in front cause they don't like how slow I am.  I hate feeling like I'm keeping people back.

The first couple of miles were slow as the crowds were thick.  We couldn't go much faster then we were, but Candace mentioned how her shins were hurting already.  As we came up to Magic Kingdom, there was such a beautiful sunrise.


We came around the parking lot and there was the Evil Witch from Snow White with her cauldron.  The second time that weekend I wish the line wasn't as long as it was as that was a great character picture.  But I knew I was running against the clock and I didn't have that time to spare.

The sunrise just kept impressing us. 

As we came into Magic Kingdom, there were a slew of characters and staff to welcome us.  That was cool to see.

It was now time to head down main street of Magic Kingdom.  This is probably the most fun place to run.  To have such huge crowds cheering is just an amazing feeling.  And it was such a beautiful morning to see the castle.


We continued on through Tomorrowland at a good pace but it was slow due to such crowds.  We came around the back of the castle and noticed that Princess Minnie wasn't there like she usually is.  

The Bell castle was a sight to see with the beautiful sky. 

We ran through the castle and got a couple of pictures in front of it.


We went through Adventureland and out of Magic Kingdom.  I noticed that Candace needed to walk a lot more then we were, but I left the pace to her.  It was a girls weekend and I was having fun being with my friend that I rarely get to see.

Candace said that now that we were over half way, we were fine with time and she wanted to walk.  I was fine with that, but my quads were cramping up.  My legs are used to the combination of running and walking and I was having issues with all of the walking.  Candace told me to go on, but I didn't want to as it was a girls weekend and I wanted to have fun with her.  She said the weekend was also about the bling.

We went by this beautiful lake.  There was truly some beautiful sights that day.


Since my quads were cramping up, every so often I would stop to stretch and have Candace keep walking.  And then I'd run to catch up with her.  That seemed to be helping a lot.  As we were coming to mile 10 it was getting so hot.  I knew I was getting burned as I don't wear sunscreen when I run cause it just gets in my eyes with the sweat.  As we came up and around the exit ramp after mile 10, you could see the tons of people behind us.  I knew there was no way we would get swept even if we continued walking, but I really wanted to get done.  It was hot, I was tired, and my quads just kept cramping up.


The last few miles I really had to pee.  I didn't really want to use a port-a-potty, not that I saw any.  But also the thought of trying to pull up sweaty pants just wasn't what I was in the mood for.

We finally came into Epcot.  I don't think I have ever been happier to see the Epcot ball and know we were almost done.  We saw and heard the beautiful choir and they were wonderful as usual.


We were finally done.  I actually like the medals more then the pictures I saw before the weekend.  My quads and feet were killing me.



We got back to the hotel and showered.  Candace was leaving with her family as they were driving home to Boston.  I took the afternoon to soak in the pool and take a nap.

That evening I had a nice dinner at Narcoossee's with my friend Kelly and a few of her friends to celebrate an end to the weekend.  Dinner was so good and we could see the castle at Magic Kingdom from there.  Apparently you could see the fireworks from Magic Kingdom there, but our dinner was early.


As the dinner went on, it was taking awhile.  I was actually glad it was as it might allow us to see the fireworks.  The waiter was very nice and knowing we were celebrating the weekend, he brought us a glass of champagne.


It turned out that as we finished up desert, it was time to see the fireworks.  Because I have only been going to Disney for runDisney, I had never had a chance to see the fireworks as it usually means going to bed early to be able to get up early.  So this was a treat.  It turned out that someone on the other side got engaged.  It was sweet.  The night came to a close.  It was time for me to get back to the hotel so that I could pack for my flight in the morning.


A funny story from my trip home the next day.  My flight landed mid-morning and I got a text from Candace.  She said that they were in Richmond and she was waving to me.  I happened to be driving home from the airport.  I called her and asked where they were.  It turned out that they were a mile or two behind me on the interstate.  How funny.


