A1A Marathon

Today I went for a run and completed my 37th Marathon – the A1A marathon! It was a pretty fantastic day and I’m still beaming about what a great experience me and my husband had running this race together. First the weather for a Florida race could not have been better! The temperature in the morning was 56 degrees and had reached the 70s by time we hit the finish line. A 11mph wind pushed against us, but did not seem to matter once the sun came up.

We made our way to the shuttle that would take us to the starting line on Las Olas Blvd. The bus dropped us off at the starting line around 4:50am leaving us more than enough time to go to the bathroom and relax. We hung in the parking garage and discussed the route and our post race plans. Soon enough we lined up and took to the streets of Fort Lauderdale!!! The first two and a half miles were dark and spanned a portion of Las Olas Blvd east towards A1A. Despite the crowds and darkness we kept our footing and soon enough we hit A1A just as the sun was starting to electrify the sky with pink, yellow and orange streaks.

Taken from Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon Facebook page

We turned north on A1A and moved along the coastline sharing in the excitement of the crowd that had gathered. Next, we were turning into Birch Park and navigating the narrow path that looped the small peninsula. The west portion of the island highlighted Sunset Bay and beautiful mansions along the water. Next we weaved into middle of the island navigating canopies of beach growth, palms and South Florida greenery. The park was a hidden jungle among the white beaches and commercial area of Fort Lauderdale.

We looped out of the park and began our long haul north. Our next portion of the race stretched from mile 7 to the turn around at mile 16. We continued north keeping a steady pace. We each stopped at a bathroom and grabbed some gels for fuel. The weather remained cool as we ran in the shadows of the buildings on our right. As we hit each mile, Shawn shared stories where he hung out in early years, where certain friends used to live near Commercial Blvd and the fun they shared in his post college years. Around mile 14 I passed a runner who asked me about Team Ultra as we shared NYC Marathon experiences from last November. I shared about my plogging experience and encouraged him to apply in the Spring. It was great to hear the buzz of excitement that Team Ultra can generate at a race! He sped forward as I hung back waiting for Shawn who had made a pit stop. We looped around a small neighborhood near mile 16 and Shawn was happy to see we were hanging around 2:45 time. I took a moment to walk, stretch and shake up my legs. The sun was now pulling higher in the sky and it was heating up. I asked Shawn if I could pick it up for the last 9 miles and he encouraged me to ‘get outta here’. We kissed, causing cheers from runners behind us and police officers on the side of the road and soon I was moving onward.

I picked up the pace and hung between 9 and 9:30 for the rest of the race. It was fun as I moved forward with energy still in the tank. I let myself run. I read somewhere – run with your legs, but allow your heart to be pulled to your finish line. That is exactly how I felt. My heart was pulling me forward as I took in the beach views and passersby’s who were now out for their morning stroll. I walked around mile 20 to take my last gel and found my groove again for the final stretch. I had now reached the point where shade was gone and the sun was strong. Soon enough I was at my 22 and then 23 – right near Birch Park. I was back on the main drag of Fort Lauderdale – my favorite spot to run. I continued to pass by a few runners cheering them on as I went. One runner called to me, “Get it sister” as I replied, “Mile 25 my favorite mile marker, let’s do this!!!” I checked off the streets, 9th, 7th, Las Olas and finally I saw the turn into the parking lot.

I stretched my legs and made it to the finish. 4:21 for my fifth marathon in five months and last marathon before turning 39 years old. This has been a crazy journey and my next running challenge is hitting 40 marathons before I turn 40. Not my fastest time, not my slowest, but an incredible race that I got to share with my husband and along a familiar coast that I enjoy so much.

Bonus! Soon after I grabbed my bag and made my way back to the finish I was greeted by Shawn!!!! I couldn’t believe it – 4:27. He was only six minutes behind me and PR in his home state. Talk about a solid finish all around. Too bad our quick trip was almost over, but what a perfect anniversary – birthday – runcation- getaway it was!!!

A1A Shakeout Run

Today I went for a run on A1A in Fort Lauderdale! I finally have returned to one of my favorite running spots on this coast. We arrived in town last night and I was eager to wake up, watch the sunrise flood through my window and later hit the streets on one of my favorite routes. I headed out in cool 68 degree weather and looped the neighborhood before heading up to A1A. The sun had already cleared the ocean and was on the rise casting long shadows. I only did a four mile shake out run, but was happy to get my peaceful beach run in before our marathon tomorrow. On my return I past the soon to be finish line that already had tents popping up in preparation for tomorrow.

