Last year when we were in the early stages of wedding planning, we gave our Disney Wedding consultant what we thought was a completely ridiculous request. After several weeks of back and forth, we were finally approved for the THIRD EVER ceremony to happen in Disney's Animal Kingdom!!! We were given very limited options for dates and times, but one in particular stuck out to me - February 26 - for two specific reasons: 1. It's my Grandpa Ed's birthday 2. Isn't that Princess Weekend?!!! If you've been reading my blog for a while, you probably aren't the least bit surprised that I planned my wedding around both a race and a Disney trip. I could probably write a whole blog post about how much fun planning a Disney wedding was, including the backstage tours, meeting with our chefs in the Epcot kitchen, cake tasting, evacuating during Hurricane Irma.... But anyways, let's skip right to one of the first events of our wedding weekend - Princess 10k! We decided to go to the expo on Thursday (mostly because we were able to get Flight of Passage fastpasses on Friday). The expo started at noon, but we got there about a half hour early and were able to get right in to pick up our packets and shirts with no wait! I was surprised that we earned a spot in A corral -- that was a first for me! As is typical for RunDisney, the race started so early in the morning. We were dressed and in line for a bus by 3:40 am. The ride from Riverside to the start area was quick and uneventful. We did a few laps around the Epcot parking lot to get a 10 minute warm up in, and that's when I realized I forgot to bring a Gu with me. I had originally planned on racing this, but decided to just have fun due to the high humidity. We got to the start area wayyyy too early and had to wait before we could even get to our corral. After what seemed like forever, we watched the fireworks go off and it was finally time to start!!! Miles 1 & 2- 8:44, 8:35 The pace felt easy despite having to spend much of the first mile weaving through other people. I had forgotten how so many walkers cheat the system to start in the first corral - easily my least favorite part about Disney races. This part of the course wasn't terribly exciting or memorable. There were a couple characters and an enormous tv that I think was playing Moana. Disney has a magical way of making those boring highway miles go by fast ;) Mile 3 - 8:43 During this mile, we were able to watch a couple other corrals start. Yay fireworks! We finally reached backstage Epcot and got to the World Showcase and IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!! This is the first race I've done that went through there and I was thrilled! It is super pretty and I don't remember ever seeing all the countries lit up like that. Truly a unique experience that made the race so worth it! Running through Italy was so exciting, seeing where our first dance was going to be and looking for spots that would be good for wedding pictures. Mile 4 - 8:54 On to the Boardwalk! Did I mention I've never run here before? There were a couple small hills that took maybe 20-30 seconds to climb. I enjoyed all the spectators that were out cheering us on! IT WAS JUST MAGICAL!! Miles 5 & 6 - 8:59, 9:16, 8:07 kick pace I've never been a front of the pack runner before, so it was really special for me to experience the World Showcase and the last little bit through Future World without much of a crowd. When we ran through the UK, Jamie and I made sure to point out where our dessert party would be later that night! We stopped in front of the ball for a picture, but got yelled at by the photographer for jumping :( As always, the on course entertainment was a blast and we quickly made our way to the finish line! 10k in 55:26, 8:55 average pace
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Last Saturday, I ran Richmond Half Marathon! I had originally registered for the full but it turned out training with a baby was way too much for me, and I dropped back to the half a couple months ago. I am so glad I made that decision because I achieved some huge goals in Richmond!
Jamie and I traveled with a couple of our besties, Wes and Andy. We arrived in Richmond on Thursday and stayed at the most adorable hotel ever, Quirk Hotel. We picked it because it was only a few blocks from the start line, and it turned out to be the most perfect place.
Thursday evening we went for a shakeout run and did some carb loading at Tarrant's Cafe. On Friday, we did some touristy things and went to the expo which was small and uneventful. Later that night, we laid out our flat runners and got to bed early - Emmy went to Grammy's for the weekend so we were able to sleep all night!
We woke up bright and early on Saturday, ready to race!! All 4 of us walked to the corrals together, but the half marathon started one street over. I found my way to corral C and tried my best to keep warm until the race started - it was 24 degrees at the start! My plan for the race was to hold 9:00 pace as long as I possibly could to see if I could break two....
Miles 1 & 2 - 8:57, 8:58
Off to a great start! The first two miles flew by. I was feeling good, although a little cold. There were a few sections of road construction where I had to watch my footing so I didn't fall.
Mile 3 - 8:53
My pace doesn't reflect how I was feeling this mile. We reached an overpass that was our first hill and it took everything for me to not walk. You see, my last double digit long run was about a month and a half before the race, and I wasn't feeling terribly confident in my ability to finish.
