AZ Rock n Roll Review

Wow -- it's February already!  A few weeks ago I ran the AZ Rock n Roll half marathon in Tempe.  I've run this race about 9-10 times, but this was the first time on the new, non-shuttle course.  It was awesome!  Perfect weather, friendly faces, and very easy access to the start and finish.  I also ran a decent race -- not a PR, but a solid race.  I ran a 1:38 and felt good the whole time.  That was the best part -- nothing hurt! It felt effortless. 

Well, since the spring semester has started, there is not much racing on my calendar.  It's just too hard to get away during the semester.  I'll keep building my base and try to stay injury-free.  Hopefully I'll have more time this summer to commit to some real training.  Until then, I'm just running for fun!

Aloha 2014!

I love this time of year!  I like looking back and looking ahead at the same time.  So for this post I decided to put a little twist on a familiar tune as part of my preview and review.

On the 12th Day of the New Year

here's what I discovered 2013 gave to me

12 Karma & Kindness Posts

11 days in Hawaii

10 months of healing

9 the leg I hope to run in the 2014 RTO

8 pairs of running shoes

7 running blogs followed

6 charities supported

5 races only!

4 PhD courses completed

3 new running buddies

2 super fun relays (and 2 second places!)

and 1 gung ho attitude for a fun New Year!

Karma & Kindness Post #12

This Karma & Kindness post is dedicated to good Samaritans everywhere!

Last week a few running buddies joined me for my annual Jingle Bell Run.  We donned our warm and reflective running apparel and jingled our way to a neighborhood with an amazing light display.  I love Christmas lights almost as much as I love running -- needless to say, it's one of my favorite events!  Not only does this neighborhood brighten Reno with its Christmas spirit, but there is also a donation center set up.  Click here for more details.  Running is not required to enjoy the show.  But it is recommended!  ;)  Happy Holidays!

 

Turkey Trot Review

I can't believe it's December already!  Wow!  Anyway -- I ran a turkey trot in Dana Point this year since we spent Thanksgiving with my family in California.  It was awesome!  I highly recommend this race if you're ever in the Dana Point area for Thanksgiving.  It was my first race in a while -- since the relays back in June.  I didn't feel very race-ready actually.  I had only done one speed workout since who knows when.  And, I twisted my ankle pretty badly just 2 weeks before Thanksgiving.  I ran with my nephew.  It was his first official 10K.  We were in the second starting wave, so we had to do quite a bit of weaving during the first couple of miles.  There were about 17,000 people; so needless to say, it never really thinned out much.  It was a great course, though, and perfect racing weather!  Click here for the results -- bib # 7184.

So, now it's time to get serious and 

get into a training plan for my half in January!

Karma & Kindness Post #11

This Karma & Kindness post is dedicated to my awesome family

I am so proud of my Jackers!  He ran his first 5K this morning, and he ran the whole thing!  He wanted to stop and walk a few times, but he dug down deep and kept running!  I am also proud of my husband, Dave, for joining us.  Running is not really his thing, but supporting us is.  He not only came out with us, but he ran it as well.  We might have a new family hobby!

Anyway -- it was a great way to start a beautiful fall day.  I'm looking forward to the Run for Education again next year and hope others will join us in all the fun.  It's a great cause, too!  Check out the link (click here) when you have a chance.

 

First Snow!

Yep -- you're reading this right!  It is October 28th, and the title says First Snow.  Yikes!  (By the way, thanks for reading!)  I actually don't mind running in the snow -- or the sun, or any type of weather really.  One of the best things about winter running is getting new gear!  Or at least checking out what's new.  I tend to prefer half-zip pull-overs.  But, I've got my eye on a couple of new items for this winter.  These are from Athleta.

What is your favorite running store?

Karma & Kindness Post #10

This Karma & Kindness post is dedicated to all my GOTR friends!

 If you had more free time -- regular, carved out time, not just time to sneak in a nap -- what would you do?  Helping out Girls on the Run, one of my favorite non-profit organizations, is near the top of my list.  The goal of GOTR is to help instill strong values through a healthy lifestyle.  Based on the news lately, some of today's youth seem to be lacking strong values.  Please join me in supporting this awesome program.  And keep your fingers crossed for an epic ski season this year!