Today I went for a run on a long run road trip to Gettysburg! With the uncertainty of racing still lingering as we sign up for races, we hope for the best, train and then are left devastated when they cancel only a few weeks prior to the race. Delaware was the same story and for my running friend who had just completed a 20 miler – really huge let down. So as I searched for other races happening the same weekend the Gettysburg North-South Marathon popped up on my search. I had just ran the race in October after it had been pushed back from the previous spring. This time it was a solid “YES” race happening the planned weekend in April. Friday night, I told my friend who wanted to commit to the marathon, but was unsurw about the reviews, specifically the elevation. Does it have hills, yes. Are they terrible, not totally. So what next?

Road trip!!!

With a shortened distance on his schedule for the weekend I suggested I would take them on the course for one loop to try it out. Our roadtrip long run was born. Sunday we got up early and hit the road for Gettysburg. We parked at the start line, geared up despite the frost on the ground and took off on the North-South marathon course. No joke the 28 degree start was cold – especially in the shade. However, once we made our way onto the battlefield we hit the open fields and melted in the sun. The course loops through the quiet battlefield, onto a main drag and loops through a few farms. We made our way up and down the rolling hills, talked about random tv shows and eventually were on our last trek back through the battlefield. The temperature had climbed during the run ending up in the mid 40s. As we got back to the car we finished our run before 10:30am.

We jumped in the car and made our way back to Maryland arriving before noon. Solid Sunday morning long run executed perfectly! The next day both friends committed to the run. Who knew marathon shopping was a thing, but in this case it was a perfect solution to a still uncertain racing calendar. And I have to say, a trip to Gettysburg to run is something I have to keep in mind the next time I need a change of scenery!

Today I went for a run on new road in Perry Hall as part of my Run Throwdown challenge. I know that this might not sound like an interesting run, but it has become my favorite each week. I ask my friends what area they are looking to explore, map out a new route, print it out and off we go. Sometimes we pause to check the map and sometimes we have a phone handy to check on nearby areas that we connected with the previous week. Regardless it has become my most favorite challenge so far this year.

Today we started at the high school, looped down SilverSpring and took our route across BelAir Road for a change. One thing I try not to check is elevation. Taking on a new route means not knowing exactly what you are about to take on – including hills. This route had some hills! Talks about March Madness Brackets, Netflix series and upcoming trips distracted us from the hills and luckily our run brought to a steady, downhill finish. Solid new route and slowing checking off the roads in my town.

Today I went for a run and nailed some solid speedwork in shamrock socks! It was a muggy morning for St. Patrick’s Day, but I am not complaining! After flipping through some suggested speedwork online I pulled together a combo of hard, steady and hard. 3×400, 2 steady miles and 3×400 to finish the run. I was not sure what to expect. I have done steady speedwork and track workouts, but never a combo together.

The squad tagged along for the run and we were optimistic, but as soon as we picked up the pace it got real. First set of 400s felt good, but a little draining. Then we jumped into steady. I was hoping to hang between 8-8:15, instead we hung around 7:45/7:50. At first we went with it, but after one mile and half I was ready for the recovery time. After a brief moment to catch up we finished the last set of 400s. Overall it was a good, but tough run. I think switching gears was a great way to really test the legs and trick your mind to simulate those last few miles of a tough run. It worked. Speedwork done and time for corned beef!!!

Today I went for a run early enough to finish right before the freezing rain hit. No joke, we finished an easy four mile loop and once I got in my car the sound of cold, frozen rain hitting my windshield caught me off guard. Regardless, I was happy to get my third week of early morning runs done and a great way to ease into a new running week. I have gotten better with a routine of easy Tuesday, speedwork Wednesday and a new route Friday. It feels good getting back into something consistent and reliable. Now if only spring weather would stick around.

Today I went for a late day run after a few words from Rocky got me out the door. I’ve enjoyed not having the hustle of sports, long runs and crazy weekends that leave me exhausted before Monday. Today I hit my 8am barre class with my workout friends, came home to make a great omelette and caught the end of Rocky Balboa. So it is not a big secret – the entire Rocky series might be my most favorite movie series of all time. I remember just before my first marathon I had major jitters and my then boyfriend (now husband) told me all I needed to do was watch Rocky. Now, I had seen the movie before, but this time we both sat down on a Friday night, watched the movie and for the first time I watched it as an athlete about to take on the race of my life. From that moment on any Rocky movie could just suck me, no matter what time of day it came on tv. The grit, the perseverance and hint of doubt that Rocky has, but is careful to only share in moments of close comfort with those who truly understand him.

Today I had a great morning at barre, ran some errands and then it was time for me to commit to double digits. A late day decision meant I was running seven miles with friends the next day, so today I took on my first double digit long run in a month. It…. was….. good!!! I planned for an easy warm up and next would take on some steady miles. I was not sure what “steady” included, but since I have not held long fast paces and I had not done a long run in a while. So after three miles, with my music blasting (Aerosmith, Allman Brothers, Queen and other 70s rock) and my heart filled with “the stuff in the basement” I went for it. I took on three miles at an 8 minute pace, recovered and then did it again at a 7:54 pace. I cooled down and when that run was done, I cannot begin to explain the thrill that left me soaring for the rest of the day.