Miles 4 & 5 - 9:00, 9:06
The course went through a cute little neighborhood with great crowd support. I kept making deals with myself. I decided to finish my first gu before I would consider a walk break; I started the gu at 4.5 and took about a mile to get it down.
Mile 6 - 9:01
Part of the course did a big loop around a park, so we got to see all the fast runners here. I saw the 1:30 and 1:35 pace groups, and kept my focus on the other runners instead of my own tired legs.
Mile 7 - 8:53
Lots of downhill on this mile!! I was trying to be cautious on the hills because I had a feeling all those downhills meant we would have to go right back up....
Miles 8 & 9 - 9:14, 9:02
UPHILL. Not feeling like running anymore. When we finished the park loop, I focused on the runners just entering the park. I knew I had finished most of the uphills and the course headed back towards the river around mile 10.
Mile 10 - 8:58
I tried my hardest to hang on to 9:00 minute pace. It felt like I was slowing a lot, and I was surprised I was still on pace when I looked at my watch. I started my last gu, which ended up taking me almost a mile and a half to finish.
Miles 11 & 12 - 9:01, 9:09
I did a lot of math the last couple miles to keep my mind busy. What would my time be if I held 9:00 to the finish? Could I break two if I manage 10:00 for the rest of the race? What mile was Jamie at?
I was expecting this part of the course to be obviously downhill, but there were still some rolling hills. Mile 13 - 8:51 and 7:04 kick
A little hill, and right turn, and I SAW THE FINISH. All downhill and I flew the last half a mile! Kick kick kick! I didn't believe my watch when I saw my time crossing that finish line.
1:58:11
I DID IT!!! I went into the race not sure if I could even run the whole thing, and I ended up PRing!! The course was a little hilly (nothing compared to Pittsburgh), but I loved it! I fought so hard for that sub two and the majority of it was mental.
I had to hike back up the hill to get back to the hotel, and took a long hot shower to thaw out after that cold race. The boys made their way back after they finished - a marathon PR for Jamie and Andy - then we went out for drinks and food. The rest of our weekend was mainly focused on food, relaxing, and Cards of Humanity. What a great weekend! :) I spent much of my final run of the year reflecting on 2016 and the changes it's brought. At the end of the year, I usually feel relieved it's over, glad I made it through, but this year was different for me. 2016 was filled with so many beautiful experiences, challenges, and surprises that allowed me to grow in new ways and changed my perspective on many aspects of my life. This year, I learned how to follow my heart and listen to my instincts. I learned how to let go and how to give others the love they deserve, and most importantly, I learned how to love myself despite any self-described flaws, weaknesses, and imperfections. I know this will continue to be a process, but I couldn't be more proud of the person I am today. This year, I made peace with my past and am so excited to see what the future holds for me. I'm so thankful for the people who always supported me during a time when I felt lost and confused and unsure of who I was. It's crazy how much of a difference a year makes. At the very beginning of 2016, I had a blast in Disney World with two of my favorite people in the whole wide world! In March, we closed on our first home, and in May, we found out we were pregnant! In August, Jamie and I traveled to Vancouver and Seattle. My sister got married in November! I feel like that barely touches on my year. There were so many celebrations and even a few struggles along the way as we learned how to balance our relationship, running, and preparing to become parents! Then of course, there were many successes in running during the year.... During 2016, I ran 922.07 total miles (the rounding must be off on Smash Run), which fell short of my 1,212 goal. Given the fact that I'm closing out the year at 37.5 weeks pregnant, I'm pretty proud of getting that many miles in! I was only 29 miles under 2015, and I'm impressed I was able to come that close despite pregnancy and not running any marathons this year. My average pace for 2016 was 10:29, compared to 11:00 in 2015, 10:58 in 2014, and 11:18 in 2013. I ran on average 3.7 days a week, and although this was a little below my goal of 4 days a week, it was still my highest average for any year so far! My best month was April, with 121 total miles and a 9:40 average pace. In 2016, I ran in seven states/provinces: Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Washington, British Columbia, South Carolina, and two countries: the US and Canada! I completed 18 total races (I was pregnant during 13 of them!) - including five half marathons, three 10ks, and six 5ks. I ran my fastest mile (7:42), a half marathon PR (2:03:54), a 10k PR (56:37), and a 5k PR (26:06). I placed second in my age group at a 5k on July 4th - I was 12 weeks pregnant! My best race (both this year and in my whole life) was by far Choo Choo Nine Miler in April. I loved that race and felt so strong during it! I also earned my Half Fanatics after running half marathons on back to back weekends. Here's to so many wonderful memories during 2016, and hopes that 2017 has a chance at topping this year!