Our day was going to be packed with family, an expo and taking in some familiar scenes. The weather finally climbed to 80 as we made our way down to South Beach to check out the courthouse, the Super Bowl set up and a quick stroll up South Beach.

Later that evening we enjoyed a perfect italian dinner and hit the sack early because soon enough our 330am alarm would sound. I have not had many 6am races, but I’m sure when the sun is up around 10am I will be happy we started so early!

🎵10th Ave Freeze Out..🎵

Today I went for a run before school in 21 degree/feels like 16 degree weather with Shawn. This cold snap has really started to make me numb to getting up early to run (no pun intended.) We hit the road and did our normal loop. I split to get in two faster miles, to keep my streak alive, before meeting back up for our last two miles. As we get closer to our marathon on Sunday it struck me that my training will now be up in the air. As much as my body needs a break from the distance, I still really enjoy training. I think what I love most is checking off runs, hitting new paces and clapping for myself. In the end you are your biggest supporter. There’s no need to prove anything to yourself in a race, the real work is done while no one is watching. That’s when you prove what you are worth, test your strength and quiet that little voice that says, “No you can’t.”

Keep going.

MLK Day

Today I went for a run on MLK day with below freezing temperatures. It was an easy morning with coffee on the couch, the Today Show and quality time with the kids in our pajamas. Despite the early morning temperature hitting 21 degrees the wind and low sun made it feel like 13 degrees! No way. We hung out and had breakfast until Shawn asked if we were going for a run. It’s a pretty busy week, so taking advantage of the extra time today made sense. We layered up and took off. Despite my experience with running in cold temperatures, I still struggle at times to pick the right layers. Since we have had only a few cool days, I’m going to blame my error in over dressing on that. I have a great UA jacket, but I did not need the thicker long sleeve underneath. I bet I’m not alone on this struggle bus. We chatted during the run about the busy week, packing and how the weather will hopefully be warmer next weekend. Soon enough 5 miles were done and I began thawing out in the house. Bring on the week!

And on a side I saw about 5 or 6 bluebirds that followed along the sidewalk with us as we took the hill on Honeygo. They bounced from tree to tree as we made our way towards them before moving across the road. Despite the cold temperatures one bonus of running in the winter are the colorful birds you can spot a little bit easier.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/maps-range

Anniversary Run

Today I went for a run and completed my last long run before the A1A Marathon. After running the Miami Marathon last year, my husband got the South Florida Marathon bug. Running the streets of Miami and hearing stories about where he grew up, the shenanigans with friends and old family stories was a pretty awesome running experience. Not only that, but it was also pretty incredible to run a marathon with a person you love. When the Super Bowl fell in the hands of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, race dates flipped and the A1A marathon fell between both our birthdays and anniversary. Game on!

My husband will take on his fifth marathon and I’ll take on my favorite south Florida route on the A1A highway.

Today I split my run and completed the first five miles with Shawn and our friend in Kingsville. Part II I would do solo around Honeygo. Little did I know that after our run ended, my husband planned to quickly drive me and the kids over to propose near one of our favorite running spots we had just finished running. That might seem odd as we celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary today. Four years ago we decided to get married. No proposal, no big ring, no family, no big wedding – just us eloping in his home town of Miami. It was just our style. Today as we drove to the covered bridge I was slightly annoyed we weren’t heading back to Honeygo, so I could finish my long run. Instead he said, “Your mom never got a proposal and you guys weren’t part of our wedding. Today we’re going to fix that.” We pulled over and got out of the car. My husband got down on one knee and asked me if I would marry him. The kids took pictures and watched us, sharing in the excitement of the moment.

It was perfect. Our first “date” was a run after school together and next weekend we run his fifth marathon together. Today my kids took pictures and cheered us on happy to be part of our story. It took us a bit to find each other, but I couldn’t imagine not having him by my side. Life really is a marathon and I’m glad I get to run it with him.

Double Thursday

Today I went for a run after school and barre class at night. It was an extremely windy day as I laced up for an after school run. The morning news warned of gust clocked at 40mph and there I was battling the wind. I battled the wind head on and then rode it out when it favored my direction. At one point a car lingered at a stop sign and I was convinced they were watching me getting tossed around and stopped as I was being pushed towards a curb. I finished my five miles and then went to make a quick dinner for the family before barre. We had a substitute instructor, which was a great change of pace. Lunges, squats, heel lifts and planks. A perfect Thursday and way to move into Friday and a three day weekend.