You can also catch up on my vlogs from the Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

•  Hotel and Expo
• 5k and Animal Kingdom  
• 10k, Half Marathon, and Celebration Dinner

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

Princess 10k 2018 (Tuesdays on the Run Edition)

Saturday came by really quickly.  I didn't sleep well and I was exhausted from the day before.

In case you missed previous posts from the Princess Half Marathon Weekend:

• Expo
• 5k
• Animal Kingdom 

We got ready and headed to the bus stop around 3:45 AM.  There was a huge line with no buses in sight.  Thankfully after about 5-10 minutes several buses came up and we boarded one.

Candace and I were in different corrals for this race, so when we got there we parted ways and waited for the race to start.  My quad that bothered me the day before didn't bother me, but the one that was fine was bothering me while we waited.

After waiting for what it felt like forever the corals started to move to the start.  It felt like it got chillier so while we walked I found a jacket that someone ditched and put it on.  I really liked it a lot and ended up keeping it through the race.

We were soon off.  The course has a boring 3 miles before it gets into Epcot.  The roads are narrow with way too many people.  The course was just so crowded that it was just so frustrating to run more then here and there.  But at that point it really didn't matter as I was trying to walk as much as I could.

We finally made it into the park.  There was such a beautiful sunrise.


I noticed a few ladies out that had made skirts from all of their Dopey shirts.  They were kinda cute.


We went around the world and into the Boardwalk.  I totally love running the Boardwalk as there are just so many people out cheering.  It really is just heart lifting.

Heading back into Epcot, there was a lot of construction going on.  It looked like it was part of the new Skylift that they are putting in.  I think it will be a fun way to get to one area to the other.  Hopefully some great views.

I didn't stop at any of the character stops, but some of them included: Mulan, Lilo, Pocahontas & her racoon friend.  Pinocchio, stilt people, Marie from Aristicats, and baseball Goofy.  I really wish that the line for baseball Goofy wasn't so long as I would have loved a picture with him.

I did stop and got a few pictures with the Flower and Garden Festival.


And Spaceship Earth.

Finished the race and got my medal, water, and food.  I also got some ice for my knee.  It really wasn't hurting, I just wanted to preempt anything.


Even though Candace started in the coral behind me, she still finished at the same time.  We chatted for a bit and then she went strait to meet her family for breakfast and another park.  I headed back to the hotel and hung out at the hotel.  I spent the rest of the day just relaxing and spending some time by the pool.

Continue reading on to the Half Marathon.


You can also catch up on my vlogs from the Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

•  Hotel and Expo
• 5k and Animal Kingdom  
• 10k, Half Marathon, and Celebration Dinner

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

Cat Stories - Zero (Friday Five Edition)

Since it was requested to have just a post of cat pictures, I thought I'd start a series of not just cat pictures, but cat stories.  I have tons and they are all over the place.


Fist is the story of Zero.

When I was in college, I moved out of my parents house and in with my boyfriend and a friend.  I had always had dogs growing up and we all agreed that we missed having a fuzzy friend around.  We also agreed that none of us had a schedule where we could guarantee a dog would be walked throughout the day.  And even though I was a dog person, I agreed to get a cat.

My boyfriend and I went to the local pet store and found this little black kitten.  He was so cute that we got him without a second thought.  He was my baby instantly.  When I first had him, I'd hold him on my chest and he would curl up in my hair.  Since then when I would go to bed, he would curl up in my hair and sleep right behind me.


My boyfriend named him and when I heard it I thought he said Zorro, which I thought was perfect since he was a black cat.  A few weeks later he corrected me and said that it was a name of some sci-fi character.


I only had him for 2 1/2 years, so I don't have as many stories about him.  He did love the bathroom.  If I was in the shower, he was on the tub ledge watching the water.  He would sleep in the sink all the time.  He was the sweetest boy.



Do you have a pet that does something weird or different from most pets? 

I'm linking up with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for Friday Five 2.0