So far 2016 has been a year of new beginnings, and I am so thankful for having many new opportunities and friends who support me 100%. Without turning this into a typical Sappy Alyssa blog post... some really spectacular things are happening in my life right now. And not even just in running! I have something HUGE happening next Tuesday that I'd rather wait until it's official to post about but I literally cannot contain my excitement!!! :D I've been running much more consistently since a close friend became my running coach back in November (and eventually started dating said coach-friend, but that's a story for another day). Once I started increasing my miles, I also increased my pace a little without much effort. I'm slowly adding a tiny bit of speed work and I have some seriously ambitious goals for my upcoming races!
I honestly think that I used to be too scared to push myself too much - as soon as I'd get uncomfortable, I'd back off. But things have changed so much now that I'm realizing that nothing bad is going to happen... and instead, good things are happening. I love my little legs :)
I'm having the hardest time believing 2016 is only a few days away! Looking back on 2015, I've accomplished so much, both in my career and in running. I put together something really fabulous in Tableau to analyze running data, including distance, pace, mileage on my shoes, which days of the week I run, etc. #DataDork I ran TWO marathons, and ten other races. I have a new 10k PR of 57:00, I ran in five different states (Ohio, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Illinois), and I ran over 100 miles in four different months (August, September, November, and December). I came pretty close to my goal of running 1,000 miles during the year - I should hit 950 after my last two runs - and I'm really proud of how close I came! I've been really consistent with running four days a week and even had a few weeks where I ran five days. I made so many new running friends and had so much fun at all of my races this year! I'm really looking forward to 2016 :D I'm starting 2016 off with a brand new pair of the same shoes I've been wearing since July (Mizuno Wave Riders), but I got the pink ones this time. I'm running a 5k on new year's day, and Disney half the following weekend. My race outfit for Disney is put together (minus a possible hat or headband), and I will probably post a picture of it on insta sometime this week! I've already planned nine races for the year, but for some reason Athlinks won't let me add them all to my events. I haven't decided on any races for the fall yet so I'm sure I'll end up doing quite a few more than that. 16 in 2016?! Maybe! I have some ambitious goals for 2016! Half marathon PR Run 1,212 total miles Run 209 times - the equivalent of 4 days a week Race with my best friend Nicole! Increase my average distance (5.41 miles in 2015) Keep average pace under 11:00 Don't miss more than two days in a row unless I'm sick Get my half fanatics Run lots of fun races with pretty medals :) Catch up on my race bib scrapbook I feel like I should also mention that training for Disney half has been going really, really well! My longest run was 13.56 miles, and I had five other long runs over 10 miles in the last two months. Weekly mileage has been somewhere around 25 miles, and I did hit 30 miles one week! I've been super speedy, at least compared to how fast I used to be. I am definitely hoping for a PR in Disney!
Happy 2016!! xoxo A The last month and a half of my life have taught me the following things: 1. I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Love ya, Marilyn! So glad you understand! 2. My friends are the most wonderful, loving, supportive people in the world! I owe gigantic thank yous to everyone who stayed up all night with me, forced me to go out for cupcakes and yoga, and made me realize how truly blessed I am. It took a few weeks for it to actually sink in that I finished a marathon; it just didn't feel real at first. I ran 26.2 miles with no sleeping or eating the days leading up to the race. Looking back, I can't believe I even made it to the start line! I'm so proud of how huge of an accomplishment that was. I earned every single second of that PR!
Running feels magical again. I recovered from this marathon so quickly, and got right back into long runs. I ran a 5k race with a couple awesome friends two weeks after the marathon (finished in 28:36!), and my long runs are back up to 10 miles as of Saturday. I've been focusing more on enjoying my runs instead of on how far or fast I'm going, but I've actually been getting speedy again! I think my favorite distance is 10-13 miles, but I haven't entirely given up on my marathon career yet. I've also been doing lots and lots of yoga lately. My favorite poses right now are lizard and dancer's pose. I seem to be doing those every single day. I've also been trying to add inversions to my practice, so right now that just means handstands against the wall, but I've made a lot of progress and can hold myself up for a decent amount of time! I have a lot of exciting things coming up! I registered for a few races, including a 15k this weekend. I'm so incredibly thrilled about my Disney trip with Ashley and Amanda -- I already have outfit ideas for the race! I will also have to start making plans for my first international race soon - SeaWheeze in Vancouver. I feel like I've come so far in such a short period of time. Everything is inspiring again. I love running again. I have so much to look forward to and I feel so grateful for everything in my life and... I'm happy. I guess I just needed to take a step back to realize all of that. :)
I've gone back and forth over whether or not I should even post anything about last weekend's marathon. As much as I try to stay positive, I'd also like to keep it as real as possible. The last few weeks have been full of ups and downs, and the days leading up to the marathon were very, very difficult for personal reasons. I knew going into the race that I wasn't going to be able to pull off what I trained so hard for. I at least get points for looking super cute, right?
