Boston Marathon - Before

I wanted to do a full write up of my feelings of the Boston Marathon before the bombs went off.  I'll post another one on that subject later.  But I want to remember the marathon for what it was to me during the race and how it was for me.  I worked so hard to get to this race and refuse to let that be taken away. 

Boston truly is a race unlike any other.  I haven't done that many marathons - this was my 4th but the way the city rallies around the race and those running is amazing.  Everyone I talked to in Boston was happy for me and excited that I was here running. 

We headed for Boston Commons at 6:20 to catch the bus and head up to Athlete's village.  I am amazed at how many people were running this race. 

Me, Jen, Sherry and Danny on the bus

Athlete's village.
There were 3 huge sections with tents, food, first aid, water, & lots and lots of porta potties

My little brother Danny and I before he headed off to run with wave 1.  

Thanks Delta for keeping me warm at the start of the race :)

Running the race with my sister and brother was awesome.  This was pretty much the last time I saw them since they are both very speedy but knowing we were all there was so much fun.

I ran in wave 2 corral 9. 
You leave athlete's village when it's time to head over for your wave start and walk 0.7 mile to the starting line.  There wasn't a gun that went off or anything by my wave and corral.  We just made our way to the front until it was time to start running.  Then we crossed the pad and the marathon started.

I ran the whole race with my friend Sarah

For several miles I could hear people cheering my name and when I looked around I found a friend with my same name.  I loved running with Kathy and we even texted each other after the race to make sure all was well.  I loved how friendly every single runner was and the new friends I made.

 Just running along the course having a good time.  Look at the side lines just packed with people - it was like that for 26.2 miles. 

At the top of heartbreak hill (which really was heartbreaking).  I loved the crowds on the hill - they were so loud and fun.  Boston College knows how to party.

It was a happy time when I saw the Citgo sign.  

Powering thru to the finish line

 Hooray we did it!!  I am now an official Boston Marathon Finisher!!!
I finished in 3:56 - not my best nor my worst time.  But very happy with everything about this race and being a part of something so amazing.

Sarah was smarter than me and had her name on her shirt - if you ever run this race put your name on your shirt big and bright.  You won't regret it!!

My amazing cheer leaders!

My inspiration and I after the race.  I would never have run Boston without her.  I've talked about my big sister so many times on this blog and she really is the reason I started running, set my goal, made my goal and did this race.  Thanks Sherry!!

My Favorite Housewives

I know I've said it before but I really do have the best running group in the whole world.  Be very jealous. These girls are the very best kind of friends.  Last night we had a Ragnar planning meeting (or so we tell our husbands).  Really we do a small amount of team business and a huge amount of hanging out.  We did pick our new team shirts last night and I am VERY excited about 2013's finish line outfit.  When they come I will for sure post a pic ... we are gonna be too cute!

So last night the girls gave me the sweetest note and gift for Boston.  I might have been a bit overwhelmed when they gave me this and I might have cried a few happy tears.  Now when I'm running in these stud earrings I will have all my housewives right there with me.  Thanks girls you are the best!!

In case you haven't ever seen my AMAZING housewives team.
This is our official 2012 team shot

Perfect Running Temp

Today it's cold and rainy in Provo so this morning I ran 5.5 miles on the treadmill and did my 360 fit class.  It's so fun having a low mileage taper week and letting my body just relax.  I am 1 week away from the race and as of right now the weather in Boston looks like it will PERFECT!!

I am ridiculously excited (think of a kid before Christmas) about the marathon.  If the weather really is in the 50's that will be icing on my cake!  It's my very favorite temp to run in.  Now I need to start thinking about what I'm going to wear.  Capris or skirt????


Today's 360 fit WOD:  5 wall walks, 10 box jumps, 15 pull-ups - 15 min AMRAP (I completed 5 sets and used a red & blue band for pull-ups)

Boston Playlist

In one week I will be in Boston.  I don't run with music very often since most runs I just chat with the girls.  But since I will be running Boston solo I need good music.  I love fast tempo top 40 music.  And I really love songs that remind me of people.  So if you tell me your favorite song when it comes on my playlist I'll think of you and it will help me pass the time. 

So send me lots of good song ideas please! 

Sleeping In

I am loving spring break.  It means I don't have to rush home from the gym to get my kiddos off to school.  Today I got to sleep in until 5:35 am!!  I hit the 6:00 am crossfit class then did a tempo run on the treadmill.  I didn't have to split my run into half before and half after my crossfit class and I didn't get home until almost 8:00.  

360 Fit WOD: AMRAP: push-ups, kettle bell swings (35 lbs), sit-ups, gobbler squats (35 lbs).  We did low rep scoring and I got 10-9-10-7 for a total of 36.  

Tempo Run:  6 miles total with 4 @ 7:30 pace

 

 This picture is from Monday's workout.  

Why do I look so happy doing a burpee boxjump...what is wrong with me!?!

My Mary Poppins Gym Bag

I take this bag to the gym with me every time I go.  It's small and I can hang it on the side of the treadmill so I have quick access to it.  It is filled with all my gym necessities and then some.

Here is what I have inside my little bag: a towel (isn't it so cute - my friend made it for me last year before the UV marathon), my jump rope, chalk (in the blue tupperware), tape, chapstick, advil, body glide, my nano, extra headphones, fuel and drink mixes.  So if you every need anything at the gym I've got you covered :)

What else should I have with me?

Today's Workout:  taught spin 45 minutes, cycled for an extra 30 minutes then did crossfit.  The WOD today was crazy.  15 pull-ups, 15 dumbell rows, 10 push press and 5 hand stand push-ups.  5 rounds for time.  I did my hand stand push-ups using bands upside down from the bar.  It was crazy!

I didn't recognize you...

This weekend at the gym there was a 360 fit competition.  I had no desire or the ability to compete in it but I really wanted to go watch. So for date night Friday I headed over to the gym with T and the hubby.  I had no idea just how bad I look when I go to the gym until I showed up in my makeup with my hair all prettied up.  One guy who goes to the 6:00 am class with me didn't even recognize me, another girl said "oh ... you're pretty" and the front desk guys said "you clean up well".  Ha ha ha.  I was dying.  Lucky for me it's not worth waking up any earlier than I already do to get all gussied up.  

Workout me vs. Done up me

I didn't get to go and just watch and cheer on friends we all got pulled in to judge.  I got to judge this guy and he was a machine.  He actually took home the prize for top overall male.  He was amazing!!

On Saturday I ran my last long run - 16 miles.  Now I start tapering. Today was crossfit and an easy 6 mile run.