Holy Infant Shamrock Shuffle 5k

March 4th, 2017

I have been eager to get another race in after not being able to do one in February. And I signed up for this in February as a quick 5k that was close to home that I could do while Corey was out of town. Come to find out an old co-worker of mine and his wife run this one every year, so I figured I would at least look for them. I was also told there was a pretty awesome after party with food trucks, music and drinks, so that may be fun.

Leading up to the race I have been having hip and an old IT band injury flaring back up. I was worried but stubborn, so I had been running about 6 miles every other day and just walking in between and it seemed to be bearable. With the race on Saturday morning I ran Wednesday and then just walked on Thursday and Friday to make sure I could run. I also knew I hadn't run outside or in a race in awhile, so I wasn't expecting an amazing time or to even feel good, but if you're reading this, and are a runner...then you know how much adrenaline can drive you.

The morning of the race it was a little chilly, but I would be fine in capris and a long sleeve with a tank top underneath). I picked up my packet that morning and took it back to my car and sat there for a little bit. The weather was warming up a little bit (but I still wore the long sleeve). At the start line I realized this would be a fun run, there were a lot of children around (because the race was at a parish and school - so there were a lot of families and who doesn't love seeing that at races!) I lined up, and as I was standing there stretching a little bit I saw my old co-worker on the sideline.  I didn't want to leave where I was so close to the race, but I knew they were there so I figured I would find them after the race. 

The race started off as any other...crowded and pushy.  I finally got through and started running at a steady pace (which at mile 1 told me I was around a 7:40 - definitely not what I was expecting!).  I knew in my head that I could slow down, so I did....but that adrenaline and the people watching on the sidelines kept me going. I was doing alright with the little hills going up and down and at one point I realized I was running by the parking lot...holy moly I was almost done and had kept up my 7:40/7:45 pace and still wasn't hurting!  I rounded the corner and saw a lot of families waiting and cheering people on, so I sprinted to the finish looking up to see my time...23 min even!! That was a PR for sure.  I was psyched. I went and checked my time on the results board and saw I was in 3rd place for my age group...really...ran a 23 min 5k and still only got 3rd...wow, I was up against some fast people, but I didn't let that take away from my new PR. 

As I was walking back to my car I saw my old co-worker, so I stopped to say hi (turned out he didn't run but was waiting for his wife). So we chatted a bit until his wife crossed, but made plans to find them after the awards.

I ran back to my car and dropped off a few things and wiped off some sweat and grabbed my wallet and headed back for the awards and after party. A pretty neat setup they had...tables and chairs everywhere, 3 food trucks, a bloody mary bar, wine and beer!  I grabbed a beer, and received my award (a plaque this time since everyone got a medal as they crossed) and found my co-worker. I ended up sitting with them and hanging out for a few hours while downing a few free beers as well.  It turned out to be a gorgeous day to hang out outside and the sun was shining the whole time! They had a DJ and he was great, kept playing up beat music, and there were families and children everywhere. It was great!  Definitely one I will run again next year and had a blast hanging out with some new friends. 

UPDATE:  I went on the website a few days later to double check my time and see if any pictures had been posted and they posted that it was actually 2.95 miles...not 3.1, so I was .15 short which is why I PR'ed.  If I had to run that extra .15 I would have still been a great 5k for me, and I'm still happy and earned that plaque.

Peace, Love and Running 🏃
#seejessrun #runtheyear2017 #runningwithoutlimits

Back At It

I haven't had the chance to do another run yet. There was one I was going to do last weekend, but due to an impending ice storm they decided to cancel it. Needless to say I have had a hard time getting out there to run.  I hate running in the cold - it hurts my lungs, nose, face, and I can never seem to get into a groove. 
Luckily we had a warmer day that was in the 50's, almost 60's, so I took advantage and went for a run after work...yay!  Or so you think...I couldn't get into a groove and it was hard the whole time, but I still did it and was happy when I finished 4 miles.

Additionally when I started my new job about 10 min from my home I stopped working at the JCC and therefore no longer ran 6+ miles 3 days a week and it was started to drive me nuts (mentally, emotionally and physically). The only miles I have been getting in are those few runs that I was able to get in, and waling the dogs at least twice a day.