The race itself was everything I had hoped for. The course was beautiful (and flat!), the entertainment along the course kept me going, and every single spectator made me smile. The weather was perfect for running a marathon; it was a little chilly in the morning and I probably didn't need a long sleeved shirt but it worked out just fine. I ran the first 10 or so miles with my friend Chris, who did a great job of keeping me motivated that far! Through the angel mile and up past the Nationwide buildings into the Short North, I was actually feeling pretty good physically - that's where I ran my fastest splits. I saw lots and lots of friends out running and cheering me on. I didn't walk until past mile 19, and ended up walking the majority of miles 23 & 24 - compared to first walking at mile 12 of my first marathon and walking most of miles 18-26. I managed a 25 minute PR and broke five hours for the first time!
I just didn't feel right. I was so emotionally drained and I never got a runner's high during this race. I'm so proud of myself for even showing up to the start line, but part of me is so disappointed for not accomplishing what I trained so hard for.
For now, I'm focusing on putting one foot in front of the other, and not letting myself look back. On to better things.
Last month, I ran the Santa Race 5k in Gahanna with a few of my friends. It was definitely the worst weather I've ever experienced during a race; it was cold, rainy, and windy. We still managed to have a lot of fun! :) Splits - Mile 1: 8:41 Mile 2: 8:56 Mile 3: 8:58 .03 on Garmin: 0:27 Official Time 26:46, an average pace of 8:41 This race was a new 5k PR for me! I was so excited!! I won a gift certificate for my adorable outfit (ugly Christmas sweater and sparkle skirt... always a good combination). I also won first place in my age group -- they announced my name for the award but looking at the results now, I actually came in second place. The other girl must have left before they gave out the awards. Anyway, I'm not telling the last part of that story, and my first place plaque is hung proudly on the wall. :) At the end of 2013, I set a goal to finish 14 races in 2014. Today, I finished the fourteenth race! I'm having the hardest time picking a favorite race because I'm so proud of myself for every single one! I can honestly say I gave all of these races 100% effort and had so much fun during all of them!! In 2014, I PRed 5k, ran my first half marathon, and starting training for my first full marathon. I did my first virtual race, joined a running club, and gained a pretty collection of running medals. :) Now, it's time to start thinking about my 2015 races. I don't want to race quite as much as a did last year, and instead would like to focus on marathon training and building my mileage. Finish my first full marathon!
Sub 1:00 10k Beat my first 5k time of 36:07 by 10 minutes Race with Charlie Run my first 100+ mile month Explore different parks and trails Run a sub 8:00 mile 1,000 miles in 2015! (This is possibly unrealistic) Consistently run 4x a week Two weekends ago, I completed my fourth half marathon! This very was the very first one I didn't travel to, so I was happy getting to rest the days leading up to the race. Since I work a few blocks from the start/finish line, I knew exactly how to get there and where to park, and I had access to real bathrooms before I started! I made it to Corral B with plenty of time, and started off nice and slow. I really didn't think I would be able to finish as quickly as I did! I beat my old PR of 2:30:26 by over eighteen minutes. Overall I was thrilled with how fast I was, but I wish I could have cut 3 seconds off of mile two! Oh well, next time, every single split will be under 11 minutes. I really loved the course and loved giving high fives to all the Patient Champions. I cried through all of mile 11 (The Angel Mile - in memory of all the kiddos that didn't finish their race). The medals weren't there yet when I crossed the finish line, but after reading all about The Medal Mishap, I have forgiven the poor race director. I ended up having to push my way through the crowd at the PR gong to get my medal (and unwrap it myself and put it over my own stinkin' head).
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Hello, my name is Alyssa!I'm a momma to Emerson Lilly and two fur babies, a distance runner, and just a girl full of sparkle and quirks. I love traveling to races and exploring new places to run! I started this blog in 2014 as more of a journal to keep track of training for my first marathon, and I've continued to post about training, races, and other things happening in my life. Also, I'd like to be your best friend. :) Categories
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