Misty Miles and Thoughts

Today I went for a run before school with the guys. It was a pretty misty, foggy morning and I planned to start with the guys separate for three quick miles and then finish up the last few miles with them. It was perfect timing and I caught up with them for our last two miles back. I’m holding onto my three speedy miles a week! Lately life has been busy, but on my way to work this morning, as I battled foggy traffic, Bruce Springsteen came on the radio. It was just one of those moments when the soundtrack of your life plays while you’re deep in thought, reviewing your to do list for the day. My City of Ruins played out on the radio and the lyrics repeated, “with these hands…” and I kinda laughed to myself. Here I was thinking about my role at school, duties and tasks that needed to be accomplished for the day and Bruce was here singing to me. I had a solid run this morning and I was ready for the day. Oh what you can accomplish when you listen, reflect and act. Game on. “With these hands, I pray for the strength, with these hands… Come on Rise Up, Come on Rise Up.”

Tuesday School Group Run

Today I went for a run after school with the school group. It was classic Maryland weather that conflicted with all the weathermen and reports. Despite the promise of rain being out if the area by noon, it was misting on us for our regular Tuesday run. It has become a running joke (no pun intended) that on Tuesday Group Run, it rains. Luckily, no one ditched, we had a solid run and checked seven miles off to start the week!

Last Long Run, Its Taper Time

Today I went for a run and logged my last 15.5 mile long run before the A1A Marathon. My alarm sounded and I looked out the window to pouring rain. I think it has rained three of the last four weekends!!! I didn’t mind the extra minutes lounging and luckily the rain ended and I was laced up to run by 8am. I kinda knew the direction I was going to go, but this was the first long run I hadn’t mapped out – partially because I wasn’t all in. I like to plan and check off miles as I go, but this time I just went with it. I looped the opposite direction to start, tacked on a new road I was passing and just went with it. Despite the rain ending, warm weather and strong +15mph winds remained. Wind and hills were going to be my challenge on this run. I’m not going to lie, at first I thought I was going to run five miles and call it quits. I reasoned that I would do ten miles later in hope that the wind would die down. So I picked up the pace. I got back to my car ready to pack it up and head out. The blue skies had pretty, misshapen clouds that looked like fluffy whipped cream and at least four people walked by me walking dogs enjoying the warm day. Ugh. So I took off my long sleeve shirt, took a gel and headed out. I went south on Honeygo and the wind pushed me along. It’s funny how it felt like someone was there pushing and encouraging me to keep moving. I picked up in pace and looped back east. At this point I was downing my water and felt a little off/lightheaded. I passed a man who lost his hat in a gust of wind. He smiled and wished me well, as if he knew I was eyeing the road that went back to my car. Then I turned and hit the wind and hills hard. I guess the one good thing about going up a hill – you must go down. I continued on looping, hitting new roads and trying to distract myself. Each turn more winds and hills. Eventually I made my way to my car for a water refill – mile 9.5. How was I only at ten miles!? But I went back out. I made it this far and I couldn’t stop now. I kept moving and I flew through three more quick miles. I kept thinking just get through a half marathon and then take it easy. I finally was back at my car 15.5 miles done. It was a tough run, not one that makes me proud. My legs felt great, but my energy lacked, I drank a ton of water and my chest felt heavy. I guess humidity and the warmer temperature could have caused it, but it was tough. My last three long runs have been rough and lethargic. All various speeds, terrains, locations, elevation and temperatures. Maybe it is my body just asking for a little rest from my beloved marathon. Regardless, I didn’t stop. I didn’t give up. I’m thankful for the wind that helped me, the people who greeted me and the saying on my wrist – “she believed she could.”

Warm January Saturday

Today I went for a run in shorts and a tank top!!! A busy morning left me to snag a late afternoon run before the sunset. I laced up, turned up the tunes and headed out. I’m almost ready to taper so I’m getting in my last big mile week before my marathon. I’ve searched and found tons of marathon plans that push runners to hit 50-60 at peak weeks. That’s a lot when you’re juggling work, kids, kids schedules, maintaining house and life. My long runs have not been stellar lately, but my speedwork has made me feel a little better. I think it’s a sign I’m ready to sit back and enjoy some shorter distances before the fall marathon season. But really, I’m excited about going to Ft. Lauderdale with my husband to run the A1A Marathon. It will be a fun trip to mark our fourth anniversary, a visit to see family and always fun to see where he grew up. And wouldn’t be cool if the Ravens make it to the Super Bowl! The Baltimore vibe will be strong!