I bit the bullet finally and joined Planet Fitness near my house last night...today was my first morning there..and I ran 6.25 miles in an hour (close to what I was doing before on the treadmill)....so yay! I felt great and am so happy to have gotten up early just to get something done.  Now I can't wait to keep running (even in cold runs). 

Here goes nothing!

Peace, Love and Running 🏃
#seejessrun #runtheyear2017 #runningwithoutlimits

2017 Challenge - 2017 miles Run The Year! 🏃

Hello all and Welcome!

I have decided to start this blog as a way to share my experiences in a running challenge I am in this year. I will talk about races I do, as well as daily trials and tribulations on attempting to complete this challenge...I look forward to connecting with you all 😏

This is the 3rd year I will be entering into a challenge to run that many miles in a year (i.e 2015 miles in 2015, 2016 miles in 2016...I think you get the point).  Before you think I'm crazy, there are a lot of people who run this and more every year, but I am not an avid runner by any means, so I have always taken the challenge on with a partner.  In 2015 we didn't realize how much it would take and barely even got halfway done, but we did a lot of awesome races and had a lot of fun.  2016 was going to be better...we knew the commitment it would take and how much we would have to stay up on the miles. The year was great for me...I had motivation to run at least 6 miles 3 days a week, and lower mileages on other days. I completed a half marathon, and ran a few relays which added a lot of miles. My half of the challenge was 1008 miles and I was averaging about 100 miles a month (unless I got sick..in which case I managed to get some miles by walking). Unfortunately my partner (who I love by the way!!) had an injury so was unable to complete her half.  We made it over half way (1686.04 miles to be exact) and in the end were only short about 330 miles.  My total was close to what I wanted...I had to quit the gym and I am a wimp when it comes to running in the cold, dark morning, so my miles suffered at the end of the year, especially when I knew we wouldn't make our goal. I ended the year with a whopping 1154 miles! 

2017 is a new year! My partner has a lot going on, with some trips, her wedding, and focusing on cross-training...so she has opted out this year. I am still determined to do this challenge again (plus I love the support from the online community). I have convinced my boyfriend to do this with me.  He is a big runner as well, and has been his whole life.  He wants to get back into running more, and despite that he thinks it's silly to pay for races and doesn't care much about the medals (likes the shirts though), he does them with me because it's something we can do together (what a sweetheart). I think it will be good motivation as well for both of us (since we also just moved in together...and have 2 dogs to walk daily...yay more miles!). It will be difficult since he will be working weekdays in another town and then home on the weekends, and I'll be taking care of the dogs myself. But I am very positive that we will complete this challenge (and hopefully not crunched at the end of the year). 

Peace, Love and Running 🏃
#seejessrun #runtheyear2017 #runningwithoutlimits

New Years Day Run

January 1st, 2017

There are many New Years Day runs around the world (generally 5ks) to get the year started out right, and I was excited to run this with my old partner.  She told me about this race put on by Fleet Feet, which takes place in a beautiful park, and is actually 5 miles! I was excited to get a good chunk of miles done on the first of the year.

Luckily this race started at 10am, so being up late didn't really bother me too much. I arrived and it was about 45 degrees...not too shabby for a run (of course waiting for the race to start is always the worst part. I texted my old partner to meet up and about 10 min before the start she told me she had overslept and wasn't going to make it...so I was starting alone. 

The race went alright...a few mild hills, but I just couldn't get in a groove so every step of the 5 miles hurt, but I was still able to keep a decent pace or 7:45-7:50, and I completed it in 39:30.  I was happy enough since I was tired (and learned that meatballs and shrimp are not a good pre race dinner, haha). I also am proud to say that my first race I also placed. I got 3rd place for my age group (30-39) and received a water bottle and ribbon!

Now to keep this year rolling along.  I don't have any scheduled races in the next few weeks, but I will still be running (hopefully daily), and am going to attempt to get my race calendar filled out, talk to you all soon :)

Peace, Love and Running 🏃
#seejessrun #runtheyear2017 #runningwithoutlimits