Just like when Paulie said, “It takes guts climbing back in that ring, knowing you’re gonna take a beating. You’re gonna do all right, Rocko.” And he replied, “How do you know that.”

Paulie, “Because of the stuff in the basement.”

No matter what, get back in the ring. You got stuff in the basement you might not know you even had.

Today I went for a run for keep it fresh Friday and saw my first emu! What!? What has become my favorite run of the week, Keep It Fresh Friday, did not disappoint! We started at our regular start, but instead looped down into a new development with a fresh sidewalk to connect us from the main road. After looping out we took a turn and explored “the other side of the road” and took in the area that backs up to the river. As we took the rolling hills we passed a far with a group of emu! At first I thought it was an ostrich, but then it was clear we just found emu and they were ready to run with us! We continued on and the hills increased. I really should check the elevation before jumping into these runs, but sometimes not knowing makes exploring new roads just a little bit more exciting.

Today I went for a run in beautiful weather and with a solid, speedy pace! I needed this run!!! Today I took on a new speedwork routine 3 sets of 10×100. I’m not going to lie, as soon as I started sprinting the 100 was over. So I’m not sure how people find a pace in this tough workout because you just commit and go. So we committed to three sets on our backroad track. It actually worked out perfectly so when we made the first loop, finished our last two in the set on the opposite side, it stretched perfectly for our recovery back to the start so we could do it all over again. I love the track, but with this beautiful weather and school sports coming back – it is a jammed packed area that I’m ok with avoiding. Hopefully I get to do some speedwork on the track soon, but in the meantime I’ve done three solid weeks of speedwork and it has been awesome!

And to top it off – barre class! I’m still committed to at least three workouts a week and I’m seeing the benefits!

Today I went for a run for an early morning run to meet my monthly challenge goal. This month I set out to get at least one early morning run a week before work. Sounds silly, but it was necessary. I miss my morning routines, going to work and then the bustling afternoon with kid activities. Although we are not there yet, I have hope that this will get me ready for when life starts to function a little bit like it used to before COVID. I met the squad at we hit the road for a four, early morning miles. The only downfall – it was cold! I always set my clothes out the night before, but this was an epic Weather Channel App fail. 39 was really 30 with feels like 26 coldness. Oh well. Week two of my early morning miles are done and I feel like I’m starting to find my groove again.

Today I went for a run and completed a cold 5k and 10 mile loop around DC! The last few years I have tried to lay off on big races in the spring. My favorite St Pat’s 5k/10k is not happening this year, so I found another fun 5k to squeeze in as I ease back into training. Bishop’s Events has been successful with holding races this year and this one took place on Haines Point right in the heart of DC. Only problem – no matter what time of year there is always a strong wind on that peninsula!!!!

Despite the 28 degree temperature, I lined up and started my race. I was hoping to hang onto a strong pace, but had no high hopes since I have not been really preparing for this run. I have to say I was pretty happy when I finished with a 7:28 pace with juice left to take on ten more miles in DC. No joke, that last bit I pushed forward and searched for the turn for what seemed like an eternity. In the end I was able to start at the end of my wave and truck past the other females to finish fourth female in my wave. I’ll take it.

We regrouped at the car, grabbed my water and phone before taking off for a loop around DC. To switch things up, I used segments of my favorite DC races. We hit Ohio Drive (St. Pat’s 10k and Cherry Blossom 10 Miler) the Arlington Memorial Bridge (Cherry Blossom 10 miler) Richmond Highway/Rosslyn/Georgetown/Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy (MCM) and a fun loop around the Mall because you just can’t leave out Lincoln, Washington and the Smithsonian’s. The wind along Ohio was biting and really was a force to run into for a start. I instantly regretted not putting on my thicker gloves. As we turned towards Arlington Cemetery the wind softened with the sun in our faces, but buildings and shade interrupted the warm up. The rest of the run was filled with great memories from MCM. As I looped by the Iwo Jima, Rosslyn and Georgetown it reminded me how much I missed this race route this year. I’m signed up for my twelve consecutive MCM this year which is already virtual. If it remains virtual, I will surely include more of the race route this year as a tribute to the great tour of VA/DC that has become a staple in my running since my first marathon. Although, I might have to still leave off the “beat the bridge” and Crystal City. That, no doubt, is one of the toughest stretches!!!

To top off the trip, we hit Georgetown Cupcakes after our informal half marathon was complete. When you step in the store, it was a great reminder that no matter what, you always have time to slow down and enjoy a treat. I brought home a variety of cherry blossom and St. Patrick’s Day themed treats to celebrate the Rite of Spring even if it might not be ‘normal’ just yet.