So....summer is here for this teacher, and she is SUPER happy! :-D I don't have any huge summer plans as of yet, and I am totally fine with that! This first week out of work has been great...I've been doing some (late) spring cleaning, de-cluttering closets, trying out new recipes, spending time with my sweet husband along with seeing friends and family, you know, all the good stuff! :) :) I even have Rosetta Stone (Spanish) lessons to start next week, AND I am contemplating trying out some yoga classes in downtown Madison. I have done my own yoga routines at home, but I am wondering what it would be like to actually take classes...but I'm so clumsy, they might kick me out :-P
Hey, and on some days, I even get to "sleep in"...all the way to 7:00 a.m.! ;)
So, since my last blog, I have ran in three races, so I definitely wanted to review them and share my experiences with you briefly!
The Cookie Dash 5k! April 18th, 2015
I love this race for two very good reasons: it's a flat 5k and....COOKIES! There are sooooo many types of cookies after the race, and you know, I just love cookies! :-) I was able to shave off 20 seconds from my previous 5k PR...so I earned a new 5k Personal Record at this race. I will get under 25 minutes for a 5k one day...I am getting close! I loved seeing Katrina, Hanna, and Kayla at this race too! :) I love running with people that inspire me, and these two wonderful ladies inspire me more than they know! :)
Country Music Half Marathon! April 25th, 2015
I absolutely love this race. Last year, I ran the full marathon as a St Jude Hero, and this year, I ran the half marathon with two awesome ladies that completed their first 13.1 distance as a St. Jude Hero!
First off, I love the course. It does not stay flat, and there are plenty of turns and inclines/hills to keep you from getting bored. The spectators/volunteers are GREAT...they are so supportive and helpful. I also love how much St. Jude benefits from this. I also love that it's in Nashville...what a fun city!
The St. Jude Heroes tent and post race celebration was great...I have this race on my calendar again for next year, I'm still trying to decide if I want to do the full or half marathon course!
Kayla and Leslie, there is a half marathon in Huntsville that's nice and flat in November...you can come join me for your second half marathon race! :) :) :)
This race was actually a pretty last minute decision. I signed up for this race less than a month before it, and I am so happy that I did! The race was in May, so I was worried about it being hot. Not only that, it's hilly too! But...we lucked out on the weather, it rained and it stayed relatively cool throughout the race. I was so happy that Susan kept me company throughout the race:) The race itself was beautiful and scenic, and the aid stations were GREAT! However, this race was a challenge for me because I was having some shoe issues that ended up being a problem with how I laced my shoes. Ow, my right foot was killing me! People, how you lace your running shoes can make or break you! Here is a helpful article...Lacing Your Running Shoes
So, with different races along with 4 half marathons completed, this spring race season is over! Now, onto summer...which is the time of year where my mileage per week is not as much due to the Alabama humidity and heat! Half and full marathons will have to wait until the fall/winter/spring!
Ainsley's Angels
I only have two races that I am running this summer as of now, The "BIG" 5k at Bridgestreet on June 20th, and the Strong Girls 5k in Huntsville on July 11th, and I am excited about running with Ainsley's Angels for the first time! If you want to learn more about what they do or you want to become a runner or you know someone that would be a great captain/rider (which is inspiring and AMAZING!) click on the link. If you can help us fund raise for this cause (most likely to purchase racing strollers and other much needed racing gear for our captains/riders), following this link and donate!
DONATE HERE! :)
The money that you donate there will go directly to our captains/racers in our area! Runners, think about that feeling at your first race, a goal race, a PR race, etc...and how you FELT when you cross that finish line! There is nothing like it! And that's one of the many things that Ainsley's Angels of America is about...seriously, the summertime is usually when I start to make excuses to not run because it is soooo hot, but I know this will keep me motivated!
Since school's out, I am back to running with the Tuesday and Thursday a.m. Madison running groups from We Run Huntsville, and yes, you wake up early to meet at 5:15 a.m. to run, but wow, it really starts your day on a good note when you run with such nice and inspiring people! I am cranky when my alarms goes off, but just like last summer, I never regret waking up early to run with this awesome crew! Also, in the summer (just like last summer), I lead (well, I wouldn't say lead since I'm somewhat of a slower pace, lol!) a longer run on Saturday mornings at Bridgestreet. I remember it being like only 5-10 people, and since then, it has grown dramatically! :)
Well, I can't wait to post my next blog about racing with the Ainsley's Angel's team!
Also, I signed up for the Rocket City Marathon! Marathon #3, baby! Woo hoo!
I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer! Remember, you too can be a RUNNER! Yes, YOU!!! And as always, I am a facebook message/text/call away to answer any questions you have (there is no such thing as a stupid question!), and some helpful links are listed below!
-Holly
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