Training Update.... Shamrock Marathon

I've decided to run the Shamrock Marathon this March, while I'm in Virginia Beach for a BibRave Summit. Basically, BibRave Pros are raiding Virginia Beach so that we can all hang out, and meet IRL, and run all the miles. At first, I was considering the half, but I haven't trained for a marathon in the winter for awhile, so why not?

Training started this week. 

The race has a super generous time limit, so it is all about logging the miles, and stressing about my pace. I have a bunch of races planned between now and then, so I had to fiddle with my plan a little bit, but it's ready to go! I just got my new journal for 2020, and once I've got the calendar portion all set, I will write in my plans in erasable ink. 

I love this journal! I have had it in past years, but this year I tried a new one, didn't love it, learned my lesson, and went back! I chose orange for BibRave, but also because I love the message. I am competing. With myself. I am the only one that matters!

What races will I be sprinkling throughout my training? 

I am running the Zooma Amelia Island Seaside Challenge this weekend, which is a 5k and a half marathon. 

Two weeks after that, I am running the Wine and Dine challenge, which is a  10k and a half marathon.

Two weeks after that, I am running the Charlotte Marathon 5k, and then I am spectating the half and full marathon. I do this every year, in some form, I have done the half marathon in the past as well.

The week after Charlotte, I am doing the Crooked Road Ultra. My plan is to aim for 26.2, and then, if I don't already want to die, aim for a 50k. I have 24 hours to do it, and I have friends who will be there to keep me motivated. Plus, we camp, which is always fun.

Two weeks after that, my 5k Crew will be running the Gingersnap 5k. It is a GOTR race, and should be a blast. I will do my long run on a Thursday that week.

The week after that will be my 3rd Kiawah Half Marathon. A huge group from my running club goes every year, so it should be fun!

A couple months after Kiawah, I will be running NOLA. I haven't registered yet, but the hubs is super excited, so I am kinda stuck. There are worse things to be stuck with!

Two weeks later is Hot Chocolate Charlotte. I will be doing the 15k for the third year in a row, which means bonus swag! Woohoo!!

One week later, on Leap Day, is the Jail Break Half. I will be adding a new state to my map, since it is in Texas, and a bunch of my besties are going, so it will be a great time!!

Two weeks of tapering follow that race and them I am running Shamrock. Don't worry, I squeezed an 18 miler and two 20 milers in there as well, so I will be prepared! There is also a trail 5k and a turkey trot thrown in on weekdays as well!

Do you have any fun races coming up? Any big plans?

NYRR Virtual Halfway There 13.1

I ran the NYRR Virtual Halfway There 13.1 Powered by Strava as part of being a BibRave Pro (ambassador). Check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.

I love virtual races, and I know I talk about them a lot. They are an amazing motivator during a stagnant training season, and a fun way to earn badges, swag, or bragging rights. NYRR is hosting some virtual races this year for FREE, and the Halfway There 13.1 was one of them. Yesterday was the last day to participate, but keep reading for info on the next event!

I decided to run my miles yesterday because my club was doing a preview of the first half of the Charlotte Marathon. A few days ago, a couple of my runners told me that they couldn't make it into the city, so we decided to keep it closer to home. This is just one of the amazing benefits of a virtual race.... you can do it anywhere at any time!

It was a perfect morning for a long run, cool enough out that I wore leggings and a short sleeved shirt. It was glorious, I'm not gonna lie!

My runners each had 9 miles to do, but since the whole club was in Charlotte, we had no course support. I planned a sort of figure 8 course so that we looped back to the start around mile 6, just in case we needed to refill our water bottles at the water fountain. Then we would continue on to do another 3 mile loop. One of my runners was struggling with her IT band, so she stopped at mile 6 (so glad I planned the route that way!) and the rest of us made a last minute decision to run the last 3 on the nice flat greenway. 

We completed the 9 miles, and then I finished on my own. I maybe wasn't paying much attention and ran a little extra.... but I did get to see a cute little deer, thanks to a very attentive pup that was staring her down.

I love getting badges. It's the little things, y'all.

I had a friend snap a pic for me. A girl needs a finisher photo, especially when she looks cute.

I celebrated with some chocolate milk and breakfast at Starbucks. Plus, no race traffic to contend with on my way home. Winning!

The next event is the Turkey Trot, and I haven't decided when I will ne doing that one. I have from November 23 until December 1, so I may use part of the 24 hour ultra that I am doing the week before Thanksgiving. Since it is a 5k, I have a few chances to knock it out.

Want to join me? It's a free event, so you should!!! Check out the details here!

When will you Trot your 5k??

Flat Mama Friday, NYRR Virtual Racing Halfway There 13.1

Tomorrow morning, I will be getting together with my pace group for a training run, that will end up being my NYRR Virtual Racing Halfway There 13.1 race. Technically I finished it while I was in Berlin, but I chose this weekend for the official event, so I will be running 9 miles with my ladies and another 4.1 on my own.

Did you finish your Halfway There 13.1 yet?

Wordless Wednesday Ragnar Edition

Charlotte Marathon Relay and 5K

***I am promoting the Charlotte Marathon Relay and 5k as part of being a BibRave Pro (ambassador). Check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.***

When I found out that BibRave was partnering with the Charlotte Marathon for the Relay and the 5K, I was ecstatic. I am already registered for the 5k, as this race weekend is the goal race for my Running Club, the PG Speed Demons. Two of the runners I coach will be running the half marathon, and members of my club (Run Far, part of a local running store chain, Run For Your Life) so I will be spectating both the half and the full after I finish my 5k. 

The Charlotte Marathon basically takes over Charlotte, NC on November 16th, with the race going past Panther's Stadium, Charlotte Knight's Stadium, and so much more! You'll hardly even notice the hills (that's a lie, train for those hills), it's so scenic! 

The expo is always fun, with lots of local vendors, race vendors, and more. They hold it at the Convention Center, conveniently located next to the NASCAR Museum and my favorite bakery, Amelie's. 

There is always a huge group of runners from RFYL, so keep a peep out for them, and cheer them on!

There is also plenty of places to eat afterwards, since the start5/finish area is so centrally located!!

Join me!

You can use the code BIBRAVERELAY for $25 off of your team registration....

or BIBRAVE5K for $5 off of the 5K registration...

What race will you be running at the Charlotte Marathon?

Wordless Wednesday