Fit Chick in the City » race

Rock’n’roll

Jess — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:05:47 +0000

Have any of you ran any of the Rock’n'Roll series of races? I love these races. In 2008 I ran the Country Music 1/2 Marathon in my home town. It was a spectacular race. The organization of the weekend’s race events could not have been better. I also set my 1/2 marathon PR on this course.

Post race w/ my Mom, Brother, SIL, niece and nephews.

If you’re looking for a race for early next year they have just announced a new race in this series, The Rock’n'Roll Mardi Gras in New Orleans. There is no doubt that this race will be one big party. The 1/2 marathon and full marathon will take place on February 28, 2010.

If you sign-up for either race by 9/30 and use the code “ROYAL” you’ll save $10 your entry fee.

Gratitude

Jess — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:23:20 +0000

I was so looking forward to an easy trail run today, but my legs said “NO!” Yesterday’s, race took everything my quads had to offer. It seems I really did give it my all during the race. The most interesting muscles that were screaming during my run today were my obliques. I’ve had sore abdominal muscles after long runs with lots of downhills, but never from a 4-miler!

The 5-mile trail run turned into a 1.5 mile run and a 3.5 mile walk. During the run portion of my workout, I really started to think about my legs and my running life. I decided that I wanted to write a letter to my legs just like the Dove Campaign that Angela introduced us to on her blog.

Dearest Legs,

I hope you can forgive me for all the mean and horrible things I’ve said to you over the years. I’ve called you fat, jiggly and stubby. I’ve used words to describe you that should never be muttered out loud. I’ve wished for a different pair. A longer, leaner pair that will fit into skinny jeans, one that allows me to look like a gazelle while running.

I’ve repeatedly asked the impossible of you. I’ve asked you to run mile after mile when you didn’t want to. I’ve asked you to bike, ski, climb, sprint, squat, lunge and jump in an effort to make you stronger, faster and fitter. You’ve done nothing but perform on demand time and time again.

In 20 years of running you’ve only rebelled with 3 running related injuries. Day in and day out you keep me happy and sane. You allow me to live the life that allows me to love life. You’ve allowed me to express anger, tears and joy by allowing me to run year after year.

Every night when I say my prayers I thank God for you. When people ask me what I’m thankful for in life your always on my top 10 list. You may not be the strongest, longest or prettiest pair of legs the world has ever seen, but you’re perfect the way you are!

I guess its the fall like weather that reminds me of our first cross country season in 7th grade and is the reason for my sentiment. You were there for me then and you’re there for me today. Thank you and keep up the good work! I’m forever grateful for all that you do for me despite my evil words and harsh demands.

Last Minute Race

Jess — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:22:26 +0000

I’m super excited because on Saturday I’ll be lacing up my sneaks for a 4 mile race! When I noticed there were still spots available earlier today, I decided to sign-up. NYRR races are capped and usually fill up before race day.

I love love love four mile races in Central Park. It may be my favorite distance to race. Its much less painful than a 10k and yet longer than a 5k (my least favorite distance to race). I feel like I can push myself to my max, then just when I feel like I can’t push the pace any faster for any longer the race is over. LOVE IT!!!

The race is a part of The Fitness® Mind, Body, Spirit Games. This is always a fun event with lots of cool giveaways.

I just looked at my NYRR history and I haven’t completed a race since last November. All NYRR races use a seeded corral system to ease congestion at the start. Placement in corrals is based on your NYRR race history. My goal for this race is to not blow my current corral placement. It turns out, that I was in pretty good shape for that last 4-mile race and somehow I managed to pull off a 7:38 pace. Clearly there was a tail wind.

What’s your favorite distance to run/race?